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About Mike Boone
Full Name
Mike Boone
Web site
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/columnists/mike_boone.html
About
I grew up in Park Extension, within walking distance of Dickie Moore's Dairy Queen on Jean Talon. Moore had a place on L'Acadie Blvd., and we used to see him driving around in his convertible with a Samoyed and a very dishy wife.
While "studying" at McGill University during the 1960s, I used to attend games at the old Montreal Forum. My fellow undergraduate reprobates and I would scramble up the stairs to get centre-ice spots in the top standing room section, where aged ushers didn't know or care what we were smoking.
I stood out in the cold for six hours to get tickets to the 1975 New Year's Eve game between the Canadiens and Central Red Army. With the exception of the birth of my daughter, the 3-3 tie was the greatest event I've ever seen in my life.
The Canada-U.S. Gold medal game comes close .... but I wasn't there.
I've been a professional journalist since 1974, when I joined the Montreal Star sports department. I've covered the 1976 Olympic Games, the 1979 Expos, pop music and MSO tours of Europe and Asia (classical musicians are WAY more fun to drink with than athletes). I wrote a TV & Radio column for 20 years and, since 2000, have written a City column for The Gazette.
The best part of being a Habs Inside/Out contributor is attending games at the Bell Centre. I think it's a great building: noisy, raucous and packed to the rafters with Montrealers and visitors who live for hockey.
And I still get goosebumps every time Michel Lacroix booms out "Accueillons nos Canadiens ..."
Having seen the Boston Red Sox win two World Series and the Pittsburgh Steelers add a couple Super Bowl titles, I suppose I can die happy ... but not before another Stanley Cup parade. And I'd really like my daughter to see a historic New Year's Eve game.
I like all the players. Covering baseball gives me a profound appreciation of pro athletes who aren't jerks.
My weltanschauung was summarized by the late great Bill Hicks when he said "all matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration, we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream and we are the imagination of ourselves."
Have a nice day.
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Seems Like BG & JM have gotten a lot smarter in one week. First of all to all Habs fans doing down to the States you can catch all HABS games at BUFFALO WILD WINGS, tHEY HAVE CENTER iCE, all FSN, MSG, NESN etc games, Just asl the staff and they will gladly put the game on. Next I have a ticket for Habs/Leafs in Hogtown (March20th?) and where do Habs fans hang ouy before and after games in Toronto?
Now about BG's big trades from last year and blowing up the team last year. THe players we have now are all better than what we lost (exceptTom the Bomb) who was probably let go because some of the "young Guns "would take his place and this never happened. Also Lang could have stayed but with his late season injury and his age it was probably a business desision again going with the "young Guns" and Lang could have helped. Now for the rest. Dandy and Breezer retired. Tang"s on the top underacherier list list last week. Kovy in Ottawa except for 1 big game nothing. Higgins nothing and now traded. Koivu not much in Ca;ifornia, Komo a joke since his beat down from Lucic last year and done for this year. Cube was decent (is he playing somewhere) but remember everyone wanted Big D-men and that he wasn't.
BGL trade. When it was posted 99% of posts on HIO of this signing were positive (me to) but who knew the Sabre Tooth would turn out to be a Pu%&y,
To end "Remember it's not the size of the dog in a fight It;s the size of the fight in the Dog"
Any spelling mistakes due to rum & coke and a dark bar in Grand Forks.
Watching it again on RDS Express and yep, they were dominant. Amazing game, awesome effort.
I am pretty shocked, but when I heard that they were going to play the kids from the Dogs on the same line I had a feeling this was be going to be fun to watch. Who woulda thunk?
Jacques Martin's System: Trying to fit square pegs into round holes.
Guy Boucher's Sytem: Turning squares into circles.
I seriously think that Subban will be called up for the playoffs should the Habs make them.
I don't want to get optimistic because anything could happen but tomorrow's game should give us an idea if today's game was a fluke or not.
Pleasantly surprise indeed!!
I have to agree HH. It certainly was a fun game to watch.
Ron Maclean: "Tonight's for Brendan". Is someone going to tell him that HNIC really isn't the Leafs in-house production crew? Leave the Burkes alone: their tragic loss has nothing to do with HNIC. That is just tacky and wrong.
Full Breezer 4 Life
It gets to be a bit much... the Leaf love-in
What's with this stupid, weepy, indie-pop montage they're showing for no apparent reason on HNIC? God, they suck. This is so saccharine.
Full Breezer 4 Life
dogs vs marlies at 7 pm
http://atdhe.net/watch-american-hockey-league.php?s=marlies
Wings had a 3-0 lead on Kings after the first and LOST 4-3. WTF?
Wow....I have been waiting all season for the forth line to play that way. All it took was to call up an entire line from Hamilton. Keep it up boys another 2 HUGE points up for grabs on Sunday. Go Habs Go....Go Halak Go....Go Price Go....Just get the 2 points.
Halak wasn't bombarded tonight but he sure made some big saves when he had to. When it's 2-1 Montreal he makes a great save at the end of the Pittsburg power play and then Gionta scores at the other end, 3-1 instead of 2-2. Turning point for sure. The fourth line was great as were Darche and even Maxwell. Boucher is doing an awesome job preparing these kids for the NHL. Kostitsyn is way better since he came back and look at the five Bulldogs playing today, very prepared and playing sound hockey. Great news for Habs fans.
For all you non believers out there... For all you Gainey/JM bashers... For all you so-called fans... Hope you enjoyed the game!
Doesn't take much to satisfy you does it? I kinda envy you. Do you get orgasmic when you find a loonie in the sofa?
Yes, I did enjoy the game. I enjoy it when the Habs put in a full 60 minute effort. I enjoy it when the forwards actually fore check instead of waiting in the neutral zone. I especially enjoyed the effort and shear joy the call ups from the AHL brought. The excellent coaching they have received down there was very evident.
What this has to do with JM or Gainey I really don't know.
Funny, it's always their fault when they lose.
Right on, mate!
Oh gimme a break, even the most optimistic of us thought they'd be destroyed today without so many faces. It's a pleasant surprise, even for those of us who watched Trotter, White and Desharnais rip it up in Hamilton.
Darche especially, he did NOT stand out for me in Hamilton yet here he is outplaying top lines. That's HUGE
It's like the habs made twice as many changes as the leafs without spending a nickle.
For those patriots keeping stats at home. Jaro Halak 3, Team Canada goalies 0. Halak has beaten Brodeur, Luongo and Fleury.
Just something to keep in mind when the Olympics come.
Nice game. Kinda quiet here though. Where did all the bashers go?
The cupboard in Hamilton isn't as bare as many of the critics on HIO would like you to believe. And JM isn't exactly the dinosaur of a coach that many claim he is. And BG? Well he's assembled a pretty decent team that can compete with the very best in the league. Now, if only the team can find that elusive consistency. To get there I would:
1. Continue to ride Halak until he needs a rest;
2. End the MAB experiment now. Playing MAB as a forward is borne out of desperation and lately that strategy has simply not been productive. The team needs an effective fourth line to compete night in and night out. It doesn't have this with MAB. MAB is a 21st player playing in a 20 man league. He has made a big contribution, but it's time to let others step up & shine.
3. Keep playing OB with Markov. Before, too many teams were taking cheap shots at him. The cheap shots continue, but at least it's manageable now. Th result is that Markov is starting to take control of games as his conditioning improves.
4. Keep the kids here (all 4 of them + Darche) and unload the dead weight before the trade deadline. The team needs to make some room on the roster before the playoffs (when the roster size increases).
5. Use the Olympic break as an opportunity to mend players on the IR. Don't bring them back too soon.
The Bashers are confused by a Habs win. They'll be back soon to bitch about why the Habs couldn't win 10-0... and that Martin should be replaced by some guy in Hamilton who has no NHL experience... and that Bob Gainey should resign cuz we drafted a hot shot goalie named Price in '05...
Doncha miss that bashing?
What a game! I got a call at around 1:45 from my cousin that he had tix to the game and I drove like a maniac to get to the Bell Centr. Believei t or not I was there at 1:50 (all the way from Brossard) I parked and we were in our seat at 2! But it was sooo worth it.
I felt that there was a spark in tonight's Habs, something extra that made them bring it. Those kids were just flat out flying and this was agaisnt one of the better teams in the league and Halak got a rest and we won a game where he didn't need to be Godlike. But HUGE show of collective cojones from the Habs.
"I gotta a feeling...that tonight's gonna be a good night..."
I knew it. I just sensed you were there.
For God's sakes people, let's get together and get this girl set up for tickets til the end of the season.
Great game!
Booner, you keep asking this question and I keep telling you that actually, I'm shocked, shocked, I tell you every time we lose. I started watching the Habs during the 5 in a row in the late 50's, and I got used to winning. So ... did I see this coming? Of course, I did. Besides, I've been saying, "Bring up the kids", for years now. Let's win or lose with them and build on the draft picks if we fail. This wallowing in years of medocrity is, quite frankly, tedious. All in or all out, I say. Push, pull or get out of the way. Go Habs!
my brother was at this game... lucky little dude.
he was surrounded by pittsburg fans lol
There is hope in Hamilton! Those three smurfs were buzzing around the Penguins' zone all afternoon, not scoring but coming close and drawing penalties. I'm glad that JM kept them together.
Desharnais finally played up to his standard. He has good hockey sense and plays the position well. Once he gets used to play in the NHL, he'll get even better. He has a brighter future in the club than Metropolit and Lapierre. White has a hugh heart and is a tireless checker. His play is like TKB. Darche is solid and is not afraid to go into the dirty area. All three of them should be playing in the big club next year.
I'm sorry GREAT GAME but the 3rd period PPs left a very bitter taste in my mouth!
I honestly don't think they were trying too hard to score on that 5-3, more like killing the clock.
- Member of Team Price
Did anyone see the F4F Interview with Markov for the Pens Pre-Game Thread? http://fourhabsfans.blogspot.com/2010/02/interview-with-andrei-markov-pe...
It rules.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
Just got in, missed the second and most of the third, something of a pattern forming here. Whenever I miss a game or parts of a game we seem to win. Damn, I'll have to start watching the Golf Channel for the rest of the season.
Observations:
- I checked back over the comments and I can't stop laughing at those who were trashing Gionta, Gomez and Darche earlier. Keep it up guys. Your comments are having the Reverse Jinx effect that Boone made famous.
-It's wicked cold out there right now. Has Boone finished his run and has he been charged with carrying a concealed weapon?
- Shout out to Chorske and JD_. I admit it, I fell hook, line and sinker for the oldest trick in the book. ;)
- Song for the day:
Oh I see those hidden tears
And I know each time your heart bleeds
Your desires have not been ignored
Ye of little faith you must believe
Pubs shouldn't be showing rugby games!!!!!
I do have to disagree there. Pubs should not be be allowed to NOT show Rugby games.
Franklin the Beagle, 7/1/2002-7/13/2009
Haha...so true...they opened the other bar just before the game started.
Dave
PM me your email at jammo-1@hotmail.com.
It was a snafu; not an evil bone in my body. Same goes for Chris.
(Although that would have been pretty awesome, if the intent was there.)
JD
Done...no big deal...we'll re-load for a future game after the O break. Did Andrew show and was he carded or pantsed?
I don't know what exactly it was they did to him, some new-fangled thing I've never seen before.
Kids today, what with all their fancy gadgets 'n' all...
I hope he'll be able to outgrow the humiliation, whatever the cause. Yep, dang kids and their toys. Not like in our day when you had to tell time by the sun and walk 18 miles through 3 feet of snow to get to school.
Whenever I miss a game or parts of a game we seem to win.
Punkster, can you promisse not to watch anymore Habs games for the rest of your life please?
________________________________________________________
"Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!"
:(
OT: Watching the Harvard-Boston College game on NESN. Easy to find Louis Leblanc. He's big and on the ice a lot. As a freshman, he is the team leader in goals (10) and points (18). And he likes to hit. BC is dominating, 4-0.
Well going into the break things are going to get interesting because Gainey certainly has some chips to play. I am thinking now a d-man more than a forward.
Could use a big power forward with good hands...say Jeff Carter
...the way Boston is playing now, I would give Carey Price the start tomorrow ...and save Halak to play Washington and both against Philadelphia
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
Halak can play in all those games... He's not tired. He's blazing hot and we don't want him to get cold.
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Komisarek: 0 - 4 - 4 (-9) http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8469460
I almost agree with that logic; and it is a bit of a tough call. But Halak is the hotter of the two right now and with the playoff race so tight I would keep him in nets until he loses, then start Price.
________________________________________________________
"Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!"
Me, I'd start Halak until he loses, and then start him again. He deserves it.
__________________
Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.
GIONTA FOR CAPTAINN!!!
Cammalleri?
________________________________________________________
"Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!"
No he's selfish, look how good the team plays without him! (just kidding)
Franklin the Beagle, 7/1/2002-7/13/2009
LOL I watched the Penguins' Crosby and Malkin get embarassed on the ice by the Trotter-Desharnais-White line!
Desharnais, what a guy! Darche is playing his role SO damn effectively. Why do ALL of the Hamilton Bulldogs kids sound so good? Hmm...Boucher?
SIGN PLEKS DAMMIT. HE'S GOT MORE POINTS THAN LECAVALIER, GETZLAF, IGINLA, NASH. D.SEDIN.
"love cannot drown truth, Nefertiti"
I think Gainey wants to see how Pleks does at the Olympics, see how he does in the 'big game' situation when he's had playoff trouble in the past with his renewal this season. I'm confident that with a good tournament for Pleks, he'll get his new contract pretty quickly.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
I'm hopeing we will negotiate during the break, that way if hes asking for way to much we can trade him for something after the freeze.
I'll never forgive Bob if we lose him for nothing....
Sense of deja-vu with Boones' "Did anyone see this coming?" remark. Same thing was said last season after a great late season effort against the Black Hawks. I think this time around the momentum will carry on.
Excellent effort today, spear-headed by the youth movement! I don't want to get my hopes too high, as we all know what this season has been like, but wow what a great effort today! Let's see them replicate it tomorrow!
----- "Come on, let's keep a little optimism here." -- Han Solo, Return of the Jedi
... the youth N.A.G movement... to quote habprofessor... whatever happened to him anyways?
Sign me up to the Brook Trotter fan club. Bob found a gem there.
- Member of Team Price
Brook = Brock. Opps.
- Member of Team Price
- Member of Team Price
WTF is that??
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Komisarek: 0 - 4 - 4 (-9) http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8469460
Everyone seems to be in one of two groups. You're either a Carey backer or a Halak backer. I'm the former. Don't get me wrong, I love Halak, it's just I'm sick of all the anti-Price sentiment that exists here and I'm showing a little support to my guy.
- Member of Team Price
The Price bashers are the same people who will bash Halak when he goes into a slump!
Members of team Price will be, ironically, the ones supporting Halak!
I'm in the group that supports the better goalie. If Carey Price was playing better than Halak, I would support him.
The job should be won on the ice and that appears to have already happened.
"If Carey Price was playing better than Halak"
What a terrible thing to say.. So you only like players as long as they produce.. if they go in a slump you stop supporting them?
You know, when they are in a slump, they need your support the most...
I still like both. Is that okay or do I really have to pick one of them?
I agree,i'm a big fan of winning games and i just want the players on the ice who give us the best chance to do that every night.
I could not have said it better myself.
Fantastic game. Very entertaining. Hope tomorrows game is even half as good and with a similar result.
Now thats Canadiens hockey heart, guts and skill . Ok now bring on the Bruins we have the super 4th line waiting for you. They better not send Darche down tonight .
...Montreal Police are reporting on CJAD many pedestrians aghast at the sight of a nude overweight elderly man stumblin' down Ste Catherine with a lilywhite jigglin' posterior horrifying children
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
LMFAO
Anyone else dissapointed they didn't play "WHOOOO LET THE DOGS OUT" at least at some point?
Me ... that was a total miss on their part. Maybe that song is not allowed across the Ontario Quebec boarder
Beauty!
"The three stars as selected by Red Fisher of the Montreal Star: 1st star: Henri Richard 2nd Star: Doug Harvey 3rd Star: Jacques Plante Final score Detroit Red Wings 5 Montreal Canadiens 3"
This is a close one for win of the season for me. Doesn't quite top Centennial night but what a great effort by the whole gang.
Did anyone notice how many times Benoit Brunet said "bang" during the game?
I feel like when he and pierre are having a conversation not concerning hockey he blurts it out like something he can't control.
Benoit: J'ai vu ta femme aujourdhui et "bang"
Pierre:?
Pierre --> Bang! (Entre les deux yeux de Brunet.)
________________________________________________________
"Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!"
LOL
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Komisarek: 0 - 4 - 4 (-9) http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8469460
One thing and ONLY one thing won this game today.....HEART!!! That's what it looks like when a team wants to win and might not have all the right tools to do it easily but they have the most important tool going full tilt. Great job boys!!!!!!
Not to mention a large helping of hard work!!
"The three stars as selected by Red Fisher of the Montreal Star: 1st star: Henri Richard 2nd Star: Doug Harvey 3rd Star: Jacques Plante Final score Detroit Red Wings 5 Montreal Canadiens 3"
Dog Day Afternoon?
________________________________________________________
"Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!"
3 Dog Night.
Franklin the Beagle, 7/1/2002-7/13/2009
Agree with Carbo and Hrudey.
Halak has to play tomorrow.
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Komisarek: 0 - 4 - 4 (-9) http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8469460
That's the first time the Habs have been more than 2 games above .500 all season.
Second time.....we won our first two. Remember, way back when.....
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