Written by Habsterix, AllHabs.net
PENTICTON, BC. — Here are a few thoughts on different topics surrounding the events of the Habs’ final week of the season. Carey Price’s outfit, Erik Cole’s impact, Andrei Markov’s comment, Scott Gomez’ future, the next Habs’ GM and the lottery pick. Feel free to post your comments as they are always welcomed.
1- In spite of a tough season, we have to give it to the fans who stood up at the Bell Centre to salute the players after a 4-1 win over the Leafs in their last game of the season. Fans in Montreal are critical of everything surrounding the team but no other fan base is as passionate and in love with their NHL franchise.
2- It was also nice to see the fans and players rally to salute Randy Cunneyworth who, let’s face it, was put in a very difficult position from the get go. I for one am hoping that the Habs offer him a job in the organization, although I have a feeling that he wants to be a head coach somewhere. It won’t be in Montreal however.
3- Carey Price sure drew a lot of attention everywhere that night, including on Twitter, with the dressed up cowboy outfit. Very, very popular with the ladies from what I’ve noticed. He won the Molson Cup this year with his performances on the ice, but that outfit won him even more popularity with the ladies.
4- Erik Cole had an amazing first season with the Habs on the ice. I particularly loved what he had to say when a reporter asked him if he’d look back in a few days and be happy with his season after letting things cool off. His response was that he wouldn’t be satisfied with his season as he wants to win. Habs need more players like him and Josh Gorges.
5- Max Pacioretty also had a breakthrough season and credits Erik Cole for it as he is modelling his career around number 72. Not a bad role model to follow as Pacioretty has a very similar skills set as Cole and both shares the same kind of injury.
6- We have to appreciate what P.K. Subban had to say about Andrei Markov, saying that he’s one of the best in the game and was missed, as he would have been a great mentor not only to him, but to the other young defensemen on the team. Was it heartfelt or politically correct? Who knows, but it was the right thing to say.
7- But the same cannot be said about Markov’s reply when asked about Subban’s progression this season, when he chose to answer with a plain “Next question”. With so many cameras and reporters in his face, it’s definitely not the correct answer no matter how he feels deep down inside, especially not from a guy wearing an “A” on his jersey. Very, very disappointing.
8- Scott Gomez doesn’t know what the future holds for him and he was showing signs of nervousness during his last interview. He said that he’ll cross the bridge when he gets there. Be careful Scott as with two consecutive bad seasons and a cap hit of $7.3 million, you may get pushed off the bridge.
9- We will give the understatement of the year to Rene Bourque, when he said that he can do better than what he’s shown since joining the Habs. Fans and management sure hope so as although his cap hit might be less than Mike Cammalleri’s, he has three more years left to his contract.
10- The hunt for the Habs’ next General Manager is on and in spite of seeing a few names drop out of contention, there are still several quality bilingual candidates remaining. It was interesting to see a few more names pop up in the rumour mill lately, including Kings’ Luc Robitaille and Ron Hextall, although it remains to be seen if there is any grounds to those rumours.
11- Well we have it. The Canadiens will be speaking third at this year’s NHL Draft in Pittsburgh on June 22nd. This will be the team’s lowest pick since 1980 when they selected… Doug Wickenheiser first overall. The last and only time Trevor Timmins was given the opportunity to select in the top five was back in 2005 when the Habs shocked the NHL by selecting none other than Carey Price.
12- Many, including yours truly, feel like the Canadiens won’t be speaking third at the draft, expecting that they could trade that pick to either better their position or move back. Aside for Nail Yakupov who seems to be in a class of his own, the next six to ten prospects are very close in skills according to many scouts. Could we see a package deal which would include this third pick? Very much possible.
En français: Repassage en Famille: Price, Markov, Cole