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About last night ...
posted by Mike Boone at 22h48 EST on Feb 4
Halak has 16 of the Canadiens' 26 wins this season.
In seven of his starts, Halak has faced more than 40 shots.
He's won them all.
So, WSBD?
What should Bob do?
Six weeks ago, Gainey nearly traded Halak to Philadelphia.
More recently, Canadiens president Pierre Boivin told some dining companions that Halak would be traded soon.
Now what?
He's carried this team into sixth place.
The Canadiens needed Halak at his best because they were not good in Boston. Playing against a team that's a shadow of the one we saw win the Eastern Conference last season, the Canadiens managed only 25 shots on Tuukka Rask.
Almost half that total was produced by three players. Scott Gomez, Andrei Markov and Brian Gionta had four shots each.
And Gionta saved his best for last: a shelf-daddy backhand that won the shootout.
Thomas Plekanec's line played well. His wings, Benoit Pouliot and Sergei Kostitsyn, have some of the best skill-sets on the team.
Mathieu Darche crowded Rask on the goals – scored within 39 seconds – that erased a 2-0 Boston lead. Darche's play won him promotion to the Scott Gomez line, replacing the largely ineffectual Ben Maxwell.
The D made some gaffes, but Halak kept bailing them out. And Boston is the lowest-scoring team in the league. It's scary to think how many shots and great scoring chances Pittsburgh, Washington and Philadelphia will get in the games coming up before the Olympic break.
Mark Recchi, who's 73 years old, had SEVEN shots!
How many will Sidney Crosby get?
Geno Malkin?
Ovechkin?
As has been the case too often this season, the Canadiens took most of the penalties – six of the eight minors called in the game.
(No major in a Montreal-Boston game! WTF!!)
You can talk about inconsistent calls and fouls that were overlooked. But let's be honest about the reason for the disparity:
The Canadiens are penalized because their opponents control the puck. Even a crap opponent like the Bruins.
But a W is a W.
And without Mike Cammalleri or Andrei Kostitsyn, the Canadiens won a shootout.
• • •
Boston has lost nine in a row.
Their last home win was in Fenway Park.
Claude Julien's job may not be in jeopardy, but it should be. With a 4-on-3 power play in OT, Julien did not use Zdeno Chara, who has the hardest shot in the NHL. Plekanec, Hal Gill and Josh Gorges were brilliant, and the Bruins didn't get a shot.
Crazy!
• • •
The hockey world is buzzing about the Ilya Kovalchuk trade.
Here's one aspect of it that should interest Canadiens' fans:
Wise old owl Lou Lamoriello included Johnny Oduya in the package he sent to Atlanta.
If the Devils are going to make a run at the Cup – which was the point of acquiring Kovalchuk – they're going to need help on D.
Hmmmmm.
Wonder who might have a veteran Dman or two available at the deadline?
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i have to apoligize for my negitive comments last night hopefully trotter plays tommorrow night, keep the faith things will get better. halak is awesome
Hamilton 5 Rochester 2 Final HAM:T. Pyatt (11:29 1st), J. Wyman (18:20 1st), T. Pyatt (11:17 2nd), M. Glumac (14:07 2nd), T. Pyatt (19:49 3rd)RCH:G. Mink (01:10 3rd), E. Dadonov (14:16 3rd)
Blue Cross Arena
amazing dogs keep chugging, that coah sure is buidling great character players!!!!
You know who Halak reminds me of very much?
Dominik "The Dominator" Hašek
He was pretty good wasn't he and also has his own style and is also a Czech. HMMM would we give away a Dominator?
I like Price also, why not have to great goalies after all the Penquins have Crosby and Malkin.
You know, he doesn't remind me of Hasek at all. I went out to youtube and looked at a lot of Hasek highlights which don't tell the whole story of course, but I still don't see it. Would be nice to think Halak is another Hasek. To me Halak gets in front of the puck while Hasek was focused on the puck. Halak is positional while Hasek was acrobatic. Halak is more like Huet, only better.
Boone, are you gonna run a blog for Team Canada?
______________________________________ Lets name a Captain.....or does it even matter anymore?
My guess: wild horses could not keep him away.
En raison des cas incertains pour la fin de semaine, David Desharnais, Brock Trotter et Ryan White ont été rappelés des Bulldogs de Hamilton.
Brock Trotter!!
should make the upcoming games awesomeingly interesting!
go HAB DOGS!
why is montreal's goaltending situation always considered a "problem"?
it seems like everyone thinks the canadiens MUST trade one of their two great, young goaltenders
if you ask me the one problem montreal does not have this season is with its goaltending. any other team in the league would LOVE to be in our situation when it comes to that position
we have two goalies who wanna be #1, so they are pushing themselves hold that position, making them both better goaltenders
if we trade one, not only do i guarantee the one we keep will cool off, but we will live to regret not holding on to the one we traded
keep both, sign them both to short term contracts (2-3 years) in the off season for reasonable prices and give them a couple more seasons to prove who is the true number 1
It's like having two beautiful girlfriends. Not a problem per se, but likely to cause you some sleepless nights.
Yeah, and how long is a situation like that sustainable?
Until you meet number three.
AMEN PAT!
"I lined up next to him at a faceoff, looked over and said "Hi Rocket". All he did was growl." -Gordie Howe
An excellent, thoughtful post. Thanks for the good read.
What a game by Halak! Again he steals two points. Well the Habs are going to need that if they want to make the playoffs!
Read more on HabsAddict.com:
http://www.habsaddict.com/2010/02/wideman-shot-from-point-tipped-in-slot.html
The Devils need a veteran D man and they are going to get him.
Unfortunately for the Habs (and for the other Eastern teams) his initials will be S.N., not H.G.
Snotnose Nimrod?
Seriously, Scott likes his fun in the sun. So, it won't happen. (probably)
That would be a coup for Lou... again.
Repost from Main page.
Pre Game
Look away, I'm hideous. I was going to comment on how laughably bad Brunet's outfit was last night until I remembered it was the one Matt F'Ogostini picked out for him from a Moore's discount bin the day after F'Ogs was concussed. As for JM? Step aside Butch Goring and Robbie Ftorek, there's a new sheriff in town.
“Woo!” this, pal. The TD Garden announcer and that “Woo!” thing he does after announcing every Broonz goal just isn't annoying enough, so why stop there? After every Broonz goal, have that Subway monkey and Dave Morisette come out and dance a jig at center ice while the scoreboard plays video of a smiling Mario Tremblay chewing gum, in that way only Mario can. Then “Woo!”
Game
Dr. Jekyll, Mrs. Garrett. This is the Habs team that took it to Vancouver the other night? Look, I'll take the two points. In doing so, I also have to accept that if we once again sleepwalk our way through the first 10 minutes or, for that matter, 40 minutes against Pittsburgh, watching the game is going to be more cringe-inducing than a violent shower scene on HBO's Oz. If it were possible to make the playoffs, let alone win Lord Stanley's Cup, playing this way, then I'm all for it; unfortunately, I'm constrained by the reality on the ground. I don't know if it's a lack of mental preparation, but this team has to somehow figure out how to turn it on as soon as the anthems stop playing.
The Habs could smell the sedatives in the water. The worse thing is neither team came out with any sense of urgency. Rather than jump on the opportunity, the Habs were lulled into an extended slumber on the back of the Broonz lethargic, slow-motion first-period effort, which actually allowed the latter to sneak in 15 shots to the Habs' 5. The Broonz are playing like a shadow of their former selves. It's the same tactical O-zone penetration, with a set play to the slot – Boston doesn't really set up, it always goes in for the immediate kill – but the effort has become more lacklustre. With Kessel gone, Savard seemingly riding his fat contract, and Ryder, well, being Ryder, a lot of the finish has vapourized.
A few positive lights. (1) Halak's brilliance. The Broonz took an inordinate number of shots from our slot and were stymied by his solid play, with a little help from a D-corps that managed to sweep the rebounds out of the blue paint, if not sometimes comically. (2) SK74 is keeping his head down and focusing on the game, no stoopid penalties, no pouting, and just about the only guy who's making any sustained effort on the, ugh, one-man forecheck. Not sure what Demers is worried about. (3) As for Pouliot? Like going to a garage sale and paying $10 for a nice painting only to find out its a long-lost Monet.
Post Game
Tim Thomas is not getting enough fibre. At some point during the game, RDS asked viewers to pinpoint the reason for Boston's “degringolade” this season (yes, it would appear Pierre Houde writes the questions). The three choices were (1) Injuries to Savard and Lucic; (2) Kessel trade; (3) Tim Thomas' irregularity. There's obviously more to pro hockey than we are being told.
JD
Mrs. Garrett? We should be so lucky that the Habs would morph into her. She was totally captain material. Did you see what happened to the children of BOTH of her shows after she left? Kimberly hit the rock and ended up working in a drycleaner. Not that there's anything wrong with that, unless you're a former child star millionaire. Todd Bridges got hooked on blow and was acquitted of murder. And Arnold ended up on the Surreal Life, nuf said. Don't even get me started about what happened to the Facts of Life gals after Garrett left them.
Actually, they all turned out fine, except for Blair, who went all born again Christian, which is at extreme odds with the Blair who guest-starred in many of my more inventive teenage daydreams. But that's not the point.
Actually, I kind of forgot what the point was. I'll come back when I remember.
"... except for Blair, who went all born again Christian, which is at extreme odds with the Blair who guest-starred in many of my more inventive teenage daydreams..."
Bwahahahaha!
I don't know. After Tootie blossomed, I couldn't turn away.
Neither could Jo, for that matter, not that there's anything wrong with that.
-----
Jacques Martin: "Go to the front of the net!"
Guimauve: "Whatchu talkin' about, Willis?"
"... except for Blair, who went all born again Christian"
For a moment I thought you were talking about Tony Blair.
Not too far from the truth either.
You could see that was in the cards for Blair from a million miles away.
Which only added to the power of the daydreams.
So true.
It's the unfortunate conundrum posed by a schoolgirl uniform. Like plutonium, it's hot, but deadly.
Always a pleasure to read. I'm glad you mentioned Sergei, because I failed to, despite intending. When his head's in the game, he is a top notch all around hockey player. The thought of Pouliot centring him and his brother, ina couple of years, gets me rather agitated... in a good way. They'd friggin' scare the *** out of 90% of the league... that is if they all have their heads on straight.
The Salinger Line?
??? Yes???
Do you want me to re-quote it, or are you conjuring it while being sparing with your typing?
Heh.
I meant a line comprised of the Brothers K and Pouliot, you know, mental fragility 'n' all: The Salinger Line.
Both fitting and topical.
Ooooo nice,
You're just too subtle for me half the time, JD
...and the other half I am not quite sure what your saying. ;o)
Good read. You called that first period requirement for immediate action when the anthems are done before the game last night but they just didn't listen...again. WTF is up with that? Do they not get the concept of a fast start or sustained pressure? Nobody can blame that on a "system" or the coach or the GM. Do they all get together before the game and agree, "Let's see how the game goes for a period or two before we decide to put in an effort".? I'm not getting this.
Dave, could you PM me your email?
I can't see the option in your profile. I can't see it in mine either. WTF it's usually there?
Hmm.
Well, seeing as you were asking about folks hooking up for a game...
Habs Inside/Out Quantum Summit: Saturday 1pm, Hurley's. Puck drops at 2pm.
Damn. I have a prior engagement. But let me see what I can do to at least drop in for an hour or so.
Ack! See if you can make it. All the cool kids are doing it.
No... not all the cool kids... :(
My penance is a seat in the Bell Center on Sunday.
Hey - I just had a new kid... does that mean I need ANOTHER brick?
Oh boy oh boy...my girlfriend says I can go...oh boy oh boy...gotta take her with me so there'll be no silly hijinx by you guys...K? And remember, I ALWAYS order club soda...got that?
Dollars-to-doughnuts, Berkshire gets carded.
Or pantsed.
Would be curious to know who on the team, if anybody, is stepping up in the room prior to the game and demanding 60 minutes of effort from the get-go. Give someone the "C", hand him a megaphone and a whip, and let's roll. Heck, offer Messier a bag of chips to come in and crack a few heads as the team is lacing them up.
Richard R
Oduya duya duya duya duya wanna dance?
Anyone else notice Boston's players falling a lot more than normal last night?
I saw what looked pretty clear to be a Chara dive, and Bergeron and Krejci let themselves fall quite easily a couple times too. Just throwing this out there..
They're desperate.
Hmmm, in my opinion Martin isn't showcasing anyone. He's going with the hot hand to try to squeeze some wins out of this split personality bunch. Halak seems to be one of the only consistent players and as such he's getting ice time.
Just noticed your handle. *** Duff was one of my favs as a kid, right up there with Dave Keon. Good choice.
Agreed. Jacques Martin doesn't make trades, Bob does. Martin is playing the goalie that's stealing games, it's that simple. If in doing so he happens to crank up Halak's trade value, so much the better, but I highly doubt it's being done for that reason.
"I lined up next to him at a faceoff, looked over and said "Hi Rocket". All he did was growl." -Gordie Howe
If that's the case, I have to command Martin. He finally figured it out - play the players that are playing well. No wonder they pay him the big bucks.
Please Mike, by all means "command" Martin, "command" Gainey, "command" whoever you can, just don't "command" your wife or you're dead meat. And if you ever feel like going "commando" while blogging here one evening please do NOT tell us ;)
aah, you're picking on my grammar... I get it :)
Or spelling. Just messin' with yer head. It's a boring day and I just finished off 2 bagel, lox and cream cheese so I'm a bit sleepy and feeling a nap coming on.
Richard R
Halak has what it takes.
Who is Richard R?
Richard R
Don't get your panties in a knot..
The Brits say 'don't get your knickers in a twist'...
Richard R
Mr. Boone,
Who could we get from New Jersey in return for several of our DMen?.
Ilya Kovalchuk
"I lined up next to him at a faceoff, looked over and said "Hi Rocket". All he did was growl." -Gordie Howe
Just throwing this out there, but would anyone not approve of Bob, say, giving the Leafs a 2nd rounder for Ponikarovsky? To me, he seems to be the best player out there that a team could acquire for only a 2nd rounder. Seems like the big body presence we could use down the stretch with our current injuries. When we are healthy, he would work very well on the 3rd line.
I know some hate this, but I'm going for it anyways.
Cammelleri - Plekanec - A.Kostitsyn
Pouliot - Gomez - Gionta
Ponikarovsky - Lapierre - S. Kostitsyn
Moan - Metropolit - Darche
Looks like a playoff team to me.
I have trouble believing that a 3rd line winger is going to get us into the playoffs.
"I lined up next to him at a faceoff, looked over and said "Hi Rocket". All he did was growl." -Gordie Howe
Who said a deadline pickup is needed to get into the playoffs? What's your point? You don't think Ponikarovsky could improve our team? He'd play on our top two lines right now, replacing the current scoring machine Mathieu Darche.
I don't think we need Ponikarovsky to get into the playoffs, it was you that said "looks like a playoff team to me". He'd only play on our top two lines because we're missing one third of our top six forwards. As soon as AK46 and Cammy get back, he's on the 3rd line. And he'd be battling for a spot with D'Agostini/Pacioretty/SK74/Darche.
My point is we shouldn't be taking on salary on the wings when we really need a centerman beyond Pleks and Gomer.
Also no need to rip on the "scoring machine Darche". He's been one of our best players since he was called up.
"I lined up next to him at a faceoff, looked over and said "Hi Rocket". All he did was growl." -Gordie Howe
I think more concerning is the center position in the third slot ...neither Metro or Lapierre can center a line that can be expected to contribute offensively..it is a waste of SK74...he needs a legit triggerman and players with his hockey sense or he just plays defensively.....Replace Lapierre or Metro with Koivu and now we are talking.......the Motnreal folks should parade around the Bell to bring back Saku!
Pleks-Cammi- Ak46
Gomez-Gio-Pouliot
Koivu-Ponikarovsky-sk74
Lapierre-Darche-Moen
I'm with you krob. Never should've traded Captain K.
"I lined up next to him at a faceoff, looked over and said "Hi Rocket". All he did was growl." -Gordie Howe
I think that Pittsburgh will be making a real hard run at this guy. He's also my top pick out there in terms of a rental (not saying that I want to go after a rental).
If Laps can get his act together, we would have a solid 3rd line with Pony and SK74. Ponikarovsky would also give us someone on the PP who would stand it front of the net and cause some havoc (and screening).
I wouldn't rule out Selanne to Pittsburgh either....I hear nobody talking about it but Teemu can still score and on al ine with Sid it would be lethal and he could help the pp there too because for some unexplicable reason Pittsburghspp is not as good as it should be....a righthanded threat upgrade on the other side would do wonders for them...but would Teemu want to go? always a factor with him but I think Poinkariovsky is 100 percent on the Pens radar...but Shero should be looking at Teemu whomight be up for another cup run
With regards to the trade deadline coming up, I do not see Gainey making any major moves...the team is what it is, we have seen it play great and have seen it play awful....if the urgency of being in the playoffs does not make the team play great all the time, then the moves will be in the off-season.
He will probably make very, very minor moves, like trading D'Ags for a mid-round pick...that is the only move I can see being made.
I think that this team can make the playoffs, and not by backing in, which would already be an improvement over last season...heck one playoff game win would already be an improvement....like Mr. Cobb said below, they are probably going to be alright.
"Even Roy can be run out of town after 2 Stanley Cups."
Don't get to excited about giving up anyone just yet Mike.! This league is going to have a slight suprise come play off time. All our vets that are pacing themselves slightly through this long and boaring regular season, are all competiters that can turn it up when the time comes.
We play up to the compatition and will take on the best teams in the 1st and second rounds. We won't blow anyone away, but we will send them away each round saying that this was not suppose to have happened.
We will peak at the correct time this year to keep us all hanging onto our seats in every game. They are a very frustrating club, but get ready for a real fun ride come play offs.
I agree with that Icobb, BUt we gotta Go with Halak in net for our playoff run. Guys like D'arche ,Moen,Lapierre,Metro,O'byrne,Gill are going to be factors for playoff success that's the way it's always been your grinders are your unsung heroes!
Hope you're enjoying the sun and sand Ian. As already mentioned I would just love to see how this team does with a full roster.
ah yes a great glass of optimism to start the day is good for the soul. I am one who would really like to see this team healthyas well .You are dead on about this team playing up to the competition.very few times do they get shown up against the elites in the league.
Besides, who on NJ can be reasonably attained through the offering of veteran D-men?
"Even Roy can be run out of town after 2 Stanley Cups."
Duplicate, sorry
We might not be having the best season, but it is hard not to smile when we get to witness the Bruins fall from grace...and Burkies collection of thugs not in a playoff position.
I would like to also say -- As a Price fan i have never seen a goalie play as well and as hot as Jaro is right now i am getting to witness something very special. I am ready to admit Jaro is #1 and has been most if not all season. If and when we make the playoffs i will be proud to have that little s.o.b backstop this team...keep on keeping on Jaro.
Halak is in a very good position. He is in a contract year. He did not have the pressure of being number 1. He could saunter in, play well and be the saviour, then come around and say 'why am I not playing more'. And if he played not so great, no one would notice. Nothing different.
Price was the number 1. Expectations were there for a 21-22 year old. Franchise Goalie. But as soon as he makes a few mistakes, a city of 4 million is all over him. Screw up now, and you'll be a has been, or never was. Dont worry that your team is one of the fewest GF in the league. Forget that most games your team doesnt get more than 2 goals. He played the tough teams while we were severly injured, especially on Defense.
Now dont go crazy over some of these points. Halak is playing well, Price is not playing as well. Price is being paid to perform, more so than Halak. These are facts. But this whole crazy controversy doesn't help Price at all. But to me it helps Halak. If you dont know how good Price will be, then you dont really know that much. Halak too. We cannot keep both. I just hope when a move is made we keep in mind Halak's performance and of course the fact that it has only been his performance lately. No swipe at Halak. But would we take Latendrese back and give him 2.25 million a year for 3 years???
All im saying is we have 2 great young goalie's AND all this crap seems to me to only make this great situation BAD....
There may be other teams, but only ONE Club De Hockey...
That is the nature of playing in Montreal...hero one day, burned at the stake the next...the issue I have is that many praise Halak and throw Price under the bus as if his prior good performances never happened, conversely, it is not necessary to defend Price by throwing Halak under the bus...
Gainey is in tough on this one...trade Price and keep Halak, he can/will get burned in the long run, trade Halak and keep Price, he will be accused of playing favorites no matter the results. To put this to bed there are only all-or-nothing solutions: trade both or keep both.
In my opinion, I would say keep both...and if explained properly to the goalies it can be worked out: Price is the future but Halak is the present and near future...Price still needs some development work and Halak needs to further cement his #1 status...Price can backup Halak for 2-3 years, both will still be in their prime and can cash in at that point on and all of HI/O can move on from Koivu vs. Kovalev and Price vs. Halak to something vs. something else. This can be done ONLY if properly explained to both and if they are both truly team players (and it can be done affordably if they keep agents out of it).
"Even Roy can be run out of town after 2 Stanley Cups."
I hope we keep both. There's no reason not to have two solid goaltenders. Halak definitely deserves the bulk of the starts and needs an extended look at being number 1. Price with his 0.913 SV% makes him one of the best backups in the league.
We could likely keep both for 7-8 million which is pretty reasonable considering a lot of teams pay their starting goaltender 5-6 million.
if we could keep both then i say do it but if we have to keep only one then keep Halak.Why cause next year the fans and media will tear Price apart after the first loss.
"The Future Belongs to Those Who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt
The other possibility will occur as well...if Price and his new team do better than the Habs, Halak and Gainey will be torn to shreds, ie. wrong move, flash-in-the-pan goalie, etc.
"Even Roy can be run out of town after 2 Stanley Cups."
your right will habs fan ever be happy????
"The Future Belongs to Those Who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt
They will only be happy with a Cup win, which is normal...but they may run a few players out of town while celebrating...
"Even Roy can be run out of town after 2 Stanley Cups."
lol i forget who but some poster has "this team make me bi-polar" as his tag line which is so true.
"The Future Belongs to Those Who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt
How about keep both, tender qualifying offers, then take draft picks for one of them in exchange for a large contract while signing the other?
-Dustin-
"The good thing about drinking during games is if they lose, you're too drunk to care during and too hungover to care after." - J.T.
Price can get the qualifying offer; Halak, from what I understand, is arbitration eligible, which usually means big payday. Someone somewhere is going to have to suck it up and take one for the team, ie. short-term pain for long-term gain.
"Even Roy can be run out of town after 2 Stanley Cups."
Lack of pressure doesn't help him stop the puck. Being in some sort of Zen zone as far as his postioning lately goes, does. Let's lower the expectations on The Franchise and let him grow into the role w/o all the extracurricular crap flying into the fan. The Habs should worry about playing puck pressure with physicality type hockey to lower shots against. Price will improve with age...or not. Right now, Halak is the go to goalie. Can he hold on to it? It'll be fun watching.
can we send Price to the dogs on a 2 week conditioning stint during the Olympic break? i think it would be beneficial for him and the habs, cause right now Halak plays 4 of the last 5 before the break(i think he gonna play both games this weekend) the we got the last run to the playoffs and Price is gonna get some of those games and they are must win we need all the points possible.
"The Future Belongs to Those Who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt
I think Price would have to clear waivers before going to the minors. He's sure to get snatched up by another team right?
I think the rule states that the move would be allowed with the player's consent.
"Even Roy can be run out of town after 2 Stanley Cups."
This is a very good idea... I hope Gainey is reading Inside/Out...
There may be other teams, but only ONE Club De Hockey...
I hope Gainey is reading Inside/Out... (if he does joeybarrie do you know a good lawyer? cause im sure he would sue me for multiple counts of character deformation lol)