SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT, SO LITTLE BRAIN

There is so much one could talk about as it is, and now we have another game in less than 8 hours for the Conference top seat. The only way I can deal with this is by bullet pointing:

• Good solid game last night. Looking back through my comments this past week, the team is exactly where I was hoping they would be in terms of team strategy.
• We kept the puck out of our zone and dumped it out asap when it got in and frustrated the opponent. No fancy plays…they’re the ones who were forced into trying the “moves” and gave up more odd man rushes than I can count on my fingers and toes.
• We fought hard along the boards and played physically deep in their zone. We frustrated their D into playing a sloppy game (more so as the game went on and frustration levels rose). This also forced them into taking bad penalties.
• Speaking of penalties, the refs missed a brutal hit on Markov and I hope the league gives this animal a suspension for attempt to injure. “Sorry I didn’t see it” is a good enough excuse on the ice, especially given Mac-goo’s eye sight (yes I know that’s not how you spell his name...it’s a pun…get it?). However there is no reason why the league can’t give him a suspension upon video review once the game is over.
• Guillaume…you beautiful bastard you. I’m not sure if it’s because he was nervous, scared or super pumped, but he was hitting like a 5hp jack hammer. No powerful punches, but that arm was moving faster than a 14 year old boy having private time in the washroom. Good on you Guillaume.
• OMG we’re number one.
• Our hold on number one is so fragile that it can evaporate as early as tonight. So we should not get ahead of our selves but continue with the task at hand.
• OMG we’re number one.
• Screw it; since the standings are so fragile, I’ll enjoy the standings for what they are now. I may not get a chance to celebrate #1 in the Division again this year.
• We’re facing New Jersey, and a Martin Brodeur that will be fuming after lst night’s loss. As if he’s not motivated enough as it is when he plays the Bleu Blanc et Rouge, but not he’s going to be super goalie on crack.
• We proved the last game against the Devils, after having come back from a 3-0 deficit in New Jersey, that they are beatable, and we are the better team when we want to be. It will be up to our boys to keep last night’s momentum and instil the tempo on those Devilish bastards.
• I honestly believe that Ottawa’s loosing streak is not over yet, and that we have more than a decent chance to win tonight’s game. We could very well end up top seat in the league with a 3 point cushion in our Division.
• I love the HABS
• The HABS love me (it’s all those love letters I keep getting from Komisarek)
• Plecs was playing awesome last night, but lets give credit where credit is due. Kovalev is by far our MVP this year and anyone who thinks other wise can kiss my hairy brown (and currently sweaty) buttocks.
• I think I’ve said enough.
• OMG we’re #1 in our Division
• Maple Leafs still suck.

BANANAS, IN PYJAMAS, ARE COMING IN OUR ZONE

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

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?

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

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

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

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.