AHL: BULLDOGS SHUTOUT GRIFFS 1-0 IN NEW YEARS EVE TILT
Monday, December 31, 2007
NHL.com: Video Preview of Winter Classic (Pens vs Sabres) and a look back at the Habs vs Oiler outdoor game
Denver Post: Blake open to trade? Maybe
TSN:
Rob Blake would be attractive to many NHL teams at the league trade deadline or sooner, and the former Avalanche defenseman said he would consider waiving his clause to go to the right team. "(The Kings) would have to come to me first, but, yeah, it's a possibility," Blake said, after Saturday's 3-1 Kings victory over the Avs. - Denver Post Jason LaBarbera will start Sunday in Chicago. - LA Times Mike Cammalleri is doubtful for the next two games. - LA Daily News
NHL.com: Game Highlights: NYR 4 Montreal 3 OT (#39)
TSN (game highlights): http://broadband.tsn.ca/tsn/?id=348&vid=25459
Sunday, December 30, 2007
TSN: Canadiens call up forward Locke
Corey Locke made to Madison Square Garden in time to play against the Rangers but unfortunately his equipment didn't!!!! Needless to say, it must of been heart breaking for him to sit in the press box and miss making his NHL debut.
AHL: LOCKE BECOMES ALL-TIME LEADING SCORER IN LOSS
HIGHLIGHTS: Hamilton vs. Toronto- Dec. 29/07: http://www.hamiltonbulldogs.com/media-centre/index.php?playclip=81&site=bulldogs
Hockey's Future: 2009 prospects: Victor Hedman
Simply put, Victor Hedman is a beast who has the potential to be the first overall selection in the 2009 NHL draft if his development continues to elevate over the next 18-20 months. How does that expression go???.........something like: you can't win a championship without a solid defense!!! Hedman certainly has the potential to be an impact type of player whereas John Tavares has the same potential but.........????
Hockey's Future: Fall 2007 Organizational Rankings, 1-10
Habster:
The Montreal Canadiens have dropped from the #2 spot to the #4 position in the latest Hockey's Future organizational prospect rankings. The drop has more to do with Chicago and Phoenix picking up top end/blue chip prospects like Patrick Kane and Kyle Turris while St. Louis improved their already strong prospect pool with the addition of three first round picks from the 2007 draft (LW Lars Eller, D Ian Cole and LW David Perron).
With the additions of first rounders Ryan McDonagh and Max Pacioretty to the prospect pool, the Canadiens have at least assured themselves a top 5 ranking which could go up or down a couple notches depending on their prospects development......nothing to be ashamed about when you consider how bad things were 3-5 years ago!!!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
TSN is reporting the Chicago Blackhawks have placed Sergei Samsonov
The Blackhawks have placed Sergei Samsonov on waivers. - TSN
Habster:
It's that time of the year when teams start to dump ineffective player and their salaries off their cap total to prepare for potential trades after the holiday trade freeze (which was lifted after midnight on Dec.28th) and trade deadline coming up in February. I have a feeling we are going to see more NHL GMs dumping salary with trades being made further in advance of the trade deadline (so as to have a greater impact on their teams play and playoff chances).
NHL.com: Game Highlights: Montreal 5 Florida 1
TSN (game Highlights): http://broadband.tsn.ca/tsn/?vid=25410
Friday, December 28, 2007
TSN: Lightning waive goaltender Denis
Habster:
Jay Feaster will be lucky if he get any sniffs of interest from other teams especially with another year left on a 3 year/$8.6 million contract (cap hit would be $2.867 million for next season). Marc Denis better get use to diesel fumes from buses and lower quality restaurants when he starts playing for Springfield Falcons of the AHL the next few months.
With Johan Holmqvist and Kari Ramo getting most of the playing time as well as Denis very poor play, this move was a no brainer which a lot of hockey observers thought should have happened sooner.
We have witnessed the Lightning go through goalies like Lindsey Lohan goes through rehab centers but it's not only the goaltenders fault with such a porous defense and an all out attack mentality/system that John Tortorella deploys with the Lightning.
TSN: Canadiens add to Lightning's woes with 5-2 win
NHL.com: Game Highlights: Montreal 5 Tampa Bay 2
TSN Game highlights: http://broadband.tsn.ca/?vid=25366
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY HOLIDAY/MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe, happy and wonderful holiday season!!!! Since I'm the head chef in my household (dare I say the best chef!!!), I'll be busy cooking the "bird" tomorrow but will return online after the wife, teenage daughter and son have dragged me through every store in Montreal for boxing day.......have pity upon me!!!!!
Anyhow, thanks for supporting All Habs and enjoy your Christmas suppers with your families!!!
Sincerely,
Habster
Sunday, December 23, 2007
TSN: Canadiens burned by former Hab Ribeiro in 4-1 loss
Habster:
The Habs were simply out played with no puck movement or possession of the puck. They only had a measly 18 shots on net against Marty Turco. It almost seemed like Dallas was on the powerplay in 5 on 5 situations and when they did have a powerplay, they scored!!!!!! (1 for 5) while the Canadiens were 0-5 with the PP.
The tandem of O'Byrne/Hamrlik had a rough night, going -2 and -3 respectively. Roman Hamrlik was particularly brutal on a giveaway to Mike Ribeiro for Dallas' 3rd goal (http://www.nhl.tv/team/launch.htm?hlg=20072008,2,535&event=DAL396). Carey Price made some nice saves on only 21 shots but was weak on the Stu Barnes shot (http://www.nhl.tv/team/launch.htm?hlg=20072008,2,535&event=DAL400) (the game was out of reach by then).
After the Christmas break, it doesn't get any easier with more #$&*%@ back to back games on December 27th ( in Tampa Bay against the Lightning) and December 28th (in Miami against the Panthers)....................fun, fun, fun in the sun!!!!!!!!!!
New Canadiens Trade Rumour Of The Week: Sergei Fedorov?
Habster:
Columbus Dispatch Blue Jackets beat reporter Tom Reed wrote the excerpt below about this rumour that is floating around the Columbus Blue Jackets dressing room. I hope this rumour doesn't happen as Sergei Fedorov's best days are behind him, let's just hope our great pro scouting staff doesn't give Gainey a glowing evaluation on him!!!!!
Tom Reed (Puck-rakers):
It was night of weird bounces, curious calls and a bit of off-ice intrigue.
Let’s start with the intrigue.
Minutes after the Blue Jackets escaped with a 2-1 win over the last-place L.A. Kings, a Russian journalist approached coach Ken Hitchcock with a bizarre question.
Were the Blue Jackets about to trade Sergei Fedorov to the Montreal Canadiens? The reporter said this is what his sources in Moscow are telling him.
Hitchcock denied the rumor. Fedorov, a free agent at season’s end, might be traded but it seems a bit early for such a deal. The Canadiens are in the thick of the Eastern Conference race and wouldn’t appear desperate to make a deal.
There are rumors in Montreal of a possible trade for a Russian star, but his name is Alexander Ovechkin. Ovechkin is a restricted free agent at season’s end and the Washington Capitals might consider trading him before they possibly lose him.
This is the first we’ve heard of a Fedorov-to-Montreal deal. No doubt, his name will pop up many times before the trade deadline.
Dallas Morning News: Dallas Stars welcome Carbonneau back
A great article by Mike Heika about Guy Carbonneau's return to Dallas and how he greatly influenced the mindset in the Dallas Stars dressing room as well as on the ice.
Carey Price Gets The Start, Ryder Remains In Press Box; Carbo Keeps Same Lineup That Faced Atlanta
With two games in two nights, Carey Price gets the start in nets tonight against the Dallas Stars while Michael Ryder remains on the sidelines for a third consecutive game (good luck getting any thing of value for Ryder when the trade deadline comes around!!). Guy Carbonneau will keep the same line combinations he had for the Atlanta game.
Tonight's lineup against the Stars:
Forwards:
Higgins/Koivu/S. Kostitsyn
Kovalev/Plekanec/A. Kostitsyn
Streit/Chipchura/Kostopoulos
Dandenault/Lapierre/Latendresse
Defense:
Komisarek/Markov
Hamrlik/O'Byrne
Bouillon/Gorges
Goaltender: Price
Press box: Brisebois (injured?), Ryder
Dallas Stars-Montreal Canadiens preview
Mattias Norstrom, who was injured in the second period at Calgary, is scheduled to get an MRI Sunday. D Mark Fistric is expected to make his NHL debut on Sunday against Montreal. - Dallas Morning News
The Maturation Of Mike Ribeiro
Habster:
Mike Ribeiro is having a great year with the Dallas Stars. Yes, Gainey dropped the puck on this one (thanks in large part to the Canadiens poor pro scouting department headed by A/GM Pierre Gauthier) but to suggest that Ribeiro would have had the same results or impact with the Canadiens is wishful thinking.Montreal had too many distractions for the hometown boy combined with his lack of respect for the team leadership and poor work ethic when he was here. Mike Ribeiro has less distractions in Dallas and is playing with a team captain/hard working player like Brenden Morrow which has helped raise his work ethic on the ice.
I watched his two goal performance against Calgary and was thoroughly impressed with his game. Ribeiro also looks like he has taken his off-ice training more seriously as he seems stronger along the boards and isn't afraid to go into traffic or hard to the net (something Mr. Morrow has always done!!!). He seems faster and appeared to have worked on his skating, something that was always criticized about in Montreal.
It would appear Mike Ribeiro is finally reaching his full potential, unfortunately he isn't doing it in a Canadiens uniform.........
NHL.com: Game Preview: Canadiens vs. Stars
NHL.com: Game Highlights: Atlanta 3 Montreal 2 SO
TSN (game highlights): http://broadband.tsn.ca/tsn/?id=348&vid=25239
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Habs Play A Solid Game But Lose To Thrashers In SO 3-2
Habster:
The Canadiens got a point out of this game but certainly deserved a better fate as they played a solid game and outshot the Trashers by a 39-28 margin. As usual, Cristobal Huet was terrible in the shootout allowing both Marian Hossa and Vyacheslav Kozlov to score. Huet didn't even move his body or arms on the Hossa shot and looked foolish when Kozlov decked him completely out of position.
"I was surprised he (Hossa) shot so quick," Huet told AP after the game. "I'm not very confident in our shootouts, but it was nice to get one more point (in the standings)."
It's not very reassuring to hear your goaltender saying he isn't very confident in shootouts especially if it's at the end of the season and it come down to a shootout to make the playoffs.
I know the players practice the shootouts throughout the year as I've seen them working on it......Huet needs a lot of extra work in these situations as he's 3/8 this year, brutal!!!!!
Here are some game points from tonight's game. Tell me what you think??!! :
- Can someone please tell Saku Koivu that NHL goalies are watching tape of his patent yet beautiful shootout deck move (forehand to backhand to forehand). Kari Lehtonen poke checked the puck from Koivu and made it look easy, almost like he knew what was come. Tomas Vokoun also made the save against Koivu in the Panthers game though he barely stopped it. I love Koivu but he has to try something different.
- Pick on Huet part II: Cristobal wasn't very strong on Atlanta's first goal by Kozlov with barely a screen in front of him. Kozlov shot the puck from the far left boards, an NHL goalie has to stop those type of shots.
- The KPK line played another strong game and should be considered the top line. Andrei Kostitsyn had a couple of open net misses and 0 shots. The Koivu line played a decent game though Christopher Higgins seems to have slowed down a bit and hasn't been his usual hustling self the last two games. Hopefully, he isn't nursing an injury....it wouldn't surprise me as he played the last few games of last season with a badly injured shoulder.
- I'm officially nicknaming Sergei Kostitsyn "The Belarusian Puck Magnet" as he always finds a way to retrieve the puck in open spaces. He doesn't look out of place on the Koivu line and will need to help his brother pay for the rent.
- I thought Maxim Lapierre had his best game since he was called up from the Bulldogs: 6 shots, 2 hits, won 10 of 13 face-off (77%) and played 16:51. He competed on every shift, skated hard with his linemates and did some excellent work on the PK.
- What a difference a year makes: Alex Kovalev is working hard in every game situation: PP, PK and 5 on 5. Kovalev played another strong game and made the Thrashers defense look weak/foolish on some plays. He deserves to be commended for the turn around in his game and attitude........way to go AK!!!
- The Hab players (Koivu x 2 and Lapierre) have to keep their feet moving when the opposition breaks out of their own zone. On three seperate ocassions, Canadiens players took stupid/lazy hooking or holding penalties in the offensive zone, 150-160 feet from their own net. I don't know too many players who can score from that far away though with the type of game Huet was playing, I guess anything is possible!!!!
- The Atlanta Thrasher will not make the playoff with their soft back end/defensemen. They struggled in one on one containment along the boards and in the center of the ice. I was impressed with the offensive skill of Swedish rookie defensman Tobias Enstrom who can fly and really excels on the powerplay unit. He has been a pleasant surprise for a 8th round pick (239th) in the 2003 NHL draft (GP-34 G-3 A-16 PT-19 +6)
Hamilton Bulldogs Lose To Manitoba Moose In OT 3-2
The Bulldogs totally outplayed the Moose as indicated by the shots on net margin of 32-22. Newcomer, Daniel Corso got his first goal as a Bulldog in the second period.
Sporting News: Memo to beat writers: Ovechkin isn't going anywhere
Last article about Ovechkin rumours, Promise!!!!!
Journal de Montreal: Foolish or possible dream?
Habster:
Let the speculation begin......I guess we're prospecting for fool's gold with this dream or at least until Caps ownership decides they can't sign Ovechkin and need to unload him. Highly unlikely but not improbable......
I don't blame Andrei Markov for being agitated/mad at reporters who asked him if he would try to persuade his buddy, Alex Ovechkin to come to Montreal. As Journal de Montreal reporter Marc de Foy states, Markov wasn't persuaded by Alex Ovechkin when he showed loyalty to the Montreal Canadiens and signed the 4 year/$23 million contract. He doesn't believe in pushing his or the team's interests onto Ovechkin, he believes it's a personal choice and shoould be left that way.
Having Some Fun With A Leafs Blogger!!!!
Fake Peddie posted a funny comment on my blog ( see Alex Ovechkin) which stated that the Montreal Canadiens should leave Alex Ovechkin and big contract signings to his beloved Leafs,.......they've had such great success in signing players already!!!
Bryan "own goal" McCabe: 5 years/$28.75 million
Todd "pylon" Gill: 3 years/$6.225 million.
Jason Blake: 5 years/$20 million
Pavel Kubina: 4 years/$20 million.
Enough said!!!!!
Carbo Keeps Winning Lineup In Tact For Tilt Against Thrashers; Ryder In The Press Box Once Again
Guy Carbonneau told La Presse's François Lemenu that there will be no lineup changes for tonight's game against the Atlanta Thrashers so the lineup will be:
Forwards:
Higgins/Koivu/S. Kostitsyn
Kovalev/Plekanec/A. Kostitsyn
Streit/Chipchura/Kostopoulos
Dandenault/Lapierre/Latendresse
Defense:
Komisarek/Markov
Hamrlik/O'Byrne
Bouillon/Gorges
Goaltender: Huet
Press box: Brisebois (injured?), Ryder
AHL: Bulldogs Double Up Moose 4-2
A good way to start their two game excursion into Manitoba (they play back to back games against the Moose in Winnipeg,last night and tonight)
Friday, December 21, 2007
Islanders Hockey Blog: Hockey's Worst Fans... By Far
Hockey's Worst Fans... By Far
Written by Dave
Islanders Hockey Blog
Saturday, 19 December 2009 21:51
I've had some computer troubles lately, which would explain my internet hiatus of sort. But my return comes tonight, what I saw, or heard tonight from the commotion in the stands disgusted me. As you may have noticed by looking outside, or as for me watching on the Weather Channel from Florida, there were "whiteout", "blizzard conditions" on Long Island today. Thus, preventing too many local Long Islanders from coming to the game. But like anywhere their beloved team plays, Habs fans came in by the busload. "Twenty-two buses [in the parking lot]" Billy Jaffe commented during tonight's broadcast. This was probably the loudest game since, well, the other night when the Rangers and Islanders fans went at it in the stands.
Sensible people like you and I know it, Leafs and Senators fans know it best, that the Montreal Canadiens have the most uncivil, the most insolent fans in the National Hockey League. From eyewitness accounts of my friends who bared the blizzard and were at the Coliseum tonight, the game against "Les Habitants" started off like any other, the 6,000+ of them who seemed to be in large patches of the stands rather than widely spread out started with the thunderous booing of our national anthem, (a common Habs tradition of rudeness). And from the opening faceoff until the green light flashed at the end of the 3rd, it was ALL Canadiens fans, from "Go, Habs, Go" to "Ole! Ole! Ole!", for those 60 minutes of play, the Nassau Coliseum became Montreal South.
What infuriates me about these boorish, disrespectful, excuses-for-canadian-citizens is that they have the audacity to saunter into which ever arena they're in (the Coliseum in our case) like they own the place. I heard there were cigarettes all over the floor in the smoking area outside the building among other trash left behind by our canadian guests. Flags with their team's logo on them are ok, but a number of fans flagrantly waving the flag of the province of Quebec? That's crossing the line! Go back if you like it so much! Don't come to the U.S. and give your fellow countrymen in Ontario or British Colombia a bad rep here because you're a boorish pig!
My tirade aside, we must remember these are the fans that burn POLICE CARS after a first-round playoff victory.
That's right! Not exactly the cup, but first round over Boston.
I've seen these fans before, about a year ago at the Bank Atlantic Center in Florida. They come in on a coach bus, (parking wherever it so pleases them), walk out nonchalantly with their Patrick Roy jerseys and all. They yell to each other, or at you in french as they sit down in their seats (or yours if you're not there at the moment). Every time a canadien gets checked the roof blows off because they thought they deserved a penalty call.
It's undisputed, The Montreal Canadiens have the WORST FANS IN HOCKEY.
Washington Capitals (including Alex Ovechkin) on Segways
This is hilarious, it really cracked me up!!!!
Crosby vs Ference Dec 20, 2007
I've seen everything now!!! Sid the kid in a hockey fight and he held his own, blooding Andrew Ference.
The Hockey News: Dismissing the Ryder trade rumours
Spector:
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Adam Proteau recently dismissed the rumours of the Canadiens having struggling winger Michael Ryder on the block. "(T)here was a guy in Montreal last year by the name of Kovalev who was mired in a season-long slump, and now that same guy leads the team in scoring", write Proteau. "Though they’ve made him the occasional healthy scratch, the Habs are betting Ryder undergoes the same reversal of fortune."
Spector's Note: But Kovalev was in the midst of a four year contract paying him over $4 million per season. Ryder is a UFA at season's end who's earning far less this season than Kovalev. Bob Gainey is a patient GM but if he's got a chance to improve his team by the deadline using Ryder as a trade chip, he'll do it.
NHL.com: Guy Carbonneau's Post Game Comments
Chris Higgins post game comments: http://capitals.nhl.tv/team/launch.htm?type=fvod&id=9448&catid=419
Olaf Kolzig's post game comments: http://capitals.nhl.tv/team/launch.htm?type=fvod&id=9454&catid=418
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Habs Victorious Over Capitals 5-2 Despite Disturbing Trends
Habster:
It wasn't pretty at times but the Canadiens were able to come out on top with a 5-2 squeaker. Yes, I said squeaker, Hab fans!!! The score certainly flatters the Canadiens who were outplayed for most of the game while also being outshot by a 37-21 margin (when Latendresse scored his 2nd goal of the game at 17:06 of the second period, the Habs only had 8 shots on goal but held a 3-1 lead).
There are a lot disturbing trends creeping back into the Canadiens game the past few games: not competing every shift, difficulties getting the puck out of the defensive zone and an innate number of giveaways. I don't want to sound too negative or critical after a Canadiens' victory, it's still another "W" in the win column but we're watching the Canadiens transform back into last year's team that badly slumped around this time of the year. The excuse last season was the flu virus that ravaged the team not once but twice, what is the excuse this season?
Let's be honest Hab fans, there are a few players who are not competing hard enough and better start working harder for the rest of the season otherwise we will be on the losing end of these one sided games with more regularity, guaranteed!!!
Game points:
- The Canadiens have been outshot the last four games by a 107 -94 margin which isn't a big difference but they have only managed 25 shots or less in these games. Scoring chances are also down.
- Maxim Lapierre was tied for second place as the Hamilton Bulldogs "workhorse of the game" this season which goes to the hardest working player each game........I have not seen that hard working player since he was recalled and during the first 40 minutes of tonight's game, he was not competing hard enough along the defensive zone boards to get pucks out of his zone. This isn't the same Maxim Lapierre that worked very hard for the 46 games he played for the Habs last season!!!!
- Latendresse or Ryder?,........Hmmmmm!!!! I like what I'm seeing from Guillaume Latendresse these days, a player who isn't afraid to get in front of the net and stand his ground......or should I say ice. He isn't trying to make the pretty deke plays or outskate anyone (highly improbable), he's just using his size, strength and strong/quick shot to his advantage.......it's about time, Guy!!!!!!
- Ryan O'Byrne had a solid game and was laying the body with a team high 4 hits. He was particularly strong winning the battles along the boards using his size and strength to his advantage. He made a nice play against Alex Ovechkin who tried to make a fancy move which O'Byrne didn't fall for. The ice time he is getting with the team's most consistent defenseman, Roman Hamrlik is invaluable and will only speed up his development over the season.
- While we're talking about good young defensemen, how impressive is Caps defenseman, Mike Green. He is a solid two way player who has a lot of offensive upside, can skate like the wind and isn't afraid to jump into the rush to create offense. He has the total package and should further develop into something special.....don't forget he was the last defenseman cut from Team Canada junior team that won gold at the 2005 WJC.
- I still like the Gorges/Bouillon duo even though they struggled a bit tonight. Hey, when the team's #1 tandem of Komisarek/Markov struggles then you know you had a difficult game, win or lose.
- APARTMENT VACANCIES: Sergei Kostitsyn isn't blowing anybody away with his offensive game just yet (though he does have 2 points in 4 games) but he is competing and playing a responsible two way game. He has a knack of finding the open spaces in the offensive zone and isn't afraid to go to the net when there is a scoring chance. The younger "Kost" still hasn't shown us his physical side or his great on ice vision especially on the powerplay.........in time, he will........I would rent his apartment in Hamilton to Bulldogs newcomer, Daniel Corso!!! You can also rent out O'Byrne's apartment as well.......I wouldn't rent Lapierre's apartment just yet!!!
- #1 and #1a: Cristobal Huet played a solid game after being sidelined for six games with a strained groin. He looked remarkably sharp and didn't appear to be tired after facing 37 shots. It's a nice luxury to have two #1 caliber goalies on your roster, for how long remains a mystery only Bob Gainey can solve???
Hamilton Spectator: Corso knows his job: score goals
TSN (player profile): http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=82&hubname=nhl
Washingtonpost.com: Ovechkin on a Segway
Habster:
Washington Post has a sports blog called D.C. Sports Bog and writer Dan Steinberg has written this hilarious article following some of the Washington Capitals players (Matt Bradley, Alex Ovechin, Mike Green and Nicklas Backstrom) as they scoot around Washington D.C with Segways (small motorized platforms with handle bars). A must read......lots of laughs especially Alex Ovechin!!!
Lineup: Latendresse In, Ryder Out; Huet Gets Start In Net.
Cristobal Huet will return to action in his first game since December 1 on Thursday against the Capitals.Guillaume Latendresse makes his return after sitting the last two games with an undisclosed upper body injury. Michael Ryder will be a healthy scratch to make room for Latendresse. - TSN
Lineup against Washington (according to RDS's Yvon Pedenault who spoke to the Team's 990 Tony Marinaro off air):
Forwards:
Higgins/Koivu/S. Kostitsyn
Kovalev/Plekanec/A. Kostitsyn
Streit/Chipchura/Kostopoulos
Dandenault/Lapierre/Latendresse
Defense:
Markov/Komisarek
Hamrlik/O'Byrne
Bouillon/Gorges
Goaltender: Huet
Press box: Brisebois (injured?), Ryder
Hockey's Future: Fall 2007 Organizational Rankings, 11-20
Habster:
How can the Toronto Maple Leafs jump from #25 to the #19 ranked organization within a few months without making any upgrades and trading away their draft choices? Some of their prospects are playing well but not enough to jump 6 spots!!! The other organizations that they have jumped over haven't lost many prospects or dropped that much down the rankings.........I think there are a few Leaf fans on the HF staff!!!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Rauman Lukko
Here some game highlights from Finnish Elite League involving Rauman Lukko with Janis Sprukts(#5) playing....it's the only footage I could find of him.
Who is Janis Sprukts?
Habster:
Janis Sprukts is not the solution to the Canadiens search for a big, talented center on the first two lines. If Sprukts were that great then he would have been drafted higher than the eighth round (234th overall) in the 2000 NHL draft. He was drafted almost 8 years ago and has played a grand total of 13 NHL games, not exactly a sure fire talent!!!! Some people will tell you that his insistence to sign a one way pro contract caused the Florida Panthers to balk at signing him (they did give him a two way qualifying offer that allowed Jacques Martin to retain his rights which Sprukts refused to sign). I've read that he is a solid two way center with great size (6'3" 235lbs) and above average skating. He is limited on the offensive side of the rink and currently has 22 points (G-9 A-13) in 31 games with Rauman Lukko of the Finnish Elite League.
According to Team 990, the Montreal Canadiens may have acquired the rights to forward Janis Sprukts from the Florida Panthers. He only had a four month contract with Rauman Lukko that ended this month.
Sprukts has allegedly been corresponding with Team 990's Shaun Starr via Facebook and allegedly told Starr that his rights could be"transferred" to the Montreal Canadiens shortly. Don't hold your breath as Janis Sprukts is not the answer.......I'd rather have Tomas Plekanec as my #2 center until Gainey can find another center with size.
TSN (player profile): http://prodtsn.tsn.ca/NHL/teams/players/bio/?id=2917&hubname=nhl-panthers
Hockey Database.com: http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=00051231
NHL.com: NHL All-Star Voting To Date
The list starts with the forwards then defensemen and ends with the goaltenders, there are no headers which separate the list.
Sportsnet: Simon suspended 30 games
TSN still hasn't posted this suspension on it's site yet........hmmmm!!!! It's rare that Sportsnet scopes TSN on anything!!!!
La Presse: Latendresse: «Il aurait fallu que je n'en parle pas...»
Habster:
I'm glad to hear players being upset about not playing and Guillaume Latendresse has played a lot better in recent games before he was injured. There have been some rumblings that Latendresse's injury was of a minor nature and that he could have played through it but these injury situations are kept so "hush-hush" that it's hard to know what is truthful.
I thought Latendresse should have sat out more than one game last year when there were many nights when he struggled mightily and there were questions whether it was the right decision to keep him with the Canadiens.
Now, he seems to feel that he has a guaranteed spot in the lineup every game......sorry Guillaume but that's not the case for any player especially a 20 year old who still hasn't proved anything at the NHL level. I Love his desire to be in the lineup but he should remain positive, keep quiet and work hard in practice.........POINT FINALE!!!!!!
Poor Effort By Canadiens Gives Panthers Easy 3-2 Victory
Habster
It took every ounce of my energy to watch tonight's game against the Florida Panthers, it was one of the worst efforts of the season especially when you consider the opponents. Yes, the Florida Panthers always play the Canadiens hard and play Jacques Martin's boring defensive system but it's still the Florida Panthers for Christ sake!!! The Panthers have been badly outshot the two games prior to tonight's game (they gave up 45 and 46 shots against Chicago and Detroit respectively) and have given up an average of 33 SOG per game so when the Canadiens can only manage 12 shots on Tomas Vokoun in the first 40 minutes then the players have to do some soul searching.......it's unacceptable!!!
There was no flow to the Canadiens transition game, it was almost non-existent. The Panthers forwards were forcing the Canadiens to the outside/against the boards all night which caused numerous turnovers or very few transition passes from the defense to the forwards with any attacking speed. The Panthers simply outworked the Canadiens and dominated the puck possession game for most of the game (the Habs were playing "chase the Panthers" most of the night). It also doesn't help when your goaltender isn't at his best with two soft or avoidable goals though he wasn't alone as far as performances go!!!
Let's hope the "Road Warriors" can get their act together and give Canadiens fans some holiday cheer during their upcoming six game road trip........a 6-0 road trip would be a nice way to celebrate the new year. don't you think?
- The Canadiens had a meager 3 shots on net in the first period.......3 @#$&*!# shots on net, folks!!!!!! The Panthers are a good defensive team but you have fight through their trap and make smart outlet passes.
- Carey Price has to pick his spots when he handles the puck. He has to make good decisions and concentrate on his work in front of the net before he starts handling the puck. Price had a great game handling the puck against Toronto and even made some nice passes to set up some odd man rushes. You can see him gaining confidence with his puck handling which he usually excels at but his over confidence got the better of him on Florida's second goal. Price was also weak on the Weiss goal which he should have stopped . Cristobal Huet is a team player but I'm sure he was internally grinning from ear to ear with Carey Price's below average performance. What goaltending controversy? We need two strong goaltenders, simply put!!
- Can you explain to me why Guy Carbonneau had the Kostopoulos/Chipchura/Ryder line on the ice with 6:20 left in the third period down 3-1? It's not like Ryder could put a puck into the ocean these days, even with the tide coming onto the beach?!?!
- One of the few bright spots tonight was the play of the Bouillon/Gorges defensive tandem. I thought they looked very comfortable together and played a solid all-round game. If Carbonneau is reading this article (highly unlikely!!!)....Guy, leave Gorges on the ice while Brisebois asks for more ice in his drink from the press box!!! Carbonneau has to put his personal friendship with Breezeby aside and give Gorges some much needed ice time to build his confidence which has taken a beaten of late, thanks to his constant relegation to the press box (even after good performances!!).
- Christopher Higgins has had better games but we could say the same for the majority of the players.
- The Flying Kostitsyns had a combined 2 shots on net and were anything but "flying". Sergei had a TOI total of 15:44 while Andrei had a TOI total of 18:09, enough ice time to get more than 2 shots on net.
- I'm starting to like Mark Streit more and more as a forward where he can use his speed more effectively than he would be able to do on defense. He needs to shot more often when he has a chance.
On Frozen Pond: Could Ryder End Up In Florida?
On Frozen Pond (George Richards):
Rumors have it that Montreal is shopping Michael Ryder, and I would think the Panthers have an interest with Ville Peltonen out a substantial -- six/eight weeks -- bit of time with his broken foot. Ryder has scored 30 goals the past two seasons, but is struggling so much this season he's been a healthy scratch. Ryder has three goals and seven assists this season.
He hasn't scored a goal since Nov. 16 at Buffalo and hasn't so much as recorded a point since getting two helpers against Boston on Nov. 17. Change of scenery -- and some sunshine -- might be what Ryder needs.
Habster:
I don't see this being a good fit for Bob Gainey as Jacques Martin doesn't have a lot of talented forwards to trade (thus the need to acquire Ryder) which would be something Gainey would request in return. The only thing Martin could offer Gainey would be Jozef Stumpel or maybe Anthony Stewart who hasn't lived up to his first rounder status. There isn't a lot in their system as well with the possible except of centers Shawn Matthias or Michael Frolik whose acquisition would require more than just Ryder. Gainey needs to package Ryder with other players to obtain a player who will help the Canadiens now.
I know some people are thinking Olli Jokinen or Nathan Horton but that isn't going to happen unless you throw in some bigger/untouchable names like Komisarek or Higgins or Price. Just a rumour folks.....fun to look at the potential possibilities!!!
Flyers Acquire Jim Vandermeer From Chicago In Exchange For Ben Eager
I was just browsing through some sites when I noticed this minor deal.......let's hope this will get some action going before Wednesday's holiday trade freeze deadline. It just goes to show you how boring the off-ice action or lack of trade action has become,.......GHEEEEEZ!!! I'm getting excited about this minor deal, how pathetic is that??!!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Tonight's Lineup Against Florida (#33)
Tonight's lineup against Florida:
Forwards
Higgins - Koivu - S. Kostitsyn
A. Kostitsyn - Plekanec - Kovalev
Streit - Lapierre - Dandenault
Kostopoulos - Chipchura - Ryder
Defence
Markov - Komisarek
Hamrlik - O'Byrne
Bouillon - Gorges
Goaltender: Price
Press box: Latendresse, Brisebois(injured)
TSN: High Flying With Alex Kovalev
Great video story by Michael Farber about Alex Kovalev, the high flying pilot!!!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Hockey's Future: Calder Poll, December 2007
Habster:
Carey Price is ranked #6 but if he continues his strong play while Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toew start to struggle a bit with the suddenly struggling Chicago Blackhawks (3-7 in the last 10 games), then we'll see Price's ranking go higher. Will he win the Calder as rookie of the year? Most likely not, as he will not get enough starts to allow the voters to justify his selection......unfortunate!!!
Hamilton Bulldogs Weekly Release
The Bulldogs are really struggling to remain competitive with coaches, Don Lever and Ron Wilson doing their best with a badly depleted roster. It doesn't help when you lose two of your top forwards (Kostitsyn and Lapierre) and a top pairing defenseman (O'Byrne) to call ups.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
NHL.com: Game Highlights: Toronto 1 Montreal 4
TSN (game Highlights): http://broadband.tsn.ca/tsn/?id=348&vid=24712
Friday, December 14, 2007
2006 Montreal Canadiens Hospital Visit
We tend to forget how much joy and happiness the Montreal Canadiens hospital visit can bring into a sick child's life. The next time we want to boo or critize (me included!!) these players, we should also realize that they perform a lot nice deeds for the community.
We should all count our blessings and be thankful for what we have in life,never taking things for granted.
Globesports.com: All Star Voting Results To Date
Habster:
Andrei Markov has a comfortable lead with 216,102( compared to Zdeno Chara 165,014) while Cristobal Huet has a slim lead of about 1,700 votes over Martin Brodeur (122,228 compared to 120,537). Alex Kovalev has the most write in votes of any player with 51,147 votes.
TFP: Oilers, Canadiens talking trade?
Who knows what is true or not true??? Gainey is one of the most secretive GM in the NHL, there are never any trade information leaks from his office.....never!!!
TSN: Anderi Kostitsyn and Guillaume Latendresse skip Practice, May Miss TO game.
TSN:
Anderi Kostitsyn and Guillaume Latendresse skipped practice. Kostitsyn took a therapy day after banging up his R knee Thursday in Philadelphia. Coach Guy Carbonneau would not disclose Latendresse's injury. Both will try to skate Saturday morning but if one or both cannot play, Carbonneau says Duncan Milroy, Matt D'Agostini and Jonathan Ferland are on standby in Hamilton. Carey Price will make his sixth straight start Saturday against Toronto. He has beaten the Leafs twice in a row and will face them for the first time at the Bell Centre. Crisobal Huet is waiting for medical clearance to return to the lineup, which could come as early as Saturday morning when he sees the team doctor. If cleared, he will back up Price. - TSN
Forwards
Higgins - Koivu - S. Kostitsyn
A. Kostitsyn - Plekanec - Kovalev
Latendresse - Chipchura - Dandenault
Streit - Lapierre - Kostopoulos
Defence
Markov - Komisarek
Hamrlik - O'Byrne
Bouillon - Gorges
Goaltender
Price
Press box: Ryder, Brisebois(injured)
Habster:
If Michael Ryder remains in the press box and the Canadiens recall Duncan Milroy, Matt D'Agostini or Jonathan Ferland to replace Kostitsyn/Latendresse for the Toronto game then we can safely say that Ryder's career is over with the Canadiens. I hope that's not the case because Bob Gainey needs to showcase Ryder and build his trade market value, it won't happen if he is sitting in the press box.
Why Are The Oiler Scouts Still Following Canadiens?
Spector's Hockey:
SPECTOR'S MAILBAG.
"AJ" sends in the following: Was watching the Habs game on RDS... Pierre and Yvon were talking about how Edmonton Scouts have been following the Habs (for several games?)... Neither team is playing against each other nor are they playing against opponents who would be playing each other? Who knows.. where there's smoke there could be a match
Habster:
I would have a hard time believing that Shawn Horcoff is available as he is playing extremely well right now and is having a fantastic season. Hemsky is also having a good year so I'm not sure he would be available especially when the Oilers are struggling to put the puck in the net. I would tend to think that Jarret Stoll , Raffi Torres, Fernando Pisani or even Robert Nilsson could be available. None of them would be considered earth shattering acquisitions for the Habs.
Just a little reminder, whenever you see blue letter print on my postings, it is a cut/paste from another site and not my writing......I'm sure you're already aware of this......thanks!!!
Photos Of The Montreal Canadiens 2007 Hospital Visits
We tend to forget how much joy and happiness the Montreal Canadiens hospital visit can bring into a sick child's life. The next time we want to boo or criticize (me included!!) these players, we should also realize that they perform a lot nice deeds for the community off the ice.
Hockey Holiday Season: Comfort And Joy???
Habster:
Road warriors or hometown losers? Which would you prefer, Hab fans? Dare I suggest Canadiens management requests to the NHL schedule makers that all home games be changed to road games. The other option would be to sequester the players to a Mont Tremblay resort during home stands where there would be no so called "distractions" which Guy Carbonneau speaks about when the media asks why the Habs can't win at home.
All kidding aside, if only the Canadiens could bring their road game to the Bell Centre, they would be fighting for the Eastern Conference lead. As Pierre McGuire was saying yesterday to the Team 990's Mitch Melnick, the home teams always seem to struggle during the holiday season. Whether it's the family commitments, hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping or the overall craziness of the holiday season, there always seems to be a letdown by the home team (check last night's results: only 3 out of the 10 home teams won their games!!!).
While the players families were busy with finishing the Christmas shopping, the Canadiens played a solid road game and cleaned up the mess that was loosely called "defensive zone coverage".
The Habs young guns: the Flying Kostitsyns (sounds like a circus act, doesn't it!!), Plekanec, Higgins, Lapierre, Latendresse and Komisarek to name quite a few were flying and playing a solid game. If it wasn't for players like Tomas Plekanec, Christopher Higgins and Mike Komisarek playing incredibly well at season's end last year, the Canadiens wouldn't have had a chance to play for the final playoff spot against Toronto. It will be the youngsters who will make or break the fortunes of this team. Veterans like Koivu, Hamrlik, Streit and Kovalev were also hustling to pucks and setting the example. .
Let's hope the boys can enjoy the holiday season and string a few wins together starting with the game against the dreaded Maple Leaf tomorrow night as well as the six game road trip over the holidays...........the comfort and joy of the road!!!!
TSN: Price makes 29 stops as Habs best Flyers 4-1
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Game Lineup And Injury Updates: Philadelphia vs Montreal (#31)
Tonight's Canadiens lineup:
Forwards:
S.Kostitsyn/Koivu/Higgins
A. Kostitsyn/Plekanec/Kovalev
Dandenault/Chipchura/Latendresse
Kostopoulos/Lapierre/Streit
Defense:
Komisarek/Markov
Hamrlik/O'Bryne
Gorges/Bouillon
Goalie: Price
Backup: Halak
Press box: Ryder, Brisebois(injured), Huet(injured)
Tim Panaccio (PhiladelphiaInquirer/Daily News):
Hatcher, Gagne update. Defenseman Derian Hatcher won't play tonight against Montreal. He still has fluid in his right knee, even though it is being drained. He's not alarmed but the surgery has not fixed his problem completely. . . . Winger Simon Gagne (concussion) skated again and reported more progress and no symptoms.
TSN: Richards signs 12-year/$69 million deal with Flyers
Habster:
Smart signing by the Flyers as Mike Richards would have been a hot commodity as a RFA. I do question the money amount of the deal but if Richards continues to develop his game then this could be a steal.
Richards is having a solid season and is being compared to another great player by the name of Rod Brind'Amour. Richards has a long way to go before he can be mentioned in the same breath as Brind'Amour but if he continues to develop, he will be the same type of player.
Esposito, Irving among World Junior cuts; P.K. Subban makes roster as 7th defenseman
Habster:
Bad news for Penguin fans and management as Esposito gets cut a third time while a pleasant surprise for Canadiens fans and management with P.K Subban making the Canadian junior roster as the seventh defenseman.
Unfortunately, Angelo Esposito is more of a one dimensional player who doesn't play a great two way game. He doesn't always bring his "A" game to the rink on a nightly basis and if he doesn't score goals then he isn't an asset to the team.
P.K Subban must have impressed Craig Hartsburg and the coaching staff with his hustle and skill set (especially his great skating) to make the team. Subban beat out some serious prospects on defense. Players like Kevin Marshall, Brendan Smith, Andrew Bodnarchuk, Keaton Ellerby(1st round pick of San Jose) and Ty Wishart (10th overall pick of the Florida Panthers). Hopefully, he'll get some playing time in the tournament.
Another Habs prospect, Ryan White was cut from the team for the second time. White has a lot of heart and grit but his chances of making the team were probably hurt by his lack of foot speed.
Canadiens prospects to watch at the WJC: P.K. Subban, Yannick Weber (Swiss team), Max Pacioretty(USA).
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
San Jose Mercury News Sharks Blog: Sacre bleu! More Montreal-Sharks trade rumors
Habster:
Great blog article by David Pollak who does a fantastic job of covering the San Jose Sharks for the San Jose Mercury News. I've always check his articles for information about the Sharks.
TSN: Stamkos proving his worth at WJHC
Habster:
My friend who is an OHL amateur hockey scout raves about Steve Stamkos and his total skill set. He also states that barring a total collapse or major injury, Stamkos will be the first overall selection in the 2008 draft. He thinks Stamkos will continue to develop and become a #1 center in the NHL with a good chance of playing in the NHL next year. I thought that was a bit of a stretch but he's the scout and there are other examples of 18 year old junior players like Patrick Kane, David Perron and Sam Gagner to name a few who have made the jump to the NHL with varying degrees of success.
TSN: Top 10: 2007 Shootouts Goals
Saku Koivu made the list at #6 while Oilers super rookie Sam Gagner made some sick moves to be #5 and #1 on the list.
Canadiens.com: Habs call up Sergei Kostitsyn
Habster:
With Begin and Smolinski out of the lineup, the Canadiens had to make this move. It will be fun to watch Sergei Kostitsyn play at the NHL level as he is as skilled as his older brother,Andrei but with even better wheels which tells you how quick he is. He also isn't afraid to throw the body and get involved in the corners.
HamiltonBulldogs.com: http://www.hamiltonbulldogs.com/index.php?module=newser&func=display&topicnum=&nid=676&writer=0
Bulldogs Shutout By Rivermen 5-0
The Bulldogs are mirroring their parent club's play and really struggling. It doesn't help the 'Dogs cause that Maxim Lapierre, Ryan O'Byrne and now Sergei Kostitsyn are with the Canadiens while Mikhail Grabovski is out with an injured knee.
Habsworld: Prospects Update
Habster:
Good article by Habsworld's John Richan about some of the Habs prospects. I also will be writing similar articles on Canadiens prospects as that was the main reason for starting All Habs: a lack of information on the progress of the prospects in the Habs system.
I will be reporting on Canadiens prospects at the WJC as well as doing feature reports about individual prospects.
Canadiens.com: Brisebois Has Injured Right Shoulder, Will Miss Game Against Flyers
Habster:
No great loss as Brisebois is struggling and had one of his worst game this year against the Lightning. The Canadiens had an incredible 27 giveaways against Tampa Bay and Brisebois was responsible for three of them by my count.
While we're talking about defensemen, I was very disappointed with Guy Carbonneau's decision to limit Ryan O'Byrne's ice time after his giveaway (2 or 3 shifts after the second period mistake). How does a young player develop his game and gain confidence if his coach benches him after one mistake? Carbonneau should have put him back out there to make up for his miscue, he would have played his heart out and tried to reward the coach's confidence in him. Instead, the coach benches him and still gives Brisebois a regular shift after numerous giveaways.......great coaching, Guy!!!
I haven't been terribly critical of Carbonneau but it seems as though he can't relate to his players (rookies or veterans) unless he is trashing them in the media or benching them after one mistake on the ice. Carbo hasn't learned from last year and is alienating his players again, something he shouldn't be doing in an already negative media circus called Montreal.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Look For Ducks To Unload Salary To Make Room For Niedermayer Who Will Be Playing Soon
Adam Brady:
A couple of updates. Scott Niedermayer is listed as "doubtful" for tomorrow's game, and as I write this, the Ducks still haven't made a trade to make room for him.
Note: Adam Brady is the Director of Publications & New Media for the Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center.
NHL.com: Game Highlights: Tampa 3 Montreal 2 -SO (#30)
TSN (game highlights): http://broadband.tsn.ca/tsn/?id=348&vid=24345
Monday, December 10, 2007
YouTube: ALL HABS
Check out some great YouTube videos about the Montreal Canadiens that I have collected over the last year.
I apologize for not writing any articles the past few days, I've been very busy at work!!!!........I will be posting more stories in the near future (especially any hockey rumours involving the Canadiens which will only intensify in the coming days!!!)
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Canadiens swept away by Carolina 5-1
An all-around pathetic effort by the Canadiens.......I'm glad I missed this game due to prior commitments. Yes, the Habs had 36 shots on net but many of them were low percentage shots. Carey Price was not very sharp along with the defensive zone coverage which was non-existent.
Friday, December 7, 2007
‘DOGS DOWN SENS 5-1 IN 900TH FRANCHISE GAME
Canadiens Begin, Smolinski to miss game with injuries, Ryder to return
TSN:
Saku Koivu and Alex Kovalev skipped practice on Friday for a therapy day. Carey Price will start in goal again when Montreal hosts Carolina on Saturday. Forward Bryan Smolinski is day to day with a right knee injury, while winger Steve Begin is day to day with a left shoulder injury. That means Michael Ryder will return to the lineup after being a healthy scratch in Boston. Because Smolinski and Begin have not been placed on IR, the Canadiens remain at their 23-man limit and Mark Streit will likely move up to forward again to fill the vacant spot up front. - TSN
The Risks And Rewards Of Drafting a Goaltender In The First Round
Habster:
With Cristobal Huet out of the lineup for the next week or two with a pulled groin, the work load falls squarely on the broad shoulders of Carey Price who has been labelled the Canadiens future "franchise" goaltender at the ripe old age of 20 years. A very tall order for such a young man, playing in such a high pressure hockey atmosphere like Montreal where the Canadiens are revered and analyzed with such passion that it borders on insanity at times.
If any young man can handle the pressure, it's Carey Price who has demonstrated an uncanny and sometimes disconcerting calmness that almost makes you want to check his pulse for a sign of life!!! When you hear his pre and post game comments, he almost seems non-chalant about his role in the game, downplaying the pressure and spotlight which surrounds his every move on the ice.
After being drafted fifth overall in the 2005 NHL draft, there were many fans and media pundits who viewed the selection as a huge mistake with the Canadiens already having a so called "franchise" goaltender named Jose "Propecia" Theodore. They also pointed out that there were other players available like Gilbert Brule (Columbus), Luc Bourdon(Vancouver), Anze Kopitar(LA) and Marc Staal(NYR) to name a few that would have been a better choice with the Canadiens prospect pool being weak on defense and at the center position. Many thought drafting a goaltender with such a high pick would back fire as goalies take a longer time to develop physically and especially their psychological make-up.
Below is a list of the other goalies selected in the first round between 2000 and 2005 draft years. There are some who have met their potential after a few years of struggling to find their game while others have never reached their "projected" potential:
- Rick DiPietro(NYI-2000-1st overall): after a few years of being send back and forth from Long Island to Bridgeport, DiPietro finally reached his full potential last season with an amazing season. He is the main reason why the Islanders has been one of the surprise team of the 2007-08 season.
- Brent Krahn(Calgary-2000-9th overall): has never lived up to his potential and is playing in the AHL (Quad City) where he will remain as a career minor leaguer.
- Pascal Leclaire (Columbus- 2001-8th overall): is finally showing Columbus the talent that made them select him 8th overall in 2001. It only took a few years in junior and the minors.
- Dan Blackburn (NYR- 2001-10th overall): never really played to his potential and had a difficult time with the mental aspect of the game. Retired from professional hockey(ECHL) after 2004-05 season with a badly injured catching glove hand.
- Jason Bacashihua (Dallas-2001-26th overall): has been up and down from St.Louis to Utah of the AHL for numerous years. He was recently traded to Colorado and is playing for their AHL team.
- Adam Munro (Chicago-2001-29th overall): has played a grand total of 10 games in the NHL and is currently playing for the Syracuse Crunch in the AHL.
- Kari Lehtonen (Atlanta-2002-2nd overall): has shown flashes of brilliance but has had numerous injury issues. Had a breakout year last season (2006-07) but will his groin problems keep him from reaching his full potential.
- Cam Ward (Carolina-2002-25th overall): did win a Stanley Cup in 2005-06 and has had a decent career but has had his ups and downs along the way.
- Hannu Toivonen (Boston-2002-29th overall): has played only 45 NHL games without much success. Is presently playing for St.Louis in a backup role.
- Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh-2003-1st overall): like Lehtonen, has shown flashes of greatness but is wildly inconsistent. He does not thrive well under pressure situations and from game to game has technical problems (especially rebound control). He was rushed to the NHL before he was ready.
- Al Montoya (NYR-2004-6th overall): has not played an NHL game to date (perhap because of a chap named Henrik Lundqvist) but has put up some impressive stats with the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack. Still has a bright future but when will it start at the NHL level?
- Devan Dubnyk (Edmonton-2004-14th overall): has not played an NHL game and is currently playing in the AHL as a backup.
- Marek Schwarz (St.Louis-2004-17th overall): has played 2 NHL games and is currently with St.Louis as a backup. Has been shuttled back and forth from the AHL to the NHL.
- Cory Schneider (Vancouver-2004-26th overall): has not played an NHL game and is currently playing for the Manitoba Moose in the AHL.
- Tuukka Rask (Toronto-2005-21st overall): was drafted by Toronto but was sent to Boston in the Raycroft deal. He is currently playing in Boston and will get more ice time with injuries to Manny Fernandz and Tim Thomas.
As you can see from the list, there haven't been too many goaltenders who have lived up to their high draft selection while others have taken a few years to reach their potential. It truly is a crap shoot when an organization does draft a player especially a goalie.
That's what makes Carey Price's achievements (WJC, MVP WJC, Calder Cup championship, AHL playoff MVP and goaltender of the year in CHL 2006-07) thus far in his young career so impressive. His NHL inaugural season has also been impressive with some minor bumps along the way but you get the feeling that Carey Price is a can't miss superstar in the making. He has accomplished more at the tender age of 20 than every goalie mentioned above with the exception of Cam Ward's Stanley Cup ring........give Mr. Price a few years and he'll be showing off his Stanley Cup "bling-bling" as well.
Hamiltonbulldogs.com: Ajay Baines Named Captain Of Hamilton Bulldogs
Habster:
After last year's Calder Cup Championship season, many of the Bulldogs players were full of compliments about how well Ajay Baines handled the locker room especially with a lot of young players on the roster.. He was the unofficial captain of the Bulldogs (there was no captaincy assigned last year) last year and will now be relied upon to guide an even younger group to another Calder Cup Championship.
TSN: Penguins place Recchi on re-entry waivers
Habster:
This manoeuvre might make Mark Recchi's salary more palatable to other teams........do I think the Habs should take a shot at him? I think he would be a nice addition to the dressing room but not on the ice as his skills have eroded a lot over the last couple of years.
The Canadiens need to allow their younger players like Higgins, Komisarek and Chipchura (to name a few) to build their influence and leadership skills within the team, adding another veteran like Recchi would be nice but would also retard their leadership development.
Eyes On The Prize: O'Byrne Shines, Habs Win, Plan The Parade!
Habster:
I'd like to thank Robert for the complimentary remarks regarding All Habs in this article. It means a lot coming from him as I've always enjoyed reading his blog, Eyes On The Prize especially his knowledge and articles about the Canadiens rich history.....also love his collection of photos!!!
Francois Bouillon vs Jeremy Reich
What's wrong with this picture?
Francis Bouillon: 5'8" 195lbs
Maxim Lapierre: 6'2" 210lbs
If Lapierre is going to be an agitator and dish out big hits then he has to drop the gloves once in a while especially when he comes to the defense of one of his teammates like he did against Jeremy Reich before Bouillon beat the snot out him!!!! Maxim is becoming another Jarkko Ruutu, a guy who yaps a lot and hits but turtles when confronted. Lapierre needs a little more Franky Bouillon in him, guts and toughness!!!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
NHL.com: Game Highlights: Boston 2 vs Montreal 4 (#28)
TSN (game highlights): http://broadband.tsn.ca/tsn/?id=348&vid=23983
U.S. Junior Roster Announced with Habs Prospect Max Pacioretty making team
It's going to be fun to watch Max Pacioretty during the U-20 junior championships from Czech Republic (Dec. 26-Jan. 5). Canadiens management and fans will be very interested to see how well Pacioretty plays against the best junior players in the world.
Unfortunately, Canadiens prospects, Ryan McDonagh and David Fischer were unable to make the US roster unless someone gets injured before December 26th.
Tonight's Lineup Against Bruins: Ryder, Brisebois and Gorge in the press box
TSN:
Michael Ryder skated as an extra forward on the third line during Monday's practice then was dropped to the fourth line against Detroit on Tuesday. His next stop could be the pressbox, as head coach Guy Carbonneau thought hard about making Ryder a healthy scratch for Tuesday's game. The Bell Centre fans weren't as charitable, as they booed Ryder through the third period. Maxim Lapierre was just recalled - he was 2nd in scoring with Hamilton Bulldogs - and was one of four players skating in third line colours (Begin, Kostopoulos and Ryder were the others). A trio of Begin - Lapierre - Kostopoulos would be a compelling energy line. Ryan O'Byrne was just recalled and was paired with Roman Hamrlik in practice, which reprises a training camp experiment. - TSN
Possible line up for game against Bruins:
Forwards
Higgins - Koivu - Smolinski
Kostitsyn - Plekanec - Kovalev
Begin-Lapierre -Kostopoulos
Latendresse - Chipchura - Dandenault
Defence
Markov - Komisarek
Hamrlik - O"Byrne
Bouillon - Streit
Spares: Gorge, Brisebois and Ryder
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Canadiens call up Lapierre, O'Byrne and demote Grabovski
Habster:
Praise the Lord!!!!,......what took Bob Gainey so long to make this move or for that matter any move!!! What makes Gainey a good GM is also what keeps him from being a better GM: TOO MUCH PATIENCE!!!!
General managers have to notice on and off ice tendencies/weaknesses about their teams, Bob Gainey is no different. He stated at last season's year end news conference that there were some deficiencies and an imbalance with his team,
"I'm going to tell you exactly what I told the players this week," said Gainey. "We were a team with several important imbalances. We were incredibly strong in some areas and weak in others. We improved our play five-on-five down the stretch, we got stronger, played smarter and we almost got to the playoffs."
Gainey understood his team's weaknesses and tried to address them in the off-season without much success (with the exception of Roman Hamrlik). Bryan Smloinski hasn't worked out to this point while Tom Kostopoulos has worked hard but is inconsistent from game to game. The last few games, Patrice Brisebois has started to show some old "Breezeby" traits with 2-3 giveaways per game.
Calling up Maxim Lapierre, Ryan O'Bryne and demoting Mikhail Grabovski is a good first step to bring some more energy and internal competition to a slumping team that needs a wake up call. Grabovski wasn't playing much and when he did play, he wasn't very effective. IF he reports to Hamilton, he will get much needed playing time.
The addition of O'Bryne will help in defensive zone coverage especially clearing the front of the net and winning battles along the boards. Lapierre will bring more energy and can be very effective against the other team's top six forwards as a checker or agitator. Both players will certainly bring more size to the lineup but it is also up to the other players to raise their level of play.
Bob, keep the telephone line open and if you can pull the trigger on a trade to improve the team, go for it!!!!!!.....Please!!!
NHL.com: Game Highlights: Detroit 4 Montreal 1
TSN (game highlights): http://broadband.tsn.ca/tsn/?vid=23777
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
TSN: Pens place Recchi on waivers
Habster:
There was speculation that Pens GM Ray Shero was trying to trade Mark Recchi and allowed his agent to talk to other teams Recchi might be interested in playing for. I guess there was no interest in the 39 year old or at least no interest in giving up a player or draft pick in return, we'll see if another team has interest in him now. I would be mildly surprised if he was picked up since age appears to have caught up with the future Hall of Famer (yes, I know that statement is debatable!!!) who has lost a couple of steps. There is also the question of being saddled for about half his salary at this time of the year.
Is The NHL Becoming Another NFL?
Habster:
Remember the good old days when NHL general managers were able to improve their team via the trade route which in turn would spark more interest in NHL teams and/or the league. WOW!!! what a novel concept, something that generates public and media interest in the NHL.
In 2005, there were 18 trades involving NHL players prior to December 5th. Last year, that number dropped to 11 while during the same period this season, we have a grand total of one. Talk about a lack of movement, the fans deserve more trades during the season to maintain interest off the ice.
When you consider the league has a "bare bones" TV presence in the US market with numerous teams struggling to fill their arenas, why not allow the trading of salaries with limitations and rules in place to regulate the amount absorbed.
Brian Burke is spearheading a movement to allow GMs to absorb a maximum of $2 million on one player with a total limit amount of "dead money" a team could have in any one season to $4 million. Burke arranged a conference call of the 30 NHL general managers over a week ago (07/11/26) to discuss the salary trading and suspension issues. It was no coincidence Burke had set up this meeting just before last week's board of governors meetings near Pebble Beach, California where he hoped there would be some discussion about these issues.
Prior to the lockout, NHL GMs had a bigger say about how the league was run but that greatly changed when Gary Bettman implemented the competition committee (which Bob Gainey is a member of).
Brian Burke has the support of most of his fellow GMs concerning the trading of salaries,
"I'm with Burkie on this. I support his efforts," Tampa GM Jay Feaster told ESPN.com. "I don't understand why it's a problem [to make the change]. I really don't."
As far as the Montreal Canadiens are concerned, I'm sure George Gillett wouldn't be against salary trading as long as it was regulated and did not spiral out of control. Gillett has stated publicly that GM Bob Gainey can spend up to the salary cap limit (which isn't earth shattering news since almost 75% of the league does by the end of the season) and the $4 million "dead money" yearly limit wouldn't count against the salary cap.
I certainly think trading salary is a good idea and would allow for more trade action especially early in the season which in turn would generate more fan and media interest in the NHL, something the league is desperately trying to accomplish every year. Unfortunately, the NHL doesn't have the revenue, fan support or media coverage that the NFL has but it can certainly try to avoid the same lackluster and non-existence trade action that does exist in the NFL.
Ryder Might Be Riding The Press Box Bus Against Red Wings
TSN:
Carey Price practised and says he will start tomorrow against Detroit. Reports of his flu were greatly exagerated. Price says he had a cold but is feeling better after yesterday's day off. He figures he'll be fine by tomorrow... Cristobal Huet says he strained his groin during the first period during a breakaway. Pressed to be more specific as there were numerous Nashville breakaways that period, he said, ''The one where the guy backhanded it over the net.''... Huet's injury is day-to-day, but seemingly not serious as Price says he doesn't think he'll need to play a long stretch of games in relief... Halak practised with the team and will be Price's backup until Huet returns. - TSN
Tonight's possible lineup against Detroit:
Forwards
Higgins - Koivu - Streit
Kostitsyn - Plekanec - Kovalev
Players in 3rd line colours:
Latendresse - Chipchura - Kostopoulos - Ryder
Players in 4th line colours:
Begin - Smolinski - Dandenault - Grabovski
Defense
Hamrlik/Komisarek
Markov/Brisebois
Gorges/Bouillon
Habster:
I wouldn't be surprised if Carbonneau puts Michael Ryder and Bryan Smolinski in the press box for tonight's game against Detroit. Both need to see the game from the rafters of the Bell Centre and get a different perspective of the game. Detroit is a better skating team than Nashville so it would be more beneficial to keep Grabovski in the lineup.
I would've loved to have seen a large, mobile defenseman like Ryan O'Bryne called up from Hamilton to replace either Bouillon or Gorges. O'Bryne is the type of defenseman (like Komisarek) who can handle/clear forwards like Tomas Holmstrom from the slot. The Habs need to keep the front of the net open and limit the number of shots on net which in turn will lower scoring chances. Easier said than done especially against one of the best offensive teams in the NHL.......let's hope the Canadiens can keep it close and pull out the victory.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Canadiens.com: Habs recall Halak
RDS is reporting that both Cristobal Huet (injured groin) and Carey Price (Flu virus) are injured and the starting goalie against Detroit will be announced tomorrow morning after the morning skate. There are rumours circulating that the Canadiens are about to make a deal involving either Halak or Huet but don't read too much into these unfounded rumours......not going to happen, at least not this early!!!
ECHL: Cyclones Rally For 4-3 Win! ( Thomas Beauregard scores a hat trick)
Game stats: http://echl.leaguestat.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=5088
Cyclones Weekly News - 12/3/07: http://www.cycloneshockey.com/news_data.php?article=00329
OHL.com: National Junior Team Selection Camp Roster
Canadiens prospect, P.K. Subban made the list but will have a tough time cracking a deep, talented and veteran group of defensemen. He might have an outside chance to win the 7th or 8th roster spot on defense depending how many defensemen Team Canada will carry on its roster.
Canadiens.com: Vote For Your Canadiens Plays Of The Week
It hasn't been a great week for highlights with three weak plays to vote for.
RDS: Price malade, Halak rappelé / Price sick, Halak recalled
Looks like Carey Price has caught the flu virus, here we go again!!!
Fantastic Freshmen Score Four in Win Over OSU (Habs prospect Max Pacioretty scores 2 goals)
Michigan 16 game stats totals: http://www.mgoblue.com/ice-hockey/article.aspx?id=101828
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Hockey's Future: Russian Super League prospects update (Including Alexei Emelin)
Habster:
It seems ashamed that Alexei Emelin is still in Russia playing for HC Ak Bars of the RSL where he is getting less ice time than he did when he played for Lada last year. HC Ak Bars use to be a solid team over the last 2-3 years but has fallen on hard times, winning only 13 games after playing 32 games ( RSL STANDINGS).
Emelin's development would have been better served by signing with the Montreal Canadiens (Canadiens lose battle for Emelin) and getting acclimatized to the the AHL or more likely the NHL style of play as well as the smaller ice surface. It would have also given him a chance to get use to the lifestyle and language issues that many Russian players have to adjust to when they come to North America.
There is no question that Alexei Emelin is the most NHL ready defenseman (along with Ryan O'Bryne) in the Habs prospect pool, it's just a question whether he will be signed before the new Russian laws are passed in the new year regarding closing the loophole for the two week job vacancy notice that allowed Russian players to break their contracts. I believe it will come into effect as of January 1st, 2008. There is also the lack of a tranfer agreement between the RIHF and the NHL which will complicate the whole situation. Only time will tell if Bob Gainey can get Alexei Emelin out of Russia and sign him to a NHL entry contract before June 1st, 2008 otherwise he will return to the 2008 NHL draft pool where any NHL team could select him.
NHL.com: Game Highlights: Nashville 5 Montreal 4 SO
TSN (game highlights): http://broadband.tsn.ca/tsn/?vid=23592
Saturday, December 1, 2007
THIS IS CRAZY: CARBO IS UP TO HIS OLD LINE JUGGLING WAYS!!!!
Habster:
Here is the latest lineup changes according to CTV's Brian Wilde who just recently spoke on the Team 990.
Forwards
Kovalev/Plekanec/Higgins (an interesting combination)
Kostitsyn/Grabovski/Ryder (Does Grabovski truly deserve this opportunity?)
Smolinski/Koivu/Streit (Koivu on the third line????)
Latendresse/Chipchura/Dandenault (nothing earth shattering here)
Defense:
Hamrlik/Komisarek (this change has more to do with Markov's injury than anything else)
Markov/Brisebois
Gorges/Bouillon
Goalie: Huet
I understand that the lineup needs some tweaking but this is a bit extreme though I think we have to put it into some perspective. Carbo will make alteration as the game moves along (including re-uniting the 1st and 2nd lines) but how does a proud player like Saku Koivu feel about starting the game with a 5th or 6th defenseman and being moved down to the "3rd" line. Carbonneau is pulling a Scotty Bowman and trying to light a fire under his players with these crazy changes!!!!
TSN: Habs scratch Begin, Kostopoulos vs. Preds
Habster:
It would appear that Guy Carbonneau is growing tired of the inconsistent play of some of his forwards and also wants more speed up front against the quick Nashville Predators. Having Mark Streit and Josh Gorges in the lineup gives Carbonneau some added options in case the ailing Andrei Markov has difficulties finishing the game.
There is a growing concern about the unknown lingering injury that seems to have altered the usually solid Andrei Markov game. Markov has been making mistakes in his own zone and just doesn't look right ever since he took that fall into the boards, give him full credit for playing through the injury but wouldn't it be better if he sat out a few games to rest and convalesce the injury.
Tonight's lineup:
Forwards
Latendresse-Koivu-Higgins
Kostitsyn-Plekanec-Kovalev
Ryder-Chipchura-Dandenault
Smolinski-Grabovski-Streit
Defence
Markov - Komisarek
Hamrlik - Brisebois
Bouillon - Gorges
Goaltender
Huet
Spares:
Begin
Kostopoulos
BULLDOGS BLANKED BY PHANTOMS 6-0
Bulldogs TV (Video Highlights): http://www.hamiltonbulldogs.com/media-centre/index.php?playclip=70&site=bulldogs
Game stats:http://stats.theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1003801
NHL.com: Game Highlights of New Jersey 4 Montreal 0
TSN (game highlights): http://broadband.tsn.ca/tsn/?vid=23578
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