HABS MAGIC NUMBER - THE COUNT DOWN

LET THE IMPLOSION BEGIN

2008-11-19T12:14:00.001-05:00

I think last night’s game will really get the demolition ball rolling, beyond anything a potential win tomorrow night can fix. I haven’t had the guts to venture around the forum, but by some of the comments on TSN.ca, I can tell the usual parade of brain dead comments have begun.

The team last night was spectacular. Spectacularly poor. But this is still a team which is one attitude change away from a power house. It will come, I know that much. What it will take to make it happen, well I can speculate, as can the rest of us, but no one can really be sure. We have to have faith and trust in the staff to get the team through the rough patch. There are enough hockey minds within the organisation who will know better than any one of us wana be GM in here can claim to know. Furthermore, for once we have staff in place who has proven on several occasions that they are not worried, nor will they act different because of, the media and fan frenzy and all the politics that go along with it. They will do what is best for the team, and they will do it better than anyone in here, writing for Le Journal or expressing themselves as having the cure all bogus remedy this team needs. We can trust Bob, Carb and the gang to be more objective than any one of us would like to believe and will base their judgement on professionalism, and decades of Stanley Cup winning, but kicking, hockey playing experience.

So to all you certifiable arm chari GMs ready to blow the team and coaching staff up, grow up, get a life, grow a brain cell or two and shut the flanelle up.

LETS NOT FORGET DEFENCE

2008-11-18T08:45:00.000-05:00

All the hype about a talented team, offensive super-powers, finishing with the highest number of goals for last year, and definitely due (at least on paper) to break that record this year, it appears that the team has forgotten the second half of the ice. All the attention is getting the puck up ice to create offensive chances, when what seem to be killing us are goals against. We had a pretty good, simple, and effective system last year and I don’t see why the coaching staff has not reinforced this same play. Perhaps they were liooing to try something new, which might offer a better transition game and more scoring chances. But the fact of the matter is, it’s not working, the transition is not working, players are getting frustrated and evidently NOTHING is working.

We’re all familiar with the adage of KISS: “Keep It Simple Stupid” This works for me in my daily ventures and adventures both at work and at home, it worked for the HABS last year in their defensive play, so I don’t see why it wouldn’t work this year. As soon as one touches the puck in the defensive zone, just get it out into the neutral zone and let our speedy forwards fight for it. Best case they get it and create a scoring chance. Likely case the opposing blue liners will get it and dump it in, creating a delayed offside and allowing our “D” to make a better and easier play. Worse case they get the puck and come charging back in and we’re back where we started.

Maybe I’m over simplifying (who am I kidding, I am), but it seems that at a time when nothing is working and everyone is nervous, it’s the simple plays that are the way to go and get everyone back on track. Even Zorro the Beagle is with me on this one, and we usually disagree on everything unless we’re deciding on re-fried beans as the key ingredient to turn a boring taco night to an flatulently entertaining burrito night.

SOMETHING POSITIVE TO WORK WITH

2008-11-17T08:49:00.000-05:00

Well things have gotten ugly…very ugly. Relatively speaking, ugly still ain’t that bad. Ugly three years ago would have meant last place in the East, so we should still feel fortunate that a horrible horrible Canadiens team is still fifth in the East and 7th in the league with less games played than everyone in front (except Detroit who has also played 16). Now there’s an eye opener.

Regardless of the standings, we know things are no where near as good as they can be. The team seems to have lost its identity. We went through a similar patch last year (even worse than this if we can all recall) and guess who emerged as the leader and brought this team in to heights no analyst across the league believed to be possible: Kovalev.

Some have argued that Kovy is not the same man this year, not the same locker room, etc, etc… And it’s true that things have changed in his surroundings. But Kovy hasn’t changed. He’s still a fierce competitor, and a role model to all the youngsters. He still feels the joy of playing hockey, and more importantly WINNING. A la Patrick Roy, Kovalev’s whole demeanour changes when they win, and I’m not talking about the generic happy feelings one gets for being on a winning team. He WANTS to win…he NEEDS to win, and he knows with this team, he CAN win…over and over and over again.

I may be naïve and a blind fool as a direct result of my unhealthy obsession with the Tricolore, but I think last night’s shootout scenario with Alex Kovalev scoring the game winner in true Kovale style (i.e. sending the goalie to collect his jock strap on the other side of the net) is just the type of clincher he needs to kick him self in the butt and get into gear. Once Kovalev is on the proper wavelength, the rest of the team will follow.

This of course is my belu blanc et rouge two cents that are not worth very much, unless of course you’re as blind, wishful, hopeful and obsessively loyal as I am.

WILL THE STREAK GO ON?....FORGET THE STREAK…WE GOT BIGGER PROBLEMS

2008-11-14T08:48:00.001-05:00

OK…so far this season I have (as well as many of us in here) given the HABS the benefit of the doubt. It is a long season, bad games will happen, que sera sera…But now this is starting to reek more of a team that is caught up in their own, non-proven, greatness. And this reek is worse than Zorro the beagle’s bowel movements after taco night. The players (except the fourth line) are gliding up and down the ice, EXPECTING for plays to happen. There is no fight, no fire, and the Ottawa game on Tuesday was only the fourth game I can remember us playing like real athletes.

Now let me clarify: I’m not saying all is lost and this team is over rated. I think this team is poised to represent the East in the Stanley Cup finals, and has a good shot at it as well. However that is step 12 of the 82 + games season, and we’re still stuck on step 1. Play hockey. Get in to the game. Get emotional. Talent DOES NOT win games. Hard work wins games.

I would have hoped with the way the team responded to the Toronto game against Ottawa was solid proof enough that the locker room was getting cleared up with this incessive self glorifying fog and the “better than thou” attitude we bring on the ice. Last night was proof positive it was not. What can the coaching staff do to get them on track? I don’t know what more they can do. It’s time for the veterans to speak up in the room and hold each other accountable (not finger point and make excuses, but hold the entire locker room accountable). This nonchalant attitude has to stop

WILL THE STREAK GO ON?....YES

2008-11-13T09:17:00.001-05:00

The Booins are on a roll…woopty doo. They won again last night….big woop. They face the HABS tonight yipeeeeee!!!

With the HABS gelling once again, we can expect them to go on a tear…the first real tear of the season, and the Booins will be our second victims. The Brruins have notoriously have had psychological issues playing against the HABS. They have however come out a few games with a positive frame of mind, guns blazing, Charas playing like they should, and the offense forechecking. Unfortunatelly for them, on each such occasion, the HABS scored the first goal thanks to acrobatic saves from our goalies and an odd man rush for us against an aggressive team. With the first goal in the Booins fell apart like papier mache in a rain storm.

Moral of the story is the Bruins are feeling good and the team is working on all cylinders. They will be facing off against a team who they have not beaten in (what is it now…12?) regular season games, so you can bet they will be very aggressive and confident that given their team this year and current streak, this is where it ends. It will be up to us to start the game strong and get that first goal in to mess with their minds, before they can even get into the game. One of our weaknesses have been the slow starts, but this is one of the many things we remedies on Tuesday’s game. I can only hope (and I do believe) that tonight’s game will be no different in that sense. Tonight, the Bruins will be just another victim for the Bleu Blanc et Rouge.

TOUGHT PILL TO SWALLOW

2008-11-10T08:45:00.001-05:00

After a long week of waiting for hockey, we were disappointed with the Friday/Saturday tandem of poor performances. Friday’s game would have been grudgingly acceptable had we blown the Leafs away on Saturday, but alas…the team’s laziness finally overcame it’s raw talent. Hard work will always beat talent and talent won’t get you anywhere without hard work, and I suppose this will be the coaching staff’s greatest challenge this year going into, and through the playoffs.

On one hand I would like to sit here and vent and trash the HABS for a lazy effort, but on the other hand I know the season is long and bad patches are inevitable for any team. However, we have all been aware since the beginning of the year that out of 12 games played we can ONLY easily name two where the team played hard. Otherwise we always got away with talent. So do we worry? Do we fire the coach and bring in someone else? Is it time to trade Kovalev while his stock is high and get some new blood? Is it time break into each other’s skulls and feast on the sweet sweet goo inside? No…not yet…not ever. All the arm chair GMs (and La Presse) who are more than eager to jump on any opportunity to rip an extremely talented team full of potential apart can go suck a lemon. All that the team needs is to play more games, get the chemistry going, and have some team building activities. Paintball is always a popular choice ;)

AN OK FAILIURE

2008-11-08T08:52:00.001-05:00

To the intense competitor, the above statement may seem paradoxical; however a team that plays 82 games in a season is bound to make blunders, and I’m willing to accept gaffes as long as they are less ghastly than the previous error.

In our case, following our last long break we came out playing at the intensity level of the girls scout district 36 pink (a.k.a. the unicorns) hockey team. We dropped our first loss in regulation to Anaheim and hung our heads in shame.

Last night we were faced with a similar challenge to that game and I thought we played a lot better in that we were sharper….still as dull as a pair of fisher price set of play-dough scissors, but sharper. We played better than the Anaheim game and we got 1 more point than we did in our previous “long break” test. So I’ll grudgingly take it and stick it in the bank (my investment statement is above showing a sweet 135…about as many dollars left in my investment portfolio. But jokes on the MN, my portfolio value is dropping faster than it is so I’ll definitely win the race to 0 first.)

AAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-03T09:08:00.002-05:00

No HABS games till Friday. Are you kidding me? How is a mere mortal supposed to withstand such torture? I’m yet to recover from the previous week’s long break. And this one is longer…Go suck a lemon Mr. Buttman…go suck a lemon. And I’ll continue to take out my mental aggression out on Chris Lee.

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU HMMMMM…

2008-11-02T08:45:00.000-05:00

Today is a good kind of day. Today is the day the bandwagonners are filtered from the die-hard hard core, give my first born for season tickets kind of fans. The often pretentious HFWB, short for habs fan wanna be, will be whining about how they missed an awesome come back after they changed the channel during the second intermission. Today, as the HFWBs slowly emerge from their caverns full of lies, I will be able to look them in the eye and give them a piece of my mind, guilt free.

The HFWB are one thing, but last night there was a bigger target in my eyes. Joel Bouchard made a new enemy in me last night, which mean…well absolutely nothing. I’m too lazy to even make a prank call, but he’ll still be hung out to dry in this article.

During the second intermission, he actually said, and I quote “J’espere que les Canadiens perd cette rencontre”. Translation…he’s a douche. Now I’ll admit, the context in which he said was that it would serve a valuable learning experience for the team, so this kind of lazy underestimating the opponent none-sense does not repeat its self past January. However, there are two big taboos in my eyes in the hockey world:

1) NEVER wish for a HABS loss
2) NEVER wish for a Leafs win

It was apparent that the lesson was learned after two periods of epsilonic hockey, and the team demonstrated that with their play in the third. Sure the goals started coming in the last 15 minutes, but the style changed from the face-off to begin the period. The Islanders got a dose of reality and were kept to a hand full of shots, most of which came in the last 30 seconds in a desperate attempt to un-do a colossal failure on their part.

So Joel gets one strike in my book, but once again I’m too lazy to keep track of these things, so he’ll be OK by days end. He has an extremely knowledgeable hockey mind, and he makes up for his poor TV presence with quality thoughts and constructive analysis of the teams. BUT, if he doesn’t want to go the way of Don I used motel drapes for a suit Cherry, he has to never, ever, EVER wish for a HABS loss EVER again.

I HAD A DREAM…

2008-10-31T07:02:00.004-05:00

Last night my sub-conscious was taken to a ride to left field, when the usual suspects in my dream world consisting of the likes of Angelina JoLee, Scarlet Johanson, any of the heroines from the Austin Powers series and the double mint twins (together of course) were replaces with the storky outline of Chris Lee. Turns out Chris Lee doesn’t look as good in a red cocktail dress, but after haven subconsciously take a baseball bat to his face, forced him to sit through a whole Abba album and fed him through a wood chipper he was just as fulfilling. He was back to his antics last night, and anyone who disagrees that he is monumentally biased against the HABS is a blind fool who’s mental incapacities can rival the Crazy Cat Suit Man (speaking of which, haven’t seen Crazy Cat Suit Man yet…hope he’s OK).

With the exception of one or two, I’ll give it to the refs that they called valid penalties against us…no argument there. However they let the Wild go Wild on us and missed a few calls and decided to knit pick against the Bleu Blanc et Rouge as a direct result of a hissy fit by Jacques Lemaire. I suppose it is the reality of the game that junior refs are susceptible to the influence of established coaches.

In the meanwhile it was great practice for our PK, and a game like this can really get them on a roll and point them down the right track. Superb show for Carey Price and it was good to see Markov pot his first goal…it was long overdue and well deserved.

On a final not…I hate Chris Lee.

AROU YOU READY TO KOIVU?!

2008-10-30T07:32:00.000-05:00

Sweet…two brothers, the captains of their respective teams, facing off against each other tonight (starting from the opening face off I presume) in the NHL. Boy would I love to be a fly on the wall during the Koivu’s Christmas get together this year. This game has bragging right written all over it. The team who wins will crown one brother as superior to the other, so we can expect both Koivu’s to play at the top of their game. This could potentially be a good thing for us, if the young Koivu lets his emotions get the better of him, and tries to attack too much, thus opening the crap trap game Minnesota likes to curse the world with.

We have had difficulty last year against teams that play this style of game, and are repeating the same patter this year. I will be hoping in a pessimistic fashion that we can not only deal with this style of game, but dominate it. The key is to score the first goal and score on the power plays, thus forcing the opposing crap trap to open up in an attempt to increase scoring chances. Our problem of course has been to score first and on the power play. Here’s hoping we can win this one without chewing through what little remains I have on my finger nails.

PS Some members have been having trouble refreshing the MN Table and NL standings. If the refresh button doesn’t fix it, we found that logging off and back on to the forum helps fix the problem.

IT’S MY FAULT IT’S SNOWING, BUT IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CHEMISTRY

2008-10-29T07:42:00.000-05:00

My apologies MN-Nation…I am the one responsible for the snow. I had my winter tires installed on the car yesterday, winterized my car (which is a fancy way of saying I threw my brush and scraper on the back seat), set-up my Tempo, and BOOM! Snow. I feel aright about it knowing that I am ready for the winter, but I am sure I have burdened many of you who are yet to tackle the winterizing issues around the house and the car.

To make up for the white stuff, I struck a deal with the All Might Sponge Bob. He told me the HABS were poised to loose the game against the Canes, because they were unable to give as a team, and this will lead to failures in the transition game, defensive end as well as turn-over’s in all three zones of the arena. The big yellow porous guy owes me one so he said he’d hook us up with another “phew…at least we got the two points” win, like a few other we already got in this early season.

I’m not worried about the team performing, but I am beginning to wonder when the team will get going. It’s a chemistry thing IMHO, and once the chemistry is there, the passes will be crisp, which will help the transition game and allow our defence-men to NOT look like a bunch of McCabe’s on the ice. The chemistry will also help our special teams, especially on the scoring end. The chemistry is what this team is missing, and perhaps it has to do with all the attention around the centennial celebrations. It can, and most probably is, a major distraction to the locker room. Furthermore, the media pinned them as the Eastern Champions before the puck even dropped, so I can imagine it would be fairly difficult to remain in “the here and now” and remain focused on the game.

We couldn’t have asked for better role models for the locker room than Bob Gainey, Guy Carbonneau, Kirk Muller and Doug Jarvis in helping them stay focused on the game instead of the media and marketing circus happening around them for our entertainment. Such is the plight of a professional athlete competing in a town where the team surpassed all major religions in the hierarchy rector scale, but it is an issue that must be tackled none the less.

In the meanwhile I’m happy we’re on the receiving end of the two points, because we just as easily could have been 3-4-1. Hopefully a nice road trip will help the boys come together, away from all the distractions that Montreal throws their way.

DO IT FOR THE TEUS’

2008-10-28T09:40:00.002-05:00

Mateus is back and can watch the game in peace with no guilty conscience. So go out there and give us lots of goals to watch…or so help me…

TIME IS NOT ON MY SIDE

2008-10-27T10:34:00.001-05:00

Phew…what a weekend and what a start to the week. I am all for 50 hour days so I can get around to the more important things in life…such as the HABS and the forum.

A quick recap of Saturday would be to say the lazy plays on our end were expected. Not justified but expected. The guys had entirely too long between games. No one is gelling yet this early in the season, and an elongated six days from game day to game day just cooled everyone off. Might as well have been the first game of the season. As for the refs, I didn’t agree with a few of their calls and missed calls (what’s new there) especially on the penalty shot.

However there is a sliver lining to this loss. We were down and we caught up. We got ahead and let it slip out of our hands. We left our goalies out to dry and it was an all around disappointing and pathetic loss. The locker room was pretty demoralised I’m sure, and the coaching staff must have (should have / hopefully did) pull a John Tortorellaesqu tantrum after the game. So what’s so good ni all this. This is our first significant adversity in the season. It might be just two points lost against an out of Conference team early in the season, but mentally and emotionally it was a pretty hard blow. It will be interesting to see how the team and locker-room react to this, and I’ve got my money on a Dominant (with a capital “D”) win over the Canes.

I NEED HOCKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

All work and no hockey make HLD something something…

As tough as a week I’m having at work, and as hard as it is having two poopers at home to look after, and as sleep deprived I am, the agony would have been significantly more bearable had we had a proper dosage of Les Habitants to numb the pain.

34 hours till HABS puck drop tomorrow seems entirely too far and I’m going slowly crazy I am slowy going crazy slowly crazy I am…

In the meanwhile, no news about Andrei coming back…not good. On an individual level he is a human being and the life style as well as the level of comfort for the rest of his life hangs in the balance. More importantly, on a selfish level, he is an integral part of the team, and if we are to push for a cup this year we need him in the line-up – no questions. Here’s hoping for a solid and 100% recovery.

MN NUMBERS LOOK GOOD

2008-10-22T07:51:00.001-05:00

MN Playoff didn’t drop last night, but MN TO sure did. It’s already at 140. I have a feeling MN TO NO GO will be clinched far earlier than MN Playoffs this year.

That’s all I have to say for today. Short, sweet, uplifting and yet another backhanded pimp slap at the Maple Turds :D

JEKYLL AND HYDE

2008-10-21T07:56:00.000-05:00

Dr. Jekyll:

Well that’s another two points! I’ll take them any way they come…no matter how ugly. Winning against a defensive and trap style team like Florida is very promising, given that we have had troubles against such teams (had a high loosing ratio against “trap” teams last year). This of course re-iterates the growth and maturity of this team. We have now shown we can play high flying games, rough physical games and slow trap-like games, and we’ve come out victorious in all of them to begin this young promising season.

This is the mark of a championship team: Always find a way to win, regardless of the circumstances and teams we play.

Mr. Hyde:

Yeah we won, but barely…against one of the weaker teams in the league. Our Power Play is non-existent, our key players are off the score sheet, and turnovers are being handed out by the bushels in the neutral and defensive zone. It was a hard game to watch. It was difficult to see turn over after turnover, giving up all those shots to Florida, and struggling against Florida…FLORIDA! If it wasn’t for Halak this game would have been our first loss, and loosing to a team like Florida is NOT something a Stanley Cup team should be doing.

Final consensus:

It was a difficult game for our boy, because the well prepared Florida team played a well designed strategy to the “T” They played their very best (and did a heck of a job) and really slowed down the injured Canadiens. Kudos to them.

However, the Canadiens with three starters injured, and two of the top players playing their worst hockey in recent history (Kovy and Plecks) still managed to fight, claw and battle for the win. This shows grit and character. All the technical stuff can be worked out in practices, however the collective will of the locker room is something that is there ot not. We have it…and how. We are blessed with a team that possesses the more unique assets and the intangibles. Now we have over five months to work out the strategies, tactics, and special teams plays in our ultimate goal of winning the Cup.

Most importantly, let us all rejoice in claiming the top spot in NL standings. Now let us stay there till the end of the season :D

FLY KITTY KITTY KITTY…

2008-10-20T07:35:00.001-05:00

I feel as rushed as a parent doing the entire Christmas shopping on the 24th. Super busy start to the week this morning so I’ll keep it short. The HABS have made a statement with the start to the season we have had. During the summer most agreed that we were the #1 team in the East, and we’re showing that now. However tonight is an important test.

Tonight’s game is against the Florida Panthers. A team ranked as one of the lowest in the East. A team with one of the weakest offenses in the entire league. A team with whom we have no rivalries or ill feelings. Basically it’s just a game…nothing special.

Even though on paper we should blow this team away, in the past we have had issues facing weak teams. Even last year we were guilty of playing to the level of our opponents, thus allowing weak teams to remain in the game and often upset us. This year is about playing our game and letting the league catch up to us. So far we have played our game (albeit lazy at times, but we imposed our style regardless of the opponents). Today we will see if the locker room has developed the mental maturity that champions possess: “Just play your game…period”. Can we keep the foot on the gas pedal? If we do this should have a 4-5 goal differential with a dominant and comfortable win for the HABS (kind of like the Maple Turds game earlier ni the season).

I will be watching and hoping that team lays it on for 60 minutes regardless of how far up we are on the score board. I will also be hoping that the Power Play gets some momentum once again and that Kovalev’s lin e can get on the scoreboard. Not only will this line’s productivity be pivotal to our success this year, but Kovalev’s in my pool and I’m getting murdered :(. Whenever Kovalev touches the puck, the poor guy is covered by two-three, sometimes four players. This means that the ice is wide open for Plecks and Kostitsyn (the younger one tonight) and it will be up to them to help out their mentor and draw some players to open up the ice for Kovy by potting a few .

HLD frantically out…

THE MULTI TALENTED HABS

2008-10-19T06:36:00.001-05:00

Now we’re on a roll. Now we seem unstop able. Now we’ve proven we can aply and win tough games. Another great game…another two points off the MN…another proud day to be a HAB.

Now to deal with the 500 lbs elephant in the room. Sauer’s hit on Kostitsyn was a close hit. Let me come out and say it: “I don’t think it was intentional”. Sauer definitely wanted to “ring Kostitsyn’s bell” as they say, but he is NOT the type of guy to go head hunting. The hit was high however and did deserve a 2 minute beyond a shadow of a doubt…but no major or suspension…at least IMO. What was more cowardly and disgusting than the hit was Sauers response after the hit. If one wants to play tough..fine. It’s the NHL for frigs sake and that’s the way it should be played. However, if you’re going to go hit someone like that, have the jewels to stand up for your actions. Sauer kept skating away from Laraque and hiding behind reffs (yes…literally hiding). Then one shift later he drags Kostopolous, someone who he has 40-60 pounds over, in to a fight as a whipping boy. I had no problem with Sauer for the hit, but after that move, he is now enemy number one on the Phoenix team who has not learnt (or learnt too much) of game behaviour and honour from the great one behind the bench. This shameful display of cowardness deserves a curse, and I hope you all join hands and repeat the following with me 12 times:

“May his crotch be infected with the fleas of a thousand camels, and may his arms be too short to scratch it”

Now with that out of the way, that whole incident is behind us and is neither here nor there. It’s done, it’s in the past, let look at the future. There are two very important points that resulted from hit that affects our next games:

1) As was the case several times last year, when a team fell behind, or lost the momentum, they tried to gain it back via physical play and intimidation. We valiantly tried to hold our own last year by pushing back (albeit a smaller push than what we usually received) and by scoring on the power play. Unfortunately there were games (especially in the playoffs), such as last night, where the whistles pull a Houdini act and disappear, except for holding and hooking calls. When it counts, such as an OT period or a playoff game, the refs always revert back to the old adage of “Let em’ play”. Last year when they “let us play” we lost the exchange more often than not and the playoff series against the Flyers was the final proof that convinced even the most animated supporters of NOT needing Enforcers.

Last night, Phoenix pushed (hard) and we pushed back harder. We won the exchange, and the momentum, the scoreboard, and Phoenix’s reluctance to play rough in the third was proof positive beyond an elephant’s shadow of a doubt. This team just proved we are ready for the cup. We are ready to play in the trenches because Laraque will break your face! OK too much…

2) The most important thing from last night’s incident of course is the health and well being of Andrei Kostitsyn. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back to his USUAL self soon. I have seen too many careers ruined at stifled at a young age as a result of concussions fro hits just like this, and I sure hope for his and his family’s sake this is not nearly as serious as those. Let us all pray to the Holy Sponge Bob for Kostitsyn’s speedy and FULL recovery.

SABRES ARE GOOD…NOT THAT GOOD

2008-10-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

I’ve heard rumblings around the forum and elsewhere (believe it or not there is an elsewhere) that there is some worries with respect to the 4-0 start the Sabres have had. I’ll agree that many analysts have underestimated this team (IMO at least) since I had them fighting for second in the Division with Boston and Ottawa, and not dwindling away in the depths of the Eastern Conference, dancing with the likes of Toronto and Atlanta. I do NOT however se them as contenders for the Division title. This title firmly belongs to us, and despite having dropped our first game of the season to the Lindy and his crew, I don’t believe they have yet proven to be a consistent contender.

Mind you stranger things have happened, and the start to the season they have had with a solid offensive core and one of the better goalies protecting “le fillet” they could and will exceed many expectations. Division title however is out of reach. I don’t se them upholding this tempo and record for a whole season. They don’t have the depth or raw talent or size to get them through an 82 game season without hitting a couple of slumps along the way.

On another note I am totally impressed with the third period the Coyotes mounted against the Sens last night. They are a young team and so fatigue may not play an advantageous role for us even though they played last night. They have an offensive punch, but not too much defensively. This very well (and hopefully) turn out to be a fun and exciting “shoot em’ up” type of game with a total over 10. Make sure you got your seatbelts on for this one.

AS REFRESHING AS A GLASS OF WATER

2008-10-17T06:49:00.000-05:00

We all agree that this team is well balanced, and has no gaping holes in the line-up. This is a direct result of Bob Gainey’s understanding of the game and foresight given new “post-lockout” rules and limitations for the NHL. Wednesday night’s home opener was a pleasant reminder that this culture is also present behind the bench and around the locker room. As the staff members were being introduced prior to the skaters She who must be obeyed , being the new found hockey fan she is, was asking me who they were and if they were any good. As I went through the list of names I knew, and others I pretended to know, the words “he’s good”, “he’s great” and “he’s one of the best in the league” kept repeating them selves.

At this point I realized just how extensively Bob Gainey worked over the past year to ensure not only a well balanced line-up, but a well balanced staff to back them up. Most people will immediately and almost exclusively think of the head and assistant coach when we talk about staff members. However having solid core of associates with specialties in goal tending, special teams and defense is just as important (we excelled and/or were the best in many of these aspects last year). And so is having competent medical staff and strength training directors. These guys are key in helping minimizing injuries (something else we were great at last year). The scouting staff of course ensures continuity and I don’t have to mention too much about Trevor Timmins and his team (obviously they have done a stupendous job over the past few years, and continue to do so). Finally what about the guys whop are pegged at the bottom of the locker room staff member totem pole? Equipment managers are pivotal to a team and many of us tend to forget this. Let me repeat that…equipment managers are EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to a team’s performance, especially on the road. Those of you who have competed professionally and traveled will agree that at home keeping your gear organised is fairly less complicated. Having all your gear present on the road in the same manor as your own locker room is a nightmare. Hockey players, like many other athletes, are extremely superstitious when it comes to getting ready for a game. Almost everyone has a routine, some more stringent than others, and NOTHING throws off a player like breaking the pre-game routine. With that in mind I have always believed that this team’s repetitive success on the road had more than some to do with Pierre Gervais and his team. They must be doing a great job in ensuring the players feel at home in any locker room they sit in.

So the next time we speak of a balanced team, let’s not forget all the staff members behind the bench, in the infirmary and around the locker room. They are the pit crew that fuels the team, recharges it, and ensures it’s running on the best gear and at its fullest potential. They deserve as much as the credit as any other team member on the ice and we should always remember that and be thankful we have such a competent team back there.

STUMBLING FORWARD WITH FLASHES OF GREATNESS

2008-10-16T07:34:00.000-05:00

First off w00t! Notch two more off MN the good guys. A “W” is a “W” is a “W”. For the early going I’ll take them any way they come. Later on in the season however, I would not be too happy with such a performance (say around March). At that point we would all be looking for dominant wins from start to finish. The first half of the season however is when the team gets into high gear and past the All-Star game is when we can become as picky as a vegan in a Steak house. For now let us look at all the positives:

- Another win.
- A proverbial four point win against a Division rival.
- With a loss to the Rangers last night we have closed the gap to the Conference title.
- We remain unbeaten.
- Our transition game which was dismal against the Flyers was spectacular in the first 40 minutes.
- Our PP looks like it will be one of, it not the MOST productive in the league. It’s not moving and working as smooth as a lathered Scarlett Johanson, but the plays are there and the chances are there (Tanguay on the point is working really well). It’s only a matter of time before it goes on a tear.
- We dished out another loss to the Bruins, extending their loosing streak to infinity. This memory will burrow its self in that locker room’s collective noggin, and they will now begin each and every match against us with a doubt. The result of the series should and will be similar to last year.
- Watching Price is extremely confusing. I am hard pressed to believe this kid so well balanced, is so talented, has a great peanut between the shoulders, has a great work ethic, but he’s barely old enough to buy booze south of the boarder. Why we haven’t signed him for a billion year contract yet is something I would question as an armchair GM know-it-all, if it wasn’t in the hands of Gainey. I’m sure Gainey will ensure we have this kid for many many years to come.

Well that’s all I have to say for today. I’ll save some material for tomorrow; mainly the new team strategy (i.e. defensemen jumping up in the play) and the ceremonies from last night (spectacular).

PS Welcome to teh team BGL You have accepted your role with open arms, and served that Epsilon booin Thornton what he deserved. Next time however, make sure to break his face or at least collar bone :P

BOOIN’S MIGHT BE WHAT WE NEED

2008-10-15T08:54:00.001-05:00

After Monday’s performance where the team didn’t feel like playing till the third period, with the exception of a hand full of solid performances in the offensive zone, perhaps the hated evil Booins is what this locker room needs to ignite the fires. On one hand one would think if the team that eliminated us in the playoffs isn’t enough to get the blood boiling, no team will. On the other hand, the Booins have been one of these teams that always got us going. We always show up for those games and this has been apparent by our post-season record of eliminating them three times in a row, and winning the regular season exchanges over the past few seasons hands down.

The Booins are out for revenge and are desperate for a win against the CH. This is our best weapon against this overzealous team that took a preseason game of playing vets against our Hamilton Bulldogs waaaaay to seriously and rejoiced over it for far too long. A little shallow and sad if you ask me, but all that matters now is racking up the “W”s. A win tonight would go along way in re-iterating our dominance over the Booins and will place a doubt in the back of their minds that will follow them for the rest of the season when the play the Bleu Blanc et Rouge.

Over and above the reasons stated above, this win is important for a few other reasons. Here are some I could think of:

1) It would be great to get the first home win under our belts and out of the way.
2) I like watching the HABS win
3) Buffalo is ahead of us in NL standings and with a loss to them it would be great to regain the Division title on the MN leaderboard and the points leaderboard.
4) It’s fun to watch the HABS win
5) We must stay in close range with the Rangers. We don’t want them going off to a 10-15 point lead on the rest of the Conference. With their current confidence level, they need someone biting on their heals and keeping them worried and down to earth and second guessing. The HABS are the most likely team to accomplish this right now.
6) I want to see the HABS win

I will be watching our PP very closely and will hope for a 50% success rate tonight to get things rolling again.

KEEP ROLLIN’ ROLLIN’ ROLLIN’ ROLLIN’

2008-10-14T06:31:00.000-05:00

That was so far the best pathetic performance of the year. We’ll have more games where we fall far short of our capabilities, but will come away with the win based on raw talent. This is yet another encouraging sign that even on mediocre and poor nights we have a chance to win against most NHL teams. What will it mean when (if?) this team begins to fire on all proverbial cylinders?

Our power play was 0 for 7 and the PK allowed two goals. This was not a “gold medal” night for our special teams. However, with the hockey minds behind the bench who have provided the league with the top power play two year running, special teams are not a worry as of yet. It is more difficult to get a team to score 5 on 5 and we’ve fallen short on this category a few times in recent history. With that in mind, another encouraging news from this season so far is our scoring capabilities on even strength (five last night, albeit on was an empty netter).

That, however, is where the praise stops. The transition game was garbage, our neutral zone play was pathetic, and as a result we were seldom able to penetrate the offensive zone with speed. This lead to less scoring chances and less shots (we were of course out shot again 32-27).

Now I know this might seem a tad picky on my end to critisize our weaknesses after a win and obtaining 5/6 points on the road to begin the season, but just as we were realistic in not expecting too much in the past, I remain realistic in not settling for too little this year. With the roster we have and the hype that surrounds the Bell Center and this team, the HABS are poised to take a shot at the cup. Anything less than an appearance at the Stanley Cup finals will be a gross let down, and in the eyes of some not bringing the cup home will be a disappointment. I expected this team to obtain 5-6/6 on the road. Not hoped, but expected, so the given results are not great by our current standards.

This of course is my opinion and it stems from the fact that I truly believe this team is the real deal, as they say. We can see glimpses of greatness, when the three lines roll and create chances after chances, when the goalies perform spectacular saves to keep their teams in the game and/or ahead (2 highlight reel saves from Carey in two games) But we are yet to see this team’s full potential (yes, including the Maple turds game), and I will be eagerly waiting till we go on a tear of the NHL. For now, a “W” is a “W” and let’s keep bringin’ em’ home any way we can. But by the time this team is ready, we won’t even need to think about the two points…it will be a given.

OUR BEST STEAM ROLLER IMPRESSION

2008-10-13T06:01:00.000-05:00

Toronto sucks…Yeah yeah I know. The Leafs game is behind us but there is a serening effect when on strings those words together. And what better way to start Thanksgiving Monday than with a big ol’ LEAFS SUCK.

What a weekend. Brought my baby daughter home on Friday, HABS season opener Friday night, Stingers domination Saturday afternoon, HABS domination over Leafs Saturday night, family over on Sunday for Thanksgiving dinner and now here we are. I have a stomach full of the funky bird (so much so I must have morphed 10% Turkey overnight), shirt full of baby spit up (as gross as that sounds it’s my baby girls spit up so it’s liquid gold for me) and a day of sports to look forward to. The Als kick off at 1:00 p.m. against the Hamilton Tie-turds, who will undoubtedly get blown away by the good guys in a similar fashion to what Concordia and the HABS put forth on Saturday given the context (i.e. revenge match and redemption for a sloppy performance). Just to give an idea to those who may not be following the CFL (it’s OK, we all make mistakes) the Als lost to the Tie-Cats last week. This would have been the equivalent of Montreal loosing to the Maple Leafs on Saturday by a three goal margin, then having a rematch in Montreal the following weekend. Yeah…that’s how pumped up the locals will be.

Following this game, we’ll have the pleasure of watching another CFL game (Calgary vs Saskatchewan). Calgary is most probably the team we will be facing in the final so watching them is always interesting and fun (kind of like the Red Wings in the NHL). Then comes the main event.

Between the three sporting events I’ll barely have time to run up and replenish the beer supply and chips…what am I talking about. Father of two here….let me rephrase. Between the two games I’ll barely have enough time to replenish baby bottles, drop off soiled kids with the murses for a diaper upgrade, feed, burp play with and put to sleep one of or both of the kids, while hanging on to any shred of sanity, patience and all in all will to live I may have left. Thank the Holy Sponge Bob some Star Trek Treky nerd had the good grace to invent a magical device that can pause and re-play live TV. Mental not: Warn all humanity of the perils ensuing from having multiple offspring.

So one way or another I will watch all the events, with my highest expectations held for the game tonight. After the game in Toronto it will be interesting to see how the team reacts to playing the team that eliminated them in last year’s play offs. There are a multitude of possibilities here, however if this team is the team of destiny and wants to prove this firmly to themselves and the rest of the league, we must continue to play at a high level, never slow down, never think “revenge” and always think about the big “W”. Pulling off another win against the Flyers would not only continue our streak of obtaining 5/6 points on the road to open the season, but would also re-emphasize the strength and power of this team. Opponents must fear us and should always feel like the underdogs. The way to accomplish this of course is to continue steam rolling over anyone and everyone we face, regardless of their skill and level. Whether it’s the last place TML or power house of Detroit, this locker room has to prove to the hockey world that the paradigm shift we all claim the team has is real and is here. So tonight, no stupid penalties in trying to “get back” at Philly (which I think is a safe bet) and score score score. All three lines must perform (especially Kovalev’s line …I’m getting killed in my pool!) and the power play.

It’s seems fitting that we’re playing the Flyers on Thanksgiving Monday…let’s go out and carve some birds tonight.

A GLIMPSE OF THE 08/09 HABS

2008-10-12T07:46:00.001-05:00

Toronto sucks…what’s new. Joycing over the blow-out win last night makes as much sense as praising Oscar De La Hoya for winning a match via knockout after three seconds if he were paired against yours truly in the ring. Comparing the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Montreal Canadiens is no different than comparing an Enzo Ferrari to a Toyota Prius. They both have their supporters and devoted fans, but at the end the Enzo has the Prius on every category hands down.

With that said, I am of course a devoted Leafs hating HABS fan and can’t let a blow-out of our arch nemesis go by without saying: NEENER NEENER NEENER….WE KICKED THEIR BUTS…AND HOW! biggrin.gif

To give some credit to the Maple Leafs, they came out strong, but just couldn’t hold on and match the HABS horsepower (kind of reminded me of the HABS two years ago). Halak is of course directly responsible for fending off the early onslaught. Had TML potted on early, this would not have been a blow-out. We still would have won mind you, but not as comfortably.

As for the HABS, some overzealous fans might already be staking their spots on the parade route after this game. I have two things to say to that:

1) The best seat is already taken. I chained my lawn chair to the best spot back in May 2008.

2) The HABS have certainly showed some fire power in rolling three scoring lines. Some are already gelling, others are not, but having three lines that can score gives some relief to say, Kovalev’s line, that is not firing on all cylinders yet. They don’t have the added pressure of not performing at 100% and not getting goals since, well, the other lines are winning games while they work out the kinks.

And then we have our fourth line with so much competition for three spots, you can bet your last buck that anyone having the privilege of receiving ice time there will be giving 2,309,787,438 %. This was apparent in our first two games of the season, where the fourth line had a bushel of self created chances by grinding and fighting hard in the corners.

Even though this team is being picked by many to win the East, it is still grossly under valued and estimated. The balance, skill level and depth we have makes this team so potent, that this blind fool has had them as a Stanley Cup favourite since May. Not to take anything away from Detroit (they are one heck of a superb team), but they will undoubtedly suffer the Stanely Cup hangover, at least for this season, before returning to the finals next year. This is the year for the HABS team.

Now with that said, our team is no where near its potential yet. Last night the TML were generous in giving us chances and not making our errors look too obvious. By the time this team is firing on all cylinders, no team, no matter how defensive will be able to stop us from dominating start to finish.

SO to summarise Toronto sucks (what’s new), we rule, and last night we had an average game (relative to our capabilities). Just wait and se what happens when Kovalev’s line gets back to potting a few a game, the defence locks the neutral zone down and our transition game gets back to a smooth flowing play.

On to the STINGERS. Well in comparison to the blow-out win last night in Toronto, the Stingers’ game yesterday afternoon was much tighter. I know some will quote me from yesterday saying “it will be an annihilation”, and I’ll admit that maybe I underestimated our opponents a tad. The Mount Allison Mounties put up a good fight, and it was a nail biter till the end. However after a long hard fought battle in the trenches the Concordia Stingers came away with the win 66-13 tongue.gif It was 45-8 at the half…final result could have been much higher if we kept the foot on the gas pedal, but what can I say, we’re a bunch of class acts biggrin.gif

ONE TOO MANY HLD’S FOR THIS WORLD

2008-10-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Some might have known that wee HLD was due to arrive in this realm we call earth just in time for the season. The delivery was booked for this past Wednesday, which would have made our return home for today at noon. We now have proof that the HABS Lovin’ gene exists, for wee HLD was born prematurely just enough to ensure a return home for Friday afternoon…just in time to watch the HABS season opener.

As you can imagine my relationship with my daughter is starting off on the right foot and I couldn’t be prouder of her for the initiative she took in mommy’s womb to ensure the HLD’s were watching the glorious HABS open the 2008/2009 on a 50” HD feed, rather than a murky, snowy 10” hospital TV where you’re never sure if you’re following the puck or a rabid squirrel who’s run on to the ice.

As I sit here with blood shot eyes, working on an average of 2 hours of sound sleep over the past five days, barely able to string together words let alone keep my eyes open, I peak over my laptop screen and watch my boy discovering the lump of crying blanky on mommy’s lap I realise how luck I am. A great family, a cup of non-hospital coffee (oh it’s soooooo good) and a team on it’s way to the Stanley Cup we can all be proud of.

Last night’s game neither impressed me, nor unimpressed me. I didn’t see any major faults in the team. There were many instances where it was apparent this team is just starting the season, however once they start gelling and the timing is down this team will be perennial winner. Early indications (and it is very early) this team has depth, no weak links, and plenty of potential. We’re already good, but as the youngsters grow throughout the season, we will be even better. Tis’ a season we will all remember I’m sure.

On that note I must be on my way as the murses is giving me a look of desperation. It’s time to delve back into the reality of feedings, diapers, constant craving for attention and never ending chores. The best and worse words I ever heard from my wife: ”Let’s have a family”

Final notes: As I am a Concordia Alumnus, I watch and support our Stingers teams…especially when we pound the RedMen. The football game will be webcast today at 1:00 p.m. on stingers.ca if any are interested (it is against Mount Allison and should be a run away exciting win for the Stingers…JOIN THE SWARM!

I SEE THE CH!!

2008-09-24T11:47:00.001-05:00

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I finally watched a HABS game on TV. Albeit it was a team mainly composed of our prospects and the one line of vets won't be playing togeather to begin the season, and the goaltender is was not our number 1 goalie. Add in the fact that the feed was difficult to follow given the close proximity of the camera to the ice. Blah blah blah blah.....IT WAS GREAT!!!

It feels like that first sip of turpentine after a long day at work (yes turpentine...don't tell me you've never been out of beer, nail polish polished off, too lazy to go to dep). I got my fix and I can last till Saturday. Saturday's game should give me enough of a dose to make it to October 4th, where we see our full roster with the lines slotted to begin the regular season.

In the meanwhile, what about last night's result? We won...hardly says anything about the upcoming season, much like the game on Monday. It does not however disallow me from making individual assessments:

Maxime Lapierre has got a long way to go to impress the coaching staff before earning a roster spot. Last night's performance was worse than anythjing he put on the ice last year. Perhaps it's simply a case of the cob-webs, but he will have to shake them off if he wants to begin the season on the fourth line.

Denis was not spectacular in net, but he more than adequately showed he has got the skills, and some, to be a back-up in the NHL level. Then again most of us who understand the circumstantial failure and crucifictionof Denis in Tampa knew he is a much better goalie than he's been made out to be.

Finally our young vets...Plec and the Kostitsysn bros...they'll be just fine come puck drop on the season opener. Some passes were still shaky and Sergei has some more web to shake off, but nothing suggested last year that they will all go on to better their superb efforts last year.

And finally, congrats to hockey town. Last night's events are something they will remember for a decade and some.

IT BEGINS!!

2008-09-23T10:40:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you guys, but I've had quite enough of summer and golf. Yes I said i had enough of summer. Despite the fact that many of you snow haters out there are cursing me and trying to counter my jinx, I don't care. I've been HABLESS for far too long. I just bought a new 50 inch TV, I've re-jigged and upgraded my HABS shrine, I've ensured all members of the family have HABS jerseys and apparel (including the yet to be born Wee-HLD) and I have worked off all my beer/pizza/chicken wings/peanuts/finger food/pop corn fat over the summer.

Now I look forward to "chilaxin'" in my lazy boy, watching the HABS in large format on over an HD feed, spending quality time with my ere and (soon to be born) princess, and working on regaining my well earned hockey spectator fat. Snow and cold is a side-effect of, and comes hand in hand with the HABS season. So bring on the cold, bring on the winter, bring on all the nasty nuances that come along with ;'hiver, as long as I can get my HABS on TV A.S.A.P.

First Pre-Season Game 2008/2009: Bruins 8 - Bulldogs 3

2008-09-23T10:34:00.001-05:00

Watching the clips of the game, I have completely re-charged and re-fueled my hatred for the Bruins. First off the match-up was ridiculously off, and a passive team under Julien's defensive system seemed more interested in running up the score-board than developing their system for the upcoming season (their loss..it's wasted time and opportunity on their part).

Second, the bitter few from last year are still holding grudges and used a "cheap-shot" mentality to drag smaller and disinterested ones into fights. Begin was a clear underdog and although he is willing to drop the gloves to earn a roster spot, I doubt he went into that fight so readily. As for Andrei Kostitsyn...what on earth would our most promising forward do dropping the gloves if he wasn't dragged into it by the collar.

The Bruins appear to have picked up where they left off: More preoccupied about getting back to us and trying to combat their inferiority complex vis-a-vis the HABS (as derived by their coaches "hurt-feelings" for getting the boot) and are NOT focused on their game. This will, once again, be their downfall during the regular season, when the "W" counts. Let them continue playing cheap, low-brow, and un-focused hockey. Let the baby have their bottle and score some goals against our AHL team. We can all revisit this conversation when we meet them on the 15th of October.

Final score: Boston 8 - Hamilton 3 Like taking candy from a baby

WE DID IT AND WE DID IT IN STYLE

2008-03-25T08:53:00.001-05:00

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.

JUNIOR'S ANALYSIS

2008-03-24T05:58:00.001-05:00

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!

MN DOWN TO 2

2008-03-23T07:36:00.001-05:00

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?

MN DOWN TO 6

2008-03-21T08:24:00.000-05:00

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!

IS THE HYBERNATION OVER

2008-03-20T07:35:00.001-05:00

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.

AT LEAST…

2008-03-19T07:48:00.001-05:00

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

SINGLE DIGITS AND COUNTING

2008-03-16T08:01:00.001-05:00

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 ;)

A NO BRAINER

2008-03-15T05:11:00.001-05:00

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!

THE ART OF POOPING

2008-03-14T08:02:00.000-05:00

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.

STILL A LONG WAY TO GO

2008-03-13T06:59:00.001-05:00

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.

PRICE PUSHED BACK

2008-03-12T08:06:00.000-05:00

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.

THE FRAGILITY OF THE MATTER

2008-03-11T07:40:00.001-05:00

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.

THE CHICOUTIMI POUTINE WERE BACK!

2008-03-10T07:35:00.001-05:00

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.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

2008-03-09T10:19:00.001-05:00

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.

5 REASONS WHY WE NEED TO WIN TONIGHT

2008-03-08T07:27:00.001-05:00

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

THAT’S THE WAY TO BOUNCE BACK!

2008-03-07T09:31:00.000-05:00

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.

GOTTA KEEP PACE WITH OTTAWA

2008-03-06T08:38:00.001-05:00

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.

WHY PRICE SHOULD START TOMORROW NIGHT

2008-03-05T09:17:00.001-05:00

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.

NOTCH ONE MORE FEATHER ON THE CAP

2008-03-04T09:04:00.000-05:00

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.

I BLAME THE GOVERNMENT!

2008-03-03T09:09:00.001-05:00

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.

HERE IS THE UPDATE YOU’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR

2008-03-02T05:59:00.000-05:00

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.

SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT, SO LITTLE BRAIN

2008-03-01T11:28:00.001-05:00

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.

BANANAS, IN PYJAMAS, ARE COMING IN OUR ZONE

2008-02-29T08:31:00.001-05:00

The Sabres have had our number this year, and unfortunately they’re going to be even harder to beat this time around with the Sabres locker room feeling re-energized. Their acquisition in the trade deadline has paid dividends already with two goals and an assist in his debut, and everyone seems rallied to make the charge during the next five weeks.

The Montreal Canadiens locker room however is not flying high. Why? We just won a game with a convincing third period, and there should be confidence galore with the coaching staff’s and managements vote of confidence in them? Well when you Assistant Captain (Chrissy) answers the goaltender issue with: “uuuhhh….it’s tough….players are used to having that experienced goalie in the room….uuuummmmm….and this is of course a bit weird. But we’ll do our best and work with what we have”

My first reaction to this was [img] http://www.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/3d/9/AAAAAoRDP4MAAAAAAD2Z5w.jpg[/img]

My second reaction to this was [img] http://saminorci.com/forum/style_emoticons/default/jawdrop.gif[/img]

And the third reaction was [img] http://www.1001icons.com/icons/icons1/Emotions_Smile_icon_EMOTICON_ANGRY_2978.jpg[/img]

First error is that you should never express negative sentiment to the media…especially the Monteral media who could potentially turn it into big pile of poo poo. Next problem is at a time when everyone should be feeling good that their future is in their own hands and not a hired gun, should be thankful and extra motivated to do the job. Third of all, as an assistant captain, one should NEVER put down any of your team-mates, especially your number 1 goalie. Indirectly, Higgins gave Price a “meh” vote of confidence, and if I’m Carey Price I’m not happy. My goalie stick may or may not have a close encounter of the face kind during practice. But that’s why I could never be a professional athlete.

Tonight Price, Higgins, Koivu (who wasn’t flattering either) and the rest of the locker room has to get on the horse, play their solid grinding game, and shut down the Buffalo offense. I’m hoping, and am convinced, that the locker room is following Komisarek and Kovalev, who both have expressed positive reflections on the current roster.

Let me finish by touching on the Hossa issue. It serves Ray Shero right that he get punished for over paying a player and taking out all other sensible GM in the league. You may think it’s smart to give that extra and take out everyone else out of the bid, but personally I think giving a nugget of gold for a roll of scotch tape is NEVER a good trade. Now on top of that his roll of scotch tape is out of commission for a while.

Now I have no ill wishes against Hossa (never a good thing when a player gets injured…OK except Tie Domi), and no doubt that he is a wonderfully talented and consistent player. But I find it more than amusing that Yet another overzealous GM has given up so much potential for the future, and now may get his hired guns services for 2-3 weeks. This is even more amusing when one realises Hossa has not signed a long term contract, has not hinted at signing with the Pens, nor can the Pens afford him with Crosby and Malkin, and the rest of the crew. Of course I should be careful when I say that, because with Ray’s current process of thought, this team may sign all these players and hire garbage bags for the defensive core. I know another team that had superb offensive firing power with 2/3 players in the top 20 scoring leaders, but had to give up on defence to afford all of them. The Tampa Bay Lightning are currently last in the league, and as far as I can tell have no aspirations for the near future. They have one cup to show for it, granted, but if Sydney Crosby spends his career in Pittsburgh and hoists Lord Stanley’s Cup only once, than it would have been a career wasted.

Maybe this will be a learning experience for Ray. Perhaps he should call Bob and learn about building a team slowly but surely in a consistent and more importantly SUSTAINABLE fashion.

THE YOUNGEST GOALTENDER TANDEM IN THE LEAGUE

2008-02-28T09:19:00.001-05:00

Here is the deal: Many arm chair GM’s are trying to rationalise the Huet trade by tying it in with the expectations for Hossa. If there is one thing we should all know about Gainey is that he does not take big risks. Had the Huet trade (or rather giveaway) be linked to the Hossa deal, it would have waited till later on in the day. Bottom line, Huet left because it was in Bob’s plans.

With that in mind, let us take a quick look at what happened. We got a 2nd round draft pick for next year’s draft pool (which is deemed weaker than this year’s group) for a number 1 goaltender. At first glance you wonder if Mr. Bob had one too many Enchiladas for lunch to slow down the old Gulliver.

But let us look at the bigger picture here. Obviously we know now that the higher administration had no intention or plans of signing Huet for another deal come this year’s UFA frenzy. They were clearly ready to give the reigns to the young goaltenders who have proven their worth in the AHL. So we hold on to Huet for 5 more weeks and we get bubkas. We give him up now and we get a decent draft pick. Not too shabby.

The question then becomes, would Huet being around for 5 more weeks make a difference in our fate. This is where the topic is up for discussion. In my measly opinion Huet has proven to be an outstanding goaltender. He has performed beyond expectations and showed that the stretch where he replaced Jose Theodore was not a flash in the pan. The team has a great winning percentage with him in net, and he is a wonderful team player and role model for the youngsters. However he has also shown that under pressure (whether the playoffs, or with Price biting at his heels) he breaks down. And not a little, I mean really breaks down. Those few games he played when Price came back from the AHL, he let in so many softies I though Theodore had snuck back in the locker room and hit the ice in Huet’s jersey.

Price on the other hand has proven that he has much to learn. He has the technique and the natural talent, but he is far from reaching his potential, and not quite yet a bonified NHL calibre #1 goaltender. He does however thrive under pressure and perform at his best. He has risen to the challenge every time. His current problems are consistency and lack of confidence in guarding an NHL net.

SO here are your two players and as a coach you have to decide with 18 games left before the playoffs, who is your guy? Well Huet had a chance to show off his stuff on two separate occasions, both as #1. In fact last year he dropped the ball for us in the final game on the season, when the coach gave him the ultimate vote of confidence and replaced a hot and consistent Halak in net upon his return from an injury. So would betting the company payroll on Huet work out this time? Is the third time the charm?

On the other hand you have Price who hasn’t had a shot yet. Based on the fact that he plays his best games under pressure is a good fit going in to the playoffs. Last year under similar circumstances, he was given the reigns to the Hamilton Bulldogs with a hand full of games in the regular season and he PROVED to the world he can run with the bulls. Furthermore, thinking ahead, for a goaltender who lacks in consistency and confidence, is there any better way to give him the opportunity to be consistent and give him the confidence boost he needs than to announce to the world the whole Montreal Canadiens organization is behind the decision of making him #1?

If I may sum up post, going with either goalie would have been a gamble. Given our future aspirations, Price’s past experiences (mainly in the AHL last year) and the psychological hurdles each goaltender faces, going with Price is a no brainer. It is by far the LEAST risky choice, and even if it doesn’t work out it will pay off future dividends in the form of playoff experience, confidence boost, and psychological support. And this is just the effects on Price. Can you imagine the confidence boost and general good will in the locker room? For a team packed with players under the age of 25 on the main roster, the administrations confidence and support of youngsters is fuel that is seldom found around the league.

The decision made by the management has a high potential of working out in the short run, and regardless will yield unimaginable returns in the future. And on top of it all we get an extra draft pick that is relatively high in the pecking order. If this isn’t remarkable General Management, than I don’t know what is.

DO I HAVE TO SAY IT?

2008-02-27T08:55:00.001-05:00

Everyone else has had their shot at rationalizing the results of yesterday's trade deadline results, so why should I be left out. As a wanna be philosopher I'll point out that I am a big believer in and an advocate [i][b]Occam's razor:[/b][/i] The simplest explanation is the most probable one.

The simple fact is that Gainey tried to get Hossa in Montreal, but the price was too steep. From what I understand Gainey was not given the opportunity to speak with Hossa about a long term contract prior to making a bid, thus leaving him as no more than a sniper for hire as far as this trade deadline was concerned. With that said, my guess is that we offered Grabovski and a mediocre draft pick (say a second round pick in 2009) thus leaving the core of the current and future team intact.

As is the case with every UFA market and trade deadline since the introduction of the salary cap, it takes one overzealous and short-sighted GM to blow all other sensible offers out of the water. It’s reminiscent of attending an art auction with a rich drunk Texan who has more money than he knows what to do with, and is out-bidding you for the sake of bidding. Hair brained possum droppings like the rich Texan wouldn't know the concept of value if it hit him in the face with a 2 by 4 in the back alley.

[b]Bottom line is there is nothing Bob Gainey could have done about Ray Shero overpaying (and that’s an understatement) for a Hossa, even if he signs long term with the team[/b]

Anyone who believes overpaying is the only way to improve in the new NHL and doesn't see the inherent evil for the short, medium and long run for a team, need not look any further than our eternal rivals to the west. The Toronto Maple Leafs have continuously overpaid and overvalued their players, and never hesitated to mortgage their future for short term gains. Needless to say we all know how that worked out for them.

Tomorrow I’ll delve into the goaltender issue; mainly Huet’s trade, the return on the, and the Price era.

SIMPLIFY AND DOMINATE

2008-02-26T08:43:00.001-05:00

In recent weeks we have had great highs and terrible lows. The HABS performance seems as consistent as a senior’s bowel movements, and as a result Le Journal has been printing what comes out of a senior’s bowel movements.

With the trading deadline and the hype surrounding it, the players have been more than distracted and I can’t blame them for it. However with the standings the way they are and teams around us making charges, now is the time to get the gears grinding, and get this team back on track.

Our secret to our 0.750 winning average from earlier in the season was a simple one. Keep the game plan simple and frustrate the opponent:

[*]In the defensive zone the priority should get back to getting the puck out of the zone at any cost. By any cost I refer to dumping the puck off the boards and over the blue line, even if it means ending up with the opposing team’s defence and resulting in another attempt to break into our zone. Even if we can’t make a transition play at first, by continuously rejecting attempts to enter our zone, we can frustrate the opponent into trying new and fancy moves in the neutral zone and give up odd man rushes for our guys.

[*] On offense we should get back to keeping the puck deep in their zone, and fighting along the boards. In a similar fashion to the logic on defence, by continuously “wasting” the opposing team’s offensive line’s shifts chasing us along the boards, we can frustrate them and in the long run break down their game plan. With the exception of Kovalev’s line, all three offensive lines had great success grinding along the boards. Kovalev of course has had his best success prancing around the offensive zone, often travelling along and around the boards first, and then pulling some moves that make me wonder about his joints, or lack thereof.

The game plan has to be simple. Simplify, disturb the other team’s game plan, and frustrate them into breaking down. We have been on the receiving end of frustration and breaking down too often via giveaways as a result of trying to make a fancy play. Although they loko good on the highlight reel, this game remains the domain of those who grind on every shift and get their noses dirty.

I’ll be very curious to see our game play execution tonight and the following weeks. If the coaching staff and players have not had the paradigm shift to bring things back down to earth, we could be in for a few more rough games.

PHILLY OUT OF TOP EIGHT, NOT A REASSURING SIGN

2008-02-25T08:49:00.001-05:00

It pains me to see the Philadelphia Flyers out of a playoff spot. Not to say that I believe they can’t or won’t come back, but it is a cold hard reminder of how fragile the standings are. With the advent of the new “My NHL” the standings are so closely knit that a loosing streak can bring a team from #1 contention to #9 contention.

With 5NL separating first place Ottawa from 8th place Buffalo, consistency is not an asset, but a necessity. Looking at the HABS recent struggles (5-5-0) this trend and reality is worrisome.

We are however still in 5th and four points out of first place. We need to turn things around before the circumstances re not so favourable, and the ship has to change course now. This week will be an important one in determining the rest of the stretch. I’m sure the team and coaching staff is working overtime fully aware of this fact, and here’s one guy hoping the HABS begin a winning streak.

On another note, our thread and sub-forum ahs been questioned in recent days by a forum member. Many of the points made were valid, and all were his opinions to which he is entitled. Some of us responded with our own tid-bit and gave our opinions in return. Now is the time to let the moderating team and administration do their thing and simply move on. We’ve got bigger fish to fry such as the MN being stuck in the thirties, and gearing up for our own playoffs (bring on the first official predictions playoff).

And to get everyone’s minds off of the uglinesses and on to better and greater things, I have an announcement. Unfortunately Cenner will no longer lay claim to having the youngest HABS fan in Cenner Hice junior, as Mrs HLD has another wee one baking in the oven. He/she should be around just in time for next season with an expected birth date in mid to late October. Is that a good sign or what? ;)

Retiring #23

2008-02-23T08:07:00.001-05:00

As we’re all aware today is the retirement of Bob Gainey’s number. I won’t sit here and even attempt to try and put on paper what Mr. Gainey has given to this team and continues to do so today. Needless to say I neither have the intellectual capacity, nor the vocabulary to describe the shear greatness, honour, loyalty and sincere devotion for the team # 23 has had.

Over and above his illustrious hockey career he was a great sportsman. His skills and hockey ethic were such that it merited a trophy to be introduced in to the National Hockey League in order to recognise the niche in which Bob Gainey perfected an integral part of hockey as we know it today.

His devotion to the team and the Montreal Canadiens Organization is unquestionable even today. We’re not only lucky to have had him playing on our roster but now we are equally blessed to have such a devoted fan and connoisseur of the sport who happens to be a loyal and devoted fan and member of the organisation, lead the way as our General Managers to bring this team to levels it has not even dared to dream of reaching in over a decade.

Tonight’s homage is overdue and will prove to be one of the most memorable moments on center ice at the Bell Center. Congratulations Bob, this is a well deserved honor. Your family, wife and daughter who are watching over your, fans and supporters are all with you celebrating this great moment.

HOSSA RUMORS

2008-02-21T08:44:00.001-05:00

First of all I’ll believe it when I see him skating in the Bell Center. Second, I do believe, whether it’s Hossa, Sundin, or who ever, someone is coming our way.

With respect to Hossa being traded for Ryder and Streit rumours, here’s my view on things. Ryder is a lost cause. Not to say he is not a talented player, nor that his career is over, but it doesn’t take a squad of gypsies to fore-see contract disagreements come this summer. When Ryder becomes a free agent once more, he will ask for as much money, if not more, compared to his current contract. As a player he believes in his abilities and will not want to sell him self short. Bob Gainey on the other hand was already reluctant to give Ryder his relatively large contract. He had offered considerably less, but took a roll of the dice when the natural-goal scorer asked for more money. The gamble is a loss for the GM, even if Ryder goes on a tear for the rest of the season. Ryder had a short life-term in Montreal unless he would be willing to take a pay cut to play here. Given his behaviour pattern during the last two summers, it is clear that he will not. With that said, giving up Ryder is a zero cost for the team, and could potentially be exactly what his career needs (think Mike Ribeiro) so it’s a win win.

Mark Streit on the other hand is a tough one to let go. Not because he’s super talented, nor because he (supposedly) replaces Sheldon Souray on the point for our PP (what a load of…) but mainly because he’s fairly good at various positions. He CAN play the point on the PP, he can play forward, he can kill penalties and he’s a defenseman by nature. Having a player like him (and Dandenault) on your roster at a cheap price is a great tool for any coach. He is to the roster what ducked-tape is to a man’s toolbox. He can fill any hole and do the job to within expectations.

The third point to consider is that Bob Gainey does not have the habit of giving up s huge price, not even a small price, for short term gains. If he brings over Hossa and let’s Streit go, you can bet a chicken and a half that Gainey has spoken with Hossa and foresees future benefits in terms of a long term signing.

So keeping all this in mind, IMO, if we’re offered Hossa with a contract extension, for Ryder and Streit, I’ll take Hossa hands down.

HERE’S MY BREAKDOWN OF LAST NIGHT’S GAME

2008-02-20T08:40:00.000-05:00

The reffs: WOW

The game: WOW

…that is all.

RANGERS, SENS, PHILLY, DEVILS, STEAK AND PIE

2008-02-19T09:03:00.001-05:00

So we’re tied for fist place with Ottawa and New Jersey in points. I hate to point out that we would be at the bottom of that list on the fact that Ottawa has a game in hand and the Devils have more wins. The good news however is that we’re but one night away from potentially being at the top of the point standings. A loosing streak ending performance by the Flyers and a series loosing streak ending performance by those guys in the Bleu Blanc et Rouge, and all of a sudden we’re #1…no ish, just straight up #1.

It has been a loooooooong time since the last time the team was flying so high, and based on the average age of the users in this forum, I’m part of the minority who was lucky enough to see the last time we were challenging for top seat in the Conference. With that in mind it’s no surprise that the hype is getting the better of Habs fans, and all of a sudden we’re expecting too much.

We have not won a game against the Rangers yet, and the five unanswered goals on the last game the rangers potted in our net will play a huge psychological role come game time tonight. Furthermore, the Ranges have proven that their style of play is one of the more difficult ones to beat for our Habs, given our style of play.

On the other front, the Flyers are just having a terrible time. The Sens are on a mini-slump as well, however the Sens are too powerful a team to loose too many in a row, and the last time the Sens were challenged for the top seat after a mini-slump we all know how they responded. Odds would more than suggest that Philly is not likely to end their loosing streak tonight, and that the Sens will be looking for a demolishing win with a 4-5 goal differential.

With all that said, logic would dictate that we would not be ending the night ahead of Ottawa, and at best we can remain tied. However expecting us to win and them to loose is a bet that would make many a man rich.

On the up side, none of that matters. We should not worry about any of this when we hit the ice tonight. We have a more focused team tonight than we did the last time we met the Rangers. We have some momentum, and we’ll have some good goaltending. If Price is in net, we’ll have a confident goalie who can push back when Avery is in his crease. If Huet is in net, he will have no other choice but to play a whale of a game if he wants to keep his job. Hamerlik is back in the line-up so defensively we’re back at our best.

I wouldn’t say odds are in our favour to win, but I wouldn’t say odds are against us either. The Rangers are a mature and veteran team, and they should be playing a rather consistent game. So the way I see it the outcome is in our hands. If we play our game, alert, keep the puck out of our zone, deep in theirs, and win fights along the boards, this one is ours. If we start giving the puck away in the neutral zone, or worse in our zone, this will go the other way. It up to us, and that’s the way it should be.

As for the Sens game, you never know what could happen. I have seen more bizarre things happen this season.

PS If you’re wondering why I had steak and pie in the title…well it’s cause I like steak and pie :D

WE’RE NUMBER 1 (ish)

2008-02-18T08:23:00.000-05:00

WOW! :blink: who says home and home series are not exciting. Physical plays, reffing mishaps, superb goaltending, superb plays and to top it all humiliation for Briere…yet again….twice :D

If there is one thing the weekend series have taught us, it’s that coach Carbonneau’s philosophy of “team toughness” and opting to pass on an enforcer in the line-up works. Not only does it work, but the global physical play of our team often surprises the opposition who expects to come in to the rink and just cream us. Perhaps it’s just me and my ultimate bias, but I thought we won the physical battle, and we “stuck-it to the” on several occasions.

I’m referring to of course the end of the first period when Georges was being courted by a big ape wearing black, only to realise the game was going on and that a goals was being scored. I bet he felt as happy and light headed as a spring butterfly when he had to enter that locker room.

We’re tied for first and before I get into why we shouldn’t be celebrating just yet we should just enjoy and savour the moment for the day. It’s the second time the HABS have challenged the Sens for first, and the first time the Sens have been tied this season. Tomorrow I’ll give my pointless insight into what should and can be expected as a reaction from the Sens and our HABS.

For now however, WE’RE NUMBER 1 (ish), TORONTO VERY LAST (ha!)

NOSTALGIA

2008-02-17T09:32:00.002-05:00

Every great show in the history of television has had a clip show. Why should we be any different?

Thursday, October 11, 2007
PRICE PASSES TEST WITH FLYING COLORS

Furthermore, Price has made his debut in the NHL... he won the game for us by pulling out the "No Admittance" sign in net for the later stages of the third (something Huet was unfortunately incapable of doing in TO). Price showed us that his skills and bag of tricks extends across the whole spectrum of a net minder’s duties by stick handling the puck behind the net to help his defensemen. This effectively changed our slow, fragile and often costly transition play into a lightning fast and efficient exit out of our zone, with 2 or 3 opposing jerseys stuck behind the play, leading to beautiful scoring chances.
One more honourable mention goes to Higgins. Poor guy did everything but score. As long as he keeps his work attitude and intensity up (and there is no reason to assume he will not), he'll keep getting his chances and will score his fair share.

Huet playing great but getting weak at key moments in the game, Price playing OK but making the key saves when they count, and Higgins getting scoing chances but not the puck in the net. Sound familiar no? :lol:

Wednesday, November 21, 2007
TIME FOR CRISTOWALL TO RE-MORTAR THE CRACKS

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…

Things don’t change. As I read back through some posts I realize we’re going through the same processes and emotions as we did 3 months ago :lol:

Sunday, February 10, 2008
THE GOING GOT TOUGH, WE GOT SCHOOLED:

The Montreal Canadiens are clearly (at the very least) the second best team in the East, however this may change quickly depending on how and when we’ll bounce back from two consecutive losses to Division rivals. As it stands today however, we tried unbuckling the Sens from the top, we stuck our head through the door, and got knocked with a giant cast iron pan upside the head. We’ll try again I’m sure…(and hopefully)… that time around results will be more favorable
…

2) Carrey Price seems in good order. Yeah he lost on Thursday and let in 3 goals last night, but if one focuses on his performance, he’s back to being cucumber boy…as in cool as a
…

The boys just have to take this lesson learnt, move on and realise now they cannot waste opportunities like the TO game and waste points. The primary objective should be to cut the loosing streak at two, and get on a winning streak against some conference rivals. Unfortunately our schedule is not a bouquet of roses, but as I always like to say: “You can’t change the wind. You just trim your sails and face the music”.
The time to challenge can be sooner than we thought. We can tie the Sens in points with a win tonight :blink: First time a team will be tied with them since they got ahead in the first days of the season

POSTED: Friday, February 15, 2008
CUE THE DOUBLE MINT TWINS
…

Personally I believe that we will come out will full marks for the following two reasons. First off we’ve lost four of our last six games, two of which were against the two worse teams in the East. Furthermore, one of our wins (against a lower tier team in the East) didn’t come until a lucky penalty call in overtime. This level of under performance is due to light a fire in the belly of the beast, and keep the boys focused on the task at hand.

Furthermore, the Briere dossier is still in the minds and hearts of locker room. No one likes to be called losers. By publicly stating that last years last place team has a better chance at the cup than the HABS is an indirect claim that the Montreal Canadiens are exactly that: losers. I’m almost certain there is more than a few in the locker room who will be extra motivated against Briere for the rest of their careers. As far as this year is concerned, the whole locker room should be more than hungry to hand the diving pansy a loss every time we hit the ice.

There is too much motivation there not to win it. HLD calls ¾ points a minimum lock, but am leaning towards and hoping for the whole four.

CUE THE DOUBLE MINT TWINS

2008-02-15T07:27:00.000-05:00

Anyone else remember the twins? Am I the only one who began to buy truck loads of Double-Mint Gum when that advertising campaign was launched? I suppose I’m the only sucker who bought something because a pretty girl sold it to me.

The upcoming weekend can be a great momentum builder to get back on the horse and charge towards the post-season and (dare I say) challenge once more for the top seat. Conversely it can be disastrous if we come out with adverse results.

The Flyers are weak, injured and on one heck of a loosing streak. The HABS are full of young blood and depth that can keep legs moving even in the third periode on Sunday following the home and home in 24 hours. Everything seems to be on our side so logic would dictate that we come out with four points following the weekend.

However, we’ve all heard this song and dance (too recently with Toronto and Tampa) and when it seems too easy we drop the ball. Unfortunately recent history would suggest that we’re more likely to come out with one or no points than we are to dominate.

Personally I believe that we will come out will full marks for the following two reasons. First off we’ve lost four of our last six games, two of which were against the two worse teams in the East. Furthermore, one of our wins (against a lower tier team in the East) didn’t come until a lucky penalty call in overtime. This level of underperformance is due to light a fire in the belly of the beast, and keep the boys focused on the task at hand.

Furthermore, the Briere dossier is still in the minds and hearts of locker room. No one likes to be called losers. By publicly stating that last years last place team has a better chance at the cup than the HABS is an indirect claim that the Montreal Canadiens are exactly that: losers. I’m almost certain there is more than a few in the locker room who will be extra motivated against Briere for the rest of their careers. As far as this year is concerned, the whole locker room should be more than hungry to hand the diving pansy a loss every time we hit the ice.

There is too much motivation there not to win it. HLD calls ¾ points a minimum lock, but am leaning towards and hoping for the whole four.

THE NEWEST CAPTAIN

2008-02-14T09:23:00.002-05:00

Last nights game was mediocre to begin, finished OK. Price was great, monkey off back, blah blah blah…I have nothing to add over what has been said, and I I have more important things to talk about this morning in any case.

Yesterday I logged in to the Official Montreal Canadiens Fan Forum and found a message from the moderators. I realised that the dream is over…the moderating team has finally caught on to me and I’m being banned.

As I read through the official message in official language waiting for the impending “we regretfully inform you that you have been banned”. To my surprise it never came. Instead I realised that the moderating team was offering me a “C” on my jersey. After a short description of what had earned me the privilege to sport the “C” and a short description of the role of a user with a captain title should do around here, I thought to my self if they were talking to the right guy. Did they really want this yapping, hallucinating, satirical, Maple Leaf hating guy to sport such a unique and honourable title? And thus I reverted to one of my golden rules: Never point out someone’s mistake if it benefits you.

As you can tell by my title under the avatar, I have humbly accepted my role as a Captain in these waters (I won’t step on your toes Admiral ;)). As such, I wanted to begin my official “role modelling” with a bang. And as you can tell by the fact that I’m stalling I have no idea what to do and how to do it.

I figure one of the roles of a captain in a locker room is to keep team moral up. Short of Fed-Exing all users 24s (all those over 16 of course) I figured the next best thing would be to share my years of wisdom on how to remain happy and positive, no matter what life and the HABS throw at you.

The tools and techniques used by modern man emulate what we’ve been doing for thousands of year. When you’re down there are many things one can do. Whether it’s the bottle, your local official Pharmacist, your local unofficial pharmacist, playing a bongo in the nude or exercising, it’s simply a matter f finding what works for you. I personally don’t discriminate and have indulged in all of the above at one time or another….well maybe with the exception of one. I’ve never been too big of a fan of exercising, unless we’re talking about working on the Canadian one-pack.

However I would be lying if I said either of those was my main source of positive energy. I have found and located my holy grail and made sure to keep it near me for a long long time. I figure as a captain I would be holding back if I didn’t share this secret weapon with the rest of you. So the next time the HABS loose to the Leafs (god forbid) or we go on a loosing streak, remember there are greater things in life:

PS If you're reading this on the blog, please check the Montreal Canadiens Official Fan Forum for the remainder of the article under the MN-Sub forum.

ALL IS LOST!!!

2008-02-13T08:48:00.000-05:00

A very busy day ahead of HLD today so I gotta rush it. Good news is what I have to say is very short in any case.

That’s it…we’re toast. The defence is porous, the offense cannot perform anymore, and now the goalies are failing us. It’s only a matter of time before we slip out of the run for the playoffs. Unfortunately all those analysts whom we’ve been ridiculing all season were right. This team is going to end up out of the playoffs and a disaster once more. Don’t even bother to get your hopes up, because Toronto will probably overtake us within the month.

…

…

…

…

NOT

ONE DAY DOWN AND WE’RE STILL ALIVE

2008-02-12T09:02:00.000-05:00

Every utopia story I have ever read about has ended in tragedy. As we attempt to create a piece of heaven on Web in this new-sub forum, we’re yet to implode on our selves after 24 hours. This can only be a good sign.

I’m personally beginning to get used to this. In the old system, although I was able to access everything by scrolling down a single thread, I would often forget to respond to post lost in the volume, have to wait 5 minutes between responses to avoid merging posts, and getting lost in the back and forth traffic of reports to try and locate chocolate’s numbers, to be able to compare it to the scouting reports and make predictions.

I get this mental image of the ugly apes from a Space Odyssey 2001, discovering the giant rock and immediately taking a huge step in evolution. We’re just as ugly as the apes, some what more messy and primitive, but we’re entering a new domain for the MN. Once we’re adjusted to the new organisation, it will be only that much easier to add sub-topics to our already expended MN topic. We can expend, retract, clean up and moderate like never before.

I only have two complaints for now:

1) Mateus when are you getting Photoshop? (We have agreed that he will be our official MN number updater and I will create a locked sticky thread just for the numbers).

2) I don’t know about the rest of you, but given the standings and the upcoming schedule, I would more than appreciate a Philadelphia Flyers scout. Now I know there is a lot of you out there who like to read, but not participate in the MN thread. And I’m sure some of you have wondered how to join in on the fun. Here is your chance! Talk to brianw6 and you can join the MN team as a Philly Scout.

THE CONSPIRACY!

2008-02-11T08:47:00.000-05:00

Yeah yeah…you all think we have a sub-forum and all of a sudden we’re special. The secret conspiracy however is they’re trying to bottle all of us loonys in a sub-forum so we don’t contaminate the rest of the Forum. Between the Admirals multiple personalities, HTL’s unhealthy obsession with constantly abusing anything Toronto related, and my magical dancing animal stories, no wonder they’re isolating us. Let the blind lead the deaf…as long as it’s in their own little world ;).

All joking aside I would like to thank the moderating team who has put up with my incisive nagging for over a year, and has granted us this heaven sub-forum. I’ll have to keep my post short this morning given that I have a lot of work to do in the sub-forum. My first order of business will be to create a “MN Administration” thread for all Execs to discuss MN issues, as well as for general users to make suggestions.

Next will be to create threads for each MN exec topic. MN execs will be responsible for their threads to ensure they are up-to-date and address any issues etc…

Once we have the general thread separated appropriately, we can begin adding new suggestions (such as a MN-NO-GO thread for HTL ;) )

And to address fears of the thread dying because of separation, remember that all we’re doing here is expanding the thread into a sub-forum. It’s like turning a 300 page text book into an organised mess, and allocating chapters and book markers for easier access.

THE GOING GOT TOUGH, WE GOT SCHOOLED:

2008-02-10T08:28:00.000-05:00

There is no shame in losing to the best. And if anyone had any question marks about the Ottawa Senators being the best in the East, last night’s spectacle was Ottawa flexing it’s muscle and warning the masses. They’re still #1.

Since the beginning of the season, the Senators have been in a class of their own. The recent challenge of the Montreal Canadiens for the top seat was the closes they’ve come to mediocrity, but clearly they wanted nothing of it. The Montreal Canadiens are clearly the second best team in the East, however this may change quickly depending on how and when we’ll bounce back from two consecutive losses to Division rivals. As it stands today however, we tried unbuckling the Sens from the top, we stuck our head through the door, and got knocked with a giant cast iron pan upside the head. We’ll try again I’m sure…at least one more time before the season’s end. Hopefully that time around results will be more favourable, but for now we know our place. For a team who was supposed to miss the playoffs, 2nd best in the East is a great place to be.

As I begin to think about the post-season, I wonder if a part of me doesn’t wish the Sens killer Toronto Maple Turds sneak in to the playoffs in eight, only to knock out the Sens in the first round, then get eliminated in the second round.

On a separate note, there were three important points I wanted to bring up from last night’s game.

1) As expected, Koivu had one hack of a game. He was intense on all his shifts, despite being down by several goals. The little guy was throwing the body around, and got his line energized. Despite no goals, the top line combined for several good scoring chances.

2) Carrey Price seems in good order. Yeah he lost on Thursday and let in 3 goals last night, but if one foicuses on his performance, he’s back to being cucumber boy…as in cool as a.

3) After letting in three goals in less than five minutes, the team didn’t pack up and get ready to go home. We pushed back and we pushed hard. 4 Posts and a dozen scoring chances (with 4-5 of the on an open net with bad bounces) tells me that we were not out played that bad. Sure bad bounces and luck is part of the game, but the fact of the matter is we were not totally out of it.

I’m sure many will focus on the goal spread and begin to plan for the demise and elimination of our HABS from the playoff picture, but in essence we were fairly toe to toe with the #1 team to beat in the East.

The boys just have to take this lesson learnt, move on and realise now they cannot waste opportunities like the TO game and waste points. The primary objective should be to cut the loosing streak at two, and get on a winning streak against some conference rivals. Unfortunately our schedule is not a bouquet of roses, but as I always like to say: “You can’t change the wind. You just trim your sails and face the music”.

THE GOING IS TOUGH, WILL WE GET GOING

2008-02-09T08:35:00.001-05:00

The whole locker room will be wanting to redeem their selves for Thursdays loss, but we couldn’t have been matched up against a worse opponent to do it against. The Ottawa Senators, top in the Eastern Conference, barely got dropped by our boys on Tuesday night in Montreal. Now we’re facing them in Ottawa, with a significantly stronger line-up unless Heatley went on another joy ride and too Spezza with him. I know…I know…that was dark. But that’s just the kind of mood I’m in this morning.

Huet will have to come out big, we’ll have to play a sound defensive game, special units have to perform, Kovalev’s line has to keep doing what they do best (so far we can do all of this) and one other line (Smokes or Koivu) has to chip in 2 goals. That’s the key to victory tonight.

JERRY JERRY JERRY!

2008-02-08T08:49:00.001-05:00

We got over confident…as feared by many, and confirmed by the bunch of floaters last night. We got over confident, and now we face dropping to sixth with another loss to the re-energized Senators on Saturday, when we play them in Ottawa. A team pushing for first lost to a team barely out of last place. We could have put them out early, with Toskala looking shaky, but we got fancy. I hate to say it but the outcome of the game was deserved by both teams.

That’s the bad news. Here’s the good stuff. MN dropped two more points, and we’re still in 4th on NL standings as well as point standings. With a win on Saturday we can get within one point of the Sens once again, and instil some fear into them with two consecutive “W”s.

You can bet your mortgage that the HABS loss last night to the Leafs was as embarrassing to us, as the 8-0 loss was to the Leafs. All logic would state that we will be playing one heck of a game on Saturday. Unfortunately this is the same logic that would have had last night’s game as a no brainer win for the HABS.

Life goes on, the season goes on and we will bounce back like we always do. Only two questions remain:

1) How quickly will we bounce back? Right away or after a couple of losses?
2) When is Koivu booked for the public hanging?

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not jumping on the “trade Koivu” band-wagon. However following his embarrassing play on the blue line last night with 30 seconds left, I’m worried what the media and fans will do to him. In case you missed it, or turned off your TV, or simply erased all memories of last night’s game, let me refresh your memory on what happened:

With a little over 30 second left, we have our goalie on the bench already with Koivu as the extra attacker with Kovalev’s line. The Leaf’s are gifted the puck once again and try to clear the zone. Markov intercepts it right outside of the blue line and patiently waits for everyone to clear the zone. Here is where the magic happens.

As everyone is expecting Markov to pass the puck to Komisarek behind him, Markov notices a huge gap along the blue line with 3 red jersey lined up and only two white ones in front of them (but at a distance). So as the smart play maker as he is, Markov makes a cross ice pass to the guy on the other side of the blue line, thus catching the three white jerseys going the opposite way on the opposite side of the ice off foot. Smart play, that should lead to an odd man rush with a good 5-6 second before more white jerseys arrive, which should lead to a a few good scoring chances.

The problem is the guy on the other side of the ice…#11. There is 21 thousand plus people in the stands watching the puck like hungry vulchers. Two benches have their eyes glued to the play with elevated heart rates, and 9 people on the ice playing at 110% trying to win/tie the game. The only one not watching is Koivu. He wasn’t looking up ice, trying to communicate with someone…nothing. As far as I could see, he had his back completely to the play and the puck, and turned around when he saw the puck hit the boards he was gliding towards.

As a Captain, as a player, as a veteran player, as the sixth player on the ice this is simply and utterly unacceptable. I’m upset, disappointed and disgusted with Koivu for that play (which incidentally leads to the 4th TO goal). However I’ll forgive him because I appreciate his contribution to the team over the decade. I’m not going to begin scrutinising him, and judging his whole career based on one play. The loss is far from his fault, and the game was not lost on that one play. But try explaining that to the blood thirsty bunch that look for reasons to hang him out there to dry. Unfortunately he’s not helping him self by being a lazy floater. He works hard more often than many others on the team, but as the Captain he has to work hard ALL the time. That is all I expect from him, and he clearly failed that last night.

WHAT’S UP DOC?

2008-02-07T09:20:00.000-05:00

Even though the Leafs are keeping their line-up fairly intact from their whooping on Tuesday and that Price who has a perfect record against the Leafs so far is starting in nets, I still can’t help but feel worried. I’m not sure if I’m worried about the line shuffling of Carbonneau and how the lack of confidence may now spread to two lines instead of being quarantined in one. Maybe I’m worried about the Leafs wanting to make up for the dismal effort on Tuesday and how tough and competitive they will be tonight. Perhaps I’m worried that given the standings, our :rivals: will want to hurt us with injuries to our top line (wouldn’t be the first time TO uses cheap tactics). What ever the case, I can’t help but have an uneasy feeling about tonight’s game. I’ll feel much better once we have a 10 goal lead, or I hear the final whistle blow with a W next to our HABS.

This morning however, I was blessed with a tranquil moment, who’s memories will go a long way in keeping me sane and calm through out the day in anticipation of the puck drop. I though I would share it with you all, because I’m sure I’m not the only one who is jittery about this one.

Picture this…I tumble down the stairs as the buzzer goes of on my alarm clock. I desperately keep chugging towards the coffee pot (which has been conveniently located in the furthest part of the kitchen), only to find to my horror that there is no coffee ready. I figure there is a glitch with my automatic timer, and in a half conscious phase I attempt to fix it. I poke she who must be obeyed and tell her to be on time tomorrow morning.

Following a throbbing bruise to my shin, I proceed towards my contingency coffee crisis plan and decide to make some of the instant “abra cadabra” stuff. I nuke my self a glass of water, reach for the instant coffee and learn a valuable life lesson. Anytime you pick up a jar, NEVER grab it from the cover…just in case. I quickly find out that some dingis did not put the top on all the way. As a result, now I’m picking coffee crystals off the kitchen floor. Keep in mind I still have not had a cup of coffee, so I’m focused and sluggish like a baby who’s just learned how to use his opposable thumbs. Furthermore, I’m clutching my toe that just got crushed by a dropped jar, and I’m trying to figure out who the culprit is that left the jar open. Once I recall that I’m the only coffee drinker in the house, I quickly abandon my witch hunt.

The story has a happy ending….I finally get my cup of coffee. Mind you there is a myriad of foreign objects floating in it, resulting from “mystery crumbs” getting mixed up in to pile of black stuff off the floor, but it still feels like being reborn. I step towards our patio door to appreciate the view outside, and notice a little rabbit. There he is trying to hop through the snow like a fat man in a potato sack race, and it quickly finds my patio as a haven from the white devilish powder. It sniffs around, and discovers the garbage bag I had left outside the night before. My first instinct of course is to shoo it away before it tares into the bag and makes a huge mess, but I decide to let him go about his business as I enjoy the rest of my coffee.

The rabbit (let’s call it Terry for arguments sake) trots towards the bag, slips on small patch of ice as a face plant startles him. I’m already feeling much better at this point. Terry gets to the bag and start nibbling on its side to get to the good stuff inside. He finally gets the bag open, and he’s reached the rabbit holy grail. Finally some food after months of the no carb, all snow diet! He digs in, finds a bunch of wrappers, and tears into those. Once he gets through the first one and finds HLD junior's “droppings” inside, he drops everything and runs off like the wind.

Moral of the story: If you have wild animals going through your garbage, leave a bag of dirty diapers out one night. They’ll never come back. And if you’re wondering about the mess I have to clean up on my patio now…don’t. It’s snowing today. I’ll deal with the mess in spring time.

DODGED A BULLET…NEED TO DIDGE TWO MORE

2008-02-06T09:15:00.001-05:00

4 point MN drop, leafs no go drop, leafs blow-out loss, HABS win against Division anc Conference leader, HABS 1 point our of 1st in Division and Conference…I would qualify that as a superb night. As much as I admire Kovalev and appreciate what he does for the team, I think it’s time he got suspended. As far as I know sticky tape on the ones stick is disallowed by the NHL standards. Both goalies played a great game, but Huet had one more superb save than his Swiss cheese counter part.

We played and reacted through the first two periods as if we were a superior team playing a sub 0.500 team. You could see it in every shift (yes even Koivu’s line) and you could feel the confidence oozing from the bench. At the very end of the second and the third, for some reason we got spooked. The important lesson here is that the players are beginning to TRULY believe they are a #1 team, and this will go a long way in pushing us up the short list at the top of the standings. Furthermore, if we can keep building up on this confidence and momentum (which has been building for 5-6 weeks now since our slump) come playoff time the HABS will be more than legitimate cup-contenders.

Now with all this warm fuzzy feeling building up in our guts, let me bring everyone down to earth once again. We have two extremely difficult games coming up. On Thursday we will be playing against a potent Leafs team. Not only do they notoriously come out extra motivated against us regardless of their season, but after having been humiliated 8-0 last night (:lol:…sry can’t help but laugh there) they will have more motivation than a pregnant chick running towards the ice-cream isle in a store.

As if that wasn’t enough, we play the Sens again on Saturday, who could very well have beaten us last night, plus they will have Daniel Alfredson in the line-up who averages a goal per game against us. We cannot afford to let our guards down in either game, seeing as we’re in such a pivotal moment in the season, playing against key opponents. I find it hard to sit here and confidently expect 4/4 points, but as a believer in the legitimate cup-contender calibre of this team, I believe that the team can do it, and if anything the odds are slightly in our favour.

Let me reiterate to everyone that it is up for debate whether the HABS are cup-contenders, or legitimate cup-contenders (with a more than decent chance). But one thing is for sure, IMHO it is beyond discussion whether the HABS are at the least cup-contenders. Anyone who believes the HABS won’t make the playoffs or don’t have a chance in heck to make a run at the cup is living in delusion (if that’s the case lay off the bottle ;)).

Based on player interviews, we all know at the very least a hand-full of key players believe the team is a legitimate cup-contender. It’s time the rest of the locker room, fans and media jumped on the bandwagon. Bob Gainey has built a champion team, and the future is now. Expect strong playoff performances for at least 3-5 years. Expect a run for Conference championship, above 0.650 hockey, and recognition as a top NHL team for at least the next little while. Jump on board and believe people. The view is great up here.

ONE OF MAN’S DOWNFALLS

2008-02-05T08:49:00.001-05:00

There is nothing more aggravating in life than being judged on a double standard. We have all been victims of this in one point in our lives. Sometimes you miss out on a girl, because some jerk pulls off one nice move, when you have been nothing but an angel for weeks trying to work your way in. Sometime you are on the loosing end of a conflict with your sibling, because despite being the better person for years and years, you are continuously expected to “do the right thing” when the other can get away with murder over and over. Other times you are screwed out of a promotion, despite years of hard work, because some lazy moocher impressed the boss with one slick move come judgement time.

What ever the case, this attitude of expecting people to perform on different levels because of past behaviour and personality, and rewarding the lesser person simply because of a proportionally better act (even though in the greater scheme you’re still better) is nothing less than a culture of “nice guys finish last”. Personally I find it a kick in the nads when years of good deeds are used as an excuse to accept lesser performances of lesser performers because by “their standards” it’s very good. However if the more responsible party reacts in the exact same way as the underperformer, it’s remarked as being negative and frowned upon. This double standard [b]directly[/b] punishes good behaviour, and is so very frustrating. If the whole world functioned on double standards, what motivation would there be “to be good”?

Judging two people differently for the exact same act is wrong. It makes as much sense to me as passing up on a drunk Angeline Joe Lee at a bar (still keeping my fingers crossed and eyes open every Sat night).

The world of sports is no different. On any given night, both teams who jump on the ice is expected to perform to the best of their abilities, and at the end of the night bring home the two points. As responsible and fanatic fans however, we have learned to accept defeat with humility, hope the team learned from their mistakes, and tried to remain positive about the future. However a loss was never accepted as OK in my books. And as we face the might Senators (I don’t care how many people are injured, they have way too much depth to take lightly) we have to fight hard, skate fast, and play smart. Dropping two points because we’re playing the best team in the league simply won’t jive in my book.

HEART BREAKER, SALT SHAKER, BITTER SWEET LOSS

2008-02-04T08:47:00.000-05:00

In true MN fashion allow me to begin by pointing out the small victory and signs of a solid playoff run amongst the series of mistakes and defeat. The Ranges came in with a clear plan to intimidate the smaller HABS. Unfortunately for them, they quickly learned that this team can and will play physical when need be. When it was all said and done, the more disciplined HABS had dished out more hits, with less penalty minutes (lets hope Kovalev doesn't get a suspension). What's really encouraging in all this is how the whole team stepped up and the whole team stood up for each other.

In the same way the third and fourth lines step up to help out the top lines when they can't score, the whole bench helped Komisarek lay down the law. I almost felt bad for the Rangers on that front. Imagine coming into a game thinking you will intimidate a team, especially their defence. You find your self getting bruised harder than the opposition. You try and infiltrate the offensive zone through the left where the big guy (Komisaurus) is, and BANG! Down you go like a sack of potatoes. A few shifts later you try and go in through the right side where the smallest defenseman is (Bouillon) and BANG! You go down even harder. I’d say that would mess with my head, but I’m not an NHL calibre player.

Now last year, and even earlier this year, we would have been happy with this analysis. The team shows unity, the team played strong, and put in a good fight for having played two games in two nights. Out of 4 games in 6 days, 5/8 points is not bad. I’ll agree to an extent (as illustrated above).

The team we have in front of us today is a winner. It was apparent during Komisarek’s interview that the locker room believe the same and are aiming for top seat in the conference. With that in mind, despite the fact that they were on their second game in 24 hours, there is no excuse, nor justification for letting a 3 goal game slip. The simple fact is that they got lazy and began coasting following Kostitsyn’s superb goal in the penalty shot. By the time the HABS realised the Rangers hadn’t given up yet, it was too late. The Rangers had the momentum, they were able to apply the “dirty” physical game, and took the victory.

I’m more than disappointed with this outcome, because we were playing wonderful. We got cocky and lazy and this is not the time, nor the level to be getting over confident. The coaching staff, and veterans in place are well aware of their failure, and you can bet your last buck they will come out charged, focused and flying against Ottawa. However, as a fan, I expect three wins against our Division rivals this week, because the HABS owe it to us and their selves after committing a rooky mistake.

It’s the playoff stretch people, and this team is a cup contender (any which way you look at it). If I may quote an artist to help make a point: “You gotta walk a champion, talk like a champion,…” and start acting like a champion.

THREE POINTS FROM THE TOP

2008-02-03T08:28:00.000-05:00

No matter how hard I try to focus on the here and now, and remain in the “one game at a time” process of thought, it’s difficult not to think about the Ottawa Senators. We’re within three points with a game in hand from the Ottawa Senators and first placed in the Division. We play our game in hand today against the Rangers, and we play the Sens on Tuesday. With the right outcomes, the Montreal Canadiens could be top dog in the Eastern Conference. I would love to see hockey analysts try and back track on their predictions and justify the discrepancy in their analysis.

However as reasonable and rational hockey fans, we know that nothing is more important than today’s game. After another well played and well executed match yesterday, the HABS are up against a team they are yet to beat this year. Furthermore, history shows that after having played a strategically flawless game, the Montreal Canadiens have been known to start the next one over confident and lazy. This is a trend we have been slowly eliminating as of late, however the home and home series against the Washington Ovechkin’s was a bleak reminder that no matter how hard one tries, playing two solid games in a row in a short period of time is no easy feat.

I sure hope our boys come out focused, and execute properly. Keep things simple, don’t try to get fancy, and win the battles along the boards. Contain Jager, and be disciplined (don’t get pulled into Avery’s shenanigans). This is going to be the key to our victory tonight.

If and when we win, then we can start talking about first place.

THURSDAY’S LOSS WAS VERY ENCOURAGING

2008-02-02T08:06:00.001-05:00

Well I haven’t ventured out into other threads following Thursday’s loss, but I would assume there are some people who are ready to trade somebody, and critisising 10 others. In her we have remained, as expected, level headed and positive. As if we didn’t have enough to be happy about with regards to a three point night for the MN, let me throw in another observation I had with respect to that game, which gave me lots more to be happy about.

Since before the beginning of the season, I have argued that what makes this team better than last year’s team (and better then most hockey analyst predictions) is the fact that we’re a levelled and well balanced team. We don’t have many “super” strengths, and conversely we don’t have and huge weaknesses. The team has depth and works as onhe unified machine.

On our home-and- home series with Washington, I got further confirmation of all this, when certain lines and players stepped up to compensate for other lines getting shut down. On Tuesday Smokes and his crew took it to the Caps. On Thursday the young guns, lead by Kostitsyn making the plays, and The Tenderness crashing the net, compensated for a poor night by some of our veterans.

If I’m facing off against the Canadiens, I’m more than confused about which line to play my defensive line, and which line to put my #1 line against. Each line has the ability to produce and explode, and as long as they ALL stick to the game plan defensively (such was the case on Tuesday), the opposition cannot find a weakness…ever…and gets frustrated to no degree. Frustration leads to a spiral of doom…and we have our selves another win for the HABS.

The team is doing great because everyone is doing their job. When they can’t someone else is always there (or has been) to pick up the slack. As long as we can keep this upbeat tempo (but not draining and injuring tempo a-la Paul Maurice) we’ll keep inching towards the top of the leader board.

YOU THINK HE WAS WRONG?

2008-02-01T08:51:00.000-05:00

I bet most of you thought Crazy Cat Suit Man had lost his touch and led us astray when the score was 3-0 for the Caps. Then I’m sure most of you thought, he was just taking us for a ride and making things exciting when we came back to 3-2. I suppose these same people thought they were being optimistic and that we really were going to loose when the Caps scored their fourth, and see-sawed back to the winning bandwagon when we tied it in the dying second of the third. I bet most of you still think Crazy Cat Suit Man was wrong following the loss to the Washington Ovechkin’s. Well think again. We rallied back into over-time and got a point out of it. ¾ points on a home and away series is anything but a defeat.

Love them or hate them, the Montreal fan base usually have some “beef” with superstars. Whether it be Lecavalier, Crosby, Chara, etc…, as Montréalers we hate any star who makes life miserable for our local team and boo the heck out of them. With the Ovechkin show on at full tilt last night, I found it hard to dislike the guy. He is so involved and so excited about his team, he reminds me of my days playing pond hockey with the neighborhood kids. His joy and excitement after each goal is a non arrogant, child waking up on Christmas morning kind of energizing exhilaration. In today’s league full of overpaid lazy millionaires posing as hockey players, it’s refreshing to see one of the top paid player show the same enthusiasm on the ice as the fans show in the stands. Out of all the “super-stars” in the league, not only is he one of the few who will keep playing after a busted lip, stitches and a broken nose (at least we punished him), but he is the only player for whom I truly wish a long and healthy career. With Ovechkin’s exemplary behavior at the All-Star game, it won’t be long before he gains significant good will with North-American hockey fans, especially with Crosby slowly turning into an arrogant self-loving, self-promoting snob under the “guidance” and “mentoring” of the biggest self-loving arrogant cry-baby Michelle Terrien.

With my overdue respects paid to Ovechkin, let me bring everyone back to the NL standings, and point our that following results of other games last night, we gained ground on everyone around us and above us, with the exception of Boston who is still 2NL and 5 points behind. Ottawa is on a slide and we could very well be finishing the Super Bowl weekend within 0.5 NL. I still believe finishing the weekend with ¾ points would suffice as a great victory for our now tired HABS, but one thing is for sure: following last night’s tapes, the Islanders will be fore-checking and hitting hard, and our frustrated lines will come out hungry to get back on the score card. It should be an exciting game on Saturday.

TWO FOR TWO THURSDAYS!

2008-01-31T08:53:00.001-05:00

Good news everybody! I can guarantee you a HABS win tonight!

On my way into work this morning, I was going through my usual routing of a hang-over headache and a zombie like stroll through the herd of cattle (or it might have been the masses of bodies filing out of the metro…couldn’t tell). As I was muttering thirteen different prayers to every major religion I know for a cup of coffee, I heard a familiar voice screaming and shouting in the distance. As I got closer, the shrieks of the world coming to an end, and how we should avoid Dairy Queen since it is owned by the Anti-Christ, I quickly realized it was that time of year when crazy cat-suit man comes out of hiding.

For those of you who are newer to the thread, crazy cat suit man shows up every now and then, and gives the morning rat race a ray of sunshine. By ray of sunshine of course I mean he reeks of pee, faeces, scotch (he drinks Canadian Club…I would recognize that smell anywhere), years of sweat, regurgitated general tao chicken, and a little “je ne sais quoi” which emulates from the suit he wears.

His suit is an orange cat. Imagine an anorexic Youppi, with whiskers, a tail, some black stripes, drag him through the sewer systems face down, and you have the cat suit. But crazy cat suit man is not your average loopy. He tends to multiple sense. Some mornings he’s dancing, some morning he’s break dancing (although I’m fairly sure he’s convulsing from the sobriety), but most mornings he does his best to let us all know when the world is in danger.

Crazy Cat Suit Man is smarter than most people give him credit for. Don’t mind the drool hanging from his lips, because he’s intelligent enough to deliver his message in code, thus providing his enlightening information only to those who can decipher the “code”

Since we’re all buddies here, I’ll share his secret with you. His code is rather complex, but I’ve figured out that he says the opposite of what is going to happen. You see every time I see him he tells me I’m being stalked by demons, and that the world is coming to an end. Low and behold; I haven’t had to call on the exorcist, nor did the earth shatter in to a billion pieces.

Every once in a while he’ll throw a curve ball our way and make predictions about the weather, stock market (although I’m yet to find the Goojy boojy corporation’s stock…), and on rare occasions he’ll predict HABS games. So far he has a 100% success rate, and this morning he said we will loose.

So get your rolls of $100 out people! This one is a lock! It’s in the bag! Oh holy Crazy Cat Suit Man…how can we ever thank you?

CANADA RULES, USA DROOLS

2008-01-30T08:50:00.001-05:00

If our beloved Montreal Canadiens facing the Washington Capitals is any indication of the two nation’s superiority, yesterday was one of many indications that Canada is a far superior nation than is the U.S. of A. Except for a 5-10 minute period in the second, we dominated offensively (especially when you know who was on the ice), we shut them down defensively (what superb execution) and the goalie did his best impression of the Cristowall. The coaching staff has a plan, and the team implemented the strategy to a “T”. There isn’t much else one has to argue to prove this point, other than pointing out the Ovechkin (the leader for the Maurice Richard Trophy and arguably the most electrifying player in the NHL) was held to two scoring chances through out the game, with only one of them being dangerous.

Now even though gauging the superiority of a nation based on a hockey game is as accurate as starting at an arbitrary location and counting a random number of steps to dig for hidden treasure. But keep in mind that this team, based out of the capital of “the greatest nation in the world” handed out “the greatest bolony contract in the world”. If George McPhee likes taking oversized suppositories this much, he should give Jenna Jameson a call. I hear she’s a leading expert in the field.

To seal the deal and prove my point that Washington doesn't possess the sharpest tools in the shed (George W. does bring down the average quite a bit), one doesn’t have to look far. “Have you ever seen the Washington Monument? It looks NOTHING like the guy! It looks more like a tribute to Bill Clinton!”

Thick…just thick.

OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN…GO CAPTAIN

2008-01-29T09:26:00.000-05:00

I’ve noticed heightened talk about trading our captain and leader Saku Koivu, and I thought this would be a good time for my two cents or five nickels on the subject. Captain K is undoubtedly going through rough times on the ice. His fight against cancer, and various injuries over the years (most notable his eye) have taken their tolls on his chiselled and well tuned body. He’s no longer the speedy trickster on the ice, and more often than not he seems to have lost his touch out there. With all this in mind I can see why many media “gurus” and fans have jumped on the “trade him while he’s still got some worth” band-wagon. Being the unbiased and level headed gent that I am, I will respectfully accept their opinions, and call them all selfish, unappreciative and spoiled boob-heads with less integrity than they have poor hockey sense.

Saku Koivu’s athletism, even today, is far superior to your average player in the NHL. His work ethic and sportsmanship is inspiring to watch, and his leadership qualities are oozing from all seven orifices in his body (I’ll let you figure out where they are). Through his polite, respectful, yet frank and honest ways, he has lead this team both on and off the ice for almost a decade. It’s no surprise that as a Captain of the organisation, he holds one of the longer terms of service, and is the first European to wear the embroidered “C” on the jersey.

Over the years he has been burdened with young players on his line, when player of his calibre usually should be flanked by experienced veterans, and thus reeking havoc on the opposing team. He had every right to publicly disagree with these decisions and criticise the coach, and he could have also lost interest and motivation. However, his work ethic is such that he took all given challenges with a smile, did what he could to help the team, and did it to the best of his abilities.

Koivu has been left to dry and scrutinized by the fan base and media on more than one occasion during his service here. Yet he kept turning the other cheek and served this team in more ways than an athlete should. Saku gave more of himself to the organisation than any player since our last cup, and more than all the players combined in today’s roster. To point fingers at him, and treat him as trade bait “while he still has a value on the market” is not only demeaning to him as an athlete, but undermines everything he has done for the this organisation, the fans and this city over his career. I find this attitude of “what have you done for me lately”, rather unfair, brutish, unjust, and all in all not disheartening. Saku Koivu deserves every right to finish his career in Montreal, should he choose, and he has earned the right to do it as our Captain.

At the very least our dear captain deserves our unquestionable support through the rough times. There is no way he leaves this city without a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth, unless he asks for a trade to try and win the cup with, say Detroit, before his career is over. However barring such a nightmarish scenario, Saku is here to stay because thankfully we have GM who is well versed in the art of loyalty. Bob Gainey fully understands the ramifications of dumping players in the long run. What most has been, wanna be, Epsilonic arm chair GMs forget is that in the pursuit of free agents, issues like this are worth a lot more than taxes, language issues, or media.

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN

2008-01-28T09:05:00.001-05:00

Here we are once more, reunited like Sunny and Share. I don’t know about you guys, but I missed you all a bunch. I was thinking of the forum every day like a teenage boy dreams about models, and now that I’m here I’m as happy as a Leprecon in a brewery.

With less than three months remaining in the season, and our HABS pushing up the standings you may be wondering if I’ll be dedicating my time with informative and analytical posts, discussing the myriad of pros and cons that come with our local professional hockey club, and the affixed media frenzy, whilst leaving the magical dancing animals out of the discussion. I am determined and focused to keep the voices out of my head, and keep the discussion focused to the issues at hand.

Yesterday I was having a conversation with the toaster about the sub-prime loans the major financial institutions have declared losses against, its effects on the stock market, and the ramifications on the North American market’s future. Out of nowhere the can of Campbells cream of mushroom soup interrupted (as he always does) and reminded me about the home and away games we have with the Washington Capitals, and how they have been surging up the standings recently (currently in third on NL standings). Zorro the beagle further reminded me about how Ovechkin had two goals in last night’s All-Star game, and how he seemed more motivated than ever since he signed his new contract.

The discussion lead me to realise that the Capitals are going to be more than formidable opponents, and that this series will be tight and difficult. I sure hope that the coaching staff does what’s necessary to carry over the momentum and confidence from the last two games to this week, and get this winning streak to continue.

PS Over the weekend the Salt shaker and Pepper mill got married. It was a beautiful ceremony. We all hope to see little sugar cubes soon.

HLD Making his Comeback

2008-01-23T09:21:00.000-05:00

There is only one thing that gives a man more pleasure than a blowout win for his favorite tem, and I can’t begin to talk about it here since it’s a family forum. Stay tuned for the X-rated blurbs of HLD for details on man’s greatest pleasure (catch it on HBO @ 25:00pm)

Games such as the one we were blessed with last night are remembered throughout the season. The whole team produced, the whole team scored, and Mr. Kovalev put on a show that will be in high light reels for 2007/2008 season. I mean, you deke the guy, get held, loose a glove, still beat him to the puck, deke him again, pick up your glove, deke him again, travel around the slot, and circulate the puck for what seemed like an eternity in the Boston zone getting quality chances after quality chances. When Kovalev’s line was on the ice last night, it was more reminiscent of the Harlem Globe Trotters playing the New York Nationals, than two NHL caliber teams facing off against each other.

With that said let me bring you all back down to earth. After a superb performance like last night by the local team, it’s more than easy for the fans to get overzealous and be overwhelmed by a blinding optimism. This overwhelming emotion is wonderful, and necessary. We should all indulge for at least 24 hours in imagining our team holding Lord Stanley’s cup a few months from now. However come tonight, it’s time to get our game faces on and a heavy dose of a reality check. As much as Canadiens have had the Bruin’s number in recent year, the New Jersey Devils have had our number. You see Martin Brodeur is actually a transformer (he’s one of the Autobots mind you…those are the good guys right?) and when he plays the Montreal Canadiens he transforms into “Mega Uber Goaltender Man). If the teams goes into tomorrows game over confident, we risk being on the receiving end of a thrashing similar to the one from last night.

So you’re wondering, does a blowout game like last night have any long term effects on the team? Well games like last night are as important to a team’s long term success, as the stock market is draining my portfolio like a blood sucking, money eating merciless machine. In case you’re not following me that means “yes”.

In the short long term the team can try and build off of the momentum of this total domination to get a winning streak going.

In the mid-long term, when the team is going through a rough patch, they can look back to the not so distant past and build off of the positive vibes of a game where everybody was gelling and playing like a well oiled machine.

In the long long term, games like this are a major boost of confidence in ones ability as an individual, and as a team. This confidence cannot be bought, trained into obtaining, nor can it be easily lost once achieved. This is the fourth dimension, the sixth sens, the karma, the force…whatever you want to call it, the extra edge a player needs to be an NHL commodity, rather than just an NHL caliber player.

WORD OF THE YEAR: WOOT!

2007-12-12T09:06:00.000-05:00

Hiiiiiidyyyyyy Hoooooooo!!!!!!!!! Thought I would drop in and see how everyone was doing. (FYI this is the second time I post an article in here since the departure…if you missed the first, I have it on the blog).

Well looks like December 23d came early this year. That’s the bad news. The good news is that our “charge” will also come early this year…hopefully in time for a charge into a playoff spot. After last night’s game I realized that the team is playing just fine. The errors and brain farts were all results of nervousness. The team hasn’t got a shred of confidence, including the young Price. But the camaraderie remains. It is not as apparent as before. This is expected given that the entire locker room is as timid, nervous and insecure as a vegan working in a slaughter house, but given some of the characters in the locker room and behind the bench, things are bound to change.

With Huet’s immanent return to the crease with a series of air fresheners, we should be able to see the blue color once more. Price should get control of his bowels back and stop pooping all over net, because no matter how cool and calm hid demeanor comes across, it is ludicrous to expect any 20 year old to be able to put up with and mitigate the pressure of being a number 1 and HAVING to win games, and this has been apparent by his play as of late. He can get back into his comfort zone as back-up playing 40% of games, and get back to winning games via his spectacular saves and solid positioning.

In the meanwhile, a series of solid performances by the guys in masks with blue and yellow pine trees ducked-taped to their pads should be all that is required to get the momentum back on our side, get the confidence growing, and start winning games.

As a final note, it’s good to see that some of our contributions have been recognized by Webster’s Dictionary. The new word of the year by popular vote: WOOT

Article: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5imcJd2ELqieBlFxBLhBnP5k4juaAD8TFGLM00

PS Question is, how many times did matt get on the web-site and vote :p

THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

2007-12-10T09:29:00.001-05:00

With the holiday season upon us it is hard to avoid the overwhelming myriad of Christmas carrols. I’m not sure if anyone actually enjoys them, but what I do know is that Rudolph has a serious drinking problem if his nose is so bright red and he hallucinates flight, Theodore from the chipmunks has some sort of a growth stunt syndrome if he hasn’t grown his two front teeth in over a decade, and the guy who sings about how much fun it is to ride in one horse open sleigh has never been exposed to the Canadian wind chill factor.

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
but the fire is so delightful
And since there’s no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Well this guy finally got his wish with over 30cm of snow in the past three days. He might be happy and ready for the holidays, but unfortunately for the rest of us we all have a place to go and we have to shovel 30cm of snow from our driveway plus the other 90 that the city decides to push onto my property. Every morning I wake up to the horror of a wall of snow blocking me in only to look over and see a shovel the size of a large soup spoon awaiting me. Some people might appreciate the morning exercise, but for someone who doesn’t gain consciousness until about noon and his fourth cup of coffee, having to dig through the Great Wall of China has done wonders for my back end for my mood. Unfortunately for my colleagues, I have been suffering from POBSACL syndrome. Short for “pissed of because of snow and the city’s laziness”, POBSACL syndrome has severe side effects in the form of flying staplers, irrational and incomprehensible lectures at very high decibel levels and vast amounts of extra carbohydrate intake in the form of fermented yeast, which leads to further more severe syndromes of loss of basic motor skills, short term memory loss, loss of driving skills, and speech disorders.

The only real benefit from all this snow has been the entertainment of sitting at my front window with a cozy cup of cocoa, looking outside into the winter wonderland, Christmas lights in the background, and watching dense drivers trying to take the corner at speeds that exceeds what should be used during dry conditions, slide across the intersection and either: a) Slam into that big birch (which for the record has claimed seven lucky winners in the past three days), cool.gif take out another dimwitted driver doing the same things from the other end or c) do their best impression of Disney on ice, pull a triple salco, and get back on their way safe and sound. I’ll admit option “c)” is not as entertaining, however the alternatives provide means for an entertaining game. So far I’m winning: HLD-14 Zorro the beagle-2.

The other benefit has been the opportunity to legitimately try all the different pain killers available both over and behind the counter. I must admit the pharmaceutical companies are quite creative and providing us with all the colors of the rainbow in the form of painkillers ranging from “this hasn’t helped at all… everything still hurts” to “this hasn’t helped at all… everything still hurts… but at least that magical golden polar bear behind you, juggling elephants is quite entertaining”

This cocktail of pills my doctor has got me on has also proven itself useful in dealing with the agony of watching recent HABS games. Even with these numbing effects, watching the last four Canadians games I was as comfortable as a cat being sprayed with a water bottle. This is the slump that we’ve been on the verge of, and that I have feared throughout the whole month of November. I’m not going to sit here and try and point fingers, rationalize, or justify this series of horrendous games, however at this rate I believe the Montreal Canadiens would have a difficult time beating the up and coming Zimbabwe Thunder.

This team is not the best in the league, and this is apparent when one looks at the likes of Ottawa and Detroit. On the other hand, we’re not as bad as our recent record suggests. This team has all the assets to succeed and it is up to the coaching staff to figure out how to use it. Hopefully we can figure all this out before the holidays so Christmas can come early to all HABS fans.

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

2007-11-30T08:44:00.001-05:00

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:

2007-11-29T09:22:00.001-05:00

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!

2007-11-28T08:52:00.001-05:00

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

2007-11-27T08:28:00.001-05:00

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!

2007-11-26T09:20:00.001-05:00

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

2007-11-24T07:45:00.001-05:00

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

2007-11-23T09:43:00.001-05:00

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

2007-11-22T08:56:00.001-05:00

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

2007-11-21T08:59:00.001-05:00

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

2007-11-20T08:49:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-19T10:36:00.003-05:00

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:

2007-11-19T10:36:00.001-05:00

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

2007-11-16T08:53:00.001-05:00

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?

2007-11-15T09:04:00.000-05:00

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?!?

2007-11-14T08:36:00.000-05:00

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