Starting with Habs stuff…
• In what quickly became one of the worst-kept secrets in hockey, Gerard Gallant now occupies one of the Habs’ assistant coaching spots. Despite a very successful run with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL, the argument against Gallant is that he was spoiled with talent which made his job easy. In my book, success is success and I’m excited to see how Gallant has grown since his failed stint in Columbus.
• The rumored candidate to take another spot behind the Habs bench as assistant coach is former Hamilton head coach Clément Jodoin. My first reaction to that is having Therrien, Jodoin and Gallant together is that there are too many guys in that mix used to being a head coach, used to being the guy with the final decision. However, the extensive interview process the team is putting all of its candidates through is becoming the stuff of legend so obviously, Bergevin & Co. are convinced of a positive dynamic among their revamped hockey operations team.
• I’m glad to see Martin Lapointe and Patrice Brisebois on board with the Habs in player development roles. Combined, they bring 33 years of NHL playing experience and obviously, you don’t last that long in the league without knowing a thing or two about how to be a professional. I look forward to our young prospects absorbing their valuable nuggets of wisdom.
• I don’t know much about Sylvain Lefebvre’s coaching career but from everything I’ve heard, he made quite a name for himself in Colorado. Lefebvre seems like as good a candidate as any to guide the most promising group of prospects the Habs have had in years through the beginning stages of their professional careers.
• One advantage (of the many) of having a general manager who actually communicates with the public on a regular basis is that stories like a possible return to the Habs for Georges Laraque get shot down before they have a chance to pick up steam. It keeps the focus of the Habs world on worthwhile topics.
…and on to other stuff.
• Though I’m sure it was a lot more difficult than they made it look, the Kings are the first Stanley Cup champion in awhile that looked to me like they could easily roll through yet another best-of-seven series. That was a hell of an impressive run.
• Most of the reaction I saw on Twitter was quick to condemn Steve Bernier for his hit on Rob Scuderi but there was a segment that took the referees to task for essentially awarding the game, and thus the Cup, to the Kings with the five-minute major penalty. Generally, the referees get blasted for swallowing their whistles in the playoffs turning everything into a clutch and grab bonanza. The last thing they deserve is criticism for making a ballsy, and right, call.
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