Well my fellow MN junkies, we have been in here all year long, we have had ups, downs all in a grand scheme to wait for this moment. MN=0. We’re the first team to clinch in the East, we are in first in our Conference in NL, we have beat the Sens and most importantly we have given our selves a huge hand in trying to defend the top seat in our Division.
I don’t want to get into the game too much so as not to ruin all the uushio mooshie happiness and thanks we got going around here, but I have to make a quick comment about the third. I am almost positive that in the second intermission, the HABS thought at 7-1 it’s over. Furthermore, Ottawa had a game the following night, so a logical person, including myself, would have thought that they would have packed it in to save their energy and pick up two points the following night. On top of that, with Komisarek out and players well aware of injuries increasing at this time of year given the higher intensity levels, it was a no brainer to take the foot off the gas, if not only to be a bunch of sportsmen and not try to run up the score board.
Than the third starts and Ottawa got a goal. Then two. Only after the second that it clicked (and you could tell this by the urgency of the players) that the Sens were trying to mount an improbable comeback. By the time we got back into game mode they were within three with all the momentum. It didn’t help that this eternal struggle for parity by the league lead to one sided call through out the third.
So what’s the bottom line. With no games till Friday, the HABS had no reason to NOT play the third. However they had several reasons to take it easy in keeping the bigger picture in mind for the playoffs. The Sens have over exurted them selves, both psychologicfally and emotionally, and now they risk loosing their game tonight. Odds are Buffalo will burry them and we’ll have even a greater lead. And finally, most importantly, once again circumstances somewhat screwed with our logic (and a sound logic at that) however the HABS, once more, found a way to win as they have through out the wholes season.
Net net, we’re #1, we’re three wins away from clinching a relatively easy first round against Boston or Philly, and we’ve got that asterisk next to our clubs name.
With the game analysis out of the way, let me thank you all, the Mn execs who ensured all activities ran promptly and smoothly, and the readers who kept this place one of the most active locations in the Montreal Canadiens official fan forum.
This year we have brought this thread to an unanticipated level. The fact that we were awarded our own sub-forum speaks volumes of this topic’s, and this group’s value and contribution to this online community of hard-core HABS fans. It was good to see old faces return, and new ones join in on the fun. I can honestly say that this sub-forum has been a regular part of my daily life, and I look forward to doing it all over again next year, although it may be in a different capacity.
For now we have the MN party to look forward to (metaus reserve the tables in the blond’s section), a playoff series that looks promising for our boys, and the first official MN-Playoffs ever (with 16 player tree and trophy and everything), and five more games of fun and games.
Given the on-going activities, I will keep the sub-forum open. However I will slowly begin to shut down threads as their time-line runs out. I will no longer be updating NL standings, however mateus will keep us all informed about the playoff picture via the NO-GO table. The Prediction game goes on till the end of the year (as per a suggestion long ago by CH) and I’ll leave the jeopardy open till the regular season ends.
Voila mes amis. Je vous remercie pour toutes vos efforts cet annees, et je suis sur qu’on accomplirait encore plus l’annee prochaine.
MN Scoreboard
NL Standings
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
JUNIOR'S ANALYSIS
Since I’m at home today taking care of the fruit of my loins, I figured it would be a kind and peace offering gesture to let HLD Junior have a go at today’s analysis. In return for this kind offering, I’m hoping he will be enticed to keep in his #2 until mommy gets home, because it’s too cold outside to let him roam diaper free. So here’s what offspring wants to say:
Fgddfvbggbvghjkjkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk….,,.,,.,,,.,.l.,,..,,l,l,,ll,kl,l,l,l,l,l
OK it may not seem like much, but there is a built in code. Once I crack it I’ll get back to you ;) I an however fairly certain the last part means Oleeee Olee Oleee Oleeeeeeeeeeeee GO HABS GO!
Fgddfvbggbvghjkjkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk….,,.,,.,,,.,.l.,,..,,l,l,,ll,kl,l,l,l,l,l
OK it may not seem like much, but there is a built in code. Once I crack it I’ll get back to you ;) I an however fairly certain the last part means Oleeee Olee Oleee Oleeeeeeeeeeeee GO HABS GO!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
MN DOWN TO 2
Well it was almost a clan sweep, but a sweep none the less. The best thing we can hope for now is to face the emotionally shattered Bruins in the playoffs for an “easy” first round match-up.
The home and home series proved to be fruitful, at a cost. We further expanded our lead over the Sens to 1.5 NL, and we’re within 0.5 (1NL with tie breaking) from first in the conference. A win Monday night would not only clinch a playoff birth for our boys, but would be a huge emotional victory over the cursed Sens. It would further increase our lead to 2.5 NL and we would be that much closer to MN DIVISION, which is the number two priority for us after MN PLAYOFFS.
The cost for all of this was Mike Komisarek, He’s out for three weeks and it doesn’t take a genius (especially after last night’s performance on D) to figure out how much of an impact this will have on us. The up side to all this is that some of our younger guys will have more responsibility to deal with and a chance to mature and develop prior to the playoffs. Unless I recall, a certain Mike Komisarek went through a similar process and never left the first line. This injury could potentially yield dividends in the long run, however in the short term I hope Mike comes back asap, but not before he is 100%, because I anticipate we will need him into the second and third rounds of the playoffs. Anyone else think Pens vs HABS is a possibility for the Conference final?
The home and home series proved to be fruitful, at a cost. We further expanded our lead over the Sens to 1.5 NL, and we’re within 0.5 (1NL with tie breaking) from first in the conference. A win Monday night would not only clinch a playoff birth for our boys, but would be a huge emotional victory over the cursed Sens. It would further increase our lead to 2.5 NL and we would be that much closer to MN DIVISION, which is the number two priority for us after MN PLAYOFFS.
The cost for all of this was Mike Komisarek, He’s out for three weeks and it doesn’t take a genius (especially after last night’s performance on D) to figure out how much of an impact this will have on us. The up side to all this is that some of our younger guys will have more responsibility to deal with and a chance to mature and develop prior to the playoffs. Unless I recall, a certain Mike Komisarek went through a similar process and never left the first line. This injury could potentially yield dividends in the long run, however in the short term I hope Mike comes back asap, but not before he is 100%, because I anticipate we will need him into the second and third rounds of the playoffs. Anyone else think Pens vs HABS is a possibility for the Conference final?
Friday, March 21, 2008
MN DOWN TO 6
The Magic Number is down to six points after another win against the Bruins last night. More importantly however, we still have the upper hand against the Sens. I would sleep much better at night however if we had a minimum of 4.5 NL points lead against.
Carey Price was simply spectacular last night. He was sharp, focused, fast and well p[laced. His puck handling had one or two scary moments, but all in all it helped our transition game immensely. This is where Price excels against Halak (and why his joib is not in trouble) because if Price doesn’t have his puck working abilities behind the net, last night’s game against the hard checking, hard hitting and hard skating Bruins would have been no different from our game against St. Louis.
The Alex Kovalev show hosted another spectacular set of reels last night, and I believe that second goal will be on the top ten goals of the year in the NHL. It appears when Tomas is facing Kovalev the puck seems like the size of a raisin.
I am eagerly waiting to hear what Komisarek’s situation is. “Lower body injuries” are usually long ones if the player can’t even finish the game with some patch work. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
It was nice to see Andrei Kostitsyn get more ice time on the point during the power play. It’s times like this I wonder if Carbo and myself are twins separated at birth, or whether he comes on here to read my posts. Either way its good to know that hockey sense prevails both in the HABS locker room and in here.
The Booins (being the dirty bastards they are against us) had their goons on the ice (once more) to end the game and “set-the tone” for the next game. The only thing they set was their grave, and this was in part thanks to the referees. They really did us a favour last night for once. Now don’t freak out…I did see the missed call on Tomas against Maxim Lapierre (similar move that cost Ray Emery a three game suspension) and how that resulted in a rush, and another missed call on goaltender interference against the Bruins, which incidentally lead to a goal. This incident worked in a favour in the long run. We were up 4-1, and another power play would have meant nothing. Getting scored on towards the end, getting cheated out of a power play, and having the reffs blatantly ignore calls to help the “underdog” in their eternal efforts for parity in the league is exactly the type of motivation this team needs to stay away from over confidence. If we had won that game 5-1, we would have approached the Saturday game at home against a team who are 0-7 against us, expecting the two points to fall on our laps. Those last few minutes and events however should (hopefully) light enough of a fire to keep the team focused, working, skating and hungry for the win.
Now I must go eat. I’m on a long weekend, so eggs, bacon, pancakes, beans, crepes, potatoes and ham all covered in maple syrup for me. Tis the weekend for all the luxuries in life!
Carey Price was simply spectacular last night. He was sharp, focused, fast and well p[laced. His puck handling had one or two scary moments, but all in all it helped our transition game immensely. This is where Price excels against Halak (and why his joib is not in trouble) because if Price doesn’t have his puck working abilities behind the net, last night’s game against the hard checking, hard hitting and hard skating Bruins would have been no different from our game against St. Louis.
The Alex Kovalev show hosted another spectacular set of reels last night, and I believe that second goal will be on the top ten goals of the year in the NHL. It appears when Tomas is facing Kovalev the puck seems like the size of a raisin.
I am eagerly waiting to hear what Komisarek’s situation is. “Lower body injuries” are usually long ones if the player can’t even finish the game with some patch work. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
It was nice to see Andrei Kostitsyn get more ice time on the point during the power play. It’s times like this I wonder if Carbo and myself are twins separated at birth, or whether he comes on here to read my posts. Either way its good to know that hockey sense prevails both in the HABS locker room and in here.
The Booins (being the dirty bastards they are against us) had their goons on the ice (once more) to end the game and “set-the tone” for the next game. The only thing they set was their grave, and this was in part thanks to the referees. They really did us a favour last night for once. Now don’t freak out…I did see the missed call on Tomas against Maxim Lapierre (similar move that cost Ray Emery a three game suspension) and how that resulted in a rush, and another missed call on goaltender interference against the Bruins, which incidentally lead to a goal. This incident worked in a favour in the long run. We were up 4-1, and another power play would have meant nothing. Getting scored on towards the end, getting cheated out of a power play, and having the reffs blatantly ignore calls to help the “underdog” in their eternal efforts for parity in the league is exactly the type of motivation this team needs to stay away from over confidence. If we had won that game 5-1, we would have approached the Saturday game at home against a team who are 0-7 against us, expecting the two points to fall on our laps. Those last few minutes and events however should (hopefully) light enough of a fire to keep the team focused, working, skating and hungry for the win.
Now I must go eat. I’m on a long weekend, so eggs, bacon, pancakes, beans, crepes, potatoes and ham all covered in maple syrup for me. Tis the weekend for all the luxuries in life!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
IS THE HYBERNATION OVER
I sure hope the Bruins don’t pick this weekend to break the curse/trend/record/whatever you wan to call it. To say we’ve owned them this year would be an understatement. We had two of our best games and highest goal differentials against them this year, short of a few minutes here and there the Bruins never seemed to be anywhere at our calibre when both teams were on the ice. However to assume trend will continue indefinitely would be a fallacy.
All I can hope for from where I’m sitting is that we can finish the year against them with a clean winning record. Ottawa is playing a very beatable St-Louis team, so we have to do our part and win tonight to keep pace with them. In the meanwhile I’m sure I won’t be the only one praying to everything from the holy Sponge Bob to my kitchen wash cloth that the St Louis Blues come out with the same high beat, hard checking and hard hitting game plan against the Sens as on Tuesday, and keep the Sens at 87 points.
Et voila! Off I go to try and frantically close off some files and complete mandates before the long weekend.
All I can hope for from where I’m sitting is that we can finish the year against them with a clean winning record. Ottawa is playing a very beatable St-Louis team, so we have to do our part and win tonight to keep pace with them. In the meanwhile I’m sure I won’t be the only one praying to everything from the holy Sponge Bob to my kitchen wash cloth that the St Louis Blues come out with the same high beat, hard checking and hard hitting game plan against the Sens as on Tuesday, and keep the Sens at 87 points.
Et voila! Off I go to try and frantically close off some files and complete mandates before the long weekend.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
AT LEAST…
Yes we lost against one of the worse teams in the NHL, but here is my list of at least that makes everything better:
At least…:
• …the team did rally back in the third. We could have very well just given up after the huge momentum shift when the second goal was let in, which in turn lead to a third goal. We could very well have lost this 4/5 to 1.
• …Kostitsyn had another superb game, further improving his confidence and his comfort level in the NHL. This mental development will help him come playoff time, and in turn will help the team.
• …we picked up one point. It may not seem as much at first, but when one considers that in the case of a tie in points with the Senators, we would loose due to less wins. Therefore this single point sets us apart at odd numbers from them. Assuming they win their game in hand, we are ahead of them. From here on end as long as we match their record, we finish atop the Division and therefore have good chances at facing one of our preferred opponents in the post-season.
saved the best for last
• …we had plenty to laugh and be amused about. Despite missing out on a point, which on paper should have been ours, I have been chuckling and giggling all night and morning and it’s not just because of [i]she who must be obeyed’s[[/i] up close attention to your humble narrator. Thanks to another solid outing by Toskalacantstopapuck, we have plenty to entertain our selves over. In case you didn’t see the highlights during the game, or didn’t catch Sports Center, here is a short handed goal that will make the “Top Ten Worse Gaols Let In of All Times” highlight reels as long as the game exists.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=lJStGMYi6hM
At least…:
• …the team did rally back in the third. We could have very well just given up after the huge momentum shift when the second goal was let in, which in turn lead to a third goal. We could very well have lost this 4/5 to 1.
• …Kostitsyn had another superb game, further improving his confidence and his comfort level in the NHL. This mental development will help him come playoff time, and in turn will help the team.
• …we picked up one point. It may not seem as much at first, but when one considers that in the case of a tie in points with the Senators, we would loose due to less wins. Therefore this single point sets us apart at odd numbers from them. Assuming they win their game in hand, we are ahead of them. From here on end as long as we match their record, we finish atop the Division and therefore have good chances at facing one of our preferred opponents in the post-season.
saved the best for last
• …we had plenty to laugh and be amused about. Despite missing out on a point, which on paper should have been ours, I have been chuckling and giggling all night and morning and it’s not just because of [i]she who must be obeyed’s[[/i] up close attention to your humble narrator. Thanks to another solid outing by Toskalacantstopapuck, we have plenty to entertain our selves over. In case you didn’t see the highlights during the game, or didn’t catch Sports Center, here is a short handed goal that will make the “Top Ten Worse Gaols Let In of All Times” highlight reels as long as the game exists.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=lJStGMYi6hM
Sunday, March 16, 2008
SINGLE DIGITS AND COUNTING
Good morning select few. What a wonderful day for our season this year. MN is into the single digits and counting. We have a chance to re-claim officially the top seat in the Division by 6:00 pm this afternoon, and Tuesday night looks fruitful for another two points.
All the celebration aside, I didn’t feel that the HABS played their best game last night. There is room for improvement and I certainly they don’t hold anything back against the Blues on our next game. The most encouraging point from last night was of course Jaroslav Halak. He looked as sharp as when he helped us get back into the playoffs during the final stretch last year. The way Price has been developing, and the way Halak performs when given the chance, I don’t think the self loving loud mouth NHL connoisseurs at TSN and ESPN have given this duo enough credit.
I’ll leave the discussion this far, and tomorrow I would like to talk about our Power Play and Mark Streit. For now, let us get ready for this afternoons games and hopefully Philly, Boston and Carolina can help us out by keeping the teams we want to play in the picture and the odds of facing them in our favour. If we’re first or second in the division today, we’re facing Boston or Philly, and that’s just fine by me ;)
All the celebration aside, I didn’t feel that the HABS played their best game last night. There is room for improvement and I certainly they don’t hold anything back against the Blues on our next game. The most encouraging point from last night was of course Jaroslav Halak. He looked as sharp as when he helped us get back into the playoffs during the final stretch last year. The way Price has been developing, and the way Halak performs when given the chance, I don’t think the self loving loud mouth NHL connoisseurs at TSN and ESPN have given this duo enough credit.
I’ll leave the discussion this far, and tomorrow I would like to talk about our Power Play and Mark Streit. For now, let us get ready for this afternoons games and hopefully Philly, Boston and Carolina can help us out by keeping the teams we want to play in the picture and the odds of facing them in our favour. If we’re first or second in the division today, we’re facing Boston or Philly, and that’s just fine by me ;)
Saturday, March 15, 2008
A NO BRAINER
At This point in the season, with ten games left, playoff mode is showing it’s aggressive, intense and focused face across the league. The Montreal Canadiens are no exception. In recent weeks, we won against team we should be winning agains, and gave a good run against teams who, on paper, out muscle us. Tonight should be no exception to this trend given that the team has proven to be more consistent than many would like to believe.
Wanting to bounce back from a sloppy game on Thursday, wanting to give Ottawa a run for their money for first place in the Division, the fact that the Islanders have gone the way Tampa and Florida are all reasons why I would call tonight’s game a lock. No more ifs, maybes, caution, blah blah blah. We’re a team that’s been fighting for first since about two months now, spent our fair share up there, and are focusing on making a solid run in the post season. As such we should, and will be winning games against “low grade” opponents.
So tonight, DiPietro could go on a hot streak and the Islanders are a team with nothing to loose, and players will be trying to earn a roster spot for next year. But a team like ours, at this point in the season, should be able to simple steam roll over an opponent of the like. And if say DiPietro is in a trance, stopping everything coming his way, we should be able to adjust between periods and come up with new strategies to get the puck past him for the win.
I wanted to close up with something worrisome as of late that has grabbed my attention. I have stated over the past weeks that, IMO, being first or second in the Conference won’t make a difference with respect to our odds of being matched up with a “softer” opponent for the off season. Winning the Division should be a priority, because it ensures us first or second in the Conference, which gives us a 3/4 chance of facing a favourable opponent, mainly Buffalo, Boston or Philly, with the Rangers being the team to avoid. Now, we must add Washington to that list, and unfortunately we may have to remove Buffalo by the weeks end if the trend continues. Washington is 0.5 NL behind the Sabres and has been charging as of late. I believe by next weekend, Washington will be the team in ninth, winning on a regular basis, thus slowing down bonus points for us unfortunately.
Then again things can change so quickly. There is only 1 NL that separates 2nd place from sixth, so any combination is possible. Washington is now entering the equation however, and they are definitely a team I would not want to face in the off season (although if I had my chance between them and Ottawa…well…another no brainer)
So off we go tonight, two points should be in the bag and we can look forward to St Patrick’s Day on Sunday. If we win tonight, it’ll be a good excuse to get drunk and celebrate. If we loose, it’ll be a good reason to drown our sorrows away with a pint of Guiness…or two…or twelve. Either way me want Guiness!
Wanting to bounce back from a sloppy game on Thursday, wanting to give Ottawa a run for their money for first place in the Division, the fact that the Islanders have gone the way Tampa and Florida are all reasons why I would call tonight’s game a lock. No more ifs, maybes, caution, blah blah blah. We’re a team that’s been fighting for first since about two months now, spent our fair share up there, and are focusing on making a solid run in the post season. As such we should, and will be winning games against “low grade” opponents.
So tonight, DiPietro could go on a hot streak and the Islanders are a team with nothing to loose, and players will be trying to earn a roster spot for next year. But a team like ours, at this point in the season, should be able to simple steam roll over an opponent of the like. And if say DiPietro is in a trance, stopping everything coming his way, we should be able to adjust between periods and come up with new strategies to get the puck past him for the win.
I wanted to close up with something worrisome as of late that has grabbed my attention. I have stated over the past weeks that, IMO, being first or second in the Conference won’t make a difference with respect to our odds of being matched up with a “softer” opponent for the off season. Winning the Division should be a priority, because it ensures us first or second in the Conference, which gives us a 3/4 chance of facing a favourable opponent, mainly Buffalo, Boston or Philly, with the Rangers being the team to avoid. Now, we must add Washington to that list, and unfortunately we may have to remove Buffalo by the weeks end if the trend continues. Washington is 0.5 NL behind the Sabres and has been charging as of late. I believe by next weekend, Washington will be the team in ninth, winning on a regular basis, thus slowing down bonus points for us unfortunately.
Then again things can change so quickly. There is only 1 NL that separates 2nd place from sixth, so any combination is possible. Washington is now entering the equation however, and they are definitely a team I would not want to face in the off season (although if I had my chance between them and Ottawa…well…another no brainer)
So off we go tonight, two points should be in the bag and we can look forward to St Patrick’s Day on Sunday. If we win tonight, it’ll be a good excuse to get drunk and celebrate. If we loose, it’ll be a good reason to drown our sorrows away with a pint of Guiness…or two…or twelve. Either way me want Guiness!
Friday, March 14, 2008
THE ART OF POOPING
Cheer up people, it’s just one loss. As long as we can bounce back (as we have been doing lately) after a loss to keep the “streak” at one, we’re OK. We have two opponents who are weaker than Ottawa and New Jersey, so we should just forget about these nuances, move on, get four more points, and keep our fingers crossed that Ottawa hasn’t just launched them selves into a winning streak all the way to the end of the season.
As far as Ottawa’s curse on Montreal, let’s put things into perspective. Ottawa is a powerful team to say the least, with more offensive talent and experience in their top line than we have in our entire roster. They have a veteran team that has been to the playoffs several times, went all the way to the finals last year, and if not for the weak goaltending would be the hands-down Eastern Conference Champions this year.
On the other hand we have a young team, oozing with talent, but not yet developed. I know all of us in the MN believe that the team would make the playoffs. However, before the season began, I don’t think either of us though we would be putting up such a tight fight for the top seat in the East. I recall that my predictions has always been 4-6th place for the HABS, so the fact that we have a team challenging for above and beyond this ambitious goal is proof positive that this team is ahead of it’s time. We’re getting chances today that we would not have expected till next year. The fact that we’re still tied in points for the top seat in the Division is something to rejoice over as it is.
Undoubtedly it would have been overwhelming to take care of the Sens last night and not have to hope for them to drop games to keep us in the running, but once again a little bit of perspective. We had even a tougher time beating the New Jersey Martin Brodeur’s up until mid way this year. We figured them out, and we will figure the Sens out. It’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when.
So everybody just take a deep breath, relax, enjoy the St-Patrick’s day weekend. It’s past 8:00am the Friday before the parade, so as far as I’m concerned we can all legitimately get blind drunk and chant those Irish melodies we all think we know, but only have the confidence to mumble along at the top of our lungs awaiting the inevitable “HEY!” at the end preluding the Guiness intake on St Patty’s day weekend. Cheers!
Oh and if you’re still wondering and eagerly waiting on how I will tie in the title to today’s analysis…sorry to disappoint you but I won’t. I just wanted to use the word to put a smile on everyone’s face. Come on…you can’t say poop without snickering! It’s one of those words like Lake Titicaca, and Smegma, Flabbergasted, Platypus and Maple Leafs. You just can’t say it without wanting to giggle.
As far as Ottawa’s curse on Montreal, let’s put things into perspective. Ottawa is a powerful team to say the least, with more offensive talent and experience in their top line than we have in our entire roster. They have a veteran team that has been to the playoffs several times, went all the way to the finals last year, and if not for the weak goaltending would be the hands-down Eastern Conference Champions this year.
On the other hand we have a young team, oozing with talent, but not yet developed. I know all of us in the MN believe that the team would make the playoffs. However, before the season began, I don’t think either of us though we would be putting up such a tight fight for the top seat in the East. I recall that my predictions has always been 4-6th place for the HABS, so the fact that we have a team challenging for above and beyond this ambitious goal is proof positive that this team is ahead of it’s time. We’re getting chances today that we would not have expected till next year. The fact that we’re still tied in points for the top seat in the Division is something to rejoice over as it is.
Undoubtedly it would have been overwhelming to take care of the Sens last night and not have to hope for them to drop games to keep us in the running, but once again a little bit of perspective. We had even a tougher time beating the New Jersey Martin Brodeur’s up until mid way this year. We figured them out, and we will figure the Sens out. It’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when.
So everybody just take a deep breath, relax, enjoy the St-Patrick’s day weekend. It’s past 8:00am the Friday before the parade, so as far as I’m concerned we can all legitimately get blind drunk and chant those Irish melodies we all think we know, but only have the confidence to mumble along at the top of our lungs awaiting the inevitable “HEY!” at the end preluding the Guiness intake on St Patty’s day weekend. Cheers!
Oh and if you’re still wondering and eagerly waiting on how I will tie in the title to today’s analysis…sorry to disappoint you but I won’t. I just wanted to use the word to put a smile on everyone’s face. Come on…you can’t say poop without snickering! It’s one of those words like Lake Titicaca, and Smegma, Flabbergasted, Platypus and Maple Leafs. You just can’t say it without wanting to giggle.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
STILL A LONG WAY TO GO
There is no sense in re-stating how important tonight’s game is. I think we all know as hockey junkies, this is the biggest high we’ve had all year (and it will only get better).
There is however a loooong way to go before the regular season is over. With most teams having no more than ten games left to play in the regular season, not a single team has clinched a playoff spot. The standings are tighter than my junk when I get out of a freezing pool, and the drag race will undoubtedly go until the last day for many teams.
So tonight’s game is important because it’s a race for the Division top seat, because it’s a four point game, because we want to keep pushing for the top seat in the conference, because we want better odds of facing an easier opponent for the playoffs. But most importantly, tonight’s game is important because we need the two points to get closer to making the playoffs. The regular season goes on, and we should not get head of our selves. Objective and goal #1 is always, has been, and should be to make the playoffs.
The Senators will be looking to rectify the discrepancy in the standings as they see it, and we have to let them know that the standings in the Division are here to stay. Let’s keep getting the wins, let’s keep racking the two points, and everything else will fall into place.
There is however a loooong way to go before the regular season is over. With most teams having no more than ten games left to play in the regular season, not a single team has clinched a playoff spot. The standings are tighter than my junk when I get out of a freezing pool, and the drag race will undoubtedly go until the last day for many teams.
So tonight’s game is important because it’s a race for the Division top seat, because it’s a four point game, because we want to keep pushing for the top seat in the conference, because we want better odds of facing an easier opponent for the playoffs. But most importantly, tonight’s game is important because we need the two points to get closer to making the playoffs. The regular season goes on, and we should not get head of our selves. Objective and goal #1 is always, has been, and should be to make the playoffs.
The Senators will be looking to rectify the discrepancy in the standings as they see it, and we have to let them know that the standings in the Division are here to stay. Let’s keep getting the wins, let’s keep racking the two points, and everything else will fall into place.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
PRICE PUSHED BACK
Prove all analysts wrong by not having to fight tooth and nail over 10th spot…check. Insult so called analysts by comfortable making the top eight with enough of a cushion to almost guarantee the playoffs…check. Run em’ all out of town after having claimed top seat in the Conference (in points) for the second time in recent days…..check and check.
A well message sent out to the Conference by our Habbies once more. As far as I’m concerned however it’s a message of “WE’RE HERE TO STAY” part 1 of 3. Stay tuned to RDS on Thursday for part two.
There are just two things I wanted to highlight about the game last night:
1) HAH! Take that Brodeur….YOU got shut out his time :p
2) Price was more than impressive turning away almost 40 shots. But the key point in his performance was when he proved HTL and my self right by showing the NHL that he learnt his lesson in San Jose. I saw him push, jab and slash any Devil that ventured in that little blue zone. He finally understood that the ref who won’t call the goaltender interference for a hair brain crashing the crease, will not call the goalie for roughing for protecting that very crease. With performances like this, I feel much more confident about our chances in the playoffs. Second round almost seems like a given when I see the team play like that.
A well message sent out to the Conference by our Habbies once more. As far as I’m concerned however it’s a message of “WE’RE HERE TO STAY” part 1 of 3. Stay tuned to RDS on Thursday for part two.
There are just two things I wanted to highlight about the game last night:
1) HAH! Take that Brodeur….YOU got shut out his time :p
2) Price was more than impressive turning away almost 40 shots. But the key point in his performance was when he proved HTL and my self right by showing the NHL that he learnt his lesson in San Jose. I saw him push, jab and slash any Devil that ventured in that little blue zone. He finally understood that the ref who won’t call the goaltender interference for a hair brain crashing the crease, will not call the goalie for roughing for protecting that very crease. With performances like this, I feel much more confident about our chances in the playoffs. Second round almost seems like a given when I see the team play like that.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
THE FRAGILITY OF THE MATTER
I still stand by my comments yesterday that our fate, our home ice advantage in the post season, and our opponent for the first round (at least the odds of a good opponent) are in our hands. Being in second in the NL standings, it is mathematical proof that if we go par with the teams chasing us for the next few weeks, we’re at worse in second place.
However I cannot stress enough how fragile and delicate the standings are. I don’t think we’re in any danger of missing the playoffs. Statistically, the melt down on our part and the series of unfortunate events that would have to ensue is more than unlikely. However, the alarm bells go off when I realise we’re only one NL from dropping to sixth, and one and a half from dropping to seventh.
What does this mean in real terms? Right now we’re all amped up about being in the top of the Division, and potentially at the top of the Conference by the end of the night. Here’s a reality check: Both Ottawa and New Jersey have had our numbers this year, and anyone who thinks we have the odds in our favour to win against both should re-think Marty Brodeur’s level of play with one month left prior to the post season. Furthermore, let us re-think some of the Ottawa games this year…mainly the two blow-outs. The Sens have their top line healthy and intact, and even though they’re going through some rough times all it will take to get them going would be a good game as a result of solid motivation….motivation like you play the most glamorous and successful franchise of hockey history.
With that said, anyone who thinks all is lost and we haven’t got a decent chance to win both is also dead wrong. To them I ask: “Have you been watching the HABS lately?”. Price is more mature than ever, the offense is more potent than ever, and we’re defensively sounder than ever. OK so we haven’t played our best hockey in 2/4 games this road trip, but as long as the team is well rested (this is a question mark) we can shut anyone down.
The bottom line is this week will be HUGE. Worse case scenario is we drop both games, and we find our selves in seventh all of a sudden. Best case scenario is we win both, claim first in the Conference (until New Jersey plays their game in hand) and further cushion our grip for the top seat in the Division (which is our most important priority right now).
We cannot let one loss turn into a three game loosing streak. We MUST end the streak at one with a strong win tonight to re-assure the locker room, coaching staff, administration and the fans that this team will not melt in the final weeks of the regular season and fight for a bottom feeder position to get into the post-season. This week is extremely important, and it all begins tonight. Let’s get those oh so precious (cue smiegel) points tonight.
However I cannot stress enough how fragile and delicate the standings are. I don’t think we’re in any danger of missing the playoffs. Statistically, the melt down on our part and the series of unfortunate events that would have to ensue is more than unlikely. However, the alarm bells go off when I realise we’re only one NL from dropping to sixth, and one and a half from dropping to seventh.
What does this mean in real terms? Right now we’re all amped up about being in the top of the Division, and potentially at the top of the Conference by the end of the night. Here’s a reality check: Both Ottawa and New Jersey have had our numbers this year, and anyone who thinks we have the odds in our favour to win against both should re-think Marty Brodeur’s level of play with one month left prior to the post season. Furthermore, let us re-think some of the Ottawa games this year…mainly the two blow-outs. The Sens have their top line healthy and intact, and even though they’re going through some rough times all it will take to get them going would be a good game as a result of solid motivation….motivation like you play the most glamorous and successful franchise of hockey history.
With that said, anyone who thinks all is lost and we haven’t got a decent chance to win both is also dead wrong. To them I ask: “Have you been watching the HABS lately?”. Price is more mature than ever, the offense is more potent than ever, and we’re defensively sounder than ever. OK so we haven’t played our best hockey in 2/4 games this road trip, but as long as the team is well rested (this is a question mark) we can shut anyone down.
The bottom line is this week will be HUGE. Worse case scenario is we drop both games, and we find our selves in seventh all of a sudden. Best case scenario is we win both, claim first in the Conference (until New Jersey plays their game in hand) and further cushion our grip for the top seat in the Division (which is our most important priority right now).
We cannot let one loss turn into a three game loosing streak. We MUST end the streak at one with a strong win tonight to re-assure the locker room, coaching staff, administration and the fans that this team will not melt in the final weeks of the regular season and fight for a bottom feeder position to get into the post-season. This week is extremely important, and it all begins tonight. Let’s get those oh so precious (cue smiegel) points tonight.
Monday, March 10, 2008
THE CHICOUTIMI POUTINE WERE BACK!
OK we can complain about the discrepancy in arbitrage in last night’s game, but it won’t hide the fact that we simply did not play a good game tomorrow. This is more than expected for a team who has been crushed, beat, bruised, charged, and creamed four times in seven nights. Fatigue kicked in, we were behind the play, we were hooking (oh yes we were and the refs were really easy on us in the third…we could have had half a dozen more calls against us). I would have like to face the Stanley Cup champions on a night where the team is well rested and could offer a better show.
So let us take a step back from this particular loss and check out our success over the road trip. Our goaltenders (both of them) showed abilities to come back, step in cold and makes saves, and maturity. Price’s performances following the mental breakdown in San Jose showed a level of maturity in this 21 year old that most men (don’t deny it) won’t develop over their life span. Halak proved that he is a very capable number two goaltender, and the team can count on him to make the big saves when it counts. I feel more confident now about our toddler goaltending duo than I have ever before, and I already felt great about them before.
In terms of the standings, we come out of the road trip in second place, one behind our next opponents, and two ahead of our closes Divisional rivals. We have control of the situation. If we keep winning, it puts pressure on the teams chasing us (mainly Ottawa and Boston) to try and make a move up the standings. Unless I’m mistaken, we had begun the road trip only one up on the Sens, which means we are a +1 through this week against out #1 rivals. Passing the Devils in the standings (in points) would mean nothing if we’re not ahead of Ottawa, sicne it would drop us down to a race for fourth through eight. We must remain focused at the task at hand, get back on the score board and earn some points on Tuesday, and focus on obtaining the same amount of, or more points than the Sens on a weekly basis.
So let us take a step back from this particular loss and check out our success over the road trip. Our goaltenders (both of them) showed abilities to come back, step in cold and makes saves, and maturity. Price’s performances following the mental breakdown in San Jose showed a level of maturity in this 21 year old that most men (don’t deny it) won’t develop over their life span. Halak proved that he is a very capable number two goaltender, and the team can count on him to make the big saves when it counts. I feel more confident now about our toddler goaltending duo than I have ever before, and I already felt great about them before.
In terms of the standings, we come out of the road trip in second place, one behind our next opponents, and two ahead of our closes Divisional rivals. We have control of the situation. If we keep winning, it puts pressure on the teams chasing us (mainly Ottawa and Boston) to try and make a move up the standings. Unless I’m mistaken, we had begun the road trip only one up on the Sens, which means we are a +1 through this week against out #1 rivals. Passing the Devils in the standings (in points) would mean nothing if we’re not ahead of Ottawa, sicne it would drop us down to a race for fourth through eight. We must remain focused at the task at hand, get back on the score board and earn some points on Tuesday, and focus on obtaining the same amount of, or more points than the Sens on a weekly basis.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
As far his hung over guy is concerned, the HABS have already accomplished their goal for this road-trip, even before they face the Stanley Cup champions. We’re going to leave this road-trip, regardless of tonight’s outcome, with more points in the bank than Ottawa. As such we remain atop our Division, and thus are matched up against a preferred team should the playoffs start right now.
So the way I see tonight’s game is like an game gone in to over time against a Western Conference team. You already have a point in the bank, and you don’t care if the out of division gets the extra point (doesn’t affect your standings). So all you’re playing for is that extra, second point. You play all out, no defensive none-sense. Just go for it.
In a similar fashion the HABS have nothing to loose tonight. Win or loose we’re at the top of the Division, we’re tired, Anaheim is well rested and hungry, Anaheim is the cup defending team, and we’re on the road as the visiting team. All the pressure is on Anaheim to win, so we can go out there and have a good, fun game.
What would it mean if we did win? A larger cushion against Ottawa, pressure on New Jersey to reply with a win of their own if they want to remain #1 in the Conference, and further confirmation that the current HABS team is no joke. Anaheim is the Stanley Cup champions, and beating them in their own house would not only prove a lot to the team, but would send a shock wave across the league about the potential in the off season of this team.
Here’s hoping for two more points for the good guys. Now off I go shovel more snow.
So the way I see tonight’s game is like an game gone in to over time against a Western Conference team. You already have a point in the bank, and you don’t care if the out of division gets the extra point (doesn’t affect your standings). So all you’re playing for is that extra, second point. You play all out, no defensive none-sense. Just go for it.
In a similar fashion the HABS have nothing to loose tonight. Win or loose we’re at the top of the Division, we’re tired, Anaheim is well rested and hungry, Anaheim is the cup defending team, and we’re on the road as the visiting team. All the pressure is on Anaheim to win, so we can go out there and have a good, fun game.
What would it mean if we did win? A larger cushion against Ottawa, pressure on New Jersey to reply with a win of their own if they want to remain #1 in the Conference, and further confirmation that the current HABS team is no joke. Anaheim is the Stanley Cup champions, and beating them in their own house would not only prove a lot to the team, but would send a shock wave across the league about the potential in the off season of this team.
Here’s hoping for two more points for the good guys. Now off I go shovel more snow.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
5 REASONS WHY WE NEED TO WIN TONIGHT
This afteroon's game is important to my self on so many levels.
1) MN could take a dropp by another two points (or more). With just over a dozen MN points remainning, the zero party seems to be closer than we realise. (Mateus...where is our party man?!)
2) Two more points in the bag would help us in our bid for the top seat in the conference
3) A win tonight would ensure that regardless of Ottawa's game today or our outcome tomorrow night, we would leave the Western time zone having outplayed the Sens.
4) A win tonight would give us a much needed boost prior to tomorrow's game which could potentially be the MOST difficult game of the season thus far.
5) Most importantly it gives me bragging rights. [i]She who must be obeyed's[/i] cousins fiance is a Kings fan living in Montreal (go figure). He is however as involved a fan as I am both in his team and the NHL. I am dragged into all sorts of events, meeting, dinners and gatherings with extended family through out the year, and needless to say I would rather be chased around for the Bell center with a cattle prod for hours on end then attend, but such is life. My only saving grace is that get to chat up some hockey with the other gentlemen who have been dragged into this torturous social circle.
Since we only face the Kings once a century, tonight's win or loss would give either of us the ultimate trump card in any disagreement regarding the HABS, the Kings, the NHL, hockey in general, life lessons and any other topic one can get into a debate over:
"Mine is bigger"
"No it's not"
"Yes it is!"
"No it's not...you're crazy. Mine is bigger"
"No it's not! Look let's put them side by side and measure"
"Mine is bigger see"
"Fine...you grew the larger pumpkin for this year's county fare contest, but the HABS beat the Kings....your team stinks worse than the LEAS! Ha ha!"
"You can be so hurtful sometimes...you didn't have to go there"
"Yes I did cause we're better"
"I'm getting a caramel apple"
"Uuuu I'll come too, I want a corn dog"
"Fine"
"Hey did you check out the house of horror chick?! I wouldn't mind getting on that ride!"
"Those house of horror rides are so cheezy"
"....Man you can be thick sometimes. Kind of like your team...Remember when HABS beat them?"
You guys see what I mean? :D
1) MN could take a dropp by another two points (or more). With just over a dozen MN points remainning, the zero party seems to be closer than we realise. (Mateus...where is our party man?!)
2) Two more points in the bag would help us in our bid for the top seat in the conference
3) A win tonight would ensure that regardless of Ottawa's game today or our outcome tomorrow night, we would leave the Western time zone having outplayed the Sens.
4) A win tonight would give us a much needed boost prior to tomorrow's game which could potentially be the MOST difficult game of the season thus far.
5) Most importantly it gives me bragging rights. [i]She who must be obeyed's[/i] cousins fiance is a Kings fan living in Montreal (go figure). He is however as involved a fan as I am both in his team and the NHL. I am dragged into all sorts of events, meeting, dinners and gatherings with extended family through out the year, and needless to say I would rather be chased around for the Bell center with a cattle prod for hours on end then attend, but such is life. My only saving grace is that get to chat up some hockey with the other gentlemen who have been dragged into this torturous social circle.
Since we only face the Kings once a century, tonight's win or loss would give either of us the ultimate trump card in any disagreement regarding the HABS, the Kings, the NHL, hockey in general, life lessons and any other topic one can get into a debate over:
"Mine is bigger"
"No it's not"
"Yes it is!"
"No it's not...you're crazy. Mine is bigger"
"No it's not! Look let's put them side by side and measure"
"Mine is bigger see"
"Fine...you grew the larger pumpkin for this year's county fare contest, but the HABS beat the Kings....your team stinks worse than the LEAS! Ha ha!"
"You can be so hurtful sometimes...you didn't have to go there"
"Yes I did cause we're better"
"I'm getting a caramel apple"
"Uuuu I'll come too, I want a corn dog"
"Fine"
"Hey did you check out the house of horror chick?! I wouldn't mind getting on that ride!"
"Those house of horror rides are so cheezy"
"....Man you can be thick sometimes. Kind of like your team...Remember when HABS beat them?"
You guys see what I mean? :D
Friday, March 7, 2008
THAT’S THE WAY TO BOUNCE BACK!
A thousand apologies for being delayed on my update today, however the NHL is to blame (or was it the government?!). Having kept up a father of one an a quarter well past his bed-time during the week, whilst being kept awake at work with work to be done has been nothing short of unbearable this week. However the outcome is positive and the HABS gave me the pick-me up I needed last night.
I’m not going to cheapen being at the top of our Division by slogans and catch phrases so I’ll keep this short. Carey Price bounced back to prove to the fans, the organisation, his coach, his team-mates and most importantly him self that he is able to perform as a #1 goaltender should. Everyone has bad games, but not everyone can bounce back like that. His performance in last night’s game (with some minor weak moments) will come in very valuable during the next few weeks.
Furthermore it was good to see everyone doing their job. The top line contributed, the second line contributed, and the team worked well on the power play when it counted. Of course that first period was hard to watch and it looked like the 1988 Oilers playing the Chicoutimi Poutines, but the important thing is the goalie kept us in the game, and our offense (mainly power play) returned the favour in the third. We got the two points, and now we have a two point cushion on Ottawa. With a win on Saturday we can ensure coming out of this road trip with more points than Ottawa, which IMO is our priority.
I’m not going to cheapen being at the top of our Division by slogans and catch phrases so I’ll keep this short. Carey Price bounced back to prove to the fans, the organisation, his coach, his team-mates and most importantly him self that he is able to perform as a #1 goaltender should. Everyone has bad games, but not everyone can bounce back like that. His performance in last night’s game (with some minor weak moments) will come in very valuable during the next few weeks.
Furthermore it was good to see everyone doing their job. The top line contributed, the second line contributed, and the team worked well on the power play when it counted. Of course that first period was hard to watch and it looked like the 1988 Oilers playing the Chicoutimi Poutines, but the important thing is the goalie kept us in the game, and our offense (mainly power play) returned the favour in the third. We got the two points, and now we have a two point cushion on Ottawa. With a win on Saturday we can ensure coming out of this road trip with more points than Ottawa, which IMO is our priority.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
GOTTA KEEP PACE WITH OTTAWA
At this point in time I’m more concerned with remaining in the top seat of our Division than fighting for the Conference. If we finish in the top seat of our Division, we’re guaranteed to finish in 1st or 2nd, and so our probable opponents would be Buffalo, Boston, Philly or New York. ¾ teams would be a great opponent for the first round, offering ample opportunity to advance. Whether we finish in first or second in the Conference, the odds of facing one of the three opponents will be 75%, so other than bragging rights (as of today) I see no benefit in worrying about the race for the Conference top seat.
With that said, our current and primary concerns are the Ottawa Senators. They’re one of these teams that can loose to a low tier team, but when it comes to playing the HABS they find this extra motivation from god know where, and pummel us to no end. With two more games left to face them between now and the end of the year, splitting the two would be a favourable outcome given our recent history with them.
In the meanwhile, we should try and cushion the slim (now none existent) lead between our selves and Ottawa who have the same amount of points, but we have a game in hand. The Sens are going through a similar road trip as our selves, and they have obtained ¼ points thus far. Our swing is going to breach it’s mid-point tonight, and we have a chance to pick up 2/4 and put a two point spread between our selves and that team who plays for the bastards who tax us.
The next few weeks can unfold any combination of events, including the exclusion of the HABS from the playoffs. Although unlikely, I don’t see anyone clinching a spot in the Eastern Conference until late in the month, so each game and each point has an unimaginable worth. Tonight is a good night to pot two with the majority of Eastern teams going through ruts, and to cut our loosing streak at 1 before it gets worrisome. Furthermore tonight gives Carey Price o respond to the vote of confidence. Last time the coaching staff and management gave him a pat on the back he went on a 3-0 tear with superb stats. Here’s hoping he can out do that streak this time around.
With that said, our current and primary concerns are the Ottawa Senators. They’re one of these teams that can loose to a low tier team, but when it comes to playing the HABS they find this extra motivation from god know where, and pummel us to no end. With two more games left to face them between now and the end of the year, splitting the two would be a favourable outcome given our recent history with them.
In the meanwhile, we should try and cushion the slim (now none existent) lead between our selves and Ottawa who have the same amount of points, but we have a game in hand. The Sens are going through a similar road trip as our selves, and they have obtained ¼ points thus far. Our swing is going to breach it’s mid-point tonight, and we have a chance to pick up 2/4 and put a two point spread between our selves and that team who plays for the bastards who tax us.
The next few weeks can unfold any combination of events, including the exclusion of the HABS from the playoffs. Although unlikely, I don’t see anyone clinching a spot in the Eastern Conference until late in the month, so each game and each point has an unimaginable worth. Tonight is a good night to pot two with the majority of Eastern teams going through ruts, and to cut our loosing streak at 1 before it gets worrisome. Furthermore tonight gives Carey Price o respond to the vote of confidence. Last time the coaching staff and management gave him a pat on the back he went on a 3-0 tear with superb stats. Here’s hoping he can out do that streak this time around.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
WHY PRICE SHOULD START TOMORROW NIGHT
If coach Carbs had a plan to start Halak in nets tomorrow night against Phoenix prior to starting the week, he now has reason to change that schedule and start Price instead. My rational for this of course are the same as my agreement with the management’s vote of confidence in the youth movement, and mainly Carey Price.
At 20 years old, I can hardly blame young Carey for loosing his cool against the Sharks following dismal reffing, however this doesn’t excuse him from the fact that he did let his emotions get the better of him. One of his greatest assets thus far has been his cool and mature demeanour that has earned him the nick name “Priceberg” or my noun for our phenom goaltender “Cucumber boy”…as in cool as a…
This will of course be a learning experience for Carey and he will only come back stronger. If you doubt that, you need not look any further than his escapade with Brent Sutter at the World Juniors. My concern however is the coaching staff messages.
Prior to the trade deadline the message was clear: “Who ever wins plays”. This was a sound strategy for the short term with two goaltenders able to do the job. However, wisely or not, this message was changed to: “Price is our #1 guy…rain or shine”. This new philosophy gives Carey Price the vote of confidence he needs to get to the next level. However it is being put to the test for the first time now.
The team scored 4 goals on the road and lost. The goaltender could have done a better job, and no one is arguing that. Price had a bad game…period. Now if Carbonneau comes back with Price, it gives Carey the pat on the back he needs. That tells him to get back on the horse and get going cause this team is his to lead. But if he comes in with Halak, than all of a sudden Carey is back to where he was three weeks ago: Nervous to make a mistake at the ultimate cost of not starting the next game. This kind of pressure for a goaltender in his age group and situation is not constructive. Such a pattern could be a motivational tool for a veteran who has lost the edge, but is a destructive process of thought for the goaltender who will win the next Stanley Cup for the HABS (yup…I’m going on the record to say it ;)).
I haven’t read anything on the subject, and I don’t know if a decision has been made or announced yet, but the worse thing Carbonneau could do tomorrow night is start Halak. Saturday seems like a better time to get Halak some ice time, and re-test Price against a crease crashing team like Anaheim.
At 20 years old, I can hardly blame young Carey for loosing his cool against the Sharks following dismal reffing, however this doesn’t excuse him from the fact that he did let his emotions get the better of him. One of his greatest assets thus far has been his cool and mature demeanour that has earned him the nick name “Priceberg” or my noun for our phenom goaltender “Cucumber boy”…as in cool as a…
This will of course be a learning experience for Carey and he will only come back stronger. If you doubt that, you need not look any further than his escapade with Brent Sutter at the World Juniors. My concern however is the coaching staff messages.
Prior to the trade deadline the message was clear: “Who ever wins plays”. This was a sound strategy for the short term with two goaltenders able to do the job. However, wisely or not, this message was changed to: “Price is our #1 guy…rain or shine”. This new philosophy gives Carey Price the vote of confidence he needs to get to the next level. However it is being put to the test for the first time now.
The team scored 4 goals on the road and lost. The goaltender could have done a better job, and no one is arguing that. Price had a bad game…period. Now if Carbonneau comes back with Price, it gives Carey the pat on the back he needs. That tells him to get back on the horse and get going cause this team is his to lead. But if he comes in with Halak, than all of a sudden Carey is back to where he was three weeks ago: Nervous to make a mistake at the ultimate cost of not starting the next game. This kind of pressure for a goaltender in his age group and situation is not constructive. Such a pattern could be a motivational tool for a veteran who has lost the edge, but is a destructive process of thought for the goaltender who will win the next Stanley Cup for the HABS (yup…I’m going on the record to say it ;)).
I haven’t read anything on the subject, and I don’t know if a decision has been made or announced yet, but the worse thing Carbonneau could do tomorrow night is start Halak. Saturday seems like a better time to get Halak some ice time, and re-test Price against a crease crashing team like Anaheim.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
NOTCH ONE MORE FEATHER ON THE CAP
It was gut-check time and a test of character for Mr. Price last night and a hefts test of character. Unfortunately the outcome was adverse, but hopefully he will take it as a learning experience and put it in his bag of tricks.
An unlucky goal, a goal which should not have been counted because of a blatantly missed goaltender interference call (not referring to Smokes here, but the third goal) and two other missed goaltender interference goals before the mid way point of the game was enough to throw our young net-minder off his game. We should give credit where credit is due. The Sharks had a clear game plan to disrupt Price’s tempo, and Price fallowed suit. Things could have been different if the refs would have called a fair game, but that also is something the players have to learn to deal with.
The unfortunate truth is rarely will these young jocs play a consistently fair game. The donkey droppings in zebra shirts change moods, tolerance levels and peripheral vision angles from minute to minute. Further more, each poop sack has a different way of judging the game, and interpreting the rules. Oh and in case you’re wondering, I can insult the NHL officiating team and get away with it because I’m not an established or professional journalist. So as Red Fisher has to refrain him self at “questionable call”, I can sit here and write a hundred things that supersede the officiating team in the order of life. Given limited space and time, I’ll limit the list to a random ten (these are in no particular order):
• A bucket of slime eel (if you don’t know what it looks like: http://assets.espn.go.com/winnercomm/outdoors/fishing/i/p2-fish05.jpg )
• An elephant’s toe jam
• Michael Moore’s underpants after all you can eat burrito night at the Clinton’s residence
• Jerry’s remains
• That diaper full of HLD junior’s droppings I chucked at a passer by biker.
• A pack of gum
• A decomposed maggot
• A toothpick
• The sticky stuff Zorro the Beagle leaves behind after he has a round with on of our guest’s leg
• Rubber puke
The list can go on, but alas I must get back to work and catch up on my sleep I missed out last night. In the meanwhile if you would like to continue adding to the above list please feel free. I find it rather therapeutic.
An unlucky goal, a goal which should not have been counted because of a blatantly missed goaltender interference call (not referring to Smokes here, but the third goal) and two other missed goaltender interference goals before the mid way point of the game was enough to throw our young net-minder off his game. We should give credit where credit is due. The Sharks had a clear game plan to disrupt Price’s tempo, and Price fallowed suit. Things could have been different if the refs would have called a fair game, but that also is something the players have to learn to deal with.
The unfortunate truth is rarely will these young jocs play a consistently fair game. The donkey droppings in zebra shirts change moods, tolerance levels and peripheral vision angles from minute to minute. Further more, each poop sack has a different way of judging the game, and interpreting the rules. Oh and in case you’re wondering, I can insult the NHL officiating team and get away with it because I’m not an established or professional journalist. So as Red Fisher has to refrain him self at “questionable call”, I can sit here and write a hundred things that supersede the officiating team in the order of life. Given limited space and time, I’ll limit the list to a random ten (these are in no particular order):
• A bucket of slime eel (if you don’t know what it looks like: http://assets.espn.go.com/winnercomm/outdoors/fishing/i/p2-fish05.jpg )
• An elephant’s toe jam
• Michael Moore’s underpants after all you can eat burrito night at the Clinton’s residence
• Jerry’s remains
• That diaper full of HLD junior’s droppings I chucked at a passer by biker.
• A pack of gum
• A decomposed maggot
• A toothpick
• The sticky stuff Zorro the Beagle leaves behind after he has a round with on of our guest’s leg
• Rubber puke
The list can go on, but alas I must get back to work and catch up on my sleep I missed out last night. In the meanwhile if you would like to continue adding to the above list please feel free. I find it rather therapeutic.
Monday, March 3, 2008
I BLAME THE GOVERNMENT!
Many apologies my fellow MNers. I have just stepped in to the office in a franctic rush to get ready for a meeting in 15 minutes. The powers at bee have decided to change the bus route on me to start this prosperous month of March.
As such I have to get going on non-hockey related matters (what a drag!) and I will have to leave the MN numbers update to my Number 2 or better yet chocolate (PS choc…can you re-send the spreadsheet you e-mailed last week please?)
What can I say about tonight that you all don’t know already? It is the beginning of a defining moment in the end of our season. Not only because it will determine in the short run whether we remain in first place, but also because having to face the tough, fast and hard hitting teams of the West will give us a good idea of how deep into the post-season we can make it. It will be a test and gauge of our young team’s character, who thus far in the season has performed beyond expectations.
Onwards and downwards with the MN.
As such I have to get going on non-hockey related matters (what a drag!) and I will have to leave the MN numbers update to my Number 2 or better yet chocolate (PS choc…can you re-send the spreadsheet you e-mailed last week please?)
What can I say about tonight that you all don’t know already? It is the beginning of a defining moment in the end of our season. Not only because it will determine in the short run whether we remain in first place, but also because having to face the tough, fast and hard hitting teams of the West will give us a good idea of how deep into the post-season we can make it. It will be a test and gauge of our young team’s character, who thus far in the season has performed beyond expectations.
Onwards and downwards with the MN.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
HERE IS THE UPDATE YOU’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR
It is with great honour, and distinct pleasure that I present you with this update you’ve all ben waiting for, not only over night, but since over a decade. HABS are at the top of the pecking order, and it the playoffs start today we have home advantage and we play the Flyers (whom we’ve more or less dominated).
It was quite the spectacle last night, watching the goaltending dual. One of Price’s qualities that we have all loved and admired, and which incidentally was a big part of the win on Friday and last night is his puck handling skills. By stepping out behind the net, intercepting the dump, and making a play for a quick and devastating transition play leaving 2-3 players deep in our zone while our offensive line is charging through the neutral zone is not only a good way to keep the puck out of our zone and frustrate the opposing team to no degree, but it also allows for more than a few odd man rushes in our favour.
On the other side of the ice of course Mr Brodeur, the greatest puck handling goalie of all times had to show his moves right. Not only would he intercept, and make plays, but he cleared the zone during a PK. What could be more valuable to a Penalty Kill unit when your goalie can clear the zone while you keep the warm bodies from converging towards the back of the net? Well ask that to our boys, because cucumber boy (as in cool as a) was so calm in his demeanour once more, that he wouldn’t be intimidated by the infamous Brodeur. No…Price, in turn, returned the favour when we were killing a penalty and dumped the puck out of our zone. And unless I’m mistaken, with Price’s intervention, our PK last night was better than it has been in recent times.
But it was not all Price. The team, although not very lucky with bouncing pucks, played a solid, safe game, speedy and hard along the boards, and didn’t give too many odd man rushes. We were defensively sound and offensively had many chances. Our transition game was superb and EVERYONE did their job. The moment I’m going to remember the most from the game that got us to the top seat (other than Price emulating one of his idol goaltenders on the PK) is the final shift (or second to last rather) of Smokes and Mad Max. Those 30-40 second they won in the offensive zone was key, and was a reflection of how well this team is playing, not in style or strategy, but as a team. When players accept their roles and thrive to do it to the best of their abilities, things always seem to work out.
If we keep doing this till the end of the season, there is no reason we can’t finish where we are. Especially when your goaltender is 3-0 with a 1.33 GGA and a .956 save percentage since his first defining moment in the NHL. Who could have foreseen that such a blatant vote of confidence on the part of the management and the coaching staff could have catapulted Price into his “zone”? :rolleyes:
So for today enjoy the moment, we’re officially #1 both in NL and in points. Tomorrow I’ll bring you all back down to earth and remind you how fragile the standings are, not that you haven’t noticed one NL brings us to a tie and as far down as seventh.
The battle is far from over, but today and tomorrow, the fact of the mater is WE’RE NUMBER ONE!!!!!!
PS HTL please let us know if there are any HABS fans in the TML fan forums bringing to light that we’re on top and they’re fighting to stay out of last. That should make for some lame excuses and humorous posts I’m sure.
It was quite the spectacle last night, watching the goaltending dual. One of Price’s qualities that we have all loved and admired, and which incidentally was a big part of the win on Friday and last night is his puck handling skills. By stepping out behind the net, intercepting the dump, and making a play for a quick and devastating transition play leaving 2-3 players deep in our zone while our offensive line is charging through the neutral zone is not only a good way to keep the puck out of our zone and frustrate the opposing team to no degree, but it also allows for more than a few odd man rushes in our favour.
On the other side of the ice of course Mr Brodeur, the greatest puck handling goalie of all times had to show his moves right. Not only would he intercept, and make plays, but he cleared the zone during a PK. What could be more valuable to a Penalty Kill unit when your goalie can clear the zone while you keep the warm bodies from converging towards the back of the net? Well ask that to our boys, because cucumber boy (as in cool as a) was so calm in his demeanour once more, that he wouldn’t be intimidated by the infamous Brodeur. No…Price, in turn, returned the favour when we were killing a penalty and dumped the puck out of our zone. And unless I’m mistaken, with Price’s intervention, our PK last night was better than it has been in recent times.
But it was not all Price. The team, although not very lucky with bouncing pucks, played a solid, safe game, speedy and hard along the boards, and didn’t give too many odd man rushes. We were defensively sound and offensively had many chances. Our transition game was superb and EVERYONE did their job. The moment I’m going to remember the most from the game that got us to the top seat (other than Price emulating one of his idol goaltenders on the PK) is the final shift (or second to last rather) of Smokes and Mad Max. Those 30-40 second they won in the offensive zone was key, and was a reflection of how well this team is playing, not in style or strategy, but as a team. When players accept their roles and thrive to do it to the best of their abilities, things always seem to work out.
If we keep doing this till the end of the season, there is no reason we can’t finish where we are. Especially when your goaltender is 3-0 with a 1.33 GGA and a .956 save percentage since his first defining moment in the NHL. Who could have foreseen that such a blatant vote of confidence on the part of the management and the coaching staff could have catapulted Price into his “zone”? :rolleyes:
So for today enjoy the moment, we’re officially #1 both in NL and in points. Tomorrow I’ll bring you all back down to earth and remind you how fragile the standings are, not that you haven’t noticed one NL brings us to a tie and as far down as seventh.
The battle is far from over, but today and tomorrow, the fact of the mater is WE’RE NUMBER ONE!!!!!!
PS HTL please let us know if there are any HABS fans in the TML fan forums bringing to light that we’re on top and they’re fighting to stay out of last. That should make for some lame excuses and humorous posts I’m sure.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT, SO LITTLE BRAIN
There is so much one could talk about as it is, and now we have another game in less than 8 hours for the Conference top seat. The only way I can deal with this is by bullet pointing:
• Good solid game last night. Looking back through my comments this past week, the team is exactly where I was hoping they would be in terms of team strategy.
• We kept the puck out of our zone and dumped it out asap when it got in and frustrated the opponent. No fancy plays…they’re the ones who were forced into trying the “moves” and gave up more odd man rushes than I can count on my fingers and toes.
• We fought hard along the boards and played physically deep in their zone. We frustrated their D into playing a sloppy game (more so as the game went on and frustration levels rose). This also forced them into taking bad penalties.
• Speaking of penalties, the refs missed a brutal hit on Markov and I hope the league gives this animal a suspension for attempt to injure. “Sorry I didn’t see it” is a good enough excuse on the ice, especially given Mac-goo’s eye sight (yes I know that’s not how you spell his name...it’s a pun…get it?). However there is no reason why the league can’t give him a suspension upon video review once the game is over.
• Guillaume…you beautiful bastard you. I’m not sure if it’s because he was nervous, scared or super pumped, but he was hitting like a 5hp jack hammer. No powerful punches, but that arm was moving faster than a 14 year old boy having private time in the washroom. Good on you Guillaume.
• OMG we’re number one.
• Our hold on number one is so fragile that it can evaporate as early as tonight. So we should not get ahead of our selves but continue with the task at hand.
• OMG we’re number one.
• Screw it; since the standings are so fragile, I’ll enjoy the standings for what they are now. I may not get a chance to celebrate #1 in the Division again this year.
• We’re facing New Jersey, and a Martin Brodeur that will be fuming after lst night’s loss. As if he’s not motivated enough as it is when he plays the Bleu Blanc et Rouge, but not he’s going to be super goalie on crack.
• We proved the last game against the Devils, after having come back from a 3-0 deficit in New Jersey, that they are beatable, and we are the better team when we want to be. It will be up to our boys to keep last night’s momentum and instil the tempo on those Devilish bastards.
• I honestly believe that Ottawa’s loosing streak is not over yet, and that we have more than a decent chance to win tonight’s game. We could very well end up top seat in the league with a 3 point cushion in our Division.
• I love the HABS
• The HABS love me (it’s all those love letters I keep getting from Komisarek)
• Plecs was playing awesome last night, but lets give credit where credit is due. Kovalev is by far our MVP this year and anyone who thinks other wise can kiss my hairy brown (and currently sweaty) buttocks.
• I think I’ve said enough.
• OMG we’re #1 in our Division
• Maple Leafs still suck.
• Good solid game last night. Looking back through my comments this past week, the team is exactly where I was hoping they would be in terms of team strategy.
• We kept the puck out of our zone and dumped it out asap when it got in and frustrated the opponent. No fancy plays…they’re the ones who were forced into trying the “moves” and gave up more odd man rushes than I can count on my fingers and toes.
• We fought hard along the boards and played physically deep in their zone. We frustrated their D into playing a sloppy game (more so as the game went on and frustration levels rose). This also forced them into taking bad penalties.
• Speaking of penalties, the refs missed a brutal hit on Markov and I hope the league gives this animal a suspension for attempt to injure. “Sorry I didn’t see it” is a good enough excuse on the ice, especially given Mac-goo’s eye sight (yes I know that’s not how you spell his name...it’s a pun…get it?). However there is no reason why the league can’t give him a suspension upon video review once the game is over.
• Guillaume…you beautiful bastard you. I’m not sure if it’s because he was nervous, scared or super pumped, but he was hitting like a 5hp jack hammer. No powerful punches, but that arm was moving faster than a 14 year old boy having private time in the washroom. Good on you Guillaume.
• OMG we’re number one.
• Our hold on number one is so fragile that it can evaporate as early as tonight. So we should not get ahead of our selves but continue with the task at hand.
• OMG we’re number one.
• Screw it; since the standings are so fragile, I’ll enjoy the standings for what they are now. I may not get a chance to celebrate #1 in the Division again this year.
• We’re facing New Jersey, and a Martin Brodeur that will be fuming after lst night’s loss. As if he’s not motivated enough as it is when he plays the Bleu Blanc et Rouge, but not he’s going to be super goalie on crack.
• We proved the last game against the Devils, after having come back from a 3-0 deficit in New Jersey, that they are beatable, and we are the better team when we want to be. It will be up to our boys to keep last night’s momentum and instil the tempo on those Devilish bastards.
• I honestly believe that Ottawa’s loosing streak is not over yet, and that we have more than a decent chance to win tonight’s game. We could very well end up top seat in the league with a 3 point cushion in our Division.
• I love the HABS
• The HABS love me (it’s all those love letters I keep getting from Komisarek)
• Plecs was playing awesome last night, but lets give credit where credit is due. Kovalev is by far our MVP this year and anyone who thinks other wise can kiss my hairy brown (and currently sweaty) buttocks.
• I think I’ve said enough.
• OMG we’re #1 in our Division
• Maple Leafs still suck.
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