Stars confirmed: four Habs to start for East

posted by Dave Stubbs at 15h12 EST on Jan 3


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The poorly kept secret is a secret no more: Canadiens goalie Carey Price, forward Alex Kovalev and defencemen Andrei Markov and Mike Komisarek are confirmed Eastern Conference starters for the NHL's 57th All-Star Game, to be played Jan. 25 at the Bell Centre.

Here's the official word from the NHL, and more from the proud game-host Canadiens. And here's Canadiens legend Jean Béliveau making the announcement by video.




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Habitant in Surrey's picture
Submitted by Habitant in Surrey on Sun, 01/04/2009 - 05:02.
...I love my Habs... but this method of selecting an All-Star Team is laughable... unfair to much more deserving players... and embarrassing... Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049

habsguy's picture
Submitted by habsguy on Sun, 01/04/2009 - 01:01.
whats wrong with so called Hab fans when they don't want to see them in the allstar game, thats just plain sickening. I support the Habs all the way and I wouldn't watch the game if there weren't any habs in it !!!!

sholi2000.com's picture
Submitted by sholi2000.com on Sun, 01/04/2009 - 00:55.
It's just a game people. Another form of entertainment. There are going to be tons of great stars at this game. Who cares who starts? There has been more whinning about this single game and the system, it's makes me laugh. I voted for Carey Price everyday. If people wanted Thomas, or Lundqvist, then they should have voted. Enough! #1 Carey Price Fan sholi2000.com God Bless Our Infantry 2PPCLI

Submitted by nightmare_49 on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 19:35.
Friday Night the Hamilton Bulldogs came back from three goals to beat the Syracuse Crunch 4 to 3. Thomas Beauregard had two goals including the winner and White and Glumac had singles as Luc Lacasse stopped 21 of 24 for the win.

RetroMikey's picture
Submitted by RetroMikey on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 19:04.
Komisarek an all star? Now Mike will command the big bucks or a hefty raise from Bob when negotiating his salary or it will be bye bye Montreal. I like Mike but he ain't no all star this year in my opinion. Personally, I believe Andre Markov should be the only all star selection on our team, he's earned it with Carey Price worthy of being a second team all star. Bob's going to have headaches and scratching his head now that Carey, Alex and Mike are now all stars....show me the money they will cry or we'll go somewhere else! We're all-stars! We should go back to the old ways folks where the sportswriters voted for the first and second team all stars. I wonder how much bonus money all 4 get being an allstar? Congrats to all 4 but I hope they don't use this as leverage when negotiating a new contract with Bob. We'll have to blame the fans who kept voting and voting and voting...... "We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"

The Cat's picture
Submitted by The Cat on Sun, 01/04/2009 - 08:39.
I dont think people in the business are taking these allstar selections very seriously.

Mill4ever's picture
Submitted by Mill4ever on Sun, 01/04/2009 - 02:43.
Well, fans should ask Mr. Komisarek for percentages then, since it's the fans who voted him an all-star.

Gary320's picture
Submitted by Gary320 on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 19:11.
Komisarek and his agent were probably already asking for 3/4/5 million. I think we should take him honestly, He is going to be HUGE for us in the future.. so sign him up for a LONG TERM deal.. I agree that Mike isnt All-Star this year... but clearly he was just voted in by the fans because he was on the ballot, if it was Hamrlik or Gorges in his place, they would be in it too. Again this notion that they are ALL STARS, wont make their price heavier.. they are already going to be heavy.. Either way, with LAng, Tanguay, Koivu, Kovalev, Komisarek all free agents.. clearly they are all going to ask for 4+.. either way I can pretty much say two will go. Next year Carey PRice is going to be a RFA, and you will HAVE to give him what ever he wants.. as long as its not 10 million for 200 years.. So this year, maybe we wilkl have 2/5 of those people I mentioned. Either way, I just want to see Komi and PRice with long term contracts.

Submitted by mbplekfan on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 19:32.
With the cap dropping this year all of our UFA's will have to temper their expectations. Komisarek is a solid 2-3 defenceman with little to no offensive upside. 3-4 million per year over four years ought to be enough. (I believe the cap will decline again the following year). Kovalev and Koivu will have to take significant haircuts to stay and are unlikely to attract big offers from other teams. As the cap declines the maximum salary any one player can receive will decline and that will act as a salary depressant for all.

Gary320's picture
Submitted by Gary320 on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 19:37.
Yeah I think 3-4 million will be enough, but I think Komisarek and his agent will be looking for 4-5 million. I think a little more years, and he will have an offensive upgrade for sure. Koivu and Kovalev, I dont think either will take a paycut. I dont see it at all. I see one leaving and one staying. If Koivu goes, I see Buffalo and Minnesota has possible locations. New York or Pittsburgh has interests for Kovalev. Next year.. will probably mean a whole different team.

Submitted by mbplekfan on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 19:48.
Considering that both players are well past their prime with both experiencing declining offensive production and ice time coupled with a salary cap that is expected to be $5 mill less, both will be lucky to attract two year deals in the 2.5-3 million range. Also remember that Phoenix is unlikely to be around next year putting lots of free agents on the market.

Submitted by nightmare_49 on Sun, 01/04/2009 - 00:10.
The salary cap is predicted to be between an increase of 1 million or a 1.5 million decrease. 2010 may be different.

Submitted by nightmare_49 on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 18:57.
The NHL's Top Defensive Forwards at Midseason (Robert Lang Top Hab) .. by James Mirtle/From The Rink ..... http://www.fromtherink.com/2009/1/3/707812/selke-watch-the-nhl-s-top ............................................................ The NHL Morning Papers (Saturday Edition) : 1st Round Pick Dangled By GM Bryan Murray and Ales Hemsky still has Headaches .. by Richard Pollock/IllegalCurve.com ..... http://www.illegalcurve.com/2009/01/03/nhl-morning-papers-saturday-editi...

24 Cups's picture
Submitted by 24 Cups on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 20:27.
Murray wants to trade his first round picks? I'd fire this guy right now, trade one of the big three for more picks and prospects and start to re-tool the team for the future. It's all over in Ottawa. Going For The Brass Ring - 25 Cups In 100 Years

RetroMikey's picture
Submitted by RetroMikey on Sun, 01/04/2009 - 09:50.
Sad but true in Ottawa 24 Cups. Once a proud franchise in Ottawa is now in shambles. I guess the big fat hefty contracts signed by Alfredsson, Heatley, andd Spezza has take its toll on the team. Ottawa has to start from scratch, I hope we will not be in the same boat as the Senators, but greed is money, greed works as they say! I honestly felt that the team was headed in the right direction and signing these 3 players to fat, hefty contracts by owner Melynyk was a huge mistake. These signings are in my opinion, a cancer to the team. I remember the big press conferences they had for Spezza and Heatly shown on television with dollar signs showing in their eyes. I do not want to see this in Montreal. I would only sign our franchise player to a long term 10 year contract and that player is Carey Price, who will be our all star for many, many, years. A gifted athlete and role model for the team who we should never lose to the root of all evil, money! "We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"

Submitted by mbplekfan on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 18:50.
Crosby is starting to show leadership and let his teammates know that their play of late has been unacceptable and that he is tired of losing. He was going to go down swinging, in the style of Bobby Clarke, Mark Messier, Cam Neely, Jarome Iginla, and other great captains.

travelsized's picture
Submitted by travelsized on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 18:29.
*does a little hustle* Now, here's hoping everyone is well enough to play!

Submitted by Number31 on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 18:10.
Hey. People need to stop freaking out. The point leaders and NHL stars will still be in it. These guys are only the FANS who voted them in. What does this tell the players? The FANS love them. The FANS want them in there. The FANS are giving them a present to go have some fun. That's all it is. People take this stuff too seriously. Habs fans united is a force to be reckoned with :D Kovy alone makes me want to watch the game/skills comp. That man is an artist. And I'm so glad our hard work got Pricey in nets! You deserve it, kid! (I bet Lundqvist and Thomas will be the other Eastern goalies, if they say yes of course). ****** the notwithstanding clause - The general consensus of an ordinary Habs fan in Montreal

coachdoug's picture
Submitted by coachdoug on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:52.
Sid should be removed from the All Star game for being a wanker! Apparently he jumped on Mclean as they were setting up for the face-off against Florida. Waiting to see the video on this one. This guy is the epitome of poor sportsmanship. Great lesson for the kiddies at home eh?

The Cat's picture
Submitted by The Cat on Sun, 01/04/2009 - 08:44.
Youre right. Had that been an average player, the commentators wouldve went on about how cowardly and disgusting that was, but no instead I get to hear how crosby showed some character and what a great statement he made to his teammates lol. Mickey mouse league...

the_larry's picture
Submitted by the_larry on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 18:11.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQxuLumWjio yeah Crosby just attacked him, Maclean never stood a chance, never saw it coming.

Submitted by HabsDawg (not verified) on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 20:24.
What else would U expect from Cindy. The Cry Baby COWARD....

24 Cups's picture
Submitted by 24 Cups on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 19:00.
larry - I guess you would have to put it in the context of what was going on during the game at that specific time. Two other guys received majors just before that faceoff. Judging by the video and the ref's penalties, you would have to say that Crosby is guilty as charged. Looked pretty gutless to me. Certainly not part of the Laraque code. (We play the Pens a month from today. TTB vs Crosby will be the main event) Just what we needed, a fired up Panther team after they had just lost four in a row. Going For The Brass Ring - 25 Cups In 100 Years

coachdoug's picture
Submitted by coachdoug on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 18:33.
Mclean just better be glad his crotch wasn't exposed to Sid or it would have been all over!

showey47's picture
Submitted by showey47 on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 18:10.
i just saw it, that was pretty cowardly. Judging by the reaction of mclean he never saw it coming.

Da Hema's picture
Submitted by Da Hema on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:51.
If the NHL truly wants the best players at the NHL All-Star game, then the league would change its current format from fan voting to GM selections or perhaps even the players themselves selecting the All-Stars. The league wants fans to be engaged, so it makes perfect sense to foster and encourage fan voting. No one should be surprised when the fans select questionable starters. In my opinion, the only Hab who really deserves to be in the all-star game as a starter is Price. Markov should be in the game, but not as a starter. So long as the fans are allowed to select the players, then those like Kovalev who have a Celine Dion-like following among fans will be there. I never watch the All-Star game, so in the end I could really care less. The fans can select Howie Morenz to start if they so wish. _________________________________________ "Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that's real power." --Clint Eastwood

likehoy's picture
Submitted by likehoy on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:50.
here's for wishful thinking but i hope crosby catches the flu and can't make the game forcing saku to be put in! and the pens lose back to back games.

mrhabby's picture
Submitted by mrhabby on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:29.
ya i know the league will pick him.i figured he would start.

mrhabby's picture
Submitted by mrhabby on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:23.
we have the best fans in the world...but its still a little weird as there other players who should be there to...like ovechkin?????. but hey iam not complaining..its our year se la vie, ole,ole.

Harani's picture
Submitted by Harani on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:26.
Well...the fact is that Ovechkin will be at the but just not in the starting line-up! You think the league won'T choose him?

TripleX's picture
Submitted by TripleX on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:23.
Four Habs on the starting lineup for the All-Star Game and the Bruins finally lose. Now we only need the juniors to destroy the Russians for it to be a hat trick day!

Vid's picture
Submitted by Vid on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:13.
I was thinking. Maybe the all-star game would be more interesting if there was a stipulation that half of the team has to be "defensive" all-stars (based on hits, blocked shots) and the other half "offensive all-stars (based on goals, points)" in other junior news. Slovakia just scored on the pp against Sweden. 1-0.

crabvader's picture
Submitted by crabvader on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:08.
I absolutely love that 4 of our habs cracked the all-star roster. I love it because it pisses everyone else off, who are only jealous that their fan base isnt as devoted to their team as ours is. Also, I love it because habs fans had a chance to vote for the centennial and having these guys in there in our hometown is excellent, (which for some reason, other morons cant seem to understand and they call US the idiots). Trust me, if it was THEIR centennial in THEIR hometown, they would do the exact same thing. I can't stand hypocrits. Can't wait to watch our guys shine at the all-star game :D

Submitted by jw112063 (not verified) on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:35.
(which for some reason, other morons cant seem to understand --- Finally you realize you are a Moron!

Vid's picture
Submitted by Vid on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:05.
What is an all-star? Is it purely based only on goals and offense regardless of defence, leadership or teamplay? If you're going to allow fan voting. Of course they will vote for their favorite players regardless of performance. Maybe they shouldn't be in the starting lineup (but just on the roster) but I see nothing wrong with this. Allowing fan voting but criticizing them because they don't all pick the absolute best players seems counterproductive. If you want strict legitimacy then you eliminate fan voting and only have the players selected based on point totals or player/coach votes. It's not like the all-star game is actually played like one anyway so a few less "all-stars" won't change the game itself. There's enough other roster spots for the best of the best to get in even when the fans vote non-all-star players in. The game is for the fans in the end.

J.T.'s picture
Submitted by J.T. on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:22.
I usually can't stand the all-star game and rarely watch it unless there's a Hab goalie involved...then I watch only the period he plays. Even the skills competition was boring and silly last year. This year though, I'll watch the skills just to see Kovalev in the accuracy shooting and shootout competitions. I've been waiting for ages to see that. As for Komisarek, I see his nomination to the team as a nod to all the defensive defencemen in the league whose teams wouldn't win without them. He might not put up the points, but he's an all-star for heart and dedication. And hits and blocked shots should count for something too. The fans might have voted him in, but they didn't put him on the ballot in the first place. That said, though, I suspect he'll plead injury and remove himself from the game quietly. It doesn't matter if critics think he shouldn't be there...but it does matter if *he* thinks he shouldn't. http://habsloyalist.blogspot.com

Moey's picture
Submitted by Moey on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 18:21.
Komo removing himself? His Dad will throttle him, in the audio posted on here yesterday he laughingly said that his Dad was probably responsible for half his votes. http://moeymusings.blogspot.com/

Submitted by HabsFreak (not verified) on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 16:37.
Sure there are some better or more popular players but the fans who will watching the game got what they wanted. Do you really think anyone form Florida, Atlanta, Carolina, Jersey, will be watching this game??? They dont even watch their own games! The other players who deserve to be there, like Ovechkin and Zetterberg, will still be there. Interested fans voted for the players they want to see. The rest will balance out for an entertaining display of "hockey". The skills competition is the hightlight for me and I can't wait to see Kovy perform. ----------- Submitted by Yeats on Fri, 01/02/2009 - 21:54. "Do you really think this team is good enough to win a Cup? I don't, not even as a longshot."

Harani's picture
Submitted by Harani on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 16:29.
On a side note: Crosby shows his true colors in today's game against Florida: Sidney Crosby: Holding - 2 min Instigator - 2 min Unsportsmanlike conduct - 2 min Fighting (maj) - 5 min Misconduct - 10 minutes The whole bunch of penalties because Pittsburgh wasn't winning, actually they were losing 4-1. Suck it up Sid the kid! All-Star...I'm not too sure! Also, Florida seems to be deadly on the PP. We better be ready tomorrow to face them. They just won 6-1 against the slumping Penguins!

Robert L's picture
Submitted by Robert L on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:15.
The Rocket never wanted to win the Lady Byng either!

http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/


Submitted by Citrouille on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 16:34.
Penguins lost 6-1. I feel less bad about yesterday's loss now!

Submitted by mbplekfan on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 16:31.
Crosby did what a captain is supposed to do. Namely not lie down and take a beating. He showed some heart and leadership and motivated his team. Contrast that to our group of gentlemen who coasted the last ten minutes vs NJ rather than send a message that they dont like losing. Talk about missing the point entirely...

badbalance's picture
Submitted by badbalance on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 16:23.
Well deserved, All great players, All will make a difference in the Playoffs. Who cares what you haters think, bashing Komi and Kovi and stuff, just calm down and enjoy our fellow habs put a show on for us,,,,, does it matter what any bashers think on this forum? nope not at all they invisible to me here. I cant wait, and congrats Price for taking it from Fleury

habsfor25's picture
Submitted by habsfor25 on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 16:13.
wow people arent really happy with the way the all star line up went.. and im with them... komo is a good player but he shouldnt be in the starting lineup nor in the actual game he hasnt played well this season... kovalev should be in the lineup just not in the starting lineup but who cares the coach can change it up and probably will after the first shift is over.... price deserves it and so does markov... people seem to forget that this is just 2 lines out of 7

badbalance's picture
Submitted by badbalance on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 16:24.
You dont know what your talking about

habsfor25's picture
Submitted by habsfor25 on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 17:04.
yes actually i do

Harani's picture
Submitted by Harani on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 16:02.
YAY PRICEY!!!!!

sholi2000.com's picture
Submitted by sholi2000.com on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 15:48.
People have to stop looking at it as an ALL STAR game. This game is for the fans, and the fans now get to see who they want. So congrats to those who made it. I voted for Price over a hundred times. I feel he's an all star, and that's why I voted. sholi2000.com God Bless Our Infantry 2PPCLI

Submitted by mbplekfan on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 15:45.
Pretty sorry comment on the state of our team and fans if we land players on the all star team by a massive voting scheme. This whole episode makes me cringe. I feel sorry for the players who dont deserve to be there based on their play. Its fraud and they know it.

RGM's picture
Submitted by RGM on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 16:13.
I agree. Habs fans are just awful in demonstrating how strongly they support their players. Why, if it weren't for our dedication none of this would have happened. If only we were as detached and disinterested as fans of the Thrashers or Panthers, then surely we would not have had victory this day. And we all know that a victory for the Canadiens or their players when it comes as a result of doing exactly what we should do is a fraud. We should have just stood back and let the Pittsburgh fans with their automated voting scripts and bots take all six starting spots because surely all of them deserve to be there far more than any of our players, and hey, it shows the ingenuity of a Penguins fan to be able to complete circumvent the system to get their guys there, that's what should be rewarded. ----- Go Habs Go!

habsfor25's picture
Submitted by habsfor25 on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 16:16.
yah but the all star game is too see the best talent... the fan voting is a joke and ruins the whole concept of the all star game.. this isnt something i blame the fans for but the NHL

Submitted by mbplekfan on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 16:26.
Exactly, vote for the best players and take off your homer glasses once in a while. Price and Markov are the only Habs who deserve to even be at the game. I will applaud the fans who electronically stuffed the ballot boxes, you have ruined Gary Bettman's concept completely. Anyone who wants to comment and legitimize the failed concept is welcome to do so but please recognize that teenage boys engage in silly junior high antics all the time, but that doesnt make them legit. Hopefully the governors will recognize the joke this game has become and cancel the whole thing.

Moey's picture
Submitted by Moey on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 16:22.
Well you certainly can't argue that Kovy is one of the best talents in the league, the skills competition is practically tailor made for him. http://moeymusings.blogspot.com/

Submitted by mbplekfan on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 16:27.
But his play doesnt warrant a spot this year. He has been disinterested and ordinary at best, not worthy of an "All Star" spot.

Moey's picture
Submitted by Moey on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 15:30.
Komi over Koivu? No way, what can Komi bring to the all star table? Zilch. http://moeymusings.blogspot.com/

sag's picture
Submitted by sag on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 15:47.
Regarding your latest musing, how come you didn't chat with your new friends about Crosby's 3rd man in punches to the "soft spot" of a player in their last Atlanta game??If not, ask them next time how Sid got away with it with both the league officials and the media for me!

Moey's picture
Submitted by Moey on Sat, 01/03/2009 - 16:06.
Why don't you ask them yourself, it's a public site. My theory is probably for the same reason Ovechkin just got away with hitting a guy from behind and smashing his head into the boards. Superstar status obviously comes with a get out of jail free card. http://moeymusings.blogspot.com/