Canadiens May Get A Big Boost From Energetic Forward
Florian Xhekaj's recall and first regular-season game with his brother in the NHL may turn out to be the emotional boost the Montreal Canadiens need to get out of their five-game losing streak.
Video Transcript
So, Ryan, what do you make of this?
Um, obviously, There was some talk yesterday in Toronto with Bradford Living.
The GM of the Leafs, having to temper, um, or, I guess, Get people to put down their pitchforks and torches, um.
Mostly for Craig Ruby, it feels like.
Um, what do you feel the outlook is looking like for Canada?
Um, you guys mentioned Edmonton, but do we see Toronto also as a playoff team?
And how about Ottawa?
Let's not forget Vancouver.
Yeah, I think its going to be maybe not a down year.
But it's not going to be a great year for Canadian teams, uh, Uh, but it is, as you said, it's pretty hard right now because there's such a logjam, Uh, in the East, where, you know, I was looking at the standings, and all these teams are within Like a point or two of each other, and you know, all of them have played between 19 and 21 Games, so you could say, like, "Oh, well, you know, they've got a game in hand."
Well, yeah, we also have, you know, 60 games to go, so it doesnt really matter.
Uh, you know, they have plenty of time to catch up.
But Vancouver, II, I don't know, I don't think there's enough there, Especially with the rise of teams like Anaheim, and even Seattle, for that matter.
Um, the Leafs, I mean, they got a much-needed 2 points, uh, against St. Louis.
I think that was crucial for them, just as a bit of a, A, a building block.
Um, but when you look at it, its like, OK, well, even if the Leafs go on a great run, That probably comes at the expense.
Of Ottawa getting back into the playoffs, or maybe even Montral, You know, I mean, the Habs have been kinda up and down lately.
Um, so, you know, and it's funny, you're talking about regulation wins.
I think most of Montreal's wins have been in extra time.
Uh, so it's like, how long does that keep happening for?
Right?
And is there a bit of a course correction?
There.
So, yeah, it might be a year where we only see A couple of Canadian teams, and I do believe in the Oilers.
I think, ultimately, you know, we're gonna see Maximum McDavid, Uh, you know, like he's already playing incredibly well, and, Uh, really sort of turning it up when it comes to points.
But you know, when they need wins down the stretch, it's gonna be him and Leon Drysel carries the mail, and I mean, they do it so well every year that theres really no Reason to doubt the Oilers?
One last thing on that.
I happened to interview Jeff Jackson, the CEO and head of hockey ops for the Oilers team The other day.
And, you know, he talked about being an Executive, much like being a player, excuse me.
Don't get too high, don't get too low, uh, you know, just.
Stick with the plan, and I think that's what Edmonton will do.
Where it's like, yeah, we have rough starts, you know.
Our autumns have tended not to be very good lately, but then they make the Stanley Cup Final.
So, I'm not really concerned there.
