Beating The Best
Just a quick note on last night's jaunt. I have a full house, blog time is limited. It was fun sitting down with a couple of beers and Alan my brother-in-law who is from Ireland, last night's game my have been his first 60 minute NHL hockey game. Cheers to Les Boys for winning a game against the Sabres, wouldn't have been as fun if my guys lost.
All and all you have to be impressed with the Habs game last night. They put together a solid 60 minute performance, and the win moved them within 5 points of the conference leading Sabres. It is awful nice to see Higgins back on the ice, he was stellar last night, hasn't missed a beat. Onward and upward Les Boys, the Sabres have seemed to level off, why not make the push to be the beasts of the East. Go Habs Go!!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Habs Shut Down The Kid
The Kid came to the Mtl riding a streak of 10 points in his previous 2 games, the Pens themselves were on a 4 game winning streak. Oh well, like they say all good things must come to an end. Sidney Crosby did pick up an assist in the 1st period, but the Habbies kept the NHL's leading scorer at bay most of the night, and when it was all said and done, came away with an impressive 6-3 victory. The Habs were flat in the 1st, the Pens grossly out shot them 17-3, and the Pens held a 2-1 lead over les boys after 1 period...Carbo must have said all the right things in the 1st intermission, because from the start of the 2nd period on, it was all Habs. Funny, this game was hyped to death, the prodigal son's return.... the thing is Sid and his Pens looked tired, they had played 4 games in 6 nights, we were not blessed with Sid at his best, too bad because when this Kid is on his game, it is a true joy to watch...as a Habs fan I will take the 2 points, as a hockey fan, I feel a little ripped.
My 3 Stars of the week....1st star..Saku, the captain had an awesome week. 2nd star..Huet, after a little blip of inconsistent play last week, Huet had a nice week of puck stopping. 3rd star..Lapierre, the rookie gets a call up from Hamilton and has 3 points in 3 games, works his buns off, may have earned a permanent spot on the big squad.
Joe's Doghouse...hard one this week, Les Boys, played well collectively, but if I must pick my dogs, here it goes...Bou Bou, the Cube, was dinged up a little this week, he missed a little time, all that said he is a defensive liability, I for one would like him to sit in the press box..Striet is the better player. Mike Johnson, I love his hustle, I just want him to chip in a little more offensively. Finally, Rivet, sure he is a long time Hab, sure he wears the 'A' with distinction...but the defensive brainfarts, and dumbass penalties are adding up, he has been a hindrance lately.
The Kid came to the Mtl riding a streak of 10 points in his previous 2 games, the Pens themselves were on a 4 game winning streak. Oh well, like they say all good things must come to an end. Sidney Crosby did pick up an assist in the 1st period, but the Habbies kept the NHL's leading scorer at bay most of the night, and when it was all said and done, came away with an impressive 6-3 victory. The Habs were flat in the 1st, the Pens grossly out shot them 17-3, and the Pens held a 2-1 lead over les boys after 1 period...Carbo must have said all the right things in the 1st intermission, because from the start of the 2nd period on, it was all Habs. Funny, this game was hyped to death, the prodigal son's return.... the thing is Sid and his Pens looked tired, they had played 4 games in 6 nights, we were not blessed with Sid at his best, too bad because when this Kid is on his game, it is a true joy to watch...as a Habs fan I will take the 2 points, as a hockey fan, I feel a little ripped.
My 3 Stars of the week....1st star..Saku, the captain had an awesome week. 2nd star..Huet, after a little blip of inconsistent play last week, Huet had a nice week of puck stopping. 3rd star..Lapierre, the rookie gets a call up from Hamilton and has 3 points in 3 games, works his buns off, may have earned a permanent spot on the big squad.
Joe's Doghouse...hard one this week, Les Boys, played well collectively, but if I must pick my dogs, here it goes...Bou Bou, the Cube, was dinged up a little this week, he missed a little time, all that said he is a defensive liability, I for one would like him to sit in the press box..Striet is the better player. Mike Johnson, I love his hustle, I just want him to chip in a little more offensively. Finally, Rivet, sure he is a long time Hab, sure he wears the 'A' with distinction...but the defensive brainfarts, and dumbass penalties are adding up, he has been a hindrance lately.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Huet And Saku Steal One....
The Habs had no business being in last night's game after two periods; they were thoroughly out shot, out worked, heck they were out classed. Huet was stellar, he kept Les Boys in the game, and after an atrocious first 40 minutes the Habs only trailed by a goal. Had CSI not been a repeat, had I not had a solid supply of beer, I might have given up on the game after 2 periods, the Habs were that bad, it was painful to watch.
Cue Saku, who was playing his 600th NHL match (congrats Saku!!), after rookie Maxim Lapierre tied the game early in the 3rd on a nifty deflection, Saku once again put the team on his back, scoring the game winner, and topping it off with the empty net insurance marker. Good teams find ways to win, and don't look now, but the Habs just might be a good team.
Carbo has some roster decisions to make. Chris Higgins is set to return on Saturday, Bou Bou, and Begin are also day to day. I fear that with the return of these 3 bodies, that young Maxim Lapierre will be sent back to Hamilton. To bad really, the kid has been a breath of fresh air, he works his tail off, he hits, and he even chips in offensively (1st NHL goal last night). That said, the coaching staff seem content to dress Garth Murray (???), so there does not seem to be any room for the young fella. Looks like Carbo is going to put Higgy on the 4th line until he gets back in game shape...when he is healthy, Carbo has some interesting line up decisions to make. Higgins is a top 2 line player, so, Lats or Pleks are going to have to be moved down to the 4th line. Here is what I would like to see:
Higgy Saku Lats
Sammy Kovy Ryder
Johnson Bonk Perez
Begin Lapierre Pleks
Komi Markov
Souray Dandy
Rivet Striet
But what do I know....if that doesn't work, Pleks goes up on the 2nd line, Lats to the 4th, forming an all Quebec line with Begin and Lapierre, and Ryder is with Saku and Higgy again. Carbo has some juggling to do, should be interesting.
The Habs had no business being in last night's game after two periods; they were thoroughly out shot, out worked, heck they were out classed. Huet was stellar, he kept Les Boys in the game, and after an atrocious first 40 minutes the Habs only trailed by a goal. Had CSI not been a repeat, had I not had a solid supply of beer, I might have given up on the game after 2 periods, the Habs were that bad, it was painful to watch.
Cue Saku, who was playing his 600th NHL match (congrats Saku!!), after rookie Maxim Lapierre tied the game early in the 3rd on a nifty deflection, Saku once again put the team on his back, scoring the game winner, and topping it off with the empty net insurance marker. Good teams find ways to win, and don't look now, but the Habs just might be a good team.
Carbo has some roster decisions to make. Chris Higgins is set to return on Saturday, Bou Bou, and Begin are also day to day. I fear that with the return of these 3 bodies, that young Maxim Lapierre will be sent back to Hamilton. To bad really, the kid has been a breath of fresh air, he works his tail off, he hits, and he even chips in offensively (1st NHL goal last night). That said, the coaching staff seem content to dress Garth Murray (???), so there does not seem to be any room for the young fella. Looks like Carbo is going to put Higgy on the 4th line until he gets back in game shape...when he is healthy, Carbo has some interesting line up decisions to make. Higgins is a top 2 line player, so, Lats or Pleks are going to have to be moved down to the 4th line. Here is what I would like to see:
Higgy Saku Lats
Sammy Kovy Ryder
Johnson Bonk Perez
Begin Lapierre Pleks
Komi Markov
Souray Dandy
Rivet Striet
But what do I know....if that doesn't work, Pleks goes up on the 2nd line, Lats to the 4th, forming an all Quebec line with Begin and Lapierre, and Ryder is with Saku and Higgy again. Carbo has some juggling to do, should be interesting.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Sammy Comes To Play
Nothing like a well played hockey game to help ease the pain of an emotional and tragic past week for both the Habs and the Bruins. The search for Laura Gainey has been called off, it is safe to assume that she has been tragically lost at sea. My thoughts go out to the Gainey family; and I would also like to note how wonderful not only the Montreal Canadien organization has been, but also the hockey world in general. I am sure the Bob Gainey and his family appreciate all the support that they have received. As for Phil Kessel, he has already had successful surgery, and it is said that he is recovering nicely, here is hoping that the Bruin's youngster gets back on the blades soon.
Right, enough doom and gloom already. Last night's hockey game was another beauty. Once the zebras finally swallowed their whistles midway through the second period, the Habs and B's put on a great show. Sammy was stellar, he potted 2 goals, his first goals in 19 games I believe, he was flying out there, and had a smile on his face, a smile rarely seen thus far this season. The young Maxim Lapierre saw his first action of the year, and I must say I was impressed with this kids game. He has good wheels, doesn't shy away from bumping some bodies, and he made stuff happen whenever he was on the ice. Except for Kovalev, and well Murray (who is a waste of roster space in my opinion), each member of the Habs came to play. The bad habit of disappearing for a period at a time seems to have been addressed by the coaching staff, and the results are showing in the standings. Go Habs Go, and stay strong Bob.
Nothing like a well played hockey game to help ease the pain of an emotional and tragic past week for both the Habs and the Bruins. The search for Laura Gainey has been called off, it is safe to assume that she has been tragically lost at sea. My thoughts go out to the Gainey family; and I would also like to note how wonderful not only the Montreal Canadien organization has been, but also the hockey world in general. I am sure the Bob Gainey and his family appreciate all the support that they have received. As for Phil Kessel, he has already had successful surgery, and it is said that he is recovering nicely, here is hoping that the Bruin's youngster gets back on the blades soon.
Right, enough doom and gloom already. Last night's hockey game was another beauty. Once the zebras finally swallowed their whistles midway through the second period, the Habs and B's put on a great show. Sammy was stellar, he potted 2 goals, his first goals in 19 games I believe, he was flying out there, and had a smile on his face, a smile rarely seen thus far this season. The young Maxim Lapierre saw his first action of the year, and I must say I was impressed with this kids game. He has good wheels, doesn't shy away from bumping some bodies, and he made stuff happen whenever he was on the ice. Except for Kovalev, and well Murray (who is a waste of roster space in my opinion), each member of the Habs came to play. The bad habit of disappearing for a period at a time seems to have been addressed by the coaching staff, and the results are showing in the standings. Go Habs Go, and stay strong Bob.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
One Helluva Game
Regardless of the fact that the Habs were beat by the Sabres in a Shootout; last night's game was without a doubt the best hockey game I have seen all year. Fast paced, lots of hits, the shots were even, the Habs and the Sabres match up very well...this game was fun one to watch.
If I were look for negatives, I would point out that Danny Briere, is a horrible diver, he over acts, I will agree that Rivet twice went over the line with the Sabres captain, but Briere's reaction to being hit is shameless....he makes you want to hit him all that much harder, I really dislike that kid. Souray, who tied the game up, with an almost carbon copy goal which he scored on Miller earlier in the year, minutes later was slashed on the wrist by Gaustad, and did not return....not much is known at this point, it did not look all that serious, but one never knows with Mr Souray.
So there you have it, the Habs did not come out with 2 points versus the class of the Eastern Conference, but they played the Sabres as hard as anyone has this year. This game should have ended in a tie..the farce that is the shootout, did a disservice to this game. The Habs and the Sabres were even all game long, this was a stalemate...neither team deserved to lose.
Its that time of the week...time for the 3 Stars, and Joe's Doghouse...first the good, 1st Star, Saku Koivu, Kaptain K was a warrior all week, he put the team on his shoulders and all I can do is tip my hat to him. 2nd Star, Mark Streit, with the glut the Habs have on defence, Streit has been put on the wing, he has made the best of the situation, a quiet surprise all year. 3rd Star, Radek Bonk, typically stellar as usual all week. Now the ugly... the doghouse, hmmm, Boullion, Bou Bou, the Cube, whatever moniker you wish to attach to him, he stinks. Huet, Huet, Huet, I am sure this isn't a permanent spot, just serving him notice, some of the bad habits from early in the year reemerged, smarten up. Finally Sammy, he may be working his way out of the house, he has shown some signs of life, keep it up, and I might have to find a new dog...Kovalev you have been served notice.
P.S. Thoughts and prayers from all Habs fans out there, for the safety of Laura Gainey.
Regardless of the fact that the Habs were beat by the Sabres in a Shootout; last night's game was without a doubt the best hockey game I have seen all year. Fast paced, lots of hits, the shots were even, the Habs and the Sabres match up very well...this game was fun one to watch.
If I were look for negatives, I would point out that Danny Briere, is a horrible diver, he over acts, I will agree that Rivet twice went over the line with the Sabres captain, but Briere's reaction to being hit is shameless....he makes you want to hit him all that much harder, I really dislike that kid. Souray, who tied the game up, with an almost carbon copy goal which he scored on Miller earlier in the year, minutes later was slashed on the wrist by Gaustad, and did not return....not much is known at this point, it did not look all that serious, but one never knows with Mr Souray.
So there you have it, the Habs did not come out with 2 points versus the class of the Eastern Conference, but they played the Sabres as hard as anyone has this year. This game should have ended in a tie..the farce that is the shootout, did a disservice to this game. The Habs and the Sabres were even all game long, this was a stalemate...neither team deserved to lose.
Its that time of the week...time for the 3 Stars, and Joe's Doghouse...first the good, 1st Star, Saku Koivu, Kaptain K was a warrior all week, he put the team on his shoulders and all I can do is tip my hat to him. 2nd Star, Mark Streit, with the glut the Habs have on defence, Streit has been put on the wing, he has made the best of the situation, a quiet surprise all year. 3rd Star, Radek Bonk, typically stellar as usual all week. Now the ugly... the doghouse, hmmm, Boullion, Bou Bou, the Cube, whatever moniker you wish to attach to him, he stinks. Huet, Huet, Huet, I am sure this isn't a permanent spot, just serving him notice, some of the bad habits from early in the year reemerged, smarten up. Finally Sammy, he may be working his way out of the house, he has shown some signs of life, keep it up, and I might have to find a new dog...Kovalev you have been served notice.
P.S. Thoughts and prayers from all Habs fans out there, for the safety of Laura Gainey.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Saku!!!!!
Chirp, chirp..... it is a good thing that the Habs tend to bring with them a strong contingent of fans; or the only noises that would have been heard in Long Island last night would have been those of skates on ice, thundering body checks, slap shots, and Saku cursing at the zebras. The New York hockey market is drying up, it is in a sad state.
As for the game itself, the Habs came away with a victory, thanks in large part to Kaptain Koivu, who finished the game with 2 goals and an assist. Carbo juggled the lines (the 2nd line remains ineffective) in the 3rd period, putting Kovalev on the 1st line with Saku, and Ryder on the 2nd with Pleks and Sammy...Saku and Kovi have definite chemistry (Saku makes everyone better), the problem is the 2nd line is no better with Ryder on it, then it was with Kovi...Pleks God love him is a good kid, he can skate, and he works hard, but he is not a 2nd line center, there in lies the problem (that an Sammy, who is an enigma). Chris Higgins is expected to return after Xmas, that is when Carbo is going to have to make some real decisions as to who plays on which line. There are some people who believe that Higgy should center the 2nd line, I for one think he was great on the wing on the 1st line...all that said, his return will be a real shot in the arm. Whichever line he is assigned to, his energy, and work effort will rub off on his linemates.
Big game on Saturday night, the Sabres fresh from a lose to the Panthers (pesky buggers, they took out the Habbies as well), and will surely come out flying at the Bell Centre. A win against the Sabres would be huge for the Habs...but like the cautious Habs fan that I am I will not get my hopes up.
Chirp, chirp..... it is a good thing that the Habs tend to bring with them a strong contingent of fans; or the only noises that would have been heard in Long Island last night would have been those of skates on ice, thundering body checks, slap shots, and Saku cursing at the zebras. The New York hockey market is drying up, it is in a sad state.
As for the game itself, the Habs came away with a victory, thanks in large part to Kaptain Koivu, who finished the game with 2 goals and an assist. Carbo juggled the lines (the 2nd line remains ineffective) in the 3rd period, putting Kovalev on the 1st line with Saku, and Ryder on the 2nd with Pleks and Sammy...Saku and Kovi have definite chemistry (Saku makes everyone better), the problem is the 2nd line is no better with Ryder on it, then it was with Kovi...Pleks God love him is a good kid, he can skate, and he works hard, but he is not a 2nd line center, there in lies the problem (that an Sammy, who is an enigma). Chris Higgins is expected to return after Xmas, that is when Carbo is going to have to make some real decisions as to who plays on which line. There are some people who believe that Higgy should center the 2nd line, I for one think he was great on the wing on the 1st line...all that said, his return will be a real shot in the arm. Whichever line he is assigned to, his energy, and work effort will rub off on his linemates.
Big game on Saturday night, the Sabres fresh from a lose to the Panthers (pesky buggers, they took out the Habbies as well), and will surely come out flying at the Bell Centre. A win against the Sabres would be huge for the Habs...but like the cautious Habs fan that I am I will not get my hopes up.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Yawn.....
Looks to me that the Devils have not yet received the memo...the "New NHL" has yet to catch on in the swamp. The Devils continue to play, their trademark trap, clog the neutral zone, clutch and grab hockey, and they play it well. The Devils played rope a dope with the Habs for 45 minutes last night, then after lulling the Habs to sleep, they tied the game up late in the 3rd....I could go on a rant about the colossal brainfart that golden boy Souray made with 11 seconds left in o.t., but screw it..the Devils played their game, and regardless of the changes the NHL has made to make the game more open, more exciting, and higher scoring, stifling defence wins 9 times out of 10. Too bad for the Devils that playing boring, yet winning hockey, does not put butts in the seats..there were what a 106 people in the crowd last night...pathetic.
Looks to me that the Devils have not yet received the memo...the "New NHL" has yet to catch on in the swamp. The Devils continue to play, their trademark trap, clog the neutral zone, clutch and grab hockey, and they play it well. The Devils played rope a dope with the Habs for 45 minutes last night, then after lulling the Habs to sleep, they tied the game up late in the 3rd....I could go on a rant about the colossal brainfart that golden boy Souray made with 11 seconds left in o.t., but screw it..the Devils played their game, and regardless of the changes the NHL has made to make the game more open, more exciting, and higher scoring, stifling defence wins 9 times out of 10. Too bad for the Devils that playing boring, yet winning hockey, does not put butts in the seats..there were what a 106 people in the crowd last night...pathetic.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
An Old Fashioned Barn Burner....
The Habs score 5 goals and lose...waaaaaah?? Yep Les Boys came back from a 3 goal deficit, and almost survived a bad night from Huet....but Brad Stuart popped in 2 goals in the third....waaaaah?? and the Habbies lost an up and down, barn burner, 6-5, to their long time rival Bruins.
Huet looked tired and was pulled in the 2nd. Abby was unable to make the key saves, when his team needed them. This lose came down to goal tending...had the Habs had a solid performance by Huet, they would have won this game big.
So what does this mean for the rest of the week?? Does Carbo sit Huet, against the Devils on Wednesday? Does he then start Huet on Thursday, and Saturday against the Islanders, and Sabres? Hard to say, Abby has not won a game in months, but Huet looks tired, and may need a break. This is going to be a tough week...the Habbies way end the week with 4 straight loses....gut check time in the MTL je pense.
The Habs score 5 goals and lose...waaaaaah?? Yep Les Boys came back from a 3 goal deficit, and almost survived a bad night from Huet....but Brad Stuart popped in 2 goals in the third....waaaaah?? and the Habbies lost an up and down, barn burner, 6-5, to their long time rival Bruins.
Huet looked tired and was pulled in the 2nd. Abby was unable to make the key saves, when his team needed them. This lose came down to goal tending...had the Habs had a solid performance by Huet, they would have won this game big.
So what does this mean for the rest of the week?? Does Carbo sit Huet, against the Devils on Wednesday? Does he then start Huet on Thursday, and Saturday against the Islanders, and Sabres? Hard to say, Abby has not won a game in months, but Huet looks tired, and may need a break. This is going to be a tough week...the Habbies way end the week with 4 straight loses....gut check time in the MTL je pense.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
A Win Against The Leafs Is Always Nice.....
It wasn't pretty, heck the Leafs took it to Les Boys for 2/3s of the night, but a face smash of Tucker by Franky Boullion, and a brilliant 3rd period by Captian Koivu...oh ya and I heard that Raycroft's soiled jockstrap (caused by Souray's fake slapper in the s.o.) is on sale on Ebay...the Habs pulled it out, a win is a win is a win.
I have to admit, I did not pay much attention to the game last night, in between debating the Liberal Leadership Convention, sharing drunken prose with a buddy, and consoling a friend that was pissed off at another friend for standing her up...the game was more back ground noise then anything else. I saw Bou Bou k.o. Tucker, that brought me to my feet, and I saw Koivu take his Habs on his shoulders in the 3rd....I was glued to the shoot out (debate its effect on the game all ya want, but when your boys win, its great fun). The Habs ended the week on a high, they have still yet to lose 2 games in a row...like I said a win against the Leafs is always nice.
Weekly 3 Stars time. 1st Star, gotta give it to Huet, he has been a monster. 2nd Star, Saku, Captain K, is paired up with a rookie and a snake bitten winger, yet he still produces when it counts. 3rd Star.....hmmm screw it, let Huet have that star as well, nuff said. Joe's Doghouse... Sammy, he has moved in, and seems comfortable there. I guess I will put the 7 headed monster that is the Habs defence on notice...too hard to single any one dman out, but I have my eye on these guys, Huet can't save their bacon every night...clear the zone for shit sakes. There is always room in the Doghouse, Sammy doesn't take up all that much room.
It wasn't pretty, heck the Leafs took it to Les Boys for 2/3s of the night, but a face smash of Tucker by Franky Boullion, and a brilliant 3rd period by Captian Koivu...oh ya and I heard that Raycroft's soiled jockstrap (caused by Souray's fake slapper in the s.o.) is on sale on Ebay...the Habs pulled it out, a win is a win is a win.
I have to admit, I did not pay much attention to the game last night, in between debating the Liberal Leadership Convention, sharing drunken prose with a buddy, and consoling a friend that was pissed off at another friend for standing her up...the game was more back ground noise then anything else. I saw Bou Bou k.o. Tucker, that brought me to my feet, and I saw Koivu take his Habs on his shoulders in the 3rd....I was glued to the shoot out (debate its effect on the game all ya want, but when your boys win, its great fun). The Habs ended the week on a high, they have still yet to lose 2 games in a row...like I said a win against the Leafs is always nice.
Weekly 3 Stars time. 1st Star, gotta give it to Huet, he has been a monster. 2nd Star, Saku, Captain K, is paired up with a rookie and a snake bitten winger, yet he still produces when it counts. 3rd Star.....hmmm screw it, let Huet have that star as well, nuff said. Joe's Doghouse... Sammy, he has moved in, and seems comfortable there. I guess I will put the 7 headed monster that is the Habs defence on notice...too hard to single any one dman out, but I have my eye on these guys, Huet can't save their bacon every night...clear the zone for shit sakes. There is always room in the Doghouse, Sammy doesn't take up all that much room.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Glad I Missed It....
Well all of it except for say the last 12 minutes of the 3rd period, which were the critical moments of the game...7 straight minutes of penalty killing, and a game winning goal by public enemy number one in Habsville, one Justin Williams...and I am left thinking damn, why was CSI a repeat lastnight. Meh......bring on the Leafs.
Well all of it except for say the last 12 minutes of the 3rd period, which were the critical moments of the game...7 straight minutes of penalty killing, and a game winning goal by public enemy number one in Habsville, one Justin Williams...and I am left thinking damn, why was CSI a repeat lastnight. Meh......bring on the Leafs.
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