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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For those who asked if Bourque was playing in long island.
JohnLuTSNMtl: #Habs Bourque says he’s not sure if he’s been cleared for contact. There were no contact drills in today’s practice. Will not play Thursday.
Yemmy has got his mojo back. Don’t worry about his face coming apart amigos.The Russian doctors installed armour plating from surplus tanks after the cold war. He has Tank Parts. He is (TU-74! Saludos!
Good to hear the tank got recycled and is still usefull.
I thought it was HH’s tank that they used.
That is the tank I was refering to.
LOL, you got one positive attitude amigo, Saludos back at ya!
Some knee slapping commenariat shiznit going on here today…with a few trying to stir up the blame game on PK, MT, Cube…whoever.
Here’s what I do when things seem dark and dreary…go to nhl.com and have a look at the standings, the Habs record, the goal differentials…pick a stat, any stat…then think of where we were a year ago.
(And don’t feed ‘em)
***SUBBANGIN’ NOW BABY!!!***
I guess that didn’t work out too well last year!
Go Habs Go
It worked great last year if you were a member of the Tank Brigade, it is all just a matter of perspective. But either way the advice provided by the Punkster does work!
lol, you just can’t lose!
Go Habs Go
I’m right with you there. That’s what I did last night when the bashing started here.
This was what I posted.
How spoiled are we?
The team gets a point after playing an Islanders first period,
and yet the complaints are rampant.
We’re in 2nd place with 43 points, 2 up on Boston who have one game in hand. 3 behind the Pens with 2 games in hand.
And yet the complaints are rampant.
It’s been mentioned that the number of points required to make the playoffs is 55 points. So we need 12 points with 19 games to go. Right?
They’re 7-1-2 in their last 10.
Who remembers what most predicted at the beginning of the year. Most were hoping for a ticket to the playoffs, at best.
There were even discussions of tanking again for a shot at another decent draft pick.
Unless they suffer a total collapse, I don’t see them losing home ice advantage for a few rounds, at least.
Time to enjoy this team. They’ve got so much character. Never say die. We didn’t see that last year.
I’ve said it before, enjoy the ride, because I’m hoping that this very good team of ours carries us straight into June.
I know as little about hockey as the rest of you, but to me this cube signing signals the end of Diaz or gorges as a hab, by as late as summertime.
Love the first clause of that sentence, haha.
But I can’t see either of those guys going anywhere. Diaz is very useful, and there wouldn’t be too many teams dying to take Gorges at his contract.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Maybe San Jose wants him back and Clowe is coming this way?
Then Emelin? Because you gotta figure there’s a place for tinordi on the team next year, with beaulieu not far behind. You’re good at counting, bill. We are in a numbers game, now.
Based on how Tinordi played (nothing spectacular, that’s all) he hasn’t distinguished himself enough to even start about making him a regular. Then again, he was better than DD in Habs own end.
Yeah but you see the game differently than everyone else. You see everyone as sucking.
Bouillon will be the #6/7 dman. If tinordi is ready to play full time he will take bouillon’s spot and Frankie will fill in when needed. A team needs to carry more than 6 d and you need some vets to step in when there are injuries. Can’t rely too much on prospects. Remember kaberle and weber will likely be gone next season. No need to move anyone to make room for cube he is a depth signing and a very good one at that
I have funny feeling of the same Twi’. Do you smell what the Rock is cooking as well? I mean MB of course….
Well, while I don’t see those guys moving, it certainly looks like there is no room on the blueline for Tinordi, Beaulieu, or Pateryn next year, much less – obviously – Weber.
This certainly suggests they will buy out Kaberle. Weber will not be resigned. That leaves the six D we have now with room in the pressbox.
Some suggesting that Bouillon has been signed as a 7th D/injury replacement, but I don’t think you ever plan to have your pressbox guy making 1.5 million dollars up there.
Hamilton is going to have a terrific D, haha.
Full Breezer 4 Life
What about Komisarek? that wasnt part of the plan?
Go Habs Go
not georges… not diaz… #26 is too much a leader.. and Diaz has too much offensive potential.. more likely Weber is done as a hab
Go Habs Go
I don’t think Diaz or Gorges are done because of that deal I see it as a depth move plain and simple.
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
A couple of highlights from yesterday’s game :
-Patches dished out a couple of very nice crunching body checks yesterday.
-Eller looked like a young Jean Beliveau the way he was skating, and stickhandling and making nice plays at both ends of the rink.
lowlights:
-Shooting was atrocious. I cant remember ever seeing so many shots miss the net by such a wide margin.
-powerplay- has to get better, Gallagher is a tremendous offensive weapon at even strength. He is not cutting it on the PP. Georges cannot be on the point at any time on a PP. If Tinordi is deemed “good enough” to take Kaberles spot he must either play on the PP (second wave) or a forward (Eller or Galchenyuk) must be deployed as on the point. If neither of those two things happen we are better off having Kaberle in the lineup than Tinordi.
regards,
Steve O.
Thought at times Eller looked like, dare I say it, a young Bob Gainey.
Well as long as he doesn’t look like an Old Bob Gainey who would let Gauthier come in then I’m game haha (I still like Gainey a lot it sucks how the end of his GM career here went)
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
Anyone else like to see changes to the defense pairings?
I would like to see P.K with Markov – Emelin with Georges – and FB with Tinordi (DIAZ)
PK and Markov will make a dynamic duo on both ends of the rink. Georges-Emelin will be our shut down defensive pairing whose ice time will be reduced in favor of Bouillion’s duo when we are behind and need to score.
Emelin may eventually evolve into a better two-way defenceman playing with Georges ( a stay at home partner) and perhaps switching to his natural left side.
I think its worth a try. Are we not always supposed to be trying to improve?
regards,
Steve O.
I don’t know If I like it. Its good having a two way defense men on each pairing. The reason for this is because we have three good offensive lines, and these lines would suffer if the offense from the D was only concentrated to one pairing. Less of the O lines would be able to benefit from the first pass out of the D zone and the offensive opportunities provided from the D int he offensive zone. It also allows PK and Markov to both take risks, because Georges and Emelin are less likely to be taking risky plays offensively
In my opinion what has allowed ALL the defenseman to take risks and “pinch” in at the blue line is that the forwards are actually covering up for the d-men this season. This is something that was missing from last years squad.
I don;t think it should be called “taking risks” when a defenceman conntributes to the offense. I would just call it hockey. When we have the puck we should be trying to score, when they have it we need to defend. One of the big reasons for this teams success is that the defense is actually contributing to the offensive production. Anything that can be done to improve it should be attempted.
The way the special teams are set up right now after every PK and Markov get a rest while Georges and Emelin play one shift together. I notice that they have looked good playing together. Why not experiment with these different pairings for one game, or even one period?
Yesterday would have been a perfect opportunity . We were trailing by 2 goals after one period, Why not put Pk and Markov together to try and stimulate the offense?
regards,
Steve O.
I think Emelin is going to be traded for someone who’s better at hockey and under contract until at least the the end of the 2014/2015 season. I think the real Alexei Emelin is the guy we saw last season and that this year’s “improvement” is really just the Markov Effect. My opinion is a product of personal bias and wishful thinking and I haven’t bother to research whether or not this mystery defenceman we’ll be acquiring actually exists.
Well, just keep him playing with Markov in that case?
You have to wonder with all the GMs collecting in Toronto, with so much on the agenda from embellishment, to replay challenges to (last but certainly not least) players’ safety and the concussion issues, how much will really get done.
We’re talking 30 billionaires, with a few extra large egos.
And if you get Jacobs et al started, I don’t think they’ll achieve much.
So the league holds this swanky affair, paid for by the league (fans), and I would venture to bet the +/- that they come out of this with nothing to announce.
Nothing tangible or noteworthy as usual. Thugs like thug hockey.
Well you do have to remember that no Brian Burke at these GM meetings, that alone could make the meetings much cooler with the room temp. lowered with his hot air not blowing around. THis could lead to much more efficient meetings.
RE: GM meetings and rule changes.
1 – The Challenge Flag – I like this idea. Although it would need to be controlled somehow, so it doesn’t get abused.
2 – OT – Too many games are decided by SO. I like the idea of 4on4 for five, then 3on3 for five. BUT, how do you give penalties in the 3on3? Then I thought of the beer league solution: 3on3 penalties are penalty shots!
3 – GMs and owners want more goals. How about making the posts flat on the inside third? More shots on the post would go in. Yesterday, someone mentioned making the puck smaller: “like lifesaver size”. I LOL’ed so loud I scared the manager in the office next door.
4 – Where is Iggy going? I wouldn’t like to the Bs or Pens…
1. Agreed, but with limits
2. no 3 on 3. 4 on 4 UNTIL someone scores.
3. Goalie pads should be the size of the goalie, and not 3 or 4 sizes too large.
4. My money is on Pittsburgh.
3. You know, I don’t really notice the size fo the goalie pads when I watch a game. However, it’s when you look back at the pads of yesteryears that you really notice how big they are now; not to mention that the goalies themselves are so much bigger. Having said that, I see no need to make the goalie smaller by changing the equipment.
If GMs want more scoring, those leg pads are the way to go.
I always thought the catching mitt and blocker were overly large as well.
I still think they go they just extend OT to 10 minutes. Would reduce the frequency of the shootout without eliminating it (as it is a major draw for casual and younger fans) while maintaining a definite time duration for games
Don’t care for bastardization of the sport. The SO is a bad joke.
Changing the OT point scheme should encourage more teams to try to win in regulation or OT. 2 pts for OT win and only 1 pt for a shootout win. Loser gets 0 points always.
I have heard a few times now that Rick Dudley has been scouting the Jets often lately. Can anyone confirm this. I hear the interest is towards Zach Bogosian.
I am in the ‘Peg and it would never happen. Mark Stuart would be a worthy addition. Burmistrov could certainly be had (but we don’t want him).
Winnipeg desperately wants a top 6 forward.
———————————————————————————-
“Crush your enemies, see them driven before you and hear the lamentations of the women.”
Gotta give to get. I think Bogo is available for a 2nd line winger.
Bogosian is probably the least likely player to be traded by the Jets. Kane/Byfuglien/Bogo cannot be had unless the return is huge – particularly with the Jets in a playoff spot.
Thats what people said of Spencer Mahechuk last spring.
When the Jets look at their defence of the future, Bogosian is at the top of their list – Byfuglien will be gone before Bogosian, and that won’t happen anytime soon.
As long as it isn’t Antropov
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
He’s been weird. I heckled him at the Bruins game and then suddenly he’s been amazing the last two weeks. He’s got Kostitsynitis.
———————————————————————————-
“Crush your enemies, see them driven before you and hear the lamentations of the women.”
OR Olli
I don’t think anyone here has any tangible news to offer on who Rick Dudley is or isn’t scouting. It’s like asking Eklund what is the latest scoop. All any of us (or I think most of us) know is what we read on the internet.
Actually, I know who manipulates what’s on the internet!
Jim Carey is Eklund? Heck did you know he went to high school right here in Burlington!!!! Hey maybe I can be an Eklund!!!
Cheers Bri!
You want to emulate Eklund? God forbid!
You’ll never be the same, and they’ll be no reasoning with you.
I’m hearing a lot about the Jets too, but I cannot understand why they would be considered sellers, and I don’t think they are or will be. The Southwest is ripe for the taking and they could end up being the third seed. They’re not trading any assets at all.
…unless the trade makes both teams better…
~~~> Mathematically eliminated…
As much as I’ve liked pretty much every move, even very comment, made by MT this year, his line about Subban was a mistake. To lay this one on PK for a (questionable) penalty without mentioning Pacioretty’s (completely deserved) one hung him out to dry. And the complete lack of preparedness on our “top” line in the first period was a major cause to the team coming out flat. With the way PK has been playing over the last 10+ games one would think he’d get at least a pass by his coach. Not impressed, Michel.
MT was definitely holding back last night. Maybe he wanted to go off on the refs (I would have) but was told by MB never to say anything against them? Who knows but I did not like PK getting thrown under the bus like that either. That first period sucked.
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
I don’t think his comments were that bad… plus he did say it would be addressed with PK internally…
People are overreacting.
So singling him out is ok, because they’ll take care of it “internally”? If that was his intention why say anything at all publicly? If they hadn’t mailed it in during the first period ( -6 for our 1st line?) it would have been a blowout.
internally:
MT: hey PK wtf that was a terrible call
PK: yes coach it was, but I should not have put myself into that position to begin with.
MT: you are correct.
To be fair, I heard the comments on the radio so maybe visually it looked different. However, he did not mentioned anyone else and there were plenty of guys that made mistakes. That game should not have gone to overtime. Max’s penalty also killed the momentum but no mention of it (and he’s done it before too).
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
If PK had actually hit him he would have woken up some time next week. But he missed and raised his stick. Didn’t connect with him or anything.
He was asked a point-blank question that he could hardly refuse to answer. He simply said it was a bad play, which I think most agree with in that it wasn’t necessary. As for Patch’s penalty, Therrien wasn’t asked about that. Yes, it was a bad penalty to take, but it didn’t cost us a goal. And he did say that the team was not ready, that they were simply going through the motions in the first period. I don’t think he was hanging the loss on P.K.
I like Bouillion, but really don;t understand the rush to commit money. I mean, where is he going? How many GMs throw themselves at 37-38 year old journeymen defensemen?
Like who is running this team – the L’antichambre bozos? Let’s get all the 5’7″ French guys signed for life. Is MB on direct line to Pauline Marois?
And please, there should be no mention of Komisarek anywhere on this site.
It’s about time we started getting some anti MB rants going here, not sure why he has been Teflon Don until now….
LMAO!
Hopefully the next 5’7” francophone guy they get is St-Louis.
Nobody was saying that when Gill was mentoring Subban in his first year, so why the anti Bouillon comments? It’s essentially the same role. He has been a really reliable and steady player this year, and clearly enjoys playing with the rookies. And wit our future building around Tinordi, Beaulieu, Ellis and/or Patryn a veteran presence is critical. 1.5 for a 6th defenceman is not overpaying at all.
It’s not necessary anti Bouiliion, it’s just as I said what is the rush? It’s not like losing FB next year is going to slow the building of a winner process.
As far as mentoring,,,,,,,we do have Gorges, Markov,,,,,and I basically am tired of mentoring. Bring them up when they are ready to play. Good players adapt quickly on their own. That’s what coaches are for too. Didn’t we sign Patrice and JJ to do some of that? No need to commit salry for mentors.
whats with first of all the racism behind this post.. and actually many others … and second of all… what rush? he proved himself useful, got a contract extension for one year… He’ll be a floater between press box and bottom pairings… I don’t see an issue
so chill your shit.. Pauline Marois has absolutely zero input.. Antichambre knows 1000 times more then you… between all of them how many stanley cups and championships were won as players and coaches? stfu with you BS about Quebec Francophones and your ridiculous paranoia
Go Habs Go
hey Robespierre, it’s a joke moron. Racist??? man you need valium. (but if you really want to know more about racism, you do need to contact Pauline)
I don’t care either where a player comes from, but I do care when we sign a couple of guys who really are not going to be major parts of a cup winning team. When almost 9% of next year’s cap is going to Desharnais and Bouillion,,,,I just shake my head.
Now go back to Dorval, strap yourself to a straight jacket and fill a depends.
I’m pretty sure it’s Pauline and the AC guys that make sure cereal boxes are printed in french on one side
Hey dude! The last French player on the Habs was traded in 2008. His name was Huet. Chill!
I dont care who the last french english or japanes player was we signed traded released or killed…. Im fed up with people making decisions based on where someone comes from.. its despicable. and downright foolish people shouldnt tolerate this kind of crap.. we sign a french guy and people start saying “OMG DO FRENCH INTERESTS RUN THE TEAM???!?!?!” its pathetic and the kind of thinking which should be reserved for paranoid village idiots
Go Habs Go
What he said ^^
That was pretty much where I was going, thank you. Although I wonder if you were trying to include me in the “village idiots” lot… wouldn’t be a first for me on this site anyway.
If youve said something along the lines im trying to express. then yes i am… if you have enough class to realize that it doesn’t matter. then no.. Im not including anybody specifically.. but im fed up with this BS.. we should be better then this
Go Habs Go
When does a player have nore influence in negotioations?
a) When a team tries to sign them to fill a position but has months to fill that need?
b) When a team tries to sign them to fill a position but has days to fill that need?
Why wait and create competition?
I’m not sure much of a bidding war would happen for FB, but I would have expected DD to get more than 3.5 on an open market, especially considering Roy signed at $4mm a few years ago & Grabovski just signed for $5.5mm.
PLus I think the language issue is something fans and media concern themselves with more than the hockey people do.
I bet they look at it this way: Would it be nice? Yes.
Two complete equals but one Francais? Take the French Guy.
A Yankee is better, but speaks no French? Take the Yank.
It’s like the Canucks grabbing BC kid. They will, unless there is a better choice.
Maybe they want to test the trade market with Gorges and he is just an insurance policy should the right offer come around. Speculation of course. I like the cube and think this was a reasonable signing.
If your looking for some hockey stories to read, couple interesting things in this link.
http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2013-03-20/marc-staal-injury-update-corey-perry-contract-ny-rangers-faceoff-rules-blackhawk?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
On the subject of face offs, I watched closely last night when Pleks was in the circle, and I really don’t see why he’s always ejected.
His teammates don’t cheat, and his feet are firmly planted… and not over the hash marks.
So what is it this year with the linesmen that they keep ejecting him?
After one such ejection, he had a long discussion with one of the linesmen, and from that point on, every player on the Sabres who faced him got ejected.
It has to be some kind of power trip.
Frustrating as heck though.
I am generally stupid, but I just can’t figure out the methods of linesmen tossing centremen. I know how it works in minor hockey all the way up to junior a, but the NHL is a mystery to me.
Zach Boychuk is on waivers again this season – Been on waivers three times this season by Canes-Pens- now Preds & picked up twice (Pens/Preds) wonder if he’ll be playing for a fourth NHL Team this season – Surprised how small he is 5’10″ & was a former 1st round pick & only 23 years old…..
I’m sure a lot of teams would love to take him and then send him down to the AHL to develop him but he keeps getting picked up and the team picking him up has to then put him on their NHL roster or, again, put him on waivers. This could destroy whatever career he could have had.
My bold prediction is the Habs will not make any major trade before or on April 3rd because we got all needs and tools to win games through the rest of this season and playoffs.
I hope they make some moves. In a pretty good spot right now but there are holes that can be filled for a real run at it. Help for Prust, and a big mean D man who can do some crease clearing. Our team is pretty good right now and we are missing Diaz, Bourque and Prust.
Before saying MB shold make some moves, what do you think they’re going to do once Bourque and Prust are back? What will the lines be? Who gets sent down (besides Dumont)? I’m not saying they’re stacked or anything, but there’s going to be a log jam.
Assuming Pax/DD/Gally
Ryder/Pleks/Gio
Prust/Eller/Chucky
Bourque/White/Armstrong
Moen sits.
Bourque is NOT a 4th liner, so what do you do?
Pax / DD / Gally
Bourque / Plex / Gio
Ryder / Eller / Chucky
Prust / White / Armstrong
witht the fourth line getting minutes, Prust is too good to not play
With the way Prust has played this year he’s a total waste on the 4th line. Even with added minutes he won’t get past 10 a game.
I’m not sure how you can say that Prust wouldn’t even get 10 min a game if playing on the fourth. Mown currently averages 12 min a game and Armstrong averages close to 11. Prust has been averaging just under 14 so it is very possible for him to play on the fourth line and get close to the 14 min a game he was getting before. Makes a lot more sense to have a guy like Prust on the fourth than Bourque.
Its funny how the west is a huge log jam for 7th and 8th
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
Renaud Lavoie @RenLavoieRDS 27s Les Bulldogs cèdent Alexander Avstin à Wheeling dans la East Coast League. #canadiens #RDS
And speaking about Russian prospects that will never make the NHL, what ever happened to Maxim Trunev?
Aww man!!! that guy was supposed to be the next Andrei Kostitsyn!
He is.
Well, all kidding aside, AK46 played nearly 400 NHL games and got 222 points.
Avstin probably won’t play a game in the NHL and got about 40 points over about 130 AHL games.
He was better off staying in Russia like Emelin…
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
While I look forward to seeing Pribyl, I worry the same for him as Avstin, coming over too soon. There is no guarantee this kid cam over too soon, but one can’t help but think perhaps KHL or something in Europe may have been better for development.
Off to Russia he goes?
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
Crosby is not even playing at peak potential right now and is on pace for 133 points…highest since Lemieux
So apparently the Cube’s wife is hot?
Seeing how we already had some such posts before, you can now all decide for yourself.
http://www.angelfire.com/biz7/bouillon_ribeiro/Conjointe/Bouillon.html
Good job Shiram. She gets a 7 from me. Prust’s girlfriend and Price’s sister are still 1 and 2 for me.
Chucky’s sister…yes I’m going to hell…
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
Maybe it’s a bad pic but she’s far from hot.Very average.
If you guys are going to gauge athlete’s wives and gf’s, you’re looking at the wrong sport.
Baseball wives … very attractive.
Okay who’s number one? Has to be Tom Brady no?
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
He’s not my type.
You didn’t like his recent hair cut?
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
Ok, should not have clicked that at work.
Best picture…Manti Te’o’s girlfriend…LOL!
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
Chris Chelios talking with Nilan on the radio about his time here…what great memories.
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
Chelios had so (too much) much fun the Habs sent him to Chicago.
______________________________________________________
“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
He admitted that. Afterwards, Nilan told him that Jacques Lemaire told him that they thought Chelios was going to blow out his knee the way he played so the Habs tried to get something for him before that happened. Whoops…
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
The Bouillion signing means?
The asking price for a guy like Smid is too high.
There aren’t any upgrades on free agency this summer.
He’s an insurance guy in case a rookie defenseman is not ready to step into the NHL.
If Edmonton can keep Smid they will so they would want a decent return on him
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
Mike Komisarek has a NTC and a No movement clause. The significance of waivers is not that he is suddenly available, he has been available all season. He has chosen to accept a demotion to the Marlies in order to showcase himself in the hopes someone will make him feel loved.
He should for his sake go outside the division. He cant stay in this one.
[Disclaimer]: I’m a hockey fan. I care about the habs, but probably not as much as you.
The day he left for Toronto was the day I realized that players play for money and not the game. It’s a business first and a game second. I have never looked at the game the same since.
Imagine, you play for the Canadiens for years and then sign with the biggest bunch on losers on the face of the NHL.
Shane Oliver
Twitter @Sholi2000
http://www.Sholi2000.com
Custom Sports Figures
He’s not the first player to have done something like that and he certainly won’t be the last. I can’t fault a guy for going for more money. It’s a personal choice and may not be one I would have made, but it is a valid and fair choice.
I was listening to Bobby Dollas on the radio the other day talking about how it was his dream growing up to play for the Habs yet he turned down a offer to play with them for more money elsewhere (he said that looking back, he now he regrets doing so).
–Go Habs Go!–
He’s the first player I remember doing that (from the Canadiens).
Go directly to the Leafs via UFA.
Shane Oliver
Twitter @Sholi2000
http://www.Sholi2000.com
Custom Sports Figures
He was blinded by Brian Burke (the great and powerful) as he built his mini Team USA in Toronto.
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“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
So true.
Shane Oliver
Twitter @Sholi2000
http://www.Sholi2000.com
Custom Sports Figures
I remember hearing that Burke also offered a spot on team USA if he signed in Montreal
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
That is why I find it funny how people get so upset when someone suggests a trade or 2 or 3. People get so upset, like the players on the current Habs are playing here for love of city, the CH, or the fans. They are not, they are playing here for the love of money, nothing less and nothing more. Trade anyone, don’t feel bad about it. It is a business. The only people that have deep emotional investment are the fans.
Komisarek was put on waivers by the Leafs.
What I didn’t realize at first is Komi waved his NMC and if no one claims him he will report to the AHL Marlies.
Looks like he’s desperate to play.
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“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
Yes, I just made the same post. People are reacting like he is suddenly available for a bag a pucks, he was a bag of popcorn away from a trade until now.
Do you know what the contract and cap obligations are for a team that claims him?
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“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
I think they take on everything, salary and cap hit.
New CBA stuff.
Interesting- that could make it a big pill to swallow for a team now.
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“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
If a team claims him on waivers on the way down, during the 24-hour waiver period, they’re responsible for his salary in its entirety.
If they claim him on re-entry waivers, then they’re responsible for half, and the initial team would be responsible for the other half.
At least, that’s how it worked under the previous CBA.
I don’t think it’s like that anymore. I believe that there’s no such thing as re-entry waivers now. Not 100% but that’s what I’ve heard.
You mean to say Leafs would not accept a bag of pucks to get rid off him?
Haha, no i mean has been available all season, just like Gomez was last year, but no one has shown yearning towards him.
They feared the bag would spill and the puck would end up in their own net.
I like popcorn.
Good thing I’m not GM. I’d probably consider it.
I think I’ve read nearly every comment since last night. Kind of surprised there is not 1 mention of the Bruins being only 5-4-1 in their last 10. I remember a good 3 or 4 weeks that the Habs hovered between 1 and 3 points ahead of the Bruins and so many were quick to point out the Bruins had 3 or 4 games in hand, and everybody had to agree the Bruins would obviously make up those points when they played the games in hand. Well, a more compressed schedule, and a couple of injuries later, and the mighty Bruins are barely playing over 500 hockey. Yet we continue to have injuries, play through compressed schedules and are 7-1-2 in the last 10 with only 1 regulation loss in the last 18.
Hard to get upset about not getting the extra point last night, when you look at the big picture.
“They don’t hang Conference Championship Banners from the rafters here”
Carey Price
I think if you look back in the archives you’ll see the debate was about who was ahead at the halfway mark. Montreal got halfway (24 games) before Boston did. People rightly argued that you can’t count chickens until the games were played. They have both past the halfway mark now but just for fun: Halfway Montreal 24 gp, 34 points, Boston 24 gp, 37 points. Turned out Boston was ahead. By three points.
I don’t understand why people are going crazy about pk. He’s not the first guy in NHL to get a penalty in ot. Chill out, he’s been playing solid as of late. Give him a break. He’ll know better next time.
Agree. He’s been the best player on the ice many games this season.
PK is a feelgood story this year.
However glaring mistakes don’t go unnoticed whether it’s PK or Price or DD or whomever.
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“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
I would disagree. Therrien’s so called meritocracy is not as meritocratic as it seems. Some played (little Davey, Moen) have a lot more leeway than others (PK, White)
I was referring to the shots he’s taking on this site.
Regarding Therrien I agree. There may be some lingering animosity over PK’s contract hold-out
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“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
And it wasn’t a penalty either. If he had smoked that guy we’d all be talking about the “hit”.
Its one of those ‘the blame must fall on somebody’ thing.
[Disclaimer]: I’m a hockey fan. I care about the habs, but probably not as much as you.
Nice strawman argument. No one is “going crazy about pk”. Some pretty level-headed posters, present company included, have commented that he made a mistake, as he’s bound to do while he learns his trade, and that it cost his team. Critiquing his performance is not ‘hating’, or ‘going crazy about…’ It’s watching the game and making observations.
If Bergevin and I were drinking in a bar, or on cruise ship or the Mars Rover or where ever, I would be daring him right now to pick Komisarek up off waivers just to push a few buttons.
What a cool Wednesday afternoon that would be.
Are the chances of Bouque returning tomorrow pretty good?
Practiced without the no-contact jersey. If he’s not showing any ill effects, he could play tomorrow night.
This is the time I think players can do themselves a disservice (especially young ones), the player has to be completely truthful about how he is feeling, regardless of how badly he wants to play or is needed. I think there has been more information relayed about concussions and players now are thinking long term of their life after hockey. It’s not like a broken bone you can xray, the player tells the doctors if he is ok.
The Habs are following the same protocol as with Gallagher for Diaz and Bourque.
Yes, they are, but it is left up to the player to say if he is having symptoms. He knows if he says he is, it’s another __ day wait to try practicing again. The protocol is fine, but relies heavily on players self reporting.
If not I’d say wait till next week to see him back in the lineup, but I’d like to see him play before Boston and Pittsburgh
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
He practised yesterday with no contact, today full contact. They will want to see if any residual affects tomorrow before making any decision. Given he practised as an extra,, I think at least one more game out of lineup.
Gaston Therrien on RDS this morning said that while he will accompany the team to Long Island, he will not play.
I give my meaningless seal of approval to this Bouillon extension, which I see as (by next season) nothing more than an excellent depth signing for cheap. He can munch minutes, seems more defensively-sound than at any point in his career (at 37!) and for a very reasonable price.
If he is your 7th D, consider (and I’m not saying these have to be the pairings, just throwing names together):
Subban – Gorges
Markov – Emelin
Tinordi – Diaz
…with Bouillon in the wings to fill in.
I would also still consider moving Gorges for a quicker, stay-at-home big boy.
Exactly. MB knows what the D pairings will be next year (what you wrote). FB is the perfect 7th defenceman. Maybe after he retires, they can keep FB as a D-man coach in Hamilton (to start)? Still think they should have waited till the off-season to do this however…
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
I think doing this stuff now is very proactive…he knows what he has and doesn’t have. He can focus his attention at the appropriate times (ie deadline, draft, free agency,etc ) on improving his team and not wondering whether or not he has a hole here or there in the lineup because player X won’t sign.
HE also may have been offered something for Bouillon…and thought about it..who knows? wanted to see if he would lose him for nothing. We don;t know much about MB’s plan other than he clearly has one and acts decisively accordingly.
And maybe that lets defensive prospects like Pateryn, Bealieu, Ellis and company develop a but more and who knows who MB might be eyeing defensively
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
I agree Funky but could we switch Gorges and Diaz in your pairings?
I think the Habs need to keep a blend of offence/defense as well as physicality. Gorges and Tinordi would be a bad match for that reason.
For those who haven’t seen Bens article yet here’s the link! http://lastwordonsports.com/2013/03/20/nhl-gm-meetings-rule-changes-wed-like-to-see/#comment-17819 It’s related to the GM Meetings
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
Told ya so…I think PK will be watching the next one on Long Island from the press box. MT has come out and said that he’s going to take care of things so they don’t happen again. I take that as PK will be watching the next one in a suit. He pretty much has to do that given what he’s done with Ryan White other wise he will lose the respect of the dressing room. I don’t think MT wants to go down that road again. Better get the popcorn ready PK.
I really hope that wasn’t a Terrell Owens reference.
For a lot of reasons.
Wrong. And what does “Told ya so” mean exactly – To whom did you say something, and what did you say? Because I don’t see any decisions being made, just some rhetoric from the coach.
Who is going to cover Tavares? MT was talking out of his butt…he’s not stupid. You think PK is going from the Norris to the dog house because of one disputed play? C’mon…
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
Sit your best defenseman because of one mistake? When it’s arguable that said mistake wasn’t even really a mistake, but more of a blown call?
Come on, man.
From 25 minutes to the press box. Don’t think so, Bim.
Absolutely ridiculous.
I suppose he’ll sit Pacioretty too, then, for taking a penalty late in the game? Pacioretty’s was a legit call too, unlike Subban’s.
Full Breezer 4 Life
So: if PK plays vs the Islanders, what do we get from you?
I will look forward to the full retraction and apology.
Again, I guess i don´t know much about hockey. I thought Bouillon´s spot next year was for one of the talented kids next year (Tinordi, Dietz, or Beaulieu). No room in the top six now, barring injuries of course. I actually like the Cube and think he´s been one of the most underrated Dmen in the league over the last few years, but he´ll be thirty-nine next year….
1.5 million isn’t alot to be paying for a solid 5-6 D-man who can step up when needed. That’s not mentioning that he’s a heart and soul player, great in the room, praised by the kids as a great teacher, speaks english and french fluently, and on and on.
I wanna see the kids progress as much as anyone, but having a guy like Cube on the team -as long as he can still be effective- is just never a bad idea, IMHO.
The culprit on the winning goal last night was Markov. He blew his coverage. Watch the replay (last 30 seconds or so):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da5A7rbHBVA
They are a man short and Markov ends up having to cover 2 Sabres in front of the net when Price gives up a rebound to one of them. I don’t think Kreskin, let alone Markov, could have known where that puck would bounce to. Do you think Markov should have went to Ott and left the other guy alone? He would have had to do that before the rebound happened and a rebound could have just as easily gone to the other Sabre. I don’t really see a case for blaming that goal on Markov.
–Go Habs Go!–
The fact alone that you wrote “could have” rather than “could of” (as about 90% of posters do) makes me respect your post. Also, I do agree that Price let out a pretty juicy rebound. However, Markov was only watching the player that was in front of him. He should have been aware of the other guy, and although I can’t expect him to be perfect, he makes $5.6 million a year, and was on the ice for a 4-3 in overtime. He makes these positioning errors way too often. So, yeah, I do blame him.
Komisarek on waivers.
With the buyout being an option, I could see someone picking him up.
Philly, Detroit, maybe even the Rangers?
Ottawa?
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
Ooooh, didn’t even think of them. Good one. With Methot out, they will be desperate.
Then again, they just keep freakin winning too. They couldn’t tank if they tried.
With all this interest in Komi doesn’t it seem reasonable that Kaberle would be of interest to some of these and other teams?
I think he brings a lot more to the party than Komi would.
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“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
Not sure if “interest” is the right word, probably more like ‘morbid curiosity, suffused with schadenfreude’.
I’m not sure an owner is going to want to spend 5M for three months on a guy who can’t make the laff line-up.
That would only happen if they wanted Komo for next season which is doubtful.
Hah, must noticed that Habs are playing Islanders on Thu. Well, safe to say I won’t be watching that game. A sure loss.
Get ready to see Tavares on the ice every time DD is out there…
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
Happy days for Timo. The possibility of another one must make you giddy!
All I know is that this signing has extinguished quickly all the talk from last night’s game…
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
MB’s an evil genius. So glad he’s at the helm.
I rarely comment on the actual thread – MUCH more fun to make up sh%t!
But Frankie the bull deserves this and it’s a smart move by the organization. He’s been strong for us, well worth his salt (and more), he’s a good mentor, and one more year is a small gamble on a guy that is still be able to eat up minutes.
And for the organization (MB) what a smart move. This is the key:
“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.”
Bravo Frankie, bravo Bergevin. Smart hockey and smart leadership.
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
Ducks will win tonight
I’ll say it again: trade Tomas Kaberle for Mike Komisarek.
We’re going to buy out Tomas Kaberle, we can just as easily buy out Mike Komisarek at the end of the season. The mild benefit is that we get a bigger tougher spare part defenceman, so one who brings a toolkit we don’t have right now. Mr. Kaberle dull rusty tools aren’t that valuable to us, with many options on the roster and in Hamilton who can provide most of what he does.
I know some posters object to this idea, saying Mike can’t play anymore, but I submit to you that Tomas can’t either.
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.ca/2012/03/mike-komisarek-for-tomas-kaberle.html
That’s a pretty interesting idea.
I don’t think that Komisarek can’t play anymore. I think that he just needs some guidance. He would certainly be more useful in a pinch than Kaberle.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
UCE – I don’t think we can trade Kaberle until we know for sure that Diaz can play this year. Kaberle is our PP insurance right now.
As well, given the choice, I’d go with Tinordi the rookie over Komisarek.
I really wonder about that. We don’t have any second-wave defencemen, we’re using Josh Gorges and Francis Bouillon in that role. If Tomas were that useful on the powerplay, he’d crack the lineup, right?
I think Yannick Weber, Frédéric St-Denis and Nathan Beaulieu are our PP insurance now.
Sorry. He can’t play. He can’t even crack the laffs roster. Kaberle has provided some steady D this season and is being kept on the side strictly for buyout purposes.
Besides, the laffs spent 3 seasons trying to trade him away, didn’t they?
Look, if (is it habsfan0?) can trade for Steven Stamkos, I can dream of unloading Tomas Kaberle back onto the Leafs, can’t I?
I’d offer Kaberle and a third to the Sharks for Doug Murray.
They appear to be on the verge of a fire sale.
I wonder what they are asking for Murray though. Apparently their GM has had some pretty steep price tags on some other players
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
Well he isn’t gonna give Marleau, Thornton or Clowe away for nothin.
I’m not sure to be honest, and Murray could well be a rental. But he’s precisely the kind of rental I’d be willing to add.
If you’re having a fire sale, isn’t trading for Kaberle like pouring gasoline on yourself?
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
I sense momentum…..
The problem is that the Leafs don’t want or need Kaberle. They just recalled Jake Gardiner…
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
Thought of that myself, but I’d rather have Tinordi play that role. If something were to happen to Subban or Markov, I’d rather use Kaberle as an offensive defenceman than Komisarek or anything currently on the farm.
Komisarek was just put on waivers by the Leafs… how does this change the complexion of your argument?
Not much at all. My fantasy is based on getting rid of our bad contract in exchange for their bad contract, with the benefit of having a mildly more useful puzzle piece. If you’re suggesting we simply Mike Komisarek up from waivers, we’re now stuck with two bad contracts, and can only buy one out at the end of the season. So, a trade it must be.
Congrats to Frankie the Bull!!
Great d-man, great character player, great hometown boy for young fans to look up to.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
n hot wife
+1
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
I was happy to see him get another contract
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
I thought he was from New York??
I wonder what kind of contract Laurent Ellere would get.
You have to bring up that bs, right?
I wonder what Prix would get. Oh, yeah. $5.5mil this year rising to $7 mil. How discriminatory!
That’s right.. David The Harness would still have gotten 3.5
And Jean-Carey Prix would still have gotten 6.5
Re contracts….what we don’t have info on is projected revenues,etc that MB and gm’s in general would be privy to. Long term contracts decrease in cap hit over time (the cap hit remains the same but their relative costs vs the cap which is increasing decrease). Same applies to Gorges but something to consider.
That’s somewhat fair but more than the cap hit a player’s performance should justify their roster spot in the team’s long term plans.
I don’t think Gorges or Desharnais(this season) are justifying long contracts considering the depth the organization has at their positions.
I would say not so much the depth, but rather the way both of these players had played. They did not play well at all.
Gorges was not an MB signing but Dd is. I think the price is good enough on DD though.
Travis Moen and Ryan White were expected to be the rough and tumble complements to a newly-signed Brandon Prust this season, but they have underwhelmed in that department. Ryan is walking on eggshells we think since being benched for taking bad penalties and being overly aggressive at the wrong times. Mr. Moen is being diagnosed by Dr. Recchis-in-training in the social media as having a case of contract-itis, and sitting back on his fat wallet that will be generously replenished for the next four seasons.
I wonder however if both these guys are affected, physically and psychologically, from the concussions they suffered last season. They were both season-enders. Ryan got his clock cleaned when he took on Erik Gudbransson, a much bigger and tougher guy than he, but that is what he was being lionized for, his take on all comers attitude.
With all the news about CTE and concussions, and how concussions pile up on one another, maybe those two guys are still leery of taking punches in the head every so often.
It’s possible. Maybe they are having an off season.
I hope they turn it around.
what’s the rush? like bullion has teams line up for him.unless Georges out of town soon.still why is rushing things like this. first deharnais now this.all mb did until now just small moves for bottom lines.although I love prust..he didn’t do much to improve the team.all this youth and players he has is from previous regime.Gallagher was the last cut last year.and other youths improve a lot this year. can’t wait to see the next move
“prust..he didn’t do much to improve the team”
Which team have you been watching? You’re kidding, right?
If you’re still watching the Rangers, he’s not there anymore.
he is mb. not prust. but do you think addition of prust change the team or maturity of young players and relatively healthy line up.
Well, at least it’s not a ridiculous 3.5 mil that Desharnais got.
The extra cash was awarded because DD is such a nice story of struggles and hardship.
There was also the 500k chemistry bonus.
Which in itself is a BS (not taking a shot at you, Shiram). And I would use words “struggles” loosely. A single mother working a 40K job and trying to raise 2 kids is a struggle. Starving kids is a struggle. DD’s journey into the NHL is NOT a struggle.
The NHL life is not a struggle.
The ECHL salary is just a cut above minimum wage.
So… good for DD.
Remember the last Leafs playoff game (ever) against Flyers – Darcy Tucker went for a big hit in OT on Sammi Kappanen & destroyed him and he barely made it back to Flyers bench but he did and Jeromy Roenick on the same play scored the GWG & series winning goal and The Leafs have not been in the playoffs since……
Komisarek on waivers – a pick-up for the Flyers?
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=418640
I would laugh and laugh.
Maybe the Bruins can pick him up…so he can be friends with Lucic.
Komi max’d out his earning potential. Huge contract from Burke. Best season, 4 goals 19 points. 14 goals in his career, TOTAL. Did appear in 26 playoff games but I’m having difficulty finding out how many of those were with the Leafs.
“May you live in interesting times.”
0.
BIG FAT ZER0
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
“May you live in interesting times.”
Gainey made Komisarek a huge offer too, lucky for us Toronto’s was even bigger.
–Go Habs Go!–
Wouldn’t be in shock is the Flyers picked him up they need something
http://nickolaisblog.wordpress.com/
Nobody is going to help the Leafs avoid that buyout…nobody.
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
Maybe Burke in Anaheim?
Burke lending the Leafs a hand?…finger most likely…middle digit to be specific…
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
Correct if I’m mistaken Secret but wouldn’t a team picking him up on waivers have to assume his contract? If so, no one will claim him.
The team that finished dead last in the East last season (.476 Point%) now sits practically tied (.741 Point% to .742) atop the East with red hot Pittsburgh (winners of 10 straight) with less than 20 games to go in the season. I am thrilled with such a dramatic turn around. It is so far beyond my expectations for this season. Way to go guys!!
–Go Habs Go!–
You’d never know it by reading some of the posts on here.
Oh how Komiserak’s career has plundered. He was just placed on waivers.
Yup. He’s plundered 4.5 mil/yr for a few years now. He should be traded to a team called the Pirates.
Or a team owned by Montreal area mayors….
“May you live in interesting times.”
I was a huge fan of his when he was here in Montreal. The Leafs ruined him
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
His greed ruined him.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Look at Francois Beauchemin in Anaheim. Guy is playing awesome again and he was HORRIBLE with the leafs.
Agree though on the greed. He should have never left Montreal (but I am glad he did with that contract)
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
“It was Beauty who killed the Beast”
99: “Ohhh, Max….”
Max: “No, look at the label on the banana peel, …..it’s ‘Beauty.’ ”
“May you live in interesting times.”
Lucic ruined him.
I think Milan Lucic ruined him. He was never the same after that beating.
One year left at 4.5 mill and then gone He is big and physical and can clear the net. It wouldn’t cost any prospects at all.
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
are you thinkin’ what i’m thinkin….?
Beer? LOL
I would pick him up and ride him out next year as a number 7 D man. BUT if we could move Kabrele now it would be better cause you could buy out Komi in the off season. We have a lot of money in D man currently.
It is the not having to give anything up that I like. Plus you know when he would play the leafs he would be crushing everyone
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
Then beer it is!
What a leader this guy is.
Brandon Prust @BrandonPrust8 Congrats to Frankie Boo for 3 things. His new contract extension with Habs. Being 37 but lookin n movin like he’s 24. N hot wife #lifeseasy
pics or it didn’t happen
Haha, that’s awesome
Yep, nothing like Twitter for leadership.
“thoroughbred”
250 characters at time!
Out of curiosity last week when Bouillon scored on Budaj to ruin the shutout why was nothing said, Hell last month there was still comments about O’Byrne’s goal??
Probably because they dominated and ended up winning that game 5-2.
“I think I may have found a way for us to get Griffey and Bonds, and we really won’t have to give up much” -Costanza
I don’t understand that,either.
Bouillon’s shot was a laser on a goalie; O’Byrne’s..not so much..and into an empty net at that..meh..
and a delayed penalty call, sort of double jeopardy, no soup for your team !….
“May you live in interesting times.”
My hope for next season concerning the defenseman : that neither of Gorges or Bouillon are given powerplay time.
gorges is awful on the pp. at least bouillon has a bit of a shot. we need diaz back on the pp badly.
Max on the showdown between the Ducks and Hawks tonight.
Who is the best in the West?
http://lastwordonsports.com/2013/03/20/are-the-ducks-the-best-team-in-the-west/
Go Habs Go!
Check out Top Shelf Prospects, my Team by Team prospect reports
http://lastwordonsports.com/
The only thing close to an opinion in that entire post was that things might start to go bad for the Ducks if Koivu and Cogliano’s shooting percentage levels out and or if the Ducks goaltending dips.
Nothing about the Blackhawks was offered and there was no opinion given with regard to which team is better.
Spam.
It’ll be a fun game to watch, that’s for sure.
I’ll be cheering on Saku.
No surprise with the Bouillon signing. He can move in and out of the 6th and 7th spots in 2013-14 seeing that it will be an 82 game schedule next year with a lot more travel. Weber probably will be moved and there’s no way the Habs could have two rookies on the D next season. Looks like Beaulieu, Pateryn and Tinordi will fight it out for one spot with the other two being call-ups throughout the year. If Diaz recovers, you would have to think that Tinordi gets the call next year. Especially seeing that Emelin and Subban are the only two Hab Dmen who play a physical game.
I have to own up – I thought the Bouillon signing last summer was a mistake. He has played well, handled a variety of roles and has been a great example of what it means to be a pro. Looks like I was dead wrong on that one.
In a perfect world, the Hab don’t re-sign Armstrong and Leblanc finally cracks the line-up as a 4th line RW. I guess a lot depends on what MB does with the Ryder spot next year as filling that roster position will have a trickle down effect on the right side.
I’m in the same boat Steve. I didn’t like the Armstrong or Bouillon signings.
I was dead wrong about both.
good thing you didn’t bet against armstrong scoring again lol
I predicted he’d score.
I saw it. He did
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
Haha. Thanks Kooch.
sometimes being wrong on these types of things is a pleasant surprise….just like the habs play this season. None of us saw it coming
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
You just like the Armdog signing because he’s made you look like the prophet!
Well of course that’s part of it.
I think he’s taken a lot of undue criticism here actually. He does his job very well. Some people want him to fight but forget he had his nose broken by Dennis Seidenberg last year. He isn’t a fighter.
You are breaking ground here Steve. I think this is the first time someone has been wrong on HIO.
I was 10% in favour of Bouillon and -10 % in favour of Colby, “Herbie Hancock” Armstrong … that’s why I am not the GM
“Don’t crush that dwarf Alex Henry, hand me the pliers”
At 1.5 million for a 6th/7th dman, this deal is fine.
Go Habs Go!
Check out Top Shelf Prospects, my Team by Team prospect reports
http://lastwordonsports.com/
Lots of talk about contracts that can be moved.
I think it’s as simple as this.
Anybody who was signed or given a contract extension by Bergevin should feel safe and in the case of the younger players should feel like they’re core players. Everyone else should avoid buying local property.
I think if MB made a contract extension mistake, he would still get rid of it. Nobody’s safe if they don’t play well.
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
DDOHF My apologies for the name calling yesterday. It was out of character induced by a little too much Grey Goose.
If I had been thinking more clearly I should have written that I think we are good enough for a cup run. If we can pick up a guy like Clowe, who has demonstrated some very Prust like qualities over his career, it might be enough to put us over the top. Now that he’s having an off year might be the right time to snap him up for cheap.
I know not everyone, including myself, is in the trade picks camp but since we have a surplus (for a change) I think Bergevin will/is considering it. I think we can still contend every year and still make a trade deadline deal to improve our odds.
I just get tired of hearing people say lets stand pat/ don’t screw up the chemistry/ wait for these kids to come along and develop blah blah and we’ll be raising the cup again.
Clowe himself is said to have had some nagging injury problems that may be contributing to his off year. Who can say? But he has a very recent history of being the type of gritty player who would be an asset in the playoffs when the wheat really gets sorted from the chaff.
No worries. I respect your opinion and thank you for clarifying it further. I just see trading for Clowe like the Expos trading for a starter for the stretch run who has not won a game this year…just doesn’t make sense. Anyway this discussion is moot because, according to Pierre LeBrun, MB is not looking for rentals.
The Habs are also a special case when it comes to draft picks. They have a guy who picks winners (Timmins). He is arguably the most valuable member of the organization. Taking draft picks away from Timmins is like taking bullets out of his gun. It has to be done for a good reason.
I agree with you that we need another Prust type player. My suggestion is Max Talbot: only 29, Stanley Cup winner and performer, gritty, kills penalties, hard worker and cheap (3 years @1.75 million). I can’t see MB going into the playoffs against Boston, Ottawa, Toronto and Winnipeg without another gritty player.
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
No Mark Langston for us eh DDO ?
“Don’t crush that dwarf Alex Henry, hand me the pliers”
That sucked…what that even his real name? “Mark Langston”…sounded like a soap opera character…
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
How long can Tinordi stay up with the Habs?
As long as they want him to.
Till he retires
Like the DODGERS “Wait till next year”
As long as his dad is a menacing presence at all Habs games.
No kidding – did you see the arms on him?
Looked like ham hocks to me.
I was just looking at your Habs’ record over the past few weeks. Man, we were interrupted by a regulation loss (against the Craplanders) to split apart what could have been an 18 game point streak, with only a few one those being losses in OT or SO. We’ve got a really good team here. I don’t know if this is an aberration – are we as good as our record, or are we getting lucky?
We have a good team on paper, that’s for sure, and the on ice results speak for themselves. Not to mention or PK and D is far from complete. If we can improve in those areas – with long-term moves – then we will be even better.
It’s too early to think about next season, but I’m wondering if we will be either A) regressing (should this not be our actual pace), B) about the same, or C) getting even better.
It is hard to see us doing worse, considering our young guys will only be better after this season and what comes in the playoffs. So I think we will stay at this level or get better, barring bad luck.
It’s a good time to be a Habs fan! The bandwagon’s doors are open!
PS – On the subject of improving the D – I don’t buy the argument that Gorges does not fit in with the team. Fitting in is way more than the on-ice product, which has not been disappointing. Gorges is a leader and contributes to the good chemistry on the squad, and he is a contributor on the ice too. The signing of the Boullion suggests to me that MB is looking to upgrade from within, having him as a 6/7 to work in with your young guys and D prospects. Overall, it is a good transition signing. There are not many moves we could make to improve the D for the long-term via trade or UFA.
It’s hard to argue with the team’s record so far this season. It’s been fantastic!
–Go Habs Go!–
Not saying he doesn’t fit in…saying his contract doesn’t fit in the model MB has established and if MB has a vision moving forward taht contract is a big factor. Gorges is a valuabel player..I even said that…just that contract sticks out like a sore thumb as something that wasn;t his and is there along, long time at a higher rate than he likely would give. Maybe not….but every time I look at the salary charts after a signing I see that one…and wonder.
Something to worry about at another time IMO.
Looks like MB is trying to upgrade with our prospects rather than trades, which gives us cap space flexibility.
fair enough..I am not suggesting he will do anything right away..thinking more offseason.
Frankie B has been a nice surprise this season. Since the Cole/Ryder trade I’m clueless as to what MB is thinking. Well truth be known I was clueless before but more clueless now. I know Loonie has advocated moving Gorges and that may be what MB is thinking but given the salary dump with Cole would any of us be shocked if he moves Markov?
I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Markov moves in the off-season.
He’d bring more back than Gorges would.
I would be shocked if Markov gets moved, what’s the point of moving Markov anyway? Yes, he’s slowed down a little, but the fact of the matter is that the Habs record with Markov in the lineup that last 4-5 years is outstanding. The Habs record without Markov in the same span is horrendous. He is still a very valuable defenseman for the Habs, provided he stays healthy.
Don’t understand these contracts given during the season. Why could they have not waited? I can see maybe DD as he was going to arbitration but Boullion? This season is an anomaly. We have no idea how he will be at the end of this season or for 82 games next. This type of contract takes 5 minutes to do…just don’t get it. BTW I’m happy for him just don’t understand the timing.
“You’re always, always, always looking to make your team better. Always.”- Marc Bergevin
A major criticism of the previous regime was their refusal to negotiate contracts during the season. I think it is a step in the right direction to be signing players mid season. Bergeron obviously decided that bringing Frankie back next season is a good idea, so why not get that contract out of the way so he can focus on other things in the offseason? Now that the DD and Bouillon contracts are done MB has a better idea of what our cap situation will be this offseason and can get to work on how to improve the team, instead of focusing on how to sign our own guys.
So I kept hearing about these bright fresh amazing new defencemen the Maple Leafs had, Mike Kostka and Korbinian Holzer, they were the future of the team and amazing finds and the reason the Leafs would make the playoffs, but I’m not getting any followups. How are they doing?
It’s so frustrating trying to get sports news on TSN, you have to subject yourself to an unreal amount of Leaf hype to do so, at the expense of every other Canadian market. Last night, we got basically no updates on the Jets-Bruins game, even though TSN was carrying that broadcast also. So frustrating.
As I said before, I never thought the Leafs were rivals of the Canadiens, just a ridiculous team with puffed-up tomato cans like Mike Palmateer and Tiger Williams. I didn’t mind them lately, after they got rid of Tie Domi and Darcy Tucker and Wade Belak, they seemed to be trying to build a young exciting team, the Phil Kessel trade notwithstanding. Now they’ve gooned up again, they’re a reprehensible organization from the coach on down, and the hype is nauseating.
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.ca/2012/01/maple-leaf-blues.html
Yeah…. that about sums it up.
I loved the way sportscaster Fergie Olver once described Mike Palmateer:”He goes down more often than a toilet seat!”
I wonder how Fergie would describe Carey Price’s method of goaltending?
As they up the goon factor, they up the losses by two or more goals factor. Goon it up, laffs. We’re counting on you to swoon as usual.
This is not meant as a criticism of Plekanec but anyone wonder why he has more goals than assists now despite being more of a playmaker? Eller has more assists than Plekanec. Right now Pleks has two shooters on his wings with Ryder and Gionta and yet he’s not racking up assists. Some of his most recent assists were second assists and on the power play.
Is it a lack of chemistry? Maybe his wingers aren’t doing a good enough job of finding open spaces or is Plekx simply not anticipating well enough where his wingers will be? Is it because Pleks has to be the most defensively responsible on his line? I feel like Plekanec could being contributing a lot more offensively if he just had a compatible winger.
Because he had Bourque…who was playing well but probably should ahve buried more and right now Ryder and Gio are getting a ton of chances and not converting many of the chances they could. HE also has had other revolving wingers again on that line. The pp is also being run through Markov now that he is back …and with Subban on the right side….Ryder is getting the touches on the wall on that side. When the cannon came from Mab, Streit, Souray..Pleks was on the wall and getting touches.
Pleks also plays tough competition and can score goals…he has a great shot and is likely told to use it as often as he can…all things combined and you get what you have noted.
Tom…thought I was replying to you…
Still don’t like Ryder eh? I think as long as he plays with Pleks or Eller he is a great plus…not sure he would work with an equally offensive centerman….but insulated by two skilled guys with defense first mentalties I really like the line. Pleks-Gio and Ryder is a great line and he has breathed life into the pp. He has missed a ton of chances but history tells us he’ll bury those eventually. The cap relief and pick are great and were more the rationale but personally I think Ryder is a better fit for this team than Cole.
Cole’s harsh lokcout stance also is a stance that likely isn’t appreciated on a team that’s young players seem intent on modelling after Detroit and would prefer success over extra dollars as they all know they are more than set and the team will pay to the max they are allowed year after year…to the team and that comes first.
I also like Bouillon singing…I have no issues with any of MB’s mvoes and only praise at this point. Kids can earn spots..but they must earn them…
If I am Josh Gorges though the offseason will be an uneasy one…that contract does not fit with MB’s model as IMO Bouillon is offering similar service as is Emelin for far less money. Gorges is the one contract on the books that I suspect he looks at and wonders about the most. Not that Gorges isn’t valualble..because he is extremely valuable but moving forward I can’t help but think he is gonna keep reviewing his squad and see that contract….look at the teams depth on D…look at that contract…look at the youth depth. I am sure he is open to offers but not shopping Gorges and it likely would just remain at that…but when you look at the salary moving forward…you can’t help but feel that way.
I know noone has ever thought of Gorges being a buyout option…but the apparent depth at D long term makes that contract enter the conversation…Kaberle is only an issue for one more year and he appears content in his role. If Kaberle were moveable at the deadline …then what happens?
I like Ryder just fine. Always felt for him when Carbo treated him like crap.
I don’t think he’s as complete of a player as Cole, that’s all. I think the deal probably makes the team better two to three years down the road, but not today.
Cole is a better forechecker and pressure guy with his speed…but Ryder makes up for that with his ability to make palys and not dump the puck away while under ressure. I give Ryder the ofensive edge, COle a slight defensive edge as he has issues himself in that dept…but as a fit for this group…I actually prefer Ryder..matter of tastes I guess. I just like the fact we have another offensvie element to add to Pleks line. IF given the choice for soemone to pay with Pleks and Gio and it being Ryder or Cole…..I take Ryder for sure. Once that apparent chemistry with DD was shown to be non existent and a thing of the past …I think it had to be done while it still could be done…and don’t underestimate the other part of my post re Cole and his contract mentality…those statements he made re retiring could not have been appreciated. Imagine you are MOlson….forked over half a billion dollars for ateam…paid a guy win his twilight big bucks and he is that vocal and says something like that….then he doesn;t produce.
Cap room, pick,etc….too good of an opportunity to pass up
Desharnais’ production has dropped off since Cole moved, not improved.
Dd’s production IMO goes how Pacioretty goes and the pp unit he is on. He relies on others to capitalize on the chances he creates.
Dd had 11 points in 19 games and was a -3 prior and has 5 point in 10 games and is even 0 since deal.
Pretty negligable diff IMO.
I agree that Desharnais’ production is tied to Pacioretty’s hip. Yet another reason to not extend his contract prematurely.
If you want production from Desharnais and it’s tied to Pacioretty, you can’t move Desharnais down the lineup or Pacioretty up the lineup without sacrificing somewhere else.
Repost from last thread
So I keep saying that this years team reminds me of the last Cup winning team in ’93. With the exception of Goalies Roy over Price
the teams are very similar. No big stars although in 93 there was Vinny D and Capt’n Kirk. After that it was Bellows, Keane, S. Lebeau Savard, Carbonneau, Dionne and a young John Leclair up front. I think this years top 9 compare favoribly.
On defence it was Desfardins, Scneider,Haller, Daigneault, Odelin,Sean Hill and Dufresne I think this years is better.
The 93 Canadiens did not have the best talent but they worked as a team . There was some luck Buffalo beat the Bruins and the Islanders beat the Penguins most importantly the kings knocked off the Leafs (Yes be honest they had the better talent).
But it was a great team effort and TEN overtime wins in a row by St-Patrick. I believe this years edition with the same luck could do the same.
That Leafs team did NOT have more talent than the Kings. Have a look at the rosters.
The Habs team handling the Kings in five should also show that while Pittsburgh was very talented, they wouldn’t have been an obstacle that the Habs couldn’t have overcome.
Edit: Notable players from that Kings roster…….Gretzky, Kurri, Robataille, Granato, Donnelly, Blake, Zhitnik, Sydor, Huddy, Carson, Sandstrom and McSorley.
Leafs, Anderson, Andreychuk, Clark, Foligno, Gilmour and then a bunch of average talent. They had the edge in net, that was it.
I meant that the Leafs had more talent than the HABS. I think it would have been a much tougher series.
Like the DODGERS “Wait till next year”
Even still that’s way off. Damphousse, Muller, Bellows, Lebeau, Savard, Keane, Desjardins, Leclair, Schneider and that Roy guy.
Right and Toronto had Gilmour, Andrechuk, Clark,Mike Gardner and Yannick Perreault. In goal there is no comparison because Patrick was all world
Loonie is right Perreault and Gardner were the next year in”93 it was Anderson and Borochevsky
No they didn’t have Mike Gartner or Yannick Perreault.
They were added later.
I think the Leafs had Alexander Mogilny.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Nope.
Not that season.
Potvin, Clark and Gilmour carried them the entire way. They were low on talent and were it not for the Habs’ overtime success would have been deemed the cinderella story of those playoffs.
They had no business going as far as they did.
I would be thrilled to see Price win ONE playoff OT game,let alone 10 in a row.
Why do some assume that when Bergevin signs a player part of the reason is that it’s a contract he intends on moving?
If he planned on trading the players he’s signing to contracts, he wouldn’t be giving them contract extensions, he’d be trading them to other teams.
Komisarek on waivers.
____________________
DOOOOOOOOOOOOMED!
Cue people clamoring for Bergevin to claim him?
Markov can make him look good again.
____________________
DOOOOOOOOOOOOMED!
Emelin makes Habs look better.
They fight the same….taking more punches than throwing.
Emelin should just turtle.
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
I feel for Komi. He used to be the next big thing in our Habs world. Now, he is on waivers, unwanted.
It’s amazing how one can lose their confidence, it is clearly hard to get back.
I hope he can turn it around.
Done like a dinner that’s been left in the fridge too long. Can’t get it back together unless he plays a lot. No one in the NHL will give him that time at that price. Markov earned him those big bucks. Komisarek has blown it.
Komisarek was never the same after Lucic cleaned his clock.
Yup.
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
Awesome.
___________________________________________________
Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.
No problem with the signing as a veteran 6/7th man … I guess I just wished he had a longer stick (no comments please :-0)
“Don’t crush that dwarf Alex Henry, hand me the pliers”
Freudian….not referring to Frankie.
Bergevin,
Good: Price, Prust, Armstrong, Eller and Subban contracts. Keeping Timmins, hiring Therrien and surrounding himself with people he trusts who he can delegate to as well as the Tokarski deal.
Not so good: Moen contract, Ryder trade and the timing of the Desharnais contract.
Bittersweet: Bouillon contract.
I’ve seen enough of Ryder to not like the deal. The cap relief and draft pick are nice but I truly think we downgraded at the position at a time when Cole was picking up his play. Selling high is always good policy but I think the team is a bit weaker today than it was with Cole.
The Desharnais contract didn’t have to be done now. He would have been arbitration eligible but his play this season so far doesn’t justify the contract in my opinion. I feel last season does. But we also have a logjam at centre. We may have Desharnais at a bargain but if he plays like he did last night and for much of the season going forward I wouldn’t want him next year. This could have waited.
I think the Bouillon deal is bittersweet because he’s a very good player seemingly been an excellent help to Subban. That’s invaluable. But we still can’t stop teams from crashing our crease and he isn’t the solution to that problem. He may not be a big part of the problem. But when you’re committed to younger options elsewhere his spot in the lineup should be used to fill the need.
I’d give Bergevin an A grade.
The Moen contract is very puzzling indeed, especially since it seems like he is no longer interested in playing the role Prust plays.
Since day one with this team he’s a guy who either doesn’t know what his role is or chooses not to be a difference maker.
Until April and May.
Let’s hope he picks it up in the playoffs.
Loonie, well reasoned but i don’t see Galchenyuk as being ready at centre on a regular basis yet. Even with his reported gym rat mentality, he is still needs to both physically fill out and learn how to better use his size as a centre – as opposed to DD who uses his size in a different way.
“Don’t crush that dwarf Alex Henry, hand me the pliers”
I think it’s a bit silly to say that Desharnais is better or even more responsible defensively than Galchenyuk.
I’ve yet to see Galchenyuk throw the puck blindly into the high slot. Why not wait until the end of the season and evaluate where Galchenyuk’s strength and defensive game are before giving Desharnais that contract?
It’s a reasonable cost for Desharnais based on his body of work previous to this season, but when Galchenyuk’s ready to play centre(and I believe today he’d be no downgrade on Desharnais at the position), #51 should be the odd man out either by being moved to the wing or moved completely.
Not trying to be contrarian but I clearly think that as a centre, Galchenyuk from the sample size compared to Desharnais, is not yet ready to bump DD out of a centre slot.
I have seen Galchenyuk make some glaring passes that he could get away with in junior but not in the pros.
The bigger issue about the timing of DD’s contract – I am 100 percent with you … can’t fathom the reason but there must be one.
“Don’t crush that dwarf Alex Henry, hand me the pliers”
I disagree with Ryder being a downgrade, yes Cole brought more physicallity (?) to the team but before he went down last week Ryder was coming around to Therriens system, I found him more responsible defensively and he seemed to have found his scoring touch. I expect that to be back by the weekend.
As for the Desharnais contract yeah it might have been a bit early but I don’t think it will be a millstone.
And I can think of worse scenarios than a Francis Bouillon being your 7th D-Man.
Finally an A is not a bad grade and a big improvement over Gauthier and Gainey who I would have given a D and B- respectively
“
Gainey was an A- until 2008 and an F afterwards.
Maybe all those tragedies in his family had something to do with it.
Since the trade Ryder has 9 points to Cole’s 2.
Cole is done. His physicality is in the past.
The fire is gone. His play and his comments clearly show this.
He has two years left after this one. He my well get bought out.
That we pawned him off on the hapless Stars and got a draft pick to boot was a major coup.
Easy to say the fire’s gone when he’s been shipped off to a new team. I will agree that Ryder’s been much better than Cole since the trade, but I believe Cole was improving significantly in his last days as a Hab and he was as streaky as anybody on the current roster, Ryder included.
I also agree that his play would have suffered over the next couple of years but I think the move may have been a bit premature.
Cole has been playing with Roy and Morrow in Dallas in the top 6. He’s been getting slightly more ice time than at the end of his stint with the Habs yet has continued to produce very little. I know he was kind of starting to turn it around here but he was clearly not the same player as last season. He didn’t force his way to the net as regularly and was a very lackluster backchecker. Keeping him until the end of the season would’ve been a big risk. If his production didn’t go up, with the cap going down, having 2 years left at 4.5 per and turning 35 he would not have been a tradeable asset. There is no way we would have gotten a player of Ryder’s caliber and a 3rd rounder for him. In fact we would be lucky to unload him at all. Bergevin gambled and so far has come out on top. Ryder has brought more to the team than Cole and he is a proven playoff performer Cole is not (look at the stats).
Excellent value. In a salary cap world, MB has to be always looking ahead for impending costs. For example, back-up goalie, 1 mill. Fourth-line grinders, 1 mill. For the no. 5 and 6 defensemen slots, 1.5 mill is good value, and Frankie can be spotted as a no. 4 on occasion. Before he got hurt, Yannick Webber played less than last season not because he regressed, but simply there were better players for the no. 6 slot. Meanwhile, Kaberle is way too expensive for the no. 7 slot but just like Nashville coerced Brian Burke to also take a concussion-damaged Matthew Lombardi (with a 4mill/yr. contract) in trading Cody Franson to the Leafs, a best case scenario for MBergevin is to attach Kaberle to other sought after assets in a near-deadline trade.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Bergevin is doing everything to annoy the “size and grit” brigade.
Ryder for Cole, and extensions to DD and Bouillon.
Gionta next?
Haha, he’s going to trade Tinordi for Nathan Gerbe next.
Bergevin is not a moron that makes roster moves based on fan and media opinions. He makes moves that he believes will make the team better both in the present and in the long run. Size and grit are not everything. MB knows what he is doing and if you don’t think the Ryder deal has worked heavily in our favor you haven’t been watching the games!
PK PK PK… Always PK.
1) It wasn’t high-sticking, the ref blew the call.
2) IF he had connected on that hit, the crowd would be on their feet and it would be a TSN highlight reel that we would all be posting on facebook.
3) If it had been Bouillon who tried that hit, we’d all say “well, bad luck on that one. Nice try Frankie.”
Gotta pick on PK. Poor kid will live with that his whole career. On another note, good for Frankie Bouillon. He’s been a godsend for us this season. Nice to see hard work get rewarded.
The reason the PK penalty is scrutinized is cause the powerplay ended the game. If they didn’t score on it there would be no discussion.
It was a boner move to go for a hit like that in OT. Way to risky and it cost the team.
Was the loss on PK, no. Was it a dumb move yes.
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
Yes.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Except the hit (missed hit) broke up a rush, and he wasn’t the last man back. The only thing wrong with that hit is that the ref made a mistake on the call! How on Earth is that PK’s fault?
Yes, the power play ended the game, but it SHOULDNT HAVE BEEN A POWER PLAY. I can’t wrap my head around that logic. PK broke up a rush without touching the other player and got 2 mins for it. Why are we talking about this?
umm because its PK’s fault there was a powerplay, I dont get why people are trying to defend PK, he made a bad decision, which led to a bad call, which led to an OT loss. Thats it, we arent pinning mankinds sins on him, he made a bad choice which cost the team, its as simple as that. Saying its the ref’s fault or minimizing PK’s decision is pointless. If White did this exact same thing everyone here would say it was a brain dead move and I can guarantee it, but since its one of the best defenceman in the league we feel the need to defend him. Its ok he made a mistake.
He went for a huge hit when he didn’t need to in OT. You don’t make those types of plays Overtime. there was no need for that play
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
I agree PK should not have gone for the big hit in that situation. However that could easily be dealt with internally. There was no need for Therrien to call out PK in public to the media. He has been the team’s best player over the last few weeks and is working his way into tHe Norris discussion he deserves a bit of breathing room. He isn’t the only one on the team that has made glaring mistakes at inopportune moments but he seems to be the only one that always gets called out to the media
Not a bad choice, not a good choice either… I fear he may just be too old. But I like the idea of keeping him around as a veteran pairing for the rookie defenseman I’m sure will be joining the habs next season
Doesn’t look like Bourque back for at least one more game. Glad they are letting him get some contact and see how he reacts and not just putting him back in lineup.
Patience is a good thing. Bourque should be 100% before he is thrown back in the mix. We need him come playoff time.
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
The luxury of banking all those points, no need to rush any of the injured players back. Geez, it’s been a while since the Habs have been able to do that.
I don’t think they’re allowed to bring him back before going through a contact practice without setbacks.
Methinks Bourque will be back tomorrow night. Look out Islanders!
Interesting. Boulion hasn’t been as physical as he used to be but still has been very effective. He is a good mentor for some of the younger guys. I would bet he probably retires after next year.
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
Note i see his hits count is still up there but he hasn’t been crushing people like he used to.
Regardless a good signing
“Keep your stick on the Ice”
Neither have PK and Emelin for the most part. Seems to me like it’s a coaching decision. One thing about big hits is the require timing and can be all or nothing type of plays. If you don’t connect on the big hit it puts you out of position and can create scoring chances. I think the coaching staff prefers the d to stay in position and keep it simple
Hmmm… Tomas Kaberle will be amnestied this summer. We have to guess that Yannick Weber is not long for this world. So Francis becomes a cheap movable piece, he can be a third-pairing guy, or even move to the pressbox as a seventh defenceman when the Hamilton youth corps can’t be denied any longer.
He’s been nothing but solid and good value in this surprising season. The Antichambre guys were talking last night about how important it is for a team to have a road warrior veteran presence to act as big brother to younger defencemen trying to make their way into the NHL.
Good signing.
Got it in one.
Yup.
I am torn about your last comment. It’s quite possible the ref gave PK a penalty simply because he didn’t like “his attitude” but the play happened so fast it’s also possible the ref really thought his stick did make contact. Hard to know.
That play is a good example of why a coach’s challenge should be considered. With the benefit of slow motion replay the call could have been reversed.
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“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Updates, highlights & great discussions on all things Habs
“Hybrid Icing” is needlessly complicated and adds nothing to the game. The sport of hockey already has perfectly good “no touch” icing rule which is simple and effective.
The frustrating thing about the penalty is that previously in the game they were pretty hesitant to call stuff: witness the no-call on what should have been four minutes when Chucky was cut with a real high-stick.
I’m still ticked about Therrien singling out PK in the press conference. He said nothing about Pacioretty’s late penalty, which was probably worse. Of course, neither did the media. Subban is such a lightning rod.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Was Chucky cut by a high stick ? I thought he got cut when he ran into an officals’ head/helmet…..
Even more reason to blame them then!!
Full Breezer 4 Life
Had high hopes for that young man before his trade to Toronto. He suffered a fast and ugly fall from grace after looking like he’d be a rock on the blue line for many years.
Its the Markov effect, Souray, Komi, Streit, they all owe him a cut.
You basically never see a guy fall apart like that in the middle of what should have been his prime years.
We can joke about the Markov effect, but he definitely did look a lot better for having Markov, also in his prime, right beside him.
He had a lot of injuries, and on a terrible defensive squad like Toronto, he was extremely vulnerable.
Truculence …
Full Breezer 4 Life
We cloned Emelin? Awesome! But wouldn’t someone like Subban be a better choice to clone?
And considering you mentioned Bouillon, he makes no appearance in the lines?
No, but on a serious note, it would seem the D corps will look very similar come next year, unless someone is moved out.
awesome. lol hit up that edit button aj
Lol, don’t worry, with that contract, Komisarek is going nowhere. Just amazing that anyone ever thought he was worth that much. Gained dodged a bullet there.
Full Breezer 4 Life
As a Habs fan, it was hard not to take his heinous defection personally, and consequently there’s a healthy dose of schadenfreude to be culled from his subsequent (extreme) failure.
He always struck me as a decent fellow, though, and I think it’s safe to say he’s suffered enough for his crime against Hab-umanity, assuming suffering is even possible for a guy earning millions of dollars to watch hockey games.
I’m sure someone’ll give him a chance at redemption. It’ll be up to him to make the most of it.
We would have been spared some Jacques Martin agony at least. Though with all the injuries last year, I don’t know that anyone could have done much more.
Full Breezer 4 Life
When Boucher signed with Montreal – Jacques Martin had already been signed so he knew he had to wait for Habs HC job – But he did well in his first year (Thanks to Subban) and other NHL teams came calling as people forget GB turned down Columbus & later took The Tampa job. Montreal had a run to the final 4 with Martin so no way he was getting fired after one season for an unproved one season AHL Head Coach……
I also thought he was a DB for bolting to TO when he was reportedly offered only a little less to stay in Montreal, and I have more than a healthy amount of schadenfreude about it. I think he’s getting what he deserves.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Fair assessment.
I think guys that should be traded are Moen and Kaberle, and they do still have value, so it could probably get done.
I’d listen to offers for Gionta but wouldn’t be in a rush to deal him. Maybe even Diaz if someone like Beaulieu is able to make the jump(which is definitely unlikely)