Domination – for 59 minutes

posted by Mike Boone at 18h34 EST on Dec 27

A late goal by Jan Hlavac – who is so firmly ensconced in his coach's doghouse that it's gone condo – makes the 5-2 final score vaguely respectable.

But this was a superb performance by your Montreal Canadiens. Ten players figured in the scoresheet, all of Guy Carbonneau's new lines were productive and the defence – keyed by Andrei Markov and Mike Komisarek – was airtight for most of the game.

League-leading scorer Vincent Lecavalier got bupkis. Donuts for Brad Richards and Martin St. Louis as well.

And when they don't score ...

Can Canadiens make it two-for-Florida?

Tune in tomorrow.

Aftermatch:

Nagging question: Whom was Roman Hamrlik addressing in the corridor when he dropped off hhis stick and growled "shut the @#$% up!"? ... Jacques Demers praises Sergei's hockey sense. Great vision and a more developed player than his older brother .... Kind words for Latendresse, on his way to 20 goals at the age of 20 ... Everything missing against Dallas was in ample evidence: zone clearances, winning one-on-one battles, defence supporting forwards and vice-versa, playing with conviction and confidence ... The Captain will benefit from that third period rest when Canadiens play the Panthers and their tough, defensive style ... The killer Christmas road trip has yielded five of a possible eight points. Not too shabby ... In the stands: Pat Burns and Bob Hartley ... Good interview with Pleks. Smart guy who says the right things.

3P 00:02:

Shots of Lightning GM Jay Feaster say it all. But a garbage goal makes it 5-2

3P 1:30:

Even Huet is making good passes.

3P 3:39:

One more PP. They should just rag it for two minutes

3P 4:00:

Good night, André Roy. Explain to me again why each team needs a goon.

3P Break:

No jinx.

This is over.

And it should have been a shutout.

3P 6:00:

What a game by Markov!

3P Break:

What a shift by the Pleks line! Andrei K. has to play like that all the time.

3P 9:47:

Ryder on a 3-on-1 ... shoots, right at Holmqvist. Koivu has played less than two minutes this period. Carbo is resting him for tomorrow night.

3P Break:

It's getting very scrambly. But TB can't get sustained pressure. Brilliant game by the D tonight.

3P 12:00:

Hey, Holmqvist is back in nets for TB. Carbo: Don't get any ideas.

3P 13:45:

Another screw-up, by Ryder, opens the doot for Vaclav Prospal

5-1

3P 14:00:

Andrei K: three screw-ups on one shift. He has issues

3P 16:23:

Another TB penalty. They're brutal tonight.

3P 18:00:

OK, Kostopoulos lost the fight. Think it will change the momentum? Tampa Bay is playing like they want Tortorella fired.

3P 18:46:

I STILL want pedal to the metal.

Like that.

Pleks to Andrei K.

5-0

3P 19:16:

Sheldon who?

Markov's 10th, from the point on the PP.

4-0

3P 20:00:

Let's hope they keep pedal to the metal.

Between periods:

Did you get the distinct impression that Kovy didn't like Renaud Lavoie describing his goal as lucky. He responded by pointing out that the harder you work, the luckier you tend to be .... Pleks and Koivu are now 2-16 on faceoffs ... Canadiens have 17 blocked shots to seven for Tampa Bay ... Stats say Lightning have a 26-11 advantage in hits but it doesn't look like they're dominating physically ... Kovalev has five shots ... Don't tell Carbo this is a three-line league: Tom Kostopoulos has played 9:48, Maxim Lapierre 9:14

2P 00:00:

Maybe they should have started Karri Ramo.

2P 1:30:

Pleks just put on a heckuva show. And Kuba gets four minutes for HS.

2P 4:15:

Lecavalier penalized. First Canadiens' PP.

2P Break:

Looks like Pleks caught a stick in the mush. And Kostopoulos takes his place with Kovy and Andrei. My man Gorges gets into it and does some catching with Chris Gratton, who has about six inches on him.

2P 8:00:

Even the fourth line is getting chances .... and indicator of TB's defensive problems. They REALLY miss Dan Boyle.

2P Break:

Prospal should have got an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for his little hissy fit. Did you love Kovalev's spinerama?

2P 13:22:

Huge PP for TB. Kovy on the PK. And Higgins gets a breakaway. Ryder, out of the box, makes a good defensive play to prevent a shot.

2P Break:

Poor Michael Ryder! Can't win for losing. Terrible penalty in the offensive zone, just as things wre going great for Canadiens.

2P 14:00:

Dominant shift by Pleks line. Lightning have problems in their own end.

2P 17:00:

Good time for Pleks to win a faceoff. Canadiens have a lot odf jump. What a contrast to that mess in Dallas.

2P 19:50:

That's the way to play 4-on-4. Kovalev and Pleks drive Holmqvist from the TB net.

3-0

2P 20:00:

Mike Komisarek leads the league in blocked shots. Cool.

Between periods:

RDS shows Doug Jarvis attempting to coach Markov in the Dallas game. The defenceman looks like I used to in freshman calculus ... Canadiens were 3-12 on faceoggs, Koivu and Pleks 0-8 between them ... Lightning outhit Canadiens 15-7 ... ToI: Hamrlik 7:57, St. Louis 7:52, Lecavalier 7:19

1P 00:00:

A little tense at the end ... and some pushin' and shovin' at the buzzer.

1P 1:38:

Smart icing by Kovy, who senses incipient chaos around the Canadiens' net.

1P Another break:

Hey, the D has looked good, too. My man Gorges and Bouillon are playing well, as is Hamrlik, who was horrible in Dallas.

1P Break:

That first line looks good – as do the second and third. Never doubted you, Carbo. The man is a genius.

1P 6:00:

Kostopoulos against Vinnie? Scary.

1P Timeout:

Tortorella calls one early. I hope he's yelling.

1P 7:11:

Carbo is a genius! Latendresse completes a play started by Koivu and Sergei.

2-0

1P 9:40:

Wow!

Stretch pass by Komisarek springs Lapierre who breaks in with Higgins. Max's first of the season makes it 1-0.

1P 10:00:

Canadiens have settled down. And Latendresse annoyed André Roy.

1P 13:30:

Hey, great shift for Lapierre line. Cole thinks his family name is "Maxim". Do these guys do any prep for a braodcast?

1P 14:00:

Canadiens have forgotten how to pass the puck.

1P 15:00:

Have to watch CBC. No clock on RDS, for some reason. I don't know how much of Bob Cole I can take, though.

1P 20:00:

Kerry Fraser AND Don Koharski. Pleks vs. Vinnie

Classic moment:

Vinnie gobs on the ice, then turns to camera for his interview with Renaud Lavoie.

1P 20:00:

Anyone out there confident? Canadiens can't be any worse than they were in Dallas, can they?

No weak sisters on this road trip:

Ovechkin contained ... Kovalchuk contained ... Ribeiro ran wild... and now, Vinnie.

Nice crosscheck:

Craig Rivet laid on Ladislav Nagy's throat. Barbaric.

On this date in 1993 ...:

Guy Carbonneau got a hat trick against St. Louis

Pre-game:

Oh no, Pierre Houde and Yvon Pedneault are wearing their unlucky Guys and Dolls suits ... Houde calls Carbo's adjustments "audacious" ... Pedneault points out that most teams in the league use three lines, with fourth units playing 3:40 to 4:25 per game. He thinks Canadiens will move in this direction during the second half. Pedneault also thinks the team is in good shape with its goaltending as we move toward the second half ... Christopher Higgins is growing a beard. He tried a moustache earlier this season ... Hey, there's my pal Pat Hickey hanging around Saku Koivu's cubicle ... John Tortorella wants Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis to shoot more ... Tampa goaltender Marc Denis expacts to be waived or traded ... Johan Holmqvist starts for TB ... Jacques Demers says Canadiens should stop alternating goalies and settle on a number one, Benoit Brunet points out that Huet and Price have almost identical stats. He thinks if Ryder comes t life it will be on the PP. Compares him to Glen Murray, who had a slow start in Boston ... Demers says this is the ost important game of the season to date – one the Canadiens have to win.

Tags:

Comments

Submitted by New on Fri, 12/28/2007 - 13:18.

I am glad they won, and when it was 5-zip I was even happier. But I can't help and think that it was three minutes before the CH crossed the red line, and then they caught a couple breaks that turned the game. Tampa sagged, the habs rolled, but I never saw them dominate. Towards the end the Habs coasted, Tampa came back a bit, and then panic set in. That hit Ryder threw on his defenseman spoke volumes. I was really glad not to have to listen to "The other teams goalie played a super..." or "I thought we played all but the ....(fill in period and minutes)..." phrases after a Habs game. If they win tonight won't they be at an even number of wins and losses? That would be so great.

Submitted by ccs on Fri, 12/28/2007 - 09:38.

Trade Ryder for a DESIGNATED TOUGH GUY...A player who can lay the smack down on someone if needed. Kostopolos couldnt fight his way out of a wet paper bag. We wont miss Ryders scoring thats for sure. Nothing against him I like him but we do not need him anymore. If Gainey is hoping to get a player of equal value....A 30 goal scorer it aint gona happen. NEEDED TOUGHNESS SOON.

Submitted by likehoy on Fri, 12/28/2007 - 03:18.

i missed the game...in toronto of all places :P laffs lost...good trip so far haha hamrlik's prob annoyed with souray comparisons andrei may not be as developed as sergei, but you can't deny his production. He's been putting up points every night except against dallas for the last couple of weeks. He gets 1 or 2 chances a game but he makes do with it, hopefully we can imagine to extrapolate that when he becomes a more complete player. For now, he's one-dimensional, but also the dimension we need. little tid bit: after tonight, mike komisarek has passed michael ryder in points (3g a piece).

Submitted by ebk on Fri, 12/28/2007 - 01:14.

with 4 goals and 6 assists in his last 11 games, I sure wish we had more players who had issues like A. Kostitsyn.

Submitted by kevinhabs on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:37.

It's official. Tampa Bay is the Worst team in the East. And we play them again next Thursday!! YES!!!

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:35.

Wow, Tortorella just got fired! Replaced by Bob Hartley

Submitted by Mattee. on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:59.

WHAT! WHERE? I Heart "System."

Submitted by The Teacher on Fri, 12/28/2007 - 00:08.

I don't know, my friend in T.O. told me CJAD reported it.

Submitted by mjames on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:15.

I will take the two points. Let's see how they play against that stifling style played by Florida. A little too many give ways. Also we tend to make weak clearing passes in our end that tend get stopped at our blue line. We need to work on that. I still think we a little too passive for my liking but I think that was dictated by who they were playing. The plan as I understand it was too wait for turnovers because TB's D tends to pinch in. mjames

Submitted by NLhabsfan on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:46.

I am happy they won.....Good effort by the D tonight...Tomorrow night should be a nice test.toronto lost I happy both ways.

Submitted by Moey on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:42.

I'm happy we won tonight, but until we win 3 or 4 in a row, I'm going to be reading the same old crap, so for that reason alone, GO HABS GO!!!.

Submitted by howtathor on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:40.

What a strange game! We dominated but it doesn't make any sense. Why was Tom the bomb centering the first line? Why were both Bob Hartley and Pat Burns in attendance? Is Bob interviewing candidates? Is Carb "fiddling" with his lines like Nero as Rome burned? A win is a win but I have never seen so much juggling since Cirque du Soleil. LOL

Submitted by Mattee. on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:37.

I'd like to point out that the system was the reason for our success this evening. ya that's right. I Heart "System."

Submitted by mjames on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:17.

I am so clueless. What is it? This system is about as elusive as trying to squeeze a cloud. mjames

Submitted by Moey on Fri, 12/28/2007 - 00:16.

For once, you are bang on.

Submitted by delete on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:50.

The System knows all and sees all. Get with The System before The System gets with you!

Submitted by Mattee. on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:54.

The system is always watching you. Don't get caught with opinions unfounded by the system... I Heart "System."

Submitted by delete on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:57.

Line combo criticisms will no longer be tolerated by The System.

Submitted by Bill on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:04.

Ahaha, you guys are actually cracking me up. (It looks sarcastic when I type it, but I'm sincere). http://yearofthehab.blogspot.com

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:36.

It's a sad , sad day for Pakistan.....

Submitted by Mike Boone on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:54.

Yes, horrible. I'm always very happy to be a Canadian.

Submitted by Big Bird on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:00.

That makes two of us Mike.

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:32.

That makes three.

Submitted by the_vipah on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:40.

Eh? Just now? What did you expect to happen to her? That sort of stuff happens everyday in this world. She was another victim of crazy, lunatic religious folk. Unfort most organized religion if not all in this world is the same, some just do it less openly.

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:41.

I'm not sure, I guess I was hoping for positive things. They've gotta happen sometime.

Submitted by Mattee. on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:47.

I've got to disagree with you vipar. Not all organized religion is the same. Not even close. But this isn't the place for that. As for what happened to Benazir Bhutto, it's a terrible tragedy for Pakistan, she pushed for a true democracy. Unfortunately, in the eyes of many this meant she sided with the Americans. Anyway... hockey. I Heart "System."

Submitted by the_vipah on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:52.

Well you are right this is not the place. However I have to disagree with you and 100% at that. Name me a religion that does not have a history of murder, rape and destruction that actually holds some sort of power in this modern world. You cannot wash blood off your hands. While some people may approach these things with innocence, the orginisations have proven time and time again that they are willing to do -anything- to survive if they are threatened or feel they will be marginalized. Today it is the Fundamental Islamics. Tommorow.....

Submitted by Mattee. on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:43.

First off, why the capitals? Secondly, what other book do you think i'm reading? Third, i'll give you a simple example: The Germans were responsible for killing millions of Jews during the world wars; does that make all Germans bad forever? From now until the end of time? How about those who hid jews and smuggled them out of the country, do they just get thrown in and labelled with the others?

Submitted by Mattee. on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:05.

haha, as this is not the place, you can e-mail me your thoughts. I'll just say that religion isn't an organization, that often people twist religion to make it fit their own agenda, and that certain religions have been tainted because of these misinterpretations. The faults of some (relatively few compared to the masses) have put a black mark on their religion. I just think you should make your decision based on the religion, not those who have made a mockery of it. And I'm not washing blood off my hands as I haven't even stated where my religion lies. I Heart "System."

Submitted by Bill on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:02.

Buddhism is the world's largest religion and has no history of rape and murder. Organized Christianity has been pretty clean for about 500 years too. Bokonon, however, remains the only 100% blameless religion. I do not advocate for or against any religion; just thinking about your challenge. http://yearofthehab.blogspot.com

Submitted by Big Bird on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:28.

Many of the natives in North and South America suffered at the hands of colonizers between the 16th and 19th centuries, who claimed to represent Christianity. Some of the most vicious barbarity was at the hands of Catholic Spain so Christianity isn't spotless for the past 500 years either. This of course does not include the wonderful period called the Spanish Inquisition where Muslims and Jews were persecuted in a very systematic and organized manner. I think there is (sadly) enough blood to go around amongst all religions. Buddhism might be the only exception.

Submitted by Bill on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:39.

All good points, though I respectfully disagree with some of them. Anyway, that was some game, eh? :) http://yearofthehab.blogspot.com

Submitted by Big Bird on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:44.

I have no problem with that Bill. A hell of good game my friend.

Submitted by the_vipah on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:15.

I would challenge the claim that christianity has gone 5 minutes the last 500 years without some sort of atrocity somewhere. Really not the place though. As for Buddhism, well thats one I have never really spent time to research so I cant comment, perhaps they are somewhat blameless ;)

Submitted by Mattee. on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:34.

So wait, do the people make the religion or the religion the people? You don't just pick a religion and become perfect all in one night. People still have faults. And it is these people that give religion a black mark. As for Christianity, nobody is talking about all the good things they are doing in the world. Why is that? I Heart "System."

Submitted by Big Bird on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:40.

Hey Matteo, I don't think anyone questions that Christianity or Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and other for that matter do good in the world as well. I think the point is that no religion (or its practitioners more specifically) is perfect. I consider many practicing Christians to be dear friends and glad I know them.

Submitted by Mattee. on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 23:57.

I think you're very right on a lot of things, but they're is one point I disagree with; I do believe that there is a perfect religion. Unfortunately, the practioners will never be perfect. I simply took acception to the following line: "crazy, lunatic religious folk. Unfort most organized religion if not all in this world is the same" It just seems generalized, blunt and unfounded. I know that vipar wasn't referring to all religious folk (or were you?). I cannot argue that religions (possibly all) have been responsible for a lot of pain in this world, however, there is a great amount of good brought about by religion as well. People simply choose to magnify the the faults and dismiss the religion altogether. And that is unfair, right across all religions. Anyway, this got waaaaaayyyy out of hand! Can we talk hockey or do people want to talk religion? I'm up for both.

Submitted by the_vipah on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:45.

I hear you. For me, I see this stuff hit the news and I wonder..How many little girls died today with the same potential to change this earth, and never even got a chance? I know its probably more then I could ever wish to understand. Its a messed up world. I don't even bat an eyelash anymore for those headlines, I just hope I can do a little bit of good for me and those around me and leave it at that.

Submitted by NLhabsfan on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:35.

These are toronto announcers...Don't except much...what can I say.

Submitted by Mattee. on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:33.

so, the post game discussion is about McDonalds dental plan. sounds fair... I Heart "System."

Submitted by Big Bird on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:38.

Well it wasn't the Leafs so I guess I can't expect much more.

Submitted by Forlando on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:32.

2 more points...it is still early but don't think we will see last year's free fall this time...we might not make the series...but I think we cleared december..

Submitted by Girth on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:32.

It actually hurts to say this but ... only one HABS player with negative +/-. Ryder with -2.

Submitted by NLhabsfan on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:29.

It's Ryder's fault he was looking at the puck:)

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:30.

So now he's minus 2...pffftttt Should be only minus-1 We won 5-2 EVERYONE lay off Ryder tonight.

Submitted by the_vipah on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:29.

Wow Tampa scores maybe 2 of the ugliest goals i've seen in a while. Good for them. Hlavac of course, soft useless player. Why Tortorella would have him on the team is beyond me.

Submitted by Habs-Kat on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:31.

I have him in my fantasy pool.

Submitted by the_vipah on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:34.

My condolences :)

Submitted by Big Bird on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:28.

Bad giveaway there at the end.

Submitted by Mattee. on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:28.

Bob Cole gets so excited when Tampa score, like they're going to score three in 15 seconds. I Heart "System."

Submitted by DYCSoccer17 on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:28.

Love the air horn with 15 seconds left in a 4 goal game...

Submitted by Alirio on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:27.

Lazy play to clear the puck leads to a crappy goal... I've made a huge mistake...

Submitted by DYCSoccer17 on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:25.

Hey senile Cole...those aren't boos, those are Habs fans singing the goodbye song...moron.

Submitted by Keith on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:23.

Tampa is going to goon ot up if I read Fonzie correctly...RUMBLE!

Submitted by Shawn S on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:22.

So where does this game leave our boy Chips??

Submitted by DYCSoccer17 on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:33.

Kostopoulos should sit for throwing cat-fight slaps at O'Brien in his "fight"

Submitted by Bill on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:30.

He's back in. Ryder will be back out. (Sorry Teach). http://yearofthehab.blogspot.com

Submitted by Mattee. on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:25.

He better play. I stilll think you can remove one of our dmen from the offense. Namely a Mr. Streit. I Heart "System."

Submitted by Shawn S on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:27.

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:28.

I dunno, gorges has played excellent tonight IMO

Submitted by Shawn S on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:28.

I still like Streit on the powerplay though. Maybe dropping Gorges back out, pushin Streit back to D and playing Chips.

Submitted by Mattee. on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:30.

It's tough, both Gorges and Streit are playing well, I just think Gorges is playing better and I like seeing him with Bouillon. They make a good fifth and sixth dmen. I Heart "System."

Submitted by Shawn S on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:32.

Yeah gorges had a great game. Maybe Carbs will fulfill my wildest dreams and put Chips and higgins together(although I don't remember Lapierre being part of that dream). Can win't em all. Ryder needs to get benched though.

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:34.

He works and you want to bench him. Ayiyiyi. Saved two goals by my count also. And had some chances. He didn't play bad at all. Chips, higgins, and Lats would go good together. but I wouldn't change anything for tomorrow, except maybe putting Chips in for Kostops.

Submitted by Shawn S on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:37.

Ryder "worked" in this game, but I believe Chips will "work" better. Don't let your manlove for Ryder get in the way for my manlove of Chips.

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:39.

Hey, I love chipper, but maybe Streit or Kostops should go first.

Submitted by Girth on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:24.

He'll be back ... With all the available options, it's normal to rest guys once in a while.

Submitted by Big Bird on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:23.

I agree with Teach. If the Leafs end up losing 5-1 and the Habs win 5-1 it will end up being a perfect night. Selfish penalty by Roy. Not sure I'd want to ever see him wearing the CH. I love Kostitsyn Jr. as he doesn't back down from anyone. Fearless.

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:20.

Habs winning 5-1, Leafs losing 4-1, can life get any sweeter? ahahaha!

Submitted by Habs-Kat on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:22.

Talk to me when they finally get a winning streak :)

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:26.

Oh, I plan to ;) I hope it happens though!

Submitted by linp on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:19.

Carbo is resting Koivu in the 3rd period

Submitted by Habs-Kat on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:20.

Is he hurt?

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:29.

Didn't see anything out of the ordinary. 3P 9:47: Ryder on a 3-on-1 ... shoots, right at Holmqvist. Koivu has played less than two minutes this period. Carbo is resting him for tomorrow night. There's your answer.

Submitted by Mattee. on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:19.

Ryder is skating so hard he's going to grind those blades down to nothing. poor guy. I wish I could help. Maybe a high five or something... I Heart "System."

Submitted by yathehabsrule on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:16.

can ANY CBC guys pronounce the last name of #84???!!

Submitted by Keith on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:16.

Missed some of the game as we had company but I saw the goal that broke the shutout. Maybe I should miss some more as we do well when I do :-)

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:16.

Yes please do :P

Submitted by Mattee. on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:20.

I will venture a guess. Is it Latendress pronounced "Sun-din"? I Heart "System."

Submitted by Forlando on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:15.

Please trade Ryder....I mean I know he is going to score 1 million goals with his new team but he is horrible with the Habs.

Submitted by StillattheMapes on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:31.

Agree. Problem is that he isn't really worth anything (well not very much) in this league, so who could actually anticipate his poor play this season potentially in front of a long-term with another team? There may be a reason, but I have never been a fan of his skating (hum). But right now for our guys, he should not be on the ice. This is awful to watch, and I feel badly for him, but. Mr. Demers, no, this is not John LeClair..... what are you thinking?

Submitted by Habs-Kat on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:17.

I'm willing to let him walk at the end of the season if he doesn't perform. There's lots of hockey left to be played and I don't want to give up on Ryder just yet.

Submitted by Girth on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:22.

I starting to think maybe the answer is some time in Hamilton... perhaps there he can be reminded what it feels like to strike fear opposing goal tenders. I really don't think anyone will claim him on waivers... exit or entry. This would clear 3 million out from under the cap as well...

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:23.

I really don't think anyone will claim him on waivers... exit or entry. I really doubt that.

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:18.

Or at least get SOMETHING in trade value for him.

Submitted by delete on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:19.

Maybe we can get Ribiero back?

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:19.

Still no thanks :) Glad he's gone.

Submitted by delete on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:23.

Yep, given tonight's effort, who needs more offense.

Submitted by The Teacher on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:24.

True that ;) He's not WHAT we need.

Submitted by delete on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 22:27.

What we need is effort like tonight's on a regular basis.

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About Mike Boone

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Mike Boone

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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. The Canada-U.S. Gold medal game comes close .... but I wasn't there. 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 like all the players. Covering baseball gives me a profound appreciation of pro athletes who aren't jerks. 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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Domination – for 59 minutes

posted by Mike Boone at 18h34 EST on Dec 27

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