IT WAS A GREAT TRIP, BUT ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END:

When I get up in the morning, my first brainwave is always to stumble down the stairs, avoid the myriad of booby traps in the form of squeaky, slippy and noisy toys, make it past the biohazard zone of the gas fields generated by Zorro the beagle, and get to the coffee. That first sip is like rebirth, and soon after the cogs begin to churn. Usually not too long after, my second brain wave has been to get on to the MN thread and post my updates. For three years I have spend a significant portion of my morning routine, ranting about the shortcomings, and emphasizing the positives, and once in a while going off on an imaginary tangent, which has led to the introduction of the like of Jerry, Cat suit man, and others.

The time has come however for this coffee and number junky to move on to other things. I will need to focus on my family and professional career for the next year or so, and so will not have the time to commit to this thread. I will remain as a leisurely user, and rest assured I will continue to write my pieces (for whatever they are worth), but they will be on a once per week basis.

So this is to say that I step down as Number 1, and leave my place for the new generations to take over. Perhaps in a year I’ll pick up where I left off, but for the remainder of this season I will enjoy using the thread, instead of running it.

So as such, I have been asked by the new group of guys who will be taking over for me to update the masses about a few modifications to help with this transition period. The MN-New Generation (as they dubbed them selves) consists of NWT (who is already familiar with the inner workings of the thread), mateus, who will be taking over the posts, and chocolate (who will be taking over the numbers and tables. I will pass on my sig to these three members to sport proudly, and together they will keep the posts going.

I am sure they will all have something to add and ask of you to help them through the turbulent transition period, and I will let them post their new “temporary regulations” during the course of the day.

In the meanwhile I’ll enjoy my time in the proverbial white sand beaches of the brain, and as of this post I am proud to be an MN user, and not an Exec.

I would like to thank everybody in the team, who has made this experience truly joyous, and has given this obsessed and at times overly optimistic HABS fan a heaven to go to in dark times.

One last thing I can ask is that I hope the HABS give me a nice “parting” gift with a win against Brodeur and the gang tonight.

Thanks again all...you guys are the reason why this thread is what it is today.

HLD

PUCK POSSESSION BEGINS WITH FACE-OFFS:

It should be noted that the Canadians have been poor in the face-off circle since the beginning of the season. To be more precise we’re tied for 26th in the league with a 47.6% rate. First places sits at 54.2%. At first glance, this difference of less than ten 7% may seem negligible, however upon further deliberation it indicates a significant weakness on our team. Let’s assume for argument’s sake, that during the course of a game we have 50 face-offs. This would mean that the opposing team will have three or four more face-offs won during the course of the game. Just keep this number in mind for a second.

When our goal scoring trio, currently Kovalev’s line, steps on the ice and loses the face of, they will be spending the next 10 to 40 seconds chasing the puck around. More often than not, the opposing team will dump the puck behind Kovalev’s line to keep them in our zone and away from their goalie. Therefore, against a smart checking line, a lost face-off could lead to 40 seconds wasted away from the opposing goalie’s net. Given the high pace short shrift strategy our team possesses, a lost face-off could lead to a lost shift.

So getting back to the four face-offs lost per game, it basically translates into four loss to shifts for scoring line, which could be five or six scoring chances depending on the line. In a game, where matches are one and lost based on scoring chances, and where an average team will obtain ten to fifteen scoring chances per game, all of a sudden we’re talking about poor face-off performance cutting your scoring chances by 25% to 50%.

Of course all these numbers are assumptions, and during any given game they could be higher or lower, but the point remains that lost face offs equals loss to shifts, lost chances, and lost momentum. When Carbonneau joined the team last year, I recall one of the first things he did with the center’s was to do face of drills, and this might be a good time to get back to the basics, and run drills with our centers to ensure we control the puck. Puck possession is key, and it all begins with the face-off.

HABS WIN, LEAFS LOOSE, LIFE IS GREAT!

Well the refs managed to give the Maple turds a point with yet another goal which should not have counted against us, but the end result helps ease the pain of a busted spleen resulting from over-rage.

Is it just me or does Carey Price seems to excel and almost enjoy shoot-outs. Maybe after going over a dozen rounds in the shoot-out against the US at the Junior Worlds has conditioned Priceberg to excel even more in such a pressure packed situation.

It was a good call by the coach to promote Guillaume to the first line. They lit up the red light, had various close chances, points and drew penalties. Hopefully they keep gelling

And finally I have to mention Kovalev. When this guy gets angry, and gets into a fight for the puck along the board, doesn't he remind you of the second coming of Werewolf? He's like a beast, and when he does get the puck along the boards, the opposition is more likely to get hit by a meteor than they are to strip the puck away. I almost look forward to him getting cross-checked or hit in the face with a glove/stick. When I see that I know it's time for the Kovalev show, and last night was no different. What ever he did during the summer to "change his mental attitude" is paying dividends, and I his play only gets better from here.

THE BLIND LEADING THE DEAF

I did not have the pleasure of watching Guy Lafleur rip in to the HABS roster, but knowing the media in Montreal there is a high likelihood of misinterpretation and paraphrasing. With daily blog posts for three years running, I would consider my self an amateur member of the media, and I would feel left out if I didn't join my epsilonic brethren from Le Journal in paraphrasing Lafleur's comments in my own way.

The sentiment expressed was that he the HABS hae four fourth lines...and I will agree with him in my application of Le Journal's mantra: "I reject your reality and substitute my own".

I agree with this comment because what he's trying to say is that this is a well balanced team with no one line having more importance than the next. They are all equal pieces of the puzzle, cogs in a mega-machine. So Lafleur was complimenting the balanced and tightly nit team that Bob put together for Carbo to work with, and thus was complimenting Carbo on using them all equally, even when plating catch up hockey in the third.

HAH! False realities...how do you like them apples Le Tabloid de Montreal?!

In a more serious front, we have a tough challenge ahead of us, not because the Leafs have had our number this year, not because the opposing team has lost three in a row and will be even more motivated than usual, but because we are in a slump. One could paint it any color they wish, but the fact of the matter is that this team is in a slump and we have got to cut the bleeding asap by stringing together a few wins. The next few game are key and they all start with tonight's game.

At this point somebody has to step up and be a leader. The trouble with a well balanced team built on the basis of the proven adage: "a team is as strong as it's weakest ling" is that the players designated as leaders might loose their identity and blend in with the followers. With everybody following, no one is leading and although the team is working collectively, they will be collectively going around in circles. During the first dozen or so games, Kovalev did a great job of leading the locker room through his intensity on the ice, and encouragement/mentorship on the bench and in the locker room. Today the team is missing this character in the locker room and it's time Koivu, Kovalev, Komisarek, even Higgins, Ryder, or Chipchura to grab the bull by the horns and ride it like there's no tomorrow. Because the sad truth is that no matter how great the team works together, if they are not lead to work in the same direction, there will be no post season glory, or at worse even a post season.

LET THE DISMANTLING BEGIN!

OK so I haven’t been on the forum since Saturday morning, and I made a point of writing this update prior to checking out the fan reaction in various threads. I would assume by this point that half the team should be traded, Ryder burnt at the stake, Carbonneau fired and replaced by Youppi, Gainey fired and replaced by the beer vendor, etc, etc…

I will be the first to admit that this team has been on the bubble/ fence between stardom and mediocrity, and as of late every indication shows that we are sliding towards the wrong side of the line. However, everyone needs to get a grip and realise that we’re not there yet. We’re only just over a quarter of the way in to the season, we’re still in good shape in points standings. We should also note that every team (including the “mighty” Senators) go through their rough patches. This is a test for the team, a test we failed miserably last year, and it gives many of the players an opportunity to have a second crack at the cookie. Also its advantageous to go through the rough patches earlier rather than later in the season, because if and when we fix the glitches, we’ll be flying into the post-season with momentum.

All that to say that we are going through a rough patch, but all it takes is a few games winning streak and a 0.7, 0.8 winning rate over a dozen games or so, and we’re back on cloud nine. Things change quickly in the new NHL, and the standings, as many must have noticed, change rather dramatically every weekend. It’s not the first, nor will it be the last time the HABS teeter-tot through the ranks, but if the general public wants to enter mass hysteria and send the ¾ of the roster to the firing range each time we drop a few, than there is a high likelihood of the team demoralising throughout the long season.

This is where we will see how much maturity the players and the coaching staff has gained through last year’s debacles. And it all starts with a solid test against another team in a dire situation, who incidentally has our number: The Leafs.

STILL BUILDING MOMENTUM

OK so we lost and there were a few bogus calls (offside on their second goal, a questionable call against Komi, no call at the end of the game on Afinogenof which led to the 4th goal, etc…). However we didn’t need to be in that situation to begin with, and tonight will remind the pesky bananas that we’re at a higher level than them.

The reason why they got the lead was simple: Horrible coaching decisions. Dandenault said it right out during the pre-game interview. When he was asked about how well they played when they pressured the Isles Defensemen, chased and work the puck behind the net, and got their own Defensemen involved in the attack, and questioned on what the team strategy was for tonight, his response made me cringe in my seat: “Well, it was a fun game in NY, but the coaches talked with us and showed some tape, and we’ll have to do the exact opposite of what we did in NY. We have to fall back and try to shut them down” I immediately knew I had a loosing bet on that game.

The saving grace in this story however is that after a period of letting the Sabres perform Baryshnikov’s interpretation of the Nut-Cracker in our zone, the coaches decided to open up the play, and IMPOSE OUR OWN GAME. End result, we tied the game, and we would have won it had it not been for the McGooesque call on Komi. (Note that our PK was atrocious last night, and should have came up big during that PK…too many weaknesses)

So end result, I hope and believe that this was a learning lesson to Carbo and the stooges, because if we ever, ever, EVER enter a game with this fall back strategy which is yet to win us a comfortable and deserved game, I will have to pull a Frank-The-Tank and run through the snow naked to cool off.

I would expect us to come out and impose our game from the start, this game and the next, and the next, and the next, etc…However the most important thing is to just play our game and come out with the win tonight, because we don’t want to drop two in a row. That’s when ugly things begin to happen.

BUBBLES THE UNDERCOVER MEXICAN

If one uses Google translate to Englishify an article from RDS.com, Bouillon’s name is magically transferred to Bubbles. They must have used a similar process to change Bubbles in to a Mexican on the ice yesterday. I knew there was something fishy about him all along! Something about the way he wore his sombrero, but I can't quite put my finger on it. If you ask me Bubbles is a home boy, and he's as French-Canadian as the Enchiladas he chases with the super-sized Churros. But beware all...heed my word. The office de la langue Français won't let this one slide so easily. After giving the team a series of "Dictés", they'll challenge why Bubble's coach and team-mates decided to denationalise one of the few Quebec born players on a team where local boys are already a rare and endangered species. Funny right? You think I'm kidding? Just wait for the headlines in a few days. After having witnessed the honourable Office de la langue Français pursue and shut down a pet store in the West Island, because the parrot out front knew only English words, anything is possible.

The team's recent schedule including the North American team vs. the Internationals team (which included the poor brainwashed and infidel Bubbles) scrimmage, the team thanks giving dinner, and other team building activities are proof once more that the camaraderie in the locker room is strong and continues to improve. This theme of team spirit I keep coming back to is the key to our success. A well balanced team needs everyone to do their job, work together, and look out for the other guys on the ice, and having team spirit gives the players the right mental attitude to help accomplish this straight forward, but difficult task.

Given the team's current state, I expect nothing less than 4/4 points in the next 24ish hours. I just hope Bubbles can deal with his current identity crisis. Otherwise we'll all be asking for refunds on #51 Jerseys, or changing their names to Sanches.

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW

If I didn't know any better, I would have though allowing goals in the last 5 minutes of the game was part of the team strategy in Montreal. Better yet a tradition. It's a shame Huet didn't get his second shut-out out of the year, and it's a shame we don't have that ''killer instinct'', but there is something to be said about a team who is up by 4 goals and is unwilling to run up the scoreboard, injure, hit, or further humiliate the opponent. Some may take it as being sportsmen, others as laziness, and even some as weakness, but early in the season the HABS are unwilling to ''stick it'' to a team who has already been clearly dealt a loss.

With that said, I saw a third solid performance in a row by the boys. We're back to our behaviour from early in the season where we're showing weakness in one or two areas, we're playing exceptionally well in another few areas, but for the most part 95% of the team is doing 95% of their duties ''OK''. This balanced and consistent formula has proven to be successful early in the season, and we're reaping the results once again.

We were caught off stride against Buffalo, but I foresee a four point drop in two nights come Friday and Saturday.

TIME FOR CRISTOWALL TO RE-MORTAR THE CRACKS

The HABS will be trying to continue their record of not having lost two in a row when they play the Islanders. Montréal’s play so far this season has been surprising to most analysts, but the Islanders hold the trophy for most surprising team of the season. They have been playing at and performing at a level that no one would have anticipated, and this is why tonight's game should not be taken lightly. We will have to play another perfect and cohesive game for 60 minutes to grab the two points tonight.

Tom Kostopoulos will be returning to the line-up tonight, and you can bet your last buck he will be full of energy. This guy is already one of the most motivated players on the team, but having to watch your comrades loose a game whilst having your proverbial hands tied helplessly in the press box is sure to get Mr. Freeze’s blood boiling. I will look for him to hit lots, hit hard, get under the Isles defensemen’s skins and play a solid game.

The other player I will be watching closely and hoping for a superb performance from is Huet. For starters he can ill afford a fourth loss in a row, and after having his coach put his chips on him, and give him a chance to prove he's still the #1 goalie of the team, he can't afford to have a weak performance. Huet is a competitor, and I have no doubt in my mind he will bounce back. But with Price pushing, and winning, and being a fan favourite and repeatedly being introduced as the teams future #1, franchise goaltender and saviour, there will be many individuals pushing to replace Huet as the official #1 goalie on every chance they get. Another loss tonight and you can bet the already hot topic of the battle between the pipes will be the #1 story on both the English and French media.

BIG BIRD HONOURED

Last night's festivities honouring Larry Robinson were yet another accomplishment in Big Bird's illustrious, and on-going hockey career, and another feather to add to the Montreal Canadiens Organisation's cap. The proceedings were relatively short, to the point, classy and emotional. Kudos to the Ottawa Senators team to come out and watch the ceremonies,0and a bigger homage to Big Bird for personally thanking and shaking the hands off everyone out there minus the camera men (he got the when the could put the cameras down. although it would be ludicrous to think #19's career, accomplishments and gracious and humble personality could be covered in 30 minutes, the ceremonies were a clear reflection of his leadership, warm personality and his ability to relate with me...the average Joe. The NHL can use more characters of his hard working, gritty but respectful team player, and the whole sport is better for having Larry Robinson been a part of it for 12 years as a player, and continues to be with his involvement in the administration levels of the New Jersey Devils.

It would have been hard for anyone to believe that after a ceremony like that the players wouldn't be inspired a-la-max, and that was the case. The Montreal Canadiens were clearly motivated and inspired, however so were the Senators. Despite the loss last night, I think we played well. We were intense whenever we could be, and we kept the energy levels up even though we were playing catch up all the way.

Unfortunately Ottawa just played better...period. They are the top team in the league for a reason. Good news is we have 60+ games to get our game to their level.

I only have two complaints from last night. First and foremost, that ice surface was the worse I've seen in the Bell center in a long time. Secondly, Huet has got to pick up his game. He made some great saves, but the fact of the matter is he has let in 11 goals on 94 shots in his last three games, giving him a 3.67 GAA and a 0.8794 save % with a 0-3 record. I realise many of those goals were lucky bounces off skates and defensemen, but a good goalie should be covering for all eventualities via proper placement and position. Unlucky goals will always happen, but when you start letting in a lot of them, it could be an indication of weak positioning.

Something else Huet doesn't have going for him is that Carrey Price plays behind the same team, same defence, same system, and we see the same unlucky bounces, but they end up in his glove, tip of the pad, end of the stick, post, off target, etc, essentially anywhere but in the net. Maybe I have the benefit of being ignorant and hiding behind my numbers, stats and probability analysis, but basically my position is that a goalie can't stop them all, however with proper positioning and stance he should be anticipating and stopping them more often than not. Huet has not been doing this as of late, and his loosing record is a direct result of this unfortunate situation. Whether it is time for Price to slowly take over the starter position is a debate I don’t want to get into, however one thing is for sure: With Price winning and Huet underperforming, the French one is not helping himself.

CAMARADERIE CONFIRMED

It was nice to wake up this morning and read some articles confirming my hopeful suspicion from the weekend, with respect to the team coming together in a spirit of co-operation, support and team-work.

Tonight, the team will attempt to re-confirm this in continuing its systematic play consisting of grit and support on both sides of the ice by all 5 players. The task at hand however is tougher than one would have liked at a moment like this. Not only are the Sens arguably the top team in the league, but they have also lost their last game and will not want to drop two in a row.

The HABS on the other hand can profit immensely from a win tonight. Not only will it be a huge shot of confidence in the arm, but it will also go a long way as establishing this team as cohesive and balanced unit, that is a formidable opponent. We’re a formidable opponent not because we have super stars, but because we don’t have weak links, empty holes to fill, players left out to dry on the ice.

Les Glorieux will have all the motivation they need following the retirement of Big Bird’s jersey, and Huet will/should play one of his best games of the season, given the parasitic monkey growing on his back after going 0-2 in his last two starts. There is a good chance we can bring the Sens within 1.5NL tonight, and shake their confidence a bit after handing them their first back-to-back loss of the year. Now all I have to do is try and make it through the next 10.5 hours

THE VIRTUES OF LOSING:

I’m glad I’m writing this a day late, sine it gives me an opportunity to reflect on both games at the same time. Unfortunately weekends are a time of chaos for a family man, so I’ll have to keep it short, and leave the detailed post till Monday.

A loss such as the one we endured on Friday can sometimes be a blessing in disguise, and I hope this was the case for the HABS this week. After a spanking, a team usually head one of two ways: start pointing fingers at each other and cause chaos in the locker room, or come together and support one another and get over the “hump”. If last night’s game is any indication of this teams character, they have come together and decided to work with one another. I saw people stepping up last night that didn’t even used to body check. I saw Kostopoulos, who has a dismal loosing record in fights (as per hockey fights.com) standing up to a formidable giant of an opponent who has a fist the size of a steering wheel.

It’s good to see the team is not giving up and sliding on a slump. Even though we have been winning every other game, this team remains on the bubble, and after each loss we come back and show we’re not ready to give up and go on a three month slide. That’s the good news. The bad news is that after each win, we don’t come out hungry for that next one to try and get on a winning streak again. Our next opponents are not going to make this any easier on us, given they’re coming off a loss and will be hungry hungry hippos.

For now, we should build off of this momentum, and I’m not talking about the momentum of winning. There are more important things going on other than getting two points right now. We are on the verge of building a team that in my opinion can be a legitimate challenger to the cup, and yes I say this even after seeing the game on Friday. Sometimes bad bounces knock the wind out of your sails (nothing one can do about bad luck) but team spirit and work ethic is something we can control, and this is the momentum we should be building on. I say it’s good time for the roster to get out and play a game of paintball before practice…get the camaraderie, which is at an all time high, locked in to that higher zone…where champion teams live.

We’re on the bubble, but this team has every indication that it wants to go the way of the champions…do it…and start with a win against the Sens.

EASY OPPOSITION, BUT WE SHOULD WIN

Our opposition for the night is weak, injured and tired from a tough game last night. So it should be an easy win right? Well we've all heard this song before, most recently the loss to TO a couple of Saturdays ago. So what should be the expectation for tonight? Will we really take advantage of a weak team and notch a solid win? Will the fire the coaching staff is lighting under some players work and kick start a stalling offense? Or will we take the Sabres too lightly, get ahead of our selves, start focusing on tomorrow's game and drop the ball on this easy two point opportunity?

I believe that the formula being implemented on the first line will work. I foresee Higgins and Koivu picking up some overdue points tonight. The second line will punish the overzealous Sabres defence with their speed and capitalise on several odd man rushes. The energy line will hit and hurt the relatively smaller Sabres team and tire them out.

The question mark remains with the checking line. The logic of putting a scorer on the checking line not only fails to shed light on how it's supposed to improve Ryder's play, but it could turn our brick wall of a checking line into Jell-O. Between Ryder and Kostopoulos, it doesn't take a genius to figure out the latter will have a much easier time settling into his new temporary role. However this is not to say Ryder will not succeed. The odds are not in his favour, but prior to the beginning of the season neither was this team for being one of the more dominant teams in the East. The coach believes enough in Ryder to keep him on the ice and not the press box. Therefore Ryder's fate remains in his own hands. This should hopefully, and in theory provide the motivation he requires to get going again. Here is how I can rationalise this situation:

Since Ryder will be on third line, he will be matched up against lesser players, which means he would have better chances at taking shots from better positions, and this in turn will help him score and gain his confidence back. In theory it makes sense, but I wouldn't hold my breath on that one.

The Sabres might capitalise on the third line, but we will score our fair share. Some solid goaltending from Huet should ensure this game ends up with a win for the good guys, and then we can start worrying about tomorrow's game.

HOW MANY NEWFIEWS DOES IT TAKE TO SCORE A GOAL?

The latest news out of the press is that Carbonneau will be placing Michael Ryder on the checking line and bring Tom Kostopoulos up to the first line. To my last recollection the first line's primary objectives was to score goals. Also last I checked, and based on his own words, Tom Kostopoulos is not a natural goal scorer. He is a superb player given his current duties on the roster; however I wonder what, if any, the ramifications will be once he's taken out of his comfort zone.

At this point one would have to assume that neither the coach, nor his new line mates will expect him to change his style or play, which brings us back to the original question of "What is the first line's role"? It is, and remains, the scoring of clutch and game winning goals, and I can somewhat understand the choice made by coach Carbs. The theory goes such that a hard hitting, grinder who likes to throw the puck behind the oppositions net and hit defensemen and beat them one on one along the boards will open up the ice to two of our most talented skaters. Furthermore, when Koivu or Higgins in in control of the puck, he has the size, grit and courage to plant him self in front of the goalie. As a third dimension, he brings some protection to our little ol' spitfire Captain during scrums (Komisarek can't be expected to do it all the time). Although my first instinct is to question Kostopoulos being delegated to the first line with a goal scorer (Grabovski) in the press box, I can understand the process of thought and justification coming from the coaches. Putting a guy like Kostopoulos is more in line with the team Gainey and Carbonneau are trying to (and succeeding) to create, and the successes of such a formula cannot be denied. Last year when Latandresse stepped in for the job for a few games, the line had a level of success we would all sell our souls for right now. At this point if anyone is wondering given past success, why Latandresse wouldn’t be given the job, need I remind you that Latandresse’s game is as cold as a fish. Kostopoulos will, or rather should succeed if he continues doing what he does best: dump, chase, hit, hurt, crunch.

Now about putting Ryder on the checking line...where do I begin? There are more things wrong with this decision than a drafted junior hockey player with a future in the NHL doing a gay porn photo shoot to pay the bills expecting never to get caught (duh), getting busted, claiming he took pictures of him self using his cell phone, and expecting the public to believe he's the victim of theft. (Now I'm no digital expert, but after seeing the few pictures posted on Canoe.com where he chose to keep his clothes on and let his tongue do the talking via Mores code on another guy's face, it’s fairly clear that pictures of that resolution taken from a distance involved a professional camera…and a camera man…or a 20 foot long right arm). Back to Ryder…placing him on the checking line, a line with the primary objective of defensive shut down, is a perfect opportunity to educate the younger crowd here who is unfamiliar with the word oxymoron. Placing a player who is arguably one of the largest defensive liabilities on the ice since Sheldon Souray’s departure, on the defensive line is like having a goaltender who is missing a torso guarding the net. Now I can’t even begin to proclaim that I know what happens behind the scenes, and at this point I trust of the coach’s judgment of the Ryder will get the job done, or that the implemented circumstances is exactly what Ryder needs in order to get his game back.

TWO WAY YOU SAY?!?

Good morning ladies and germs. We have a rare pleasure this morning, in that you won’t have to listen to my incisive but often incoherent rant. Mateus was be gracing us with his incisive but often incoherent rant instead


g000000d morning to all my fellow MNers and w00ters alike!
the general here reporting to you from his trusty laptop and GLAD he put the studies aside last night!

lets start off by saying an honest truth about the habs and the leafs(i'll even let you guys and gals guess which is which haha):
"when you put that jersey on, magical things can happen."
"when you walk into this building, be ready for controversy"
now lets be honest, officiating? what officiating?!? both teams suffered some of the most ridiculous calls not to mention missed half o dozen calls...and as the game goes on im seriously starting to wonder which i prefer: a rugby version of hockey...or a futebol version of it....because right now, especially last night, we were in a grey zone that can't even be described in any way shape or form!
now that my steam pot has whistled its tune, lets move on to business and the real reason i called this post "two way you say?!?". we can call this a rivalry game or a heated hated battle, either way it was definatly a zone to zone, net to net encounter which had both sides seeing all colours and none at once! one can say that the first and the third were tightly contested affairs...but even then, how does one describe a 40 shots against and then explain how a team goes 1-7 with barely 10 shots on goal...in total! i mean honestly, its flabergasting to say the least how our beloved habs can be completly shoved aside and dominated when its 5 on 5 but take a man away and we play better?!? carbo...jarvis...what are you teaching these boys?

moving on to another two way: ryder vs kost!
the one is what id call now a veteran, a proven 30 goal scorer who can sure shock many all star goal tenders with his precise shot. the later we called a doubtful youngster, who seems to be a repeat of perezhogin...but lets be realistic ladies and gents: one is now a liability to our main attack line where as the other is making heads turn! and not just in the stands but on the ice as well! i can still picture him being shoved aside by gill and tucker alike...but there goes our dear AK-46 still skating, still hitting, still trying! and as he tried he was rewarded! a well timed opertunistic goal tapped into the top of an unocupied net and telling BG and the coaching staff that theres still more to come from the belarussians! ryder on the other hand...is in need of some home made habs videos 101, at the very least.

higgins vs chipchura!
two way at its best! both left everything on the ice everyshift and though neither came out of this one strong i have to say: chipchura is going to be a hab to remember someday! skill, confidence, leadership, defensive and offensive talent, son, i cant wait to see you with an A on that jersey! higgins: try as he may, nothing is going his way...but that doesnt stop the kid from trying! he's playing for the club he loves and is still willing to give his all even though hes going nowhere in the standings. people may not notice it, but it is the higgins's that bring teams stanley cups, and we know that when he gets it, he gets higgy with it!

on to markov...andrei...if your reading this...go buy a 649 ticket...please? give it to charity, to your kids, to the city, the team, concordia for all i care! but go buy yourself one because that was the RAREST performance ive seen from our #1 D-man and i hope i never see a repeat!

finally, last but not least, the two way player of the night: he faced rampaging leaves...net rushing defensemen...2 defensively liable tap in goals...a center of the hockey universe given goal(damn you galactus!)...a net(yes! crossbar, posts, netting and all!)...40 shots and i dare say the kitchen sink! and all el general can say is he grabbed that kitchen sink with two hands to steady it, skated to the cowbelled zebras and handed it back with a nod and a skate back. if anyone still thinks this kid is an over rated country loving nobody...they better think again because it doesnt matter wether its bob barker or drew carey: ladies and gentleman of the faithful of le blue-blanc-rouge, the price is right! come on down carey!

to conclude: price held the fort, those who had something to prove proved it, those who had something to owe still are in debt, MN dropped another 2 at least! and the beauties are out tonight for the habs won and the leafs lost.

el general over and out!


Well done General

NAILS, BALLS AND LESSONS LEARNT

Tonight's game against the Maple turds has more meaning than just two points. The Montreal Canadiens are facing some adversity, in that they have given up well deserved points in the dying minutes of a game, in more than one game. 15 games into the season the concern on everyone's minds is continuing the high level of performance early in the game, and to somehow carry this on till the end.

Recent press shows that:
1) These vulcher haven't found any new dirt on Kovalev.
2) The coach and the team are all on the same page as to the main problem faced by the team.

Being on the same wavelength with respect to identifying a problem is one thing, but finding a solution and implementing it while keeping consensus throughout the locker room is a whole other ball game. Carbonneau will need to convince the team about the decisions made by the coaching staff in order to address the issue. He will need to make them believe that this "new" approach will mitigate the problem in order to motivate players to implement it with intensity.

When asked about my views on humanity in general and the world we have created for our selves, my favourite answer is that "man is an ugly ape, with nails long enough to scratch his kahunas, and teeth strong enough to bite his nails". No one can soundly challenge the fact that Guy has learned and improved as a coach since last year, but tonight we'll see if he has learnt the harder lessons. Is he still biting his nails, or has he learnt to control his primary reaction and urges, see the bigger picture, and behave in an appropriate manner that is better for the greater good instead of his “id”.

Personally, I would like to believe that tonight’s game will be another notch in Carbo’s career as a coach. I believe we take this game from the beginning all the way to the end, and win a convincing game without praying on our knees till the final whistle.

HAVE TO TWEAK THE STRATEGY

The loss to Ottawa over the weekend was undoubtedly heartbreaking. After a day’s reflection however, it is time to move on and focus on what needs to be done in order to ensure this team remains at the top of the leaderboard and not go on an ever so familiar slide/tumble down the ranks. The Canadiens remain on the bubble, but the good news is we’re still on the fence. We still control our destiny, and we can get back on track with a solid win against Toronto on Tuesday.

I don’t know what the mood is like in the locker room, but if I were player on the Montreal Canadien’s roster, I would have fired in my belly so hot that I would be counting down the minutes until I can get on the ice on Tuesday and hit everything that moves, shoot the puck on Raysoft any chance I get, and work hard on every second of every shift until I got nothing left in my legs.

In retrospect, the performance on Saturday was pretty good and demonstrated that this team possesses all the tools that are necessary to beat any team in the NHL, including the mighty Senators and unbeatable Red Wings. In my humble opinion, the major challenge that remains for this team is the capacity to utilize all its assets, and implement the team strategy that will consistently yield success.

I believe the current system implemented and used by Carbonneau it’s a valid one in utilizes all eighteen skaters on the ice, and has proven itself time and time again, including Saturday afternoon, that it can be used against any team in the NHL and win. My only concern at this point, is the decisions being made in the third period when the team as the lead. I can understand the causes concern to ensure his players are mindful of the neutral zone and don’t give up odd-man rushes, however the way in which this is accomplished cannot be done at the expense of giving up the ice to the opposition and let them work the puck to their will. We have three very competent coaches behind the bench, and it will be up to them to create and implement a new strategy to accomplish what they need without giving up the ice as much as they do.

PINCH ME…AM I DREAMING?

It’s not everyday one sees a grown man cry. The rare occasions are when a child is born, when the little toe is stubbed, or on weekends where there’s more double headers and triple headers than there is ugly on Brin D’Amour’s face.

I begin the day with a little University football quarter final action. The Concordia Stingers visit the Laval Rouge et Or for the QUFL championship. For those who might need a University football 101, here’s a little background. The Canadian league is divided in to sub leagues, the one for Quebec being the Quebec University Football League) QUFL). The winners of the sub league face each other in the semi-finals, and obviously the two winners face each other for the Vanier Cup (Canadian champions). The Laval Rouge et Or has won the Vanier cup twice in three presences at the final match during the past three years. They are based out of Quebec City, and as the largest sports organisation in La Capital National they have a larger budget than 80% of Canadian Universities put together. They are ranked #1 in Canada, and have been for a while.

Notoriously the Concordia Stingers have faced the Rouge et Or for the QUFL finals as the strongest team based out of Montreal. They are ranked 8th in the country, and have lost to the Rouge et Or almost every game. The last time the Stingers won the QUFL championship was 2002 and 1998 where they went all the way to the finals, only to loose in a heartbreaker of a game.

As an alumnus of Concordia, I watch them face goliath in the form of Rouge et OR every year. This year will be no different, and I know our dear General (who is currently a student there) will be supporting his team. Maybe the Admiral will join us too (oh come on…we’re the same school now!).

Getting back on topic, this game ends at 3:00pm…guess what starts at 3:00 pm………..excuse me I’m starting to weep……So the HABS roll into Ottawa after a few bad performances with stolen points, and Ottawa welcomes us after loosing to the worse team in the East. I eagerly wait to see how inspired we’ll jump out of the gates. We’re going to have to make swiss cheese out of Gerber early to take this one, and we’re going to have to play a fast passed, hustle along the boards, take the body type of game. Our third and fourth trios will have their hands full with the top #1 line in the league, and several scoring leaders. Unfortunately there are no shortcuts today, and the whole team from the goalie to the defence to the offence will have to do their jobs to a “T”. If we can run away with two points here and dish out a second loss in a row to the Sens, it might send a message to the whole league that they are beatable, and open up the NL flood gates for the #1 ranked team.

This game ends at 7:00pm, and the double header begins. I’ll have a choice of watching a tired Toronto get spanked, or an overly cocky Crosby get knocked down a peg by the Decepticons…I mean Flyers.

Now that’s what I call a perfect Saturday. Bring on the chicken wings and my 2/4, this HABSy is out of commission for the day :D

WE’RE STILL WINNING…LET’S KEEP IT THAT WAY

There's been a disturbing trend emerge in the past few games. With the exception of the inspired game against Briere the diving, whining trickster, the team has shown a lack of will, heart and intensity. It was inexcusable against Atlanta, understandable against Buffalo, but last night there was no excuse for fore-checking hard and hitting their defensemen deep in the zone...kind of like what the tired Bruins were doing to us. On Saturday we will be playing against an overly inspired Senators team after having lost to one of the worse teams on the NHL, and trying to make long passes and playing most of the game in our zone giving away pucks on turnovers and getting penalties just won't do.

With that said the HABS picked up two more points...on the road...against a Division rival. There were many things to take away from that game and build on, most notably Price's spectacular and eerily calm performance. No wonder he is being aptly nick named Jesus Price...he can walk on water! Well frozen water...and there were 38 other skater who were doing it...But the fact of the matter is his demeanor through out the game, and most importantly in the last few minutes of the game was astounding. I have seen too many goalies panic when the opposing team pulls the goalie with seconds left, and make the first move or go down early on shots. It takes more than a sack of Kahunas to stand up to a shot from the face off circle, with circulation in front in a 6 on 5 situation with seconds from a one goal win. It takes just as much confidence as talent to play the puck masterfully as a third defenseman, especially after a disastrous pass that almost cost a goal. I've said it before and I'll say it again...Price is cucumber boy...as in cool as a...

I have to make a quick mention about another rookie, who has impressed me with not only his talent, but his calm demeanor. Kyle Chipchura has shown game and game again this season that he rarely panics, makes the right decisions, and is well aware of the game around him.

Speaking of talent, it's good to see Kostitsyn break out of his shell. I hope he continues his involved play, smart decisions, and masterful control of the puck. A fan could sure get used to those flip passes directly on Plekanec’s tape, leading to highlight reel goals. If that second goal by Plekanec is not on the plays of the week, I'll be disappointed.

The Canadiens are still on the bubble IMO. Spectacular performances by the goalies are masking the weakness of the team. Although in the short run we're winning and getting the points, in the long run it can hurt us on the form of a three month, post holidays slump. We have two trios who can and does score goals, we have special teams who can and are performing, we have a shut down line like no body's business, and an energy line who not only gets the job done, but scores. Most importantly we have possibly the best goaltending duo in the league who will improve with each passing day. The team is well balanced, doesn't take useless penalties, and is fast. But we have to keep the strategy simple, and the players motivated. We simply do not have the raw talent to try and win a fancy game. Dump it, chase it, keep the puck in their zone, out skate the opponents and out work them along the boards.

Bob Gainey has put together a team that has all the tools and means to win. Now it's up to the coaching staff to implement the proper game plan, and most importantly keep everyone motivated. The ball's in your court Guy, and the team is on a bubble that could burst any second. How will you respond?

TIRED BOSTON WITH ROOKIE GOALIE

Les Glorieux rolls in to Boston today a stronger team based on the analogy of "a team is as strong as its weakest link. Garth Murray has been left behind in Montreal and placed on waivers, and now we can begin placing bets on who will be brought up from Hamilton (Lapierre anyone?).

On the other side of the rink, the Bruins will have a young goalie coming in to play his first game in the NHL. At first glance things look good, but then one reads on and learns that Tuukka Rask's story is all too similar to Halak's when he came in last year. He's coming up from the AHL where he has an impeccable 6-1 record, to fill in for an injured "Number 1" goalie. On one hand he'll be nervous about and throughout his NHL debut, and on the other hand this is the chance he's been waiting for his whole life. He will be more eager to showcase his talent behind that 6 foot + wall with pads, than Tom Cruise was to eat his baby's placenta (oh yeah...it's true...gross but true).

So if we are to knock two more points in the right direction tonight, we have to strike fast, strike hard, and keep striking until we score. Last thing we need is to give the kid some early shots and pressure only for a few minutes…just enough action to help him keep his lunch down and settle down his game. With the talent he has we must not let him get in the game or we risk facing a brick wall.

On a final note I just turned to look out the window on my way into work, and saw SNOW! Booooooooooo! On the upside however it's time to set up my mini hockey rink in the back, which we have affectionately come to call "The Jerry Center".

Markov...Deal or No Deal?

On the account of Markov, Koivu and Huet being put on the All Star selection list, I though I would bring back a post I wrote during the summer (available on the blog as an entry on June 6, 2007). What…you guys thought the blog closed for the summer?!

Markov...Deal or No Deal?
Good day one and all. It has been a while since I posted, but I thought the Markov deal deserved a visit and a comment on the blog.
First off I am glad to see that we have signed Markov. The price is a tad bit steep, but given the realities of taxes (net amount in his pocket) and being able to lock him in for the longer term, the deal made both sides happy. A win win deal will always yield more results than one agreed upon with resentment. Furthermore, with the trend of the salary cap moving up every year, I believe the 5.75 per year will be cheap (proportionally speaking to the overall salary of the team) in the third and fourth year for a defenseman of his talent.
With that said, I have seen some people questioning whether he is that good of a player. I can understand why one might question his abilities, since he is a player with no flash…no specific memorable events. Not like Souray with a record breaking year in goals and his wonderful highlight-reel goal on the SO. But don’t let Markov’s modest play style fool you. Think back to every game we played against star forwards. I’m referring to the Crosbys, Ovechkins, Lecavaliers, Briers, etc…Out of about 25-30 games we have played against teams with super star forwards, how many times can one remember where a super start had a super game. I remember more occasions where they were shut down (especially when we were at home and could match Markov against them all the time) than times where they had multiple goal games. That is value that is hard to find in the league and I am very very very happy we have someone like Markov leading our defensive core.

STOP THE SLUMP BEFORE IT HAPPENS

Coming into last night's game we were 1-1-1 in our last three. A loss last night would have imposed a 1-2-1 record, or three losses in four games and despite games we [i]should[/i] have won, we would have qualified for a bonified slump. The first priority for the team was to pick up the two points and nip any chance of a slide in the but. Some may call last night's game uninspired (except for that sweet Plekanec goal) and they would be right, but the fact of the matter is the team came through and did what it had to in order to squeeze out 2 points.

Not enough credit is given to locker room atmosphere and team morale. It is after all the reason why teams who are "gelling" keep gelling, and teams where nothing seems to be working just keep getting worse. Although the HABS started off the season strong as far as team moral is concerned, following the demoralising loss against Atlanta and the heartbreaking loss against Toronto, they are walking a thin line.

The performance against Philly showed character and was a giant leap on getting back on the horse. But the blow on Saturday clearly ruffled a few feathers, and this was apparent in the team's performance last night. The win against Buffalo will go a long way in restoring some egos and confidence, but the team remains, at least in my opinion, fragile. Wins on Thursday and later on against Toronto on Tuesday are imperative if this team is to get back on the horse fast. A good hustle (and hopefully a win) against Ottawa would also help in getting the team back moral back, which should lead to playing the high tempo game for 60 minutes, out shooting and out hustling the opposition.

With all that said let us rejoice at our four point MN drop and its continuing descent towards 0. Also it's nice to return to the number four spot in both point and NL standings (we are currently third in net points). And of course Huet's shutout was overdue...now we'll wait for Price's first :D

IT’S PENUT BUTTER JELLY TIME!

Alright, we've all had a day to percolate the heartbreaking stuff from Saturday, so now we can all put the past behind us and look forward to the bananas on steroids game tonight. Lindy Ruff (what a name) and his minions will undoubtedly try and seek revenge on the 4-2 loss to us earlier in the season, so we should be weary of a motivated and explosive start by the visitors. The Sabres remain a very tough challenge despite their losses to the UFA market and their record this year.

Last week we bounced back against silly Philly following that loss to Atlanta, and this showed lots of character. We will have to repeat this same feat tonight to prove to the hockey world that this team is oozing character, and that neither the bounce-back last week, nor the beginning to the season is a fluke.

So far this season, we've been effective (for the most part) against offensive minded teams, so the match-up against Buffalo is shoe in. However they will still get their chances and shots on goal, and so the goalie (hopefully Jesus Price) will come out big. This team simply does not play at the same level without solid goaltending, and this has been the most common reason for dropping points with just minutes left in the game. Something hopefully Huet can remedy soon (and it is my opinion that he will), or the transition to Price will happen a lot sooner than anticipated.

1, 2, 3 WAKE UP! DAMN…NOT A DREAM:

There is only one thing which is worse than losing a game to the Leafs: a game where we played well. Granted we got off to a horrid start, and the Huet could be blamed for playing a soft game where he left huge rebounds, let in a very soft winning goal, and took close to thirty seconds before he realised he was being hailed back to the bench to be replaced by a sixth skater. However, we were not the worse team out there and the final outcome doesn’t reflect what should have happened.

I find it difficult to get over the loss on the fact that we played good (for the most part) and if it wasn’t for some lucky bounces for the Leafs things would have been different, and that if we keep doing what we’re doing we’ll come out ahead more often than not. Loosing to the Leafs just stinks, and Huet has got to focus on his game after two soft starts. I hope Price gets the start on the next game to get Huet back on track and rework on some aspects of his game in order to keep the #1 position.

On that note, off I go…I just don’t have the motivation to write about all the good stuff we did. Let’s all just get through this day, and tomorrow we can rejoice with a win over the bananas.

WHO SHOT WHO IN THE WHAT NOW?!:

Oh happy day! MN-TO-NO-GO takes a hit, and the Mapleturds take a tumble the NL standings and are ranked third to last. With the right sequence of events tonight, mainly a loss to the Leafs in regulation, they could be second to last with only 0.5 NL separating them from the bottom of the barrel.

As I sit here and watch Sports Center on TSN, and the report about the heroic game they played last night, hard fought, out shot and out chanced the opponents (as the reporter says), I can’t help but think about how this affects our game tonight. The turds are known for extreme high followed by extreme lows (i.e loosing to the Atlanta Thrashers and going on a rampage against the Pens the next day). This repetitive pattern suggests that after loosing to the Devils last night will undoubtedly further inspire the Leafs, who already like coming into Montreal with their A++++++ game. Even though they are tired and playing two games in two nights, they will be imposing the tempo if we don’t take charge early and keep pushing.

I sure hope our boys are pumped A-La-Max, and are ready to play a full pledged physical hockey game for 60 minutes. If the same team from Tuesday shows up this one’s in the bag. If I have to post Jerry again tomorrow, then this one is a gonner.

Odds would suggest we have the advantage in this one. Huet will like to come out strong following a soft (not bad but soft) appearance against Philly/ Toronto on the other hand will (or should) be playing Raysoft since Toscalacantstopapuck played last night. So in net we have the edge.

We will be rolling four lines with (hopefully) speed and grit, and this will tire out the already exhausted Leafs early and fast. Given Paul Maurice’s high tempo game plan, he was banking on some points last night and asked his team to go all out, focus on New Jersey, and leave nothing on the ice. Therefore it would be safe to assume that if we impose the tempo early in the first and keep it high, the Leafs will be mulched by the second.

As for the blue-line, with Bouillon’s return to the line-up, I think the HABS have the advantage there hands down. Anyone who tries to compare the likes of Kaberle and McKabe to a Markov and Hamrlik should just jump off a building.

Logic would dictate that playing at home, with everything listed above, a fourth NL ranked team should be able to school a 13th NL ranked team no problem. But I’ll tell you one thing, given the history of this pile of dog rubber dog poop we call the Maple Leafs, I wouldn’t take a bet on this game. The HABS must approach this game with caution and play their game and impose their tempo to be able to take the two points.

In closing, as I sit here still watching Sports Center on TSN, they just showed Saku’s shootout goal against Atlanta on Tuesday night. What a piece of work that was. Wasn’t that an awesome deke?!

MULTICOLORED HABS

As I sit here in the restaurant clogging my arteries with a good old fashioned North-American grease fest breakfast (I like my eggs over easy, sausage and white toast in case you were curious) I can't help but awe in amazement at my subconscious abilities. This cocktail of pills I'm on, whatever they may be, are making me so high (and it’s legite high since they're all prescription drugs) I actually enjoyed she who must be obeyed's cooking last night, and despite having forgotten my keys, wallet, train pass, work bag, jacket and sense of decency at home this morning, I was able to tie my tie in an impeccable and flawless double Windsor.

On that not, what about that game last night. How terrible amd off key was that performance. I thought thing were getting better in recent times, but once again we were frustrated with a total lack of consistency, major lapses in judgement that would make Britney blush, and just an all around poor performance. It's hard to believe that this bunch on the ice is associated with the NHL and get paid to do what they do. Now that I'm done talking about Chris Lee and the rest of his pathetic colleagues, let us talk about the teams.

It was nice to see the HABS back to their inspired, hard skating selves who practiced the game plan and implemented it (for the most part) through out the game. A lucky goal and late game goal with everyone's guards down is all that Philly got to save some face. They tried intimidating us with their physical play, but it back fired on them.

I saw good decisions being made, good plays being executed, and the power play continue it's performance. IMO everyone skated hard last night and we were the far superior team on the ice.

On another note, anyone else wondered is the Flyers had attended a clinic with a local soccer coach on how to dive? If there is any correlation to be made between their top player (Briere) who is a known diver/actor/complainer, and the rest of the team developing a similar personality, than the Penguins (especially under the direction of Michel Therrien) can't be that far behind.

I say let the divers dive, bullies bully, and the inflated ego's prance around the ice. Our team this year has developed an identity of team spirit, equality and distribution, hard working grit, and is consistent and balanced through out the ranks. This team today is a true reflection of its creators and leaders (mainly Bob and Guy): A solid piece of machinery, improving constantly and consistently at a pace where the momentum can be kept indefinitely. Two steps forward and one step back is simply unacceptable in their philosophy, which is why giant leaps in the UFA market are not readily associated with Gainey. But what is synonymous with this approach is that each step is solid, backed-up, planned for with contingencies, and essentially there to stay. The simple fact is that the make-up of our roster is based on a solid foundation, which provides for one of the most balanced and uniform teams in the league. You can call that what you will, but this doped up HABS fan thinks It’s Grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat *in a Tony the tiger voice*

SAY IT AIN’T SO!

MNation I have disturbing news…HLD is sick :(. Yeah, you heard me right, and the day shall be spent on the couch, hopped up on Nyquill or Dayquill or whatever, watching TV and passing in and out of consciousness. Good thing I have a cable box, because today I will absorb more TV than I normally do in a week, and so I need good channels to keep me entertained. I suppose it’s a good day to finally check out MenTV and SpikeTV and Speed and maybe a little bit of FoodTV (yeah…I like cooking…it can be manly…SHUT UP!!). Here I am dragging on and on again. They weren’t kidding when they said the pills would make me drowsy…..

On to hockey. I am looking forward to the HABS showing some character and coming out tonight with a vengeance given their sub-par performance from Tuesday. Furthermore, we’re playing against a team that is hot, and dishing out a loss to the Pliers might go a long way in breaking their momentum so they don’t get too far ahead. I’m also looking forward to a solid game by Huet, after having sat on the bench for two games in a row. He should be well prepared for this one.

To booooo, or not to booooo, that is th question. The big news for tonight I suppose is Briere’s first visit to the Bell Center. Following his antics this summer in the UFA market auction, he knew he would be damned if he did, and damned if he didn’t. Fact of the matter is, he had a choice between Montreal and Philly. He would have been praised as a hero in Montreal, but he got more money in Philly. For those of you who keep writing that there was less money in Philly, I should note at this point that you are more delusion than Tom Cruise and his beloved Scientologists who believe our spirits are those of aliens who were mass murdered on our planet by an Alien dictator called Xenu (don’t believe me about the story…wikipedia Xenu). With the advent of taxes and contract length and structures, Briere will be getting almost double of what he would have had in Montreal had he signed the dotted lines with Bob. He had a chance to be the hero he idolised growing up as a kid (what Montreal kid doesn’t play hockey dreaming of playing for the HABS one day?). If someone walked up to him when he was in the juniors, before he became a superstar, and offered a job playing for the HABS, he probably would have cried from joy and lost control of his bladder. However, now he is who he is, and he had the teams chasing him in the UFA market.

To help make my point, I would like to quote from the movie Spiderman: “With great power, comes great responsibility”. It’s easy to act and preach virtuous, but an individuals true colors come out when all the chips are on their end of the table. We can argue about the media, personal choices and public statements, but the fact of the mater is, that day he had two contracts in front of him, one offered his boyhood dream and the other a big contract. The amazing diving Briere’s shallow personality was apparent on the ice, and on ice personality is usually in tandem with real life/social personality, so we should not, and are not surprised of his decision. However, he did make his choice, and made his bed, and tonight I hope the Bell Center boo are clearing their throats, and keeping their lungs healthy, cause I say chase the diving, lying, money grabbing Pinocchio they call Briere out of the building and out of our beloved die hard HABS fan town.