All Habs Headlines: Monday May 23, 2016 |
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On this day in hockey history… 1977 — Gordie Howe left the Houston Aeros, and along with sons Mark and Marty, joined the New England Whalers of the WHA. 1996 — Sergei Fedorov picked up four assists as Detroit won 6-4 at Colorado, in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. 1999 — Lindy Ruff became the Buffalo Sabres all-time leader in playoff coaching victories (breaking the mark of 18 held by Scott Bowman) in a 5-4 win at Toronto. |
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► Gallagher Wins Gold
- Canada beat Finland 2-0 on Sunday to capture their second consecutive gold medal at the 2016 IIHF World Hockey Championships in Moscow.
- Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher said that it is “Something I’ll remember for a long time.” Gallagher had two goals and three assists in 10 games at the tournament.
- Habs defenceman Alexei Emelin earned a bronze medal as a bronze medal as Team Russia beat the United States 7-2.
Canada's @BGALLY17 to @TSNRyanRishaug: "Something I'll remember for a long time" https://t.co/4byNFgBtYU #TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/lUraFfKZy7
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) May 22, 2016
► Panthers Make Changes
- The Florida Panthers had one of the best seasons in franchise history. But, they aren’t standing pat (are you listening Mr. Molson?)
- According to James Mirtle, the Panthers have fired former Canadiens defenceman Hal Gill, who served as the manager of player development.
- This follows the release of Scott Luce, Florida’s director of player personnel/scouting.
- Head coach Gerard Gallant will also be looking for two new assistants with the departure of Mike Van Ryn and John Madden.
.@FlaPanthers GM Tom Rowe confirms firing of Scott Luce, longtime director of scouting/player personnel. 'We wanted a different voice'
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) May 23, 2016
► Molson Justifies Prices, Backs Management
- Despite the Canadiens have one of the most horrific seasons in recent memory, not only in terms of their record but on-ice product, the team’s tickets prices have taken another hike.
- Owner Geoff Molson attempted to justify the increase telling TVA Sports, “We took the decision to increase prices based on the cost of living in Quebec. This is what we do every season.”
- “The important thing is to remain constant. If you look since I was here, the increases have been consistent in seven years,” said Molson. Yes, Mr. Molson, consistently high each year.
- Molson also commented on the Canadiens management group saying, “Everyone’s working hard. Normally when we’re in the playoffs, we have less time to prepare for the next year.” So, being out of the playoffs is a good thing in terms of prep time?
► Laraque Plays a Hero
- Former Canadiens enforcer Georges Laraque along with 20-30 other park goers prevented an alleged kidnapping in a Montreal park.
- A suspect was one of a large group of people who detained a suspect from leaving the park until police arrived.
► Hartley Close To Becoming A Hab
- On multiple occasions the Montreal Canadiens have turned towards Bob Hartley to fill the team’s then coaching vacancy, with the former Flames coach’s dream never coming to fruition.
- In a piece for RDS.ca, controversial personality Bertrand Raymond outlined the pair of times Hartley ever so slightly missed out on becoming the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens.
- The first opportunity was when Hartley couldn’t make the interview because his team was still in a playoff run and the Canadiens were pressed for time attempting to name their next head coach.
- “You don’t leave the ship in a storm, especially when you ‘re the captain,” Hartley told Raymond. “I’m tough and demanding with my players So I had to be honest with those who went to war with me. “
- The second time the Habs and Hartley missed a chance was when Marc Bergevin was first in office, and the Flames offered Hartley a contract before the Canadiens could.
► Where Will Yakupov Land?
- Nail Yakupov’s time as an Edmonton Oiler is all but up, with the thought of the former first overall pick heading back home an increasing possibility, however he certainly isn’t making any friends there.
- Russian journalist Slava Malamud got hockey fans buzzing following his tweet quoting Russian head coach Oleg Znarok who had hefty words for Yakupov. “Russian coach Oleg Znarok calls Yakupov’s absence at the Worlds ‘addition by subtraction.'”
- Malamud also pointed out that Znarok will be coaching Russia’s World Cup of Hockey team as well, which could lead to further disappointment for Yakupov.
- In 2015-16, the Russian winger recorded eight goals and 23 points in 60 games this season, and despite having flashes of brilliance alongside Connor McDavid, Yakupov recorded his lowest career goals per game and points per game of his career to date.
► Kassian Re-Signs
- Zack Kassian’s time in Montreal slammed into a tree with the deal that sent him to the Oilers in exchange for Ben Scrivens. Well, it seems the former 13th overall pick has found his niche in Alberta.
- The 6-foot-3-inch winger has signed a one-year deal worth $1.5 million with the Oilers, a team with ample holes especially with the rumored departure of the Nail Yakupov.
- Despite his relatively low point totals, it seems as though Kassian found his home with Edmonton last season, moving up and down the lineup, from wing to wing, and serving a purpose.
- In 36 games with the Oilers last season, Kassian spent 114 minutes in the box, 10 minutes shy of his career high which he set in 73 games in 2013-14.
► Nash On His Way Out?
- A rumour frenzy erupted this weekend with the possibility of Rick Nash donning a jersey other than one of the New York Rangers.
- In an interview with WGR 550, later transcribed by Chris Nichols, Elliote Friedman of Sportsnet spoke about the possibility or likelihood that the former Blue Jacket captain will be moved.
- “I think the New York Rangers are at a crossroads. Really disappointed with the way the season ended this year. He has a no-move clause. So he controls his destination,” Friedman told the Buffalo radio station.
- “But I do think if the Rangers could find a place where he would want to go, I could definitely see the possibility that they try and move him. Absolutely.”
- Nash had just 15 goals and 36 points in 60 games last season following a campaign that saw the former first overall pick score 42 in 79 games.
► Doan Looks To Be Staying Put
- With just over 30 days until NHL free agency begins, in what should prove to be an exhilarating offseason, it appears that there might be one less fish in the sea come Canada Day.
- Following a renaissance season in the desert, Shane Doan appears to be headed back to Arizona, at least according to General Manager John Chayka.
- “We want him to be back, and we’re going to get something done. It’s just a matter of time,” Chayka told Sarah McLellan of The Arizona Republic.
- Doan led his team in goals last season with 28, his highest total since 2008-09, leading Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Anthony Duclair who had 22 and 20 respectively.
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