MHN Daily: Barron’s Impact, WJC Highlights, Draft Odds

Montreal Canadiens

Oliver Kapanen (Finland) and Adam Engstrom (Sweden) are off to a hot start in the 2023 World Junior Championship that’s taking place in Halifax and Moncton. Kapanen was named the player of the game in Finland’s second matchup, whereas Engstrom started the tournament by earning two assists.

Montreal Canadiens prospect Justin Barron could provide the crucial missing element to the power play that may finally lead to an uptick in scoring chances.

Take a look at the top 3 takeaways from the first half of the Canadiens’ season, including the strong play from the rookies as well as Nick Suzuki’s leadership.

Fans of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft will like this one. Thanks to a lack of results for both the Canadiens and the Florida Panthers in recent games, the Habs’ odds of drafting first overall keep going up.

National Hockey Now

NYI: The Islanders enjoyed a one-sided 5-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, in what was described as their best game of the year.

BOS: Do the Bruins even need Patrick Kane for Christmas?

PGH: Unlike the Islanders, the Pittsburgh Penguins did not enjoy the festivities on Tuesday night, in a matchup that was described as their worst game of the year.

PHI: The Philadelphia Flyers can sleep easy, it appears Carter Hart will not miss significant time following a collision.

WSH: Washington Capitals defenceman Matt Irwin is playing more than ever, embracing pressure and injuries.

FLA: The Florida Panthers received some good news, as both Aaron Ekblad and Sasha Barkov were present at the team’s last practice.

DET: The Detroit Red Wings are suffering from post-holiday depression.

VGK: The Vegas Golden Knights signed Matyas Sapovaliv to an entry-level contract.

SJS: Erik Karlsson keeps scoring but the San Jose Sharks keep losing.

DAL: Roope Hintz played the hero in the Dallas Stars‘ win over the Nashville Predators.