Upper Canadian Invasion
I will be blogging rather lightly for the next week or so. I am on my way to Ottawa, and then a short stint in the Mtl. The trip is not at all hockey related, the Sens are on the road most of next week, and budget, and lack of planning (except for the charming of a girl in Ott, and the drinking of a ton of beer in Mtl) have made the viewing of a game pretty much out of the question. Oh well girls and beer, are not such a bad thing, I will catch a coupla games later on in the season.
As for last nights game versus the Bruins, I missed almost all of the first 2 periods. When I finally turned the game on, I just missed the Kovalev meltdown..I did however witness the Bruin powerplay goal that tied the game up. This was yet another stinker, it had the same feel as the Chicago game a week or so ago. I am not sure if the Bruins, and Hawks, play a similar game, maybe the game plan against the Habs, is to play a clutch and grab, old school Nhl game, and hope that the Habs get the majority of the penalties. Which of course was the case lastnight. The Habs have a discipline problem, and the continued whining by the coaching staff right on threw the line up, is certainly not going to endear the Habs to the refs.
Good on Huet for playing playing a solid 60 minute game, good on Higgins for being well Higgins, and good on Markov, for scoring the game winner. Hat tip to some of my buddies in the blogosphere for warning me about the inaptitude of Janne Niinimaa. He certainly is an early candidate for my doghouse, add Kovalev, Lats, and Carbo to the early list as well.
Leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again. Cheers.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Carbo Shuffles Lines
Coach Carbo, in an attempt to get production out of his second line, has decided to promote rookie Gui Latendresse to the second line, and demote Samsonov to the fourth. I for one think that this is a brainfart of a move, Lats has yet to prove anything at the pro level, Sammy although not lighting up the score sheet, has at least shown some wheels, and I think was just beginning to feel comfortable in the Habs system. The problem with the second line is twofold, first Pleks is not a second line center, he is responsible defensively, and can skate, but he can not distribute the puck, and has hands of stone. But the the number one problem on the second line, is Kovalev, he is a floater, and he has seemed disinterested all year long.
Until Kovalev learns that there are 4 other line mates on the ice with him at any given time. Until he stops over handling the puck, and losing it in the corner, or worse at the opposing teams blue line, the second line is never going to be effective. I see Carbo's experiment lasting all of maybe 3 shifts, Lats, can not keep up with NHL caliber skaters, and Kovalev being Kovalev, will cough up the puck, leading to potential 5-3s whenever that line is on the ice....Why promote an under achieving teenager, demote a guy that is just getting his feet wet, all in an attempt to accommodate, a diva that should be the focus of the punishment, screw the star treatment, time for Kovalev to earn is millions in my opinion .
Coach Carbo, in an attempt to get production out of his second line, has decided to promote rookie Gui Latendresse to the second line, and demote Samsonov to the fourth. I for one think that this is a brainfart of a move, Lats has yet to prove anything at the pro level, Sammy although not lighting up the score sheet, has at least shown some wheels, and I think was just beginning to feel comfortable in the Habs system. The problem with the second line is twofold, first Pleks is not a second line center, he is responsible defensively, and can skate, but he can not distribute the puck, and has hands of stone. But the the number one problem on the second line, is Kovalev, he is a floater, and he has seemed disinterested all year long.
Until Kovalev learns that there are 4 other line mates on the ice with him at any given time. Until he stops over handling the puck, and losing it in the corner, or worse at the opposing teams blue line, the second line is never going to be effective. I see Carbo's experiment lasting all of maybe 3 shifts, Lats, can not keep up with NHL caliber skaters, and Kovalev being Kovalev, will cough up the puck, leading to potential 5-3s whenever that line is on the ice....Why promote an under achieving teenager, demote a guy that is just getting his feet wet, all in an attempt to accommodate, a diva that should be the focus of the punishment, screw the star treatment, time for Kovalev to earn is millions in my opinion .
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
The Janne Jinx
Dear Mr Niinimaa, the hockey god's have spoken, never, ever, ever, meddle with Kharma, it has a funny way of coming back and biting you in the ass. Yep, the Habs played a stinker lastnight. First Huet lets in a Tommy Saloesque goal off his head, Souray then rings one off the post, Markov, well he coughed up the puck leading to a Chris Drury goal...the jinx was on lastnight, thanks Janne.
I could go on a triade about how Huet looks like a one year wonder, how he spends more time on his knees then a 2 dollar...eeks better stop there. How Markov is not playing like he knows it is his contract year, how Kovalev, is a greedy player, who over handles the puck, on how Lats looks like an 18 year old playing in a man's league..oh right whoops no triade right, my bad....this one was over as soon as Huet let in the floater off his mellon in the first. I switched it off early in the 3rd to watch CSI Miami, which was advertised to be all spooky, it wasn't shoulda known that show never fails to disappoint...Mondays suck.
Dear Mr Niinimaa, the hockey god's have spoken, never, ever, ever, meddle with Kharma, it has a funny way of coming back and biting you in the ass. Yep, the Habs played a stinker lastnight. First Huet lets in a Tommy Saloesque goal off his head, Souray then rings one off the post, Markov, well he coughed up the puck leading to a Chris Drury goal...the jinx was on lastnight, thanks Janne.
I could go on a triade about how Huet looks like a one year wonder, how he spends more time on his knees then a 2 dollar...eeks better stop there. How Markov is not playing like he knows it is his contract year, how Kovalev, is a greedy player, who over handles the puck, on how Lats looks like an 18 year old playing in a man's league..oh right whoops no triade right, my bad....this one was over as soon as Huet let in the floater off his mellon in the first. I switched it off early in the 3rd to watch CSI Miami, which was advertised to be all spooky, it wasn't shoulda known that show never fails to disappoint...Mondays suck.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Jose Gets Smoked
Windy and cold, bundled up in a hoody, togue, sick as a dog..Heck the fireplace was even roaring. Habs down 3-1 after the first, that's when the cough came, 2 beers left in the fridge, damn it was going to be a long night. Then, like only Jose Theodore can do, the flood gates opened, my Habs score 2 in the second period, still phlegmie, still out of beer. Early in the third Craig Rivet, ha yes Rivet of all people goes in on a breakaway, and scores 5-4 Habs....I am out of my seat, the Bell Centre is in full Jose taunt, phlegm be damned.
When it was all said and done, when the dust settled, when the Jose taunts, and the NA NA NA NA's hey hey hey good byes stopped, the Habs embarrassed Theodore and the Avs 8-5. Souray, yep Joe's favorite whipping boy has a 2 goal and 2 assist night, shoot even the Russians scored a coupla points each. Fun night, the stage was set, this game could have gone either way, Jose could have had one of his rare starts, where he looks like the MVP, and Veniza trophy winner, but it didn't happen, the Jose that we as Habs fans have grown to despise showed up....I for one couldn't have been any happier, come back soon Jose, you are always welcome.
Joe's 3 Stars of week 2:
1) Sheldon Souray, hate to do it, but I have to give props to Souray, he is putting the puck in the net, has the Hab's power play rolling. He still scares me in the Hab's end, but well at this point, every dman on the team is rather scary down low.
2) Radek Bonk, playing a killer defensive game this year, and heck he is even chipping in offensively.
3) Koivu/Higgins/Ryder, the first line, yep all of them, couldn't single one out, they are all playing well, a cohesive unit..Good to see.
Joe's Doghouse:
Hate to do this to, but Andrei Markov, has to get his head out off his ass, he played a nice game lastnight against the Avs, and he has 7 assists so far this year, but his defensive play has been average at best. Kovalev, again played a pretty good game against the Avs, but he needs to play hard every shift, and bring the best out of his linemates. Finally Steve Begin, I am not entirely sure if he is playing through injury, but Begin has not been the impact player he was last year.
Windy and cold, bundled up in a hoody, togue, sick as a dog..Heck the fireplace was even roaring. Habs down 3-1 after the first, that's when the cough came, 2 beers left in the fridge, damn it was going to be a long night. Then, like only Jose Theodore can do, the flood gates opened, my Habs score 2 in the second period, still phlegmie, still out of beer. Early in the third Craig Rivet, ha yes Rivet of all people goes in on a breakaway, and scores 5-4 Habs....I am out of my seat, the Bell Centre is in full Jose taunt, phlegm be damned.
When it was all said and done, when the dust settled, when the Jose taunts, and the NA NA NA NA's hey hey hey good byes stopped, the Habs embarrassed Theodore and the Avs 8-5. Souray, yep Joe's favorite whipping boy has a 2 goal and 2 assist night, shoot even the Russians scored a coupla points each. Fun night, the stage was set, this game could have gone either way, Jose could have had one of his rare starts, where he looks like the MVP, and Veniza trophy winner, but it didn't happen, the Jose that we as Habs fans have grown to despise showed up....I for one couldn't have been any happier, come back soon Jose, you are always welcome.
Joe's 3 Stars of week 2:
1) Sheldon Souray, hate to do it, but I have to give props to Souray, he is putting the puck in the net, has the Hab's power play rolling. He still scares me in the Hab's end, but well at this point, every dman on the team is rather scary down low.
2) Radek Bonk, playing a killer defensive game this year, and heck he is even chipping in offensively.
3) Koivu/Higgins/Ryder, the first line, yep all of them, couldn't single one out, they are all playing well, a cohesive unit..Good to see.
Joe's Doghouse:
Hate to do this to, but Andrei Markov, has to get his head out off his ass, he played a nice game lastnight against the Avs, and he has 7 assists so far this year, but his defensive play has been average at best. Kovalev, again played a pretty good game against the Avs, but he needs to play hard every shift, and bring the best out of his linemates. Finally Steve Begin, I am not entirely sure if he is playing through injury, but Begin has not been the impact player he was last year.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
La Grande Retour De Jose Le Beau
The most hyped date on the Habs early season schedule has arrived. Jose Theodore, and Patrice Brisebois, are back in Montreal, as the Avs battle the Habs tonight. This is a hot ticket, Theodore, love him or lump him, is a media darling. He puts bums in the seats. The crowd at La Centre Bell, should be all a buzz tonight. I for one am not a Theodore fan, and I never liked Brisebois either. Here is hoping Les Boys, expose Brisebois for the soft dman that he is, and score at will against Mr Hair Tonic. The only thing that could make this game even more appealing would be if the Avs would wear some throw back Nordiques uniforms, oh ya, and maybe if Dale Hunter and Pierre Mondou dropped the ceremonial first puck. Should be a fun one, I will of course, blog my impressions tomorrow, and break down my Habs second week performance. Salut.
Friday, October 20, 2006
What Is The Deal With......
The Flyers, Senators, and the Flames. The biggest surprise early on in the 2006-07 season, is not the fast start of the Sabres, the Wild, or even the Black Hawks, it is the utter inaptitude of the Flyers, Sens, and Flames. First, lets break down their seasons so far, the Flyers in their first 7 games are 1-5-1 (ouch), they have scored only 13 goals in 7 games, less then 2 a game (ouch), and have given up 30 (eeeks). The Senators in their first 6 games are 2-4-0, they have scored only 11 goals, yep less then 2 a game (whhaaaa!!!), and have given up 16 (meh, not bad). The Flames in their first 7 games are 2-4-1, the have scored 15 goals, a smidgen or 2 a game (the famous Tanguay effect), while surrendering 21, or exactly 3 a game (Kipper where art thou).
Okay the Flyers, oh the Flyers, are in a mess, Snider is pissed, Clarke is amiss, and Hitchcock, according to his backup goalie, is empty up there. The fit is going to hit the shan in Philly, methinks. The demotion of Nedved, and 2 other lesser lights (I know their names, but its too much of an effort to try and spell them..One sounds like a terrorist attack on a gardener, the other is all Greek to me), was only the opening volley. Snider from what I have read is about to blow up the whole thing in Philly (the garden as well). But where to begin, is there a quick fix, would firing the coach, give the Flyers that new coach bounce? What about finally taking Bobby Clarke to task, for his inability to assemble a team that can compete in the "new NHL". I think it is time to kick both Bobby, and Hitchcock to the curb, sacrifice this season perhaps, and start anew. But well I am not a Flyers fan, and I know Bobby Clarke is sacred and all in Flyers lore, so who knows???
The Sens, those kings of the regular season, talent to spare, but the hearts of mice come playoff time. The Sens took it in the ass because of the salary cap, they were forced to choose between Chara, and Redden (book is still out on that one), and the dealt away Havlat, who just so happens to be the NHL's early season points leader. I think the Sens front office has to be blown up, Muckler, like Clarke has been able to compile consistently competitive regular season teams...However, the Sens playoff failures, and their slow start this year, must have Mucks, and Murray on a short leash.
Finally the Flames, the Flames, have the best collection of young defensemen in the league, and the reigning Vezina trophy winner behind the pipes. Offence has and still is the Achilles Heel for the Flames. Alex Tanguay, is a solid hockey player, and will fit in nicely with the Flames, once he gets used to the system, but he was not exactly what the Flames needed to stem their offensive woes...The Flames need a center, and until the find a capable center, offence will always be tough to come by in Calgary.
Of the 3 teams I mentioned I think the Flames have the best chance of getting there act together, too much grit and heart on that team to think other wise. The Senators will make the playoffs, but I think the Flyers might be toast.....Should be fun to watch, I think the Flyers blink first.
The Flyers, Senators, and the Flames. The biggest surprise early on in the 2006-07 season, is not the fast start of the Sabres, the Wild, or even the Black Hawks, it is the utter inaptitude of the Flyers, Sens, and Flames. First, lets break down their seasons so far, the Flyers in their first 7 games are 1-5-1 (ouch), they have scored only 13 goals in 7 games, less then 2 a game (ouch), and have given up 30 (eeeks). The Senators in their first 6 games are 2-4-0, they have scored only 11 goals, yep less then 2 a game (whhaaaa!!!), and have given up 16 (meh, not bad). The Flames in their first 7 games are 2-4-1, the have scored 15 goals, a smidgen or 2 a game (the famous Tanguay effect), while surrendering 21, or exactly 3 a game (Kipper where art thou).
Okay the Flyers, oh the Flyers, are in a mess, Snider is pissed, Clarke is amiss, and Hitchcock, according to his backup goalie, is empty up there. The fit is going to hit the shan in Philly, methinks. The demotion of Nedved, and 2 other lesser lights (I know their names, but its too much of an effort to try and spell them..One sounds like a terrorist attack on a gardener, the other is all Greek to me), was only the opening volley. Snider from what I have read is about to blow up the whole thing in Philly (the garden as well). But where to begin, is there a quick fix, would firing the coach, give the Flyers that new coach bounce? What about finally taking Bobby Clarke to task, for his inability to assemble a team that can compete in the "new NHL". I think it is time to kick both Bobby, and Hitchcock to the curb, sacrifice this season perhaps, and start anew. But well I am not a Flyers fan, and I know Bobby Clarke is sacred and all in Flyers lore, so who knows???
The Sens, those kings of the regular season, talent to spare, but the hearts of mice come playoff time. The Sens took it in the ass because of the salary cap, they were forced to choose between Chara, and Redden (book is still out on that one), and the dealt away Havlat, who just so happens to be the NHL's early season points leader. I think the Sens front office has to be blown up, Muckler, like Clarke has been able to compile consistently competitive regular season teams...However, the Sens playoff failures, and their slow start this year, must have Mucks, and Murray on a short leash.
Finally the Flames, the Flames, have the best collection of young defensemen in the league, and the reigning Vezina trophy winner behind the pipes. Offence has and still is the Achilles Heel for the Flames. Alex Tanguay, is a solid hockey player, and will fit in nicely with the Flames, once he gets used to the system, but he was not exactly what the Flames needed to stem their offensive woes...The Flames need a center, and until the find a capable center, offence will always be tough to come by in Calgary.
Of the 3 teams I mentioned I think the Flames have the best chance of getting there act together, too much grit and heart on that team to think other wise. The Senators will make the playoffs, but I think the Flyers might be toast.....Should be fun to watch, I think the Flyers blink first.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Blinded By Handzus' Lid
Oh man sitting through last night's Black Hawks vs. Habs game was like trying to sit through a 3 hour Cornation Street marithon. Boring, wow, I was actually knodding off. See, I expected this one to be a goal fest, the Hawks were supposed to have no d, and the Habs were supposed to make them look like an AHL affiliate. But nope, the bizzarro land that has been the Habs this week, have seen a 5-4 thriller against the Flames, and a meh, 2-1 snooze fest against the lowly Hawks.
I hate it when the Habs, lose games against inferior teams, I would not have been all that upset had the Habs went down swinging in a lose against the Flames, who many see as amongst the league's elite, but the Hawks, ugh, there goes 2 points which I am sure will be much needed down the stretch. Sure this was a back to back game, the Habs had to travel to Chicago, after a tough, balls out game against the Flames, but this was only the sixth game of the season, their legs should still be fresh. Ugh, ugh, poop, and hey Handzus, do something with that lid, this isn't FIFA, and big hair rock is dead.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Wild One Lastnight
Had you told me that the Habs and the Flames would score 9 goals combined in one game, I'd have said you were nuts. I predicted that Flames would come out of this contest with a 2-0 win. I figured Kipper who was coming off a soft game against the Leafs, would bounce back, and shut down the Habs offence. Boy was I wrong, to rip off a Maguirism, the book seems to be out on Kipper, he doesn't seem to like the high hard ones...Makes him blink, Sundin blasted a coupla high hard ones by him the other night, and he certainly seemed to blink on Kovalev's slapper that was the game winner lastnight.
Lastnight's game certainly wasn't one for goaltenders, as much as the refs tried to steal the show (15 powerplays, swallow the whistle already), this was an extremely entertaining game to watch. It was up tempo, lots of hitting (the Reghr hit on Downey, legal yes, Scott Stevens on Lindros esque, Downey had is head down, and Reghr took it off), good rough stuff, no fights, I think everyone wanted to see Komi and Iggy go, or Rivet and Phaneuf. All and all the best game I have seen so far this year. It had a playoff feel, both teams wanted to win this one, and it showed.
I have to tip my hat to Radek Bonk, not only has he been doing an admirable job shutting down the other team's top liners all year, he potted a couple of goals tonight. Okay, as much as it pains me to do it, I will tip my hat to Souray as well, he sure does have a blast from the point, and tonight he didn't look like the worst dman on the planet, Markov did, whats with that???
Great game all around, Les Boys, are still undefeated in regulation, bring on those Black Hawks, my brain tells me this should me a 6-4 win for the Habs, but after lastnights bizzarro land score, it just might be a 2-0 win....Who knows.
Had you told me that the Habs and the Flames would score 9 goals combined in one game, I'd have said you were nuts. I predicted that Flames would come out of this contest with a 2-0 win. I figured Kipper who was coming off a soft game against the Leafs, would bounce back, and shut down the Habs offence. Boy was I wrong, to rip off a Maguirism, the book seems to be out on Kipper, he doesn't seem to like the high hard ones...Makes him blink, Sundin blasted a coupla high hard ones by him the other night, and he certainly seemed to blink on Kovalev's slapper that was the game winner lastnight.
Lastnight's game certainly wasn't one for goaltenders, as much as the refs tried to steal the show (15 powerplays, swallow the whistle already), this was an extremely entertaining game to watch. It was up tempo, lots of hitting (the Reghr hit on Downey, legal yes, Scott Stevens on Lindros esque, Downey had is head down, and Reghr took it off), good rough stuff, no fights, I think everyone wanted to see Komi and Iggy go, or Rivet and Phaneuf. All and all the best game I have seen so far this year. It had a playoff feel, both teams wanted to win this one, and it showed.
I have to tip my hat to Radek Bonk, not only has he been doing an admirable job shutting down the other team's top liners all year, he potted a couple of goals tonight. Okay, as much as it pains me to do it, I will tip my hat to Souray as well, he sure does have a blast from the point, and tonight he didn't look like the worst dman on the planet, Markov did, whats with that???
Great game all around, Les Boys, are still undefeated in regulation, bring on those Black Hawks, my brain tells me this should me a 6-4 win for the Habs, but after lastnights bizzarro land score, it just might be a 2-0 win....Who knows.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Week One 3 Stars
Not a bad first 3 games for the Habs. They have come away with 5 out of a possible 6 points on their season opening roadtrip, and I will tip my hat to them.
Thought I might try something new, not sure if it will be a reacurring theme, but I am going to give my Hab 3 stars of the week, then maybe an honourable mention, finish it off wih a Joe's doghouse.
First Star: Saku, considering that a lot of us were not even convinced he was going to start the season, Saku once again proved that he is the toughest little bastard on the planet, and he is playing some of the best hockey of his career to boot.
Second Star: Higgins, this kid is for real, the full package, and probably the next captain of the Habs..Great early start to the season, hasn't missed a beat.
Third Star: Abby, he has earned his starts over Huet so far this year, never a bad thing when you have 2 goalies hungry for ice time.
Honorable mention, Ryder, he is putting the puck in the net, that's what he is paid to do. Komi, he said he wanted to be a force this year, and he is backing up his words so far. Bonk, solid defensively, if only he could put the puck in the net.
Joe's Doghouse, Souray, not fair cuz he kinda dwells there perminately, but he makes me nervous when ever he is on the ice. Sammy/Kovalev, time to get some chemistry boys. Lats, I know on the 4th line, limited ice time, but meh.
Not a bad first 3 games for the Habs. They have come away with 5 out of a possible 6 points on their season opening roadtrip, and I will tip my hat to them.
Thought I might try something new, not sure if it will be a reacurring theme, but I am going to give my Hab 3 stars of the week, then maybe an honourable mention, finish it off wih a Joe's doghouse.
First Star: Saku, considering that a lot of us were not even convinced he was going to start the season, Saku once again proved that he is the toughest little bastard on the planet, and he is playing some of the best hockey of his career to boot.
Second Star: Higgins, this kid is for real, the full package, and probably the next captain of the Habs..Great early start to the season, hasn't missed a beat.
Third Star: Abby, he has earned his starts over Huet so far this year, never a bad thing when you have 2 goalies hungry for ice time.
Honorable mention, Ryder, he is putting the puck in the net, that's what he is paid to do. Komi, he said he wanted to be a force this year, and he is backing up his words so far. Bonk, solid defensively, if only he could put the puck in the net.
Joe's Doghouse, Souray, not fair cuz he kinda dwells there perminately, but he makes me nervous when ever he is on the ice. Sammy/Kovalev, time to get some chemistry boys. Lats, I know on the 4th line, limited ice time, but meh.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Week One Roundup
Was it just me, or was week one of the NHL season a little too quiet. Not enough games for my liking, sure let the NFL have their Sunday, but shoot was there a day this week when the NHL scheduled a full slate of games, get it rolling boys, I have waited all summer, I need a bigger fix.
As for what I have seen so far, well the biggest disappointments have had to be the Senators, Canes, and Preds, I think most hockey analysts predicated (myself included, of course I don't get paid, I bitch on my own time) that these 3 teams were amongst the league's elite. The Senators look like they look come playoff time, the Canes might be suffering from a post Stanley cup hangover, and the Preds, well I think their penalty kill is floating around 30%, ouch. Its early the cream always rises to the top, but yikes, could my big 3 have screwed my predications hahaha, that's what I get looking into a crystal ball I suppose.
As for my Habs, they came out of their first 2 games with 3 out of a possible 4 points. Am I all that impressed with their game, um nope. But if they come away with 75% of the points in all their games this season, wow, I will be a happy blogger. I will, bash and praise some more after I see a little more action.
The Puck is dropped, the ice is clean, lets see some hockey action.
Was it just me, or was week one of the NHL season a little too quiet. Not enough games for my liking, sure let the NFL have their Sunday, but shoot was there a day this week when the NHL scheduled a full slate of games, get it rolling boys, I have waited all summer, I need a bigger fix.
As for what I have seen so far, well the biggest disappointments have had to be the Senators, Canes, and Preds, I think most hockey analysts predicated (myself included, of course I don't get paid, I bitch on my own time) that these 3 teams were amongst the league's elite. The Senators look like they look come playoff time, the Canes might be suffering from a post Stanley cup hangover, and the Preds, well I think their penalty kill is floating around 30%, ouch. Its early the cream always rises to the top, but yikes, could my big 3 have screwed my predications hahaha, that's what I get looking into a crystal ball I suppose.
As for my Habs, they came out of their first 2 games with 3 out of a possible 4 points. Am I all that impressed with their game, um nope. But if they come away with 75% of the points in all their games this season, wow, I will be a happy blogger. I will, bash and praise some more after I see a little more action.
The Puck is dropped, the ice is clean, lets see some hockey action.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Game One Recap
Where have I seen that before, Habs have a one goal lead late in the third, face off deep in their end...poof, tie game....arrrgghhh. I wasn't all that disappointed with their performance lastnight, they didn't blow me away, but they looked okay. The first line was brilliant, the second line except for Pleks, was um well a no show. Lats didn't impress, Niinimaa, was average, made a brutal give away pass (yes, I was warned of that, thing is well, Brisebois was the same, seen it all before), thankfully Higgins, might have been Pleks, back checked, and saved the day.
Disappointments, Souray, am I surprised, well no, but why Carbo had that asshat on the ice late in the 3rd when the Habs are clinging on to a one goal lead I will never know. Huet was average at best, he made a few brilliant saves, he didn't cost the Habs the game, but he certainly wasn't the reason it was a close one either. Kovalev was a no show, he dangled a bit in o.t. and hit the post in the shootout, other than that meh. Sammy was average, he wasn't a liabilty, but he was nothing to write home about.
Summing up, an entertaining first game, had an almost playoff feel to it. Problem being, that it ended with an all too predictable result. Leafs tonight, I expect more of the same, watch for Wellwood, to win it in a shootout...you heard it hear first.
Where have I seen that before, Habs have a one goal lead late in the third, face off deep in their end...poof, tie game....arrrgghhh. I wasn't all that disappointed with their performance lastnight, they didn't blow me away, but they looked okay. The first line was brilliant, the second line except for Pleks, was um well a no show. Lats didn't impress, Niinimaa, was average, made a brutal give away pass (yes, I was warned of that, thing is well, Brisebois was the same, seen it all before), thankfully Higgins, might have been Pleks, back checked, and saved the day.
Disappointments, Souray, am I surprised, well no, but why Carbo had that asshat on the ice late in the 3rd when the Habs are clinging on to a one goal lead I will never know. Huet was average at best, he made a few brilliant saves, he didn't cost the Habs the game, but he certainly wasn't the reason it was a close one either. Kovalev was a no show, he dangled a bit in o.t. and hit the post in the shootout, other than that meh. Sammy was average, he wasn't a liabilty, but he was nothing to write home about.
Summing up, an entertaining first game, had an almost playoff feel to it. Problem being, that it ended with an all too predictable result. Leafs tonight, I expect more of the same, watch for Wellwood, to win it in a shootout...you heard it hear first.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Everyone Else Is Doing It
Well, okay sure, if everyone else can prognosticate why can't I......These are my early season picks.
East:
1] Carolina- best team in the weakest division.
2] Ottawa- it's now or never, window of opportunity is quickly shutting.
3] New Jersey-Lou has his ducks all in a row.
4] Buffalo-was last year a fluke, or is this the prototype team for the new NHL.
5] NYR- Shanny adds leadership, but Jagr is the key.
6] Philly- all up to Forsberg's health..Why can't Clarke find a goalie?
7] TB- lots of top end talent...goaltending, and moody coach my be the deciding factor.
8] Montreal- my boys, same old thing this year, late run to make the playoffs methinks.
9] Boston- is Chara enough to propel the B's to the next level..Nope not this year.
10] Atlanta- can score, but can they defend??
11]Toronto- younger, faster, better coached.....But not good enough.
12] Florida- Big Bert helps, the Eagle doesn't.
13] Pittsburgh- they are going to be fun to watch, not deep enough yet though.
14] NYI- worst run franchise in sports history, nuff said.
15] Washington- see Pittsburgh.
West:
1]Nashville- might be the best team in hockey.
2] Calgary-best D in the NHL, is Tanguay enough offence though?
3] Anaheim- Pronger doesn't hurt, kids are blossoming, who is their number 1?
4] Detroit- younger, faster..Hasek?
5] San Jose- they can score, but do they have any heart?
6] Dallas- in Turco they trust..Add Big E, and Mickey Ribs to the mix???
7] Edmonton- Pronger gone, they are the west's Buffalo.
8] Minnesota- added some offence to go with their defense.
9] Vancouver- Luongo helps, but with only one line, and a D that is suspect, ouch.
10] phoenix- Gretzky's last year as a coach perhaps.
11] LA- up and comers, a year or two away.
12] Colorado- rebuilding mode begins, and with Theo in nets, good luck.
13] Columbus- see Pittsburgh, and Washington, but further ahead as far as progress.
14] Saint Louis- added some veterans, but still bad, really bad.
15] Chicago- second worst run organization in pro sports.
Well, okay sure, if everyone else can prognosticate why can't I......These are my early season picks.
East:
1] Carolina- best team in the weakest division.
2] Ottawa- it's now or never, window of opportunity is quickly shutting.
3] New Jersey-Lou has his ducks all in a row.
4] Buffalo-was last year a fluke, or is this the prototype team for the new NHL.
5] NYR- Shanny adds leadership, but Jagr is the key.
6] Philly- all up to Forsberg's health..Why can't Clarke find a goalie?
7] TB- lots of top end talent...goaltending, and moody coach my be the deciding factor.
8] Montreal- my boys, same old thing this year, late run to make the playoffs methinks.
9] Boston- is Chara enough to propel the B's to the next level..Nope not this year.
10] Atlanta- can score, but can they defend??
11]Toronto- younger, faster, better coached.....But not good enough.
12] Florida- Big Bert helps, the Eagle doesn't.
13] Pittsburgh- they are going to be fun to watch, not deep enough yet though.
14] NYI- worst run franchise in sports history, nuff said.
15] Washington- see Pittsburgh.
West:
1]Nashville- might be the best team in hockey.
2] Calgary-best D in the NHL, is Tanguay enough offence though?
3] Anaheim- Pronger doesn't hurt, kids are blossoming, who is their number 1?
4] Detroit- younger, faster..Hasek?
5] San Jose- they can score, but do they have any heart?
6] Dallas- in Turco they trust..Add Big E, and Mickey Ribs to the mix???
7] Edmonton- Pronger gone, they are the west's Buffalo.
8] Minnesota- added some offence to go with their defense.
9] Vancouver- Luongo helps, but with only one line, and a D that is suspect, ouch.
10] phoenix- Gretzky's last year as a coach perhaps.
11] LA- up and comers, a year or two away.
12] Colorado- rebuilding mode begins, and with Theo in nets, good luck.
13] Columbus- see Pittsburgh, and Washington, but further ahead as far as progress.
14] Saint Louis- added some veterans, but still bad, really bad.
15] Chicago- second worst run organization in pro sports.
The Puck Has Dropped
Ah yes, the leaves are falling (almost as fast as the Leafs' playoff hopes..ZING), MLB playoffs have started, the NFL is in full swing, the NBA is in training camp mode....and yes, yes, yes, the puck has dropped for yet another year of the bestest sport on the planet, hockey. This is the time of the year when sports junkies like myself are giddy..... so many options, not enough time, head quite near to exploding......callouses on my remote hand.
Our beloved Habs kick it all off, on Friday against the Sabres. I figure they might get their asses handed to them, the Sabres look tight, and I think the Habs are still a work in progress. Thing is, I don't care, I can't wait to watch the Habs on RDS, I am sick and tired of the Toronto centric TSN hockey coverage....don't get me going on how I feel about Hockey Night In Canada. And what is the deal with meathead hockey commentators..the CBC has Grapes, and now TSN counters with Tie Domi...wow, sure hockey isn't an intellectual enterprise...but please.
Well ya, I am ranting for the sake of ranting...the puck has dropped, I am giddy, giggling like a school girl.....yippee!!!!
Ah yes, the leaves are falling (almost as fast as the Leafs' playoff hopes..ZING), MLB playoffs have started, the NFL is in full swing, the NBA is in training camp mode....and yes, yes, yes, the puck has dropped for yet another year of the bestest sport on the planet, hockey. This is the time of the year when sports junkies like myself are giddy..... so many options, not enough time, head quite near to exploding......callouses on my remote hand.
Our beloved Habs kick it all off, on Friday against the Sabres. I figure they might get their asses handed to them, the Sabres look tight, and I think the Habs are still a work in progress. Thing is, I don't care, I can't wait to watch the Habs on RDS, I am sick and tired of the Toronto centric TSN hockey coverage....don't get me going on how I feel about Hockey Night In Canada. And what is the deal with meathead hockey commentators..the CBC has Grapes, and now TSN counters with Tie Domi...wow, sure hockey isn't an intellectual enterprise...but please.
Well ya, I am ranting for the sake of ranting...the puck has dropped, I am giddy, giggling like a school girl.....yippee!!!!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Thank You Bob!!!
Oh happy day, the trade of Mike Ribeiro, to Dallas for Janne Niinimaa, was the best news I have heard in quite along time. Personally I could care less, if Mickey Ribs scores a hundred points in Big D...Niinimaa could be the next Brisebois, I don't really care. Ribeiro was my least favorite Hab of all time, his little dive act against the Bruins 3 years ago in the playoffs was unforgiveable. He is soft, doesn't give a crap, a pretty boy, and a cancer...good riddance, salute, bon chance..yipee.
Oh happy day, the trade of Mike Ribeiro, to Dallas for Janne Niinimaa, was the best news I have heard in quite along time. Personally I could care less, if Mickey Ribs scores a hundred points in Big D...Niinimaa could be the next Brisebois, I don't really care. Ribeiro was my least favorite Hab of all time, his little dive act against the Bruins 3 years ago in the playoffs was unforgiveable. He is soft, doesn't give a crap, a pretty boy, and a cancer...good riddance, salute, bon chance..yipee.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
First Look, First Impression
Right so, yes I watched the Habs play last night on RDS, only an exhibition game, not exactly the squad that Carbo is going to ice when the season begins..But, but, meh, this is the same old shit, too small, can't generated enough scoring chances, and when there are chances to score, not enough finishers. The most glaring inadequacy is the defense, Souray is a bum, I am not sure, but it seemed to me that he was on the ice for all four Leaf goals. Please Bob move him and fast while he still has any value of return.
Positives, there were a few, the Koivu line looked solid, Saku looks good, he was the best forward out there last night. Carey Price looks like the real deal, he let in a flukey goal early in the first period, but had they left him in there the whole game, I think the Habs might have pulled this one out. Latendresse, I am still not sold on the guy, but he had a good first period, and does have nice chemistry with Bonk (who was also very good last night), so for the sake of appeasing the French media, give him a chance I guess...5 or 6 games, if he isn't ready let him act like a man amongst boys in Junior. Streit looked good, at least on the powerplay, he is soft in his own end, but he gets the puck on the net, unlike Souray (can anyone say Gaston Gingras).
This team is going to struggle this year I fear...Huet doesn't seem like the same goalie, no upgrade on defense, Kovalev and Sammy seem disinterested..Ribeiro is already on Carbo's shit list. It s going to be a struggle for this team to make the playoffs....Back to the drawing board Bob, this product aint gonna sell.
Right so, yes I watched the Habs play last night on RDS, only an exhibition game, not exactly the squad that Carbo is going to ice when the season begins..But, but, meh, this is the same old shit, too small, can't generated enough scoring chances, and when there are chances to score, not enough finishers. The most glaring inadequacy is the defense, Souray is a bum, I am not sure, but it seemed to me that he was on the ice for all four Leaf goals. Please Bob move him and fast while he still has any value of return.
Positives, there were a few, the Koivu line looked solid, Saku looks good, he was the best forward out there last night. Carey Price looks like the real deal, he let in a flukey goal early in the first period, but had they left him in there the whole game, I think the Habs might have pulled this one out. Latendresse, I am still not sold on the guy, but he had a good first period, and does have nice chemistry with Bonk (who was also very good last night), so for the sake of appeasing the French media, give him a chance I guess...5 or 6 games, if he isn't ready let him act like a man amongst boys in Junior. Streit looked good, at least on the powerplay, he is soft in his own end, but he gets the puck on the net, unlike Souray (can anyone say Gaston Gingras).
This team is going to struggle this year I fear...Huet doesn't seem like the same goalie, no upgrade on defense, Kovalev and Sammy seem disinterested..Ribeiro is already on Carbo's shit list. It s going to be a struggle for this team to make the playoffs....Back to the drawing board Bob, this product aint gonna sell.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Saku Still A Question Mark
There is still a great deal of concern about the health of Saku Koivu's eye. Saku says that the eye has improved, but he still has trouble with peripheral vision, and is waiting to see how the eye reacts, during upcoming scrimages, and contact drills at Habs training camp.
You can't help but feel bad for the Hab's captain, if this guy didn't have bad luck he wouldn't have any luck at all. That said, this certainly adds extra emphasis on the fact that Bob Gainey has once again failed to fill a huge void at the center ice position. If Saku is not ready to go, that leaves, the top two center roles, probably in the hands of Mickey Ribs, and 2nd year player Higgins..possibly Bonk. Could this force Bob's hands, or will he maintain his steely resolve, to stick with his current line-up???...time will tell, let the rumours fly.
There is still a great deal of concern about the health of Saku Koivu's eye. Saku says that the eye has improved, but he still has trouble with peripheral vision, and is waiting to see how the eye reacts, during upcoming scrimages, and contact drills at Habs training camp.
You can't help but feel bad for the Hab's captain, if this guy didn't have bad luck he wouldn't have any luck at all. That said, this certainly adds extra emphasis on the fact that Bob Gainey has once again failed to fill a huge void at the center ice position. If Saku is not ready to go, that leaves, the top two center roles, probably in the hands of Mickey Ribs, and 2nd year player Higgins..possibly Bonk. Could this force Bob's hands, or will he maintain his steely resolve, to stick with his current line-up???...time will tell, let the rumours fly.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Slow Thursday
Well, it has slowed down out there right now...Dumont is a Predator, the Daze debate rages on. So in order to write, just to write, I figured I would give my pre-season prediction as to how I think our beloved Habs are going to fare this year.
Here it goes, I think the Habs are going to squeak into the playoffs again this year. I think that the lineup might be slightly better then that which was iced last year, but not improved enough to place them anywhere near the top off the Eastern conference. There are too many question marks, Saku's health, is Huet the real deal, is Carbo a big league caliber coach..Can this line up stay healthy, where is that big number one center, etc.
The East is wide open, Carolina proved last year, that any team can pull together, and make a run for Lord Stanley's cup..That said, it is my humble opinion that Les Habs 2006-07 will finish somewhere in between 6 and 8th this year, and probably be bounced in the first round. The more things change the more the stay the same, I fear.
Well, it has slowed down out there right now...Dumont is a Predator, the Daze debate rages on. So in order to write, just to write, I figured I would give my pre-season prediction as to how I think our beloved Habs are going to fare this year.
Here it goes, I think the Habs are going to squeak into the playoffs again this year. I think that the lineup might be slightly better then that which was iced last year, but not improved enough to place them anywhere near the top off the Eastern conference. There are too many question marks, Saku's health, is Huet the real deal, is Carbo a big league caliber coach..Can this line up stay healthy, where is that big number one center, etc.
The East is wide open, Carolina proved last year, that any team can pull together, and make a run for Lord Stanley's cup..That said, it is my humble opinion that Les Habs 2006-07 will finish somewhere in between 6 and 8th this year, and probably be bounced in the first round. The more things change the more the stay the same, I fear.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Dumont Madness Over, Prepare To Be-Daze-led
The Nashville Predator's signed J.P. Dumont earlier today, putting an end to the weeks of endless speculation which had JPD coming to the Habs....And the wild and wacky trade rumours that popped up, which were supposed to address the cap hit that a JPD signing would create.
Well I am glad that is over, the Habs have a glut on the wings, the signing of Dumont, was not a priority, and I am glad that Bob Gainey did not feel pressured to sign him, regardless of the emotional response, that some in the Montreal press and overvealous fans felt regarding Dumont. The Habs have no need for another winger, Dumont madness had more to do with the fact that he was a francophone, and less to do with any specific hole in the Habs line up. It made no sense to blow up the Habs line up, then sign Dumont, simply because he was a francophone. I am all for having players play for their home town team, sure if he was a number 1 center, or a top 4 dman, I'd have been all for it...Dumont didn't fit, case closed.
That brings me to Eric Daze, ever since the news broke that Daze's back was feeling good, and he felt healthy enough to restart his NHL career, the same nutty press and overzealous fans that had a chubby for Dumont, are now gaga for Daze. Sorry folks, the same thing I said about Dumont in the previous paragraph applies to Daze as well. I don't want to get political here, I lived in Montreal for 9 years, I am well aware of language and cultural issues that exist in Quebec. But this is hockey, not politics, hockey is not only a business, but a sport, its all about 24 players regardless of language, or culture, pulling together as a cohesive whole. I will say this again, if Dumont or Daze, were centermen, or defensemen, I would have been more than happy if Gainey signed them. The Canadiens and their fans are dieing for a local hero, shit there hasn't been one in Hab town since Patrick Roy left. But, Dumont or Daze are not the answer folks. Use hockey logic folks, leave the emotion for politics.
The Nashville Predator's signed J.P. Dumont earlier today, putting an end to the weeks of endless speculation which had JPD coming to the Habs....And the wild and wacky trade rumours that popped up, which were supposed to address the cap hit that a JPD signing would create.
Well I am glad that is over, the Habs have a glut on the wings, the signing of Dumont, was not a priority, and I am glad that Bob Gainey did not feel pressured to sign him, regardless of the emotional response, that some in the Montreal press and overvealous fans felt regarding Dumont. The Habs have no need for another winger, Dumont madness had more to do with the fact that he was a francophone, and less to do with any specific hole in the Habs line up. It made no sense to blow up the Habs line up, then sign Dumont, simply because he was a francophone. I am all for having players play for their home town team, sure if he was a number 1 center, or a top 4 dman, I'd have been all for it...Dumont didn't fit, case closed.
That brings me to Eric Daze, ever since the news broke that Daze's back was feeling good, and he felt healthy enough to restart his NHL career, the same nutty press and overzealous fans that had a chubby for Dumont, are now gaga for Daze. Sorry folks, the same thing I said about Dumont in the previous paragraph applies to Daze as well. I don't want to get political here, I lived in Montreal for 9 years, I am well aware of language and cultural issues that exist in Quebec. But this is hockey, not politics, hockey is not only a business, but a sport, its all about 24 players regardless of language, or culture, pulling together as a cohesive whole. I will say this again, if Dumont or Daze, were centermen, or defensemen, I would have been more than happy if Gainey signed them. The Canadiens and their fans are dieing for a local hero, shit there hasn't been one in Hab town since Patrick Roy left. But, Dumont or Daze are not the answer folks. Use hockey logic folks, leave the emotion for politics.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Favorite Rumour Site
Okay I will admit it, I started this blog as a reaction to the wild rumours that were being pooped out by other bloggers who claimed to be insiders, and who had me and countless other hockey starved Habs fans blindly refreshing their blogs, in the hopes that there was some validity to anything that they posted. I like to think of myself as a realist...A logic over fantasy type, that said, for 2 solid weeks I continually checked in on nhl-insiders, and the other one canadiensinsiders, thinking hey where there is smoke there is fire, or was it just the same twisted curiosity that humans have to stare at the wreckage of a car accident..I don't know.
There are however quite a number of bloggers who make a living peddling rumours. For the purpose of argument I will focus on only two. My favorite rumour mongerer is Spector.... He reports what he hears, and then comments. He is not someone who claims that he has umpteen sources, he simply reacts to what he hears, and 9 times out of ten I agree with him. I am however, not such a huge fan of Eklund, he is a different breed of rumour mongerer, he is of the type, that starts rumours, he has his connections, he makes news, he doesn't simply report and react to it.
Here is some classic Spector, all logic, no b.s http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5899900 , now compare this to Eklund's little whine this morning http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=2670 . Hey some folks like wild speculation, and puffed up egos, me I will stick with logic, and good solid hockey sense. Who does everyone else enjoy?
Okay I will admit it, I started this blog as a reaction to the wild rumours that were being pooped out by other bloggers who claimed to be insiders, and who had me and countless other hockey starved Habs fans blindly refreshing their blogs, in the hopes that there was some validity to anything that they posted. I like to think of myself as a realist...A logic over fantasy type, that said, for 2 solid weeks I continually checked in on nhl-insiders, and the other one canadiensinsiders, thinking hey where there is smoke there is fire, or was it just the same twisted curiosity that humans have to stare at the wreckage of a car accident..I don't know.
There are however quite a number of bloggers who make a living peddling rumours. For the purpose of argument I will focus on only two. My favorite rumour mongerer is Spector.... He reports what he hears, and then comments. He is not someone who claims that he has umpteen sources, he simply reacts to what he hears, and 9 times out of ten I agree with him. I am however, not such a huge fan of Eklund, he is a different breed of rumour mongerer, he is of the type, that starts rumours, he has his connections, he makes news, he doesn't simply report and react to it.
Here is some classic Spector, all logic, no b.s http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/5899900 , now compare this to Eklund's little whine this morning http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=2670 . Hey some folks like wild speculation, and puffed up egos, me I will stick with logic, and good solid hockey sense. Who does everyone else enjoy?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)