Habs Coming out of the Slump?

It has been a tough couple of games for the Canadiens has they have lost their scoring punch. Coach Guy decided to shake up the lines against the Blues in an attempt to get some more offence. With the line of Tanguay, Koivu, and Kovalev as the top line, they generated some offence but failed to bury the puck when necessary.

The real slump for the Canadiens as of late has been a power play that hasn't scored a goal in a number of games, I think it might even be four games now. It will be interesting to see what happens next game with the lines to see if Guy leaves them in the adjusted format, re-adjusts them again, or goes back to the lines that scored the most goals in the 2007/2008 season.

On a side note, my wife and I have a new baby girl and she will 'hopefully' one day be one of the Montreal faithful. Last night was her first Canadiens win and the goal scored on Saturday night by Tanguay was the first goal she saw. Obviously she wasn't exactly aware of what was going on but I am hoping it will plant some roots for the little one. And don't you worry, she already has a fully stocked closet of Canadien's outfits.

Montreal needs to find it's goal scoring touch if they want to show the world that they are the class of the Eastern Conference and a legitimate contender for the Cup.

This Season is Going to Rock

Well, after a long long off season, or so it seemed, the NHL season is set to begin again on Saturday. How will the Canadiens do this year? I predict that they will finish in the top 3 in the Eastern Conference and after that, the playoffs will depend on the performance of Carey Price.

We have all seen a goalie win a game or even a series and Price has the skills to do that for the Canadiens. Montreal's offence should be stronger this year with the additions of Tanguay and Lang. It would have been nice to see Sundin as a Canadien but Gainey could not afford to wait any longer on him as this team is full of unrestricted free agents and this year he wants to make a run for it. Look for some minor tinkering through the season if the requirement comes because the Canadiens have a lot of young talent to use as trade bait.

I see big strides for Plekanec and the Kostitsyn brothers. Last year they all came out and showed big promise and I expect this year will be another great leap. Kovalev appears to be at camp quicker and just as determined as last year so we will just have to wait and see which Kovalev takes the ice.

However, with all the additions of players and the advancement of others through maturity, this team will only go as far as Price. Price is a year older, a year more mature, and has experience in the playoffs with all the emotions that go with it. Price went very high in many hockey pools this year which can only mean that most people are expecting great things from Price.

The season is about to begin and Habs fans are in for a ride.

On a different note, I read that the Canadiens will be introducing a new Goal Song this year. Some song by Quebec natives Simple Plan. I am not sure I am on board with this but I have not heard the song yet. More to come later.

Sundin Sets Timeline

Well, with big Mats setting a time frame for late July or early August, us Habs fans will soon know if we are the Habs, or the HabNots. I am still confident that Sundin will come to his senses and realize that Vancouver isn't going anywhere, the Leafs will suck just like every other year, and that he doesn't need money, so his chances of winning a cup, and playing in the post season, are greatly increased if he decides to play with the Canadiens.

Gainey has assembled a team that has youth, and would benefit tremendously from a seasoned veteran with a strong work ethic. Can you imagine a powerplay with Sundin, Kovalev, and one of the Kostitsyn's? Talk about talent and power. When was the last time Sundin had a guy like Kovalev to play with on the wing?

The Habs and Sundin are a perfect fit and if he does sign, Montreal will definitely be battling it out for top in the Eastern Conference again. Lets all hope and pray, and wait, till Magical Mats makes up his mind.

Gainey on his to Swedem - Sundin on his way to Montreal?

Well, Bob Gainey is on his way to Sweden to see if he can convince the talented Mats Sundin to join the Montreal Canadiens. He has until the July 1st deadline to make the signing before the other NHL clubs can make offers to Sundin.

Gainey is going to be convincing Mats why Montreal is a good fit Sundin and why Sundin is a good fit for Montreal. I am sure the fact of a spring Playoff run is something that Sundin would like to enjoy as it seems like ages ago the last time Mats laced up the laces in the post-season.

I give it a 50/50 chance for Sundin to join the Habs. I suspect it to happen by the end of the week if in fact it is ever going to happen. Until then, lets all sit back and cross our fingers, hands, arms, legs, toes, eyes, and anything else that is crossable.

Tanguay a Hab, Sundin on the Way?

Well, I guess we all know that Alex Tanguay is now officially a Montreal Canadien, with all the rumours around the trade deadline that he was on the way here, I guess he is finally here. For a guy that has produced top notch numbers consistently in the NHL, he should be a much needed forward for adding some punch, especially in even strength situations.

The other thing that is heating up is the Sundin talk. Bob Gainey has officially been granted exclusive rights to talk to Sundin before the July 1st deadline and is using it to pursuade him to join the red, white, and blue. Sundin would be a fantastic player to add up front to our line up because he can use his strength and size to compensate for some of our smaller forwards. I am salivating just thinking about him and Kovalev moving the puck around on the PP. We will have to wait and pray, but expect this to happen pretty quickly if it is going to happen.

Free Agent News

So, with the season over now, and my grieving completed, we must wonder what is in the cards for changes to the team for next season. Some rumours just will not go away.

One of those rumours is that Mats Sundin is interested in coming to Montreal. I am not sure how much stock I would put into this rumour, but there is no doubt, adding a guy who has put up a point per game for 15 years and is big and strong would be a big help to our team. Not to mention, all those Leaf fans that don't like Sundin would finally get a feeling for how good he actually is.

Streit will likely be able to command a decent salary on the market but he also seems like the kind of guy who would consider giving Montreal a 'home team' discount. It is hard to justify big bucks for a guy who can't even play defence everyday but then again, he is a great asset on the point during the powerplay.

Ryder has likely played his last game in Montreal and will likely leave town for half the money he was hoping to command. I suspect that where ever he ends up, he will put the puck in the net and show that last season was just a bad year. But that is my predictions.

We will have to keep our ears to the ground to see if Sir Gainey makes any draft day deals to move up, likely not, but you never know.

Is it September yet?

Do or Die!

Well it is game 5 and Montreal was not expecting to be down 3-1 in a series against the sixth seed Phillidephia Flyers. The Canadiens have both out shot and out chanced the Flyers by more than a hair but we don't have many goals to show for it.

Price has not been 'himself' in this series but he has been given the start tonight, which was a must make decision by the coach. Price has the potential to walk in to Montreal tonight and steal the game.

I expect Montreal will come out flying. They need to, and if they don't then they can throw a gem of a season away. Biron seems to be the only thing in the way in the series. They also have been playing from behind, every game. A quick start or even a goal in the first period would go a long way to letting Price settle down and relax.

Rumour has it that Brunnstrom will be in Montreal examining the city/team. A big win here with a nice loud crowd should go a long way in giving him a good reason to consider Montreal further as a potential destination.

Game 5 tonight, Montreal needs a big win to get their confidence up, we will just have to wait and see...

Game 3 - Monday Night

Well, I have to admit, playing the Phillidelphia Flyer's is not as scary to watch as the Boston Bruins. Although the series is tied 1-1, they don't create a lot of chances that make you twist in your seat and think, wow, that was close. There was never a moment in either game, until the fourth goal in game 2, where I thought we wouldn't be able to score.

The forwards are fast and Phillidelphia is relatively slow, especially with big ogre's like Hatcher. We generated lots of chances on Biron but Biron won that game for the Flyers.

With game 3 going tonight in Philly, you can expect a really hard fought game. The corners are going to be well patrolled and expect to see some big hits. Montreal has really stepped up in the toughness category and has really impressed me with their ability to finish off checks. We have come to expect that from guys like Boullion and Komisarek but the whole team is now in on the action. Hamrlik, the Kostitsyn brothers, even Streit, are trying to punish the opposition.

Kovalev has been hot and cold. Game 2 I thought he dominated most of his shifts but had a couple shaky ones. I expect to see Carbonneau putting him on both the first and second line to switch things up and try and throw off Stevens and the Flyers. For the most part, he generated a number of chances when changing things up with Kovalev.

Plekanec needs to play better. He hasn't played poorly, but this is the NHL playoffs and he needs to generate more offense. Price has been uncharacteristically inconsistent and I expect him to improve on his game...

Well, enough of the mumbo jumbo, it's playoff time and game time is 7:00pm est.

Achievers???

Well, with a 3-1 lead on the Boston Bruins, it is safe to say that we are looking good and in a good position to move on to the next round. However, the team needs to play better as they are not playing up to the potential of the Canadiens.

The Smolinski line is playing great, and even better than they should. Carey Price is playing better than anyone could expect. He made some stops in game 4 that were unreal. Not to mention, he still hasn't appeared to ever have to regain his confidence and composure because he never seems to lose it. There is no doubt that Price is one of the reasons, if not the main reason, that we are up in the series.

The Plekanec and Kovalev line however is really not playing that well. It is true that they are playing against the top defensive unit of the Bruins but they need to find ways to be better, quicker, and smarter. They need to contribute on the scoreboard or else this playoff run is not going to last. Lets hope that tomorrow nights game puts this line back on the scoreboard and gives them something to build off for the upcoming games.

Game 2 - Amazing

Well, I am back from Montreal after seeing game 2 of the series. The game was a habs fans dream, an overtime winning goal in the playoffs.

Kovalev, after taking a dumb penalty that resulted in a goal, came through as the hero with a rocket upstairs that beat Thomas.

The crowd and the atmosphere were electric. They were painting faces, free of charge, outside the rink before the game, which is where I picked up this sweet habs look. The Canadian anthem was louder than any other national anthem I have ever heard because 90% of the fans were singing away. After each Habs goal, the rink erupted into a constant roar with the rally rags swinging madly. It was a moment that you felt in your heart, and in your lungs after the game as your throat hurt from all the yelling.

After the game, the downtown in Montreal was chaos. Every car was honking the horn, windows down, people screaming, the rally rags still swinging in the air. It was a site to see. I had a 25 minute walk back to the hotel and the entire walk was filled with horns and screaming. If you ever get a chance to see a Montreal game, especially a playoff game, go. You will not regret it. I know I will never forget this experience.

You Voted Correct

90% of you who voted on my blog that the Habs would finish in first place in the conference and they did. Therefore, you are smart readers!

The next pole is how far will they go in the playoffs... Good Luck!

I Have Tickets for Game 2

Well folks, I got tickets for game two in Montreal on Saturday night. Unfortunately they are the noise bleeds in the corner but thats ok, I am going to the game.

I guess the thing I am looking forward to most is the roar of the crowd and the enthusiasm of the city. It is going to be electric. I went to a game against Washington back in January and the game was amazing when the Habs scored so I am sure a playoff game is going to be that much louder.

I will let you know how it goes, but I am sure it is going to be out of this world.

1st in the Eastern Conference!

Well, it is official, the Montreal Canadiens have clinched first place in the Eastern Conference. Not many people would have predicted that the Habs would accomplish this feat.

Better yet, we are going to be playing the Boston Bruins in the first round of the playoffs. A team that we seem to be able to destroy. This is great news. You guys who are going to try and get tickets for the playoffs will be fighting it out with me because I will be trying to get tickets for one of the games. Just to hear the rumble of the crowd, in the playoffs, is worth the money.

Can't wait till Thursday.

First Round Matchup

With the final game of the season tonight against the Maple Leafs, the Canadiens will be playing to see who they will play in the first round of playoffs. I was hoping that Ottawa would finally get a couple of wins so that Montreal would not have to play them early in the playoffs but now that Alfredsson and Fisher hurt, the high scoring (not as of late) Senators should not have the same bite that they could with both of those guys in the lineup.

Boston would be a good matchup, with an 8-0 record this year. Price versus Huet could be a pretty intense matchup as well.

But tonight we play the Maple Leafs. The Leafs will be gunning to hold the Canadiens back from claiming the Eastern conference so the game is not to be taken lightly even though the best player, Mats Sundin, is not in the lineup. On that note, rumour has it Sundin might sign with Montreal in the off season. We can all hope...but don't bank on it!

Komisarek Ready for Playoffs?

With the season winding down and Koivu looking like he is going to be injured for a month or more, we turn our attention to our shot blocking, hard hitting, work horse Mike Komisarek. It appears that he is skating again with the team and is expected to be playing come playoff time.

This is critical for the Habs to make a good run into the playoffs because they need his grit and power to ensure no one walks over Price. We also Markov fight Spezza last night and I think we all know that Markov is a far better puck mover than a fighter.

The playoffs are almost here...the excitement is almost more than we can take, two more games decides if we finish our best season since the 80's.

Koivu and Streit Hurt?

It seems like yesterday's amazing victory came at the expense of two of their core players in Koivu and Streit. Koivu is out after blocking a shot and Streit is out because of a sprained ankle. Hopefully there is no broken bones for either and that they are just taking some precautionary time off by skipping the game against the lowly Toronto Maple Leafs.

However, we all know that the Leafs are not going to let the Habs roll all over them because they always seem to step up their game when it comes to playing the Habs. We will just have to wait and see but the destiny of the Canadiens is up to them, they hold the cards if they want to finish in first. And we do, that way we can play a team like Philly or if were lucky, Boston.

Playoff Place...Locked In

Well it is official, the Montreal Canadiens have successfully clinched a playoff spot for the spring show down. This really doesn't come as much of a surprise as the Habs are in first place in the Eastern Conference and are taking a commanding lead over the Ottawa Senators for first place in the North East Division.

This first place business is pretty important as they will want to play a team like Boston or the Rangers in the first round of the playoffs. Especially because they will be with out Komisarek for the first round, at least as it is expected.

It should also be noted that the high scoring Canadiens have shown all those non believers and forecasters who predicted them to finish at the bottom of the East. Wow, don't underestimate youth and speed and great goaltending.

Komi out for 3 Weeks

The Canadiens are going to be in tight with the recent injury of Mike Komisarek. Komisarek is listed as injured with a lower body injury and is expected to miss 3 weeks. This could be very bad timing for the Canadiens as Komisarek plays on the top Defence line and is leading the team in both hits and blocked shots.

Komi was also one of those guys who kept the other team in line physically because if you rubbed a guy the the wrong way, Komi would be the one who ensured that didn't happen again. Any Habs fan who watches many games will notice that Komi's presence will be missed.

Hopefully he will be back for the end of the first round of the playoffs and at the very latest, back for the second round.

Here's hoping!

Kovalev puts on a Clinic

Well, if there was any doubt that Alex Kovalev was not a top notch player in the NHL, he sure showed last night that those doubts are unwarranted. Not only did he get two goals and an assist, he made Chara look foolish on both of his goals. Chara, the 8 foot ogre, was virtually useless on both plays as Kovalev's quickness and speed exploited Chara's size and slowness.

The other thing that we need to look at when considering Kovalev's season is his impact on the other players. Look at Plekanec, look at Kostitsyn, both of those guys are talented, but Kovalev makes them better.

Alex is playing with fire in his eyes this season and he is being rewarded for it. Not to mention, those of you who remember Kovalev in the playoffs two years ago. When he was dominant at times. How is he going to step it up for the playoffs this year? He is already dominating most games. All I can say is, watch out, he is going to light some fireworks come playoff time.

Price Out Plays Brodeur

With yesterdays 4-0 win over the New Jersey Devils, the Canadiens have labelled themselves as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. They easily beat the second place team in the East and have tallied the most goals in the NHL so far.

Price remained calm and collected as he collected a shutout while Plekanec battled the flu and was not as effective as normal. Fortunately, Ryder seams to be slowly breaking out of his horrific season collecting his 13th or so goal of the season. As I have said before, to compete for the cup, you need balanced scoring, and getting Ryder going is essential if they want to go anywhere.

As the team to beat, the Canadiens will be up to their ears in energy so lets hope they can turn that energy around and destroy everyone in their way!

Ottawa is Sucking

The Canadiens have really taken advantage of the fact that the Senators are pretty much the worst team in the conference since the new year. Montreal has played strong all year and has not shown any signs of slowing down.

The thing that I see the team doing much better this year is coming back when down. This year they have showed that no matter what the score is, they are planning on coming back. This is essential if winning the cup is your goal.

And while Ottawa struggles, and Montreal plays well, first place in the East becomes more and more attainable.

The Price is Right....Again

I think most Habs fans were thinking that the Huet trade seemed like a little bit of an odd trade but if the last games since the trade are any indication of the outcome, we are in for a real treat.

My personal opinion was that Bob was trading Huet to free up room to make a splash in the trade market for possibly two talented players. However, we ended up with none. That is ok because I would not want to see any of our youngsters leave, especially Higgins or the Kostitsyn brothers. After seeing what Pittsburgh had to give up for Hossa, I am happy with the team today.

I will miss Huet because he was a comforting feeling after dealing with the unpredicatable play of Jose Theodore and wish him well in Washington. There wasn't going to be room on the team next year for him as the Price era has begun.

Get ready fans, the cool, collective, and consistent goaltender has now solidified his spot as the starter and only has things to prove. Come playoff time, he is going to be poised to go for the cup, and he has played in some big games so he should be able to handle it.

First place in the Eastern Conference this morning. The predictions at the beginning of the season were 12-13 place in the East, totally missing the playoffs. I hope those analysts got fired!

Trade Deadline is Approaching...

With the trade deadline approaching and the team fighting for 1st place in the Eastern conference, it is no surprise that Canadiens appear to be the team looking to improve for a cup run.

Gainey seems to be the kind of guy who doesn't like to let the cat out of the bag early and doesn't really like to let anyone know what exactly he is working on. However, when asked, Gainey does not deny that he could be looking around the league for a new offensive threat.

The names being tossed around most recently are Mats Sundin, Marian Hossa, Ollie Jokinen, and Alex Tanguay. The names that are not being said as much are Brad Richards and why not, Vinny, the Montreal boy. The first three players would add an instant boost to an offence that is already the top power play team in the league.

The question is, what would we have to give up? It seems as though the rent a player technique is not as rewarding and as glowing as it once was. This hopefully will keep the cost down. That being said, it is likely that winger Michael Ryder would have to be included in a trade and then some top draft picks.

I am sure Bob knows what is going on so he isn't going to sell the farm to get a player for the playoff run but is willing to put some assets in a trade to give them a better chance to do well in the playoffs.

Michael Ryder's two goals on Tuesday night is probably throwing a stick in the spokes because it leaves everyone wondering if the back to back 30 goal scorer is back on track.

Only time will tell but what ever happens, it should be interesting to see what happens. Even if no roster changes happen, the Habs should put a team that could contend in the Eastern conference.

Price Recalled....Back in the Bigs

Carey Price was recalled today by Gainey and was replaced on the Hamilton roster by Halak. Could this be to get Halak some playing time in the AHL to encourage a trade?

I don't see Price being the number one goalie in Montreal with Huet so it doesn't really make sense that they would be bringing price up to play too many games.

Who knows, maybe the Leafs will trade Sundin for Halak? (remember Kordic for Courtnall?)

Where Are All these Goals Coming From?

It is halfway through the game tonight and Montreal is winning 3-0. The thing that I can't seem to figure out is where are all these goals coming from? Previous versions of the Canadiens have always lacked offence and have gotten by on strong defence, not strong offence.

I think most of it is coming from the system. Draft picks such as Higgins, Plekanec, the Kostitsyns, and Markov are delivering on a regular basis. Veterans such as Koivu, Kovalev, and Hamrlik are also showing why they deserve to be leaders for this young team.

When I look at the goals for in the conference stats, you can see that Montreal is not having too much trouble putting the puck in the net although if you look at the point leaders, you don't see any Canadiens near the top. This is directly related to the fact that the Habs put out a balance offence game in and game out which makes it difficult for any team to shut down the first line becase the second line is just as dangerous.

If this scoring keeps up, watch out for the playoffs because these boys mean business.

Habs Looking at Sundin....

There was a rumour I heard that the Canadiens were looking at Leafs center Mats Sundin. This rumour is the most bogus thing I have ever heard. Lets not say that I don't think Sundin would be unwanted in Montreal but it isn't happening.

Mats has been a consistent point per game player for his entire career. This would be a much added bonus for the Habs but what would a team have to give up for that type of talent? You can start with a minimum of one or two first round draft picks. After that, you will need to add either a proven youngster such as Komisarek, Higgins, or Kostitsyn. The only other player that could meet the requirements would be a born to be type player such as Price. There is no way the Habs would trade their franchise player in a package for Sundin.

Why else is this not going to happen? They are in the same conference, and even more, they are in the same division. If you are going to play eight games a year against a team, you don't want to making any big trades with each other.

For all you Toronto Maple Leafs fans out there, your franchise needs to rebuild by trading Sundin, but don't come knocking on our door because we are not interested unless you are going to give him to us for a bag of pucks. Then again, you have done this in the past. John Kordic for Russ Courtnall....oops!

Competing in the Spring?

While the Canadiens head into the All Star break, it seems like they might escape their typical collapse after the new year. The team is playing as well as ever and Michael Ryder, the highly unproductive goal scorer, is playing better and bounces are starting to go his way.

The other things that are really great to see is the play of Plekanec, Kovalev, and Kostitsyn. This line is putting pucks in the net left, right, and center. Kovalev is playing with the talent he has, Plekanec is scoring and showing real potential, while the young Kostitsyn seems to be finding some real goal scoring prowess and some excellent offensive skills.

Huet is going to be able to play comfortably in the net with Price back in Hamilton. The pressure is off and he can focus on playing hockey and winning games.

Points wise, they are close to second place in the east, which if they can continue on the same pace, will give them a decent seeding in the playoffs and allow for a good match up.

However, we can talk all we want, but there is still half a season to go and the east is as close as ever, so they need to focus on each game and hopefully come playoffs, we will get some magic.

Ovechkin...Going....Going...Gone

Well Hab fans, what was once a dream is basically gone now that Alex Ovechkin has signed a mega 13 year deal with the Capitals. Good friend Markov was unable to sway his opinion to come to Montreal.

This is really dissapointing for Habs fans as anyone who has seen him play knows the fire power he brings every game and the intensity in which he plays each shift with. However, it is good for Washington as an organization because they have very little other than Ovechkin to keep people in the seats. And that only appears to be about half of the seats at best.

Habs fans, we don't have to worry yet, as there is still Vinny Lecavalier and Sidney Crosby who has told multiple people that he wants to play for Montreal at some point in his career.

And after all, it could be worse, we could be the Toronto Maple Leafs...

Kovalev, Short Side Top Corner

Well, the Habs/Bruins game is entering the third period tonight and Kovalev has scored one of his patented goals. How many times this season have we seen Kovalev pick up the puck along the boards and fire the puck into the top of the net? It seems as though the other NHL teams have no way to defend against it.

This season has been a big improvement for Kovy. He is playing with much more energy and generating chances everytime he is on the ice. Furthermore, his energy and enthusiasm seems to be contageous and the whole team is playing harder than in the past. Lets hope we can keep this play up and end up in the playoffs because we all know that Alex can really step up his game come the big show.

Well, it is 3-2 now so this third period should be a treat...