Canadiens Connection

• Rick and Joe briefly recap the week of game action for the Montreal Canadiens. Check out the comprehensive post-game reviews for every game at AllHabs.net. 
• Brendan Gallagher named 1st star of the week by Joe in his weekly column.
• Roster news - Ben Chiarot suffered a fracture in his right wrist and will be re-evaluated in the coming days. March 11th marked the 25th anniversary of the closing of the Montreal Forum. 
• Habs prospect report - Cole Caufield has been nominated for Big Ten Player of the Year. Rocket in action Friday against the Toronto Marlies. Be sure to listen and subscribe to the Press Zone - Montreal. 
• Former Canadiens goaltending coach Stephane Waite continued his media tour, sharing some additional information. Shea Weber gives his thoughts on why Carey Price is having more success. 
• Interim head coach Dominique Ducharme unveiled a new second line this week, with Tyler Toffoli, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Brendan Gallagher lining up together. 
• NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman expects a "fully normal" season for 2021-2022 that will start on time. He also expects fans to return in greater numbers towards the playoffs. The divisions will return to the standard alignment for next season. The NHL signed a seven-year broadcast and streaming agreement with ESPN. 
• The NHL paused the 2019-2020 season on March 12, 2020. A year later, we take a look back. 

• Canadiens assistant coach Alex Burrows had his first media availability this week. Last week we spoke to Isha and Dylan of the Hockey Podcast network about Alex Burrows, this week we hear from Burrows discussing finding out he was going to be an assistant coach of the Canadiens and some insight into the importance of Shea Weber on the Canadiens power play.  
• What's wrong with the Canadiens in extra time? The Habs are now 0-7 in overtime and the shootout. Last week we heard from Jeff Petry about the Canadiens defensive zone coverage in three-on-three overtime, this week the defenceman spoke about the possession plan in OT. 

 Segment 3: Have Your Say

• All Habs Fantasy Hockey update
• Social media reactions
• Listener's calls and text

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Joe Whalen (@JoeWhalen19) and Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with contributions from Chris G. This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Search for “Canadiens Connection” from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:

• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

And don't be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

• In this special bonus edition of the Canadiens Connection podcast we discuss the series between the Canadiens and Canucks.  
• To provide a Vancouver perspective, we were joined by Isha Jahromi and Dylan Keyzer, co-creators of The Hockey Podcast Network, who share their thoughts on the Canadiens, Canucks, Jake Virtanen, Tyler Toffoli, Thatcher Demko and others.
• This conversation is a continuation of the discussion that was part of episode 126 where Isha and Dylan spoke with Rick about Alex Burrows. You can find the full episode 126 here.

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Joe Whalen (@JoeWhalen19) and Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with contributions from Chris G. This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Search for “Canadiens Connection” from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:

• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

And don't be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

• Rick and Joe briefly recap the week of game action for the Montreal Canadiens. Check out the comprehensive post-game reviews for every game at AllHabs.net. 
• Joel Armia named 1st star of the week by Joe in his weekly column.
• Roster news - Canadiens sign Gianni Fairbrother to three-year entry-level contract. Josh Anderson has missed three games due to a lower-body injury. Walter Gretzky passed away at the age of 82. 
• They Said What? - Nick Suzuki discusses the Canadiens lack of offense as of late, Jeff Petry on the Canadiens struggles in overtime and the shootout after the Canadiens fell to 0-6 in extra time this week. Marc Bergevin held a press conference this week after the firing of goaltending coach Stephane Waite and appointing Sean Burke. 
• Carey Price shared his thoughts on the firing of Waite and hiring of Sean Burke, as well as Marco Marciano, who will be acting as goaltending coach until Burke can begin working with the Canadiens on March 19th. 
• Stephane Waite gave his insight into what has been happening with Price this season after he had been fired and one of his explanations aligns with something Rick said on last week's show. 

• The guys discuss the promotion of Alex Burrows to assistant coach for the Canadiens and weigh in on the power play which according to Nick Suzuki, Burrows has brought some new ideas for. 
• We're joined by Isha Jahromi and Dylan Keyzer, co-creators of the Hockey Podcast Network, who share their thoughts on Burrows playing career and how it prepared him to start coaching.

 Segment 3: Have Your Say

• All Habs Fantasy Hockey update
• Social media reactions
• Listener's calls and text

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Joe Whalen (@JoeWhalen19) and Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with contributions from Chris G. This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Search for “Canadiens Connection” from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:

• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

And don't be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

• Rick and Joe briefly recap the week of game action for the Montreal Canadiens. Check out the comprehensive post-game reviews for every game at AllHabs.net. 
• Artturi Lehkonen named 1st star of the week by Joe in his weekly column.
• Roster news - Taxi squad: Byron, Fleury, Frolik, Belzile, McNiven. Lindgren sent to Laval for conditioning. Kaiden Guhle and Gianni Fairbrother returned to their junior hockey teams. Former GM Irving Grundman died at the age of 93.
• They Said What? - Brendan Gallagher's thoughts on the disallowed goal, Claude Julien's last presser as head coach of the Canadiens and Marc Bergevin's press conference after firing Claude Julien and Kirk Muller. 

• The Canadiens promoted Dominique Ducharme as and interim head coach and added Alexandre Burrows as an assistant after firing Claude Julien and Kirk Muller on Wednesday. Rick and Joe are joined by Simon Servant of the Canadian Press to discuss Ducharme's track record and then give their thoughts on the events of Wednesday.  

 Segment 3: Have Your Say

• All Habs Fantasy Hockey update
• Social media reactions
• Listener's calls and text

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Joe Whalen (@JoeWhalen19) and Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with contributions from Chris G. This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Search for “Canadiens Connection” from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:

• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

And don't be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

• Rick and Joe briefly recap the week for the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs picked up a win last week against the Leafs, in what was their only game of the week. 
• Carey Price named 1st star of the week by Joe in his weekly column.
• Roster news - Paul Byron was waived, cleared waivers and was assigned to the taxi squad. Tomas Tatar was a healthy scratch against Toronto, returned to practice with Kotkaniemi and Armia. Michael Frolik sent to Laval on a conditioning stint. Former Canadien Alex Galchenyuk traded twice this week, lands with the Maple Leafs. 
• Habs Prospect report - Ryan Poehling with his first goal of the season on Friday night. Gianni Fairbrother with an assist in his first pro hockey game. Jan Mysak played his first game as a pro. Jesse Ylonen picked up two assists in Laval's 5-2 over Belleville. Check out daily reports at AHLReport.com.
• They Said What? - Our favourite clips from the week from Tomas Tatar, Paul Byron and Claude Julien. Marc Bergevin had a press conference this week, Rick and Joe take a look at what was said by the Canadiens GM.
• Hockey notes - NHL COVID protocols. Outdoor games at Lake Tahoe. Sidney Crosby says that he wants to stay with the Pittsburgh Penguins his entire career.

• The Montreal Canadiens have played 15 games of 56. At just past the quarter point in the season, Rick and Joe go through the Canadiens roster handing out player grades. Who will receive the highest grade? Who is underperforming? The guys discuss that and more in this quarter season review!

 Segment 3: Have Your Say

• All Habs Fantasy Hockey update
• Social media reactions
• Listener's calls and text

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Joe Whalen (@JoeWhalen19) and Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with contributions from Chris G. This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Search for “Canadiens Connection” from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:

• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

And don't be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

• Rick and Joe briefly recap the week for the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs had a rough week with back-to-back losses against the Leafs and Oilers.
• Shea named 1st star of the week by Joe in his weekly column.
• Roster news - Joel Armia returned to the Canadiens lineup against the Leafs. Corey Perry sent to the taxi squad. Line juggling for the Habs, Tatar with Kotkaniemi and Toffoli with Danault. Charlie Lindgren "injured" by Carey Price. 
• Habs Prospect report - Sean Farrell recorded his fourth straight three-point game Thursday night. Kaiden Guhle left practice early on Thursday with a minor injury. Laval Rocket season is underway. Check out daily reports at AHLReport.com.
• Rejean Tremblay column in Le Journal de Montreal. Political Science student says Canadiens core should speak French. 
• They Said What? - Our favourite clips from media availabilities this week, including Weber on his 1000th game and more!
• Hockey notes - NHL expands their COVID protocols. Edmonton forward Jesse Puljujarvi tests positive, which resulted in Oilers-Habs game being delayed an hour. 
• We remember former Canadiens forward Ralph Backstrom who passed away on Sunday. 

• It's the question that all Habs fans are asking right now: What has happened to the Montreal Canadiens? Where have the goals gone? More importantly where have the wins gone? Rick and Joe take a look at the Canadiens recent games and discuss what has been going on with the Habs.
• Also, should fans be panicking about the goaltending situation? And what is the Canadiens identity?

 Segment 3: Have Your Say

• All Habs Fantasy Hockey update
• Social media reactions
• Listener's calls and text

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Joe Whalen (@JoeWhalen19) and Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with contributions from Chris G. This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Search for “Canadiens Connection” from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:

• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

And don't be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

• Rick and Joe briefly recap the week for the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs went 2-2 this week, the guys pick out some memorable moments from each of the four games. 
• Carey Price named 1st star of the week by Joe in his weekly column.
• Roster news - Laval Rocket season start is on hold. Check out daily reports including audio from players and coach Joel Bouchard at AHLReport.com. Cole Caufield named Big10 Hockey first star of the week. Josh Anderson experienced flu-like symptoms during the game against the Flames. Alexander Romanov injured in practice Friday. Victor Mete trade request denied by Bergevin. 
• Canadiens home stand - Thoughts on Dillon Dube's hit on Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Shea Weber's 1000th game, the debut of the Habs reverse retro sweater and more!
• They Said What? - Our favourite clips from media availabilities this week, including Weber on his 1000th game and more!
• Hockey notes - NHL postpones more games and expands their COVID protocols. A pair of former Canadiens prospects, Nikita Scherbak and Noah Juulsen make their debuts for new teams. 

• The Canadiens found themselves occupying the top spot in the North division for a short time this week. Rick and Joe take a look back at the long journey for the Habs to get to that spot after finishing 24th last season and how they were quickly displaced following a disappointing effort against the last place Ottawa Senators. 

 Segment 3: Have Your Say

• CC Question of the week: Now that you have seen them on the ice, what do you think about the Canadiens retro reverse jerseys?
• New Partnership: The Hockey Podcast Network
• Social media reactions
• Listener's calls and text

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Joe Whalen (@JoeWhalen19) and Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with contributions from Chris G. This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Search for “Canadiens Connection” from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:

• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

And don't be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

• Rick and Joe briefly recap the two games the Canadiens played this past week, the finale of their three-game set in Vancouver and their home opener Thursday against the Flames. 
• Tyler Toffoli named 1st star of the week by the NHL. 
• Joel Armia in concussion protocol, he skated on his own this week. 
• Laval Rocket training camp underway. Check out daily reports including audio from players and coach Joel Bouchard at AHLReport.com. Claude Julien says that Ryan Poehling and Cale Fleury will not attend Rocket camp. 
• Marc Bergevin says that Cole Caufield will turn pro following the conclusion of his season at Wisconsin. 
• Canadiens have signed Martin Lapointe to a three-year contract extension.
• Rick and Joe make observations about the Canadiens returning to the Bell Centre in their home opener Thursday. 
• They Said What? - Our favourite clips from media availabilities this week. 
• Hockey notes - Wayne Gretzky celebrated his 60th birthday this past Tuesday. Pierre Luc-Dubois in quarantine in Winnipeg. Patrik Laine expected to make Columbus debut Tuesday. Jack Roslovic was in CBJ lineup on Thursday. Josh Anderson spoke about his relationship with John Tortorella. Elliotte Friedman confirmed that Marc Bergevin had a deal in place to move up in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft to select Dubois. What if?

• Following a much-too-early review of the Canadiens new additions last week, the guys continue with a much-too-early review of the North Division. The Canadiens find themselves in possession of second place in the North behind the Toronto Maple Leafs, but have played two less games to this point. Can the Canadiens compete for a division title? Rick and Joe take a look around the North.

 Segment 3: Have Your Say

• All Habs Fantasy hockey- update.
• CC Question of the week: What did you think of Ben Chiarot's takedown of Matthew Tkachuk?
• Social media reactions
• Listener's calls and text

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Joe Whalen (@JoeWhalen19) and Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with contributions from Chris G. This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Search for “Canadiens Connection” from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:

• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

And don't be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

• Rick and Joe take a look back at the week that was for the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs picked up three wins this week and currently occupy the top spot in the North division alongside the Toronto Maple Leafs. 
• Joel Armia was diagnosed with a concussion after a hit from Canucks defenceman Tyler Myers. He will not play Saturday night against Vancouver. Myers avoided supplementary discipline for the questionable hit and will be available to the Canucks. 
• Paul Byron is game-time decision for Saturday's game after taking a Shea Weber slapshot on Thursday night. 
• Corey Perry and Michael Frolik slid into the top-12 at practice on Friday, given the injuries to Armia and Byron, which has cap implications for the Canadiens. Jake Evans reaction to being placed on the taxi squad. 
• The Laval Rocket opened camp with 32 players in attendance. The Canadiens announced affiliation with the new ECHL franchise in Trois-Rivières. 
• Canadiens announce hiring of Ben Shutron as an amateur scout. 
• They Said What? - Our favourite clips from Canadiens media availability this week.
• Hockey notes - Pierre Luc-Dubois drama escalates after benching., comes to an end after trade to Winnipeg Report: Phillip Danault rejected $30 million contract extension offered by Marc Bergevin.

• After our Big Topic segment two weeks ago in which Rick and Joe gave their predictions for which Habs newcomer would make the biggest impact with the club, the guys take an early look at the newbies after five games. We've seen Jake Allen between the pipes, we've seen Tyler Toffoli and Josh Anderson up front and we've seen Joel Edmundson and Alexander Romanov on the back end. Who has impressed the most? 

 Segment 3: Have Your Say

• All Habs Fantasy hockey- update.
• CC Question of the week: Are you relieved after the Pierre-Luc Dubois trade to Winnipeg?
• Social media reactions
• Listener's calls and text

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Joe Whalen (@JoeWhalen19) and Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with contributions from Chris G. This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Search for “Canadiens Connection” from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:

• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

And don't be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

• The Canadiens opened their season Wednesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs, losing 5-4 in overtime. 
• Noah Juulsen was claimed on waivers earlier this week by the Florida Panthers. Meanwhile, all other Canadiens players who were put through waivers cleared. 
• The Habs announced five members of their six player taxi squad, which includes Michael Frolik, Corey Perry, Ryan Poehling, Cale Fleury and Charlie Lindgren. Jake Evans was assigned to the taxi squad after the first game for cap reasons. 
• Rick and Joe share their thoughts on the Habs opening night performance. Who impressed? Who disappointed? How did the newcomers perform? The guys give their thoughts on all of those questions. 
• Player agent Jeff Jackson tweeted that the NHL doesn't do enough to protect star players. 
• They Said What? - Alexander Romanov's first media availability.
• Hockey notes - 27 players test positive for the coronavirus as the season opens. The 2020-21 season is underway, what's different? NHL opened the season to record TV ratings. 

• This week Columbus Blue Jackets head coach confirmed the reports that centre Pierre-Luc Dubois wants out of Columbus. This alone would be quite enough for Habs fans to start connecting the Quebec-born centre to the Canadiens, but Nick Kypreos poured some gasoline on the fire with his report that the Habs are Dubois' preferred destination. Blue Jackets ask is now focused around Nick Suzuki plus additional pieces, Alexander Romanov has been deemed untouchable. 
• We take a look back to the 2016 NHL Draft, the roots of Marc Bergevin's interest in Pierre-Luc Dubois. 
• Should the Canadiens trade Suzuki plus additional pieces for Dubois? Jesperi Kotkaniemi? Would Romanov be a better alternative for the Habs to deal?

Segment 3: Have Your Say

• All Habs Fantasy hockey draft.
• CC Question of the week: Would you make the trade with the Blue Jackets for Pierre -Luc Dubois if it meant sending Nick Suzuki to Columbus?
• Social media reactions
• Listener's calls and text

Canadiens Connection is hosted by Joe Whalen (@JoeWhalen19) and Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) with contributions from Chris G. This talented team of credentialed journalists come together to share their valued insight.

Canadiens Connection is a connection between fans, journalists, players, coaches, management to thoroughly discuss their favorite game in an informative, thought provoking, and entertaining way.

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Search for “Canadiens Connection” from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:

• Apple Podcasts (iTunes)
• Spotify
• Overcast
• Stitcher
• Castbox
• Pocket Casts
• RadioPublic
• TuneIn
• Google Podcasts

And don't be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!