Game 31: Canadiens roll over Flyers 4-1
posted by Dave Stubbs at 22h30 EST on Dec 13
Sergei Kostitsyn didn't figure in any scoring in his NHL debut, but played 12:35 and never looked out of place. He figures to make a name for himself on the Canadiens, in a hurry.
Higgins opened the scoring for the Habs at 8:17 of the first period on the power play, Flyers’ Scott Hartness off for slashing.
His 13th goal of the season and fourth in his last six games was the outgrowth of some beautiful puck-control work by flu-weakened captain Saku Koivu, who weaved deep into Flyers ice before threading a pass through the slot to Andrei Markov. The pinched-in defenceman whipped a pass back cross-ice to Higgins, who buried a short wrist shot from the edge of the crease past Niitymaki.
The ice was still wet in the second period when Kostitsyn made it 2-0 at 21 seconds with his fifth of the season. Centre Tomas Plekanec capitalized on a botched Flyers rush, raced the puck up ice along the left boards and perfectly fed Kostitsyn, who had sprinted in and gotten behind a Philadelphia defender for the tip-in.
Philly’s famous boo-birds were in full voice at 5:01 when Streit scored his third of the year to put the Canadiens up 3-0, banging home a sharp pass sent out from behind the net by Alex Kovalev. It came on the power play, Montreal’s fourth man-advantage situation of the game until then.
And then Streit struck again at 9:58. Centre Maxim Lapierre won the draw deep in Philadelphia ice and battled to feed the puck to Tom Kostopoulos, who sent a terrific pass through to Streit at Niitymaki’s side, untouched behind Flyers defenceman Rory Fitzpatrick.
The Flyers finally got on the board at 15:52, Mike Knuble having a pass from Mike Richards deflect off his left skate behind Price with Montreal defenceman Ryan O’Byrne serving a hooking minor. It was the uncommonly disciplined Habs’ first penalty of the game.
But that good behaviour was to end, and only good penalty-killing saved the Habs bacon in the next few minutes.
Philadelphia was gifted with a four-minute power-play 59 seconds after Philly’s goal, Kyle Chipchura cutting Flyers’ R.J. Umberger with a high stick. The Habs killed off the first two minutes of that when defenceman Roman Hamrlik took a bad minor for roughing at Price’s side after the whistle at 18:50, giving Philly a period-spanning 5-on-3 for 1:59. But the Habs weathered it without damage.
O’Byrne took a holding penalty behind his own net at 2:38 of the third, missing a check on Joffrey Lupil and clutching him instead, but was helped out when Lupil held Koivu 50 seconds later to even the sides.
The Canadiens were 2-4-2 in their eight games heading into tonight’s contest, having dropped a 3-2 shootout decision on Tuesday to the road-lowly Tampa Bay Lightning at the black hole otherwise known as the Bell Centre.
Statistically, the Habs held the edge over: the Flyers, (16-11-2), who haven't beaten the 15-11-5 Canadiens since Nov. 25, 2006. They did that – where else? – at the Bell Centre.
The Canadiens returned home immediately after the victory and practise Friday in preparation for Saturday’s game against the Maple Leafs, hoping to avoid losing a franchise-equalling seventh consecutive game on Montreal ice.
Comments
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Submitted by Corio on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 14:58.
I really enjoyed watching the game last night and I am super excited at the possibilities the Kost brothers are opening up..
Once concern that is bothering me is the issue with 5 on 5 and defensive zone coverage. Seems like it's the same thing over and over. We get trapped in our zone 5 on 5 and can't get the puck out! In most cases this leads to a goal or close chances for the opposing team, this has to stop!
Submitted by Cdnman1 on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 14:20.
Great game.
I've said it before, Striet is a better forward than defenseman. He is also a very good point man on the power play. Carbo is finally using him like he should be used.
I thought Serge looked very good for his first game. Once this guy gets adjusted to the NHL level he will be a very good addition.
O'Byrn is going to be a very good defenseman for years to come. Just like Komisarak (sp?), there is going to be a learning curve.
Ryder should sit until injuries create a spot for him. He has never been a good puck possession guy and has alway given the puck up too easily. Now that his confidence is shot he's lost his scoring touch he is not much use. When h e finally returns he should have to work his way back up. We can't afford to have a guy on our first line giving the puck away ten times per game.
Please leave the firs two lines and these defensive pairings in tact. Breezy can stay in the press box. He's had a good career but his time has past.
Submitted by JA on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 11:52.
The Habs play a different game when both the forwards and defense play as one unit, it was a combination of the defense pinching in to help the offense and the offense pinching in to help the defense. Love it, instinctive fast hockey the way it should be played.
Saturday against the leafs they will again revert to their too much thinking type of game, they will be a step too slow, they will also have a big gap between the offense and the defense and get beat in the neutral zone.
Carbo, let the players play the game they enjoy because we like the results, be patient with them and give them some confidence.
Submitted by Bouleau noir on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 16:41.
Right on JA,..
Moving back and forth as tide does creating mealstrom along the way is what the CH should be all about.
This was our signature as a team when Gainey took over Julien 2 years ago.
We lost it last season under Carbo when we reverted to a " positionally correct " but passive type of game and went into overdose with a checking line as our center of gravity.
The CH identity need to be dynamic at all time and seems at its best when the 5 men on the ice play as a unit supporting each others up and down the ice in all 3 zones,... creating mealstrom effect, scoring oppotunitys and drawing penaltys against them.... for more scoring opportunitys.
Submitted by Smart Dog on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 14:14.
Very good post. But I ask:
Q: What slows them down and gets them thinking?
A: Stupid, junior-league mistakes.
That's a big part of why they played well last night. No Brisebois to pass the puck to the other team in front of our net or leave the puck sitting there and skate by it. No slowinski to fan on shots or lose the puck. No Ryder to try to skate through 3 guys and lose the puck at the first one.
The quality of a player isn't just in numbers. It's in whether his team-mates can trust him to no f----up with the puck and deflate their momentum. I'm not talking the odd rookie blunder - the rookies are expected to mess up. But when everything is going well and suddenly some idiot (and usually the same guy) who is supposed to be one of your better players, gives the puck away to the other team and the momentum shifts... and we lose in the third period AGAIN.
Carbo - KEEP THESE GUYS AWAY PLEEEEAAASSSSEEEEEE!!!! It's not worth the risk. Protect your smarter players from the ones prone to brain-cramps and watch the smarter ones play better, gain confidence, and take us to the playoffs.
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My favorite player is Grab-ARF!-ski
Submitted by JA on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 16:48.
Good question and a great answer smartdog,
Having trust and confidence in team mates makes a huge difference.
Submitted by Bouleau noir on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 18:30.
Execution is paramount for our team to fly but reaching excellence in our everall execution as an ensemble is dependant on the coach philosophy and dedication to that cause.
I think that our slowness and slumping of late was more the result of our commendant lack of commitment towards the puck possession part of our game than the soldiers on the field.
Submitted by JA on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 18:55.
Great minds think alike.
Submitted by HAB-PROFESSOR on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 11:48.
Based on last night kostyjr will stay with Koivu and Higgs - not only were they flying out there, its obvious they were all on the same wave length. The best performance from that line all season. Kovy's line was also firing on all cylinders and you can tell that Adrei was on fire for his bro, he elevated his game to new heights, actually to Pleks level! and Kovy can work there as we know. The other 2 lines did a great job grinding it out and matched Philly with toughness.
I'm still in favor of Streit to D which opens a space for Ryder on the 3rd.
and I wouldn't be surprised if Ryder is back in the lineup against Toronto. lets face it, GORGES is a great kid but he'll have trouble against SUNDIN and ANTROPOV/Kilger, based on size.
TORONTO MUST BE DESTROYED...
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until the problem in my picture is solved...we will not be Champions.
Submitted by Corio on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 11:00.
Just want to say that I was very excited to see the chemistry between the K brothers, wow! They created many opportunities to score in the short time they were on the ice together. I hope Carbo took notice!
Submitted by Bouleau noir on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 14:10.
Definitly worth of a mention habs11,..
Plek maturity is surprising,.. in this play he demonstrated incredible patience when under pressure and a quality of vision that I didn't think he possessed to that extent.
Submitted by Smart Dog on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 14:17.
Plekanic ROCKS!!! I had a dream where Gainey traded him. bbbrrrrrr.... what a nightmare. We better hang on to that guy.
If Gainey trades it should be veterans. We've got some spankin' good young players.
It'll be great when we play Vancouver and it's the Kostits brothers against the Sedin twins. And Price or Huet versus Luongo. That'll be a game!
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My favorite player is Grab-ARF!-ski
Submitted by TommyB on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 11:31.
That's a team.......but it's also "that's a line"! A line that has been kept together, a line with chemistry, and a line that now knows each other's thinking.
I realize you can't have that on four lines, but it sure would be nice to see that on the first two lines. Maybe S.Kosty can provide that if given the opportunity to stay long enough, and play long enough with Higgins and Saku.
Submitted by krob1000 on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 10:39.
Yeah I did ...I noticed a lot of smiles and guys talking again on the bench. Kovy has been nothing short of great this year ever since Gainey challenged him. I think when Gainey came out and said we shouldn't be talking about how to get Alex going but instead asking how Alex can get the others going...it hit homw and Kovy answered the bell.
Plekanec is getting better every game and I wish guys would stop worrying about guys height all of the time because both Koivu and Plekanec play far bigger than they are and the use their bodies to shield off much larger guys like it is no big deal. They are both also very strong on the puck and I for one would love another guy from that mold or two.....hell as many as we can get.
Submitted by HAB-PROFESSOR on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 11:36.
The new NHL rules help us there.
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until the problem in my picture is solved...we will not be Champions.
Submitted by krob1000 on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 11:45.
You are exactly right and people sometimes think like the NHL is the old NHL. Small guys can and are still thriving. If given a choice between two equally talented players of different sizes you are going to take the bigger guy...that is logical. But all of this talk about...we have two a small centres and can't use a third is crapola. If a talented player comes along then I will let the players play dictate my opinion as opposed to his height. I wrote on here yesterday that 9 of the top 20 scorers in the league right now are 6'0" or smaller....that says it all.
Submitted by HAB-PROFESSOR on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 11:53.
there is a small but very important problem with this though....and thats the playoffs - the REFS turn away during the playoffs.
I'm probably in the minority but I like when CARB calls the refs on, DAMMIT we've had a lot of BAD CALLS against us and I can't stand when a muted coach just stands there and doesn't say anything, sure theres pros/cons to complaining to the refs, but its good to voice your opinion if the call is that bad.
In the PLAYOFFS as I said, different story, the small players won't have the protection of the NHL ref/rules and Carbs bantering will fall on deaf ears.
other than that, speed rules in this game.
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until the problem in my picture is solved...we will not be Champions.
Submitted by krob1000 on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 10:28.
First off I must say great game by Streit (I guess Guy knowsd what he is doing after all). I still think we are a better team with Ryder in the lineup but that was a great game so I'll leave it at that.
Now for some of the encouraging signs from last night. That was the first game in a long time where it appeared all four lines had their legs for three periods. There was no lack of hustle and it is no doubt a direct result of the youth injection.
The defence must have seen the Dave Reid tidbit on the NHL Network because they showed great patience in their own end and never looked panicked (aside from the PK) and made some good outlet passes and never reallly looked all that threatedned by the Flyers. Markov and Hamrlik were jumping in rushes and the stay at home guys didn't stray.
Sergei Kostitsyn.........Wow!!! In the first period he looked afraid to touch the puck and was extremely nervous. By the second period you could see he was very aware on the ice and carries himself like an offensive player. He is a good skater too and just may stick regardless of who comes back from injjury ( I know it is way to early to say something like that but I liked him). The third period he really started to get comfortable and was involved in a number of chances and showed us that he knows his way around the offensive end. When he was on the PP he looked as comfortable as anyone and when the puck was on his stick I was comletely at ease because he just looked confident. You can tell by the way a guy carries the puck what his mindset is and that kid is always thinking offense. I like it.
Now for the invisible man that still deserves praise. Latendresse didn't appear to have a good game but int he first period he did somethin that caught my attention and likely Carbo's as well. He went out and blocked a shot from the point (down on the ice feet first style). We need more of this. To make things that much better in the dying minute of the game with a 4-1 lead the big Guy did it again. I starting shouting in appreciation at the TV and my wife just kind of looked at me like I was a lunatic (which I may be) but I thought that play meant a lot. we need a little heart and for a guy like Lats to dive into a shot with a 4-1 lead with a minute to go showed me right there that we have our focus and commitment back.
Plekanec was a two way phenom last night. He made some incredible passes out there but to me the best of his game was when he twice covered for pinching defensemen and negated potential momentum shifting odd man rushes. Atta Boy Pleks. I must not forget Andrei Kostitsyn either....I think he was the ultimate big brother last night showing little bro the ropes. Andrei hustled as hard as I have seen him this year and he looked dangerous for sustained periods instead of just every once in a while surprising.
When all was said and done there was nothing bad to say except Shame on Hammer for that dumb penalty but I liked his feistiness with Upshall and anybody who was near our net so I can forgive him.
Looking forward to the Leafs because I am pretty sure we have our Habs back. I am not sure if they were considering hibernation there or what but they look to be back and I for one am a happier person today because of it (pathetic but true). With effort like last night I really don't care if we win or lose ( not really but you get the idea). Before I go here I better also compliment Lapierre as I really like him killing penalties as he is a bit more aggressive than most of our guys and it was nice to see him stepping towards the guys with the puck and not just backing in.
Nice to have you back guys.
Submitted by Smart Dog on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 13:19.
GREAT post Krob. Sums up the game really well.
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My favorite player is Grab-ARF!-ski
Submitted by coutNY on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 13:49.
First time in a while, I felt that the win instilled confidence in our team. Boston game did not give me that feeling cause it's like we were expected to win...
I liked the 'back-yard' 'razzle-dazzle' Brother SK & Ak display in the 3rd. I hope to see Carbo leverage off them. You seldom can find the chemistry to match what a lifetime of brotherhood experience; knowing each others game inside and out. I felt they possessed it last night, if only, for a brief moment... I felt good things were in store for their future. It was nice to see our prospects shine; Pleks, Higgins, Price, Kosti X 2, O'bryne, Komi... while giving our Vetrans some room to lead. Koivu strong. Kovalev spin move WOW and even a big sh@t eaten grin after A-Kost goal. That's rare... he usually not even get that excited after one of his own goals.
I know its only 1 win but it was a good win. Keep it up, win or lose, if they play solid entertaining hockey, they'll have my support.
Go Habs Go
Submitted by krob1000 on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 14:04.
I think if Andrei had scored on that drop pass from little bro you would have heard the collective cheer from Habs fans globally. They looked pretty good together didn't they (for the little while they were together).
Submitted by TommyB on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 11:34.
Sorry but, maybe you've been in Sens Land too long.
Submitted by Drive_4_25 on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 09:17.
Did you guys notice the reaction of Higgs-Komi and price together after the game...looks like some serious close-knit brotherhood bonding going on there, on top of how HAPPY they were to win! WE NEED TO SIGN HIGGINS AND KOMI, TO LONG TERM DEALS...AND NOW!! These guys are our future core!
"God is a HABS fan whose still pissed at the ROY trade!!!"
Submitted by Wops on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 09:31.
What about 10 years for 35-40 millions, each.
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CH is for Chris Higgins
Submitted by Smart Dog on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 09:21.
Agreed! And Plekanic. That guy will be a star. Next year's #1 center... and for years beyond if Bob is smart!
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My favorite player is Grab-ARF!-ski
Submitted by ccs on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 08:39.
Oh yes glad to see Koivu play a pretty good game as well, good vision and nice move to get the puck to Markov on the power play....keep it up Captian K.
Submitted by ccs on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 08:35.
Good game by the Habs and a not so good game by the flyers. I was expecting a lot more physical game by them but we seemed to be a lot faster. I was a little surprised how the Habs did a pretty decent job hitting as well. The brothers both played a really good game. Lets hope that they keep up the same play against the laffs who should be tired from playing the night before. If they win Carbo may have his job extended untill the next skid.....
Submitted by Gilles Poisson on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 08:38.
Sometimes a win is all it takes to convince us that everything is okay. But I am not one that needs convincing. It was a strong road win, exactly as I predicted. It is amazing how a couple of timely injuries can help a team. It warmed my cockles to see Les Boys smiling after the game, especially Coach Guy.
Mark Streit, 2 goals. Excellent. He might not score every night, or every month, but by playing him on forward Coach Guy can minimize the damage he does to our team. Michael Ryder looked very comfortable last night. Uncle George sat beside him and asked how he was spending his money. Brothers Siarhei and Andrei (no jokes please) were very perky, not flat at all. The Flyers tried to take a couple of pokes at them, but they were firm.
Thank you Coach Guy. Unlike the fans who fall off and on the wagon, my confidence in you is the same as it was before the game. Thank you.
Submitted by Bill on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 08:55.
It's true, Sergei and Andrei are quite a pair!
Submitted by Smart Dog on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 08:41.
LOL - Great post... this cracked me up:
He (Streit) might not score every night, or every month, but by playing him on forward Coach Guy can minimize the damage he does to our team. Michael Ryder looked very comfortable last night.
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My favorite player is Grab-ARF!-ski
Submitted by LTHF on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 07:19.
Great win ! If they can repeat on Sat against the Leafs, it will make my season and consider it a early xmas gift.
Think its a mistake to sit Ryder out on the road, if they have to sit him , do it at home where the pressure on him is mounting. Maybe by playing on the road he will come out of the scoring funk that he is in.
Submitted by Smart Dog on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 08:10.
ARRRGGHHHH!!!
Yes - let's give Ryder another 30 games to find his scoring touch. That's just what the struggling team needs - 20 minutes of dead weight on the first line. Whatever is up with Ryder, he's not worth the risk right now. Sit him for a few more games and see if new life can get our old confidence back.
Or you might send Ryder a sympathy card. He probably lost his job last night.
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My favorite player is Grab-ARF!-ski
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 07:16.
Yesterday i went by the french media speculation that Streit would move to "D" and Gorges would sit and it pissed me off. Carbo changed things and the results speak for themselves and were are all those so called "site experts" that were making jokes (two "D"men playing forward) about Streit playing forward as he very easily could have had 4 goals last night. Gorges also had a decent game but i'm a little concerned by O'Bryne's nervous play after his undeserved benching the game before that seems to drain his confidence. I'm sure the same lineup will face the lafs who will be happy to see Ryder in the press box as he's scored a few important goals against them in the past. The Cube had a good game last night and should be ready for the lafs.
Submitted by Smart Dog on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 08:16.
Streit didn't score goals - two talented Habs bounced pucks off his stick.
Two goals doesn't make him a forward, or an NHLer. Did you see him let those two in a row fly past the blue line on the power play. He does that all the time. That's the kind of stuff we don't need now. Mistake-ridden players cough-breezer-cough should sit. I'd rather a rookie... they need to make mistakes to learn. Speaking of, CArbo's benching of O'Byrne is about as stupid as they come.
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My favorite player is Grab-ARF!-ski
Submitted by Bill on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 09:00.
In fairness, O'Byrne wasn't benched the other night. He sat out a few shifts and then played sparingly. O'Byrne: "The coaches could see I was rattled". If he goes back out immediately, still upset with himself, and makes another mistake, the ornery Bell Centre fans get on his back and it just gets worse.
O'Byrne was back last night playing a prominent role. He was on the ice in key situations. Carbo said encouraging things after his gaffe against T-Bay, and showed confidence in him last night. I think it was well-handled, not "stupid" at all.
Submitted by The Cat on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 07:10.
We win, we own Nittymaki. Ryder wont be back, his days with the habs are numbered now.
Submitted by G-Man on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 06:44.
I guess the site should be renamed the "Carbo must go" site. He can do no right because even if the team wins, he is still wrong. He throws the Kostitsyns a bone by playing them together a couple shifts, but all we see is that he's not Scotty Bowman. Streit scores a pair and all we see are his mistakes.
As a greybeard, I am very critical of this edition of the Habs. However, a solid win is exactly that. No changes for Saturday against the Laffs; they have a hulking team like Philly so why change anything?
Oh, and lighten up for crying out loud!
Gilbert
Submitted by Smart Dog on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 08:18.
Good post. Carbo deserves credit for a good win.
_________________________________________________
My favorite player is Grab-ARF!-ski
Submitted by Bill on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 09:02.
BTW, who's your favourite coach? Lindy RUFF?
Submitted by WindsorHab-10 on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 01:42.
Keep Brisebois, Smolinski and Ryder out (Iknow the first 2 are injured). It's only one win but this team showed that they can play when they want to. More reason why Carbo should go. I don't mind Muller taking over.
Submitted by A. Berke on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 03:51.
I suggest that you should send in your resume for BG's job, than you can certainly pick the right coach.
By what you are saying: "this team showed that they can play when they want to", you're admitting to the fact that it was the team that did not come to the ice to play as they should (in the previous losses). Don't you think that now, you are contradicting yourself by blaming the coach? especially after a win?
Sheeesh!
Ali B.
Submitted by Habs-Fan-In-KY on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 02:41.
I like Ryder back in, but sit Gorges and play Dandy back on defense. He was pretty invisible most of tonight. I would hope Price plays Saturday night. He desreves to play and has the better record against the Leafs than Huet. I'm assuming of course that Huet comes off the injury.
Submitted by Chuck on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 02:41.
Carbo's behind the bench for the win, and you cite that as a reason why he should be fired? Um...
.
.
.
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"Vote Saku for All-Star... or little Timmy gets it!!!"
Submitted by KamiDave on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 06:26.
Yeah, that's some beautiful logic right there.
Submitted by habfan53 on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 01:56.
"this team showed that they can play when they want to. More reason why Carbo should go."
If it's the team that does not show up why get rid of Carbo?
I agree Carbo has made some mistakes , less this year than last thats what happens when you hire a HEAD COACH with no experience. Remember Vigneault, Therrien and Julien ALL had some head coaching experience (At this point I choose to ignore Tremblay) made mistakes in Montreal got fired and 2 were finalist last year for coach of the year and the other gets fired by an egomaniac. But he's the one who should have won.
Submitted by Bouleau noir on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 13:10.
Was the team working harder or working better ?
I know that last sunday they had a meeting where they looked and studied tapes and so on.
Dany Dube also mentionned that the team was rehearsing set plays earlier yesterday that had him foreseing the better execution and the faster pace at which the team played later on. He had already mentionned noticing the start of such an improvement following our game against Tampa.
My guess is that Carbo was forced to re-investigate some of the old patterns that wasn't going anywhere and set the team with more appropriate ones in their place.
The decline,.. the team being booyed at the Bell,... Carbo can be stubborn but here he was forced to alter his system in order to lift the restraining weight it had over our game during the last three weeks.
Anyway more games will be needed to comfirm if there is a change at all to speak of.
Submitted by habfan53 on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 01:18.
Good game tonight. Only change for Saturday should be Kots upstairs (yes he played well tonight) and Ryder 3rd line AND the point on PP
OR
Gorges upstairs Streit back on Defence
Submitted by Bob Barker on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 02:57.
Why would you sit Sergei? If Ryder is on the 3rd line who plays right wing on the first line? I'd like to see the same lineup. The leafs might be playing better but their D is still slow. The Kostitsyn's will light them up.
Submitted by habfan53 on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 11:13.
Sorry used wrong short term sit Kostoupolous not Kotstisyn(?)
Submitted by Smart Dog on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 01:33.
Why do people want to put Ryder back in? He's too slow - breaks up the flow of the game. Let him sit as long as we're winning. I guarantee it - put him back in and we lose.
Or site Streit and put in Ryder. That I would agree with. Streit is the new Breezer - error-prone. He seems to have picked up the Breezers knack for brain cramps (see him fail to contain the puck at the blueline several times on the PP?? Or the Flyers jump past him in the neutral zone?)
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My favorite player is Grab-ARF!-ski
Submitted by A. Berke on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 16:23.
The correct way is "if .... I were..." and NOT "I was". There's no "Yopu" in the English language. A person who's not ignorant like you should have known better.
as to the outcome of the encounter, don't be so bloody sure about it.
Ali B.
Submitted by imafogdevil on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 09:33.
First off, as a Newfoundlander, I take offence to being called a "Newfie". Many, if not all of us find this term derogatory, as other seemingly innocent words with negative connotations. So please, for future reference, don't use this term on this site, or anywhere else for that matter.
Secondly, as Les Quebecois would find problems with the constant bashing of Latendresse, of course we as Newfoundlanders will have issue with the constant bashing of Ryder. Trouble is, Ryder has established himself in three seasons with 30 goal seasons and runner up as rooke of the year. He took less money to play with the Habs in the past two seasons. He probably would have gotten more in arbitration (Mike Camilerri money) if he did, but no, he put the team ahead of his own interests. I don't think he cares about the money, he just wants to play.
Third, don't you think that this attention to defence that Carbonneau has been drilling Ryder with has him playing better defence, in detriment to his offence. This constant juggling of linemates doesn't help either. How is he going to score goals when he is playing with dead weight like Smiolinski and Dandenault.
Fourth, with all that said, I believe Ryder should be traded to another team, for both player and team to start anew. Put him somewhere where he can just concetrate on scoring goals. Not be afraid to make a mistake, lest be benched.
Fifth, Carbonneau needs to go. He has no style, the players are tuning him out, can't make a mistake without fear of benching, and the referees are tired of this constant chirping. It is time for the veteran leadership of this team to step up and voice the team's concerns and issues.
Submitted by A. Berke on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 16:02.
It wasn't my intention to insult anyone by using the word newfie. My apologies to you.
However I beg to differ on Ryder.
I'm not against him and he's a decent person obviously, but if you re-read my post (posted earlier here in this thread), I've tried to explain why he wasn't producing anymore. Blaming a slump or the coach is not the answer. Ryder got at least 20+ games in the first line with full playing time as the rest of the line along with PP time. And as of late he still was getting PP time to no avail.
BTW, Ryder's so called slump has been going on since September, I wouldn't call this 3.5 month unproductive period a slump (slumps should be no more than a month). His problem is, despite trying hard he is no longer a right fit to the team. That's why I support him being traded to another team where he can be better fit and more productive and earn what he deserves.
Carbo was more patient and more accommodating with him then anyone else in the team (even though there were more replacements available to replace Ryder). If you deny this fact, then maybe we're not watching the same team. Rooting for your fellow Newfoundlander player is fine but, again, if you read my point was to put Habs first and our emotionally favourite players second. That's what I mean by being a fan of the team. Habs is not about Ryder or Lats or anyone else in particular. BTW Lats has a lot more points than Ryder even though he did not see as much ice time especially in the beginning.
If you take off your Newfoundlander glasses off and read my post again, you'll understand what I was trying to say.
Ali B.
Submitted by imafogdevil on Sat, 12/15/2007 - 17:24.
I re-read your post. I also stand by what I said. I agree that Ryder needs to start anew. There are a few other players that need new starts too. I think, from a Habs standpoint, and no other, that the captain, one of the assistant captains, and a potential all-star defenseman have tuned out the coach. The veteran leadership on this team seem to roll their eyes every time Carbonneau does his best Viktor Tikanov impression by banging on the boards and insulting the referees, yet again.
Until we get a calming hand on the wheel, that iceberg the Habs are aiming at looms large. And another playoff-less year.
Submitted by Habs-Fan-In-KY on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 02:38.
Streit scored 2 goals tonight? And you want to sit him? Are you a Leafs fan or something?
Submitted by habfan53 on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 01:42.
Do we agree that Ryder will not be back next year??
Do we also agree that on MOST nights Ryder is working hard?
So instead of sitting him in press box (no value) let him play some role. He is a steaky goal scorer(?)
Submitted by Habs-Fan-In-KY on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 02:48.
I agree with every thing you say. Quoting Star Wars..."There is good in him, I can feel it". I wouldn't be surprised if the guy is hiding an injury. Maybe sitting him will get him back to his old form.
But the stats speak for themselves. If I younger guy can duplicate his stats for less money, I say give him away to a lousy team for a good draft pick!
Submitted by Rocket Richard on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 01:15.
YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!
HABS FINALLY WON!!!
Hope they can solve the Leafs on Saturday.
___________________________________________________
December 1,2007 - rise and fall of the 2007-08 Montreal Canadiens
Rocket Richards Moltivation for winning games, "You Must Hate To Lose"
http://www.articles-plus.net
Submitted by Big Bird on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 00:43.
Really glad to see young players such as Lapierre, Kostitsyn JR and O'Byrne in the lineup tonight. It also puts pressure on the veterans. When Smolinksi, Begin, Brisebois, Ryder get back in the lineup is anyone's guess. Make them all sit forever if the team keeps winning.
My one question is why we should insist on playing Gorges when we could play Streit on defense and the PP. I agree with others that it makes no sense to play Gorges and bench Ryder. He needs to get his groove back which is either beneficial to the team in terms of scoring or trade value.
I'd just caution that after an extended home-losing skid, one game isn't reason to get excited yet but definitely a step in the right direction.
On a sidenote, I'm thrilled to see P.K. Subban make the Canadian WJC team. It was great seeing his reaction on TSN. This guy is a keeper if for nothing else morale and chemistry on the team. He looks like a real character with lots of character. My kind of player.
Interesting to see how Angelo Esposito didn't make the cut. Wonder what the French media will say now? I guess Bob Gainey/Trevor Timmins weren't stupid drafting McDonough and passing on Esposito after all last summer.
And lastly, after hearing about the news regarding baseball today, I hope the NHL and NHLPA ensure that hockey avoids the same fate. With the money in the game today, it's stupid to assume that there isn't drug abuse in hockey if there isn't rigorous drug testing and stiff penalties.
Submitted by Habs-Fan-In-KY on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 00:10.
The only way Carbo gets the heave ho is if we really fall out of the playoff picture over the next few months. I don't see this happening to us. The guys will lose the "voodoo at home" curse and start gelling, espescially with the infusion of new players vieng for roster spots and playing time
Submitted by Habs-Fan-In-KY on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 02:43.
I agree with you, but size is Pricey in the NHL on the free agent market. I would hope that we start drafting with size in mind so that we don't get the talent we have pushed around.
Submitted by Bouleau noir on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 00:06.
I liked what I saw tonight and it made me think of the CH of lore,... I mean by that the CH of our early season this year.
Quik exit passes and skating was back, entering the zone with speed, keeping the puck alive..... drawing penaltys and PP goals to follow.
Why we abrubtly stop playing like that 3 weeks ago is puzzling.
This is the type of game we play the best and Carbo's job is to make shure that it remains this way..... or that it improve as the season progress..... anything else should be questioned.
The Fans at the Bell were behaved and patient last season when last year slump took place,... and they didn't panic this season while the CH were in slumping mode again....BUT... they finally started to boooo the team after 3 weeks of slumpiness..... I am glad that they did.... we are seing changes already.
Submitted by ebk on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 00:30.
Any team no matter the skill level can have stretches when it out performs it's talent. I believe that is what happened early in the season. The last three weeks, the team played below it's talent level. After 30 games this team is about were it should be, fighting for the 7/8 play-off spot.
The East is so close, they could finish anywhere from 6-12.
Submitted by Habs-Fan-In-KY on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 00:07.
Let's not forget Price looked taller in goal tonight. Things got a bit hot in the goal crease and he kept his cool. He was starting to take 'tender lessons from Huet the past few games
Submitted by Smart Dog on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 00:00.
Happy now?
_________________________________________________
My favorite player is Grab-ARF!-ski
Submitted by Leclerc1965 on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 00:04.
?????????????????
Submitted by T-roy West on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:57.
Habsfreak - are you kidding! How about Heatly to Ottawa,Pronger to Anaheim(Stanley Cup) and Luongo to Vancouver. I could go on.
Submitted by RudeMood19 on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 00:35.
Heatley to Ottawa was a Trade
and Luongo to Vancouver was a trade.
Submitted by ebk on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 01:04.
LeClair and Desjardins seemed to help the Flyers a few years ago. Roy to the Avalanche didn't seem to hurt them. Messier to the Rangers, Gretzky to the Kings. Lafleur to the Habs. A person could write a novel disproving that theory.
Submitted by Smart Dog on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:52.
Leclerc1965:
Don't you think that what was different about tonight (and I honestly believe this) is a lot of the negative elements were not on the ice. I don't have anything personal against Brisebois, but the guy makes mistakes in clutch situations. Smolinski to me is just over-rated and not very useful. Ryder - who knows what's wrong with him but he's snake-bitten so not good for morale. Even Huet, who is a great goalie, has a weird habit of letting in soft goals when the team is up sometimes. (Amazing his save percentage is so good despite this! it shows how good he is, or can be.) So tonight - a lot of youth, not many veterans with bad habits, a fresh game with a lot of jump. I don't think it's coincidence... I think there is real reason to hope. If this team can play with this kind of intensity and hunger for the puck every game, we'll have an exciting season and an exciting play-off too! That's all we want - great hockey. No-one expects us to win the cup this year, but we do expect to put up a damn good fight for anyone trying to stop us!
_________________________________________________
My favorite player is Grab-ARF!-ski
Submitted by Habs-Fan-In-KY on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 00:05.
Smart Dog, I agree that it is very exciting to see the youth of this team take command of the play tonight. I don't think they are ready to trade away all of the veterans yet, but it is a sign of a promising future! I think the young guys are learning a lot from the veteran players (both positive and negative elements of the game). We need them with us even though some would be better used as skating pylons.
Submitted by Leclerc1965 on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:56.
You hit the nail on the head. Seems like there was a lot of dead weight either in the pressbox or infirmary. You are right, the infusion of a little youth and hunger in these kids game makes them a little more dangerous. These other "veterans" are becoming way too predictable, mistakes and laziness, or maybe it's just that the game has passed them by a little bit. (except for Ryder, he is just lost). Expectations should be for improvement and a feeling of pride that your team may have just lost, but at least they went down fighting. There is no shame in that way of losing. The kids will learn from mistakes, these other bozos just don't care...they are still going to get paid. Bring back the other pic dogman...I got this look doesn't fit ya!!!!
Submitted by HabsFreak (not verified) on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:46.
Here is my post from Dec 9 to all who boo your team...worth repeating as tonight was a perfect example.
"People, try to remember that we have been turned down by UFA's that could have made this team better.
Name one team who has made a trade (besides Bruins gift to the Sharks) that really improved their team.
I think this is Gainey's best team he has iced since arriving. No one could have known the year Ryder was going to have. Kovelev is (was) playing as was asked of him. Koivu is sulking and wants out. But the power play started out as it did last year to everyone's surprise; our goaltending is better than last year and so is the D with the addition Hammer and continued improvement of Komi; upfront Kostiytsyn is in his first year and Plekanecs is still learning as well. It's not our time yet but pieces are in place that when it is, we will stay there for awhile. Be patient....this is NOT YET the team that Gainey or any us wants....YET!
Gainey has done great job rebuilding this organization with crap draft picks to work with. Do you not recall what is was like before he arrived?? He started from the ground up making this a stronger club. It's just not our time yet. We ARE NOT going win the cup with Kovalev or Koivu. They are not part of the future....it's the next wave that will give us our best change to win with experienced Higgins, Komi, O'Byrne, Plekanecs, Price, the Kostitsyn bros, Lapierre, Latendress, Chipchura, Grabovski, etc. This is for the most part Gainey's and Co. work. The future is very bright but we have to be more patient. UFA's will come to a respectable team that shows signs it will compete. These are the guys who will replace our veterans when the time is right and get us over the top!
Expectations got too high with the start this team had this year. Better teams had slower starts and now they're catching up. Rocket Science. As for Carbo, will Gainey evaluate Carbo's progression as an NHL coach...of course he will. Will Carbo continue to get better and be able to use critism to help....we'll see. My bet is he will but if not, it's a lot easier to hire an experienced coach than it is to trade for Lecavalier. Can the team win this year??? Of course not....no one realistically expected them to. And anyone who did is has very little knowledge of the NHL. Should they bust off their ASSES...you bet! The hard work will pay off for those who need to learn you must earn it.
Be a fan...support and love your team but just remember it's not their time YET!!! The job is not yet finished".
Submitted by Habs-Fan-In-KY on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:56.
I've been saying that all along. Where are the Fire Carbo posters tonight? All of the criticsm about his lines he choses (although at times, I am miffed at all the changing his does throughout a game.....not tonight though). All of the posters who felt Streit should have sat instead of Ryder. Carbo and crew know hockey.
I am proud of the way the guys had puck possesion throughout the game and players stayed in front of Nittimacki waiting for a juicy rebound. Anyone notice the amount of penalties they took because we were attacking them and not vice versa? This is the aspect of our game that I have sorely missed and am glad to see it back again.
Let's do the same against Toronto.
PS - anuy chance we could move the game to Toronto :)
Submitted by Bob Barker on Fri, 12/14/2007 - 00:26.
Why can Carbo take credit for a win and not a loss? Gainey made the right call bringing Sergei up. It's good to see our top six starting to look like a top six. Carbo still doesn't give them enough ice time.
What better way to break our home losing skid than to beat the leafs? Sergei will record his first career goal which will be assisted by his brother. Bryan McCabe will record a hat trick on his own net and Jiri Tlusty will go streaking in between periods.
Submitted by Leclerc1965 on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:48.
great post. This addresses everyone who gets too worked up over a win or a loss. Give this team time (at least until Carbonneau is gone).
Submitted by Trade_Streit on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:43.
C'mon people - what was the deal with the Hammer? And was Carbo yelling at him?
Submitted by Leclerc1965 on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:49.
Hammer was probably arguing Carbonneau's request to put Roman on the first line when Guy was doing his line juggling again.
Submitted by mbplekfan on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:53.
hammer was upset that carbo was moving komi to the first line and not him.
Carbo is a genius using defence as forwards. We will win the cup with this strategy.
komi as a power forward, hammer up the middle, who needs defensemen..?
Submitted by Leclerc1965 on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:59.
Dammit, there we go again with negativity. Sorry folks, great game, same Carbonneau.
Submitted by The M on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:31.
congrats to PK SUBBAN for making team Canada!
Submitted by Trade_Streit on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:42.
That was sooooo this afternoon.
Submitted by Smart Dog on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:30.
Someone should send Ryder a sympathy card.
He lost his job tonight.
_________________________________________________
My favorite player is Grab-ARF!-ski
Submitted by Leclerc1965 on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:51.
Smartdog, what the hell happened to you? Did you go and get all sophistocated on us, bring the other creepy picture back!
Submitted by Smart Dog on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:53.
LOL
It was creeping people out! And I figured who's gonna listen to some half-dog, half-man mutant?
_________________________________________________
My favorite player is Grab-ARF!-ski
Submitted by Leclerc1965 on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:59.
I listened!
Submitted by Trade_Streit on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:40.
PS: When you pack your bag, stuff STreit, Brisebois, and Slowinski in there with ya!
Submitted by HAB-PROFESSOR on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:20.
YOU'VE JUST WITNESSED THE START OF THE CUP RUN...
all the NEGATIVE Bozos don't come back till your head is screwed on right, you know who I'm talking about, just read below all the pre-game posts about us losing tonight, how soon you forget that we have a team, they just need a spark to ignite, and tonight it was KOSTY JR. without a doubt, he ignited Koivu's line and put a bomb under Kovy's line also, and what did we see late in the third? the two KOSTY's together, it was PURE MAGIC, PURE CHEMISTRY...in fact it was PURE GENETIC CHEMISTRY..yeah!
The D played Bigtime, Gorges is a good kid, but the only improvement would have been Streit to D to replace Bris, but he did score 2 great goals so we can't rush that move...although one had a golden delivery from Kovy the MAGICIAN!
LETS FACE IT - there is no need for NEGATIVE NOW. NONE...GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE
(for a good read, see my POSITIVE pre-game prediction post around 11am)
next...TORONTO MUST BE DESTROYED.
---------
until the problem in my picture is solved...we will not be Champions.
Submitted by Leclerc1965 on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:41.
Aside from all that other garbage....Toronto does need to be destroyed!!!!!
Submitted by Leclerc1965 on Thu, 12/13/2007 - 23:36.
Easy there trigger, 99% of us are diehard fans but you can't sit an tell us that the frustrating way they have been playing hasn't deserved due criticism. This is the way this team should be playing on a nightly basis. There are no excuses for the laziness and lack of passion in the NHL. That kind of motivation starts from the the first day they lace on skates. These guys get paid alot of money to "let it all hang out on the ice" every night! This team has talent, but there no excuses for lack of heart and hard work, that is what this team is guilty of in the past month or so. What would you do for 1 shift in a Habs jersey on a Saturday night in the Bell Center???? Yea, that's right...me too. I love this team bud...They are better than they have been lately, but we have to be honest with each other in the good and not so good times. Go Habs!
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