Pierre LeBrun

NEW for @TheAthletic, the Tampa Bay Lightning lost as close a series as they come to the young Habs. But it’s a results business and four consecutive first-round exits won’t sit well with an organization with a higher standard. Would they consider the unthinkable this off-season? ⤵️⤵️ nytimes.com/athletic/72516…

And from my pal @ArponBasu, a fantastic read for @TheAthletic: Canadiens’ tight-knit identity propels them past Lightning, into second round ⤵️⤵️ nytimes.com/athletic/72517…

Takeaways from Game 7 here in Tampa from @ArponBasu and me, updated with post-game reaction ⤵️⤵️ nytimes.com/athletic/72511…

Takeaways for @TheAthletic from @ArponBasu and me as the Habs edge Tampa Bay in Game 7 ⤵️ nytimes.com/athletic/72511…

Seven games, all decided by one goal. The youngest team in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Canada’s lone team left, the Montreal Canadiens advances to the second round. The Tampa Bay Lightning are out in the first round for a fourth consecutive year. Crazy.

Noah Dobson is officially in tonight

Come follow our live blog at @TheAthletic for Habs-Lightning Game 7, nytimes.com/athletic/live-…

Jon Cooper says Victor Hedman remains out for Game 7. Won’t play.

The Leafs and John Chayka have agreed to a long-term deal, per sources.

NEW for @TheAthletic, from @ArponBasu and me here in Tampa: Game 7 and so much at stake tonight. The Lightning look to protect a legacy and the Canadiens seek to build one. Giddy up ⤵️⤵️ nytimes.com/athletic/72491…

Martin St. Louis says Noah Dobson will take pre game warmup tonight and will be a game time decision.

Habs coach Martin St. Louis asked in French what has prepared his young team for a Game 7: “The previous six games. We’ve played six Game 7’s before tonight.” Feels his team has learned so much in this series.

The Lightning slept at a nearby hotel last night. Two road wins in Montreal. Perhaps want to re-create that road mentality for Game 7 tonight ?

Victor Hedman still out here with the scratches at optional skate this morning. Jon Cooper meets media at 430 pm ET ahead of Game 7.

@nielsonTSN1260 Even Micah Parsons !

@PierreVLeBrun I’m pretty sure this statement can be made about every athlete in every sport ever though?

It’s interesting that our only focus seems to be on what 97 will decide to do, whether that’s this summer or next or whenever. And it’s obviously because he only has a 2-year deal. But I mean, nothing is stopping Leon Draisaitl from asking out one day if that’s what he wanted. Not saying he will nor do I have any feeling he will. But just because he signed an 8-year deal doesn’t mean he will necessarily play it out all in Edmonton.

ICYMI, on J.J. Moser and his standout series and breakout year and what countrymen Roman Josi and Nico Hischier had to say about it ⤵️

NEW for @TheAthletic, Andrei Vasilevskiy saved his best for Lightning in Game 6: ‘Best goalie in the world.’ Just don’t call it a redemption game. He might disagree with you ⤵️ nytimes.com/athletic/72475…

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