Montreal is digging out from under a pretty good snowfall.
And its hockey team is adjusting to life without Mike Cammalleri.
• Players didn’t know what was going on
• Pat Hickey on Pierre Gauthier’s epiphany
Thursday 17 May 2012
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© 2012 Hockey Inside/Out
Gad. The Devil. Jesus Jones. Punk Rock. Please mother Mary, please, oh please trade Carey Price, he is so bad in the SO and what is great he damn well knows it. Wow, weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. call bat man, call the GM, because only the fans see it, trade him, give him money, drink, whatever, but don’t allow him to grow old in this city because he is soooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo bad. No question where his focus is because as a fan of the Habs I don’t understand but it in the words of # 13 mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, we are losers, sad, sad………. tears and another L…………………………the only good thing is that NY won tonight and well the Habs only scored one point and were @ home so I hope they got some rest………………………………..
Hockey is a business and sometimes a manager can’t tell the complete story to is employes (player and fans) because business decisions will always hurt.
I believe that M. Gauthier did is best but M. Molson will have to adjust because the team is going down fast and will NOT make the series this year.
Let’s look forward to next year with a New Coach, New GM and many New players…May God Bless all Montreal Canadian Fans!!
Now guys the GOOD News…i received this in my email. Just wanted to share this with you (only work in canada). Here the link:
http://virtualshoppingdeals.com/deals-coupons/prizehouse-win-4-nhl-hockey-tickets.html
http://virtualshoppingdeals.com
Why is it that writers, like Joyce, can continue to get away with the “Montreal had all but exclusive rights to Quebec born players” statement, use it to help build their case and not get called out or corrected by their editor? It made me go back and read the entire piece again looking for more mistakes or prejudicial leanings.
***Subbang Baby!!!***
Good point punkster. First sportsnet is especially toronto centric and the obsession in TO is to run down the Habs whenever possible. Secondly, along with all the other crap in the article is the propagation of this misinformation around the exclusivity the Habs had pre-expansion. In fact all teams had geographic exclusivity (ie leafs in Ontario) at that time. It also ignores that the Habs had many great english players from ioutside the exclusivity areas like western canada. The Reality is most journalist like most fans are pretty misinformed but in this case Joyce is also spewing what sportsnet and leaf fans like to believe.
I agree with TJ they should have traded for a 1st rounder and/or prospects. You get the impression that management still thinks the team has a chance of being a contender. Who knows, they might if everything goes thier way from here on in, but that’s not the smart play. The odds are too slim. I think RB is the right type of player but after reading the reports that PG didn’t even realy shop Cammy around…well if that’s true we’ve got some serious management issues. Sounds like revenge and that’s childish.
This has been the one of the best season for the Habs, drama, trades, signings, and politics. Oh yeah, we got Halak’d.
“Responding to the media , or playing to the media, or listening to the fans is the quickest way to start losing” – Sam Pollock
Excellent piece by Joyce on Habs slow decline as a once glorious franchise.
while I don’t agree with every point, I concur that there is no glory or pride in this franchise any longer. It hurts to admit it as a lifetime fan who revelled in the 70′s cup winners. The status of this historic team will not rise for some time. Unfortunate. But the fans hold onto marvelous memories as they await the tides change.
Actually the article is shit but like I’ve said before few fans have the sophistication to really know what’s going on. Sorry to see you fall into that group?
I have a question that I hope someone can answer for me please: everyone seems unanimous that this pathetic team needs to get bigger. Even Gauthier finally publicly admitted as much Thursday night (what a shock!!) If this is the case, why is everyone always saying that Moen should be traded at the deadline or he won’t be back next year. Sorry – but wtf? Who else on this team crashes the net and can stick up for the other smaller players? Isn’t Moen the type of player that this team needs? I for one hope they sign him for another 3 years – he is not a top six forward but in his proper role as a 3rd line forward, he would be a perfect fit on this team and a very useful player.
Good point handy but unfortunately my experience is that hockey fans are the least informed I.e. Most stupid of sports fans in general. Habs fans are not excluded
I don’t necessarily think Gauthier’s signings/trades have been terrible, I am just sick of all the hush hush. He and Mr. Molson could have avoided much of this mess had they just been honest with everyone from the beginning.
handyg..we want to trade everyone,hate the trade,we always should of gotten more,blame Gainey and PG..then we feel better
Didn’t really have time to come on hio to comment on the trade, think it’s a good one.
Been listening to the radio, reading comments, and reading blogs, I think people are over reacting.
Cammy was a favorite player for alot of habs fans, and that clouds there mind.
Was listening to Marinaro on the post game show after the Bruins game on how it was such a bad trade and how RB is just a upgrade on Darche, I mean come on seriously? I know Cammy is italian and all that but…
You just don’t throw your team under the bus like that!
Like yeah its not my falt it’s the other 22 other guys falt. hell yeah!
We traded a guy that didn’t want to play here and was also making 6million, for a guy that has one more year on his contract then Cammy but at 2.5mil less, also brings a harder game.
Wish Gionta was still here, a line of Plec Gionta and RB would looke good.
Go Habs come on godda start now or never!
4points in these 2games and we’re back into the hunt.
Good post!!
So Arpon Basu reports that Bourque is thrilled to be here.
Let’s hope he plays like it.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=5638
Bourque would say the precise same thing if he had been traded to the Florida Panthers or the New York Islanders. The central difference is no one in those locations would give a damn.
Scene:2012 NHL Entry draft, Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania.
At the podium are Pierre Gauthier & Geoff Molson.
PG:”With the first pick of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, le Club de Hockey Canadien is pleased to select….”
Geoff Molson(tapping PG on shoulder): “Excuse me, Pierre.”
PG: “Oui?”
GM: “You’re fired.”
That was great! ha ha…
So does anyone think we can get through the weekend, 2 games, without any controversy, strange trades, public call outs, public apologies, protests, firings and season ending injuries?
It should be a fun night of TV for Habs fans. First we get to watch the Habs (they’ll probably lose, but that’s okay). Then we get to watch Calamari with his new team.
I don’t know about this guy Calamari, but I’m looking forward to see ex-Hab Cammallari skate with the Flames.
Nice try. I’m going to watch Cammalleri. I dont know who Cammallari is.
Bertuzzi, really?? Calamari? Sad.
Oops.
Actually, I’d like to see a line of Calamari, Cammallari, & Cammalleri tonight..with Bob Cole doing the play by play. That should be interesting.
yup, kind a funny. ah well!
Calamari is the one without a backbone.
“May you live in interesting times.”
you mean Cammalleri?
heh, sorry.
http://www.puckbandits.com
That’s good use off your time? Guess your loser like him
It’s Calamari !! He’s soft as …
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i don’t know why they keep comparing Carey Price to God………i mean he’s good, but he’s no Carey Price.
”First of all, you have to have continuity if you are to have success,” Pollock told the New York Times. ”I think it gets the manager and the players to become more attached to each other.” – Sam Pollock
Another Pollock quote:
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
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Welcome to the newer NHL: The National Headshot League.
IF…and thats a big IF, Markov comes back in early feb and plays well with no setbacks to the trade deadline. Should the habs try and trade him or keep him. I say keep him. Trade kaberle for a pick, if you can
I think he would be a very tough sell.
http://www.puckbandits.com
Or Bob Gainey gets a GM job elsewhere
That would be nice.
http://www.puckbandits.com
I don’t think there’s a team in the league that would take Kaberle. He’s an overpaid liability.
Just saw the 1st intermission of Hawks/Wings and of course the topic turns to Days of Our Habs. I thought Macguire would have something to say but instead it’s Milbury going on about how PG has mismanaged and made a hash of the whole situation. Really Mike? Does NBC really think this fool is the best guy to comment on this?
Yashin? Luongo? Chara? McCabe? Berard? Yah Milbury, you know a fiasco when you see one
But he’s good with a shoe!
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”First of all, you have to have continuity if you are to have success,” Pollock told the New York Times. ”I think it gets the manager and the players to become more attached to each other.” – Sam Pollock
What was better was when PM was bragging on The Pens on how well things were looking to him but losers of 6 games in a row till last night & Milbury stepped in and made a couple of comments & McGuire was speechless with no comeback……
I missed that part, hard to imagine PM speechless! I wish Milbury was speechless, no one spouts more drivel than that clown
Actually, it is hard to think of anyone more knowledgeable about being an idiot than Mike Milbury. He is uniquely qualified to provide expert insight into idiocy.
Dust – Subban is a great talent who I hope will be a star one day. Right now, he’s a bit of a train wreck (for a variety of reasons, which is a shared responsibility between him and the team).
There is no way he gets a Myers/Hedman type contract based on future potential. I would start by offering a two year/4M contract and not go a cent over what Price got, which was a two years/5.75M deal
I would like to agree,but just to play the Devil’s Advocate; he still plays the most minutes on the team and plays against the opposition’s top line every game. I’m sure his agent has those facts at the top of the list. ( I am in no way saying that PK is the Devil by advocating for him)
That’s what I meant by the shared responsibility. One of the main reasons that Subban’s play is sub-par is because he has unfairly been asked to step in for Markov. The kid isn’t ready, but who would be after just two years?
I think that would be the best kind of deal for him as well. Seems to me if he got a huge deal it would go to his head and his confidance would turn to arrogance which would be horrible for his development
Question for everyone here. With Subbans play this year. what do you think his contract will be next year. My geuss is 3 years 3mil per
Oh god,
Well if Josh Gorges is making 4 million dollars a year to spout sports cliches and block shots, and Gomez…well….Gomez…um. Subban’s gotta be worth like 143 billion dollars.
Couldn’t we have just picked up Avery off waivers?
“Of course I’m crazy, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”
- Robert Anton Wilson
It will probably be a short-term deal… Something like 2 years $3 million a year. That way he’s still RFA after the deal.
There’s no way he’s in a Habs uniform after this season.
ROTFLMAO!
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“Okay, everybody take a Valium.”
You could use a uniform of your own. One with real long sleeves tied behind your back.
Price is 25th in the league in save percentage. All-star worthy?
All you Price fanatics have drank too much of the purple koolaid.
“Oh Carey…Oh how I love thee….where can I bid on your new your new, super-cool mask?!….Gaw…”
He’s never won a meaningful game here…
someone had to go from the team. IF not price who wuold you have picked to represent the habs
Cole.
“Of course I’m crazy, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”
- Robert Anton Wilson
good call.
He should be captain too.
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“Okay, everybody take a Valium.”
DT – What happens if Kaberle is our best player in the second half? Does that mean we take the “C” away from Cole?
We have a captain who has done a decent job so far. It’s not his fault that he’s had an injury prone year.
(Not you) I’m getting a bit tired with all this change the captain crap. There was never a word about it until the team starting going off the tracks.
Agreed. Cole has been the best Montreal player this year, night in, night out.
I’m pretty sure he has shut out the Bruins in a Game 7.
Nope, guess again.
I beg to differ:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2007030117
Plus, I was at the game and saw it with my own eyes. It started a riot, dot’cha know.
hey nice! 4 seasons ago….in a series that he had very little positive impact in.
I love the Bourque deal…but Eric Francis is reporting that the real gem in this trade is Ramo!!!!! He’s the best goalie not playing in the NHL right now, and the only reason he’s not playing their is because of Saint Carey!!!!
and mark – you all think Carey is the best in the NHL and he’s 25th in a 30 team league…
“Of course I’m crazy, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”
- Robert Anton Wilson
How can he be the best goalie not in the NHL? He’s 7th in the KHL on SV%. If you believe that a goalie 7th in SV% in a 23 team league is the best goalie not in the NHL, your drinking a lot of purple koolaid.
http://en.khl.ru/stat/leaders/202/sv_pct/
PureGuava? More like PureGuano.
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GO HABS GO! 2011-12 is probably not our year!
Chat with me on Twitter @TheRealRGM81
That was game 5, I think. In any case, he won game 7. Not sure how that doesn’t count as “meaningful”.
Montreal had two shutouts that series: game four in Boston, and the 5-0 clincher in game 7 in Montreal.
Thanks for the correction. Can’t believe I forget it was game 4, I was at that game. 1-0 shutout, Price was full value that night.
4 seasons ago….
“Of course I’m crazy, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”
- Robert Anton Wilson
I used to wonder where PureGuava got all of the hyperbole and hate from, then I checked out his profile and saw that he’s a Jack Todd fan. Makes sense to me now.
+1
He does have the most minutes played for any goalie in the league… maybe just the exposure got him in
Felix Potvin, Steve Mason….Carey Price.
“Of course I’m crazy, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”
- Robert Anton Wilson
No doubt he doesn’t have all-star numbers this year. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but the team in front of him ain’t too great, that might be part of the reason.
http://www.puckbandits.com
Price is a thoroughbred. How do I know this? Because Bob Gainey said so.
Point taken. Nonetheless he is a talent. We will assume his best years lie ahead.
You don’t ‘ know shit Price won a playoff series in 2008. Get your facts straigh moron befor you mouth off. As for Ramo – best goalie not in nh! I heard that one before as well i.e. “The Monster”. How’s that working out!
Not sure where you get that stat, guess you put too much weed in the pipe today. Actually controlling for games played (this stat is only relevant for first string goalies not backups) – lets say 25 games played will make you the first stringer on your team – Price ranks 16th. Not great but nearly as bad as you are trying to make it out to be. I wonder given this irrationall hate on you have Price any chance it has to do with him being aboriginal?
fearless prediction: Gomez scores a hat-trick tonight, knocks out Knopka and Neal with one newly improved groin swing and makes a couple of spectacular diving saves to earn the Shut out.
and with the team’s luck this year…
probably gets re injured while celebrating his first star selection.
Groin swing? Let’s keep this place rated PG-13, people!
hahaha, I meant more in the line of a hip check but ya I see your point…
People would still complain he took away ice time from Desharnais/Eller
I just watched Howard misplay the puck, and he deflected it right to Shaw of the Blackhawks for an empty net. Much like Price the other night got the bad bounce off the boards. I wonder how many Redwing fans are calling for Howards head? LMAO
“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.” Albert Einstein
whats going on with Alexander Perezhogin???
he has size-bring him back too
Speaking of stick-swingers….
Was anybody blaming Price for that freak goal?
I don’t blame Price for that fluke goal…I think his masks are awesome. Maybe one day he can steal a hockey game…or win a playoff series.
“Of course I’m crazy, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”
- Robert Anton Wilson
Care to check your history again?
Price hasn’t done anything in the playoffs in four years http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Stanley_Cup_Playoffs and he’s not going to do it this year so if he sticks it’ll *possibly* be five years, next year.
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“Okay, everybody take a Valium.”
So what’s your point? My post was purely to correct PG’s factual error, not to rewrite history.
Tony, not that I’m disputing what you’re saying, but you need to find a more credible source than wikipedia.
Cammy 6 million a year, secure contract and employment in the NHL. Cunny his new coach, waits for years at a crack for a NHL coaching gig, and Cammy makes him look bad, with his big mouth. Cammy had no history except for a few games with Cunny, yet from what he implied about the team, he made him look bad. I am glad they told him during the game that he was traded, I am sorry they told him to which team.
well said
Good post:)
Hey PG, pick up Colton Gillies off waivers.
He can take Darche’s spot on the fourth line, except he can hit.
6’4″, 210 lbs.
A little like Pouliot, but look at Benny now.
When healthy, next year, White Gillies and a re-signed Moen for the fourth line.
Your welcome.
Columbus already picked him up. Would have been nice tho, cuz like you said he’s big and tough and could play on our fourth line, but he’s also got the potential to become a 15-20 goal scorer. Plus he’s signed at 650k for this year and next.
Maybe PG did try to get him. I’m not 100% sure how that works though. First come, first serve, or the worse record?
“Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.” Albert Einstein
Worse record gets first shot.
worse record gets first crack
i heard columbus claimed him. source was nhlwiki on twitter. so take it for what it is worth
“you’re”
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“Okay, everybody take a Valium.”
Are we going to give Price a 10 year 5 mill contract at the end of the season, or are we going to go another 1-2 years again, like we always like to give to franchise players…
I love Price, but when he wins us a playoff series we shouldn’t have won he gets a contract like that, not before.
Sorry, but don’t put the chicken before the egg.
10 years @ 5M for Price would be a steal for Montreal.
i can’t see him signing for anything less than 6m per
Right, but if Price gets a real long term (5+ years), then something in $5M range fits with a lot of other deals for goalies.
I agree, a deal like fleury in pit would be ideal. But, with Rinne signing for 7m per this year. i can’t see prices agent accepting anything under 6m per
That’s fair, and I’m sure Price’s agent will use that deal has his starting point. Let’s just hope that Montreal’s GM points out that 1) Rinne’s deal covered only UFA years (Price still has 3? RFA years), and 2) Rinne was comming off a better run of play than Price.
Price’s agent is gonna ask for $7 mill per and a 6 year deal….you watch!
Good for him.
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“Okay, everybody take a Valium.”
@ Rad. I like it. Peckham is an RFA so they should not have to over-pay for him. I see him fitting in as a 5-6 guy, at least at first.
But I still think they need a 1-2 D-man as the Habs have never really replaced Hamrlik. Any UFA defensemen you like? Suter is the only obvious star.
Do you not think Markov is coming back as # 1?
i do.
I do (at least I hope), but I think they still need one more top tier d-man, a proven NHLer. Emelin might be ready next year for more minutes, but he is still learning the NHL, so it would be risky to pencil him in at this point. Diaz would look better in the third pairing although he is hanging in there this year playing top 4 minutes. I hope Kaberle goes at the deadline for something. So next year I see Markov-??, Gorges-Subban, Emelin-Diaz. I really like Peckam, but I’m not sure he is ready for top 4 minutes. Ideally a right-shooting defensemen.
Joyce talks about the 1970 draft and missing Gil Perreault as a milestone. In 1969 Pollack drafted Houle and Tardif 1st and 2nd and in 1971 he drafted Guy Lafleur 1st after swindling the Seals then Chuck Arnason 7th Muzz Wilson 11th and Larry Robinson 20th. The decline of the franchise didn’t start ’til Dryden and Pollack retired in 1979.
Liam McGuire and others have debunked the French Canadian pick myth before btw.
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“Okay, everybody take a Valium.”
I never realized before Yvon Lambert was drafted by the Red Wings. Another Pollack steal.
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“Okay, everybody take a Valium.”
Sam Pollock, guys. If there is one name we need to get right, it’s that one.
Right you are, LAL. Success flows down from the top, and we never did find another GM as good as legendary Sam Pollock. Hence, our current plight.
Why don’t they rename a street in Montreal after Sam Pollock? What about changing Boul. Rene Levesque? That should go over without much fuss.
typo sorry Sam!
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“Okay, everybody take a Valium.”
Are any of this years draft pick projected for immediate impact or are they all basically 2-3 years away from significant contribution?
Right now the habs have scoring issues(what else is new)..we have very few forwards that before a game you can say he has a good chance of scoring tonight..with no pp we are basically 0-2 goals a game team majority of the time..right now 21 teams have scored more goals than we have and we are tied with 3 others…
These days I think scoring is more dependent on team work than individual talent (though certainly you need finishing). We have been unable to manufacture goals in the low slot and win enough scrums in the corners and retrieve the puck through a vigorous forecheck because overall we were too small and soft. If we didn’t score off a rush we were pretty much screwed. And PP problems make that all the more critical.
If we can replace Gionta and Gomez each with a Cole/Bourque/Max Pax type, I think we will be OK. And if we do that, we can afford a small skill guy like DD because there will be real estate for him to work.
When I frame it that way, in my head maybe we are not that far off (not that Power Forwards grow on trees the way #1 centers do…)
We still have to remember that maxpac has only played a combined 160 games in the nhl and he had the devastating injury and did not have eye popping scoring stats before the nhl so he has come a long way in learning to score in the nhl…hopefully he will add to our scoring and the same with eller but probably will take a couple of years…ak46 is 26 if he is going to be anything else than what we have seen so far in his career it will probably be with another team..otherwise if we keep him we will have a 20/20 producer yearly but very inconsistent from game to game…
Scott Gomez,this is your time to slag the Habs organization and their players and cut them a new one ….you can do it!
Here’s a trade suggestion for the Great Gauthier: Theo Peckham out of Edmonton. He’s a 6-7th Defenceman for them and may be available. He is not a “skill” player, what he is is 24 years old, 6’2″, 235, and tough as nails. He doesn’t have to be told by his coach to play physical, he is one of those guys that ENJOYS hitting people. If anything, the coach has to restrain his aggression. Peckham is not technically an enforcer, but that’s the way he plays. He is a very good hitter that defends his team mates, and does not back down against anyone. Edmonton is looking for an offensive type defenceman that can also play on the power play. I believe they would have a strong interest in Yannick Weber.
Maybe if PG called and asked…
Exactly! Pick up the damm phone Pierre! I am hoping now that Gauthier has seen the light, “10 years too late” as Pat Hickey said, maybe the vegetarian GM will follow his own belated logic and acquire some beef.
Timo, you are hilarious.
We truly do need a Rick Green / Craig Ludwig no bullsh*t kind of guy to complement Emelin (and I have no interest in rushing Tinordi)
“The Canadiens will get a boost on offense, as forward Scott Gomez will return to the lineup after being on the Injured Reserve with a groin injury since November 25.” – TSN.CA
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“Okay, everybody take a Valium.”
You are funny.
I’m just reposting TSN’s lysergic offering.
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“Okay, everybody take a Valium.”
Just what we’ve been waiting for Gomez coming back will fix everything!
That must be the funniest (and dumbest) line to ever come from TSN.
It’s sad because it’s true. Gomez sucks, but we did miss his ability to gain the zone on the rush.
… and put a pass right on the back of someone’s skate. Gonna miss that a lot.
Ya never know. Maybe now he’s healthy he’ll come back in fine form… it could happen.
http://www.puckbandits.com
When I read that I was certain they were just trolling us…
Here’s a theory: PG is set on acquiring players that play well against us. First it was Cole and now, upon watching his highlight videos, Bourque as well. He seems to score every time he plays us. The theory worked for Cole. Let’s hope it does for Bourque as well.
Wheller in Peg seem to do well again us
Too bad we can’t carry a 300 man roster with unlimited capspace.
Gomez and Gionta were also having a ball against the Habs everytime we played against the Devils. Your theory makes sense.
Here comes Umberger.
Subban should be told to focus more on hitting. The check on Krejci was clean and effective as is Subban when physical. The offence will come as a result. Someone should have his back when the goons try to punish him. This is the only way to compete with the big teams. Bourque will help but we need at least 2 more players with the necessary size and nastiness to neutralize the likes of Lucic, Thornton, Horton, Chara… It would also not be totally unjust if we took a few cheapshots at some of these guys, including Marchand, who have never hesitated to do likewise.
You think you’re going to neutralize Chara? Maybe send Gorges after him?
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“Okay, everybody take a Valium.”
Anyone close to his size would handle him easily. He is not a skilled fighter, just 8 inches taller than most. Maybe we could slip a little somethng into Gill’s Gator-aid.
Or some estrogen into Chara’s? Remember “The Longest Yard” remake?
The check he missed on Krejci behind the net on the 2nd goal was such a lazy play. He makes up for it with a dirty hit and then turtled like a coward.
He is brutal.
I used to be a huge fan, and I always defended him when I thought he was getting a raw deal. I have had it with his Avery’esque antics.
“Of course I’m crazy, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.”
- Robert Anton Wilson
I agree with part of what you are saying. But he has no back up. And the hit was very clean, shoulder to chest, arm comes up on follow through only… beautiful hit really.
PureNonsense
- Honestly yours
PureGuano?
Nahlsy?
Go watch the replay, you can’t be serious about the “lazy” “missed” check on Krecji.
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?hlg=20112012,2,631&fr=false
His thing is skating and carrying the puck, turn him loose with a good D mate and a forward who’ll cover for him the way Gainey used to drop back for Lapointe et cie.
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“Okay, everybody take a Valium.”
You are so right, the only thing I would add is his Dmate should be able to take care of business for him and Price.
good point. Habs were great at that.
Can you imagine Gomez dropping back and covering decently for PK?
Sorry, I didn’t mean to put that in our brains.
The only way Chara can be neutralized (he really should be neutered since “people” like him should not be allowed to reproduce) is but getting under his skin and getting him to spend a lot of time in the penalty box. Habs used to be able to do it before (Pleks, Begin, Max Lap). Lucic just needs to be sucker-punched the f out of the game, just like he does to others.
Agree totally with this strategy. Tremendous.
see, if we had an Italian coach with the right connections…
badaBing badaBoom
problem solved.
Shout-out to Phil C. Good rebuttal to my post about why I don’t like the trade.
And to be clear, the trade might work out… I realize that. It MIGHT be a great thing. But what bothers me is that there were better ways to clear cap space. And if Cami floats half the year and then turns on the jets full blast in the playoffs I’m okay with that. Other guys are moderately-to-seriously useless in BOTH seasons. Everyone talks about Halak’s playoff performance, but Cami’s was equally spectacular. And ironically, was equally important in helping Martin and Gauthier keep their jobs.
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
Bourque has 67 goals to Cammy’s 54 the last two years.
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“Okay, everybody take a Valium.”
I get what you are saying and it is valid. Proven playoff performers are hard to come by, especially goal scorers, so the return better be good for such a valuable asset. I have not seen enough of Bourque to judge him or the trade yet, maybe you have. If he plays to his potential, you might feel better about the trade. On the other hand, I know a lot of Calgary fans are frustrated by him because he has so much potential, but does not always show it. If he turns out to be a bust, you won’t be alone in missing what Cammalleri can do.
Cammy was a risk-reward type player and a PP specialist. Maybe if Montreal’s PP was not so bad, we would not be having this conversation!
Cammy had ONE good playoffs in his career – hard to call it “proven”. I doubt Cammilleri will come back to scoring 40 goals for Calgary. Flames seem to be just as crappy as Habs so I don’t see anyone creating space and time for Cammalleri to do his patented one knee shot, and that all that he seems to know how to do.
He was a problem here and with his attitude he will not be a solution anywhere else.
If you take out the one playoff run Bourque has scored equal or better to Cammi and, having reviewed his videos again, has a quality that we need… not sure that I can even describe it (because as a Habs fan it is seen about as often as a white polar bear in a snow storm)…. what the heck is the word for it…. ahhhhh….
….trucelence.
Bourque has trucelence. What was PG thinking?
He had 10 points last year in 7 games as well, including 5 powerplay points, against the big, bad Bruins. He was well on his way to repeating his performance. To me, this is evidence that 2010 was no fluke.
I agree that Cammalleri does not create offense on his own, he needs creative linemates who can feed him nice passes and to convert on his passes, especially on the PP. If he plays with Iginla, I think he will produce. But there is talk in Calgary that the 1st line is too good right now to break up, so he will end up on the 2nd line. If he does, I think we will see more of what we saw in Montreal.
While it appears that Cammalleri is on the downhill side of his career at 30, I’m of the opinion that he’s playing with an undisclosed injury..just like Subban is. Might have something to do with that deep skate cut he suffered in 2nd game of season at Winnipeg.
A trade, like a lottery ticket buys you hope. Every time a new player arrives, we think, YESSS he’s going to save our team. Selective amnesia also sets in, and we forget how crap the player has been of late. Or, the opposite, the expectations are so great, no matter what the player does, he’s just not good enough.
A hero’s welcome, and then the door slammed in your face.
Calgary, right now, is in the honeymoon phase. They only remember the 39 goal guy, and Cammy is going to catapult them straight into the playoffs – plan the parade.
We are also guilty of this phenomenon. Now we expect Bourque to park his butt by the opponents’ net, and score bunches of goals, while single handedly beating off both Chara and Lucic at the same time – plan the parade.
I still believe this was a great deal for our team, and my sympathies go out to Calgary for inheriting that monster contract, even if Cammy does well in Calgary. As long as his teammates are willing to do all the work, he’ll be fine.
hey doubleL
I think you’re right on the money here.
While i am hoping this recent trade is a step in the right direction, I think we should all temper our expectations for this year, and possibly next as well.
I think what bothers me most is the fact that the team is increasingly becoming less Italian.
I know, the language issue has been discussed to death on HIO of late. However, Im envious of the Tortarella’s and Chiarelli’s of the league and what they bring to their respective clubs. Should we get the best coach available? certainly. Yet, it would be nice if he could speak a few words of Italian. Trading Cammi is a great disservice to Montreal’s proud Italian community.
Ribiero, Dagostini, now Cammi… it just makes me shake my fist and say minchia!
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Hope has two beautiful daughters. Their names are anger and courage; anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are.
– Augustine of Hippo
lol but you still have Pacioretty and Gionta. Marinaro for coach? Marone !
I think Sergio Momesso should be the next coach. A proud ex-hab and and proud Italian as well.
If not him, at least someone whose name ends in a vowel.
Makes a mean sandwich as well.
Luckily we have Carlo Prizzi in nets tonight.
Ribiero ? Try Portuguese !
I’m pretty sure he’s a quarter Italian on his mother’s side. As was the great Richard family. Trust me, my Barber said it was true.
what I love about the Italian language when you watch an Italian movie and a character makes a 5 minute speech and the sub-title is like, 3 words.
Hilarious.
lol
Like the trade ,was a little worry about Ramo who play for Feaster before but read somewhere that is not as good this year but still a good prospect ,hopefully Kaberle get traded at the dead line for more cap relive and a pick or prospect
i have read some posts on some calgary flames threads, not all fans are happy about cammy going back there lol. especially with his cap hit.
ill be in the slot
The voices of reason…probably being called Negative Nellies as we speak. lol
Practice Update
PK was not suspended by NHL for hit.
Gomez is back tonight. Playing LW with Pleks it appears.
Bourque worked out with team today.
All good news. And no sarcasm, I’m excited to see Gomez back as I think he might be able to help under Cunnyworth.
I am with you Sheehy.
I won’t allow myself to get excited about Gomez ever again. I think he might have lost his ” compete”. If I’m wrong I’ll freely admit it and be happy about it.
I really am either a glutton for punishment or maybe just maybe Gomez can once again in right circumstance with different coach and philosophy find his game.
Glutton
I think he looked good in the preseason and the first few games, and he set up a few wide-open nets that our guys blew. I’m definitely reserving excitement, but I think he has a chance.
He can still skate. Someone needs to convince him to play with a longer stick (that he can actually shoot with) and to grow back his left one.
Someone should just slip some bacon in the Goat’s grilled veggie sandwich for lunch today, see how he likes improvised moves.
AJ—Bill 101 not only cost the French speaking kids from learning English at a young age, It has cost the province of Quebec billions of investment dollars from all secters of the economy. North America does business in English. Quebec has lost the Nordics, the Expos and any chance to get a North American sports franchise in any sport. English TV contracts pay the different league bills. Just saying!
Getting a North American sports franchise is not everyone’s ultimate cultural aspiration.
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
True that HFS72, but it costs the PQ in all its economy. Sad that these two great cultures can not find the middle ground.
I find the debate about language silly. I’m trilingual and can understand two other. People should embrace the chance and broaden their knowledge and stop having this animosity. Knowledge is King, the more I know the more confident I am.
Mr. Bad Example!
Well said. I’m an Anglo-Quebecer long in exile, would love to be back.
C’mon Ian. Even Stephane Dion called Bill 101 a great Canadian law. There is no doubt that Bill 101 has hurt Quebec’s economy but as an Anglo Quebecker who has chosen to remain in Quebec I have accepted it as law. Maybe because I am fluently bilingual and can read and understand spoken French extremely well. I am still working on the speaking and writing part and I am confident in short time I will be at a level in French that approaches my mastery of English.
I lived through one of the worst economic times of this province and have watched it rebound. Like the Habs, Quebec needs to rebuild and look towards the future. All that means is better business opportunities looking forward.
Let’s please stop bashing Quebec. It’s one Province in Canada that is French. It’s a good thing for the character of the country to accept it and see the added value it brings. We’ll all be richer that way.
Well, to be fair, New Brunswick is the only province that is constitutionally bilingual.
There a large volumes of French speaking people in most provinces and the US. They are respected for their difference. Officially the province of NB is bilingual. So should be the province of Quebec.
Good for New Brunswick but I disagree. Quebec is officially French as it should be. English will always exist in Quebec even given this fact. If Quebec was bilingual French would almost instantaneously become secondary and would run the risk of becoming endangered if not obsolete.
Think of French as an endangered species and a heritage site all wrapped up into one entity. It’s worth propping up for as long as we can. Making Quebec officially bilingual would see extinction and mortar turned to sand, as we witness right before our very eyes the death of the last of its species and the crumbling of a monument from our collective past.
Yet French continues to prosper in New Brunswick, in northern Ontario and in Metis communities across the Prairies. I think you place too little faith in people’s willingness to maintain their cultural identity.
Jewish and Italian communities are particularly adept throughout North America (and notably in Montreal!) at preserving their language. I’m writing this post about a 10 minute drive from Mennonite country where people have preserved their culture and language despite being an island in a sea of English and modern technology.
As will English in Quebec.
It doesn’t change that Quebec is officially a French province not a bilingual one. I doubt that will change in the near future nor should it IMO.
BTW English is thriving in Montreal. As well, one of the benefits of Bill 101 is that the quality of French has improved in Quebec, which is a good thing.
Forget about official bilingualism for Quebec, or Montreal for that matter. It isn’t going to happen. Not in our lifetimes.
Your last para, HH: totally agree.
Cheers
Both my kids went to primaire and secondaire in French. Then they did cégep at Dawson in English. Now they are at Condordia. They’re perfectly bilingual now. But I guess that’s a flaw that will haunt them for a long time.
My kids as well are bilingual and I am proud of that. They learned their French in N.B. and ONT.
I think this picture of Cammy, taken right after he was told he was traded, shows he was happy to be leaving Montreal: http://wp.me/p1UX3s-yS
Couldn’t resist the smurf could you?
I don’t know what you mean.
http://www.puckbandits.com