Huet Getting The Shaft???

Habs net minder Cristobal Huet currently has the both the best goals against average, and save percentage of any net minder in the NHL. He has a personal six game winning streak, and he is fresh from a shutout of the Panthers. How then, is Huet not on the All Star ballot??? I am asking any Hab fan out there, or any hockey fan who views this as a travesty to write Huet in, go here:
http://www2.nhl.com/allstarballot/
Help a guy out will ya.

An Old Fashioned Goaltending Dual

Was a bit of a yawner last night. The Panthers played Jacques Martin hockey, and both goaltenders, Huet and Auld played solid games. There are a bunch of Hab fans out there worried about the Habs lack of scoring 5 on 5, it is a concern for sure, but I don't think it is a Habs problem alone, every team in the league has adjusted their game to account for the powerplay chances, for and against. The Zebras swallowed their whistles last night, and the result was a 1-0 win via a shoot out pour les Habs.


I was impressed with the way the Habs threw their bodies last night, Begin and Komi were hitting everything that moved. Although, the Habs were not lighting the lamp, they skated well, and more importantly for a full 60 minutes....2 more big games this week, against the Canes, and the Leafs, I don't expect anymore 1-0 games. That's all I have got, it was that kind of game, the goalies stood out, other then that...um well it was a chess match between Martin, and Carbo..checkmate Carbo on this night.

Revenge Is A Dish Best Served Cold

The Habs face the Panthers tonight. A week and a half or so ago the Panthers spanked the Habs 5-1, in an unspired game, that saw the Habs disappear in the 2nd period and never recover. Change venue, tonights game is in Mtl, not the sun shine state, and change netminder, Huet gets the start tonight, not the struggling Abby...and I expect the Habs to play a much better game tonight. Say what you want about the way the Habs play against the league's lesser lights, this should be a relatively easy 2 points pour les boys. I will recap the game tomorrow morning, try my best to break down the good, the bad, and the ugly......go Habs go!!!

And Now To Complete The Trilogy.....

Sometimes, you go to the well too often...sometimes it is better to tell a story in 2 parts instead of 3....cliches, cliches, cliches, I know, but like my Habbies, I have had a running theme all week, and like my Habbies, it would probably be better to quit when ahead...whoops nah, that cliche doesn't work so well in this case (the habs were up 1-0, in the first, and well quit, that didn't turn out so well). Know what..I think thats all I will say about the game lastnight, it was ugly from say the 10 minute mark in the 1st to say well the 10 minute mark of the 3rd. The Habs only showed up for half a game...ding ding ding....hence the lose.

Lets skip to some fun stuff. There is alot of rumour chatter out there right now, teams have had time to evaluate their rosters, and well except for the hinderance that is the cap, alot of GMs are itchy to tweak their lineups. So when I need a rumor fix (sorry no offence faux), I visit Spector's site, today's Sunday Rumor Round Up, has Habbies sprinkled all through it.....take a look.........
http://spectorshockey.tripod.com/default.html. Okay, time for my 2 cents....the names bandied about are Abby, and Souray...the returns are Seabrook, a fresh body from Pheonix or the King's, and Dupius from the Wild. If I was Gainey I would move Seabrook for Souray in a minute, that said, Chicago is looking for a center to play with Havlat, and Montreal is also in dire need of a centerl...this deal helps the Habs in terms of their glut of UFA defencemen, but I can't see how it would help Chicago in the long term. Abby is another matter, the market for a back up goalie has been heating up. The Yotes, the Kings, and now the Predators are all jonesing for help between the pipes. The stellar goaltending of Huet, coupled with the average netminding of Abby, makes it alot easier for Gainey to ship Abby out of town, agian it will depend on the return, the cap hit, etc, etc, but I would not be shocked if Abby gets moved. It is good to see some names being thrown around, I expect that nothing will get done before the trade deadline, but its always fun to pontificate.

Okay time for my weekly 3 Stars, and Joe's doghouse lists..lets get down to it. My 1st star of the week is Huet, he was stellar in all 3 of the Hab's modest 3 game winning streak, he has been great, good to see. My 2nd star, Markov, he has solidified himself as the Habs top defenceman, he and Komi have being excellent for the last month or so. 3rd star, Bonk, Bonkers has been fantastic all year, a game winning goal, and the continued amazing work by he and his linemates in shutting down the best line of opposing teams could have merited him and heck his linemates, Johnson, and Perez, all 3 stars this week. Who let the dogs out, who, who, who...ah yes the Doghouse, lets see, Mike Ryder, listen buddy, I gave you a vote of confidence last week, I went out on a limb and projected that you would be a star this week...pffft, and this is how you repay me, for shame. Sammy, Sammy, Sammy, you are digging a hole my friend. Finally I am going to have to take Carbo to task...sure the Habs are 5th in the East, sure the Habs special team work has been stellar..but, damn Carbo, quit bitching and whining at the refs, you are setting a bad example, and well the Habs now have a target on their chests....and what is with the second period let downs....figure this stuff out, the dog days are approaching, this product aint gonna sell much longer.

Two Thirds Effort Part Duex

Well scratch my back with a hacksaw....if you were to tell me that the Habs would disappear for a whole period, and hold the Sabres to only one goal, and also beat them in o.t. I would have called ya nuts.


Again I predicted doom and gloom if the Habs failed to play a full 60 minutes, and again the Habs pull out a win. It was at times ugly, but another win nonetheless....dare I make a similar prediction tonight? HaHa nah, the Habs should have no problem beating the Flyers with only 2/3 effort. However, yep there is always a however, this game has all the other trappings of a lose. First it is the second of a back to back. Second, well it's the Flyers, the Habs tend to play down to their competition (see Chicago, or Florida). Lastly, Huet gets a rest tonight, meaning Abby gets the start, and well Abby has not been all that good in his last 3 or 4 starts....conclusion, the Habs win 5-3.....or not, seems I can't predict what my Habbies are going to do lately.

Sometimes Two Thirds Effort Is Enough

Thankfully my doom and gloom post from yesterday did not come to fruition. The Habs beat the Wild 4-2. A fast start in the first, and a solid performance in the third sealed the deal. However, the Hab's disappearance act in the second period, must be cause for concern. The wild out shot the Habs 22-7, and scored 2 goals (would have potted more, had Huet not brought his A-game). The Habs can not afford to pull a similar disappearing act on Friday against the Sabres, the Wild, are a banged up team, their 2 top scores are injured, the Sabres however, average almost 5 goals a game, if Huet is left out to dry against the Sabres, the Sabres are going to fill his net.

On a positive note, Kovalev played his best game of the season. The pleks back up on the second line, seemed to light a fire under the enigmatic second line. Sammy, and Pleks were on the ice for both wild goals, but plugged away all night, can't complain too much about their games overall. The Habs third line still comes up big when it matters, Bonk scored the game winner, and Markov, and Komi, have solidified themselves as a true 1-2 combo on defence.

The Habs have not won 3 games in a row all season long, and that quest does not get any easier against the Sabres on Friday night. If the Habs, simplify their game, limit their defensive zone turnovers, and put in a full 60 minute effort...they might, and I stress might, beat the red hot Sabres.

Beware

Tonight's game versus the Wild, has all the trappings of a lose. First, the Habs have not played since Saturday night...which often leads to a sluggish start. Second, the Wild are fresh from a lose to the Senators...Mr lemaire will have his boys ready for action. Add to all this the Manny Fernandez from Montreal connection (Quebec goaltenders always play huge in Montreal), the historical connection that Lemaire, and Trembley (arch enemy number one in my books) the stars seem to line up in the Wild's favor.

The Wild are without their superstar Gaborik (nothing new there), but this is a team whose forecheck, and team speed can get the best of any team in the league. If the Habs are going to pull this one out, they are going to have to have a fast start. The Habs are going to need a relentless forecheck themselves, and most importantly they are going to have to avoid their nasty habit of being trapped in their own end for extended periods. If the Habs bring their A game (one never knows with the Habs, see previous post), this game has all the makings of a thriller. If however, the Habs come out flat, and can not get the puck out of their own end...Huet et al are in for a long night.

This is how I work, I prepare myself for the worst...that way if les boys play a stinker I am prepared, and if they pull one out its all gravy...lets hope for the later.

Bipolar

Will the real Montreal Canadiens please stand up?? Two nights ago the Habs were fresh from a stinker of a lose to the Florida Panthers....this morning, after a night that saw Habs great Serge Savard's number retired, the Habs are enjoying the after glow of their best 60 minute performance of the season. What gives, do the Habs collectively forget to take their meds every now and then.

Last nights game was a good one, Les Boys in my opinion, played their best horn to horn game of the season. Sure they only scored 3 goals, sure they still took too many penalties, but the Habs to a man (except Kovi, see dog house) all played hard.

Alright, ladies and gentleman, time for my weekly 3 Stars/Joe's Doghouse picks. First my 3 Stars of the week, here it goes: First Star, Huet, he has claimed the starter role, he has been excellent for the last couple of weeks, he looks like the Huet of last year, all great news for the Habs. Second Star, Markov, if you squint hard, and can look past the huge shadow that is the Souray slap shot, you will see that Markov is leading the Habs in scoring, and effectively shut down, not only the dynamic duo of Vinny L/St Louis, but also the 3 headed beast that is Altlanta's Hossa/Kovalchuck/Kozlov, Markov has emerged as the Habs best dman. Third Star, Perezhogin, the kid is not filling the net, but his plus 11, is tops on the Habs, and top 5 in the league as well. He works hard every shift, he and his line mates Bonk and Johnson, have developed into a stellar checking line.

Time for Joe's Doghouse, geez, when your favorite team is as bipolar as the Habs are, the doghouse ebbs and flows, guys are on it mid week, only to redeem themselves late in the week. all that said, here it goes....Kovalev, he is a charter member, I believe he has been in the doghouse every week this year, nice work, at least you are accomplishing something Alex. Abby, I gotta put you in the doghouse this week, your poor play has forced Carbo to change up his inane 2 games on, 2 games off goaltending tandem system, hat tip Abby, I never liked that system anyway....finally, hmmm this is a rough one but I guess I have to call out Ryder (broke out last night), the newf hasn't been the same since Higgins went down to injury...if last night's game is a sign of light, I expect Ryder may be a star next week, who knows, being bipolar, only time will tell. Thats it, thats all I have got. Go Habs Go.

Oh ya......

Don't look now, but the Bruins, and the Sens are heating up. The Habs, and the Leafs better get their collective shit together. The North East division is going to tighten up fast. Its going to be a horse race, the Eastern Conference as a whole is wide open, a .500 record will probably sneak a team into the post season, all five teams in the North East should make a push for the playoffs...well maybe not the Bruins, but who knows?

What A Change A Day Makes

Yesterday, the Habs where fresh from an impressive road win, they were winners of 2 consecutive games, for only the second time all year...all was well in Habsland. This morning, things don't seem so rosy. The Habs had their asses handed to them by a Panther team that was riding a 4 game losing streak, and well by most accounts were supposed to be the inferior team.


Okay, I will admit it, I did not watch this one, I saw maybe 30 seconds in the second period...actually saw the Habs lone goal by Pleks. I also saw Jokinen's hat trick goal with 30 seconds left in the third. Yesterday I played basketball, and well Thursday is a huge night for tv watching. So, it is difficult for me to analyse what went wrong last night. All I have to go on, is what I have read on Habs boards, and from snippets on sportscenter. I guess this one can be credited to the usual excuses, 2 games in 2 nights, the usual struggle the Habs have in Florida, the final game of the year's longest road trip. All valid excuses, but all cop outs as well.


I blame this one on coaching. The team that the Habs had on the ice against the Lighting was impressive, why change it? Huet played a great game 2 nights ago, sure it was a second game in 2 nights, sure Carbo probably wanted Huet fresh for the Thrashers at home on Saturday, but, but, I am a firm believer in riding the hot goalie. Carbo's rotation system has lost its effectiveness, Huet has earned the number one spot, time to ride your horse. I disagree with the other roster changes that Carbo made as well....sure it seems to make sense to sit Janne; on paper it was a no brainer. That said, Dandy on the wing on the fourth line, made that fourth line, probably the fastest in the league, they gave the Lighting fits, why change it??


Okay, so the Habs longest trip of the season is over, they return home for a Saturday night tilt, against the high powered Thrashers. Huet should get the start, I think Janne will ride the pine again, he is done. What have the Habs learned on this trip, what issues have been brought up? Thinking positively, it looks like Huet has earned his raise, and has given the Habs a solid number one in goal. The kids, Lats, and Kosti, look like keepers. The powerplay is still rolling. Dandy is back, and Janne is sitting. On the negitive side, Ryder is playing the worst hockey of his young career, Kovi is still an engima, the team still disappears for long stretches every game, and they still are racking up far to many penalty minutes...mediocracy as usual.


That is all I have got. Saturday's game against the Thrashers, is a big one. Carbo if he is smart (the jury is still out on that one) will practise this team hard, work on defensive zone coverage, back checking sans hook, trip, or obstruction. Time for the Habs to keep things simple, use their speed, and forecheck damn it. Rant over, I am out.

Road Warriors

The Habs won consecutive games for only the second time all year, and are 2-1 so far on their longest road trip of the year. Tonight's game against the Lightning, saw the Habs come out with their all too typical slow start. First period heroics between the pipes by Huet, and yet another powerplay blast by Souray, allowed the Habs to sneak out of the first period, tied 1-1.

The Habs outplayed the Lighting for the remaining 2 periods, and pulled out a 3-1 victory, against a hot Lighting team. All and all a good road win for the Habs. The defensive play of Markov, and Komi was stellar. The defensive duo was on the ice every time the duo of Vinny L, and St Louis were on the ice, and did a fantastic job shutting down the hot pair. Souray, although ugly at times in his own end, scored 2 more powerplay goals, and Rookie Gui Latendresse, continued his hot scoring, when he tallied the Habs 3rd powerplay goal of the night, a laser beam of a shot to the top hand corner, which helped the Habs seal the deal.

The standouts tonight, were Markov, and Komi. Hat tip to Souray because of the pp goals, and Huet who was great again tonight. I liked the way the second line looked tonight, Kosti is a keeper. Dandy who played the wing, had great jump, and hit everything, and Begin who played on a line with Dandy, played his best game of the year. As for the guys who are struggling, Ryder, is really fighting the puck, he hasn't been the same player since Higgins got hurt. Janne well ya Janne, Janne had another sub par game, he sat and looked at Vinny P, and allowed the Lighting forward to deflect in the only Lighting goal....he whined when he got a penalty, he was crap, I expect that that may have been his last game as a Hab for awhile, barring injury of course. Other then Ryder, and Janne, the Habs played a solid team game, Carbo was able to roll 4 lines, and they all contributed in their own way. I wasn't blown away by the Habs performance tonight, but I wasn't disappointed either..this was a good honest road win. Go Habs Go.

Dandy Ready To Return To Action

Habs defenseman Mathieu Dandenault is reportedly ready to return to action, either tonight against the Lighting or at home Saturday versus the Thrashers. Dandenault's return, means the coach Carbo has a decision to make, as to who he will scratch on d to make room for Dandy. The Habs top four dmen, Markov, Komi, Souray, and Rivet are of course safe, Carbo has to pick between Striet, or Niniimaa. Mark Striet, who is by no stretch of the imagination, a physical presence on the back end, has not looked out of place on the Hab's blueline this year. He has 5 assists in I believe 11 games, and judging from the games I have seen this year, has made only a limited amount of defensive brainfarts. This of course brings me to Janne, oh Janne, you are the Habs new whipping boy (you replaced Ribs, whatya expect). Niniimaa, has been the worst dman on the Habs thus far this year (quite an accomplishment, really), Janne's play of late has not only pissed off the fans, and the media, but there are numerous reports that coach Carbo is not all that impressed with him either. So what does this all mean, logic would dictate that Janne sits for Dandy, and Striet stays on until the Cube returns...something tells me though that it will be Mark Streit that rides the pine. Its awful hard to sit a 2.4 million dollar asset in the press box.

A Win, Is A Win, Is A Win

It was at times ugly, and it certainly was nothing to write home about, but the Habs took care of business against the shockingly lowly Senators last night. The Habs came out flat in the first period, the Sens had all the jump, but Huet kept the Habs in it early, and the tide slowly changed from the second period onward.

I saw this game as a snap shot of both teams performances thus far this year. The Sens, came out of the gate, guns blazing, only to be spanked in the third period yet again. There is something wrong in the Nations Capital. Whether it be chemistry, leadership, goal tending, guts, or coaching, a shake up is eminent in Ottawa, of that I am sure. As for the Habs, this game was typical of their early season performance thus far...they came out flat, listless, Mike Komisarek's huge hit on McGratton, and his shorthanded goal woke the Habs up, but the Habs continue to play with fire, with their undisciplined play. Yes their special team play has been stellar, but you can not continually allow the other team to have powerplay chances....this game should have been over when the Habs were up 4-1. A steady Habs stream to the penalty box, allowed the Sens to make it close, when they scored 2 powerplay goals in the third to make it 4-3. Mike Johnson thankfully put it away with his unassisted wrister. If you are a frequenter of any of the Habs forums out there, you know that many fans believe that their team is being singled out by the refs...I wouldn't go that far, yes I believe the refs are inconsistent, and well piss poor, but I will not succumb to a conspiracy theory yet. The time has come for Carbo and the rest of his staff, to study game film, and try and teach this team how to stay out of the box.

So yes, a win, is a win, is a win. The Habs once again did not show up for a full 60 minutes, but I was impressed, not only with the kids, Lats, Kosti, and Perez, were stellar, but, Komi, Huet, Saku, and the whole 3rd line played excellent games last night. As messy as this game was at times, the right team won. Go Habs Go.

Congrats Patrick

Earlier today fromer Habs netminder Patrick Roy was inducted into the Hockey Hall Of Fame. Love him or hate him, Patrick Roy's accomplishments speak for themselves. Most regular season wins, most games played, most post season wins, 3 Conn Smythe trophies, 3 Vezina trophies, 4 Stanley Cups, oh ya and he revolutionalized his position with the butterfly style.


Patrick Roy supplied me with some of my favorite hockey memories. He will forever be one of my hockey heros. Debate all you want about his arrogance, or whether he quit on the Habs, Patrick Roy was a competitor, a warrior, and a winner. This is his big day, and I just want to say thanks Patrick for the memories.

Tonight's Game Is A Good Test.....

The Habs are in Ottawa tonight to play the enigmatic Senators. This game ought be a good test for both teams. Although the Habs have a better record, their play of late, has closely mirrored the struggles of the Senators. Neither team has been able to put together full 60 minute efforts as of late. Could this be the game where the Sens finally prove that they are in fact the class of North East Division (them and Buffalo, whose bubble has to burst some time right)? Is this the game, where the Habs mediocracy is once again exposed by a superior opponent? Or do the Habs have the pride to bounce back from a horrid performance against the Leafs, and take a big bite out off the struggling Sens. This tilt is a big one, this a tone setting game for both teams. I expect a tight game, both teams lost their last games, and must be hungry for some points, and position.

Les Miserables

I could spit adjectives, throw in a few f bombs, even throw in a tabernac...Last nights Habs performance against the Leafs, was by far their worst showing thus far this year. The Habs played with no emotion, there was no desire to win, they seemed unprepared, and what's worse they seemed not all that concerned.

This should have been a game for the taking, the Leafs were down their captain and best player, Mats Sundin, the were also playing sans starting netminder Andrew Raycroft. Sure the Habs have injury issues themselves, the lose of leading scorer, and best all around player Chris Higgins, is a kick in the pants. But, but the Habs were a no show lastnight.

So what went wrong??? Aside from the fact, that the Habs were listless, and seemed disinterested. I will start with discipline. How can a team, that does not play a physical game, be the second most penalized team in the league??? The Habs game, when successful, is speed driven, they should be drawing penalties not getting them. Sure the Habs have the best p.k. in the league, practice makes perfect right??? But, to continually be behind the 8 ball, to limit the ice time of the skilled keys, simply because the same 8 guys are on the ice for 60% of the game, is not a formula for success. I have no problem, with tough, physical hockey, I would love nothing more then to see my Habs, smashing guys all over the ice. This is however, not how the Habs are getting their penalties. They had 2 delay of the game penalties, both Souray, and Markov, shot the puck over the boards in their own end (worst penalty on the books in my opinion), the rest of the penalties were lazy penalties, hooking, tripping, or interference. Time for some hard practice, time for the coaching staff to bust some heads, work on fundamentals, punish laziness, there is now reason that the Habs should be the second most penalized team in the league.

So, the Habs are on the road, for the next 3 games, the play the Sens, then 2 games in Florida, this trip is important. Road trips can act as team building experiences. This team needs an identity, they need to develop a style of play. Time for coach Carbo to coach.

3 stars of the week: I have been in Ottawa for the last couple of weeks, so I really haven't watched my boys, that said, here it goes. 1) Lats, yep Lats, why? Well because he has scored his first goal of the year, and had a pretty assist lastnight. 2) Huet, nice to see this guy start to get his game back, earn his raise. 3) ummm Saku, because he is Saku, I guess.

Joe's doghouse: Janne Niniimma, yep, I was warned, and well he hasn't impressed. Kovi, this guy has earned permanent status here, sure his line had a couple of good scoring chances last night, but he has played so uninspired that, I just wanna shake him. Downey/Murray, the fourth line, has been useless, I'd give them a free pass if the were hitting, but they aren't even doing that.....Crap.

Man Down

Chris Higgins, who in my opinion is the Habs best all around player, is expected to miss up to six weeks with a high ankle sprain. This is horrible news, not only is he leading the Habs in scoring this year, but he is also a huge part of the reason that the Habs penalty kill has been so stellar early on this year. It looks that his spot on the top line will be filled by rookie Gui Latendresse. Lats who has failed to impress anyone (okay, maybe some delusional members of the French press), I believe will spend maybe a shift and a half on the top line. Expect either Kovalev, Sammy, or maybe Perezhogin, or even Plekanic to see time with Saku and Ryder.

Will this injury, force Bob's hand? Will he be having serious discussions with his fellow GMs at their little sit down? Hard to say, It has been reported that the Habs had scouts at the Wings, Flyers game the other night. But were the Habs scouting the Wings or the Flyers, I figure every team in the NHL might be eyeing the Flyers right now, they are about to be blown up, and who knows where the the scrapnel may land. I for one believe that the Kings and Habs might be suitable suitors..Souray, for Conroy, problem with that deal being, that the Kings are already flush on defence, and the Habs are weak on the back end. A multiplayer deal perhaps envolving Souray, an Nhl ready prospect forward, maybe a pick, for Conroy, and Tverdosky?? Speculation of course. Bob is a patient man, he may sit on his hands, see how his team plays sans Higgins. All I can tell you is that, the lose of Higgins is huge. He is a big reason that the Habs have had such a respectable start. He can not be replaced via trade, but, it may force Bob to address other holes in his line up.

Thoughts Of The Sens Vs. Canes

I had the opportunity, thanks to my friend Angela to see the Senators Vs. Hurricanes game on Saturday night. We had fantastic seats, in the 100 level, almost ice level toward the west end corner of the boards. The Scotia Bank Center, although far to far from Ottawa, is a beautiful rink, smaller then I am used to, the Centre Bell, seems huge in comparison, but oh well, the Sens sold it out, and that is all that matters right.

As for the game itself. The Sens, and their struggling captain Daniel Alfredsson came flying out of the gate. Alfie scored an early goal, and it looked like the Sens were back on their game. The Sens played a solid first period. The second period was dull. Early in the third the Hurricanes seemed to find there game..helped greatly by a parade to the penalty box by the Sens, eventually leading to Ray Whitney's second goal of the game, and the game winner.

My impressions of the 2 teams that most thought would be among the class of the Eastern Conference. First Ottawa, Ottawa can skate with any team in the league. They are still blessed, with elite level offensive talent. Their problem, they over handle the puck, and they do not shoot enough. I was sitting surrounded by die hard Sens fans, and all I heard the whole night was shoot the freaking puck. I also heard alot of anti Heatley rumblings, stuff like why did we trade Hossa for this guy, and I haven't been impressed with this guy since he arrived. The player I was most unimpressed with was Spezza, he seemed lazy, and uninspired. Overall, I still believe the Senators have the goods to make the playoffs, there is far too much talent on this team to think otherwise. They need to learn to shoot the puck, and crash the net. They still lack that killer instinct, that desire to go for the jugular. But by the end of the year when the smoke settles, they will sit near the top of the Eastern Conference, probably with around 100 points.

As for last years Stanley Cup Champions the Hurricanes, first impressions, the first thing you notice is how god awful ugly their white away jerseys are. But seriously, the Canes are a solid team. I was really impressed with Rod Brind Amour, who just so happened to score his 1000 point on Saturday night. Brind Amour does everything well, he is complete hockey player, a rare beast in this day and age. Eric Cole was also impressive, and Stoll, although I believe he was held of the score sheet, looks like the real deal to me. The Canes although they had a slow start, I believe will also be at the upper edge of the Eastern Conference come years end. If Cam Ward can play anywhere near the level he played in last years playoffs (hangover in full effect with this kid), and if Rutherford can pull off some trade deadline magic like he did last year, the Canes are still contenders.

Oh ya Go Habs Go.

Going To A Sens Game

Just a little, how do you do. Turns out I am going to get to see a game after all. I am going to see the Senators play the Hurricanes on Saturday night. Would have much rather have went to see my Habs play the Sens, early next week, but not only is that a premium game, with inflated ticket prices, but looks like it is pretty much completly sold out...d'oh. So in my abscence, it seems the Habs have dropped one in o.t. to the Leafs and beat the aforementioned Sens the other night. Can't really give you my impression of either game, only caught snippets on Sports Desk.

I will try to report in, with my impressions of the Canes and the Sens, perhaps, Monday morning. Neither team has impressed at all this year, I will break down why I think they are struggling. Keep your stick on the ice all.