Habs Daily: Five Canadiens Questions, NewDachSky Line

All the latest Habs news, recent Montreal Canadiens stories, and information from around the National Hockey League.

Habs News

• Jake Allen was given the start for the Habs in their first game of the season. Juraj Slafkovsky was used alongside Kirby Dach on the second line, an encouraging decision by head coach Martin St-Louis. [Canadiens Game 1: Allen To Start, Slafkovsky 2nd Line Vs. Leafs]
• The second line looked great against the Leafs, despite the Canadiens eventually losing 6-5 in the shootout. Dach created space, Newhook scored goals, and Slafkovsky had one of his best games in a very long time. Also, we have to come up with a name for this line. I suggest NewDachSky. But there are many options. HookDaSky is pretty catchy, and DaNewSlaf is rather fitting. Or perhaps it should be called the Hugo Line, since Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton specifically targeted acquiring the players in question. [Canadiens Xhekaj, Slafkovsky, Newhook Shine In Loss Versus Leafs]

Name the Newhook – Dach – Slafkovsky line:

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) October 12, 2023

• Where will the Montreal Canadiens finish in the standings? Can they remain healthy? Who will end up on the top line? Check out five pressing issues facing the team to start the season. [Five Important Questions Facing Montreal Canadiens In 2023-24]

National Hockey Now Network

• Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand took a guarded approach when discussing the NHL’s latest example that they’re maybe not as inclusive as they claim to be. [Boston Bruins]
• The things the Pittsburgh Penguins addressed Tuesday night after their season-opening 4-2 loss at home against the Chicago Blackhawks seemed to strike the right chord and an all-too-familiar one. But what about defenseman Kris Letang’s comments earlier in the day? [Pittsburgh Penguins]
• With Ilya Sorokin secured to an eight-year contract over the summer, the New York Islanders now have one of the best goaltenders in the league secured for the foreseeable future. But can he solidify himself as the best in the league this season? [New York Islanders]
• The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Seattle Kraken 4-1 on the team’s Stanley Cup banner-raising ceremony Tuesday night at T-Mobile Arena. Brett Howden received a match penalty for illegal head contact to Brandon Tanev with 14 minutes remaining in the third period. [Vegas Golden Knights]
• Barry Melrose is a storyteller and his playing days in the Detroit Red Wings organization are the source of many of his tales. He played with the Red Wings and their minor-league affiliate in Glens Falls, N.Y. for the last four seasons of his career from 1983-87. [Detroit Red Wings]
• Danny Briere, the Philadelphia Flyers’ new general manager, talked to the media Tuesday about a variety of subjects, including the expectations of the youngsters, Travis Sanheim’s progression, and the difficult decision to demote Wade Allison. [Philadelphia Flyers]