The Olympics are approaching swiftly, and with them the February 4th trade freeze. Pundits tell us some teams have set this as their preferred deadline in advance of the season’s actual trade deadline in March. The Montreal Canadiens could get in on that. In recent weeks, specific aspects of the defense group have been clarified.Continue reading “The Habs have a pressing need and there are potential targets”
Tag Archives: Jayden Struble
A slow start sunk the Habs in Game 51
On Thursday night, the Montreal Canadiens hosted the Buffalo Sabres. Exactly one week earlier, the Habs lost to the Sabres in Buffalo, and the result in this one was a 4-2 loss. Here are my notes from the game. An abysmal start meant this game was lost early. The Canadiens seemed to learn nothing fromContinue reading “A slow start sunk the Habs in Game 51”
Guhle returned to action in Game 45 but it was Xhekaj that shone
On Saturday night, the Montreal Canadiens greeted the Detroit Red Wings at the Bell Centre. The result was a 4-0 loss. Here’s what caught my eye. Xhekaj has won the 6D spot. It has been obvious that this was the preferred approach. The Canadiens want Arber Xhekaj’s size and physicality in the line-up. But theyContinue reading “Guhle returned to action in Game 45 but it was Xhekaj that shone”
After a Game 29 beating, the Habs have a blatant problem, and not just in net
December 10, 2025 On Tuesday night, the Montreal Canadiens entertained the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Bell Centre. It’s a good thing the Lightning were entertained, because the fans surely were not. It was an ugly 6-1 loss for the Habs. I have one overarching take from the game. The Canadiens have a veteran problem.Continue reading “After a Game 29 beating, the Habs have a blatant problem, and not just in net”
A Game 20 stinker begs some questions
November 22, 2025 The Washington Capitals were in Montreal on Thursday night. Perhaps the Canadiens were hoping to avenge their playoff loss last Spring, but the exact opposite happened. The result was an embarrassing 8-4 loss. This stinker leaves me with questions. Can the Habs be competitive with this tandem? They were for a portionContinue reading “A Game 20 stinker begs some questions”
Three quick thoughts from Habs Game 5
October 17, 2015 The Nashville Predators were in town on Thursday, and a game that was fairly low-key delivered another exciting finish as the Montreal Canadiens won again in overtime. The final score was 3-2. Here are three quick thoughts from that game. Jakub Dobes has earned more games. He can be an adventure, forContinue reading “Three quick thoughts from Habs Game 5”
5 quick notes from Preseason Game 5
October 1, 2025 On Tuesday night the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators faced off in Quebec for a preseason match. It was a bloody affair and the result was a 5-0 win for the Habs. Here are five quick notes from that one. Oliver Kapanen has made this team. It seems clear to me that’sContinue reading “5 quick notes from Preseason Game 5”
The Habs have some battles and bottom lines in training camp
September 21, 2025 The Montreal Canadiens kicked off training camp this week along with 31 other NHL teams. Camp has a different feel this year following a surprise appearance in last year’s Stanley Cup playoffs. The Habs have shifted into a different phase of the build. Early in camp, Sportsnet’s Eric Engels posted a photoContinue reading “The Habs have some battles and bottom lines in training camp”
The Struble contract is both mundane and meaningful
July 30, 2025 On Monday, the Montreal Canadiens avoided arbitration with defenseman Jayden Struble when team and player came to terms on a two-year contract worth $2.825 million. There is little excitement to find in this deal. It’s a sensible deal. An obvious outcome. Mundane, run of the mill business. Struble was a restricted freeContinue reading “The Struble contract is both mundane and meaningful”
Hab At Her 