Here's hoping that clothes make the player

posted by Dave Stubbs at 23h34 EST on Nov 13


1945-46.jpg

Dress like the Punch Line, play like the Punch Line?
Courtesy Montreal Canadiens

Thursday's 6-1 Canadiens loss to the Bruins in Boston smelled a little like a farmer's field in late autumn, and we don't mean the fragrance of the harvest.

That one was a game best forgotten, though coach Guy Carbonneau might remind his players of it at practice on Friday.

On Saturday, vs. the Philadelphia Flyers at the Bell Centre, the Canadiens will wear the jerseys you see illustrated here as part of their 100th-season celebration.

It's the 1945-46 sweater that was sported by the legendary Punch Line – Elmer Lach, Maurice Richard and Toe Blake – and the rest of the Habs in winning their sixth Stanley Cup.

A simple sweater won't ail what cures a team, but in this case, surely it can't hurt.




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notbigbird's picture
I love the fact that we have a new guy to pillory -- now it's BGL. Is everyone having fun?

Kristopher7's picture
I don't join in the bashing of single players but I don't know notbigbird did you have a dandy ass time watching the 6-3 and 6-1 games? Gotta rip someone a new one for those.

Habsrule1's picture
Good point. I was getting tired of defending Lats & Breezer...although Breezer looks much better than OB right now lol "I can't hear what Jeremy(Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy Go Habs Go!! Habsrule

Dintrox's picture
With Komi out and SK a big question mark. The Habs better get it together quick -- Philly are hungry and will bring an A game to the Bell.

Habsrule1's picture
I can't find the post, but whoever was complaining that we are only 2 points out of 9th and ahead of the leasfs, keep in mind that we are on pace to hit 120 points! I think we are jumping the gun a little early here. I'm not too impressed with the way we've played either, but good teams find ways to win and to pick up points, and we've done that so far. When this team gets more consistent, they will be UNSTOPPABLE!! "I can't hear what Jeremy(Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy Go Habs Go!! Habsrule

Gr8stFranchizEvr's picture
numbers, like stats, can be viewed from many angles with speculative analysis going to either extreme.

SlovakHab's picture
Agree with what you said, however it was just a few days ago that we were "On pace for disappointing 139 points" - David Kellerman's article.. We basically lost 19 points in those few days - well, one more crap week and we will be on pace for excellent 98 points... But as I said before, let's make this bad week a productive step to get better.. ________________________________________________________ "It's not about winning some and losing some, it's about HOW you win and lose that matters." - Ryan Winter

xaverian001's picture
My 2 cents: I'm glad the game wasn't on TV last night because it would have really ruined my night. Really you have to give Boston credit. They are a tough team and actually have some skill this year. I had a gut feeling going into this game that the Bruins were ready to put a beating on the Habs and I'm not surprised by the result. I don't believe we need to blow up the team at this point, but les boys really have to bear down and stop relying on their skill to win hockey games. It takes a lot more than skill at the NHL level and it seems the Habs have to learn that the hard way. I would like to Kovy step it up a notch though ... there has been far too many nights where he has been invisible. If Komisarek is indeed hurt then Bob needs to make a move ASAP to shore up the back end. Breezer doesn't cut it as a sub. As for the all star voting it really just comes down to some pumped up Hab fans filling the ballot box. I know I've voted about 20 times more this year than I did all last year. There is no shame in the Habs leading the way by a wide margin. It simply shows how strong and excited our fan base is to be hosting the game in our Centennial year. KEEP IT UP!!!

Sorry to correct you, but it was on TV, just not general TV. I subscribe to NHL Center Ice, and had the unpleasant experience of watching the game...well most of it, I had to turn it off with 9 minutes left...it hurt too much.

captaink4life's picture
There are rumours floating around on hfboards.com that all the javascript votes will be removed from the All-Star voting website. _____________________________ Koivu for Prime Minister :) Drive for 25!!

wd40's picture
Carey's going to need sunblock on his neck if he keeps this up.

David Desharnais : Yeah, But Who's Laughing Now .. by Scott Radley/Hamilton Spectator ..... http://www.thespec.com/Sports/article/466351 .................................................... On The Beat : Jordan Leopold on the Block, Brassard may be on the Top Line and Hedberg and Lalime starting Tonight .. by Richard Pollock ..... http://www.illegalcurve.com/2008/11/14/on-the-beat-lalime-and-hedberg-st...

Shiloh's picture
My plane landed in the late afternoon. I got home in time to do a teleconference, have supper and settle in to the rec room to watch the game on RDS. I fell fast asleep at about 7:15 and woke up as the Bruins were congratulating their goalie at the end of the game. I was out like a light the entire time. Looks like I picked a great one to miss.

S - You didn't miss much but Lats was awesome, lol.

SlovakHab's picture
Lucky you. I was up until 4am to watch that embarrasment. I wish I have fallen asleep so that I would not be so tired today. ________________________________________________________ "It's not about winning some and losing some, it's about HOW you win and lose that matters." - Ryan Winter

SlovakHab's picture
Just wanna say 1 thing that hasn't been said before, but is something Guy Carbonneau should tell the team: A loss is a loss only if you don't learn from it. Otherwise, it becomes a productive step towards the future victories. ... ________________________________________________________ "It's not about winning some and losing some, it's about HOW you win and lose that matters." - Ryan Winter

That's deep, dude :) But, I don't know if they can grasp that kind of concept.

SlovakHab's picture
OK, what about this: "Good morning, you lazy little bunch of self-assured, heartless pussies. You did not only embarrass yourself, you have embarrassed the logo you wear on those jerseys. If any of you feels like smiling now, I will send Kirk for a cup of coffee so I can smash it against the wall. If any of you will play the kind of game you played against Boston last night EVER again, I will personnaly make sure you will have problems with your groins for the next 2 years!!!!" Would this kind of concept be easier to grasp for them? ________________________________________________________ "It's not about winning some and losing some, it's about HOW you win and lose that matters." - Ryan Winter

Hoegarden's picture
I had a feeling Carbo was letting the humiliation register with the players, especially on Price (a dangerous game to play), when Boston made it 5 - 1. He did not even look at Halak to see if he was ready to hop in(RDS comment). There are only so many excuses in the book and when Saku mentioned "mental fatigue" after 14 games into the season it could only make one laugh. So far, we've heard different regular quotes such as "we did not play a full 60 mins" "we took this one for granted" "we had a long break" or "we play too much offence, not enough defence". You'd think that "mental fatigue" would surface sometime in 2009 but here it is, Nov 08. That win against the Sens may also be very misleading; I saw part of the game against the Islanders last night and if our Habs are in trouble, the Sens are in deep caca. 68 games to go and plenty of ups and downs in store. Go Habs, bring the 07-08 spirit back, soon, very soon.

Hoegarden's picture
The one thing I like about Laraque is that when he's on the ice with Latendresse, Latendresse reminds me of Courtnall with his blazing speed. If he cannot find a dance partner with his social approach (Would you like to fight with me ? No, Ok then, next time, bye) then he's going to go to plan B and deck someone, just like Lucic did to Kovy last night and surely the Lucics and Thorntons will come to the rescue of their Savard, Bergeron etc. Somehow, somewhere he's going to have to justify his salary because if we keep checking the scoresheet, we're in for a major disappointment with his stats.

Laraque is completely useless....doesn't fight cause nobody will fight him... so what is the point of him... useless pylon taking up a roster spot from someone with actual hockey skills.... his presense has done NOTHING to stop our guys from getting pushed around.... two games in a row saku has been nailed an at no point has laraque even tried to defend him... it would be better for him to take the instigator and snd a message then to just sit and do nothing while we lose actually skilled plyers to fighting injures.....

Fansincebirth's picture
Funny, watching the game last night reminded me of a game several years ago when Patrick Roy made his infamous "I've played my last game..." comments. The whole team came down with a severe case of head-up-assitis. Just one game though (I hope).

Hoegarden's picture
I wonder which team will show up against Philly on Saturday and for Patrick's night on Nov 22nd. The Habs vs Boston and taranna team or the Habs vs Sens version ? The real concern about last night was the total capitulation of the team. I know it's only one game and they were due to lose one, along with all that "praise the enemy" bull, but I expected some fight out of them in the 3rd pedior,knowing that this one was out of reach. They failed to show some pride and prove to themselves that they can turn it on. That is worrysome. No panic but fresh blood is definitely needed for a couple of games. 46 has not been the same since the Sauer hit and 74 is still affected by it. If Begin is no longer in the plans then Bob must make a move and call someone up.

Gr8stFranchizEvr's picture
For some reason, the team tends not to play well on special ceremony nights and jersey retirement games. Here's hoping they can remedy that with another rebound win. I don't want to sound like a sourpuss, but I have to point this out. The Habs played a good game for 60 minutes vs. Ott on Tuesday, but Ottawa and Boston are very different teams. The Sens are as soft as the Cottonelle bear,the Bruins are as tough as Kodiaks fighting for salmon. The Sens 'bent over' to the Isles last night for a good wiping. That should bring a dose of reality to our great game on Tues. That said, the team has much work ahead of it in order to find and buy into an effective system as well as find its identity and passion. These guys are emotionally and psychologically panting for water - they're down in the dumps - right now, and that is the only mental fatigue to which Koivu could be referring. Carbo has to open a box of creative solutions and share its contents with the team. No easy task, cuz I hear those kinds of boxes are in short supply right now.

SlovakHab's picture
Chipchura, Stewart, Pacioretty. While not superstars, I would not mind them coming to MTL and playing 10-15 games this year. They are all around 6-2 and 205lbs, young, hungry, talented and tough North American guys. I think we have too many skilled, but somehow soft Europeans - Kovalev, Mary-Kate, Ashley, Gang Bang, Plex, Marky, ... Saku and Hamr are OK, they play good, consistent game. We need to get big, mean and angry. ________________________________________________________ "It's not about winning some and losing some, it's about HOW you win and lose that matters." - Ryan Winter

Hoegarden's picture
Maxwell and D'Agostini are the two I have in mind. At least they deserve a serious look at the NHL level, not a couple of games playing 3 - 4 mins.

HugeHabsFan's picture
Dave - I sure hope they will be playing like the Punch Line tomorrow night. Gad! We so desperately need it... ........... "To you from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high." I STILL BELIEVE. I WILL ALWAYS BELIEVE.

CrashTheNetCrashTheNet's picture
Anybody know if Komi lost any teeth?? I didn't see him after that fight. I guess the dynamic between komi and Lucic is forever changed or until Komi wins a rematch which does not seem likely after that beating.

HugeHabsFan's picture
I'm not quite sure that Komisarek "lost" that one... Most of Lucic's punches landed on his helmet. Do they really count? ........... "To you from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high." I STILL BELIEVE. I WILL ALWAYS BELIEVE.

coutNY's picture
Come on... Komi is my favorite player and I can admit he lost the fight!

HugeHabsFan's picture
Hey I was just trying to give him the benefit of the doubt, lol! ........... "To you from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high." I STILL BELIEVE. I WILL ALWAYS BELIEVE.

Gr8stFranchizEvr's picture
This ringside judge gave a unanimous decision to Lucic. Komi went weak in the knees and buckled like a little boy being slapped by his big bully brother! Whether the punches hit the helmet or the face, Komi got scared when they started to come fast and furious. He didn't have an answer, so he dropped. Hey, he's not a fighter. At least that's been cleared up!

The word is that Komi either broke or fractured his hand during the fight...Carbo would not speculate more than that during the media scrum after the game. But the fact that he didn't deny there was/is something wrong seems to indicate that he's injured. The question now remains, is how much..? By the way almost all of Lucic's punches landed on Komi's helmet. Proof of that were the 5 or 6 gashes on Lucic's hands and the need for stitches after the fight.

CrashTheNetCrashTheNet's picture
I hope your right about the damage to the knucks being from the helmet. I,m pretty sure I saw one punch connect cleanly with Komi's mouth area and it seems like he crumpled at that moment and stopped swinging, thats why I think he caught one in the chops. I hope I'm wrong... this is exactley why you don't want your bluechip d-man fighting! There is nothing to gain, komi was already intimadating opposition with his physical game. If he fights and wins players are still intimadated so no real gain but if he fights and loses he becomes a little less affective. I remember something from drydens book where he always prayed that Robinson wouldn't need to fight and risk his reputation as invinsible.

Either way I don't think this will stop Komi from playing his physical game. If anything this should make him even more cantankerous and mean-spirited. Scott Stevens got his ass handed to him in almost all of his fights throughout the years and he was and still is considered one the toughest SOB's in the NHL with his big hits. He didn't fight all that much, but that's the point. Komi should model his game after Stevens in every respect. Look for the big punishing hits to really knock the wind out the opposition and fight only if he gets jumped from behind. Or to defend his goalie from a cheapshot.

In the immortal words of the lady who lured the guy into the torture chambers in the movie Hostel - "Now, YOU are my b!tch"

Ian Cobb's picture
Great sweaters Dave, do you think they will cover up all the Parkinson's or will Carbo shake them up in pratice.

24 Cups's picture
When I click on "part of their 100th season celebration" there is a great photo gallery. However, I am unable to download the individual photos. All the icons at the top of my page "go light" in colour so that I can't use them. A "right click" is also fruitless. Any reason why? Possible suggestions? Going For The Brass Ring - 25 Cups In 100 Years

Robert L's picture
Give me a link Steve, and I'll get you some pics.

Is it just me or is Price either brilliant or extremely ordinary...either way, seems to get to the other players early. When he's ordinary, every stop looks like the same butterfly save, any high shot stands a good chance of going in. Is it a confidance thing with Price? Lee

Gr8stFranchizEvr's picture
Observation on last night's goals: -4 were along the ice (i think 2 went between legs) -2 went in high But, your point is taken.

habsguy's picture
I personally think Carey is the best YOUNG goalie in the game, with a chance at being the best period !!!!! Lastyear he was awesome until he admittedly ran out of gas, and this year he's played a couple of stinkers but the whole team didn't show up for those games. I don't understand some of you guys, they are NOT going to win every game they play..heck they've only lost 3 games this year, only Detroit has lost fewer...they gotten 20 out of a possible 28 points....enjot it !!!

Reza's picture
Personally I never expect to win every game, it is the manner of these particular losses that's disappointing. I know I am in the minority but I am concerned about Price, even though the whole team are to blame for the ones like last night.

he's mediocre at best. the kid has ADD-attention deficit disorder!

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???? _________________________________________________________________________ "No way! Thats unbelievable! Thats the save of the year and its not even the year yet!" (on Carey Price stick save against Detroit)

I'm going to write that one off as the Bruins being due to win one. I have serious concerns, however. Kovalev? Price? Komisarek? These guys are supposed to be our best players. Didn't see any sign of it last night. I'm seeing way to many passes by guys in position to SHOOT the puck! Stop reading your press clippings and start playing hockey, les boys.

wd40's picture
i'll buy that after 12 consecutive regular-season losses against the Habs, they were due to win one, but not 6-1. yes, the SO was sweet against Ottawa, but come on Carey, allowing 6 goals twice in the span of 3 games is simply not gonna cut it. i don't want to hear "it's early in the season". let's be honest. i think we can all agree, given their overall play and effort, the Habs were very fortunate to come out of October with the record they posted. i hope Carbo is able to right this ship quickly or it's going to be a long November. these points are important.

Robert L's picture

Robert... I appreciate your passion for the game and the Habs, however I think you're feeling more embarrased this morning because of the lopsided loss last night. I could be wrong though... Now, the question of this so-called java-script...The are apparently 2 scripts running around right now. One of which does not work because it's an apparent trojan-horse virus. That's the one you're refering to. The one that does work however is nothing more than an auto-filler of the Hab players on ballot check boxes. The person using it has to then manually click on 'submit' and wait the full minute in front of their computer to vote again like everyone else. In other words they save a grand total of 5 seconds to not go through the actual clicks and not likely to break the polls anytime soon. No, I think this is a simple case of rabid Habs fans trying to make history...Even then, I would say the vast majority of the votes have been submitted using the manual method. I hardly think the very few that use the 2nd script by saving a few seconds of clicks would give them that kind of lead. The only thing most Habs fans can be guilty of is major homerism...Nothing more, nothing less. P.S.: I have not used or tried to use any of these scripts. I simply did some research on it by reading comments on other hockey blogs.

Robert L's picture
"I appreciate your passion for the game and the Habs, however I think you're feeling more embarrased this morning because of the lopsided loss last night. I could be wrong though..." Sorry, Quick Critic, but you the "I could be wrong part" right. I haven't seen the game. I work nightshifts and I wrote this rant yesterday.

JIMVINNY's picture
Ive been using the auto-filler script that you talked about above, and I don't feel bad or embarrassed about it. it only saves me a total of 10 seconds every time I use it, and it doesn't allow me to vote more than I would have anyways, so I have no intention of stopping. The other ones I've heard about, that allow you to walk away and continue voting once per minute, I don't agree with those either, and I do hope the NHL figures out a way to discard these votes. Not that it'll make much difference, I think there are a lot more legit votes than there are cheater votes.

24 Cups's picture
Time to take the voting away from the fans - it really doesn't develop new interest in the game. In reality, it only detracts from what could be a showcase for new viewers to watch. It's a blemish against our centennial celebrations. Going For The Brass Ring - 25 Cups In 100 Years

Number31's picture
ANYONE here who is using that auto-voter program please stop. A finger press on the mouse works just as well!

Neil's picture
Alright. Here's how my voting's going. The east is a no brainer. In the west i take Luongo. Arguably the best goalie in the NHL and a hometown born and raised. On D I take Lidstrom, who's probably the best all around d-man since bobby orr. My other D is Phaneuf who is basically a canadian born Komisarek with an offensive flare. (by the way, his sister joined the facebook group i was promoting before, http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=47553131220, and she's pretty hot. On forward I'm voting for the top 3 guys who aren't mike ribero. At the momoent that's Morrow, Datsyuk, and Zettergerg. That being said when ribs first made the habs I was a huge fan. this kid had gorgeous hands and was a homegrown talent. I was convinced he would be our next captain. That was before his ego became more potent than his hands. When we traded him I found that I was one of the few backing up Gainey. At the time we needed a 6th/7th d-man and while Niinimaa (spelling might be wrong but comes from tsn) barely fit that role I still to this day think we won that trade. I knew Ribs would have a good career elsewhere but in montreal his ego got in the way. Ironically enough my theory on Ribs was proven just the other night when he scored a beautiful shootout goal and then skated by the other teams bench with his finger in front of his mouth hushing their team. While Ribs no doubt has the skill to be on the all star team, please help me get this cocky SOB out of the starting lineup.

Hi all... (long time reader, finally registered...) speaking of saturday's game, I just realized that the Lafs/Canucks are getting the 7PM time slot on the national CBC channel. Here I thought that they would be featured on the 2nd game and get a chance to watch a Habs game in English - I guess not... :-(

boris420's picture
You could watch the game from multiple streams that fans air at game time. I post the links on my blog before the game and there's usually always an English one. http://habsonlinetv.blogspot.com/

good to know.. thanks for the info! Cheers

Dennis's picture
I left Vegas and was at the Grand Canyon and missed yesterday's game. That's luckier than winning on the slot machines. http://dennis-kane.com/

Maybe its time that the team realizes it has everything to lose. Yeah we got 100 years of history, but not all of it was always good. I feel like they're playing with a feeling as though "destiny" will pass them the torch. And lets get real. To make it to 1st round will be a blessing.

Kaptain K's picture
Hell lets give them the straight no curve wooden sticks, and the shaky equiment...cuz right now the defense (or anyone) cant seem to receive/make passes, or find the net --- 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

Shan's picture
I like this jersey very much. ----- Their defenses are broken! Let the slaughter begin!

Steiner's picture
do we know when the original blue jerseys with the "C" (the one Saku wore in the press conference) will be worn?

Dave Stubbs's picture
Blue jerseys coming Nov. 3 and Dec. 1, 2009. Dave Stubbs
Habs Inside/Out
Sports Feature Writer, Montreal Gazette

 


Steiner's picture
thanks Dave!

ghg31price's picture
Dave, you're the man!

Willy the bum's picture
Sorry, you just gotta wait 'til next season to see/get them blue jerseys... ---------- "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

Willy the bum's picture
...still waiting for that Barber Shop jersey... ---------- "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

Dave Stubbs's picture
The CAC barberpole special will be worn Feb. 1 and March 31. Dave Stubbs
Habs Inside/Out
Sports Feature Writer, Montreal Gazette

 


Willy the bum's picture
Oh man, that's in three months! Ugh... I really do want one though; stripes are IN! Thanks anyways, Mr. Stubbs. ---------- "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

Number31's picture
Me too!




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