Canadiens Connection Podcast on Rocket Sports Radio ep. 73 | Habs News, Claude Julien, NHL Trade Deadline, Marc Bergevin, Ilya Kovalchuk, Nate Thompson, Nick Cousins, Tomas Tatar, Jeff Petry

ROCKET SPORTS MEDIA | MONTREAL, QC. — 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.

CC on Rocket Sports Radio

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.

On Air

Listen LIVE in the player below on Saturday, February 29th at 1 pm. ET or anytime on demand.

Next week’s episode will air LIVE on Saturday, March 7th at 1 pm. ET. (2:30 pm. NT.) Missed an episode? You can find every episode of the Canadiens Connection HERE.

This Week’s Show

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

The Canadiens were in action three times this week. They visited the Senators in Ottawa and picked up a 3-0 win, before dropping two games against the Canucks and Rangers, in which they jumped out to an early two-goal lead before allowing both teams to come from behind and win the game.
There were some great good news stories that came out of this week around the NHL. David Ayres’ captivated the imaginations of people around the world with his performance as an emergency backup goaltender, Bobby Ryan scored a hat-trick in his first game back in Ottawa since he went to the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, and Jay Bouwmeester returned to St. Louis and received a lovely ovation following his cardiac episode in Anaheim.
News on the injury front just keeps coming for the Montreal Canadiens. Victor Mete is out for the remainder of the season after suffering a foot fracture. Jonathan Drouin continues to deal with an ankle injury, while Xavier Ouellet is close to returning.
The Canadiens recalled Charles Hudon on an emergency basis. Jake Evans was also recalled. Karl Alzner and Xavier Ouellet were sent down, but only as paper transactions to ensure their eligibilty for the AHL Playoffs, should Laval make it. Meanwhile, Canadiens prospect Jesse Ylonen is reportedly set to join the Laval Rocket.
Claude Julien faced some criticism for the load Carey Price has carried this season. He was quick to dismiss the notion when asked about it following the Canadiens loss against the Rangers. He continued to show his frustration with the lack of success, while giving praise to Marc Bergevin, saying his decisions are “strategic”.

Segment 2: The Big Topic

The Trade Deadline has come and gone and the Canadiens were relatively active. They traded Ilya Kovalchuk to Washington for a 3rd the night before the deadline, before trading both Nate Thompson and Nick Cousins on deadline day.
The moves that weren’t made were perhaps more notable, the Canadiens opted to keep both Jeff Petry and Tomas Tatar. Rick and Joe take a look at how Marc Bergevin handled the deadline period and take a listen to some of his comments at his press conference following the deadline.

Segment 3: Have Your Say

Reading your responses to the Canadiens Connection question of the week: Which Habs players will likely be moved before the NHL trade deadline?
Listener’s calls and texts
Bad tweet of the week

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