Game 69: Halak helps Canadiens dethrone Kings
posted by Kevin Mio at 10h43 EST on Mar 8
Rob Blake got one back for the Kings on the power play before the second period was over.
The Habs should have thanked Halak during the intermission as he was pelted with 17 shots in the second period.
Andrei Kostistyn make it 4-1 for the Canadiens 3:49 into the third period before Anze Kopitar narrowed Montreal lead to 4-2.
Tom Kostopoulos, playing against his former team for the first time, scored into an empty net to seal the 5-2 victory.
Kings goalie Erik Ersberg, who shut out the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night, faced only 22 Canadiens' shots, but gave up four goals. The Kings outshot the Canadiens 37-23
The Canadiens were 1-for-2 with the man advantage while limiting the Kings to one goal in five power-play opportunities.
Montreal now moves to Anaheim where they face the Ducks on Sunday night.
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Submitted by POPS on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 13:28.
I see alot of posts that are very negative.Posts regarding Smolinski, Latendresse, and Brisebois.Although I believe we as fans we have the right to be critical of our team and its players, I also believe we need to see the situation clearly.Therefore I am offering some glasses to all of the haters out there.To be a successful TEAM each player must have a role and play his role to the best of his ablility.It is the job of the coach and his staff to realize the potential of each player and how each player's skill set can help his TEAM win.Therefore,when Carbo plays Smolinski for 12min. a game he expects Smolinski to do certain things for those 12min.I am sure that he does not expect Smolinski to carry the team offensively or score at a Malkin like pace.Same for Latendresse.Maybe his confidence is not so hot offensively so Carbo has found a way to improve him as a player and help him contribute to the TEAM.In other words, not everyone can be the "go to" guy.This is the key to success for the Canadiens.This is why we are one of the top TEAMS in the league!!!!Every game brings a different hero ... Kovalev, Plekanec, Komisarek, Markov, Kostitsyn, Price, Halak, Koivu, Higgins, Ryder, Streit...now do you see what I mean?Question, do the Lafleurs, Shutts, and Robinsons win without the Lemaires, Lapointes, Gaineys, Jarviss, and Tremblays? MTL 3 ANA 2!!!!!!
Submitted by linp on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 17:50.
I prefer seeing Latendresse in the third line. He can protect the puck on the board and make passes. He also scores some goals. I don't like using him as a checker against a fast forward. Let's see how he plays against the Ducks and the Sens.
Submitted by idle on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 17:27.
Good post POPS. You might also add that certain players are paid according to what expectations they have put on them. You might also add that with 30 teams in the league the talent pool has been somewhat watered down and each team is going to be left with some players that may be on the bubble of being useful NHL players. Not every player is going to be a star.
Submitted by Smart Dog on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 16:21.
There ARE limits to what is fair criticism... but none of us would agree totally on where those limits are. Vince makes good points - we deserve to expect more of the veterans. And many of us were saying "why is AK46 benched" when he was - we were right. Many of us were also saying "why is he playing Breezer!!!" early in the season. Look at his numbers - we were right. And Carbo has recognized it - he rarely plays Breezer, first time in many games yesterday and probably because of the flu. The thing is, we need to be smart about trying to understand Carbo's motives - but Carbs is human and makes mistakes. And we all have our peeves... for me, it's players that don't give 100%, either by playing soft (Smolinski) or by not back-checking or playing with a mind to puck control or solid D. Ryder for example who you mention has come a long way in those areas though last year, he drove me crazy. Smolinski is a soft player, who most of the time doesn't even win his face-offs which is what he was brought here for. What's frustrating too is that Carbs is so impatient with some players (Chipchura in the minors while Smolinski is here is a joke and probably has more to do with contract negotiations or money). I can't stand Smolinkski for the way he plays. Period. Other guys I can find a reason - Kostopoulos at least drops the gloves. Breezer even, who like Smolinski makes lazy, dumb mistakes, is just a permanent reserve now. Smolinski makes WAY too much money and does WAY too little for it and seems not to care. Hop on the complacency gravy train! I'm Brian and I'm your guide!
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Habs Fans! The BEST fans with the best team!
Submitted by Vince is Possib... on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 14:35.
I'm sorry POPS, but I'm using your words against you
"To be a successful TEAM each player must have a role and play his role to the best of his ability.It is the job of the coach and his staff to realize the potential of each player and how each player's skill set can help his TEAM win."
In the case of Smokes and Breezby if that is the best of their ability, it is not good enough. Smokes was bought to win faceoffs and he is not producing. Brisebois was bought to be a mentoring role, and he is costing us goals (last night he got a goal and cost us a goal) with sloppy defensive work. If Carbo does not realize this lack of ability, then you need to put the glasses on Carbo, not those of us who see the forest for the trees than make it up.
I refuse to "hate" on young players as they have potential. Grabs and Latendresse are still on a learning curve. The curve Brian and Pat are on involves a Press Box. They can have more than 12 minutes there all they want.
Good prediction of the final score.
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"WE WANT VINCE!
Submitted by idle on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 17:40.
What you call 'cost us a goal' is not being applied fairly to all players. There are dozens of times in a game that players do not finish their checks or let a player walk out of the corner. When some players do it you might notice it and you might even comment on it but when Bresbois does it he gets hammered from every corner of this forums, called a joke and an embarrassment and told he should never play another game in this league.
What really bothers me about this situation is that there are enough games that he does not play well for you guys to dump on him. But that is not enough for you and you also have to dump on him after a game we win, he scores a goal and gets his 400'th career point. You would think for one friggin night you could be happy for him and give him a pass. But instead the same people who have dumped on him 1000 times before have to come out and dump on him some more.
No player who choses to put the Habs jersey on when they had other options and come to the rink with an honest attempt to contribute is an embarrassment to the team. Some of the fans who mistreat them are an embarrassment to Habs fans.
(this post was only directed at the handful of fans that go beyond being objective and into the category of spiteful. It just so happend to fit under the above post but could easily have been posted in 50 other places on here)
Submitted by N.B.habs fan on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 15:30.
Welcome back trader Ryder,good post.
Submitted by doug on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 11:32.
scary thing is that our battle with ottawa for first place in division is also likely to be for home ice in first round and better positioning subsequent to that - the loser will be 5th or lower
Submitted by Smart Dog on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 12:58.
If we stay on pace, regardless of whether Ottawa passes us we stand a decent chance at 4th place too. Though first sure would be better... as long as the Rangers aren't in 8th.
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Habs Fans! The BEST fans with the best team!
Submitted by Smart Dog on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 08:43.
How come TSN says the Sens win and "keep pace with the Habs" when the Habs are two points ahead with a game in hand? If Toronto had won, would they be "keeping pace with the Habs"?
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Habs Fans! The BEST fans with the best team!
Submitted by frank81 on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 08:49.
Keeping pace = not falling further behind.
Submitted by Habsville on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 08:12.
I think we will come back from the road trip playing awful 2 win 500 hockey. The shots on goal are way too high for playoff hockey. If they do that today they will get run out of the rink. I would start Halak again and let Price play the Devils on Tuesday. It looks like the Grabber may not be around long. His contract expires this year and he may go to Russia to play. So we keep his rights like we did with Alexander Perezhogin. Maybe we can trade them both at next years trade deadline for a solid Canadien kid. Or better yet give him his wish and send him back to the Bulldogs and bring Kyle Chipchura back up. He will not complain and he will work hard for the club.
Submitted by Gormdog on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:37.
Lets not focus too much on the Leafs and the Devils. I say the Habs aim for the division, I mean, is there going to be a huge difference between the 6th seed and the 8th anyway?
If memory serves most of our remaining games are in division games... With 2 points and a game in hand, lets grind it out and shock the hockey world.
A point a game from here on out and the division could be ours boys! Heres to the Sens staying in their funk!
(On a side note... Think there are any teams kicking themsleves for not picking up Halak earlier in the season? He may not get his shot this year, but I'm pretty sure this kid can play with the big boys and would be a huge asset to a rebuilding team... Man are we ever spoiled!)
Submitted by habsguy on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 02:47.
amen
Submitted by wild flower on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 01:42.
Come playoffs Smolinski or Grabovski? Be honest. Personally, I would take my chances with a relatively large, grateful, veteran presence over a relatively puny, given recent news - ungrateful, inexperienced player.
Submitted by The Teacher on Mon, 03/10/2008 - 00:30.
edited
INSANE!
"Are the Habs ready to pay the Price?"
"Four blind mice, Four blind mice, see how they suck?"
Submitted by Smart Dog on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 00:47.
Even people who don't like to criticize seem to want Smolinski off the ice. Is there ONE HIO regular who actually thinks Smonlinski deserves to play? Over Grabovski, Chipchura, Locke, and Kostopolous? Is there ONE??
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Habs Fans! The BEST fans with the best team!
Submitted by linp on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 13:01.
Putting Latendresse and Smonlinski in the checking line against the opponent's 1st line is not going to work. They are both too slow to follow the play. Lapierre and Begin would be a much better combination.
Submitted by wild flower on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 00:57.
Maybe, from Gainey and Carboneau's perspective, this is why he is playing on a generally very inexperienced team:
Playoff Stats:
GP G A Pts +/-
Smolinski 111 22 27 49 -4
Grabovski 0 0 0 0 0
Locke 0 0 0 0 0
Chipchura 0 0 0 0 0
Kostopolous 0 0 0 0 0
Submitted by Vancouver Hab Fan on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 01:24.
So collectively all the other guys have a better playoff +/- then Smolinski who is regarded as a defensive forward! That should settle it, cut Smolinski because he is crap!! He is by far the worst player on the team and he shows little effort and pathetic judgement which is made all the worse because with his experience he should not make the stupid plays he continuously makes. How the hell as the guy been in the league this long if this season is any reflection of what he brings to a team. Begin, Dandenault, Kostopolous, Grabovski, Chipchura, Milroy, Locke, D'Agostini and quite possibly Maxell, White, Pacioretty and maybe Wyman all have more to offer than Smolinksi. As a fan I find it pathetic that someone can be paid $2 million a year to mail it in like this guy! Admit the mistake of signing the bag of pucks and cut him,.
Other than the Smolinksi problem all is well on the Habs front!!
Go Habs Go!!
Submitted by wild flower on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 01:34.
I have no real problem with your analysis of the data. But keep in mind we don't know everything that goes on behind the scene (at least I don't), defensive players often play against the other teams best which influences +/-, and last but not least don't overlook what TSN says:
SMOLINSKI IS HOT
2 pts in last 2 GP
Submitted by RudeMood19 on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 02:02.
Before you guys go off on Smolinski, let's not forget he scored 2 goals in what could be the Habs' turning point game this year against the Devils in NJ. Respect the man. Anyone who says "he should be cut" is a little nuts.
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1. February 19th, 2008, a day which will live in sublimity.
Submitted by Vancouver Hab Fan on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 03:26.
If you put a pylon on th eice for 82 games it would probably break up some plays which would then be interpreted as good defense. Smolinksi has been crap/a liability all year.
A little nuts to go off on him; I believe that you would have to be a little nuts not to go off on him.
Go Habs Go!
Submitted by Shiloh on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 10:01.
Well here's a post which says I'd rather have Smolinski - even at this stage of his career - than Latendresse or Dandenault.
Submitted by Vancouver Hab Fan on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 12:21.
Why? Neither of those two has made close to the erros that Smolinski has; granted Smolinski has been on the PK and playing late in games where is bone headed plays are magnified but he still has made several brutal giveaways. He plays the body far less than Latendresse or Dandenault. I think Gui offers more in the offensive zone than Smolinski, Dandenault offers less offensive output but better effort and speed, he chases down pucks (some sare stupid Smolinski passes that would have been icing) where as Smolinski puts forth no effort. I am not a Dandenault fan nor have I ever been but Smolinski is the biggest dog on the team in my opinion.
Go Habs Go!
Submitted by Smart Dog on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 14:00.
I agree Smolinski is the lousiest player on the team.
Just please don't call him a dog, you do dogs a disservice!
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Habs Fans! The BEST fans with the best team!
Submitted by WindsorHab-10 on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 00:36.
So happy for Halak to finally get a start and shining like we knew he would. Props to Brisebois who gets ripped a lot but yet accepts his role on the team as a part-timer and contributes once in a while. With us being outshot the last 3 games and not playing our game but yet managing 2 victories, I hope the team shows up tomorrow against the Ducks and give us a 60 minute effort.
Submitted by wild flower on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 00:12.
Why are so many people so hopeful about Grabovski.
24yrs old, drafted 150th overall, 16 NHL games: 1 goal 3 assists -4, 5 foot nine 172lbs and so far proven to be week on the puck and adherance to schedules.
If everyone is banking on his AHL performance translating to similar success in the NHL, why not keep up the Cory Locke fever:
23yrs old, drafted 113th overall, 1 NHL game 0 goals 0 assists, 5 ft nine 168lbs.
Submitted by idle on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 10:54.
Because the grass is always greener. People become discontent with certain players on the current roster and start to grab at any possible replacements. Anyone who is playing well in Hamilton automatically becomes a hard working skilled player who just needs to catch a break and isn't getting a chance to prove himself by Carbo.
Maybe Grabovski will work out and be a decent player, but at this point he is not a better solution then what we already have. He can get a game or two here or there to help get him experience and continue his development but don't expect him to be dropped in the lineup and rip up the league during the stretch.
The think I find odd is that people want him to replace Smolinski but that is a checking line position and Grabovski is not a checking line player.
Submitted by Smart Dog on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 13:59.
I do believe in Smolinski's place almost anyone would be better.... but you have a good point.
But Carbo has juggled the lines so much that people think that he can just insert Grabs and juggle again. I agree with what you've said in tone. They let their very, very good PK group go and have not replaced those guys.... the team is weak there.
I am very surprised they leave Chipchura down there. He was doing well - and is the kind of player that COULD play that spot. Maybe we'll be lucky and Smolinski will have a non-permanent inury that takes him out for the season. It's not nice to suggest it but the guy is just playing so lazy, I feel like he's taking money out of our pockets.
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Habs Fans! The BEST fans with the best team!
Submitted by Big Bird on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 23:11.
My few cents from the peanut gallery:
(1) I'm very happy that Halak won the game. He played very well despite being significantly outshot. Good to know that Carey has competent competetion.
(2) I've never been a big Brisebois fan since his 'Paris' trip a few years ago but he was +1 tonight, scored a goal and got his 400 career point. Most of those points were with Montreal so I have to give him some credit. At least until O'Byrne returns to the lineup.
(3) Let's be honest about one thing. We've been outplayed in Phoenix and in Los Angeles and in San Jose. If our goalies did not perform well that would make us 0-3 versus 2-1. I don't like seeing us being outshot as we have the past few games.
(4) I know Smolinski is a veteran but he didn't contribute much as noted by Smart Dog. I say put Grabovski back in the lineup to replace him. The kid has taken heat and a roasting by fans and media. And rightly so. having said that let's see if he can redeem himself. Another player who wears #27 was forgiven for past transgressions and look what he did. (I say this in spite of the Mikhail Grab-the-wrong-flight-ski names I concocted!)
(5) When you see a player like Sergei Kostitsyn blaze down the wing from the outside and then cut into the inside on the defenceman and catch him flat-footed, it reminds me of what Higgins used to do on a regular basis last year and what he must do this year.
(6)Guillaume Latendresse played a good game tonight. The kid deserves credit. It was a very unselfish play to pass the puck to Kostopolous for the empty netter against his old team. Now let's hope he doesn't disappear for another 16 games!
(7) Carey Price for the Calder? Sure. Guy Carbonneau for the Jack Adams? Sure. Andrei Markov for the Norris? Maybe. Alexei Kovalev for the Hart?
Unlikely but he'd have my vote.
(8) Although the Leafs lost tonight to New Jersey, they are still making a run. I'd like nothing better for it to go down to the final game of the season and have them play us in Montreal after we've qualified and then we knock them out. Revenge is a dish best served cold.
(9) I think our lineup misses Steve Begin more than we realize. When he plays hard and on the edge, he adds more jam to our lineup than we realize.
(10) I understand we get irritated by HNIC and TSN not giving our team the respect we deserve but who cares what Ron MacLean, Don Cherry, Harry Neale, Bob Cole, Glenn Healy, Greg Millen and other talking heads say or don't say about Montreal? The beauty is that our team was supposed to come in 13th in the conference and the leafs were supposed to 'challenge for the Stanley Cup'. Every game our respective teams go in opposite directions should be comfort enough. Remember that Cherry, Millen and Healy all lost against Montreal, so who can blame them for a little grudge?
Apologies for the long post...
Submitted by Lix on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 12:32.
Kovalev will not even register on the Hart trophy radar, but if you use the argument that it goes to the player most valuable to his team there is no better choice. Habs would be battling Toronto for 11th without him this year.
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 07:46.
Your few cents while nice is getting to be a generalization of comments already mentioned by others "tell them what they want to here" so what really is your few cents.
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 17:35.
Sul - I see, just trying to spice up your blog which i read most of the time but as i'm sure you know that trying to read every post (same old-same old, over and over) that Tylenal comes into play. Keep up the good work, Go Habs Go, now that's original,lol.
Submitted by Big Bird on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 20:16.
I appreciate that Bryan - no offense taken my friend. Perhaps I do tend to be diplomatic as I get tired of the endless self-made controversies and flame-wars on here. I'll speak my mind but leave the controversies to others! ;-)
Submitted by Big Bird on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 16:43.
Those are my views Bryan - and not everyone agrees with them - but I appreciate the feedback nonetheless.
Submitted by StillattheMapes on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 00:08.
Your 2 cents and insights are very worth while actually, and sum up some of the same things that I saw, though I did not see the whole game.
Ok, I know. I have said this before. Please Guy, just do not play 20. He is just a floater with a bad stick and he cannot score. He just occupies space. I have said this at least 3 or 4 times and I am not a person who rides anyone, let alone one of my employees (ho, ho). I am sorry but this guy does not deserve the ice... puleeze, play anybody but him, my nieces for example, or even better, someone who knows how to use the body they were given. I have nothing against this guy personally, I just don't think he is a very good or heady hockey-player and/or what our team needs right now. I would prefer if he were just off the ice.
Breezer ok. I am happy for him. Honestly. So he scores a goal and tries to give one away, a few times. It's alright. Just do not get the skates over-sharpened. Stay.
Halak? Ok he was solid and more, occasionally brilliant. He gets his chance and why not? I find it interesting that the teams all think that they have the one (and I have just watched the RDS 1993 Habs with St. Patrick) but they really have nothing. Halak was very good this evening...
I actually think that we have a good chance this year.
We have to play the BIG team tomorrow. HS = it begins with horse.
The Montreal Canadiens HAVE NEVER backed off on anybody or been afraid of any team. Shoot, we have to play the Boston Bruins on an annual basis.
Not sure how this next game is going to turn out. Though I think the refs have been bought suites close to the sand or museums. Va bene.
Ok, if we are going to get "roughed" off now, then let us do what was previously done. Do we have anybody on the farm that can stand on their skates and also hit somebody.
Here we go. Our boys are a very big team, yeah us.
But we do not have a "killer" = Pronger (this guy is tuff) or Chara (also major tuff). So do you think? My favourite team has always had an enforcer.
Right now I would do Nilan but he isn't available. Yes I know. Alteratives?
Score goals now, make them skate. Cement them. Win at all costs.
So Larry, Sens await
Submitted by wild flower on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 23:57.
Latendresse was good last saturday as well (devils game). Maybe he is becoming a cyclical performer.
Submitted by Xtrahabsfan on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 23:46.
Sulemaan,if they insert Grabs in against the Mighty DUCKS...they will KILL HIM !!!! Call up some size or what ever ,but they will DO THE LAD,SO...
Submitted by RS on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 23:54.
Maybe that should be his punishment. You want to play so badly, go out against Parros.
Submitted by Smart Dog on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 23:15.
Re. your point #5. It is just plain strange what Higgins is NOT doing this year. Last year he showed every sign of becoming an explosive, game-changing player. This year his points are okay, but his play lately almost totally lacks that spark. Short of an injury I'd say there must be something wrong in his personal life. Besides health, that's the only other thing I can think of that takes such a bite out of someone's play.
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Habs Fans! The BEST fans with the best team!
Submitted by Smart Dog on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 23:18.
What a JOKE!!!!!
Here's how stupidly, ridiculously, absurdly unlikely this melodramatic, narcissistic, Toronto-centric BS fantasy push to make the play-offs is:
With 12 games left to go, Toronto is in THIRTEENTH place in the conference and only ahead of FIVE teams in the whole damn league, with two of those teams having games in hand that they could pass Toronto with in points meaning Toronto is currently somewhere between 24th and 26th place in the 30 team league! What a joke!
To make the playoffs, in the next TWELVE games, Toronto would have to pass FIVE teams in the standing (and with no similar surge by teams behind it). And of those FIVE teams, they would have pass one by at least SEVEN points, with that team ALSO having a game in hand. It's as if they think that these other teams are going to lay down and Toronto - because it's destiny is going to walk past them.
This ain't Rocky and Mats Sundin ain't Italian. You guys are losers on the ice - start working on your putting, maybe you can be winners on the greens. And Ron and Don: take a hike. I used to like both of you, now I'm sick of your smug faces.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.... and another thing - I AM sleeping on the bed tonight!!!!!
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Habs Fans! The BEST fans with the best team!
Submitted by Smart Dog on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 22:49.
Questions Habs fans:
1. How come TSN says we've only won 23 cups (in the article on today's game)?
2. How come Ron and Don spend more time talking about Toronto... uh, and Calgary, and Edmonton, and Ottaway - oh yeah - and Vancouver.. then about the Habs?
3. How come CBC is paid by our taxes and still we get this BS (see #2).
4. How come hopeless, happless Toronto gets ALL THIS ATTENTION for trying to do something impossible that anyone in their right mind knows will never happen, but Montreal gets no attention for ACCOMPLISHING what people said was impossible at the start of the year?
5. How come TSN columnists write in depth articles about things like what Paul Maurice might be thinking and the Habs with two stellar young goalies, about FIVE break-out players, a league leading power play and offense, and a truly dynamic style of hockey get squat.
Really - WTF people, WTF????
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Habs Fans! The BEST fans with the best team!
Submitted by The Teacher on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 22:58.
1. We won one before the NHL was formed?
2. Cause Quebec isn't in Canada?
3. Cause we take it?
4. Cause Toronto has an inferiority complex?
5. Because it is the TORONTO Sports Network?
"Are the Habs ready to pay the Price?"
"Four blind mice, Four blind mice, see how they suck?"
Submitted by idle on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 10:43.
Hey man, I am with a lot of you guys when it comes to disliking the Leaf Bias in the media but lets stop dumping on Toronto like it is our fault. I hear this argument so many times. Like the citizens of Toronto all got together with the heads of the CBC and TSN and Sports Net and said 'wink wink nudge nudge' and now we get all of the coverage for the Leafs.
It's not our fault and the truth is that it is not CBC's or TSN's fault either. It is BUSINESS. Business wants MONEY and the MONEY is in Southern Ontario. Because Toronto and surrounding areas have the largest concentration of populance, that is where the TV money is. The ratings do not lie, and year after year the ratings show that more people watch Leaf coverage then anything else. You don't have to like it (I don't) but you should at least be able to grasp the concept. I think they call it free enterprise.
I have another question to add to Smart Dog's list:
6. Why do we care
It is what it is and you are not going to change it. It's like when a kid does not get invited to a party or an outing by his classmates or friends. He sits there and sulks for a week wondering 'why don't they like me'. But we are not kids in public school. If the CBC or TSN doesn't like use then screw them, we will go hang out with those who do like us. RDS, CJAD, Team 600, HABS INSIDE OUT & GAZETTE. These are the places who like us and who we should be spending our time with. Let the CBC's and TSN's cater to the monkeys, and take some time to enjoy what we do have, such as places like this :)
Submitted by HAB-PROFESSOR on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 11:56.
IDLE, you are correct 100%
Corporate quarterly profits...domination of market share...MONEY.
heavy bias towards profit...little regard towards quality of team.
and the worst part of it all is our fellow Canadians (leaf fans) FALL FOR IT LIKE IDIOTS!!!!!!!!
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1. WE ARE DEAD MEAT WITHOUT OUR OWN POLICING
1. Feb 19, 2008 - History was made.
2. Thank GOD we have Alex Kovalev.....at his PRIME
3. The BELL CENTRE should be rebuilt to sit 80,000 fans
4. We will win the CUP
Submitted by TripleX on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 22:42.
Ron and Don....BAAAAAAAAAAAAWAAAAAAAAAAAA.
HAHAHA.....Love it....so predictable.
Poor babys......What are they going to talk about now that the Laffs are TOAST!
Blame the refs....we would have won if the refs hadn't robbed us....BAAAAAAAAWAAAAAAA.
Submitted by gauvinator on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 22:24.
Good job, Leafs...
Submitted by TripleX on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 22:31.
Yeah!......GOOD JOB LOSING! HAHAHA! Looks good on them. Can't wait to hear from Ron and Don about how they were robbed.
Submitted by Chuck on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 01:45.
I wouldn't have minded the laffs winning tonight if it would have kept 2 points out of the Devil's back pocket.
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"All bow down before the Komisaurus Rex!"
Submitted by T-roy West on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 22:16.
Ottawa 4-2 now.
Submitted by Hammer on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 22:15.
Man I feel like partying it is 1993 all over again. If the Habs can pull one off in Duckland on Sunday, I will be a believer. BG and Carbo have done something I thought was not possible and that is give me belief in 2008. I knew they were on the track to rebuilding but the fruits of the labour are starting to appear in 2008 when I thought 2009 was gone to be the years of the habs. Man they are climbing and the Sens are floundering. The Sens are looking very soft!!!!
Submitted by lemess on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 22:11.
Love the picture at the top of this page, is Rob Blake 10 feet tall or is Tom the Bomb 4 feet tall?
Submitted by T-roy West on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 22:02.
Ottawa just scored, 3-2 Ottawa!
Submitted by Smart Dog on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 22:05.
And you're happy because....?
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Habs Fans! The BEST fans with the best team!
Submitted by TripleX on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 21:48.
Ron Maclean is such a douche! Not one word about the Habs on the Hot Stove segment, the CBC gives the Habs no respect. First in the East, the highest scoring team in the league......and NOTHING. Even Don Cherry at least mentioned Price in his segment.
Submitted by habs-13 on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 22:04.
I was shocked when I heard Don Cherry, of all people, say that Carey Price deserves the Calder as the rookie of the year. Even I wasn't thinking about that. But now that I do, it might be a possibility. He makes the team out of camp when they clearly wanted him to spend a year in Hamilton and then ends up pushing our number 1 out of town and into Washington. And now is playing his heart out with the weight of the city of Montreal on his back.
Not to mention he has a sun burn. :)
Submitted by Smart Dog on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 21:45.
Smolinski had a grand total of 1 shot and won 3 out of 9 face-offs (33%) tonight. No hits, no blocked shots. The guy plays it soft.
I hate to say it but when I saw that item with Smoinski and his kid all I could think was "he's basically content and so doesn't want to take any risks by playing hard". That just seems like the kind of guy he is - he seems more like an accountant than a hockey player - no guts, just playing it safe, watching his kid grow, punching the clock, guarding his nice little life, socking the money away that we fans invest in him.
They should put the loser on wavers. Anyone have ANY idea why they're not dealing with him, benching him, sending him down, calling him out - ANYTHING!
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Habs Fans! The BEST fans with the best team!
Submitted by idle on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 10:13.
So much you can tell about a persons character by watching them play hockey 3 hours 3 times a week.
Submitted by ZepFan2 on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 21:57.
"Smolinski had a grand total of 1 shot and won 3 out of 9 face-offs (33%) tonight. No hits, no blocked shots. The guy plays it soft."
Well, you know what that means eh, bench Ryder.
;)
Submitted by Smart Dog on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 22:04.
It's amazing how hard guys like Grabovski have to work to get here, and Smolinski saunters through every game - just pure laziness. The guy has some skill, he's just playing it safe and it's so damned obvious. I think Carbo's patience will run out. It usually does eventually and has for almost every other player on the team. Breezer, Dandy....
What really "grinds my gears" is that Chipchura was sent down and this putz is in his position. Chips was solid - hard working, great passer, gave 110%. Smolinksi should be ashamed. It's one thing to be not able and another to play soft.
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Habs Fans! The BEST fans with the best team!
Submitted by idle on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 10:20.
Just curious, how do you know Grabovski works so hard? DO you watch him in practice? Do you know what his off ice training schedule is like? You may be right because I really don't know. But isn't it more just that you like Grabovski and you don't like Smolinski so Smolinski is a lazy bum and Grabovski is a hard worker who gets no breaks.
Does anyone know what Grabovski's personality is like? Maybe he is a bit of a jack ***? or maybe he is just a sweet nice guy who everyone likes? I couldn't tell you. All I can tell you is that he is not getting the ice time because the management of the team believes that he is not ready. I'm not sure how much him pouting and leaving the team to cry to his agent, tells us about his situation with the team but certainly it can't be a good thing.
Submitted by Vancouver Hab Fan on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 01:11.
I agree completely. I would like to see Smolinski cut and the Chipper brought back for the streatch run and playoffs. Smolinski is crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Go Habs Go!
Submitted by NightRyder on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 21:30.
I believe I actually want the Leafs to win tonight.
I just threw up a little in my mouth.
Submitted by Vancouver Hab Fan on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 01:27.
I have a Lafleur rookie card, any idea what it is worth? I have Dryden' as well.
Submitted by mrstewart61 on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 21:36.
I feel like such a traitor, but me too.
Submitted by Smart Dog on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 21:38.
LOL
NJ is up 1-0 in the 2nd... on the bright side, Phoenix is beating Ottawa. Man those Sens have a sucky team! :)
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Habs Fans! The BEST fans with the best team!
Submitted by Holyirishman on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 21:28.
I LOVE the way this team is playing right now....... GO HABS GO!!
Hockey / Hurling....... their not all that different!
Submitted by rbt259 on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 21:54.
37 shots on goal...and a defense going MIA for the past few weeks and you LOVE the way this team is playing right now? They are playing like my home town Saskatoon Blades (who haven't heard of the term defense in years and are sitting near the bottom of the league...again). The Habs are spotty on offense playing only when Kovy is on the ice, and spend the rest of the time chasing the puck around their own end trying not to get scored on. Thank goodness for great goaltending or we may find ourselves in last place right now. We've been lucky to date, scored opportunistically when we've had to, and snuck away with wins in games we were in for only minutes at a time. The Kings should have won this afternoon's game, and except for Halak's heroics, would have. We need to get the anchors out of our butt, and start to play a full 60 minutes or the sky will fall soon. Tomorrow will tell the tale of the tape...Anaheim. If we play 60 minutes with intensity...we'll win. If we play as we have the past few weeks...good luck.
Submitted by lemess on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 22:05.
Fellow Flatlander,
While the defense hasn't looked all that good in the last few games, this years team has been playing to their opponent most nights (exceptions being Dallas & Ottawa). They have been playing great hockey against the good teams (Jersey, Boston, etc.) and good enough to win against bad teams (see the last two games). This team has the best chance to make some noise in the playoffs since '93 because of the ability to score opportunistic goals and great goaltending.
The difference between the Habs and the Blades is that the Habs are winning. We will be fine against big, bad Anaheim.
Submitted by The Teacher on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 21:18.
I love Paul DiPietro!
"Are the Habs ready to pay the Price?"
"Four blind mice, Four blind mice, see how they suck?"
Submitted by Vancouver Hab Fan on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 21:15.
The team didn't play great and pulled one out which to me speaks to the continued development of the team that they can win on off nights. Halak played very strong but I believed he would; I was a proponent of trading Huet and going with Price and Halak from the beginning of the year.
The one thing I can't understand/agree with is why Smolinski gets to play; he is crap!!! I would pick every other forward on the bench over him as well as probably 3 guys in Hamilton.
Go Habs Go!
Submitted by idle on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 10:08.
"I was a proponent of trading Huet and going with Price and Halak from the beginning of the year."
Why would you want to do that at the beginning of the year before you even had a chance to evaluate Price in the NHL?
It's easy for people to say 'I told you so' after things have worked out the way they did but they just as easily could have worked out differently too. Price did need to go down to Hamilton to work on some things and what if when he got back he was still "Ruined by Rollie" as many suggested and could not get his confidence back.
Hindsight is...
Submitted by Vancouver Hab Fan on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 12:34.
I was a proponent of trading Huet from the beginning of the year (and if my historic posts can be viewed they will prove it) but not to trade him at the beginning of the year. My feelings were while I liked Huet and he is a good goalie I didn't feel he was a goalie who would carry the team deep into the playoffs, so why not go with the young guys and see if one of them could backstop a long playoff run; if you believe strongly that Huet couldn't do the job than going with someone who you don't know about gives you the same result or a better result (this has also been referenced as Gainey's logic for making the trade). I was also certain that Gainey would not be giving Huet a new contract with Price and Halak around, so I was confident he would make a trade to get something in return. I thought Huet would be traded anywhere between December and the trade deadline, personally I thought it would and wanted it to be earlier than it ended up being. I think Gainey was waiting for Huet to string together many solid performances to increase his trade value but it didn't happen. He would play a couple of great games to make himself look like an elite goalie then play really soft and he did that for a few months which is why I think Gainey could not get a first round pick for him.
Go Habs Go!
Submitted by idle on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 15:18.
I still think he was worth more then a second rounder, and am surprised that Gainey could not have gotten more for him. Even Ottawa should have been interested at that price.
Submitted by TripleX on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 21:28.
Smokes must have incriminating pics of Carbo cheating on his wife. There is no way he is getting ice time on merit alone. Another thing, please put Ryder back with Higgins and Koivu. He is totally wasted on the fourth line, if he gets the minutes he plays very well.
Submitted by Ed on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 21:08.
habitante, I am with you, & want the leafs to win so that Montreal stays in first. An extra 2 points for the leafs won't affect us. Also, if the leafs keep losing, they will be in line for a top draft pick, in a very strong draft year. There are only 5 teams below them now, & 3 of those teams are 3 points or less behind the leafs. I don't want the leafs getting their hands on what could be a franchise type player.
Submitted by habitante on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 20:59.
Hate to wish luck upon the Leafs but...I kinda like looking at the standings and seeing "Montreal Canadiens" right up there on top. Who could blame me? ;)
Great game for Halak! 35 saves and barely looked like he'd been sitting on the bench for many games. Go Jaro!! Lets just hope the Habs don't play as lightly tomorrow. If they let Anaheim have 37 shots...eesh. Might not be able to squeeze a win outta that.
Ahh well. Maybe they played lighlty tonight to save their energy for tomorrow. I'm anxious to watch the game!
Submitted by CHCanadien on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 20:39.
Good game by Halak. I thought he got better as the game went on.
What's up with AK-27? Is he under the weather? He didn't look like himself this afternoon.
Do I dare say I'd like to see the make-beliefs win tonight so we stay in first? I think not.
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 21:02.
I think Kovy deserved a night off.
Submitted by idle on Sun, 03/09/2008 - 10:03.
Kovy did get the night off. It was an afternoon game.
Submitted by TripleX on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 20:36.
Here is one for the stats guys. Does anyone know the last time the Habs led the league in scoring? It must be back in the 70's when Lafluer had 60 plus.....damn who was the guy who played the other wing and also had 60
Just remembered....Steve Shutt....hahaha.
Submitted by mrstewart61 on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 21:38.
Lafleur never had 60+, but had 60 in '77-78. Shutt had 60 the year before.
Submitted by Ed on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 20:38.
Steve Shutt, I would think. Ha, you edited before I got my post in, so I had to edit my post. Thanks for the old edit button.
Submitted by Spartan117 on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 20:31.
Halak 35 saves, Breezy scores, Kostopulous Scores ..what is it, backup night in LA? oh well, congrats Halak and Kosty, but Breezy ur still garbage, play the game till the wistle and congrats on ur deflection goal, now try some defence. but otherwise good game habs.
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The Leafs are like an overused joke, it was funny the first 40 times, but after a while it gets old..
LES HABITANTS JUSQU'AU BOUT
Submitted by linp on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 20:27.
One thing I notice during the last two games. When we are playing as a team, our players take a second to look before making a pass. When we are playing bad, everyone just dumps the puck against the board as soon as possible without looking. That's when we gives up a lot of shots on goal. No one except Kovy can carry the puck out of our zone.
Submitted by TripleX on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 20:00.
Happy about the win, but the shots on goal are still worrisome. If we allow the Ducks to have 35+ shots on net it could be lights out. I sure hope Price brings his A game on Sunday. Mixed feelings on the Laffs game, on the one hand I hope the Devils win 10 to 0, but that would give them first place. Damn I can't cheer for the Laffs, the hell with first.....LOL.
Submitted by Infamous on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 20:05.
Good to know halak can come off the bench and make a quality start when we need him. Bring on the ducks!
Submitted by Shiloh on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 19:53.
Gui! Gui! Gui! Ok - two points on a day where Breezer scores (gasp!) and Kostopoulos as well. What can I say? Halak was solid - he hasn't played in a while and looked fine.
We know that in an 82 game season there will be games where we don't play so hot. It's great to scoop 4 points the last two days in games we didn't play our best.
Anaheim will be tough - but why not win thatt one too?
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Sat, 03/08/2008 - 20:59.
Shiloh - You forgot that Gui was 3rd star on RDS but they also thought SK74 was invisible.
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