Physical play, Canadiens advantage, Zekaj

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed on Saturday.

montreal canadiens news

Tampa Bay’s strategy of rushing players, harassing goaltenders and punching opponents in every scrimmage is backfiring spectacularly. In fact, in addition to the series lead, the Canadiens have actually had more hits than their opponents through three games. [Tampa Bay’s Strategy Is Backfiring In Series Versus Canadiens]

The discrepancy in high-danger shots in the series is hard to ignore. In fact, after three games, the Canadiens have accounted for 75% of high-danger scoring opportunities at 5v5, the highest mark of all teams in the NHL playoffs.

Apart from the physical battle, which the Habs are winning, there are several other reasons why the Canadiens have managed to take the lead in the series, including the excellent play of the third pair of Arbor Czekaj and Jayden Struble. [Top 3 Reasons The Canadiens Have A Series Lead]

Believe it or not, Shekaz leads the entire NHL in expected goal share with an impressive 83.8%. [NST]

Kirby Dach discusses support from head coach Martin Saint-Louis as he overcomes an endless list of injuries in recent seasons.

This is clearly trolling, but comparatively speaking, it is quality trolling. Additionally, given that Brady Tkachuk appears to be one of the worst leaders in the league, perhaps it is time to examine his position in the Senators organization. Or maybe he is a great leader who never seems to have luck when it comes to leadership. Difficult to say.

The clip embedded below has nothing to do with the Habs, but when a dirtbag like Ridley Gregg starts punching a player who’s being pinned down, it’s hard not to roll your eyes. That is pure cowardice.

Sportsknot Network

Sunny Mehta already has the option to pick up the phone and negotiate a potential New Jersey Devils trade and improve his top six. After failing to make the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season, the Detroit Red Wings are now the longest-serving team to miss the postseason after the Buffalo Sabers punched their ticket this spring. [New Jersey Devils]

Maybe it’s the rivalry factor. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers have a history of controversial meetings, and this includes their ongoing first-round games. Or maybe it’s a chance to see the Penguins’ big three players — Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang — back in the playoffs after a three-year absence. Perhaps it’s the continuation of interest in hockey in the United States after the Winter Olympics and the American gold medal. [Pittsburgh Penguins]

Just a week ago, the Senators were filled with hope as they entered the first round of their series against the Hurricanes. Flash forward to Saturday, and the Senators are the first team in the NHL to be eliminated, losing their first-round series 4-0. [Ottawa Senators]

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Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont


#Physical #play #Canadiens #advantage #Zekaj

NFL Insider updates Raiders’ Max Crosby trade price after failed physical

The Las Vegas Raiders thought their business was done. It was already tough enough, having to part with possibly their best player by trading Max Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens. Of course, getting two first-round picks (including No. 14 overall) made the deal easier.

Still, now that the Ravens have cooled off and backed out of the deal after Crosby failed his physical, the Raiders are in a tough spot. Now everyone knows they tried to trade Crosby. Not only that, Crosby’s value has arguably decreased after failing the medical test.

Nevertheless, according to athleticAccording to NFL insider Diana Russini, the Raiders are not backing down from their original asking price. They still want two first-round picks to trade Crosby.

Meanwhile, many were skeptical of Crosby getting two first-round picks. After failing the physical, their chances of doing so seem even slimmer.

After all, free agency has been going on for three days. Teams have already adjusted their budgets after chasing top talents. Some teams that might have been targeting a Crosby trade have already made other plans, such as the Cowboys trading for Rashaan Gary, giving the Raiders fewer options to negotiate.

Still, if Las Vegas isn’t willing to trade Crosby, they should have no trouble getting at least a first-round pick in return. It remains to be seen whether they can get more.

RELATED: Dallas Cowboys discuss trade for Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowler

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Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

#NFL #Insider #updates #Raiders #Max #Crosby #trade #price #failed #physical