Montreal Canadiens vs. Tampa Bay Lightning: 3 things to watch
Habs wrap up a season worth forgetting in final game at Bell Centre
The Habs wrap up a season to forget against the Tampa Bay Lightning in a home game at the Bell Centre tonight.
Both Alex Galchenyuk and Paul Byron will be honoured before tonight's match-up against Tampa Bay.
The sixth man
This season has been an emotional roller coaster for Habs fans or maybe an emotional bungee jump? Perhaps an emotional sky dive where the parachute failed would be more apropos?
After a historical 9-0 start, the Habs contracted a virulent injury bug that left few untouched.
They made history again later in the season with one for the worst tailspins in league history.
The Habs were out of playoff contention well before the numbers confirmed it. How will fans react at the final home game of the season and what will the players do to salute the fans? Raising the sticks at centre ice seems a little weak at this point.
Jonathan Drouin
It has been a tumultuous season for the young Jonathan Drouin.
What began with an injury quickly unraveled into a trade request, a minor league assignment and a subsequent suspension for failure to report by General Manager Steve Yzerman, who is one man I would not want to face in a game of chicken.
Drouin finally reported to Syracuse in March and was called up by the Lightning just last week. Drouin scored the game winner in his first game back and you have to guess if the bad blood has been somewhat thinned, it was helped by the dire injury situation the Lightning find themselves in.
Steve Stamkos is done for a few months with a blood clot and they are also without Anton Stralman, Victor Hedman and Ryan Callahan.
It's time for Drouin to walk the walk.
Alex Galchenyuk
Alex Galchenyuk was selected as the first star eight times this season and is the Molson Cup recipient for this year.
Perhaps more importantly, he is one of the few players to play every game this year. His seven multi-goal games gave fans something to cheer about and contributed to the hope that all is not lost when you look at the future of this team.
Both Galchenyuk and captain Max Pacioretty are two goals away from the 30-goal milestones that could be hit on Bell Centre ice tonight.
An honourable mention goes to Paul Byron who won the Jacques Beauchamp award given to the player who played a dominant role without earning a particular honour. Both will be presented the awards before the game tonight.