Under the current rule, yes. But that rule is stupid. The cap hit should only stay if the salary left is a certain percentage lower than the last year played (as to avoid front loaded cases like Kovalchuk and Proger). With Spacek, he’d be leaving the same amount he made this year and so it shouldn’t count. His retirement wouldn’t be against the spirit of the 35+ rule. Boy do those cap rules need a tweak.
It’s all a futile excercise. Get to the playoffs. Make the fans have hope. Earn a few home stands extra pay checks. Get ousted in the 1st or if they’re lucky the 2nd round.
Last season’s visit to the ECF was a fluke as much fun as it was being a Habs fan I’d be surprised to see this year’s edition go that deep again.
Price is way better than Halak but Price has played too many games this season. He can’t carry this team the way Halak did last year.
Auld should’ve gotten at least 1 start in every 6 games played this season.
Weber’s fragile? Based on what? He played two years in the OHL without missing significant time to injury. He played at least 65 games in each of his two complete AHL seasons as well. I haven’t seen him shrivel up and cry in the corner during any game of late. He throws hits and takes them. He’s still adjusting to the NHL but nobody is flawless in the NHL when they start off, especially defencemen where their errors are more costly.
This team needs to get back to playing hockey the way they did at the beginning of the season. But will they and how? At least one third of the team is new: DD, MaxPac, Weber, Mara, Sopel, and Wiz did not begin the season with the Habs. Their best d men are gone in Markov and Georges. They’ve failed to gain two points in seven games against the Isles, Oilers and Leafs; lost twice each to the Thrashers, Devils and Sabres; and once to the Avs. That’s 14 games to currently non-playoff teams.
Clearly, the Habs are not an elite team as they cannot win games they are expected to win, at least at some kind of regular basis. Sure, they seem to get up for the league’s better clubs but so does everyone else, except the Senators. And JM and PG are struggling in their roles as are a few of the star players. The underachieving Gomez aside, the Habs have not gotten their moneys worth from Cammy and Markov [yes he's injured but that's a 6 million dollar gaping whole that's been filled with mediocre signings]. Combined, that’s one third of payroll that has held back this team. Of the high salaried players only Gionta, Pleks and Hammer have lived up to their salaries.
As for the Auld signing, PG blew it big time. And JM has mismanaged it — a night off for Carey Price is simply not a sure thing. So what we’re left with is a team that will go only as far as its goaltender and special teams [whose PK has been reeling of late] will take it. That 3rd period against the Red Wings seems like several seasons ago.
The 13-15 record is also deceiving considering the Habs began the season winning 6 of 8 outside the Bell Centre. Overall, the Habs have been slightly less than a .500 team since their 18-8 start which does not give me much confidence for the stretch run.
Still, there is only one team in the Eastern Conference that should be feared, maybe a second in Boston that appears to be improving as the season progresses.
As it happens every season, one to two teams will emerge down the stretch that will be a force in the playoffs. The Habs have the opportunity to be one of those teams but I just can’t see it with their current roster and with JM limiting the minutes of some of the hungrier younger players on the team. To this end I say unleash them — let them go, let them play. We need to find out what these players can do and what better time to see it than at crunch time. Veterans need younger players as much as the latter need the experienced guys. They need to feed off each other and the chemistry will come. JM needs to loosen up a bit and stop coaching the team as if it’s a tired, old constipated geriatric.
There are some young, likeable talented young players on this team. Let them play.
well mostly cause toronto, atlanta, florida, ottawa, NYI are all teams worse than us no matter what way you spin it.
Buffalo and NJ might cause some disruption…but NYR and Carolina are not much better than us…or even worse for that matter. the only difference is that we can make excuses for markov + gorges and the fact that gomez is a black hole.
Agreed! Time to make the transition JT alluded to: moving from fear of losing to the drive to win. THEN we’ll have a team that is a proper custodian of the tradition.
The team is volatile, just like the TSX or Dow Jones stock market, up then down, up then down, up then down…….doom and gloom for many years and no fast recovery .
Happy now punkster?
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
Clearly, the Habs are not an elite team as they cannot win games they are expected to win, at least at some kind of regular basis.
On the other side of this coin are some very timely and key victories against teams they had absolutely no business beating
-Vancouver
-Boston
-Washington
-Pittsburgh
-San Jose
…And dont forget how super sexy it was to beat Washington and Pittsburgh in last year’s improbable playoff run. Time and time again this season and last, this team has stepped up when it matters.
…And now it matters…again. Let’s just see what happens. Maybe Sopel and his enthusiasm for playing in montreal just might be the trick down the home stretch
Yeah – I meant in terms of re-signing him for the next year or two. Gill was a good signing at a good price – just wondering if Sopel might be the same kind of a pick-up. He has sat in the press box a few games in Hot-lanta. Hope he’s nice and steady back there.
Looking forward to see SOPEL in there tonight, tough western veteran, exactly what we needed back there, now if we could make our 4th line consisting of MOEN-WHITE-HENRY, then lets take on BOSTON and PHILLY, we would crush them… get our #1 back to KOST-PLECK-CAM and #2 GIO-GOM-PAX and #3 POU-DESH-DARCH… bring it on i say… its our only hope…
1:The N.A.G.S. (North American Grit Speed) Youth Movement will bring us respect. 2: 02/09/11 never forget the masacre 3. ..call up WHITE/SHULTZ/HENRY/PAX now.
Not unless Cold Lake, AB is the name of a street in Thunder Bay – which it isn’t.
Minor Hockey
Auld played most of his minor hockey in his hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario with the Thunder Bay Kings program. He was a minor hockey teammate of future NHLers Taylor Pyatt and Jason Jaspers and their Kings team was runner-up in the All Ontario Bantam AAA championships in 1997 played in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
I watched him play up here – taught some of the kids in the Kings’ program.
Don’t fret, man. Things will look a bit better after a few wins. I don’t have illusions (or as one guy said last night “dilusions”) of this team going deep and as we agreed last fall on here (remember?) we’re a couple of years out from a real contender. I’m enjoying the ride so far. Frustrating and exciting, back and forth, good and bad. Chill and we’ll see how the next year or two pans out, hopefully the way we thought it would.
When will this team acquire a good 2nd line center? And when will it decide that Halpern is not a first line winger and that Alex Auld isn’t a very good backup. Maybe if he had more work he’d be better, but Price plays a lot of games so they need a backup who just picks up from his last start. Obviously Auld feels lots of rust when he’s not playing much. As much as I hate Martin’s style of boring hockey, he has no choice but to play the team that way. They don’t have the horses to run and gun and the defense is too depleted and full of rookies and aging veterans to make offensive hockey work.
I’m a little frustrated today because I look at Pouliot, Kostitsyn and Gomez and wonder why the heck these guys have jobs? I mean, I’ve had moments where I really enjoyed their play, but overall, they drive me nuts. This team has a decent core of bottom six forwards. They play hard and do a decent job. But the scorers are pretty pathetic, and no disrespect meant to Gauthier or Gainey. They need some size and some grit in their top six ranks. Plekanec is a small player, but he works hard every night. He’s fine. And Gionta and Cammallari do their best. I have no problem with them. But those guys need some support. An RJ Umberger would be spectacular in a Canadiens uniform. This team hasn’t had a power forward since John Leclair and I’m sorry but they haven’t won a Cup since then either.
Hey I have nothing wrong with smaller players, they are generally more exciting to watch. But this team needs some bigger guys to go to the net and score…guys like Franzen make things happen for their smaller linemates. I hope Pacioretty can be that player, but in the mean time, wouldn’t it be nice to have a center who could do that instead of Gomez? He’s like a void. He skates fast and does cool things with the puck, but there isn’t much production. Even if he was making 4 mil instead of 8 I’d be harping on him. Kostitsyn has all the tools in the world to be productive, but he never is. They need to jettison these guys and get some players with work ethic. I’m sorry, just frustrated.
———————————————————————— “Young people have seen that a team can play electrifying, fascinating hockey while still behaving like gentlemen.” ~Serge Savard~
My heart wants to believe, but my head is telling me otherwise. Initially, the team found ways to overcome the loss of Markov and Gorges, but now it seems we are bailing water at a furious pace. The cracks are just too big. A loss tonight will further weaken team confidence which already seems fragile at best. This team has shown a lot of heart but heart alone isn’t enough to sustain for the long haul. My heart wants to believe another magical playoff run is possible, but that will be impossible if we don’t make the playoffs and a loss tonight will really hurt our chances! It is highly unlikely we will suddenly start a big winning streak on the road. We must get every point possible while playing at home. Don’t break my heart boys, it’s too soon!
What do you expect? The majority of the time of his call up he has either been paired with spacek or picard and was the better of the 2 in both cases. I would even say he has been better then hamrlik as of late. I also think weber is being showcased for a trade now that we have 4 right handed defencmen on the roster. Though i don’t like the idea unless its for a player that will help us in the long run,we only have 2 dmen under contract next year and the bad news is one of them is spacek.
did you watch the hawks in the playoffs at all last year? Sopel was playing on their second pairing with hjarmalsson, and i think playing pretty big minutes (i read somewhere around 20/game)
The more i watch JM the more i understand why he has never won….. his line up selections are highly suspect and lets see if he has changed the lines AGAIN tonight… and see how long it takes before he shortens his bench and pretty much eleminate the third and fourth lines from the game.. If we get behind it will happen sooner because he panics .. its pathetic.
“After 13 years, I couldn’t accept to be number two.“ Guy Lafleur.
I did my best to defend Gomez. He failed. He has these play-offs to prove me wrong, but another slow start to the season next year and I’d rather bury him in the minors.
I also defended JM and the system but management keeps on doing the same little tweaks that do nothing more than squander draft picks.
I’ll pull out my favourite BG quote: “We want an exciting team, a quick team, a fast team, a puck-moving, skating, attacking team, and to do that you need to put players in place who have those skills.”
So then why make them play a stodgy defensive game? A game with is turning out to be a defenseive game.
I am not pleased at all. The Habs need size and grit and also need to get rid of 3 of the following
Gionta, Desharnais, Cammy, Gomez and Plex.
I say keep Plex and Cammy. The other 3 just make the forward lines too small IMO. No way we win a cup with those tiny tots up front.
So what’s the point. The Habs could be rebuilding proper but instead seem intent on building a team whose only goal is making the play-offs.
I don’t like it. It’s the same pattern I’ve seen since Roy was traded.
The day the Habs trade a player for a 1st round draft pick is the day management is completely replaced. I am tending to agree with those who say that BG and PG are old men in a young man’s game.
Not when I see teams like Philly turn it around in 1 season. Not when I see teams like Tampa Bay turn it around in one season.
The Habs need to tank. The sooner the better. Imagine having Stamkos and Hedman as young players. There’s only one way to do that.
I am also beginning to doubt the Habs will even have a sniff of the Cup in the upcoming years based on what I’ve seen this season. The biggest glaring examples are all the injuries, injuries due to the system and to the infrequency of Auld’s starts.
This team is spinning it’s wheels in the mud again.
Philly turned it around in 1 season? They’ve been 1st, 4th, 2nd, 4th, 3rd, 5th than 15th (and Lotto pick Van Riemsdyk is 7th among forwards in scoring), than 6th, 5th, 7th and this year they’ll be 1st in the East. They’ve missed the playoffs once since the 99-2000 season, superior 1st-round drafting has kept them where they are, Giroux, Richards, Carter plus trading for Hartnell and Leino. That’s the kind of drafting and trading the Canadiens need to do, pick up the Top-4 Ds and Top-6 Forwards where they should be getting them. If they can flip Leblanc, Tinordi and whoever they take this summer (say Nicklas Jensen) into usable players that’s a major leap forward for the organization and you’ll see an impact.
Tampa Bay, I’ll believe the true turnaround when I see they’re not the Washington Capitals Lite. They have Hedman, but who’s after Hedman? Oh right, they’ve got a bunch of over-30 defencemen signed and no strong young defencemen, they sent off Meszaros and traded one of their leading D prospects for a rental. Their forwards are built on Stamkos and St. Louis and St. Louis is 36. Brett Connolly their top prospect could be the next Marian Gaborik and I don’t mean that in a complimentary way. They’re tied down to the immovable Lecavalier contract. Their goalie is 41 years old and their goaltending future is very much up in the air.
Markov + Gorges injuries had nothing to do with a system. Markov’s injuries I still say can be traced back to that freak accident with Price’s skate, that doesn’t happen, he’s at 100% in the playoffs and doesn’t caught for the awkward hit and subsequently, his knee isn’t vulnerable to re-injury when he’s clipped this season. Gorges was playing without his ACL when JM was the coach of Ottawa, sooner or later, that knee was going to give out. The rest of the injuries aren’t that big and are just the nature of playing an 82-game season.
only 6 teams have fewer road points than the habs…even the leafs have the same amount…next three games are must wins and no reason not to win them…carolina played last night and staal out…atlanta has been getting beat by eveyone and florida is out of playoff contention and may be even weaker by the time we play them because of trades for picks and youth… if we are going to have 4th line forwards who provide as little scoring at least they should be able to kill penalties so we dont have to use our top forwards for pk..
Yeah I love how people and the media warp “from” and “born” to their liking. So I can say Tyler Myers is FROM Texas and Stastny is a Quebec NATIVE. Why not, man, why not.
I’m kind of thinking its a lock. Epic collapses are always an issue you can never predict. But the teams chasing are just slightly more shitty and streaky than we are. Sabres, Thrashers, Leafs, DEVILS… just don’t see it happening for any of them. No reason to.
Do not panic & do not sound an alarm. The last game of the year will be for the final playoff spot and the right to be swept by the Flyers. It would be fitting if the loafs made the playoffs and we did not.
The title for today’s game is “we don’t mean to be alarmist, but…” with a picture of an hourglass. It’s getting uncomfortably tight for us, so no, nothing’s a lock yet. Are you dense? Or just trolling as per usual?
Eller and AK need bigger minutes – they’re dangerous out there. AK has had some very good games this week. That was a great assist on Eller’s goal. Do not trade him unless we get something very nice in return.
Can’t really disagree with the three who were picked. Plekanec had two points and was a beast on the pk, Cammalleri had two points and actually played a good defensive game and Andrei had two points and the game winner.
Can’t believe they allowed AK’s goal. An obvious high stick if ever there was one. I gotta strong feeling that the refs were favoring our habs tonight.
not their best game and have to give credit to carolina playing back to back…maybe this game will jump start the team…some of our d have major problems with forwards that drive towards the net from the outside
There may be no dman in the NHL better at keeping the puck in at the line on the PP then Subban. Why Martin seems so dead set against using him on the PP is yet one more baffling decision to put on that note pad he loves so much
Nice to see Cammi come back and start to make a difference. Nice to see AK finding another gear. Three players that must get better in a big hurry Gionta, Wiz and, of course, well you know…
There are a few alternatives on the waiver! No cost! Better pedigrees!
Auld should be nervous based on his recent performances.
“The Allo Police Media – a collection of bitter ex-coaches, players and wannabees whose collective lack of success accounts for their present positions in Sports’ equivalent of a Jerry Springer Show”
Oh and give Auld more games. He needs the work to stay up just in case. Hell we get to watch one of the best tenders in the league every game so anybody else pales in comparison. Auld is not that bad but he really needs to play more.
Not having the opposition’s best player in the line up doesn’t help out any. Habs have to play with some intensity and physicality. Oops, not this team. Habs have to go to the net with authority. Ooops, not this team. Habs have to pop any players that go near Price. Ooops, not this team.
If the funk continues, this team will not make the playoffs.
We can blame injuries, but I blame the players’ lack of commitment to winning and giving the 2nd and 3rd effort required.
Blaming Martin for the half-ass players he is stuck with won’t cut it either. Carolina is doing more with less, and so are a lot of other teams. Being ousted in the 3rd round shouldn’t mean you take the next season off.
Hey Bill! You had a good time though I’m sure. And the refs sucktititude is magnified a thousand fold when you witness it live. Subban should have gotten a star don’t you think? The Andrei Enigma must stay in Montreal. That is all.
Devil’s advpcate for a minute. Maybe the ref thought the puck was under Ward’s pads at the time. But it wasn’t it was lose and beside him on the right side. The whistle should not have been blown as the puck was still in play.
Had a GREAT time! Subban should have had a star for sure, I called it Pleks, Subban, AK46. I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but the refs definitely seemed to be watching Montreal more than Carolina tonight and it almost got ugly when that goal was disallowed.
I know this might sound presumptuous but I was confident in Auld tonight. He’s not that bad. His real value is more than intangible. By playing him Price gets rested. As well by playing him the Habs are forced to play better defensively and are forced to score more goals.
I can see punkster is agreeing with me on this now too.
This is not a Halak/Price debate. I don’t see Auld as being a replacement for Price in the play-offs. It’s just good management. I also believe the Habs would’ve been higher in the standings as in a few games the Habs seemed to rely on Price rather than play a complete game.
Maybe that’s why those JM Senators teams scored so many goals. If JM had a better goalie back then maybe he would’ve put the screws in his offence and made them play more defensively.
If the Habs can play a fast speedy goal scoring game and be defensively responsible at the same time then this edition can go far in the play-offs even against the thuggish Flyers and Bruins. If they play the JM game of trying not to lose they wont go far at all.
Maybe they should play Auld in the play-offs. Not because Price can’t handle it but because JM can’t.
Reason for hamrlik instead of Wiz comes down to loyalty, and money. Hammer has said hell take a cut to finish his career in Montreal. Montreal is in a position where they can say We’ll offer you 2 years at 2 million per.. take it or leave it. Weber, Gill, and Sopel wont be making that much. You’d have to guess Markov will probably get a 2 year 11 million dollar contract, and Gorges will probably see 3. Everything fits, its just a matter of getting rid of Spacek.
No conspiracy. I think Boone hit the nail on the head. Mtl gets fewer penalties cause we dont establish in the refs mind any period of consistent pressur eon the other team. Referees are taught to watch the players who are trying to thwart the play, so if you are making things happen you are likely to get penalties called on plays ‘against’ you.
The more trades Burke makes, the worse the rest of the league gets. Im praying he unloads Phaneuf and Komisarek on the Flyers, Lightning, or Caps… I can dream
I think tonight it’s because Plekanec was good in the faceoff dot, and Halpern wasn’t. However it would make more sense to give the left hander and right hander the good matchups in the faceoff dot.
I was at the Montreal/Boston Game 4, Kovalev limp wrist due to a slash game winner by Glen Murray. Everyone in the building thought the whistle went. Impossible to tell as a fan in the building when the whistle has gone on most occasions.
Bill,$ 3.5 million a year might be much to you my Habs brother but it’s more than most make in an entire lifetime “and by alot”,so AK’s been good for two game …great, now he has 15 goals and he’s our sniper!
I agree. It’s sad that he wants to finish his career here but can’t put in a consistent effort. Why? I mean, if you’re put in your most desired situation and can’t consistently give your best, what the hell is your problem?
Thanks guys, well the whistle was not audible at the Bell Centre, and it must have been frigging quick, because the replay on the scoreboard showed no freeze at all.
1) The Habs are not a very good team. They create very little offensive pressure and they are soft in the D-zone.
2) PK Subban is absolutely awesome. He was a defensive monster out there.
3) Gomez got booed … in the introductions!! Big applause for Gorges, Markov, Price, Cammalleri and everyone with a french name. Tom Pyatt … crickets.
4) The Hurricanes sucked tonight and Ward was soft.
5) AK46 … you want to trade this guy? He was maybe the best player on the ice. Him or PK or Plekky.
6)The refereeing … stunk. Subban got a butt-end in the face about 15 feet from McCreary … no call. 4 power-plays (one a double-minor) to just 1? Come on.
7) I hate the system.
8) Great fans at the Bell Centre, very attentive and smart.
9) Francois Gagnon said “hello” to me, no idea why.
10) Lots of babes in Montreal.
11) Beer = too expensive.
12) Hal Gill = love him.
13) pre-game player poll, who is your dream date? Carey Price, Josh Gorges, and PK Subban said Megan Fox, good call.
Who won tonight? Let me ask you this. What if Price goes down? What if Price has to play the remaining 20 games with no break? Look, he’s the backup. Dropping him into a game after sitting him on his butt for weeks at a time is probably not the best way to handle a goaltending asset, though not being an NHL coach I’m just guessing here. Next, if he’s so weak in all aspects of his game then how the heck is he 5-2? Come on man, he’s no Price but he’s not weak.
just got home from the game… man, Subban is just SO MUCH FUN to watch. unreal! PHEW we needed that. Hope that was just the jitters from Sopes as he looked … well, let’s just say probably not his best game.
It was a beauty, but there would have been less room for it to go in if Reimer challenged the shot even a little bit. He was massively deep in his net.
Kovy scored a goal, took a pen that led to a goal, gave away the puck in his own end to allow the Leafs to tie in the 3rd, and scored the winner in the shootout.
Yeah but instead of making the third star Subban they decided to give it to Stillman, friggin hilarious. By their logic, Eller should’ve gotten a star.
Not convincing in any way but a damn sight better than a loss. The System Rules!
I’m slowly but surely beginning to agree that Mr. Subban is our best D. His errors are scary but fewer all the time and his puck handling skills and vision are so good. Imagine when this kid finds his shot. I think that may be the reason JM did not have him on the PP recently because that shot has yet to find its groove. Wiz and Hamrlik have the better shots so far but Mr. Subban is not far behind. I’m a big Hamrlik supporter and still think he’s extremely important to this team but Mr. Subban is quickly emerging as the focal point of the D.
Kostitsyn just needs to be kept away from Gomez. Their games don’t mesh at all. He and Eller are developing some major chemistry, and Moen opens up some space for them.
The box score I saw only showed three. But either way, the Habs received no favourtism in that game. Especially considering the two hacks on the arm looking at an empty net that went uncalled.
Thank you. Totally agree. Also should be said that, really, you could only blame him for one of the 3 Leaf goals on Thursday. The change was right because of the signals it sent to the rest of the squad, but I really don’t think it was a case of “get that bad goalie out before he lets in 10 more goals”. I mean, look at the defense on all 3 scores! Come on. ANd he did play well. JM needs to keep him involved — I thought it was great (even if not by design) that he played what was a deceptively important game.
I don’t have a problem with it either, I’m just saying it was PK, and not Pleks tonight, that was responsible for the excellent penalty killing. He must have cleared the zone tonight 12 times or more.
Sorry Tom, my comments were dripping with sarcasm. I guess that doesn’t come through on a computer sometimes. I’ve been bitching about our boys getting screwed around by the refs all year.
They had eight minutes in powerplays and we had two They also disallowed an obvious goal. If they wouldn’t have counted that one I’d have kicked in the tv.
That’s clearly illustrated by Carolina’s 3 powerplays and our 1 powerplay. The likelihood of that goal being overturned based on where it was deflected is very small.
AK doesn’t score the winner without Plekanec’s two points Bugs. Probably doesn’t get a chance if Plekanec hadn’t been as great as he was killing penalties either.
Pacioretty has played well with everyone. So far him and Gionta are the only players who’ve been able to have success with Gomez this season, and that success is still limited as they both produce much better with Plekanec.
Andre producing or not producing had nothing to do with Gomer and everything to do with Andre himself,
He had glorious chances to score on the second line. He also is playing now against lessor opponants and on a line that plays a simpler style. Give it a rest, why the heck do you think Jacques keeps on moving him there ?
You guys in Canada are lucky. Down here in the lower 48 we are getting the ‘canes feed. Listening to Tripp Tracy – yea that’s like his real name – a candy-ass kicker from Harvard doing color Is more painful than pissing on the thrid rail in the NYC subway. Bob Cole is not all that bad.
Only problem is that your two best faceoff guys are on the same line. Works during special teams but otherwise, at even strength, I’d rather see them apart
he was in position, wasn’t screened, with half a net for stillman to fire at… i guess its perfect because it went in. not to mention the time it took to get the shot off.
Come on look where Auld was back in the net and cheating towards the near post as usual!!!!
Buckets of room on the far side!
“The Allo Police Media – a collection of bitter ex-coaches, players and wannabees whose collective lack of success accounts for their present positions in Sports’ equivalent of a Jerry Springer Show”
Having your players literally beaten up on the ice and not having a response is just plain stupid. The league’s players have no respect for each other, so protecting your better players is a good idea. Look at what Komisarek did to Pleks on Thursday night with absolutely NO RESPONSE from the Habs. Soft team of wussies.
Mats Nalsund had Chris Nilan on the bench keeping the other teams honest. Also Mats was 5’7″ but the only other player of note on the 85-86 team that was under 6 feet tall was Carbonneau at 5’11. All the other players that mattered were 6 feet and taller.
The Habs have far too many players under 6 feet tall on this team.
You can’t win a Cup with Cammy, Gionta, Desharnais, Gomez and Plex as your forwards. Not in the NHL.
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FU NHL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111
I have this gut feeling that our new Souray = SOPEL is going to quickly become a crowd favorite… too long have we been pushed around, slapped around, facewashed, crosschecked in the back of the head etc… all this before and after the whistle, basically taking our talent out of the game…. not since SOURAY and MANSON before him did the Habs have a DIFFUSER of BULLSH)^&(*T…
SOPEL is going to be shocked at how our boys get slapped around, but i have a feeling that he will quickly take control of this chaos.
tonight could be the turning point of the season for us…
1:The N.A.G.S. (North American Grit Speed) Youth Movement will bring us respect. 2: 02/09/11 never forget the masacre 3. ..call up WHITE/SHULTZ/HENRY/PAX now.
If Columbus is a seller, 35-year old Ethan Moreau wouldn’t cost much. He’s a character player, 6’2″, 220, works hard every shift. Former captain of the Edmonton Oilers. Will drop the gloves any time of the day or night to protect a team mate.
There’s nothing Burke loves more than being in front of a camera or a throng of reporters. It was funny how Elliot tried to catch him tampering again by asking if he was talking to Liles.
Oh we’re judging two years of work on one game now? Remind me who’s team is on the way to bing in the playoff a 4th straight year, and who’s is looking at missing it for the 6th straight year.
“The Allo Police Media – a collection of bitter ex-coaches, players and wannabees whose collective lack of success accounts for their present positions in Sports’ equivalent of a Jerry Springer Show”
Did Mario Tremblay basically just say that Geoff Molson wants to win this year (instead of building for the future) so he might pressure Gauthier into making a big trade?
Easy to make trades, not so easy to make effective ones. Toronto has improved over last year, but not over when Burke took over. Seems to me like Burke is more concerned with looking busy than being busy.
Does any one know what PG is waiting for ???? every single team in the playoff race in the east has made a move. Given we have picked up sopel but we need a top line winger like jesus we have jeff halpern playing on the top line??????? no disrepect to him but cumon!!!… with the acceptioin of washington picking up sturm every other team has made impactfull type moves… but not us..
“After 13 years, I couldn’t accept to be number two.“ Guy Lafleur.
Word is he has been dangling AK and Gomer and columbus was interested but Huselius is now on the IR so…probably no one else will make an offer for them 2. If we get a forward I will be very surprised.
I actually like Sturm, I think that is a great pickup, for free.
Why make a move for the sake of making a move? The only trade partners we could have would be looking for the one thing the Habs don’t want to give up: a young prospect. I’d love to see a bona fide top line scorer to complement Pleks. But I wouldn’t sell the farm for one.
I don’t think he’s waiting for anything, I think he’s done. Replaced Markov with Wiz, Gorges with Sopel, Spacek with Mara (essentially). I don’t think he’s going to add a forward.
of course the NHL-REF-SYNDICATE only sees the retaliation…. have some hope, we have the goods to DESTROY BOSTON/PHILLY, if only the management would put there pride aside, from their contract blunders.
it all starts tonight – SOPEL is the new SOURAY, the new DIFFUSER/PROTECTOR….I think SOPEL is going to be shocked at how much we are slapped around….
Respect is what we don’t have right now…. but i think it may change starting tonight with SOPEL…
MASSACRE: did you forget already? the BOSTON MASSACRE… it must be avenged on March 8th… and SHULTZ/HENRY take a guy in the box with them, guys like CHARA/LUCIC/THORTON/RICHARDS/PRONGER/CARCILLO etc etc…. remember those guys? you see them in your nightmares….they face wash and punch out PLEK/CAMM/ELER etc etc,
that must STOP, if we even want to begin dreaming of some post season success.
The Habs we love should show up tonight because Carolina is sitting in 8th place. If they were sitting in 9th, then the Habs would just dog it until the final minutes as usual.
Of coarse it has nothing to do with the Fact the Habs who have a small team retaliate when being smothered out of play.
Look-it, the Habs (if they make the big show ) got to get by the Bruins and Philly and that’s NOT GOING TO HAPPEN WITH OUT CHANGES. AND A BIG PART OF THOSE CHANGES INVOLVE SIZE and that’s not happening sooo we’re done!
North AMerican grit AND speed AND youth? So…. NAGSY? And after all that, all we get is respect?
Also: what friggin massacre are you talking about?
Also: Pax is up, gooball. And it’s weird that after exhorting the Habs to not take penalties… your byline orders them to call up both Shultz and Henry.
Habs will have to endure 9+ penalties tonight, an American financial bailout bankrupt powerhouse is on the bubble of the post season, and by the heavens they will make it in… at all costs. Tonight the cost is the Habs.
Enjoy the game, and enjoy the game within the game.
Hoping JM realigns the forwards back to CAM-PLEK-AK / GIO-GOM-PAX / DAR-DESH-POU / MOE-HAL-WHI for starters… maybe we can throw a wrench in their plans….. please players, DO NOT RAISE YOUR STICK OR LAY A HAND ON THE OPPOSITION, IT WILL BE AN INSTANT PENALTY>>> INSTANTLY.
1:The N.A.G.S. (North American Grit Speed) Youth Movement will bring us respect. 2: 02/09/11 never forget the masacre 3. ..call up WHITE/SHULTZ/HENRY/PAX now.
Understatement of the Day: I would really rather see Price…the Canadiens need this one! Four pointer at home means you need your number one…unfortunately, I’ve missed 4 days of work this week because of the flu and I’m just a bartender…so I understand if Price can’t go.
Conboy would be an upgrade on Auld. He is a really great guy and I feel bad for him that he hasn’t stuck with a team, but man he’s been bad lately. And rust should not be an excuse this time around. That Calgary game destroyed his confidence. And whoever told him that he could play the puck should be fired.
for gawds sake keep the 8 million dollarman gomez off the ice. he isnnothing but detrimental to the habs. Give up waiting for him to earn his money. Ask him to cut his contract by 2 thirds or keep him off the ice. Play Deschaineau instead. He plays better for a fraction of the cost.
Can we just give Auld to somebody by Monday. I don’t even want anything back. That was the latest reaction I’ve ever seen from a goaltender who saw the puck.
Well according to one of the more brilliant posters here, when Gomez was out we were unable to gain the offensive zone. I’m sure the Gomez apologists could come up with some even more stupid comments to justify his albatross contract.
I haven’t mentioned the name of Scott Gomez on this site since the day Gainey traded for him. At the time I questioned if Bob had lost his mind. I know, he draws more comments on here than anything this side of a Halak/Price debate, but I can’t help but wonder just what this guy is supposed to be bringing to this team at this crucial time of year. Yeah, he had a good playoff last year, but I’ll take AK and his pay cheque over the Alaskans’ any day of the year.
I think McCabe’s wife is from the NY area. It seems the wife is the major determinant of where a player goes these days. The money is pretty much the same so what the wife wants trumps all.
Ha, that’s before my time, didn’t know it was the same kind of deal back then. I vaguely remember Francis as “that guy on the line with Jagr and Mario”.
When the crowd turns on you to the extent that most Hab fans (including myself who booed Gomez here in Edmonton last week) have turned on Gomez, I think the odds are pretty he demands a trade out of town in the offseason, cause it’s not humanly possible to unload him by Monday
do we still want to trade AK folks? Him and Eller are just magic. I’d like to see what they can consistently do on the same line for a whole year…sick!!
The thrill of enjoying a Montreal Canadien home game in person is exceeded only by the thrill of enjoying a Montreal Canadien home game in person with family. Have a great time Bill. Let’s hope our bi-polar team can win this important game against an opponent that is missing their best player.
Enjoy Bill. I remember taking my 2 kids, roughly 7 and 9 at the time, to a game. They painted CH on their faces, wore every bit of Habs garb they could lay their hands on and my daughter even got on the big board cheering and dancing. Thrill of a lifetime that they still rave about in their 20s.
At the game tonight and pretty happy about it! It’s been about six years since I caught one (in Montreal) … time flies.
This one is extra-special because it’s my 7 year-old boy’s first Canadiens game. Hope those rumours about Auld starting aren’t true, because Carey Price is my son’s hero.
It’ll be interesting to see these guys first hand and see what they’ve really got, especially away from the play. Also, if I see stupid calls, I will do my best to rush the ice and berate the referee. KIDDING.
We’re in section 110, row G, seats 8-11. Me, my dad, my 17 year-old nephew, and my little boy. Four guys with an age range of approximately 60 years, all with the same first and last names (seriously lame), all wearing autographed Habs sweaters (I’m Roy). If anyone is nearby come say hi!!
As soon as I saw Schenns name on that list, I went straight for the x. There’s no way the Kings are stupid enough to move Schenn and there’s no GM stupid enough to trade everything for him.
Gionta doesn’t get paid to get assists, just like Gomez doesn’t get paid to score. Gionta is fulfilling the role he was brought in for, 30 goal scorer.
Gionta has 22 goals and is on pace for 30, that’s what he’s paid to do. He’s not underproducing at all. He’s also solid on the PK and makes his presence known everywhere on the ice. To compare him to Gomez who’s been completely useless for at least 30 games this year is an insult.
Come on man…If management traded McDonagh for Havalat you’d be all for it. Look if you get great hockey players with size ,grit and scoring I could care less at this time what prospect goes ,after all what’s the meaning of prospect!
With Marc Staal injured, McDonagh was on the first Defensive Pair last Ranger game, and logged 22 or 23 minutes. He is already becoming a very good defenceman in this league, and he is only going to get better. One of the worst trades that I can remember. Thanks a lot for setting us back about 5 years Mr. Gainey.
I am not talking about making a trade just to make a trade iam talking about making a trade to fill obvious holes in your line up… we have no second line and we need a top foward play up front .. not jeff halpern or travis moen.. and with a few contracts up at the end of this season its a good time to go for it.. in case no one has noticed we have been stuck in the middle for far too many years now .. to get out of the middle you have to do one of two things..TANK and get a high draft choice ( which i dont think is an option for montreal) or you have to give up some assets and make a trade and i dont mean just a trade for B type players you have to make an impact. And you have to be willing to give a bit to get what we need. It sucks in one way but its a nessessary in another.. we cant tread water forever..
“After 13 years, I couldn’t accept to be number two.“ Guy Lafleur.
Sorry, I’ll rephrase. They posted that they had heard that Moore would be coming to Montreal and that the Blues were very interested in trading for Halak.
I think he’s essentially done too. I’m sure he’s got some irons in the fire and he’s keeping his phone on but I’ll be surprised if he does another. If he does it will be because there’s something available that fits into the long term.
as much as i dont want to say your right … i think you are, and it drives me crazy. they should at least move AK i mean to get something for him anything! But the situation up front it a combination of poor management. the GM’S inibility to fill the teams need when he had a major asset to use to do so.. and jm’s inibility to have trust in his youth and strictly be a coach who uses vetran players even when they are underachieveing… i could go on for a while about this but its discourageing..
“After 13 years, I couldn’t accept to be number two.“ Guy Lafleur.
I wouldn’t really worry about it. It was thrown in last on that list, and Tinordi hasn’t done anything to either a) make himself expendable to the Habs a la Fisher or b) make himself workable trade bait for other teams. The article lists his sole selling point at this stage- his size (maybe the Tinordi name too?).
Some of these sites love bumping up their hits (and ad revenue) by posting shit that generates traffic. That Tinordi afterthought strikes me as just such a ploy. I wouldn’t buy it,
Too bad the Token French guy was out of position on the play. It’s the right call? No. The guy was too slow and stupid to be in the right position. I hate the NHL with their obvious have the French guys too scared to call the game properly in Montreal in these games.
And as a matter of fact. It is a huge issue in Buffalo and is touched on with regularity due to them having home games on most friday nights and then having to play on the road most saturdays.
How often does it happen, at the level of intensity of NHL hockey can a team go a whole game without committing an infraction? It would seem impossible to me. Yet this is the umpteenth time it has happened to us in the last few years.
Hilarious. The official two feet away from the play misses the call and the guy in the restroom has to make the call. I love the NHL. I love Bettman and how his small market crony franchises like Carolina never get called.
It is curious he didn’t see a second of play on the 4-minute PK, but perhaps they are trying to spare him a bit now that they have some backup in Sopel.
I don’t know if they can trade him without bringing in someone else…. Don’t get me wrong, I like Mara & Picard, but can they be a #4 defence man on the team that wants to go deeper than the first round?
——————-
”If you’ve only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It’ll seem like forever. ” Pat Foley (Blackhawks broadcaster)
In all fairness Auld panics makes lousy decisions and gets burned!
The guy just isn’t good enough!
Witnessed by the number of teams he has bounced from and too in recent years!
“The Allo Police Media – a collection of bitter ex-coaches, players and wannabees whose collective lack of success accounts for their present positions in Sports’ equivalent of a Jerry Springer Show”
Whenever the puck goes to Gomez or Hamrlik in the offensive zone, you can count to 3 and the zone is cleared. Every game for the last 10+ for Hamrlik, and all season for Gomez.
If Eller of Benny had taken that stupid penalty by Gomez, they woudln’t see the ice again tonight. But Gomez is back out on his regular shift. I don’t get it.
On a more serious note…remember when the Habs were known to be a team with no stars, mediocre, but successful because of strong chemistry? Where has the chemistry been this year? In the last 10-20 games, the chemistry is COMPLETELY shot…besides a few good moments
Auld played for Martin and Groulx. I guess they thought he’d be a decent back up. Oh well, it’s not like this organization hasn’t made stupid player decisions over the last few years.
It has to cause discontent in the room. I don’t care how many years Gomez has or his rep, it is just unfair. It would created problems in any workplace.
Salary cap issues play a part in it as much as anything else. The Habs reportedly did not want to spend more than $1M on a backup – that kinda limits the options as there’s a lot of goalies out there who think they’re worth more tha that. I have skepticism that assuaging Carey’s ego had anything to do with the move.
Am I the only one who thinks they got an average goaltender, with no potential to challenge for the #1 position, to appease Price after his lackluster season last year? Hell, it’s worked. But Price can’t play every game.
If Eller or Benny had taken that stupid penalty by Gomez, they woudln’t see the ice again tonight. But Gomez is back out on his regular shift. I don’t get it.
Geez, thanks Pierre. Couldn’t find a capable back up in the off season? Had to settle for a freaking Dollarama career loser? Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. I hope you sleep well thinking of the millions of dollars you saved by signing that loser Auld. God that guy is a loser. Loser. Loser. Get rid of him. He’s a clown that should be charged with fraud/
Habs are never able to generate any sustained pressure in the offensive zone anymore. Dump and lose the puck seems to be the strategy. Zero puck support.
Just imagine if he hadn’t played 45 games with Halpern and Darche. Nice players but neither are likely to bring out the offensive skill set of a teammate.
Eller looks rejuvenated playing his natural position. Makes you wonder how much more he could have progressed playing it all season. Oh JM the things you do.
What? Desharnais is playing? This can’t possibly mean that Martin has an unjustified hate for rookies can it?
Maybe it just means he didn’t want to feed him to Kesler last week. He likes him in a good matchup and doesn’t like having him out there against a clearly better opponent.
Boone: Auld might save his job with a good 20 minutes!
“The Allo Police Media – a collection of bitter ex-coaches, players and wannabees whose collective lack of success accounts for their present positions in Sports’ equivalent of a Jerry Springer Show”
They just reiterating what I said earlier, Murray was jerking Gauthier around by pretending he wants Phillips back in an effort to elevate his value, Gauthier said screw you and added Sopel instead.
I have Center Ice, also in the US, also stuck with buffoonery. Im in Niagara Falls, dont know where Sheldon is, but i think its due to my proximity to Toronto (45mins – 1hr away)
The game I am seeing on TV is us constantly losing races to the puck, and losing battles for the puck along the boards. On one shift Cole tied up both Gill and Subban. Where is the hunger for the puck?
third period we have to come out with fire…again carolina played last night…this is a game we have to win but i seen many of these games in the last few years where we play like this and the opposition gets some fluke/bad bounce or major mistake goal on us and wins…we have to overcome this
………………..and McCabe, and Bertuzzi, and the 2nd overall pick (Spezza), and Redden (when he was good), and took DiPietro instead of Heatley or Gaborik. The worst GM of the modern era is so much more wise now that he’s on tv LOL
He’s learning and it looks like the early work with Halpern and Darche is paying off. I rather doubt any of these young guys believe they’re entitled to 1st or 2nd line minutes without toiling it out on the lower lines first.
Actually Henderson scored the winner in that last 3 games of the series. But you’re right, he was just an average NHLer, coming off one of his best years.
And yes, as a guy with a degree or two in Political Science I’m more than a little aware of Ghadafi’s numerous faults. Indeed, in my MA thesis I called for his ouster…and that was four years ago.
Good call by the token French guy. Why do they have to make the Quebec referees look like assholes in Montreal. Are these French guys threatened within an inch of their lives by Bettman if they call the game fairly in Montreal? God what a brutal call. Loser.
NOW Desharnais will be benched, and it’s about time the refs call something on Carolina. All our penalties were definitely deserved, but they’ve committed just as many fouls.
We really do need to deal with this teams low producing players. We should absolutely be lucky to be able to get rid of Gionta, AK and Gomez for a few 3rd or 4th rounders………
JOURNEYMAN.. Hilarious stuff…
There may be other teams, but only ONE Club De Hockey…
Weber is the leader, and one of three Montreal defensemen that are on the ice for more goals scored than allowed at even strength.
Even if he is too small, he is helping this team more than he is hurting it. Give it up, Weber is a legit NHL defensemen.
This team is a work in progress, a very weak team which has not improved since last season.
You figure we would explode and be the creme de la creme in the East.
Yikes, I hat to see this team in years to come.
But we are on a 10 year plan still with Gauthier at the helm.
But hey, the Bell Centre sells out every game and sells wads of memorabilia at the Boutique.
That’s all that matters.
Money, money, money! Who cares for the Stanley Cup!
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
Under the current rule, yes. But that rule is stupid. The cap hit should only stay if the salary left is a certain percentage lower than the last year played (as to avoid front loaded cases like Kovalchuk and Proger). With Spacek, he’d be leaving the same amount he made this year and so it shouldn’t count. His retirement wouldn’t be against the spirit of the 35+ rule. Boy do those cap rules need a tweak.
It’s all a futile excercise. Get to the playoffs. Make the fans have hope. Earn a few home stands extra pay checks. Get ousted in the 1st or if they’re lucky the 2nd round.
Last season’s visit to the ECF was a fluke as much fun as it was being a Habs fan I’d be surprised to see this year’s edition go that deep again.
Price is way better than Halak but Price has played too many games this season. He can’t carry this team the way Halak did last year.
Auld should’ve gotten at least 1 start in every 6 games played this season.
Weber’s fragile? Based on what? He played two years in the OHL without missing significant time to injury. He played at least 65 games in each of his two complete AHL seasons as well. I haven’t seen him shrivel up and cry in the corner during any game of late. He throws hits and takes them. He’s still adjusting to the NHL but nobody is flawless in the NHL when they start off, especially defencemen where their errors are more costly.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
Why dont you two get a room , and go bitch and cry in it together.
Yeah, no sh*t.
This team needs to get back to playing hockey the way they did at the beginning of the season. But will they and how? At least one third of the team is new: DD, MaxPac, Weber, Mara, Sopel, and Wiz did not begin the season with the Habs. Their best d men are gone in Markov and Georges. They’ve failed to gain two points in seven games against the Isles, Oilers and Leafs; lost twice each to the Thrashers, Devils and Sabres; and once to the Avs. That’s 14 games to currently non-playoff teams.
Clearly, the Habs are not an elite team as they cannot win games they are expected to win, at least at some kind of regular basis. Sure, they seem to get up for the league’s better clubs but so does everyone else, except the Senators. And JM and PG are struggling in their roles as are a few of the star players. The underachieving Gomez aside, the Habs have not gotten their moneys worth from Cammy and Markov [yes he's injured but that's a 6 million dollar gaping whole that's been filled with mediocre signings]. Combined, that’s one third of payroll that has held back this team. Of the high salaried players only Gionta, Pleks and Hammer have lived up to their salaries.
As for the Auld signing, PG blew it big time. And JM has mismanaged it — a night off for Carey Price is simply not a sure thing. So what we’re left with is a team that will go only as far as its goaltender and special teams [whose PK has been reeling of late] will take it. That 3rd period against the Red Wings seems like several seasons ago.
The 13-15 record is also deceiving considering the Habs began the season winning 6 of 8 outside the Bell Centre. Overall, the Habs have been slightly less than a .500 team since their 18-8 start which does not give me much confidence for the stretch run.
Still, there is only one team in the Eastern Conference that should be feared, maybe a second in Boston that appears to be improving as the season progresses.
As it happens every season, one to two teams will emerge down the stretch that will be a force in the playoffs. The Habs have the opportunity to be one of those teams but I just can’t see it with their current roster and with JM limiting the minutes of some of the hungrier younger players on the team. To this end I say unleash them — let them go, let them play. We need to find out what these players can do and what better time to see it than at crunch time. Veterans need younger players as much as the latter need the experienced guys. They need to feed off each other and the chemistry will come. JM needs to loosen up a bit and stop coaching the team as if it’s a tired, old constipated geriatric.
There are some young, likeable talented young players on this team. Let them play.
Your ability to forecast doom and gloom is astounding, awe inspiring actually. Come on, do some more.
***Subbang!!!***
Louis Jean says Price is sick, no word if he’ll play or not… Sopel in for Mara.
well mostly cause toronto, atlanta, florida, ottawa, NYI are all teams worse than us no matter what way you spin it.
Buffalo and NJ might cause some disruption…but NYR and Carolina are not much better than us…or even worse for that matter. the only difference is that we can make excuses for markov + gorges and the fact that gomez is a black hole.
it would be a disaster NOT to make the playoffs.
- Gomez is holding down the “overpaid” button
Agreed! Time to make the transition JT alluded to: moving from fear of losing to the drive to win. THEN we’ll have a team that is a proper custodian of the tradition.
Injuries have taken his toll while playing for Kitchener and during the playoffs.
He was called up as depth to our team due to injuries, that’s all.
If we were injury free, he still would be on the farm. not a top 6 DMan IMO.
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
The team is volatile, just like the TSX or Dow Jones stock market, up then down, up then down, up then down…….doom and gloom for many years and no fast recovery .
Happy now punkster?
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
Clearly, the Habs are not an elite team as they cannot win games they are expected to win, at least at some kind of regular basis.
On the other side of this coin are some very timely and key victories against teams they had absolutely no business beating
-Vancouver
-Boston
-Washington
-Pittsburgh
-San Jose
…And dont forget how super sexy it was to beat Washington and Pittsburgh in last year’s improbable playoff run. Time and time again this season and last, this team has stepped up when it matters.
…And now it matters…again. Let’s just see what happens. Maybe Sopel and his enthusiasm for playing in montreal just might be the trick down the home stretch
give it up, every post you make sounds the same
Alex Auld is from Cold Lake AB
Yeah – I meant in terms of re-signing him for the next year or two. Gill was a good signing at a good price – just wondering if Sopel might be the same kind of a pick-up. He has sat in the press box a few games in Hot-lanta. Hope he’s nice and steady back there.
Looking forward to see SOPEL in there tonight, tough western veteran, exactly what we needed back there, now if we could make our 4th line consisting of MOEN-WHITE-HENRY, then lets take on BOSTON and PHILLY, we would crush them… get our #1 back to KOST-PLECK-CAM and #2 GIO-GOM-PAX and #3 POU-DESH-DARCH… bring it on i say… its our only hope…
1:The N.A.G.S. (North American Grit Speed) Youth Movement will bring us respect. 2: 02/09/11 never forget the masacre 3. ..call up WHITE/SHULTZ/HENRY/PAX now.
Not unless Cold Lake, AB is the name of a street in Thunder Bay – which it isn’t.
Minor Hockey
Auld played most of his minor hockey in his hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario with the Thunder Bay Kings program. He was a minor hockey teammate of future NHLers Taylor Pyatt and Jason Jaspers and their Kings team was runner-up in the All Ontario Bantam AAA championships in 1997 played in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
I watched him play up here – taught some of the kids in the Kings’ program.
Come on man, you’re better than that
Born in Cold Lake AB Jan 7 1981
Don’t fret, man. Things will look a bit better after a few wins. I don’t have illusions (or as one guy said last night “dilusions”) of this team going deep and as we agreed last fall on here (remember?) we’re a couple of years out from a real contender. I’m enjoying the ride so far. Frustrating and exciting, back and forth, good and bad. Chill and we’ll see how the next year or two pans out, hopefully the way we thought it would.
***Subbang!!!***
Cammalleri + Tinordi
for Voracek + Klesla
Sopel should be in for Weber!! The kid has potential but i definetly wouldn’t feel confident if he was the last man back.
Would be the best trade in Blue Jackets history.
When will this team acquire a good 2nd line center? And when will it decide that Halpern is not a first line winger and that Alex Auld isn’t a very good backup. Maybe if he had more work he’d be better, but Price plays a lot of games so they need a backup who just picks up from his last start. Obviously Auld feels lots of rust when he’s not playing much. As much as I hate Martin’s style of boring hockey, he has no choice but to play the team that way. They don’t have the horses to run and gun and the defense is too depleted and full of rookies and aging veterans to make offensive hockey work.
I’m a little frustrated today because I look at Pouliot, Kostitsyn and Gomez and wonder why the heck these guys have jobs? I mean, I’ve had moments where I really enjoyed their play, but overall, they drive me nuts. This team has a decent core of bottom six forwards. They play hard and do a decent job. But the scorers are pretty pathetic, and no disrespect meant to Gauthier or Gainey. They need some size and some grit in their top six ranks. Plekanec is a small player, but he works hard every night. He’s fine. And Gionta and Cammallari do their best. I have no problem with them. But those guys need some support. An RJ Umberger would be spectacular in a Canadiens uniform. This team hasn’t had a power forward since John Leclair and I’m sorry but they haven’t won a Cup since then either.
When will they get another one?
Hey I have nothing wrong with smaller players, they are generally more exciting to watch. But this team needs some bigger guys to go to the net and score…guys like Franzen make things happen for their smaller linemates. I hope Pacioretty can be that player, but in the mean time, wouldn’t it be nice to have a center who could do that instead of Gomez? He’s like a void. He skates fast and does cool things with the puck, but there isn’t much production. Even if he was making 4 mil instead of 8 I’d be harping on him. Kostitsyn has all the tools in the world to be productive, but he never is. They need to jettison these guys and get some players with work ethic. I’m sorry, just frustrated.
so size is always the excuse right?—alex goligoski is 5’11″, 180 lbs.
he seems to be doing alright for himself, (size of the fight in the dog)
*toke! toke!
pass…
———————————————————————— “Young people have seen that a team can play electrifying, fascinating hockey while still behaving like gentlemen.” ~Serge Savard~
No worries guys the odds makers have spoken and the Habs are pretty much a lock to make the playoffs at 80%.
The Leafs? Around 6%.
And Subban was an overhyped junior star in your opinion sir.
I wait to see what the kids can do in a year or two, not based on their first 30 games in the NHL.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
My heart wants to believe, but my head is telling me otherwise. Initially, the team found ways to overcome the loss of Markov and Gorges, but now it seems we are bailing water at a furious pace. The cracks are just too big. A loss tonight will further weaken team confidence which already seems fragile at best. This team has shown a lot of heart but heart alone isn’t enough to sustain for the long haul. My heart wants to believe another magical playoff run is possible, but that will be impossible if we don’t make the playoffs and a loss tonight will really hurt our chances! It is highly unlikely we will suddenly start a big winning streak on the road. We must get every point possible while playing at home. Don’t break my heart boys, it’s too soon!
Yannick Weber 5’10″ 195 lbs.
P.K. Subban 6’0″ 205 lbs.
Kris Letang 6’0″ 200 lbs.
Bobby Orr 5’11″ 200 lbs.
…just to name a few!
2 inches, 5 lbs. difference
What do you expect? The majority of the time of his call up he has either been paired with spacek or picard and was the better of the 2 in both cases. I would even say he has been better then hamrlik as of late. I also think weber is being showcased for a trade now that we have 4 right handed defencmen on the roster. Though i don’t like the idea unless its for a player that will help us in the long run,we only have 2 dmen under contract next year and the bad news is one of them is spacek.
but he’s from Thunder Bay
Just a response to your first question…..we do have a good 2nd line center, his name is PLEKS !!!
One of our problems is we have two 2nd liners, one is having a bad season, but we have two.
What we need is a 1st line center…………
Scott Howson, is that you?
did you watch the hawks in the playoffs at all last year? Sopel was playing on their second pairing with hjarmalsson, and i think playing pretty big minutes (i read somewhere around 20/game)
so much doom and gloom
come on, its a saturday night game at home…and its a big four pointer!
get up for it!
The more i watch JM the more i understand why he has never won….. his line up selections are highly suspect and lets see if he has changed the lines AGAIN tonight… and see how long it takes before he shortens his bench and pretty much eleminate the third and fourth lines from the game.. If we get behind it will happen sooner because he panics .. its pathetic.
“After 13 years, I couldn’t accept to be number two.“ Guy Lafleur.
I did my best to defend Gomez. He failed. He has these play-offs to prove me wrong, but another slow start to the season next year and I’d rather bury him in the minors.
I also defended JM and the system but management keeps on doing the same little tweaks that do nothing more than squander draft picks.
I’ll pull out my favourite BG quote: “We want an exciting team, a quick team, a fast team, a puck-moving, skating, attacking team, and to do that you need to put players in place who have those skills.”
So then why make them play a stodgy defensive game? A game with is turning out to be a defenseive game.
I am not pleased at all. The Habs need size and grit and also need to get rid of 3 of the following
Gionta, Desharnais, Cammy, Gomez and Plex.
I say keep Plex and Cammy. The other 3 just make the forward lines too small IMO. No way we win a cup with those tiny tots up front.
So what’s the point. The Habs could be rebuilding proper but instead seem intent on building a team whose only goal is making the play-offs.
I don’t like it. It’s the same pattern I’ve seen since Roy was traded.
The day the Habs trade a player for a 1st round draft pick is the day management is completely replaced. I am tending to agree with those who say that BG and PG are old men in a young man’s game.
Not when I see teams like Philly turn it around in 1 season. Not when I see teams like Tampa Bay turn it around in one season.
The Habs need to tank. The sooner the better. Imagine having Stamkos and Hedman as young players. There’s only one way to do that.
I am also beginning to doubt the Habs will even have a sniff of the Cup in the upcoming years based on what I’ve seen this season. The biggest glaring examples are all the injuries, injuries due to the system and to the infrequency of Auld’s starts.
This team is spinning it’s wheels in the mud again.
If Auld is playing I don’t even want to know the score. Jesus H…..can we get a decent backup please?
No kidding!
Saturday night, a home game, it’s snowing here, I’m getting a six of Export, SWEET!!
I think this is only one of two or three more home dates on a Saturday night this season…
http://www.lifeofahockeywidow.typepad.com/life-of-a-hockey-widow
The trials and tribulations of having Bent Sopel’s wife writing a blog. Poor guy. I think she’s his agent.
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
You’re right…Pleks is miscast as a first liner.
Do people really find it that hard to understand? I was born in Ile a la Crosse but I’m FROM Moose Jaw.
Auld in nets? DON’T PANIC! Ever notice how people react when they’re told not to panic?
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Claimed on waivers Saturday:
Marco Sturm (LA) claimed by WSH
Nick Boynton (CHI) claimed by PHI
Craig Rivet (re-entry, BUF) claimed by CBJ
Placed on waivers Saturday:
Brett Carson (CAR)
Jason Jaffray (ANA)
D.J. King (WSH)
Nathan Lawson (NYI)
Rob Schremp (NYI)
Pascal Leclaire (OTT)
Ty Conklin (STL)
Curtis McElhinney (TB)
Tim Stapleton (ATL)
Cleared waivers Saturday:
Kris Newbury (NYR)
Wade Belak (NSH)
Todd Ford (WAS)
Mike Commodore (re-entry, CBJ)
i cant wait to crack a beer an see the new guy lace up
dont get so down on auld – remember what happened the last time everyone got down on price?
go habbies!
I think if Auld was able to play more games, he wouldn’t be as bad.
when you throw a goalie out there cold turkey, it’s tough for them to get a groove in.
- Gomez is holding down the “overpaid” button
Ty Conklin? Why is he on waivers?
Why “poor guy”? She sounds like a hoot. The blog is an interesting read.
Philly turned it around in 1 season? They’ve been 1st, 4th, 2nd, 4th, 3rd, 5th than 15th (and Lotto pick Van Riemsdyk is 7th among forwards in scoring), than 6th, 5th, 7th and this year they’ll be 1st in the East. They’ve missed the playoffs once since the 99-2000 season, superior 1st-round drafting has kept them where they are, Giroux, Richards, Carter plus trading for Hartnell and Leino. That’s the kind of drafting and trading the Canadiens need to do, pick up the Top-4 Ds and Top-6 Forwards where they should be getting them. If they can flip Leblanc, Tinordi and whoever they take this summer (say Nicklas Jensen) into usable players that’s a major leap forward for the organization and you’ll see an impact.
Tampa Bay, I’ll believe the true turnaround when I see they’re not the Washington Capitals Lite. They have Hedman, but who’s after Hedman? Oh right, they’ve got a bunch of over-30 defencemen signed and no strong young defencemen, they sent off Meszaros and traded one of their leading D prospects for a rental. Their forwards are built on Stamkos and St. Louis and St. Louis is 36. Brett Connolly their top prospect could be the next Marian Gaborik and I don’t mean that in a complimentary way. They’re tied down to the immovable Lecavalier contract. Their goalie is 41 years old and their goaltending future is very much up in the air.
Markov + Gorges injuries had nothing to do with a system. Markov’s injuries I still say can be traced back to that freak accident with Price’s skate, that doesn’t happen, he’s at 100% in the playoffs and doesn’t caught for the awkward hit and subsequently, his knee isn’t vulnerable to re-injury when he’s clipped this season. Gorges was playing without his ACL when JM was the coach of Ottawa, sooner or later, that knee was going to give out. The rest of the injuries aren’t that big and are just the nature of playing an 82-game season.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
Habs should grab Conklin, one of the better reliable veteran backups in the NHL, only 300k more than Auld and he’s a UFA next year.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
Conklin would be good, so would Leclaire.
only 6 teams have fewer road points than the habs…even the leafs have the same amount…next three games are must wins and no reason not to win them…carolina played last night and staal out…atlanta has been getting beat by eveyone and florida is out of playoff contention and may be even weaker by the time we play them because of trades for picks and youth… if we are going to have 4th line forwards who provide as little scoring at least they should be able to kill penalties so we dont have to use our top forwards for pk..
Yeah I love how people and the media warp “from” and “born” to their liking. So I can say Tyler Myers is FROM Texas and Stastny is a Quebec NATIVE. Why not, man, why not.
Not True
One of his wins was at the Bell Center
I’m kind of thinking its a lock. Epic collapses are always an issue you can never predict. But the teams chasing are just slightly more shitty and streaky than we are. Sabres, Thrashers, Leafs, DEVILS… just don’t see it happening for any of them. No reason to.
6 foot 6 Ben Bishop had a shutout last night for the Blues. I’m guessing that’s why.
And Alex Auld should netmind in Cold Lake Alberta……
“We don’t mean to be alarmist, but …”
Alex Auld is playing at home!!!
He hasn’t lasted more than 42 minutes at th Bell Center yet!
Might as well mail in the two points!
“I only like to watch and takes notes” JM
For the Habs to make the play-offs it will take the resurgence of the GOMER…..we’re fk’ed!
Provided someone doesn’t turn on a room fan in the Habs locker room and the light wind breaks 9 of his bones.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
LOL TOO FUNNY
Do not panic & do not sound an alarm. The last game of the year will be for the final playoff spot and the right to be swept by the Flyers. It would be fitting if the loafs made the playoffs and we did not.
Count me in on the panic wagon if we lose this game. But I still have faith…for now.
Right on RM. You never fail me
***Subbang!!!***
I envison the last game the Habs are in 8th, the Leafs in 9th and the Habs are up by 1 point.
From Habs Beat man Arpon Basu’s Twitter:
“Big props to @LouisJean_Sportsnet for picking up that Sopel has been given Spacek’s stall in Habs room. Spacek’s nameplate has disappeared”
Spacek out for the season I guess?
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. Habs and Hockey.
He’s not dense. I do believe the troll was being droll.
The title for today’s game is “we don’t mean to be alarmist, but…” with a picture of an hourglass. It’s getting uncomfortably tight for us, so no, nothing’s a lock yet. Are you dense? Or just trolling as per usual?
Sopel might have some gas in the tank??? He won the Cup last year and is a plus player on a minus team. Talk about ‘what have you done for me lately’…
I thought it was four power plays to one.
GO HABS…
Sometimes it’s OK to be selfish, Pleks!
Go Habs Go!
Agreed. The best thing so far about P.K. — he’s never out there just going through the motions.
Hab Baby #1 due 5/19/11…
Gonna have to bench Pleks for that.
***Subbang!!!***
Eller and AK need bigger minutes – they’re dangerous out there. AK has had some very good games this week. That was a great assist on Eller’s goal. Do not trade him unless we get something very nice in return.
Can’t really disagree with the three who were picked. Plekanec had two points and was a beast on the pk, Cammalleri had two points and actually played a good defensive game and Andrei had two points and the game winner.
How was that not hooking on Corvo
“It’s not an obsession, It’s a way of life..”
Can’t believe they allowed AK’s goal. An obvious high stick if ever there was one. I gotta strong feeling that the refs were favoring our habs tonight.
GO HABS…
Man, the fans are well on their way to ruining PK if they keep it up !!!
He was better than Cam Ward. I’ll take those odds any night.
Attaboy, Alex; shut your Conklin-lovin haters up.
I’ll take a Leafs loss. Leaf fans are getting a bit too big for their britches of late.
So… what’s better for Habs, Pitts or Leafs loss?
Who wanted to scratch AK 46 btw?
Hey Bill – hope your kids enjoyed their first game!!!
Whose leg do I have to hump to get a dry martini around here?
Leafs fer sure. Could use some help from Vancouver tonight.
See.
Glad that Sopel’s first game was a WIN. Already like the guy.
Subban should have gotten a star
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Like HH said – worse team lost.
Leafs loss is always better, no matter what.
2 points, who gives a sh*t about the rest!
needed that one. sweet.
What are you talking about? He’s a back-up goaltender. He needs to be played like. Not once every ten games.
Cammi gets first star?
AK was huge with two points, the winning goal and lead the team in hits.
What?
People sing it before, during and after matches. They sing it after the first or fifth goal. It’s simply like the wave or any other cheer
Conklin didn’t play tonight. He’s put on waivers.
Cammy 1st star. Shoulda been AK.
Gorgeous play on Eller goal and game-winnin tip-in an absolute work of art.
Yeah, it’s a high stick if you hang out with Snow White.
Leafs surge means Bruins will not get a lottery pick folks. Go Leafs!
Who dat?
Me too.
Hab Baby #1 due 5/19/11…
not their best game and have to give credit to carolina playing back to back…maybe this game will jump start the team…some of our d have major problems with forwards that drive towards the net from the outside
True that. They don’t give extra points for pretty.
I still don’t understand Martin’s reluctance to give Eller and AK bigger ice time.
Die Leafs Die!!! I don’t care if they play the Taliban, I always want the Laffs to lose.
There may be no dman in the NHL better at keeping the puck in at the line on the PP then Subban. Why Martin seems so dead set against using him on the PP is yet one more baffling decision to put on that note pad he loves so much
Nice to see Cammi come back and start to make a difference. Nice to see AK finding another gear. Three players that must get better in a big hurry Gionta, Wiz and, of course, well you know…
Pouliot got the shaft. Only player under 10 min – 8:40.
5-5 in Toronto.
Agreed. Bumper sticker too.
For that pick I agree we coulda done least 2 picks better.
Looks like Reimer couldn’t stop a beachball tonight. Where’s observer and the rest of the leaf trolls?
He’s on the other thread trying to trade AK.
Bit premature, crowd.
And he just tried to head shot Kulemin… How is this guy still in the game?
This is a load of crap. I hate this idea that because we don’t engage in thuggery we’re not a tough team.
Surely not. You know how much Pittsburgh’s owner hates thug-hockey.
He’s probably seen your avatar on HIO.
How about another one Habs?
There are a few alternatives on the waiver! No cost! Better pedigrees!
Auld should be nervous based on his recent performances.
“The Allo Police Media – a collection of bitter ex-coaches, players and wannabees whose collective lack of success accounts for their present positions in Sports’ equivalent of a Jerry Springer Show”
OLE! IS NOT A VICTORY CHEER! It’s simply a celebratory chant!
Shoot-out in T.O.
Come on Kovy. Break their hearts.
Oh and give Auld more games. He needs the work to stay up just in case. Hell we get to watch one of the best tenders in the league every game so anybody else pales in comparison. Auld is not that bad but he really needs to play more.
***Subbang!!!***
While your point is well-taken, Felix Potvin was a very good goalie in the early 90s.
May I suggest instead a Peter Ing or a Mark LaForest?
Hahahaha… I love PK!
Not having the opposition’s best player in the line up doesn’t help out any. Habs have to play with some intensity and physicality. Oops, not this team. Habs have to go to the net with authority. Ooops, not this team. Habs have to pop any players that go near Price. Ooops, not this team.
If the funk continues, this team will not make the playoffs.
We can blame injuries, but I blame the players’ lack of commitment to winning and giving the 2nd and 3rd effort required.
Blaming Martin for the half-ass players he is stuck with won’t cut it either. Carolina is doing more with less, and so are a lot of other teams. Being ousted in the 3rd round shouldn’t mean you take the next season off.
Yea, right!
Kovalev can shoot.
It’s just easy to sing when drunk! That and “Louie Louie”
Don’t forget Raycroft.
Fails to understand. Bob Cole. Oh nellie!
Has the enigma been solved? He played like a beast tonight. Please keep it coming Andrei.
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
W.T.F.plecs ???
Imitation is the sincerest form of plagiary.
Come on boys! Keep it out!
Dagger from Kovy, just like I wished for!
Heart Attack kids do it !!!!! Go Vancouver…..
Auld may have saved his job. Operative word: may
Sorry – Auld should never play again. He is weak in all aspects of the game.
Two on one with a guy hacking at you all the way up the ice. How was that not a slashing penalty?
Pernell Karl Subban with the heroic gesture!
Go Habs Go!
The whines will diminish after Kovy is invisible for the next ten games.
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Wow Subban, he screws up and then makes a brilliant play. I can’t even imagine him as a vet, it’s going to be amazing.
Oh I don’t think I’d ever classify him as elite. “Very good” seems about right to me. His career kinda fell off the rails though…
Auld is like – Holy F I won! THAT’s what it feels like.
haha, just buggin bugsy. PooPoo will be clutch in the playoffs, just lay off my boy Eller.
And Subban performs the “Gill Flop” to perfection after giving it away
I’d rather have Kovalev than Moen or Halpern on the Pleks/Cammi line.
That was pitiful, with his stick above his own shoulders doing it.
2 big pts!
What a shootout goal by Kovy – absolutely no chance for any goalie – anywhere – to stop it. He’s got so much talent in that stick.
Maurice to McCreary: “My owner is going to be calling Gary about you.”
Drum roll.
Marchand is a dirty little b****. Can’t wait until someone beats him down.
No loser point hurray!
He’s big. He’s bald. He’s Alex Auld!
I’d rather have Bobby Smith than Kovalev. Present day Smith.
Gorges-Stay, long term
weber-stay
picard-stay
markov-stay but can easily see him going
hammer-bye
gill-bye unless cheap
mara- bye unless cheap
sopel-bye
WTF was he saying to Maurice? Apologizing for not doing enough?
Much like Price and Pacioretty, he gets better when he’s busier. It’s unreal.
The future is so bright.
They blew the whistle before it went in – they shouldn’t have, but they did.
Know who sucks? Ryan O’Byrne. -10 with zero points in last 14 games
Hey Bill! You had a good time though I’m sure. And the refs sucktititude is magnified a thousand fold when you witness it live. Subban should have gotten a star don’t you think? The Andrei Enigma must stay in Montreal. That is all.
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
They also are very effective at ruining forwards and defencemen.
Maybe Francois Gagnon said hello to you because you look so much like Kirk Muller.
Devil’s advpcate for a minute. Maybe the ref thought the puck was under Ward’s pads at the time. But it wasn’t it was lose and beside him on the right side. The whistle should not have been blown as the puck was still in play.
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Apparentlyuninvestedintheoutcome Andrei. I love it. Habs fans rule.
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Had a GREAT time! Subban should have had a star for sure, I called it Pleks, Subban, AK46. I’m not a conspiracy theorist, but the refs definitely seemed to be watching Montreal more than Carolina tonight and it almost got ugly when that goal was disallowed.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Just stick to the anti-tank position please.
pleky,take the f’in shot
Funny.
I know this might sound presumptuous but I was confident in Auld tonight. He’s not that bad. His real value is more than intangible. By playing him Price gets rested. As well by playing him the Habs are forced to play better defensively and are forced to score more goals.
I can see punkster is agreeing with me on this now too.
This is not a Halak/Price debate. I don’t see Auld as being a replacement for Price in the play-offs. It’s just good management. I also believe the Habs would’ve been higher in the standings as in a few games the Habs seemed to rely on Price rather than play a complete game.
Maybe that’s why those JM Senators teams scored so many goals. If JM had a better goalie back then maybe he would’ve put the screws in his offence and made them play more defensively.
If the Habs can play a fast speedy goal scoring game and be defensively responsible at the same time then this edition can go far in the play-offs even against the thuggish Flyers and Bruins. If they play the JM game of trying not to lose they wont go far at all.
Maybe they should play Auld in the play-offs. Not because Price can’t handle it but because JM can’t.
If I was the GM:
Markov Gorges
Subban Gill
Hamrlk Sopel
Weber
Reason for hamrlik instead of Wiz comes down to loyalty, and money. Hammer has said hell take a cut to finish his career in Montreal. Montreal is in a position where they can say We’ll offer you 2 years at 2 million per.. take it or leave it. Weber, Gill, and Sopel wont be making that much. You’d have to guess Markov will probably get a 2 year 11 million dollar contract, and Gorges will probably see 3. Everything fits, its just a matter of getting rid of Spacek.
He was horrible.
No conspiracy. I think Boone hit the nail on the head. Mtl gets fewer penalties cause we dont establish in the refs mind any period of consistent pressur eon the other team. Referees are taught to watch the players who are trying to thwart the play, so if you are making things happen you are likely to get penalties called on plays ‘against’ you.
The more trades Burke makes, the worse the rest of the league gets. Im praying he unloads Phaneuf and Komisarek on the Flyers, Lightning, or Caps… I can dream
I have a feeling AK46 isn’t going anywhere.
Hahaha. Funny s–t.
Kaberle. LOL.
lol
Who are we going to get for AK46? That seems to be the question du jour. I don’t know. P.G may be done dealing.
I think tonight it’s because Plekanec was good in the faceoff dot, and Halpern wasn’t. However it would make more sense to give the left hander and right hander the good matchups in the faceoff dot.
ahh, Kaberle paying dividends… for the Canucks
Well he does seem like a very interesting person, and a good person, I just don’t want him on my hockey team.
What a cheap shot by marchand on ehrhoff. That’s an intentional spear to the nuts and should be 5 and a game.
He thinks he’s a savant.
If you must point out a former Hab, it should be Steve Penney.
For the record, I would also trade Morose Andrei, Lackadaisical Andrei, and Apparentlyuninvestedintheoutcome Andrei.
But I would not trade Awesome Andrei.
Hab Baby #1 due 5/19/11…
I was at the Montreal/Boston Game 4, Kovalev limp wrist due to a slash game winner by Glen Murray. Everyone in the building thought the whistle went. Impossible to tell as a fan in the building when the whistle has gone on most occasions.
Bill,$ 3.5 million a year might be much to you my Habs brother but it’s more than most make in an entire lifetime “and by alot”,so AK’s been good for two game …great, now he has 15 goals and he’s our sniper!
I agree. It’s sad that he wants to finish his career here but can’t put in a consistent effort. Why? I mean, if you’re put in your most desired situation and can’t consistently give your best, what the hell is your problem?
Thanks guys, well the whistle was not audible at the Bell Centre, and it must have been frigging quick, because the replay on the scoreboard showed no freeze at all.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Very good account. Thanks!
Halpern has 1 goal and 1 assist and is +4 in two games on Plekanec’s line. Kovalev has a goal and was -2 tonight.
How are there not hundreds of people volunteering to do that guy’s chores for free?
I don’t think Kovalev sees effort the way everyone else does.
Kovalev costs $4.5 million more per season too.
5) I don’t want to trade Awesome Andrei. I want to trade Invisible Andrei.
Hab Baby #1 due 5/19/11…
LMFAO,i was just happy he sung it with a microphone instead of wheeling out his organ:p
He can definitely shoot, if he feels like it. If we could just dress Kovalev only for the shootout and he wasn’t part of the team, he’d be useful.
Eyewitness account follows!!
1) The Habs are not a very good team. They create very little offensive pressure and they are soft in the D-zone.
2) PK Subban is absolutely awesome. He was a defensive monster out there.
3) Gomez got booed … in the introductions!! Big applause for Gorges, Markov, Price, Cammalleri and everyone with a french name. Tom Pyatt … crickets.
4) The Hurricanes sucked tonight and Ward was soft.
5) AK46 … you want to trade this guy? He was maybe the best player on the ice. Him or PK or Plekky.
6)The refereeing … stunk. Subban got a butt-end in the face about 15 feet from McCreary … no call. 4 power-plays (one a double-minor) to just 1? Come on.
7) I hate the system.
8) Great fans at the Bell Centre, very attentive and smart.
9) Francois Gagnon said “hello” to me, no idea why.
10) Lots of babes in Montreal.
11) Beer = too expensive.
12) Hal Gill = love him.
13) pre-game player poll, who is your dream date? Carey Price, Josh Gorges, and PK Subban said Megan Fox, good call.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Hasek was the luckiest goaltender of all time, no question.
Singer in Vancouver just butchered the US anthem. Good show!
He needs time to gel with the system.
Lucic losing in Vancouver would be nice to watch……yes.
Ghost of Chris Lee possessed the whistle
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
I have to confess I miss Kovalev…not saying we should have kept him…but when he is on it…Kovy is on it!
True, he did not look good.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Why is Ron Jeremy singing the national anthems?
Hab Baby #1 due 5/19/11…
The Difference Maker. Heh! Sorta like PK…
Very good.
I was hoping for the Leafs, we’re Chasing Pittsburg not them
Tim Thomas is the second luckiest goalie I’ve ever seen closely behind Martin Brodeur.
Just got back from the game and I have no idea why that power-play goal was disallowed, someone tell me!!
Full Breezer 4 Life
No problem, my comment should have been up one under the list.
Not according to Dan Chorra!
Reimer got rhymed. (Or rather, didn’t, above.)
Who won tonight? Let me ask you this. What if Price goes down? What if Price has to play the remaining 20 games with no break? Look, he’s the backup. Dropping him into a game after sitting him on his butt for weeks at a time is probably not the best way to handle a goaltending asset, though not being an NHL coach I’m just guessing here. Next, if he’s so weak in all aspects of his game then how the heck is he 5-2? Come on man, he’s no Price but he’s not weak.
***Subbang!!!***
Pogge seemed to have so much potential.I think i would take him on as a project for the habs farm system.
Elmer Lach…with his broken hip!
***Subbang!!!***
In a heartbeat. If the Leafs know how to do anything, it’s ruin goalies.
I still think we fu&&ed up not getting him back. 7th pick. RUFKM?????
Oh! Just found out the Beaners are goin up against the Nucks. (please forgive my ignorance)
This is a GOOD game to watch for us, yes?
I agree…ref lost sight too early and was quick on the whistle…
Whistle.
Premature whistlation
I’m sorry but Potvin only had one season in his NHL career where you could say that he was good to elite.
just got home from the game… man, Subban is just SO MUCH FUN to watch. unreal! PHEW we needed that. Hope that was just the jitters from Sopes as he looked … well, let’s just say probably not his best game.
It’s like the more he whines about AK the better he looks.
Memo to Kris Letang: lay off the Valium.
Hab Baby #1 due 5/19/11…
reim jobbed.
KOVY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reimer got reamed
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Kovy!
***Subbang!!!***
Classic Kovalev.
Hab Baby #1 due 5/19/11…
What a shot by Kovy. His skill level is unreal.
Just saw the Kovy goal.
In French, THIS is when we say “TA-barn*k!”
Oh crap…this will crank up the “Why didn’t we go get Kovy”? whines.
***Subbang!!!***
My recollection of Potvin was with yours. Potvin was hockey’s version of the one-hit wonder.
Amendment; only give Auld more games if the Priceberg doesn’t wanna play’em.
Raycroft’s only good season came as a Bruin.
Haha…true enough. You said it first.
***Subbang!!!***
very,very disturbing, must be Lemeuixs’ answer to being called a hypocrite
It was a beauty, but there would have been less room for it to go in if Reimer challenged the shot even a little bit. He was massively deep in his net.
Jaroslav Halak.
I’m kind of confused why halpern doesn’t take the situational offensive and defensive zone faceoffs instead of pleky. IMO its kind of a no brainer.
Kovy scored a goal, took a pen that led to a goal, gave away the puck in his own end to allow the Leafs to tie in the 3rd, and scored the winner in the shootout.
And Waffles.
That’s what i meant, he was another onnointed one.
The referee who blew the whistle isn’t at fault there. The three officials who can see the puck need to communicate to him that the puck is loose.
Oddly the CBC have a different three stars for the Hab game.
Nothing matters any more.
My fault. Thought you meant he was a good goalie.
I hope you’re not serious because if you are there’s no hope
Yeah but instead of making the third star Subban they decided to give it to Stillman, friggin hilarious. By their logic, Eller should’ve gotten a star.
Doesn’t play on the pk and Dezzy got 2 penalties. Yes?
Was very strong tonight. Fired that howitzer upon which Pyatt fanned on an open net, yes?
Poolio is steppin up.
The Leafs The? Makes no sense in German.
Been a long time since we had so many promising young players. Like, when I was a baby long.
That’s double-talk, Tommy.
AK and PK were our two best players.
I like that Hamr played fewer minutes. He was much better.
They couldn’t put away early against a marginal team without a star player on 2nd of back to backs … but we’ll gladly take 2 in regulation.
They will have to learn to finsh games in the first 20 or 40 when given the chance if they have any hopes at a playoff run.
I don’t have a problem with Subban not being picked. If there were four stars, he woulda been chosen.
LOL. Oh man we all know each other all too well.
Not convincing in any way but a damn sight better than a loss. The System Rules!
I’m slowly but surely beginning to agree that Mr. Subban is our best D. His errors are scary but fewer all the time and his puck handling skills and vision are so good. Imagine when this kid finds his shot. I think that may be the reason JM did not have him on the PP recently because that shot has yet to find its groove. Wiz and Hamrlik have the better shots so far but Mr. Subban is not far behind. I’m a big Hamrlik supporter and still think he’s extremely important to this team but Mr. Subban is quickly emerging as the focal point of the D.
***Subbang!!!***
I’m allowed. I think we can agree that the guy who got first star had less of an impact than the guys who got #2 and #3.
I should’ve called my bookie.
Kostitsyn just needs to be kept away from Gomez. Their games don’t mesh at all. He and Eller are developing some major chemistry, and Moen opens up some space for them.
Who stays and goes next season?
Subban (under contract)
Spacek (under contract)
Gorges (RFA)
Weber (RFA)
Picard (RFA)
Markov (UFA)
The Wiz (UFA)
Hammer (UFA)
Gill (UFA)
Mara (UFA)
Sopel (UFA)
Sure would look good on a t-shirt though.
The box score I saw only showed three. But either way, the Habs received no favourtism in that game. Especially considering the two hacks on the arm looking at an empty net that went uncalled.
I have no problem locking the 6th seed.
It would appear that the bloom is off the James Reimer rose. Where’s Tony?
Thank you. Totally agree. Also should be said that, really, you could only blame him for one of the 3 Leaf goals on Thursday. The change was right because of the signals it sent to the rest of the squad, but I really don’t think it was a case of “get that bad goalie out before he lets in 10 more goals”. I mean, look at the defense on all 3 scores! Come on. ANd he did play well. JM needs to keep him involved — I thought it was great (even if not by design) that he played what was a deceptively important game.
Cheers
Yeah, Markov has really got to pick up his game.
Hab Baby #1 due 5/19/11…
Yeah but give them someone else than Moen or Pyatt. Those two should be with Gomez. They can be called the Stone Hands Line.
Add Eller, Leblanc and Tinordi to that list and it’s amazing that people speak ill of Gauthier and Gainey.
haha, just thinking same thing. 9 goals in two games… could be 10………..
Another Matt Cooke knee. Somebody please end his career. He deserves it.
Those Russians. So soft.
Gomez wasnt bad, except the opening penalty… shoulda had the game-winning assist, but yaknooww
Reimer looks very uncomfortable. The next Mike Palmiteer he ain’t.
This ugly game has restored my faith in this Crazy Bunch of Beautiful Bastards®
Two big points and they found a way in spite of it all.
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Why no hooking penalty on Pleks EN break??
So who’s gonna replace the shocks on the bandwagon???
I don’t have a problem with it either, I’m just saying it was PK, and not Pleks tonight, that was responsible for the excellent penalty killing. He must have cleared the zone tonight 12 times or more.
matt cooke has a A? thats disturbing.
More like the next Brian Boucher.
oooh nice pass by Kovy. Reimer lucks into a save.
I want to see Cherry’s head split in two over that! Good Old Cooky taking out a Leaf?
Sorry Tom, my comments were dripping with sarcasm. I guess that doesn’t come through on a computer sometimes. I’ve been bitching about our boys getting screwed around by the refs all year.
They had eight minutes in powerplays and we had two They also disallowed an obvious goal. If they wouldn’t have counted that one I’d have kicked in the tv.
GO HABS…
Before Leaves fans anoint Reimer the greatest goalie ever, allow me point out the following:
Allan Bester
Jiri Crha
Pierre Hamel
Glenn Healy
Justin Pogge
Felix Potvin
PK clears the zone but Plekanec kills about 25 seconds once it’s cleared. Both instrumental in a good night on special teams.
65 games, only 16 games where we’ve had more powerplays than the opponent. You won’t get an argument here.
I wouldn’t mind seeing AK go for a good return but I don’t think anyone will be listening to that Leaf fan’s overtures.
Kush! Big game. He deserves more ice time.
Pitts loss. We can still catch them. Plus we need the Leafs to finish as high as possible.
Shoulda been Plekanec. Carolina was 0 for on the powerplay, mostly because of him. And he had two points and won the game’s biggest faceoff.
Agree. Led all players in TOI. This kid is gonna be a star.
YES!!! Needed tis one in a big way!!! I’m partying with a Hab’s fan and a Booin’s fan! Hab Fan’s are having fun tonignht!
GO HABS GO!!!
Leafs get a late PP. I am shocked
AK with a lovely deflection!! Good for him!! Hold the line TOTO!!!!
Well… you know, Larry, he really had no business given the boys that one power play tonight.
GO HABS…
Rooting for Kovalev to put the dagger in the Leafs game
wow, PK is a stud.
But he neither created the game’s most hard-working/precious goal nor the game-winning one as AK did.
No one makes clearing the zone look like a wonderfully woven tapestry then P.K.
I guess go leafs. Hurts the Bruins’ draft pick and gets us closer to 4th or 5th.
Plekanec has to be more selfish there.
That’s clearly illustrated by Carolina’s 3 powerplays and our 1 powerplay. The likelihood of that goal being overturned based on where it was deflected is very small.
Why would plecks pass…. why
Good point. Maurice should of thrown that one at them.
GO HABS…
How did that hook not get called? OH MY GOD
Was there any doubt?
Plek!! Shoot the F puck!!!
I agree Bugs, Eller has been AWESOME! Didn’t really notice PooPoo tonight, did he have the night off?
Shoot Pleks!!!!!!!!
AK doesn’t score the winner without Plekanec’s two points Bugs. Probably doesn’t get a chance if Plekanec hadn’t been as great as he was killing penalties either.
Just sayin
Pleks – what the f????
Plekanec was great on the PK, but tonight the PK was perfect because of Subban. He was an absolute monster out there.
Shoot the f’n puck into the net.
Pacioretty has played well with everyone. So far him and Gionta are the only players who’ve been able to have success with Gomez this season, and that success is still limited as they both produce much better with Plekanec.
Give what “a rest”? My opinion? Thanks, but I’ll pass on that advice.
__________________________
The only interesting answers are those which destroy the questions. ~Susan Sontag
He’s been great. I’m willing to blame enough things on Gomez without adding Kostitsyn’s often terrible play to that list though.
He’s not amazing and he shouldn’t get a raise. But he’s not at fault for Kostitsyn being the most inconsistent player on this team.
to be fair, i think max just makes his linemates better or adds a strong contirbution to any line he is on…
“I went to see a fight the other night…And A hockey game broke out!”
~Rodney Dangerfield~
Andre producing or not producing had nothing to do with Gomer and everything to do with Andre himself,
He had glorious chances to score on the second line. He also is playing now against lessor opponants and on a line that plays a simpler style. Give it a rest, why the heck do you think Jacques keeps on moving him there ?
Yeah, it’s not like Pacioretty played well with him or anything.
OH, my mistake. Gomez is amazing. We should give him a raise.
__________________________
The only interesting answers are those which destroy the questions. ~Susan Sontag
I thought he tries to look like Dryden.
But with that mask and his height he’s Dryden
Got any other amazing thoughts, my brother? lol
who was the last hab to have 5 straight 20 goal seasons?
mr. plekanec just did it
- Gomez is holding down the “overpaid” button
I’m really liking Halpern on the Pleks line. He’s producing and is able to take faceoffs.
You guys in Canada are lucky. Down here in the lower 48 we are getting the ‘canes feed. Listening to Tripp Tracy – yea that’s like his real name – a candy-ass kicker from Harvard doing color Is more painful than pissing on the thrid rail in the NYC subway. Bob Cole is not all that bad.
WIZ!!!
That’s what I’ve been waiting to see from Wiz.
Big knock by the Wizard! He’s been getting better the last few games
Wiz…BANG!
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Moen is just smooth as silk on ice….
Pass was too hot. He got his stick on it but it just kept going.
The word you are looking for is truculence.
I feel your pain… Bob Cole sounds magical compared to the shit I’m fed nightly. I WISH i had to deal with him or Brunet’s fat ass
Weber coming back down to Earth or just having a bad week?
Someone should tell Cole its Samsonov, not Samson.
Only problem is that your two best faceoff guys are on the same line. Works during special teams but otherwise, at even strength, I’d rather see them apart
In nets, Auld looks like a picnic table in a blender.
Come on De Hema ,at least Cammalleri scored tonite!
Gomez needs to be press-boxed for a couple, if only to determine if he has anything resembling pride.
Hey, i have an idea. Can we try Gomez in goal?
Sometimes i think Auld makes saves by accident. He looks like Lalime.
How did Cammalleri miss that goal? And some posters here sh*t all over Gomez and Hamrlik….
Ward looking very Auld-like. Is good. Now let’s hope our boy is done with the soul-sucking soft goals this evening.
Cole fell asleep there for a bit.
That makes it Plekanec’s 5th straight 20-goal season.
PLEKS love it !!!!! Lucky to have this guy
Not an ideal start for Sopel
Gotta love Benny. I think he has the worst balance of any NHL player I have ever seen!
I know. I was enjoying the lack of commentary for a while. I mean the lack of him trying to call the play.
oddly enough, i think i can visualize what you are saying
I’ve been hard on Gomer but he’s playing well tonight, so far anyway
“It’s not an obsession, It’s a way of life..”
Nice play by The Wiz. We need more of that tough blueline presence.
Save , save!!! Go Auld!
Nice hit by Wiz.
Nice Wiz standing up Sutter
Only women sit
Tracy sounds like a guy who would relish being and actor on the wrong end of a prison flick!
Two best faceoff guys by percentage are Halpern and Daredevil.
That was Pacioretty admiring the pass Skinner made to his man(Stillman).
How is that goal possibly Auld’s fault? It was a perfect shot!
No doubt…that’s tooo funny.
Last 29 shots Auld has allowed 6 goals. Hard to defend that kind of goaltending. In a playoff run it is not good enough.
Cammalleri isn’t Moen, Andrew. Pass looked good to me.
he was in position, wasn’t screened, with half a net for stillman to fire at… i guess its perfect because it went in. not to mention the time it took to get the shot off.
Come on look where Auld was back in the net and cheating towards the near post as usual!!!!
Buckets of room on the far side!
“The Allo Police Media – a collection of bitter ex-coaches, players and wannabees whose collective lack of success accounts for their present positions in Sports’ equivalent of a Jerry Springer Show”
My mistake. Samsonov was on the ice at the same time (and I love to pick Cole apart).
It is Samson.
Where the F are the forwards?! Who’s backchecking? Gomez line again.
AUWLD-FUL
Someone should tell you it’s #71 Jerome Samson
are you kidding me? Price would of saved that? Not a chance
I was thinking that’s the first attempt in what seems like months by a Habs defenceman to hit someone.
Hey Max, odd man rushes usually lead to scoring chances, feel free to skate when you get one.
Probably afraid Jacques’ll bench him if he scores.
Then he misses his man coming into the slot, his man scores.
Bad shift for Max.
So, you are okay with Habs getting hell knocked out of them and not fighting back? That’s a recipe for disaster.
We didnt’ lose for lack of toughness, but lack of discipline (and some piss poor refereeing to boot).
Having your players literally beaten up on the ice and not having a response is just plain stupid. The league’s players have no respect for each other, so protecting your better players is a good idea. Look at what Komisarek did to Pleks on Thursday night with absolutely NO RESPONSE from the Habs. Soft team of wussies.
You are right, we don’t need thugs, we need players who will get the job done inspite of thuggery.
A Mats Naslund, although small, would get the job done no matter what the other team threw at him.
But in the end some skilled players with size and strength would be a blessing too.
Our small guys play like Naslund. Gionta is way gritty. The problem is the Habs have too may of them.
Nilan couldn’t even skate when the Habs drafted him. The Habs taught him how to.
Nilan-Carbo-Gainey was the shut down line. That was one line no team enjoyed playing against.
My point is the Habs are too small and will get beat up on the ice by thugs because they have no response.
Is that not what I just said ?
Our small guys don’t play like Naslund is my point. And we need more size and grit that can also play.
Most do not remember that Nilan came in as a thug, but work very hard on his game, and ended up being a good 3/4 liner.
I do think we are starting to go in that direction, but we got a ways to go…….maybe more than a ways…..we will see.
It’s true. But the refs don’t call a fair game when we are being gooned. That’s how we get screwed.
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
The most effective way to combat thuggery is to not have a team laced with smurfs and tall players who are wimps.
The Red Wings have 4 players under 6 feet tall and 3 of them are elite players. The rest are 6 feet and taller.
Pavel Datsyuk “A” 5′ 11″ 194lbs.
Henrik Zetterberg “A” 5′ 11″ 195lbs.
Brian Rafalski 5′ 10″ 194lbs.
Darren Helm 5′ 11″ 195lbs.
The most effective way to combat thuggery is to score on the PP. Just watch Detroit play.
Mats Nalsund had Chris Nilan on the bench keeping the other teams honest. Also Mats was 5’7″ but the only other player of note on the 85-86 team that was under 6 feet tall was Carbonneau at 5’11. All the other players that mattered were 6 feet and taller.
The Habs have far too many players under 6 feet tall on this team.
You can’t win a Cup with Cammy, Gionta, Desharnais, Gomez and Plex as your forwards. Not in the NHL.
This team needs size and grit not thugs.
all we would have to offer is pyatt.
Just the tip!
that was the first time i’ve seen andrei smile
Great play by Hamrlik. 8 points in his last 8 games.
Our best dman by far.
And DD was instrumental on that goal.
***Subbang!!!***
Porkins, pull out !!!!
Get on board the big win! Don’t be conflicted son!!!
Absolutely, he did a great job.
Odds are good that if they score twice on the PP one will be allowed.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
that outta up his trade value? <wink>
Wooo, wooo, plan the parade!!!
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FU NHL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111
Great tip – way to go, AK!!!
AK has just earned the 1st star.
Who tipped that, Crosby?
The Belarusian Beast comes alive!
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
If that ends up being the winner in a huge game like this, AK46 gets immunity from me…..next game only
Too bad Milbury wasn’t Philly GM – AK46 for Giroux!!
What a tip!!!!!!!!!!!!
AK46!!!
Gomez! All would have been forgiven… unless your next bad shift
Gomez, Gomez, zip-i-di-do, I have another riddle for you!!!
GREAT TIP AK46!!!
heh, if it was the trapper down, i can see blowing the whistle, but it was the blocker and his hand wasnt even on the ice.
Useless.
ROBBED. Screw this BS
AK!!! Cancel that trade, cancel that trade!!!! LOL.
AK46!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN P.K. IS KEEPING IT IN AT THE POINT JACQUES!?!?!?!?
That’s just as much Desharnais, he keeps Ward tight to the left side there and pulls him out of position.
How long until the refs do the make-up call thing now?
Go Habs Go!
quiet you.
C’mon boys, one more and a cold one all around. Don’t play safe. Safe=Death
Just as much his as it is Andrei’s. Great job by him on Ward.
I have this gut feeling that our new Souray = SOPEL is going to quickly become a crowd favorite… too long have we been pushed around, slapped around, facewashed, crosschecked in the back of the head etc… all this before and after the whistle, basically taking our talent out of the game…. not since SOURAY and MANSON before him did the Habs have a DIFFUSER of BULLSH)^&(*T…
SOPEL is going to be shocked at how our boys get slapped around, but i have a feeling that he will quickly take control of this chaos.
tonight could be the turning point of the season for us…
1:The N.A.G.S. (North American Grit Speed) Youth Movement will bring us respect. 2: 02/09/11 never forget the masacre 3. ..call up WHITE/SHULTZ/HENRY/PAX now.
Happy Birthday Propwash!
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
C’mon Habs, win this one as my birthday present!
Why not start Auld tonight, it worked out so well for us last game……
If Columbus is a seller, 35-year old Ethan Moreau wouldn’t cost much. He’s a character player, 6’2″, 220, works hard every shift. Former captain of the Edmonton Oilers. Will drop the gloves any time of the day or night to protect a team mate.
Auld again. oh well. Looks another another bad night for the Habs.
Just a bunch of jealous guys I guess
Boone – look at the camera - not the screen… you’ll look prettier..
Your pre-game smile. Elliotte Friedman, January 2010, on why the Habs should trade Price:
http://dennis-kane.com/cbcs-elliotte-friedman-says-its-time-to-trade-price/
Friedman is one of the more thoughtful commentators out there. And he got that one spectacularly wrong.
Remember that whenever you thinkg Pierre Gauthier is clueless.
Man.. I thought he was going to say Alex Koooo-vaaaaa-leeeeev!!!!
Did he say “gallantly screaming” instead of “gallantly streaming”? Hehheh.
There’s nothing Burke loves more than being in front of a camera or a throng of reporters. It was funny how Elliot tried to catch him tampering again by asking if he was talking to Liles.
Remind me whose team whooped Habs’ behinds just a couple of days ago?
Sopel was listed as being #55 on the official site but he’s wearing #58…
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
No he has 55 on… do you have your glasses on?
Okay. I’ll get them now
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
desharnais is 58 silly boo
He’s got his beer goggles on.
McDonagh was the prospect, Higgins was the useless throw-in.
Oh we’re judging two years of work on one game now? Remind me who’s team is on the way to bing in the playoff a 4th straight year, and who’s is looking at missing it for the 6th straight year.
Since my last post was deleted?
And here I was hoping Molson was interested in winning a Cup and would forgo short term profit.
FUDGE!
iBoone
Desharnais is 58, get your linebackers straight!
I DONT CARE WHAT THE RULEBOOK SAYS THAT CALL IS LAAAAAME
I’d take the throw-in (McDonagh) even up for Gomer.
Quebecer Referee!
More problems.
“The Allo Police Media – a collection of bitter ex-coaches, players and wannabees whose collective lack of success accounts for their present positions in Sports’ equivalent of a Jerry Springer Show”
Gomez continues to = fail
Great…
Brilliant! Nice
Gomez took a penalty? NO!?! That never happens.
He did and I agree. Enough of that build for the future crap. We’ve been building for the future since 1993. When does the future come?
And in order to build for the future you need competend hockey people in the office, not dinosaurs.
But to answer your question – yes. That’s what he said.
I thought you could get any game on cbc.ca?
Did Mario Tremblay basically just say that Geoff Molson wants to win this year (instead of building for the future) so he might pressure Gauthier into making a big trade?
iMac I’m betting.
At work. Only get crappy Leaf game on CBC. Anybody got a live Hab feed?
Charles Prevost Linton. The best in the business.
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Easy to make trades, not so easy to make effective ones. Toronto has improved over last year, but not over when Burke took over. Seems to me like Burke is more concerned with looking busy than being busy.
Yup, hardware helps!
Moen, Eller, Kostitsyn, Weber, Sopel
Why do we start these 5 at home?
Whose leg do I have to hump to get a dry martini around here?
link for those of us in the usa, please
I honestly think its a big turning point for the HABS…because of SOPEL… he looks like a HELLS ANGEL!!!
He’s worked hard enough to overhaul his team.
link for those of us in the usa, please
The screen is the camera. And I have a great face for radio.
Brian Burke spends more time doing interviews than working.
I never liked it ever when the Habs had to go against Sopel
Amazing too how hoisting Lord Stanley’s hardware can make you look like such a stud
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
I don’t get why Sopel made some 10 ugliest hockey players’ list…He looks good to me. lol
Thanks Danno!
So if we lose it’s all on you.
***Subbang!!!***
Price can’t go, no other choice, looking for a bounce back from Auld
The only thing Gauthier is waiting for is his milk to turn into yogurt!
Does any one know what PG is waiting for ???? every single team in the playoff race in the east has made a move. Given we have picked up sopel but we need a top line winger like jesus we have jeff halpern playing on the top line??????? no disrepect to him but cumon!!!… with the acceptioin of washington picking up sturm every other team has made impactfull type moves… but not us..
“After 13 years, I couldn’t accept to be number two.“ Guy Lafleur.
Word is he has been dangling AK and Gomer and columbus was interested but Huselius is now on the IR so…probably no one else will make an offer for them 2. If we get a forward I will be very surprised.
I actually like Sturm, I think that is a great pickup, for free.
Why make a move for the sake of making a move? The only trade partners we could have would be looking for the one thing the Habs don’t want to give up: a young prospect. I’d love to see a bona fide top line scorer to complement Pleks. But I wouldn’t sell the farm for one.
I don’t think he’s waiting for anything, I think he’s done. Replaced Markov with Wiz, Gorges with Sopel, Spacek with Mara (essentially). I don’t think he’s going to add a forward.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Correction. Alex Auld AND the D has a chance to redeem themselves tonight.
of course the NHL-REF-SYNDICATE only sees the retaliation…. have some hope, we have the goods to DESTROY BOSTON/PHILLY, if only the management would put there pride aside, from their contract blunders.
it all starts tonight – SOPEL is the new SOURAY, the new DIFFUSER/PROTECTOR….I think SOPEL is going to be shocked at how much we are slapped around….
Stillman often causes problems for the Habs.
Respect is what we don’t have right now…. but i think it may change starting tonight with SOPEL…
MASSACRE: did you forget already? the BOSTON MASSACRE… it must be avenged on March 8th… and SHULTZ/HENRY take a guy in the box with them, guys like CHARA/LUCIC/THORTON/RICHARDS/PRONGER/CARCILLO etc etc…. remember those guys? you see them in your nightmares….they face wash and punch out PLEK/CAMM/ELER etc etc,
that must STOP, if we even want to begin dreaming of some post season success.
These questions will all be answered in his response to you. Guaranteed in 5…4…3…2…
***Subbang!!!***
Correction. Our D has a chance to redeem themselves tonight.
***Subbang!!!***
Auld has a chance to redeem himself tonight. Let’s hope he can deliver. I know he’ll be trying.
I’m with you there, Clay.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I love Pleks (in a manly, hetero sort of way).
__________________________
The only interesting answers are those which destroy the questions. ~Susan Sontag
Ellis is crap.
Neither.
Auld, no question. Have you seen Ellis this year? He’s a disaster. There’s a reason he’s on his 4th team in 9 months.
call up Sanford! help!
To put it politely.
The same Dan Ellis who was whining about money problems on his Twitter?
Bob Gainey read this post and just relayed that info to JM.
Have to get Gomez, Pyatt and Moen right back out there.
ouch. At least AA will get consecutive starts. Might help him.
Auld (a million per…..) Dan Ellis ( 1.5 per ….) which one should we get now in retrospect?
Price out via RDS.
Be alarmist. About 75% of Hab fans are. I dont think they are a lock by any means.
And if they get in I think Philly and Boston have the potential to steam roll them. Well at least Philly does.
All i can say is thank God they didn’t go out and get that malingering waste of talent Kovalev!
Which team will show up tonight, the disciplined, determined and dynamic one or the lazy, listless and lethargic one?
The Habs we love should show up tonight because Carolina is sitting in 8th place. If they were sitting in 9th, then the Habs would just dog it until the final minutes as usual.
You don’t practice enough.
Back on the bandwagon! My knees can’t take this jumping on and off.
***Subbang!!!***
Of coarse it has nothing to do with the Fact the Habs who have a small team retaliate when being smothered out of play.
Look-it, the Habs (if they make the big show ) got to get by the Bruins and Philly and that’s NOT GOING TO HAPPEN WITH OUT CHANGES. AND A BIG PART OF THOSE CHANGES INVOLVE SIZE and that’s not happening sooo we’re done!
North AMerican grit AND speed AND youth? So…. NAGSY? And after all that, all we get is respect?
Also: what friggin massacre are you talking about?
Also: Pax is up, gooball. And it’s weird that after exhorting the Habs to not take penalties… your byline orders them to call up both Shultz and Henry.
Habs will have to endure 9+ penalties tonight, an American financial bailout bankrupt powerhouse is on the bubble of the post season, and by the heavens they will make it in… at all costs. Tonight the cost is the Habs.
Enjoy the game, and enjoy the game within the game.
Hoping JM realigns the forwards back to CAM-PLEK-AK / GIO-GOM-PAX / DAR-DESH-POU / MOE-HAL-WHI for starters… maybe we can throw a wrench in their plans….. please players, DO NOT RAISE YOUR STICK OR LAY A HAND ON THE OPPOSITION, IT WILL BE AN INSTANT PENALTY>>> INSTANTLY.
1:The N.A.G.S. (North American Grit Speed) Youth Movement will bring us respect. 2: 02/09/11 never forget the masacre 3. ..call up WHITE/SHULTZ/HENRY/PAX now.
Ward has really struggled with the Habs lately. He’s owned them in every other season he’s played. Weird.
And Alex Auld is the goalie that sucks?
Really gonna be the guy who says Auld is better than Cam Ward? Shame on you
Me too, I love that kid. His second penalty was pretty bad though.
Great minds think alike and damn fools seldom differ.
Ward was weak on that one. Almost Auld like.
Understatement of the Day: I would really rather see Price…the Canadiens need this one! Four pointer at home means you need your number one…unfortunately, I’ve missed 4 days of work this week because of the flu and I’m just a bartender…so I understand if Price can’t go.
That’s why i watch all the games from the mancave in the basement.
Conboy would be an upgrade on Auld. He is a really great guy and I feel bad for him that he hasn’t stuck with a team, but man he’s been bad lately. And rust should not be an excuse this time around. That Calgary game destroyed his confidence. And whoever told him that he could play the puck should be fired.
Atta boy Pleks!
WoW!!! Go Pleks! Awesome shot. Again please!!!
Pleky gets it done anyway!
Weak goal on Ward.
Wow Cam. Make the tough shots, but miss the gimme.
He’s slow, he’s cold, he’s Alex Auld!
I am not an animal, I just reproduce that way.
Ok… what is happening with The System?
Scott Gomez unplugged:
If you made 8 million dollars and had less than 20 goals, you could buy me a house
If you made 8 million dollars and had less than 20 goals, you could get me a fleet of vintage cars
If I made 8 million dollars and had less than 60 points, I’d be Scott Gomez!
Both of you^, LOL
Do we have anyone in Hamilton who’s ready? I don’t see much of the ‘Dogs living over here…
__________________________
The only interesting answers are those which destroy the questions. ~Susan Sontag
for gawds sake keep the 8 million dollarman gomez off the ice. he isnnothing but detrimental to the habs. Give up waiting for him to earn his money. Ask him to cut his contract by 2 thirds or keep him off the ice. Play Deschaineau instead. He plays better for a fraction of the cost.
On the bright side, this will make the race for the 8th spot a lot more interesting.
what pass, boone ???? looked like a deflected shot to the rest of the world
Off a skate – unlucky.
Can we just give Auld to somebody by Monday. I don’t even want anything back. That was the latest reaction I’ve ever seen from a goaltender who saw the puck.
Patches just saved Gomez a -1
This is bad. Every time I see Gomez on the ice I think a goal is going to be scored. Now don’t get excited. I mean against the Habs.
Well according to one of the more brilliant posters here, when Gomez was out we were unable to gain the offensive zone. I’m sure the Gomez apologists could come up with some even more stupid comments to justify his albatross contract.
And that’s for all you Auld fans ……..
Freak bounce, but Auld was VERY slow coming across.
I think that’s kind of a pre-requisite to being a Habs fan.
He’s got a great little smirk too, doesn’t he?
GO HABS…
Cherry giving praise to OByrne for 100 stitches, and I quote; “love them tough Irishmen”
Oooh, praise from Caersar.
You’re right. I know two people named after nuts. Philbert and Hazel. And they’re both Habs fans.
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Taylor Hall is just wrecking peoples faces.
Nice to see the refs letting them play tonight.
40 minutes to go. I wouldn’t close the window yet!
So in 20 minutes, fans went from standing on the ledge to stepping back inside. We, Habs’ fans, are nuts and a half.
Crap, how could we have traded O’Byrne?
I haven’t mentioned the name of Scott Gomez on this site since the day Gainey traded for him. At the time I questioned if Bob had lost his mind. I know, he draws more comments on here than anything this side of a Halak/Price debate, but I can’t help but wonder just what this guy is supposed to be bringing to this team at this crucial time of year. Yeah, he had a good playoff last year, but I’ll take AK and his pay cheque over the Alaskans’ any day of the year.
He just doesn’t seem to be bringing anything.
GO HABS…
What are you talking about? He is great at interviews… little jokes, little laughs, witty, charming, great smile. Some people just never happy.
Nice… I hate Cole.
not complaining but did gills big hit interference, a pretty big one
“I went to see a fight the other night…And A hockey game broke out!” ~Rodney Dangerfield~
Sanford would have stopped that one.
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
w00t!!
Hey man… what goes around…
McCabe also had a no trade so there’s no way to be certain he’d waive to come to Montreal. Apparently he had a preference to go to New York.
Anyone curious if Mawell and a fourth would have netted McCabe? Is that netter than Sopel and Dawes?
Whose leg do I have to hump to get a dry martini around here?
I prefer the deal we made. McCabe is a disaster in his own end, and we’ve already got the Wiz to worry about as far as ‘offensive’ defencemen go.
McCabe had a NTC and said New York was the only place he’d go
I think McCabe’s wife is from the NY area. It seems the wife is the major determinant of where a player goes these days. The money is pretty much the same so what the wife wants trumps all.
That’s when he was w/ Pitts, he was “the man” in Hartford.
How the years go bye,bye.
Earlier, I had a touch of Cole-itis myself mixing up numbers 55 and 58 — until I got my glasses
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Send him to Hamilton!
***Subbang!!!***
Moen near the net when a goal is scored. Dogs and cats living together!
wow
Ha, that’s before my time, didn’t know it was the same kind of deal back then. I vaguely remember Francis as “that guy on the line with Jagr and Mario”.
When the crowd turns on you to the extent that most Hab fans (including myself who booed Gomez here in Edmonton last week) have turned on Gomez, I think the odds are pretty he demands a trade out of town in the offseason, cause it’s not humanly possible to unload him by Monday
The Belarusian Beast is back!
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Oh, Pyatt. Come on!
I like it – except that Gomez is much (much!) to high on your depth chart.
The only interesting answers are those which destroy the questions. ~Susan Sontag
Because you asked the question ….. yessss!
Auld’s biggest fault is not fault of his own: his lack of starts.
I am not saying he is a starter but he is a decent back-up that needs to play in order to remain fresh.
I am sure JM will still over play Price for the remainder of the season and of course tire him out.
That’s good. If you never notice a defensive defenseman on the ice, it means he’s doing his job.
Cole has a hard enough time as it is. Adding new players to the line-up just confuses him.
I found the game on CBC.CA
that’s a good thing. Sopel is a dman that you would prefer to be invisible out there
It’s origins in the wilds of Alberta are the stuff of legend I’m told!
JM wants balanced scoring? Here are your lines that IMO will produce best
Cammalleri-Plekanec-Pacioretty/Gio
Gionta/Pacioretty-Desharnais-Pouliot
Kostitsyn-Eller-Moen
Pyatt-Halpern-Gomez
You mean the Whalers suck w/out Francis.
Not unless jugglin’JM has anything to say about it.
Only good for Canada.
It’s getting pretty obvious eh?
thanks but no good for outside Canada.
Because we have a useless Coach who believes in playing players out of position, with different line mates, every game, all the time.
Jacques Martin has to go.
Kovalev scores against the Loafs – lovely.
Kovy! Ha HA I enjoyed that.
tnx man. got it
Nooo, I just don´t want to see him again on a line with Gomez.
I was watching for him (like all of us), but it seemed like he barely got any ice time
It’s an old grudge.
***Subbang!!!***
http://www.grabovskifan4.tk/
__________________________
The only interesting answers are those which destroy the questions. ~Susan Sontag
To be fair, Sopel hasn’t mentioned Bob Cole either.
This freakin’ team…crazy!
***Subbang!!!***
http://www.grabovskifan4.tk/
I’m watching it as I type this. Went down for a time, but up again.
__________________________
The only interesting answers are those which destroy the questions. ~Susan Sontag
somebody recomended cbc.ca … working pretty good
Dumb goal aside, Canadiens looked pretty sharp out there. Canes suck without Staal.
House League Crazy!!!
ArponBasu Arpon Basu
AK46 has spent two games and one period off of Gomez’s line and has three points. 2-1 #Habs on great forecheck from Kostitsyn
anyone has a link to online broadcasting?
Eller is just SO much better as a centre. Why did we waste him on the wing for 30 or so games?
Eller is better every game. That trade is looking better and better.
ROFLMAO!!!
I don’t think I’ve heard Cole say Sopel’s name once
Anybody got a stream that actually works?
Mass hysteria!
Go Habs Go!
do we still want to trade AK folks? Him and Eller are just magic. I’d like to see what they can consistently do on the same line for a whole year…sick!!
Belarus 2, Canes 1. Great work AK!!!!
Poor Tommy Pyatt. Can’t buy one.
Go Habs Go!
AK46 you’re the man.
My boy Eller is on fire!! wooHoo!
Hah… AK does not want to be traded
AK46 and Eller continue their bromance!
AK…now that’s the effort we all want to see!
Enjoy your family first Bill. But then go nuts at the game.!
The thrill of enjoying a Montreal Canadien home game in person is exceeded only by the thrill of enjoying a Montreal Canadien home game in person with family. Have a great time Bill. Let’s hope our bi-polar team can win this important game against an opponent that is missing their best player.
Enjoy Bill. I remember taking my 2 kids, roughly 7 and 9 at the time, to a game. They painted CH on their faces, wore every bit of Habs garb they could lay their hands on and my daughter even got on the big board cheering and dancing. Thrill of a lifetime that they still rave about in their 20s.
***Subbang!!!***
At the game tonight and pretty happy about it! It’s been about six years since I caught one (in Montreal) … time flies.
This one is extra-special because it’s my 7 year-old boy’s first Canadiens game. Hope those rumours about Auld starting aren’t true, because Carey Price is my son’s hero.
It’ll be interesting to see these guys first hand and see what they’ve really got, especially away from the play. Also, if I see stupid calls, I will do my best to rush the ice and berate the referee. KIDDING.
We’re in section 110, row G, seats 8-11. Me, my dad, my 17 year-old nephew, and my little boy. Four guys with an age range of approximately 60 years, all with the same first and last names (seriously lame), all wearing autographed Habs sweaters (I’m Roy). If anyone is nearby come say hi!!
Full Breezer 4 Life
Uh…I wasn’t talking about Gomez at all. What’s your point?
O’Byrne in February: 11 GP, 0 pts, -9
Gomez in February: 12 GP, 4 PTS, -9
Your point?
As soon as I saw Schenns name on that list, I went straight for the x. There’s no way the Kings are stupid enough to move Schenn and there’s no GM stupid enough to trade everything for him.
If moving Schenn meant they would get back Stastny or another impact player, they’d be nuts not to do it.
Gionta is paid to produce to help the team win period…….33 points at this stage of the year is not enough
Gionta doesn’t get paid to get assists, just like Gomez doesn’t get paid to score. Gionta is fulfilling the role he was brought in for, 30 goal scorer.
Right now the guy stands at 33 points playing 2 more games than Gomez.
Gomer has 30 points…….I think both are under performing.
22 goals, more than anyone else, despite playing more than half the year on Gomez’s wing, which leads to zero production.
Lumping Gionta in with Gomez is a sign of a very weak hockey mind.
Gionta has 22 goals and is on pace for 30, that’s what he’s paid to do. He’s not underproducing at all. He’s also solid on the PK and makes his presence known everywhere on the ice. To compare him to Gomez who’s been completely useless for at least 30 games this year is an insult.
Beautiful by Pleks – but the first pass by Hammer was also a thing of beauty.
Come on man…If management traded McDonagh for Havalat you’d be all for it. Look if you get great hockey players with size ,grit and scoring I could care less at this time what prospect goes ,after all what’s the meaning of prospect!
We have to start by trading Management!
With Marc Staal injured, McDonagh was on the first Defensive Pair last Ranger game, and logged 22 or 23 minutes. He is already becoming a very good defenceman in this league, and he is only going to get better. One of the worst trades that I can remember. Thanks a lot for setting us back about 5 years Mr. Gainey.
I am not talking about making a trade just to make a trade iam talking about making a trade to fill obvious holes in your line up… we have no second line and we need a top foward play up front .. not jeff halpern or travis moen.. and with a few contracts up at the end of this season its a good time to go for it.. in case no one has noticed we have been stuck in the middle for far too many years now .. to get out of the middle you have to do one of two things..TANK and get a high draft choice ( which i dont think is an option for montreal) or you have to give up some assets and make a trade and i dont mean just a trade for B type players you have to make an impact. And you have to be willing to give a bit to get what we need. It sucks in one way but its a nessessary in another.. we cant tread water forever..
“After 13 years, I couldn’t accept to be number two.“ Guy Lafleur.
Turtle-neck Power!!
Plecks!!! Momentum back
It’s especially hard to believe that Montreal would trade Tinordi when they traded up to get him under a year ago.
?
***Subbang!!!***
Spot on Tom…
Sorry, I’ll rephrase. They posted that they had heard that Moore would be coming to Montreal and that the Blues were very interested in trading for Halak.
And then both of those things happened.
Better?
They don’t predict anything on that site, they just post recent and developing rumors.
And Mike Cammalleri’s sister worked for them at one point. She still may be employed there too, I’m not sure about that though.
They predicted Moore’s arrival and Halak’s trade to the Blues. Did you?
I think he’s essentially done too. I’m sure he’s got some irons in the fire and he’s keeping his phone on but I’ll be surprised if he does another. If he does it will be because there’s something available that fits into the long term.
When it comes to the gifts of prophecy, I’d say their opinions and mine are roughly equivalent
Full Breezer 4 Life
These guys are saying different.
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/mtl110226.html
as much as i dont want to say your right … i think you are, and it drives me crazy. they should at least move AK i mean to get something for him anything! But the situation up front it a combination of poor management. the GM’S inibility to fill the teams need when he had a major asset to use to do so.. and jm’s inibility to have trust in his youth and strictly be a coach who uses vetran players even when they are underachieveing… i could go on for a while about this but its discourageing..
“After 13 years, I couldn’t accept to be number two.“ Guy Lafleur.
Trading Tinordi brings back memories of trading McDonagh for Gomez. Please not again.
I wouldn’t really worry about it. It was thrown in last on that list, and Tinordi hasn’t done anything to either a) make himself expendable to the Habs a la Fisher or b) make himself workable trade bait for other teams. The article lists his sole selling point at this stage- his size (maybe the Tinordi name too?).
Some of these sites love bumping up their hits (and ad revenue) by posting shit that generates traffic. That Tinordi afterthought strikes me as just such a ploy. I wouldn’t buy it,
They better not even be THINKING about trading Jarred Tinordi.
Too bad the Token French guy was out of position on the play. It’s the right call? No. The guy was too slow and stupid to be in the right position. I hate the NHL with their obvious have the French guys too scared to call the game properly in Montreal in these games.
Too bad but the right call.
***Subbang!!!***
That was a stupidl, pointless penalty. Bench him…it was all retalation.
failing to see retaliation on the carolina broadcast. his stick was forced up by the impact
I heard the last scene shot in the final game of the regular season against the Leafs will be the one that helps you beat Tom Hanks!
About time.
How in the hell did the centreice ref have to be the one to call that?
Wow.
It takes the most obvious trip in history to finally get a call.
Finally! Strong game by PK overall. Not flashy, just solid.
Wow! A power play!
Decline!
And as a matter of fact. It is a huge issue in Buffalo and is touched on with regularity due to them having home games on most friday nights and then having to play on the road most saturdays.
No, not really. This team is just a bunch of charlatans that get to dress up in Montreal Canadiens’ uniforms for a living.
How is Cammalleri not on the first wave?
Puck was loose the whole time. Brutal.
Go Habs Go!
McReary!!!!
Not his fault, his partners need to communicate to him that the puck is loose there.
“Boo! Boo!” saith the crowd. Hear, hear! Refs…
I wouldn’t want to show my face at practice if they drop this game to a team that played last night. Jacques will be cursing out there.
Listening on CJAD.Com at a friends place, different experience but I’m a lifer.
How often does it happen, at the level of intensity of NHL hockey can a team go a whole game without committing an infraction? It would seem impossible to me. Yet this is the umpteenth time it has happened to us in the last few years.
How awkward does esposito sound
It’s curious how one never hears our opponents use back-to-back games as an excuse for a loss.
U have got to be fuc*&g kidding me. WTF
Say bye bye too DD tonite….
i really don’t wanna lose! Common on boys!
WTF was that?
Good lord, that was dangerous….
Are we ever going to get a pp?
Yay we get a powerplay!
_____________________________ Know someone getting married in the Edmonton area or having a special occasion? Visit my dessert blog to order. http://www.fabulouslydeliciouscreations.blogspot.com/
The closer ref wasn’t going to call it.
Do you follow every media outlet in the cities of all of our opponents? If not, you have no idea what they say after games.
About effin time. Hopefully our PP is not as bad as theirs.
And DD is still playing. Looks like he may have earned his spot in JM’s eyes. Good for him.
***Subbang!!!***
And it takes the ref at center to call it. The ref right beside the play kept his crooked arm down.
Agreed.
Hilarious. The official two feet away from the play misses the call and the guy in the restroom has to make the call. I love the NHL. I love Bettman and how his small market crony franchises like Carolina never get called.
Oh crap!
Agreed. But isn’t JM supposed to be ruining him? wtf?
I do. No one ever, in the history of the NHL, has ever used back-to-back games as an excuse for losing other than the current Montreal Canadiens.
I hope that means thath we we won’t see too much of Gomez tonight.
I just saw a Pacioretty-Desharnais-Pouliot line and I like it.
I like Hamr, but not a bad idea to trade him if ya can find a taker
Was just going to post this, a package including Hammer could probably fetch something interesting…
Any hints that Gomez might be in the same boat?
Interesting on RDS, reasoning out that they think Hamrlik is available and that he isn’t in Gauthier’s plans
It is curious he didn’t see a second of play on the 4-minute PK, but perhaps they are trying to spare him a bit now that they have some backup in Sopel.
Intriguing, nonetheless…
I don’t know if they can trade him without bringing in someone else…. Don’t get me wrong, I like Mara & Picard, but can they be a #4 defence man on the team that wants to go deeper than the first round?
——————-
”If you’ve only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It’ll seem like forever. ” Pat Foley (Blackhawks broadcaster)
But if he isn’t our problem, who cares?
Uh-ho… here comes Jacques’ notepad.
Oh god….
AULD HAS TO GO.
Just got in to see that JM is having another Toe Blake moment. Great play by Auld!!!
“Embrace the Suck! Tank for Glory!” – Yeats
In all fairness Auld panics makes lousy decisions and gets burned!
The guy just isn’t good enough!
Witnessed by the number of teams he has bounced from and too in recent years!
“The Allo Police Media – a collection of bitter ex-coaches, players and wannabees whose collective lack of success accounts for their present positions in Sports’ equivalent of a Jerry Springer Show”
Whenever the puck goes to Gomez or Hamrlik in the offensive zone, you can count to 3 and the zone is cleared. Every game for the last 10+ for Hamrlik, and all season for Gomez.
If Eller of Benny had taken that stupid penalty by Gomez, they woudln’t see the ice again tonight. But Gomez is back out on his regular shift. I don’t get it.
JM’s notepad notes thus far:
#1 !@#$#@#! GOMEZ!!!!!
#2 Auld might suck but his wife is hot
On a more serious note…remember when the Habs were known to be a team with no stars, mediocre, but successful because of strong chemistry? Where has the chemistry been this year? In the last 10-20 games, the chemistry is COMPLETELY shot…besides a few good moments
It’s time to get The Higgin’s Trio out there: Gomez, Pyatt and Moen. They Make Lafleur, Lemaire and Shutt look like bantams!
I think you got my point. The team certainly did. Geoff must be monitoring my posts
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0002342007.html
Auld played for Martin and Groulx. I guess they thought he’d be a decent back up. Oh well, it’s not like this organization hasn’t made stupid player decisions over the last few years.
READ THIS ARTICLE http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/michael_farber/05/13/fleury0519/
It says the broadcast is offline…..
After one goal? Good grief get a grip on reality.
Oh, Habs tied it up as I type this. Sorry, no re-admittance for you!
Go Habs Go!
That was some shot. Holy crap!
Where is the team we saw in the playoffs that competed so hard to win. Nice goal Cammy!!!
I’m sure your new friend Shiiloh agrees with you and will PM you love notes shortly.
Go Habs Go!
http://atdhenet.tv/
It has to cause discontent in the room. I don’t care how many years Gomez has or his rep, it is just unfair. It would created problems in any workplace.
Salary cap issues play a part in it as much as anything else. The Habs reportedly did not want to spend more than $1M on a backup – that kinda limits the options as there’s a lot of goalies out there who think they’re worth more tha that. I have skepticism that assuaging Carey’s ego had anything to do with the move.
Go Habs Go!
READ THIS ARTICLE http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/michael_farber/05/13/fleury0519/
are there any links to the game tonight, i cant find any
READ THIS ARTICLE http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/michael_farber/05/13/fleury0519/
are there any links to the game tonight, i cant find any
Am I the only one who thinks they got an average goaltender, with no potential to challenge for the #1 position, to appease Price after his lackluster season last year? Hell, it’s worked. But Price can’t play every game.
Who are you upset at?
Anyways, if getting Price golden toilet paper means he puts up the stats he does, then get it to him. I don’t care.
so far a pathetic start…carolina played a tough game last night..missing their best forward…
Conklin, anyone? Leclaire? (Someone did reject the Leclaire idea on the grounds that he’s oft-injured.
Yes exactly, it was to quiet the erratic and ignorant members of our fanbase stuck to the other guy, so our guy could excel.
I think this year was all about Carey. They had to find out. Period. Every else was secondary. That’s my theory anyway.
If Eller or Benny had taken that stupid penalty by Gomez, they woudln’t see the ice again tonight. But Gomez is back out on his regular shift. I don’t get it.
In all fairness, Luongo did the same thing just last week. All goalies occasionally mess up outside their net.
Boys, any links, the one I was watching went black,
“It’s not an obsession, It’s a way of life..”
I think it’s fair to ask why we picked up Auld. Could it be because the Chosen One had to be reassured that his number-1 status was unassailable?
Geez, thanks Pierre. Couldn’t find a capable back up in the off season? Had to settle for a freaking Dollarama career loser? Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. I hope you sleep well thinking of the millions of dollars you saved by signing that loser Auld. God that guy is a loser. Loser. Loser. Get rid of him. He’s a clown that should be charged with fraud/
Half th crowd should walk out now. Perhaps that will get ownership to do something about this team and its Management
Habs are never able to generate any sustained pressure in the offensive zone anymore. Dump and lose the puck seems to be the strategy. Zero puck support.
T-T-T-T-That’s Auld folks!!!
cue “Looney Tunes” theme
Seriously… i dont see Ellis any worse than Auld. And not because of one goal… Ive been bashing him for a while!
Auld should never play again.
Beautiful work by Auld – but it started when one of our guys wouldn’t even make an effort to touch it along the boards in the Carolina end.
So Booner,if Dan Ellis is crap what does that make Auld?
Ugly play by Auld.
So……………Auld should never handle the puck again. LET YOUR DMEN DO IT!
Where are all those Auld supporters who were arguing with me earlier? BUGS?
That was pathetic
That’s Auld folks!
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Now you’re criticizing their medical decisions?
They didn’t have time to call anyone up, if he was a game time decision…….and i doubt hes coughing on anyone or touching anyone.
People still rag about his size but he’s extremely talented.
***Subbang!!!***
He’s dished out just as much as he’s taken this year. He won’t be anything less than a really good #2 centre, and the sky is the limit.
Isn’t it normal to totally isolate a player with the flu? So the Habs put him on the bench? Merde!
Just imagine if he hadn’t played 45 games with Halpern and Darche. Nice players but neither are likely to bring out the offensive skill set of a teammate.
At the risk of piling on …
I can’t help but note that Gionta and MaxPac are slumping since they traded Pleks for Gomie as their centre.
Are we preserving the tie or protecting a lead? I can’t tell.
Late to the game tonight. What’s wrong with Price? Is he at home spewing chunks?
Between these two teams I never thought it would be the Canes playing for a tie.
It’s Carolina playing tight, dropping a forward back to their blue line with their defensemen when we get possession coming out of our end.
On the bench, but has the flu
And puck has been taken from Gionta ever so easily… almost no effort.
I have had enough of the candy ass crap, it’s time to go “Full Breezer!”
Eller looks rejuvenated playing his natural position. Makes you wonder how much more he could have progressed playing it all season. Oh JM the things you do.
Auld can salvage his evening with 20 good minutes here?? How about Auld can salvage his SEASON with 20 good minutes here!!
Yes.
Weird start to the period, both teams icing the puck.
What? Desharnais is playing? This can’t possibly mean that Martin has an unjustified hate for rookies can it?
Maybe it just means he didn’t want to feed him to Kesler last week. He likes him in a good matchup and doesn’t like having him out there against a clearly better opponent.
Wow. BOONE has turned into quite a pessimist. Even his good comments are peppered with attacks
Come on now, be fair. Auld has had a relatively good season (with very limited games), with 2 bad starts in a row now.
__________________________
The only interesting answers are those which destroy the questions. ~Susan Sontag
You bet we do! Why try when you can get the loser point?
Boone: Auld might save his job with a good 20 minutes!
“The Allo Police Media – a collection of bitter ex-coaches, players and wannabees whose collective lack of success accounts for their present positions in Sports’ equivalent of a Jerry Springer Show”
Moen, Pyatt and Gomez are gonna break this one wide open!!!
They claimed the Habs were hotly pursuing Phillips.
Just like sheep one runs Gomez and everyone follows.
They just reiterating what I said earlier, Murray was jerking Gauthier around by pretending he wants Phillips back in an effort to elevate his value, Gauthier said screw you and added Sopel instead.
I missed the Hotstove, any Habs rumors mentioned?
They’ve almost been as effective as #14, #15 and #13.
I have Center Ice, also in the US, also stuck with buffoonery. Im in Niagara Falls, dont know where Sheldon is, but i think its due to my proximity to Toronto (45mins – 1hr away)
I have Center Ice, they’re showing us the Montreal CBC feed here in Ontario… but I’m watching RDS
Bold prediction from Mario Tremblay… He wouldn’t be surprised if the line of Kostitsyn Eller and Moen score the winning goal for the Canadiens.
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
DD and Pouliot are smiling? Maybe Martin told them that he’ll consider not benching them for the third?
I have Center Ice in the States and am getting the ‘canes feed. Tripp Tracey is just too “fill in the blank” for me!
BOONE SAID IT! Stoppable shot! Case CLOSED! IWIN!
very cool, via RDS – Blake Geoffrion played his first game tonight, becoming the first 4th generation NHL’er, after Howie Morenz, Boom-Boom and Danny.
The game I am seeing on TV is us constantly losing races to the puck, and losing battles for the puck along the boards. On one shift Cole tied up both Gill and Subban. Where is the hunger for the puck?
Do you have Center Ice? I am getting CBC feed here in VA
“Start the season with a clean equipment bag and a freah bucket of febreze!”-CharlieHodgeFan
Mike Milbury. So corny… what an attention seeker. Fruit.
The greatness of Scott Gomez will not reveal itself until Cinco de Mayo!
Loved how he said that Lombardi can’t trade Schenn.
HELLO! You traded Luongo and Chara dumbass.
third period we have to come out with fire…again carolina played last night…this is a game we have to win but i seen many of these games in the last few years where we play like this and the opposition gets some fluke/bad bounce or major mistake goal on us and wins…we have to overcome this
God, Tripp Tracey is bald and a pansy! This dude is reinforcing a lot of sterotypes this evening!
Who?
Nobody has a decided edge in puck battles. It’s been even, your glass is half empty.
I could tell you about the shift where Desharnais shoved Brett Carson off the puck and then say Montreal’s been dominating the puck battle category.
Yeah, they may closet tank to get Brisbois cousin!
So do we sit back to save a point in the third?
Chynna?
Not much. They were going for Phillips, ran out of time, and settled for Sopel instead
Hard working shift by Eller, the guy comes to play
………………..and McCabe, and Bertuzzi, and the 2nd overall pick (Spezza), and Redden (when he was good), and took DiPietro instead of Heatley or Gaborik. The worst GM of the modern era is so much more wise now that he’s on tv LOL
The 4-0 blown lead vs. Calgary is hauntin’!
Merci.
He’s learning and it looks like the early work with Halpern and Darche is paying off. I rather doubt any of these young guys believe they’re entitled to 1st or 2nd line minutes without toiling it out on the lower lines first.
***Subbang!!!***
I don’t disagree. Which is why my expectations for him weren’t astronomical. He’s going to be one of our best players in a couple of years.
He looks so much like Toews did in his rookie season it’s scary.
Didn’t you know that ex-laffs are chosen based on how they played in one series as opposed to the standard way of looking at a players entire career?
GO HABS…
Actually Henderson scored the winner in that last 3 games of the series. But you’re right, he was just an average NHLer, coming off one of his best years.
Henderson, if I’m right, actually had three game winners in that series.
Cherry bashing Tretiak and pumping the overrated Paul Henderson (made his career off of one goal. One VERY big goal mind you, but one goal).
Grapes is getting worse with age
Actually Henderson had 3 game winners in Russia. Nevertheless if Bobby Clarke doesn’t take out Kharlamov the Russians win.
I watched that series but after that slash I stopped watching and didn’t care that Canada won. I had pretty awesome values at 10 years old.
I’ve got a pair of those degrees myself – congrats on your book!
Cheers,
iw
in my MA thesis I called for his ouster.
I guess the three people who read it were not moved to take action.
Nobody here ever said he was.
And yes, as a guy with a degree or two in Political Science I’m more than a little aware of Ghadafi’s numerous faults. Indeed, in my MA thesis I called for his ouster…and that was four years ago.
Go Habs Go!
And let’s be fair. Ghadafi for all his faults isn’t Cherry.
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
If only there were more of him…
Wait there is! The Subban brothers including Jordan and Malcolm.
Subban was phenomenal on that PK.
We were all wrong, DD’s line was out just then.
Wow…kind of miss that guy. Not saying he wasn’t expendable at the time, but he looks good in Denver.
Wow, I didn’t hear about O’Byrne. That was a scary cut! I can’t beleive he finished the shift!
Can’t believe we let him go!
<sarcasm> Then we can go out and use that cap space to get brad richards! </sarcasm>
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”If you’ve only got one day to live, come see the Toronto Maple Leafs. It’ll seem like forever. ” Pat Foley (Blackhawks broadcaster)
He won’t bring back more than a 3rd.
snipe!
So much fun watchin the habs get screwed by the zebra’s yet again.
Cammy is back!
Wow – what a shot!!
Good call by the token French guy. Why do they have to make the Quebec referees look like assholes in Montreal. Are these French guys threatened within an inch of their lives by Bettman if they call the game fairly in Montreal? God what a brutal call. Loser.
This link is back up, if you are in need…
http://www.grabovskifan4.tk/
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The only interesting answers are those which destroy the questions. ~Susan Sontag
Cause he’s a pisser!
Why did we get Wiz?
Wow 3 blind mice.
Did you see those corrupt shits talking after that goal, getting their story straight on how they were going to fix it?
Why? Is it filled? And, with what???
you’re probably right.
Whose leg do I have to hump to get a dry martini around here?
I don’t know if thats a good thing or bad thing…
bad
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The only interesting answers are those which destroy the questions. ~Susan Sontag
Just goes to show: the Habs have the worst fans in the game. Think they’re knowledgeable but completely clueless, and boos their own players.
That’s 7.3 $million worth of fumblin’ and stumblin’. Even the home crowd is grumblin’.
You may be right. Not a bright move by DD when he had the chance to shoot the puck in.
***Subbang!!!***
Haha, he’s definitely done now. I don’t think they’ve done a bad job tonight. Carolina’s gotten away with a couple but we have too.
His whole line will be riding the pine, and Bugs will be on here going batshit.
NOW Desharnais will be benched, and it’s about time the refs call something on Carolina. All our penalties were definitely deserved, but they’ve committed just as many fouls.
Scott Gomez a JOURNEYMAN?
We really do need to deal with this teams low producing players. We should absolutely be lucky to be able to get rid of Gionta, AK and Gomez for a few 3rd or 4th rounders………
JOURNEYMAN.. Hilarious stuff…
There may be other teams, but only ONE Club De Hockey…