There was discussion of this in the Smokers' Lounge at the UC last week, but no real confirmed plan of action.  Thus: I will make the suggestion here -- is anyone up for a meeting of fellow puckheads for Sunday Night's game?  (I know, I know -- there's the oh-ficial one at ESPNZone downtown.  Boo.  Real bar and real fans are better than the allure of Ontario Street.)  Suggestions and confirmations most welcome.  Rock.

Just a question here: would it be useful to trade up for a higher pick, in an effort to get a better prospect?  It might make signing Havlat et al easier.  Or: is this a totally rotten idea?

My feeling is that you can hang onto young talent longer, and cheaper, than the established stars that might disappoint, particularly at the price the team would pay.  Something that certainly has to be explored, I think.

If this report from the Montreal Gazette is any indication, they are proper f***ed.

After hearing a rumour that the Canadiens were making extravagant demands on fans who wanted to purchase some of the available playoff tickets, the rumour was confirmed last week in an email from frustrated fan Marc Baran:

"I purchased playoff tickets on the Montreal Canadiens website Saturday for Series 1, Game 3. After waiting forever in the virtual waiting room, I went through the process and ordered my two tickets.

"The final step was to pick the mailing process. It would only give me the super fan option. So I pressed it and to my amazement, I was being charged $385.40 [as of today's rate, $310 U.S. or thereabouts] for two tickets in Section 408 Row B Seats 15-16 (tickets valued at $41 each) and a jersey and brick, and express delivery (valued at 285.90) plus a $17.50 web convience fee.

"I was shocked, I only wanted the hockey tickets! I emailed them back right away and explained the situation. I also called and the lady on the phone said, sorry final sale.

"A half-hour later a gentleman called saying he received my email and that I made a mistake on the process of the tickets. I apologized and said I only want the tickets and not the jersey and brick.

"He said he would cancel the order, but the tickets only came with the jersey and the brick. It was all or nothing. With a child and wife I would prefer to stay at home and watch the hockey game than to pay $385.40 to sit in Section 408 Row B Seats 15-16. Go Habs Go!"

And then of course there is Celine Dion wanting to buy the team -- the prospect of which leads me to issue a RED F***ING ALERT.  I don't mind if a woman owns a hockey franchise.  But Celine Dion?  No.  No no no no no.

Good Lord -- Habs fans, as passionate as they are about the game, deserve better than this mess.