Couldn't have gotten Bedard if they still had Strome on the teamThe Hawks not qualifying Dylan Strome before the Bedard year has to be a top 3-5 dumb GMing the past decade in the league
If Columbus makes the playoffs now winning six in a row to end the season this is real-life Angels in the Outfield stuff
Keefe and Evason were my two candidates for the Devils last offseasonI’ve always liked the Evason hire for them. I think the main reason he isn’t in Minnesota is because he couldn’t realize that Fleury was 40 years old and not his best goalie on the roster. I’m sure Hynes realized this well before he was even offered the job. Probably while he was still coaching Nashville.
Montreal should have been eliminated just for blowing a 2 goal lead at home to the Hawks in a must win game. They had like an 8 point lead 1.5 weeks or so ago. Maybe even only a week ago? Zero sympathy for them if they miss out.
Montreal has had an extraordinary run of good health for its team this season. Laine and Dach were the only forwards to miss substantial time. Hard to see that repeat next season. They do have a ton of prospects but they will have to work on team defense to take the next step.Even if the Habs miss the playoffs, I wouldn't be too down on their season. It was kind of found change for them. Next season they'll have a full season of Demidov, a hopefully healthy Reinbacher, and presumably more help on the blue line, along with their established mix of young guys and Laine.
Maybe they could use another goalie, but this offseason is going to be a sparse one for that position.
It would be really fun if the Habs lost tonight.
Welp. At least I can actually root for the Caps now when at the games next week.Let's Go Hall! F Montreal.
And Go Jackets.