Focused on the Montreal Canadiens, News and Notes is a weekly roundup of news, commentary, game recaps, and previews.
Montreal Canadiens Final Cuts
News
After a dismal preseason, the Montreal Canadiens won big against the Ottawa Senators, scoring nine goals and looked good doing it. Want to address a lack of consistency on defense? Score nine goals every game.
The opening night roster is close to being finalized. Daniel Carr and Peter Holland cleared waivers over the weekend and were sent to the Laval Rocket of the AHL. Monday, Andreas Martinsen, and Byron Froese were waived. If they clear they will be sent to Laval on Tuesday. The team also sent Michael McCarron, Jakub Jerabek, and Charlie Lindgren down this week. Eric Gelinas made the most of his PTO and was offered a one-year contract with the Rocket.
The Canadiens still have 24 players with the main club, 13 forwards, nine defencemen and two goalies. At this point it would appear that David Schlemko is likely to start the season on injured reserve. Once he is healthy though, the remaining question is whether Victor Mete makes the team. If so, one of Brandon Davidson, Mark Streit or Joe Morrow will be placed on waivers. At this time, it looks like Morrow is the odd man out.
Commentary
Jack Todd in the Montreal Gazette takes on the rise of Habs “hate fans” in a piece that is sure to produce the very thing he criticizes. It is hard to disagree with him about nastiness in Habs nation. Does Todd really think that fans have no reason to be frustrated?
Echoing an analysis by yours truly, the CBC published a piece by a staff writer suggesting Gallagher is destined to rebound in 2017. Having recovered from the hand injuries that he faced last year, it appears that he has a chance to play on the top line.
Stu Cowan suggests Victor Mete has earned and deserves a roster spot. Downplaying the dangers of putting such a young player in such a high-stress situation, Cowan opines that if Mete makes the Habs this year, it is because Marc Bergevin left the team with no other option.
Predictions and Previews
ESPN is out with its 2017-2018 season preview. The preview predicts the Habs will finish third in the Atlantic. Published a week ago, ESPN but includes a depth chart which suggests they haven’t been watching the lines during the preseason.
On Thursday, October 5, the Montreal Canadiens will open the NHL season in Buffalo against the Sabres. Game time is 7 pm (EST).
The Canadiens will stay on the road this week facing the Washington Capitals on Saturday, October 7. They face their playoff rivals the New York Rangers on Sunday, October 8.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
