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Michael Ziegler
Education: Bialik High School Class of 2013, Dawson College Class of 2015, McGill Political Science Student. Born and raised in Montreal, the Canadiens have always been a big part of my life. What started out as a way to blow off some steam after a tough loss in the 2011 playoffs eventually became a popular hit with Facebook friends around the internet. On PGT, I like to dissect each and every Habs game and promote discussion about the team. Other interests: Aside from Hockey and sports in general, I love music. During the summer I work for Camp Wingate, a sleep-away sports camp just north of Montreal. Favourite places in Webspace: If you are looking for the latest news around the NHL, visit NHL.com For more Montreal Canadiens talk, visit Allaboutthehabs.com, or hockeyinsideout.com

Conference Final Predictions

(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (4) Boston Bruins Note: Who needs Seidenberg, Ference or Redden when you have Torey Krug? Doesn't matter, though, Sid, Geno and company are too good. Pittsburgh's D with face a huge test, but I believe they will hold up. Prediction: Pens in 6 (1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (5) L.A. Kings Note: Hawks have tons of momentum after storming back from down 3-1 but the Kings are also coming off a huge game 7 win. Jon Quick is, well... Jon Quick and has the ability to carry his team - unlike Corey Crawford. I can see this being the most exciting series in the entire playoffs. Prediction: Kings in 7

Season In Review: Michel Therrien

For part 2 of the Season In Review series, we will be taking a look at Habs coach, Michel Therrien. Therrien was hired late last season to replace interim head coach, Randy Cunneyworth. After being fired by the Habs in 2003, Therrien went on to coach Pittsburgh before returning to Montreal for his second stint with the Habs. So, let's get down to business. Therrien had a great regular season and nobody can take that away from him. He seemed to press all the right buttons at the right moments. The result was not only a more exciting team to watch, but overall, a much better team on the ice. All of this, with essentially the same core of players, give or take a few. The team jumped from 15th place in the East to 2nd place, all while winning the Northeast division. But here's the problem. Nobody remembers a good or even great season if you don't show up in crunch-time (see 2007 New England Patriots). While Therrien and his squad were great during the regular season, they...

Season In Review: Marc Bergevin

What a great season it was to be a Habs fan. Not only was the jump from 15th in the Eastern conference to the winners of the Northeast division a huge leap, but the change in culture this organization underwent was truly incredible. Last year, as a Habs fan, the future looked murky at best. With Pierre Gauthier at the helm and a struggling team on the ice, there wasn't much to look forward to. Brendan Gallagher was relatively unknown and playing in the the WHL with the Vancouver Giants. Alex Galchenyuk, on the other hand, was a top prospect recovering from an ACL tear he suffered while playing for his junior team, the Sarnia Sting. Lars Eller was being labeled a bust (already) and there were no real, top- tier prospects in the organization. As the nightmare that was the 2011-2012 season came to an end, so did the tenure of the evil Pierre Gauthier. Not long after, Marc Bergevin was hired to fix all of what Gauthier had done, and he did just that. Bergevin gave new life to the fans ...

Round 2 Predictions

It's been a while, guys, but I'm back! Here's what I think will go down in round 2. East: (1) Pittsburgh vs. (7) Ottawa Pens have too much firepower that Sens just can't match up with. Plus, I don't think Anderson can keep playing as well as he has. Pens in 6 (4) Boston vs. (6) New York Rangers Bruins have the better forwards, but with injuries to Redden, Ference and now Seidenberg, the Rangers back- end is better. You know what they say, offense fills stands, defense wins championships... Oh, and Lundqvist over Rask any day of the week. Rangers in 7 West: (1) Chicago vs. (7) Detroit Chicago's depth is too much for the Wings to handle. It'll be the closest 5 game series ever. 'Hawks in 5 (5) Los Angeles vs. (6) San Jose The Sharks are looking good but the loss of Torres shouldn't be overlooked. LA's size and experience will be too much for San Jose. Kings in 6 CHeers

Yearlong Predictions

With the NHL finally back (thank god), I decided to put some predictions together for the upcoming season. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you agree, or disagree with. Enjoy. (As you can see below, I obviously have way too much time on my hands) Eastern Conference: Rangers Bruins Capitals Penguins Flyers Lightning Hurricanes Senators Panthers Devils Sabres Habs Jets Islanders Leafs Western Conference: Blues Canucks Kings Blackhawks Wild Stars Wings Coyotes Predators Sharks Ducks Avalanche Oilers Flames Blue Jackets    Playoffs East: (1)Rangers- (8)Senators (2)Bruins- (7)Hurricanes (3)Capitals- (6) Lightning (4)Penguins- (5) Flyers Round 2: (1)Rangers- (6) Lightning (2) Bruins- (4) Penguins Round 3: (1) Rangers- (4) Penguins East Winner: (1) New York Rangers West: (1) Blues- (8) Coyotes ...

Canadiens Draft Grades

What an incredible draft Marc Bergevin and his staff just pulled off. With seven picks in this years draft Bergevin nailed one pick after the other. Here are my thoughts about each prospect and their draft grade. Round 1 (Pick 3)- Alexander Galchenyuk Analysis: Great pick by Bergevin. Big, strong, skilled centerman will be a key piece in bringing the Habs back to the promised land. Grade: A+ Round 2 (Pick 33)- Sebastien Collberg Analysis: Highly skilled Swedish forward was expected by many to be a first rounder. Another great pick by Mr. Bergevin. Grade: A Round 2 (Pick 51)- Dalton Thrower Analysis: Big, nasty, physical defender will be a very good depth player for a long time. Along with his nasty hits he also has offensive upside. Another great pick. Grade: A Round 3 (Pick 64)- Tim Bozon Analysis: Skilled forward put up 71 points this season in the WHL this season in 71 games. Grade: B+ Round 4 (Pick 94)- Brady Vail Analysis: Gritty 2 way center p...

Michel Therrien Hired As Habs Head Coach

Marc Bergevin continued adding pieces to the puzzle early Tuesday morning when he hired former Habs and Penguins head coach, Michel Therrien. Therrien spent 3 seasons as the Habs head coach before being fired in 2002- 2003. While with Pittsburgh, his team made the playoffs three out of four times. Born in Montreal, Therrien returns to his home town for a second stint as the Habs head coach. He has yet to name his assistant coaches. Personally, I am not a big fan of this move. I have never been a Therrien fan, but I won't judge him just yet. Only time will tell. Let me know what you guys think of this move in the comment box below! CHeers Follow me on Twitter: @YourCanadiens