Montreal Canadiens

[The Comish]

I mean Gonchar is pretty much done, but maybe he still has something left in the tank? Experience, offensive ability and defensive depth only help if you want to make a playoff run.

Sorry to quote myself, but it sure looks as though Gonchar is getting a chance to prove he has at least something left to offer. I remember another 40 year old defenseman, a guy named Sergei Zubov, who produced pretty well at that age (or for that age more specifically). Are Habs fans unhappy about Gonchar getting the opportunity to play over the young guys? I'm thinking you have to be happy that Gonchar isn't a complete waste of cap space.

[ericdaoust]

Are Habs fans unhappy about Gonchar getting the opportunity to play over the young guys?

Not much to complain about. Beaulieu has played in every game since the trade (and been productive) and Tinordi went to Hamilton for some seasoning. Might not look sexy turning away from the new sensation but I don't mind having more depth on D.

[newfcollins]

This game is horri-awful.

If the Habs are going to lose, at least let Malkin, Kunitz and Letang ring up the points.

[ericdaoust]

Too much careless management with the puck. For the most part their skating and flow have been decent. Just careless.

[ericdaoust]

Good summary of the game so far: Pens make it 4-0 on the power play, Galchenyuk spends an extra 10 seconds in the penalty box enjoying his drink of Gatorade before starting to get up.

[newfcollins]

I find the Habs are trying to hard for the pretty plays. First or second shift of the game, Habs move into the offensive zone in a one-on-one situation with the defenceman at the Habs player's side, and instead of taking the shot, the forward did a behind-the-back pass and Letang made a diving play to knock the puck away. Just take the shot. That type of play has happened a few times. Very frustrating.

[ericdaoust]

Yeah that was Galchenyuk.

[ericdaoust]

Can't feel too bad about tonight. Just be thankful we're not Leafs fans...

[ericdaoust]

As usual the commentators get the story of the game wrong. I don't buy that the Habs were "smothered" by the Pens. They outshot them and had a bunch of solid chances. The difference was mental mistakes and Fleury was excellent.

[ericdaoust]

Weaver didn't skate today so he might be out for some additional time. No call-ups are expected so Beaulieu will stay on 3rd pair and Bowman on 4th line.

[ericdaoust]

So... Rene Bourque has four points in four games since his demotion. I guess it gives the team some call-up options...

[newfcollins]

So... Rene Bourque has four points in four games since his demotion. I guess it gives the team some call-up options...

It'd be interesting to see if a team claimed him on call-up. His cap hit is just $3.33 million, but he's making just $2.5 million this year and next. Since the Habs are on the hook for half of his salary if he's claimed, if a team only pays $1.25 million (less for the rest of this year), he could be an attractive option.

[ericdaoust]

It'd be interesting to see if a team claimed him on call-up.

Re-entry waivers no longer exist.

[newfcollins]

Re-entry waivers no longer exist.

What? I miss it already.

[ericdaoust]

What? I miss it already.

It was taken out with the new CBA. Players initially thought it would help "buried" players get back into the NHL but guys like Redden showed that re-entry waivers actually made it more difficult.