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
MN Scoreboard
NL Standings
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
THAT’S THE WAY TO BOUNCE BACK!
A thousand apologies for being delayed on my update today, however the NHL is to blame (or was it the government?!). Having kept up a father of one an a quarter well past his bed-time during the week, whilst being kept awake at work with work to be done has been nothing short of unbearable this week. However the outcome is positive and the HABS gave me the pick-me up I needed last night.
I’m not going to cheapen being at the top of our Division by slogans and catch phrases so I’ll keep this short. Carey Price bounced back to prove to the fans, the organisation, his coach, his team-mates and most importantly him self that he is able to perform as a #1 goaltender should. Everyone has bad games, but not everyone can bounce back like that. His performance in last night’s game (with some minor weak moments) will come in very valuable during the next few weeks.
Furthermore it was good to see everyone doing their job. The top line contributed, the second line contributed, and the team worked well on the power play when it counted. Of course that first period was hard to watch and it looked like the 1988 Oilers playing the Chicoutimi Poutines, but the important thing is the goalie kept us in the game, and our offense (mainly power play) returned the favour in the third. We got the two points, and now we have a two point cushion on Ottawa. With a win on Saturday we can ensure coming out of this road trip with more points than Ottawa, which IMO is our priority.
I’m not going to cheapen being at the top of our Division by slogans and catch phrases so I’ll keep this short. Carey Price bounced back to prove to the fans, the organisation, his coach, his team-mates and most importantly him self that he is able to perform as a #1 goaltender should. Everyone has bad games, but not everyone can bounce back like that. His performance in last night’s game (with some minor weak moments) will come in very valuable during the next few weeks.
Furthermore it was good to see everyone doing their job. The top line contributed, the second line contributed, and the team worked well on the power play when it counted. Of course that first period was hard to watch and it looked like the 1988 Oilers playing the Chicoutimi Poutines, but the important thing is the goalie kept us in the game, and our offense (mainly power play) returned the favour in the third. We got the two points, and now we have a two point cushion on Ottawa. With a win on Saturday we can ensure coming out of this road trip with more points than Ottawa, which IMO is our priority.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
GOTTA KEEP PACE WITH OTTAWA
At this point in time I’m more concerned with remaining in the top seat of our Division than fighting for the Conference. If we finish in the top seat of our Division, we’re guaranteed to finish in 1st or 2nd, and so our probable opponents would be Buffalo, Boston, Philly or New York. ¾ teams would be a great opponent for the first round, offering ample opportunity to advance. Whether we finish in first or second in the Conference, the odds of facing one of the three opponents will be 75%, so other than bragging rights (as of today) I see no benefit in worrying about the race for the Conference top seat.
With that said, our current and primary concerns are the Ottawa Senators. They’re one of these teams that can loose to a low tier team, but when it comes to playing the HABS they find this extra motivation from god know where, and pummel us to no end. With two more games left to face them between now and the end of the year, splitting the two would be a favourable outcome given our recent history with them.
In the meanwhile, we should try and cushion the slim (now none existent) lead between our selves and Ottawa who have the same amount of points, but we have a game in hand. The Sens are going through a similar road trip as our selves, and they have obtained ¼ points thus far. Our swing is going to breach it’s mid-point tonight, and we have a chance to pick up 2/4 and put a two point spread between our selves and that team who plays for the bastards who tax us.
The next few weeks can unfold any combination of events, including the exclusion of the HABS from the playoffs. Although unlikely, I don’t see anyone clinching a spot in the Eastern Conference until late in the month, so each game and each point has an unimaginable worth. Tonight is a good night to pot two with the majority of Eastern teams going through ruts, and to cut our loosing streak at 1 before it gets worrisome. Furthermore tonight gives Carey Price o respond to the vote of confidence. Last time the coaching staff and management gave him a pat on the back he went on a 3-0 tear with superb stats. Here’s hoping he can out do that streak this time around.
With that said, our current and primary concerns are the Ottawa Senators. They’re one of these teams that can loose to a low tier team, but when it comes to playing the HABS they find this extra motivation from god know where, and pummel us to no end. With two more games left to face them between now and the end of the year, splitting the two would be a favourable outcome given our recent history with them.
In the meanwhile, we should try and cushion the slim (now none existent) lead between our selves and Ottawa who have the same amount of points, but we have a game in hand. The Sens are going through a similar road trip as our selves, and they have obtained ¼ points thus far. Our swing is going to breach it’s mid-point tonight, and we have a chance to pick up 2/4 and put a two point spread between our selves and that team who plays for the bastards who tax us.
The next few weeks can unfold any combination of events, including the exclusion of the HABS from the playoffs. Although unlikely, I don’t see anyone clinching a spot in the Eastern Conference until late in the month, so each game and each point has an unimaginable worth. Tonight is a good night to pot two with the majority of Eastern teams going through ruts, and to cut our loosing streak at 1 before it gets worrisome. Furthermore tonight gives Carey Price o respond to the vote of confidence. Last time the coaching staff and management gave him a pat on the back he went on a 3-0 tear with superb stats. Here’s hoping he can out do that streak this time around.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
WHY PRICE SHOULD START TOMORROW NIGHT
If coach Carbs had a plan to start Halak in nets tomorrow night against Phoenix prior to starting the week, he now has reason to change that schedule and start Price instead. My rational for this of course are the same as my agreement with the management’s vote of confidence in the youth movement, and mainly Carey Price.
At 20 years old, I can hardly blame young Carey for loosing his cool against the Sharks following dismal reffing, however this doesn’t excuse him from the fact that he did let his emotions get the better of him. One of his greatest assets thus far has been his cool and mature demeanour that has earned him the nick name “Priceberg” or my noun for our phenom goaltender “Cucumber boy”…as in cool as a…
This will of course be a learning experience for Carey and he will only come back stronger. If you doubt that, you need not look any further than his escapade with Brent Sutter at the World Juniors. My concern however is the coaching staff messages.
Prior to the trade deadline the message was clear: “Who ever wins plays”. This was a sound strategy for the short term with two goaltenders able to do the job. However, wisely or not, this message was changed to: “Price is our #1 guy…rain or shine”. This new philosophy gives Carey Price the vote of confidence he needs to get to the next level. However it is being put to the test for the first time now.
The team scored 4 goals on the road and lost. The goaltender could have done a better job, and no one is arguing that. Price had a bad game…period. Now if Carbonneau comes back with Price, it gives Carey the pat on the back he needs. That tells him to get back on the horse and get going cause this team is his to lead. But if he comes in with Halak, than all of a sudden Carey is back to where he was three weeks ago: Nervous to make a mistake at the ultimate cost of not starting the next game. This kind of pressure for a goaltender in his age group and situation is not constructive. Such a pattern could be a motivational tool for a veteran who has lost the edge, but is a destructive process of thought for the goaltender who will win the next Stanley Cup for the HABS (yup…I’m going on the record to say it ;)).
I haven’t read anything on the subject, and I don’t know if a decision has been made or announced yet, but the worse thing Carbonneau could do tomorrow night is start Halak. Saturday seems like a better time to get Halak some ice time, and re-test Price against a crease crashing team like Anaheim.
At 20 years old, I can hardly blame young Carey for loosing his cool against the Sharks following dismal reffing, however this doesn’t excuse him from the fact that he did let his emotions get the better of him. One of his greatest assets thus far has been his cool and mature demeanour that has earned him the nick name “Priceberg” or my noun for our phenom goaltender “Cucumber boy”…as in cool as a…
This will of course be a learning experience for Carey and he will only come back stronger. If you doubt that, you need not look any further than his escapade with Brent Sutter at the World Juniors. My concern however is the coaching staff messages.
Prior to the trade deadline the message was clear: “Who ever wins plays”. This was a sound strategy for the short term with two goaltenders able to do the job. However, wisely or not, this message was changed to: “Price is our #1 guy…rain or shine”. This new philosophy gives Carey Price the vote of confidence he needs to get to the next level. However it is being put to the test for the first time now.
The team scored 4 goals on the road and lost. The goaltender could have done a better job, and no one is arguing that. Price had a bad game…period. Now if Carbonneau comes back with Price, it gives Carey the pat on the back he needs. That tells him to get back on the horse and get going cause this team is his to lead. But if he comes in with Halak, than all of a sudden Carey is back to where he was three weeks ago: Nervous to make a mistake at the ultimate cost of not starting the next game. This kind of pressure for a goaltender in his age group and situation is not constructive. Such a pattern could be a motivational tool for a veteran who has lost the edge, but is a destructive process of thought for the goaltender who will win the next Stanley Cup for the HABS (yup…I’m going on the record to say it ;)).
I haven’t read anything on the subject, and I don’t know if a decision has been made or announced yet, but the worse thing Carbonneau could do tomorrow night is start Halak. Saturday seems like a better time to get Halak some ice time, and re-test Price against a crease crashing team like Anaheim.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
NOTCH ONE MORE FEATHER ON THE CAP
It was gut-check time and a test of character for Mr. Price last night and a hefts test of character. Unfortunately the outcome was adverse, but hopefully he will take it as a learning experience and put it in his bag of tricks.
An unlucky goal, a goal which should not have been counted because of a blatantly missed goaltender interference call (not referring to Smokes here, but the third goal) and two other missed goaltender interference goals before the mid way point of the game was enough to throw our young net-minder off his game. We should give credit where credit is due. The Sharks had a clear game plan to disrupt Price’s tempo, and Price fallowed suit. Things could have been different if the refs would have called a fair game, but that also is something the players have to learn to deal with.
The unfortunate truth is rarely will these young jocs play a consistently fair game. The donkey droppings in zebra shirts change moods, tolerance levels and peripheral vision angles from minute to minute. Further more, each poop sack has a different way of judging the game, and interpreting the rules. Oh and in case you’re wondering, I can insult the NHL officiating team and get away with it because I’m not an established or professional journalist. So as Red Fisher has to refrain him self at “questionable call”, I can sit here and write a hundred things that supersede the officiating team in the order of life. Given limited space and time, I’ll limit the list to a random ten (these are in no particular order):
• A bucket of slime eel (if you don’t know what it looks like: http://assets.espn.go.com/winnercomm/outdoors/fishing/i/p2-fish05.jpg )
• An elephant’s toe jam
• Michael Moore’s underpants after all you can eat burrito night at the Clinton’s residence
• Jerry’s remains
• That diaper full of HLD junior’s droppings I chucked at a passer by biker.
• A pack of gum
• A decomposed maggot
• A toothpick
• The sticky stuff Zorro the Beagle leaves behind after he has a round with on of our guest’s leg
• Rubber puke
The list can go on, but alas I must get back to work and catch up on my sleep I missed out last night. In the meanwhile if you would like to continue adding to the above list please feel free. I find it rather therapeutic.
An unlucky goal, a goal which should not have been counted because of a blatantly missed goaltender interference call (not referring to Smokes here, but the third goal) and two other missed goaltender interference goals before the mid way point of the game was enough to throw our young net-minder off his game. We should give credit where credit is due. The Sharks had a clear game plan to disrupt Price’s tempo, and Price fallowed suit. Things could have been different if the refs would have called a fair game, but that also is something the players have to learn to deal with.
The unfortunate truth is rarely will these young jocs play a consistently fair game. The donkey droppings in zebra shirts change moods, tolerance levels and peripheral vision angles from minute to minute. Further more, each poop sack has a different way of judging the game, and interpreting the rules. Oh and in case you’re wondering, I can insult the NHL officiating team and get away with it because I’m not an established or professional journalist. So as Red Fisher has to refrain him self at “questionable call”, I can sit here and write a hundred things that supersede the officiating team in the order of life. Given limited space and time, I’ll limit the list to a random ten (these are in no particular order):
• A bucket of slime eel (if you don’t know what it looks like: http://assets.espn.go.com/winnercomm/outdoors/fishing/i/p2-fish05.jpg )
• An elephant’s toe jam
• Michael Moore’s underpants after all you can eat burrito night at the Clinton’s residence
• Jerry’s remains
• That diaper full of HLD junior’s droppings I chucked at a passer by biker.
• A pack of gum
• A decomposed maggot
• A toothpick
• The sticky stuff Zorro the Beagle leaves behind after he has a round with on of our guest’s leg
• Rubber puke
The list can go on, but alas I must get back to work and catch up on my sleep I missed out last night. In the meanwhile if you would like to continue adding to the above list please feel free. I find it rather therapeutic.
Monday, March 3, 2008
I BLAME THE GOVERNMENT!
Many apologies my fellow MNers. I have just stepped in to the office in a franctic rush to get ready for a meeting in 15 minutes. The powers at bee have decided to change the bus route on me to start this prosperous month of March.
As such I have to get going on non-hockey related matters (what a drag!) and I will have to leave the MN numbers update to my Number 2 or better yet chocolate (PS choc…can you re-send the spreadsheet you e-mailed last week please?)
What can I say about tonight that you all don’t know already? It is the beginning of a defining moment in the end of our season. Not only because it will determine in the short run whether we remain in first place, but also because having to face the tough, fast and hard hitting teams of the West will give us a good idea of how deep into the post-season we can make it. It will be a test and gauge of our young team’s character, who thus far in the season has performed beyond expectations.
Onwards and downwards with the MN.
As such I have to get going on non-hockey related matters (what a drag!) and I will have to leave the MN numbers update to my Number 2 or better yet chocolate (PS choc…can you re-send the spreadsheet you e-mailed last week please?)
What can I say about tonight that you all don’t know already? It is the beginning of a defining moment in the end of our season. Not only because it will determine in the short run whether we remain in first place, but also because having to face the tough, fast and hard hitting teams of the West will give us a good idea of how deep into the post-season we can make it. It will be a test and gauge of our young team’s character, who thus far in the season has performed beyond expectations.
Onwards and downwards with the MN.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
HERE IS THE UPDATE YOU’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR
It is with great honour, and distinct pleasure that I present you with this update you’ve all ben waiting for, not only over night, but since over a decade. HABS are at the top of the pecking order, and it the playoffs start today we have home advantage and we play the Flyers (whom we’ve more or less dominated).
It was quite the spectacle last night, watching the goaltending dual. One of Price’s qualities that we have all loved and admired, and which incidentally was a big part of the win on Friday and last night is his puck handling skills. By stepping out behind the net, intercepting the dump, and making a play for a quick and devastating transition play leaving 2-3 players deep in our zone while our offensive line is charging through the neutral zone is not only a good way to keep the puck out of our zone and frustrate the opposing team to no degree, but it also allows for more than a few odd man rushes in our favour.
On the other side of the ice of course Mr Brodeur, the greatest puck handling goalie of all times had to show his moves right. Not only would he intercept, and make plays, but he cleared the zone during a PK. What could be more valuable to a Penalty Kill unit when your goalie can clear the zone while you keep the warm bodies from converging towards the back of the net? Well ask that to our boys, because cucumber boy (as in cool as a) was so calm in his demeanour once more, that he wouldn’t be intimidated by the infamous Brodeur. No…Price, in turn, returned the favour when we were killing a penalty and dumped the puck out of our zone. And unless I’m mistaken, with Price’s intervention, our PK last night was better than it has been in recent times.
But it was not all Price. The team, although not very lucky with bouncing pucks, played a solid, safe game, speedy and hard along the boards, and didn’t give too many odd man rushes. We were defensively sound and offensively had many chances. Our transition game was superb and EVERYONE did their job. The moment I’m going to remember the most from the game that got us to the top seat (other than Price emulating one of his idol goaltenders on the PK) is the final shift (or second to last rather) of Smokes and Mad Max. Those 30-40 second they won in the offensive zone was key, and was a reflection of how well this team is playing, not in style or strategy, but as a team. When players accept their roles and thrive to do it to the best of their abilities, things always seem to work out.
If we keep doing this till the end of the season, there is no reason we can’t finish where we are. Especially when your goaltender is 3-0 with a 1.33 GGA and a .956 save percentage since his first defining moment in the NHL. Who could have foreseen that such a blatant vote of confidence on the part of the management and the coaching staff could have catapulted Price into his “zone”? :rolleyes:
So for today enjoy the moment, we’re officially #1 both in NL and in points. Tomorrow I’ll bring you all back down to earth and remind you how fragile the standings are, not that you haven’t noticed one NL brings us to a tie and as far down as seventh.
The battle is far from over, but today and tomorrow, the fact of the mater is WE’RE NUMBER ONE!!!!!!
PS HTL please let us know if there are any HABS fans in the TML fan forums bringing to light that we’re on top and they’re fighting to stay out of last. That should make for some lame excuses and humorous posts I’m sure.
It was quite the spectacle last night, watching the goaltending dual. One of Price’s qualities that we have all loved and admired, and which incidentally was a big part of the win on Friday and last night is his puck handling skills. By stepping out behind the net, intercepting the dump, and making a play for a quick and devastating transition play leaving 2-3 players deep in our zone while our offensive line is charging through the neutral zone is not only a good way to keep the puck out of our zone and frustrate the opposing team to no degree, but it also allows for more than a few odd man rushes in our favour.
On the other side of the ice of course Mr Brodeur, the greatest puck handling goalie of all times had to show his moves right. Not only would he intercept, and make plays, but he cleared the zone during a PK. What could be more valuable to a Penalty Kill unit when your goalie can clear the zone while you keep the warm bodies from converging towards the back of the net? Well ask that to our boys, because cucumber boy (as in cool as a) was so calm in his demeanour once more, that he wouldn’t be intimidated by the infamous Brodeur. No…Price, in turn, returned the favour when we were killing a penalty and dumped the puck out of our zone. And unless I’m mistaken, with Price’s intervention, our PK last night was better than it has been in recent times.
But it was not all Price. The team, although not very lucky with bouncing pucks, played a solid, safe game, speedy and hard along the boards, and didn’t give too many odd man rushes. We were defensively sound and offensively had many chances. Our transition game was superb and EVERYONE did their job. The moment I’m going to remember the most from the game that got us to the top seat (other than Price emulating one of his idol goaltenders on the PK) is the final shift (or second to last rather) of Smokes and Mad Max. Those 30-40 second they won in the offensive zone was key, and was a reflection of how well this team is playing, not in style or strategy, but as a team. When players accept their roles and thrive to do it to the best of their abilities, things always seem to work out.
If we keep doing this till the end of the season, there is no reason we can’t finish where we are. Especially when your goaltender is 3-0 with a 1.33 GGA and a .956 save percentage since his first defining moment in the NHL. Who could have foreseen that such a blatant vote of confidence on the part of the management and the coaching staff could have catapulted Price into his “zone”? :rolleyes:
So for today enjoy the moment, we’re officially #1 both in NL and in points. Tomorrow I’ll bring you all back down to earth and remind you how fragile the standings are, not that you haven’t noticed one NL brings us to a tie and as far down as seventh.
The battle is far from over, but today and tomorrow, the fact of the mater is WE’RE NUMBER ONE!!!!!!
PS HTL please let us know if there are any HABS fans in the TML fan forums bringing to light that we’re on top and they’re fighting to stay out of last. That should make for some lame excuses and humorous posts I’m sure.
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