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About last night ...
posted by Mike Boone at 22h41 EST on Nov 20
Props to Jacques Martin.
The Canadiens came into a tough venue – the Caps rarely lose at home – with a sound game plan that his players bought into.
Yes, the end of the game was hairy. The Caps werte in total control, Mike Green hit a post with 18 seconds to go. Had the game lasted 5 minutes longer ...
But it didn't.
The Capitals were kept in check until Brendan Morrison scored late to set up a wild ending. Up to that point, the Canadiens Dmen and forwards worked effectively together to make simple zone-clearing plays that prevented sustained pressure on Carey Price.
The Number One goaltender made 32 saves and looked good doing it. Price has his swagger back, and I love it.
For me, a great goaltender is like a winning quarterback or a dominant relief pitcher: Confident to the point of cockiness and beyond.
There were anxious moments. Price lost his stiuck a couple times. He got his mask knocked off in that final mad scramble.
But he is The Man. Price is playing like the stud goalie he has to be to keep up this banged-up up – and yes, under-talented – team in games.
He had help. The D was heroic against the most dangerous attack in the league. Special props to Jaroslav Spacek, who had to cope with Alexander Ovechkin and did well at it, with help from backchecking forwards. The Canadiens blocked 26 shots – a tribute to courage, active sticks and team D.
Ovenchkin started slowly but ended up with five shots. Another six were blocked and there were three misses. That's 14 touches, but not many great looks.
The Canadiens team defensive effort didn't let Ovechkin freewheel. Their hard work meant he had to work hard, and the camera caught Ovie looking mightily pissed-off as the game progressed.
The Canadiens played a very solid first period and outshot the home team 14-7. Eric Fehr scored the period's only goal, but the shot advantage indicated the Canadiens weren't going to be run out of the rink.
Washington outshot the Canadiens 11-4 in the second period, 16-4 in the third. But until the Capitals' second goal ignited a firestorm, there were never any sequences in which one Washington line after another dominated the Canadiens.
They had a solid game plan they executed for 57 minutes. The win was a team effort and a huge morale-builder.
Other positives:
• Tomas Plekanec is clearly the number one centre of the Montreal Canadiens. Now they have to get him some wingers – one of whom ought to be ...
• Andrei Kostitsyn. The enigma played very hard at both ends. So much talent ...
• Roman Hamrlik is earning every nickel of his salary this season. Hammer is not Andrei Markov, but he's a smart, experienced defenceman who is eating amazing minutes for a 35-year-old player.
• Special teams were superb. Mike Cammalleri got the winning goal on one of the Canadiens two PPs. The PK had some anxious moments, especially at the end of the game, with the Washington net empty, but was a perfect 3-for-3 against the most potent power play in the league.
• Travis Moen got his fifth goal. He had seven last season. Moen began the game in Brian Gionta's spot and played almost 20 hard-nosed minutes.
• Max Pacioretty celebrated his 21st birthday – "Finally legal" he cheerfully told Luc Gélinas – with a strong effort. But he missed an open-net opportunity that Chris Higgins might have cashed ... no, not Higgy, maybe Tom Kostopoulos ... no ...
• Ryan O'Byrne played 16:16, blocked three shots and helped put out the forest fires created by his D partner, Marc-André Bergeron. O'B is back to resume his breakthrough season ... and not a minute too soon.
• Tom Pyatt and Ryan White made some smart defensive plays. The kids can skate. They're responsible defensively and don't do anything stupid. ToI for Pyatt: 15:25 Total ToI for Maxim Lapierre and Guillaume Latendresse combined: 15:40.
So, a very impressive win in a game everyone thought the Canadiens would lose.
Back at the Bell Centre on Saturday, the home team will be wearing vintage jerseys from their 1909-'10 debut season.
Canadiens in blue against the Red Wings.
On paper, a mismatch.
But on any given night ...
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No shame boys, No shame!!! Losing to one of the leagues best teams in a shootout after being down 2-0, great effort, well done! If it wasn't for that frickin' loser Laraque screwing us with his bozo penalties, we win this game. We had a great start and he kills our momentum. When are we finally going to be rid of that big useless dope! Our team is decimated with injuries right now, and they are showing more and more character with each game. Keep going boys, these kind of efforts will eventually get rewarded and the bounces will come your way! The Cammy, Pleks, AK 46 line looks like a keeper!
GO HABS GO!!!
....oops posted this under the wrong game article.
man Kostitsyn was amonster last night. deking everybody left and right, setting up Patches who's hand were mysticaly replaced by kostopoulos's in the very second he got taht pass.
him and pleks played amazing.
Lats and laps were invisible as usual, and MAB keeps angering me.
But what a great game by the entire team, and bib props to Metro, Moen and the d-corps
--- we need a kovalev
Kovalev [ka-va-leov]: A player who makes you jump out of your seat with a wicked deke or a sick shot and makes you say: "Did you see that!!"
Bob's imprudent trade for Gomez has now put him the proverbial place, between a rock and a hard place.
It is imperitave and non negotiable that he MUST sign three players or the fans will revolt. So how to sign Price, Pleks and Markov with the available cap space?
Somehow the elephant in the room must be dealt away. But how? Who would be willing to take on his enormous contract, especially relative to his obvious declining skills? It can only be done by packaging some of our young players and taking back some salary. To give up anymore draft picks is a no win situation.
It is clear that with the emergence of Pleks as a legitimate No. 2 centre, Gomez has become a huge liability.
Markov's contract is good for another year after this one. Cap space won't be such an issue for his contract year because Hamrlik's contract will be up at the same time. Hamrlik will not be re-signed and that frees up a ton of cap space.
Marlov is currently making 5.75 million, so even if he signs for something like a 7.0 million cap hit we only need to free up 1.25. Harlik's contract alone is worth 5.5. Plus Gill we be done that year too.
The tricky year is this summer, with Pleks and Price mainly. If O'Byrne continues his level of play, we will have to move one or two bodies from the D by the time Markov returns, I could see Gill being moved. If that's the case finding money for Price and Pleks should be doable.
Eric - Don't lose any sleep on your long rang cap issuies as in time things seem to work out. A little bit here and a little bit there and it fits or a few pounds here and a few pounds there and your old Speedo fits, lol. I've seen more teams with worse issuies that seem to work it out with no major moves. Salary dump may come into play, possibly, but there are many forms of it ......... Go Habs Go.
Hey Bryan, I basically agree with you, I was trying to show TripleX that things don't need to be seem so desperate. I think what needs to be done, can be.
I've read you guys had a blast last night. Have a great time tonight. I wish I was there.
i don't think gill will be moved.
i think MAB will be let go, as will Leach. Also Paul Mara will probably be gone by then (he is only on a one yaer contract). Now O'byrne won't command to high of a salary so he can get MAB's coin. Pleks Price and Latendresse are all FA's. (Guess who will be making the least cash :) )
But i am sure Gainey has a plan of some sort... ih ope. because after Mark streit, i don't htink ic an handle another dissapointment in letting another UFA walk
--- we need a kovalev
Kovalev [ka-va-leov]: A player who makes you jump out of your seat with a wicked deke or a sick shot and makes you say: "Did you see that!!"
I agree one of Leach or Bergeron will go first. I am just not sure if the other one of them won't be kept as 7th D. If O'Byrne plays as well as he can, I don't see him being 7th, I can't see Gill sitting tons once he's healthy or Mara or Gorges.
Mara's contact is done this year anyway, so he doesn't really represent extra cap savings for next year. That's why I could see Gill being moved. He would mean an extra 2.2 million from next year's cap. He's a better bet to move than Spacek, who is our only other legitmate option for clearing cap space to allow for next summer's signings.
Nice piece Boone....my only critique is about the line about Chicago and Pittsburgh drafting well....it's easy to do when you've been in the toilet for years and your picks are top 5. I'd change that line to Detriot & NJ draft well...as they manage to do it without having to tank first.
Very good point!
lol forest fires!! Always make me smile, Booner.
"love cannot drown truth, Nefertiri"
After its glorious unveiling on the road, The System is ready to make its first home appearance. Even MAB cannot derail it!
I have been blessed and have the great good fortune of being able to personally witness the unveiling of said system in Montreal tonight. May the power be with us all.
MAB tried, but even he couldn't thwart it. I think Lats being stapled to the bench in the third was key to its success.
WOW! That was mean! Although you may be saying the truth.
Unreal game last night. And I like the work Martin does with his stapler. Slap away Jackie, slap away.
Enjoy The Summit boys!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or3Rob4e9uE
CA-REY! CA-REY! CA-REY!
Does anybody know the status of Moen and whether or not he will play tonight? I'm guessing that Gomer is out with a "lower body injury." I hope that everybody attending the Summit has a great time and enjoys themselves. Wish I could have made it this year, oh well, always next year. GO HABS GO!!!
Right now, I'd have to say that Laps and Lats should be in the doghouse. They look utterly lost and are not doing anything productive. Guys are finding their stride and these two seem to be the only ones that have made no progress.
If the injuries wouldnt be pilling up than it would be much easier to be tough with them.
Yep.
Ha, Booner! You almost sound sorry we beat them! Last night came as no surprise to me. Like I said, yesterday, I expect the Habs to win every game and am shocked when they don't. Then I look forward to the next contest with the same expectations. A lot of folks around here should try it instead of pi**ing and moaning 24/7. Carey Price has caught it, the team is starting to see it, if Latendresse ever gets it, we're going to be trouble. Go Habs!
Where all all you Price bashers now? You seem to be waiting in the weeds these days. Where is the usual diatribe bemoaning BG and his fifth overall pick. Where are all those Halak lovers. Seems the whole lot has become quieter than Halak's agent. I look forward NOt to hear from all of you in the near future. In the meantime, kudos to JM for sitting Price when need be in order to give him a view from the pine. And again a especially huge thank you to Halak's agent for lighting the competitive juices in Price, Yes there will be good and bad nights but I am seeing the best Price yet.
Price has averaged about .945 save % in his last 3 games. With the exception of Tampa as a bad game, Price has looked very solid his past 5 games.
Doug Wickenheiser
The one change I would like to see for tonight is Lats sitting and replaced with Leach to give us 7 d-men. Then sit BB (Bronchitis Bergeron - you figure it out) and use him only on the PP.
Bronchitis Bergeron - Because he has an issue with "coughing" it up?
Give the man a cigar!
Jacques Derriere
Hopeful Hannah
"When I was a baby I wish my first word had been "QUOTE", then right before I die I could say "UNQUOTE" - Stephen Wright
Tommy Pyatt is the next Josh Gorges. I really like his game. He plays like a veteran NHLer, with great speed, positioning, and decision making. It's incredible how some of these "throw ins" turn into very useful players.
Props to Gainey. And way too many armchair GM's around here.
whoa! that's an amazing TOI stat on Pyatt vs Laps+Lats ! i knew i hadn't seen Lats much in the 3rd but... sheesh!
Great team effort last night punctuated by the work of Price, Plekanec, Hamrlik, Moen, Cammalleri, AK46, et al. I hope they can continue the roll tonight against the Wings.
Will Price get the start tonight? Do we go with the hot hand or take the obvious b2b scenario and placate Alan Walsh? His client does play better at the Bell Centre.
I hope the Gomez injury is not too serious. While he hasn't been productive in points, he has created space for Plekanec in drawing the opponents top checking unit. Noone has benefited more from the allure of the smurfs than Pleks and it shows in his game.
My only question is: Why was MAB on the ice in the last two minutes of the game? Not known as a defensive marvel, his presence could have cost us a goal. I don't know what games JM is watching but he is looking at MAB through technicolor glasses! I would like to see OB paired with Leach to form a solid third defensive pair.
While Laraque blocked a shot or two his presence on the ice is stoic. He makes Hal Gill look like Catrina May Doan. Coupled with the loss of a fight, I really don't see him having a role on this team anymore. Buyout Bob!
Looking forward to seeing all a the summit today!
That game put me in such a good mood! Funny read on the solution to the Habs' troubles http://is.gd/4ZYAu
I'm pleasantly surprised by The chemistry between Ak and Patches. (Some potential there)
I wish patches would shoot more instead of making those cutesy backhand passes!
I know, but I'm sure he'll just "get it" with time. Whenever he does, he's gonna be a treat to watch with his speed and size.
wow, this must have been a 3.00 on proline
Isn't it usually the case that players in their contract year have a great season and thus command a big salary they can never live up to. How many players have done this over the years?
How well has Plekanec played in the post season?
Don't get me wrong, I Love how he's playing right now, but this is business. If he wants to take a bit of a discount and get signed in Mtl. I say great. if not let's see if he's still a game breaking player in the playoffs (assuming we can get in which is no guarantee). If The Habs get to the playoffs and he proves that he is a dominant player in the playoffs then you have a tough decision.
Check out this list of players. Hopefully Plekanec is not on this list next year while playing in Mtl.
http://www.comcast.net/slideshow/sports-overpaidnhl/11/
One of the best Gm's in my opinion Lou Lamorellio, has let so many great players go because in his opinion, they wanted too much money. Mogilny, Arnott, Sykora, Neidermayer......Holik
then he signs someone for less $$$ coming from another team who is in the same situation on another team who was also willing to walk away from that player.
Sometimes the best deals are the ones you don't make in my opinion, and if Plekanec's agent is demanding too much $$$ you can't be afraid to walk from him even if it means losing him for nothing in the off season (assuming you need him for the current playoff drive and don't want to trade him at the deadline)
Lou has let some go because hes had others waiting in the wings. The habs dont have that many centremen waiting. The gap in quality is too big. Plekanec is our go-to centreman for faceoffs now even. Hes doing the little things.
I hear what you're saying The Cat. I just mean, kind of like the Komisarek situation. I prefer Komisarek to Gill, but for the money, I'm ok with Gill. These are tough dilemmas to manage for an NHL GM, its tough to find a perfect solution
Komo is way overrated and his resume is likely to bear that out by the end of the year. The opposite is true in Gill.
Does anyone know the habs record when Laraque is in the lineup since hes been a hab? Would the kind Mr Boone have such information handy? Im curious.
I thought we played a very gritty tenacious game. We did not even miss a beat in the third period when our third line center sat out apparently due to injury . Enough said.
mjames
Carey Price's mojo 1, Alex Ovenchicken 0
also glad to say that our russian outplayed their russian. ak was better on most shifts, and if he plays like that, he will be fun to watch.
lost in the excitement of a well played game by the habs is how far lats and laps are falling down the habs depth chart.
Tom Pyatt and Ryan White made some smart defensive plays. The kids can skate. They're responsible defensively and don't do anything stupid.
This is a good news.
There is some good work done by coaching staff in Hamilton.
This NHL season is about parity and injuries, I never seen such unexpected results and injuries,may have to rush in juniors if it keeps up.
Am I on the right site? The positivity on this thread, beside's Timo's usual bitter acid, has made me give my head a shake. Could it be that 20 game jellifying period was for real? Last night, the Habs determined that Ovi wouldn't beat them by grinding away on him. He still did his thing because you can't stop him, but he didn't score his usual 1, 2 or 3 against the Habs. Price has regained confidence and was only caught begging on the first goal (which was still a pretty hot screened shot, anyway). O'Byrne played great, especially in front of his net. I'd like to see him partnered with the invisible Leach and they would quietly make a great shutdown pair. If Bergy isn't on the 1st wave PP, he should be up in the stands. However, he wasn't totally awful.
What can you say about the center who admitted last season that he was playing like a girl? His determination has grown from being up close while watching Gomez, Gianta and Cammy bring it every shift. He's the first forward to follow their lead and look what it's gotten him: accolades and calls to re-sign him ASAP. AK46 may finally be reviving after that nasty concussion he suffered last season and is finally clicking with Pleks. Moen and Metro have been stalwarts, too, but the flip side is the lacklustre play of Laps and Lats. To play on JM's team, you have to play smart, effective hockey. Too often during this early part of the season, they simply haven't followed the lead of Gomez, Gianta and Cammy.
A solid win, despite some hairy sequences near the end. Bring on those Wings, I'm hungry for another win.
________________________________________________________________________
Beliveau- his legend is 600' tall and growing...
Gomez is not bringing anything. He really hasn't all season. Playing pretty well defensively, but totally garbage on the offensive side. Look at his wingers!! If he can't get points with them, then I don't know....
I know everybody' favorite for captain is B. Gionta...but I think another good choice would be Cammy. I heard him talking last night after the game about feeling "the urgency to win"...
I loved Saku as a captain, but it is clear we needed a change....I don't remember hearing him talking about urgency to win in the last couple years.
Cammy, trains and plays as a stud he is a smart player and he delivers.
On another note, most underrated signing by Gayney...T. Moen, I think when Gionta comes back he should stay in the top line, the guy i not a sniper but he definitively knows how to work around the net, he is sdolid on D and can open the ice for Gomez and even go after anybody who takes too many liberties with our smurfs.
Finally, I have been a Latendrese fan from day one, I still believe he gets a lot of undeserved flak. But the guy needs to understand that a guy his size HAS to defend his teammates when he is on the ice. He can't go around during the game chatting with the guys on the other team...he is not our public relatins rep...he is a freaking Canadien.
Cammalleri, Gionta, Moen, Metropolit...Any of them could be captain.
awright, slam away, but I would add Pleks to the list as possible captains.... Ya gotta want it...
Very interesting point. He's been the Captain this year, by the way he's been playing. Long tenure, good attitude, good speaker, best player so far. I would want to wait on that move, but may very well be the right one.
Great game to watch.
Price is back...Team Canada? Still has a ways to go, but if he keeps this up, maybe.
Hammer & Spacek.....what can I say? Great job.
I know Pacioretty made a mistake or 2 and missed that empty net, but he sure looked like he proved me wrong and is ready. I thought he played a great game.
Plekanec....is there anything he can't do?
Moen....every game he makes BG look like a genius.
Whether it's the system or the players, JM deserves his share of credit for finding a way to shut OV down.
On to the wings.
Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy (Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy
I know youre an optimist and about positivity but why rush to conclusions with Price on Team Canada because hes on a good run, thats no better than fans making plans for a Stanley Cup parade as soon as the habs string 3 wins together.
I was mostly kidding about Price & Team Canada...just wanted some reactions.
I am a bit dissapointed that I haven't heard Cammalleri's name mentioned even once though. I don't think he'd be out of place.
Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy (Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy
Ive criticized him before but Price is indeed looking world class and very sharp of late. A lot of people criticized JM for sitting him in the Calgary game after his first 2 good performances but JM pulled Prices strings well I think.
Definitely our best game so far this season. Except for Bergeron's mistakes, the defense was rock-solid, the guys bought into Martin's game-plan and executed it nearly to perfection. Spacek did such a good job on Ovechkin that he really wasn't a factor; I was surprised to learn how many shots he had. Plekanec and Price will be neck-and-neck for the monthly trophy. Both have been outstanding. The team started very strong, and I have to give them credit for not wilting when Washington scored first, as last year's team always did and this year's has on a couple of occasions.
Despite missing the open net, Pacioretty had a strong game, skating well and looking confident. At the beginning of the season, Martin said he thought Pacioretty could learn on the job and would benefit from being in Montreal rather than Hamilton. So far this season that hasn't looked to be the case, but perhaps he is starting to mature into an NHL player.
O'Byrne had a greatr first game back. He does not seem to have lost a step from his strong showing in training camp. He did a lot of work in the off-season, adding several pounds of muscle, taking boxing lessons and looking at videos of all his mistakes from last season. He and Plekanec both acknowledged their sub-par seasons and were determined to turn things around. They deserve a lot of credit, and they're making our drafting and developing programme look a little less lacklustre than it has appeared of late.
I liked what I've seen so far from White and Pyatt - great hustle, good checks, lots of composure. But Latendresse and Lapierre, who were one of the few bright lights from last season, have all but disappeared into the woodwork. I don't know whether it's the departure of Tom the Bomb, but they are almost entirely ineffective on most nights.
What will the team do if both Moen and Gomez are out? I think Gainey will have no option but to call players up from Hamilton. Now that Andrei Kostitsyn seems to have begun his season, I'd love to see his brother on a line with him. And I'd like to see David Desharnais given a chance in Gionta's absence. He's fast, fearless and skilled.
Its about time Montreal had an effort and game execution like that (eventhough I didnt see it coming), the habs are getting disrespected. Both Washington and Detroit are dressing their backups for us, we got to make them pay...O'Byrne looked great out there. Our D is looking pretty damn good if you ask me, and when healthy itll be as good as anybodys. Hamrlik, Spacek, Markov, Gorges, O'Byrne, Gill, Mara, thats a very underrated but excellent D corps...The only question mark remains the forwards.
Prior to the start of this season, my 12 year old son asked me what I thought of this year's team. My response was that we had better get used to lots of 3-2 games, both wins and losses, with the occasional blowout, given the overall size, experience and skill level of the team. And so far so good; with one exception-this is a much better TEAM in all aspects than anything we've seen in some time. I like how they play, how they are coached, and how they are held responsible to one another, the fans, and the media before and after everey game, win or lose. This TEAM has a will to work and a commitment to each other that I really admire.
And, these guys "want to be in Montreal" and that cannot be said for all those high priced free agents, whom we all coveted last June and July.
So let's enjoy these nail-biting and exasperating (or should that be exciting?) 3-2 games; after all we're watching a group of young players growing into a spirited, cohesive, and diciplined TEAM.
Go Habs Go!
Not to disagree for the sake of disagreeing but this is not a young team. Look at the defense
mjames
anyone have an update on the injuties? seems the team flight was an hour leaving dc last night which is never a good sign.
and to all those attending the summit, sorry i can't be there this year. distances just too great....
Anyone think that maybe there won't be any sort or re-signings till this team is officially owned by the Molsons? (Unless I'm a moron and the sale has already gone through...)
Went through about two months ago.
Earliest it could have been finalised was November 1st. There is still the final terms to be approved from the Board of Directors of MolsonCoors, and then finally by the NHL. Plus The National Bank Financial Group still must complete the syndicate with Desjardins and Scotiabank for the management of this debt. The legal papers have been completed, but nothing has been approved... Not yet anyway.
There may be other teams, but only ONE Club De Hockey...
HardHabits play-by-play for the second Habs goal: Andrei CanSkatesIn Max PassYourReady Thomas PuckInNets!!!
i like that!
"one win, plan the parade; one loss, tie the noose. It’s super-emotional, it’s completely irrational, but that’s what makes it so glorious." - George Stroumboulopoulos
Habs Surprise Capitals In A Wild One
http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2009/11/21/1167636/habs-surprise-capit...
The System: 1, Ovechkin: 0.
The Habs haven't lost since the players officially gelled at game 20. The System is in full force.
All hail The System.
Excellent observation!
Gomez - guy can setup, watch replays this year. All kinds (Gionta missed a few beauties), it could hurt us with him being out
Gionta - all heart, I wish Kovy could have played with his energym this guy is PURE HABS. Great shot, and the goals are going to come in bunches for this guy.
Pleks - BRILLIANT. Long Term..he plays, and plays with passion (written all over him)
Moen - "JM, do you want me to play offense or physical"..."Ahh, how about both tonight Travis, I have confidence in you"..."No problem"
Price - showing what he can do, and being consistent (3 games now), goaltending this year is a non issue
Hamr - WTF, are you kidding me, how much longer, unbelievable player...
Really though, where do you stop. Every game they show something new, the Martin Era WILL be good for years to come...
No offense, but how much have you had to drink? Even your typing is slurring.
That was a great game to watch, all the more so with other knowledgeable Habs fans. What an enjoyable evening for those who attended the gathering at Hurleys. So nice to have met you all. You know who you are. ;-)
One game doesn't make a season though and as Boone says, and he quotes, "on any given night!" Tomorrow's another night. I've read a couple of outlandish posts, possibly because the win, and the type of win, was as unexpected to the haters as it was to the us fans and supporters.
The next quote I think epitomizes what our preconceptions are and how they shape our prejudices:
"It's easy to rip on your players when you lose to a team that's below you in the standings," Washington coach Bruce Boudreau said, "but I thought Montreal played a strong game. The biggest thing was I didn't think we were ready at the start of the game. We were flat. ... We went out there and thought it was going to be an easy win."
Points:
1) It's easy to rip on your players - sound familiar?
2) Montreal played a strong game - care to argue that point with Boudreau?
3) We...thought it was going to be an easy win - care to bite anyone?
Where were you guys? Were you the shirtless bunch near the band downstairs?
good post. wish I was at the summit, maybe next time (anyone in town for Dec 4th). Funny I said the same thing to a WSH and a DET fan today, used the term "cocky" instead of "thought it was going to be an easy win" (Bruce is a good coach, see how much better that sounds, means the same thing though). Ovey was SHUT down tonight...D played great...Price was great again (3 games in a row).
Perspective and patience, both keys to this team.
GO HABS GO!
EDIT: Sergei, remember that name...
Back from the game. The boys did a GREAT job of clearing Ovie out of the crease. His back must be smarting from all the stick checks and shoves. Carey had his mojo going (I was at the glass just to the left of Price for periods 1 and 3) he was very confident. We definitely got some lucky posts tonight, but a great effort by Hammer and Spacek, they both work so hard. Pleky was directing everyone on the ice and O'B looked good. Was a great game to watch (bit stressful at the end) but I was proud of them.
You lucky bastage. Must've been awesome being there at ice level. :D
It was pretty freaking awesome! The determination on the guy's faces gave me a new appreciation for them. They look so passive on TV, but up close, they really are trying. And they have tremendous confidence in Carey, they were always giving him a "tap" whenever they went by him in between plays. I was right where the last face offs were and Pleks was arguing about his stick. Was it broken, is that what he was trying to tell them?
Yeah, it was chipped or cracked or something. I don't know what the rule is but I guess it wasn't broken enough to warrant allowing him to change it.
How can that be, if it is cracked and he tells the ref that it could break, THAT could result in an injury to someone. I would call that preventative injury, that was BS.
Imagine if that stick broke during the faceoff, which resulted in the tying goal. Something (not saying what) would hit the fan.
Pleks is on pace for 82 points.
Cammy is on pace for around 78-79 points.
My man crush on Carey is back in full swing. GO HABS GO!
-Dustin
Watched the little Habs play the Manitoba Moose tonight. Not much for a Habs fan to get excited about at this game - that includes Suban and SK. Suban made a lot of overly agreesive choices that led to ridiculoust chances against, showing he is not ready. SK didn't show any dominance or passion suggesting he would simply disappear on the big club. Plus, Sanford had a rough night and got yanked - so trading Halak may not be in the cards.
Why, oh why does Bergeron continue to play? I would like one plausible explanation as to why JM and BG insist on playing that terrible terrible hockey player? Somebody?