Andrei Kostitsyn (K1) seems to have found his. I looked over at my buddy when the shootout started and said "I can't wait to see what the kid does with confidence," Sure enough, he looked completely calm and collected as he put the Thrashers on the brink before Saku Koivu and Cristobal Huet iced it. He also scored his second goal of the year candidate in the second period, splitting the Atlanta defence and roofing it on Kari Lehtonen on a sweet backhand. That line is really something else.
12 points for Kovalev-Plekanec-K1 over the 4 game road trip.
One thing that I've heard echoed by his teammates is that K1 makes highlight-reel plays in practice all the time, so they knew it was just a matter of time before he started doing it in game situations.
Sergei Kostitsyn (K2) smoked fellow rookie Tobias Enstrom into the boards really hard on two occasions. He doesn't have much in the size department but you can tell his time in the OHL added a physical element to his game. He has levelled a few guys over the last few games and continues to make smart plays. His defensive game has vastly improved during his time in the NHL as well.
The Thrashers seemed to be really pissed about something last night. Guillaume Latendresse was targeted a few times and I got the impression that K2 was a marked man at times.
Cristobal Huet wasn't the only guy to blame for the Thrashers tying it up on the turnover. Roman Hamrlik made a bad play as well. In a very awkward postgame interview on RDS, Huet took all the blame and seemed like he felt like shit about it. I get the impression that many Habs are hypersensitive about any line of questioning, fearing that their comments could be taken out of context and turned into a front page story in Le Journal.
I would like to see a bit more swagger and bravado from these guys. If they could bring the level of confidence they have on the road back to Bell Centre, there would be a lot of happy maniacs in the rafters.
The game also marked the first time this year the Habs have won a game in which they trailed after the first 20 minutes. I must say, I wasn't really concerned. Maybe I have more confidence in them. The first goal was the result of a phantom penalty on Francis Bouillon and a bad bounce going Atlanta's way. This year's edition of the Canadiens doesn't seem to let things like that stop them in their tracks as much as they used to.
Can't wait to see two of the hottest teams in the League square off on Saturday night. Sidney Crosby is a true pleasure to watch and Evgeni Malkin is no slouch either. Here's hoping the Ty Conklin's fairy tale run comes to an abrupt halt at the hands of K1, K2 and the confident Canadiens.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Habs in the Dirty South
It's always interesting to hear people's takes on what the Habs should do at any given time. Montrealers are generally very fickle about their team and any win or loss sets off a chain reaction of insanity. I've had the opportunity to host a few Hab-related shows on the Team 990 and among our learned listeners I have heard some gems.
"Trade Koivu."
"They need to trade Alex Kovalev."
"Tomas Plekanec isn't good enough for the second line."
"Fire Carbo and/or Gainey."
It's funny how your perspective changes when you start watching the Habs as a member of the media . I went from paying my hard-earned dollars to see about 10 to 15 games a year at the Bell Centre, getting wasted with my friends in the reds or in the Molson Ex Zone. I've been to pretty much every pivotal playoff home game in the last few years (there hasn't been that many). I'm more of a long view guy now than I have ever been. I believe in Bob Gainey and by extension, I believe in his guy, Guy Carbonneau.
Trading Saku Koivu, who is a greatly underappreciated asset here, who plays every game with a metal brace on each knee, the captain of this team, his national team and one of the pre-eminent leaders in ALL sports, equates to giving up on the season. You don't just yank the foundation of a team away.
Kovalev is the MVP of this team so far this year. He's not in a contract year. He's in the midst of the second best statistical season of his distinguished career. Trading this guy equates to giving up on your season.
If there is one guy the Habs can't afford to lose, it's Kovalev.
Can you imagine the effect of his loss on the number one Power Play in the NHL? A lot worse than losing Sheldon Souray, who owes Kovy a steak dinner for all the space he created for him during his record-setting 19 power play goal season last year.
Plekanec is looking more and more like a first line centre every game. He's on the penalty kill, the power play and kicking all kinds of ass at even strength. Given his history of being a stronger player statistically in the second half of the season, is it unreasonable to think Plekanec could put up 80 points this year?
Credit the Canadiens for their handling of Plekanec's development. He benefited enormously from his time in Hamilton and it's been a true pleasure to watch him develop. I remember his performance against the Carolina Hurricanes in the playoffs a few years back. He was arguably the Habs most complete forward during that series and he's a much better player now than he was back then.
I'm looking forward to watching the rest of the season and the years to come. If the harmonious dressing room continues without controversy and this team stays near the middle of the pack in the East, they could do some damage in the playoffs (unless they play the Devils).
I also maintain that Montreal would be a more attractive option for free agents if the team was winning and making the playoffs every year. Guys want to win. It's not just about the money. I hope.
"Trade Koivu."
"They need to trade Alex Kovalev."
"Tomas Plekanec isn't good enough for the second line."
"Fire Carbo and/or Gainey."
It's funny how your perspective changes when you start watching the Habs as a member of the media . I went from paying my hard-earned dollars to see about 10 to 15 games a year at the Bell Centre, getting wasted with my friends in the reds or in the Molson Ex Zone. I've been to pretty much every pivotal playoff home game in the last few years (there hasn't been that many). I'm more of a long view guy now than I have ever been. I believe in Bob Gainey and by extension, I believe in his guy, Guy Carbonneau.
Trading Saku Koivu, who is a greatly underappreciated asset here, who plays every game with a metal brace on each knee, the captain of this team, his national team and one of the pre-eminent leaders in ALL sports, equates to giving up on the season. You don't just yank the foundation of a team away.
Kovalev is the MVP of this team so far this year. He's not in a contract year. He's in the midst of the second best statistical season of his distinguished career. Trading this guy equates to giving up on your season.
If there is one guy the Habs can't afford to lose, it's Kovalev.
Can you imagine the effect of his loss on the number one Power Play in the NHL? A lot worse than losing Sheldon Souray, who owes Kovy a steak dinner for all the space he created for him during his record-setting 19 power play goal season last year.
Plekanec is looking more and more like a first line centre every game. He's on the penalty kill, the power play and kicking all kinds of ass at even strength. Given his history of being a stronger player statistically in the second half of the season, is it unreasonable to think Plekanec could put up 80 points this year?
Credit the Canadiens for their handling of Plekanec's development. He benefited enormously from his time in Hamilton and it's been a true pleasure to watch him develop. I remember his performance against the Carolina Hurricanes in the playoffs a few years back. He was arguably the Habs most complete forward during that series and he's a much better player now than he was back then.
I'm looking forward to watching the rest of the season and the years to come. If the harmonious dressing room continues without controversy and this team stays near the middle of the pack in the East, they could do some damage in the playoffs (unless they play the Devils).
I also maintain that Montreal would be a more attractive option for free agents if the team was winning and making the playoffs every year. Guys want to win. It's not just about the money. I hope.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Success & Stupid Questions
Another road win. The Canadiens have 15 this year.
Ridiculous.
Things got a bit hairy in the second period but Cristobal Huet held down the fort. Tomas Plekanec is the best two-way forward on this team. He had a great second half last year but struggled with linemates Alex Kovalev and Sergei Samsonov.
When Radek Bonk signed in Nashville during the offseason, Plekanec acted quickly and contacted Habs equipment manager Pierre Gervais about taking over his number 14 instead of the number 35 he had for the last two years.
The change has been evident as Plekanec's speed and vision have been on display all year and he, Andrei Kostitsyn and Kovalev have been without a doubt the Habs best line this year.
He has a good shot and a lightning quick release.
There was some debate among my friends and I following the game. They thought Kovalev should have passed the puck over to Plekanec in the hopes he would score into the empty net and register his first career hat trick. They said it was selfish Kovy on display and then Darren Dutchyshen of TSN backed them up by calling him out during Sportscentre.
I honestly Kovalev made the right play by keeping it. He would've risked a turnover and the Islanders tying the game if he hadn't. It would have been nice to see Plekanec get it but he didn't and instead, Kovalev scored his 20th goal of the year.
It's nice to have fans worrying about trivialities like this instead of who our next general manager and/or head coach and/or president is going to be. Here's blogmaster Mike Boone of habsinsideout.com with his learned and extremely well expressed thoughts on the fate of the Leafs.
Ridiculous.
Things got a bit hairy in the second period but Cristobal Huet held down the fort. Tomas Plekanec is the best two-way forward on this team. He had a great second half last year but struggled with linemates Alex Kovalev and Sergei Samsonov.
When Radek Bonk signed in Nashville during the offseason, Plekanec acted quickly and contacted Habs equipment manager Pierre Gervais about taking over his number 14 instead of the number 35 he had for the last two years.
The change has been evident as Plekanec's speed and vision have been on display all year and he, Andrei Kostitsyn and Kovalev have been without a doubt the Habs best line this year.
He has a good shot and a lightning quick release.
There was some debate among my friends and I following the game. They thought Kovalev should have passed the puck over to Plekanec in the hopes he would score into the empty net and register his first career hat trick. They said it was selfish Kovy on display and then Darren Dutchyshen of TSN backed them up by calling him out during Sportscentre.
I honestly Kovalev made the right play by keeping it. He would've risked a turnover and the Islanders tying the game if he hadn't. It would have been nice to see Plekanec get it but he didn't and instead, Kovalev scored his 20th goal of the year.
It's nice to have fans worrying about trivialities like this instead of who our next general manager and/or head coach and/or president is going to be. Here's blogmaster Mike Boone of habsinsideout.com with his learned and extremely well expressed thoughts on the fate of the Leafs.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Long Weekend's Over
Winter is back in Montreal. I'm happy, it means outdoor hockey. The City of Westmount is still working on the rink in my neck of the woods. It's a disgrace. I realize that winter just took a week off but something needs to be done about this. It was fun to go outside and not get hypothermia for a little while.
Back to business for me and for the Montreal Canadiens. They're in Long Island to take on one of the most boring teams in the NHL in the Islanders. Mike Comrie is pretty good, Bill Guerin and of course their best player, one Rick DiPietro.
He's one hell of a goalie and he's headed to Atlanta to represent his team at the All-Star Game at the end of this month. The Habs power play needs to respond after being effectively shut down by the Rangers on Saturday night. Alex Kovalev was shut down big-time and the Habs couldn't get anything going during two separate two-man advantages. Time to adjust. Let's make sure our coaches' special teams expertise continues to pay dividends. If Kovalev isn't getting it done, the Habs and their power play are in a world of trouble.
It's so much fun to watch the continuing implosion going on down the 401. The Leafs are terrible, getting worse, with no clear end in sight. Things can't get much worse but I'm crossing my fingers and hoping they do. People on the way out: John Ferguson Jr., maybe Paul Maurice, Mats Sundin....
Tonight's game is big for both teams is the ridiculously tight Eastern Conference, the Islanders trail the 5th place Habs by only 3 points.
When Mike Komisarek and Christopher Higgins go home, good things tend to happen for the Habs. There was a great article in the New York Times today about the young stars give it a read...
NY Times on 21 & 8
Enjoy the game.
Back to business for me and for the Montreal Canadiens. They're in Long Island to take on one of the most boring teams in the NHL in the Islanders. Mike Comrie is pretty good, Bill Guerin and of course their best player, one Rick DiPietro.
He's one hell of a goalie and he's headed to Atlanta to represent his team at the All-Star Game at the end of this month. The Habs power play needs to respond after being effectively shut down by the Rangers on Saturday night. Alex Kovalev was shut down big-time and the Habs couldn't get anything going during two separate two-man advantages. Time to adjust. Let's make sure our coaches' special teams expertise continues to pay dividends. If Kovalev isn't getting it done, the Habs and their power play are in a world of trouble.
It's so much fun to watch the continuing implosion going on down the 401. The Leafs are terrible, getting worse, with no clear end in sight. Things can't get much worse but I'm crossing my fingers and hoping they do. People on the way out: John Ferguson Jr., maybe Paul Maurice, Mats Sundin....
Tonight's game is big for both teams is the ridiculously tight Eastern Conference, the Islanders trail the 5th place Habs by only 3 points.
When Mike Komisarek and Christopher Higgins go home, good things tend to happen for the Habs. There was a great article in the New York Times today about the young stars give it a read...
NY Times on 21 & 8
Enjoy the game.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Links of the Week
Andrei Markov is the only Hab going to Atlanta for the All-Star game later this month. It's another slap to the face for your underappreciated Canadiens courtesy of the NHL. The upside of the snub is that all the guys get a chance to rest for a few days, recharge the batteries. Alex Kovalev should be there. But he's a veteran player and will most certainly benefit from the time off. RDS.ca has a great piece on reactions from Kovalev, Tomas Plekanec and Carbonneau. Love the Plekanec quote.
All-Star Snubbery
Stephen Brunt is the premier sportswriter in Canada. Here's a fantastic story on how former Nashville Predators owner Craig Leipold's wheeling and dealing with the NHL brass put him in a much better NHL ownership situation in Minnesota, a place where there's actually fans. Interseting to read how things are done behind the scenes in the league. It stinks and is totally indicative of how this league has turned into a joke on the professional sports stage.
Brunt Breaks It Down
The story about the Ovechkin deal continues to get more interesting. Looks like he'll become a Hab after all (kidding!) but only due to a bunch of weird movement clauses in the deal. Apparently Ovechkin initially negotiated the 6 year, $54 million dollar deal I initially reported before Caps owner Ted Leonsis blew it out of the water with the 13 year deal. Here are the details from the good folks at TSN.
Ovechkin Details Emerge
The Leafs suck so much more than most people (not me!) thought they would this year. It's amazing to me that they were pretty much a consensus playoff team when the year began. The Leafs are living proof that you can't stick band-aids on gaping wounds. I take great pleasure in watching them continue to fail miserably.
What's that Leafs? You thought Jason Blake was the answer? Hmm, he's got 8 goals this year...
I feel for Vesa Toskala, his defence just won't bail him out, it's sad.
The Leafs are living proof that you must build your team from within in today's NHL, you can't just get a bunch of free agents and hope you'll succeed.
Dave Shoalts wants a change!!
Mike Boone is the master of Habs-blogging and his live game blog is a true pleasure to read. He got it open early today in preperation for tonight's showdwon at Madison Square Garden.
Boone's Online Eeee-Mail
The Gazette's Pat Hickey writes about the Habs fourth line and the great job they've been doing. These guys need to continue to be solid in their shutdown role if the Habs want to continue to succeed.
Hickey's 4th Line Tribute
Finally your gameday preview from NHL.com
Bon Match!!
All-Star Snubbery
Stephen Brunt is the premier sportswriter in Canada. Here's a fantastic story on how former Nashville Predators owner Craig Leipold's wheeling and dealing with the NHL brass put him in a much better NHL ownership situation in Minnesota, a place where there's actually fans. Interseting to read how things are done behind the scenes in the league. It stinks and is totally indicative of how this league has turned into a joke on the professional sports stage.
Brunt Breaks It Down
The story about the Ovechkin deal continues to get more interesting. Looks like he'll become a Hab after all (kidding!) but only due to a bunch of weird movement clauses in the deal. Apparently Ovechkin initially negotiated the 6 year, $54 million dollar deal I initially reported before Caps owner Ted Leonsis blew it out of the water with the 13 year deal. Here are the details from the good folks at TSN.
Ovechkin Details Emerge
The Leafs suck so much more than most people (not me!) thought they would this year. It's amazing to me that they were pretty much a consensus playoff team when the year began. The Leafs are living proof that you can't stick band-aids on gaping wounds. I take great pleasure in watching them continue to fail miserably.
What's that Leafs? You thought Jason Blake was the answer? Hmm, he's got 8 goals this year...
I feel for Vesa Toskala, his defence just won't bail him out, it's sad.
The Leafs are living proof that you must build your team from within in today's NHL, you can't just get a bunch of free agents and hope you'll succeed.
Dave Shoalts wants a change!!
Mike Boone is the master of Habs-blogging and his live game blog is a true pleasure to read. He got it open early today in preperation for tonight's showdwon at Madison Square Garden.
Boone's Online Eeee-Mail
The Gazette's Pat Hickey writes about the Habs fourth line and the great job they've been doing. These guys need to continue to be solid in their shutdown role if the Habs want to continue to succeed.
Hickey's 4th Line Tribute
Finally your gameday preview from NHL.com
Bon Match!!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Absolute Madness
So, looks like the 6 year Ovechkin deal was a little optimistic. His 13 year contract is absolutely insane. Here's how I see it: This guy is in Washington, and he is, at 22, the most electrifying player in the NHL. He will be there, wallowing in mediocrity in front of non-passionate fans who provide their team with the second-worst attendance record in the league right now. If he had opted for a six-year deal, he could have gotten out of there at age 28, entering the prime of his career and able to go somewhere that he has a legitimate chance of winning a championship.
That's not going to happen in Washington. Why?
They have no goaltending, very little hope for their future in goal and an owner who is notoriously stingy. It's also very difficult to build a winner when you have one guy using up 20-25% of your teams cap space (Brad Richards, anyone?).
As it stands right now, Ovechkin and his grandchildren's grandchildren are set for life. But what incentive does he have to keep competing at the level his fans are accustomed to?
He will regret this deal, especially when Sidney Crosby cashes in for $15 million bucks a season when his current deal expires. It's always good to have an escape plan and Ovechkin has none.
It's a real shame to see a talent of that magnitude wasted in a market like that.
That's all I have to say about that.
The Canadiens!! Haven't lost in regulation since the Dallas debacle of 2007!! They're 5-0-2 since then. Mike Komisarek looked like Scott Stevens last night, the Boston forwards were scared shitless of getting crushed by Komisaurus. His presence can't be overstated. He directs traffic, makes smart passes and kills penalties. He was a lot of fun to watch last night and it has been a lot of fun to watch him develop into the dominating presence he has become.
I had this debate with a friend of mine who pretends to hate the Habs during the second period of last night's game. I said Andrei Markov and Komisarek were among the top three defensive pairings in the NHL. He said I was crazy.
Here's how I see it.
#1 Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafaski, DET
#2 Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer, ANA
#3 Andrei Markov and Mike Komisarek, MTL
There are several other pairings that could be included, and everyone has an opinion, but here's mine. My buddy is a small part of a large contingent of NHL fans who don't give the Habs the credit they deserve. This team isn't just squeaking out wins, they're also winning games in which they don't get very good goaltending and they're completely outclassing teams at other times. I'm not planning a parade, but I am so excited about the future and frankly, the present of this team.
Markov and Komisarek actually remind a fair bit of Pronger and Niedermayer earlier in their careers. Komi doesn't really have power play vision (yet?) but he has a better shot than Roman Hamrlik or Patrice Brisebois. It wouldn't really surprise me to see him on the PP within the next few years. When Bob Gainey re-signs him to a five or six year deal. Markov sees the ice and the game as well as any D-Man in the league and makes one of the best first passes in the game. He also has the ability to shoot the puck and score goals. This in addition to the fact that these guys rarely make defensive mistakes and when one of them does, the other is there to make the play. They compliment each other perfectly and it really has been my distinct pleasure to watch them play together this year.
Habs in New York to play the Rangers tomorrow night on Hockey Night in Canada. Good timing, as the Leafs implosion continues after their 5-2 loss to cellar-dwelling Los Angeles last night. The Leafs have been outscored 19-6 during their current four game losing streak.
Life is good.
That's not going to happen in Washington. Why?
They have no goaltending, very little hope for their future in goal and an owner who is notoriously stingy. It's also very difficult to build a winner when you have one guy using up 20-25% of your teams cap space (Brad Richards, anyone?).
As it stands right now, Ovechkin and his grandchildren's grandchildren are set for life. But what incentive does he have to keep competing at the level his fans are accustomed to?
He will regret this deal, especially when Sidney Crosby cashes in for $15 million bucks a season when his current deal expires. It's always good to have an escape plan and Ovechkin has none.
It's a real shame to see a talent of that magnitude wasted in a market like that.
That's all I have to say about that.
The Canadiens!! Haven't lost in regulation since the Dallas debacle of 2007!! They're 5-0-2 since then. Mike Komisarek looked like Scott Stevens last night, the Boston forwards were scared shitless of getting crushed by Komisaurus. His presence can't be overstated. He directs traffic, makes smart passes and kills penalties. He was a lot of fun to watch last night and it has been a lot of fun to watch him develop into the dominating presence he has become.
I had this debate with a friend of mine who pretends to hate the Habs during the second period of last night's game. I said Andrei Markov and Komisarek were among the top three defensive pairings in the NHL. He said I was crazy.
Here's how I see it.
#1 Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafaski, DET
#2 Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer, ANA
#3 Andrei Markov and Mike Komisarek, MTL
There are several other pairings that could be included, and everyone has an opinion, but here's mine. My buddy is a small part of a large contingent of NHL fans who don't give the Habs the credit they deserve. This team isn't just squeaking out wins, they're also winning games in which they don't get very good goaltending and they're completely outclassing teams at other times. I'm not planning a parade, but I am so excited about the future and frankly, the present of this team.
Markov and Komisarek actually remind a fair bit of Pronger and Niedermayer earlier in their careers. Komi doesn't really have power play vision (yet?) but he has a better shot than Roman Hamrlik or Patrice Brisebois. It wouldn't really surprise me to see him on the PP within the next few years. When Bob Gainey re-signs him to a five or six year deal. Markov sees the ice and the game as well as any D-Man in the league and makes one of the best first passes in the game. He also has the ability to shoot the puck and score goals. This in addition to the fact that these guys rarely make defensive mistakes and when one of them does, the other is there to make the play. They compliment each other perfectly and it really has been my distinct pleasure to watch them play together this year.
Habs in New York to play the Rangers tomorrow night on Hockey Night in Canada. Good timing, as the Leafs implosion continues after their 5-2 loss to cellar-dwelling Los Angeles last night. The Leafs have been outscored 19-6 during their current four game losing streak.
Life is good.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Done Deal?
RDS.ca reports that Alexander Ovechkin has agreed to a $54 million extension that would keep him in Washington through 2014.
Damn.
It has yet to be confirmed, but it does look like the Caps made him an offer they couldn't refuse, and thus Alexander the Great won't become a Hab until his late 20s.
The good news is, the Canadiens have a great nucleus in place and are widely considered one of the most promising franchises in the NHL. The only question mark is up the middle, where a lack of centres does not bode well for the future. Other than that, things look great in goal, on defence and on the wings.
This year's NHL draft is deep, as is the next one. Here's hoping the Habs address the team's question marks at centre and make a splash.
Onto the here and now.
The Canadiens are in Boston, where they have absolutely owned the Bruins for the last few years. The current streak between the rivals stands at seven consecutive wins for the Habs. They are very comfortable against Boston and seem to do a great job at getting under Zdeno Chara's skin. When Chara is off his game, the Bruins have a very tough time competing.
The Bruins also have five regulars out of the lineup: Glen Murray, Patrice Bergeron and a couple of less significant guys will not be out there tonight.
The Habs scratched Tom Kostopoulos. I don't get it. Tom the Bomb had one of his best games as a Hab against the Blackhawks the other night and his reward is a night in the pressbox. It's hard to know what's going on behind the scenes but I just don't like this move.
Francis Bouillon and Josh Gorges were awful the other night. Turnovers, miscues and bad decisions. Patrice Brisebois' shortcomings are far less evident when he's paired with Roman Hamrlik, but the same can't be said for Gorges and Bouillon. Anyone have a nickname suggestion for that defensive pairing?
Carey Price is in Hamilton and reportedly looked good in his first start last night. Good to see the kid getting some shots and hopefully progressing more than he would watching the Habs from the bench.
Should be a good one tonight, hopefully the bad blood between the teams doesn't produce any injuries.
Damn.
It has yet to be confirmed, but it does look like the Caps made him an offer they couldn't refuse, and thus Alexander the Great won't become a Hab until his late 20s.
The good news is, the Canadiens have a great nucleus in place and are widely considered one of the most promising franchises in the NHL. The only question mark is up the middle, where a lack of centres does not bode well for the future. Other than that, things look great in goal, on defence and on the wings.
This year's NHL draft is deep, as is the next one. Here's hoping the Habs address the team's question marks at centre and make a splash.
Onto the here and now.
The Canadiens are in Boston, where they have absolutely owned the Bruins for the last few years. The current streak between the rivals stands at seven consecutive wins for the Habs. They are very comfortable against Boston and seem to do a great job at getting under Zdeno Chara's skin. When Chara is off his game, the Bruins have a very tough time competing.
The Bruins also have five regulars out of the lineup: Glen Murray, Patrice Bergeron and a couple of less significant guys will not be out there tonight.
The Habs scratched Tom Kostopoulos. I don't get it. Tom the Bomb had one of his best games as a Hab against the Blackhawks the other night and his reward is a night in the pressbox. It's hard to know what's going on behind the scenes but I just don't like this move.
Francis Bouillon and Josh Gorges were awful the other night. Turnovers, miscues and bad decisions. Patrice Brisebois' shortcomings are far less evident when he's paired with Roman Hamrlik, but the same can't be said for Gorges and Bouillon. Anyone have a nickname suggestion for that defensive pairing?
Carey Price is in Hamilton and reportedly looked good in his first start last night. Good to see the kid getting some shots and hopefully progressing more than he would watching the Habs from the bench.
Should be a good one tonight, hopefully the bad blood between the teams doesn't produce any injuries.
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