Canadiens Connection

Welcome to the Canadiens Connection via Rocket Sports Radio. This engaging podcast featured on All Habs Hockey Magazine connects Habs fans with their beloved team from a source they know and trust.

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

• The Flyers won the first round series against the Canadiens in six games. Joe recaps the series. 
• In the midst of the series against the Flyers, there were two major incidents that took place in Game 5. Jesperi Kotkaniemi was ejected early in the 2nd period of that game for boarding Travis Sanheim. Later on, Matt Niskanen cross-checked Brendan Gallagher in the face that went unpenalized. The Canadiens tweeted a closeup angle of the hit on Twitter to put pressure on the league to suspend Niskanen, especially with Gallagher suffering a broken jaw. But Alain Vigneault created controversy by questioning the severity of the injury. 
• They Said What? Marc Bergevin and Alain Vigneault comment on the Gallagher injury before Game 6. Reactions from Price, Weber, Hart, Vigneault and Muller after the series wrapped up. Price gives Muller credit for his job as interim head coach. 
• Dale Hawerchuk passed away this week at the age of 57 after a battle with stomach cancer. Rick and Joe pay tribute to the legend. 

• Following the Canadiens being eliminated on Friday night, the Canadiens GM, Marc Bergevin, spoke with the media on Saturday. He talked about a wide range of topics including the experience this run gave to the Habs young players, an update on Gallagher's injury, Price and Weber's phenomenal play and much more! Rick and Joe react to his press conference. 
• Chuck Fletcher gave credit to the Canadiens for their play in the Playoffs and shared a different view of this off-season than Marc Bergevin did. 

Segment 3: Have Your Say

• Social media reactions.
• Listener's calls and texts
• Bad tweet of the week

Welcome to the Canadiens Connection via Rocket Sports Radio. This engaging podcast featured on All Habs Hockey Magazine connects Habs fans with their beloved team from a source they know and trust.

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

The Habs-Flyers series is tied up at one game apiece. Joe recaps the first two games of the series. 

The Florida Panthers have been granted permission to speak to Scott Mellanby regarding their vacant GM position. 

Claude Julien has returned to Montreal following a medical procedure.

They Said What? Featuring quotes following games one and two of the series and Marc Bergevin's comments on Claude Julien. 

Kirk Muller is now the interim head coach of the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs got off to a good start with him being the lead man behind the bench with a 5-0 win in Game 2. Rick and Joe take a look at Muller's qualifications to be a head coach in this league and talk about what Muller can bring to the Canadiens playoff run. Could Kirk Muller be the permanent head coach in Montreal?

Segment 3: Have Your Say

Social media reactions Claude Julien, Muller and the Habs win in Game 2. 

Joe's series prediction. 

Listener's calls and texts

Bad tweet of the week

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:

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Listen in the player below on Saturday, August 15th starting at 2:30 pm. ET or ANYTIME on demand.

Next week's episode will be available on Saturday, August 22th at 2:30 pm. ET. (4:00 pm. NT.) Missed an episode? You can find every episode of the Canadiens Connection HERE.

Welcome to the Canadiens Connection via Rocket Sports Radio. This engaging podcast featured on All Habs Hockey Magazine connects Habs fans with their beloved team from a source they know and trust.

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

Segment 1: Week in Review, Habs News, League News

Following the Canadiens 3-1 series win over the Penguins, the guys review two of the biggest questions that were posed in last week's episode. Can Carey Price steal the series? Who will be the difference maker for the Canadiens?

They said what? Quotes from players and coaches including Carey Price, Shea Weber, and Sidney Crosby on the series. 

Impact of the Coronavirus. The guys share their thoughts on the other qualifying series and round robin, the NHL's effort to localize the arenas, and the upcoming draft lottery.  

Segment 2: Reviewing Pens / Habs series

Chris and Rick review the Habs qualification round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins and look at the big questions that faced the Canadiens . Can the Canadiens defend two elite centres? Will the Canadiens' special teams be a difference in the series? The guys also tackle new questions coming out of the series. 

Segment 3: Have Your Say

Social media reactions to the Canadiens win. 

Listener's calls and texts

Bad tweet of the week

Get The Canadiens Connection!

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

Search for “Canadiens Connection” on Rocket Sports Radio and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform.

Welcome to the Canadiens Connection via Rocket Sports Radio. This engaging podcast featured on All Habs Hockey Magazine connects Habs fans with their beloved team from a source they know and trust.

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

With hockey back, the guys briefly take you back to Episode 75 of the Canadiens Connection podcast, the episode that took place after the NHL's announcement to pause the season. 

Alexander Romanov has concluded his quarantine period and was finally able to join his teammates and hit the ice for a practice with his new club. 

Dale Weise heading to Switzerland? Amid rumours of an agreement with Lausanne HC of the National League in Switzerland, the forward denied the rumour and claimed his sole focus is on earning another contract with the Montreal Canadiens. 

0 out of 16 NHL.com writers picked the Habs to beat the Penguins, but former Canadiens defenceman, P.K. Subban, said he believes Carey Price can steal the series. 

They said what? Jonathan Drouin describes the in-arena atmosphere, Shea Weber discusses the team's enthusiasm, Claude Julien talks defence and Alexander Romanov expresses happiness and describes his role. 

Impact of the Coronavirus. The guys share their thoughts on NHL games without fans. The MLB is predictably in a tough spot after an outbreak of positive tests in the Miami Marlins organization. 

Rick and Joe discuss the Habs upcoming qualification round series against the high-powered Pittsburgh Penguins and look at the big questions facing the Canadiens in this series. Can Carey Price steal the series? Can the Canadiens defend two elite centres? Will the Canadiens' special teams be a difference in the series? The guys tackle those questions and more!

Segment 3: Have Your Say

Bracket Challenge Winners. 

Listener's calls and texts

Bad tweet of the week

Get The Canadiens Connection!

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

Search for “Canadiens Connection” on Rocket Sports Radio and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform.

Welcome to the Canadiens Connection via Rocket Sports Radio. This engaging podcast featured on All Habs Hockey Magazine connects Habs fans with their beloved team from a source they know and trust.

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

This Week’s Show

Segment 1: Week in Review, Habs News, League News 

After taking some time to think about it, Max Domi joined the Canadiens in Phase 3.  

Alexander Romanov had an interesting week travelling, Rick and Joe discuss his confusing journey to North America. 

Michael McNiven had a scare early this week when he was struck in the mask by a Shea Weber slapshot.  

Phillip Danault, Ryan Poehling, Victor Mete, Cale Fleury and Cayden Primeau rejoined the main group. While Brett Kulak and Xavier Ouellet also returned to practice after testing positive for the coronavirus. 

Who's in and who's out? Taking a look around the NHL at players who joined their team after an absence and who's out. 

In an article from The Athletic, the Canadiens were ranked the 24th team out of 24. While their coach Claude Julien fared a little bit better in a ranking of coaches on NHL.com. 

They said what? Carey Price had the quote of the week when asked how to slow down Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. While his backup Charlie Lindgren is garnering praise for his play in camp. 

The Seattle Kraken have been revealed as the 32nd NHL franchise. 

Impact of the Coronavirus. The Blue Jays are no longer homeless. The CFL headed to Winnipeg?

Segment 2: The Big Topic - The Case for Danault

NHL Award Nominations. The guys run down the nominees for each NHL Award.

After the announcement of the nominees for the Selke trophy, there was a debate on social media regarding the case for Phillip Danault. Rick and Joe take a look at the case for Danault.

Segment 3: Have Your Say

It's Quiz time!

Bracket Challenge update

Listener's calls and texts

Get The Canadiens Connection!

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

Search for “Canadiens Connection” on Rocket Sports Radio and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform.

Welcome to the Canadiens Connection via Rocket Sports Radio. This engaging podcast featured on All Habs Hockey Magazine connects Habs fans with their beloved team from a source they know and trust.

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

This Week’s Show

Segment 1: Week in Review, Habs News, League News 

The Canadiens and Alexander Romanov agreed to terms on a three-year entry level contract, which will see the Russian defenceman join the club in Phase 3 of the NHL's return to play after quarantining.  

Karl Alzner opts out of the return to play, while Max Domi and the Canadiens are taking their time before deciding whether he will participate.

The Athletic reports positive tests in the Canadiens organization. Brett Kulak and Xavier Ouellet "unfit" to practice, while Paul Byron is missing. 

Jesperi Kotkaniemi has drawn praise from many, including his coach, for the way he looks on the ice.

They said what? Ilya Kovalchuk hoping to meet the Canadiens in the conference finals. Cale Fleury said he didn't get communication from Marc Bergevin and Claude Julien before he was sent down to Laval. Bergevin looking forward to young players gaining experience in the Playoffs. 

Impact of Coronavirus: Flooding at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Blue Jays get government approval to play their home games at Rogers Centre in Toronto. 

Segment 2: The Big Topic - Are Habs Committed to Play?

The NHL is scheduled to restart on August 1st, how exactly did we get to this point? Rick and Joe discuss the NHL's imminent Return to Play, which once seemed like something that was so far away. In the midst of all of this chaos, Elliotte Friedman dropped a rather significant piece of news that the Canadiens are "a team that doesn't really want to play".

Segment 3: Have Your Say

Reading your responses to the Canadiens Connection question of the week: Habs hockey is back on August 1st as the Canadiens meet the Penguins in a best-of-five qualifying series. Will you be watching summer NHL hockey?

Listener's calls and texts

Get The Canadiens Connection!

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

Search for “Canadiens Connection” on Rocket Sports Radio and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform.

Welcome to the Canadiens Connection via Rocket Sports Radio. This engaging podcast featured on All Habs Hockey Magazine connects Habs fans with their beloved team from a source they know and trust.

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

• The Laval Rocket signing defenceman Nathanel Halbert to one-year, two-way AHL contract for the 2020-21 season. 
• The city of Trois-Rivieres announced reaching a deal with Deacon Sports to host ECHL team starting in 2021-22 season. 
• Bell Centre ranked second best NHL arena by The Athletic. 
• Impact of Coronavirus: 25 Canadiens players on the ice in Brossard for Return-to-Play Phase 2, Bell Sports Complex in Brossard available to the public, and updates from other North American sports leagues. 

• The NHL and NHLPA ratified a four-year extension to the CBA and the return to play plan. Chris and Rick discuss the details of the agreement and how it affects the Canadiens. 

• Reading your responses to the Canadiens Connection question of the week: Habs hockey is back on August 1st as the Canadiens meet the Penguins in a best-of-five qualifying series. Will you be watching summer NHL hockey?
• Listener's calls and texts

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

Search for “Canadiens Connection” on Rocket Sports Radio and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform.

Welcome to the Canadiens Connection via Rocket Sports Radio. This engaging podcast featured on All Habs Hockey Magazine connects Habs fans with their beloved team from a source they know and trust.

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

• [07:20] - The Laval Rocket made a pair of signings this week, signing defenceman Corey Schueneman and forward Samuel Vigneault to one-year AHL contracts for the 2020-21 season. 
• [10:07] - The Canadiens have reached out to projected #1 overall pick, Alexis Lafrenière, after Phase 1 of the NHL Draft Lottery revealed the Canadiens have an opportunity to win the first overall pick and select Lafrenière. 
• [12:01] - This past Monday marked four years since the Canadiens and Predators swapped P.K. Subban and Shea Weber. 
• [14:46] - Mike Ribeiro gave his thoughts on the Subban-Weber trade, while also saying he would like to get into coaching. 
• [18:38] - We heard from Canadiens' coach Claude Julien this week and he gave his thoughts on the return to play and more. 
• [22:40] - Marc Bergevin also spoke this week, in an interview with RDS. 
• [25:37] - Impact of Coronavirus: Edmonton and Toronto will be announced as Hub cities. NHL/NHLPA continue to discuss CBA extension, escrow, salary deferral and cap. NHL will return to Olympics in 2022 and 2026. No compliance buyouts. The St. Louis Blues close training camp due to positive tests. The Toronto Blue Jays return to Canada. 

• [37:44] - With Phase 1 of the Draft Lottery in the books, and the shock of a placeholder team winning the #1 overall pick having faded a little bit, Rick and Joe give their thoughts on how they see the Top 10 picks playing out in the 2020 NHL Draft. They also take a look at who the Canadiens might pick if they do not win the first overall pick and the right to draft Alexis Lafrenière. Who might be a nice consolation prize for the Montreal Canadiens?

• Reading your responses to the Canadiens Connection question of the week: How are you coping during the 'pause'?
• Listener's calls and texts
• Bad tweet of the week

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

Search for “Canadiens Connection” on Rocket Sports Radio and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform.

Welcome to the Canadiens Connection via Rocket Sports Radio. This engaging podcast featured on All Habs Hockey Magazine connects Habs fans with their beloved team from a source they know and trust.

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

• The Hockey Hall of Fame announced the inductees of 2020. Getting the call this year was Marian Hossa, Jarome Iginla, Kevin Lowe, Kim St. Pierre, Doug Wilson and Ken Holland. The guys ask: Who got snubbed this year?
• Arpon Basu reported that Jesperi Kotkaniemi will be travelling to attend the Canadiens' training camp and that he is "coming as a player who is available to play". Adding some more intrigue to the Canadiens potential return to play. 
• Carey Price won the Molson Cup for the 2019-2020 season, picking up the award for the 9th time. Price also spoke to the media via conference call this week, touching his desire to play but also voicing concerns over health and safety. 
• Impact of Coronavirus. An update on Hub cities in consideration, the NHL/NHLPA discussing a CBA extension, Artemi Panarin and Ryan Kesler shared their thoughts on the CBA & escrow, more positive tests for the coronavirus and the MLB announces they will play a 60 game season. 

• Phase 1 of the NHL Draft Lottery went last night and it did not take long to grab the attention of the hockey world. It was determined that a mystery team will be selecting first overall in the NHL Entry Draft. Not the historically bad Detroit Red Wings, or the Ottawa Senators with two first round picks, but a placeholder team that will be determined following the qualification round in Phase 2 of the lottery. 
• What does this mean for the Montreal Canadiens? Will Habs fans be supporting a 'tank movement' to have an opportunity to select Alexis Lafreniere?

• Reading your responses to the Canadiens Connection question of the week: How are you coping during the 'pause'?
• Listener's calls and texts
• Bad tweet of the week

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

Search for “Canadiens Connection” on Rocket Sports Radio and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform.