Pens in Seven

They'll come back.

And also: a new coach in Montreal? Rumour is Jacques Martin.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/06/01/habs_martin/

Red Wings/Penguins: The Sequel?

It's looking more and more like we're going to be seeing a repeat of the Finals from last season with both the Pens and Wings holding commanding leads over their opponents in the Conference Finals. Unlike last year though, these Penguins have experience to draw on in a potential championship showdown, while the Wings remain an unflappable model of consistency. Should be a really interesting series.

Oh yeah. And if that wasn't good enough on it's own, there's also the Marian Hossa defection to spice things up even more. While the Penguins/Capitals series may have had the marquee names, this one has the potential to be just as good (especially considering what's on the line).

Canadiens at Penguins

Another day, another game...another loss? We'll see. Guy Carbonneau ices the same team tonight, with Carey Price starting after a strong effort last night in a shootout loss to the Washington Capitals.

The Alex Kovalev saga continues (and that's what it is, a saga). As well, Steve Begin is apparently now upset that he isn't playing. I can't blame him. He is the same type of player as Gregory Stewart, and yet Stewart was called up to play ahead of him. Furthermore, Begin makes $1.2 million, and Stewart makes (in NHL terms) next to nothing. If this were any other NHL city, Begin would be dealt, and he is valuable to contenders as a gritty, hard working fourth liner. However, he's French, and this in Montreal, so for at least a few more games he'll likely watch from the press-box.

Also, Georges Laraque. What does he do? Last night, he took a dumb penalty hitting Donald Brashear from behind. Otherwise, he did nothing. I can't believe we have this guy for another two years at $1.5 million. Perhaps Gainey's worst signing as Habs GM - but that's debatable.

And as for rumours, the same ones continue to swirl: Kovalev to Pittsburgh, Kovalev to Columbus, Kovalev responsible for economic crisis, Kovalev meeting in Ottawa with Obama. Etc. Etc. It just keeps going.

Ryan Smyth is apparently available (so says TSN). Now he might look good playing wing to Saku Koivu. But do the Canadiens have the cap room? No.

And lastly, the Habs powerplay came to life last night, going three for four. Mathieu Schneider looked great, playing 27 minutes. Can the Canadiens keep the PP momentum going this evening?

Doc, this is going to be a good one.