Game 14 (adds audio): Bruins toy with Habs
posted by at 22h27 EST on Nov 13
The good news, you ask? Well, Michael Ryder didn't score... but he did have an assist. And they're very happy in Kahnawake on Montreal's south shore, where Bruins fans outnumber Habs supporters by a healthy number.
The Bruins (10-3-3) were the steamroller and the Canadiens (9-3-2) the grape.
Boston jumped out to a 4-0 lead on goals by Shawn Thornton, Stéphane Yelle and two by Marco Sturm before Montreal captain Saku Koivu took advantage of a little sloppy work by Boston goalie Manny Fernandez to score on a wraparound and put Montreal on the board late in the second period.
Any momentum (don't laugh) that Koivu's goal generated evaporated less than five minutes into the third when human battleship Milan Lucic made it 5-1.
A very peeved Mike Komisarek took on Lucic without gloves not long afterward, the two players having scrapped long and hard throughout the Eastern Conference quarterfinal last season. And the Bruins came out on the long end of tonight's battle, too, Lucic badly bloodying his right fist likely on Komo's helmet.
Then 6-1, Yelle bagging his second of the night on a frigid Carey Price.
If Tuesday's 4-0 whitewash of Ottawa was nearly perfect, in the words of head coach Guy Carbonneau, this one was perfectly ghastly, start to finish.
Hoo boy, it could be a fun practice Friday...
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Submitted by badbalance on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 15:51.
And seriously, some of you guys went as far as saying what the "hell is Gainey doing" or "Why is Carbonneau still here"... shut up already, Any team can win. Boston was soooo happy to win ONE game against us, it looked to me as if they won the stanley cup or something. We will tear their manhood open so wide next game, trust me on that one.
Submitted by badbalance on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 15:47.
Seriously all i see on the forums is how the habs are horrible. Theres a whole cry parade on here, get over it we will lose game and we will win them. Boston is going to get ripped by us next game anyways, think we will let it go untouched. Please, BGL hasnt lost us the game, where was the team to support the goalie, where was the team to score. We sucked and its not the end of the world get over it and stop crying you pansies
Submitted by VintageFan on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 17:33.
Exactly!
Submitted by Hammer on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 14:35.
SO WHAT THE HABS LOSE A FEW GAMES AND PEOPLE THINK IT IS EQUIVALENT AS LOSING A WAR. BIG DEAL, SO THEY LOST, AND THEY WILL LOSE ANOTHER 20-25 TIMES THIS YEAR. IN MY EYES THERE ARE TWO GLARING ISSUES. 1)TEAM TOUGHNESS. YES THEY HAVE BGL, BUT HE IS ONLY GOOD FOR 8-10 MIN A GAME, WHERE ARE THE REST TO THROW A BIG CHECK OR GO HARD ON THE FORECHECK. THIS IS REALLY LACKING 2) DEFENSE. THERE TOP THREE MARKOV, HAMRLIK AND KOMI ARE FINE BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE A FOURTH BRUISING DEFENSEMAN. THEY HAVE A WHOLE BUNCH OF SIXTH DMEN. PACKAGE A FEW PLAYERS AND GO LOOKING FOR ONE.
AS FOR YOU BANDWAGON JUMPERS, GET READY FOR A LONG YEAR. THE HABS ARE ONE OF SIX TO EIGHT TEAMS THAT HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN THE CUP. SO ENJOY THE YEAR OR BE READY TO NEED CRUTCHES.
Submitted by Jim M on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 14:32.
The statement "not prepared" that is being used to blame the coaching staff is a joke. It doesn't mean that there was no game plan. It means that the players were not prepared to do what was necessary to win the game. Period.
This is an 82-game marathon to settle positioning for the playoffs and it's still way too early to start crapping on the Habs. They are going to lose at least 25 games this year and sometimes they'll look bad. Would you rather they look good when they're losing? Not me. Now that would be discouraging.
It is ironic that certain people give up on the team when they lose, while criticizing the team for giving up on the game. I guess patience is in short supply around here. I can hardly wait to read the comments when a real slump occurs, like it will happen to most teams. Does anybody remember the Stanley Cup winning Red Wings last year? They lost 7 or 8 in a row, sometimes to bad teams.
I trust Gainey and staff, and you can be sure that they don't like what they are witnessing. Things will change if needed, but now is not the time to panic. The season just started and the real test is after Xmas when teams gear for the final push. Patience.
Submitted by captaink4life on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 14:01.
I didn't hear any of this "Carbo can't motivate his players" bullsh*t when the Habs were handing Ottawa a 4-0 beating Tuesday night. I feel bad for the people that constantly need to find a reason to criticize the team and its coach.
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Koivu for Prime Minister :)
Drive for 25!!
Submitted by SlovakHab on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 13:59.
My only comment to the audio is:
Shut the f..k up and work hard, you need to improve.
There is nothing to be said, but there is a lot to be done.
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"It's not about winning some and losing some, it's about HOW you win and lose that matters." - Ryan Winter
Submitted by Dee on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 13:27.
I all so wonder why,when they have the puck and in the shooting lane they DON"T SHOOT they keep passing!! I am watching the game and yelling at the T.V shoot the puck, drives me bonkers.Stop didlle daddling with it and shootttttt.Koivu's goal last night he took a shot and the puck went in the net.Shoot from where ever,as long as there is an opening,if no opening shoot anyway who knows you might get lucky and get a goal. Well the season is still young we will be ok.We have to think positive.
Habs Fan 4 Ever & Ever Amen.
Submitted by habscup25 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 14:07.
I agree.
SHOOT FIRST, ASK QUESTIONS LATER
It seems they are looking for the perfect play, and when they have a good chance to they opt to pass it. Don't know what kind of effort to expect from the Habs. At least freakin' compete! Try and try harder!
(#)
HABSolut HOCKEY
Submitted by Dickie on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 13:03.
I really thought when we signed Laracque to be our tough guy per say he would fill the job no problem. Boy was I wrong, we brought in a guy who will not fight anybody unless the fight is pre meditated...cmon' Georges..as soon as Kovy was hit by Lucic your gloves should have hit the ice..no matter what the score is at the time. THIS IS YOUR JOB. We will continue to get bullied and have players fighting that shouldn't be unless this guy starts to drop the mitts..2 min for instigating big deal!!!Kovy could have been hurt and Komi could be hurt now because of your so called code. Wake up and earn your money.
Submitted by HAB-PROFESSOR on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 13:09.
good point - after the KOVY hit, when Larock was trailing Lucic around the ice asking for permission, he should have just dropped his gloves and grabbed Lucic by the neck, because even if Lucic still declined, that would have been enough to send the message and would have made the highlites around the league, I think the real problem is Carb doesn't want him to take those kind of penalties, Carb is scared to be short handed and doesn't see the long term benefits of that kind of action.
Larock would have gone to the box by himself, but Lucic would have ended the game a COWARD, even after the KOMI bout, he still would have been a sleeze ruttut type coward for having declined the BGL.
BGL needs his role defined...Carb needs to wake up and stop being a coward, he did the right thing by sending BGL on KOVY's line, but then nothing happened!, you don't ask permission, you challenge and let Lucic look like a fool for declining!..DAMNN!!
Submitted by VintageFan on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 17:31.
Next Game!!
Submitted by Dickie on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 14:15.
Good post...I totally agree. In all likelyhood Lucic probably would have defended himself if BGL would have dropped the mitts..Lucic is a damn good physical player and probably would have fought once he saw BGL's mitts hit the ice..this would have in my mind changed a lot of the outcome of the evening..mind you the effort was not quite there but sometimes all it takes is some confidence and maybe..we dont know for sure but if Lucic gets pounded the nature of the game changes...
Submitted by VintageFan on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 17:30.
Did you miss Lucic skating quickly away from BGL?
Submitted by kidneyboy on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 12:39.
Sitting here in the middle of Leafland it has been a rough week to be a Hab fan. I watched last night's game on RDS and even though I don't speak any French I understood the absolute dismay and disappointment in the voices of the announce team. My impression...too fancy always looking for one more perfect pass for the highlight reel goal. Shoot the puck! Bang the net! Work the boards and cycle! When they play like taht they are among the league best, when they don't they are a mediocre team at best. Just my opinion.
Submitted by HAB-PROFESSOR on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 13:00.
we don't have those types of players, they are in Hamilton.
Submitted by Gr8stFranchizEvr on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 14:43.
I'm beginning to wonder about that...
Submitted by TitoS74 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 12:33.
I'm just utterly disgusted. I feel like we were playing playoff hockey against them again, and this time, they really whooped our asses! We had 28 shots, which means that every two minutes, we landed less than one shot. They had 31 shots, which means every two minutes, they landed more than one shot! But 6 of theirs went in, while only one of ours went in. Funny how Fernandez has a lot of terrible rebounds, and Koivu's goal was only because it bounced of Fernandez first.
This is really going to shatter Price's confidence, and that worries me. The same guy who help take them out of playoffs has now let them toy us around, literally sweep the ground with us. But I'm not blaming Price fully. I'm blaming the rest of the team. No coordination, no proper game play formation, players were where they weren't supposed to be, and so on.
Boston deserved to win it, as we we didn't play to win at all. We were just there so the other team doesn't win by forfeit on our part.
And that Milan Lucic, what a player! I love the way he plays! Rough, gritty, fights, rouses up the other team, and still manages to land points on the scoreboard! It's like a Begin, but much better.
Here's hoping to next game.
Submitted by VintageFan on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 17:29.
Lucic is just the giant ugly version of Jarkko Ruutu!
Submitted by Habs2win on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 11:44.
In case anyone hasn't checked the standing lately, we're only 2 points out of 9th place! and Toronto is only 2 points behind us, true we have games in hand, but they mean nothing if you can't win them.
Submitted by Habs2win on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 11:36.
How long have been saying, we lack grit and size? how many years? And still Gainey has done nothing to address these problems! acquiring euro fancy figure skaters isn't the answer. And Laraque isn't the answer. getting a bodyguard doesn't work. WE NEED PLAYERS WITH GRIT AND ONES THAT CAN STAND UP FOR THEMSELVES, NOT A BABYSITTER! the problem is, Gainey wants to live in the past! it's not 1977 anymore! wake up Gainey! we had francos then, now we have lazy euros. we are no longer the flying frenchmen and never will be again. toughness and size works today! go get it, or else your job is on the line! because folks, if the habs don't make the playoffs this year, Gainey is fired!
Submitted by Sags on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 14:13.
we had francos then, now we have lazy euros
^^^I agree 100%. Gainey is not the issue, playing with passion and grit and skill is. les canadiens have the skill part but(for the most part)lack the other...Julien's team was focused and prepared, Carbo's wasn't...that is a huge concern for me!
Submitted by HabsFan2 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 11:25.
Komi should have never had to fight Lucic. What we need is someone to take over the fighting duties for guys like Komi. We need someone to instill fear into the opposing team. We need someone like Georges Laraque, the heavyweight champion. Why can't Gainey go out and sign someone like Laraque? I'm sure he's available...What? He's already here??
We're in BIG trouble!!
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When you talk about the Canadiens, you have to put the word 'family' in front of it." - Patrick Roy
Submitted by habitual on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 12:55.
Your comment in your other post about firing Gainey is just ridiculous and doesn't even deserve this reply.
But, I agree with your comment about Komi not having to fight Lucic. Seems to me that after last year's playoffs where Lucic was constantly challenging Komi, Gainey responded by signing Laraque. I have seen almost every game and I've seen Laraque fight ... twice? No clear win, and most disturbingly, he had a chance to drop them with Lucic last night and did not.
Laraque stated he wanted his presence to be felt by the other team even when he was not dressed. Well, George, it ain't felt when you ARE on the ice. He also mumbled something about being warned by Colin Campbell so he couldn't jump in and smack Ruuttu when Lapierre got elbowed. So, George, either start dropping your gloves and your opponents, or we drop you from the line up. It isn't like you are bringing anything else to the game.
Not that Laraque is a main reason for disgusting play lately, but I had to get that off my chest.
Submitted by Habs2win on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 11:24.
We all say negative things about Lucic, because the truth is, we would love to have him on our team! As far as Price is concerned, I know exactly what his problem is. Do you know why he has problems keeping his focus? or intensity? the kid has ADD, a very common condition in which half the population has. ADD-attention deficit disorder. but he can take medicine for that. take him to a doctor please, and at the same time, please do a labotomy on him! And when I hear the players say:" we weren't prepared."
my question is, Why not??? that is the coach's fault. come to think of it, all these no shows started when Carbo became coach. It didn't happen with Gainey as coach. Even tho we lost games before Carbo, it was because lack of goaltending and overall lack of talent. I will say this 1 more time:" AS LONG AS CARBO IS OUR COACH, THESE NO SHOWS WILL CONTINUE"! habs will win nothing with him coaching. when he leaves, we'll show up every game. Carbo has lost the room, and they have started to tune him out!
they don't like him, and they certainly don't respect him!
Submitted by Josie on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 23:08.
I agree it is the coach's job to get his team ready for the game. They've been playing the "we weren't prepared" card too much, in my opinion, it's a lame excuse, professional athletes practice to prepare for games, and the coach is the one who tells them how to prepare and is supposed to motivate them to win.
Regarding Carbo, he was "outcoached" in some games last year and was definitely outoached in the playoffs by Boston and Philly's coach's, but I don't think it has ever been said that Carbo outcoached the opponent in the 2 years he's been here. I think that says a lot about him.
Submitted by Sags on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 10:39.
The last time this team put an honest 60 minute effort with any consistency was when Gainey fired Julien and took on the coaching duties. I like Julien and still feel he got a raw deal in Montreal. Don't think for one minute that he doesn't relish prepping his team vs. Carbo and company. His Bruins were ready to play from start to finish, and dominated throughout. This Habs team still has way too many floaters, and when will Price focus for more then one or two games at a time. What the hell was he doing taking a delay of game penalty? How unprepared and soft was he on goal number 5?
Incredibly pathetic performance yet again. When will this team start playing for each other and for the jersey?
Submitted by filincal on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 10:38.
Komi: less yoga and maybe some boxing classes. it looked he was bagged after throwing 5 punches.
Laraque: not earning your paycheck yet.
I BLEED BLEU BLANC ET ROUGE!!!
Submitted by bigdave on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 10:27.
Another stinker!
Has this team decided that they can't play on the road or just can't play 60 minutes per game.
Pretty damn aweful.
Submitted by Gr8stFranchizEvr on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 10:25.
Regarding some earlier posts & the team in general:
-yes this team needs another top 4 D-man. We presently have Markov, Hamrlik, and Komisarek. These guys, as disappointing as they've played recently, are top 4 guys in this league. Ryan OB will someday shape into a top 4 D, but he's a couple of years away from that status. Perhaps Boone's man Josh Gorges is the closest to a #4 D, but he's just not quite there in my opinion. The pitbull Bouillon plays hard every shift, but opposing forwards are not intimidated by him. Breezer? outlet passes can only carry you so far.
-I believe we have some hard working centres, but they're not big and powerful. Koivu comes to deliver every night. Pleks has flashes of brilliance (not many lately). Lang's numbers are alright, but he often seems invisible.
I hate to bring this up again, but a player like Sundin could certainly cook up some nice plays for us (and I'm sure he brings more heat to the ice than he does to the kitchen).
-the 4th line has been our best in terms of energy and effort - too bad they don't score goals!
-BGL is not showing any passion as a Hab and has fallen short of the enforcer role he came to fill in Mtl. Let's forget the bull line "I'm here to be more than a fighter". Georges, your main role on this club is to intimidate, deter trouble-makers, and make guys pay for their sins with your fists. Your secondary job is to forecheck and wreak havoc on your opponents by hemming them in their own zone. We also thought you might come in handy as a massive goalie screen on the PP, but besides the fact that we don't have a cannon on the point I don't believe you have the hands to finish loose pucks. Maybe Carbo didn't get that memo either...
-because Higgins scored a hat trick and Lats potted one and Price registered his first goose egg on Tuesday, doesn't mean these guys or any others have found their game. When they string a bunch of wins together and the offence and defence is coming from every line and D pairing, then we can say this team has found itself. that doesn't mean they'll win in bunches all the time, but it does mean they'll play pretty inspired hockey on most nights (and the brain farts should be limited to occasional frequency). Right now, this is a team in search of its identity. When they find it, they'll start playing with heart.
-where is the real Kovy?
-post-game comments by Kovy and Price indicated lack of preparation for the game. Players must prepare themselves to a degree, but team prep is primarily the job of the coaching staff. They fell short and need to find better ways to get the team ready. Kovy said they were expecting more open ice last night. Did Carbo & Co. tell that to the guys? If so, shame on them.
Submitted by Sneezer on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 11:15.
yeah, that was weird about the open ice... against the Bruins??? huh? sounds really strange. don't they WATCH the other teams?
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Why don't we have a defensive coach? Insanity? Or arrogance?
Submitted by VintageFan on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 10:12.
It is comforting to see how hard the league is trying to eliminate hits from behind. Not fair for Lucic to run Kovalev from behind in plain sight like that. How's a ref supposed to see that??
Submitted by VintageFan on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 10:08.
Well, now Lucic is a legit "fighter" and fair game for Big George. Let's hope Laraque takes the opportunity to "put out the trash" next time Bruins are at the Bell Centre
Submitted by HabsFan2 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 11:28.
I'm not holding my breath on that one.
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When you talk about the Canadiens, you have to put the word 'family' in front of it." - Patrick Roy
Submitted by rogus on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 09:59.
Koivu is a true leader. Even though his team was in the toiet, he never gave up. Hopefully he talked to a couple of the boys last night.
Submitted by Le.Bon.Serge. on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 09:58.
I am sooooo disapointed with Laraque. Could he stop asking for a fight and simply jump on the guys that are beating our stars??????
Big Georges, you are a joke. You had your chance with Sauer. Same with Ruutu. Same with Lucic. But you did nothing.
Better change your habits because you have no idea how Montreal fans are when you dont do your job. A month ago you were a star, you were selling t-shirts, but now you are going down.
Is it too much asked to PROTECT YOUR TEAMMATES????
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"No way! Thats unbelievable! Thats the save of the year and its not even the year yet!"
(on Carey Price stick save against Detroit)
Submitted by Ton on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 10:10.
What ever happened to winning on the score board. Now we got to jump players and get instigating penalties that lead to goals against us and losses! Come brother get a life.
Submitted by Sneezer on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 11:13.
Face reality. It's this high-falutin' fancy-pants idea that we can win "on the scoreboard" by being nice guys while the rest of the league are 'just' playing tough that kills us. The Habs need to wake up to the game as its played TODAY. Energy and toughness alone are half of it - the half they didn't have last night.
I agree with the Laraque comments. He seems to think all he has to do is stand around and growl. The one fight I saw him in this year was at best a draw. Who WOULDN'T want him to have punched out Lucic last night? Let me guess - you and your grandma who you watched the game with.
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Why don't we have a defensive coach? Insanity? Or arrogance?
Submitted by Ton on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 17:41.
Hey sneeezer my grand ma never watched hockey but I have since the 60's. In my era tough guys also played good hockey. (Ferguson, Bouchard, Chrawtraw, even Tremblay would get even with you, he broke Peter Statsny's nose) So its win the small battles through out the season to win the war. (play off we will be facing the bruins again)Bruins gave us a hockey lesson, beat us up fairly on the ice, in the corners and in fights. Bob Gainey will make adjustments he from the same era I was from. Buy the way my grandma was tough as nails.
Submitted by Habsrule1 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 09:33.
F'N Brisebois!
"I can't hear what Jeremy(Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy
Go Habs Go!!
Habsrule
Submitted by HABZ24 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 09:31.
oh it all seemed so easy the first 10 games,boom boom shoot out the lights.too many dumb penaltys,undisciplined play and than panicing and keystone copping until we get our azz kicked.true we dont have a souray or strait to sniper goals from the point on the power play.we have the offensive talent,just gotta play better defensively. big komy seems reluctant to make big hits anymore along the boards.o,byrne has got to play big and hit big,step it up when ur in there ryan.maybe its time to call up a D man, see if it shakes things up.ohhhh i hate losing to the beantown bastards .discipline and defence!! let the gunners upfront do there thing.put halak back in there saturday.
Submitted by havok on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 09:20.
After reading a few of the Bandwagon hopper posts here, I think I puked a little in my mouth.....
Submitted by Habstilidie on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 09:11.
I agree that Lucic had no business acting like a jack@$$ after the fight, completely embarrassing to his team, imo.. But honestly, i'd love to have him on the habs. He's a hard worker for 60 minutes, skates, passes, shoots and gets under the opponents skin, how could you put that down? That being said, this loss to the B's was long over due. We still have the last 20 out of 23 games against them, and we WILL learn again from this game. There is obviously something wrong in habland right now, but it's nothing to completely panic over just yet. Some of our players have come back down to earth in this Centennial season (tanguay, koivu, gorges, higgins), we just need the rest to fall into place. This weekend will be a good test for us, we SHOULD win both games and have good work ethic to boot. I will NEVER jump off the wagon on my team, i go down with the ship.
Submitted by ghg31price on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 09:40.
Well Put Mr.Burgundy... Well Put.
Submitted by mrstewart61 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 09:09.
We all tend to think about trades or call-ups to fix problems. Bringing in new players, even if it were a Crosby or Ovechkin, is no guarantee of success. I believe the current players CAN do the job. But they are not obviously consistent right now. This is a team game and they must work together.
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If a man speaks in a forest where no woman can hear him, is he still wrong?
Submitted by Sneezer on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 09:55.
Agreed. And who is responsible for making that happen? the same guy that has made a lackluster Laffs team into a decent challenger on most nights. The coach. Or was that Grabovski? lol
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Why don't we have a defensive coach? Insanity? Or arrogance?
Submitted by RetroMikey on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 07:50.
What an ugly game last night.
We were not like this last year.
Face it, Boston are contenders, playing hard game in and out, way to go Claude Julien and the team in general.
We had young guys on this team last year who wanted to prove themselves and now that they made the team before training camp, they are taking it easy.
We need a physical DMan period. Our guys play too offensively and not enough on the defence principals of hockey.
A guy we need that willl protect Price in front of the nets, and be a defensive oriented guy who knows how to play defence.
Komisarek sure got whipped by Lucic in that fight.
A bitter disappointment in Komisarek in this year's play.
BTW, I heard Lucic did not learn to play hockey until the age of 14.
Bobby's got to pull the trigger on a trade if that means losing Higgins, Sergei K, Boullion, Begin, Denis for the DMan we need and a tall offensive gifted centreman sniper.
We have no one on the farm to come up on defense, the Itallion Stallions D'Agostini and perhaps Pacioretty are just waiting to be unleashed to play in Montreal.
Robert Lang has to skate, skate, skate every shift.
If not, sayonara Robert, we took a gamble in you this year and it has not paid off.
Changes have to be made if we are to be an Eastern contender this year or we'll sink even further.
We have to be more consistent game in and out.
"We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"
Submitted by georgesd on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 11:42.
RetroMikey
I find your comments intelligent and provocative. Good reading! I'm not sure what to make of the Habs this year.
You're right on when you say the young guns aren't as hungry this year knowing they made the team. Possibly should send down/bring up to send a message. D'Ags has earned the chance. Like w Lapierre last year: when you're too sure of your position complacency sets in. I believe this is what has happened.
Komisarek shouldn't be fighting. He should "CONCENTRATE" on his job as a defensive defenseman, NOTHING ELSE!! He gets rattled too easily and gets off his game as a result. Also, I believe the Habs should have a coach for defensemen. Remember Laperrière. Great coach for Ds. We can't do without one. Last year Desjardins was on all the talk shows waiting for the call that never came. He was in training camp in Philly helping their D.
Carbo SHOULDN'T have said his team was perfect when he should have said: "ok boys, we're on the right track. Let's continue vs Boston and Philly this week." Maybe after two or three more GOOD games, he could have sent flowers, but not otherwise. Big mistake. Carbo looked more like a former player than a head coach. A little too cocky and sure of himself.
Also, we have to lay off elevating a player after one or two good games. The road will be a long one what w so much parity in the league this year. This means a pat on the back, nothing more when a player gets on a good streak. And this should apply to all the players.
Obviously Laracque should do what he's here to do. The defense should clear the front of the net. They call this BEING RESPECTED. We're not doing it!
The goalies are young. Price and Halak have had more mediocre games than good ones in the past 6-7 games. They both need to learn more about mental toughness, especially Price. Too much hype goes to the head, I say.
The team has to stand up for ea other. It ain't happening, aside from Bouillon defending Lapierre the other night.
But, the glaring weaknesses have to be addressed.
-4th D, the 2 Ks not producing, maybe breaking up Gorges and Bouillon and putting Gorges as 4th. He'll do much better than O'Byrn, OVER THE LONG HAUL.
-Lang, I really don't know. I think it's more a question of getting his line to play as a unit. Same w the other two lines, despite individual statistics. It is a TEAM game after all.
-Price and most of the players are TOO relaxed. No urgency it seems. We can always rely on our talent. The truth is that it isn't going to work. Julien, if he had coached in Montreal as he is in Boston, wouldn't have been canned. He's evolved as a coach and has his team playing strong defense with excellent players up front contributing offense. His players are playing on the edge, Carbo's aren't. Huge difference.
-Maybe it's time to bring up Weber and make a specialist of him. Don't know for sure. Or maybe bring up Henry, big and strong D man to protect the front of the net.
The good news is that all this is happening very early in the season. Much time ahead to deal with it.
Regards, Georges D
Submitted by mrstewart61 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 09:19.
I have to disagree about Lang. He's on pace for 20+ goals, 50+ pts and is 2nd on the team at +6. I think he's doing what a 3rd line centre should.
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If a man speaks in a forest where no woman can hear him, is he still wrong?
Submitted by The Cat on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 08:32.
I disagree in that we need another D, we could use one but they're not to blame. We don't need a sniper, we need a hard-nosed forward or two. Our forwards cant win us a dirty game. And now as it seems that the powerplay wont be our bread and butter, we need those hard nosed forwards more than ever, we will have to play more like Boston ironically, the teams and games are awful tight, kind like as if it was the end of the year. And also the habs, and Carbo cause its his job, got to get it out of the players heads that they're special, because they truly are not.
Submitted by Sneezer on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 08:23.
Great post. Even last year with the young hungry guys we were obviously vulnerable - it showed in the play-offs. This year, except for the addition of Tanguay and Koivu's play, the team seems weaker. Hopefully a frank conversation that mirrors some of your points is going on in BG's office... instead of a cheerleader convention like some people on this board seem to think is warranted.
____________________________________________________________
Why don't we have a defensive coach? Insanity? Or arrogance?
Submitted by Habsville on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 07:37.
It is a long season. The first period missed opportunities hurt. A post and a shot over the crossbar. What alarms me is team unity. Ales K has a reputation for one good year than one poor year. I thought George was to be the fighter not Komo. Our over priced 4th line did not compete and we got torched by there 4th line. Gainey will take notes and than patiently wait to see if this is just a plimp or a cancer. Than a trade will send some top player packing. I thought our best line was Lang and his wingers
Submitted by CHCanadien on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 07:35.
One step forward....three steps back.
Last year they were picked to miss the playoffs and they end up winning the East. This year they're picked to win the East and compete for the Cup. The way they're playing now they'll be luckey to make the playoffs!
Submitted by RetroMikey on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 08:00.
Blame the media for labelling our team to finish first in the East which has gotten into the team's head as well as the fans believing what they predicted as well.
You have to make your prediction based on your knowledge in the current Habs roster and what we have in Habs prospects in Europe and in Hamilton that will pay dividends for us this year and for years to come.
I predicted 4th in the East and will stay pat in my decision.
I've said all along we'll sip the Cup next year but not this fantasy Centennial season.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love the team to win the Cup during this milestone season but it will not happen. Next year people.
Carey Price is still a young goalie and he is not in his prime yet and I would hate the fans to place high expectations on him this year that we will run him out of Montreal.
"We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"
Submitted by CHCanadien on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 07:32.
My fellow Habs fans up North, be glad that you aren't forced to endure other teams feeds. Jack Edwards and Andy Brickhead, uh I mean Brickley are by far the biggest homers and worst commentators!
Submitted by bigjames on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 10:52.
you obviously never heard derek sanderson!
Submitted by Harani on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 07:08.
What will it take to knock off Price from him calmness...geez...it's almost too much...the silence...it shows that he really doesn't feel for it coz it wasn't entirely his fault...but give that kid some credit...he just let in 6 goals...and he had the courage to talk like that WOW! Don't worry Pricey! Saturday is awaiting your arrival!
Btw...also tonight!
Toronto crushed the Oilers 5-2....
Pittsburgh's some Goligoski scores in shootout to win past Flyers
NewYork Island easily beat the Sens 3-1 (WOW!)
Sharks are crushing flames 4-0 in the first period
Minnesota shuts Phoenix 4-0
And our own show which went berserk, bad, messy, ugly...anything you wanna call it!
Submitted by ths on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 06:25.
OK. didnt seee the game but going by the score and hi-lo lites and what I read there is no need to panic. Lets just calmly do the following :
Fire Carbo
Hire Roy - If Roy was behind the bench he would have ordered Price to beat the shoot out of Lukic (or at least Thomas)
Trade Halak, Higgins, Saku and Mary-Kate
Bring up Pac, Maxwell, 2 defensman, from Hammer
Demolish the Bell Center and move back to forum
Have a referendum on Sovereignty
Abolish all 2 for 1 deals with ticket stubs in downtown strip joints...
Only after calmly reviewing the effects of these changes should we all storm the big owe and chant 'ole. ole' for an hour then perform a mass suicide ritual.
Submitted by G-Man on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 06:54.
lol. :D
Gilbert
2008/09 is the season of the Habs
Submitted by downeast hab on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 06:22.
As I watched the game last night,it became apparent that the more the Bruins stuck to the Habs,the more mistakes they made. It seems that if a team can bottle the habs up, and Boston now unfortunaly has, then there is trouble.Julien outcoached Carbo again. Carbo has to be able instill a different attack when he sees this is happening, but to me he continues to play the same system.It was is downfall, last year, and I hope he adjusts, because the habs are to good to falter this way.
Submitted by The Cat on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 05:50.
Its true every team needs a wakeup call, but hasnt there been a few of those lately?...The bruins last night, should've been ripe for the picking, they were in a bad spot scheduling wise and on the tail end of a back to back situation (a spot where they usually do even worse). If I was coach, Id bring in some american leaguers who work to win (not to be put on the 3rd or 4th line either), and not try to win on auto-pilot. I dont think its a move that reeks of panic, its a long season but for the most part, constant effort just hasnt been there. Just my opinion.
Submitted by theflower on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 05:15.
OK, I have only one word to describe this game "EMBARRASSING!" Now unlike many of you, I am not going to start pointing fingers or saying we are crappy or anything like that.
Simply put, here is what upset me and in my opinion it was one of the worst efforts I have seen in a long time from this team. This team showed no work ethic, period. We were beaten to loose pucks, we were knocked into the boards, we were out hustled every place in every way, we were blown out on the score board and even after all that, we got our faces punched in.
There is losing, then there is this. After playing sports for many years, I don't remember an occasion on any team, I ever played for that we didn't fight to the bitter end. This team did not fight from the get go and as it got worse it was like watching a train wreck and everyone on board just closing their eyes and waiting for the impact.
All, I can hope for is that they return with lessons learned in 9 days when they play Boston again. That they re-learn what they claim to have learned from Saturday's debacle against Toronto and do to Philly what they did to Ottawa. That is all I can hope for as a fan.
Every team loses, I expect us to lose some games, it's the lack of effort that I can't stand.
This is a good hockey team, it is evident we are one top 4 defenceman away from really being a Stanley Cup contender, but let's hope the 12 goals in the last 2 losses gets some players to wake up and play with heart and effort. If they do win or lose you will get no complaints from me.
Submitted by Habs fan in SF on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 04:58.
lucic looked like a frat boy after doing a keg stand. Not cool. Also Laraque has done jack. He's slow and he's not protecting our players. Isn't that why we signed him?? Embarassing loss. Also I watched the NESN feed and I'm disgusted by how biased they were. They were belittling price any chance they had. Seriously not cool. Somebody revoke their rights to broadcast...oh yeah their yanks and this was boston's Stanley cup. Go fug yourselves beantown.
Submitted by The Cat on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 05:55.
I dont think its wise to dismiss Boston like that, that is a very good team over there, made better by their work ethic and good coaching, whereas we are a very good team made ordinary by lack of work ethic and unimaginative coaching.
Submitted by Sneezer on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 07:29.
Good post - agree 100%.
____________________________________________________________
Why don't we have a defensive coach? Insanity? Or arrogance?
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 04:43.
We should all take note of these supposed Habs fans on this site that are jumping off the bandwagon, it is disgusting and shows that they are only cheerleaders and shows they never had faith. All great teams are whipped during the season and it's called a wake up call as Detroit last year can attest when Lidstrom went down. When you win say little, when you lose say less.
Submitted by Sneezer on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 07:34.
>it is disgusting and shows that they are only cheerleaders
Hey Pollyanna, a cheerleader is someone who reacts to their team getting their *** kicked by saying "everything is okay, why is everyone complaining??". You're the cheerleader - the ones who are upset are the REAL fans.
____________________________________________________________
Why don't we have a defensive coach? Insanity? Or arrogance?
Submitted by Dennis on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 02:49.
I cannot tell you how much I despise the Bruins. And me making friends with a raven at the Grand Canyon probably didn't help.
http://dennis-kane.com/
Submitted by POPS on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 02:28.
Wow!!I am so upset by all of the crap that is on here!It was a loss that was way over due to a team that has a major complex when it comes to the Canadiens!All of a sudden the team is too soft, Komi can't fight and wa wa wa wa!!I think they had a lousy effort tonight and what really concerns me is the play of the Kostitsyn brothers, Price and O'Byrne over the course of this young season.The Kostitsyn's are not generating any opportunities so I think Carbo's decision to put them on a line with Plekanec in the third was a great idea.Price seems to be lacking confidence this season and I think he needs a back-up with experience like Denis to help him through.Therefore, Gainey must move Halak soon.O'Byrne looks lost.He has trouble moving the puck efficiently and is not using his size effectively.I would much rather see Brisebois in the line-up.As far as the team being soft...Kostopoulos suspended, Begin in the press-box, and Laraque wasting time.It was a bad night and Philly will bring the same type of game Saturday night...the Habs will be prepared.
Submitted by boris420 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 02:18.
Despite Boston fans taking advantage to finally try and make us "go home and cry" I think that we needed this loss. Mainly to tell us that if we need to fix a problem it's not going to be done by reviewing tapes for a day. Look at Toronto they have Tv screens on their bench and they still lose games. Ill end this post here only to be continued on Nov.22 during the rematch. (Also Roy's jersey retirement night)
-From my blog
http://habsonlinetv.blogspot.com/
Submitted by RudeMood19 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 02:07.
I gotta say. Habs fans, next to Leaf fans, although I'm not so sure anymore, are so dysfunctional.
We lost 1 game! So what! People on here saying Carbo should be fired, Komisarek and Kovalev should be traded for a pile of pucks, etc
Enough. This is a damn good team. They are just not playing damn good hockey.
Submitted by Sneezer on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 09:32.
And when a damn good team plays damn poor hockey, two out of three nights, and seems to be losing it's mojo, it's only right to consider the coaching could be an issue.
____________________________________________________________
Why don't we have a defensive coach? Insanity? Or arrogance?
Submitted by mrstewart61 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 09:10.
Amen.
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If a man speaks in a forest where no woman can hear him, is he still wrong?
Submitted by RudeMood19 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 01:57.
HAha I still think Lucic is a moveable pylon.
Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 01:36.
Why does everybody hate Lucic? Is it because he does what no other Montreal Canadiens player does - i.e. works hard? I would love to have him in Montreal instead of any of our figure skaters.
Submitted by habsguy on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 10:47.
everyone hates Lucic because he's not a hab !!
Submitted by jamieboy333 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 02:45.
You're right, he does work hard. That's no excuse to be taunting fans and acting like he's in a boxing ring. That's just scum!
Submitted by Sakuismyhero on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 03:15.
Concurred, it was gross, Id be embarrassed if one of my players did that. So uncool.
Submitted by Kaptain K on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 01:38.
Well of course, but if a player single handedly rapes ur team, well ..we're gonna hate him. id want him too... but its the same with for example Sundin, who we all hated until we had a chance of having him
---
RULES OF A HABS FAN:
1- The PLAYERS must earn our confidence, WE dont have to be patient
2- You lose, you get shredded by the media.... DEAL WITH IT
3- You want our respect, WIN THE GAME
4- Habs fans reserve the right to rip apart anyone
Submitted by travelsized on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 01:29.
I think I'm going to cry. I came home and immediately logged on, and this is what I see.
Why are our heads so inflated after a win that we can't get over ourselves enough to play a decent game? Terrible.
Submitted by Kaptain K on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 01:25.
IF I WERE COACH (some of you can say thanks that im not)
1)Everyone in the press box, call up entire Bulldogs team (assuming they arent playing) for a dramatic representation and night of humiliation.
2) have the Habs watch le Rocket (the french movie that was awesome) b4 the game and have them watch the game where they arent playing.....
3) watch every single game from the Centennial epic game DVD collection...show them what it means to be a hab... and if they complain once, they are in the press box next game.
good thing im not coach eh?
---
RULES OF A HABS FAN:
1- The PLAYERS must earn our confidence, WE dont have to be patient
2- You lose, you get shredded by the media.... DEAL WITH IT
3- You want our respect, WIN THE GAME
4- Habs fans reserve the right to rip apart anyone
Submitted by Habs2win on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 01:23.
yes the habs are very soft, and have been for years. So why in hell hasn't Gainey tried to get bigger bodies? I mean, Boston never has any problems acquiring or draftinfg big players? Is our scouting dept so lame or unintelligent that we can't do the same?
The majority of our forwards are: small, euro, and heartless.
They are simply unwilling to pay the price to win. I'm not saying it's because we have too many euros, but ithat doesn't help. Yet look at Detroit, who has many euros, except that their players have heart, and willing to go that extra mile to win. our players want to take the easy way out, refusing to do the dirty work required to win a stanley cup.
As God is my witness, this group of players will NEVER win a cup, brcause they don't have what it takes mentally, no grit, no desire, no inner strength, and no heart. Gainey should trade Latendress for a bag of pucks, waive Breezer and Dandy, trade AK 46 and his brother(way too soft), and bring up Pac, Weber, and D'Agostini. We need to acquire 2 D men and a goaltender, because we have none. Price will never be a great goalie, because his head is incapable of staying in more than 1 game. I don't know where he is during games, but he certainly doesn't have the intensity or focus to stay connected. At times he looks brain dead, and Halak is no better.I'm sure we could fetch a good Dman for him tho.
Keeping all these softies and unfocused players is only a deterrant to us getting better. I think we need to get back into a rebuilding mode, with drafting big north american players. Boston is the class of the east, and outweighs the habs by far. tonight it was men vs boys. bruins have more taklent, better defensively, better goaltending, and will finish 1st in the eastern conference. the stanley cup finals: boston vs SJ.
I know we love this team, but it's a futile effort because they're going nowhere, except maybe to hell!
Submitted by POPS on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 02:05.
and with all this size and toughness, how many championships have the Bruins won in the last 15 years? Better yet, how many times have they beat the Habs in the last five years in the playoffs?
Submitted by habsguy on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 01:12.
and guys, I'm not a BGL hater...
Submitted by WindsorHab-10 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 01:11.
May be this team isn't as good as we think or just may be they think they're that good that they don't need to show up every game. I can take a loss to Boston after whipping them 12 straight, but be embarrassed and taunted by the likes of Lucic? Unacceptable. Sorry guys, but Price has sucked lately and may be needs to watch a couple of games. Your #1 needs to bail the team out once in a while and not let 16 goals by him his last 4 games.
Submitted by Steve C. on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 01:00.
I just had an amazing realization amongst this tragedy...when the fat lady sings..for the very last time....even through this horrendous lost....deep down inside, we ALL, and i mean ALL, know that the Canadiens WILL get the last laugh...history speaks for itself..they will rebound.
Submitted by RudeMood19 on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 01:59.
That's why I study history lol.
But seriously, come on, Boston needed one. We all know at some point they were going to win one. Better now then later. Besides, at least we feel like sh*t now, instead of later, if they were to beat for the first time at a later date.
Honestly, Boston isn't a great team. I refuse to believe they are better.
Submitted by Willy the bum on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 01:21.
I support Steve C.'s realization...
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"We all wore the same costume as Maurice Richard did; the red-white-and-blue costume of the Montréal Canadiens, the best hockey team in the world." - Roch Carrier
Submitted by habsguy on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 00:48.
remember guys, just mere presence of BGL was supposed to stop all the liberties taken by the other teams, well I just saw Komi get his *** handed to him....so you tell me why he's there !!!!!!!
Submitted by TripleX on Fri, 11/14/2008 - 00:57.
BGL is the least of our problems. The Habs are totally dysfunctional this year. I don't know the answer and it is obvious neither does Carbo. I can only hope Bob does.
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