Darren Dreger: Expect more compete and more energy when Vegas and Montreal face off
Third round, conference finals, semi-finals, whatever name one decides to use, it all means the same thing: win four games and you're playing for the Stanley Cup.
In the unique and never-before-seen 2021 NHL season, long-suffering Habs fans and short-suffering Knights fans get to see the never-before-seen, zero history, no baggage contest between the Montreal Canadiens and the Vegas Golden Knights.
The bleu-blanc-rouge versus the matte black-gold-red.
The former captain (no. 67) versus the former semi-regular third-line defenceman (if Jon Merrill even gets a call).
One of Quebec's finest goalies of the past almost two decades versus the finest goalie BC has ever produced.
TSN 690 analyst Darren Dreger, and anyone who watched the Knights storm back from two down to beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 in the last round, knows things are about to get very different for Montreal, but he is not buying the American hockey fanbase and media that are calling for a stars and stripes decked out steamroller to take out Canada's lone representative in the final four with little effort.
"I have a lot of time for the Vegas Golden Knights, I have since the start of the season, but they're playing in the same league," said Dreger. "Of course the environment is different. Vegas home games are going to be absolutely electric, but why can't the Habs feed off that too."
When it comes down to hockey, Dreger sees the Habs' balance as up to the task against Vegas' depth.
"I think the Vegas Golden Knights perhaps have more depth up front, but I've seen enough from the young guys and the balance between the 30 somethings and 20 somethings to know that they're simply not going to roll over," he said. "I think it's going to be a heck of a series."
Dreger gives Vegas the edge, but thinks the series will go six or seven games.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
RCMP officers had no legal authority to enter man's home, make arrest: B.C. court
A B.C. man has been found not guilty of assaulting two RCMP officers – with the court finding he was resisting an "unlawful entry and arrest" in his home before he was tasered, taken down and hauled away in handcuffs.