Was that Bob Gainey or Leonard Cohen?

posted by Mike Boone at 15h13 EST on May 6


Toward the end of their 50-minute season review/look ahead, Bob Gainey and Guy Carbonneau were asked whether two goaltenders could be kept happy next season.

"Happiness," Gainey replied, his habitual sly smile playing at the corner of his lips, "is an unattainable state."

Well, how about contentment?

Gainey was too diplomatic to reveal the degrees to which he was satisfied or dissatisfied with his hockey club. But the Canadiens GM bristled when it was suggested that some deemed the team too soft for the playoffs.

"A lot of people think alot of things," Gainey said, his tone leaving little doubt what he thought of the general expertise level of vox populi. The Canadiens, he added, are built on "speed, quickness, intelligence and opportunism."

"We want to play a fast game," Gainey said. " We're quick, we're exciting. We're going to play to score, and we're going to play to beat you, within the rules."

 



Gainey and  Carbonneau spoke mainly  in generalities (with gusts to platitudes) – and you can listen to it all on the main page.

There were, however, kernels of useful information:

• The Philadelphia Flyers, Gainey said, were the better team in the series and deserved to advance.

• Over  the course of the  season, team play and discipline improved and "a group  of  good young players became a good team."

• The Canadiens are  set in goal and have "long-term sustainability" in their defence corps, current and in the pipeline. Gainey indicated he would try to strengthen the team at  forward.

• Carbo said the coaching  staff was not aware,untilthe  last few days, of the degree to which Carey Price was mentally fatigued.

• Gainey accepts "as reality" that Andrei Kostitsyn could be sought by a Russian club or an NHL team willing to sign him as an RFA.But "he's been with us three years ... his brother is here and I think he's comfortable here."

• Gainey defended Michael Ryder as"much maligned." He pointed out that Ryder's 13 even-strength goals this season were only two fewer than in 2006-'07. The powerplay, without Sheldon  Souray, was reorganized, possibly to Ryder's detriment. Ryder "worked hard ... the reality is we were a  stronger team using other players ... (Ryder's) effort  was there, his desire to do well was there."

• Almost three years into the post-lockout NHL, Gainey is more comfortable managing in a salary-cap environment and Canadiens are "using the rules in a way that's comfortable for us.... We have no 15-year contracts at  this point."

• Fabian Brunnstrom  was in Montreal for two days on the weekend and has visited  two other cities (reportedly Dallas and Detroit). Gainey said Brunnstrom "has the talent for the NHL" and expects the  Swedish star to make a decision by  the end of the week."

•  Alexei Yemelin is under contract in Russia for one more season.   * Guy Carbonneau has received "about 400 ties" over the last two weeks. Thelucky psychedelic tie saga has been good fun, the coach added, but next season  "I hope it starts with suits."
  •  

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HABZ24's picture
Submitted by HABZ24 on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 11:22.
hey, our habs at the beginning of the regular season were predicted to finish in 13th spot in the east. we finished 1st!! than we also made it to the second round of the playoffs!! we have a great core of young players, if we can keep them all together.more experience for all including carbo will only help this team. in a year or two look out hockey world the habs will be comming to kick your azz and bring stanley home!! enjoy the golfing les boys, see yuh in october and THANXOLOT for a great season !! GO HABS GO !!

Ian G Cobb's picture
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 21:16.
Your right about all the miss-Qs and second effort etc. But Philly was on our d forchecking as well as I have seen any team this year, they took away time and space and we were unable to compleat more than one pass at a time. We are a slick looking team when given time and space. They just took it away.

Submitted by delete on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 22:00.
Ian: You can't really go deep in the playoffs with the goaltending we received. Put Lundquist between our pipes and we'd still be playing. Unlike others, I don't necessarily think that trading Huet was the fatal error, but Price has to get better, much better at three areas of the game. First, he and the coaching staff really have to rethink the whole butterfly-style thing. He tends to go down way too early and, as a result, gives away his true advantage which is his size. Get out to the top of the blue paint or beyond and cut down the damn angle. You're huge, be huge. His going down in the butterfly exposed what can only be described as a weak glove hand. (No, Huet would not have done better on those shots.) Second, his rebound control is at times dreadful. Let's be honest, those of you who still play pickup almost never see those T-bones served up, do you? Third, his communication with his defensemen needs some work as well. How many times did he go to handle the puck behind the net against the Bruins and the Flyers and our hind quarters collectively tightened? I have a lot of sympathy for the view that he might have been burnt out, but isn't the coaching staff there to gauge that? Suffuce it to say, I like Price, but I am not sold on the idea that he is the next coming of Roy. Don't get me wrong, I want him to be, but I'm just not there yet.

mjames's picture
Submitted by mjames on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 07:37.
very insightful and constructive post. mjames

Submitted by delete on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 18:57.
Thanks. I still delude myself that I can play and skate twice a week. My wheels have gone to hell at the age of 46, but I think that after 40 years playing, I finally understand the game. Many of these guys who have adopted the butterfly style are too deep in the net on routine shots, Lundquist included, and don't have the glove hands to back it up. Maybe Price should just go "Old School?" Come out, cut down the angle and let the defensemen clear the rebounds. Everything old is new again!

Submitted by New on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 18:33.
Yes, esp the part about the butterfly. It's almost like his style is being changed.

Submitted by delete on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 18:59.
Whatever allows him to stop the puck, I am all for it. Also, considering that every goalie and their brother has adopted the butterfly, a hybrid style or no style at all, e.g. Hasek, might just make him that much harder to play against.

tony d's picture
Submitted by tony d on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 20:42.
you wanna talk quick and exciting?? The last game between Dallas and San Jose, now that was a quick and exciting game...only difference Bob was that the better team there (Dallas) played with a lot more fire and passion than we did as a team in both series. I think Bob is overly sensitive to the 'soft' criticism because it hits a nerve... that was our achilles heel in both series and if it's not addressed, as good and as fast as we are, i think all that will stop in the post season.

Ian G Cobb's picture
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 21:24.
Tony, that was a great series. But I could not stay up any longer on the last game. The better team one.

likehoy's picture
Submitted by likehoy on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 19:59.
did anyone see huet's ugly five-hole goal against sweden? flipped in from the blue line and just goes right through huet.

Ian G Cobb's picture
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 21:21.
I saw it , and I have seen him lose his concentration before.

24 Cups's picture
Submitted by 24 Cups on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 19:57.
'Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye' The Original 24 Cups

J.T.'s picture
Submitted by J.T. on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 20:14.
I don't get the whole "decide whether to keep Halak" debate. Halak is an RFA. If he wants to play in the NHL, which he says he does, he must play for Montreal. If some other team makes him a giant offer sheet, and the Habs don't match, well, then Gainey takes the draft picks in compensation and signs a veteran backup. Until that happens, Halak will be a Hab. He's not dumb. He knows he's good. The longer he plays for Montreal and proves himself in the NHL, the better deal he will get for himself when or if it is time to move on. Right now, he's a pretty much unproven 22-year old in a league where the goalie market isn't exactly a seller's paradise. The other thing about that is, I don't believe in this 70-game season deal for a starting goalie. I think we've seen guys like Brodeur, Luongo and Nabokov do that in recent years, and when the playoffs come, they're burnt. Brodeur's last two playoffs, he looked tired. Once upon a time, Dryden used to play fifty games and Laracque thirty. Everyone was happy. What was so wrong with that? http://habsloyalist.blogspot.com

Gr8stFranchizEvr's picture
Submitted by Gr8stFranchizEvr on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 10:38.
Good point on Halak. I don't see him taking off for greener pastures - there aren't any! If he and his agent are wise they'll hang around for a couple of years. However, should he find some lucrative offer he can't refuse, Gainey shouldn't have difficulty acquiring a vet looking for light duty work to fill Montreal's backup role. I agree with the 50/30 goaltending duty split. No need to burn out your tender for the playoffs. It will do Halak a lot of good to play 30 games a season. Similarly, it will do Price a world of good to have some breaks, mental and physical, over a long and arduous season.

Submitted by 9410 on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 18:22.
I agree with his desire to bring in more offense, but I think it would have to be size as well a, I don't think that Hossa would be a better move than pickign up Rolston, because Hossa has never delivered in the playoffs ( he has 10 pts in 9 games on a stacked offensive team, with his talent he should be at more than a point a game.) Also Rolston would add good grit to this team, and he is an on ice leader. As regards the back end I would keep Breezer for the exact same role he was with the team this year. Gorges was great in the playoffs, very much filling his role to perfection. If we had been healthy I am convinced the defense would have dominated. As regards Price and Halak, we need to decide, I think keeping Halak would better because he would play about 30 games at most, which would keep price sharp and in form for the playoffs. I think next season they will need to relive Price a little more than we would like to see, but by his own admission the kid was burnt out, and despite it all, he is still a phenom. Halak will only develop with more ice time, and his value will increase as he gets better, so trading him when he has so little experience is not going to bring anything in. Also something to keep an eye on, we have sick depth in our pipeline, so the chance of a trade packages is there. A note of Fabian Bruunstrom. Sweden's National team is without Zetterbeg, Franzen, Sundin and Forsbeg if im not mistaken, so someone who is so NHL should be on this team shouldn't he? If he is that good at 23, the kid should be playing for Sweden with so many empty spots on that roster. If we do sing him, I hope he pans out, but I don't see how much of a promise they can make to him with the forwards having so many trying to get some ice time. All in All a great season. Time for the 100th.

the_larry's picture
Submitted by the_larry on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 18:13.
* Guy Carbonneau has received "about 400 ties" over the last two weeks. Thelucky psychedelic tie saga has been good fun, the coach added, but next season "I hope it starts with suits." Does that mean we might see some psychedelic suits? http://brianandariana.com/images/random_tiedye.jpg

ZepFan2's picture
Submitted by ZepFan2 on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 18:31.
"Does that mean we might see some psychedelic suits?" No thanks. We get enough of that from Don Cherry.

Dru's picture
Submitted by Dru on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 02:00.
I reckon he means the guys that suit up for each game.

Submitted by Bouleau noir on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 17:21.
As I said in Boones previous posts " what would you do as a GM "... I said that I was no longuer worried anymore about Gainey's actions now that he has clearly stated how he saw our Identity as a Franchise and as expressed a commitement towards maintaining it as our trademark. '' We want to play a fast game, we're quick, we're exciting ... we're going to play to score and we're going to play to beat you within the rules " Beautifull ... now that our direction is clear all we need is an unwavering organizational excellence working at all the peculiar levels in order to sustained it. Unlike previous years this press conference as satisfy all of my expectations,... so did our season.

Submitted by habitual on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 17:10.
Someone posted a link on the UFAs available and there are few desireable and of those less that are likely to want to move (Jagr, Sundin). Where help comes from next year can really only come from two places: a trade, and I don't see an impact player coming our way because we are not going to give up what it would take; or, and outside North America. Aside from the hoo ha about Brunnstrom, I've not heard of any messiahs or saviours. So ... I expect this means that all efforts will be made to hold onto the core, spending just enough to hold onto Streit and Andrei, and saving cap space next year for Higgy, Komo, Saku, and yes, Alex ... As for BG saying Philly was the better team, well in goal maybe but skaters, nyet, Bob. Watch what happens to those knuckleheads against Pittsburg.

Submitted by New on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 18:48.
I would offer that the Habs rolled two lines in the playoffs in front of a banged up Komo. I love the Habs, always have, always will, and watched every game. The Bruins had them but the team pulled it together and got away with it. Philly was a better team in each game. The Habs skills that Mr Gainey speaks of made the games explosive, but in the end, Philly played better, cooler, and stuck to their game plan for three periods most games. For the first time in years, and years, and years, I can see this team building. People compare Price to Roy or Dryden. That is unfair. This is a developmental team. Roy and Dryden came to teams full of all stars. So respectfully I disagree with you, and I think a lot of admittedly disappointed fans do as well. The team is ok but it got beaten by a team that is better designed for the playoffs - this year. If they had been able to play like the Flyers, with the Habs skill and speed, the Western leaders would have lost those games to the Habs this season.

Submitted by 1010 on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 20:48.
Patrick Roy did not play on any Montreal teams that were 'full of stars.' If you look at the two teams he won cups with in Montreal you will quickly see that what made him so great was his stellar play on mediocre teams. Dryden, obviously is another story. GO HABS.

Submitted by New on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 18:28.
Ok. Lets agree then that I have a different opinion of guys like Robinson, Ludwig, Chelios, Svoboda, Smith, Naslund, Green, Kurvers, Lemieux, Skrudland, Nilan, Carbonneau, McPhee, Richer, Corson, Gainey, Walter, and the extras.

Submitted by 1010 on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 21:04.
The oilers were a great team that had their dynasty interrupted by the flames that season. That is why Roy lead the Canadiens to a stanley cup. They needed overtime in seven to knock off the whalers that year. Ludwig, Svoboda, Green, Kurvers, Skrudland, Nilan, McPhee, Corson, and Walter were good players and Robinson and Gainey had seen better years. The others were a cut above I agree. But that is a long way from Drydens situation. The '93 team was Roys' greatest achievement. They definately were a long shot. I repeat(as much as I loved those guys), I don't think Roy played on great teams in Montreal. Ken Dryden did. GO HABS.

Submitted by New on Thu, 05/08/2008 - 20:08.
Yes, the playoffs of 93 was Roy at his very best, after eight seasons. He had a rough regular season that year. And they should have had a cup in 89 when Gilmour almost single handedly took them apart. In 86 Roy was the unknown who ate junk food and talked to his posts.But the guys in front of him knew what it took to get the job done, and did. In 93 Roy got a great deal of credit, and deserved it. But you know that series was the first time we saw the real John LeClair, the real power forward. Eric DesJardins played very, very well, yet didn't get credit. Same with Mike Keane. Price had a good first regular season, and a rough first playoff. The team too.

Shoowtime's picture
Submitted by Shoowtime on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 17:07.
Hopefully this summer will be more eventfull than others for the Habs. I like the team we have I just would not want to over for someone who just pulls a Samsonov or something . The draft is the key we should try an move up the Deph this year is amazing. Go Habs Go

Submitted by mrstewart61 on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 21:17.
What's your real name?? ------------------------------------------------------------ My ultimate dream: Captain Saku Koivu skating around the Bell Centre holding the Stanley Cup.

Submitted by 1010 on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 20:53.
Samsonov played like a man who was down to his last chance. And he probaly was. Let's see how he does over the course of a full season with his new contract. GO HABS.

Submitted by habgunner on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 19:10.
Why are you here?? Go cheer for pittsburgh or detroit and stop your whining!

ZepFan2's picture
Submitted by ZepFan2 on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 17:33.
"samsonov had no problems in carolina" He did in Boston, here and Chicago. Ribeiro is playing good because he doesn't have his posse to distract him. Since you feel Gainey is not the man for the job, why don't YOU tell us who is.

frank81's picture
Submitted by frank81 on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 16:30.
So what are the odds that Brunnstrom will sign with Montreal? Has anyone here actually seen him play? I'm not sure how reliable this site is, but he's described as "an offensively gifted forward with a decent scoring touch. Brunnström is a speedy skater with soft hands and good technical skills. Combines speed and stickhandling in an impressive way. Hockey sense is pretty good and he is also strong physically with a good attitude."

Submitted by mrstewart61 on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 21:18.
Let's not forget all the hype about Janne Lahti last year. I'll believe it when I see it. ------------------------------------------------------------ My ultimate dream: Captain Saku Koivu skating around the Bell Centre holding the Stanley Cup.

Habhopeful's picture
Submitted by Habhopeful on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 18:11.
This might give you some insight into Fabian...Very good offensivley, big and has good hands, not sure about his physicality nor his defenseive game...But hes pretty highly scouted, looks like an alright pick up but it could take time to soo him explode... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfRkAnRUgfI "If I wanted to hear from an ass, I would fart..."

Submitted by RS on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 16:03.
Despite his tendency to hold his cards close to his chest, Gainey has actually been too vocal in the past. Last summer and at the trade dealine this year, he said he wanted to add an impact player. I think Gainey has probably learned his lesson. He's not going to build up expectations, lest they not be met.

Submitted by Sami on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 10:58.
OMG, you're so clueless it's sad..............

ZepFan2's picture
Submitted by ZepFan2 on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 17:35.
"he is the worst gm the habs ever had including rejean houle who at least had an excuse - cheap owners" God you're an idiot! I suppose you'd want him to go the same route as Toronto. No thanks!! Did I mention you're an idiot?

Chorske's picture
Submitted by Chorske on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 15:58.
Wow, that was perhaps the most close-lipped press conference, even by Gainey's standards. Good on him for defending Ryder. And good on him for not tipping the Habs' hand. I think the summer should be interesting in an uneventful Gaineyesque kind of way. A tinker here and there.

eyhp's picture
Submitted by eyhp on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 15:51.
It's pretty obvious that Gainey wants to build the Habs like the Red Wings, winning with speed and skill. I don't ever recall anyone calling the Red Wings soft.

Submitted by mrstewart61 on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 21:20.
What trades/signings does Detroit have? Bertuzzi, hmmm.... ------------------------------------------------------------ My ultimate dream: Captain Saku Koivu skating around the Bell Centre holding the Stanley Cup.

The Teacher's picture
Submitted by The Teacher on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 19:16.
Hamrlik is nothing, signing Streit from overseas is nothing, Getting Gorges and Pax for Rivet is nothing, blah blah blah

coutNY's picture
Submitted by coutNY on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 17:12.
Well last year that was the Main topic of conversation during the 06-07 Playoffs... not that I agree with it, but after losing to Anahiem, this was the reason most analyst clung to....

Submitted by Bouleau noir on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 17:32.
Sport analysts,... a joke thats what they are for the most part.

Submitted by 1010 on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 15:51.
Bob seemed to indicate that he would be looking to add to his forward position but wouldn't tip his hat as to what type of forward he specifically wants. It sounds like he has no urge to tinker with the D too much which makes sense if he's counting on O'Byrne and the Russian making the jump. GO HABS.

Submitted by nightmare_49 on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 15:40.
Gainey bristled when Bill Beacon , i think , said that fans suggested the team was soft so that means it is true so we should be looking for improvement on that point. Gainey's not stupid and is not blind but covered up with the speed bit. You can be the fastest but your not fast when your going to someplace you don't want to be.

tleblanc's picture
Submitted by tleblanc on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 15:36.
Actually he indicated he thought that the forwards needed some work.

the_larry's picture
Submitted by the_larry on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 15:21.
Bob wouldnt even comment on where the Habs need improvment. All he said was that they will review the season over the next week and make decisions after that.

likehoy's picture
Submitted by likehoy on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 15:19.
so what's in store for the summer?'