Thoughts On The Montreal Canadiens Red-White Scrimmage

There was a lot of players to look for in yesterday’s Montreal Canadiens Red-White scrimmage at the Bell Centre. During the warmups I was shocked at how many players I was interested in seeing in game action.

The first was Carey Price. And, any concerns I had about his health are now over. He’s ready to start the year. His movements look like they did before the injury and that is good news for the Canadiens start of the season.

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Nikita Scherbak won player of the game, and made some nice plays but I didn’t expect him to win MVP. Usually that goes to a guy who scores a goal like Alex Galchenyuk or Max Pacioretty. I assume part of Scherbak winning was a “Welcome to Montreal, rookie” thing.

He was good, though, as you would expect a skilled winger to look playing with Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher in a scrimmage. By all accounts, he is going to have every opportunity to make this team right away. And he just might.

P.A. Parenteau is a really nice addition on the wing of Pacioretty and David Desharnais. Strikes me as a more skilled Erik Cole. This isn’t so much of an impression made yesterday, but in general.

Magnus Nygren had a nice hit in the first period and otherwise looked comfortable with the puck. He’s an NHL defenceman. But…

Nathan Beaulieu was outstanding. From leading the rush, to playing in his own end, his confidence is just sky high. It was always his spot to lose, but man. He’s looking really good.

I also liked Jarred Tinordi. Greg Pateryn also played well and got a couple of hits. This team has a ton of defencemen who can step in at the NHL level. Francis Bouillon need not apply.

I was intrigued by Jiri Sekac. It’s hard to scout players in a scrimmage, but I think he can contribute. I’m looking forward to the pre-season and to see which players are put where.

Last but not least, the player I found myself looking at was Drayson Bowman. He looked like a skilled Dale Weise. I think he should get a contract, but will likely start in Hamilton even if he does get a contract. He will play in the NHL, though.

RAPID FIRE NOTES

Max Pacioretty and Mike Weaver went at it a good 30 seconds in the corner. It must have been like a dream for Weaver.
Michael McCarron had a scoring chance, which I guess is better than not having a scoring chance.
Charles Hudon and Sven Andrighetto will make Hamilton very fun to watch, until they get to the NHL.
I found it weird that Dustin Tokarski didn’t play, but my guess is that they wanted to give Zach Fucale and Michael Condon some work in the scrimmage and Peter Budaj has seniority over Tokarski for the other spot.
Alexei Emelin may be much better off playing on his natural side. I was hesitant of him and P.K. Subban playing together, but it may just work.

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