Well, what can I say. I have been embarrased to write anything lately because we were on such a terrible stretch that there was nothing nice to say at all about the Canadiens. Fortunately, they seem to be coming out of the slump and getting into a grove at the optimal time in the season.
With a few games left in the season, it is looking very promissing that they will be playing in the post season again this year and hopefully they do not end up with New Jersey as their opponent. I would prefer the Bruins or the Capitals, just not the Devils.
When Gainey put Kovalev, Tanguay and Koviu together, a spark seemed to turn into a flame and the team just put it in high gear. The best thing about it was that it was the entire team who picked it up. Komisarek was having trouble earlier and seems to have gotten out of his funk. Schenider started being smarter and Markov stepped it up a notch as well. And of course, the most important piece is the goal tending and that seems to be improving as well. I expect Price to be healthy for Monday nights game in which we almost lock up the playoff birth.
What can I say about Kovalev? Well, when Kovalev is hot, he is hot. He scored last night against the Leafs, on the power play, the same way he scored on the powerplay last year. I don't know about the rest of you, but when Kovalev is out of the linup, the offence is horrific. I know some will disagree, but I am really hoping they sign him for next year as he is a piece of the puzzle that will be very difficult to replace.
But don't forget, there are still many who believe a trade is already in place to bring in big Vinny Lecavalier from Tampa before the no trade clause kicks in. I am not keeping my fingers crossed, but, who knows, we will have to wait and see.
I have so much to say right now that I will have to post more later today or tomorrow. This is the best time of year!
Showing posts with label Leafs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leafs. Show all posts
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Thursday, June 19, 2008
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?
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?
Saturday, April 5, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, February 4, 2008
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?)
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?)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
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...
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...
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Habs Win!!! Komisarek Scores in OT
The Habs beat the Leafs tonight 4-3. My prediction was 4-2 but 4-3 is pretty close. Komisarek had a great game and finished off with an overtime break away goal to win the game.
Kovalev had an outstanding game along with Kosty and Pleks. Price played a great game with 40 shots although the top line with Koivu, Higgins, and Ryder was mostly ineffective. The Canadiens will need productivity from this line going into the all star break to ensure that the playoffs are reached.
Time to make fun of all those Leaf fans you know!!
Kovalev had an outstanding game along with Kosty and Pleks. Price played a great game with 40 shots although the top line with Koivu, Higgins, and Ryder was mostly ineffective. The Canadiens will need productivity from this line going into the all star break to ensure that the playoffs are reached.
Time to make fun of all those Leaf fans you know!!
Leafs Tonight...Price vs. Raycroft
The Habs face the Leafs tonight in the most storied rivalry in all of sports. For Montreal, they have young hot shot Carey Price in net while the Maple Leafs counter with under achieving Andrew Raycroft.
I would look for the Canadiens to use their speed to over power the slow moving Leafs. With Kubina injured, expect McCabe and Kaberle to get over worked and likely run out of gas. Montreal will look to lay a spank down early after the weekends collapse to the Senators. I expect Kovalev will have a great game as he was mostly ineffective in the game with the Senators. I would look for one of his patented wrist shots from the outside hash marks in the top of the net.
Ryder is also due and if he can get some shots quick and one scores, expect the flood gates to open right up and the Habs to ride that momentum. Ryder is getting chances, he just needs to put the puck in the net and give the Canadiens another dangerous weapon up front.
The Habs will have to rely heavily on Komi and Markov to contain Mats Sundin, the Leafs only real threat. If Sundin is contained, Price could pull out some good numbers.
My prediction is a 4-2 win for the Habs.
I would look for the Canadiens to use their speed to over power the slow moving Leafs. With Kubina injured, expect McCabe and Kaberle to get over worked and likely run out of gas. Montreal will look to lay a spank down early after the weekends collapse to the Senators. I expect Kovalev will have a great game as he was mostly ineffective in the game with the Senators. I would look for one of his patented wrist shots from the outside hash marks in the top of the net.
Ryder is also due and if he can get some shots quick and one scores, expect the flood gates to open right up and the Habs to ride that momentum. Ryder is getting chances, he just needs to put the puck in the net and give the Canadiens another dangerous weapon up front.
The Habs will have to rely heavily on Komi and Markov to contain Mats Sundin, the Leafs only real threat. If Sundin is contained, Price could pull out some good numbers.
My prediction is a 4-2 win for the Habs.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Another Divisional Game
After a dissapointing loss to the Leafs in a game where they really didn't show a lot of energy or enthusiasm, the Habs seem to be doing a good job versus the Sabres. Huet was looking much better after a less than good game on Saturday night.
The score is currently 1-0 Canadiens and they seem to be getting lots of chances to score. The goal that they did score was a perfect pass from Kosty and a nice play by Pleks to squeek it under the goalie.
This is a very important game for the Canadiens as it is another divisional game which seems to mean that it is another must win game. Besides from the Senators, the conference is going to be a nail biter.
Here's hoping for a great third period....
The score is currently 1-0 Canadiens and they seem to be getting lots of chances to score. The goal that they did score was a perfect pass from Kosty and a nice play by Pleks to squeek it under the goalie.
This is a very important game for the Canadiens as it is another divisional game which seems to mean that it is another must win game. Besides from the Senators, the conference is going to be a nail biter.
Here's hoping for a great third period....
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Be Glad We are not the Leafs
This morning I think we should be happy that we are not the Leafs and that we are not being managed by JFJ. When we look at the Leafs minor league team, the Marlies, you don't see many players who look like they will ever make it up to the big leagues and have productive careers. The one guy who might do something is Justin Pogge, but his hype has dropped off since his world junior accolaides.
When we look at the Bulldogs, and I live in Kitchener so I have seen a number of Bulldog games, we have lots of good young talent. Look at our lineup on Thursday night, we had five of our home grown First round picks in the line up.
When we look at our potential stars in the making, we can include the likes of Sergie K., who likes like he will likely be better than his older brother Andrei. Who else do we have?
Ryan O'Byrne
JP Cote
Pavel Valentenko
Corey Locke
Janne Lahti
Maxim Lapierre
Matt D'Agostini
Jonathan Ferland
Duncan Milroy
I am not saying that all these guys are going to make it big in the NHL, but what if 1 out of 3 make it to have successful NHL careers? That gives the Habs a wealth of talent to pull from and a lot of opportunities to trade some of there young talent to pick up that final piece of the puzzle.
The Leafs have traded away all of their draft picks in the past so that they now have for the most part, and team of old men, and a farm system that has been depleted from years of abuse, and no cups to show for it.
Times are looking good for the Canadiens, but the Leafs appear to be heading into another 40 years of cuplessness.
When we look at the Bulldogs, and I live in Kitchener so I have seen a number of Bulldog games, we have lots of good young talent. Look at our lineup on Thursday night, we had five of our home grown First round picks in the line up.
When we look at our potential stars in the making, we can include the likes of Sergie K., who likes like he will likely be better than his older brother Andrei. Who else do we have?
Ryan O'Byrne
JP Cote
Pavel Valentenko
Corey Locke
Janne Lahti
Maxim Lapierre
Matt D'Agostini
Jonathan Ferland
Duncan Milroy
I am not saying that all these guys are going to make it big in the NHL, but what if 1 out of 3 make it to have successful NHL careers? That gives the Habs a wealth of talent to pull from and a lot of opportunities to trade some of there young talent to pick up that final piece of the puzzle.
The Leafs have traded away all of their draft picks in the past so that they now have for the most part, and team of old men, and a farm system that has been depleted from years of abuse, and no cups to show for it.
Times are looking good for the Canadiens, but the Leafs appear to be heading into another 40 years of cuplessness.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Price Starting at Home for the first Time
Well Carey Price has officially started his first game in the NHL at home in Montreal. It seems as though he will continue to play with his cool, calm, and collected nerves. It ensures consistency.
There is no doubt that Gainey and Carbo are grooming Price for the starters position. The question is, when will this 'Change of the Guard' begin? Is Huet going to get traded before the trade deadline?
I would argue that if Huet and Price continue to play they both are now and no injuries plague either players, I predict that Huet will complete the year in Montreal. However, if Price gets hot, and starts a number of games in a row, watch out, you might see Huet dealt to a team that has an injury or a team that is lacking goaltending....possibly the leafs?
The bottom line is that Price is going to be the future of the Habs and Price is going to be good enough to take the Habs to the big dance during his career.
There is no doubt that Gainey and Carbo are grooming Price for the starters position. The question is, when will this 'Change of the Guard' begin? Is Huet going to get traded before the trade deadline?
I would argue that if Huet and Price continue to play they both are now and no injuries plague either players, I predict that Huet will complete the year in Montreal. However, if Price gets hot, and starts a number of games in a row, watch out, you might see Huet dealt to a team that has an injury or a team that is lacking goaltending....possibly the leafs?
The bottom line is that Price is going to be the future of the Habs and Price is going to be good enough to take the Habs to the big dance during his career.
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