The Canadiens announced on Wednesday morning that defenceman Francis Bouillon has been signed to a one-year contract extension worth $1.5 million that takes him through the 2013-14 season.
The 37-year old has played in all 28 games this season, posting 1-6-7 totals to go along with a plus-5 and 30 blocked shots. He also ranks third on the team with 48 hits while averaging 18:01 of ice time.
The Canadiens signed Bouillon as a free agent on July 2, 2012.
“That’s a good vote of confidence from the organization,” Bouillon said after practice about his contract extension. “When my agent called me two weeks to tell me that they wanted to sign me for next year I was really happy about it.”
“It’s a well-deserved contract,” coach Michel Therrien said, adding he was happy for Bouillon and his family.
Therrien called Bouillon, who has been paired with rookie Jarred Tinordi in the past two games, a bit of a mentor for young defenceman on the team.
“I know young guys rely a lot on older veterans who have been in the league for a long time,” Therrien said. “And I know Francis communicates really well with the young kids.”
Rene Bourque, recovering from a concussion, practised with his teammates Wednesday after wearing a no-contact jersey at Tuesday’s morning skate. He’s been cleared for contact, but it’s not clear yet when he’ll return to play. The Canadiens play the New York Islanders on Thursday (7 p.m., RDS, TSN Radio 690) and are back home at the Bell Centre on Saturday to face off against the Buffalo Sabres.
The good news is that he’s joined the team for practices, “so it’s an important progression,” Therrien said.
“I can’t tell you exactly if he’ll be there on the weekend,” the coach added. “The medical team will certainly re-evaluate him on Friday and will make a decision.”
The lines at Wednesday’s practice were Ryder-Plekanec-Gionta; Pacioretty-Desharnais-Gallagher; Galchenyuk-Eller-Armstrong; Moen-Dumont-White; with Bourque as the extra man.
Defence pairings were Markov-Emelin; Gorges-Subban; Bouillon-Tinordi; with Kaberle the extra man.
(Photo by Dave Sidaway/The Gazette)
Sabres drop Canadiens in overtime, by Pat Hickey
Therrien won’t let P.K. off the hook, by Pat Hickey
Sabres storm has passed, by Dave Stubbs
Canadiens vs. Sabres photo gallery
Carbonneau likes the new-look Habs, by Stu Cowan
Happy 65th birthday to Bobby Orr, by Stu Cowan
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I get it but I don’t get it
I hope Buollion will accept playing a 7 dman role
The only way we can get bigger on the back end is by replacing him by Tinordi and find a big guy to play the right side
We have too many left D
It seems as though when Habs play a bottom-feeding team their pre-game routine includes:
1. read their press clippings on their success this year
2. look at the standings relative to their opponent
3. get giddy about the forthcoming ” 2 points”
______________________________________________________
“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
They shouldn’t look at the standings ever there’s a reason why they took them down in the home dressing room
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
Biggest difference between these two teams. The Isles have given up 68 even strength goals in 29 games. In the same number of games the Habs have given up 42 even strength goals. That almost a full goal a game difference.
In my opinion playing against a “weak” defensive team our strategy should be to go -all out pressure all the time. The whole game should resemble the third period against Buffalo ( who are only slightly better defensively then the Isles have given up 60 even strength goals).
Some tips for MT in case he`s reading:
1). Take Gallagher off the PP, the team has scored only 3 PP goals in the 55 minutes that he has been on the unit so far.
2). Play Gallagher on the Penalty kill, he should be able to chase the puck down and clear the zone.
3). Don`t play Georges on the 2nd wave PP. Either use Tinordi, or even better go with Eller or Galchenyuk on the point
4) Switch up defense pairings on the Penalty Kill . Play PK with either Markov or Bullion and Georges with either Markov or Emelin.
regards,
Steve O.
It’s my understanding he logged off about 30 minutes ago, just as an fyi.
MT should actually come here on a regular basis as he could learn a thing or two. Many of us have a much better understanding of how this game should be played, than he does.
Ha! Last year everyone wanted to trade Diaz and Weber! Remember? The Swiss cheese and now he’s a darling! Let’s hope he continues to play at that level after the concussion. Just listen to Bork, Bork, Bork’s concern about getting a bump after returning. Besides, Markov’s resurgence has slowed and our D has been weak on a number of goals (our GOA haven’t been particularly good of late)
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
So would people in this forum be upset if the Habs went after Steve Ott?
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
After him to a steak restaurant or for a discussion about protocol and proper topics and liberties to exchange on the ice?
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
Lol you know what I mean
WOuld he be a good for this team? At a cap hit of 2.9 bigger Prust who can score too
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
Interesting… Buffalo will definitely be making some changes, but he’s on their top line with Vanek and he’s out…
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
Ouch! HGA mad about PK being blamed, but hey, there is something in that rant. Nobody dumped on Max for his stupid late game penalty or Gorges useless clears (I hate when defenders make blind clear attempts that end up on opponents sticks!)
(More squishing sounds from wet shoes with drenched overcoat and black cloud overhead…. thunder and lightening too!)
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
Today’s poll question needs the Florida Supreme Court to decide the winner. Loonie, can you pass on your PED* to some of the other posters?
“May you live in interesting times.”
*positivityenhancingdrug
I don’t see any hanging chads around.
Tinordi can play. Beaulieu also looks ready but finishing the year in Hamilton won’t hurt much. Even with Diaz out, it’s time to move Weber for a pick. Bergevin must be getting some calls and Weber must regret not staying in Europe. Kaberle can be insurance until bought out.
I still don’t think Kaberle gets bought out — he can still contribute, his numbers are still good, and so long as guys like MAB have jobs in this league, Kaberle will too. I say he gets dealt — either at the deadline or over the summer — for at least a 3rd.
Anyone care to bet me a beer at the next Summit? : )
Mike Boone: “With Gainey at my side, I’d walk into any dark alley in the world.”
I can’t see a team wanting his giant salary though.
Plus the fact that he’s hardly played.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Only means he is well rested Matty!
getting a pick won’t help this year’s run, and the Habs’ cadre of prospects seems full
“May you live in interesting times.”
You can never have too many picks — worst case, you hang onto them and deal them down the road. Their value doesn’t decrease the way Kaberle’s will.
And a 1-year $4.25M cap hit really isn’t obscene — especially for a 0.5PPG defenceman with decent numbers in limited games this year and a Cup ring.
Mike Boone: “With Gainey at my side, I’d walk into any dark alley in the world.”
I was reading an interesting article in today’s Gazette about the City of Montreal possibly running out of asphalt to repair potholes with.
In a pinch,I’m sure the Montreal Canadiens organization would be willing to contribute millions of hockey pucks,made of vulcanized rubber,to be used as a temporary fill in.
See if we still had gomez we could trade him for a bag of pucks !
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
Those pucks would be better than that crap they use anyways.
Bring them on!
Come to think of it,wouldn’t vulcanized rubber last longer than asphalt in Montreal’s harsh environs? If so, the entire roadwork system should be composed of it. Just put horizontal grooves into the vulcanized rubber for better traction.
Im fed up with how the Canadiens handle and treat PK Subban. The Guy has been our best player this year, will be for many years, and shoud end up in the HOF. but MT and management always bitch and gripe over him and cause more attention on him through the media then PK does!!! get off his back already, or start counting your tear drops when he plays for a rival, like boston or toronto. why not blame DD for the horrible giveaway in his own zone that cost the first goal? the favortism in the organization and BS antics need to stop. ive seen DD make tons of bad plays and give up the puck , get bumped off it, all year long, and no one rags on him, cause hes a local boy! pathetic, im sure there is a team that would respect PK see his hard work ethic his determination his passion, and let him reach the limit, the sky is the lmit. but the habs have their agendas, and honestly pk has done everything to please them he signed for 1 million less then DD, you have to admit the contract they gave his is a complete steal, he stopped the low 5, and worst of all they do this all through the media and not like true classy proffesionals behind closed doors! geeze dont go so hard on the kid, hes walking on egg shells just let him play and rag on players that arnt producung or being used for more then HALF the BLEEEPING \GAME!!
Mon Dieu!
Blame DD?
C’est pas possible!
Heh heh.
Nobody blames him for the loss.
He made a bonehead play in a crucial moment of the game, and was in the box when the other team scored, but the loss was on the team.
I don’t see the ‘Canadiens’ treating PK badly at all.
Before this little scene, he had been completely off the radar. Nothing from him. Nobody is giving him a hard time. He gets loads of minutes, and plays well. Therrien hasn’t criticised him, and any question about him has been responded to respectfully and as any other young player.
I don’t get what has you so upset.
Oh, and comparisons to Desharnais aren’t useful. They play different positions, are at different points in their careers, have different skills, have different builds, and have different assignments. How can you compare them at all?
—Hope Springs Eternal—
100% agree. People are so hyper sensitive to defend PK when he takes flack.
He made a boner move. It happens. It wasn’t the only reason the habs didn’t win but it was not a smart move by a top D man.
This is the media and certain fans making drama out of nothing
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
He made a bonehead (low percentage) play that came from a very good place. Therrien and the peanut gallery called him out on it. However, unlike many defenceman around the league who back their butts into the crease and sprall around like hooked fish to block passes, PK tries to make things happen when he senses that the team is flat. He gets caught sometimes. One problem I see with PK is that he is getting the puck too much on the PP and that other players need to step up.
Option B, praising PK without diss’ing DD.
Option C, re-do the poll when HIO voted Brandon Prust MVP, and Carey second.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Was thinking about this this morning:
Other teams probably don’t like playing us.
Considering our record, where we are in the standings, and how we’ve been playing, I can imagine that most teams (with the exceptions of perhaps the Bruins and the Sens) consider a win against us as points stolen; that most teams would consider taking us to OT as being a success.
For us to think any other way is to ignore the facts before us. We have a right to be confident, and we have a right to feel good about our team. It may not last. But while it’s here, enjoy it.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DIETlxquzY
Well exactly.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
The other teams still haven’t acclimated to this year’s team being much different from last year’s. This team doesn’t have the body language of “losers” (Camalleri quote, circa 2012). I was struck by the close resemblance the Sabres had last game to the Habs of last year, couple of opportunistic goals, two shots on goal in the second, lose the lead in the third.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Yeah, totally!
I noticed that too.
Playing a ‘don’t lose’ game.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
The Islanders have beaten us twice this year, and tonight we are playing in there barn. After the last game that we were lucky to get a single point, the kindly old coach will have the boys heads focused tonight.
They cannot give Moulson and Travarus any time and space or they will pepper Price with rubber.!
However,a peppered Price is a Price who is fully into the game.
I wonder if Plekanec can pick a part a peppered Price ?
regards,
Steve O.
I love the smell of alliteration so early in the morning!
where do you buy your colognes?
“May you live in interesting times.”
Bought latest Batch at the Bay.
Those pesky Isles have a killer PP.
If we can stay out of the box, we’ve got a chance.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
We really need to work on our PK unit. I’m not liking the Diamond formation that we are currently playing. Think we’d be better off with last year’s box system.
Go Habs Go!
Check out Top Shelf Prospects, my Team by Team prospect reports
http://lastwordonsports.com/
They aren’t playing a diamond.
They transition back and fourth from box to diamond depending on the formation of the powerplay.
They’re rarely in a diamond at all.
Swarm formation?
Just kidding.
It looks like they’re trying to overload one side all the time. Makes for more easily broken up lays unless the puck gets through to the weak side. Higher risk with higher reward.
So those pesky piscators with the potent power play can pepper Price prodigiously unless we perform with pose and patience to prevent penalties
Precisely!
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Your wide awake this morning Jim!
Islanders are still in the hunt for a playoff spot. This won’t be a easy games for the Habs. They better come to play 60-minutes.
Slightly less pessimistic than your post of 7 minutes earlier. Try one more time, give it the ol’ college try, do it for the Gipper!! Come on Loonie has us all in a good mood!
They won’t.
(walks away with little raincloud overhead, squelching of wet shoes fading into the distance)
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Interesting note overheard from guys who knew Gabriel Dumont back in junior.
1) this guy is a true competitor. Never takes a shift off.
2) once he earns a spot on this team, he will take on bigger dudes and fight to defend teammates. Word is, he is deceptively tough and strong. You’ve been warned 4th liners. It’s game on for the last roster spot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHQu7HbuLAA
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
Can’t be easy to survive the Q at 5’9″ and 170 lbs — he must have some fire in him. In his last junior season, he tallied 127 PIMs in 63 games (and 51 goals).
Pretty amazing when a guy scores 51 goals and 93 points and still wins the league’s award for best defensive forward.
Mike Boone: “With Gainey at my side, I’d walk into any dark alley in the world.”
Lose tonight and they are slowly opening the door for Boston.
Habs are sort of a surprise team this year. beating teams that maybe shouldn’t be and losing to teams that shouldn’t be.
Can’t figure them out. I think the playoffs will be short lived for them ….
To some extent Habs have had this odd win/lose pattern for the past few years. It’s the mental aspect. They are not good enough to not be up for a game, but it’s hard to get up for some teams. If they were more loaded they could possibly get away with not being at their best for some games.
Hahaha!
Ohhh… that’s rich.
Who are these guys?!?
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Wow! Loonie2.0 is one positive dude. I sense a big win coming on tonight. Let’s go Les Boys!
The kool-aid is delicious.
Sorry, but I think your smoking something, no way just kool-aid has done this to you! Did you get lucky last night?
Nah. Just tired of talking about the negative.
If the team needs aren’t addressed in the future or the personnel being played improperly comes back to bite the team I won’t be happy, but as long as the team’s winning and the large majority of players are playing really well I’ll be all smiles.
Almost slipping into negative territory there. Careful.
Yeah! All this happy talk is suffocating!
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
Sorry Guy… On the phone. When I got here tens years ago, boutique and imported beers were a pain to get hold of. Thankfully those dark times are truly gone and there’s a great variety of Summer Blondes and Reds, Darks and imported specialties (and I’m still talking about beer).
Like in any Western consumer centric country, Australia still has plenty of swill that passes for beer. Fosters is despised as a foreign beer for cretins, but Aussie’s drink VB (Victoria Bitter), the odd Super Dry Lager, XXXX (a truly revolting beverage for cheapskates) and your standard foreign mastheads; Heineken, Asahi/Kirin, Becks and Guinness…
My Winter Hockey comp kicks off this weekend with a double header. I trust the Montrealers to dig up a decent Quebec beer for the occasion and my Slovak winger to bring some fancy Euro brew for the post game analysis in the parking lot…
Cheers mate!
Very enlightening. Credit to Luke for bringing up beer before noon. Cheers.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Molsons has stopped carrying the Fosters brand in Canada and none of the beer makers have picked up its distribution rights, we are soon to never see Australia’s swill in Canada on the shelves again.
In other news, Miller Genuine Draft had an arrangement with Molson to brew/distribute the MGD line in Canada and apparantly are quite unhappy with the attention this brand received from Molson’s and have pulled their licensing/distribution from Molsons. Molson is currently litigating to keeping the agreement in place. Have to believe they are fearful that with Miller handling its own marketing/distribution they could put a dent in Molson Canadian sales.
This has been your friendly neighbourhood beer update.
Buckeye NewsHawk award to Burl!
Interesting…
Ach! Good to see the rose colored glasses on Laddies! Sure, consider a cup run, but even though we’ve only lost one game in regulation in the last 18, ask yourself, have we been dominant? Do we strike nervousness and fear in our opponents? Sorry to say gents, no need to trade for anything at this point as it will be too expensive and if we run for the Cup, it will be cut short by teams that are bigger, deeper, can score anywhere, have a hot goalie (maybe Price will come alive). I’d rather just make an earnest effort and not crap out over the next19 games. OTL and SO’s don’t count. In my book, a loss is s loss regardless of this three point garbage and the spectacle. No, I won’t be going to the game tonight. I was embarassed last time. I’ll watch it on MSG and listen to them call Gionta “Stephen” and mis-pronounce everyone elses name too!
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
So what more proof do you need that they’re among the best teams in the East.
I’d argue that the East is a haven for competitive but not great teams. Anybody who’s good has a chance in this conference. Our Habs of two seasons ago with little size and a beat up and old defense group came within a shot of knocking off the Cup Champs in the first round.
This team is much more physical and has better depth at forward and on defense.
This team dominated the Bruins for 55 minutes at home in their first meeting and clawed back with two third period goals to win in Boston in the second meeting.
Playoffs are different to be sure but there’s nobody in the East or quite frankly the league who’s at a level significantly better than the Habs.
And quite frankly, I haven’t seen a team that the Habs can’t go toe to toe with in a seven game series.
It’s also worth mentioning that this team won’t have Markov and Gionta forever. It may well have a two year window to win a Cup in the next five or so seasons.
I think this is definitely the time to add a versatile and excellent defenseman to the group who could potentially put it over the hump.
You said yourself that Price isn’t playing his best, I agree. But how long’s that likely to continue? I’d argue that it isn’t going to be long. This team will be so much better when he’s on his game.
So while you’re evaluating where this team is today relative to the rest of the league I’m looking at where they’ll be with Bourque, Diaz and Prust back in the lineup and a Price that’s playing lights out like his usual self.
That team may not strike fear into opponents, but it should.
We can’t play a run and gun style tonight, we proved that in losses against the Isles and Penguins, we need to pressure the puck constantly and keep an agressive forecheck up from the get-go. Shut down their 1st line and take ‘em to the trenches!!! We win this one 3-0.
Agree! We need strong fore-checking and a shut-down defense. We get sloppy and then they play in our zone for minutes until we give up a goal. Seen it too many times, even Boone calls it when he feels the noose tightening. As for 3-0, I’d like to believe it, but I have limited faith in Prices 2010 return and Mouslon is Hab killer!
Promote the Youth, Support From The Veterans and Remember the Heritage!
A plea to Marc Bergevin.
Go for it man. You’ve got a coach who’s changed his stripes(seemingly) and a very deep group of forwards who are scoring in numerous ways. You’ve got excellent puck movement from defense and the top end talent is there with Markov and Subban.
Go getcha an excellent to elite defenseman and let’s put this thing to bed.
I like prospects and don’t want ya emptying the cupboard but let’s be real, you guys stocked it up pretty darn well in June. You won’t have to give up on your plan to add a great piece on defense.
I know you’re on board with this. You haven’t rushed our injured players back into action. You know that being healthy going into the playoffs is key and in addition that this team can win even when it is suffering from injuries.
Oh yeah, and this season has been a revelation without your best player playing his best. When he turns it on, you’re at the top buddy.
Let’s do it.
It’s starting to look like the real deal eh?
My only concern is the greatly increased price on players when the trade deadline is looming, with that in mind, I’m glad he dealt for Ryder sooner rather than later.
I hope they retain Ryder next season if the price is reasonable
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
I think as long as they don’t give up on the high end talent a deal can be made.
It’s hard to find that deal, but hopefully Bergevin can.
Define high end?
I’m guessing it’s Tinordi/Beaulieu at this point and that Kristo does not make the cut as elite?
The thing is I think the Habs will need those guys on entry level deals in the next 2-3 so the team can better manage the cap.
Realistically this team has prospects in Kristo, Hudon, Bozon, Collberg, Dietz, Tinordi, Beaulieu, Leblanc, Nygren and Bournival who should all make an impact at the NHL level.
If they can swing a deal that gets them an excellent player for the next two years minimum without giving up more than two of the players I mentioned, I think they should do it.
The milestone achieved last game was the strong determination to score after falling behind a Sabres team hell-bent on defense. Armstrong, Galchenyuk, Pacioretty, Desharnais, coming through is just further illustration that key goals will come from unexpected and expected sources. We have secondary scoring, which is far more important than primary punching. Come to think of it, when it comes to fighting, we should employ the “trap,” very few punches thrown but few taken as well.
“May you live in interesting times.”
> Go getcha an excellent to elite defenseman and let’s put this thing to bed.
Who??
The Sharks are on the verge of a fire sale, the Canucks can’t find a taker for Luongo and need to shed cap space, the Jets are openly pining for scoring from the right wing(a position of strength for Bergevin), Calgary may just have a fire sale too.
Lots of teams around the league that are probably looking to make hockey deals.
You have to pay a price for the talent, but I think this is the time to do it.
Saturday night 8:30-9:30pm. Earth Hour.
Hamsters will be at 50% strength.
I’m not sure what effect that will have on HIO.
We should drink one less beer each and be proud of the energy saved not from what’s needed to produce that one beer, but from fewer toilet flushes.
“May you live in interesting times.”
I ain’t watching the game in the dark.
Another measuring stick game for the Habs tonight.
I broke my measuring stick when the score was 2-0 the last game.
“May you live in interesting times.”
You’re right, it will determine if the Canadiens have learned from the last game or not. If not it is the start of a slide, if so it really bodes well for the playoffs. A signature game that will allow pundits to look back on the Buffalo loss as a maturing point of a team, or the day the record indicates the bubble must have burst.
Exactement!
We win against the Isles and Armdog scores a third. Fearless Prediction!
Piggybacker!
So is Yeungling a good beer, or just the best beer in a nation of bad beer?
I’ve been grinding through a box this week and I’m not exactly impressed. Lacks depth of flavour… very light bodied… I dunno… maybe a bit syrupy or sweet.
I’ve had, and enjoyed many a Yeungling in the USA. I don’t recall them sucking so much.
I should also apologize for the first two periods of the Sabres game. I had 3 ‘found’ OVs in the fridge… It wasn’t until the third one was gone that Max scored.
Really popular among the College crowd, but not a premium taste. I love Canadian beers, especially Maudite, La Trappiste, and the like. Other than pedestrian Fosters, how are the beers in the land down under?
“May you live in interesting times.”
Sorry Luke, I thought I was responding to Marc.
OV’s, wow you are really going old school. Isn’t the Yeungling in a slightly green to clear bottle? If so has potential to go skunky quicker if in light. I don’t mind the Yeungling in the States, but never buy it up here.
Speaking of old school beers, i remember back in Manitoba we had Club beer, can’t remember if it was Molson, Labatts or O’Keefe brewed though.
Before Labatts took them over, Carling O’Keefe’s had a large brewery in North Kildonan.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Eh, the good old days…
“thoroughbred”
Howdy, yeah!
“May you live in interesting times.”
From North end to the South end, Winnipeg Beach for the weekend
Oi Oi Oi he’s a Winnipeg boy!
=================================================
The cranial flatulence of PJ Stock:
“On peut play cette game tres simplement”
“Le game est tous de hard work”
” I have a pet peeve”
There are still bars around here (though fewer and fewer) that have Molson Stock Ale on tap…
I’m a Creemore drinker, so Yeungling was my American pseudo-equivalent. Theses guys are in the can, so light saturation isn’t the issue… A crappy batch of cans could be the issue though…
OK, I’ll give the remainder of the box a test tonight, dedicate them to the American members of HI/O and, to a lesser extent, the Habs and we’ll see how we do.
If things go bad early, I’m opening up a bottle of Red though.
There are lots of good beers in the US but unfortunately Americans seem to prefer junk like Coors Light, Miller Light, Bud Light, etc. Yuengling isn’t too bad but the Sam Adams Seasonal Ales are all good, especially the Summer Ale on a hot July afternoon. Their Octoberfest Ale is also very good. Try Fat Tire (yes Fat Tire, not Flat Tire) if you are ever in the Denver area. Ubu is a dark, rather heavy ale, made in the Aderondacs in upstate NY.
Forgot about the Sam Adams… they aren’t too bad… just can’t drink a pile of the seasonals. And i have a tendancy to drink beer in piles.
Yeungling is the best of the cheap beers, but I haven’t had them here in Canada so maybe they’re slightly different.
And as Mustang alludes to, Anything by New Belgium (they brew Fat Tire) is quality.
I’ve made my stand before here and I’ll make it again, I prefer American beers to Canadian. The problem is (at least in Ontario and Quebec) is they don’t import many. The biggest LCBO I’ve been to has the selection of a pretty average liquor store back in Georgia, and there are a few that are literally a warehouse. American Craft Breweries are incredible, but you have to go to the states to get them.
Tonight’s game will come down to defense. Best defense wins.
Tonight’s game will come down to offense. Most goals wins.
Yeah, in our two losses so far to the Isles, they have had an easy time gaining our zone and getting grade A scoring chances. Tavares is as hard to shut down as Crosby, much harder than Stamkos.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Tonight’s game will come down to goal differential. Biggest differential (positive) wins.
“Et le but!”
Tonights game will come down to the goalies, who play tonight Budaj or Price?
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
Price is listed as the starter tonight.
Loonie being so positive has resulted in fewer posts from all posters this morning.
“May you live in interesting times.”
LOL,
I missed it yesterday but did anyone take Loonie’s bet?
Bill did and HF72 offered to up the ante to some medium grade whiskey.
I’m game for anyone who wants to take the bet.
I’m all sunshine and lolipops over here.
I take full responsiblity for this “Sunshine and Lollipops Loonie” Ever since he won that beer off me for the COle bet (which he scored the following game) he is on a roll! It has led to the Armstrong Prophecy, which will soon go down as more important than the nailing of the 95 Theses on the Wittenburg Church Doors !!
Lesley Gore would like that.
Burly, you left out references to Pharoahs, Ancient Greeks, and Confuscius, but otherwise your post covered it all.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Just means I don’t have to be as positive
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
Great, just great. The Habs are winning, the management and coaching staff are competent, the kids are all over-achieving, and now Loonie is farting rainbows. What the hell are we supposed to talk about now?
He may be colour blind, I fart rainbows as well, just not multicoloured!
We can discuss the all new Farting Rainbow Coalition.
Better over the internet than at the Summit.
“May you live in interesting times.”
False: only unicorns fart rainbows.
Mike Boone: “With Gainey at my side, I’d walk into any dark alley in the world.”
Further trade talk.
Boy, Garth Snow is in Jay Feaster’s class. For Tim Thomas, Islanders gave up a 2nd round pick!
If Oilers miss the playoffs (I’ll bet anyone a “case” of 6 beers they will), Habs should try to obtain Mike Brown. He cost the Oil Kings a 4th round pick. The double trade would be like Max Lapierre fetching the Habs Brett Feisterling and a 5th, and shortly thereafter, fetching the Ducks Vancouver’s 3rd round pick.
“May you live in interesting times.”
2nd round pick was conditional I believe, if Thomas doesn’t play no pick? Can’t remember details. Did they actually give away a 2nd round pick just for a free caphit?
You may be right, but the “condition” attached that I read about was the pick would be in either 2013 or 2014. Can’t see Chiarelli giving away the rights for nada, althought cap-space may have been what he wanted most.
“May you live in interesting times.”
That’s correct. If Thomas doesn’t report to the Islanders they give up nothing in that trade.
It was a great move to get them to the cap floor without sacrificing anything.
If Thomas does report, he gets a two time Vezina winner for a second round pick.
Pretty damn good deal if you ask me.
He’ll be 39+ in age, and not necessarily an upgrade on Nabokov.
“May you live in interesting times.”
And New York is Democrat territory.
Oh I disagree. Nabakov isn’t in Thomas’ league regardless of age.
Thomas was significantly better as recently as last season.
It really wasn’t a trade of a player for a pick. It was a brilliant trade by both GMs to circumvent the Cap.
Thomas has walked away. He is not being paid but counts against the cap. Islanders acquire 5.5m in Cap hit and pay 0 dollars for it. It brings them to the floor (a bit past), keeps them compliant and allows them room to make moves should they choose to.
Boston freed up 5.5m in Cap space that was being eaten up by a player who would not play for them. It allows them to use that Cap space to acquire assets, who will actually play, and help them challenge for a Cup.
Upgrading Nabakov was never really a consideration. The conditional pick is there to protect Boston incase TT changed his addled mind again.
Another route to get to the cap floor would have been to re-sign P.A. Parenteau, and also signing some other free agents, you know, a bird in hand is worth two in the bush, unless Thomas shot all those birds.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Salary though. They wanted to hit the cap floor without having to pay salary.
They’d actually have to pay PA Parenteau real dollars. They are not paying TT anything.
What they said. Thomas counts on the cap because it is a +35 contract, but he is suspended for not reporting so they don’t have to pay him.
You guys are smart, and I’m not saying this JUST to be positive.
“May you live in interesting times.”
2pm phone conference for Lupul. What a joke!
My selfish Anti-Leaf sentiment was hoping for more also. Timo posted a few weeks back a comment that at first blush seemed inconsiderate but I agree 100% with it.
I Paraphrase, Why should we fans care anymore about players getting concussions when it is obvious the players themselves don’t.
Kind of resembled Pacioretty’s hit on Letang, and much milder than Ryan Malone’s hit on Chris Campoli, but I’m no expert (plagiarized, or borrowed signature).
“May you live in interesting times.”
Trying to gain some background perspective for the looming trade deadline. Columbus won the Rick Nash transaction; they’re improved and have the Blueshirt’s 1st round pick in June. Pittsburg won the Jordan Staal trade; they don’t miss Staal and Sutter is productive. TO got a good one in van Riemsdyk; Phillie isn’t better with Schenn. A lesser trade that impresses me is Brian Murray’s acquisition of Mark Methot for Nick Foligno. Methot had 4 obscure seasons in Columbus and before his injury, was solid and engaged in the Sens’ games against the Habs. He didn’t come cheap for Ottawa but no competent player should.
“May you live in interesting times.”
We win tonight!
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
It’s either that or we don’t.
“May you live in interesting times.”
A 50/50 chance either way?
Willing to bet a case of beer it will be one of these results.
“May you live in interesting times.”
What do we call a shootout loss or OT loss? Seems like there is like 3 or 4 options now on a game result. I think the NHL has 7 columns now in order to keep track of Win, Loss, Loss by OT, Loss by Gimmick, Loss with so/so effort, Loss with so/so effort followed by explosive press conference, Loss with great effort but crappy goalies etc.. etc….
Quit being so smart.
“May you live in interesting times.”
My understanding is the stat that matters is ROW or regulation wins + overtime wins, as it is the first tie-breaker if teams have the same number of points.
No no no no, you are over simplifying this Phil, there is also a stat for if you win shootout in 10th round and don’t use your highest paid forward!!!
So what is more important the coach or the GM? Montreal brings in a new GM with clearly a different leadership style than the previous GM, he also brings with him a new old coach. Team responds with tremendous start to season.
Columbus midseason brings in a new President, then fires GM and replaces him, and bingo bango bongo the Jackets are 7-0-3 in their last 10 games……
Well the GM picks the coach in most cases.
The counterpoint to your opinion could be found in Toronto.
But Columbus didn’t switch coaches midstream this year did they?
Also I was being somewhat tongue in cheek, (assuming Columbus didn’t replace coach) as i am just amazed at the turnaround in Ohio, does make one realize I think what leadership from President on down can do.
No. There’s definitely examples that go each way.
I lean toward your side with the GM being more important. But then you get into a different discussion about who gets credit/blame.
Buffalo has a good collection of talent in my opinion. But it appears that Darcy Regier may have problems selecting coaches.
Sabres are a work in progress. Two shots on goal in an entire period is a mark of a team searching for its identity.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Long term, GM is most important. He is the one who brings in the players and sets the stage for the long term success of the team – or lack thereof. Coaches are easier to replace, and when they’re gone you’re not left with all the players they picked.
__________________________
☞ The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool. ~ Richard Feynman ☜
Agreed. The GM has more impact on the team, long-term. If they screw up, it can really set the team back for years. Conversely, the coach’s impact is always “this year”.
Also, a coach can have a greater impact if they have a bit of influence on player personnel. For example, I’m sure MT had some say in bringing in Bouillon and Armstrong.
I disagree about the coach’s responsibilities being limited to the current year. They as much as the GM are held responsible for the development of young players and the usage of the veteran players.
Marc Bergevin isn’t taking heat for the amount of minutes that Markov is playing for example, nor is he questioned about Galchenyuk’s use on the third line.
Not saying I disagree or agree with either but the coach’s impact regarding development goes beyond the current year.
Gerald – I think it’s a bit of a stretch to say that Montreal and Columbus have turned around quickly just because there has been a change at the top. I give Bergevin some of the credit but there are other reasons that come into play.
As for Columbus, the team was set for a rebound even before Davidson arrived. Decent goaltending has also helped. They also have some good kids with more on the way.
I am not definitively convinced of what is the reason Steve. But watching how much better Columbus is playing re-enforces in my mind the absolute importance of Leadership/Direction and that players can feel it when they believe in an organization.
Watching 24CH and seeing how MB is travelling with the team on some trips, making a presence, showing accountability etc… I guess what I am saying is that GM’s have more impact on day to day play than I had earlier given credit. Perhaps this is a New Age of GM’s in the league, versus old school where you spoke to the GM at start and finish of season and not inbetween. Granted PG believed in that last year…..
Was Sammy Pollock more important than Scotty Bowman from 1975 to 1979?
“May you live in interesting times.”
Sam Pollock was responsible for building those dynasty teams but it started prior to 1970!
He was more important than Bowman for recognizing secondary talent which included snatching Doug Jarvis from the Laffs not forgetting the engineering of the chain of events resulting in drafting Lafleur !
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The cranial flatulence of PJ Stock:
“On peut play cette game tres simplement”
“Le game est tous de hard work”
” I have a pet peeve”
Great memories. And the revered Frank Selke Jr. had a role in Mr. Pollock’s dealings. Mr. P. also obtained Ken Dryden’s rights from the Bruins, another crafty move.
“May you live in interesting times.”
The acquisition of Jarvis was classic !
The drafting of a low scoring forward from Peterborough of the OHA was genius!
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The cranial flatulence of PJ Stock:
“On peut play cette game tres simplement”
“Le game est tous de hard work”
” I have a pet peeve”
Yeah but Columbus was such a broken record, that never had a winning culture its nice to see them winning and with the 1st round picks they have their future is much brighter than it used to be.
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
Kind of a weird story, remember back a few weeks and Rick Dipietro was talking about a great deal of dark things as it related to his career. Now he apparantly is feeling pretty good about making a comeback, starting in the AHL.
http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/sports/former-nhl-player-hoping-for-a-comeback#.UUr4exeG33R
Good news. The alarm was sounding pretty loudly with him. Hopefully has a sustained positive outlet to keep things in perspective.