What if it was Montreal that got booted from the playoffs last night in a spectacular let down by the best goalie of all time? What if NJ and MTL had switched places this year?
Habs fans are pretty upset right now, and wondering what their team is gonna be come September next year -- all the way from ownership to backup goalie!
Imagine if you will, if we had Martin Brodeur on our side: and we had finished tops in our conference, and had league leading goal scorers... only to be ousted in the first round, in possibly the most painful way possible.
The press would be calling to trade Brodeur! He was as bad as Carey Price in his 4 losses. Fire Sutter! He couldn't motivate the team after Marty's 551st win. Trade Elias! One good season after so many disappointments, get rid of him. Retire Madden and Pandalfo!! Too old. Where was Gionta? Parise? Zajac? Rip the C off Langenbrunner's chest!!
You better believe that there would be blood on the ice in Montreal if they befell the fate of NJ last night. The 'passionate' fans (read: psychotic) would be head hunting and blaming everyone from the janitor to the accounting department... wait... just like they are now!
I'll admit the fans might be a bit more forgiving had MTL had the success NJ has seen in the last decade... but not that much more.
But you know what NJ is gonna do? Almost nothing. They might make a few minor "tweaks" to their club -- and be back again next year doing what they've been doing for the last 10 years -- winning.
Maybe the Habs have that foundation right now and maybe they don't -- but we'll never know if we keep tearing things apart before the primer dries on the canvas.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Playoffs, Round 2 -- FIGHT!
Well maybe now that we are into the second round the fighting will subside a little.
I was absolutely stunned by the Carolina Hurricanes comeback yesterday; even to tie it up was a miracle. I went and got my laptop, a snack, and was all ready to settle in for some game 7 OT (which I have never seen before...) when Stall scored? What? Really? Its over! So long NJ! So Long Brodeur and Shanahan!
As it dawned on me, that I had just witnessed a miracle, I also began celebrating because I think the matchups are now way better in the East! So here are my thoughts:
Washington Capitals v. Pittsburgh Penguins
Pens in 5
A bold prediction perhaps. I would much prefer the Washington Capitals to go through; I love the way they are playing right now! And I know the Caps have won most of the regular season meetings between the pair. The difference will be playoff composure. The Penguins went to the finals last year; they know what it takes. Their defence and goaltending is solid right now, and obviously there is the Crosby / Malkin scoring factor. The Capitals just went 7 games; they had trouble containing Gomez/Avery/Antropov, and they still have a rookie goalie (and a rattled veteran). This is gonna be an awesome series -- and I'd love for the Caps to go through, but I think Pittsburgh is too prepared. The games will be close, but Black-and-Gold will win most of them. Enjoy this series!
Boston Bruins v. Carolina Hurricanes
Bruins in 6
Boston is gonna get surprised. They really didn't have a first round, rolling over an already dead carcass. They have had a bunch of time off. They might think they aren't even in the playoffs at this point, having not played hockey in May in ... 10 years! Carolina, on the other hand, is rocking. Ward is playing great, Staal and Whitney are clicking, and they are ready to play a tough series and will not be pushed around. Think Anaheim v. Sharks. I do believe, however, that Boston will sort itself out -- put Chara on Staal, get a good power play, tell Savard to shoot more... and eventually the Bruins will move on, as the Canes sputter out.
Vancouver Canucks v. Chicago Blackhawks
????
I dunno! Lungo v. Krappyboolin? Toews / Sharp / Kane v. Se(un)dins? I think this has the makings of another great series!! But I think it will be done in five or six; I can't see it going the distance. Neither of these teams have the testicular fortitude to rally from being down a couple games... but this is gonna be a good one to watch. I can't even decide who I want to win, as I would like to see a Canadian team go further, but watching the young up-starts in Chicago, backed by a revitalized Boolin would be fun to see also. Coin toss!
Detroit Redwings v. Anaheim (once mighty) Ducks
Wings in 6
Upsetting the top ranked team is very exciting and fulfilling. Further, the Ducks are playing the same game they played when they won the cup; tough hockey, stiffling, with a vicious counter attack. They are like Cobras; tightly coiled in a defensive position, tough to get, and strike quickly and deadly. If they were playing Chicago or Vancouver, I'd give the series to them. And if anyone can upset Detroit, its Anaheim... but... Detroit has seen this beast before. They are an all round team that can quickly adjust to any opponent. They won't fall into the trap of chainging their game to meet Anaheim on their own terms; they'll play their game, eventually break the rookie goaltender, and the Ducks, content in their first round upset, will call it a season.
Its almost better that my team isn't involved; these playoffs are shaping up to be awesome! Enjoy the games everyone!
I was absolutely stunned by the Carolina Hurricanes comeback yesterday; even to tie it up was a miracle. I went and got my laptop, a snack, and was all ready to settle in for some game 7 OT (which I have never seen before...) when Stall scored? What? Really? Its over! So long NJ! So Long Brodeur and Shanahan!
As it dawned on me, that I had just witnessed a miracle, I also began celebrating because I think the matchups are now way better in the East! So here are my thoughts:
Washington Capitals v. Pittsburgh Penguins
Pens in 5
A bold prediction perhaps. I would much prefer the Washington Capitals to go through; I love the way they are playing right now! And I know the Caps have won most of the regular season meetings between the pair. The difference will be playoff composure. The Penguins went to the finals last year; they know what it takes. Their defence and goaltending is solid right now, and obviously there is the Crosby / Malkin scoring factor. The Capitals just went 7 games; they had trouble containing Gomez/Avery/Antropov, and they still have a rookie goalie (and a rattled veteran). This is gonna be an awesome series -- and I'd love for the Caps to go through, but I think Pittsburgh is too prepared. The games will be close, but Black-and-Gold will win most of them. Enjoy this series!
Boston Bruins v. Carolina Hurricanes
Bruins in 6
Boston is gonna get surprised. They really didn't have a first round, rolling over an already dead carcass. They have had a bunch of time off. They might think they aren't even in the playoffs at this point, having not played hockey in May in ... 10 years! Carolina, on the other hand, is rocking. Ward is playing great, Staal and Whitney are clicking, and they are ready to play a tough series and will not be pushed around. Think Anaheim v. Sharks. I do believe, however, that Boston will sort itself out -- put Chara on Staal, get a good power play, tell Savard to shoot more... and eventually the Bruins will move on, as the Canes sputter out.
Vancouver Canucks v. Chicago Blackhawks
????
I dunno! Lungo v. Krappyboolin? Toews / Sharp / Kane v. Se(un)dins? I think this has the makings of another great series!! But I think it will be done in five or six; I can't see it going the distance. Neither of these teams have the testicular fortitude to rally from being down a couple games... but this is gonna be a good one to watch. I can't even decide who I want to win, as I would like to see a Canadian team go further, but watching the young up-starts in Chicago, backed by a revitalized Boolin would be fun to see also. Coin toss!
Detroit Redwings v. Anaheim (once mighty) Ducks
Wings in 6
Upsetting the top ranked team is very exciting and fulfilling. Further, the Ducks are playing the same game they played when they won the cup; tough hockey, stiffling, with a vicious counter attack. They are like Cobras; tightly coiled in a defensive position, tough to get, and strike quickly and deadly. If they were playing Chicago or Vancouver, I'd give the series to them. And if anyone can upset Detroit, its Anaheim... but... Detroit has seen this beast before. They are an all round team that can quickly adjust to any opponent. They won't fall into the trap of chainging their game to meet Anaheim on their own terms; they'll play their game, eventually break the rookie goaltender, and the Ducks, content in their first round upset, will call it a season.
Its almost better that my team isn't involved; these playoffs are shaping up to be awesome! Enjoy the games everyone!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Jack Todd on Carey Price
Not that Carey Price should care about what people are saying about him -- but I felt this assessment was pretty accurate:
As for Price, I can't figure him out, but I'd love to see some edge in the kid. I'd love to see him attack and eat pucks, instead of waiting for them to hit him. Or something, I dunno -- he's just missing an edge that I watch real competitive goalies play with. This year anyhow.
This is from Jack Todd in the Gazette. Sometimes right, mostly an ass, Jack is a perfect example of the finicky, unrealistic head in the clouds Habs fans. But like Don Cherry (whom he passionately dislikes, probably because good ol' DC has a TV contract) I love his excitement and attitude to say what he thinks, right or wrong.It’s not merely that Price’s play has been so shaky so often. It’s more that he just doesn’t seem to get it. From that plethora of web photos showing him with a drink in hand to the 30 pounds he put on during his rookie season to that dismally inappropriate yuk-yuk interview with the Cabbie, Carey Price appears to be a young man who thinks it will all come to him without effort.
It won’t. The really great ones in every sport – Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Patrick Roy – start with more talent than everyone else, and then they work harder. They win because they want it so badly, they refuse to lose.
Price has to decide what’s more important. Does he want to be the best goalie of his time? Does he want those Stanley Cup rings? Or is it more important to go on behaving like he’s just too cool for school?
As for Price, I can't figure him out, but I'd love to see some edge in the kid. I'd love to see him attack and eat pucks, instead of waiting for them to hit him. Or something, I dunno -- he's just missing an edge that I watch real competitive goalies play with. This year anyhow.
Monday, April 27, 2009
2009/2010 Habs: if I were GM
Not that I'd want the job; oh-no. What a crazy mess that would be. But before the experts get cracking on taping the shambles back together and seeing if they can strike gold, let me have a crack!
Lecavellier
Again with this guy? Yes. I love this player. And his big star power is what the city needs. Lets get him! But at what price? There's the rub. What would it take to pluck the feather in TB's hat, after they out-bid us 2 years ago when VL was a UFA? I say give him Halak, Plekanecs, maybe Hamrlik or Gorges. 3-for-1 deal, a capable goalie (which they are desperate for) and some D-help. Hamrlik started in TB I think, so send him back. More on Gorges and Pleks later...
Komisarek
Sign Komisarek if you can. Yeah, Lucic treated him like a hump-pillow this year, and he kinda lost his mojo there for a while... but I think a good summer off will make him stronger and more focused. He is fast enough to keep up with the "new NHL" -- but mean enough to punish the other teams top lines. Anyhow, a tough year only makes you stronger.
Tommy K
Trade 'im. Honestly, he has a solid heart and soul, plays hard, great work ethic. Trade him. Not because I don't like any of these things -- but we have other players with the same talents. And when the chips were down, he didn't step up. He is not a leader, he is not a gritty goal scorer, and not even the kind of forechecker that creates chances. If we can wrap him up with some of the other trade bait, we gotta move him. If not, well, he certainly isn't going to hurt the 3rd line...
Higgins, Lapierre, Latendresse
Keep 'em! These guys are starting to come into their own. They've all got some scoring talent, aren't afraid to grind out the puck, and love to compete. I hope Higgins stays, and they stop trade rumours around the guy.
D'Agostini, Max Pac, Weber, Stewart
Again, great young talent coming up through the ranks, keep them around and play them. Through 82 games, try and give them spots on different lines and roles to see where they excel. Combined with the other sophmores / young guys on the team, there is a good core here to rebuild that winning culture. But really, they have to be given the chance to score and contribute.
Halak, Plekanecs, O'Byrne, Gorges
I have no particular issues with any of these guys (except O'Byrne, he sucks so far). Since the UFA market is thin, these are the victims you can trade to make the team better. Halak is a god goalie, when he gets to play. Plekanecs can be deadly on the PK, and has proven he is a speedy forward. Gorges is certainly becoming a good defenceman... sell this to a team who needs it, and try and make some blockbuster trade happen. Please don't give them away for lesser or equal value; Halak for Telqvist or something. That doesn't help anyone.
Don't get me wrong, I like these guys; but I can certainly live without them if it means getting some real big names or talent into the lineup.
The UFAs: Lang, Tanguay, Kovalev, Koivu
We'll never win with Koivu as a first line center. If he can use that massive heart of his to become a great 3rd line center, then we should keep him. If we can land a youner superstar first line center, then he might survive as a 2nd line center. As for Lang, he played really well, but is one year older, and I have questions about his leadership qualities and resolve. Do we really have room for another aging center? Tanguay can be brilliant, but after 10 games he has a tendency to disappear. Kovalev is a mystery. When he plays well he can sure make a game interesting... when he doesn't want to play there is nothing more frustrating. Can Kostitsyn fill his goal scoring shoes?
Not to mention the fact maybe we go get Bowmeester, Beachemin, Afiniganov, Cole, Havlat, Hossa (ha!), Gaborik, Gionta, Madden, or the Sedins (haha!).
Talking time is over. My 2009/2010 Montreal Canadiens would be:
Lecavellier / Higgins/ Kostitsyn / Latendress / Lapierre / D'Agostini / Max Pac / Stewart / Koivu / UFA point-getter / Tommy K with hands / old-and-crusty. (Can round this out with Metropolit and I guess Laraque, although I'd never play him).
on D:
Markov / Komisarek / Boullion / Gorges / Schneider / Dandenault / Weber
in Net:
Price / Denis (or some version of Mauge / Huet / Hackett)
And we'd win one million Stanley Cups!
Lecavellier
Again with this guy? Yes. I love this player. And his big star power is what the city needs. Lets get him! But at what price? There's the rub. What would it take to pluck the feather in TB's hat, after they out-bid us 2 years ago when VL was a UFA? I say give him Halak, Plekanecs, maybe Hamrlik or Gorges. 3-for-1 deal, a capable goalie (which they are desperate for) and some D-help. Hamrlik started in TB I think, so send him back. More on Gorges and Pleks later...
Komisarek
Sign Komisarek if you can. Yeah, Lucic treated him like a hump-pillow this year, and he kinda lost his mojo there for a while... but I think a good summer off will make him stronger and more focused. He is fast enough to keep up with the "new NHL" -- but mean enough to punish the other teams top lines. Anyhow, a tough year only makes you stronger.
Tommy K
Trade 'im. Honestly, he has a solid heart and soul, plays hard, great work ethic. Trade him. Not because I don't like any of these things -- but we have other players with the same talents. And when the chips were down, he didn't step up. He is not a leader, he is not a gritty goal scorer, and not even the kind of forechecker that creates chances. If we can wrap him up with some of the other trade bait, we gotta move him. If not, well, he certainly isn't going to hurt the 3rd line...
Higgins, Lapierre, Latendresse
Keep 'em! These guys are starting to come into their own. They've all got some scoring talent, aren't afraid to grind out the puck, and love to compete. I hope Higgins stays, and they stop trade rumours around the guy.
D'Agostini, Max Pac, Weber, Stewart
Again, great young talent coming up through the ranks, keep them around and play them. Through 82 games, try and give them spots on different lines and roles to see where they excel. Combined with the other sophmores / young guys on the team, there is a good core here to rebuild that winning culture. But really, they have to be given the chance to score and contribute.
Halak, Plekanecs, O'Byrne, Gorges
I have no particular issues with any of these guys (except O'Byrne, he sucks so far). Since the UFA market is thin, these are the victims you can trade to make the team better. Halak is a god goalie, when he gets to play. Plekanecs can be deadly on the PK, and has proven he is a speedy forward. Gorges is certainly becoming a good defenceman... sell this to a team who needs it, and try and make some blockbuster trade happen. Please don't give them away for lesser or equal value; Halak for Telqvist or something. That doesn't help anyone.
Don't get me wrong, I like these guys; but I can certainly live without them if it means getting some real big names or talent into the lineup.
The UFAs: Lang, Tanguay, Kovalev, Koivu
We'll never win with Koivu as a first line center. If he can use that massive heart of his to become a great 3rd line center, then we should keep him. If we can land a youner superstar first line center, then he might survive as a 2nd line center. As for Lang, he played really well, but is one year older, and I have questions about his leadership qualities and resolve. Do we really have room for another aging center? Tanguay can be brilliant, but after 10 games he has a tendency to disappear. Kovalev is a mystery. When he plays well he can sure make a game interesting... when he doesn't want to play there is nothing more frustrating. Can Kostitsyn fill his goal scoring shoes?
Not to mention the fact maybe we go get Bowmeester, Beachemin, Afiniganov, Cole, Havlat, Hossa (ha!), Gaborik, Gionta, Madden, or the Sedins (haha!).
Talking time is over. My 2009/2010 Montreal Canadiens would be:
Lecavellier / Higgins/ Kostitsyn / Latendress / Lapierre / D'Agostini / Max Pac / Stewart / Koivu / UFA point-getter / Tommy K with hands / old-and-crusty. (Can round this out with Metropolit and I guess Laraque, although I'd never play him).
on D:
Markov / Komisarek / Boullion / Gorges / Schneider / Dandenault / Weber
in Net:
Price / Denis (or some version of Mauge / Huet / Hackett)
And we'd win one million Stanley Cups!
2009/2010 Habs; what should we look for?
Over the next few months, the Montreal Canadiens will begin to paint the picture of what the 101st team will look like. Then it will be very quiet, then a host of activity before training camp.
What the Canadiens need is a culture, an identity, and a core of players who own the team and define it. Other players will then fit, or definitely not fit, and can find a new place to play. Take for example the 2007/2008 season: the culture was most definitely founded by the Russians -- Russians and Rookies I used to say -- Kovalev leads the team by example, scoring timely goals and dictating a playmaking style. Markov lead by quiet example, and players like the Kostitsyns, Plekanecs, and Mark Streit bought into it. Higgins and Komisarek and Smolinksi filled their roles as need be, to support the core: Ryder, on the other hand, fell to the wayside.
I think Carbo recognised who was leading the team, and went with it. It goes back to their public feud over not calling timeouts in close games, etc... The coach coaches, the players respond and play from there. in 2007/2008, it all worked. In 2008/2009, it fell completely apart.
This year Lang and Tanguay were brought in to the fold, and the leadership and culture were in doubt. Tanguay and Koivu were suddenly the scoring line: Lang was the go-to guy, breaking games open for the team. Komisarek made Associate Captain... but who owned the room? not Carbo, he got fired. Not Kovalev; he went to bed and never got up. Its tough for the new guys to take over...
Koivu? Get real. Great guy, nice guy, but as far as I can tell (from my comfy seat in Toronto) he has never owned this team. He can inspire them, but not own them. He can get them past the first round of the playoffs, but not past the second.
So who, or what, will define this team? Do we go the Higgins / Lapierre / Latendresse / Komisarek route, and rebuild while they develope into leaders? Or do we go back to the Kovalev well and try and get him back in line? Or perhaps we scrap Kovalev and find a new set of leaders; putting our hopes in a new core to inspire the younger talent, until they are ready to take over?
Tough call. Hard job -- rebuilding a family that has just been ripped apart and left in tatters.
What the Canadiens need is a culture, an identity, and a core of players who own the team and define it. Other players will then fit, or definitely not fit, and can find a new place to play. Take for example the 2007/2008 season: the culture was most definitely founded by the Russians -- Russians and Rookies I used to say -- Kovalev leads the team by example, scoring timely goals and dictating a playmaking style. Markov lead by quiet example, and players like the Kostitsyns, Plekanecs, and Mark Streit bought into it. Higgins and Komisarek and Smolinksi filled their roles as need be, to support the core: Ryder, on the other hand, fell to the wayside.
I think Carbo recognised who was leading the team, and went with it. It goes back to their public feud over not calling timeouts in close games, etc... The coach coaches, the players respond and play from there. in 2007/2008, it all worked. In 2008/2009, it fell completely apart.
This year Lang and Tanguay were brought in to the fold, and the leadership and culture were in doubt. Tanguay and Koivu were suddenly the scoring line: Lang was the go-to guy, breaking games open for the team. Komisarek made Associate Captain... but who owned the room? not Carbo, he got fired. Not Kovalev; he went to bed and never got up. Its tough for the new guys to take over...
Koivu? Get real. Great guy, nice guy, but as far as I can tell (from my comfy seat in Toronto) he has never owned this team. He can inspire them, but not own them. He can get them past the first round of the playoffs, but not past the second.
So who, or what, will define this team? Do we go the Higgins / Lapierre / Latendresse / Komisarek route, and rebuild while they develope into leaders? Or do we go back to the Kovalev well and try and get him back in line? Or perhaps we scrap Kovalev and find a new set of leaders; putting our hopes in a new core to inspire the younger talent, until they are ready to take over?
Tough call. Hard job -- rebuilding a family that has just been ripped apart and left in tatters.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Obituary: Montreal Canadiens
The oldest and most decorated of the professional hockey franchises passed away last night. The Montreal Canadiens were in their 100th year. Doctors report he died from heart failure.
The Montreal Canadiens had an up-and-down start to their life, at times winning gallantly, and at other times failing terribly, like so many of the other hockey franchises. It wasn't until their 50th year that they really fell into their own and began to dominate the league, with 6 championships. The trend continued into the 60s with another 4, and the 1970s: where the hockey team, and indeed the town, was on top of the world; another 6 championships.
The hockey world then began to change; expand, and spread. Montreal Canadiens would enjoy only 1 championship in each of the next 2 decades, and one extra apperance in the finals -- but as the franchise held on to its glorious past, the rest of the league moved on. No longer did Montreal have the best pick of French players; a fresh vein of talent emerged over-seas, and no longer could they hold on to their aging talent, as new franchises threw money at the foundations which made the Canadiens great; luring them away. Most left to build new Empires.
The Montreal Canadiens truly declined in his 90s, suffering interntal termoil, unable to afford the help he needed, and unwilling to admit that his old ways would not still win the day.
In his 99th year, Montreal Canadiens showed that he still had some old magic left; and managed to capture the Eastern Conference title one last time, although the tired franchise could not last long in the playoffs.
For his 100th year, he began training for a marathon; to capture his 25th Stanley Cup. Few thought he could actually acheive the goal, but he showed signs early. Unfortunately a pre-marathon celebration was too costly on the old fella, and he was never the same after. Injury, scandal, all took their toll. And although he did manage to start the marathon he so hoped to win, he limped off the start line, struggled a few paces, and then fell dead on the pavement -- a spent and drained shell of what once was the greatest of them all.
Thanks for an amazing 100 years, Montreal Canadiens.... may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
Montreal Canadiens is survived by younger brothers Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Redwings, New York Rangers, and apparently Toronto Maple Leafs (although no one has heard from them in years), cousins Flyer, Islanders, Canucks, Kings, Penguins, Blues, and Capitals - great-grand-nefew the Ottawa Senators, Whalers, Nordiques, Jets and Stars -- and a host of young upstarts.
The Montreal Canadiens had an up-and-down start to their life, at times winning gallantly, and at other times failing terribly, like so many of the other hockey franchises. It wasn't until their 50th year that they really fell into their own and began to dominate the league, with 6 championships. The trend continued into the 60s with another 4, and the 1970s: where the hockey team, and indeed the town, was on top of the world; another 6 championships.
The hockey world then began to change; expand, and spread. Montreal Canadiens would enjoy only 1 championship in each of the next 2 decades, and one extra apperance in the finals -- but as the franchise held on to its glorious past, the rest of the league moved on. No longer did Montreal have the best pick of French players; a fresh vein of talent emerged over-seas, and no longer could they hold on to their aging talent, as new franchises threw money at the foundations which made the Canadiens great; luring them away. Most left to build new Empires.
The Montreal Canadiens truly declined in his 90s, suffering interntal termoil, unable to afford the help he needed, and unwilling to admit that his old ways would not still win the day.
In his 99th year, Montreal Canadiens showed that he still had some old magic left; and managed to capture the Eastern Conference title one last time, although the tired franchise could not last long in the playoffs.
For his 100th year, he began training for a marathon; to capture his 25th Stanley Cup. Few thought he could actually acheive the goal, but he showed signs early. Unfortunately a pre-marathon celebration was too costly on the old fella, and he was never the same after. Injury, scandal, all took their toll. And although he did manage to start the marathon he so hoped to win, he limped off the start line, struggled a few paces, and then fell dead on the pavement -- a spent and drained shell of what once was the greatest of them all.
Thanks for an amazing 100 years, Montreal Canadiens.... may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
Montreal Canadiens is survived by younger brothers Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Redwings, New York Rangers, and apparently Toronto Maple Leafs (although no one has heard from them in years), cousins Flyer, Islanders, Canucks, Kings, Penguins, Blues, and Capitals - great-grand-nefew the Ottawa Senators, Whalers, Nordiques, Jets and Stars -- and a host of young upstarts.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Game 1 recap
It'll be short and sweet:
Yes, we lost 3(+EN) - 2. We are down 1-0 in the series. Then why is Bob Gainey grinning like a lemur? You could shove that smile off his face at the end of the game, or during his press conference...
I guess its because although we lost, everything else went well; Canadiens came back to tie it up, Price played a good game, and the Canadiens let it be known they will not go quietly. They are gonna force Boston to beat them, and beat them bad if they want to challenge for the cup.
Most Habs fans are probably feeling pretty good today, despite the loss. Since there are no expectations, we just want to see good hockey games -- and for the most part, thats what we got!
Why was Laraque playing on the top line when we were 1 goal down? Its not because Gainey wanted to throw the game; but he knows its a war, not a battle. He made sure his no. 1 line was protected, and he kept a few aces off the table, to be drawn out later in the series, after this "getting started" enthusiasm settles.
It might not work; and his Aces might turn out to be Jokers; but the point is the Habs aren't going easy, are giving up, and are here to put on a solid show for what might be their only round.
I fear no Bruin.
Go Habs Go!
Yes, we lost 3(+EN) - 2. We are down 1-0 in the series. Then why is Bob Gainey grinning like a lemur? You could shove that smile off his face at the end of the game, or during his press conference...
I guess its because although we lost, everything else went well; Canadiens came back to tie it up, Price played a good game, and the Canadiens let it be known they will not go quietly. They are gonna force Boston to beat them, and beat them bad if they want to challenge for the cup.
Most Habs fans are probably feeling pretty good today, despite the loss. Since there are no expectations, we just want to see good hockey games -- and for the most part, thats what we got!
Why was Laraque playing on the top line when we were 1 goal down? Its not because Gainey wanted to throw the game; but he knows its a war, not a battle. He made sure his no. 1 line was protected, and he kept a few aces off the table, to be drawn out later in the series, after this "getting started" enthusiasm settles.
It might not work; and his Aces might turn out to be Jokers; but the point is the Habs aren't going easy, are giving up, and are here to put on a solid show for what might be their only round.
I fear no Bruin.
Go Habs Go!
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