Pregame Preview: Canadiens Vs Coyotes (Game #65)

Match Up:

The Canadiens (35-22-7) next stop is in Phoenix on Thursday to take on the Coyotes (28-23-11). The game starts at 9:00 and can be seen on RDS and TSN-Habs.

This the second and final game between the Habs and Coyotes this season. The Canadiens won the first game 3-1 at the Bell Centre on the strength of 3 third period goals. Max Pacioretty scored a pair and picked up an assist while David Desharnais pitched in with a pair of helpers.

What to Watch:

Thomas Vanek, he'll be in the lineup and making his first impression draped in the bleu-blanc-rouge on Habs fans, coaches and management alike. Vanek figures to be on one of the top two lines, either with Pacioretty and Desharnais, or as one of Plekanec's wingers. With 53 points split between the Sabres and Islanders, Vanek becomes the Habs' new points leader.

The Coyotes are coming off a 1-0 win over the Canucks on Tuesday, Antoine Vermette had the only goal of the match, a team best 22nd on the year. Mike Smith made 23 saves for his third shutout of the year and took home first star honors.

What's at Stake:

The Canadiens have held their own halfway through a tough Western road trip, playing a pair of tight games against the Kings and Ducks, and coming out of them with 2 points to their credit. A win against the Coyotes on Thursday would guarantee the Habs 4 out of a possible 8 points during their toughest test of the season, with the Sharks still to come on Saturday.

Who's Out:

The Habs made it through trade season without sending any part of their locker room packing, but an extra couple of pieces joining the locker room will mean more healthy scratches. Meanwhile, Carey Price (lower body), Brandon Prust (upper body) and Michael Bournival (concussion) are still on injured reserve.

For the Coyotes Martin Hanzal (lower body) is listed as day-to-day.

What Else:

Marc Bergevin and the Canadiens came out of deadline day with a blockbuster deal to his credit, landing one of the biggest names on the market in Thomas Vanek. The Canadiens made a couple of other deadline deals, acquiring defenseman Mike Weaver, who was available for Wednesday's win over the Ducks but didn't dress, and goaltender Devan Dubnyk, who was assigned to Hamilton.

On the other side of Thursday's match up, the Coyotes brought Martin Erat on board in exchange for Rostislav Klesla.

The Question Mark:

We want to hear from you, where does Vanek fit into your lineup and what are you expecting to see from him for the remainder of the season?

Let us know what you think, leave a comment or send us a tweet by using the #MTLHockey hashtag on Twitter.

Be sure to tune into the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show an hour before the puck drop and the Post Game Show 5 minutes after the final siren. Join the live conversation by using the #MTLHockey hashtag on Twitter.

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Habs/Coyotes Post-Game December 17th 2013

The Habs earned a victory against a very strong, and defense focused, Phoenix Coyotes squad by a score of 3 to 1. The victory was important given how they flat they came out against the Florida Panthers in front of the home crowd Sunday evening in their losing outing.

Max Pacioretty was ringing the doorbell often as he hit the post three times before finally getting a bounce off the skate of Michael Stone to beat Mike Smith. He also added an empty netter to seal the game and put away the sword as he has done quite often this season.

The Habs came out of the gate flying, Pacioretty was sent in on a breakaway thirty seconds into the game and a series of other opportunities tested Smith early. A penalty by Briere for holding did turn the tempo of the game and gave the Coyotes momentum. Only a few minutes after their powerplay did the Yotes get on the board with a goal by Antoine Vermette.

The Yotes held this pace in the game for the better part of the first two periods. The Canadiens weren't without their chances. Price came up big for the Habs, especially in the first as he faced 15 shots. His performance in the first could easily have given the Coyotes the game much earlier but he made sure the lead didn't grow as the game progressed. He also showcased extremely well in his matchup against another possible Olympic starter for Canada in the other net.

While the first period was a battle for Price the remaining two periods were less demanding as the Canadiens must have gotten an earful from their coaches between the first and second as they suddenly gained back the advantage in the shots category in the next two frames. A big moment in the game came when the Canadiens needed to kill off a Brandon Prust double minor and came away clean against a strong Coyotes power-play.

Mike Smith was also on his game however. He came up with an immense save against Galchenyuk with 30 seconds left in the second to rob him with the glove. A save like that given the habs recent snake-bitten goal scoring would make fans wonder whether or not there would be a goal for the home-side.

Numerous shots off the post and a glaring open cage for Lars Eller all should have been gotten by Smith and onto the score sheet but the Canadiens just couldn't seem to get luck on their side. This did not help ease the tension for the fans who had been left without any reward for their teams hard work on the night.

Fortunately for them the Canadiens managed to capitalize on a couple of their power plays in the third to score a pair of goals against the stingy Coyotes. A blast from Andrei Markov trickled into the net through the pads of Smith who failed to get all of the shot by the Habs blue-liner.

Despite the early setbacks the Canadiens played a hard game against a very strong opponent in the western Pacific conference. On Thursday night the Canadiens take on the mighty St-Louis Blues.

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Pregame Preview: Canadiens vs Coyotes (Game #36)

Match Up:

The Canadiens (20-12-3) are home to host the Coyotes (18-9-5) Tuesday night, their last home game of 2013. The match starts at 7:30 and can be seen on RDS and TSN-Habs.

This is the first of two meeting between the Habs and Coyotes and their first meeting in Montreal since the beginning of the 2010-2011 season. The Habs are riding a 13-game undefeated streak against the Yotes that stretches back to December 9, 1998.

What to Watch:

The Canadiens offensive woes continued Sunday against the Panthers as the team was held to a goal or less for the fourth straight game. Alex Galchenyuk scored Montreal's only goal Sunday, his second in the last three games.

With the Coyotes in town, a familiar face returns to Montreal, Mike Ribiero. Ribiero leads the Coyotes in points with 26 in 32 games played. Before Saturday's loss to the Hurricanes, he had racked up 5 points in 3 games, including the game winner against the Islanders on Thursday.

Phoenix goalie Mike Smith leads the league in terms of saves this season, unfortunately for the Coyotes he has also faced more shots and allowed more goals than any other tender as well. The Kingston, Ontario native has started 27 of the 32 games the Yotes have played this season and while he has a respectable .911 save percentage, his gaa is hovering just under 3 goals per game.

What's at Stake:

After playing 11 games in 19 days, the Habs look to be a team running on fumes. They have two tough games lined up in the Coyotes and then the Blues on Thursday before facing the Predators on Saturday and then get to cash in on a well-earned week of rest during the Christmas break. Any points the Canadiens can salvage in their next three is merely a bonus.

Who's Out:

The Canadiens confirmed that George Parros suffered a concussion in his fight Saturday against Eric Boulton, he is out for the foreseeable future. Rene Bourque (upper body) and Davis Drewiske (shoulder) are also out.

The Coyotes are without Shane Doan (illness), meaning Carey Price won't have to worry about getting scored on by his cousin. Lauri Korpikoski (upper body) is also out.

What Else:

The Coyotes are currently the best team in the league that wouldn't make the playoffs if the season ended right now. With 41 points to their credit, the Yotes are 2 back of Minnesota for the final wild card spot in the West. They also hold 3 games in hand on the Wild. Meanwhile, with 43 points on the season, the Canadiens have a comfortable 9-point cushion over the Senators, the ninth place team in the East. Phoenix is tenth overall in terms of points per game, two spots ahead of the Habs.

The Question Mark:

How many points will the Habs earn in their next three games?

Let us know what you think by using the #MTLHockey hashtag on Twitter or just leave a comment.

Be sure to tune into the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show an hour before the puck drop and the Post Game Show 5 minutes after the final siren. Join the live conversation by using the #MTLHockey hashtag on Twitter.

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Jacobs Should Be Blamed, Meeting With Mediators, More

Good Morning Addicts !!!

Another week, another accusation...

Last week, Philadelphia Flyers' owner, Ed Snider, was accused of making disparaging remarks about Gary Bettman. This week, the focus shifted from the NHL Commissioner to some of the most powerful  owners in the league.

Joe Haggerty of Comcast Sportsnet New England reports how Gary Bettman is simply a puppet, with Jacobs and his gang pulling the strings. Is that really news to anyone?

Habs and Hockey Notes:

- On Wednesday, the NHL and NHLPA had their first meeting with Federal mediators. Katie Strang of ESPN New York give us the details.

- The Montreal Gazette's Dave Stubbs spoke to P.K. Subban about how his failure to sign with the Habs might actually work in his favour.

- ESPN and TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun reports on the Glendale City Council meeting and the approval of the deal to help save the Phoenix Coyotes.

- With the NHL Lockout well into its third month, Katie Carrera of the Washington Post give us her take on why fans and some NHL business partners may not return.

- Finally, getting away from all things NHL, TSN's Bob McKenzie assesses the firepower that will be available for Team Canada for the coming World Junior Hockey Championships.

(Photo: Associated Press)

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Doan Signs, Lockout Explanation, Canada/Russia Series And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

This morning I will lead off with the Doan signing for the simple reason of putting it behind us. Hockey talk this summer has been limited to the pending lock out and the mystery of where Doan will sign to end his career.

My eagerness to put this story to bed is not a form of disrespect. Doan has put up respectful numbers throughout his career and done so while playing with a hard nosed style. While his decison to stay in Phoenix will be judged and for the most part ridiculed by fans throughout the league you can't help but respect his loyalty to the only franchise he's played for in his 14 year career.

My rush to get this over with simply stems from confusion. I never would've guessed that a less than stellar bruiser who is less than a month away from his 36th birthday would cause this much of a fuss throughout the duration of an entire off-season.

Habs And Hockey News

- The one negative aspect of the Doan saga coming to an end is that the only distraction from the CBA talks has escaped us. With that being said, there's a fun piece over at Puck Daddy giving tips on how to explain the whole lockout ordeal to your non hockey friends.

- It seems the NHLPA are already looking into ways to keep the players active while the higher ups butt heads. There is talk of a possible Canada/Russia series that would take place in December.

- Detroit, Dallas and Washington were among the teams beating the lockout buzzer and making a few last minute deals.


(Photo by Petersen/Getty Images North America)

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Marchand Signs, Subban Next? Leaf Dubbed Worst Team, Northeast Preview & More...

Good Morning Addicts!

It seems there is no actual season necessary for the P.K. Subban, Brad Marchand rivalry to flourish. Marchand signed a four year extension today and right away the focus shifts towards Subban.

While Marchand is a skilled player who has shown what he can deliver on the ice, Subban also displays tons of talent but in a position that is in higher demand. With that being said, many people - okay, many people in Montreal - feel that Subban will be rewarded with a more luxurious contract.

TVA however, has reported that Subban will possibly sign before September 15th at a price very similar to Marchand's.

Habs And Hockey News

- As if it wasn't good enough that the weekend has arrived, ESPN ranked the Toronto Maple Leafs the worst team in professional sports. That's guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

- Our own Fred Poulin takes a look at the Northeast division in his latest fantasy hockey preview.

- Shane Doan has apparently come to a verbal agreement with the Phoenix Coyotes.

- The Hockey Writers picked the five best value picks in each round of the 2012 NHL entry draft. It's very refreshing to see just how many of those picks belong to the Montreal Canadiens.

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NHL to Make Offer, Plan Bs, Time For Phoenix Coyotes and More

Good AM hockey fans!

Talks between the NHL and NHLPA are set to resume today, with the NHL reportedly getting ready to present a new offer.

Part of me fully expects some form of lockout at this point. But I also harbour this foolishly optimistic notion that the League could present a decent proposal, a starting point from which to work from.

Wishful thinking, no doubt.

Habs and Hockey News 

- Speaking of potential lockouts, a few more players have spoken out on their potential plans should their be a lockout. ESPN's Morning Links also features a few stories on the subject.

- Seems potential Phoenix Coyotes owner Greg Jamison still needs more time to finalize his attempt to purchase the beleaguered franchise. This is truly turning into the Neverending Story....

- The Hockey News wraps up its annual predictions, revealing their pick for top spot in each conference. Speaking of predictions, USA Today compares the ever-connected Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings. Their conclusion? Nashville should come out on top.

- Habs Eyes On The Prize continues its look at the best Canadiens under 25, today looking at number ten, Sebastien Collberg.

- Here is quirky story out of Sweden, courtesy of USA Today. Apparently, a star in Sweden's Third Division intentionally punched his coach, therefore being released from his contract with the team which in turn allowed him to sign in the Second Division. In any case, the story is worth reading — especially for the pun at the end of it.

- Finally, don't forget to look at Amos Legault's interesting retrospective on the NHL's old goaltending rules.

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)

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Jeff Skinner Extension, Rene Bourque Profile, Erik Cole and More

Good AM Habs fans!

Well, it sure seems that the Carolina Hurricanes are not messing around this summer.

After trading for Jordan Staal, signing Marc-André Gragnani, Joe Corvo and Alex Semin, Jim Rutherford is now apparently close to inking Jeff Skinner to a long-term extension.

Bob McKenzie reports that the deal is for six years at around $5.75 million per season.

Given their similar ages and importance to their teams, one has to wonder if this deal will somehow impact the contract P.K Subban eventually receives. And, yes, I know one is a forward and another a defenseman.

Habs and Hockey News

- Sean Lloyd continues his excellent profile series, this time looking at the much maligned Rene Bourque.

- Over at HabsWorld, their Fantasy Focus series keeps trucking on with Erik Cole getting the spotlight today.

- Hockey Inside/Out looks back at last summer's deaths of three NHL enforcers.

- The Hockey News has begun rolling out its annual predictions, starting with No. 15 in each conference. Take a wild guess.

- Stu Hackel looks at the New Jersey Devils' dire financial situation and wonders if any Phoenix-like scenario is possible.


(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

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Montreal Canadiens Set with Top Six

Habs Top 6 All Accounted For

The Habs offensive situation seems to have their fanbase in a panic. We are well into summer and aside from some free agent pickups — forwards Colby Armstrong, Brandon Prust and defenseman Francis Bouillon — that have made the Habs tougher, nothing has been done to address the team's need to fill the back of the net.

With each passing day, the Habs faithful sit waiting, hoping that Marc Bergevin will come up with that big sniper we've been waiting for, the missing piece of the Stanley Cup puzzle.

The fact of the matter is, it's not going to happen. The Canadiens will head into the 2012-13 season with a top line of David Desharnais centering Erik Cole and Max Pacioretty and a second unit of Rene Bourque and Brian Gionta flanking Tomas Plekanec.

Making Lemonade

When life gives you lemons....

In this case, the Habs lemon appears to be Rene Bourque. After accumulating just six points in 38 games, the city of Montreal is ready to cast Bourque aside.

When following the team from the comfort of your own home, it's easy to just toss Bourque away and replace him with anybody linked to the Habs in the rumor mill.

The reality of the situation, however, isn't so simple.

Bourque has four years left at a $3.33 million cap hit and is coming off of a bad season. GM's aren't exactly lining up to welcome him to their rosters.

Besides, doesn't it make sense that the return of Brian Gionta alone could help Bourque's stats?

A line of Plekanec — a smart, skilled playmaker —  Gionta — a speedy goal scorer —  and Bourque — a big bodied, two time 27 goal scorer —  has potential.

Gionta is coming off a season in which he was limited to just 31 games and is surely itching to prove he can still play. Plekanec is the least of the lines worries and will no doubt produce. Just look at his 52 points last season playing alongside a struggling Andrei Kostitsyn and bottom sixers Ryan White, Travis Moen and Michael Blunden among others.

Maybe new coach Michel Therrien, who has a tough reputation, can even encourage Bourque to incorporate his size into his game. Pacioretty seemed to take a cue from Cole, if Bourque can do the same it shouldn't come as a shock if he returns to his nearly 30 goal scoring form.

Doan Even Think About It

There will no doubt be those who remain skeptical after reading this and so here's a question: Who else is there?

And before you answer Shane Doan, just think about his asking price. Here's a 35 year old grinding style player who is looking for a $7.5 million dollar payday for four years.

I have nothing but respect for Doan. He is a leader, he plays hard and has proven to be loyal by giving the city of Glendale plenty of time to figure their whole mess out with hopes of staying with the Phoenix Coyotes.

But anybody who would be willing to pay so much to a 35 year old player who may not last another four years immediately loses their right to complain about Gomez's contract.

Does the state of the Habs top six require a desperation signing? Is Bourque really that bad that a measley 38 games should be enough to give up on him?

What do you think?


---
Sean is a freelance writer currently contributing to HabsAddict.com. He is also a regular blogger and frequent panelist on the Habs post game show at MontrealHockeyTalk.com You can follow Sean on Twitter.


(Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images North America)

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Shane Doan's Demands, Past Habs Glories, Sunday Shinny and More

Happy Monday Hab fans!

As I am sure many of you have already seen, it has been reported that Shane Doan is seeking a four year, $30 million contract in order to leave the Phoenix Coyotes.

In the end, it is not great surprise that Doan wants a sweet deal if he is to leave Phoenix, but those are some pretty rich numbers!

Would you make that offer to the 34-year old Doan?

Habs and Hockey News

- Our newest writer, Derek Lachine, contributes his first piece. He takes an itneresting look at the parallels between the legendary Sam Pollock and new GM Marc Bergevin.

- Speaking of new writers, don't forget to check out Amos Legault's first piece concerning David Desharnais' line.

- Kamal Panesar joins the gang on TSN 990 for Sunday Shinny.

- The HabsWorld crew discuss what it takes to build a winning franchise in the modern NHL.

-  On the topic of Shane Doan, Hockey Inside/Out offers the latest on the situation.

- Stu Hackel wonders if Alex Semin was worth 7$ million. He probably won't be worth every penny, but he has the potential to be. At worst, it is a one-year deal that can easily be moved at the deadline.

- Kevin Allen of USA Today overviews the many pressing issues still facing the NHL amidst the dog days of summer.


(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America)

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Doan wants big payday, Jets sign Enstrom, Alumni coaches, Rumours and more

Morning puck addicts!

With all the pomp and pageantry of the Olympic opening ceremonies last night (and they were quite spectacular) there is not a ton of NHL news this morning.

But little news does not mean no news!

Top on the list of interest for Habs addicts is the fact that Shane Doan apparently wants four years and $30 million if he leaves Phoenix.

Umm, how much?

If you're doing the math, that works out to $7.5 million per season. And this for a 35-year-old who is clearly on the downside of his career. Now Doan is still a useful player. Big and burly and still capable of potting you 20 goals.

But $7.5 million per over four years?

So my question to you this morning is simple. Would you still like to see Doan in a Habs uniform if it meant signing him for those kind of numbers?

Hockey News

-The Jets have extended Tobias Enstrom.

-The Sens bought out Bobby Butler.

-The NHL and NHLPA continue to negotiate a new CBA. But this time, with the league having given the final details of their proposal, the PA came back with a few issues. Namely ice conditions and training camp issues.

Nothing ground shaking but the good news is that the tone, at least publicly, from both sides seems to be rather positive. That is a marked change from the last time this happened.

Still, the PA has not yet tabled a counter-proposal of their own. When they do, the real games begin!

-If there is no lockout the Red Wings and Leafs are scheduled to play in the Winter Classic this year. As such, the two teams announced the coaches for their alumni games.

-The good folks at Habsworld.net have gotten together to discuss how to build a modern winning team.

-THN's Ken Campbell takes a look at whether or not the league would contract the Phoenix Coyotes.

-Lastly, Spector's gives him usualy rumour roundup.

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

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Nashville Retains Shea Weber, Doan to Montreal?, Nash, Wilson and More

Good AM!

After many days of waiting, the Nashville Predators matched the Philadelphia Flyers 14-year, $110 million offer for Shea Weber.

While the offer forces the Predators to ante up $26 million in signing bonuses in the next 11 months, it would have been quite surprising for the Tennessee club not to match.

After all, do you really think Weber is worth only four late first round picks?

Habs and Hockey News

- According to TVA Sports, Shane Doan is currently considering an offer from the Montreal Canadiens.

- Scott Burnside considers the pressure put on Shea Weber now that the Predators have decided to retain him. Allan Muir of SI also offers his insights on the topic.

- The Nashville Predators have been busy. Not only have they matched the Shea Weber offer, but they have also re-signed Colin Wilson to a three-year deal.

- Rory Boylen of The Hockey News dissects the Rick Nash deal.

- It seems the NHLPA is close to tabling a counter-proposal to the league's initial CBA offer.



(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America)

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Raphael Diaz Profile, Hasek to Habs, Doan Situation and More

Good Morning Hab fans!

Writing the morning news roundup is fun.

It allows me to rant about a topic of my choice and, hopefully, engage HA's readership in good discussion.

But, boy oh boy, even topics for a brief blurb run short come the tail end of July.

It's not like I'm going to talk about the fact that Ottawa has barely had any rain in three weeks. Or that I have seen the Dark Knight Rises twice already. Or that Anne Hathaway looks fantastic in that movie. That would all be terribly off topic.

Anywho, on to the news!

Habs and Hockey News 

- Our Sean Lloyd continues his look at the Montreal Canadiens roster, this time shifting his attention to the recently re-signed Raphael Diaz.

- HabWorld's Naqeeb Shaikh makes the argument that the Habs should sign Dominik Hasek.

- Hockey Inside/Out offers the latest on the Shane Doan situation. Montreal, like many, have made offers for Doan but it remains clear that his preference is to remain in the Desert.

- Eric Engels looks at rumors surrounding Shane Doan, Patrick Kane and P.K Subban.

- The often beleaguered Pittsburgh Penguins have replaced their team physician of 24 years.


(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

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Doan to Habs, Bouillon, Halpern, Wild and More

Good AM Hab fans!

It appears that the bidding for Shane Doan as officially opened as rumors have begun popping up on various sites.

According to RDS, the Montreal Canadiens have a definitie interest in the Coyotes captain.

A highly regarded winger, Doan has spent the entirety of his career with the Winnipeg/Phoenix franchise.

Currently 35 years old, it is believed he is unsettled by the continued ownership turmoil in the desert and may be looking for a chance to win his first Stanley Cup.

And, if winning is indeed a criteria, that would make Montreal an unlikely destination.

So, where do you think Doan will end up?


Habs and Hockey News

HabsWorld - How to build a winning hockey team in the modern NHL: Chicago Blackhawks

Hockey Inside/Out - News of Robinson, Dudley, Doan, Chelios and Brodeur

La Presse - Francis Bouillon veut faire partie de la solution à Montréal

National Post - Seven spots where Shane Doan could end up

RDS - Intérêt du Canadien pour Shane Doan

The Hockey News - Ken Campbell: The future of UFAs, Nash, Bouwmeester, Doan, the Coyotes, Lidstrom and the whole NHL

TSN - Rangers sign F Halpern to one-year contract

TSN - Lightning sign F Purcell to three-year contract extension

TSN - Wild hope Suter, Parise signings lead to bigger things

Yahoo - Minnesota Wild owner on crying poverty then spending $196 million on Zach Parise, Ryan Suter

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

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Pearn let go, Habs left wingers, Kings, Devils, rumours and more

Morning puck fans!

No hockey last night, but plenty of stories swirling around.

On the Habs front, many, if not all, will be pleased to hear that the Habs have gotten rid of Perry Pearn. But I thought Pearn was thrown out a long time ago, you say?

When he was fired, by Pierre Gauthier, near the start of last season he was given a token role within the organization.

As sure, and part of new GM Marc Bergevin's process of taking over, Pearn was bounced. And good thing too.

Say it with me now folks, no more vesitges!

Hockey News

Hockey Inside/Out - Cup comebacks? Habs had ‘em

RDS - Le Canadien n'a plus de place pour Pearn

Habsworld.net - Assessing the Depth: Left Wingers

TSN - SHARKS ACQUIRE STUART FROM RED WINGS FOR PROSPECT, PICK

TSN - KINGS LOOKING TO ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS THAT DERAILED THEM

TSN - COYOTES CLEAR OWNERSHIP HURDLE, LEASE AGREEMENT APPROVED

ESPN - Lamoriello keeping Devils grounded

ESPN - Kings, Devils ready to write history

THN - THN at the Stanley Cup: Two-pad stack bringing the Devils back from the dead

THN - THN at the Stanley Cup: Devils, Kings hit stats misleading

Spector's Hockey - NHL Trade and Free Agent Rumors – June 11, 2012

(Photo: Getty Images via RDS)

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Habs News, Assistant Coaches, Finals, Phoenix and More

Good morning Hab fans!

It seems the search for Michel Therrien has begun in earnest, only a few short days after Therrien was named the team's coach and that two Randy's were relieved of their assistant duties.

According to a report on RDS, Eric Desjardins and Guy Lapointe are not interested in the position.

Guy Carbonneau — who worked under Therrien previously — could have some interest while Donald Audette has also been mentioned. It has also been reported that Patrice Brisebois in on the verge of joining the organization, but his exact role is yet unknown.

Somehow, I feel like we will know the identity of the rest of the coaching staff sooner rather than later.

Who would you like to see join Michel Therrien?

Habs News

HabsAddict.com - Roz's Rant: Montreal Canadiens Likes and Dislikes

HabsAddict.com - Habs Roundup: Therrien in, Randys Out, Lapointe on his way, Subban, Price

HabsWorld.net - Writers Weigh In: Therrien Time

La Presse - Patrick Roy rêve encore de la LNH

RDS - CH : oubliez Desjardins et Lapointe

RDS - Patrice Brisebois se joindrait au CH

Sports Illustrated - The Canadiens' choice of new coach is a curious move

TSN - Canadiens' players look forward to working with Therrien

Hockey News

ESPN - Save it for June: How to reduce the grind

ESPN - With Henrique, Devils future is secure

TSN - Goldwater Institute looks to halt Glendale vote on Coyotes

USA Today - Stanley Cup Final Game 5 preview

USA Today - Button: Kings lacked breaks in Game 4 not focus

(Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images North America)

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Habs Moving Forward, Russia Takes Gold, Coyotes and More

Good AM hockey fans!

Amazingly, the Kings actually lost a game yesterday, falling 2-0 to the Phoenix Coyotes, who avoided getting swept in the process.

While I suspect no one believes the Desert Dogs will become the fourth team to successfully overcome a 0-3 series deficit, what a tale that would be.

A team often plagued by mediocrity and under constant threat of relocation rallying to make history and access the Stanley Cup Final.

That would be cool story, no?

Habs News

HabsAddict.com - Montreal Canadiens Moving Forward - Part 4 - Defense and Goaltending

HabsWorld.net - 2012 Memorial Cup StatTracker

HabsWorld.net - 2012 World Championships StatTracker

RDS - Le CH n'a pas snobé le Qc, dit Timmins

Hockey News

The Hockey News - Coyotes lean on Mike Smith in must-win Game 4

TSN - Cullen: Smith, Doan keep Coyotes alive

TSN - Tortorella takes on Devils, defends Prust's hard-nosed style

USA Today - Russia is world champion after beating Slovakia 6-2

USA Today - Shane Doan, Mike Smith keep Coyotes alive 2-0

USA Today - Prust suspended for one game for elbowing


(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images North America)

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Habs Bergevin closes in on coach, Rangers/Devils Game 3, Hejduk re-signs and more

Morning puck addicts!

Did you enjoy the day off from hockey yesterday? Given how nice the weather was in Montreal, I certainly did!

And the beautiful weather is due to continue all long weekend. Me likely!

The NHL playoffs resume today, with an afternoon tilt between the Rangers and the Devils. It is a pivotal Game 3 in a series that has been pretty close so far.

The Kings and Coyotes continue (finish?) their series tomorrow afternoon, with L.A. trying to complete a sweep of the 'Yotes. Given how that series has gone so far, I can't see Phoenix pulling out a win.

Can you?

In Habs news, GM Marc Bergevin seems to be slowly zeroing in on a head coach. He wouldn't say who, or when the decision will be made, but said the process is going well.

Oh, and on that note, Guy Lafleur thinks the Habs should hire Bob Hartley. It still amazes me that any cares what Lafleur has to say about the Habs. But, sadly, people do.

Habs News

RDS - Marc Bergevin analyse les candidats

RDS - CH : Guy Lafleur choisirait Bob Hartley

TSN - BERGEVIN REMAINS TIGHT-LIPPED ABOUT NEXT CANADIENS COACH

Hockey News

Habsworld.net - 2012 IIHF World Championship: Week Two Recap

ESPN - Devils' DeBoer has found his niche

THN - Change in roster philosophy the key to Rangers, Kings success

TSN - AVALANCHE RE-SIGN HEJDUK TO ONE-YEAR, $2 MILLION DEAL

(Photo: Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images North America)

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Kings win, Habs Dumont, Tampa off season, Rumours and more

...and so the playoffs roll on, with the L.A. Kings continuing to stick it to the Phoenix Coyotes.

Last night, it was a 2-1 decision that gave the Kings a 3-0 strangle hold on their best of seven series. The way the Kings have torn up the 'Yotes, I think this will be a over in four and the Kings will be on their way to the finals.

A feat they have not achieved since they faced, and lost to, the Habs in 1993.

On the other side, the Rangers and Devils won't face off until tomorrow night, with any strange (useless?) day off in the schedule.

But, with the long weekend upon us, I guess that makes for more hockey watching over the next few days!

Hockey News

Hockey Inside/Out - Kings edge Coyotes 2-1, inch closer to final

RDS - Gabriel Dumont doit saisir l'opportunité

TSN - CULLEN: KINGS CONTINUE DOMINANCE, TAKE 3-0 SERIES LEAD

TSN - ALBERTA PREMIER STANDS FIRM ON NO FUNDING FOR OILERS' ARENA

TSN - OFF-SEASON GAME PLAN: TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

ESPN - Jarret Stoll sacrifices for bigger goal

ESPN - Dave Tippett: Game is turning dishonest

THN - Contributions from top to bottom helping Kings roll over Coyotes

Spector's Hockey - NHL Rumors from the Blogosphere – May 18, 2012

(Photo: Harry How/Getty Images North America)

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Kings Win, Possible Suspensions, World Championships and More

Good afternoon hockey fans!

Well, the Phoenix Coyotes sure dug themselves into a hole last night.

Not only did they go down 0-2 in their series against the Los Angeles Kings, but both Shane Doan and Martin Hanzal received major penalties and are facing potential suspensions.

And here I was thinking they would win this series. At this point, it would almost seem miraculous for them to win a game.

Two questions, then, this PM

Do Hanzal and Doan deserve a suspension?

Can anyone stop the Kings?

Hockey News 

ESPN - Morning jam: Kings-Coyotes, Game 2 facts

ESPN - West finals turn nasty in Game 2

IIHF - Video: Max Pacioretty on pace

IIHF - 10 stories you need to know

La Presse - Le printemps de M. Anschutz

La Presse - Après la trappe, les tirs bloqués

The Hockey News - Rory Boylen: The myth of the blocked shot problem

The Hockey News - Ken Campbell: Kings outmatch Coyotes, poised for Stanley Cup final

TSN - McKenzie: Shanahan must decide if Coyotes hits suspendable

TSN - Cullen: Carter's trick leads Kings past overmatched Coyotes

USA Today - Jeff Carter hat trick leads Kings past Coyotes

USA Today - Eight players break out from the NHL draft pack

(Photo by Jeff Vinnick/HHOF-IIHF Images)

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