Let's Talk (canadiens)

The Montréal Canadiens are no exception, this organization was also affected by mental health issue you only need to think about two former enforcers, Todd Ewen and John Kordic. The former committed suicide while the later was battling depression when he overdosed. It was since discovered that Ewen suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) which is a degenerative brain disease found in people who have had severe or repeated blows to the head. While this touches physical health as well, it definitely impacts mental health and it's so obvious when you look at all the former enforcers who committed suicide take Rick Rypien or Derek Boogard for instance.

For the Canadiens' assistant coach Luke Richardson, mental health is a subject that really hits home. In 2011, his 14 year-old daughter killed herself. Richardson has since created the "Do it for Daron" foundation which aims to raise awareness, inspire conversations and transform youth mental health. When Shea Weber won the hardest shot competition last weekend, he knew exactly which foundation to donate his winnings to:

The last game in Montréal was also the #HockeyTalks game and the team came out in full support for the foundation rocking the Do it for Daron ties:

All that to say that if you are struggling with mental health issues, speak up! The stigma is history and you should really go out and seek the help you need. I know I did when I needed to as I told you in my blog last year Life and its Struggles If a friend seems unusually down to you, reach out and see what you can do to help. Sometimes, just being there and listening is enough, let them know you care and you might just well pull someone away from the abyss and make them see that help is there for the taking.

Now that we've talked about the important suff, let's mention that Gallagher and Drouin will be travelling to Buffalo with the team and that there is a good chance that Gallagher will play. Drouin will not however and Claude Julien has already said as much. While Max Domi and Artturi Lehkonen did not pratice again today because of the flu, they will also make the trip to Buffalo. This is what the lines were like at practice this morning (for what it's Worth considering the guys whol are likely to play tomorrow):

Tatar - Danault - Gallagher Kovalchuk - Suzuki - Armia Poehling - Kotkaniemi - Cousins Drouin - Weal - Weise

Finally, it looks like Carey Price is alright, he was on the ice at practice this morning. I guess that's good news, although at this stage, winning doesn't do much for the Habs. According to Sports Club Stats, the Canadiens now have a 1.1% chance of making the playoffs while according to Thankathon, they have a 6.5 % chance of winning the draft lottery. The Habs will be back in action tomorrow against the Sabres who have 51 points just like Montreal but have a game in hand.

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