NOTE: This is the fourth episode of what has now become Habs Beat; a name that better fits with the content provided on the show.
This week's episode has Eric Engels and Steven Hindle breaking down Habs team stats, Alex Auld's re-entry to the lineup, and Eric's assertion that the Habs are a Cup Contender.
Highlights:
Musical Guest and Montreal icon, Shane Murphy intros the show, and plays a live version of his hit single "Done in the Dark" at the 29-minute mark (SPECTACULAR!).
A native of Montreal, and NDG resident, Murphy played the Vancouver Olympics in 2010, was featured at the Montreal Jazz Fest, and opened the Osheaga Music Festival. He's Montreal's worst kept secret.
Murphy is regularly featured at Hurley's Irish Pub (first weekend of the month) and Brutopia's (last weekend of the month), both located in the heart of downtown, on Crescent Street.
Today's version of Habs Beat features Shane's music throughout. Enjoy!
Habs CHL Prospect Update
Through A Scouts Eyes: Brendan Gallagher
As you may or may not be aware, I am attempting to broaden the coverage of your Montreal Canadiens this season by continually checking in on the Habs prospects and draft picks that are playing across the globe.
I have already explored the Habs Russian Prospects with Alex Seren Rosso, and have now turned my attention to the team's prospects playing in the Canadian Hockey League.
The CHL comprises all the Major Junior leagues across Canada(OHL, WHL & QMJHL) and with Montreal boasting 6 quality prospects in the CHL, I thought it best to get a scouts opinion on how these young Habs-to-be are progressing.
In order to help us better understand what is going, I contacted Rick Springhetti a scout for McKeen's Hockey, who was kind enough to provide an in-depth review of Louis Leblanc, Philippe Lefebvre, Michael Bournival, Brendan Gallagher, Jarred Tinordi and Morgan Ellis.
Today, in our 4th prospect interview I will post my interview with Rick on the recently acquired Michael Bournival.
My thanks to Rick for providing some excellent insight and for doing the interviews, hope you enjoy!
Name: Michael Bournival
Current Team: Shawinigan Cataractes, QMJHL
Drafted: 3rd round, 71st overall, by Colorado Avalanche(GM; Greg Sherman) in 2010. (Acquired for Ryan O'Byrne on Thursday, November 11th, 2010.)
SH: Have the Habs upgraded their prospect depth by acquiring Bournival?
RS: I feel they have but then again he has been a personal favourite of mine since I first saw him in 2008/2009. He’s an incredibly serious young man on and off the ice who has never taken a moment of a shift off, solid skater who finds opening quickly, cycles the puck down low very well and goes to the net with authority for scoring chances. Physically, the man is very well-built and incredibly strong. Not sure about his upside offensively at the next level, but I am very confident he will have a regular spot in the NHL one day. He is the kind of player that coaches absolutely love.
SH: What should Canadiens fans know about Michael Bournival?
RS: I have heard some fans complain that Montreal have acquired another smallish forward but don’t let height fool you, he is incredibly strong and hits with authority. Furthermore, he does not pick his opponents. I have seen him stand up to much bigger players than him, even players who have a tendency of being dirty or dangerous.
What I especially like about him is his ability to take his game to a higher level when they are important. He always raises his game when his team needs him or when the games are important.
SH: Bournival is on the smallish side of things, what intangibles help him overcome this?
RS: As mentioned previously, his strength and courage are very impressive.
SH: We recently had Conor McKenna(Montreal Juniors/Canadiens reporter from the Team 990) on our pod cast(Habs Buzz), Conor told us that Bournival has been enjoying success in Shawinigan with 24 points in 17 games(at the time of the interview), informing us that Bournival had also been selected to the QMJHL's team for the Subway Series. Like with Leblanc and Lefebvre, do you see this as an indication that he is being considered for Team Canada at the upcoming WJC's?
RS: He is being considered for sure but like many other players, the competition is very heavy for a spot on the team. He is a good performer in big games so hopefully for him, the decision-makers will consider that.
SH: What player would you compare Michael Bournival to? Do you think that he will be able to overcome his size and develop into an NHL player one day?
RS: I have heard a lot of comparison to Martin Gelinas which is a very good one. I think he will make it to the NHL as a jack-of-all trade player. The size issue is not a big deal for him.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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