Marc Denis: A Few Habs Stepped Up In a BIG WIN!

0:00Pas l'arrant, le voilà derrière Swaymen, Suzuki revient le long de l'arrant, il hésite, remet derrière Alain Hotsun. Hotsun avait une fin, qu'au départ passe derrière Hotsun, derrière Hotsun Suzuki. 21. 2 de trite, on va rejoindre Marc Deneig. Good morning Marc. Good morning John, and he knew, right? I just forgot about it. I thought, you know, jump right from 40 to 50. 41. Great answer. You know, it's those moments though, Marc, to be between the benches

1:02and then to be able to be in the middle of that and to feel that energy. I mean, is it true that like it never gets old? It is. I'll tell you this. I don't. I've been around the game, so I don't get really high or really low. I've seen a lot. I'm not part of the organization per se, but those moments, I think, well, first of all, the fans understand the assignment. Cole Coffield certainly understood the assignment there. And I'm kind of, you know, whatever you want to call it, microphone holder, but to be in the middle of it is absolutely amazing. So one of the favorite part of my job, you know, it's, it's a happy moment for, for all when you're doing it. And it's one quick hockey question. And then a moment for the fans and the player to kind of communicate directly, right? So yeah, it's, it's tremendous. And it is also true that the bell center is no equal. I mean, to the roar of how loud it was

2:07at 40, and they beat the Bruins was, was pretty amazing. So yeah, it was a good night. It was a good night in what a scenario, right? To score number 40 and be the first ever skater to set foot on bell center rights or the first ever 40 goalscorer on bell center rights is pretty amazing. No kidding. At least the first one for the, for the Montreal Canadians. For the apps, yes. All right. And the way the Canadians played in their last three divisional games. There's the game against the Leafs, the game against the Senators last week. And then we know what happened over the weekend. And we talked a lot about that, especially on Monday. What do you make if anything of the fact that they seem to be able to buckle down and tighten up and be better seemingly in these crucial divisional games at this time of year? Yeah. Great news. I'll say this. I think the best of news is it means the message is definitely getting out of the game. So, what nothing I said was selling they're buying because I thought they were very cautious

3:11against Boston. They didn't risk too many hope plays. Calculated as a word that comes out of nothing I said was mouth quite often. And I thought they were very calculated and a lot of things they did. So, I know you emphasize how they haven't won two to one games, but you know, they beat the Leafs three to one with an empty net. They beat Ottawa and Boston and that's the type of game you're going to win down the road. Or you're going to play down the road. And hopefully if you learn to win them, that's you check another box, right? Experience. You've played those games. They're young. So, they're still going to try to run and go sometimes. And it's how much you want to hold them back and how important is the game or the moment of the game. Because all games are important. At this point, I think we've we've hammered the point of that and for 600 is outside of the playoff picture in the east. I mean, we all know that. But the moment in the game, right? Because you're not going to win all of them. But when it's on the line. When there's a point there, how do you react and how do you

4:12weigh the pros and cons of trying and going all out or just taking a step back, living to fight another shift, another day, another period and going win it and over time when there's 20 seconds left. I mean, that to me is the next step in the revolution and the maturity of that team. I know you're fond of saying sometimes to us, you know, be where your feet are, right? Like it's a game at a time. And you know, you're not worrying about games in April. You're worried about handling, you know, a pretty tough opponent in Detroit in the third and final meeting of the regular season between these two teams. But I can't help myself. But sometimes wonder about looking for markers that, you know, show improvement, show that this team can find another gear, play a different way, come playoff time if they get over the line. Which I expect them to do. Which takes me into Zachary Bulldog and Alex Texier. I like the edge of their games against Boston in particular. I mean, it'd be nice to see Bulldog score a goal. But, you know, finishing hits, drawing penalties mark. I mean, that's the kind of stuff to me that can add up in the good books of his coach and that could help this team, you know, in a pivotal first round series potentially.

5:14Are you seeing better markers from Zachary Bulldog lately? I'm glad I saw a reaction from being scratched and having a better game. It'd be really interesting to see where Josh Anderson is at. He didn't practice yesterday. If he's, you know, healthy or even available for tonight's game. But there's definitely a component to Bulldog's game. I'm not comparing Anderson and Bulldog, but he has the pace to be there, to be first on the forecheck. And he has the ability to be physical. He also has a great shot. So I'd like to see both of these elements more consistently. But yes, I really like what they brought as a line. I liked it. I think they have the speed to be there on the forecheck. And it doesn't always have to be over physical. But like you need to get in there, to get in the battles, forsternovers, to hurry up the opponent's defenseman's plays. So you can get the puck back and Evans is very responsible.

6:16So yes. So yes, I like both of their games. I think Tixie has been very noticeable offensively every time he's been used, utilized, right? He's, every time he's played. I mean, sometimes yes, there could be some lack of days that call defensive zone plays at times. But I think all in all, Tixie has been pretty consistent. That's what I'd like to see a little bit more consistency from Bulldog's game. To, to take him and the Montreal Canaanston next level, you're talking about the playoffs games. That's what you need. You need that consistency. Shift in and shift out. The newest tracks. Let's go. Music. And the next big thing. Always on the new music first. You're first place to hear it all. Because you don't like it, love it, want to play it twice. Playing now. I heart new music. Your digital station for brand new drops, fresh vines, and tomorrow's bangers. I think we need something new. Discover I heart new music. Always fresh. Always first. Stream now. On the free I heart radio app.

7:18We're talking with Mark Denise. We do every Tuesday, Thursday, the Canadians and Redwings tonight. From Detroit, Little Caesars Arena on RDS and here on TSN 690. I'm curious about the difference year over year, in terms of the Canadians chasing down a playoff spot, the way that they were at this time last year, versus where they're at right now, which is certainly looking in the rearview mirror, and very much still having work to do in order to get to the playoffs. But how are those two things different and is this version less exhausting from a mental standpoint? Well, you don't have to, hopefully you don't have to until the end of the season, do as much score more watching. I mean, last year you needed help. You needed to take care of business, obviously, but you needed help left and right, and emotions can get the best of you, right? Because you're sitting on your couch and a team winning or a team losing has influence on where you're at.

8:18It doesn't so much this year. Obviously, it's very tight. It's very tight. The Senator has lost a big one last night. It's still very tight in the Atlantic and in the Eastern Conference. But you know that taking care of business is where you can focus all of your energy. You know that by not playing last night, you're not going to lose ground. So yes, I think it's less exhausting, but it's just as much a challenge because you haven't lived it this way, right? You were the other way around. You were a little bit like the Blue Jackets, who I'm not going to say they're not playing with any pressure, but there's a lot less pressure for the Blue Jackets. I mean, they change their clothes. They kind of weren't supposed to be in the picture, and all of a sudden it's like, hey, we went tonight against the Rangers and we probably will have a playoff spot. That's something. So I think for a young team to live both is outstanding if they can, and like you, Sean, I think they will, but if they can secure that playoff spot,

9:18then they're going to have a new experience getting to the playoffs in two different ways and back-to-back seasons where, let's be honest, it wasn't clear those were going to be playoff years. How do you feel about Kate and Gullian, his look with Alex Carrier, in terms of making both of them better while they're out there on the ice for this team? I think there's been inconsistencies in Gullian's game. There's no doubt. I'll say it again. I mean, he's 24, and he hasn't played 200 games yet in the NHL level, so there's games missing there, but I really liked his game against Boston. I thought he was arguably... It's tough to say the math because they all had... Actually, all 60 men played really, really well in that game. They all took care of business. They did what they had to do. Will it be perfect, never? Will there be hiccups and mistakes here? And they're absolutely, but... I like everybody's game, and then Gullian playing really well with Carrier

10:19was able to get a little bit more ice time, obviously on the penalty kill when Carrier gets four there. But yeah, I liked his game. I liked his demeanor. I liked his physicality, but he wasn't chasing it. That's important as well, right? His physicality can be when he's on top of his game. If you start chasing it, then you're leaving something behind. So I really enjoyed it. I liked his game. There's no doubt. I thought it was one of the better games he's played. I remember the Colorado game was a really good one. I remember the Islander Saturday night at home was a really good one. Those are probably the top three games this season and definitely a good time moving forward. What about the goalies? What are you expecting here tonight? Yeah, I don't know. No. Listen, a couple of things you're asking. As long as Fowler is here, I want to see him play at least once a week. So if it's not today, then it's Saturday.

11:21Every time you've turned to one goalie to play more often, we talked about this right before, but let's say it again though, every time all three goalies when they've been called upon to play a little bit more, it hasn't gone much reals way. If you're with the philosophy of, whenever Dolbeche has a little bit more time to recover to work with his goalie coach, he's been really, really good. And Fowler remains pretty steady and calm. Then maybe it's followed tonight. But I would totally be on board with saying, hey, there's 15 games left now. We need to figure out if Dolbeche can play, not back-to-back nights, but back-to-back games, and move from home to go on the road because that's what you're going to do, you know, at least once and hopefully more than then to play off and see how he reacts. I like this game, Dolbeche. I like how I'm enjoying how he's improved so much at managing the game, playing the puck outside of his crease, helping his defense and communicating, left theatrical, more efficient.

12:23I've enjoyed this progression. So I'd be on board with that. But since I want to see Fowler play every week, or at least once a week is what I mean, so there's no wrong answer. And you know what, there's been a lot of wrong answers, unfortunately, for the beginning of the season. So I think it's a good situation. Where do you guys stand on this one? I would start Fowler tonight. You talk about the rest, Conner's brought up the rest, and the numbers that back that up, it's good. And the other thing just from an old way of thinking, like the gut feel in terms of, I've seen Fowler play big games at big times over a couple of different opponents already. So like the trust to me is kind of, it's not maxed out, but it's built up enough where this is a big road game, and I've seen him do it. And I've seen him do it before. I've seen him beat Pittsburgh. You know, on the road in Pittsburgh, I've seen him do it. But it's also, I think it's, and it's like there's no question that I'd go back to Dolbeche on Saturday night. Yeah, personally, and then it's Fowler on Sunday.

13:23But yeah, that's, that would be my, my approach here, like, okay, Dolbeche was unbelievable on Tuesday, I thought. Yes. And he's got the net on Saturday, of course, but no, you're a move, kid. Let's see what you got here. That's, that's where I'm coming from. Mark? Yeah. Yeah, yeah, I'm still here. I'm on board with both of you. When we see, you know what I like, I'm curious to pick your goalie brain on this. But during a commercial stoppage, and the sweepers are out clearing the corners and clearing the blue paint, Dolbeche moves over to the side and he goes through like these technical progressions, at least that's what I think it is. You know, he's in position, he's hunched over, and he's working, I mean, is he working on fields because one of the, one of the things that's been said about him, and you've touched on this as well, like what's his style? I mean, he's kind of, you know, he's aggressive and he's wild, he makes these very athletic, unconventional saves sometimes. But yet, during commercial time, he's working on the technical aspect. What's he, is he going through fields, progressions, what's he doing there? Yeah, I think it's,

14:24it's one way to get your, get back to your bases. You know, like get back home and have your routine. There's also superstition there, there's no doubt. Every goalie's going to be different. Follow really laid back, comes to the bench, has a sip of water, and talks with, with the backup goalie. I mean, he's really laid back. Dolbas uses that time to stay focused and concentrated and go through his routine. Yeah. There's, you could, you can work on your puck-tracking and eyes a little bit during that time, a little bit of your moves. I think it can be draining if you're always dialed in during that 90 seconds, and you're, you're still working out. But if you're just going back to your bases, and we see his routine, there's a little bit of movement, there's a little bit of head movement, and all of that. Stretching, yeah. Stretching, yeah. Stretching, steps to the side. I like it. I mean, every goalie's different. Most of them, most of us, superstitious,

15:24routine, like we'll go through the same thing that's brought us success in the past. That's how we anchor from a sports psychology perspective. He likes to be more active. Some other goalies like to take their mind off for a quick second, check out, and check right back in. It seems like that's what Father does. Dolbas wants to stay dialed in. That's how he goes about it. Anything else? Red Wings tonight? Obviously, a game that's of great importance to both teams. What can you tell us about the wings at this point? Well, they've only won five of their last 15. They're without, you know, their best player in Dylan Larkin. Cop is missing also, may get cleared. I don't think he's going to play the night though in Rasmussen. So that's, there's a three regular forwards. So they've had their struggles, Gibson has had ups and downs, played really well against Calgary, they won their last game. So that's interesting. It's a big challenge. I mean, if one team falls off the playoff picture, I mean, it looks like, because of their injuries,

16:24and it didn't have any injuries earlier in the season, now they do. They're in a tough spot. They're in a tough spot, because, as we mentioned, they can be overtaken by losing to the Montreal Cadets tonight. I think this is a good matchup. I mean, they have comfort playing all the way up on the first line with Patrick Kane. I don't think I was the plant. I mean, Lucas Raymond is arguably the more dangerous offensive weapon than he's there and he's healthy. But it's, this is definitely a team that can be taken. They have a lot of veteran presence. I mean, falls, they acquired. Peralde got back. Kane. These are all players, I mean, JVR. These are all players well into the 30s and with a lot of experience. So I think the speed of the Montreal Cadets can give them some headaches. All right. We'll be watching. Seven o'clock on RDS. Mark, thank you. Have fun down there in Detroit. And we'll be watching tonight. Yeah. Sounds good. Cheers. Have a good game, guys. I'm ready for a good game. I'm ready for a good game.

17:25So the last time these two teams played each other, the Red Wing shut out the Canadians for nothing. Yeah. And the first meeting, the Canadians beat the pants off them. Five-one. That was like early October. Exactly. And this is the third and final matchup in the teams this season. Yeah. But I think it was to bring it out a big night for the Red Wings in that four-nothing loss on the back in Jan. It feels like a long time ago. Anyway. Well, the four-nothing fowler shut out winter. Whoa. What? I mean, hey, I'll take it. It would be great. Love that. Regulation. I don't need overtime. Regulation wins. Yes, please do that. Please, Connor, please. I'll come it up next. How did 30 camels get kicked out of some sort of a camel contest for using PEDs? What do PEDs do to camels? And what is a camel contest? It's all coming up here in the morning show. I'm Luke Wilson. Join me each week for Film Never Lies. Since retirement from the NFL, I've had a lot of my mind now. Got my own show. So if your tire to lazy takes, if you want honest conversations, join us each week. Film Never Lies,

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