All Habs Headlines: Friday November 18, 2011
On this day in hockey history… 1926 – Detroit Cougars (later renamed Red Wings) played their first NHL game, losing to Boston 2-0 at the Border Cities Arena in Windsor before 6,000 fans. All Detroit “home” games were played in Windsor in the Cougars’ first season.
COUNTDOWN TO GAMEDAY: All Habs Headlines
►Gill in hospital: Hal Gill had spent time in hospital for treatment of an infection from a cut. He missed the last three games, including the game against the Islanders last night. He will not be in the line-up when the Canadiens take on the Rangers at the Bell Centre on Saturday night.
Gill has played 16 games this year, totaling one assist and 10 penalty minutes. Never known for his scoring ability, the mammoth shutdown defenseman (6’7) is a great shot-blocker, and has tremendous size and reach. He can log a lot of minutes, and is a big leader in the change room. So far this season, he has welcomed a new member to the family, and played in his 100th game in October.
There is no return date set yet. Gill was released from hospital on Friday morning and attended a team meeting in Brossard.
► Cased closed on Chara: The police investigation into Zdeno Chara‘s on-ice assault on Max Pacioretty has been officially closed. Quebec’s director of criminal prosecutions announced Thursday that they would not be laying charges against Chara.
“After carefully examining all the information provided in this affair, the (office) is not reasonably convinced it could establish evidence of guilt,” read the statement.
There was never any expectation that charges would be pursued. The investigation came after an outcry from fans, sponsors, and players due to the inaction by the NHL for such a violent hit that resulted in a devastating injury to Pacioretty.
Read more: No charges for Bruins’ Chara; case closed
►‘Dogs get help from Heat: On Thursday, the Abbotsford Heat loaned 21-year-old centre Mitch Wahl to the Hamilton Bulldogs for the remainder of the season. Wahl is property of the Calgary Flames, selected in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, 48th overall. Wahl played just 17 games last season as he sustained a concussion and facial fractures resulting from a hit from Aaron Volpatti during a game against the Manitoba Moose on Nov. 27, 2010.
Flames management hopes that Wahl will receive more playing time in Hamilton.
“Our situation has changed dynamically, with the fact that we’ve had some older players who have come in and complimented the younger players. With all those moves in the off-season, it became tougher for Mitch to get ice time.” — Abbotsford Heat head coach Troy Ward
► Gallagher plans treat: Canadiens prospect Brendan Gallagher signed a three-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens this week. Gallagher won’t be eligible to receive a pro pay cheque until he suits up for the Bulldogs or the Canadiens but he will be getting some bonus money soon.
“I’ll take a few guys out. We’ll see who wants to come.” — Brendan Gallagher
Read more: Giants star Gallagher says he’ll buy grub
► Martin’s post-game presser: Habs coach Jacques Martin talks about his team’s play away from the puck following the game in Long Island.
► Updates: For the latest information follow @All_Habs on Twitter!