Canadiens' season over

posted by Kevin Mio at 8h59 EST on May 4


playoff logo_6_0.jpg

The Canadiens will be packing their gear and cleaning out their lockers for the summer after being eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers four game to one in the Eastern Conference semifinals on Satuday night.

Despite outplaying the Flyers in many of the games, the Canadiens were unable to overcome Martin Biron's play and were done in by R.J. Umberger, who scored eight goals in the five-game series, including two during the deciding Game 5.

Here's a look at what's being said about Saturday's game:

• Dave Stubbs: End of the dream
• Pat Hickey: Stellar season ends on sour note
• Herb zurkowsky: Richards gives Flyers a boost
• Red Fisher: Flyers worked harder, got stops from Biron
• Canoe.ca: Journal de Montréal coverage en français
• Cyberpresse.ca: La Presse coverage en français
• Phil Sheridan, Philadelphia Inquirer: From the lowest of expectations to halfway there • Tim Panaccio, Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers dispose of Canadiens
• Tim Wharnsby, Globe and Mail: Flyers finish off Canadiens




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Comments

Moey's picture
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nfldanchor's picture
I must correct my previous comment regarding RYDER. He scored a 100 goals his first four seasons. He was in the pressbox more than 14 times as I previously stated when you factor in the playoffs. Actually he was given little chance of scoring and the Habs powerplay fell apart in the playoffs due to the fact that Ryder wasn't out there as in previous seasons and scored a majority of his 100 goals on the powerplay with his stellar shot.He only played four playoff games and his line wasn't scored on during those four games. I can't believe that you forgot how well he played for the Habs over the last several seasons and Carbonneau basically destroyed any success he may have had if given fair icetime this season. He held a grudge against him and probably cost us a trip to the cup. What other team in the league benched a 100 goal scorer this season. The answer is none , and he will be welcomed elsewhere. Shame on the fans for using Ryder as an excuse and shame on the coaching staff for making such a stupid mistake. It affected Koivu and Higgins as well for most of the season and the chemistry they had in previous seasons as the number one line was all but destroyed as a result. Again I think a lot of fans missed the signifigance of destroying the chemistry of our number one line this season. A few knowledgable fans did state the stupidity regarding the Koivu-Higgins-Ryder line being separated and questioned the coaches motive behind it.I am a lifetime Habs fan but this certainly tests my loyalty as a Habs fan , similar to the time Roy was forced to leave and was unappreciated.

nfldanchor's picture
I guess the Ryder Higgins Koivu line was out of Carbonneaus plans from the start. Apparently Ryder and Carbo havent spoken since xmas time. A guy who scored 99 goals his first four seasons sitting out most of the regular season 14 pressbox trips,limited shifts when playing and lack of play in playoffs is unacceptable. I feel John Leclair ,Ribeiro and now Ryder coming back to haunt us over and over again. He will go to either San Jose, Boston or Toronto and we will see him at his best when he plays us. Carbo you are a fool and should have left the most successful line the Habs have had in last four yrs alone and let it mature. Instead you constantly juggled the lines and played guys like Dandenault and Latendresse . You should be fired for losing in the playoffs. Closest in regular season only counts in horseshoes.Very disappointed fan to say the least!

HabsChick's picture
Hickey's "Stellar season ends on sour note" is unavailable. Any ideas why?

Ed's picture
Very observant, and very interesting, and intriguing.

Well, it was a great season and it's too bad it's over, but anyway, as others have said, they've learned a lot and the future looks great. I hope managment can see what I see in terms of need. I think, in order to win the Cup, you kind of need two teams. You need a regular season team made of guys like Kovey, Pleks the Kostitsyns etc. They get you your home ice advantage by playing a finesse style that suits the regular season. Power play is key during this time. In the playoffs, they are still valuable, but the guys who take the forefront are gritty tough, big and mean (with hands and speed). The power play needs to change from a finesse to a banging type power play. You need guys to go to the front of the net and bang hard, all game long. We lost this series because we did not go to the front of the net consistently. What I'm saying is Hossa is not the answer, as many have already pointed out. For the record, I said this at the trade deadline too. What they need more of is the second type of player. Ryan Getzlaf types. That's what we need to make a real run.

Or, perhaps, someone like Brad Richards? It's not like he wasn't there for the taking, and that Montreal couldn't have easily beaten what dallas offered to get him... That pretty much made it clear that Bob Gainey thinks he is running the Blackhawks, not the Habs. All his moves are salary dumps. He keeps promising to get marquee free agents, and never does. I absolutely agree with the type of player you say tyhe Habs need. Problem is, Gainey will never ever do that. He's satisified getting "value-added" garbage like Brisebois, Streit, Dandenault, etc. He'll say that the team learned a lot and doesn't need any additional help next year. Take it to the bank, the Habs will NOT get a free agent costing over 2.5 million. "Just because you are wearing a new Maple Leafs sweater, does not mean you make the rules around here, young man."

cautiousoptimist's picture
Come on - Gainey offered the farm for Hossa, but Pittsburgh threw in the house, too. Would you really have traded three prospects (Colby Armstrong, Eric Christensen and Angelo Esposito) and a 1st-rounder for two months of Hossa? That's a Leafs-style move if there ever was one, except that they haven't yet offered him $7M a year for five years with an NTC. I don't get the critics who seem to think the GM had nothing to do with the team's 1st-place showing. Give me a break. This team not one player away from a Cup - if our guys had played to their potential, we'd be gearing up for a battle with Pittsburgh right now, without Hossa or Richards or whoever. 1. www.flickeringpictures.com - not a hockey site, but still kinda neat 2. Josh Gorges on Montreal's attack: "They're comin', they're comin' and they keep comin'. Just line after line, wave after wave..."

Corporate's picture
At this point in time they have a better team than we do. Forget the points. They were closer to a Stanley Cup than we were. As for Gainey... No one knows what happens in these negotiations. Management only tells us what they want us to hear. I am sure he tried some trades and they didn't come through... Players win games, teams win championships. - Bill Taylor

TripleX's picture
I tend to agree to the extent that Gainey is very conservative in his approach. To make a BIG move forward requires a GM with huge balls and a willingness to risk it all. Gainey is of the slow incremental style. Unfortunately small risk usually equates to small moves upward if at all. The window of opportunity in the new NHL is extremely limited. I believe we have a Cup contender with the addition of a superstar forward and big defenseman. But to make this possible will require Gainey to change his basic philosophy of building from within. Price and Kovalev for Vinny!

The Cat's picture
Considering that the brains are Gainey, Carbonneau, Jarvis and Muller, I find it odd that this team only seems to consider players that are unlike what they were as players/winners.

The Teacher's picture
They wanted Smyth and Shanny. Not unlike the players they were.

The Cat's picture
I agree Big Bird. I can't see the habs trading Koivu or Kovalev. Hossa isnt the answer either, dont we have enough of these type of players? We need workhorses, Wouldnt mind Shanahan. We could ship Markov to Washington to be with his buddy Ovechkin, they got some good below the radar talent on that team.

While i could see kovalev moving on if there is a lot coming back I can not see Koivu moving. Anyone know of the one Hab who had more than a point a game in the playoff? Saku.

ZepFan2's picture
"Anyone know of the one Hab who had more than a point a game in the playoff? Saku." I see how this works. Kovalev misses the "point a game in the playoffs" by one and he should be traded...okay

ebk's picture
you figured it out zep, good on you

The Teacher's picture
It's not what he did guys. It's what he DIDN'T do.

ebk's picture
yes, adriano, we get it! He's gotta go.

Well, I just watched the Stars take down the Sharks. Turko and Nabokov faced a combined 117 shots and the game ended 2 to 1. Watching the goalies tonight left me with a clearer realization that the goaltending the Habs got during the playoffs was amateurish at best. Many of the goals against the Habs would not even have rated as scoring chances tonight. Hopefully next year I don't hear the term "tracking the puck" as much. It fine if some want to say that he is only twenty years old. That only makes me question the wisdom of those who put the fate of the Eastern Conference champions in the hands of trainee. Watching Ribeiro fly around again tonight (assisting on the game winner) makes me question even more. Yes, I've heard the theory that he never would have "developed" in Montreal. I'm not sure I follow the logic given that he was also one of our top point getters. Tonight they tell me he is even very tough to knock of the puck - who knew?

TripleX's picture
Pretty clear from the playoffs, if your goalie is NOT one of your best players, your team is going nowhere. Not saying all the blame is on Price, heck he is only a 20 year old rookie. But Gainey, should have never put him and the team in that position. You can't compare it to the Roy and Dryden situation, both of them had a veteran to back them up.

Lee Hayes's picture
Correct me if I'm wrong, but if Koivu plays a full season for the Habs next year, wont he then be our longest serving captain of all time? Robert L. you out there? Go Habs Go

Robert L's picture
No, it's still Beliveau from 1961 to 1971. I think Saku is closing in on 2nd in total games as captain, and as for years, 2005 doesn't count.

Lee Hayes's picture
Thanks for the clarification RL. Go Habs Go

Grabbed The Cup's picture
Lee, I have a confession... I MISS DOOBERS!!!

Lee Hayes's picture
Me Too! Go Habs Go

Habs_008's picture
havent posted anything since the playoffs began.....We had a great year. These kids are just going to get better. I have read some posts saying trade price, Kovy, Saku and so on and so forth. Price is our future. Saku has been a really good captain and Kovy played inspired hockey this whole season. We need to keep our you guys Kostinsin's, Higgins, Komi etc....We are a very young team and we learned a lot this year. We will be ready next year for the playoffs because all those young players now know what to expect. Trade none of our top 6 forwards...if we can get a power forward. thats great..but we will build on the year we had. It was great. I dont want to hear or read anyone saying trade price etc...thats just stupid. Great young team thats just gonna get better...all this was this year was growing pains. Watch out next year.

TripleX's picture
I would consider trading Price and Kovalev in a package to get Vinny. We would still have a young goalie in Halak and would finally have the big centre we have been missing for years.

Big Bird's picture
I find it interesting that we would consider trading Koivu and Kovalev because they are becoming UFA in 2009-2010. I realize that this is conjecture and debate. Koivu in my opinion is our heart and Kovalev is our soul. I think if we need any kind of veteran presence on the team it's those two players. Everyone else is expendable from a veteran perspective. We have a large russian - former soviet republics - contingent on the team. Players like the Kostitsyns, Grabovski, Markov and prospects such as Yemelin, Valentenko and Perezhogin (should he ever come back to the team). I think we need Kovalev to guide these players and show them the way. With regards to Koivu, call me a sentamentalist, but you need players that have heart and are willing to fight in your lineup. This guy has given so much to Montreal that he deserves to end his career here. Nothing less than him lifting a Stanley Cup would be fitting.

HugeHabsFan's picture
Excellent post. I couldn't agree more. Koivu and Kovalev ARE our heart and soul and it would be a huge mistake trading them. And Big Bird - if it's sentamental, so be it, but I totally agree. Saku MUST retire as a Hab. Period. ........... "To you from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high." I STILL BELIEVE. I WILL ALWAYS BELIEVE.

Grabbed The Cup's picture
Very well put. We need to compliment these guys, not trade them.

The Teacher's picture
Kovalev has value. We wouldn't be getting a hockey stick and a puck back.

Grabbed The Cup's picture
No doubt, but it must be someone equally talented, an impact player.

The Teacher's picture
Well no kidding, but with a bit more grit.

Grabbed The Cup's picture
Earlier this year Calgary stated that they wouldn't trade Tanguay for Kovalev, they might rethink their position now and that would likely represent the high water mark for Kovy's value, I don't know if I would make that deal.

The Teacher's picture
Tanguay's not who I want either.

Grabbed The Cup's picture
Nor do I, my point is that considering Kovalev's age and perceived lack of reliability, he would be regarded as somewhat of a gamble, thus reducing his value to the point of a Tanguay.

The Teacher's picture
Gonna be Triple Overtime! Man I gotta get to bed.

Grabbed The Cup's picture
I had already gone, tuned in CFCF sports and saw the game had gone to OT, now I'm back in the living room for the duration.

The Teacher's picture
It's at times like these I wish I was 17 again.

Grabbed The Cup's picture
I hear ya, remember staying up all night partying and then going to work right afterwards like it was no big thing?

The Teacher's picture
Overtime :) Gotta love it. Hope the Habs are watching this game.

last year for both Kovy and Koivu so makes sense to trade 1 of them. Kovalev has more talent but Koivu has more heart. tossup.

HugeHabsFan's picture
No toss up. The both stay. Simple. :o) ........... "To you from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high." I STILL BELIEVE. I WILL ALWAYS BELIEVE.

The Teacher's picture
Koivu will be a career Hab.

Chuck's picture
I sure hope that you're right, Teach! . . . ______________________________________ http://centrehice.blogspot.com

I think (and hope) so... I don't see Gainey ever trading Saku.

Hossa is probably is going to Boston. best friends with Chara. Boston will be a force next year with Bergeron and if they get Hossa.

does anyone have a list of the UFA's available? If you guys are watching the SJ, Dallas game, very physical series. If you think Boston was physical, nothing compared to this series. Habs wouldn't last 1 game in this series. we need big gritty players who aren't afraid to hit or get hit. I could see Gainey trading Plekanec, because he plays like a little girl!

ice_queen's picture
He played like a little girl in the first round, but definitely stepped it up in the second. He's not going anywhere...

showey47's picture
i would only trade pleky if someone like jokinen or he is part of a trade for vinny.

showey47's picture

The Teacher's picture
Just because I'm nice I'll give it to you. http://www.sportscity.com/NHL/NHL-Free-Agents-by-Position-2008/

The Teacher's picture
Now for the first line. Gainey seems intent on signing Hossa. We will have a better chance of getting him if Pittsburgh wins. so our first line would then be Andrei/Plekanc/Hossa. guess who the left out guy is? We bought him low. It's time to sell him high.

ice_queen's picture
Kovy? I love him. I don't want him to go!

jody1974's picture
He's gone baby gone. We are working on making the HABS a cup team next year and not giving up any young talent.

The Teacher's picture
Correctamundo

ice_queen's picture
My heart will be broken into two if he is gone this year. I'm not ready to let him go. Point final.

jody1974's picture
Ok Teach will get his cell number and you can still chat with him. Maybe when we win the cup next year you can also text message him showing you holding that all might cup in your hands during the parade route....

ice_queen's picture
Ok, fine, I'm totally being a girl about it... but I think he had an awesome season and he scores pretty goals ... and we need him around one more season so he can pass on his finesse and beautiful flowing blond hair to the next generation.

HugeHabsFan's picture
Hey nothing wrong with being a girl about it, lol. I'm with you though ice_queen. He simply cannot go. ........... "To you from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high." I STILL BELIEVE. I WILL ALWAYS BELIEVE.

jody1974's picture
OK THERE..... Teach keep working on ice_queen as i think she's talking about Stars on ice coming to the Bell Center soon...hehe Sometimes it is hard to let a player go you like. Cap world we live in.. But remember our goal is for Mr Lord Stanley to be coming to the Bell center and sticking around for 4 months.

ice_queen's picture
I know what the goal is, and I believe that Kovy is part of the equation ... if he has another season like he did this year. This was not his best playoffs, but the other teams did a good job of shutting him down. And so what if I like Stars on Ice? I used to figure skate! :p

jody1974's picture
I love stars on ice as well. You have any clips of you skating for me and teach can see ;p ... Ok i will let teach convert you over to our side...lol ( Love that line ) Cause i do not think anyone shut Kovy down all serious long as much as other star players in the NHL are having doen to them. Remember some players have it and other players do not. Maybe Koviu needed to translate he work ethic motto in english to Kovy...hehe

ice_queen's picture
the only part of my skating career captured on film is circa the last Stanley Cup ... when I was 8 or 9. lol

The Teacher's picture
Yeah, so what! I always liked watching female figure skaters too!

The Teacher's picture
LOL, stop being a Plekanec! :P Poor Pleky.

The Teacher's picture
LOL, be nice :P

jody1974's picture
Ok then Teach, You will get a date with him for ice_queen. I hear teach can whip up an awesome Lasagna dish...

Girth's picture
Well ... It's been an eventful season... a roller coaster of frustration and euphoria. I any event, the experience was made much richer by the folks who host this forum, as well as most of the posters. Although, I'm still a bit hung over, I take comfort in the fact that we've grown just a little wiser for the experience. Here's to the HABS,... here's to the future.

ice_queen's picture
Still hung-over at 11 pm the day after the night before? Eesh. Hope you feel better, buddy! And cheers to your comments! :)