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:
Submitted by Andrew Sharpe on Sat, 07/05/2008 - 10:09.
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.
Submitted by Bouleau noir on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 20:05.
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.
Submitted by habsworld on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 13:49.
ok for a visit, but if my sibling didn't live there, I would never go.
Submitted by joeybarrie on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 15:44.
So your sibling is the dumb one to live in Barrie????
Again, nothing wrong with Barrie
Submitted by habsworld on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 13:03.
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.
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?
__________________________________
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 15:59.
You have to ask? Isn't the answer quite obvious?
Laraque will make them Pay the Price!
Submitted by joeybarrie on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 13:07.
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!
Submitted by joeybarrie on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 11:22.
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.
Submitted by habsworld on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 11:08.
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.
Submitted by joeybarrie on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 11:15.
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
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 11:10.
You sure your name is not "Habsattack" or HabsWIN09?
Laraque will make them Pay the Price!
You know he is one and the same Teach, same writing style, or lack thereof.
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 13:49.
Not too hard to figure that one out GTC ;)
Laraque will make them Pay the Price!
Submitted by habsworld on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 10:55.
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.
Submitted by joeybarrie on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 11:28.
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.
Submitted by joeybarrie on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 11:03.
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.
Submitted by joeybarrie on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 10:58.
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. 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.
Submitted by habsworld on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 10:09.
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!
Submitted by joeybarrie on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 10:38.
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.
Submitted by joeybarrie on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 10:34.
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.
Submitted by joeybarrie on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 10:32.
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**
Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 10:29.
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!
Submitted by Shoowtime on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 09:59.
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
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
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?"
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.
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.
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.
Submitted by Thomas Le Fan on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 08:35.
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.
Submitted by Xtrahabsfan on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 08:32.
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.
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.
Submitted by joeybarrie on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 08:00.
Not the IMPACT player they we talking about. And what are you saying???
Just because they "finally have finally" signed a tough guy doesn't mean he finally is finally the impact player they are looking for.
Submitted by Habhopeful on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 07:36.
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..."
Submitted by joeybarrie on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 08:04.
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.
Submitted by Thomas Le Fan on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 07:19.
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.
Submitted by RetroMikey on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 06:56.
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"
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
Submitted by Puck Bard on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 06:35.
Heavy Metal Georges!
Submitted by nigel-ski on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 06:23.
Submitted by Hoegarden on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 08:24.
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).
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..."
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!
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.
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..."
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...
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 23:20.
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
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 06:06.
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.
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!
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 07:01.
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.
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 23:08.
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
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 06:18.
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.
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.
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Fri, 07/04/2008 - 06:23.
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.
__________________________________
>>"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.
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.
Submitted by Xtrahabsfan on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 22:15.
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..."
Submitted by Habs_Rule on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 21:41.
The Pens signed Eric Godard to replace Laraque as their main heavyweight fighter although he already beat Godard easily in afight. LOL
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!
About I grew up in Park Extension, within walking distance of Dickie Moore's Dairy Queen on Jean Talon. Moore had a place on L'Acadie Blvd., and we used to see him driving around in his convertible with a Samoyed and a very dishy wife.
While "studying" at McGill University during the 1960s, I used to attend games at the old Montreal Forum. My fellow undergraduate reprobates and I would scramble up the stairs to get centre-ice spots in the top standing room section, where aged ushers didn't know or care what we were smoking.
I stood out in the cold for six hours to get tickets to the 1975 New Year's Eve game between the Canadiens and Central Red Army. With the exception of the birth of my daughter, the 3-3 tie was the greatest event I've ever seen in my life.
I've been a professional journalist since 1974, when I joined the Montreal Star sports department. I've covered the 1976 Olympic Games, the 1979 Expos, pop music and MSO tours of Europe and Asia (classical musicians are WAY more fun to drink with than athletes). I wrote a TV & Radio column for 20 years and, since 2000, have written a City column for The Gazette.
The best part of being a Habs Inside/Out contributor is attending games at the Bell Centre. I think it's a great building: noisy, raucous and packed to the rafters with Montrealers and visitors who live for hockey.
And I still get goosebumps every time Michel Lacroix booms out "Accueillons nos Canadiens ..."
Having seen the Boston Red Sox win two World Series and the Pittsburgh Steelers add a couple Super Bowl titles, I suppose I can die happy ... but not before another Stanley Cup parade. And I'd really like my daughter to see a historic New Year's Eve game.
I really like all the players, but Andrei Markov is God.
My weltanschauung was summarized by the late great Bill Hicks when he said "all matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration, we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream and we are the imagination of ourselves."
Have a nice day.
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