The Montreal Hypocrites

For Messers Obrand and Rapkowski.

2011-11-08T21:11:00.002-05:00

Dear Shmoo and Nu,
I am currently streaming this game online and watching the Habs on the Powerplay. They are about as successful as a nervous 16 year old trying to find a place to stick his fingers the first time he puts his hand down a girls pants. So basically they are the opposite of Brandon Golfman.
They have had more shorty scoring against them than an orgy at the special olympics.
I should be writing my 2,000 Political Science paper, but I value your friendships much more than a stupid passing grade in University.
You are both the worst type of people.
Mwah,
Ethan
P.S. This picture is what you are probably doing to eachother.

The Comeback. Habs at Blues.

2011-03-10T16:33:00.003-05:00

I was actually looking forward to this game because it would be an awesome foray back into blogging by bringing up that after almost a full season of hockey, the "fans" who booed Carey Price in the pre-season would finally have to face the oh so sweet music called "Surprise! You're a bunch of friggin' tards!" Maybe when they saw that Carey Price is top ten in every major statistical category (including first in wins and second in shutouts) they would finally shut up about trading away Jaroslav Halak who ranks an impressive 22nd in wins and 33rd in save percentage. Perhaps they would also shut up about Lars Eller being useless and a bust, since his heroics were a huge part of our victory against Boston and he has recorded 5 points in as many games. I'm not a dick, but I really wanted to "I told you so" the shit out of some hapless trolls. Yes that's a Charlie Sheen reference, the Habs are "WINNING!" aren't they?
Unfortunately the ineptitude of the National Hockey League to address the safety of it's young players following the events of March 9th has left a big fart cloud over the city. Everything you could think of has been said concerning the matter and I think it's just time to wish Max Pacioretty a speedy recovery and get on to playing. The Blues are a non playoff team so therefore of course they will be a serious challenge to the Canadiens. Let's just forget about Zdeno Chara, Air Canada and however you spell "Turn-buckle" and get two big points tonight. The game is in St. Louis so there will be no assholes who will boo Halak even thought they probably bought one of those stupid stop sign T-Shirts over the summer. Enjoy the game, go Habs, and if any of you fine young ladies practice the art of erotic dance, why don't you stop by the Montreal General Hospital tonight to pay a certain young Canadien a visit. I'm sure his fiancee won't mind. It's for the good of the team.
Peace true believers,
E

Concerning the events of March 9th 2011.

2011-03-09T16:52:00.003-05:00

I know what you are thinking.
Hey here's another close minded homer who wants to take big Z's massive head and stick it up on a pike.
Gee that's visceral.
I want to move away from the blood wrath and more to an open letter to the NHL.

Dear NHL,
So... You guys must think you are pretty funny.
I know it's only early March but this a pretty outrageous April fools joke.
Pissing off a bunch of bitter vengeful and pretty riot prone fans is a lot funnier than it sounds on paper.
I always knew you had that impish side Gary, and Colin whoah-oh! Way to get an alibi by having this stuff happen to your son's team. You really thought of everything! What's next? You guys going to release the hit out on DVD with comic book "Ka-pow!" captions right when Pacioretty's head makes contact with the stanchion? Boy you guys just kill me. At first I didn't think you had it in you, I mean when James Wisniewski got two games for pretending to give oral pleasure I really thought you were a bunch of stiffs. Since when is dick sucking not funny? Dick sucking is hilarious! I mean I laugh every time you guys get on your knees and satisfy the the four fans in Phoenix. It's a knee slapper! Which brings me to my next point, I am so glad you guys have finally sorted out your priorities. I'm sure somewhere in Pennsylvania Sidney Crosby is sitting down (because that nasty concussion sure makes it hard to stand up for long) and he is thinking "I am so happy Mr. Bettman is fighting hard to keep the health of sun belt hockey on dialysis, I'll just puke into this bucket for a little bit longer". I know a lot of people are not supporting your decision to not penalize Chara at all right now, but in time I think they will see it your way. The longterm health of a 23 year old should be compromised, I mean how else are we going to sell hockey to hotbeds like Oklahoma City and Las Vegas without our big lovable oaf Zdeno missing for 3 or 4 games. That would be the real tragedy here boys and girls! Well NHL I must be going, there seem to be some rowdy Canadiens supporters burning an effigy of a certain Slovkian defender and my dog has asthma so I will have to ask them stop. I just want you fine men to know that this is a step in the right direction to join that elite echelon of Sports Leagues like the National Lacrosse League, NFL Europe and of course, Slam Ball.
Sincerely yours,
E

Where's the WHA when you need it?

For Robert.

2011-03-02T17:50:00.002-05:00

Dear Bobbo, you are a smelly pirate hooker. Thank you for all you support, you have inspired me to get back in the blogging game in the pursuit of fame fortune and copious amounts of cocaine. The Canadiens are mediocre as usual but they have a new supporting class including the token sassy black neighbour played by Pernell Karl Subban.
Hope this gives you the sick twisted sexual feeling that helps you get through the day.
Adios muchachos,
E

Howdy.

2010-11-12T11:22:00.004-05:00

I have kind of given up on doing blogs after each and every game, I just want to address something I found humorous.
About a month ago, the Habs were doing okay, but it was our rivals in hogtown that were on top of the hockey world. Around the blogosphere we were hearing it from every angle how the Leafs had finally made the step to become contenders, and that superstars like Tim Brent and Clarke MacArthur were going to have huge seasons. I didn't mind it at all, good for Toronto, they were excited about a hockey team that had gone through some very crappy times, and everyone is entitled to some happiness, but then I saw something that went a little farther. A blog had made an animation that in a bright and shiny font kept a live count of how many days, hours and seconds since Carey Price had last won at home. I thought it was funny, he had struggled, but I felt that I should be able to make a comment, I mean these guys had a good sense of humor, they should be able to take it if they can dish it out right?
Meh.
My comment "Guess what's a funnier stat line? It's been (Insert ridiculously longer time frame) since the Leafs have won a home game in the Playoffs???"
Instead of saying "Yeah, you're right, a quick start should not be indicative of any real success since this franchise has struggled since the lockout" I was assaulted with such intelligent rebuttals like "Well you're a troll and probably torched a car last spring!" or "Well we kicked your ass this season!" or "You shouldn't talk! You're the one who boo'ed Carey Price in the preseason!"
I don't expect the neanderthals blogging away on the shores of Lake Ontario to know my stance on the Price issue, but I don't think generalizing every Hab fan as a loud, drunk and hypocritical rioter is a very nice thing to do. I mean, I don't assume that every Leaf fan is a sweater vest wearing, luxury box owning yuppie who spends the entire game on his blackberry only to leave halfway through the third. That would constitute that the majority of Leaf fans are actually successful! I kid, I kid. To be honest, I don't mind fans of any team, good on you if you stick with a organization that has had that much frustration, but can I suggest something? Don't dish out cold hard insults to someone who watches a full season of Hockey when it's only September, because guess what, things change. You know that coach that everyone loved at the beginning of the year when you guys were 4-0-1? Well regardless of the fact that he's won of the winningest coaches in history and led team USA to the gold medal game in the Olympics, you are still calling for his head! You know that super sniper who you traded Tyler Seguin and another first rounder for? You know, that guy Mike Brophy was nominating for the Hart before he had played 20 games? Well he hasn't gotten a point in the last 7 games, and I know the comebacks that'll come my way, "Oh, he doesn't have a Center!!" or "Well Gionta and Gomez suck a lot worse, and they're getting paid more." Very true, but if they play well, we don't say "They have 7 goals??? Someone nominate them for the Ted Lindsay trophy!!!" Listen Leaf fans, don't be like the idiots in Montreal who pretend to be Hab fans only to boo our starting Goalie who happens to have FOUR! FOUR AH AH AH! wins at home. What's that you say? That's one more win at home than Jean-Sebastien Giguere? Well whaddya kow??? Listen, I'm not looking for a fight, it's very early in the season and the Canadiens have been known to go on awful losing streaks, but for all fans out there, don't count your chickens before they hatch, because you never know, one might be born with a hilarious birth defect...
That's all for now, Go Habs Go great win last night.
Peace,
E

Back at it.

2010-10-31T18:44:00.003-04:00

So I am back writing for you fine people,and I have a lot to cover since we blanked the Sens 3-0.
SOOOOO
Canadiens beat the Coyotes 3-2, Andrei Kostitsyn is looking like a talented chippy Belarussian and not a smelly, fat and lazy Belarussian. Gionta and Gomez do not score.
Canadiens beat the Islanders 5-3, Kostitsyn is still great, so is Pleks. Gionta and Gomez do not score.
Canadiens beat the Islanders 3-1, Alex Auld plays his first game and is great, AK an TP are still sick, Gionta and Gomez do not score.
AAAND FINALLY Canadiens lose to the Panthers 3-1, Markov comes back, Powerplay still stinks, Price gets outplayed by Vokoun, and of course...
Gionta and Gomez do not score.
So what conclusions can we draw from these games?
A) There is cautious optimism, actually, regular optimism in Montreal as the Habs are starting to come together and it is always nice when you start the season 7-3-1 and are first in your division.
B) Andrei Kostitsyn is back, Tomas Plekanec never left, and PK Subban is quietly leading all Rookie Defenders in points. Yay
C) Our second line is not clicking, Gionta and Gomez are playing with such offensive dynamos like Mathieu Darche and Travis Moen, while an offensively talented player like Lars Eller waits on the fourth line playing only ten minutes a game with one point so far this season. Definitely not a yay.

So I trust Jacques Martin, he's been in the league a long time and has paid dividends already here in Montreal, but this second line fiasco is something I cannot understand. They don't want Eller to develop in Hamilton because they believe he has NHL talent, but then do not give him enough ice time in the big leagues to develop into a top six forward. There are already rumblings from journalists like Bob "Big Head" MacKenzie who stated that Eller is looking like he will never be more than a third liner, I'm sure his opinion would not be the same if Eller had been playing with talented guys like Gomez and Gionta, or G-Love and Gio as they are known to their friends... True story about the G-Love thing.
The Canadiens play Columbus on Tuesday, they are a beatable team, the Canadiens have been playing well to anyone who says that the Habs should not be considered contenders because of the ease of their schedule should then also dismiss the beloved Toronto Maple Leafs who are "a great team" led by Phil Kessel "Hart Trophy Nominee" according to the wildly insightful Mike Brophy.
To Canadiens fans, ignore the haters, keep supporting the squad, and this will be a good year.
Peace
E

Another double header.

2010-10-24T12:45:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the laziness, history papers and being away from my computer will do that.
So let's recap what happened this week:
Habs lay an egg, play crappy, Price plays well. Canadiens lose 3-0
Habs play great, Andrei K pots two, Price plays well. Canadiens win 3-0
Can anyone guess what the stagnant force in these two games was? Not going to be an "I-TOLD-YOU-SO'ER" buuuuuuut...
Yeah.
Carey Price has answered the call and will be the major reason if the Canadiens have success this season, he has made the saves needed to win games, and has not been the cause of a loss, he has only kept the team in games. I'm not naive enough to think that he is going to win the Vezina, or the Hart, even though Jose Theodore did both in one year.. what was the league smoking that year...
The team is not blessed with explosive offensive juggernauts, but their first line has been dynamic and their second line finally broke through on the Powerplay with Benoit Pouliot doing what he did last year when he was on pace for a 30 goal year, being in front of the net and putting the puck in.
Next up is the Coyotes and though they should not be taken lightly, the Canadiens always have good success against them. Let's just hope Andrei Kostitsyn doesn't get annihilated like he did in 2008 when he lost all of his mojo. Be optimistic, as long as Price plays well, this team can contend.
Peace,
E

A double header weekend.

2010-10-17T16:39:00.003-04:00

Saturday morning after the Canadiens squeaked out a had fought win against Buffalo, I went to Habsinsideout and was greeted by a link to a Leafs blog, where they had an animation celebrating the longevity of Carey Price not having a home win. I brought up the simple point that the Maple Leafs had not won a playoff game on home ice in almost 6 times as long a wait, but I was refuted with "Blah Blah YOU booed Carey Price so don't defend him blah blah YOU burned a car after the Canadiens won a series and YOU booed the national anthem blah blah no actual refutation of the fact the Leafs haven't made the Playoffs since before Hurricane Katrina" I can deal with that to an extent, but now that Carey beat the Senators last night I can sleep easy without even worrying about those clowns. I am not against all Leaf fans, any fan who sticks by their team through crappy times deserve to be happy about a winning streak, but to those who Troll for the sake of trolling, then defend their trolling by shifting the focus to something else without any actual intelligent reasoning for it should have to drink a cup of Preston Lacy's sweat. (Jackass 3D reference sorry for the Spoiler).
The Canadiens are winning games, and their goaltender is keeping them in the ones they aren't. Tomas Plekanec is not letting the money get to his head, Andrei Kostitsyn is actually playing well albeit it is a contract year for him and Lars Eller is showing that Pierre Gauthier wasn't actually stoned on Pain killers when he traded for him.
To the real fans, this team can play.
To the trollers of the Hockey world, stop huffing house paint and get a life.
Bring on the Devils.
Peace,
E

Well...

2010-10-14T10:13:00.003-04:00

I got to my seats in the Desjardins section last night, armed with two hotdogs, a piece of pizza and a water bottle (gotta love free food) read for a triumphant victory to open the home season. I knew if we were to pull a win out, three things would need to happen.
1. Our best players would need to be our best players.
Pleks and Cammy put on a show while our second line couldn't get anything going.
Grade: B
2. Carey Price would need to play well.
If you haven't seen it yet, put down the crack pipe and give the guy some recognition
Grade:A+
3. Special Teams
Face palm.
Grade:Meh

I did not put down "lack of shoddy reffing" but we will get to that later.
The team let the game get away, when they were passing well it was beautiful to see, when they took penalty after penalty negating power play after futile power play, it was mind numbing. The Canadiens were able to hold on to a 3-2 lead with 2 minutes left and then came the Zebra defecation on the ice.
On further review it would look like PK Subban slashed the stick of the Lightning player, not his hand, it is tough to expect Referees to see a detail like that, but on the kill when Dustin Boyd was tripped in front of the net, nothing was called, and Steven Stamkos got a wide open net the idiots in the Molson Ex Zone obviously had enough. I am not a bottle throwing drunk off my ass buffoon, but you do not need to be one to be disgruntled at a call like that. There was a sinking feeling in the building as the team headed to overtime, and when Ryan Malone put in a rebound after Carey Price was yet again bombarded, we almost were not shocked anymore, as the game was lost the minute the score was equalized. The team needs to play better, Carey Price does not need more run support, but he needs the team behind him to field the ball better, and to get less errors. Sorry, we are still talking about Hockey.
On to Buffalo. On to Ryan Miller, a much better Goalie than Mike Smith.
GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER HABS
Peace,
E

Time to stuff it. Candiens 3 Penguins 2

2010-10-10T17:26:00.001-04:00

Can we all take a communal sigh of relief?
I know many of you turned off your TVs when the Canadiens were down 2-1 late in the third.
"0-2 start, should have never dealt Halak"
"Can't believe the Leafs are going to have 4 more poins than us"
"I didn't take my Cialis today, and that's why I'm unhappy"
All real reactions to the game, until the Canadiens decided to bite back.
Josh Gorges threw it on the net and it was tipped by the great Jewtalian, making his triumphant return from suspension and having a field day in Pittsburgh, where he tore up the Pens in the playoffs. Most of us would have been happy with us going into Overtime, but Scott Gomez or "G-Love" to his friends, snuck a puck through the wickets of Marc-Andre Fleury. You could see by MAF's reaction, it was a softie, but we will take it.
I know it is the second game in the season, but can the negativity end here?
Carey Price is a good goaltender, I cannot understand the people who argue that he shouldn't be starting. Have you SEEN the saves he made last night?
Be quiet, and thank Mr. Price for keeping us in the game last night.
Next up: The Canadiens open up their season at home against the Lightning, or should we say Montreal, Florida.
It will be interesting to see how former Habs like Dominic Moore, Guy Boucher and yes, even Dan Ellis do against us, along with Quebecois stars like Lecavalier, St. Louis and Gagne.
Oh, and they still have Stamkos.
Peace,
E

Season starts on shaky foot.

2010-10-07T23:13:00.002-04:00

Not the start we wanted, but it's an 82 game season. Great on the fans for not getting on Price's case, but seriously, just admit it was a bad game by the Habs.
Am I a bad fan because I state the obvious, that our team played crappy defensively, we did not capitalize on chances, and our power play stunk worse than Kristey Alley's thighs pre Jenny Craig?
No, I would be a bad fan if I blamed the entire thing on Price letting up the Clarke MacArthur goal, even though it was the only goal where there was some defensive help, and I wouldn't call Jaro Spacek letting the attacker skate by him politely as much defensive presence. I am not going to blame the loss on the lack of Hamrlik, Markov and Cammalleri, although it's a hefty load to lose. The score was close enough that the team that was iced should have been good enough to force OT and win the game.
I can say chill out, but I do not think that is the right thing to do.
Get ready for a season that it going to have several bumps, but keep watching, once this team comes together hopefully things get a lot better. I think they will.
Saturday night we take on the Pens, things do not get any easier.
Peace
E

Training camp recap, and Captain Gio.

2010-09-29T12:37:00.004-04:00

The Pre-Season is almost over and my pre-exhibition predictions were pretty bang on. The team we thought would start the season against Toronto is intact, save for a banged up Roman Hamrlik.
Max Pacioretty is also hurt, which adds to an already disappointing training camp. Ryan White has really impressed with his grittiness and is making every case possible to earn a spot with the big club and with three assists against the Panthers, Lars Eller showed why he was the real deal. As for the Defense, it looks like Spacek, Gill, Gorges, O'Byrne and Subban are healthy locks, while Hamrlik will recuperate eventually, and one of either Henry, Picard or Weber will start the year as the 7th defenseman.
Carey Price is good, so shut up. There was almost minimal reason to worry about his sub par play, and if it were not for some wide open rebounds, he would have shut out the Panthers on Monday night.

So it is official. Finally, after two weeks of speculating Brian Gionta has been named captain of the Montreal Canadiens. Great choice, great guy, this year will be fun, so sit tight and enjoy the ride.
Peace,
E

WE ARE DOOOOOOMED

2010-09-22T22:15:00.002-04:00

IT IS OVER LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
WE SHOULD HAVE NEVER DEALT JAROSLAV HALAK, I MEAN, HE ONLY LET UP THREE GOALS LAST NIGHT. CAREY PRICE LET UP FOUR. HE IS GOING TO BE SO BAD. WE CAN TELL FROM THE PRE-SEASON. THATS HOW WE KNEW GUILLAUME LATENDRESSE WOULD BE SO GOOD. THATS HOW WE KNOW WHO THE NEXT CAPTIAN OF THE MONTREAL CANADIENS SHOULD BE, MAXIM LAPIERRE!!! PIERRE CURZI MUST BE SMOKING SOMETHING, WE HAVE A PLETHORA OF GREAT FRENCH CANADIANS. IF IT WERE UP TO ME THE STARTING LINE UP WOULD BE:
LAPIERRE-POULIOT-LEBLANC
ST. DENIS - MATHIEU CARLE
AND OUR GOALIE.....
LOIC LACASSE!
I MEAN, I THINK HE'S STILL IN THE SYSTEM, AND I'M SURE HE IS BETTER THAN PRICE!
I'M SO SURE THAT THIS GAME WILL BE AN ACCURATE REPRESENTATION OF EVERY GAME IN THE REGULAR SEASON THAT I'M WRITING IT ALL IN CAPITALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

shut up
E

Training Camp Opens.

2010-09-17T14:21:00.002-04:00

Here we goooo again.
The 2010-2011 edition of the NHL season kicks off in a way today with the opening of Habs training camp, and already journalists have found a way to stir some trouble up.
Yesterday La Presse reported that Brian Gionta would be named team captain, fans rejoiced at the prospect of the team being formally led by a bona fide winner who struck gold at both the NHL and NCAA level. So of course Mr. Gionta has no idea, and management refuses to say anything.
I love when things are just so damn clear.
Anyway, the team is almost 100% set from the get go, as Cammalleri, Gomez, Gionta, Plekanec, Pouliot, Kostitsyn, Pyatt, Boyd, Halpern, Moen, Lapierre, Eller and Darche should make up the forwards. Gill, Gorges, Hamrlik, Spacek, O'Byrne, Subban and an injured Markov should make up the defensive corps and Price and Auld will be in nets.
Fringe players like Pacioretty, Maxwell, White and Desharnais should fight for a reserve spot on the team while young guys like Leblanc and Tinordi will be sent to their junior teams to hone their skills.
I do not think there will be any major surprises, as no one else really has NHL caliber talent. One player who might surprise minimally could be Alexander Avtsin, a highly talented Russian who fell to the fourth round because of the inconsistency of Russians coming to North America. Do not think he is some Guillaume Latendresse type guy who will become a exhibition fan favorite, but he should have a very good year in Hamilton.
In other news, former Habs coach Pat Burns is fighting for his life at home surrounded by Family and my thoughts go out to him. He is a class act who has been one of the most succesful coaches of the last 25 years.
Good luck Mr. Burns.
Peace,
E

Oh yay...

2010-09-02T16:04:00.004-04:00

This guy gets resigned for 2 years, 5.25 toal, my math isn't great but I'm preeeety sure that doesn't add up to $3M a year so I guess Michel Godbout's "very very close source" was "very very stoned".

Thank hashem we signed him, but this got tiresome very very quickly.

Let's get ready for training camp.

Carey, you better not have gotten fat.

Peace,

Screw Michel Godbout. I'm back.

2010-09-01T11:09:00.002-04:00

I was trying to think of a reason to get back into the Blogosphere. People had been pushing me to write about something, and I replied "What the hell is there to write about?" After this whole stupid Carey Price non-issue, I feel like maybe I should get back in the saddle and give my two cents.

So, Montreal is having heart palpitations after "Sports" correspondant Michel Godbout tweeted that Carey Price was "striking" until he was offered a deal worth $3 M. He said it was according to a very reliable source close to the Franchise Saviour. This gives me to hypotheses to this issue. Either the source was just wrong, or the source was hanging out with Carey one night in Anahim Lake and due to his absoloutely constant deadpan expression, he did not get the joke when he said "Man, man... seriously.... I should just go on like, a strike!"

My expert advice, chill out. It my firm belief that the Canadiens will sign Price and he will be ready for training camp. Although, if by some unfortunate turn of events, Price does not sign and we have to start with out roster of two old backups and a Finn in the KHL, god have mercy on out souls.

Training camp better come soon, or else I might die of boredom.

Peace,

PRE SUMMER RECAP

2010-06-29T23:15:00.002-04:00

So let's go over what the Habs have done so far this off season before I head up to the exotic Laurentians for two months.

A) Playoff hero Jaro Halak was dealt to the St. Blues for elite prospect Lars Eller and Calgary Hitman Ian Schultz. The deal means that Carey Price has once again been given the drivers seat in Montreal while the team looks for a veteran backup Goalie.

B) The Canadiens surprise some and move up from 27th to 22nd in order to select behemoth and possible future captain Jarred Tinordi. He is the son of former NHLer Mark Tinordi and was the captain of the US U-18 National Development Team, called by many the best development team ever with 9 players drafted this year including two other first rounders, Goalie Jack Campbell and Defenseman Derek Forbort.

C) Pierre Gauthier solves a season long problem by dealing clubhouse cancer Sergei Kostitsyn far far away to Tennessee as the Habs acquire heart and soul grinder Dustin Boyd and soon to be UFA netminder Dan Ellis from the Nashville Predators. If the team can ink Ellis to a deal it will give them the seasoned vet they wanted to back up Carey Price.

Now what?

Well we should not assume that we're going to make another giant splash come free agency a la 2009, but it would be nice to build on some youthful depth. As shown by Stanley Cup Champions Chicago, four line depth is key in being successful.

That's all for now, can't wait for September.

Peace,

THE SKY IS NOT FALLING.

2010-06-17T15:36:00.003-04:00

Okay, so right now seems like a perfectly good time to panic, in the words of Rex from Toy Story.

Jaroslav Halak, our "franchise savior" who singlehandedly took down powerhouses like Washington and Pittsburgh and got the Canadiens to within 3 wins of the Stanley Cup Finals, has been dealt to the St. Louis Blues for Danish Blue Chip Prospect Lars Eller and Ian Schultz, who is just plain chippy for the Calgary Hitmen.

WE'RE DONE, GAME OVER MAN, GAME OVER. HALAK WAS OUR MOON AND OUR SUN, WITHOUT HIM WE'RE DONE.

So, you guys can continue to run round like decapitated chickens, I am going talk to the rational people here.

Jaroslav Halak put in an show stopping performance this year in the playoffs, he wanted to prove he was our starting goalie, but what now? Halak's play has given him something for his negotiating cause, he was at liberty to demand over 4 M a year when the Canadiens brass would approach him to re-sign him. What then? How would we re-sign Tomas Plekanec, our most consistent forward this year? And although Carey Price now looks like a cold commodity, would you really be ready to part ways with our 5th overall pick from 2005? A guy who had been hung out to dry more this year than a pair of Granny Panties, a player who when given reins all by himself, like he did in 2008 after Cristobal Huet had been traded, went 12-4 down the homestretch en route to 1st place in the East. The NHL is a goal tending carousel, Dwayne Roloson led the Oilers to the finals in 2006, only to be the backup on the Islanders, do you honestly think that Michael Leighton or Anti Niemi are going to have long distinguished NHL careers? Jaroslav Halak showed his worth, but can you really say that he would be in our plans for the future?

Lars Eller is a top notch prospect, he was an AHL all star last year, and was the 13th overall pick in 2007. He could come in and challenge for a spot on the top 6 next year. He is 21 years old. Before you state that all is lost, give this deal time, because in 3 years I have a feeling Lars Eller will be a big part of this team. Jaro, I wish you luck and want to thank you for the superhuman feats you performed for this team. I hope you get the starting job you deserve.

Peace,

Season could be over tonight.

2010-06-09T15:53:00.003-04:00

Well I've been away from the blogosphere for quite some time, but I had to add a post in time for tonight's game.

Chicago's time is now, and only now. Due to some contract SNAFUs this is the last year that the Blackhawks will be able to retain their complete core of players. You can be sure this team will come out tonight, knowing that the window of opportunity is as small as it will ever be. I will be frank about this, I will be angry if the Flyers win the Stanley Cup, not only because they dispatched the Canadiens, but because they display a sort of arrogance that just makes you want them to fall in a pile of dog poop.

Watch this game tonight, if you want to see real playoff Hockey, this game is for you.

After this series is over I will come out with a little mini draft preview with what we can do with our 27th overall pick.

Peace,

Game one of the SCF starts with a bang.

2010-05-30T12:45:00.002-04:00

That was some craaaazy hockey, if only the Canadiens could have chased Michael Leighton from the net...

The Hawks look like a very good team, the Flyers aren't slouches, but the Blackhawks have some major firepower, as well as some grinders who could probbaly be first liners in Montreal.

Dave Bolland is a tank, I remember him from his London Knights days, was still a hard working guy who could turn the firepower on when he needed to.

Patrick Sharp absolutely sniped one over Leighton's shoulder for one of the goals.

Does anyone else notice that Arron Asham is slowly putting together quite a respectable playoff in terms of points. Does anyone else remember when he was a Hab?

Does anyone else remember the guy we traded him for?

The Powerful Pole himself, Mariusz Czerkawski!!!

After watching last night's game, I'm going to go out on a limb and say Hawks in 6.

They have all the tools right now, and it's not like Michael Leighton and Brian Boucher trump Anti Niemi in goal, it's kinda a tossup when the three guys weren't playing in the league regularly last year.

Considering how low the cap will be next year, this might be Chicago's chance, a perfect storm where they must capitalize and knock the Flyers overboard.

Gotta love those nautical terms. Arr-Arr-Arr.

Peace,

A year to be proud of.

2010-05-25T22:11:00.002-04:00

Well it's over.

Funny, we were THIS close to calling this edition of the Canadiens a team of destiny. So close, but you will not see me in mourning.

This team defied the odds and made heroes out of some, and pariahs out of others. This team refused to say die, losing their best defense man FOR THE SECOND TIME THIS YEAR with a 6 month injury, and going through yet another goalie contreversey where by the end of it, despite the inspired performance of Jaroslav Halak, is no where near to being answered.

Last year, when the Canadiens were trounced in the first round, I decided to blame the season's failures on one man, or one White Russian Pansy Transvestite to be exact. Mikhail Garbovski, who took out Andrei Markov and Mathieu Schneider and sent the Canadiens on an absolutely horrid tailspin. This year, I will again place the blame on an unusual source.

THE BOSTON BRUINS.

You guys effed it all up. I wasn't mad that you lost the first three games after being up 3-0, but it would have been all too perfect if you had just closed it out Game Seven. You would have been fragile, unsure, and missing David Krejci and Marco Sturm, two of your top six forwards! I can guarantee that the Canadiens would have put the wood to the Broons, and we would be looking at a showdown with the Hawks. But NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Even with a 3-0 lead in Game 7 you have to unceremoniously poop the bed.

For shame.

All kidding aside, I want to give some salutes to the players who showed their worth on this unforgettable run, and some of the players who weren't so lucky.

Mike Cammalleri: I salute you for being an upgrade to Alex Kovalev, you actually play well in the Playoffs AND the regular season.

Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta: I salute you for being on the only people trying during this Flyers series.

Hal Gill: I salute you for still being Hall Skill, even with one leg hacked into.

Josh Gorges: I salute you for being the last kid picked all your life, and still showing that you are Captain Material.

And now, the others....

Tomas Plekanec: Sorry that with your style of play and performance (or lack thereof...) in the playoffs makes you just a little too pricey for our team moving forward.

Marc Andre Bergeron: Sorry that while blessed with a rocket shot, you have Hockey aspergers.

Andrei Kostitsyn and Sergei Kostitsyn: Sorry for... just the get hell out of this town.

AAAAAND to Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak: Although you both can play, sorry that only one of you will be left in Montreal when next season starts.

Thats the obit for this year, thank you Bob Gainey for giving us a fun cast of characters to stand behind and give Montreal something to actually cheer about come the springtime.

Go Blackhawks. Hee hee

Peace, tonight you are all true believers,

Game 5 Don't give up just yet...

2010-05-24T14:05:00.002-04:00

Well, I guess things aren't going exactly to plan.

After two stunning series victories the Canadiens have looked, well, like they did midseason when nothing was going right.

Really, 1 shot in the second period? Poop is kinda hitting the fan. Well it's not the time to give up just yet, the Habs have come back game after game after game, each time their backs were against the wall. This city just has to keep believing. They can still kick some ass, even if they are the big bad Flyers.

In other news, the Blackhawks advanced to their first Stanley Cup Final since 1992 and seem to be a team on a mission, their deep group of talent is certainly impressive, with Olympic MVP Jonathan Toews, Calder Trophy winner Patrick Kane, Slovakian superstar Marian Hossa and Norris Trophy candidate Duncan Keith.. Whoever comes out of the East will have their hands full with that All Star line up.

Have faith boys n girls. The show ain't over yet.

Peace true believers,

Series restored, and game #3 Preview RANT ALERT

2010-05-21T23:28:00.003-04:00

Remember when I said don't panic? Well all I can say is it feels damn good to be right.
Last night was a covincing victory that seemed to really get under the skin of the Flyers. Oh, we're dicks because we put our top PP line on when we were already up 4-1? I'm sorry, I thought this was the stanley cup playoffs. It was a three goal load, not like we were embarassing you like you guys did in game one. If you guys want to jack a score up 6-0, don't start talking about bad karma when we repay the favor you cream cheese eating ingrates.
What else is on my mind? Oh yeah, tonight when asked about the chipiness of BOTH teams by Brent Wallace, Darren Dreger decided to instead go on a tagent talking 1) Gorges high sticking Claude Giroux but it being okay because he "apologized", 2) Scott Gomez tapping Dan Carcillo on the head after Carcillo cheapshotted him in order to get a retaliation penalty and 3) Mike Cammalleri pushing off a defender to score the first goal of the game, Dregs then HAD to add that "Many people think that shouldn't have been a goal".
You know what, I know that you and the rest of your Leaf groupies cannot wait for the Canadiens to be bounced so you could instead talk about Brian Burke's new five year plan that starts with the brilliant "trade Tyler Seguin/Taylor Hall and another first round pick" move, but we're still in this, and we're not going away so easy. We are the last Canadian team in the playoffs, I'm sure if the Canucks were in our place all the focus would be on the quetionable play of our opponents. We Montrealers who actually want to watch in English turn to TSN for it's intelligent insight from both sides, you really think you are going to lure viewers in when they have to watch their team get dissed for 3 minutes? Instead of ignoring the fact that FLYER Scott Hartnell instigated a fight in the last 5 minutes and how in the regular season that would be a suspension, why don't you actually focus on the fact that this is a chippy affair on both sides and stop portraying the Canadiens as a team that does not deserve to be at this point.
I think I needed to get that out of my system.
Anyways it should be a physical and emotional game tomorrow and let's hope the Habs show what they can do and expose Leighton early and often.
Peace true believers,
E

Well, take a deep breath.

2010-05-19T12:40:00.003-04:00

Okay, so we're down 2-0, have been outscored 9-0, out shot the Flyers, and do not really have a presence in this series at this point.

TIME TO PANIC????

Maybe.

Maybe it's time to pretend that we didn't just win two stunning playoff rounds, and that the entire city wasn't captivated by their great run full of inspiring performances.

Or, maybe we support this team and cheer for them no matter what, because we proved that we could do it, and proved that this team can skate with the best of them, suck it Leaf fans, many of you guys are waiting to write an obituary saying that the Habs suck, but it sounds mighty insecure coming from a team that along with the Panthers, are the only two clubs in the league who have not made the playoffs.

So, shut your pie holes.

Cheer on this team, they can still pull this off.

Peace True Believers,

Conference Finals Previews.

2010-05-15T11:36:00.002-04:00

I think we all felt like the Canadiens were doing something really freaking special as we watched them take down the President's Trophy winners and the reigning Stanley Cup champions. I'm sure we thought it would be the talk of the playoffs.

Then the Flyers have to steal our thunder by coming back 3-0, in games won and and in goals in game 7. Instead of playing a beat up and scared Bruins team, we play an inspired Flyers team that will probably get Jeff Carter back in their line up early in the series. On a positive note, we take on Michael Leighton, a guy who at one point, was actually on the Habs, as a third goalie who never played a minute for us and was traded at the 2007 draft for a seventh round pick.

I cannot tell you what is going to happen in this series, because no one thought the 7th and 8th team would face off for a trip to the Stanley Cup, but I can tell you this much. If the Canadiens continue to frustrate the opposing teams top players, and Jaroslav Halak puts in another solid performance, there should be no reason why the Canadiens do not come up to accept the Prince of Wales trophy.

As for the West, truthfully I hope both teams get Influenza, like what happened in 1918, and whoever makes it from the East wins by default. Seeing as that won't happen, I'm going to call Hawks in 6. I think Chicago makes the jump and becomes an elite team.

So enjoy the off day, tomorrow is going to be nucking futs.

Peace true believers,

WE ARE HALFWAY THERE. MONTREAL CANADIENS ARE GOING TO THE EAST FINALS.

2010-05-12T20:50:00.002-04:00

There are little words to describe the feeling of this victory. I'm going to let it soak in. Bring on the Broons or Flyers, the Canadiens are on the run of a lifetime. Rest in Peace Mellon Arena. Sid and company, you put up a hell of a fight.

I love this team.

Peace true believers,

2nd Intermission Update

2010-05-12T20:02:00.002-04:00

The Habs got out to a slower start in the 2nd, but Andrei Kostitsyn made a nice play to keep the puck in the zone, fed it to Jaro Spacek who threw it in front and BAM!
Attack of the Jewtalian!

Mike Cammalleri has been Conne Smythey. I can safely say it now.

Then killing a powerplay, Travis Moen, MY FAVORITE THIRD LINER, MY ORIGINAL SELECTION TO THE BAWS LIST, BURRIES ITTT!! 4-0. AAAAND

IN COMES BRENT JOHNSON!!!!

THEN GIONTA ALMOST MAKES IT 5.

I DON'T KNOW WHY I'M STILL IN CAPS LOCK. I'M WAY TOO HAPPY.

WHAT IF MARC ANDRE FLEURY DIDN'T SHIT THE BED???

HISTORY WILL BE MADE!!

Whew. So everyone reading this, I am writing as the game goes on. So think of this as a literary highlight reel.

Back to the game, Halak played well, but gave up a bad chance in fron to Chris Kunitz. He made no mistake and buried it.

4-1 Habs.

The Canadiens cannot get shaken by this, they have to keep doing what they're doing. Crap, I was so happy, now it almost feels like we're down. We fans in Montreal have confidence issues.

No shit, I know.

TSN brain farted majorly in their update, crediting Kris Letang with his first of the playoffs.

Two things wrong with that, Letang didn't score and he has 5 already this playoff.

Dom Moore is playing so well, he almost set up a goal with about 8 minutes left by making a great rush to the net. Habs are still sticking it to the Pens, good to see. Hamr takes a penalty, the Habs NEED to make it out of this period unscathed. Sergei Gonchar has been absolutely dreadful tonight.

Jordan Staal tips a shot past Halak. 4-2.

They need to hang on. They need to calm down. At least now we have a game on our hands.

I really thought I wouldn't have a heart attack tonight. Well I guess that was wishful thinking. Things starting to get chippy. If they Habs can once again finish the period with a two goal lead, I'm happy. Matt Cooke is a little bitch. Fuck Gorges, why couldn't you let him have the puck and THEN hit him. Period over, still up 4-2, but we have a Power Play to deal with next period.

Peace true believers,

We can still do this.

First Intermission update.

2010-05-12T19:20:00.002-04:00

Whew, that first goal really lowered my heart rate.

A crappy goal is exactly what we needed to get back into this game, nothing quiets a crowd like a softie when their Captain is in the box.

Dom Moore picked up a interesting penalty after Lapierre almost made it 2-0. Gill is a warrior for being back on the ice blocking shots. Great effort by the Habs on the kill, Tommy Pleks almost buried an amazing short handed chance on the breakaway. The Pens look more nervous than a 14 year old unclasping his first bra.

The Pens started to pick it up in the form of Jordan Staal and his line mates. You really wonder what he could be capable of if didn't play behind Malkin and Crosby at Center.

Then Dominic redeems himself. 2-0 Habbies.

His second huge Game Seven goal this playoffs, and an incredible effort from the all of a sudden godly Maxim Lapierre.

The Pens are nervous, Sid Crosby is nervous, and Marc Andre Fleury is nervous. I will not declare anything just yet, I will only feel confident once Brent Johnson is between the pipes and Fleury is chased.

As the period ticked away. The Canadiens have their work cut out for them, they are up 2-0. And need to keep it that way.
TALK TO YOU AFTER THE 2ND TRUE BELIEVERS!!!

Habs 4 Pens 3. It all comes down to one game.

2010-05-11T08:28:00.007-04:00

I had to do it, just had to.

What a hockey game! In my 10 years of going to Canadiens games at the Bell Centre, I have never screamed louder than I did last night. The crowd erupted when Mike Cammalleri ripped his 10th of the post season past Marc Andre Fleury, cascaded in boos when the Officials embarked on a mission to screw the team with timely calls and non calls, and absolutely lit up like St. Jean Baptiste day when Cammy tied the score up and received a near 5 minute ovation from me and my fellow partisans. There was some mild irony that "Vertigo" was played when Jaro Spacek scored his first of the playoffs after returning from that said illness.

Then, Max Lapierre the quintessential "super pest" shows that he's so much more than a mouth. His end to end rush had the place bouncing like those giant balls from the South Park episode.

So. What are our chances tomorrow night? I like them. I think as this team gets healthier, they become more dangerous. I think that Mike Cammalleri is playing his best hockey. Ever. The Canadiens have won 7 playoff games this year. That is the most games won by the Habs since 1993. Gee, what happened that year?

It should not end here. It can not end here. Go Habs Go, let's shock the world yet again.
Peace true believers,

Game 6 Preview: City on the edge.

2010-05-10T16:36:00.003-04:00

After the Canadiens dramatic come from behind win against the Penguins Thursday night, I got the call that I would have the chance to attend game 6 tonight. I had high hopes resting on Saturday;s game, knowing that a win in Game 5 would give me a chance to see the Canadiens eliminate the Pens in front of a raucous Bell Centre crowd. So of course we lose Game 5. You know what though, I still have hope for this team. This is a team that can get the job done, they have shown us their grit in the clutch from the Washington series. There is no reason why the Canadiens can't skate out with a win and force a game seven. All they need is the fan support so be loud as hell. I wanna be partially deaf in the ear by the time the first is done.

Who knows what's going on with the D, I would just look stupid to speculate. Spacek looks ready to go, and Gill will be a game time decision. Makov will not play, I am sure of that.

So get ready, because in just over two hours, it will be Hockey's version of judgement day.

If the Canadiens win tonight, there is mad hope that they can take this series on Wednesday.

Peace true believers,

Against all odds. Habs 3 Penguins 2. Series tied 2-2

2010-05-07T08:20:00.002-04:00

The title of my blog is also a very inspiring Phil Collins song.

Just thought you should know.

Well once again the Canadiens seemed up against the ropes, up for dead and with no magic left. Then, they win.

Wait what?

This team is courageous, resilient and to borrow a term from the lovely Brian Burke, truculent!

Their third liners, or "pluggers" as the Montreal media have branded them, put in an inspired effort including 2 of our 3 goals.

What it all comes down to though, is leadership in the face of adversity. The players signed by Bob Gainey this summer, the Cammalleris, the Giontas and Gills of this world, know exactly what it takes to win, and are embracing their underdog roles.

Like James A. Baldwin once said, the most dangerous creation of any society is the man who has nothing to lose. Now, ask me who James A. Baldwin is. It doesn't matter, because the Canadiens are now dangerous, and men on a mission. If I were the Penguins right now, I would start to sweat a little.

Enjoy the weekend,

Peace true believers,

Game 4 preview. Do not panic.

2010-05-06T11:25:00.002-04:00

Well I think it's safe to say we all have avoided talking about Tuesday night's game. The truth is, the Canadiens gave it all they had, they just ran into a very good goaltender. It is not time to freak out, this series is not over yet. The Canadiens need to put the same effort in tonight, but they must keep the momentum up with an early goal or two. The series is not over, far from it. The Canadiens MUST win tonight, the Penguins are more consistent than the Capitals and will have no problem closing out a 3-1 series.

Enjoy the game, hopefully the weather clears up.

Peace true believers,

Trying to grab the Bull by the Balls. Game 3 Preview.

2010-05-04T09:55:00.004-04:00

Hear those loud obnoxious horns, you see that effigy of Sid Crosby being burned at stake? No the FLQ haven't taken over, it's Round Two in Montreal! The streets will be buzzing and the Bell Centre will be at a decibel level formerly not known to mankind. The average Blood Alcohol level on Ste. Catharines tonight should be able to put the entire population in Westmount in the drunk tank for the night.

But I digress...

The Pittsburgh Penguins are not the Washington Capitals, they actually do have more self confidence than a 14 year old with a zit on her forehead. They can get the job done if given the chance to execute. So the Canadiens need to keep up their defensive wizardry. Hal Gill, Josh Gorges and P.K. Subban have to be rocks on the blue line yet again. Mike Cammalleri needs to keep finding those dead spots in the zone, and Andrei Kostitsyn needs to be super glued to the bench.

Emphasis on the Super Glue.

If the Canadiens can pull a victory off tonight, they put themselves in the driver's seat of this Eastern Conference Semi Final, and a lead a series 2-1 for the first time since the Bruins series in 2008. Our third line center was Bryan Smolinski. Yeah, it's been a while.

Enjoy the game and anyone who boos the national anthem should have to make out with Evgeni Malkin

I know, I've already used this picture. But I feel now is a good time to bring it out of the Montreal Hypocrites archive.

Peace true believers,

Making it a best of five series, Habs win 3-1 in Game #3

2010-05-02T17:42:00.003-04:00

Well another series starts, another loss where we seemed totally mismatched, and another scrappy win the re-instill hope.

It's not even surprising anymore guys.

Well the Canadiens showed that they could once again roll with the big dogs with an 3-1 win led by the scoring brilliance of our favorite Jewtalian, Mike Cammalleri. Both his goals were brilliant, the first one a testament to his probably Italian natural soccer abilities, and the other a clutch snipe to put away the Pens. Jaroslav Halak's 38 saves were not in any way godly, but held the fort and was a great bounce back from his shaky Game 1. Andrei Kostitsyn only played a minute and a half, and Sergei was scratched. I think it is safe to say that these boys might have played themselves out of this city.

Hal Gill continues to be Hal Skill, and P.K. Subban is way too sick. The future is bright with the Subbinator in it.

On to Game 3, the Bell Centre will be rocking harder than Roman Polanski's trailer outside a middle school.
Low blow? I don't care this is a hockey blog.

Peace true believers,

Game time. Round Two: Canadiens vs. Penguins

2010-04-30T09:00:00.003-04:00

Well, now that the after party of our stunning game seven victory is nearing it's end, it's time to face a sobering reality. Tonight the Canadiens take on the Pittsburgh Penguins, the defending Stanley Cup champions led by Sidney Crosby who had 14 points in only six games against the Senators.

Buzz kill,

I know.

So how can we take this team down? They are more disciplined than the Capitals, have proven goaltending and their best players have been their best players. If this team wants to hold up against the Penguins they need to keep doing what they are doing, but improve greatly in other areas. For example, the shut down tandem of Gill and Gorges will need to continue to frustrate the opponent's top lines by getting their sticks in traffic and muscling them off the puck. Although, only 15 shots are not going to be enough to outscore this team. Marc Andre Fleury is a far more mature, consistent and talented Goalie than Semyon Varlamov. He wasn't the first overall pick in 2003 for nothing. One player for the Canadiens who has to step it up is another 2003 draftee, the 10th overall pick Andrei Kostitsyn. Since scoring a hat-trick in game two, he has looked incredibly flakey and has trouble hitting the nets on his shots. Something that goes without saying is that Jaroslav Halak needs to be Jaroslav Halak. His first round performance will go down as one of the best series performance by a goalie of all time, if he does not put the same effort into this series, it will not be remembered for long.

As we've seen from the Capitals series, the Canadiens can play with the NHL's elite, the team needs to continue to be inspired and the fans need to keep supporting this club. Because, who knows? This could be a team of destiny.

Enjoy the game.

Peace true believers,

UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE. PLUS ROUND TWO PREVIEW

2010-04-29T08:32:00.004-04:00

I would be lying if I told you I wasn't nervous last night, I would be a fibber if I told you that I didn't feel the initial stages of Cardiac Arrest coming over me as we killed that final Ryan O'Byrne penalty. One thing I am not lying about, is that I had faith in this team. I continued to have faith in this team and at NO point did I write the Montreal Canadiens' obituary prematurely.

I knew this day would come, I knew eventually I'd be able to safely praise Bob Gainey and at the same time, make all of you idiots who do not have the self confidence to support this team all year round feel well, like idiots. Well guys, I'll let you wallow in your own shame. But here's some subtle retribution for all the crap you gave this team throughout this year.

To all those who believed trading Chris Higgins for Scott Gomez AND Tom Pyatt was giving up too much:

Suck it.

To all those who criticized the signings of Mike Cammalleri and Brian Gionta because of their size:

Suck it.

To all those who thought that Hal Gill and Travis Moen were wastes of space DESPITE watching them play pivotal roles in previous cup runs:

Suck it big time.

Aaaaaaaaand to all those who said that Gainey never did enough, that he didn't know what he was doing, and that his revamp this year was a waste of time:

You folks can suck it the most out of all of them.

So on to the Second Round!

EAST

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens Friday 7:00 PM

The Canadiens just came off of one of their most emotional series wins in recent memory, but they will have no break as they take on the defending cup champions. Pittsburgh is a complete team, and Sidney Crosby is playing his best hockey that we've ever seen. That's a scary thought.

#6 Boston Bruins vs. #7 Philadelphia Flyers Saturday 12:30 PM

A re-match of the 2010 Winter Classic, these two teams are tough, tenacious and surprise first round winners. I expect this series to be gritty, bloody, and totally awesome. Marc Savard is set to return to the ice for Game One for Boston while Simon Gagne and Jeff Carter are still out for Philly.

WEST

#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings Thursday 9:00 PM

The Sharks are out to prove they can finally win in the Playoffs, the Wings are trying to prove they are still a major Hockey force. This series could go either way and should be full of impressive offensive performances. Look for San Jose's top line to step it up if they want to advance to the Western finals.

#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #3 Vancouver Canucks Saturday 8:00 PM

The Vancouver Canucks have nightmares of Patty Kane's hat trick on home ice that won the series for Chicago in 2009. If Roberto Luongo wants to silence his critics, he will have to be on the top of his game. The Canuck's superb swedes should have a interesting time playing against Chicago's vast arsenal of rough and tumble power forwards and Marian Hossa will be on a mission to finally capture that elusive Cup that he has gotten so close to the last two years.

So there you have it, the Canadiens are up against the world yet again. Many people will not give them a shot, but this series is a testament to not giving up hope and having faith in your team.

Peace TRUE believers,

GAME 7 PREVIEW

2010-04-28T08:30:00.003-04:00

Judgement day.

The signings, trades, managerial changes all come down to tonight at 7. The best team in the League, the most explosive player, the best entourage of play makers, snipers and power forwards, all a game away from being eliminated by a team called too small, too weak and too injury prone to do anything. The Canadiens get a lot of crap from fans around the league, because of their um, eccentric fans, and the long and drawn out historic ceremonies. You know what, most of the time, they deserve your not so gentle ribbing, but to all Leaf and Sens fans, if we pull this win off, in the immortal words of Dale Doback and Brennen Huff from Step Brothers, just shut your mouth. Just, shut it.

Jaroslav Halak was truly spectacular in Game Six, and must be more than spectacular tonight. I feel that each time we play the Capitals, we need a one goal handicap to properly be even. It's only when we score the second goal do I feel any ease at all. The Canadiens have scored first in four of the six games, and will need to add a fifth time to their list tonight. There is room to have hope boys and girls, mad crazy hope, so get out there, put those annoying little flagfs up on your car and be a good Montrealer and break a window if they win. Second one was just a joke, but I could always use a new pair of shoes from Foot Locker...

Enjoy the game, and Go Habs Go

Peace True Believers,

One of the biggest games of the last ten years.

2010-04-27T10:06:00.002-04:00

Wow.

I don't really know how else to start this post. I have never seen the Bell Centre more rocking, it must've been those darn towels. I have never seen the Habs come out with that fire throwing hit after hit at the Capitals. I have NEVER seen a Goaltender make 53 something saves look that easy. This was a game for the ages, it was a game that inspired the entire province and hopefully lights a fire under the tuchus of this Hockey Club. It might not have hit them yet, but they are 60 minutes away from beating the Washington Capitals. The big bad Washington Capitals who according to every poon-dit in the country, had won this series when it was still 3-1. Funny, I could have sworn this was a best of 7. I'm not celebrating, because Game 7 will be tougher than last night, the Capitals will have a sense of urgency and Alex Ovechkin will be a man on a mission. I can't tell you what our chances are on Wednesday night, but I will tell you this much; If Jaroslav Halak plays HALF as well as he did last night, if Gill and Gorges, the new Wonder Twins, continue to frustrate and bully Washington's sharp shooters AND if Mike Cammalleri, Tomas Plekanec and YES even the young Pernell Karl Subban can generate some good scoring chances, we have a shot.

A shot is better than nothing.

Enjoy today, brace yourselves for tomorrow.

Peace True Believers,

Playoff Recap and some juicy news.

2010-04-26T10:01:00.004-04:00

The Playoffs are in full gear, heres a little recap of some of the first round match ups.

EAST

#1 Washington Capitals vs. #8 Montreal Canadiens WAS Leads 3-2

A series that surprisingly has gone to six games can go either way tonight, depending on the performance of Montreal's unsung heroes, like Hal Gill, Dominic Moore and Travis Moen.

#2 New Jersey Devils vs. #7 Philadelphia Flyers PHI Wins 4-1

Maybe a changing of the guard in the Atlantic Division, as Brian Boucher beat Martin Brodeur, no that's not a typo and the Devils looked very beatable.

#3 Buffalo Sabres vs. #6 Boston Bruins BOS Leads 3-2

Really a series I don't think much people are watching but has been entertaining and physical. Just look at Johnny Boychuk's absolute obliteration of Matt Ellis. Ryan Miller needs to play like Ryan Miller if the Sabres want to win this game.

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Ottawa Senators PIT Wins 4-2

Sidney Crosby is good. He is damn good. Senators made it interesting with Matt Carkner's 3rd Overtime winner in Game 5, but pooped the bed in Game 6 and blew a 3-0 lead. Pascal Dupuis' OT marker ended the Sens up and down season.

WEST

#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #8 Colorado Avalanche SJS Wins 4-2

The Sharks had their usual first round scare, SEE Dan Boyle scoring on his own net in Overtime. They pulled it all together and finished the depleted Avalanche in the third period of Game Six, with their Second line of Clowe - Pavelski - Setoguchi looking more like Heatley - Thornton -Marleau.

#2 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #7 Nashville Predators CHI Leads 3-2

Definitely the best series of the first round, two young Finnish goaltenders have staged great battles and the Pred's impotence on the PP finally came back to bite them in the heiney when the 'Hawks young guns staged a sick comeback and Marian Hossa, who escaped an almost inevitable suspension for his hit on Dan Hamhuis, won Game Five.

#3 Vancouver Canucks vs. #6 Los Angeles Kings VAN Wins 4-2

This was not as easy as it looked for Van City. Roberto Luongo was very beatable and the Kings showed why they are the team of the future in the NHL. Mikael Samuelsson was the superman of this series.

#4 Phoenix Coyotes vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings Series tied 3-3

Two springs ago after the Wings hoisted their 11th Cup, who would guess that Detroit would be playing in a game 7 against the owner-less Phoenix Coyotes? The NHL's Cinderella team will look to keep their dream season alive.

NOW HEEEEERE'S THE BIG SCOOP...

Tony Marinaro of TEAM 990 reported at 9:30 that P.K. Subban will be called up for tonight's game, this was followed up by a press release, about a minute before this blog was published. Subban has been outright dominant this year in the AHL and should work as hard as he can to keep this series alive and force a game 7. I'm not that fond of Tony but I gotta give him props for this huge call. I tuned in to his radio show, only to hear him complaining about the lack of Towels at playoff games this year.

Well, I guess you can't win em' all.

Enjoy the game.

Peace true believers,

Where the hell have I been???

2010-04-24T10:08:00.003-04:00

Well I don't know how many people still read this, but for the sake of keeping appearances I'm going to make a triumphant return to the world of blogging!

So since I've gone, the Canadiens were almost cemented into a 6th or 7th spot in the playoffs, only to lose it in the majority of their final games and clinch the 8th spot by only one point. They then generated mad hope by beating the President's Trophy Washington Capitals in Game One, only to lose the next three and be given up on. They then won a hard fought battle last night, and everyone's back on the hope bandwagon.

So what happens now?

Although a series win may be a mere pipe dream, there is no reason to not have faith in this team. With the strong goaltending from Jaro Halak that we saw, as well as the Defensive presence of Hall Gill and company there is no reason why we can't stretch this series to a game seven. At this point we just need to stay optimistic and make sure the Bell Centre crowd is electric to inspire the team.

Oh, and to the flag kid, if Alex Ovechkin sprays you with snow, do Montreal a favor and whack him in his Russian nuts with the pole.

Peace true believers,

One step away. Habs Isles preview.

2010-04-06T14:19:00.003-04:00

Hopefully we will won't talk like Sylvester Stallone when this is all done.

Well after a year of injuries, goaltending controversies, trades and GM changes, the Canadiens can actually lock up a playoff spot tonight with a win against the New York Islanders and a New York Rangers loss. Coincidence that we need two New York teams to be defeated. Where's King Kong when you need him? All bets point to Jaro Halak being in net for the Habs tonight and all bets point to the Isles being a lose dangerous team with nothing to lose. The Canadiens will need to stop relying on Halak's sheer brilliance of late and create scoring chances from their top two lines, as fun as it was to see Ryan O'Byrne actually score goal. I am very excited for what this next month will bring if the Canadiens can clinch a spot, so of course fat has it that I will be out of the Contient for the next two weeks. Let's just say this, the Novotel Warsaw hotel better have a friggin' business center.

Enjoy the game, let's lock it up tonight.

Peace True Believers,

Where the hell have I been?

2010-04-03T11:37:00.002-04:00

Whattup.

Well the Canadiens sure have had an interesting streak of games since I last posted. If I had posted yesterday before the Flyers game, I might have been a little apocalyptic with my comments.

SEASON'S OVER! WE CAN'T BEAT THE 'CANES, WE SUCK HARDER THEN TIGER WOODS' MISTRESSES.

Maybe I wouldn't be that bad, but seriously guys, you couldn't score 2 goals. You let Carey Price out to dry, and to the fans who booed him, go lick the most inner fold of Ken Hitchcock's taint. Price puts in a decent effort game after game, and game after game he continues to be strung out like Liberace in Alabama.

But after last night, it's a little brighter in Montreal, and no, it's not because it is 25 and sunny outside.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves, a 1-0 win where a Flyer goal was disallowed and Jaro Halak needed to stand on his head was not my idea of a tone setting win. But those 2 points come in handy down this Playoff stretch.

Does this team have it in them to get to the post-season and do some damage? I don't know, only time will tell, but one thing's for sure if we have one weakness, and we have many, it sure as hell isn't Goaltending.

Peace True Believers,

Hell of a big one. Sens Habs

2010-03-22T11:05:00.003-04:00

Don't have to tell you that this game is going to have a Playoff atmosphere around it. Two teams tied in points and games played. The Canadiens are on a 7 game streak where they have gotten points and the Senators have only once since the Olympic break. Needles to say, Ottawa's going to be as desperate as a World of Warcraft player the day before Prom. The Habs cannot give up the first goal and whoever is in nets must shut down the Sens' high flying forwards. The Canadiens will need about 88-90 points to clinch a playoff spot and that means 5 more wins.

Let's get #1 tonight.

Peace true believers,

Closing in on the playoffs.

2010-03-19T10:37:00.003-04:00

So naysayers, let's look at all the terrible moves made by the Canadiens that got them to this point.

1. Trade Chris Higgins, Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko for Scott Gomez and Tom Pyatt.

So what if Gomez has 3 times as many points as Higgy. He has been so valuable that he's had the chance to shine for two teams this year! As for Pavel Valentenko, no goals in two years in the KHL? No problem! And Ryan McDonagh will soon join the ranks of the great Ranger prospects of all time, right with Hugh Jessiman and Stefan Cherneski.

2. Do not sign Saku Koivu, Alex Kovalev, Alex Tanguay, Mathieu Schneider or Mike Komisarek.

Awful call by the management here. Koivu and Tanguay's 22 combined goals are missed dearly. As for Kovalev, we never gave him the chance to give him a leadership role, and now he's making us pay as his Senators terrorize the league with a 1-5-1 record since the Olympic Break. Mathieu Schneider's booming shot on the point really payed dividends for the Manitoba Moose and Mike Komisarek is still bruising and intimidating, on his couch as he rehabilitates from a season ending shoulder injury.

3. Sign guys like Mike Cammalleri, Brian Gionta, Travis Moen, Hal Gill and Jaroslav Spacek, Marc-Andre Bergeron.

This team is so small! What is this? A franchise for ants? Ignore the fact that Hal Gill is 6'7. And that during the Penguins playoff run, he lined up on the blue line against Richards, Carter, Ovechkin, Semin, Staal, Zetterberg and Datsyuk. How did they do again? Cammalleri's almost 30 goals in 55 games? Bush league, I don't care if his leg basically did a full 360 when we has taken down against the Senators, I can't believe we gave that guy 4 Mil. All the other guys are just downgrades from stars like Stephane Quintal, Darren Langdon and the great Pierre Dagenais.

4. Trade for players like Benoit Pouliot and Dominic Moore.

I mean, come on how can you like these deals. Pouliot's not even a real Quebeccer?

And Dominic Moore? I mean how can anyone who went to Harvard play tough gritty hockey? Give me Steve Begin, who went to Ecole Polyvalente de Trois Rivieres, now that's an Alma Mater to be proud of!

So.

Everyone who gave the Canadiens shit, it's nice to prove dumb people wrong.

How you like dem apples.

Peace.

Bring on the Leafs tomorrow night.

Don't want to jinx this.

2010-03-16T17:38:00.002-04:00

But the Canadiens are going for six in a row!

Wow, did not think I would say that this year. With all the injuries and inconsistency the Team has faced, it would be a miracle if we would still be in contention at this point of the year. It's almost unthinkable that they are the hottest team in the league post Olympic break. No granted many wins have been close, and downright ugly, but two points are two points whichever way you slice it.
The Habs take on the Rangers at MSG tonight, and according to NHL.com, they will have Tomas Plekanec in the lineup, even though Ben Maxwell was called up today from Hamilton. Jaro Halak will play yet again tonight as the Canadiens brass will try to get him into a Playoff groove, and no timetable has been announced for the return of Mike Cammalleri and Marc Andre Bergeron.

The Rangers are in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff battle, and they will hungry for a win tonight. This should be a helluva game!

And if anyone at the game today is able to hit Sean Avery in the head with a plate of Nachos while he's in the box, I will buy them a steak.

Enjoy the game,

Peace True Believers,

2 points is 2 points.

2010-03-12T10:16:00.002-05:00

But yikes, was that ugly.

I guess this cements the hypothesis that the Canadiens' play to their opponents level. Even when that opponent has the worst record in the National Hockey League.

POSITIVES: The Pou-Gomez-Gio line is still producing, and Tom Plekanec and Andrei Kostitsyn got back to their scoring ways. The bottom lines continue to create energy and surprisingly timely offence, and the Habs now have won 4 straight and can breath a little easier in 7th place.

NEGATIVES: Other than the fact that we almost lost to the Oilers, Jaro Halak did not play a very good game, but let's be fair, even though many of you are ready to jump off the Jaroslavwagon because of this shaky game, Halak has been stealing games at times when our team did not show up. No one's perfect, and hey, we got two points. I was actually happy to see Edmonton play well, because lord knows their fans have been waiting to see them play some competitive hockey. I just hope they do not start playing TOO well, to make sure that Toronto does not finish last in the league. Do we really want to face Boston next year having to worry about an Offensive dynamo like Taylor Hall?

Let's be happy, times are good, Spring is right around the corner, and Les Boys are making a run for the Playoffs.

Peace True Believers,

Zapping the Bolts.

2010-03-10T08:31:00.005-05:00

Another brilliant pun by yours truly.

Well that 5-3 was sweet, especially since yours truly was right there in row DD to see it happen. This win couple with the Thrashers loss gives us just a bit of breathing room in this tight Eastern playoff race, but to solidify a spot they need to keep up their winning ways. This means we need Scott Gomez to play as well as he did last night, he has been a monster since the Olympic Break and lately has been earning every cent of his lucrative contract. His line of him, Gio and Benny Pou have been tearing it up, and when Mike Cammalleri returns to the line up, we should have two lethal lines. As for the D, it was also up to snub, unless you count Hal Gill's tape to tape passing, right to the stick of Steven Stamkos...

Matt Darche played a strong game, so did Glen Metropolit.

Great game all around, let's keep it up and make a strong push for the playoffs.

Peace,

Hollywood Double Header

2010-03-08T08:56:00.002-05:00

The Canadiens embarked on a West Coast expedition this week and came away with 4 out of a possible six points. Now this doesn't give any of you idiots any reason to celebrate. A great showing by a scrappy team, and goaltending that keeps us in the game, even though Carey Price kind of shat the bed last night.

Now I'm not going to lie, I was switching back and forth between the game, which we were losing, and the Academy Awards.

Penelope Cruz....

Or 3-1 Ducks?

I switched back in time to see the Habs equalize the score, while people were dancing interpretively to some of the Best Picture nominees.

I then saw Tommy Pleks score the winner and the Canadiens take another step to clinching a playoff spot.

I still have hope for this team, they just need to come together at the right time.

Let's pray that Mike Cammalleri gets out of the 'Hurt Locker' quick.

Hee hee.

Topical funny.

Peace True Believers,

A game that got away.

2010-03-05T08:55:00.003-05:00

I'm going to be honest, I fell asleep before the start of the third period last night. Let's face it, it was was damn late and I had a headache. Before I went to bed, the Canadiens had played a hard fought game and through some amazing goaltending by Carey Price, we had a 2-1 lead on the San Jose Sharks, one of the NHL's elite teams. When I woke up, we had lost, and Max Lapierre was Public Enemy #1 on TSN. Now the outcome of the game was disappointing, but it was nice to see the Habs skate with a great team, and have Price put on a show in nets. The one thing I am shocked about, is that Maxim Lapierre is still on this team. I know many of you love Mad Max, either because he is scrappy, or because he is a home town boy. If you evaluate his year, you will see that he has not produced and has been pestering some of the NHL's best fighters, only to run away when it came time to drop the gloves. This last stunt he pulled, pushing Shark forward Scott Nichol into the boards when he no longer had the puck and was skating full speed, was cowardly at best. Now, don't get mad at me, because I am calling out a Canadien fan favorite, I am not a blind homer. To all of you who say that it wasn't so bad, just look out how one of the Greatest Canadiens of all time, Howie Morenz ended his career and life. He was pushed into the boards by Babe Seibert, broke his leg, and then proceeded to drink himself to death in the hospital. Am I being dramatic? Absolutely, but when you figure that a collision into the boards like that could break your leg, putting you out of commission for at least 6 months, you understand that what Lapierre did was spineless. Hopefully once Mike Cammalleri returns from injury, it will be Lapierre and not Tom Pyatt who has been playing exceptionally since his call up, who we be sent down to Hamilton.

Peace True Believers,

Olympic Hangover, and goodbye O Happy D'Agger

2010-03-03T09:54:00.004-05:00

Well I think I speak for many of you, who did not realize the Canadiens restarted their season until about 6:30 last night. I'm sure even a larger group of you were confused when our fourth line combined for 3 goals. It was definitely not Olympic caliber, hell, it wasn't even a good game for NHL standards, but it was great to see the Habs open the homestretch with two points. Then, this morning I check out the unusually dormant Trade Deadline page on TSN, and see that the Canadiens have shipped yet another young underachiever. Yes Matt D'Agostini was dealt to the St. Louis Blues for prospect Aaron Plushaj, and it was not a major trade by any means. But I do like it, Plushaj was a College Star in Michigan, and was nominated for the Hobey Baker award for the best player in the country. He was a 2nd round pick who is having a very good year for the Peoria Rivermen of the AHL and will be a contributing factor on the Bulldogs until he is ready to make the step to the pros.

All for now, I will update you on any other trades that show up, if you want some entertainment throughout this over-hyped day, read Jay Onraits blog on TSN, there is a funny dude right there.

Peace for now,

A Canadian Legend is born. Sidney Crosby fulfills his destiny.

2010-02-28T20:22:00.004-05:00

4 Hours after one of the greatest Hockey games the world has ever seen, I am still in awe of young Canadian who captivated the country. No it's not Montreal's own Nikki Yanofsky, although "I Believe" is catchy. Sidney Crosby is only 23 years old and he has conquered the Hockey World. A Memorial Cup appearance with the Rimouski Oceanic, World Junior Hockey Gold in 2005, a Hart and Art Ross Trophy in 2007, and Captaining his team to a Stanley Cup in 2009. His goal today, in Overtime, cemented his status as a Canadian legend. To all of his critics who call him "too soft" who doesn't have the "flair of Ovechkin" or the "power of Parise", he is a winner, a determined leader and proud Canadian. I'll take Sidney any day of the week. This has been one of the proudest day for our nation, and as the Cauldron extinguishes and these 17 remarkable days of athleticism come to a close I can only say, thank you Vancouver for an amazing experience, and Hab Fans, welcome back to the jungle that is the Montreal Hockey scene, where we have no superstars, are not playing for a Gold Medal game any time soon, and our GM is not a hall of famer, quite the contrary actually.

Nice to be back,

Peace,

Time to nut up or shut up. Gold Medal Preview.

2010-02-28T11:26:00.003-05:00

A quote from the great Woody Harrelson should set the scene today. All the planning, the evaluation camps, the selections, the round robins, all come down to a game against the United States of America, a team that upset Canada and set the country into a panic induced delirium. Although the last meeting of these teams did not bode well for the Great White North, I remain a cock eyed optimist. Canada crushed Germany and then demolished Russia, the early tournament favorite. The close 3-2 game against Slovakia should not be any room for concern as the Slovaks and Jaro Halak played a defensively responsible game that led them to a victory over the Swedes. So we get to the game plan. What does Canada do to beat the United States this afternoon.

To win, Canada must play Canada's game. They must combine creative passing, hard and accurate shots, and energy through blistering physical play, with an better than solid effort from Roberto Luongo. They must come in here and try to channel teams of the past, they must battle like Paul Henderson and Phil Esposito in '72, skillfully overpower their opponents like Mario and the Great One in '87, and have the desire and pride of Sakic and Kariya in '02. This has been a magical Olympics for Canada, and even with the many disappointments, came heroes, John Montgomery, Charles Hamelin and the courageous Joanie Rochette led to record totals for our country, and with a win today at Canada place, we would set a new International standard for Gold Excellence.

To Scott Niedermayer and Team Canada, we are all with you today, from Newfoundland to Nanaimo, let our cheers inspire you to end this incredible fortnight of Athleticism on the highest note possible.

Peace, and enjoy the game Canada,

Hockey D-Day. Canada Russia

2010-02-24T09:21:00.004-05:00

Let's hope we get some Henderson-esque heroics tonight. It's not going to be easy, the Russians shoot often, skate fast, and have Ovechkin. Need I say more. It seems like a lot of people in this country are panicking, and turning on players who before this "apocalyptic" loss to the States, were considered national heroes. To the people of Canada: CHILL THE HELL OUT.

Maybe it was a little naive to believe that Canada would roll through the competition, and before people start writing Obituaries before we even take to the ice, let's consider this.

Russia lost to the Slovaks, who in turn, almost lost to the Norwegians yesterday.

Does this mean that Norway and Russia would tie?

No you ingrates, it just means we have no idea what will actually happens until the puck drop tonight.

We are going to need consistent goal tending from Roberto Luongo tonight, he needs to show that he can win the big game. We need to get a lot of shots early and get Evgeni Nabokov out of a groove, we need to convert on the Power Play, no more oh fors, and slow down their skill players with big hits.

Is it a lot to ask for?

I don't know, is it a lot to ask for the best players in our country to play well executed Hockey?

We have a shot tonight, go out and cheer for you country Canada.

Peace,

Canada vs. Norway, how we are going to win... pfft...

2010-02-16T12:38:00.002-05:00

I can not take the Norwegians seriously, I mean you are all nice people, but come one, anyone who wears those checkered pants, even if they are curling, should be laughed at a little bit.

Ok then.

Four years of brooding, sulking and muttering "wait till Vancouver" have come down to this. I don't think this will be a particularly close game, but I do feel that this will be a great chance for Canadians to work on their chemistry, the one thing that a lack of, could hurt Canada's medal chances. It will be interesting to see who wins the coveted 6th D spot, if Drew Doughty could impress and cement himself a line up spot. I personally am so impressed by Drew's amazing skill set, he has emerged as an elite Defenseman, in only his second year. The sky is the limit for this amazing youngster.

Fearless prediction?

7-1?

Am I being too gracious?
You tell me.

Peace, enjoy the game Canada,

Double Header and Olympic Preview

2010-02-13T10:37:00.002-05:00

Watching last night's game almost completely cemented my view on how inconsistent the Canadiens are, but when they came back thanks to the heroics of Newest Hab Dominic Moore and the blazing end to end speed of call up PK Subban, who will only develop with age. Word is that PK will play again today as Jaro Spacek will sit game out after getting hit into the boards by Darroll Powe. I think today will be an emotional game as the match last night ended with some heated words. For anyone who watched the Opening Ceremonies, I gotta give kudos to Montreal Native Nikki Yanofsky, who killed it during the National Anthem, too bad Brian Williams fucked up that she was "from Vancouver". Also have to love the Slam Poet Shane Koyczan, whose poem "We Are More" was pretty patriotic. Canada plays it's first game on the 16th against Norway. And no one is not expecting a Gold Medal for our home squad. I think they can do it, if the Team comes together at the right time. Even though the line of Iginla-Crosby-Nash should be our #1 line, I do wish Eric Staal could take Iggy's spot, just so I could call it the "Crosby, Staal and Nash" line.

My predictions:

Gold - Canada: Can't bet against the host nation here.

Silver - Sweden: Will want to win gold with their nucleus one more time

Bronze - USA: Truculence pays off as the US shocks through youthful exuberance.

Enjoy the Olympics, enjoy the game tonight.

Peace True Believers,

In awe of Ovie. Habs 6 Caps 5 OT

2010-02-11T08:50:00.004-05:00

I know we won the game, I know it was an important two points that got us into sixth place, but I cannot believe how good Alexander Ovechkin is. Let's ignore that he ONLY had 2 assists, a light night for him, but he scored (ok, maybe it wasn't a goal) probably the coolest, most awesome, bad ass goal I have ever seen. Hitting a 6'7 pillar into his own net for a goal is crazy. More than crazy, it's a story that people will tell for years to come when talking about Great 8 "All out desire to win". It was a big win. Not going to take that away from the Canadiens, Scott Gomez and Tomas Plekanec have been coming up huge since the loss of our three big wingers. I am overjoyed that Josh Gorges is doing fine, after a shot to the head that looked all out horrific. Even though he has played every game for the Habs this year, and many people do not want him to break the streak, I just hope he is ready to go for one of the games against the Flyers, probably our biggest two games of the season. A concern we might need to adress is our absolute futility on the PP of late, maybe due to the long term injury to Queen MAB. Maybe it's due to the fact that our second unit is comprised of 4th liners and AHLers. There is really no way to address these issues other than waiting for wounds to heal. A problem we can address, is how this team seems to play to their opponents level. When we take on Washington, Pittsburgh and New Jersey, we seem to always skate with them, hit with them and compete with them. However, when we take on middle of the pack teams like Boston, Tampa and Atlanta we play a boring and impotent brand of hockey that results in 3-1, 4-2 and 2-0 losses most of the time. How do we remedy this? I don't have an answer, other than just saying, KEEP FRIGGIN SKATING.

Sorry, I'm no Pierre McGuire.

Peace True Believers,

A send off for Bob.

2010-02-08T23:05:00.003-05:00

Well I was thinking about just leaving that beautiful piece of literature I contributed this afternoon as my final thought on the Gainey resignation. But I realized I would be just like those fake fans that I despise the most if I did not leave a final tribute to one of the classiest guys this organization has ever seen. Bob Gainey was never the best guy on the ice, but he was the smartest. I think this was the case for his Managerial work as well. Even though flashy GM's like Brian Burke had more success with all out styles of negotiating and blockbuster trades, I respected Bob's tentative style. Many people hounded him for his reluctance to give up a lot for a trade, but I promise you, 95% of the deals he passed on would have hurt us in the long run. If it was up to the majority of idiot Hab-nots, we would have Vinny Lecavalier, 15 goals and all, without Andrei Markov, Tomas Plekanec, maybe even PK Subban who has become one of the premier Defenseman in the AHL in his first year. Everything he did was thought out and thorough although the players he acquired almost never performed the way he expected they would. Lost opportunities in the names "Kovalev, Lang, Tanguay, Latendresse, Samsonov, Higgins, Ryder, McDonagh, David Fischer" might soon be joined by "Pacioretty, Lapierre, D'Agostini and Price", and ultimately this could be a core reason for our failures during the Bob era. Or maybe it's the guys who we let go, year after year, only to watch them have success elsewhere. "Well maybe we can let Souray go, at least we have Streit. Oh, you say they're both All Stars now? And they both do not play for the Canadiens?" Personally, I just never had that much of a problem with it. I felt each year Bob tried to put us in a position to compete, and in the early spring of 2008, it seemed everyone had forgotten why they hated Gainey so much. No one seemed to care about the "Niinimaa for Ribeiro" deal anymore, they all pretended to love Bob, only to turn their backs on him once again, after a team he did not play for, a team whose fortunes he could not change on the ice himself, started to slide. Maybe that's pro sports for you, a thankless and cruel world where the most repeated mantra is not "Play as a team!" or "For the love of the game!". It's more like "What have you done for me lately?". Maybe that's just Montreal, where the best/worst fans in the world scrutinize every deal, every signing every fart you let out, just because they happened to be privileged enough to grow up in an age of dynasties that no longer exists and need some happiness that they obviously cannot generate for themselves.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is, as happy as you morons are who parade Montreal today, finally "ridding our glorious team of that boring and passive shlub", I warn you. I'm watching you cowards. And when things get bad in the new and improved Pierre Gauthier era, and I promise you, it will sooner than later, I dare you to go on the Team 990 where Tony and friends pleasure themselves to the doom and gloom of our 8th place team, and say out loud "Gauthier is garbage, I wish Gainey was back".

You take this team as it is, or don't take it at all.

Don't be a fucking hypocrite.

Peace True Believers,

And thanks for everything Bob, hope you find some happiness.

Gainey gone.

2010-02-08T12:54:00.002-05:00

Bob Gainey will step down today as General Manager of the Canadiens. Pierre Gauthier will take over on interim duties.

To all of you who thought we were fucked with Bob.

You have no idea what's in store, you simple little people.

Pierre Gauthier, in the immortal words of Superbad's Jonah Hill "Is the anti-poon". If poon means hockey intelligence and signing savvy.

Pray for your souls.

Attack of the Dawgs! Plus today's game preview.

2010-02-07T12:50:00.002-05:00

If you told me that the top line in Montreal's WIN against the defending Cup Champions would be three Hamilton Bulldogs who were only called up yesterday, I would have assumed that you were starting to party for the Super Bowl a couple days early. Yes the trio of Ryan White, Brock Trotter and David Desharnais certainly stepped it up in the absence of Andrei Kostitsyn, Mike Cammalleri and Benoit Pouliot and will have to keep the energy going if we want to top the Bruins today at 3, who will be absolutely desperate for a win. Pleks, Gio and Scotty Gomez Adams all had huge games yesterday and will need to produce points consistently until the Olympic break There will be some sort of cruel sweetness if this win against the Bruins will push Pete Chiarelli to give Claude Julien the can, even though I do not think the B's struggles are his fault. I personally hope Claude can keep his job, as he is a very good coach and a good guy. I do hope that the Canadiens keep winning this key games while teams behind us like New York, Tampa and the Bruins continue to slide. There is an article out that theorizes that the Canadiens only need to go 12-10-1 in our remaining games to clinch a playoff spot. I think thats do-able. So enjoy the game, enjoy the football and enjoy those damn funny commericals. Let's hope we see some more Danica Patrick in compromising positions.

Peace true believers,

A tribute to a true hero. Brendan Burke (1988-2010)

2010-02-06T02:00:00.003-05:00

TSN has just broken a story that Brendan Burke,the youngest son of Leafs GM Brian Burke has died as a result of a car accident in Indiana. This news has hit me very hard. Brendan was only 21, and this November, he mustered up the immense courage to come out as a young gay man, saying that he quit hockey because of the difficulty of keeping his homosexuality a secret and that he had hoped to be the first openly gay NHL executive in history. I never really was fond of Brian Burke's brash style of business, even though I knew he got the job done better than almost any one else in the league. I truly believed that Brian would not speak publicly about his son's life and maybe fuel the fire that suggests his mantras of "toughness, tenacity and truculence" made him homophobic. When Brian came out and said that no matter who Brendan was, he would always love him and support him, he immediately jumped in my books from an annoying "act" of a manager to a truly genuine "class act" who tells it like it is. Brendan stood out as one of the bravest young people in this world today who through his dreams and ambitions not only changed life for the gay community in sports but possibly all minorities. I am not a hopeful Hockey player, nor am I a Homosexual and I am definitely not a Leafs fan, but I am a Jew, and there was something uplifting about a person belonging to a minority demographic standing up and saying "What I am is not important". "Who I am and what I am able to do is important". Brendan's loss is a tragic one for the Gay community, the hockey world and young people everywhere. My thoughts and prayers are with the Burke family, and let us try to open our minds for the future, so that Brendan Burke's story can live on as a testament to the human spirit and a rallying cry for us to treat ever single person on this earth equally.

Sleep well and have a safe weekend,

Halak saves our sorry asses. Again... Habs 3 Bruins 2

2010-02-05T09:59:00.002-05:00

Thank you to the Texas Titan for the title of today's blog.

Watching the game down 2-0, there was not much to be positive about. The team came out flat, we were not getting shots and it looked like all the momentum we got from our hard fought 3-2 Vancouver win was gone. Then came the two quick goals. I guess the one positive thing about our bevy of goals from bizarre sources is that it is scoring by committee, something we need in light of Mike Cammalleri and Andrei Kostitsyn's prolonged injuries. The one thing that has kept me optimistic of late is that Jaroslav Halak is putting in a MVP like performance each game we go into. I have been, and always will be a Carey Price fan, I think his potential could dwarf all of the criticism he has been thrown, but until he finds his center I will support Jaro Halak and his calmness and coolness throughout. To me, Jaro Halak is what every goalie should be, someone who comes to the NHL with th sole objective to play Hockey. No distractions, only Hockey. He did his time in the AHL, had to wait behind player after player, and has been winning big games for three years. If I had told you after Jaro went 4-0 for us in 2007 during the playoff push that he would not be our starter by now, you would think two thing. 1) You are freaking crazy. 2) Cristobal Huet must've won a couple Vezinas. Well you'd be very wrong on both counts. Even though I hope that Carey Price becomes the future #1 in Montreal, I am sure that Jaorslav Halak will be one the NHL's finest tenders, if not for the Habs then definitely somewhere else.

Peace,

Why does this always happen? Canadiens 3 Canucks 2

2010-02-03T12:10:00.003-05:00

Watching the game last night, I should have been elated at the Habs big win that catapulted them to 7th in the East. I should have. There was something strangely unsettling about the Canadiens, minus our two top goal scorers, beating a team that we should not have beaten through an incredible effort by Jaroslav Halak. Why, you ask? Well for a couple reasons. BIG FRIGGIN REASON #1: If we can beat the Vancouver Canucks, one of the hottest teams in the league, why can we not get points out of easy games in Florida and Tampa after beating them the week before. Why can we not keep a level of consistency against these teams. If we were able to sneak out a win tonight, when our roster was depleted, why were we man handled the first time we met, when Andrei Markov was our lone casualty? Why did we collapse against the Rangers last month, only to beat them silly 6-0 a week later? BIG FRIGGIN REASON #2: After Toronna and Calgary pulled the trigger on HUGE deals that shipped off their underachieving "Players of the future" like Dion Phaneuf and Matt Stajan, at what point does the usually gun-shy Bob Gainey decide to do the same with Carey Price? I am the first one to say that we should keep our two #1 caliber guys, but after a win like last night, the so called "Hockey Intelligentsia" of Montreal won't be seeing it the same way I do. I know that every young goalie in this league struggled in his initial years, and that if teams like Pittsburgh were as impulsive as the "experts" in the Antichambre, they would be minus Marc-Andre Fleury, and minus a Stanley Cup banner.

We should be thrilled that we got two points, but maybe we should be disappointed that we missed so many great opportunities beforehand.

Peace True Believers,

This might be bad. Nucks Habs preview

2010-02-02T16:38:00.004-05:00

Let's not sugar coat it. The Canadiens aren't in the best situation right now. Mediocrity has set in, we are fighting for a playoff spot, we cannot score even strength goals, and the one guy who can is on the shelf for six to eight weeks. All you need now is a Tiger Woods like sex scandal and you've got the perfect storm. The Habs try to get some points as they take on the red hot Vancouver Canucks tonight at 7:30 at the Bell Centre, if the Canadiens want to not be sellers at the deadline in March, they will have to finish the Pre-Olympic stretch strong, starting tonight. Benoit "The Giant Chicken" Pouliot and Brian Gionta will move up to Tommy Plekanec's wing tonight and maybe this will work out in Cammy's absence. Plekanec has picked up his once torrid pace, with five points in his last four and Pouliot has been the Canadiens' most consistent scorer since his arrival. Matt D'Agostini has been called up, but he might not even play because of the flu. Jaro Spacek is also questionable because of the virus. So enjoy the game, and let's try to survive these six to eight weeks of hell.

Peace True Believers,

More inconsistency, and why we are screwed.

2010-01-31T19:27:00.004-05:00

You don't have to be a rocket scientist, heck you don't even need to have an IQ higher that 40 to know that the Canadiens cannot string a decent stretch of wins together. One day we're beating New Jersey and New York in emotional hard fought affairs, then we fall asleep for 120 minutes and get shmiced by the Florida Twins, I think they scored more goals over those two days than the number of people at the actual game. Then comes the game against Ottawa, the league's hottest team where we fight back to get to overtime, only to get scored on by Mike Fisher, then probably lose Mike Cammalleri, our leading goal scorer for the remainder of the season, pending an MRI tomorrow. Then, if that wasn't enough, we now have to deal with Dion Phaneuf in our division for at the very minimum, another three years. And we no longer have the luxury of playing the suddenly terrible Vesa Toskala, as now we will have to try and solve Montreal native, Jean Sebastien Giguere. Well, I don't usually say this, as I try to keep an optimistic profile, but we might be screwed.

Peace True Believers,

Greetings from Sunny San Diego!

2010-01-24T19:10:00.002-05:00

I'm in the home of Ron Burgundy, giant panda bears and whale's vaginas. And I'm able to watch highlights of the Habs games. Gotta love Howard Johnson's free high speed! What a difference a weekend makes. One day the city is calling for blood and after two big wins all is forgotten. I think people should calm down a little. This is just inconsistency at it's finest. But I am happy with the inspired play of call up Mathieu Darche, and Benoit Pouliot absolutely dominating once again. If this guy keeps it up, I am making the call that he will be a integral part of our team for years to come.

More to come. Will be fun to watch the Canadiens Panthers online.

Peace true believers, you stay classy... Hab Nation.

Get Well Jean Beliveau.

2010-01-21T16:10:00.002-05:00

Reports say that Jean Beliveau has suffered a stroke and is now at the Montreal General Hospital. My thoughts and prayers are with you Jean, you are a true ambassador of the game and of the Canadiens. So let's hope and pray for Jean today, the classiest gentlemen to ever grace the sport of Hockey.

Should we be relieved? Or disappointed?

2010-01-21T09:56:00.002-05:00

NEWS FLASH: TSN reports that the Canadiens will buy out the rest of Georges Laraque's contract, effectively ended his less then productive stint in Montreal, . Many thought he could be used to give the Habs some toughness, but he has been a disappointment in the sense that he has not dropped the gloves enough this season, in an effort to make a name for himself as a legitimate NHL player. 1 Goal unfortunately was not enough to cut it. Good Luck Georges, I do feel for you that this came at a terrible time for you and your fellow Haitians but I'm sure if you decide to go back to your fisticuffs ways, you will get signed by another team.

So oooon to the game. Bad First Period. Good for Carey Price to try and start a fight with Cam Janssen. Boring Second Period. Good for the Canadiens for killing off that 5 on 3. Well Played Third Period. Benoit the Giant Chicken is becoming a fan favorite. Overtime meh. Markov should have buried that pass he got from Gionta.

That's the game in a nutshell. We should be disappointed, not because we are 11th in the Conference, you could've probably expected that the Canadiens would fight for a playoff spot, but because of missed opportunities and periods when the Team just does not show up. If the Canadiens could've just played as well as they did in the Third Period, this would've been an easy two points, had the Canadiens kept us consistency in the Rangers Game, that would have been another two points, and if the Habs would have not let up against the Senators that could have been another two points. In that scenario, we would be looking at 5th place in the East. Instead of 11th. So even if you say that when the Canadiens play well they are overachieving, they should at least overachieve for 60 minutes.

There is a tough week ahead for Les Boys as they take on the Devils and Rangers and even though I will be out of town visiting Beautiful San Diego from the 24th to the 1st, I will be trying to check in every so often with a recap of the games. I have to keep it up for the loyal fans.

Peace True Believers,

Rock Bottom? Rangers 6 Canadiens 2

2010-01-18T20:28:00.004-05:00

I think we know.

Blowing a 2-0 lead? Allowing a shorthanded goal while on a 5 on 3? Tomas Plekanec, our star this year, throwing an elbow at a Rangers player? All pretty bad signs.

I don't really know what else to say. There's nothing much I can add that can sound productive. Other than the fact that Mike Cammalleri and Tomas Plekanec scored goals, everything was sour. Even after the Jackals called for Carey Price to step down in favor of the OBVIOUSLY SUPERIOR Jaro Halak who let up 6 goals. Here's the thing guys, everytime one of our goalie loses, they are not "garbage". Both of these Goaltenders are talented and even though they do have their off days, they will help us in the long run IF we do not jump the gun and call for one of them to be traded.

Seriously, the next person who asks for a Halak and a first for Kovalchuk is going to get curb stomped. I dare you.

Today is a new day. Let's start from square one, get a couple big wins, and friggin hope that Andrei Kostitsyn magically heals like Markov did.

Peace true believers,

As Inconsistent as Runny Pea Soup.

2010-01-17T11:08:00.001-05:00

Last night's lost was one of the more frustrating ones this season. No not as frustrating as the time Carey Price made 50 plus saves and the Canadiens still got shut out. Not as frustrating as whenever we play the Devils, because we never beat the Devils. This was frustrating because every time this team gets an inspired win that SHOULD bring about a run, they seem to jut drop another boring game where they are outplayed. I've always had a theory that when an integral part of your team is missing, it affects the whole team. I believe that Mike Cammalleri and Tomas Plekanec can only start producing again once they have the talented and suddenly hot Andrei Kostitsyn back on their wing. It think I've proved my point with Scott Gomez, now that he is having great production with Brian Gionta, someone who he has had great chemistry with over the years, and Benoit Pouliot a big body who compliments them very well. I believe that if the Canadiens can keep a playoff spot until Andrei's return, they could do some serious damage.

Stay positive,

At least we're not the Oilers,

Peace true believers,

Decisive Victory!!! Friggin' Finally.

2010-01-14T22:02:00.003-05:00

Big Georges scores a big goal for all his fellow Haitians.

HUGE WIN tonight as the Canadiens pick up some very important points. Brian Gionta had two goals and the Great Jewtalian scored a goal that was so sick it should be quarantined in the H1N1 ward. The only frustration I have right now am watching the Jersey Shore and Sammi Sweetheart is a bitch. Thinkin' that Ronnie is playin' around on you.... bitch needs to get her head on straight.

That's enough Guido for a bit.

Large win, we need to keep this momentum up.

Let's finish strong in this sprint before the Olympic Break,

Peace True Believers,

Gameday vs. Fatty Brodeur

2010-01-09T18:52:00.003-05:00

Marty catches a photo with a fan during the off season.

For some reason Martin Brodeur is unstoppable against his home town team, and he has four shutouts at the Bell Centre. For the Canadiens to win tonight, they are going to need to stay disciplined, not let up the bad goal they usual allow and get scoring from both top lines. Ryan White has been called up from the 'Dogs and looks to make an impact on the fourth line, taking the place of the injured Georgie Boy Laraque, and to put the Andrei Kostitsyn injury in perspective Hab fans, at least we are not fans of the Ottawa Senators, whose entire first line is on the shelf as Milan Michalek was hurt this week. And we do not have that stupid centurion guy as our mascot. Next time they need someone to invoke some excitement before a playoff game, make sure he doesn't have man tits.

Enjoy the game.

Peace True Believers,

A little bit of sunshine, but then a WHOLE LOTTA RAIN.

2010-01-08T16:40:00.005-05:00

TSN is reporting that Andrei Kostitsyn has undergone knee surgery and will miss six weeks of action.

Damn it.

Just when we thought we were healthy, just when we thought we had a complete team. This team is able to get another injury. I think there's something in the water in Montreal, or maybe the Grey Goose. The news came after the Canadiens won an important but mind numbingly boring hockey game 2-0 last night against the Florida Panthers, with Goals from Brian Gionta and Benoit Pouliot. I am very pleased with the way Pouliot has been playing so far. He is a big guy who has been using his body, controlled the puck well, and has been the big man in front of the night that Gomez and Gionta needed. Let's only hope he can keep it up for the rest of the season and this isn't just him playing on adrenaline.

The Canadiens really have to play flawless hockey while their top right winger is out, because truth is, with two capable Goalies and Andrei Markov back in the line-up, they have no excuse not to.

Peace true believers,

Disappointed squared.

2010-01-06T14:28:00.003-05:00

Well after watching the Canadiens lose a snore fest in DC last night, I tuned into the World Juniors to see the Canadians deadlocked at 3 with the United States. After the US made it 5-3, Canada fought back with two goals in the dying minutes by Jordan "The Messiah" Eberle. Going into overtime I had high hopes and Canada came out flying.

Then.

The rush. I had a bad feeling about that one.

Damn it Naz, could't you have skated a little bit faster.

Well, that's life I guess, a series of euphoric youthful moments followed by sobering disappointment.

Deep shit.

The Canadiens however, are more like a 17 year old hangover at one hell of a night.

You try all the remedies, Gatorade, Advil, Farting... It all helps for a moment.

But then it comes back. And it's friggin' terrible.

Hopefully the Canadiens can bounce back tonight against the incredibly boring Florida Panthers, and Team Canada can bounce back at the Olympics this year, and in Buffalo in 2011 for the WJHC. I am in talks to attend that tournament and I will rock the blogging.

So ta-ta for now, enjoy the game AND the National Championship. My pick, Alabama, because their mascot is an Elephant.

Peace True Believers,

Nothing really bad to say. Habs 0 Sabres 1.

2010-01-03T22:49:00.003-05:00

Well I'm annoyed.

Not angry or disappointed. Just annoyed that Ryan Miller decided to save everything.

I'm not mad at our Power Play, because they generated opportunities. I'm not mad at Carey Price because other than a wonky rebound, he played a perfect game.

I guess I'm mad at Ryan Miller because he happened to be good, but as a Hockey fan I have to give him props for a good game.

So who the hell should I be mad at?

I don't know. Maybe Fugliester, that Swiss douche that knocked Travis Hamonic out of the WJHC.

I cheered for the Swiss last night, but now I'm just hoping that whoever loses the Sweden USA game absolutely shmices those pacifist alps bastards.

But Habs, if Nido Niderrieter is still on the board at this years draft, we should definitely take a chance on this guy. From what I've seen this tournament, he is a monster.

Talk to you guys later, we'll get 'em next time.

Peace True Believers,

Plek Attacks! Habs 2 Lightning 1

2009-12-30T23:24:00.004-05:00

Missed part of the game, was at the airport picking up a family member.

Habs blow another lead, but still come out with a big two points. Tomas Plekanec is not human, Carey Price had a great game.

I hope people listened to Pierre McGuire this afternoon when he said that people should "stop ranking Price and Halak every time one of them has a good game". He brought up the example of the 1992 Rangers who won the President's Trophy with a platoon effort from Mike Richter and John Vanbiesbrouck. McGuire said that the Rangers would have won the cup had they not run into the Pittsburgh Penguins, who Lucky Pierre was the assistant coach for.

Peace, have a happy New Year.

Bizarro world strikes again. Sens 4 Habs 2

2009-12-28T22:26:00.003-05:00

Is it not puzzling to you all why in the one game that we actually keep pace with a team for two periods only to lose a game in regulation?

Meh.

Positives from this game: Gionta came back and was a pest getting through the Defenseman and generating good scoring chances. Jaroslav Halak was incredibly solid, the only goals being when he was screened, and Benoit Pouliot had an excellent game scoring his first as a Hab.

Negatives: A lot. Marc Andre Bergeron's putrid Brain Shart that led to the Game Winning Goal. Yes it was a brain shart, not only was it a brain fart but because he resembles someone with sub par mental capabilities, he probably soiled himself. The Canadiens also could not generate ANYTHING in the third period.

Next up for the squad: Back 2 Back games in the sunshine state. Hopefully Carey Price will do the same Usain Bolt stance he pulled last year after beating the Lightning in a shootout.

Peace true believers,

How the hell did we win that one? Habs 3 Leafs 2 OT

2009-12-26T21:55:00.003-05:00

I am in a room full of Maple Leaf fans to start Overtime, the tension is as thick as (insert fat person joke here). My fellow viewers are in good spirit, their team has almost 50 shots and just missed the net with less than ten seconds to go. The overtime started and the Canadiens got the puck into the Leafs zone. "Well at least they're actually going to get a shot on net..." And then boom, a lame duck shot by Andrei Kostitsyn, and game over. The entire room in shock. The Maple Leaf supporters stunned that their team put in such a strong effort only to come away with it with one measly point, and the Canadiens fans in the room, well, we did not know how we even got a point in the first place.

As Raymond Babbitt would say, "Definitely, D-D-Definitely a shitty game". I could just end it there by saying "Well a win is a win" but this one deserves a little more rant.

A lot of idiot Canadiens fans think that we should trade Jaro Halak, one of them going as far as saying that we could "Get Jeff Carter". Straight up. No, I was not polling the Shot put Bronze Medalist at the Special Olympics. At least that guy would have a concept of the way sports work. My point is that at this point, with Jaroslav being the only thing that keeps us in games, we should pray he does not get dealt.

Well we are back in a playoff spot, with three games in the next week, it should be either a great way to gain momentum or a terrible way to lose it.

Props to Tommy Pleks and Andrei Markov once again for top notch performances, and of course Jaroslav Halak, who will PROOOOOBABLY be between the pipes Monday night versus the Senators.

Finally to round out my report, I was kind of bored watching Team Canada physically and mentally raping Team Latvia 16-0. And since there are no Canadiens prospects playing for Canada, I am just looking for Patrice Cormier to kill a poor swiss-man tomorrow given his recent history of dirty hits.

Peace True Believers,

Tomas Plekanec is all man. Canadiens 5 Hurricanes 1

2009-12-23T21:48:00.003-05:00

When I made fun of Pleks last year, it was only in the frustration of knowing that he was capable of having a 70 point season and being a contributing member of our second line.

How little did I know.

Now on pace for 90 points, Plekanec looks to be the highest scoring Canadiens player since Pierre Turgeon & Vincent Damphousse had 96 and 94 points respectively in 1995-1996. He also looks like an all star 1st line center, a role nobody thought he would ever come close to filling. He also has helped Mike Cammalleri's first season become a huge success as he could score 40 goals for the first time in his career, and Plekanec has also lit a fire under the pale ass of Andrei Kostitsyn after an almost unbearably slow start and is now starting to piece together a pretty respectable season. Finally tonight I was able to see the magic made between Plekanec and Andrei Markov, our all world defenseman. It is now clear to see the gargantuan difference Andrei makes for this team, relaxing our Powerplay that has been dynamite since his return, and making smart and crisp breakout passes.

I know it's easy to boast when we beat the worst team in the league, but these are the wins we need. If the Canadiens want to eliminate the hole they have dug, as they are a few points behind the East playoff teams with less games to play, they must keep beating Teams lower than them in the standings, and try to keep competing with the Washingtons, New Jerseys and Pittsburghs of the league.

Cautious optimism for the team, but all out written orgasm for Tommy Pleks. Keep it up buddy.

Peace true believers,

Queen Mab, our savior. Habs 4 Thrashers 3 OT

2009-12-21T21:51:00.004-05:00

O, then, I see Queen Mab hath been with you.

She is the fairies' midwife, and she comes

In shape no bigger than an agate-stone

I don't know what that means, but god damn did we need that win. Maybe it's a testament to how much Marc Andre Bergeron resembles a special needs person, but there was something expected when he smashed into the post after scoring the game winning goal.

God bless you and your helmet wearing ways.

Nice win.

See you all Wednesday, Carolina, the debut of Benny Poo.

Peace true believers,

The Return of the Russian!!!

2009-12-20T11:00:00.005-05:00

Something tells me there will be more of this in Andrei Markov's future. Ovi however, looks like he's had a bit too much Stoli.

And he should get some jeans with not as many holes next time. He looks like he got in a Monkey fight with team mate Alex Semin. I know I've posted this video before, but one more time couldn't hurt.

What a relief, that after all the bad penalties the Canadiens took, and the one Powerplay we had where we almost got scored on Twice shorthanded, we come out with a win and Andrei Markov was a force, scoring two Powerplay goals. Let's hope he has a more comfortable night than Georges Laraque, who because of the lack of room at the hotel, had to share a room with Equipment Manager Pierre Gervais and the ENTIRE group of Canadiens Media. Hope Georges doesn't sleep fight.

Tonight on the tube: Two NHL games: Great Central Division between the Wings and Hawks, while the Blues and Canucks tee up in last years Conference Quarter Finals re-match. Full day of Football, including my Chargers taking on the Bengalsm in what will be an emotional game. Finally to round out your viewing pleasure, Team Canada's first World Junior Exhibition game versus Sweden, tonight at 8 pm on TSN.

Enjoy the holiday.

Peace,

PRAISE BE THE LORD!!!! ANDY MARKS IS BACK!!!!

2009-12-18T14:40:00.003-05:00

Gotta love that Beaker.

And those two asshole old guys.

TODAY IS A NEW DAY!!!

Peace.

A Tribute To Chris Henry

2009-12-17T12:10:00.003-05:00

I was just prepping for my beloved San Diego Chargers taking on the Bengals on Sunday, but after the untimely death of one of their players, I feel like I should be one of the millions who will give a public memoriam.

Chris Henry was a player who made a lot of mistakes, and I truly thought he was a lost cause who would never realize how to be a mature role model in sports. Over this past year Chris Henry and other troubled Bengals like Cedric Benson have seemed to try and make a turnaround in life. It is seems sad that when he had finally realized that things like family were more important than partying, he has his life taken away.

Hopefully other athletes who live a carefree lifestyle with no intrest in cleaning up their act should take this as a massive reality check and try to turn their lives around before it is too late.

Peace everyone, and take care of yourselves

The most infuriating losing streak ever.

2009-12-16T21:28:00.002-05:00

I could possibly deal with the Canadiens losing by hefty margins every game. At least I would know that we would have a shot at a lottery pick, but the last four games have (to paraphrase Peter Griffin) "Ground the fuck out of my gears".

All one goal games, all a product of the Canadiens inability to stay out of the Penalty box.

How much proof do we need that this is the reason we are losing games, seriously.

I truly believe this team has the talent to be a top 5 seed in this conference even without Markov and Gionta. If we would have won these four games and not gotten retarded penalties late, we would be looking at a team with 41 points, and tah dah! 5th seed in the East.

The Canadiens have immense potential to do something special this year, they have a 1st line that is producing and hard working checkers who do not quit on plays. Add that to a yeoman effort by Roman Hamrlik, the return of Andrei Markov one of the league's best D-Men and put it all in front of an inspired Carey Price who gives us a chance to win each game he starts, and we got a hell of a team. Right now the Canadiens Team is a Mercedes that was given by a Father to his stoner son who stains the leather seats with Wendy's wrappers when he gets the munchies for a Spicy Chicken Sandwich and fills it wit terrible low end gas.

Shit, I got to get myself to Wendy's one of these days. Love that sandwich.

Add this to Louis Leblanc getting cut from Team Canada, and it adds up to a pretty crappy week for Habs fans.

Oh by the way does anyone else find it funny that TSN is calling TSN 2 "the deuce"?

Stay positive.

Peace True Believers,

Halak being shipped???

2009-12-15T16:31:00.002-05:00

Rumors continue to swirl about the future of our back-up Goaltender, and today it was announced that Bob Gainey had been trying to send Jaro to Philadelphia. I know you don't really care about my input, but here it is anyway.

Jaro Halak is a good goaltender, is he a #1 Tender? I am not really sure, he has shown flashes of brilliance over the past three years, and is always consistent, but really has never hit the level of #1 Goaltender. Knowing that, I am not sure we should send him to a team if all we are getting back is a 2nd round pick, a generous return for a back-up but not going to help our team after we lose a reliable guy who will always give us a chance for a win.

If we can possibly package him to get a top six forward then that would be stupendous. I have confidence that Curtis Sanford could step in to play decently as an actual back-up and not as a 1B goalie like Halak, and with another top six forward to play on a line with possibly Gomez and Gionta, we could really compete for a spot in the Post-Season.

The only question is, who do we offer in a package?

It would be detrimental to trade another young top round player like P.K. Subban, so all signs lead to shipping away Sergei Kostitsyn, a head case who could use a change of scenery, but with his brother Andrei finally heating up, trading away his younger brother might not be the best option.

This situation is too over analyzed anyway, because there is a big chance Jaro might not be traded at all this year, so maybe we should just chill and let things play out.

But that's no fun, is it?

Peace

Markov Mystery

2009-12-14T18:16:00.002-05:00

The case of the ever changing Slashed Tendon prognosis.

Seriously though, can Canadiens fans just keep it in their pants just this once...

He's playing tomorrow, he's playing in a week... he's never playing. Who the hell knows...

I just really hope that the media doesn't pressure the team to play him too early and something really serious happens.

Tonight the Canadiens take on the division leading Sabres, and they will try not to get walloped like last game against them. Jaro Halak will be between the pipes tonight that will give Carey Price some rest for the long streak of games the Habs have ahead.

Should be a barnburner...

LET'S GET IT ON!

Peace True Believers,

Ref rape. Preview vs. Thrashers

2009-12-12T14:17:00.003-05:00

Listen, I know Chris Lee is probably a good guy, and I know he probably did not intentionally want to screw the Canadiens Friday night versus the Penguins, but when your Team is playing in it's most important month, and every point counts, especially against the defending Champs, and you have exams on Monday and it is really cold outside, it REALLY pisses you off.

Anyways, the Canadiens take on the Thrashers tonight, and it looks like Andrei Markov is making huge steps towards his recovery from his Tendon Slice. Let's hope he's back soon and let's hope we don't get burned tonight and Carey Price bounces back from the bad goal he let up on Pascal Dupuis.

Gotta love Hockey on a Saturday night.

Peace True Believers.

A blizzard of optimism. Habs 4 Sens 1

2009-12-09T18:29:00.003-05:00

An accurate representation of the Sens Power Play last night.

Hardee freaking harr I know.

Well the weather outside is frightful

But watching the Canadiens beat teams even when they get out shot a billion to 13 is so delightful.

Since we've no place to go.

Let's not blow, let's not blow, let's not blow.

Get you all into the Christmas spirit.

It's great to see both our Goalies put in a great effort and our #1 Center and our Star Winger ACTUALLY PLAY like a #1 Center and a Star Winger.

Still, I cannot get truly excited about this team until they beat a Tier One team like the Pittsburgh Penguins, if they ever get a flight into the City.

One of the best things about Mike Cammalleri, is his humor.

When Cammalleri said "Lets' hope they only show up with 5 minutes before the game without any practice" I thought about the time when my Teacher was late the day of the test and I thought to myself "Gee, I really hope she only shows up with 5 minutes left and doesn't have enough time to give us the exam", is it a good thing that Mike Cammalleri has the same mentality of a 16 year old. Who the hell cares, he's going to score 40 goals this year.

I hope this storm keeps going so class is cancelled and I do not have to write that History essay tomor... damn I'm doing it again.

Peace True Believers.

Double Double

2009-12-08T16:53:00.002-05:00

I'm going to quickly recap the game last night, tee up the game tonight and hit you up with a little bit of news around the League.

Do I spoil you or what?

13 shots on net. Not pretty, but I'll sure as hell take it. Carey Price continues to look good, Scrappy Coco and the great Jewtalian are still tearing it up, and Queen Mab shows at least he's worth something scoring his sixth of the year.

Tonight! We take on the Sens, last time we played Alex Kovalev gave us a little reminder of the talent we had. The talent that showed up every three games, complained about the coaches, took a week off and THEN wanted to be captain. Anyway Eugene Melnyk has already called him out along with Jason Spezza as the Senators are in the midst of a mediocre season and some bad luck. Poor Pascal Leclaire, he never saw that lil' bastard coming. If the Canadiens win, they will finally be back in a Playoff spot and over .500. Which leads me to believe we're going to lay quite a big goose egg.

I keed I keed.

HERE ARE YOU NHL HEADLINES

Ray Emery will miss six weeks with an abdominal tear .
Cody Hodgson will miss the World Juniors with a back injury.
Brendan Witt was hit by a GMC Yukon, the Yukon is in the hospital with minor injuries.

That's it for now.

Y'all have fun now

This team confuses me. Canadiens 5 Bruins 1

2009-12-05T11:08:00.003-05:00

Before the game last night, Montrealers were expecting the worse. The formula was a recipe for disaster.

A) Play for the second night in the row after getting spanked 6-2.

B) Playing the Boston Bruins, our bitter rival who would love nothing more than to ruin the Canadiens' 100th Birthday Party

C) Having a 2 hour pre-game ceremony that would surely take all intensity away from the Canadiens.

During the incredible opening of the ceremony, where Habs legends of the past skated in full unifrom and took shots on fully padded Patrick Roy and Ken Dryden, I made some jokes that we would probably be better off with this version of aged legends instead of our regular team, and hell, Yvan Cournoyer still has some mad wheels! I even went as far as shouting out "Play him instead of Bergeron!" When Emile "Butch" Bouchard came out to retire his #3. Yes, I believed that a 90 year old in a wheelchair would fare better than our current blue liners.

But then the game started. And once the second rolled around, I was more bewildered then ol' George Dubya in a chess game.
I am ecsatic about the way the team played last night, but I do not understand why they cannot put this effort in every game. They are professionals, it is their job to be good at Hockey. You wouldn't pay the guy who mows your lawn $7 M a year just because his name is also Gomez.

I hope the Canadiens can ride the momentum of finally being freed from the painfully long Centennial Celebrations and not feel like they are inmates just because those retarded Babershop Jerseys look like Prison garbs.

I'm happy. But I'm sure as hell that all the analysts were more shocked last night then when Brendan Burke came out.

And in all seriousness, if his Dad wanted to show he was tolerant towards Gay people, why on earth did he trade Jiri Tlusty?

Pops to Coach Obrand for that good one.

Great game boys, keep it up.

Peace True Believers,

Tossing the CHIP bowl.

2009-12-02T10:15:00.003-05:00

Ahah.

I make a funny in light of a god awful team performance last night.

Yet another promising prospect that did not live up to expectations.

Kyle Chipchura, captain of the 2006 World Junior Hockey Team that won Gold, with Guillame Latendresse riding the bench, psycho Steve Downie leading in scoring, and now Ducks AHL Teammate Justin Pogge in net, was traded to Anaheim for a 4th round draft pick.

He is the fifth former First round pick to leave the team this year, along with Saku Koivu, Mike Komisarek, Chris Higgins & Ryan McDonagh. This fuels the fire that maybe "Draft Guru" Trevor Timmins might not be all that he is cracked up to be.

Maybe Chips would have had a future with the Canadiens had he not suffered a tremendous tendon injury in Junior, but life is a bitch that way. It comes up and smacks you in the nose when you least expect it.

Happy Trails Chipper,

Hope you get to ride Splash Mountian in Disneyland.

That ride is cool.

Peace,

Too many men fail LOL

2009-11-30T09:52:00.003-05:00

I'm not an English Teacher, but I'm pretty sure this is Irony at it's simplest form.

Anyway not much going on on the Canadiens front, so this is all that is going on right now.

Fun game, nice to see that there will be a Parade this year.

But until the Canadiens take that faithful drive down Ste. Catharines, it is still a hollow victory.

Great job Als and whoever that guy in locker room whose towel fell off, please, there are children watching.

Peace, and go Als

SO CLOSE!

2009-11-28T22:39:00.002-05:00

Give kudos to the Canadiens, who many thought were going to be beaten worse than Tiger was by his wife.

Low blow.

I know.

Even though we did not get the extra point, I am very happy with this team's effort. We are playing without Gomez, without Gionta, without both Andreis, without Gill and without Benny Poo (My new name for Pouliot). Somehow we were able to get a point against the best team in the Eastern Conference.

I have a new name for Tomas Plekanec, taking in the facts that he plays a hard nosed, never say die game, and that he used to be a pansy his new nickname is Scrappy Coco from the classic You Don't Mess with the Zohan.

Disco and Hummus jokes to come.

Take this loss as a partial victory my friends.

Cheer on the Als tomorrow, Montreal needs at least one team to win a championships this year.

And no, the Impact do not fucking count.

Damn Europeans...

Peace True Believers,

Game Preview: Hockey Night in the AHL!

2009-11-28T13:24:00.002-05:00

That is a reference to the fact that Pyatt, White, Wyman and company have played more games here this season than Hamilton.

Meh.

The game tonight against the Washington Capitals will be an intresting, because it will be interesting to see if we can stay in the game for a full 60 minutes.

It will be interesting to see if the probable returns of Spacek and D'Agostini will help boost the teams morale.

It will be interesting to see if the Gorges Cammalleri scrap sparks those two to do something special.

Aaaand finally, it will be interesting to see if Alex the Gr8 gets the better of Carey Price, or will the Canadien Cowboy get the last laugh.

All of these questions, and more will be answered.

I've always wanted to say that.

LET'S GET IT ON!!

Peace,

Entertaining Game. Habs top Jackets 5-3.

2009-11-25T12:12:00.003-05:00

The first game of the A.G. era (After Gui!) era started off with a win, Carey Price made some show stopping saves, Tommy Boy Plekanec continues to rack up nthe points, and Sergei Kostitsyn a.k.a The Scarecrow (If he only had brain...) made a genereally triumphant return to the Bell Centre, playing hard nosed and setting up Maxim Lapierre's insurance marker in the third period.

Is it just me, or did that shot kind of represent Mad Max firing all of his frustration and futility plus a little bit of his buddy Gui's topless magazine spread into the net? I dunno if that's too deep for some Hab fans, but I think it sounds good.

We are now one game above five hundred for the first time in god knows how long.

Woohoo! We're #10! We're #10!

The Canadiens now get to take on the top two teams in conference as they head to steel town tonight and then head back home to host the Caps on Saturday. Washington will be looking for revenge after dropping a tight one last Friday.

Aha, dropping a tight one.

Poo.

You readers are slow lucky that you are reading the blog from one of Montreal's true sport intelligentsia.

Peace,

Start of a new era???

2009-11-24T18:45:00.003-05:00

No.

Probably not.

But a win would be nice.

Some game notes close to puck drop, J.T. Wyman has been called up to the big club and will play in the suspended Georges Laraque's place on the fourth line tonight along with Kyle Chipcura and the newly called up Sergei Tit'syn.

Game on!

The death of Gui!

2009-11-23T16:49:00.003-05:00

Your nips might get a lil' cold in Minny bud.

Well Bob Gainey took his in house cleaning to a new step trading disgruntled fan favorite Guillame Latendresse to the Minnesota Wild for hulking underachiever Benoit Pouliot.

Pouliot was selected 4th overall in 2005, just a spot ahead of Carey Price.

Imagine the nightmare if we had the chance to draft him. Ugh.

Pouliot has been considered one of the bigger draft busts of the last 10 years, just a little less than the great Patrik Stefan. He has been in and out of the minor leagues and has a mere four points in his first fourteen games of the season which would be alright, if he wasn't chosen only three spots after Sidney Crosby...

Benoit Pouliot is not the answer, he might just be another problem, but you have to hope a change of scenery can do well for him.

Meanwhile Gui, I do not put you at fault for your issues. When you have 23,000 Neanderthals chanting your name as an eighteen year old in the PRESEASON, and the team decided to bypass letting you evolve fully in junior and the AHL, it's hard not to have a little bit of on ice issues.

Hopefully you hit your stride in Minnesota and this trade was what you needed. Happy trails my man.

Oh and uh Benny...

Welcome to the fucking jungle.

Half n' Half Review & Preview.

2009-11-21T11:46:00.002-05:00

So since there is another Canadiens game tonight, I am going to tee up that game as well as talk about yesterday's nail biter in the nation's capital. The Canadiens played scrappy last night, and played maybe 45 minutes of good hockey but the Capitals then took complete control and led an all out offensive where they were able to get one goal on a Brendan Morrison rebound. Kudos is due to Jaroslav Spacek and Roman Hamrlik who have stepped up incredibly since Andrei Markov's crippling injury. Carey Price continues to show all the haters why they should not be talking about Hockey with his inspired play and Tomas "Transamerica" Plekanec has shown that even someone who just underwent a sex change can be a man.

The Habs take on the Red Wings tonight, who just suffered a 2-1 Overtime loss versus the Florida Panthers last night. They will be out for blood and I beg of you Canadiens. DO NOT take this Detroit team lightly. They still have the all-world talent of Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Lidstrom out for them. They still are the reigning Western Conference Champions and 2008 Stanley Cup Champions, they can still come out and beat a team 5-0. I assume Jaroslav Halak will be starting tonight, so he has to get out to a good start and not let his long break come back to hurt him.

Get ready boys n' gals, the Habbies are playing well. But they have to take the next step.

Peace True Believers,

Shoot Out Merk. Canes 2 Habs 3

2009-11-18T08:46:00.001-05:00

Can people please stop being douches to Carey Price. It's bad enough he has the Canadiens playing in front of him.

Ba-dumdum!

Yes, I know, I'm fucking witty.

Seriously though, how long before the idiots in this town accept Mr. Price, how long before they realize that your career will not be over just because you give up 6 goals one game.

Did anyone else feel inspired after that second to last save in the shoot out, where after pulling his glove back, Price puffed his chest out like a prizefighter almost saying to the Bell Centre crowd "Are you not entertained?!?!"

This is the Price we wanted to see. Hopefully it stays this way for a while.

Some notes about the team, Gionta is out indefinitely with a broken bone in his foot, while O'Byrne and Laraque are set to make their returns in the next few games.

Peace,

53...

2009-11-15T01:38:00.002-05:00

53...

You have got to be fucking kidding me.

53 saves and the team in front of him decides to not play.

The guy who has been crapped on all season, when he has not deserved it, makes half a century of saves in one game. And because of the team in front of him, he loses. This is the angriest I have ever been as a Canadiens Fan.

You better score 5 goals next game. Because no one deserves what Carey Price just went through.

Tonight actually made me sick.

If I can say anything positive, it is that I want to extend my sincere apologies to Carey.

If you are somehow reading this, I want to tell you that I have supported you since day one. Every time someone has criticized you, or bitch about not drafting Anze Kopitar instead just because to start the season he is leading the league in scoring (news flash Jack Todd, before you put out an article about how we'd be better off with Kopitar, consider that last year Aaron fucking Voros was leading the league in scoring a month in) I would always tell them that you have the potential to be a star. And if tonight was a demonstration of that, then you have a hell of future. But it seems that the team in front of you, much like the fans in this god forsaken town like seeing brilliant potential fizzle and burn in front of their eyes. I don't know why Hockey Schadenfreude gets Montrealers off this much, but I look on these people with the utmost disdain.

There is some tragedy that in reality, if Carey Price was in any American market right now, he would have been nurtured and brought up correctly and not have to make 53 saves in a losing effort. The problem is not him, the problem is not even Bob Gainey, who by the way Eklund, is not "too old school for today's NHL". Is it old fashioned to believe that the basis of a successful team is Goaltending and to draft a guy who turns out to win in every Junior level? Is it old school to believe that it's better to sign character locker room guys who can play 82 games rather to hang on to older wishy washy veterans who need three game vacations to regain their scoring touch? It't not that we were better off with Kovalev and Koivu, it's the fact that we are so snobby as hockey fans that we believe that anyone who has played more than a season with our "storied" franchise must be good. So we berate Gainey for getting rid of Begin, Bouillon and Dandenault who overall were USELESS for out hockey club, and criticize initially the acquisitions of Mara, Metropolit and our new top line, even though they bring a good presence to our team without any negative after taste.

The problem with our team, is the fans and media. That's right.

How is this team going to grow if every time we hit a road bump, which news flash, EVERY TEAM DOES, Pittsburgh DID fire their coach the year they won the cup, instead of supporting the team and finding positives to build on, the fans and columnists call for an upheaval just because somehow they expected 82 victories this season.

This team will not change for the better until the viewers change for the better. Will that ever happen?

Who knows...

Peace true believers (If they are truly any out there)

Party in the desert. Habs 4 Coyotes 2

2009-11-13T09:54:00.003-05:00

Carey seems to like it.

This was a game that took me by surprise. The Canadiens won. Strange. The Canadiens won in regulation. Weirder. The Canadiens won in regulation, scoring 4 goals and getting a solid effort from the Goaltender... Where the hell am I? 1979?

I have to praise the work of Tomas Plekanec, who has officially completed the gender transformation process that was publicized by Chaz Bono recently, and has been playing like a man. Although Queen MAB skates less smoothly than Michael J Fox on a bad day and plays worse Defense than the French Army, gotta give him props for ONE HELL of a snipe.

You have to feel bad for Carey Price, time after time getting awful bounces, including the first goal of the night by Robert Lang where Carey was tomahawked in the neck by Paul Mara and fell to the ground.

Jaro Spacek left the game last night and did not return, if this is serious, it will be 4 out of or 7 starting Defenceman out with injury.

Well we still got some hope, Coach Obrand says hi.

Peace True Believers,