François Legault’s face mask puts Canadiens back in spotlight

When the Quebec premier held his daily COVID-19 news conference at Place des Arts, he put on a bleu-blanc-rouge mask with the Canadiens logo on it that had been made by Longueuil company Image Folie.

Legault said the mask had been sent to him by Canadiens captain Shea Weber.

When NHL commissioner Gary Bettman decided to “pause” the NHL season on March 12 because of the coronavirus, the Canadiens had a 31-31-9 record with 11 games remaining and appeared certain to miss the playoffs for the third straight season and the fourth time in five years. Their final regular-season game was slated for April 4 in Toronto against the Maple Leafs.

All that said, the Lightning have to figure out a way to keep at least Cirelli, a future Selke Trophy winner as the League’s best defensive forward and potential future captain (although Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos is certainly not going anywhere). Cirelli is the perfect third-line center in the NHL today, especially playing behind Stamkos and Brayden Point. He has breakaway speed, a high hockey IQ, strength in the middle of the ice, and the versatility to move up the lineup if necessary (if, for example, Tampa Bay wants to play Stamkos at right wing). You win in the NHL today with strength down the middle, and the Lightning have that. If they can’t keep Cirelli, they could have a difficult time replacing him without having to rob from another area.Tennessee Titans for NHL Face Masks

Which team is more built for a deep playoff run after this bizarre yet exciting offseason, the Boston Bruins or the Toronto Maple Leafs? — @DCorgs05

Sorry if this is off topic, but I’m curious if you know what the policies are with American Hockey League players signing with active ECHL teams seeing as some are set to begin their seasons in the coming weeks. Will AHLers be sent down to stay active? — @LacesOutFinkle