Return to Play

NHL Hub Safety, Gelevan, Chaumont, Mingioni | Press Zone ep. 133

The Press Zone for Hockey Prospects (formerly From The Press Box) ep 133 | Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, NHL, AHL, Rocket Sports Media

Photos by Montreal Canadiens (L) and Philadelphia Flyers (R)

ROCKET SPORTS MEDIA — Welcome to The Press Zone for Hockey Prospects (formerly From The Press Box) on Rocket Sports Radio! This premier podcast featured on The AHL Report provides hockey fans with the latest news, analysis, and commentary regarding the Laval Rocket, Lehigh Valley Phantoms and teams all around the AHL.

The Press Zone on Rocket Sports Radio

Hosts Rick Stephens (@AllHabs) and Amy Johnson (@FlyersRule) will provide information on the American Hockey League, as well as the ECHL, junior hockey leagues, international hockey, prospects, and potential NHL draftees.  It’s an informative and entertaining weekly show brought to you by a team of credentialed, knowledgeable hockey journalists!

This Week’s Topics

Segment 1: Montreal Canadiens

  • NHL teams announce rosters as teams head to hub cities
  • Safety inside the NHL bubble
  • Habs Preview with special guests Doug Gelevan, CBC Montreal and J-F Chaumont, Journal de Montreal

Segment 2: Philadelphia Flyers

  • Flyers Preview with special guest Anthony Mingioni, Center Ice Philly & Off The Post Radio
  • Flyers offering local business free advertising
  • Rocket Sports Media coverage for NHL Return to Play

Segment 3: The AHL & Beyond

  • Media access inside the NHL bubble
  • AHL Business Awards announced
  • Oilers pay tribute to Colby Cave at training camp
  • CHL News: League to appoint Independent Review Panel
  • Feel Good Finale: Sports!

Get The Press Zone for Hockey Prospects!

Missed an episode? You can find every episode of From The Press Box right HERE.

Check out a new episode of The Press Zone for Hockey Prospects every Tuesday, where Amy and Rick will talk about the Montreal Canadiens prospects in the AHL, ECHL, NCAA, OHL, and European leagues, as well as taking a closer look at other AHL teams, news, entertainment, and special events around the American Hockey League.

Don’t miss daily game recaps, player profiles and league news on AHL Report.

Follow all the action on social media: TwitterFacebookInstagram.

Search for “The Press Zone for Hockey Prospects” from Rocket Sports Radio on your favorite podcast app and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on apps including:

And don’t be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

Listen and Subscribe Here

Habs News, Price, Kotkaniemi, Lafreniere | Canadiens Connection ep 90

Canadiens Connection, Podcast, Rocket Sports Radio, ep 90 | Habs News, NHL, Montreal, NHLPA, Return to Play, Carey Price, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Alexis Lafreniere, Draft, Lottery

Alexis Lafreniere (Photo by Ryan Remiorz / The Canadian Press)

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 in the player below on Saturday, June 27th starting at 2 pm. ET or ANYTIME on demand.

Next week’s episode will air on Saturday, July 4th at 2 pm. ET. (3:30 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 Hockey Hall of Fame announced the inductees of 2020. Getting the call this year was Marian Hossa, Jarome Iginla, Kevin Lowe, Kim St. Pierre, Doug Wilson and Ken Holland. The guys ask: Who got snubbed this year?
  • Arpon Basu reported that Jesperi Kotkaniemi will be travelling to attend the Canadiens’ training camp and that he is “coming as a player who is available to play”. Adding some more intrigue to the Canadiens potential return to play. 
  • Carey Price won the Molson Cup for the 2019-2020 season, picking up the award for the 9th time. Price also spoke to the media via conference call this week, touching his desire to play but also voicing concerns over health and safety. 
  • Impact of Coronavirus. An update on Hub cities in consideration, the NHL/NHLPA discussing a CBA extension, Artemi Panarin and Ryan Kesler shared their thoughts on the CBA & escrow, more positive tests for the coronavirus and the MLB announces they will play a 60 game season. 

Segment 2: The Big Topic – NHL Draft Lottery

  • Phase 1 of the NHL Draft Lottery went last night and it did not take long to grab the attention of the hockey world. It was determined that a mystery team will be selecting first overall in the NHL Entry Draft. Not the historically bad Detroit Red Wings, or the Ottawa Senators with two first round picks, but a placeholder team that will be determined following the qualification round in Phase 2 of the lottery. 
  • What does this mean for the Montreal Canadiens? After taking a look at SBD’s betting news section, things are not looking pretty for the Canadiens as recent analysis gave them just a 36 percent chance to move past the Penguins in the qualifying round. So will Habs fans be supporting a ‘tank movement’ to have an opportunity to select Alexis Lafreniere?

Segment 3: Have Your Say

  • Reading your responses to the Canadiens Connection question of the week: How are you coping during the ‘pause’?
  • Listener’s calls and texts
  • Bad tweet of the week

Get the Canadiens Connection!

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on TwitterFacebookInstagram

Search for “Canadiens Connection” on Rocket Sports Radio and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform including:

And don’t be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

Listen Here

Habs Phase 2, Drouin Ready, Bergevin’s Plan | Canadiens Connection ep 89

Canadiens Connection, Podcast, Rocket Sports Radio, ep 89 | Habs News, NHL, Montreal, NHLPA, Return to Play, Carey Price, Marc Bergevin, Jonathan Drouin, Paul Byron, Covid-19

Paul Byron (Photo by Pierre-Paul Poulin / QMI Agency)

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, June 20th at 1 pm. ET or anytime on demand.

Next week’s episode will air LIVE on Saturday, June 27th 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 

  • Cristobal Huet gave his thoughts on playing with Carey Price in his rookie season.
  • Jonathan Drouin claims that he is ready for playoff hockey and that he plays his best hockey in the playoffs. 
  • Rick and Joe give their thoughts on what was an eventful day in the world of sports. The continuing impact of the coronavirus was certainly seen on Friday. Bob McKenzie reported the Tampa Bay Lightning are temporarily closing their training facilities after multiple positive tests, Steve Simmons reported Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews has tested positive for the virus, three MLB teams have shut down their training facilities in Florida and the University of Clemson has announced 28 athletes have tested positive for the virus. 

Segment 2: The Big Topic – Grading NHL GMs

  • Following the rather shocking events that transpired in Buffalo this week with the Sabres clearing house, firing GM Jason Botterill and many more, the guys take a look at how General Managers and front offices should be evaluated. With the comments from Geoff Molson last week, declaring the Canadiens’ progress a success, Rick and Joe look back on Marc Bergevin’s tenure and wonder if he did indeed have a five-year plan when he took over in 2012. 

Segment 3: Have Your Say

  • Reading your responses to the Canadiens Connection question of the week: How are you coping during the ‘pause’?
  • Listener’s calls and texts
  • Bad tweet of the week

Get the Canadiens Connection!

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on TwitterFacebookInstagram

Search for “Rocket Sports Radio” and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform including:

And don’t be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

Listen Here

 

Habs News, Molson, Price, Weber | Canadiens Connection ep. 88

Canadiens Connection Podcast on Rocket Sports Radio ep. 88 | Habs News, NHL,  Montreal, NHLPA, Return to Play, Carey Price, Geoff Molson, Shea Weber, Marc Bergevin

Geoff Molson (Photo by TVA Sports)

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, June 13th at 1 pm. ET or anytime on demand.

Next week’s episode will air LIVE on Saturday, June 20th 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 

  • Alexis Lafrenière has been named the CHL’s Player of the Year. This comes after Lafrenière was named the CHL’s Top Prospect of the Year last week. 
  • Canadiens’ captain, Shea Weber, was named the Canadiens nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy. 
  • Carey and Angela Price announced they are currently expecting their third child. 
  • It was reported this week that Penguins forward Jake Guentzel is expected to play in the qualification series against the Habs. 
  • After last week when it was announced that a Penguins player had tested positive for the coronavirus, this week a member of the Boston Bruins tested positive for the virus. The player has since tested negative in two tests. 
  • Impact of the Coronavirus. Phase 2 of the NHL’s Return to Play commenced this week, while it was announced that Phase 3 will start July 10th. The MLB Draft was this week, which perhaps provides the NHL with another template for this year’s draft. 

Segment 2: The Big Topic – Media

  • Geoff Molson spoke to the media via conference call this week and touched on a variety of subjects, including the report from Rejean Tremblay. suggesting the Canadiens would be appointing a President of Hockey Operations and that it would be Vincent Damphousse. Molson denied the rumour, praised Marc Bergevin for his work and the plan that is currently in place for the Canadiens going forward. 
  • Molson also gave his thoughts on the season that was for the Habs, Phase 2 of the Return to Play plan and Group CH requesting financial support from the Quebec government.

Segment 3: Have Your Say

  • Reading your responses to the Canadiens Connection question of the week: How are you coping during the ‘pause’?
  • Listener’s calls and texts
  • Bad tweet of the week

Get the Canadiens Connection!

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on TwitterFacebookInstagram

Search for “Rocket Sports Radio” and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform including:

And don’t be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

Listen Here

Habs News, Price, Lafrenière, Media | Canadiens Connection ep. 87

Canadiens Connection Podcast on Rocket Sports Radio ep. 87 | Habs News, NHL,  Montreal, NHLPA, Return to Play, Penguins, Carey Price, Chris Cuthbert, Alexis Lafrenière, Group CH

Carey Price, Sidney Crosby (Photo by Martin Chevalier / JDEM)

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, June 6th at 1 pm. ET or anytime on demand.

Next week’s episode will air LIVE on Saturday, June 13th 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 

  • Alexis Lafrenière has been named the CHL’s Top Prospect of the Year. He tallied 112 points in 52 games played and has been viewed as the consensus number one pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.
  • Stephane Waite provided a status report on Carey Price.
  • Rumours have been swirling that former Canadiens’ captain Vincent Damphousse could be appointed President of Hockey Operations next fall.
  • The Impact of the Coronavirus. Discussing the Canadiens joining the “All In Challenge”, more on the NHL’s Return-to-Play plan, a Pittsburgh Penguin testing positive for the virus and the NBA’s return. 

Segment 2: The Big Topic – Media

  • After last week when Group CH requested financial assistance from the Quebec government, this week there were significant layoffs in the company. 
  • Sportsnet made a major addition to their hockey broadcast, signing Chris Cuthbert to do play-by-play for their broadcasts, which means Cuthbert will be bringing his recognizable voice and catchphrases back to Hockey Night in Canada. Rick and Joe react to this news.
  • The Athletic and SB Nation made layoffs Friday.
  • Max Kellerman, co-host of First Take on ESPN, made some comments this week that had hockey fans up in arms. Kellerman argued that hockey is “not one of the four major team sports” citing the American television ratings. The guys discuss these comments and the reactions from the likes of Claude Giroux and Mike Milbury. 

Segment 3: Have Your Say

  • Reading your responses to the Canadiens Connection question of the week: How are you coping during the ‘pause’?
  • Listener’s calls and texts
  • Bad tweet of the week

Get the Canadiens Connection!

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on TwitterFacebookInstagram

Search for “Rocket Sports Radio” and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform including:

And don’t be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

Listen Here

Habs vs Penguins, Return to Play | Canadiens Connection ep. 86

Canadiens Connection Podcast on Rocket Sports Radio ep. 86 | Habs News, NHL,  Montreal, NHLPA, Gary Bettman, Return to Play, Marc Bergevin, Penguins, Qualifying Round

Canadiens vs Penguins (Photo by TVA Sports)

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, May 30th at 1 pm. ET or anytime on demand.

Next week’s episode will air LIVE on Saturday, June 6th 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 Laval Rocket have signed forward Raphael Harvey-Pinard to a one-year, one-way AHL contract for the 2020-21 season. Harvey-Pinard was a 7th round pick in 2019 by the Canadiens and is coming off a productive season with Chicoutimi of the QMJHL.
  • 2018 Draft Picks Allan McShane, Cole Fonstad and Samuel Houde will not be getting contract offers from the Canadiens. They will therefore be available for the next draft.
  • The case of Alexander Romanov is a curious one, will the newly signed defenceman be able to join the Canadiens in the qualifying round?
  • Veteran forwards Brendan Gallagher and Paul Byron spoke about the potential return to play and are understandably relishing the opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup.
  • Top 2020 NHL Draft prospect, Marco Rossi has been named the CHL’s Top Scorer of the Year. Rossi compiled 120 points for the Ottawa 67’s this past season.
  • The Impact of the Coronavirus. Discussing Group CH requesting financial assistance from the Government of Quebec and the ongoing labour disputes of the MLB.

Segment 2: The Big Topic

  • Gary Bettman spoke this week detailing the NHL’s plans for a resumption of play, the NHL Draft Lottery and much more. Rick and Joe take a look at his comments and give their thoughts on the Phases of the potential return and the format the NHL has decided to go with for both the return to play and the Draft Lottery.
  • Marc Bergevin also spoke with the media this week via conference call. The Canadiens’ General Manager gave his thoughts on the return to play and a potential showdown with the Pittsburgh Penguins, provided some updates on players that were dealing with injuries when the season was paused and how he will construct the roster for a return to play.

Segment 3: Have Your Say

  • Reading your responses to the Canadiens Connection question of the week: How are you coping during the ‘pause’?
  • Listener’s calls and texts
  • Bad tweet of the week

Get the Canadiens Connection!

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on TwitterFacebookInstagram

Search for “Rocket Sports Radio” and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform including:

And don’t be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

Listen Here

Habs News, Price, NHL Return to Play | Canadiens Connection ep. 85

Canadiens Connection Podcast on Rocket Sports Radio ep. 85 | Habs News, NHL,  Montreal, NHLPA, Carey Price, Return to Play, Marco Rossi, Noah Juulsen, Cayden Primeau

Carey Price (Photo by Martin Chevalier / JDEM)

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, May 23rd at 1 pm. ET or anytime on demand.

Next week’s episode will air LIVE on Saturday, May 30th 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 Laval Rocket have signed forward Yannick Veilleux to a one-year, one-way AHL contract for the 2020-21 season. Veilleux had a productive season, picking up 20 points in 26 games for the Rocket. 
  • Cayden Primeau was named to the AHL’s All-Rookie team. Primeau posted a record of 17-11-3 with four shutouts in his rookie campaign. 
  • Noah Juulsen spoke with the media via a conference call this week, providing an update on his status in the process and how the current pandemic has impacted his training. 
  • Top 2020 NHL Draft prospect, Marco Rossi, won the OHL’s most outstanding player award. Rossi compiled 120 points in just 56 games played for the Ottawa 67’s. 
  • The Impact of the Coronavirus on the sporting world. 

Segment 2: The Big Topic

  • The NHL have been adamant that they are leaving nothing off the table as it pertains to a resumption of play for this NHL season. This week, the 24-team format gained significant traction and the NHL and NHLPA have been working on that format for a potential return to play. This format would see the top four teams in each conference get byes through the play-in tournament, while teams who would traditionally be on the outside looking in, like Montreal, would get an opportunity to participate. 
  • The Habs inclusion in this format has some NHLers concerned about the prospect of playing a fresher Carey Price in a best-of-three games series, as Larry Brooks of the New York Post pointed out that Price’s reputation has rival teams hoping for the play-in round to be a best-of-five to “temper the impact of a hot goaltender”. 
  • What hurdles remain for a return to play after the executive board of the NHLPA voted to authorize more negotiations on this format? Rick and Joe discuss what issues still need to be negotiated and what they think of the format.

Segment 3: Have Your Say

  • Reading your responses to the Canadiens Connection question of the week: How are you coping during the ‘pause’?
  • Listener’s calls and texts
  • Bad tweet of the week

Get the Canadiens Connection!

Be sure to follow @habsconnection on TwitterFacebookInstagram

Search for “Rocket Sports Radio” and subscribe! You can also listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform including:

And don’t be shy to give the podcast a 5-star rating!

Listen Here

 

Scroll to top