After winning both their games on a Florida road trip this week, beating the Lightning 4-3 in a shootout and the Panthers 1-0 in overtime, coach Michel Therrien gave the Canadiens the day off Friday ahead of Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Bell Centre (7 p.m., CBC, RDS, TSN 690 Radio).
Goalie Carey Price missed Saturday’s morning skate with a stomach flu and won’t play against the Flyers. The Canadiens called up goalie Robert Mayer from Hamilton to back up Peter Budaj.
The lines at the morning skate were Bourque-Plekanec-Gionta; Prust-Galchenyuk-Cole; Pacioretty-Desharnais-Gallagher; Moen-Eller-Armstrong. On defence it was Markov-Emelin; Gorges-Diaz; Bouillon-Subban.
You can follow tonight’s game on HIO with Mike Boone’s live blog and our new live Play-by-Play feature that keeps track of all the key stats on the fly: shots, goals, hits, power plays, shots on goal, takeaways, faceoffs won, hits, power plays, giveaways, penalty minutes and saves.
Heading into Friday’s NHL action, the Canadiens ranked 11th in the league on the power play with a 20.3 per cent success rate, which is an improvement over last season when they finished 28th at 14.3 per cent.
But The Gazette’s Pat Hickey thinks the power play would be better if Therrien put Raphael Diaz back on the point with Andrei Markov instead of P.K. Subban. Hickey writes that while Diaz’s shot isn’t as powerful as Subban’s, it is more accurate and Diaz does a better job of finding the open man.
(Photo by Pierre Obendrauf/The Gazette)
Diaz belongs with Markov on Habs’ power play, by Pat Hickey
New Bourque quickly erasing old Bourque, by Pat Hickey
Habs struggling in the faceoff circle, by Pat Hickey
Darche’s on-ice career might have reached the end, by Brenda Branswell
Flyers bring French flavour to the Bell Centre, by Stu Cowan
Flyers blow two-goal lead against Devils, by Philadelphia Inquirer
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Two things:
1. Before they put Diaz back on the PP with Markov, why don’t they try to get PK and Markov to switch sides and set up one timers. I know that they are try to get some movement and set up one of them at the top of the umbrella but you can do that with them on the off side as well.
2. Take the over tonight. Budaj is terrible. Everything will be top glove.
If Leblanc finishes strong this season and has a good camp next year (he is starting to score again) he will either chellenge Gallagher for a spot next year or possibly hang on on the fourth line.
I´ve been one of the supporters of Desharnais here, but he has to be a minimum 0.7 point per game player to hang on to his job, and so far he isn´t doing that this year.
He´s still got a good chunk of this season to get back to his old self based on what he has done up to now, and rightly so, but though I do not form part of the Eller lovefest here, there isn´t room for DD next year unless he gets back to last year´s level of relatively level of production. He´s simply not a fourth line centre.
I can’t believe you just compared Leblanc and Gallagher. Leblanc might be good enough to challenge for Eller’s spot if he takes Desharnais spot, but I see Chucky Plecks Eller as our top 3 centres next year. Bournival would be the one I would watch for.
Habs will have 17 players signed for 2013/14 season. Cap space of $8,181,667.
RFA’s are Deharnais, White & Weber
UFA’s are Armstrong, Nokelainen, Bouillon & Budaj.
Does management see any of the above returning next season?
Fill in the question marks;
Bourque – Plekanec – Gionta
Markov – Emelin
Pacioretty – Eller – Cole
Subban – Gorges
?????? – Galchenyuk – Gallagher
Diaz –
Moen – Prust – ???????-
Price
?????
Would like to see MB could move Kaberle at trade deadline for anything? That would be fantastic!!!!
Kaberle can be traded and could potentially be desirable at $4.2 million to some teams.
There are many who will have to hit the cap floor next season, need an offensive presence from defense and just a cautionary note to those who suggest he’s useless.
22 points in 43 games with the Habs last season.
He’s still a useful player.
No he’s not. No one will touch that contract, he has nothing left and has been in decline for the past 4 years. Those 22 points in 43 games where the most useless points I have ever seen, considering the Habs had one of the worst powerplays in the league last year. Also, he is completely ineffective 5-5.
Nice rebuttal.
“No he’s not”
“Useless points”
So can you explain why the Habs have your 4.2mil man sitting in the press box if he still has value? Why hasn’t he been traded yet? With the cap going down next year, no one will touch that contract, he will be bought out at the end of the year.
Put this in the category of piling on.
if the Sharks had given Gomez a two year contract Gomez would have been bought out twice.
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2-1 Bolts. Jose crashing back to earth from Thursday.
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Ok, all you pessimist nancies – shutout for Boodaj tonight. You’ll see.
Okay you going Bipolar on us? Didn’t you type something different just a while ago? Next your going to tell us you gave Therrien an A in the poll.
I am allowed for a change of mind. Just can’t stand all that pessimism. They are our team – we must support them no matter what Boodaj is in nets.
imposter!!!! what did you do with the real Timo????
Atta boy Timo! You tell em bud.
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Okay, I’ll try to be positive: If there is an opponent in the league where Budaj can be better than the other team’s goalie, it would be the Flyers.
too not to…gawd I am such a dough head
Has anyone watched that street hockey game organized by Prust? Its pretty good, and I actually liked Armstrong in it, seems like he is a pretty fun guy..maybe I have been to hard on him..I just wish he would play a bit better..and that face..
Colby Armstrong could be a stunt double for comedian Harland Williams
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“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
haha I had to look that up the name was not familiar..its so true..he was in “there something about Mary” the 6 min abs..LOL
Funny man!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cClykDWaCXQ
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“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Or Woody Woodpecker with his beak size…….
@Mavid, watching the 2nd episode of 24CH, after the win in which Galchenyuk gets his first goal, you see a glimpse of Armstrong really yukking it up with the guys teasing Chucky I think.
He is like Gomez in the room at a discount with all the production!
Just play Mayer !
This could be the end of Winnipeg’s year.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=416156
Nice little friendship between Bergevin and Chevyldayoff.
Can anyone say KABERLE?
I hope Chevy can.
The one problem I see with moving Kaberle is that the new team’s owner might not be too happy about taking on another year of 4.2M. He certainly wouldn’t want to have to use an amnesty buyout.
There is something in the new CBA on splitting/trading cap space but I’m not up on it. I wonder if it would carry over for next year? Or amnesty buyouts?
DOn’t forget the owner of the Jets, is also a partial (albeit small) owner of the Habs.
Thomson
No one wants that contract unfortunately, other than PG. Maybe Chicago would be interested?
Ain’t gonna happen. The sports people in Winnipeg think the jets defense is fine. No way they are going to trade for Kabs. Did not know that Thompson was a small owner of the Habs. Is it legal or in league by-laws for a person to have interests in more than 1 team not including Phoenix?
Mr. Biter
No Guts No Glory
Last night against The Pens it was the first time The Jets had their top 4 Dmen dressed for a game this season……
Bell owns part of Montreal and a significant amount of Leafs, so obviously all that is needed is a handshake and a wink from Bettman and everything is AOK!
@burly. Don’t forget the watered down Coors.
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All of a sudden there is two potential landing places for Kaberle, perhaps the loser of Ottawa/Wpg gets Weber?
I likd your idea of Toronto. They could trade for him right before they have the 50th anniversary celebration of the 63 team.
They could make a big splash…bringing him back to finish his career where it started.
Habfan17
If, by some miracle, Kaberle gets traded this year, who does MB buy out in the summer? Cole?
Why? Don’t have to use these amnesty buyouts, Molson already taking it in the teeth with Gomez. COle is going to be fine I believe. He could always be traded before having to buyout.
Hope you’re right. I like Cole but he looks like he is slowing down.
If Cole realy doeas decide to retire, since he isn’t 35 yet, his contract would be “suspended” in that the Habs would still have is rights, but his salary would come off the books. So, If they could trade Kaberle for anything, they would be fine. If Cole decides he would play out his contract somewhere eslse, just not with the Habs because of his daughter and school, they can trade him.
Habfan17
Penguins are extinguishing key players on other teams like a demolition derby
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“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Not only we’ll get rid off Kaberle, will get the Buff-man for him too :0
About as much chance of that happening as me winning $100,000.00 in Vegas next week.
Mr. Biter
No Guts No Glory
Ian, what do you expect Giroux to do to Budaj?
Is White in the lineup? I hope so
If it’s White, it’s all right!…sorry old Chris Rock joke…
It’ll be a goal tending thing tonight. Best goalie wins.
My money’s on the officials providing the best goaltending.
Agree with Hickey. The chermistry just isn’t there between PK and Markov. Diaz, at least at this point, seems the better fit.
Gerald, (no way to reply below)
re; Tinordi and being ready to play and fight in the NHL
Tinordi will have to learn when and when not to fight at the NHL level. Keeping him in Hamilton will not teach him this quality.
If he shows the speed, decision making, and execution of an NHL player next year, I believe he will make the team.
All the reports coming out of Hamilton are very positive.
He will be a big, tough presence in our zone and in front of the net.
He will learn when to fight and who to fight; and especially, how to defend himself when the fight is not going well.
For example, you don’t fight Lucic by having both your hands grabbing the front of his shoulder pads, while his right hand is free to punch you in the face at will.
Komisarek might be the worst fighter in the history of the game; and now he has quickly become one of the worst defencemen as well.
I’ve watched a few games this year. Tinordi reminds me a bit of Larry Robinson very early in his career; He has a bit of a hot head reputation, and he’s being pressed on it; The opposition recognizes he’s a good player to have off the ice..
I’ve him play in Hamilton and London and he seems to know when to drop the gloves already. He always drops them when a teammate is take advantage of…which is why so many like him.
I don’t disagree, that he sticks up for his team mates. He DOES have that quality, and it is admirable. I just believe other teams key on him; the “Dogs don’t have a very competitive team this year, and when you take him off the ice for 2-7 minutes…
I do agree with you Ed, I just am not convinced the rest of the teams in the NHL will have the same decision making skillsets when they decide it is time for him to fight is all. I do think he will be a big part of the Habs future, and my only concern is that when he gets up here, it will be hard to resist the challenge of being somewhat of a peacekeeper for the Habs, and he will need to be that upon his arrival.
No UND report this week. Boy’s have the weekend off.
Mr. Biter
No Guts No Glory
Thanks Biter. The post season should begin soon and here in the States we get some decent TV coverage. Hopefully UND will be included in a few telecast.
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Yes college sports way better coverage. I’ve got DTV so can see the UND games in the 600′s. Also March madness is starting soon. Actually went down to Minneapolis to see Duke beat Michigan back in the 90′s to win the college basketball title.
Mr. Biter
No Guts No Glory
I am very hopeful that MB along with his new player personnel will be able to make Kristo comfortable in signing with Habs. I wouldn’t have felt this way if still the PG regime.
In regards to the lines I got 2 things to say. One is just a tweet I read that summed the situation up well.
“So much for internal competition dictating playing time, everything revolves around creating the best environment for Desharnais”
Aside from that, when Therrien writes this line up on his whiteboard. Does this not standout like it would to most coaches around the league/general public.
Bourque-Plekanec-Gionta
Prust-Galchenyuk-Cole
Pacioretty-Desharnais-Gallagher
Moen-Eller-Armstrong
An easy swap, or swap and switch Galchenyuk to LW for some easier minutes.
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Lars, PK, Galchenyuk, Pac, Emelin – @J_Perez22
Even though it will probably be Plekanec, I would like to see Eller against Giroux. It would be a good challenge for him.
Eller would have his lunch handed to him against Giroux, me thinks!
Hope not but we’ll never know unless he’s given a shot to prove himself. Not many do well against Giroux anyways.
While I’d agree with your post concerning Eller that line did provide some quality chances. I guess I can live with Eller there as long as he gets some PP time.
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Aside from the Pleks line, the top 9 has struggled to create offense the past few games. It’s a move to help the team score, not just for the development of Eller.
We’re asking Galchenyuk to go out there with a grinder who averages 7 goals a year, and a struggling Erik Cole. Who’s he supposed to create with out there.
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Lars, PK, Galchenyuk, Pac, Emelin – @J_Perez22
I posted further down I’d switch Prust and Pacioretty. I could also support your move. I think MT may be attempting to balance the 4 lines but as you state, a lack of offence may support a different tactic.
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Biggest issue in this line up is no matter which center gets thrown out of the circle , there isn’t a single winger who can do the job on the face off . At least 2 centers with face off winning percentages are needed by any team on any given day. Habs need a new strategy; No wingers needed, just send out 4 D-men and block the blue line. Oh geez, I just figured out MT’s game plan…
he has to make a move with DD or just sit him
Bourque / Plek / Gionta
Max / Chucky / Gally
DD / Eller / Cole
Moen / Prust / Armstrong-White
OHL Standings
With a win tonight Belleville moves into 1st spot in the East.
With Malcom Subban owning the best goals against numbers in the east. Jordon Subban leading in D team scoring.
Rank Eastern Conference GP W L OTL SL PTS PCT GF GA
1 x Barrie Colts 54 35 16 1 2 73 0.676 202 150
2 x Belleville Bulls 53 33 14 3 3 72 0.679 164 130
3 Oshawa Generals 55 32 19 1 3 68 0.618 185 158
4 Sudbury Wolves 55 25 19 4 7 61 0.555 173 177
5 Brampton Battalion 55 25 21 3 6 59 0.536 151 159
6 Niagara IceDogs 55 26 25 2 2 56 0.509 186 191
7 Mississauga 54 24 25 0 5 53 0.491 150 170
8 Kingston 54 22 27 2 3 49 0.454 171 219
9 Peterborough Petes 56 20 29 3 4 47 0.420 163 212
10 Ottawa 67′s 56 15 37 0 4 34 0.304 177 266
Rank Western Conference GP W L OTL SL PTS PCT GF GA
1 x London Knights 55 39 12 2 2 82 0.745 224 147
2 Plymouth Whalers 55 30 16 5 4 69 0.627 211 177
3 Owen Sound Attack 55 34 17 1 3 72 0.655 175 136
4 Kitchener Rangers 55 32 15 1 7 72 0.655 172 140
5 Guelph Storm 54 31 18 1 4 67 0.620 197 164
6 Sarnia Sting 56 31 22 0 3 65 0.580 201 200
7 Sault Ste. Mar 55 30 21 2 2 64 0.582 209 195
8 Saginaw Spirit 55 26 23 3 3 58 0.527 201 209
9 Windsor Spitfi 55 22 26 1 6 51 0.464 163 210
10 Erie Otters 56 17 31 3 5 42 0.375 173 238
I’m always jealous of Eastern division teams. Guelph would probably be vying for 1st overall in that conference. Guelph is 12-4-0 against the East, with Belleville being the team causing them the most trouble (0-2-0 against the Bulls).
Playing 22 games against London, Plymouth, Owen Sound and Kitchener just flat out sucks.
Look at those Frontenacs! Hanging on by their skinny little fingernails! The Future is ours!
should be a good tilt Monday afternoon..with a full house.
so we barely won vs. TB and won a terrible game vs. FLA but MT goes ahead and leaves the lines – which really didn’t work – and the line-up which I guess did but not really, intact.
Proving to be more conservative and JM like than we all thought.
If Kaberle and Weber are going to sit every game – make a move.
White is better than Armstrong and Moen and a few others to be honest.
JM put defencemen on the wing…can’t be more conservative than that.
White not better than anyone on the roster
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“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
Armstrong by a mile.
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Lars, PK, Galchenyuk, Pac, Emelin – @J_Perez22
In what capacity?
Offense?
Decision-making on-ice?
Taking game-losing penalties?
Skating?
Shooting?
Experience?
Leadership?
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“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
Armstrong 13 games 1 assist 12 SOG 0+/-= no offense at all.
White 7 games 1 goal 7 SOG 1+/-
Not one of white’s penalties has lead to a game losing goal. Using your logic every time a Hab takes a penalty it is his fault that the Habs lose.
Mr. Biter
No Guts No Glory
1 goal is hardly “Armstrong by a mile” as the post I was responding to suggested.
Game-losing penaties- see Buffalo Feb. 7 – takes a brainless double minor which led to a goal- made it 4-3. He admitted next day it was brainless. See Boones ALN on that game . He hasn’t played since.
Takes a double minor Jan. 30 in Ottawa- Sens score 2 and the momentum shifts and Habs get smoked 5-1
Well-done Whitey!
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“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
Agree on White, MTs pretty committed to Armstrong it seems for whatever reason. Even Moen hasn’t been too strong.
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Lars, PK, Galchenyuk, Pac, Emelin – @J_Perez22
Got to commiserate with Timo!
Not unlikely Mayer plays the 3rd tonight.
Giroux will have a field day !
TIMO,
Remember ! Halak flu the coop!
Chalk this one as a certain loss? Unless habs D transform into goalies and block 100% of the shots. See… I always said Halak was better than Price – he never had a stomach flu.
This seems like a Boone Reverse Jinx, well done Timo.
Can you imagine a summit with Timo,Front and JB? We could charge for admission.
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I think I would enjoy that table Jim. Granted my bar bill would be over the top, but money well spent.
Would expect a sore belly from laughing the next day.
Timo ,what pisses me bout no Price is that if we lose against the Flyers it will be said it was because of Carey’s absence, by the same fans that preach “it’s a team sport”. If I was Price “flu or no flu” I’d take the night of NET CRASHING OFF” and we know there’s gonna be tons of that tonight against our Charmin soft Defense” and save his body and have a long career trying to catch Halak
I wonder if Michael Bournival becomes our next Brian Skrudland or Mike Keane. Seems to have really good hockey sense, but don’t see him ever in a Top6 role. Perhaps an effective 4th line center.
That’s because he has not gone through the Michel Therrien Personal Development Program yet.
I noticed on the Habs website you can buy the online version of Michel Therrien Personal Development Program, only 39.99 per month (french version), 69.99 for the english.
He’ll be an NHLer without a doubt. Don’t see why he couldn’t be a 3rd liner. Watched a bunch of bdogs games and even though he’s not producing points wise he looks good out there.
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Lars, PK, Galchenyuk, Pac, Emelin – @J_Perez22
He’s our next Eller…
Loonie, I hope you are under the age of 22 because you sound like an ignorant fool. Not as sharp as you think you are, twisting peoples’ words back on them into some self-righteous hipster B.s.
I didn’t say everyone who disagrees is accusing me of being a racist, and even if i did, you dare to suggest me saying that IS AN ALIBI for ME ACTUALLY being racist? You need an intro course in logic. What I said was I was preparing for people who disagree with my view of Subban to accuse me of being a racist BECAUSE THATS WHAT THEY HAVE DONE HERE SINCE JANUARY.
You know nothing about me, my family, where I grew up or what I feel about anyone. To suggest I am really a racist because i said I am sick of people ( white people, mind you ) playing a race card and accusing others of being a racist based on HOCKEY OPINIONS is illogical and adolescent nonsense. You may amuse yourself by playing with peoples’ words like a sleezy lawyer, but you sound like little more than a jackass. You have gone out of your way to prove my point. If you’re an adult, act like one.
Well I’m sorry if you felt I was accusing you of being a racist. You clearly said you were waiting on being called a racist by anyone who disagreed with your opinion of Subban.
That comment required no twisting of words. It was a clear indication that you feel those who disagree with you about Subban label you a racist. If that’s happened I’m sorry because you don’t deserve that treatment.
However, to suggest that people who disagree with coaching decisions are labeling those who don’t as racists when it doesn’t happen on a universal level is racist. It suggests that a group of people sympathizing with a player and disagreeing with how’s he’s treated see it as race related when it isn’t.
And therefore, you’re the one who’s seeing it as race related.
As I said earlier, if those same people disagree with the usage of Eller and Galchenyuk or other white players, what are you going to say about them?
You absolutely tried to protect your opinion by claiming that anyone who disagreed was playing a race card.
Sorry, but that’s a fact. And it isn’t juvenile or adolescent behaviour to point that out in my opinion.
Edit: My advice albeit that of a 22 year old(allegedly) is to acknowledge racism but not let it enter the discussion when you don’t think it’s an issue. For example, anyone who calls you a racist for that specific opinion is a fool and will appear as such provided you show that the mere notion of it is silly. A proactive post about the possibility of you being a racist without the attacks stokes the fire.
The difference is, Loonie, is that people on this site HAVE BEEN accused of being a racist for not agreeing that Subban should have free reign to do what he wants. Eller and Galchenyuk have nothing to do with this, but since you bring it up, yes, every French person involved with the Canadiens has been accused of being a bigot by giving preference to Desharnais by one person or another on this site. Not EVERYONE does it, but EVERYONE has been accused.
Still don’t get your logic of how that all makes me a closet racist preparing an alibi? Of course thats always a possibility, but there is no logical conclusion to be made that I am racist because i dont like being accused of being racist. Most racists deny being racist for expediency, but they aren’t offended by the accusation.
Here’s some logic: Racism, we’d agree, is morally one of the worst things that can occur or be exercised toward someone in society.
Therefore, doesn’t it stand to reason that people who are wrongly accused of being a racist, or see others being accused of such based on HOCKEY BULLSHIT should be outraged by that accusation? Like accusing someone of being a pedophile when they aren’t, people have a right to get defensive without their defensiveness being attributed to the fact that they MUST actually be a racist. Of course some people that don’t like Subban, but everyone ought to be damn sure who they cast with that label. Not wanting to cave on contract demands to a black player does not make one a racist, except here, in the land of do-gooders.
I’m sorry you disagree but it is logical to conclude that most people who preface their opinions with a big fat “I’M NOT RACIST” are in fact racist.
I’d also like to point out that somebody could be racist and correct in their opinion. That somebody accusing you of being racist could be wrong when labeling you but correct about the topic.
As I said, if you don’t want to be called a racist, ignore the ridiculous accusations. It’s obviously struck a nerve. But you also have to understand that you’re suggesting every comment about PK Subban turns into a race debate. And again I’m sorry, but that’s not the case.
I think you’re either seeing things that aren’t there, or well….I don’t really want to discuss the alternative.
“Now I’ll wait for righteous fanboys and girls to tell me I am racist because I don’t think PK is the best ever at everything and anything. Go ahead, embarrass yourselves.”
Where were any of the following words in that sentence: EVERY, ANY, ALL, ENTIRETY, ANYONE EVERYONE?
I was clearly calling out a specific group who do that very thing over and over again. And then you ended up doing it whether you meant to or not. That’s why I was pissed.
EDIT Yes i am aware the words everything and anything were used and they had nothing to do with the “who” aspect that we are discussing
If you don’t want to be called racist on an internet forum the first step should be avoiding generalizations like this.
You’ve opened yourself up to this and whether you like it or not it’s been justified the entire way.
You’ve made this about race, not anyone else.
If he were still alive, I would love to read a Gazette column by Mordecai Richler on the rise of PK Subban..
It seems the consensus is that we need an upgrade at left wing.
I disagree. Bourque and Pacioretty as left wingers are just dandy. If we need the upgrade anywhere at forward it’s on the right wing. Gionta god love him gives everything and produces, he just doesn’t produce offense or have a presence that is expected from a first line right winger.
If Cole were a long term solution I’d say we’re fine but considering his age and career highs he fits into a similar category as Gionta.
In other words, as a contending team I’m happy with Bourque and Pacioretty as my left wingers in the top six but would love an upgrade on Gionta or Cole on the right side.
I’d also like a faster than normal development from Galchenyuk so that Desharnais isn’t as heavily relied on in such a prominent role.
This may hurt but the less we need Desharnais, the better because despite an excellent season last year he does continue to have modest skills and below average defensive ability.
The hulking defenseman isn’t an unproven myth either. Los Angeles has a couple, Chicago and Boston did before them and so did the Penguins when they won the Cup.
The role is an integral part of contending teams.
Upgrade on Gionta or Cole, add a Greene, Scuderi type defenseman and make Galchenyuk a finished product.
For my money that’s the model for this team to become a Cup contender.
I think Tinordi is being fast tracked and will make the team next season – it will be his job to lose.
That’s why he was given a leadership role – assistant captain; and why he was invited to the main camp this year.
There’s your big d-man.
Would be nice, but you can’t just “Fast Track” a defenceman. If he is not ready for the NHL he could end up being “Komisareked” (Lucic beatdown) by his rookie years end.
He will hopefully be solution, but rushing him and expecting him to play enforcer at the backend could be worst thing.
I’m not expecting him to be an enforcer next year. That would be a mistake, I agree.
I think other teams heavyweights would target him.
But we do agree on the need to upgrade at wing then right?
Now it is just a question of Liberal or Conservative.
Not the left?
I figured someone would challenge my logic, or lack thereof.
not a challenge, just an opinion; When you really, I mean REALLY look at the top 12 Habs Forwards, do you see 4 Centers and 8 Wingers? I don’t.. I see 12 Wingers. This team desperately needs Centers that can win face offs, and gain puck control.Period. PP and PK AND 5/5. THAT’S when they’ll be able to beat the better team in the league . Every one on the roster can dig in the corner, and play the body; not one of them can win 1 out of 2 face offs.
A big intimidating defenceman is the obvious need. MB will not make any moves to bring someone in until he’s sure about the youngsters (i.e., Tinordi).
Budaj providing rebound drills for the Flyers!
Perfect proof of Habs lack of depth in goal!
Flyers 6-2 ! Puke!
Puke…that’s what Price is doing around now…
The city of Toronto has been issued an extreme cold weather alert as the temperature drops to –15 C overnight.
Since when is -15C extreme cold?
Maybe they should cancel the Leafs game just in case?
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/02/16/toronto-extreme-cold-alert_n_2702020.html
Mayor Rob Ford should call the army immediately
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“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Damn, I wanted to play the Army joke. Well done
“man, I love winnin’; you know, it’s like better than losin’?”-
Ebby Calvin “Nuke” Laloosh
At least Toronto isn’t expecting snow as TO’s most frequently used apparatus for removing fallen snow isn’t expected to make an appearance for a few days.
The sun.
Is he not a mayor anymore? I thought he got removed.
He has plenty insulation…
Army was out there last week during snowstorm joining police at Tim’s. In all fairness they allready had the plows out Thursday night and downtown streets were pretty clean by Sat afternoon. Did cancel everything in sight and public transport was runing about 50% or less on Friday and it was impossoble to get a cab (5 hour wait)
Mr. Biter
No Guts No Glory
I was in Toronto a couple of times this week and I’m still trying to figure out what they did with their snow. There was almost 4″ – enough to cover my ankles! Meanwhile, back in Peterborough, 60 minutes east, I’m still getting out of the car to look over snowbanks to see if it’s safe to make my turn.
He called the army but just asked them to donate to his high school football charity.
“Et le but!”
But it is a damp cold….
If you bothered to read the article to which you linked you see its not a laughing matter as you may suggest.
The Extreme Cold Alert is to trigger resources for the homeless who don’t have the capacity to register how cold it is and could die on the streets at these temperatures.
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“It’s just an opinion – I could be wrong”
At least Budaj is not playing the second game of a back to back with tired mates in front of him as well as not having Ryan White in the lineup….lol
Just got back from St. Maarten this week. Fullfilled one of my bucket list of seeing the Canadiens play in the tropics. However, it was a very bad night seeing them get wiped out 6-0 by the Maple Leafs. I saw the game at Pineapple Pete’s, who is from Quebec and a huge Canadiens fan. To top it all off, had to endure the loss surrounded by quite a few leafs fans who were there from Toronto. However, it was strange seeing the Canadiens play in 80 degree weather,and wearing just shorts and a tee-shirt, in an open -air restaurant, but nice.
I have been able to watch a few different playoff rounds while in the Caribbean, it is an awesome experience. Too bad the game you got.
My favorite island in the Carribean. Did you stay on the Dutch or French side? Spend much time on the beach in Phillipsburg. One of the nicest beaches in the Carribean and right in town.
Mr. Biter
No Guts No Glory
We were on the Dutch side. Orient Bay and Pinel Island are our favorite beaches which are on the french side. Maho on the Dutch side , seeing the planes come in is great. We might be moving there in May.
Sal dellafiore
That would be an excellent choice. If I could dump the wife and kids…………
Mr. Biter
No Guts No Glory
fixed…hurray!
The Laffs will be honouring the 50th anniversary of the 1963 Stanley Cup winning team tonight.
When they won, Johnny Bower was in goal, JFK was in the White House, Brylcreem’s “A Little Dab Will Do Ya” was a popular commercial on TV, and the vast majority of posters on this site probably hadn’t been born as yet.
I just hope George Armstrong spares us the sight of him partially removing his false teeth again.
Sponsered by Geritol and adult size Depends.
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PJ Stock will do an on-ice product demo
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“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
I found a good replacement for PJ Stock amigo.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRolINYdNN0&feature=player_embedded
That’s funny. My gums got all itchy just watching that clip.
Stay thirsty my friend!
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“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Great work Frontenac, CBC needs to add her to their hockey show.
The look on the anchorman’s face is priceless…
That’s awesome.
Toothbrush. Riiiight.
http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/2013/02/15/dave_keon_toronto_maple_leafs_reuniting_for_a_night.html
Perhaps Bells and Rogers money can help make Keon and the Leafs get along better.
In all seriousness, a great player, will be nice for Toronto fans to see him and likewise I am sure.
Keon was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, the last time the Leafs won the Stanley Cup, 1856 or thereabouts..
News was carried by pony express in states and dog sled in canada.
Mr. Biter
No Guts No Glory
I was running around Trinidad chasing some ‘brown skin girl’ or the other; knew about Pearson and Trudeau and Expo, but knew nothing about the HABS and hockey. But I sensed something was amiss when it happened again in 67…… so I hopped on a plane(unfortunately 2 yrs too late) came to Canada and set the World right…and thus was born yet another Habs dynasty.No need to kneel… well ok if you must.
Note the Leafs have not won a cup since.
Did you catch her?
Mr. Biter
No Guts No Glory
Back online?
Was HIO down for a while? All I got was Error 404 page not found until just now…
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“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Yup.
Hamsters had to be fed.
Boone’s hamsters are revolting:
http://www.buzzhunt.co.uk/wp-content/2012/01/Hamster_computer_sm_high.jpg
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“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
I think Boone prefers gerbils…
Repulsive
I think they got the food mixed up with the rat poison.
Or Boone’s medicinals
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“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Threatening to send them to a Chinese Resturant to see their relatives might increase their speed.
Mr. Biter
No Guts No Glory
Hampsters down with the flu. Squirrels recalled from Hamilton.
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LOL, the most realistic answer yet!
That’s what happens when you hire the guy who operated the lights at the Super Bowl…
So most people don’t remember Diaz and Markov were still running the first PP unit several games into PK’s insertion into the lineup? And that Diaz, whom I like for his savvy despite his lack of size, started to be less effective on the point by overreacting to adjustment pressure teams started using?
Something happened to Diaz on the PP after his initial flurry of assists early in the season. It could be that teams adjusted or he started feeling more pressure personally once Subban’s contract was signed. Diaz has been better this year, but my impression is he’s better less steady since PK arrived including5-on-5, which may just be a coincidence for all I know.
Now everyone may have a different view. Just because someone expresses his with a heavy dose of conviction and authority does not make his opinion more valid.
Here are two statements:
1. The PP did well with Diaz and Markov – they seem to have an understanding. Although Subban is a better player than Diaz, maybe reuniting Markov and Diaz will help our PP regain its lustre.
2. Sure Diaz and Markov had some early success but they are both passers rather than shooters. Markov works well when the other point man has a canon. In the long run Subban/Markov is more likely to produce on the PP so we should stick with that unless it clearly doesn’t work.
Two perfectly reasonable opinions but when stated on H I/O either one brings out the flame warriors.
Come on lads.
Flame warriors, LOL, so many different meanings though.
I believe the first half of point 2. Subban is the answer long term, but I don’t think to have him with Markov exclusively at this point. There are ways to fit everyone in while still optimizing pp effectiveness.
Back to Subban…and the field goal is wide!
1993. 1993. 1993. 1993. 1993….
With Price out, we lose the edge in net. Both teams are equal with Budaj and Bryzgalov playing. We are still better than Philly, but its time for Cole and Patches to start earning their pay.
Someone posted here yesterday that Boucher will get the start for Philly.
–Go Habs Go!–
The Panthers Club Red Section Fiasco, and why its bad for the team and the game.
http://lastwordonsports.com/2013/02/15/panthers-club-red-pricing-is-joke/
Go Habs Go!
Check out Top Shelf Prospects, my Team by Team prospect reports
http://lastwordonsports.com/
I have to admit I’m jealous. I’ve always had to pay for advertising when not participating in charity events.
That is an interesting approach to the problem. The first reply to the article is clarifying as well. Thanks.
So set the PVR this week to tape “The Biggest Loser” and when I turned on to watch it, I got the Leafs game versus Carolina….
Your PVR lacks truculence.
I got Coach’s Corner…
@Burly. Jagermeister? I drank that sh*t once and it completely ruined my Aura. Cognac amigo!
I gotta stick with my Jager Front, will enjoy some tonight with the boys at the bar tonight. Enjoy the game Front!
Jagermeister. It’s not just a breakfast drink.
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“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
I do not like the lines as they were at practice.
Bourque with Gallagher/Galchenyuk and Eller with Armstrong and Prust are my preferences.
I would have put Moen with Plekanec/Gionta….so that line becomes a little tougher.
And Cole/Pacs/DD…. especially so they could work on it. Right now Therrien has broken up all the lines trying to get Cole and DD and Pacs going.
In fact more I look at my combination; more I like the size and skill on the Plek/Eller/Bourque lines as I arranged them…especially against the Flyers.
Way I see it if Cole and or Pacs are going in onight’s game then DD will be best with them and they dont need anymore size etc…if Cole and/or Pacs arent going in tonight’s game then they wont do any better on any other line. Their game, scoring wise, is either on or off. They are not line makers per se…nor do they really get/need a big contribution from linemate when they are going. Their game is their game…hard fast to the net.. and hope your scoring touch is on.
Hey guys, kinda unrelated to the game tonight… but I’m heading to Ottawa for the game ont he 25th (flying down)… Wondering if the team hops on a bus under the arena or if they come outside to sign post game?
Habs 3 Flyers 2
What’s up with everyone not giving this team a chance to win tonight, just because Budaj starts? so little faith….
For the most part this year, this team has played well. If it weren’t for a couple of third period collapses like last year….our record would be better then 8-4-1(which is damn good anyways)
Budaj hasn’t played great this year, true, but we have seen at the end of last season that he has it in him to get the job done. My prediction that he has a great game tonight, and will grab his first win of the year. I think the character on this team will want to step it up, and get him that win too.
Philly can never be underestimated…..but that team has a lot of problems of their own this year. We need to score early.
“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
Bodhisattva between the pipes tonight?The Shine of Your Japan.The Sparkle of Your China!
Thank god Hickey’s not a blind mouse, too. If you can’t see that Diaz was/is better than Subban on the power play, I don’t know what you’re watching. Markov and Diaz should have been permanently reunited after the Boston game, and definitely after the Toronto game.
Now I’ll wait for righteous fanboys and girls to tell me I am racist because I don’t think PK is the best ever at everything and anything. Go ahead, embarrass yourselves.
I wouldn’t go as far as to call you a racist but somebody who thinks that the effectiveness in contrast between Subban and Diaz isn’t even close in my opinion is as blind as the people he’s attacking.
Edit: I must be a racist for not believing that Eller and Galchenyuk are being used properly too.
Some would argue that since you’re ignoring how often those two have been discussed in their usage on the team without a similar response does in fact suggest that you are racist.
The differences are just that… differences. Effectiveness as a D-man, Subban is better all around. On the power play? it is very clear Diaz and Markov worked better together. Blame whoever you want, but when Subban throws passes at people on the PP that bounce off their stick because theyre too hard, I know its no Markovs fault. His shot is not accurate, we knew that last year. This stuff is not news.
Suggesting that everyone who disagrees with you will label you as a racist is arguably a racist point of view from your end.
You’re giving your opinion an alibi.
http://i.imgur.com/UitdY.gif
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DOOOOOOOOOOOOMED!
lol i love that one
Whoa… we’re just having fun discussions here. Everybody is entitled to their opinion (that’s why this site is cool). I don’t think anyone is trying to be personal in their disagreements.
On appearance, it seems the PP has worked better with Markov and Diaz. However, there are so many factors that is hard to conclude it unless you have studied all the game tape (I obviously have not). For example, the opposition could have adjusted just when PK was subbed in. Or, the quality of opposition is different earlier in the season compared to now. MT will adjust as the season goes (that’s why he gets paid the big bucks and we don’t). I’d like to see Markov and Diaz on one wave as I feel they have more chemistry. The only exception would be a 5 on 3 where you need PK’s shot.
Patrick Roy would have played.
Regular flu yes…gastro don’t think so. Imagine having to go in the middle of a penalty kill…Depends anyone?
PJ Stock to the rescue!
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Yah lets have Price hang around all the guys while he is sick, may as well get the whole team sick, but at least we will know Price can play through it.
Remember a few years ago when practically the whole team had it?
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DOOOOOOOOOOOOMED!
Budaj in nets tonight?
Uh oh.
Don’t the Habs have a sumo wrestler in their system who can play goalie for 1 night by basically just standing there and blocking most of the net?
lol i took a few habs out my fantasy lineup tonight. I Suspect a lot of minuses on the habs side with boo die in.
They could just turn with their backs to the play and create a type of giant trapper.
Need to scout every La Belle and poutine joint for a replacement…
Would be nice if they score more goals than the Fluers ,
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DOOOOOOOOOOOOMED!
Diaz over subban? I dont mind playing him on the PP with markov but thats only to have a better shot on the 2nd unit. Diaz does not find the open man better then subban! just because he has 8 assists on the pp dosnt mean he actually found the man, in fact most times hes gotten the 2nd assisy. diaz has a good outlet pass. his shot is obviously weaker, but more accurate… I dont think so. subban can take less off his shot and be more accuarate , but I dont know what u saw to say diaz finds the open man better and has a more accurate shot, where is your backing , your proof? its your opinion, and its not even a fact. dude back up what u say or are you just a lazy writer!
speaking of accurate shots did u see dougie hamiltons shot pass off the end boards last night?
Diaz absolutely finds the open man more than Subban and teammates are better prepared for Diaz’s passes because he carries the puck less than Subban.
But having said that a good comparable is Nick Leddy in Chicago, he carries the puck far less than Duncan Keith but you won’t be seeing Keith on the Hawks’ second wave anytime soon.
Ur blinded by love, homegirl. Subban has no touch when cycling the puck, and he is not a creative passer. Having hissy fits because someone disagrees with you does not make you right. Why does everyone have to think Subban is untouchable or else they’re a bigot, a moron, or lazy?