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Let's play Count the Red Jerseys
posted by Mike Boone at 14h20 EST on Oct 16
One, two, three... And if you like what's below, see this from habsfan321 on Twitter:
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About Mike Boone
Full Name
Mike Boone
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http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/columnists/mike_boone.html
About
I grew up in Park Extension, within walking distance of Dickie Moore's Dairy Queen on Jean Talon. Moore had a place on L'Acadie Blvd., and we used to see him driving around in his convertible with a Samoyed and a very dishy wife.
While "studying" at McGill University during the 1960s, I used to attend games at the old Montreal Forum. My fellow undergraduate reprobates and I would scramble up the stairs to get centre-ice spots in the top standing room section, where aged ushers didn't know or care what we were smoking.
I stood out in the cold for six hours to get tickets to the 1975 New Year's Eve game between the Canadiens and Central Red Army. With the exception of the birth of my daughter, the 3-3 tie was the greatest event I've ever seen in my life.
The Canada-U.S. Gold medal game comes close .... but I wasn't there.
I've been a professional journalist since 1974, when I joined the Montreal Star sports department. I've covered the 1976 Olympic Games, the 1979 Expos, pop music and MSO tours of Europe and Asia (classical musicians are WAY more fun to drink with than athletes). I wrote a TV & Radio column for 20 years and, since 2000, have written a City column for The Gazette.
The best part of being a Habs Inside/Out contributor is attending games at the Bell Centre. I think it's a great building: noisy, raucous and packed to the rafters with Montrealers and visitors who live for hockey.
And I still get goosebumps every time Michel Lacroix booms out "Accueillons nos Canadiens ..."
Having seen the Boston Red Sox win two World Series and the Pittsburgh Steelers add a couple Super Bowl titles, I suppose I can die happy ... but not before another Stanley Cup parade. And I'd really like my daughter to see a historic New Year's Eve game.
I like all the players. Covering baseball gives me a profound appreciation of pro athletes who aren't jerks.
My weltanschauung was summarized by the late great Bill Hicks when he said "all matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration, we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream and we are the imagination of ourselves."
Have a nice day.
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They mentionned it on l'Antichambre after the game.
Ho-hum... another day another sad Jack Todd article:
Mr Todd certainly has issues with the Montreal Canadiens, and a newspaper to air them in. He shotgunned the article, loading in every player who left as if it is a bad thing. The Habs are loaded themselves with players that were on other teams. There are usually only 23 roster spots, and the farm. In Mr Todd's world there may apparently be an infinite amount of roster positions. Montreal did not (check the record) win a thing with the players who are gone. They folded each year, with a big excuse, one time even blaming a virus. The virus is gone, the players are gone, and some others will undoubtedly leave as well.
Komo on the Leafs and Burkes angst? I don't really care about the Leafs, or Burke. Hope they do well, as long as it isn't against the Habs. Don't want them last, cause they paid too much for kessel to a team that doesn't need the first pick overall.
Funny that in Canada, the two livelest media markets for Hockey, the two most profitable Canadian NHL teams have dismal records in recent memory. I recall that a long time ago the Sask Roughriders would have good periods, and bad periods. Always the word was support the team. The fans, local media, everyone supported the team. Beceause it was their team.
In Montreal they support a winner, and seem to boo anything else out of town. I wonder if cheerleaders don't often lead the way. The pen may often be mightier than the sword, but the actual gash it leaves is as well crueler.
What sre you talking about? Todd is amazing!
Thanks for the link!
Nobody cares how many players the Canadiens have on the ice. And it's irrelevant if a player's head gets smashed into the boards.
In the bigger scheme of things, the result is helping to prevent certain reporters from an alternative life of holding a tin cup at a street corner in a foreign land.
You have to be physically ready playing in the NHL or you'll risk getting injury. This applies to both MAB and SK.
When MAB is finally called up, we could try to play him on the 4th line and PP and keep Bell/O'Byrne as the 6th D-man. Carbo used Streit in this role.
I don't like the idea of Lat. in the 1st line. Gomez needs fast wingers to be effective. The play has to be developed from our end first. The winger has to keep up and make play. That's why Moen didn't help the 1st line. But Lat. could be useful in the PP when he parks in front of the net.
Ane I love the idea of putting Lats on the 1st, finally. The only way to figure out the real Latendresse is to put him on the 1st line for a minimum of 10 games and leave him there regardless of how well or how badly he does. He either makes it or the press will laugh him out of town.
If Moen can play on our 1st line with (3 goasl in 77 games 07-08, 4 goals in 63 games 08-09 and 3 in 19 in 08-09), surely Latendresse deserves that chance too. No one can expect Lats to be filling the net playing musical chair, third line duty and no PP time. So yes, I am happy to have Moen on board (physical presence) but 10 goals in 189 games does not/not deserve first line duty in the NHL. This reminds me of Gainey trying out Laraque on the first line in last year's playoffs; not his brightess move ever was it ? Please cut Lats some slack until he proves himself to be a bust on the 1st or 2nd line so we can finally see him as a 3rd liner hoping to cash in 10-15 goals a year.
Latrendesse kills every play he gets involved in. When he touches or is near a puck, it is followed by a whistle or a turnover. He as earned nothing!
If his name was 'John Smith' we would have him playing in Hamilton where he belongs.
He has earned it by scoring 16, 16 and 14 (on pace for 19) goals in the last 3 years.
Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy (Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy
Gomie HAS a speedy winger. His name is Gionta. Reckon now a big brute who ain't as fast but who can grind the puck outta the corners, who heads to the net consistently, who can wire it like nobody's business and who can park himself in front of the net would be JUST the ticket for the 1st line, don't you think?
Respectfully,
Lord Bugs Potter, esq. Major-General of Fort Gainey Demolitions Depot, Rear Admiral of the II-Class Destroyer Red Armada, and Under-Secretary of Defense of The Flannel.
I think Andrei K would fair very well on the first line, if he plays like he did last night. He has a hell of a shot, is a little over 6' and can play physical when he wants.
2009-2010 Return of the Habs
You know who would look good on that first line???........Ilya Kovalchuk!!! That's who.
That could work!
Respectfully,
Lord Bugs Potter, esq. Major-General of Fort Gainey Demolitions Depot, Rear Admiral of the II-Class Destroyer Red Armada, and Under-Secretary of Defense of The Flannel.
-
Does anyone think that the laffs might have pressured Van Ryan to get surgury on his knee to clear cap space?
Respectfully,
Lord Bugs Potter, esq. Major-General of Fort Gainey Demolitions Depot, Rear Admiral of the II-Class Destroyer Red Armada, and Under-Secretary of Defense of The Flannel.
Go Habs Go!!! Does AK27 show up tonight for the Sens?
... Maxim Lapierre and R.D.S.Lats really miss TommyK., the catalyst.
Lats and Laps obviously don't have the same chemistry as last year. I'd say split them up. Someone suggested putting Lats on the top line and I think that would be a good idea. Screw all you "he's too slow" people. He's got hands to score clean goals as much as dirty ones. He can be the big body Gomez and Gionta need and he can park his *** in front of the net. Cammalleri maybe should be with with Lats and MaxPax, and bring up Sergei and put him with Plex and AKost. Send Dags to the Dogs. Keep Belle up; he was fast as hell out there and he hustles. It has also hit me what a few other people have said and that is that this team is going to take a while to gel and click out there. Give it time. Back in the 80's we had an expression, "there's always next year!" Now I don't mean give up, but don't fret. The team is rebuilding and might take until next year to get really good, or get really bad, or maybe even get really ugly.
Lats might be a better alternative to Moen. Switch Lats up with Moen and see what happens. It appears line switching is not such a big deal with JM.
mjames
I agree Lats needs to be moved away from Max, Max seems to be getting into Latendresse's bad habits more than Gui picking up on Max's good habits, putting all your effort into one part of the game and lagging on others, haven't seen the Max of last year this season.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu.
Sergei demanded a trade....he doesn't want to play for us anymore.....how, and why exactly would you "bring him up"??
I was equally pissed at what how he acted. If he plays well enough though he should be given another chance. Mistakes don't have to be all bad. Hopefully he can learn from his.
I think he's played his last game for us....saying that he should be given another chance assumes that he wants to play for the habs, he has demanded a trade, that tells me he doesn't want to play for us.....IMO
As I understand it he wants to play in the NHL. In his mind since the Habs don't want to play him there he wants a trade. I don't think he really cares where he plays as long as it is the NHL($500,000 vs $65000). IMO you might increase his trade value by playing him in the NHL.
mjames
I like Lapierre on top line idea.
That's funny.
Respectfully,
Lord Bugs Potter, esq. Major-General of Fort Gainey Demolitions Depot, Rear Admiral of the II-Class Destroyer Red Armada, and Under-Secretary of Defense of The Flannel.
Uh, no.
I don't think anyone had that idea.
Habs 4 Lyfe
Even w/ 7 Habs on the ice we couldn't get the equalizer. I hate to say it but this edition of the Habs I think is going to have a hard time putting pucks in the net.
Start Smurfin bois, 12th in the east w/ 14 goals scored, but 21 against
Now Phoenix, 3rd in the west, also has 14 goals but only 9 against
and when the top line gets pushed around everytime they get in the crease (smurfs up)., its gonna be a long season
Our only chance is stellar netminding, but so far its been quite mediocre..
B.Franch
Most people have a tough time sorting out a group beyond five. After six it all looks the same. The ref has to actually count to make that call. But they're, like the fans, looking towards the scramble at the net. Refs aren't like mensa members. All in all an excellent 'accidental' tactic by the coaches. Could have worked.
So tomorro is goinna be VERY INTERESTING....Is Kovy gonna bury his old team in da first ,burying topshelf glove hand wristers past Price?Is Alfe goinna kill us again?Is Neil gonna SHOLDER CHECK A KOST in da chops ?Or is our Habs goinna step on their heads and put them OUT?We're do for a big win!It's the Habs turn Go Habs Go.......
Trolls out in full force today... give it a rest you overzealous (insert expletive here).
You will always be a Canadien in my eyes, Saku
Oh goodie... the troll police i can now rest peacefully thankyou...can't we find a diffrent label however that one is so precious!
Bergeron got 3 assists out of the 4 goals for Dogs. Do we still need to test him there?
Sergei, only got 1 assist. I hope he's getting the idea that even he has to work to be successful.
SK has improved considerably since last game. He has created a number of good chances with his passes. His linemates failed to convert them.
Bulldog plays a 1-3-1 power play with either MAB or Weber as the single point man. MAB's shot looks a lot like AK's. It is low and hard and good for rebound. However, MAB is quite weak defensively. He could get out-mussled by big forwards.
Thanks for the report. Who is Sergei playing with? Maxwell and...?
As far as Bergeron goes, no surprises on his defensive game. He wasn't unsigned because he was a defensive stud. I wonder if this roster can absorb a weak defensive D right now? Maybe, Martin will want to play him upfront.
From what I can see, Sergei is the only player fitting the Plec-AK46 line. Too bad Sergei is gone for good.
I agree that he's the guy who could make that line work. When he's ready to return. I don't think he's done with this team. I think it's significant that we haven't heard any rumblings since he arrived in Hamilton. We'll see how this all plays out.
"it's significant that we haven't heard any rumblings since he arrived in Hamilton" - very good point!
I didnt see the game, but I dont think they want to rush somebody back. Probably another game or two before he gets the call up.
2009-2010 Return of the Habs
Do we need to send someone down when he comes up?
Nope, like he said below we have Markov, Metro, OB on the IR so we haveroom for another player.
2009-2010 Return of the Habs
I don't beleieve so. We are only carrying one extra player right now. Even when Metropolit is cleared to play we'd be Ok.
Calgary 5-0 over Vancouver! Wow.
Luongo pulled? Ouch. I love it.
Sometimes I may get upset in here. I get so fustrated & upset with my Habs it makes my blood boil! I realy miss the good ole days when the Habs were contenders every single year! They won cups almost every year back then too.
So when I get in my snits & hissy fits please forgive me!
you need no forgiveness for that attitude.
This version of the Habs is J-U-N-K.
I heart wants to believe but my head tells me different!
4 -3 for the Bull dog. MAB has 3 assists. He has a good shot and should help our PP.
SK played better in this game but still looked slow. He has a good pass.
thank God Kovalev wasnt signed.......imagine if we had no money to sign Gill......or Mara?.....
If what wasnt for kovalev?
2009-2010 Return of the Habs
If it wasn't for his floating last year we would have had a better record?
__________________________________________
http://berkshireonthehabs.blogspot.com/
Touché
2009-2010 Return of the Habs
don't forget Moen. If we didn't sign Moen who'd play wing on our top line?
Am I the only person who has watched this team over the past 17 years that feels abused? Where sould I file my suit?
Well....you can use the obvious frustration that has overcome you to grow in the area of acceptance knowing that you truely have no power or authority to control or change the past, present or future destiny of the Hab's be it failure or success should help you in accepting not only where the Habs are at but also the immediate circumstances of your life living on life's terms not your own. May the power and aura of Dr. Phil be with you! Simply put... both The Hab's and DR' Phil have been mostly pathetic at least there is Hope for the Hab's Dr. Phil will always be a pathetic menacing joke cause thats what the people want it sells and he get's rich.... Oh *** i hope i didn't stirup resentment towards the good DR.
Your posts are so deep, they need musical accompaniment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnarek31cGU
I must then insist that the blue man group at least be considered. Your such an awsome mentor see less than 10 words.... which should equal the habs win colume at X-mas. It's going to take a long time to get this thing back on the tracks Glad Martin is the GUY however the key word toay PATIENCE.... I know 10words or less oops!
Its bad but not Leafs bad bro,keep yer chin up.....
That is no solace. In real time, we are no better than the Leafs.
THE most popular players of the last 4 seasons is coming to town tomorrow... He will be acclaimed and then booed when he touch the puck.
We better win tomorrow....
-------------- We have a new team! Mike Komisarek: 0-0-0
I posted this three days ago...it was in Stephane Leroux's column on RDS. Really cool that he'll be playing close to home.
"All you need in hockey is good character, luck and skills" - Ovie
2nd intermission. 2-2 Bulldog. SK, Maxwell and Russell line played much better and has created a few chances. The goal was scored by this line.
Habs win 3-1 tomorrow off goals from Hal Gill, Carey Price and Georges Laraque. In no particular order.
Who cares if BGL provides all the goals as long as they get two points?
I only meant that in a sense that Carey won't hit an empty net :P
Hey! Carey Price is one of the top ten goal scoring goalies in th NHL OK!
He's top 75 ya mean.......
LOL....
There we go. Now 2-1 Bulldogs. Sergei to Russell, Ben Maxwell gets the rebound.
Still 3 tickets to the Ottawa Mini Summit left. Please contact me if you are interested. I'll probably go another route to sell them in a couple weeks.
Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy (Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy
People aren't knocking down the door to hang out with you? Crap, I'm surprised!
You're an idiot. Given your post, I think the moderators should leave this one be. Only managed 27 sold tickets out of the 30 I bought....sorry I'm not all that popular with morons, so I only got decent people to come to the game so far. The fact that I found 27 decent people on this site seems like a miracle at times :-P
Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy (Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy
aah... but a lovable idiot has anyone ever shared with you that we must first become a fool in order to become wise ... so easily offended my my, give yourself a break and lighten up there are 6.5 billion people on this planet i' mean really how important are you or i for that matter...ones popularity doesn't sell tickets the popularity of the event itself does. have fun!
You're so right....Yeats has been an *** before. I should let it go though.
We'll have a great time thanks....almost wish Yeats was coming with us.
Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy (Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy
Now yeats, i've been avoiding the commentary side of this format trying to overcome this problem i have struggled with my whole life... fuelled by my over the top pride and ego constantly being obsessive and compulsive having the need to be or take centre stage. Although i must admit i've missed our lively and mostly entertaining banter as a freind i'm deeply concerned that you maybe falling into that trap of patronizing simply to avoid confontation or to try to please man. As a holder of three master degree's myself one in manipulation one in falsehood and finally the most elusive one to obtain deception.My hope is that you stay true towards yourself and once again return to the looney toon format that has enabled your online character to flourish. Oh and by the way don't hold back as i have in venting on this site i'll go dr. phil on your ***.....did i just spend a long time talking about the problem and no time talking about the solution...welcome to to kaos and insanity of my life!
How's it goin Bugs?
And still, your point in the King's English is? Ten words or less will suffice.
Shit, I'm such a dolt "duane beliveau, i.e. " one of "Big Jean's" seed that went astray?
My freind is nothing sacred any more my days in cognito have been compromized by the unvieling of my name in full. I can no longer roam on this site nor can i cloak the truth, it appears my days of living in the shadow's are over. You do understand that under the code that we have accepted this insubordination will and must be dealt with accordingly.10 WORDS OR LESS ...at what cost?
Hi Habsrule1:
Just want to double check that you got my paypal funds for the ticket. Will email you with my address this weekend to arrange to have them mailed in advance of the game.
cheers,
adam
Funds received...thanks Adam. Looking forward to meeting you and the gang.
Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy (Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy
lol... we can't score even with 7 skaters.
Well with Travis Moen starting the game on the 1st line... bon travail Bob Gainey!