There’s been much celebration on both sides of the Atlantic this week commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the historic Summit Series between Team Canada and the Soviet National Team. But when the names of Canada’s biggest heroes get listed, the usual suspects have usually been Paul Henderson, Phil Esposito and a few others. With the exception of Ken Dryden, however, the contributions of members of the Canadiens often get overlooked.
Not by Todd Denault, however.
One of the bright new hockey historians on the scene, the Cobourg, Ontario, resident is the author of two excellent hockey history books, one an acclaimed 2009 biography of Jacques Plante, the other the story of the Habs legendary 1975 New Year’s Eve game against CSKA, the Soviet Red Army team ( and has a third on the way, A Season In Time, which chronicles the unforgettable 1992-93 NHL season, the last in which the Habs won the Stanley Cup).
It’s in his 2010 book, The Greatest Game, which details both the history of Soviet hockey and that of the Canadiens leading up to the 1975 New Year’s Eve contest, where Denault pays particular attention to the Summit Series and he calls the Montreal contingent within Harry Sinden’s club “The team within the team.”
Six Habs were on the squad, more than any other NHL club, three forward, two defencemen and a goaler. And five of the six — Pete Mahovlich, Yvan Cournoyer, Guy Lapointe, Serge Savard and Dryden –played crucial roles in the triumph, coming up with significant performances when it mattered most. Only Frank Mahovlich, a Hall of Famer, played below his usual form. Denault explores the possibility that the Big M, who later in life acknowledged emotional struggles, became mentally unglued as the series moved on.
Denault writes, “In the media, most of the credit will be given to the scoring exploits of Paul Henderson and the dogged tenacity of Phil Esposito. But without the contributions of the Montreal contingent, it’s quite possible Team Canada would not have grasped the ultimate victory.”
Denault traces each of their stories and their roles in the series, providing great insight into each. He talks of Dryden’s bouts with self-doubt; of Pete Mahovlich’s transformation into an aggressive player a few years prior the series following a discussion with teammate John Ferguson (who would be Sinden’s assistant coach and undoubtably aided in the club selection); of Savard’s battles with injury, which transformed him from a rushing defenceman who many compared favorably to Bobby Orr into more of an exceptional force in his own end; of Lapointe’s belief that he wasn’t really good enough for the NHL, much less an elite team like the one who faced the Soviets; of young Cournoyer’s tutelage under Habs coach Toe Blake, making him more of a complete player; and of reports that Frank Mahovlich grew so paranoid in Moscow that he discovered a metal object under the rug and, fearing it was a listening device planted by the KGB, unscrewed it, only to release a chandelier from its ceiling moorings on the floor below.
Their timely big plays propelled Team Canada, starting with Pete Mahovlich’s shorthanded Game 2 tally in Toronto 2 as they clung to a 2-1 lead, having dropped Game 1 at the Forum, a national disaster. Sinden called it, “a goal I’ll never forget, an uplifting moment for the team in a game we urgently needed to win.”
It was in Game 5 that the Montreal group began to assert themselves. After the Game 1 defeat, Dryden was replaced by Tony Esposito. He’d go back in for Game 4 in Vancouver and lost there as well. He’d surrendered 12 goals in those six periods. A Game 1 scratch, Savard was injured in Game 3 in Winnipeg. Thought to be a bone bruise, it turned out to be a hairline fracture of his ankle and figured to be out a month. But he somehow managed to make it to Moscow for the second part of the series. Having already dropped three of the five games played, Sinden desperately inserted both in the lineup for Game 6. The speedy Cournoyer scored a key goal which gave Canada a lead they’d never surrender.
Dryden was named one of the contest’s top stars. Savard and Lapointe stabilized the back end and set up offensive chances. The Toronto Star’s Jim Proudfoot noted after Canada’s Game 7 win that it was no coincidence that Canada had won three of the four games in which Savard played. In that contest, the work of Lapointe and especially Savard to lug the puck out of zone and get it to Henderson, who made a magnificent rush for the late third period winner, had much to do with Proudfoot’s sentiment.
The historic Game 8 was climaxed by Henderson’s last-minute game winner, but this time it was Cournoyer who made the unsung play and helped make Henderson the hero. The Road Runner had scored the goal that tied the game at 5-5 midway through the third, but at the end he found himself in the neutral zone along the far boards and the puck on his stick.
He shot it into the Soviet zone and tiring, he recalled Blake’s advice that if the score is tied late in the third period, the puck is in the offensive zone and you are tired in the neutral zone, get off the ice. But Cournoyer hesitated because of the width of the international-sized ice surface at Luzhniki Ice Palace in Moscow. He didn’t know if he could get off and not jeopardize his team. So he moved into the zone instead.
Soviet defenseman Valeri Vasiliev cleared it up the boards in the direction it had come from and it went right back to Number 12. A surprised Cournoyer, just inside the blue line, saw Henderson coming off the bench and flying goalward. He fired it toward Henderson to start the play that led to what some call “The goal of the century” by Henderson to give Canada the series win.
Here’s video — not the best quality — but it has both Cournoyer’s goal and his shot from the boards that led to Henderson’s famous tally.
“I often think,” Cournoyer later told hockey historian Brian McFarlane, “if I hadn’t changed my mind on that final shift what would have happened? If I hadn’t stayed on the ice, there wouldn’t have been a Paul Henderson goal. Who would have been over by the boards to intercept the puck? Who would have kept the puck in the zone?”
Could be the Forum Ghosts traveled with Team Canada to the Luzhniki Ice Palace.
Loading ...
Although both side of the NHL labour dispute are far apart in dollars, I don’t think there is a philosophical gap like there was last time. It will still be a cap system with revenue sharing. There will still be free agency, limits on entry level contracts, and some sort of limit on contract length. In this sense, they are really not all that far apart and what’s left to be negotiated could probably be done in one afternoon.
IMO, if the players insist on defending 57%, there will be a lockout because too many teams are losing money at this amount. If the owners insist on a paycut, there will be a lockout because I think the players must make the owners honor the contracts they have already signed. But I just don’t see either side taking such a hard line.
I suspect sometime just before the 16th Sept (when physicals are scheduled), they will agree to freeze the cap until inflation causes the percentage drops to a number both sides can live with. Everyone will be so relieved that it will create a wave of excitement going into training camp. Great theatre, great drama, and ultimately great sales.
Okay, time to take off the rose colored glasses…
Wow. Saints players suspended in bounty case win their appeal and are allowed to play Week 1. Panel rules that players can be disciplined for issues like deliberate attempts to injure, but that they didn’t receive due process.
Very good decision on ‘the process’. I am not discussing the rights or wrong or uniqueness of the transgressions. Just they did not receive due process.
THE WHOLE NHL SEASON, AND THE NEXT YEAR AS WELL IS IN JEOPARDY !
If things stay status quo, with no movement from either side, it will turn very nasty indeed.
Both sides are digging in for a long haul fight. They are both very far apart, and they will not blink until both sides feel the money pinch. Both sides have huge war chests to stick it out for a very long time.
Two year lockout is a real possibility for sure.!!
This one might be the longest work stoppage in sports history!
Big money and greed, will take out a lot of innocent others along the way as well.
Oh Ian. I think the key period is arriving now. Let’s see where we are in a couple of weeks. I don’t want to think about a lost season yet alone two.
———————————–
I was just thinking the same thing. If this negotiation were two kids on ten-speed bikes playing chicken on Chapel St. where I grew up, they haven’t even reached the same block yet. One crossing Rideau St and the other is crossing Laurier Ave…
Far apart Jim!
It is crunch time Jim, and no one is moving at all, they are so far apart, they can’t even sit with each other let alone start a negotiation.
They’re having a second round of “informal talks” for the day, as we speak Ian.
There might be something positive to come from this.
Stay positive!
Brian, Only a couple of proposals so far, and they are miles apart. Negotiations will take weeks when they start to negotiate. So I think they are very ready to posture for a very long time before negotiations even start.
Next page is same conversation.
We’ll be playing by January 1st at the latest.
Go Habs Go!
Check out Top Shelf Prospects, my Team by Team prospect reports
http://lastwordonsports.com/
Noticed people discussing non-hockey market mistakes by Bettman. I agree that Phoenix and the Florida teams are just stupid. Carolina seems at bit more reasonable and I don’t mind Nashville because the fans have responded well.
I think it is crazy that there isn’t a second team in the Toronto area. I heard Quebec broke ground on their new arena the other day as well.
Las Vegas, I’ve heard the only reason there isn’t pro sports there is because the different leagues don’t want to be associated with gambling. We all know people gamble like crazy but the leagues have
no official involvement.
However, since the NHL is nowhere near as popular as the big 3 American sports I think they would jump if someone wanted to establish a team in Vegas.
Hobbie, I thought Florida was a good idea because of the number of snowbirds that live there in the winter but the Miami area, for whatever reason, is just not a great sports city outside football. Agree Toronto II and QC are more attractive areas for sure.
———————————–
So, we’re reading that the negotiations are more complex than last time.
Sounds like “protect us from ourselves ” terms. Interesting article though. Thanks Bri.
———————————–
Outside the box for sure.
http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2012-09-07/nhl-cba-negotiations-lockout-2012-labor-epl-relegation-rules?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=jessespector
———————————–
…I have not been as neurotic as most of You about whether this season will be cancelled or delayed by lock-out because I really believe there is too much ‘positive’ in the business of hockey today for both sides to kill the Golden Goose
…I hate the visuals, especially of Bettman, but I believe both are brilliant at what they do …both being too smart to self-destruct
…I think We will have a last-minute agreement, or if a delay it won’t exceed October/November
…I could be underestimating their ‘ego’ factor, but, like PK’s negotiation, I think We should relax
_________________________________________________________
What I WANT ! is an aircraft carrier at centre and nuclear destroyers on each wing going to the net like bats out of Hell !, …NO MORE rubber duckies !!!
_________________________________________________________
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
Campaign to Retire Toe Blake’s Number 6 !!!
…and, last, but not least: FREE PUSSY RIOT !!!
I’m with you on this one but the last few days have been making me nervous. I wonder how today’s talks have gone?
———————————–
Marchand got 4 years with a $4.5 cap hit? Same as Pacioretty? Ha. Nice.
Well if he keeps up his pace, it’s not a bad deal for the B’s. He was a important part of their team for the Cup run in 2010.
Well I guess, seems pretty steep to me but most contracts do I suppose.
Lucic & his agent must like Marchand new contract as Lucy who as a RFA comes due for a new contract after this coming season….
I agree Otter. I know the rat scored 28 goals last year but Lucic is a far superior player imo. If you just go by stats then maybe a Patches type contract is fair.
———————————–
It does make Patches deal look great, but Marchand fits well into the Bruins play-style, he can do good on the bottom and top 6 and the Bruins love him, so I think the deal makes sense for them.
Let’s get depressing.
If the whole season is cancelled, there would be a number of players that would retire and never play again, whom do you think would retire after a season of lockout.
Possible candidates : Brodeur, Jagr, Alfredsson, Selanne, Rolosson, Pronger and Arnott.
Brodeur has a 2 year contract. Pronger will not retire so his insurance will pay his salary. Rolosson, Arnott, Alfredsson and Jagr I won’t miss. Selanne, though….
I’m curious, what your beef with Alfredsson?
Always does well against the Habs. So, I won’t miss him.
While I respect the talents of the candidates for retirement that you listed, I must say that Alfie, Selanne and Brodeur are the ones that I will miss the most.
I don’t think Alfredsson ever received the proper credit he deserved. He is one heck of a talent and a leader. A tireless player with one heck of a competitive spirit.
i know it may sound silly,
but,
do you think we could actually have hockey on sept 15?
maybe they’ve duped us all and will come to agreement on the eve of the 14th
anythings possible right?
and everything could always be worse
http://945thesmooth.tumblr.com/
No hockey on the 15 of September… In the scenario you propose, there might be physicals.
yaa, im just optimistic until the official lockout comes. teams have scheduled training camps shortly, i believe players are expected to attend
http://945thesmooth.tumblr.com/
Bettman & Fehr meeting for over 2 hours today? That’s got to be a record.
Gotta build up some holiday time I guess. Seriously, do these guys actually put in hours or do they just fly around talking, texting and emailing? Cuz I do that and I don’t make anywhere near Buttman’s $8 million annually.
@RAFord77
http://bleublancetrouge.ca/
I don’t know how many of you will agree. myself I feel the location of some teams is the reason we’re having money problems in the NHL the other teams have to support them. should move teams to stable areas this way all the teams would be making money and wouldn’t be faltering. in return there would be more revenue coming in for both the players and owners and this B’s that’s happening right now would not be …
Dead Beat Teams are the reason.
Just my two cents worth. not that it really matters.
I agree. Why stick a team in the desert and pick Phoenix instead of a money town like Vegas? Why put hockey in NASCAR country like Nashville and the Carolinas? I understand market expansion but there are definitely more lucrative destinations for this sport even if it means returning to old ones. Look how the Atlanta move worked out.
@RAFord77
http://bleublancetrouge.ca/
With the Canadian $ strong, it makes sense now to have a bunch of teams here, but if the dollar falters, well we might not be able to support those reclaimed franchises.
I never understood why Las Vegas was mentionned for an NHL franchise, it’s a tourist town, and they have no pro sports team whatsoever.
They have the Las Vegas Wranglers from the ECHL.
Besides, any relocation will go to a town with an NHL arena, Seattle and Québec City seem the most likely place to me.
Yup to Seattle and QC here as well. My thoughts exactly. I just mentioned Vegas cuz Buttman is insistent on keeping a team in the desert and it would be less mileage to San Jose and still roughly the same distance to LA and Anaheim. Then again Phoenix does have a much higher population.
@RAFord77
http://bleublancetrouge.ca/
also a popular destination spot for western canadians… I would see the Habs in vegas… tickets might be easier to come by than here in Calgary.
Too bad about Shane Doan probably staying in Phoenix, I would have enjoyed watching play on the Canucks for a couple years. I was kind of hoping for a Justin Schultz and Shane Doan upgrade to their roster. I guess we’ll have to make do with Jason Garrison.
———————————————————————–
This isn’t “Billionaires vs. Millionaires.” Only a willfully uninformed fool would apply that sloppy shorthand designation to this disgraceful power grab crafted by some of the wealthiest individuals and corporate entities in North America aimed against professional athletes.–Larry Brooks of the New York Post
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
I can’t stand the Canucks, so thank goodness for me. I like the Sedins, Hamuis, Higgins, Malhotra, Edler and Schneider, but can’t stand the rest.
The Canucks Bruins Final was my worst nightmare. Awful hockey, Awful officiating, and my two least favorite teams.
You forgot Lapierre
I live on the Wet Coast, so I get to watch a lot of Canucks hockey, it’s inescapable, you go to the pub and the Canucks are on. So I make the best of it, they’re my second favourite team, although a distant second.
I first got here and caught the last of the Stan Smyl-Cliff Ronning-Pavel Bure years, saw the rise of Trevor Linden, the fiasco Mark Messier reign, the Markus Naslund-Todd Bertuzzi-Brendan Morrison trio, and now the Sedin era. It’s been okay, compared to living in Calgary or Edmonton.
…Bure, Linden (in his prime), Naslund, Bertuzzi (when not in ‘psycho-mode’) and the Sedins have been great entertainment-value
…but, something inexplicably bland being a Vancouver Canuck fan after being a Habs’ Fan
…and Doan is EXACTLY what the Canucks is missing …puzzling why Gillis didn’t move Heaven n Earth to sign him
…Doan at his price-point is wrong for Our Habs, but right for the Canucks with the Sedins in their prime
_________________________________________________________
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
Campaign to Retire Toe Blake’s Number 6 !!!
…and, last, but not least: FREE PUSSY RIOT !!!
…
So it looks as though Shane Doan is staying in Phoenix.
Renaud Lavoie posts that the NHL and NHLPA started informal discussions a little after 10 this morning.
I wonder if anything will come of it.
They’ll get a free dinner…
They better not send Bettman out to get it or they will all end up with HappyMeals…
@dchesnokov: #Habs Alexei Emelin says he is “ready to play for [#KHL's] AK Bars Kazan” if there is a lockout in the #NHL.
Patches to go with Ev Zug : http://www.hockeyfans.ch/news/meldung/31699
Toews and Sam Gagner to play there as well. It’s where Metropolit was playing and might still be playing next season.
Plekanec with Rytíři Kladno : http://www.hc-kladno.cz/cz/priprava-s-kladnem-idealni-varianta-rika-tomas-plekanec?b=50
Jagr will also play there
Because it seems it was important to some.
Fehr, Daly and Bettman to decline their salaries in case of a lockout.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/winnipeg-jets-send-note-to-fans-warning-of-potential-for-nhl-lockout-168816546.html
Well it is not so clear for Daly and Bettman, but still.
Actually, Fehr hasn’t taken a salary since July 1.
It looks like Butthead, with pie in the eye, will give in to social pressure to do the same.
He’s such a politician.
You can always tell when bettman is lying mainly because his lips are moving.
We say the same thing about Obama!
I don’t see a commitment from Bettman and Daly there. Doesn’t Daly just say “it’s not necessarily true we’ll be taking a salary”?
In contrast, Fehr hasn’t taken a salary since July 1 because that’s the start of the fiscal year 2012-2013 and if there’s a lock-out he wants to be on record as having taken no salary in that fiscal (hockey) year.
————————————-
Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
Exactly.
Who sounds more honourable to you?
I know who sounds more public relations savvy…
Yeah I said it was unclear about Daly and Bettman. But Fehr’s reason for not taking a salary would not apply to Bettman and Daly.
Well folks, it is time to start planning the next 8 months without NHL hockey.
Now, we could have a series of mini summits at AHL and CHL (juniorA) hockey rinks. Or we could all plan on a trip south for a part of the winter after New Years.
To a 5 star all inclusive at half price rates for our group. There are former Hab players that own a couple that I know.
Any serious takers out there.?
If you can get a great rate, I’d go south!
————————————-
Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
A trip to the south sounds good to me.
My wife and i talked about going to florida when the kids are older to catch habs vs bolts/panthers when they played back to back on dec.30th and 31st every year.
I would consider it if the dates were right…I was planning Vietnam for Christmas.
__________________________
☞ The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool. ~ Richard Feynman ☜
I think I will do a little phoning around to see what I could put together. Some might want to stay south for a couple weeks, and some might want to stay longer!
Stay tuned.
If this report is true, pretty damning report on the sketchy guidelines in Russia as it relates to safety in the skies there.
http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/1252180–lokomotiv-yaroslavl-plane-crash-flight-crew-wasn-t-entitled-to-fly-pilot-had-falsified-documents-investigators-say
I got your email.
It took a while….I’m with Bell and I think everyone knows they have issues.
As for your ribbing, I’m very aware of that.
No need to explain. I too am quite sarcastic (in case you hadn’t noticed)…that’s my wife’s fault.
She’s the queen of sarcasm. I was studying to be a monk when she drew me into the dark side.
I hope you don’t take offence. It’s all in good fun.
I’m not so sure you’re enamoured with Frank though. He’s taken you out of his will.
Have a great one. I actually have to go to work today.
Russia has had at least 130 airliners thanks to the weak air safety regulations. They have sought help from FAA to make them much more stringent.
So the NHLPA asked the Gov’t of Ontario for some help in the negotiations, instead the gov’t has said it is okay for the Leafs and Sens to lockout their players.
http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/nhl/article/1252597–nhl-labour-ontario-government-rejects-nhl-players-plea-for-help-in-talks
They’re all for union busting, so no surprise there.
__________________________
☞ The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool. ~ Richard Feynman ☜
Ed, you bring logic and common sense as to the current state of the CBA negotiations. But most of us as fans just want to see the game we love. It reminds me of getting a shot to prevent an illness. No one enjoys the pain of the needle and would prefer to skip that step but for ones long term health its needed. Are we just getting a shot which will bring some much needed long term health for the game we love? I hope so.
———————————–
I don’t think the game is in danger though. There is no reason that NHL teams can’t make a profit with 3.3 billion in revenues and salaries maxed at 53 or 54 percent of that.
The Owners have to give here too, and if they want to insist on keeping teams in bad markets that they need a revenue sharing system.
Go Habs Go!
Check out Top Shelf Prospects, my Team by Team prospect reports
http://lastwordonsports.com/
Every time I get a shot, I end up with the flu. When I don’t, I’m fine.
I would say the only shot should be across Butthead’s bow.
when you hire an accountant or a lawyer to represent your interests what do YOU expect from them?
do you expect the accountant or lawyer to accept the opening position from the other side? no.
you give the professional a “mandate” – authority from the client to negotiate according to certain minimum terms and conditions that must be met in order for you to agree to a settlement.
the accountant or lawyer is then required to negotiate and, according to YOUR MANDATE, take positions in these negotiations for which you have given prior approval.
The professional is expected to add VALUE to the process – which means – win concessions from the other side that you as the client would not have won on your own.
This explains the actions that Bettman and Fehr are taking.
They are expected to EARN their millions – otherwise the owners and the players could simply save the huge salaries Bettman and Fehr make and the two sides could negotiate directly.
At the end of the day the system is set up to work towards a lock out or a strike – because both parties are represented by professional negotiators who will take their side to the brink of a work stoppage and beyond TO PROVE THAT THEY ADD VALUE to the negotiations.
Judging Bettman and Fehr and their actions is simply missing the point.
The point is both of them have been given a MANDATE and they are simply following those instructions – otherwise they will not return for the next CBA conflict 8 years from now.
Ed, I don’t dispute a single thing you typed. That is exactly how the negotiations are supposed to go. My issue is rather with the actual intelligance and forthought of Mr. Bettman. Remember, he had the union at his knees during the last lockout. Essentially he was able to get almost everything he asked for. So when presented that opportunity, he put together a deal which didn’t accomplish any of the things the owners set out to accomplish. With the continuing growth of the game, the deal allowed for players contracts to soar in dollars and term. The escalating salary cap has reached levels much higher than teams expected and as a result his floor cap also grew to the point that it hurt smaller market teams.
I understand how the negotiation should work, I just don’t think Bettman understands what conditions he needs to have to control the owners from loopholing themselves to death. So as a result he is asking the players to take it on the chin, as a sort of do-over.
In my opinion a different person should already be holding down Bettmans job, but the fractured owners seem to think otherwise. If it is a battle of wits in that boardroom, I would put my money on Fehr. The problem is Bettman has the hammer of shutting down hockey to help him win. And he doesn’t give a rats ass how much he hurts hockey, so much as he gets his way.
I would not underestimate how intelligent Bettman actually is.
He is an expert who has won himself an 8 million dollar wage from some of the most eccentric people you could possibly imagine.
Bettman is a pit bull. He is hated by everyone except his family and the people who pay his salary.
Do I like his public personality?
Absolutely not.
Would I prefer someone else be running this?
Yes.
He is asking the players to give back more because 8 years from now we’ll be talking about 6 and 7 million per year player salaries for 20 goal scorers.
So the player salaries are guaranteed to rise at a terrific pace. And good for the players! They deserve it!!
But some structure – some compromise between revenue sharing and player concessions needs to be negotiated
to keep the league at 30 teams
to keep the number of players in the NHLPA at their current level –
ie to protect NHL player jobs.
I don’t really hold it against Gary Bettman that he didn’t foresee everything and that he didn’t negotiate a new CBA that would be airtight for the owners in perpetuity. The 2005 deal was a first try at one that would include a salary cap. Lots of modeling and forecasting was probably done, and it looked like the deal would be a big win for the owners.
Such variables like the growth of the Canadian dollar were hard to predict, and allow for. If both sides had seen this coming, they would have been ready for the explosion revenues, and the way it would have dragged up the salary floor.
Big technological changes such as the explosion of social media, along with the advent of the PVR and ability to download regular TV programs are all factors that made sports programming the only ‘must see’ content on TV, and precipitated a growth in interest and the amount leagues could charge.
So Gary Bettman might have been been a visionary who saw these conditions changing in the near-future and allowed for it, and would have received kudos if he did, but instead, he tends to look backward. He chases a NFL-type national TV contract, problematic for a sport that has a strong hold in the northeast but tenuous grasp of fans in the NASCAR belt. He claims to want to grow the game and capture new fans, but has isolated the League by hitching his wagon to the fledgling NBC Sports Network with an exclusive contract, instead of negotiating and delivering some type of an agreement that included ESPN and would ensure an NHL presence on SportsCentre and talk shows like PTI among others. By doing so he was penny-wise and pound-foolish, cloistering the NHL in a TV ghetto instead of being in the most popular neighbourhood, the channel watched by most fans. He chose to be the only league that isn’t on ESPN. He chose to sign the exclusive deal with the network that is owned by the owner of the Flyers and open himself up to accusations of conflict of interest.
If we allow him a mulligan and agree he can’t be faulted for not having a crystal ball, he still can be dinged for is his inconsistency, his lack of probity and his dealings with the fans and the media.
He fails in the area of saying one thing and doing the other. He called the players his partners and promised to work with them to grown the game for the benefit of all when he signed the last CBA. In fact he has continued to be a divisive force in player relations, in his waffling efforts on player safety, for example, and his obstinacy in keeping inept, corrupt buffoons such as Colin Campbell on his payroll. Any competent President/CEO would have relieved him of his duties long ago. He treats the players with contempt, acting like a tyrant and bully in this negotiation process. He has to wear that. He doesn’t skate free by virtue of his being a tough negotiator.
By being the face of the owners, their representative to the fans, and treating the latter in a cavalier fashion, subjecting them to a probable second lockout in seven years and third during his tenure, and by high-handedly dismissing the players’ suggestion that they continue play under the strictures of the current CBA, he loses any hope of appearing to be a statesman and a force for the greater good. He fully deserves the opprobrium leveled in his direction by the fans and the media who cover hockey and who can easily through his charades and shell-game. To excuse his intellectual dishonesty and his treatment of his fans, the ‘stakeholders’ who ultimately own hockey and his league, so poorly, is to act as agents of appeasement while we are in fact witnessing a great injustice and being the victims of another great heist.
———————————————————————–
This isn’t “Billionaires vs. Millionaires.” Only a willfully uninformed fool would apply that sloppy shorthand designation to this disgraceful power grab crafted by some of the wealthiest individuals and corporate entities in North America aimed against professional athletes.–Larry Brooks of the New York Post
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
Ed – when an accused mobster or biker gang leader hires a lawyer to defend him in court, I expect that the lawyer will defend his client.
I don’t have to admire, respect or wish anything but ill-luck on said lawyer.
Gary Bettman is a mobster lawyer. Is he clever? Probably. Is he acting in his clients’ interest? Possibly. Would I pull him out of a burning building? Grudgingly. If there were no other humans, pets or valuable works of art in there.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
How about Delaet shooting an 8 under yesterday, would love to see this kid continue through the weekend the same way. Kid has a great golf swing.
Must be the playoff beard.
Nice! He seems to be really improving with each tournament. And yeah Phil ,that playoff beard must help.Hola!
Hope yet?
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/hockey/nhl/09/07/nhl-labor.ap/index.html
———————————–
I do think there is hope, the question is the ego’s of both Fehr and Bettman. Can they actually negotiate in good faith to find most equitable deal and not worry about who appears to have won or lost? Everyone thought the players got pummelled in the last negotation, yet look at how salaries escalated since, the lowering of UFA age, the long term deals players have received.
Agree completely. I just keep hoping against hope that these guys find some compromise and soon. I do love fall fishing though.
———————————–
The only ones who got pummelled are the fans who have to listen to this bs for another couple months. The idiots are partners and are behaving like jealous spouses. The polite word for the 2 in charge of negotiating is moron. Another good one is idiot. As in “Both sides in the dispute are behaving like idiotic morons.”
It’ll be another 6 days before any real “attempt” at negotiating is made. For now, it’ll be the same old posturing.
If either side wanted a deal it would be done already. The pissing contest continues…
Okay, let’s go along with both sides being idiotic morons. So what does that make the fans, who will take it all, and then gobble up the tickets at inflated prices when the next CBA is signed?
So apparantly neither Bettman or Daley will take their salary if the Sept. 15th lockout indeed occurs. How magnanimous of Mr. Bettman, perhaps he would be better served working at a food bank for the next year and allow someone else to handle the negotiations, now that I would applaud.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/winnipeg-jets-send-note-to-fans-warning-of-potential-for-nhl-lockout-168816546.html
Good morning friend. I hate these kind of PR stunts. These guys have nothing in common with the ticket takers, ushers, and venders who depend on their meager salary to put food on their families table.
All right, calm down Jim……. When we going to Hamilton?
———————————–
Morning Chief, exactly PR Stunt. And then after settlement is reached watch them both get a bonus which more than covers what they “gave up”.
I should be hearing back from the Dogs today or soon, about specific ticket pricing for the Home Opener in Hamilton against the Marlies. Also trying to secure some barrels, figured a few people may want to go to Niagara Falls and take a trip down them.
Another US college Sports program out of control?
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2012/09/06/salacious-details-emerge-from-hockey-subcommittee-reports/ekiKZxGXpGgFfPQ4gzNQ9O/story.html
Pretty pathetic what seems to have been tolerated there Jim.
I have great memories of that series. I was 16 at the time and glued to the TV for each game. Of course I skipped school for game 8 and I still feel the thrill of the winning goal. My dear mother rushed into the room wondering why all hell had broken loose!
These days I am still glued to my TV for Montreal games although I have seen a few at the Bell. For most of us the actual arena is light years away and very expensive.
A few years ago Boone actually did an article on my recroom which has been known locally as the “Shrine”. My son spends hours carefully placing each item.
Today at
http://www.facebook.com/canadiensmtl
there is a partial pic of the “Shrine” (A), placed by their staff.
Check it out!
“If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” (anon)
It seems to me that the players, despite their union, cannot win in a prolonged stoppage. The owners have the ability to shut down for more than a year if it comes to that, as was demonstrated during the last lock out. The players do not. It is just a matter for Fehr of salvaging what he can for the players.
I also do believe that there are not many teams in the league which are making significant profit because if there were there is no way the owners would´ve been happy to shut things down for a whole year last time. No way they pass up making money for a year.
I believe the only way the players could ever have leverage would be if the a small group of the top performers in the league got together and left the NHL to play elsewhere. I would actually love for that to happen, but it never will. Imagine a player making 8 million saying “i´m going to the KHL for a couple of years”. Maybe he gets 5 million there. Maybe even 4. But remember, no income tax and I believe no escrow in the KHL? It sounds like a lot of money, but it isn´t in the context of things. Firstly, such a threat means things would probably be resolved very quickly and it would never happen. Secondly, if things don´t get resolved, the player takes a loss for one year at the most, has an interesting experience, and recoups his money in the long run due to the improved CBA.
In today´s day and age individuals don´t take this type of stand but boy would it be great to see.
Today Top Shelf Prospects is back with a look at the Winnipeg Jets
http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/09/07/top-shelf-prospects-winnipeg-jets/
Go Habs Go!
Check out Top Shelf Prospects, my Team by Team prospect reports
http://lastwordonsports.com/
According to RDS, negociations could be starting again. There will be informal discussions tomorrow in an attempt to get things moving.
Bettman keeps repeating that he’ll lock the players out on 15 September if there is no agreement; however, if there is any sign at all of progress by that date, I would be stunned if he decreed a lockout at that point. The season doesn’t begin until 12 October, so he has until then. That’s a whole month. If the two sides could just get things moving ever so slightly in the next week, the season could yet be saved.
Yup.Obama knocks it out of the park tonight!
But can he play center or a left wing?
Thanks to Mattyleg for the link http://noraloreto.ca/2012/09/04/fear-not-a-discussion-on-sovereignty/. I preface my comments by advising that in no way do I align any of the ideas expressed in the artilcle with you. I do understand that you were just giving us an opportunity to hear one more voice on this matter and what may seem like an ‘encouraging’ voice too.
Having said that.. this is one of the MOST stupid and vapid articles I have read that is expected to pass for political insight. Absolutely stupid.
One of the examples of its stupidity is his convoluted explanation on ‘borders’.
He argues in the same breath that Quebec’s separation cannot change Canada’s borders and then crafts the following absurd paragraph.
“Our borders are invented. They run through national lines that had evolved through war, cooperation, familial lines and trade. We had no part in shaping them. They were imposed upon this land by a few people in England and a few people in Canada. Like the myths that surround Pierre Trudeau, our borders have taken on a place in our consciousness that builds them up to be something that they aren’t really.”
And Quebec separating cannot change that ‘invented’ border? Absolutely stupid article.
There are many other contradictory and illogical parts but the above stood out.
Reading tis is like a kid going to a Jacques Martin clinic on developing his hockey and I underline hockey skills. Yeah he’s gonna learn a lot from JM whose mantra is choke the skill out!
Josh Rimer @JoshRimerHockey
As I reported yesterday Shane Doan has chosen to say with the Phoenix Coyotes!!
Retweeted by Mike Brophy
No surprise here. I’d like to see the contract.
Mostly I bet that no other team wanted to pay 6 million for a letter.
They Call Me Shane
“They never asked to be Canadiens, they were Chosen.”
Shane Oliver
Twitter @Sholi2000
http://www.Sholi2000.com
Custom Sports Figures
Please read.
I haven’t lived in Quebec for a few months now and have been out of the loop when it comes to the news. Plus I work long hours and rarely get the chance to catch the news on tv. I was aware of the election/results but had no idea till i heard it from a coworker today that an attempt on Marlois’ life was made. When people were posting on this site about the win I made a post saying “AUX ARMES!!!” which in french means “To Arms”. I had no Idea an attempt had been made and truly apologize for coming off as an ass(Pardon my french, on both accounts). I was only kidding but it was in bad taste when I look back. I am against separatists 100%. Born and raised in quebec. Half french canadian, half scottish. I’m proud of my heritage but have always been against seperation. I never thought something like this would ever happen. Of course I was only joking but again it was wrong. I apologize. I’m gonna stop being a dumbass from now on.
Boomer. I saw that the other night.
But I don’t think the shooting had occurred yet. Marois went on for her thank you speech well after 11:30, and to be honest I didn’t see it ’cause I flicked the channel.
I thought at the time that you were tongue-in-cheek about political confrontation. Who would have thought that a lunatic was on the loose.
Personally, I wouldn’t mod you, so don’t worry about it. It’s all good.
We all say things we regret when the circumstances change. I’m sure you’re just on probation here now.
Well said Bripro.
Well that’s just damn unfortunate. I remember seeing it too but thought nothing of it at the time either. It’s all good.
Boomer, that was a classy post bud.
———————————–
More hockey news….well a little anyhow.
Forget 1972 for ONE night Amigos! The “Big Dog” nailed it last night. Just watch Obama tonight for some memorable Magic.You won”t be disappointed. Saludos!
…4 MORE YEARS !!!
…and, didn’t Bill Clinton look in his prime giving the nomination speech ?
…I alwayz will have more confidence in My leader if I know he was ‘relaxed’ before making important decisions
…and, WHAT ??? can be more ‘relaxing’ to a stressed man, than ‘a smoke …job’ ?
…for every President, or Prime Minister for that matter, it should be one of ‘the perks’ of his job description
…he is able to hire his own White House chef, masseur, driver, etc., etc. …WHY ??? not an ‘on-staff’ oral tranquility professional ???
…makes all the sense in the world to me
…more BJs = less war …in My humble opinion
Between this post, and your “FREE PUSSY RIOT !!!”, I get the feeling you’re going to have to stop watching the kids and take some time for yourself.
There must be a “main” that you can walk down to solicit (oops…I mean visit).
…Heck Bri, NEVER solicit
…if no romance included, it ain’t worth the time of day or doctor’s bills
…but, …would be quite content if My secretary offered to ‘rub My temples’ when she sees I’m a tad stressed
Amen Amigo. The magic is still there. There is still hope for that wonderfull land called the USA.
What?!!!!!
Some people call it sunburn, some people call it redneck
I don’t know if I’ve scooped Frank on this or not, because I think (between you and I) he sleeps with his twitter account on.
According to Pierre LeBrun, there was no chance in hell that a new CBA was going to materialize over the summer.
According to Michel Therrien, Dave Stubbs is the Habs’ coaches bad luck charm.
Phil Esposito: “We played because we loved it. … Hell, I worked in the summertime until I was 30 years old in a steel plant driving bulldozers because I didn’t make enough money playing hockey. I scored 76 goals and made $18,000. When I got to $100,000, I did quit work in the summer.”
_________________________________________________________
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
Campaign to Retire Toe Blake’s Number 6 !!!
…and, last, but not least: FREE PUSSY RIOT !!!
The Rocket had to go home after a game to make tackle which he sold full time to support his family.
Which is why I don’t have much sympathy for today’s divas, and their demands.
And the Billionaire greedies are worse IMO.
…We, as Fans, were quite naive in the dayz, were We not Brian
…young and naive
…I know I had the perception these Heros and superstars had Their World’s by the tail
…I, for one, could never, then, imagine Maurice tieing tackle or Phil driving a bulldozer in Their off-seasons to make ends-meet
Me neither Chris.
I think I’ve mentioned this a few times before. Cournoyer’s father and my father and uncle owned a building together on Normand in Lachine.
Yvan used to come in once in a while. That’s how I got to attend his hockey school a few summers. But he never came in to work, just to visit.
I always thought to myself, given that he’s a superstar (just as you said), he must have a free pass to everywhere.
As it turned out, when I sat with him some years later as a young adult, he told me that had it not been for his brasserie (La Brasserie 12) in Lachine, he wouldn’t have been able to make ends meet in the early years. Imagine.
I bet you Subban is making more with his Nike promo than they earned in a season….by far. It’s pretty sad, really.
It’s the same with Dickie Moore. He made his money from his rental business. Not hockey.
Stop with all the 1972 spoilers!
The old dvds may be all the hockey we have to watch for quite some time.
Science has confirmed what many of us have known all along…
The Toronto Maple Leafs are the worst team, period, according to ESPN The Magazine: http://yhoo.it/OYzqzI
———————–
GO HABS GO! Maybe 2012-13 will be our year!
“Scott Gomez is an elite NHL player” – VancouverHab
Chat with me on Twitter @TheRealRGM81
Habs are 68th…and we beat the Br00ns!
WOOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!
***Subbang Baby!!!***
OK well they got the Laffs ranking correct.
But as far as I’m concerned that’s it, for hockey anyhow.
Buffalo is the 2nd highest ranked team, followed by the ‘yotes?
The Stanley Cup winners are ranked 55th….
Yeah, OK. I don’t know what they’re smoking, but stop bogarting and pass it down!
I think Galchenyuk’s role on the team should be based on the outcome of the US presidential election.
If Romney wins, Gally should start at centre and then move to right wing, because obviously that is the successful strategy.
If Obama wins, then he should start on the left wing and later move to centre, because obviously that is the successful strategy.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Good one…almost logical
I don’t know if anybody has seen this yet but I think it’s brilliant:
http://tinyurl.com/bnszh9f
Welcome to Canada!
Where we do not care what culture you are or who you marry!
As long as you both watch hockey!
Ian
That would make a great billboard!
What if they are Bruins fans? Are they still welcome?
Hmmm…NO
Why do Canadians like to do it doggy style?
So they can both watch the game.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Q: What’s the difference between a fat chick and Gomez?
A: Even a fat chick scores every once in a while!
#3 of top 25 under 25;
http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2012/9/6/3295724/top-25-under-25-3-alex-galchenyuk
Sabres hope to get games broadcasted on basic television in Southern Ontario.
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabres-nhl/article1042395.ece
Bruins sign Malcolm Subban to a 3-year entry level contract
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=404658
Can’t wait to see how he’s received by the Boston fans, who have always given big brother P.K. a warm and heartfelt welcome.
How many B’s fans will show up in blackface, I wonder?
Probably both sides wanted a deal done before the new CBA and possible changes to ELC deals.
Sooo…. Slow day. What’s happening in the wonderful world of Habs? Did we sign MAB yet? Did Therrien get fired? I need some good news.
We will almost certainly still be in the thick of it in November.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
In the thick of it until at least January (if the season starts in November as you implied)… at least I would hope!
Well, I played 9 uneventful holes carding 8 bogies and a par. Not stellar but given my recent play certainly good news for me in that I was consistent.
***Subbang Baby!!!***
I got a service contract! Woo Hoo!
Hey Gang,
I’m sorry to bring politics onto this site again (I saw that some of it was deleted the other day…) but I think that this article is EXTREMELY useful reading for people outside of Quebec, especially those who have strong opinions on the politics here.
The only reason I post this here is that there is a large number of non-Quebecers/Quebec residents on here, and I’ve read some… interesting… views on our political situation from them!
CHeers!
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Independence or a referendum are red herrings. The real problem is incompetent government, which has been a PQ hallmark since day one.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
I think one could say that has been the hallmark for most gov’ts in this country over the past 20-30 years in particular.
Not sure. Canada’s economy, and Quebec’s, have ben outperforming the world for the past decade. Sure it’s mostly due to the price of a barfel of oil.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Take away the oil and our economy would be in real trouble.
Incompetent government is a redundant term.
Just like hysterical pregnancy….
Those two words are synonymous.
Just to be cheeky, I would argue against that.
To be hysterical does not mean I am pregnant.
However, to be pregnant…. oh, got to go, pregnant lady is coming to talk to me (seriously)
But posting out of shear ignorance is way easier!
Sorry Matty but after reading I don’t perceive that this girl provides useful reading on the issues in Quebec. What she does provide are some alternate, though not particularly innovative, and vague suggestions on how she would like to see people approach political and territorial issues in her world. If she intends to push forward these concepts she better be prepared to add some meat to them.
***Subbang Baby!!!***
“Some people use Québec to scare non-Québec Canadians to whip up nationalistic feelings of patriotism so that we simply fall in line. Just like Marois has done to avoid talking about real policies, commentators in the ROC are doing the same thing.”
That’s pretty much the vibe that’s been driving me nuts.
If the commentator was sincere about redefining the terms of Confederation for the good of all Canadians, wouldn’t it make more sense to engage at the Federal level of politics? Until this last Federal election, Quebec has abstained from participating in Federal politics by electing the Bloc. Only in this last election has Quebec re-entered the Federal stage through the NDP. IMO, this is the best way to negotiate some sort of new version of Canada (about which the author is extremely vague).
This reads like a fancy sales job to me, a snootier group of separatists who look down on the PQ as unsophisticated, but in the end have the same goal, just a leftist version of separation.
You can put lipstick on a pig…
That was a waste of time. Why didn’t you just say keep your nose out of QC politics? I think you don’t understand that many of the people here once did live in Quebec, and do care for the future of it. Don’t take it personally. That blog was just a lot of the whole us vs them mentality so common in Quebec politics, and did nothing for my opinion, but inforce it.
Just found this online for the AHL games
http://ahl.neulion.com/ahl/
I am not sure if they have every game or if there is a cost but it doesn’t look like there is a fee.
Has anyone used this before?
OK Shawn?
I’m not laughing at you buddy. Really I’m not.
But if you look front and centre at the link you’ve sent, you’ll notice that it’s written…right there…..see it?…..in the centre….look closely…..
Ahhh now you see it: $3.00/game.
Good boy!
Easy there Big Fella, look even closer and you will realize that is the fee for archived games. I clicked on the link to watch new ones and no mention of cost. Not saying there won’t be one, but careful how quick you start casting those stones bud!
Ha! love it!
Ok so go ahead! Laugh at me!
I’m a dufus …. well, that’s what my wife calls me anyhow.
Is it too late for a retraction?
EDIT: To make matters worse, I just went back and checked.
It’s not even $3.00 for archived games, it’s $3.99.
What a butt-head! (me …. that is)
No worries man. I can take a ribbing.
i did see the archived games at 3.99 but as Burly pointed out up above there is no mention of a cost when you click to watch. I signed up for the account and didn’t see any requests for payment.
I guess we will know on the 7th when they start playing.
I must admit. It would be cool to watch some pro hockey, even if it’s a notch below what we’re used to.
Thank you for not tar-and-feathering me.
Do you plan on joining us at the summit?…if there’s one.
If so, I just need to know if I should bring my bullet-proof vest.
No need for a bullet-proof vest man. All in good fun!
Unfortunately, i won’t be going to the summit this year. I will be travelling for work quite a bit in October so my wife is not so pleased with me at the moment.
If we do have one on the 19th with the Bulldogs as the back up summit I should be able to make that one
Ouch!
All of this talk about Bobby Clarke has me thinking of his clone from my generation: Doug Gilmour. He was undoubtedly a skilled player, but also a guy that was quick with a stick or another cheapshot of some variety.
I always found that Gilmour would start a ruckus of some sort and just when things got really heated – when he was about to be held accountable for his nonsense – he would push off from his opponent allowing for one of his tough-guy teammates to clean-up his mess.
Just thinking about him makes my blood boil. Can’t believe he wore Habs colours. Ugh!
Okay I have to admit something, I grew up liking Bobby Clarke. Have to remember I grew up in a home in Winnipeg with no other Hab fans, Brother was Leaf fan, Mother was Flyers fan and other brothers were indifferent. Dad just watched with us.
So, Flyers seemed to often be on TV on Sunday afternoons, Mom would let us eat our Sunday Lunch in front of TV and watch Flyers. Bobby Clarke from Flin Flon Manitoba, was the story of underdog kid from nowhere MB who makes it. His full blown Diabetes was well known to us, and then he leads Philly to two cups and does with another pride of Manitoba also from the Flin Flon Bombers Reggie Leach. Well a big part of Manitoba were proud of them. Of course I hated them against the Habs, and when Robinson skated back onto that ice with his skates half undone and destroyed the flyers, I never had to worry about liking Clarke again.
I have since developed other reasons not to care for the guy, but what a heart and soul player Clarkie was.
I in no way endorse the Kharlomov chop, just talking about Clarke as a player in the NHL and me as a young hockey fan watching.
Tsk, tsk. Poor Gerry.
First you liked the hatchet man Clarke, and now you support the Steelers (who are rated 7th or 8th by the American Sports Writers Association).
I think you’ve lost your way, my friend.
He’s out if the will, Bri!
———————————–
I have never liked Bobby Clark one bit. He was a cheap shot artist with a hell of a lot of muscle back up on the flyers.
I agree Ian. One of the dirtest players I’ve seen abd hid behind his teamates when it was time to pay any price.
———————————–
Reminds me of a certain rat on the Bs. I wonder who? Hmmmmmmmmm.
Don’t forget to add Ken Linseman to that category.
They didn’t call him the “rat” for nothing.
———————————————————————-
Ka is a wheel.
NHLPA vs The NHL: “Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right” – Stealers Wheel
Stuck in the Middle
Pretty despicable as a manager too.
Clark was a cheap shot artist. I’ve heard that from a couple of friends who played in the NHL against him and it was well known among players in the league and not only a fan and media thought.
Go HABS Go
I never liked him either.
I remember when my dad couldn’t get over how a diabetic (our family’s genetic disorder) could continue to play at such an elite level. And he admired him for it.
Me? All I remember that gaping hole in his teeth, and thinking that he surely deserved it.
When he slashed Valery Kharlamov, who up to that point was lights-out the best soviet player, that was the only moment where I was embarrassed to be a Canadian hockey fan.
And as fate would have it, he would move on to become the arrogant GM of the Flyers….fittingly.
I always hated him. I’ll never forget seeing him prance around the net when he scored the OT winner against Boston in ’74. Imagine. I was cheering for Boston. Nothing made me happier than seeing the Habs beat the crap out them in ’76. I also enjoyed the 4-0 sweep.
Ian, if you think back, he was a great leader, and a heart and soul player, and a guy who’d do anything to win, so you must be misremembering.
but was he a good player and leader?
Was reading Habs eye on the prize’s top 25 under 25, and Galchenyuk came in at #3, Pacioretty and Subban will round up the top 2. The piece mentionned an article from Corey Pronman about Galchenyuk, it was a pre-draft piece and it highlights how risky Galchenyuk is as a top pick, a true case of risk/reward.
Here’s the link : http://www.hockeyprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=1332
It’s certainly a worthwhile read, especially for those who would have the Habs already clearing space at center for the kid.
I believe Pronman is also on record as saying he wouldve taken Gally with the #1 pick over Yakupov.
Could be, but he ranked Galchenyuk 3rd in his Top 100 NHL Draft Prospects.
http://www.hockeyprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=1305 and detailled views here :
http://www.hockeyprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=1307
Thank ranking Shiram was also before the Combine in Toronto. I think when people saw how in shape he was and how well he performed in the combine he surprised a lot of people with his fitness and strength already.
Here is an article on him just before the draft after the columbine:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/globe-on-hockey/alex-galchenyuk-international-man-of-mystery/article4358850/
EDITED : COMBINE IN
Kooch, it’s usually called the Combine, stands for Scouting Combine, as in all the teams combined together to assess the pre-eminent draft-eligible players.
you mean they didn’t have a shooting there LOL
Thanks for the correction. The worst part is knew that but for some reason it always sticks in my head as columbine…why I am not sure
I think Shiram this kid (galy) gets it. He is extremely drived and you can tell by his workout regime and dedication he is going to be a big player in the NHL.
He has the size and hockey sense to make a star forward in the NHL. The habs would not have taken such a big risk if they didn’t feel the same. This is the highest pick they have had since Carey Price.
None of us have a Crystal ball but I think this kid is going to be a star in Montreal for a long time.
I too am very optimistic about him, and I have slotted him as the top line C for the Habs in 3-4 years, that’s what I believe he can become. But I liked the tone of the piece, it was mostly just cautionnary and Pronman was also very high on Galchenyuk so it was an interesting flip side of the coin considering this young man.
The fact is there is still a long ways for that kid to make the impact we all seem to think he can make.
I hope they don’t rush him. Maybe the delayed season this year might be a blessing in disguise.
http://www.thewhig.com/2012/09/05/harrington-situation-has-knights-on-edge
This article re Scott Harrington brings up an interesting point that may or may not have been discussed on here…..the current transfer agreement between the nHL and CHL has expired…..so there is a possible lophole for talented 19 year olds to move directly to the AHL possibly. Could Beaulieu do this? would he have to since he turns 20 on dec 05?is there anyone else it may apply to?
He doesn’t have to. Anyone who turns 20 on December 31st or earlier, is AHL eligible.
Go Habs Go!
Check out Top Shelf Prospects, my Team by Team prospect reports
http://lastwordonsports.com/
How long will it be before every one who has actually seen the summit series is dead. It is very hard to relate to all this rah-rah-rah about something that happened FORTY years ago!
There must be something more relevant we can read about. Slow news week?
Oh Garbo! To be young again.
———————————–
Remember when we won the Olympics in 2010!
…guess its one of those things you had to have seen to appreciate.
THe problem with us ancient people is short term memory is lost. So the 2010 Olympics is long gone to us. Have to back a few decades to find our earliest memories.
Agreed Garbo! And I am an old fart. Was in my first year at Dawson,stoned out of my gourd. It was a blast then ,but now,not so much.
Edit last post… The Summit part is not a blast; the stoned part is still good.
There was a provincial election this week…..
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
You young whippersnappers should sho some respeck to yer elders! Sheesh!
How long will it be before all these young whippersnappers are dead?
You must vant to be alone.
So?
It’s only forty years…..what are you….12?
Wait until you hit the precipice of life and it starts to accelerate, like free falling. You’ll wonder where the years went, and recall with your peers and those of your age what a wonderful event _____ was.
Then you’ll think back to being a young smarty pants who gave us middle-age fogeys some grief over one of the greatest sports events in Canadian history, and you’ll chuckle, just as I did when you yelled out forty in print form.
We’re not pharaohs, we’re just a blink-of-an-eye older than you.
Speaking of olden times, I have a few tyrannosaurus skins left that I’ve collected over the years, if you’re interested.
LMAO, oh Bri, when you get on a rant its always a good read my friend!
Not quite 12, I was born shortly after, but you’d have to be 50-55+ to have seen and cared what was going on.
I just hope when I’m 50 I’m not still hanging on to a sporting event that happened when I was 10.
You should hope to reach 50. But if and when you do, you’ll understand and appreciate your memories a lot more.
All we have are our memories. When they’re gone we have nothing…that or Alzheimer’s.
———————————————————————-
Ka is a wheel.
NHLPA vs The NHL: “Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right” – Stealers Wheel
Stuck in the Middle
It isn’t “hanging on.”
It’s like a this day in history type thing. Then again, you’re probably too young to have any of those, right?
I can’t even believe I’m reading this. Why don’t we just forget about all history, sports-related or not?
I was born in 72 so I didn’t see it live, but I get chills heariong about it, whether from my older brother or reading about it here.
This was perhaps the greatest hockey series of all time, and it deserves respect.
Hell, it’s not last year’s Habs-Tampa game, but it was pretty cool.
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
Brian! I think I am wearing one of your skins now my friend . I will only need it for a few years more.!
Nice!!
Thanks Bri, you’ve spoken for all us over the hill gang.
———————————————————————-
Ka is a wheel.
NHLPA vs The NHL: “Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right” – Stealers Wheel
Stuck in the Middle
It’s been slow for quite some time now, unless you like to discuss the intricacies of the CBA negotiations, and while those can be interesting, they stray away from what I really enjoy which is hockey.
I can understand you, as I was not born when the Summit Series was going on, but I still love to read about it, it shows a different kind of era and a different kind of game. Those games helped shape hockey into what it is today (good or bad).
Beyond that, you can discuss just about anything you want on here, so if the piece up top, well just come up with a subject for discussion and post.
And the news continues to look bleak.
http://m.startribune.com/?id=168711296
———————————–
I can tell you Garbo – because I live an hour east of Toronto – that there are millions of people in the city, this province (and beyond) still hanging on to the memory of the 1967 Stanley Cup Final.
Yeah, and I keep hearing that”If it wasn”t for Kerry Fraser ,the Leafs would have beat L.A in “93 and then beat the Habs” Hilarious and pathetic,really.
Ken Dryden with an article regarding Eagleson and the Summit 72 and the current reunion.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/alan-eagleson-always-at-forefront/article4522223/
The first line of the article also applies to the Leafs and Brian Burke, I’d say: “When a manager of a team is its story, there’s something wrong with the team.”
So true Ryan, he is the absolute Carnival Leader and Town Cryer.
Thanks Stu for highlighting my book and for all of you who have taken the time to post such kind words about my books in the comments section, it makes all of the hard work that went into them more than worth the effort.
As has been pointed out both of my first two books are available through Amazon, Chapters, and at all brick & mortor bookstores. My upcoming third book “A Season in Time: Super Mario, Killer, St. Patrick, the Great One and the Unforgettable 1992-93 Season” is scheduled to be released in about a month and as you can judge from the title details the 1992-93 NHL season. For this book I was honoured to personally interview over 100 participants in that magical year including Wayne Gretzky, Wendel Clark, Marty McSorley, Kerry Fraser and the Habs new GM, Marc Bergevin.
As for members of the Cup Champion Canadiens I was able to speak with Patrick Roy, Guy Carbonneau, Kirk Muller, Vincent Damphousse, Denis Savard, Eric Desjardins, Stephan Lebeau, Brian Bellows, Ed Ronan, and Jacques Demers. For more information on the book please feel free to join the Facebook group named “A Season in Time.”
As has also been pointed out by Ian the book schedule has left me unable to post on the site as much as I want to but in truth it is only part of the reason. The other has to do with a group of 24 kids and the sport of baseball. This past summer I was the head coach of the Cobourg Cardinals Major Mosquito rep team. Made up of ten 11-year-olds, and two 10-year-olds, we made it all the way to the finals of the provincial “B” championship this past weekend in Chatham. At the same time I was an assistant coach with the Cobourg Cardinals Minor Mosquito rep team, made up of ten 10-year-olds and two 9-year-olds, which this past Monday won the provincial “AA” championship in Brampton.
Truly it was a summer to remember. And on October 6th, my town of Cobourg is getting a Bulldogs/Marlies exhibition game at our new arena … Maybe somebody at the the site can arrange for me to do a live blog of the game ???
With the thrill of the kids, summer, and baseball now behind me, I look forward to spending more time “chatting” with all my friends here on Hockey Inside-Out.
Best wishes,
Todd Denault
Todd I own and have read diligently your first two books. I very much look forward to the third.
Fantastic job on Jacques Plante, and on the magical New Years Eve game. Really great stuff.
Go Habs Go!
Check out Top Shelf Prospects, my Team by Team prospect reports
http://lastwordonsports.com/
Received an email today from the Bulldogs, they would be happy to work something out for us, if indeed we wanted to do a Dogs Weekend while the NHL is on their Greed Hiatus.
Also for those in Southern Ontario interested in season tickets, they have a flexibilty built into seasons tix. If you can’t use a ticket to a particluar game, you can then use that as a voucher for another ticket at another game later in season. Essentially never a ticket gets unused.
We will call this the substitute summit smile!
———————————–
Woo hoo! Hammertown, here we come!!!
Well now you have the pressure on me in case we do have lockout I must now deliver on the SteelTown SUmmit. I asked the fellow if we could by chance get to meet a couple players like Tinordi, Beaulieu and Gallagher.
I figured I would ask for a bunch of stuff and see what sticks.
LOL, no pressure – just sounds like an awesome back-up plan.
So the Former Browns owner Art Modell passes at age 87. Have to wonder what the reaction is back in Cleveland.
Here’s a sample bud.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/09/art_modells_accomplishments_wi.html
———————————–
I’m just hoping Galchenyuk doesn’t turn out to be another injury prone player. our luck hasn’t been good in that department. injuries has been killing the Habs in the last few years maybe things will turn around …
True accp. That could be said for many others as well but he seems to be the BIG one, huh?
———————————–
always a little Leary about acl’s maybe we’ll luck in this time. in any case we have him and I wish him all the best. he could be what we’ve been waiting a long time for …
Ah yes, Art Modell, one of the biggest weasel owners in the NFL and possibly all of sports. Takes the example of the great pioneer Al Davis, who might as well have invented the franchise relocation heist and extortion scam, and moves the historic Browns to Baltimore. The same city that cried the blues when they were robbed of the Colts. Go figure. Only, sanity prevailed in a small way, in that the name ‘Browns’ was made to remain in Cleveland by the NFL, and that city was first up for an expansion team. Paul Tagliabue got that one right.
Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
CHL prez Dave Branch says no specifics worked out yet but CHL acknowledges NHL will have access to drafted CHL talent if NHL starts late.
So, if Galchenyuk can get a couple of dozen junior games in, then come up for his 9 game look and play lights out…
Bit of a fairytale I know but not impossible.
Interesting, because Galchenyuk would be well served to get a couple months in at the CHL level in light of missing so much time last year.
“New historian.” Heh.
“Hi, this is P.J. Stock for Depends.”
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness….” C’mon out to play Dickens-lovers, let’s rehash the exchange of Chuzzlewit.
“May you live in interesting times.”
“No one is useless in the world who lightens the burdens of others.” – Charles Dickens
I was a grade 3 student in Antigonish NS. Our teacher brought a 12 inch black and white and the class watched the game in full. How cool is that? A scene repeated all across the country for sure. The game that brings Canadians together. Even the fiercely patriotic USA can’t beat that.
It was a special time for all of us for sure. But it was 40 years ago now. And our game has changed much since then, including the respect and attitude that has dwindled a lot.
Let’s not romanticize the past too much, Ian. Talking about the dwindling level of respect in the game draws me to reflect on Bobby Clarke’s antics with Valeri Kharlamov.
Idiotic behaviour on the ice is not limited to our present time. It existed in the past, exists nowadays and will surely continue.
Even the feckless triumvirate of Shanahan/Campbell/Bettman would have suspended BC twenty games for that one.
“May you live in interesting times.”
When recalling the Summit Series, most people shrug their shoulders and grudgingly acknowledge Clarke’s actions as vicious. Had a Russian player been so violent with a Canadian player, we would have called for him to be lynched. Because Canada won the Series, Clarke’s stupidity is swept aside and he is viewed – almost with admiration – as a guy that would do anything to win.
BC would have been suspended for 20 games but if the Flyers were in financial trouble like the Phoenix Coyotes, the suspension would have been reduced by Bettman.
What about Boris “The Kicker” Mihailov? Or all the knees Ulf Samuelsson blew out?
“Hi, this is P.J. Stock for Depends.”
Nastisness is not exclusive to one nationality by any stretch. That is why I get frustrated when flag-waving folks fall victim to tunnel-vision and ignore the antics of their own while raging about the flaws in others.
BTW – I am not suggesting that this is what Ian was doing in his post.
See below. I hated the Flyers and the Habs put them in their place in 1976. However, Bobby Clarke’s ankle breaking incident was not deemed as villainous as it is now. Different times now however back then if you asked most fans, they would tell you that they loved Clarke for what he did. Times has changed and the comments by Phil Esposito that last couple of days only confirm how attitudes have softened.
Major Junior A, News!
Brent Sutter is again GM of the Red Deer Rebels because, well, it’s his franchise. (Edmonton Journal)
Colorado Avalanche pick Colin Smith is out to build off his 85-point season with Kamloops. (Kamloops Daily News)
Edmonton Oil Kings forward Stephane Legault is expected to become more of a go-to scorer this season. (Edmonton Journal)
Don’t sleep on the Calgary Hitmen in junior’s Battle of Alberta. (Calgary Herald)
Colorado native Brandon Fushimi is turning heads at the Victoria Royals’ camp. (Victoria Times-Colonist)
The Kootenay Ice have a five-man race for three overage spots. (Cranbrook Daily Townsman)
OHL
Pittsburgh Penguins signed second-rounder Scott Harrington will likely replace his departed D partner Jarred Tinordi as the London Knights captain. Knights coach Dale Hunter: “We haven’t talked about a captain, but you can pretty much guess who it’s going to be. Harry was a leader last year.” (London Free Press)
London Knights beat writer John Matisz wrote a book about Vancouver Canucks first-rounder Brendan Gaunce entitled Draft Year. BTN’s own Cam Charron reviewed it. (Vancouver Province)
Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds forward Mark Petaccio received bail in his sexual-assault case on Monday after a weekend in custody. (Philly Inquirer)
The Kitchener Rangers posted a profit of $551,000 after a season in which they went to the third round and played a seven-game series. Is that evidence the CHLPA is vastly overestimating the profitability of junior hockey? (570 News Kitchener, Waterloo Record)
Windsor Spitfires coach Bob Boughner says the impact of the league’s sanction for recruiting irregularities really will not be felt until 2013-14. That was the season the Spitfires were targeting for a MasterCard Memorial Cup run. (Windsor Star)
Chicago Blackhawks pick Alex Broadhurst is at London Knights’ camp, although he is yet to sign with the team. (London Free Press)
John Chartrand and overage Joel Vienneau are in a goaltending battle in Sudbury. (Sudbury Star)
QMJHL
Ottawa Senators prospect Jean-Gabriel Pageau could end up back in Chicoutimi in the event of a lockout. The standard progression would see him go to the American League. (Le Quotidien)
The Halifax Mooseheads are close to setting their lineup; overage forward Brad Cuzner might leave to play for Acadia Axemen. (Halifax Chronicle-Herald)
Free agent Olivier Knight-Rouleau might crack the Gatineau Olympiques’ roster. (Le Droit)
Max Vasiliev checks in with his eastern conference standings predictions.
http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/09/06/nhl-2012-2013-season-predictions-east-conference/
Go Habs Go!
Check out Top Shelf Prospects, my Team by Team prospect reports
http://lastwordonsports.com/
Time passes like dust on the wind. Is it 40 years already?
I have great memories of that final game. My father insisted we all stay home from school that day. We watched it on the old Electrohome black and white set with the rabbit ears. We were gathered around the parlour like expectant fathers in a hospital waiting room; cigarette smoke wafting out the front window. All of us on the edge of our seats. Even those sitting on the floor seemed on the edge of a precipice. My brothers and sisters knew the game was important to us; just not how much so.
The bedlam when Henderson scored was as loud as any Forum crowd could be. At least it was to my ears, anyway.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Stu. And I’m also looking forward to reading Todd’s new opus; if it’s as gripping as the last two, we’re in for a treat. Todd, if you read this, please note that I will expect you to personally autograph it to make a matched set
are you hitting on him? (kidding)
“May you live in interesting times.”
Ha ha, yeah hubby would have something to say about that. We were lucky enough to meet Todd at a summit two years ago and were impressed enough to buy both his books. If you haven’t read “The Greatest Game: The Montreal Canadiens, the Red Army, and the Night That Saved Hockey”, I’d highly recommend it.
Thanks for the suggestion sdf. I’m going to look for Todd’s books!
“May you live in interesting times.”
I just read his book on Jacques Plante this summer. Fantastic book.
Great insight on a very complex man…
Gotta look for this book too P. !
“May you live in interesting times.”
Yeah,I”ve gotta read that one. My favourite goalie, Jake The Snake!
Glad to see Todd Denault is back at writing another book. He was a long-time contributor here at Hockey Inside/Out but we rarely see him anymore due to his work on his books.
Todd does have a great gift of writing about his passion. Wish he would have more time to post on this site more often.
So what are Hab Fans favourite goal moment of all time? Mine is a two part answer.
First it was Lafleur skating gingerly against the Bruins with the goal to get to OT.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZbTlEKs3Jw
But ultimately, Yvon Lambert’s goal is my favourite Hab goal of all time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l22FV4105p8
Curious what others are.
Eric Desjardins hat trick. But particularly the second goal that tied the game in the last minute.
Go Habs Go!
Check out Top Shelf Prospects, my Team by Team prospect reports
http://lastwordonsports.com/
Was that in the Camelot year for Red Fisher’s no.1 rated 1993 Habs’ Cup-winning team (post 1967), during the playoffs in which the Habs won 10 consecutive overtime games including a couple over Gretzky’s team and sorry about this run-on sentence?
“May you live in interesting times.”
Fun topic G. I am very much affected by the hero worship I had in my youth so my favourite goal of all-time was one by Lafleur in his rookie season. He deked about four times before going high glove-side on Tony Esposito. Many may recall it because with the camera-work of 1972, it was rare to get such a close-up of a young virtuoso in action. For the younger tykes who didn’t see it live, it was like the Patrick Kane shootout goal last year, but at triple the speed.
Prior to that golden moment, the best stickhandler I had previously seen was Dick Duff, with a close second going to J.C. Tremblay. And prior to the grand debut of Le Demon Blonde, the fastest skaters I had seen were Yvan Cournoyer and Bobby Rousseau. The pre-broken-leg Serge Savard, Murray Wilson, and Mats Naslund were among the fastest Canadiens I have seen (didn’t get to see the Rocket), but of course, they were all a step slower than the Usain Bolt of Hockey, Pavel Bure.
“May you live in interesting times.”
P.S. The young Lafleur could stickhandle like Jordan Eberle, but that disappeared soon after his rookie season. I postulate that Guy’s priority were the important maneuvers he could pull off at full speed. There was a Showdown in the NHL segment that was shown during HNIC intermissions, and poor feckless Guy really fumbled his penalty shots and was eliminated early. Come to think of it, “Showdown” was like a pioneering reality show. It wouldn’t do well in today’s age ’cause it didn’t have enough tacky people in it! Soon after Coach’s Corner debut’d with a shocked Dave Hodge and that Bruin guy.
“May you live in interesting times.”
I remember that Showdown, i was so dissappointed that my hero was knocked out early. As a young one, I thought the showdown was almost as valuable as the Cup’s!
I loved the Showdown features…
They have some of them on You Tube, mostly from the mid to late 70′s…..
1-Beliveau’s 500th against the Minnesota North Stars.
2-Robinson’s goal off the rush in the 78 finals against Boston.
I’m a younger habs fan, but i’m sure you guys enjoyed this moment as much as i did. Saku Koivu’s SO goal against lundquvist in the comeback game when we were down 5-0… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiTHaxMCKmI
Thats the way the cookie crumbles
Thanks Stu for bringing it all back in glorious detail!
I had just turned 8 and was a hockey fanatic and this series was fascinating to watch, hell, we were even sent home from school to watch Game 8!
…unforgettable memories Stu …thank You very much for bringing these together this morning
…to Me, it was the Roadrunner and Espo that did most of the ‘work’ on that goal, and Henderson was in the right place at the right time
…whatever, ‘the goal’ became instantly integral to My generation’s Canadian psyche
_________________________________________________________
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
Campaign to Retire Toe Blake’s Number 6 !!!
…and, last, but not least: FREE PUSSY RIOT !!!
” …and, last, but not least: FREE PUSSY RIOT !!!”
Free ALL pussies, man.