Laraque 'em, sock 'em

posted by Mike Boone at 20h56 EST on Jul 3


While Habs Inside/Out deeply deplores all forms of violence, we cannot help but look forward to the first time this season that Wade Redden tries to muscle Sergei Kostitsyn or Chris Neil runs Carey Price or Milan Lucic tries to goad Mike Komisarek into a major penalty.

For a preview of what might eventuate, here are a few of Georges Laraque's greatest hits:

Compilation, with music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GacYEtfI8MM

vs. Colton Orr
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzBSICvS0Dk

Clash of the Titans: featuring Derek Boogard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KtO6vx0QU4&feature=related


Eric Godard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvx9Qtbf3SU&feature=related

Brian McGrattan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5qUEYfhIa4&feature=related

Kris Barch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10Ce__ou5Mk&feature=related

Riley Coté
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGiJ4gDrSYA&NR=1

A classic, because Georges was mic'd for the game and wishes Raitins Ivanans "good luck" before they go:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvIK-FLJgn4&feature=related




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Comments

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Andrew Sharpe's picture
I think this is a great move. Laraques is the best fighter in the game, so much so, that nobody will even fight him anymore. And who can blame them? When you drop the mitts with him you not only risk getting embarrassed, you risk your life. This will change the way people like Chara play the Habs.

It took we a while to appreciate Gainey's new signing in George Laraque.... not that I dont like fighting in hockey, not that having the very best of the genre in my own team didn't excite me or that I had any kind of hold back towards George's personality ( quite the contrary ) .... my hesitation mostly had to do with our team not getting anything from the UFA market to solidified further the fast skating, puck moving and scoring hability of our team..... which were no doubts the essentiels elements that were behind the successes we had in our last season. Based on our last season and on the Wings own I believe that teams having the most speed and talents in their roster are the one having the best chances at dominating the others ... 3 lines deep of speedy skilfull puck handlers playing high tempo two way game is the modern way to the Cup. The fourth line is something else, talent is always limited on a 4 th line and scoring as well ... but if players on that line can keep the cycling going deep in the offensive zone by being good at puck protection like some of the big guys sometine managed ... than you'r in buziness ... and George from what I heard is extremelly competent at that. But there is more to Laraque, as we all know, he is an insurrance policy that will enable our top three lines and all players to do their job and play their game regardless of context or situations ... subtil changes that should make a difference in the end. Laraque is a fantastic aquisition, a great caractere and a great teamate as well....... money well spend by Gainey specially when considering this year crasy market.

ok for a visit, but if my sibling didn't live there, I would never go.

joeybarrie's picture
So your sibling is the dumb one to live in Barrie???? Again, nothing wrong with Barrie

Hey Joey Barrie; Do you honestly think I live in Barrie? Don't believe everything you read. I wouldn't be caught dead in that small boring city.

Chuck's picture
Er... if you "wouldn't be caught dead in that small boring city", then why would you be proud enough of it to list it in your profile? __________________________________

The Teacher's picture
You have to ask? Isn't the answer quite obvious? Laraque will make them Pay the Price!

joeybarrie's picture
So you just CLAIM to be from Barrie??? I see... (I'm laughing) Nothing wrong with Barrie, great little city.

I just watched the fight against Ivanans for about the 27th time...oh man, the confidence he exhibits with the :You want to?" and "Good luck" comments. No question, the small European players that Gainey has been accused of favouring can breathe a little easier!

joeybarrie's picture
You may do better replying with some sort of Hockey related comeback...Cause so far all your hockey responses have been dead on right.... Sometimes none is better huh.

new Submitted by joeybarrie on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 11:58. Wow, you can't read either can you? I never said he beat him. I said he WILL beat him. You have freedom of speech, I just expect more of a Habs fan. It's not about agreeing, it's about being stupid. AND THIS WOULD BE A BETTER WORLD IF STUPID PEOPLE WERE SHUT UP. next time R E A D M O R E S L O W L Y. You still belong in Toronto. LEARN HOW TO TYPE. You're supposed to put a space between words. They teach that in the 1st grade. but of course you're only 5 years old. I don't live in Toronto, because Torontonians are as stupid as you. Learn how to spell: STUPID PEOPLE WERE SHUT UP. Now, I don't think that is proper english. But when you get to the 1st grade, they will explain that. Are we having fun yet? it's so ironic that most of you so called Gainey supporters,are so 2 faced, trashing Gainey on Faceoff.com I read all the posts and most of you did exactly that.

joeybarrie's picture
There is a space between words. I didn't say you live in T.O. Just that you should. And as for the SO CALLED GAINEY SUPPORTERS. I can't speak for others, only myself. And I don' go to faceoff.com. Oh yeah, forgot... That was your response. If so, THANK YOU

The Teacher's picture
You sure your name is not "Habsattack" or HabsWIN09? Laraque will make them Pay the Price!

Grabbed The Cup's picture
You know he is one and the same Teach, same writing style, or lack thereof.

The Teacher's picture
Not too hard to figure that one out GTC ;) Laraque will make them Pay the Price!

JOEYBARRIE; what kind of stupid name is that? If you did your homework, (which you didn't), you would know that Chara DID in fact beat Laraque fighting. So before you throw out your insults, check the stats, dumbo. Oh, I forgot this is a pro gainey site. You're not allowed to say anything negative, NO FREEDOM OF SPEECH. Man would this be a boring world if everyone agreed. THERE ARE NO SUCH THINGS AS RIGHT OR WRONG, JUST DIFFERENCES IN OPINION, EINSTEIN.

joeybarrie's picture
As for what kind of stupid name is that... I did my research. You live in the city that was named after my family... So I guess you already know. Move south and get it over with, come out the closet.

joeybarrie's picture
Oh yeah, I get BEHIND my team. Not insult every move. Gainey has more insight in his little pinky than all of your type put together. Explain to me why all the experts are saying The Habs are one of the teams that won in the UFA market??? You need faith. But alas I will not waste my time away from the bar when we again prove your negative idiots wrong to say I TOLD YOU SO. I'll be too busy smiling at my boys on TV.

joeybarrie's picture
Wow, you can't read either can you? I never said he beat him. I said he WILL beat him. You have freedom of speech, I just expect more of a Habs fan. It's not about agreeing, it's about being stupid. AND THIS WOULD BE A BETTER WORLD IF STUPID PEOPLE WERE SHUT UP. Oh yeah, I did check my stats. next time R E A D M O R E S L O W L Y. You still belong in Toronto.

To listen to some of you people talking about Laraque, like he is the next coming of the Messiah! Calling him an impact player? What a joke. C'mon. fans in other cities are probably laughing their heads off at the habs management He's doesn't fight anymore. He didn't even play in the finals, and can't score a lick. And as I recall Chara beat him in a fight. 3 years is ridiculous, and 1.5 mil is way too much for a guy who hardly plays. If Gainey is finished signing players,habs are not going anywhere. This is our centennial year, and we still can't get a center!

joeybarrie's picture
I also can;t help but notice your earlier post praising the signing of Laraque. Almost forgot, last year you probably said to all your idiot buddies who listen to you over some warm Molsons "Habs aren't going anywhere this season, maybe make the playoffs"... There are no words to describe how ridiculous you are.

joeybarrie's picture
Oh Yeah, negative idiots like you are the reason Montreal isn't attractive to Big Names. Blame yourself. Then go live in Toronto. You deserve it.

joeybarrie's picture
Relax, he can fight. He will fight. He is the best fighter in the league. Chara will not beat him in a fight. He can skate, and he can play well for an enforcer. Oh and as for your argument. he averaged 6 min a game and played in 15 play off games last season. I guess Habsworld is a bad name for you. WE ARE THE MOST EXCITING TEAM IN THE NHL. DUMBA**

The Teacher's picture
1)His fists will impact other player's faces 2)He had 13 fights last year 3)He won 11 of those fights 4He had a draw again Brashear and Chara in the other 2 Any other questions? Laraque will make them Pay the Price!

Shoowtime's picture
This signing will help our team. People will be afraid to walk in the Bell Centre just knowing the The World NHL Heavy Weight Champion is in the building. Good signing We need one more player and if sundin could make up his mind this team will be very dangerous. Go Habs Go

mjames's picture
I agree with the majority of the posters that Laraque was a good signing as it addressed an element lacking on this team. If I am Carbo I would instruct Laraque to focus on playing hockey. His reputation is deterrent enough for the other team. As such he does not have to run around picking fights. We could have a Ferguson or Nilan type player here. I know those other guys were better but some of our skill might rub off on Laraque. As I recall this guy does not look that bad out there. I think it was a smart signing on Gainey's' part and he did not grossly overpay. mjames

Connecticut Man1's picture
He seems like a pretty smart guy. Just throwing good clean hits ought to be painful enough for the other team, given his size. Just hope that he is wise enough to really pick and choose when he drops the gloves. Interesting recent quote from the Roy family debacle: "The minister does not have anything else to do, it makes no sense. If her project is accepted, the QMJHL will change to the League of Ballet Dancers of Quebec and the Maritimes!" the Quebec Native player joked to the media. He went further. "What's next, forbid the slap-shots because the puck can hurt? Or the elimination of the hits? Or the 220 lb players? Or why doesn't she forbid the skates blades because they can cause serious injuries?"

TommyB's picture
Wait a minute...I thought the Quebec League already was the League of Ballet Dancers...whoops.

The Teacher's picture
Typical example of everything being blown out of proportion. Laraque will make them Pay the Price!

joeybarrie's picture
3 years 35 million???

Jagr will look great in an Omsk jersey! I'm pumped! You know what they say in the Russian Super League. Go big or go Omsk!

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette - Jagr "Reportedly" signs with Russian team. (Avangard Omsk) ..... http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08186/894842-61.stm

joeybarrie's picture
looks like it, he's on the front page of their website with a big smile

the real vinnydj's picture
Spector is reporting that Gainey will leave room to sign Sundin if and when he is ready.


the real vinnydj's picture
This is exactly what I said the other day, Smart Dog remember???????????

Connecticut Man1's picture
For the many of us that hoped Gainey was making moves that would leave this door open: "Huzzah!"

twocents's picture
At this point why wouldn't he? This way even if Sundin decides to retire Gainey has cap room to take on a player in a trade when a few teams start to tank be November or later. It's a smart move.

MikeL's picture

Tharsis's picture
Georgie boy can play hockey as well! Not pretty goals but how many current habs players can say they have a hattrick? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RnL2kF9zR4 ---------------------------------- Fate leads the willing, and drags along the reluctant.

nick's picture
So now what? We sit around and wait until training camp? preseason? Gah... what 2 months to go?

So the Habs finally have finally signed a free agent "impact player" they seem to have been looking for. Just what the team needs! Spend very little and get lots of penalty minutes. At the same time, they can please the Romans in the Forum with the new giant gladiator to be goad on to draw blood fighting his opponents. Just like the good old days, except this is not a way to win.

So how so we win? By signing overpriced free agents? Is there some guarantee out there? If we signed Sundin, Hossa and the mighty Finger, everyone'd be wondering come next June why we didn't win and where all the money went. They'd be wondering where Sundin and Hossa went shortly after. Laraque will help this team in ways those players couldn't. He doesn't have to fight every night. We have lots of talent. Even more in the system. Let's develop our own players and let a guy like Georges help them play at a certain comfort level.

Xtrahabsfan's picture
Give it a rest ,would you bro!

the real vinnydj's picture
I wish people could understand the significance of this signing, having the unofficial title as "enforcer" isn't just about dropping the gloves and fighting, the fighting part is basically the last thing you do when trying to send a message. Just having a guy like Laraque sitting on the bench will make a huge difference. The other teams goons will hesitate when delivering that unnecessary hit to Kovi, koivu, AK, and SK because they now know they will have an enforcer to answer to (One of the best in the league if you ask me) Our guys showed lots of grit last year especially playing against Boston in the playoffs, they were more then willing to match any hit Boston had to offer and that is great and a part of great hockey, but the little face washes and punching after the play would reduce drastically. From Warm ups to the end of the game Laraque will send a message and if some people are having trouble understanding it then he will smash their face in. I think i'm ok with that.

Grabbed The Cup's picture
Laraque is the reigning heavyweight champ, and he can play hockey as well, His best year he had 29pts., and he had 24pts. in 2006-7. As a heavyweight fighter who can play a regular shift he is as rare a breed as the power forward we all crave, and not too far down the road in importance to a club.

joeybarrie's picture
Not the IMPACT player they we talking about. And what are you saying???

MikeL's picture
Just because they "finally have finally" signed a tough guy doesn't mean he finally is finally the impact player they are looking for.

Habhopeful's picture
Does Anyone know when RFA Deadline is by any chance? Is there even a Final date?? I noticed theres still alot of RFA's out there... "If I wanted to hear from an ass, I would fart..."

joeybarrie's picture
I think the players have a week to respond to the qualifying offers we have given them. Restricted Free Agents are younger players whos right belong to the team. Another team can tender an offer sheet, which we have a week to match or receive draft picks as compensation.

MikeL's picture
Here's an article from THN's Adam Proteau. He lists the FA winners and losers. We are amoung the winners. Check it out. (Especially all the Gainey bashers) http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/17016-Screen-Shots-Free-agency-win...

Ah ha! Bob IS A GENIUS! Like, I've been saying we don't need 37 year old losers, we need a player to make all our young players play bigger and better. We got him. I'm smiling. The team that led the league in scoring isn't going to get pushed out of anyone's building this year. Another piece of the puzzle.

RetroMikey's picture
Bob's a genius landing Georges at the price we got him! I remember Georges playing for the Bulldogs many years ago and he truly is a leader on and off the ice with the players and the fans as well as the community. Welcome home Georges! "We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"

DD's picture
These might fit your bill a bit better. "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." : Benjamin Franklin "A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools." Douglas Adams "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool then to speak out and remove all doubt" Abraham Lincoln (Thanks Yeats) "Take all the fools out of this world and there wouldn't be any fun living in it, or profit." Henry Wheeler Shaw

Puck Bard's picture
Heavy Metal Georges!

nigel-ski's picture
I'm looking forward to seeing Laraque on a bone-crushing line with Bégin and Kostopolous. I've read comments on TSN.ca (and there are likely some here also) that figure GL is getting overpaid, but I have to disagree. This signing addresses our dearth of a tough guy, and his occasional scoring will complement the style of his future teammates. I think that the Grabovski deal, for a 5th rounder from a few weeks ago and a 2nd rounder in 2010 was part of the Sundin rights agreement. On the plus side, with the not-so-savvy signings of a Finger and a Hag(man), the 2nd rounder we get will likely be in the low to high thirties, even then. Not bad for a diminuitive forward who seemed petrified to go into the slot unless he was on a breakaway. A player that surely didn't fit into our overall plans for the future. But why sign the washed up Denis? I really hope that no significant injuries at goal occur this year, because Denis has made a sieve look like a dam the last couple of seasons. Habs rule, Leafs drool...

Hoegarden's picture
Nigel, if you listened to Bob's interview yesterday, he made it clear to Denis that he was ticketed as the # 3 goalie. He was going nowhere in TB. His hope is that with the help of Melanson, he will be able to bring his game back to the NHL level and then the organization will take it from there. He was after all, a first rounder (picked 25th overall).

cautiousoptimist's picture
Denis makes sense to me -- let him sit in the minors, not counting against the salary cap, and if Halak leaves we've got a decent backup. If not, Gainey can deal him without having to call up a complete rookie. The bottom line is that Denis costs us nothing in Hamilton, and with Danis gone we could use the depth. 1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat 2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."

SmartDog's picture
I agree Cat, FSLN, And so instead the Pens sign Eric Godard to fill George's size 14 shoes (or to TRY... George has taken him). Godard is a 1-dimensional goon, in 200 NHL games has 8 points (one point every 25 games - ouch!) The Pens probably save 700-800K in salary (I don't know the actual number but Godard has to be cheap) for their big boys. You have to wonder if it's worth it. But that's the situation the Pens are locked into... trimming the fat off everyone to keep their stars happy. ~Listen to the smart dog!

The Cat's picture
Whether people want to admit it or not, Laraque and his toughness are a key element to any hockey team...He was with the oilers and penguins and both made a cup run.

cautiousoptimist's picture
Darn tootin'. 1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat 2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."

FSLN's picture
I like this signing. I wouldn't want a straight up goon, but as Boone says Laraque can play a regular fourth line shift and be effective. I remember some of his shifts in the corners too and he is really good at keeping possession. His hands kind of suck but he can open up space and at least keep the puck in the O-zone. I like it! Danis on the other hand...


24 Cups's picture
NM49 - I guess we will never know the inside scoop on what happened here but it appears to me that Jagr has made a mistake. I totally understand if he wants to go to Russia and make the multi millions - tax free. As for the NHL, New York was perfect for him. Captain of the team, fawning GM, centre of attention, in the limelight of the big apple. Lots of good centres to feed him the puck. He easily could have stayed for $6 mil a year and the Rangers would have paid it. If this guy had the heart of a Sakic then he could have been one of the top ten players of all time. The only way he can stay in the NHL now is to sign on with one of the bottom feeders that has lots of cap space or take a mega pay cut. I hope he likes the taste of vodka. The Original 24 Cups

24 - The pampered baby gets his. You are so correct and you don't float for 80% of the season then turn it on to impress everybody and save your contract , not with Sather. IMO what ticked off Sather was when he didn't want to play with either Gomez or Drury at center and that really made Sather's off season moves look bad and redundant. Where Jagr goes will be the surprise of this free agency and as you mentioned expect anything.

SmartDog's picture
There's a lot of 'he said, she said' to this. Jagr makes it sound like the team didn't really want him back. Hard to say what really went down there. Might be true. Interesting anyway, to see if the Rangers once more can create another under-performing team out of good pieces. LOL ~Listen to the smart dog!

SM - Your correct , me son and there were a lot of games played out by both parties and the agent also so let's just turn the page and i think the Rangers are not as potent as they were last year but the minor deals for role players impressed me , Redden is a joke.

Dan Boyle's agent was given a list of teams to chose from for next season - Van - Phil - NYI - Atl - CLB - Ott - SJ ..... http://blogs.mercurynews.com/sharks/2008/07/03/agent-confirms-sharks-in-...

SmartDog's picture
Montreal not on the list - not that it's an issue. ~Listen to the smart dog!

24 Cups's picture
NM49 - The only way to explain this move is to say it must be coming from the new owner. You really have to wonder where the power base is in Tampa these days. Feaster must be feeling a little uneasy. Regardless, this team still needs a quarterback and Boyle fits the bill. Sure they over paid at 5 years, 6.7 mil per year but that's not news these days. Only Philly and SJ look appealing from the list of suitors, all the others are NHL hell holes. Glad to see that Montreal's name wasn't included. Bringing Boyle here for that coin and term would be Gainey's undoing. The Original 24 Cups

Steve - Boyle's getting married this summer to complicate matters even more. Feaster is only there in name now and to consult with on NHL policies and maybe a minor position in the future if that , in other words see ya. I'm also glad that Boyle's list doesn't have MTL and the double surgery on that wrist makes me leery. Things seem quiet and I'll try and find out about the Halek situation which is nothing to worry about.

Your name and closing remarks do not fit your comments. Change one or the other. A change of attitude would probably help, too.

Trashy and insulting post.... not brilliant or remotly funny either.

Chuck's picture
There is, however, no "intimidator rule". __________________________________

Chuck's picture
Al he's got to do is be in the lineup to have an effect. __________________________________

Michael Peca will resign with the Blue Jackets tomorrow for more than one year.

joeybarrie's picture
where did you get this?

DD's picture
I love this move. We get the undisputed heavy weight champ, a guy willing to stand in front of the net and a decent 4th line grinder, for a song. Say good bye to all the cheap shots we've had to deal with the last few years. The kids are going to love the room he's going to create for them. There's a new Sheriff in town.

DD - Spot on and i love the last line.

Chuck's picture
As mentioned below, I'd like to start a petition to have Georges wear #30. A fitting tribute to that number, I think that he'd be. __________________________________

Saturday.Night.Hab's picture
>>"Nilan was a better player" So was Guy Lafleur. Your point? >>"I say he wears 31" Are you suggesting that we get rid of Carey Price? You did know that Price wears that number.... didn't you? >>"I think he does just as much coke as kordic did, or he should look at his nose." wow. you really are a ray of sunshine aren't you? With all the time George spends visiting Children's Hospitals, and doing charity work...how would he fit in that much drug use? My guess is that you really don't watch much hockey, never mind knowing anything about the players personal lives.

Chuck's picture
Try again. I'm pretty sure that #31 is already being word by a certain franchise goalie. __________________________________

Gr8stFranchizEvr's picture
Montreal welcomes the undisputed heavyweight champion of the NHL to the Bell Center as its new and only true enforcer! Welcome Georges! It's been a long time since we had a real tough guy in the lineup.

Xtrahabsfan's picture
A M E N to that,GO HABS GO.....

cautiousoptimist's picture
Greetings from Korea! Greg has it right when he says Laracque isn't a goon -- he's a tough defensive guy who's mean but not dirty. I've been hoping this guy would come along for a long time, and I'm more excited about the Habs than I've been in a good long while. Woo hoo! 1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat 2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."

Habs_Rule's picture
The Pens signed Eric Godard to replace Laraque as their main heavyweight fighter although he already beat Godard easily in afight. LOL

SmartDog's picture
This guy is young - and got 2 points in 74 games!! No offensive upside at all (and -8). Why would they let Laraque go? Must be cash - probably save a million bucks, but who wants a guy like that on the ice? They must be trimming all the non-essentials down so they have room to sign as many of their up-and-comers. VERY glad they let big George go for our sake! ~Listen to the smart dog!

Bred's picture
All we need Big George to do is sit in front of the net on the PP and let kovy take shots from the circle. One or two are BOUND to go in.

sidhu's picture
A helpful (though incomplete) list of free agents that are left: http://mirtle.blogspot.com/2008/07/2008-free-agency-whos-left.html




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