On May 5, Sam Carrick returned to practice after recovering from a left arm injury — a positive sign for the Sabres. Lindy Ruff expressed optimism about Carrick’s progress, stating, “(He’s) going to see our doctors today and thinks he’s further along than maybe I portrayed yesterday.”

The season series against the Canadiens ended in a split, with both teams winning two games each. The combined score was a deadlock at 13-13, reflecting how evenly matched these teams are.

As they head into this crucial playoff series, the Sabres can boast a solid goaltending performance. They won three of four games with Alex Lyon in net during the first round and currently hold a goals against average of 2.0, slightly better than Montreal’s 2.1.

Yet, challenges loom. The Sabres will be without Carrick and Noah Östlund for this series. Their power play has also struggled — they scored just one goal against Boston in the first round compared to Montreal’s three against Tampa Bay.

Key statistics:

• The Sabres had one power-play goal against Boston.
• Their goals against average stands at 2.0.
• The Canadiens have a goals against average of 2.1.

This playoff series could mark the beginning of an exciting rivalry between two rising teams in the Atlantic Division who haven’t met in a playoff series since the late ’90s. Rasmus Dahlin expressed concern over fan turnout, saying, “I really, really appreciate the fans that came out, but I don’t want to see that many red in the future.” The stakes couldn’t be higher for both franchises.

If Buffalo continues to receive strong goaltending, they may have enough firepower elsewhere — particularly from young stars like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin — to secure a memorable series against Montreal.

The post Sabres de buffalo: Buffalo Sabres Make Their Mark in the NHL Playoffs appeared first on News Canada.

The Canadiens faced elimination after a hard-fought battle, losing 1–0 in overtime. Just two days prior, they had managed to secure a victory against the Ducks, winning 3–2. Yet, as pressure mounted, Montembeault remained in the stands—his presence felt even if he wasn’t on the ice.

Montembeault’s season has been turbulent; he finished with an .873 save percentage over 25 games. This performance raises questions about his future with the Montreal Canadiens, especially considering his contract worth $3.15 million per year. The emergence of rookie Jakub Dobes—who boasts a .916 save percentage through six playoff games—adds to Montembeault’s challenges.

Carey Price’s potential transition into a goaltending coach role signals further changes within the organization. Price, with his Hall of Fame credentials including a Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy, could influence how goaltending is approached moving forward. Meanwhile, Dobes has secured twenty wins this season over 43 games, making Montembeault’s situation even more precarious.

As Montembeault cheered from the stands, he represented more than just himself; he embodied a spirit of camaraderie and support that is vital in high-stakes playoff scenarios. A player watching his role slip away—seeing a rookie shine—and still choosing to be fully present for his team speaks volumes about character and professionalism.

This current state of affairs matters for both Montembeault and the Canadiens. With their playoff run on the line and uncertainty looming over their goaltending situation, every decision counts. The team finished with an impressive record of 48-24-10, earning 106 points this season and showcasing their potential to compete at high levels.

The future remains uncertain for Montembeault as he navigates this challenging landscape within the organization. As teams assess their rosters post-playoffs, every performance will weigh heavily on decisions regarding contracts and player roles.

The post Samuel Montembeault’s Gesture Shines Amidst Canadiens’ Playoff Struggles appeared first on News Canada.

Carey Price, the iconic goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, recently opened up about his career and future on the Never Offside podcast. After a storied career, Price was forced into retirement due to persistent knee issues, leaving behind a record of 35 wins, 24 losses, and 6 overtime losses, alongside an impressive .918 save percentage in his last season.

During the podcast, Price expressed his admiration for young goaltender Jacob Fowler, whom he endorsed as a promising talent. “Always a Hab. Just a teal one for now,” Price remarked, indicating his ongoing connection to the Canadiens despite his retirement. His willingness to mentor Fowler underscores Price’s commitment to the sport and the next generation of players.

Price’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including leading the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. However, the past two seasons have been challenging for the team, as they missed the playoffs in back-to-back years for the first time since 2001. This downturn coincided with Price’s health struggles, which ultimately led to his retirement announcement.

Reflecting on his time in the league, Price shared, “I miss playing, the camaraderie and the pre-game feeling.” His passion for the game remains evident, even as he transitions away from the ice. Observers note that Price’s insights and experiences could greatly benefit young players like Fowler, who are navigating the early stages of their careers.

In a poignant moment during the podcast, Price recalled the moment he realized a trade was imminent, stating, “I knew a trade to another club was coming after my agent reached out the week prior.” This acknowledgment of the business side of hockey highlights the complexities players face, even those with a legacy like Price’s.

Ryan Poehling, a former teammate, also made headlines recently by scoring a hat trick in his NHL debut for the Canadiens. His success serves as a reminder of the talent that continues to emerge from the organization, a legacy that Price hopes to nurture through his mentorship.

As Price steps into this new role, the hockey community watches closely to see how his influence will shape the future of the Canadiens and the NHL at large. While his playing days may be over, his impact on the game is far from finished. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how much time Price will dedicate to mentoring Fowler and others, but his commitment to the sport remains unwavering.

The post Carey Price’s Legacy: A New Chapter Begins appeared first on News Canada.

In a significant development for the hockey community, Jean-Francois Damphousse, a former goaltending prospect with the Moncton Wildcats, is currently making waves as a player evaluator for NHL Central Scouting. At 46 years old, Damphousse has transitioned from a promising player drafted in the first round by the New Jersey Devils in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft to a respected figure in player evaluation, representing all 32 NHL franchises.

Damphousse’s extensive experience in hockey spans over three decades, during which he has taken on various roles including goalie coach, owner, general manager, and coach. His multifaceted background in the sport has equipped him with a unique perspective on player development and evaluation. “I’ve touched a little bit of everything,” Damphousse remarked, highlighting his diverse experiences that inform his current role.

Currently, Damphousse is tasked with evaluating players for NHL Central Scouting, a role that has become increasingly important as teams look for the next generation of talent. Last season, a notable trend emerged when no defensemen under 6 feet tall were drafted, raising questions about the evolving criteria for player selection. Damphousse’s insights into these trends are invaluable as he assesses young prospects.

His journey into this role was partly inspired by a suggestion from his friend Troy Dumville, who encouraged him to apply for a position at NHL Central Scouting. This decision has allowed Damphousse to remain deeply connected to the game he loves while contributing to its future. “The fun thing is, every year is a new start,” he stated, emphasizing the dynamic nature of player evaluation.

As he evaluates players, Damphousse is acutely aware of the pressures young athletes face today. “Today’s players are exposed to seeing lists every year, midterm, end of the year, and they probably watched those lists from the age of 13 or 14,” he noted. This insight reflects a shift in how young players perceive their careers and the expectations placed upon them.

Damphousse’s family remains an integral part of his life, with his daughter currently completing her studies at the University of Prince Edward Island and his son playing for the MHL Edmundston Blizzard. This family connection to hockey further enriches his understanding of the sport and its impact on young athletes.

As the NHL season progresses, the role of scouts like Damphousse will be crucial in shaping the future of the league. His commitment to evaluating talent and understanding player dynamics will undoubtedly influence the decisions made by NHL franchises. Details remain unconfirmed about specific players he is currently evaluating, but his expertise will be pivotal in the upcoming drafts.

In a sport that is constantly evolving, figures like Jean-Francois Damphousse provide a bridge between the past and the future of hockey, ensuring that the next generation of players is well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

The post Lhjmq: Jean-Francois Damphousse: A Journey Through Hockey’s Ranks and the NHL Central Scouting appeared first on News Canada.