The Daily: Canadiens Excited Over U of M Prospect; Pens Woes

The Montreal Canadiens may be starting to believe they have one of the steals of 2024 NHL draft because of their decision to select Michael Hage with the 21st pick.

The University of Michigan standout has launched his freshman campaign with eight goals and eight assists for 16 points in his first 11 games. Haig (Oakville, Ontario) scored 33 goals last season for the USHL’s Chicago Steel.

Montreal Hockey Now’s Marc Dumont writes that it didn’t take Hage any time to find his rhythm in the college game. The Canadiens seem more than pleased.

“Hage recorded a pair of assists in the opening game of the season and has never looked back,” Dumont wrote. “Opponents have only managed to keep him off the scoresheet twice in 11 games, quite the juxtaposition when we consider the number of multipoint games he’s already produced (four).”

Hage produced a goal and four assists Saturday in Michigan’s 10-6 win against Penn State. The Canadiens seem to have another important piece to their rebuild.

A 5-point night for Michael Hage tonight in a 10-6 win by Michigan over Penn State

Here's his goal#GoHabsGo   

CC: @umichhockey pic.twitter.com/MnnYVe5aBT

— Costa Rontzocos (@Rontzeeez) November 24, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff writes about the Red Wings may be digging a hole deep enough to kill their NHL playoff chances.

Detroit prospect Emmitt Finnie serious about his leadership role in the Western Hockey League.

Detroit’s power play,  crucial to its playoff hopes, hasn’t been quite as sharp of late.

Red Wings Extra

Alex Lyon will be back in net tonight when Detroit (8-10-2) plays a road game against the New York Islanders (8-8-5) tonight (7:30, FanDuel Sports Network). Lyon defeated the Islanders twice already this season while giving up just one goal over the two outings.  The second win was a 2-1 decision at Little Caesars Arena last Thursday.  The Red Wings and Islanders are similar in that each team isn’t scoring much this season. The Islanders rank 26th at 2.48 goals per game, while Detroit is 27th at 2.45.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Coach Jim Montgomery, fired by the Bruins last week, was hired as the St. Louis Blues’ new coach. Boston Bruins.

Chicago: The Blackhawks lost to the Philadelphia Flyers and Connor Bedard is still struggling. What’s up with the young star? Chicago Blackhawks.

Philadelphia: Jonathan Bailey writes that the Flyers need much more out Owen Tippett. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski said the Penguins must either fire Mike Sullivan or GM Kyle Dubas needs to make bold moves. The Penguins are falling apart. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Sheng Peng has the story of how Joe Thornton and Jaromir Jagr almost became teammates. San Jose Sharks.