NHL: Bergevin Habs-olutely had to go

The GIST: Yesterday, the Montreal Canadiens fired general manager (GM) Marc Bergevin, as well as several other senior executives. Oof.

Context: After last season’s surprising (just calling it how we see it, Habs fans!) Stanley Cup Final run, the Canadiens — who currently sit second to last in the Atlantic Division — have had a rough start to the season, hence the many off-ice changes.

• While there’s no known successor yet (an ex–NY Rangers GM has been hired as vice president of hockey operations), club owner and president Geoff Molson will address the media today at 11 a.m. ET.

The Canadian context: While Habs supporters can expect some chirps from fans of the Atlantic Division–leading Toronto Maple Leafs, or those riding the West Coast Edmonton/Calgary success, the Canadiens are on par with the Vancouver Canucks and still have some ground over the Ottawa Senators, who are sitting at the bottom of the Pacific and Atlantic Division, respectively.