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NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Montreal Canadiens at Buffalo Sabres
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Here are the Montreal Canadiens and NHL news items you may have missed on Thursday.

Montreal Canadiens News

  • The Canadiens found themselves in a hole early versus the Buffalo Sabres in Game 5, but as has been the case throughout the year, they were at their best once they had to face a little adversity. A dominant effort by the Habs secured an exciting 6-3 win in Buffalo. [Canadiens Highlights: Comeback Kings Crush Sabres]
  • Seeing as defenceman Arber Xhekaj played fewer than 4 minutes in Game 4, there was talk that he would be replaced by Jayden Struble in the lineup for Game 5. All things considered, the third pairing isn’t a considerable issue. More than anything, depth defencemen need consistency to find their rhythm. [Canadiens Defensive Situation: Xhekaj Or Struble]
  • With all due respect to Lindy Ruff, the diving accusations from Game 4 aged like fine milk.
  • They weren’t the worst cases of embellishment in the NHL history, but there’s an adage about stones and glass houses that comes to mind.
  • Regardless of the result from Game 5 on Thursday night, it’s always interesting to hear Martin St-Louis’ calming and straightforward approach to coaching hockey.
  • The Victoire are also known for their fair share of late-game drama. Montreal tied Game 1 of the PWHL Final in the dying seconds of the third period, and proceeded to win it in overtime when a puck deflected off Abby Roque’s head.
  • Game 6 is scheduled for 8 pm on Saturday night, an odd start time to say the least. And now have a different start time for Game 7, if necessary. The final game of the series, scheduled for Monday, has been pushed back from 7 to 7:30 pm ET.
  • Former Hab Brett Kulak is clearly a lucky charm. Following his trade to the Colorado Avalanche, the stalwart defender is heading to the Conference Final for the fifth time in just six years.
  • I have to admit, this is the first time I’ve seen this aquatic pre-game ritual between Xhekaj and the athletic therapists.
  • Tage Thompson was right to suggest the Sabres needed to take fewer penalties in Game 5. For what it’s worth, the Sabres avoided penalties for more than 40 minutes on Thursday night.
  • And they say sports are supposed to be fun!

Sportsnaut Network

  • Sunny Mehta was brought in as general manager to be bold, and he certainly has the opportunity to do that this summer via New Jersey Devils trade. Mehta’s background suggests he’s willing to take chances as a former professional poker player, an options trader, and even ventured out to become a professional musical. So, why wouldn’t he at least try to acquire Quinn Hughes? [New Jersey Devils]
  • Who will be the Edmonton Oilers new head coach? Jay Woodcroft? Craig Berube? Bruce Cassidy? Jessica Campbell? The Oilers did what everyone expected and fired head coach Kris Knoblauch. Additionally, they relieved Mark Stuart of his coaching duties. Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman released a statement earlier on May 14th, making the move official. [Edmonton Oilers]
  • The Toronto Maple Leafs’ new brain trust of John Chayka and Mats Sundin have yet to have their chat with captain Auston Matthews. But when they do, they hope to find out what his intentions are. [Toronto Maple Leafs]
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By Marc Dumont
Marc has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for Journal Metro, The Athletic, The ... More about Marc Dumont

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