The NHL has announced the Eastern Conference roster for the 2008 All-Star Game in Atlanta and the only Hab on the roster is defenceman Andrei Markov, who was voted in as a starter. Alex Kovalev, whom Guy Carbonneau said should be considered since he is having an excellent season, was not on the roster.
View the full roster here.
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Hey man, I love RDS as much as the next Habs fan, but could do without all the Latrendesse, Begin, and Boullion vignettes they are so eager to wedge down my throat every commercial break – If you’re telling me that the identity of The Montreal Canadiens is a 20 year old kid that can’t skate or pass, a 5’7 defensemen that sits somewhere between 5th and 7th on your depth chart, and a utility forward mostly used on the bottom two lines – then it’s no better then Don Cherry or Glen Healy yammering on about the Great One’s…..Darcy Tucker and Sir Wade Belak.
I agree with you. RDS is great. Although I’m not bilingual, I’d sooner watch the Habs on RDS than listen to the dimwits on TSN. (esp. Healy and McGuire).
No problem.
Just helping out a fellow Habs fan!
I admire your initiative (although I still dislike your name). Unfortunately, TSN panders to numbers, and at this point, and I am sure it is true, Leaves fans outnumber others. I consider it utterly unprofessional how TSN and CBC cover hockey–especially for two networks claiming to be “national”–but they can do as they please now that I have NHL Centre Ice and other sport network choices. If TSN wishes to lead every broadcast with a story about Matt Stajan or some other Leaf detritus, they can go ahead and do so. It is laughable actually.
The good news: the Leaves are in such serious organisational trouble–no notable young players on the farm, no high draft picks for the next few years because of bad trades, a serious salary structure problem, and management idiocy–that Toronto will be years in the cellar. So if all of those Leaves fans want to suffer watching a crappy hockey team, then all the power to them.
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“We’re looking forward to building the type of team the Rangers are able to buy.”
–Phoenix GM (and former Hab) Bobby Smith
anything to further our cause….the return of Les Canadien to National Glory!
I pay $5/month for RDS….best $5 i’ll ever spend….ever.
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1. The BELL CENTRE should be rebuilt to sit 80,000 fans.
2. Your not a Hab fan till you watch & UNDERSTAND “The Rocket”.
3. Delenda Est Torontium….
Captain Kovalev, that is nice.
He is playing vert well this season.
Hey MHF – I took your question seriously and surveyed the Leaf roster. Looking at what we need and also keeping in mind the cap as you suggested, I would honestly and objectively have to say there are no Leafs I would be interested in. Even if we were able to pull a Courtnall-Kordic type swindle. They have a few good kids, but not many, and I’m assuming they wouldn’t want to trade them. However, I would be interested in trading them some Hab players for their first round pick this year.
The Original 24 Cups
Hey Habs fans…
Tired of the way TSN panders to the Laffs? I am. How many of you would be willing to cancel your TSN subscription? I would. I am Soooooooooooooo tired of all the Leafs coverage and the poor Habs coverage. Paul Maurice farts and we get to hear about it.
My French is bad; I only understand half of what’s said, but I’d drop TSN and just watch RDS if others would join with me and we could make it a movement. I could make a website for it…http://www.boycottTSN.com Anyone with me??
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Let the kids play… let the non-performers watch or walk.
I agree with you Y a 100%. It’s nothing but a glorified popularity contest in the first place. The play itself is a joke with anywhere from 20 to 30 goals are scored, more like a football game. That’s boring to watch.
All star games were meaningful in the older days when the allstars played the reigning Stanley Cup winners. Those games were more like a hockey games then.
Ali B.
24 C : Will Pronger be playing? He’ll be on the other side and despite being a good player, he’s a goon as well.
Cheers,
Ali B.
Who on that roster would you want on the Canadiens (contracts being taken into consideration)?
This is a good thing – keep flying under the radar until the play-offs.
Timo, it’s 31
Y – My thoughts exactly. And Markov, please stay healthy – that’s all I ask of you. At least Chara will be playing on the same team as you so you’ll be safe in that regard.
The Original 24 Cups
You know its Mike Richards from Philly and not Brad from Tampa right???
So what, just as a lot of other people have said, it’s just a glorified popularity contest. Haven’t watched one in almost 10 years. Glad that the guys are going to get some R&R.
Hey are you the same Kovalev-obsessed girl from the official Habs forums?
Been a long long time since I visited that place.
I second that motion Scotty.
Sportsnet is reporting Ferguson’s days are numbered in Toronto. D-uh….
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“We’re looking forward to building the type of team the Rangers are able to buy.”
–Phoenix GM (and former Hab) Bobby Smith
So much for it going by the votes, Kovalev had more than St. Louis and Spezza. The skills competition would have been so much better with Kovy in it that’s for sure, he’d show them up in the target shooting, probably in the stick handling, and there’s a new saucer passing drill I’m sure he could do well in that as well. Ah well hopefully Markov takes part in something.
By the way here are the stats
KOVALEV 19 G 22A 41PTS +6 29th in scoring
HEATLEY 25 30 55 +31 7th
SPEZZA 15 37 52 +21 10th
ST-LOUIS 17 34 51 +2 11th
RICHARDS 19 28 47 +12 18th
I don’t think it is set in stone any longer about EACH team being represented but they(NHL) still try to keep fan interest in each franchise location.
Huet is not in because DiPietro and Vokoun are the only representives for the Isles and Panthers.
On defence Campbell and Kaberle are their teams reps so that would leave Gonchar and Timonen that Komisarek could replace.
As for Kovalev, Kovalchuck is 2nd in scoring and Hossa is from Atlanta, Gomez, Staal and Ovetchkin are team representatives and St-Louis, Spezza, Heatley and Richards ALL have better stats than Alex.
The same argument can be made for Sundin which is why Kaberle is going.
I think All three habs know that they could be going. Hopefully management will let them know their work in the first halfhas been appreciated.
Gomez? Hossa? Richards?
Based on this half-season?
What a joke….
GO HABS GO
Your post made me laugh 08. When I read the last line it reminded of the line ‘To the Batmobile’! Long week…
I like how they do it in the NFL, they do it after the season. But the hockey season is too long, so they game will prolly be played in July or something. I dont see a need to stop the season for an all-star game in the middle of it. They should do it after the Cup final, and they should pick players that deserve to go, it shouldnt matter if every team is represented or not, thats stupid. There is a Shoot-out competetion going, looks interesting, I will watch the highligts of it.
J.T., where is that picture from?
I would have watched it if Kovalev had been included. I don’t care now…as I haven’t in most years past either.
It’s a good thing there is only 1 player going. The all-star game is a waste of time. The team gets a rest except for Markov. Most players would take the day off rether then go to the all-star game. They do it fot the fans if they are choosen. Look at Luongo,even though his excuse isn’t that strong, i would agree if she was due really close to the all-star game but she his due sometime in april which is quiet far, but hey, it’s his choice.
The all-star game is mostly for the kids. It’s been years that the all-star game meant something special for me.
Maybe we can get Sundin for Ryder, one for one! Leafs get a scorer they need, and the habs get a Big centre they need. ITS FAIR! haha, not even JFJ is that stupid…..actually he might be, Bob, to the phones!
Why would anyone be shocked at the AllStar rosters? This is what happens when players are selected by: Fans balloting, and Bettman’s boys filling out the remaining spots.
All Stars should be selected based on their own merits and performance rather than by popularity contest.
I obviously have a biased perspective….but to me Komi would be much more deserving then Kaberle.
As crazy as it is I could honestly see the Leafs making a ridiculous trade if they even manage to put 2 or 3 wins together at some point. Possible Leaf targets…Martin Lapointe, Daryl Sydor…who else is old and overpaid?????
HABS…… the way you guys are playing… you are all real ‘All-Stars’ in my eyes.
Hopefully Kovalev knows we Habs fans appreciate the way he is playing. Take the rest Alex. You have earned it. It also says much about Carbonneau as a coach and man when he says Kovalev should be at the all-star game.
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“We’re looking forward to building the type of team the Rangers are able to buy.”
–Phoenix GM (and former Hab) Bobby Smith
It should also be noted that in a blockbuster move the Leafs picked up Dominic Moore…
Ok this really sucks BIG TIME…guys that got less votes are going and not kovalev? Paddock, with no offence, is a morr***
“w-Alex Kovalev, Montreal, 67,340 -didnt make it
Jason Spezza, Ottawa, 62,595-made it
Marian Hossa, Atlanta, 58,991-made it
w-Mike Richards, Philadelphia, 55,145-made it
Martin St. Louis Tampa Bay, 47,798-made It
Eric Staal, Carolina, 35,179-made it
Scott Gomez, N.Y. Rangers, 26,936-made it”
hellllo? find the mistake
http://www.kovalev27.com/
Unless the Leafs trade Pogge to Islanders for Chris Simon.
Wouldn’t put it past them given their trading track record…
Thanks for that important contribution.
I could care less about Getzlaf..
Hamrlik deserves it…not Komi, not this year anyways.
I hate to bring this up, but you KNOW it’s coming….Getzlaf was picked and AK46 was not.
I would have liked to see Kovalev (or Komisarek for that matter) at the game instead of Hossa or Kaberle but really I echo everyone’s sentiments that the rest is probably a lot more important for these guys.
Also, how exactly did Sundin not make it, but Kaberle did? Is it possible that Sundin quietly asked not to be included, because Kaberle certainly does not deserve to be there.
It’s like sending the Lamb to the slaughter house!!
GoHabsGo!!!
Lundqvist sits while Scott “I can’t buy a goal in NY” Gomez goes??? Picked the wrong one there.
I think this is actually really good. I think that its best that no one up front got selected, because that means theyre all together. When you send say 1 or 2 guys, say koivu and kovalev, that sorta puts your top two guys in a different headspace than the rest. Here, everyone is focused, no lines are getting split up, no is acting differently down the stretch because they are an “all star” – our forward lines live and die together, and I think this was the best case scenario. The last thing we need is one of top achievers losing his focus gaffawing it up with other superstars for a few days in the middle of a very important season. I think the rest will do them good, and they should be very proud of their work so far.
No Worries, when the game is in MTL they will bring more habs on board. the Maple Laffs just called up Justin Pogge, poor kid doesnt know what he is getting into.
Total BS, Kovy should be on the team, not Hossa. They chose Hossa because the game is in Atlanta.
Rest up boys, the season begins after this beer sales convention!
For recognitions sake I would have LOVED to have seen Kova in the skills competition, but I’m secretly very happy that almost the whole team gets a break and some well earned rest.
I have a feeling that the kids will be featuring in many All Star games to come.
I don’t sit there and watch the commercials, i’m usually pacing the floor waiting for the game to get back on…so I can’t comment on their marketing target audience.
not a big deal, we all know (and from the dynasty years) it takes more than just the ‘french canadien’ element to win the cup.
As far as the true identity of Canada…its the MONTREAL Canadeins.
and for Bouilion…he destroyed tucker and hits and fights. don’t knock him because NO defenseman on the leafs does that. Latron is good around the net and in the corners, you don’t need speed for that and Begin when healthy will give his left arm for the team.
cheers.
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1. The BELL CENTRE should be rebuilt to sit 80,000 fans.
2. Your not a Hab fan till you watch & UNDERSTAND “The Rocket”.
3. Delenda Est Torontium….
I have been watching RDS over TSN or CBC for years. They don’t seem to have noticed.
What? Kovi not an All-Star this season? What bullcrap!!!
Maybe Kovalev will have a chance now that Spezza and Heatley are injured.
It’s to bad. kovalev should have made it. He would have destroyed that game.
I’m actually okay with Kovalev not playing. Not that he doesn’t deserve the honour of being in the all-star game but I’d like to see him get some much deserved rest down the home-stretch. This guy has been a work horse for us.
He’s well into his 30′s and needs to recharge. Besides the all-star game is a glorified game of shinny that has no impact on the season or the Habs.
WTF?! Scott Gomez?! He has 10 goals! He’s 35th in scoring!
He plays in New York!!Sad but probably true.
Is there a single defenceman on that list – including Chara – for whom you would trade Mike Komisarek?
And how many of those forwards are having better seasons than Alex Kovalev?
I would take that guy Markov.
Scott Gomez + Eric Stall < Kovalev.
I’m personally happy that Kovie and Huet didn’t get it. Let them rest and recharge the batteries. Also, I’d like Huet to stay another year and another all-star game will only increase his $$$ value.
its Kovalevs Game…skills…he should have been there with a CROWN on his head.
The NHL is doing everything in its power to thwart the power of the Great Montreal Canadiens…just like Last Night how they HELD HAMMR so he could get sucker punched, don’t ever doubt that wasn’t planned from the NHL headoffice.
remember its all business.
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1. The BELL CENTRE should be rebuilt to sit 80,000 fans.
2. Your not a Hab fan till you watch & UNDERSTAND “The Rocket”.
3. Delenda Est Torontium….
Planned? Give me a break…
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“A Vezina banner must hang from the rafters!”
Whatever, just goes to show what a joke the “all star game” is.
Every team must be represented on the All Star team. Therefore Gomez is going because he is the best Ranger. I would argue for Lundqvist, but then if he replaced DiPietro or Vokoun, then who would represent the Islanders and Panthers.
I think he is kidding
I actually think he isn’t. Kidding, that is.
i know, I was kidding
I’m 99.9% kidding.
(but don’t doubt the power of the NHL headoffice for that .1%)
check point #2 on my signature…
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1. The BELL CENTRE should be rebuilt to sit 80,000 fans.
2. Your not a Hab fan till you watch & UNDERSTAND “The Rocket”.
3. Delenda Est Torontium….
Well, I’m pissed. And that is all.
I have it on good authority that “The System” does not approve of the All Star Game.
Anyone hears those Laffs fans begging for changes. The Laffs president and CEO Richard Peddie admitted he was hearing – even in California.
That franchise has fallen so far, where do you start if you want to turn it around? You might as well throw the rest of the games, or as many as necessary to get a place in the draft lottery. I would start the fire sale on the current roster immediately, I wouldn’t wait. The more people see of this squad over the next few weeks, the less they’ll pony up. If Matts is willing to go, go for as many draft picks as you can get. Same with Kaberle and Stajan. You’re going to be dreadful for several years, but it is the only hope for your longer-term salvation. The Ontario Teachers Pension Fund may have to get by with 15% returns on MLSE for a few years, but a better product on the ice could boost those as well.
Kovy deserves to be there
Leaf Nation should just ask for terms and sue for peace.
As dreadful as the Leafs’ management is, you have to ask whether the players have any pride in themselves any more, let alone the uniform?
By now, you would expect to see stories in the press that player A got pissed off at practice and throttled player B. And, that player C as he was attempting to aid player B was sly rapped by player D. Have they no fight at all left in them? Are they all resigned to their fates on this voyage of the damned?
Higgins21,… have you been watching your CH lately ?
My observations as lead me to appreciate the various decisions made by Carbo during the last few weeks and I believe your speculations conscerning lines and players movement to be entirelly out of line with is vision and goals regarding the team.
Carbo was a believer in having 3 offensivelly capable lines from the start of the season and introducing Sergei Kostsitsyn and Lapierre to those lines made it finallly happenned,…. the CH, who was in a state of deseray at that point, got back on trak,… recording only 2 regulard time lost in their last 14 games.
Having enought talents to built 3 offensive capable lines was one thing…. making the best out of it was another…. and here Carbo came up with a winning combination 7 games ago….
Latendresse, Koivu, S.Kostsitsyn
A.Kostsitsyn, Plekanec, Kovalev
Higgins, Lapierre, Ryder
and never looked back,… as it should be since their recorded points during that time has been their best of the season ( 12 points out of a possible 14 ) and their scoring has been at the highest level league wide… recording 32 goals in only 7 games.
Now that we have a legitimate identity as a team ( 3 offensivelly balanced line + PP efficiency ) the next step is to secure it with stability,… stability at last.
The fourth line is not at the core of our success of failure as a team,… as said Carbo this is the place where Begin, Kostopoulos, Dandenault, Smolinski and Streit will play and alternate depending on how hard they are ready to work on every shifts.
Its all so simple at last,… simplicity is king !
When Begin returns next week, he’ll rejoin Smolinski and Dandenault on the fourth line. Kotsopoulos will be with LaPierre and Latendresse on the third line. The second line will be left intact. The first line will be Koivu, Higgins, and Ryder. Streit will be on D. Brisebois #4 on the blueline. Gorges in the pressbox and S. Kostitsyn back to Hamilton.
I’d like to see K2 stay with the team. He seemed to add some offensive punch to the team. Prior to and just after Xmas, he was on a bit of a streak with 8 points in 10 games. But in his last 6 games he has cooled off with just 2 points. Well, if he does go down to Hamilton, I bet he won’t be gone for long.
Although I agree that more Habs should have been selected, I am happy to see most of the team getting a well-deserved break. And Markov will represent us in great style.
Listening to the Bulldogs game tonight. Looks like Price is headed for his second victory in as many games. 5-1 Dogs over Crunch after 2. My guess is that Halak won’t even see a game before Price is recalled. I’m wondering with, given the skill level in the A, Price will get what he needs down there. However, better to be playing than sitting.
I think you’re bang on about Price being back up soon. I’ll be at the Bell Centre for the Islanders and Rangers on Feb. 2 & 3 and I hope Carey plays one of those.
For the East, I would have taken out Gomez, Timonen, and Vokoun, and replaced them with Jokinen, Komisarek, and Lundquist.
As for the West, I’d take out Kopitar, Legace, and Nash, and put in Dustin Brown, Pascal Leclaire, and Brad Boyes.
It’s not even good pond hockey. The NHL just has to bite the bullet and come to grips with the fact that hockey, though I love it, is a regional sport. Putting on these gimmicky events doesn’t add to the true fan base in any meaningful way in my opinion. They would be better off sponsoring a “bring a non-hockey fan to a game” campaign. Just recently I had a neighbor who had never seen a game up close before go to a Rangers game and say that he was amazed at just how fast the sport is when you see it live.
Savard isn’t there…again.
I wonder if the refs have a book on that guy, he was hit multiple times from behind in the last game, but no call
He turns. Everyone knows it.
Sorry to break thread people.
I have been offline due to a computer upgrade for the better part of the past week. Here is how I’m feeling about our team lately if you wish to have a look. Thank you and enjoy!
Canadiens Kids About To Hit Their Stride
http://wwwrealitycheckeyesontheprize.blogspot.com/2008/01/canadiens-kids-about-to-hit-their.html
allstar format: what about this? the players with the highest numbers at the break get to fill the spots on the allstar team.the 2 goalies with the lowest goals against at the break get to go.the players with best plus/minus get to play defense etc.this would give a lil incentive for players on or near the top come break time to step up there game to get themselves into the allstar game.this way we’d really get to see the best players at that time compete, insted o a popularity contest voting system.
also how about the game being held outdoors!!
just another idea. go habz.kick some nyr butt.