Another L

Another L

posted by Mike Boone at 12h13 EST on Nov 15

That's four of the last five.

The Lipizzaner Stallions take over the Bell Centre on Sunday, but the horsebleep showed up early during a disastrous second period for your Montreal Canadiens.

Guy Carbonneau said the middle period has been a problem since the beginning of the season – as is the team's 2007-'08 scrapbook.

"We play on what we did last year, as a team and as individuals," said a subdued coach. "It's time to forget about last year."

Audio:

• Guy Carbonneau

• Saku Koivu

• Josh Gorges I and II

3P 00:00:

Ugly PP

3P 1:00:

Pathetic first wave. And not a great second.

3P 3:10:

Plekanec, Kovalev, AK46, Markov and Tanguay

3P 3:11:

PP ... after a commercial break

3P 5:08:

On the big board: "Vote Canadiens, vote often"

3P Break:

AK46 loses his stick ... and his fan base

3P 6:28:

Flyers have settled down. Higgins with Lapierre and Bégin

3P 7:45:

Koivu line hemmed in

3P 9:20:

BREEZE! But Bouillon saves the day

3P 10:16:

That one copunted.

Gui1 to Tanguay

2-1

3P 10:46:

At last, some energy .. and Flyers ice it

3P 11:44:

Steve Bégin, bless his heart, plays like he cares

3P 12:05:

Fans jumping on every miscue

3P 13:00:

Through 47 minutes at home, 18 shots

3P Break:

Flyers playing tight and disciplined in the neutral zone, cutting off any possibility Canadiens will gain their zone at speed.

3P 15:00:

Canadiens through five minutes: no shots

3P 15:38:

Flyers take a Timeout. I can't imagine why.

3P 15:45:

Like the refs are causing this mess ...

3P 17:00:

Fans particularly pissed with AK46

3P 18:00:

The brothers with Lang

3P 19:00:

Gui! with Tanguay and Koivu

3P 19:55:

Higgins with Pleks and Kovy

3P 20:00:

I don't think anyone in the building – or on the bench – expects a comeback

J.T. on the second period:

-Black shirts got to the puck much more often than white in that period. If this was chess, the Habs would have lost about six pawns already.

-I wonder if the weak link on Plekanec's line is actually Andrei Kostitsyn? You notice Pleks and Kovy, but Andrei's been pretty quiet.

-This game feels like armwrestling. They were locked in the first period, but the Flyers are slowly pushing the Habs backwards.

-Plekanec's playing a great game. So are Tanguay, Markov, Hammer, Koivu and Gorges.

-Lapierre's line against Richards' is like the Gaels against the Romans. Not good management for the warlord behind the Habs' bench.

-Matt Carle is making the Flyers much, much better on the back end than they were last year.

-I wonder if Biron will get a shutout? Shutout, shutout, shutout.

-Note to the Habs: I didn't really enjoy last year's playoff series, and I don't need a re-run. Thanks anyway.

-A Habs' Cup win this year would be a bigger miracle than water into wine. Still, I wish the fans at the Bell wouldn't boo them. It's only fifteen games in.

-I think the biggest problem with the team right now is that they're not very much fun to watch. You can handle losing if the games are at least fun.

2P 00:00:

Play under review, no goal. Wild applause, after boos had rained down.

2P 1:29:

Did Lang think that cross-ice pass through traffic would click?

2P 2:40:

Flyers clog ther slot and block everything, shots, passes. It's the playoffs all over again

2P Break:

Shots this period: 16-6 for the team in black jerseys. They just grind and wait for breaks, while Canadiens make pretty passing plays that don't produce chances

2P 4:24:

Who had coverage on Carter?

2-0

The boos have started

2P 5:00:

O'B Nearly caught. Hamrlik saved him

2P 7:00:

If everyone on the team forechecked like the Captain ...

2P 8:10:

Timmonen backs up rather than pinch on Kovalev, but Canadiens go offside on the break

2P Break:

Man, one of those nights with Biron. Is he that good?

2P 10:02:

Tanguay will NEVER have a better chance .. and he knows it

2P 11:20:

Great pressure, keyed by Gui!

2P Break:

Shots this period: 7-3 Philadelphia. Canadiens can't grab momentuim or sustain pressure. And now they're squeezing their sticks

2P 14:30:

That looked like a harmless rush .. till it went in

1-0

2P 15:05:

Too many icings

2P 16:00:

Big hits by Bégin

2P 17:57:

All the Canadiens forwards are getting back

2P 19:00:

Dominant cycling shift for Richards line

2P 19:47:

Halak looking steadier as the game wears on

First goal:

Will be huge. Canadiens could have had three already. All that pretty passing, a 3-on-2, Lang in alone

Broad Street Begonias?:

Philadelphia had four hits in the first period to nine for the Canadiens, playing without big thumper Mike Komisarek

Significant stat:

Power play ToI for Alex Kovalev: 1:49. Thursday night in Boston: 00:41

J.T. on the first period:

-Latendresse had a couple of decent shifts in that period. Just when it seems like he should be playing with his brother in Cincinnati, he suddenly remembers he's a large mammal with forward momentum.

-Jaro's alert as a rabbit on Red Bull.

-Is there a shinpad in the league into which Bouillon has not shot?

-Boys are skating. That's a good sign...and they only way they have a chance.

-Something has to happen with the PP. Markov back on the left, Kovalev on the first wave...something.

-Hammer and Markov are picking up the slack on D. I wonder how many games they can play at that level?

-All in all, not a bad period. Although I can't shake the feeling that it's going to be one of those games in which they blow tons of good chances, then Philly gets one on a dumbass fluke. In other words, last year's playoffs.

1P 00:00:

Decent period. Not great. Decent.

1:43:

Nearly a mismatch. Gagné line ou briefly against Laraque and Co.

1P Break:

Sergei, Tanguay used on the PK. Also O'Byrne. Kovalev, Higgins.

1P Break:

Plekanec deserves that penalty. Clearly a hit from behind at the Philadelphia bench. This stuff has to stop

1P 6:18:

Canadiens have caught up in shots, 9-9

1P 7:13:

PP is snakebit

1P Break:

Signs of life on the PP. Second wave with Lang, Higgins and Koivu generated some chances. Biron saves his best for these games

1P 11:00:

Kovalev line on first wave. But Philly PK gets best chances before Lang is robbed by Biron.

1P 11:00:

Really good shift for Koivu line

1P Break:

Kovalev is driving me nuts. Total puck control, then a turnover

1P 13:00:

Shots are 6-2

1P 14:33:

Great. Lang dumps Coburn and then raises his arms in the "Who me?" that always results in a penalty

1P 15:00:

First PP, created by Tanguay hustle

1P 16:20:

Flyers must have seen the Boston video. They're all over the Canadiens end

1P 17:00:

You knew that was coming. Josh Gratton was the hapless victim

1P 18:00:

Halak clears right to Hartnell but then has to save on Meyropolit

1P 19:00:

Sergei out on second shift

1P 20:00:

OK, tee it up. God, I hope they don't suck

Olympic medallists:

Huge applause for Chantal Petitclerc

Starters:

Pleks line, Gorges and Markov against Gagné, Knuble, Richards, Carle and Coburn

Riley Coté:

Won't fight BGL. Injured.

Average size:

Canadiens: 6'1", 208 - Flyers 6'1", 200 BGL and Daniel Brière bring the averages up and down, respectively

A message to Price:

Carbonneau hasn't said who'll start in St. Louis tomorrow

Sergei Kostitsyn:

Looks like he's skating and shooting without any difficulty.

Vintage unis:

Flyers wear black. Makes them look bigger ... like they need to.

Price:

François Gagnon would have come back with him in nets tonight, and I agree. Carey Price is the Number 1 goaltender on this team, and he should be playing in marquee Saturday night games. Let Jaroslav Halak entertain the hockey fans of St. Louis tomorrow.

What say you?

BGL:

Does he go with Riley Coté first shift, just because everyone in Montreal is asking what he's doing for $1.5 million?

Sergei Kostitsyn:

Will skate in the warmup before a decision is made. He's nursing a sore shoulder after a hit by Lucic in Boston.

Mike Komisarek:

Won't play in road games that take the Canadiens to St. Louis tomorrow, Carolina on Tuesday and Ottawa on Thursday. He's hoping to return next Saturday ... against Milan Lucic and the Bruins.

Watch those bounces:

At 4:30 p.m., two guys with a cordless drill are working on the boards behind the net the Canadiens will defend for two periods tonight.

Tags:

Boone
Flyers

Comments

Submitted by Chris on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 09:41.

Well, for my money the Habs who played well were Koivu, Tanguay, Latendresse, pretty much the whole defense corps, Halak and Begin. I thought that Andrei Kostistyn and Kovalev had pretty bad outings, especially for their lofty expectations. I know that Andrei Kostitsyn and Alex Kovalev have not been sharp at all this season. However, I'm starting to become concerned that the rest of the league has figured out Tomas Plekanec, who most people had penciled in as the #1 centre on the team. He is VERY fast and skilled, and is a player with excellent vision on the ice. To boot, he is a very good penalty killer in general, although I am always most nervous when he is taking faceoffs in the Habs end. At 26, he still has his prime years ahead of him. However, together with Andrei Kostistyn, Plekanec has been the biggest disappointment so far in this admittedly short sampling of the new season for me. I really thought he was going to maintain his offence from last season but round out his game to become the same type of player we've had in Koivu for years: a second-line centreman that does yeoman's work as the top line centre. For all that we criticize Higgins for shooting into the chest of the opposing goalie, Plekanec is pretty much the last guy on the top two lines I want shooting in the offensive zone unless its a breakaway. He and Maxim Lapierre are the only Habs regulars that are negative on the year in +/-. But most worrisome for me is that I just don't see him as a threat every time he is on the ice...he has his moments each game, but in general has been nearly invisible for the most part. I still think he can snap out of his funk, and I know that 10 points in 15 games isn't too bad a clip, but I think that he might have been one of the main beneficiaries of the devastating Habs power-play last year. With that dried up, his 5 on 5 play just isn't strong enough to justify the points we all had envisioned of him as the Habs #1 centreman. The main reason I bring this up is that Plekanec as a RFA presents one of the most interesting signings that Gainey needs to evaluate: is Tomas Plekanec a true first- or second-line centre that a team can feel comfortable with in the grind of the playoffs? Or is he a power play and regular season specialist that is serviceable as a go-to guy on a weaker team, but probably a weak-link on a Stanley Cup contender?

Submitted by Chris on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 09:43.

Going to move this to today's Boone post.

Submitted by Robert L on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 03:16.

Canadiens Testing Gainey's Patience http://wwweyesontheprize.blogspot.com/2008/11/canadiens-2-1-loss-to-flye...

Submitted by Mr.Hazard on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 02:51.

Oh come on! Am I the only one on here at 2AM?? Ex nihilo nihil fit

Submitted by The Teacher on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 03:01.

nope, just got in and saw the score. What say you? My suggested overtime format and other sports talk

Submitted by Mr.Hazard on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 03:06.

Teacher! Greetings. What say I on the score? A definite improvement from last game, but still much to fret about. Not that I think anyone should fret. We gotta figure out this goaltending stuff, on top of everything. How reliable is Halak, really, and does Price need to fix some things or is he just slumping. I dunno, could go on a long time. In five or so more games, whether L's or W's, we'll know much more about what's ailing the team. We shouldn't point fingers (yet, anyhow) at Carbo, or at Kovy, or at Carey... And you, my wise friend? Ex nihilo nihil fit

Submitted by Mr.Hazard on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 02:08.

We've gotten ahead of ourselves, and it's gotten us behind ourselves. We should catch up pretty soon. Je hope. Ex nihilo nihil fit

Submitted by Habbu on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 01:50.

I think this malaise goes back to the playoffs of last spring. They lost their confidence when both Boston and Philly brought more than what they showed in the regular season. They have never been really able to get back on track since March. Gone is the speed, excellent positional play and tape to tape passing. I was hoping that all this added pressure coming from everywhere would bring out the best in the players and we would see a number of them take their game to the next level. So far, we have seen the opposite. Hopefully; they respond and quickly. Worriesome what we have seen to date.

Submitted by G-Man on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 01:35.

So, have they traded everyone and fired the coaches and GM? No? It must be because it's only 15 games in. I'd rather the team play poorly now and build to being better. Last year's Sens are an example of getting a great start and faltering. The Habs are off to a decent start and are still trying to find their game. Let's hope that happens sooner rather than later. Gilbert 2008/09 is the season of the Habs

Submitted by Yeats on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 02:07.

You must love the Habs or you're not a "real" fan. You know that! I am being patient this year. I am going to wait until Game 25 against the Rangers. By then, I think you will have a really good idea what cards you have been dealt. I do cut them some slack to date though because on any given night any given team can beat another. For example, I thought the Sabres were going to keep it up, but alas they appear to have wilted. The NHL is indeed a glorified house league. The thing I think none of us has come to grips with is that, while the most successful team in the sport, the Habs have pretty much sucked for a decade and a half. The dynasties are a thing of the past and even the "one-offs" of '86 and '93 are going to require a level of effort I'm not sure our guys are capable of.

Submitted by New on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 02:46.

I don't think they are capable of it either. Last Feb I thought there was a spark, that maybe they were for real. The 'annual slump' comes later. So I have a sneaking suspicion this year we're talking a rush out of the gate after camp, the rest of the league sorting itself out, and beginning to settle into a consistent pattern.

Submitted by New on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 02:51.

I wish the players would hear a coach talk.

Submitted by Yeats on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 01:49.

Claude Jullien!

Submitted by Yeats on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 00:57.

Fast forwarded through the game after a dinner and James Bond. I'm disappointed, but it seemed they didn't stink out the joint like the B's game. I thought Halak was solid and deserved a better fate. Until our best forwards get on track with some regularity, the team is gonna struggle. The d, sans Komisarek, and Halak did their job. They capped the opposition at two goals. The burden was on the offense to get the job done and they didn't, end of story. It seems that for the time being the clock has struck twelve on Higgins' golden hands and he's back to being the Venus de Milo. (Yes Guy, our beautiful coach and trace horses were merely a pumpkin pulled by mice.) The one thing that really struck me and it had to effect both teams was the way the puck was jumping around. That's usually a sign that the ice bit the root. I know both teams skated on the same sheet, but the better skating team IS at a disadvantage. Georgie G., get on this pronto! There is no excuse for shitty ice unless Celine did a matinee.

Submitted by Chuck on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 01:24.

You're right; the puck DID seem to hop around a lot tonight. Perhaps they forgot to freeze them before the game. :) __________________________________

Submitted by Yeats on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 01:28.

It's just going to be a long season Chuck. Are these guys the team that got us all going last year, or a rebottling of the 06-07 vintage? I don't know. After game 25 against the Rags, we will have some idea. If things don't change by them, I plan to let fly with gusto.

Submitted by Chuck on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 02:52.

It goes the same for every team in the league, which is why I find it difficult to pull out my hair right now. After 25 games last year, everyone had the Sens equalling the '77 Habs record. Alas, it was not meant to be. Every team in the league (Detroit included) will go through slumps. The idea is to keep them from being prolongned. It just so happens that we're slumping at this point in the year. We'll also go through stretches where it'll seem as though even that '77 team wouldn't be a match for us. __________________________________

Submitted by CHsam on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 00:43.

In a strange way, tonight's performace reminded me of last year's team when they were ok at this point. You were happy it wasnt a blow out. I thought the game was alright. I guess my one minor reservation is Lats. But hey, we'll find a way.

Submitted by rswinter (not verified) on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 01:04.

last game, people were like "you win some, you lose some." I disagree as I believe it's more important about how you win or lose. Tonight's game, however, was a "you win some, you lose some" game. I think we deserved to lose but I could see how we could have won.

Submitted by doug on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 00:14.

posted on main page but thought i'd put in here as well since i was so widely loved by folks like timo, bakersresin, xtrahabsfan, and oliv during the game ;) Habs record by day of the week: Sunday - no games (until tomorrow) Monday - 2-0-0 Tuesday - 2-0-0 Wednesday - 1-0-0 Thursday - 1-1-0 Friday - 0-0-2 Saturday - 2-3-0 Poor guys just get tired like the rest of us as the week goes on. And the later weekdays and weekend are hard after they've been drinking and picking up women Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Curfew, anyone? ;)

Submitted by likehoy on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 00:10.

3 top lines seem to be a drawback...they have less minutes to play to get into the game as much as you'd hope. On paper it sounds crazy...but emotionally, physically, and mentally, these players might need more TOI to excel.

Submitted by Xtrahabsfan on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 00:04.

YA, THE NEW COACH OF THE AL's HAS CHANGED THE TEAM AND NOW THEIR IN THE GREY CUP ,JEESE I WONDER AS CONCERNING THE HAB'S IF THEY CHANGED THEIR COACH???????????????????????

Submitted by fun police on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 00:03.

i know we are 9-4-2 but why does it feel like we're 6-9? i know this reply will get the typical "carbo bashing" label but is it just me or are we getting out coached on most nights? we were finally building momentum, and instead of shortening the bench we throw out our fourth line on with 6 minutes left. that allowed the flyers to settle the play down. i was pumped up when lang came over from the hawks, but he's a step behind all night. we won't win to many games with both obyrne and brisebois in the game. something has to be done to get their attention, maybe a callup. when you watch the game, you get the impression that the habs are playing shinny hockey.

Submitted by Yeats on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 01:59.

I agree with you. Carbo just does the basic box step behind the bench, i.e. one-two-three-four, one-two-three-four... What amazes me beyond belief is how much time is spent pissing and moaning on this site about the Habs' third and fourth lines. Crap, if the first two don't come to play, or get more ice time in a close game, they are just not going to win. Claude Jullien would love to play the Canadiens 16 times a season if he could. The one mistake he made last year in the first round of the playoffs was sitting Phil Kessel for the first games of the series.

Submitted by FSLN on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 01:41.

I thought it worth mentioning that in James Mirtle's recent ranking of the NHL's top defensive forwards (Which can be found here: http://www.fromtherink.com/ and many thanks to whoever first posted this, I think it was Nightmare_49) Robert Lang came in 4th. He wins face-offs, is #4 defensively and has pretty decent offensive numbers. As a third line centre I think he isn't doing too badly...

Submitted by likehoy on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:44.

so i was curious to how it'd be if andrei K played with tanguay and koivu...if anything it'll jump start his game considering saks and tang have gotten lats and higgins to play better at various times of the season already, so why not get andrei K a confidence boost.

Submitted by vaya_ on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 05:06.

i agree, that'd be great. i also think higgins would look great with pleks, so an exchange could be interesting. still, i doubt carbo will do such a thing...

Submitted by Chuck on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:43.

How ironic that so many posters on here seem to have quit on the Habs for believing that the Habs have quit on themselves. __________________________________

Submitted by Jim M on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 00:01.

Chuck Ironic and very predictable if you've been on here long enough.

Submitted by Chuck on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 00:06.

Very true, Jim! On to St. Louis tomorrow looking for an improvement on tonight's effort, and hopefully two points! __________________________________

Submitted by likehoy on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:46.

i wouldn't quit on the habs even if they were as bad as the senators...and had a cup drought equal to the leafs... now i would quit on some of the players or coaches who aren't doing their job as a hab.

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:36.

Sooooooooooooooooooooooo...how bout them Alouettes? _____________________________________________________ Mad Pax...Beyond Powerdome

Submitted by tony d on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:40.

at least Montrealers have a team they can be happy about

Submitted by Gr8stFranchizEvr on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:51.

yup, watched the east championship game. Als played a pretty good game - slow start but special teams capitalized. Next Sunday should be an exciting game vs. the Stamps. Love the Als.

Submitted by Y on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 01:43.

Stamps FTW! Yes I hate the Flames but I love the rest of my hometown teams

Submitted by likehoy on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:42.

yea the montreal impacts are playing soccer in winter, something interesting... and the expos! can't wait till they start their training camp.

Submitted by spirit of the Habs on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:27.

Now might not be a bad time for one of those shake em up trades. you know a big one. Canadas Team, Gods Team You name it The Habs are it

Submitted by oliv (not verified) on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:34.

Pleks, Higgins, Kovy and Komi for? :)

Submitted by likehoy on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:39.

the stanley cup, ideally

Submitted by BIG-D on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:26.

Why didn't Carbo pull Halak with one min left in the PP? Plank a guy in front of the net and 5 guys out around.. Carbo is USELESS......... 4 lost out of 5

Submitted by Gr8stFranchizEvr on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:24.

NYR comes back to haunt Tim Thomas and win over the B's - Yay! The Devils, sans Martin Brodeur, have a goal fest and end up on winning side over Wash.

Submitted by Bill on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:22.

Regarding the power play: it's becoming conventional wisdom that the loss of Streit has wrecked the PP, but didn't it actually disappear in the playoffs last year, when Streit was still around? And about Streit, he was great on the PP, but as a regular shift D, I wasn't a fan of his.

Submitted by New on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 02:13.

A lot of things disappeared in the playoffs last year. But you're very right. The PP fell apart then. You'll likely agree that most goals come from a puck direction change close to the net. The Habs don't do that usually. They look to draw the players off. Pretty when the other team bites but not really effective otherwise. Play disciplined against the Habs and you'll likely come away with two points. Act like midgets and chase the puck and you won't.

Submitted by Number31 on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 00:20.

I found him a better forward PP specialist than defenseman myself. His bonus was accuracy and decisions. Markov has a good shot when he takes it, but I think his thinking is getting the better of him right now. ****** the notwithstanding clause - The general consensus of an ordinary Habs fan in Montreal

Submitted by tony d on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:39.

Although Streit was a good point man I always found him soft and not aggressive enough on opposing players....then I watch that game a few weeks ago as an Islander and he's slamming our guys into the boards left and right....I guess he was saving it up to use against us... I do miss that wicked slap shot though, Markov misses the net more times than one can count

Submitted by BIG-D on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:20.

Well, it was fun while it lasted right!!! Time for Gainey to take the loss and look for a replacement for a Head Coach....

Submitted by rp25 on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:14.

This is not a slump.These guys have not played well since the start.They were lucky to win most and the other teams played crappy in the rest.There needs to be a serious shake up.NOT LATER>>NOW ,or things will get a lot worse!

Submitted by sidhu on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:19.

Here's the deal, in my humble and limited view: First, the PP is weak. It isn't scoring and, worse, it's not generating chances. The PP at the end of the game -- where we could have tied it -- was atrocious. The primary reason I think for the PP's poor performance is the lack of a point-man who can launch a shot on net. Two years ago we had Souray doing that, last year we had Streit. This year, Markov can't hit anything. So that minimizes Kovalev's ability if teams know they can double-up on him without having to worry about a strong point shot coming from Markov. My suggestion: bring up Weber, who can quarterback a powerplay. It is a lot of pressure to put on a rookie, but the worst that can happen is that we continue to suck. I'd rather experiment than let the status quo continue. Second, we are becoming a perimeter team. We need to get players to commit themselves to getting punished in front of the net, rather than float around hoping that their blind cross-ice passes will magically find the stick of a streaking teammate. Guys like Pleks, Lats, Koivu, Higgy, AK46, Max, and BGL need to take one for the team to set up screens and get rebounds. Third, we are skilled and we know it -- but we can no longer rely on playing part of a game to make up for a lack of effort in the remainder. CBC tonight asked, can the Habs show up for 10 minutes to win the game? The answer is no. But more importantly, we need to disabuse ourselves of the notion that we can; otherwise we will presume that our skill alone will make up for an otherwise bad game. These passes to no one, to empty spaces, or to someone supposedly behind you are indicative of this skill complex. My suggestion is for Carbo to remind guys to keep it f-in simple: get traffic in front of the net (see point two), and shoot, shoot, shoot. If the forwards can't create, Carbo should also remind them that D'Ag is waiting in the wings -- he has four goals in his last two, and is leading the 'Dogs on the farm. No one should be safe from the Ryder seat in the pressbox. Fourth, with the exception of BGL, we have "soft" tough/checking guys. Komo, Begin, Max, Kosto, Dandy, Cube, OB, are all guys who can hit, but are not intimidating to others. I'm sad to put Komo into this group, but after his very public and publicized beating, players may not be as concerned about him, and even so Komo won't risk himself as much if he will get injured. My suggestion would be to find more legitimately tough guys who can give the skill guys more room and offset the tough guys from other teams. Staois, Salei, Exelby are all guys who can fill this role, and I'm sure there are many others. Fifth, it may be the case that the FA status of several players is creating a funk on the ice. So, why not trade/let go of some of those players to 1) mitigate the funk, and 2) make BG's job easier by having less players to sign and more players already on the payroll. Staois, Salei, and Exelby, for example, are all signed past this season. Getting rid of some of the "soft" tough guys for some long-term "tough" guys would be worth it in my view. Chipper is another soft guy who won't lose checking line duties to Max, so throw him in the pot as well. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a fetal position to get into. Go Habs Go!

Submitted by Gr8stFranchizEvr on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 00:09.

we don't need a bunch of tough intimidating guys. that will solve nothing. nobody on any team wants to have a meeting at the boards with Komi, Bouillon, Begin, Kosto, or Max - these guys hit and hard. problem is when they miss, they really miss and look bad in the process. did last year's Wings have a bunch of 'tough guys' on the ice? nope. they played a strong game under bonafide coaches and a style that suited their lineup. hey, guess what? they won the cup! surprise! this team needs every player to put it on the line every shift. but, they might have a hard time doing that if the system or game plan doesn't match well vs. their opponents (eg, you can't play an open ice style when the other team is playing a trap/clogging the neutral zone type of game). there is some missing chemistry on this team and lines are not jiving that well. when that happens, some players try to compensate and pick things up themselves which often leads to frustration. best line of the night? Koivu with Tanguay and.... wait for it... Latendresse!!! the other lines aren't working that well. Maybe Higgins should join Kovy's line and the bros.Kostitsyn should work together with Lang. BGL should be used in only once in a while. that 4th line should consist of Kostop, Laps, and Begin. as for goalies... earn your spot by winning or at least playing a strong game Carbo should feel the heat right now and I hope Gainey breathes a little fire down his neck. And, if there are players we could use, they will play D or Center.

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:19.

I don't see Kosto and Bégin as soft. I actually can't wait for Kosto to come back and I hope Carbo will put him back with Lang to light a fire under his ***. _____________________________________________________ Mad Pax...Beyond Powerdome

Submitted by sidhu on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:22.

I didn't say they were "soft", I said they are "soft tough guys", meaning they "are all guys who can hit, but are not intimidating to others." I think Begin and Kosto fall within that definition. For example, when's the last time Kosto won a fight?

Submitted by ebk on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:26.

Grade Two

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:25.

I don't really care about guys winning fights. I want guys who check hard, hit and get the puck. Preferably one or more of those per line. If Kosto fights and gets tossed I really don't see what we gain through it. You don't think Kosto sending a guy to the IR will make opponents look over their shoulders when he's on the ice? _____________________________________________________ Mad Pax...Beyond Powerdome

Submitted by sidhu on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:28.

Putting the Leaf player on IR was not intentional -- he's not that type of player. Kosto skates hard, hustles, gives 110%, etc. -- he's a solid checker, plugger, and character guy, but not a real "tough guy" in my view.

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:35.

What would having a bunch of Laraques do for this team? They would drop the gloves and then get tossed. Anyway, I like your suggestion about Weber. _____________________________________________________ Mad Pax...Beyond Powerdome

Submitted by sidhu on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:48.

They don't have to be Laraques... I'm not asking for a line of Stortini, Laraque, and Carcillo. But, I do think there are guys out there who are beasts and can log minutes, like David Clarkson, and on D, guys like Steve Staois. Let's see what happens tomorrow, who knows, maybe we'll win 6-0 and go 5 for 5 on the PP.

Submitted by Lafrich on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:10.

Kovalev is problem #1 Everyone is looking for answers, and I am sure that there are more than one. However, the biggest issue with the Canadiens is Alex Kovalev. He is not only awful, but he plays the most of any forward. He does not contribute, and is constantly giving the puck away. he loses every one on one battle, and it throws everyone else off their game. One of two things has to happen: 1. kovalev turns his game around. 2. Kovalev plays less 5 on 5, and allows some guys that play hard nosed to try and do the job.

Submitted by gumper on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:10.

Bulldogs beat Rochester tonight 4-3. D'Agostini gets a pair. Goals from Chipchura and Maxwell. One assist for MaxPac.

Submitted by gumper on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:06.

Anybody else notice (despite all the crappy passes and lack of focus) that Koivu and Kovalev seem to have something going out there? How about Koivu, Kovalev and Tanguay for a game or two? Put the Kostitsyns and Pleks on a line and try Higgy with Lang and Lats. Don't want to get all over Carbo because, like it or not, he's the guy who'll go the distance this year, but he's very slow to shake things up. Right now everyone can agree the passing is not clicking. One way to improve focus is to give players new linemates. They have to bear down and concentrate more. As coach, not sure if I'd go with Jaro or Price next game. Jaro played okay, but everybody goes top shelf on him because he just doesn't fill the net. Unless he can get the glove working, I'm not sure he's big league material. Finally, people are all over Kovy and Pleks. Check the stats. It's Andrei who's blowing chunks right now. Not sure where his game has gone, but he'd better find it soon.

Submitted by Chuck on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:10.

That's funny... getting on Carbo because he's too slow to shake things up. Last year everyone was on him for being exactly the opposite. __________________________________

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:08.

Nope...keep Lats with Koivu and Tangs. _____________________________________________________ Mad Pax...Beyond Powerdome

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:02.

Anybody else think Gorges should stay with Markov even after Komi comes back? I hoped for that after the last game and I wasn't disappointed. _____________________________________________________ Mad Pax...Beyond Powerdome

Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:04.

Who would you have cover Komi's *** then? Hamrlik needs to stay with OB to cover for him, and then it's a toss between Bouillon and Brisbois... I don't know that a pairing of Komi with any of this guys will be a good idea. Maybe we do need another steady defenseman.

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:10.

But then Komi wouldn't be playing against top lines so much. I really think Markov is making him look MUCH better than he is this year. Maybe watching the team not fall apart on D through his injury will make him realize he's not untouchable and needs to work like the rest of them. Gorges plays hard EVERY game and plays damn well. Time to reward good play I say. _____________________________________________________ Mad Pax...Beyond Powerdome

Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:11.

Gorges was one of the best thigns that happened to Habs in a recent while. I really admire him. I agree with you... Komisarek needs to get scared to lose his spot.

Submitted by Exit716 on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:23.

Tell Komisarek we're trading him to the Islanders for Streit.

Submitted by likehoy on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:42.

no cause komi might actually want it to happen.

Submitted by Larry on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 22:55.

I am upset again and am not sure why. The players don't care. They will all be on their laptops on the plane deciding where to invest their next two week paycheque which is likely more than I will make all year, thinking ahead already to next summer on the lake at their kick *** cottages. Why should I or any of us waste time fretting over these gutless pansies. I can never pull for any team but the Habs so allegiance change is not an option but I think I will just pull the pin on them, maybe come back when they earn the right to my valuable limited time.

Submitted by Yeats on Sun, 11/16/2008 - 01:29.

You need to change your sport to baseball and start rooting for the Yankees my friend. The World Series math is really simple: St. Louis Cardinals 10 Boston Red Sox 6 Brooklyn/ LA Dodgers 5 + NY/San Francisco Giants 5 ------------------------------- New York Yankees 26 Get the shirt, live the dream: http://shop.mlb.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2645353

Submitted by Bill on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:08.

Cheering for any sports team is completely irrational, but we all do it anyway. Go ahead, try to stop, you'll be back! I disagree, I think the players care. Right now, the Habs are slumping, and that happens. Could/should they play harder? I'd say sure, but when things aren't going well, it's easier to get discouraged.

Submitted by danhabsfan on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:03.

Larry, I agree, yet I can't tear myself away from the Habs. many times I want not to care...but alas, I do. Probably because I grew up in 70's - where winning was normal. If you have a solution, I'm listening...

Submitted by BIG-D on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:00.

I just spent 190 $$$ on a Price Jersey............

Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 22:58.

Larry, you have no idea how many times I asked myself the very same question and I do not have any logical explanation to it.

Submitted by Larry on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:05.

There was a guy at work this week who asked why we Hab fans are so passionate. Is your brother on the team, your cousin, your brother-in-law? Why do you lose sleep over this stuff. I too cannot explain it. It is like a religion. I remember watching the Habs with my grandfather when I was five years old, seeing his face light up with delight when they scored, even dancing on the table once during a tense playoff game breakthrough so it is a personal thing, deep rooted. I don't care if they lose if they put up a fight. This is just so, so frustrating.

Submitted by BIG-D on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:00.

It's in our blood Timo

Submitted by habs_nessa on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 22:54.

Clearly we are in a slump...it's a long season...They'll snap out of it soon enough...hopefully Go Habs Go!

Submitted by wild flower on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 22:54.

Koivu really thinks this is the best team he has been on and really wants to win. Many of the others either don't care, are confused after everyone told them they would be good or are not good enough to matter.

Submitted by J.T. on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 22:53.

Okay...anyone remember last November? Fourteen games, seven losses...including two back-to-back atrocities against Buffalo and a completely humiliating 4-0 loss to Jersey. Only then, no one was surprised because the team was supposed to suck. This looks worse because the team is supposed to be great. Still, it's a slump in an 82-game season. It's certainly a sign that the team is not infallible and needs to work on its weaknesses. But it's not a sign that the team is doomed. Remember, after a sucky November last year, they still won the division. Strangely, I don't feel as depressed as I did after the Boston and Toronto losses. I thought there were some good things in tonight's game, and I hope for a win tomorrow to get things going again. http://habsloyalist.blogspot.com

Submitted by tony d on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:09.

I kinda agree J.T. I wasn't expecting much tonight and lo and behold, the Habs didn't disappoint me. In a way, I'm kinda glad they're sucking now, because it gives me hope. However, we can all stop voting for them now, because they're making a strong argument that they don't deserve to be on an all-star team, with the exception of Saku. I do believe though that they are mentally screwed and could probably use a few sessions with a "Hockey Whisperer"

Submitted by originalsix on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:05.

I feel much better after reading your words of wisdom! Thanks!

Submitted by BIG-D on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:02.

J.T That was last year...........

Submitted by rswinter (not verified) on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:00.

and we criticized then as we will do now. If you remember 2 years ago, we caught the flu in December and never got of the slump until it was to late. slumps are fine, they happen but they also need to be put out quickly or this season may end up a lot like the Sens season last year. Quiet the storm and the critics. I want so desperately to be quieted. But for now, off with the coach's head. We will see tommorrow.

Submitted by Chuck on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 22:57.

Thanks for adding some sound words of wisdom to the conversation, J.T. __________________________________

Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 22:56.

Of course... this game was clearly far superior to the "efforts" in Boston and TO. but the fact remains, for the msot part and some rare exceptions, our scorers are not prepared to pay the price to score and win games. Unless that changes, this november slump will continue into April.

Submitted by Gary320 on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 22:56.

I agree with you. We played better, I felt we had the chances we just could not finish those with good plays.. it's either shots from far.. or random passes that get turned over.. Our one goal was from effort in crashing the net.. something that would have won them the series vs Flyers

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 22:55.

If they win against the weakassed Blues tomorrow, I hope they just squeeze by. Because if they win 4 or 5 zip, I'm afraid they'll just fall back into indifference again. _____________________________________________________ Mad Pax...Beyond Powerdome

Submitted by Gr8stFranchizEvr on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 22:52.

Biron interview - as much as I loathe him as an opposing goalie, he's well spoken.

Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 22:51.

Strangely, i thought defense was not the main culprit tonight. Granted, 2 mistakes lead to the goal, but still... It's the forwards that did not deliver and they know (I really hope they do) who they are. AK46 needs to spend a couple of games in the Ryder. He is comletely invisible and cannot make a single right play. I mean, if it were Michael Ryder he would never see icetime ever again.

Submitted by originalsix on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 23:06.

Pressbox Andrei for a few games and bring up Max Pac for a try out :D

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 11/15/2008 - 22:52.

He could work on his paper airplane making mad skillz _____________________________________________________ Mad Pax...Beyond Powerdome

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About Mike Boone

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Mike Boone

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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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posted by Mike Boone at 12h13 EST on Nov 15

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