by Miah D… Our folks have taught us to think first before we speak, so we do not send the wrong message. But some messages are just meant to be wrong.
The fuss over the goalie controversy provoked by Allan Walsh a few days ago truly reflects the susceptibility around hockey in Montreal.
That was one heck of a gutsy twit; but then again, coming from an agent whose client is constantly trying to get out of the shadow, anything is possible.
Let’s face it; some days must be frustrating for Jaroslav Halak.
In 2007, number one goalie Cristobal Huet suffered a groin injury that was going to put him on the sideline for the second half of the season. So the team recalled Halak to back-up David Aebischer.
But because of Aebischer’s poor play, Halak started 16 of the 21 remaining games. He posted a 10-6 record during a critical playoff race and kept the Habs’ hopes alive until the final battle.
One summer later, the 2007 training camp came.
After winning the Calder Cup with the Hamilton Bulldogs, 19-year-old Carey Price turned many heads; including the most important of all: GM Bob Gainey.
Numerous questions were, and still are, raised concerning the proper development of a 20-year-old whose future is to carry a team on his shoulders.
A debate divided Montreal in two; there was the Carbonneau side and the Gainey one.
The head coach stressed that Price was not ready to graduate in the big club. But the GM was set; this kid was to be the future of this organization.
Gainey apparently thought another year in the AHL would be a waste of his talent. Even more, six more months as a back-up goaltender would be a shame!
With Halak second to Price, the GM expected to have a healthy competition between his young goalies. After all, nothing helps you dive off the board better than a push in the back.
However, there was going to be some collateral damage involved.
Gainey rubbed two rocks together; eventually starting a fire.
It is such a fairytale story to have a 20-year-old rookie handling the toughest job in the NHL. But that won’t make him as experienced and mature as a veteran goaltender; which according to his recent season, are two things Price needs.
I do not question his talent, but I do doubt the rest.
It has been said so many times before and it needs to be stressed again: Price needs a veteran back-up. An experienced goalie who will provide him with some ‘I-have-been-there’ talks.
At 24, Halak hasn’t been there. His first priority is becoming a number one goalie; not helping Price remain one…
by Miah D… For the first time in nearly two years, the Montreal Canadiens have dropped four games in a row. Before calling them rude names, let’s all breathe in and out, relax, and keep track of what is important—the season is still rolling.
So breathe in, breathe out, take a drink, sit, and calm down.
Yes, it is quite frustrating. The All-Star Weekend fairytale just turned into a nightmare. Five goals allowed in the last two games is quite bugging indeed.
As usual, let’s keep our cheerful, positive (or maybe just fool) spirit—we are still in the playoff run.
We have lost four games in a row, our No. 1 goalie looks shaky for a No. 1 or even a No. 2, we take stupid penalties. The playoff picture still includes us.
Pointing fingers would be the easiest way to go. It is cheap and non-professional, it doesn’t hurt, and it is fast. Once again, let’s keep our cool and fun-spirited minds—this is the closest to success we have ever gotten in more than a decade! At least, from an expectations outlook.
However, the question is quite simple—why? What is it that doesn’t work? The passion should be there, the talent should be there, the fun should be there. They start to play, looking like they are in pain. They have a “get this over with” attitude.
Is it Guy Carbonneau and his line changes? Does it affect the players and the team chemistry at a degree that the coach doesn’t seem to realize? There is no perfect winning combination, of course, but stability isn’t a bad thing either.
Is it the return of the injured players? After all, the youngsters did quite well, and the team had an average run despite the ankle problems, back pains, and the broken arms. In the latter possibility though, it is better to keep it simple and call it coincidence. There is no solution, other than hope for the best.
We can’t tell them not to come back for the sake of chemistry, can’t we?
Is it that the team relies too much on Carey Price? I would agree with Carbonneau—the goalie needs to be able to steal games now and then.
The answers seem to be locked in some place that the forum ghosts are trying to discover.
On a higher note, since we are positive people, Alex Kovalev seems to roll at a high pace since the MVP Award at the All-Star Game. Unfortunately, the razzle dazzles—although always impressive—are less enjoyable without the goals.
If there was a “razzle dazzle cup,” we would have had a shot. Unfortunately, those are features found only in “Kovalev and Price in Wonderland.”
The reality is obviously much harder.
“Success is a science, if you have the conditions, you the results.” - Oscar Wilde
by Miah D… If you think about taking a session at the University of Montreal, drop by the faculty of Theology, and pick a course named “The Religion of the Montreal Canadiens.”
It isn’t new to anyone; Montreal is crazy about its hockey team.
The latest proof we have is that wild trade rumour sending Vincent Lecavalier to Montreal.
All about speculations, all about rumours, but the Media just loves every minute of it! I have got to admit, it is entertaining. I mean, think of it for just one moment: Lecavalier in a Montreal jersey, wouldn’t that be awesome?
Let’s take a look at that crazy month that sent the No. 4 as virtually close to Montreal as possible:
December 10: Former NHL referee Ron Fournier weighs, on local Radio channel CKAC, the possibilities of having Lecavalier with the team. No big deal there, it has been an on-going conversation ever since Lecavalier was born!
January 6: Ron Fournier “confirms that the Tampa Bay Lightning will proceed to important changes before the trade deadline (…) and has more information telling that if everyone wants to work in the same direction, it is possible.”
January 9: His agent, Kent Hughes, declares to RDS that he had a discussion with (owner) Oren Koules and got the confirmation that those are unfounded rumours.
TSN reported the same matter, adding that “Vinny Lecavalier fully expects to be a Tampa Bay Lightning for life.” Steven Stamkos was also announced to be a healthy scratch that day.
January 10: ESPN. Pierre LeBrun has the same speech; they simply won’t trade the man. But it seems “Jussi Jokinen is definitely on the trade block.”
January 12: Back to ESPN. GM Brian Lawton declares that he is not calling teams on Vinny Lecavalier; while another NHL executive replies “believe me, they are talking to teams.”
La Presse’s Mathias Brunet was “on the phone for hours,” and according to the information he got, Tampa Bay is seriously studying the offers; but disagreement stands among owners on whether or not they are trading him.
For TSN, Daren Dreger says Chris Higgins, Thomas Plekanec, PK Subban, and draft picks might be in the story. Higgins is always virtually traded anyway (Marian Hossa, Mats Sundin, anyone?).
Jacques Demers reports on RDS that his source ensures him that the owners are having a significant debate over the decision of making a trade.
On the other hand, RDS.ca learns that the Tampa Bay Organization was just trying to determine Vincent Lecavalier’s value.
In Montreal, during his mid-season press conference, GM Bob Gainey went as simple as “we don’t talk about trade rumours.”
In other words, “We have been hearing those same rumours in 2001. No Daniel Briere, no Mats Sundin later, it is the same story. Give me a break!”
January 13: SportsIllustrated columnist Michael Farber advises Vincent Lecavalier to say no. “Maybe the circus in Tampa has got you down (…) but leaving the circus for the zoo is not much of an improvement.” Ouch, that was a painful one!
On La Presse, journalist Nicolas Berube reports that Vinny Lecavalier considers Montreal to be in a good position in case a trade had to happen.
On the other hand, when questioned about the possibility of playing in Florida, Tomas Plekanec just replied that he is not really good under the sun. What?
CBCSports. “How would it be to play for the Montreal Canadiens? It would be great, but after 10 years spent in Tampa, in my mind, I want to stay here.” – Vincent Lecavalier
CBC calls this whole fuss “Vinnymania.”
Jan 14: Jason Williams goes to the Blue Jackets.
The man himself talks to RDS, saying that these last days have been really hard for him; as he has been following the story over the Internet. “It was pretty busy.”
At least, the player has received the equivalent of a non-trade clause from his team as the organization will consult him and his agent before proceeding, IF they were to proceed.
*Jan 15: The cousin of the best friend of the ex-wife of my friend’s brother’s stepbrother’s son’s best friend reported that one of his sources’ best friend actually saw Vincent Lecavalier’s cousin’s girlfriend’s brother the other day; who confirmed that he is actually on his way to Montreal, in return of Alex Kovalev, Carey Price, the Kostitsyn brothers, Andrei Markov, Guy Carbonneau, and three dozens of autographed sticks by Canadiens legends!
Notes from the side:
RDS’s crew had a few suggestions:
Pierre Bouchard (five Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, son of Emile “Butch” Bouchard): Chris Higgins, Max Pacioretty, PK Subban, Mike Komisarek, and two first round draft picks.
Bertrand Raymond (Columnist in Le Journal de Montreal): Chris Higgins, Thomas Plekanec, Alex Tanguay, Josh Georges, and two first round draft picks. He however précised that if he was on the Lightning’s side, he wouldn’t agree to trade Lecavalier unless Carey Price was included. “Franchise player for franchise player.”
Dave Morissette (played 11 years for the Habs): Andrei Kostitsyn, Sergei Kostitsyn, PK Subban, and two first round draft picks.
by Miah D…. The NHL Innovating for the Montreal Canadiens Centenary - So inspired by the 138 penalty minutes between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs, the NHL decided to go big in the innovation.
For the second half of this season, we will witness an innovative tribute to this great sport that is hockey: the “brawl tribute.” It will be the duel of the year, between two hockey teams, two players, two compatriots, and most of all, between two former friends.
From “Forever Rivals” to “New Rivals,” Sergei Kostitsyn and Mikhail Grabovski will engage in a real-time brawl in downtown Montreal, in front of the teams’ respective fans wearing their colors.
The streets will be closed for the event, while the metro stations will operate twice as fast as usual faster to facilitate the crowds. For that day only, it will even be open an hour earlier than usual.
Toronto Maple Leafs fans will be invited to enter by one side of the street, while Montreal Canadiens fans take over the other. Remember, the fight will be between them, not us!
The referee will be NHL commissioner himself, Gary Bettman.
In case Mikhail Grabovski decides to push the referee there too, both Montreal and Toronto fans are invited to cheer for him at that specific moment. Chants of “A-gain! A-gain!” are also accepted.
Unfortunately, Montreal Tom Kostopoulos kindly refused to appear at the event once he learned that the organizers got him a seat between Jamal Mayers and Mike Van Ryn.
On the other hand, Francis Bouillon finally accepted the unique condition that Gorges Laraque sits between him and Brad May; which is not confirmed yet. Laraque might once again call in sick!
The judges will be Chris Nilan, Jonathan Roy, and guest star Lucian Bute.
The fight starts at 10 a.m., so don’t be late!Here’s a little preview:
by Miah D… Poor power plays, a leader-less team, and a pile of injuries are not certainly what Montreal’s head coach Guy Carbonneau had in mind for his Christmas list.
The blue mask with the majestic CH on top, Garth Brooks on the side, does protect a man from shots and sticks. But it does nothing against flu, and lower body injuries; the combo that is keeping Carey Price out of the game for more than a week.
The man with the “C” is also on the sideline, suffering for a lower body injury as well. Saku Koivu is expected to make a return to the game after Christmas.
It is not easy to be Guy Carbonneau these days. Searching, mixing ideas, trying not to sound like an old disk in his daily speech; trying to motivate his players.
He got his players into a shooting exercise at practice, without defence; judging too much pressure on the players is not the way to go either.
Guillaume Latendresse has been named a few times as well this last weeks. The young forward had to watch a few games from the press box, later confessing to the Medias that he was confused by the turn of the situation.
Now back in the line-up “thanks” to Chris Higgins’s injury, he got a crystal clear message from Uncle Guy: be a little more like (drum roll) Milan Lucic.
Lucic, 20 years old, who holds the league’s record so far in the season with 117 hits, and doesn’t come shy with a +13 rating. Yes, that Milan Lucic.
Alexei Kovalev is also still in search for the magic shot, which will fool a goaltender’s glove and turn on that red light behind the enemy.
While the temporary Captain of the Montreal Canadiens judges it is not time to panic yet, Medias and columns seem to be addressing him one same request: you say you have got talent, now might be the time to show it.
We can go on and on about the bad and ugly stories of the Montreal Canadiens. The list is long when it comes to what goes wrong, and who does what wrong.
But what about the good ones? Where is this holiday spirit we have been waiting all year?
Come on, let’s not add to the daily headaches of traffic and gas prices; the late Christmas shopping and the students’ finals. Let us use our old hockey clichés that got us through tough times in the past: “others will step up,” “we will see the true depth and character of the team.”
Because after all, we are still fifth in the east!
For the trade oriented strategists who chose Jaroslav Halak as a potential candidate for the big move, more ice time might be a plus on his market value.
For the Kovalev’s eternal fans (me included), there might be hope that the “C” on his jersey will tilt a few nerves in his brain, bringing back those good old days of fun!
And let’s not forget the bright future currently on our hands: youngsters such as Ben Maxwell and Matt D’Agostini are having amazing opportunities with the big club.
And finally, Guy Carbonneau thinks stability when it comes to his line-ups; as there won’t be any change for the game against Carolina.
Notes from aside:
The Latendresse - Plekanec - S.Kostitsyn and the A.Kostitsyn - Maxwell - D’Agostini lines leave me wonder.
A kid’s line with Tender and the two rookies, while having the brothers Kostitsyn play together with Plekanec would have been what I suggested.
by Miah D… A few months ago, Montreal Canadiens fans were laughing about a young Byelorussia player who decided to make the Phoenix – Los Angeles trip on his own, frustrated of being a healthy scratch the game before.
Tonight, the Montreal players might have to consider the same option, as it will be quite difficult to get some sleep: Guy Carbonneau’s red furious eyes will be lighting the whole plane.
Mikhail Grabovski recorded one goal and one assist, leading the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 6-3 win over the oldest franchise of the League.
There is not much to say, other than the goaltending couldn’t score, the forwards couldn’t make the saves and the defensemen couldn’t … hum, just couldn’t. Brief, it didn’t go well.
But let’s face it: it had to happen sooner or later.
The Montreal Canadiens have been playing catch-up hockey for the last few games.
Most times, it has been more about adapting to the opponent’s type of play rather than imposing their own. And running around, wandering where the puck is, to finally sit on the penalty bench simply doesn’t work in a men’s league.
It was a wake-up call for the Montreal Canadiens. The kind that is painful but necessary. The kind that gives coach Carbonneau whiter hair every day. The kind that breaks the fun.
As the game kept going, I was wondering if it wasn’t better to dress Larry Robinson and Yvan Cournoyer, as the centenary celebrating team hadn’t much to celebrate.
Even though they tied the game twice, the Montreal Canadiens have been outplayed on most aspects of the game. It was like watching Disney on Ice but without the outfits!
Carey Price made 35 saves in the loss; as opposed to 17 for Vesa Toskala. It gives you an idea of the rythm of the game, doesn’t it?
On the smaller things, but nonetheless important, the Habs’ face-offs guru, Saku Koivu won only 50 percent of them. Robert Lang was even less productive, wining just two out of eleven.
Notes from aside:
01:38 was Tom Kostopoulos’s time on ice for the night, he who got the “full-penalty package” (boarding, roughing, game misconduct) after a hit on Van Ryn.
The hit will be reviewed by the NHL disciplinary commission. Van Ryn suffers a fracture on a hand and on his nose.
With an assist tonight, Alex Kovalev matches the exact number of points he had after twelve games last season, that is twelve.
Sergei Kostitsyn got a ten minute misconduct by the end of the game. He apparently couldn’t take it anymore to see former team-mate Grabovski parading along the ice with his two points; while the Habs didn’t even have enough legs to reach their bench.
The three stars of the post-game quotes:
First star for the one that says it all:
“It was my most embarrassing game since I have been behind the Canadiens’ bench in two and a half years.” – Guy Carbonneau, MTL
Second star for the most inspiring one:
“We know in here that we can play with any team in this league. There’s no doubt about it, that’s one of the best teams in the league.” – Matt Stajan, TOR
Third star for the payback time allusion:
“For sure he (Mikhail Grabovski)wanted to show the coach and show the other players on the team that he is a good player.” – Niklas Hagman, TOR
Final word:
With tonight’s performance, should we expect a few line changes from coach Carbonneau?
First off, congratulations on spoiling the Detroit Red Wings opener last Thursday. I had to read the headline twice to make sure I wasn’t dreaming!
Actually, I wondered who was the most surprised: Mike Babcock, Ron Wilson or the entire city of Toronto? Live the moment, it’s worth the celebration.
NHL.com published their 2008-09 predictions, and it seems Toronto is in a such reconstructing era that John Tavares will be in a Blue and White uniform next year.
At least, you already got a missing piece of your confusing puzzle there: Mikhail Grabovski! Man, the bench misses him so much in Montreal!
You do know that this very young man actually took the plane by himself on a trip back from Phoenix, only because he felt it wasn’t fair from the coach to put him on healthy scratch the game before. The only team-oriented thing he has done was to allow whoever was supposed to sit next to him, the possibility to stretch his legs!
However, I will give you one thing: he burnt the AHL. His numbers were so amazing that Montreal’s coach and General Manager had to squeeze him in. But as he was everywhere on the ice in Hamilton, he was everywhere on the bench in Montreal.
At least, he must hate the Habs as much – if not more – as you do; that alone will give him more motivation than he ever had in his entire young career.
Looking at the way most Toronto fans already gave up hope on the playoff series, your team reminds me a lot of the Montreal Canadiens from a few years ago.
It took them fifteen years to become what they are today. Mistakes have been made, it was a love and hate relationship with the fans, and so on. And even when Gainey came in, there had to be some adjusting / transition period at first.
The good old Cliff, according to no-one else than the Great One himself, seems to be putting his great mind at work there. Who knows what the ultimate image of experience, the veteran of all veterans, has in mind? Always listen to your old man, always. Perhaps Silver Fox has some surprises in his hat! Some magic here, some luck there, and da-dam: another Mats Sundin in the room!
Montreal wanted to get ready for its centenary. You still have time before your own! Nine years to get in shape should be more than enough. Grabovski would be 33, and would have bought his own plane with his name on it, and his own ego to pilot the engine!
Finally from the in-case-you-give-a-damn subject, in Montreal, things start to get in shape. The ultimate battle this year should feature the first and second trio. Alex Tanguay; Saku Koivu and Guillaume Latendresse created some sparkles in the Air Canada Center Saturday night – but who am I kidding, you were there! – while Alex Kovalev, Tomas Plekanec and Andrei Kostitsyn are expected to keep their productivity going.
However, the biggest concern so far is the injury list. Georges Laraque, Chris Higgins and Francis Bouillon missed the two first games, and are still unsure about the return to Philadelphia. At least, they should be in uniform for the home opener when the Bruins will be the visitors.
Remember, you can’t live if you don’t learn, and you can’t learn if you don’t lose. Be patient, be patient.
Our two teams will meet seven more times this season. Another great magic of the NHL schedule. As always, it will be pleasant and very entertaining.
by Miah D… More on The Montreal Canadiens: Carey, Josh, Steve and … Kim?
The city is Hockey. Lately, the city is also poor! Montreal is moving heaven and earth to find a private sponsoring to save the Canadian Grand Prize. If you have a lot of money, please save the Montrealers from one of the most annoying summers of all time!
Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens are preparing to face the Anaheim Ducks at the Bell Center Saturday night. Darn, another one of those tough Western teams looking forward to crash down the Eastern pride!
I hope those guys don’t expect to land in Montreal in flip-flops, it is freezing in here!
“I just tape four Tylenols to it!” – Boris Mironov, once talking about his ankle.
Carey Price should follow the example and stick some into his nose!
The Montreal Canadiens number one net minder seems to be annoyed by a virus over the last few days. He missed two morning practices over the week but was back on the ice on Friday.
Jaroslav ‘Halak it like that’ (2-0-0) should then get a second straight start.
Although I am sure Halak will be at his best in front of Rob Niedermayer (the team’s highest with 2-2 in 6 games), I hope the defensive crew won’t perform any fancy figure skating.
The Ducks will be closing their three Eastern Canadian teams road trip with Montreal, after a win in Toronto; and dropping by Ottawa tonight.
by Miah D… The Montreal Canadiens won their fifth game win a row yesterday, defeating the Florida Panthers. So far in the season, the Canadiens haven’t lost in regulation time.
“They can do better; they will be the first to admit that.” – Guy Carbonneau. RDS
The Saku Koivu line has been so hot that if you put your finger on their sticks, it would go “psshh” with a little smoke coming out of it!
Koivu has been leading the way with nine points (3-6), Alex Tanguay is not far behind with six (3-3), and Guillaume Latendresse, who thank God dropped the piano he used to carry, also has six points (1-5).
Alexei Kovalev’s line has a little more trouble to get the groove going. They have got the right moves, but the rhythm isn’t quite in yet.
Kovalev has been, as usual, tremendous with little razzle dazzles here and there; but the automatism between him and his line-mates hasn’t kicked in yet. So instead of tic-tac-toes, we have got the tic, the tac, and a turnover.
Due to numerous and ambiguous injuries, Francis Bouillon had to start his first game on the fourth line, facing the Phoenix Coyotes, resulting in the game winner goal—simply magnificent.
If we get more of those, he should think about making his own DVD as well! “FB-51: Surviving the NHL at 5’8.”
“I am not in his league, not even close.” – Kurt Sauer, Phoenix Coyotes,Yahoo! Sports.
Georges Laraque got 14 minutes of penalty time in just two games. That is about three minutes more than his ice time!
Who said the Montreal Canadiens didn’t need a tough guy? Oops, I did. But that was a year ago, I was young and naïve!
The game against Phoenix was one of a kind, as Kurt Sauer’s hit on Sergei Kostitsyn was the wake-up call for the team spirit. When the crowd starts to call “Laraque! Laraque!,” that is the code for the kids’ bedtime.
“I was getting crazy on the bench. Maxime (Lapierre) was giving me shots on the arm, and all I wanted was to get on the ice and take off everyone’s head. But once on the ice, I told myself to calm down. If I get five minutes and they score three goals, the crowd will boo me.” Finally, someone actually figured that out!
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