One-on-One: Lapierre still finding his place

posted by Kevin Mio at 18h37 EST on Mar 16


Here is this week's One-on-One from The Gazette's Kevin Mio. 

Maxim Lapierre made an immediate impression when he was called up from the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs last season with his gritty, in-your-face style. He played in 46 games during the 2006-07 season, scoring seven goals and adding six assists, and it looked as if he was in the NHL to stay.

But the St. Léonard native received a shock when he was one of the final cuts during training camp in September and was forced to start the season in the AHL.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound centre, selected by the Canadiens in
the second round (61st overall) of the 2003 NHL entry draft, took the demotion in stride and played 19 games on the farm before being recalled midway through the season.

Before Saturday night's game, Lapierre had seven goals and seven assists in 45 games to go along with 49 penalty minutes and a plus-5.




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Submitted by SUMO on Sun, 03/16/2008 - 23:26.
In Bob we trust. If there is one area where there is a weakness on the Habs its at centre. For the past few drafts we have been loading up on defensemen. Maybe its time to consider our options up the middle. - #1 Centre; Pat Hickey reported last month that Pleks and the Habs are talking about a long-term deal. If this happens, this will secure our #1 centre (at least a 5yr deal). - #2 Centre; Saku's contract runs out next season and I have a suspicion the management will let him walk. (He will be 34yrs and long injury history) - #3 Centre; Smolinski is keeping the this seat warm for either Chipchura or Lapierre. Hes out after this year. - #4 Centre; I think either Chipper or Max will get this role next season. - My only suggestion is to give Chris Higgins a shot down the middle. Drafted as a centre he has reasonable size, explosive speed, defensively responsible and a hard worker. They are experimenting with Sergei at centre why not Higgy? He and Sergei seems to have a good chemistry on the ice and know where each other are. I think he is misplaced as a winger and would work better down the middle. He and Saki also play a similar style, so why not? Current Tomas Plekanec, 25yrs Saku Koivu, 33yrs Bryan Smolinski, 36yrs Max Lapierre, 22yrs Mikhail Grabovski, 24yrs In the system Kyle Chipchura, 22yrs Corey Locke, 23yrs Ryan Russell, 20yrs Ben Maxwell, 19yrs Ryan White, 19yrs Andrew Conboy, 19yrs Olivier Fortier, 18yrs Go Habs Go!

Spartan117's picture
Submitted by Spartan117 on Mon, 03/17/2008 - 02:43.
Dont lose your heads on Kaptain K going just yet..he could be having a last year Kovalev year (if that made sense) and remember how much of an asset he was in the playoffs gainst carolina, once we lost him we lost the series. Give him time --- "Dodge this.." *crack* - AK27

habs03's picture
Submitted by habs03 on Mon, 03/17/2008 - 01:42.
I see your point SUMO with us being weak down the middle, but I think its only time before our younger guys are experienced enough. For example I think Kyle Chipchura can handle our 3rd line shutdown duty for a long time. With that said I think that the we should start getting Lapierre to play right wing. Hence him and Chipper can be a true shut down 3rd line we haven't had all year and really for the past few years. Also i see Plekanec as a 2nd line center, he would be one of the best second line center in the league, he would be just like a Patrick Marleau of years past playing behind big Joe in San Jose. I also agree with you in that even though I love Saku I cant picture him being a being able to occupy our 1st line duty at the age of 34, so we can sign a 1st line center when Saku's contact is up, that off season Jokinen, Vinny.. are ufa's

P St. Pierre's picture
Submitted by P St. Pierre on Sun, 03/16/2008 - 22:49.
I really enjoy watching Max play. He's such a gritty player and an excellent penalty killer. His speed makes him dangerous and it also allows him to throw some big hits in the corners. I wish Begin was healthy and that he and Lapierre were playing every night.

Corporate's picture
Submitted by Corporate on Sun, 03/16/2008 - 21:13.
He is a good player. the gritty type of player that Montreal needs. je would be great with Begin... Everyone will get ice time... He did not sit because he was not playing well... he was left out because other players need to play. Come to the playoffs, we need everyone...

Submitted by V. on Sun, 03/16/2008 - 20:35.
yay! I have such a crush on Max. I hope he plays tuesday, because I will be at the game.

showey47's picture
Submitted by showey47 on Sun, 03/16/2008 - 19:40.
laps is already better than smokes as a shutdown/penalty killer guy. His speed and tenacity is also a plus, can't wait for the chipper to make this team also. Bob, no more has-been players please(smokes,breezby), we have enough depth and talent in our system.

kevrob's picture
Submitted by kevrob on Sun, 03/16/2008 - 21:49.
I have a feeling that we won't be seeing any has-beens in Montreal for many years to come. Gainey only got Smokes and Breezer because there was some uncertainty as to the readiness of the up and comers. I think that this season has definitely done away with his concerns. Our two ol' timers will be shipped off to the geriatric ward...most likely they will sign 5 year contracts with the leafs.

RudeMood19's picture
Submitted by RudeMood19 on Sun, 03/16/2008 - 19:04.
He should be playing all the time. ____________________________________________________________ 1. February 19th, 2008, a day which will live in sublimity.

WestHab's picture
Submitted by WestHab on Sun, 03/16/2008 - 18:50.
Laps is improved over last year. Aside form Komi I think he's the player other teams hate more than anyone on the Habs...that's a compliment. In Bob we Trust.