Shootout win! Never in doubt

posted by Mike Boone at 16h11 EST on Nov 20


Two struggling teams, both terrified of losing, play an odd hockey game that goes to a shootout, preceded by scraping and a extra Zamboni run

Spezza: Goal! Great shot 

Kovalev: Misses on backhand

Alfredsson: Save 

Markov: Goal on backhand

Ruutu: AMAZING glove save!

Koivu: Save, on another backhand

Vermette: Miss

Tanguay: GOAL!!! Bacxkhand

 What a team. Four of six points on the road ... sucking all the way! 

 

 


3P 00:00:

That was exciting! Love that 4-on-4 OT

OT 1:13:

Tanguay sets up Koivu. Lovely stuff

OT 3:12:

Brilliant PK ... especially Price

OT 3:35:

Gorges: Great tonight

3P 00:00:

A point ... by the skin of their bloody teeth. And a PK to start overtime.

3P 00:16:

Can't knock Gui! Horrible timing, but accidental.

3P 1:05:

Auld robs Tanguay!

3P 1:15:

More industrious work by the brothers

3P 2:45:

Bégin wins a key draw

3P 2:50:

Icing and Carbo takes an important timeout

3P 3:20:

Tom the Bomb! What a stud

3P 4:24:

FINALLY!!!

Markov

Off good work by the brothers and Lang

2-2 

3P 5:45:

I'm so depressed ...

3P 6:30:

The fourth line is the only one that exerts pressure

3P Break:

The scary part is the Canadiens are trying. Nothing works.

3P Break:

The scary part is the Canadiens are trying. Nothing works.

3P 8:24:

Five shots since the first period

3P 9:00:

Ruutu is smart. With a one-goal lead, doesn't crac Bouillon and risk a penalty

3P 10:15:

What a chance for Alfie!

3P 11:00:

Nine minutes to get a shot on goal.

3P 11:25:

Still no shots

3P 12:15:

Lang and the brothers

3P Break:

Through six-plus minutes, zero shots.

3P 13:50:

So disheartening ... No shots in this period

3P 15:02:

The jinx never fails ...

2-1 

3P 15:20:

Zubov and Bell on their PP?

3P 16:26:

O'Byrne ...

3P 17:12:

Great forechecking by Bégin and Sergei

3P 18:30:

Three white jerseys in front of Price to clear every rebound

3P 19:28:

Interesting stat: Canadiens winning 67 per cent of defensive zone faceoffs

3P 20:00:

Who wants it more? Based on recent history ...

J.T. on the middle period:


-Kovalev is not the problem. Carbo is not the problem. Voodoo is the problem.

-I don't know what's up with Hammer, but he's handling opposing forwards in the corners as though they're made of blown glass. Which results in blown coverage.

-OB is one month younger than Gorges. I believe in a learning curve, but Gorges seems have "gotten" it. OB, not so much.

-Some teams you have to worry about fifteen guys hurting you. With the Sens, you have to worry about three. Apparently, three is too many for our guys. God help them on Saturday.

-The coaches giving Begin the high-five is just a tad hypocritical in my opinion.

-Lucky no goal. The Sens deserved to get it, and will get it back if the Habs keep missing passes and making giveaways at the Santa Claus-like rate they've been doing.

-Price isn't SUPER Price tonight. He's good. The rest of the team will have to help him out a bit.

-It's sad...I'm usually a pretty empathetic person. But I just want to smack Jason Spezza every time I see him. Is that bad?

-Habs got a couple of lucky breaks. The third is decided on work ethic. For some reason...that doesn't make me hopeful.

Demers :

Heaps praise on Gorges and Bouillon, unsung heroes. Bouchard says Canadiens should pressure the puck-carrier because Ottawa is doing a poor job of support.

2P 00:00:

PK saves the bacon

2P 2:05:

Thanks, Kovy. At least the goal didn't count 

2P 3:08:

haven't seen many of those Markov shots this season

2P 4:40:

It's more fun when Neil plays

2P Break:

Laraque crunches Bell and Bégin lands a sweet left on Cody Bass. Thigs are heating up.

2P 6:22:

What a leg save on Vermette! Price is somethin' else

2P 7:10:

The reason for bad ice: Robin Williams played there last night.

2P 7;30:

Helluva rebound, Carey

2P 8:06:

Six shots this period. Both teams looking for breaks and mistakes.

2P Break:

Canadiens getting sloppy in a 1-1 game. not good.

2P 9:00:

Why do fourth-line pluggers like Winchester give the Canadiens fits?

2P 10:22:

Tanguay: bit of a slump? Squeezing the stick a bit?

2P 11:10:

Heatley is a magician

2P Break:

Why that whistle? Man, had McAmmond scored the Canadiens would have been deflated.

2P 13:00:

Andrei K has sme jump

2P 14:50:

Another great PK ... a team strength

2P 16:00:

Gorges is really good tonight

2P 16:56:

O'Byrne is just killing me

2P 18:30:

Last season, Koivu would have taken a penalty after that scoring attempt

2P 19:22:

Passing is still rushed and not crisp

2P 20:00:

Another period like the first and the boys will be OK.

The secret:

Per Demers and Bouchard: Let Kovalev be Kovalev

J.T. on the first period:


-Wondering who'll win this game is kind of like wondering who'll get the best report card from the special needs class.

-O'Byrne: There is no logical reason why someone who is 6'6" should be muscled off the puck. Unless he's actually six-and-a-half feet of Flubber on skates. In that case, Disney probably gets royalties every time he hits the ice.

-I just asked my hockey-illiterate husband, "WHAT the hell are they doing?" He said, "Bending over." I think maybe he's not as hockey-illiterate as he lets on.

-I think Plekanec's taking the "soft" label to heart. Part of his problem this year is he's taking himself out of the play to make pointless hits. Hey, I guess even Klinger had to feel like a man sometimes.

-Laraque should only ever handle the puck behind the opposition net and in the corners. When he has it in open ice, he's like a naked shoplifter.

-Canadiens' PP goal is Exhibit A for why Markov belongs on the LEFT side on the PP, and must be on the same unit as Kovalev. Thank you Carbo, even if it was an accident.

-Tom the Bomb can't play on any line but the fourth because his offensive reperatoire consists only of "shoot puck in corner" and "get puck off stick..quick."

-So, apparently, if an NHL player falls down it's a penalty. Can we sue the law of gravity for that? Or maybe the slipperiness of ice? I'm sure there's a lawyer somewhere who'd take that on.

-What the hell's Bowman doing in Ottawa? I heard a rumour the Hawks are interested in Spezza, but the only thing they could give up salary-wise to match would be Khabibulin. Hmmmm...

-Not a bad period, overall. Habs look like they care. Let's see if they care for another forty minutes.

Stats:

Canadiens doubled Ottawa in shots,8-4, but it went the other way in hits, 14-12. Most of that came during Ottawa's early pressure. Canadiens are an unreal 10-3 on faceoffs. They've blocked six shots to Ottawa's one.

1P 00:00:

I LOVE that extra shot Gui! took on Kuba after the siren. 

1P 1:30:

How did Vermette miss that?

1P Break:

Bit of a dive by Alfie. But Gui! got suckered.

1P 4:20:

Lang is learning not to hold up his arms after he checks people

1P Break:

I love Steve Bégin

1P Break:

That goal REALLY brought the Canadiens to life. Gotta pressure that very suspect Ottawa D.

1P 6:27:

That's the way. A short one from close in. Nothing fancy.

Koivu

1-1 

1P 13:03:

How about that replay? Between Price's legs and off the post.

1P Break:

Dirty play! Foligno on Hamrlik. That's crap.

1P 8:20:

No flow in the O-zone. One dump and they're out

1P 11:30:

Spezza line is killing Koivu's

1P 12:36:

One-man show again by Kovy, but it produced a good chance for Higgins

1P 14:00:

Disastrous shift. Can't get the puck out

1P 15:25:

Ever game, they surrender an early goal

1P 15:39:

Gorges gets overwhelmed, no one checks Heatley and it's 1-0

1P 16:25:

No Komo on Saturday

1P 17:10:

BGL blows his forecheck

1P 17:41:

Again, O'B. What a fast start by both teams

1P 18:33:

Price HUGE on Heatley

1P 19:40:

O'Byrne turns over his first clearing attempt, but then Kvalev and Plekanec get a 2-on-1, thanks to Higgins

You could make a great Christmas movie ...:

... with Dave Morissette

Coaches:

Demers goes nuts on people who knock Carbo, pointing out how well Alain Vigneault, Michel Therrien and Claude Julien are doing after being run out of Montreal

Perfect again?:

That's what Carbo called the 4-0 game last week

?:

I have no idea what to expect in this game.

The co-author of La Glorieuse Histoire des Canadiens:

looks like a retired hitman

Leadership:

Lack of it must drive Carbo, a born leader, nuts, says Bouchard

Carbo:

Had a chat with Sergei at practice

Gui!:

I think he'll rise to the occasion on the Koivu-Tanguay line. Not so sure about the other lines.

SUNDIN!!!!:

There's speculation Bob Gainey met him in L.A. God knows, he'd help ...

Reunion:

Spezza, Alfie and Heatley playing together tonight. Each of them, at one time or another, has hurt the Canadiens

Sergei:

After the fourth line, the pressbox?

Gaston Therrien:

shows an effective fourth-line shift against Carolina. First on the puck, pressure in the O-zone ... too bad the other lines couldn't do it.

Ottawa's problems:

Are on the back end, says Jouel Bouchard. The defencemen are unable to make effective transition passes to skilled Senators forwards.

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Comments

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Mike Boone's picture
Submitted by Mike Boone on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 18:08.
Can't leave the Comment count at 666. Too satanic.

Corporate's picture
Submitted by Corporate on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 09:11.
Something is wrong with Kovy. I don't know if he is back to his antics of 2 years ago, but something is just not right... Last night he played one shift which was right after Ottawa scored the goal.. That changed the momentum for a few minutes, but then he was making the same mistakes over and over again... In his defense, teams are checking him more now... But that shouldn't be an excuse. Jacques Demers said it best. When Kovy plays well the team follows... When he doesn't the team follows.. How has the team played??? Like kovy.. Passive, making soft passes that go nowhere, and making the little mistakes that can cost you a game in the long run. The one positive is that he is ok on the PK. Him and Koivu are one of the best on our team to kill penalties.. Anyways. These were my 2 cents.. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Koivu for Prime Minister...

Habitant in Surrey's picture
Submitted by Habitant in Surrey on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 07:49.
2 relatively soft teams played in Ottawa last night, and We were barely LESS SOFT than the Senators. A win is a win, but without a productive PP, we currently, 5 on 5, are offensively challenged. Talent is there, but last year's chemistry is not. Amazing that we are 11 and 5. Gut check time tomorrow. I won't jump off the Lion's Gate Bridge if we lose to the Bruins, but I do want them to show me they won't go down without a fight. And, if anyone lays a finger on Price whoever will, this time, pay 'the price' ! Potential suspension(s) or not ! A win or loss over the Bruins may be our psychological turning point of this season, either way. As long as we don't get pummeled like we did last week it should be an old fashioned Bruins-Canadiens barnburner. Entertaining anyway we look at it. Finally ! A game that will actually nail me in my easy chair from start to finish... I better pick up some beer. Post script: If you haven't heard already.... Bob was in Los Angeles this week meeting with Sundin.... .... I know you don't necessarily care about my opinion one way or other.... but I will give it anyway..... how about sign Sundin (if by some miracle he would sign with us.... ).... trade Kovy to Florida for Beowmeester.... straight up ?

Chris's picture
Submitted by Chris on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 09:29.
If (when?) Florida trades Bouwmeester, I don't think they will be looking for a 35/36 year old UFA coming back the other way, but rather a younger roster player or two plus prospects and/or draft picks.

Robert L's picture
Submitted by Robert L on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 07:29.
33 Things You Might Not Know About Patrick Roy http://wwweyesontheprize.blogspot.com/2008/11/33-things-you-might-not-kn... Gainey Catches Sundin Practice On Hopes Of Restoring Talks http://wwweyesontheprize.blogspot.com/2008/11/gainey-catches-sundin-prac...

Submitted by gincognito on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 10:05.
One thing I just heard on the radio about him (from Mike Farber of SI): that line about not hearing Jeremy Roenick because of the two stanley cup rings in his ears was provided to him by none other than Mike Keane. Always liked that guy.

Habsrule1's picture
Submitted by Habsrule1 on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 10:40.
Patrick was on L'Antichambre the other night, and he actually mentioned how Keane gave him the idea for that quote, and he thought it was funny, so he used it! Couldn't agree more....I loved Keane as well. As if they had to throw him into the Roy trade....disgusting. No idea if he ever plans to coach (or if he ever plans to quit playing), but something tells me he'd be a good one. "I can't hear what Jeremy(Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy Go Habs Go!! Habsrule

yukonhab's picture
Submitted by yukonhab on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 02:34.
Boy Gorges...that's pretty good

yukonhab's picture
Submitted by yukonhab on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 02:27.
not the best of Wins...however glad to get the W. When it comes to the standing the Habs are still 5th and 6pts out of first, and still 4 games behind he 1st place Rangers. In time We will be the force of the East like We all believed We would be this year....Nice goal by Father Tanguay and pretty solid 67 mins by Price Almighty. Has anyone seen Chris Higgins???? Tell Him to please call home...haven't seen Him in days GO HABS GO!!!!

Glorious CH's picture
Submitted by Glorious CH on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:29.
how about your boy gorges boone? what a horse he is turning into

CHsam's picture
Submitted by CHsam on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:17.
You know, occasionally the Breezer scares ya with his play, but I love the drama. Go Breezer and Lats!

ryantheduke's picture
Submitted by ryantheduke on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:04.
had a GREAT time up in the 300 level tonight (the only time i really have a 'good' time at sens games is when the habs visit). we were representing loud and clear tonight. quick thoughts before i sleep: - i say this a lot, but i f&*%ing LOVE carey price. he's amazing to watch, always. - still don't know why laraque is on the team. no one will even think about fighting him. see him standing there tonight while begin went for a dance? he looked so out of place. i feel bad for him at this point. - priority #1: sign alex tanguay long term. - that markov goal made me almost jump out of my skin. talk about a mood shifter. - sergei had a much better night. can't say the same for andrei. - last but certainly not least.. why is o'byrne still on this team? and why is carbo defending his dumbass penalties?

Number31's picture
Submitted by Number31 on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 03:21.
I loved hearing the Carey Chant in another building. They were constantly turning the crowd volume down on the SensCast that I was watching ;) O'Byrne's new defense style is the Bear Hug. He's just spreading the love!

moser17's picture
Submitted by moser17 on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:34.
I was in the 300s too, brother. More Bleu-Blanc-et-Rouges than Sens Army, as usual. Go Habs Go!

JasonM's picture
Submitted by JasonM on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 03:41.
Gimmick posting is lame.

Submitted by Yeats on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 17:03.
So is staying up until almost three in the morning to read it.

The M's picture
Submitted by The M on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 03:29.
aahh, idiots on the internet

Gabx's picture
Submitted by Gabx on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:10.
And if by 'Things' you mean sticks, then you're right, because there HAS been alot of high sticking lately. haha. Moronic reply of the night ;)

BIG-D's picture
Submitted by BIG-D on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:10.
WOW!!!

Gabx's picture
Submitted by Gabx on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:08.
Wow

t1tan5's picture
Submitted by t1tan5 on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:06.
There's no bait. Your comments aren't even inflammatory; they're funny.

melissa-x3's picture
Submitted by melissa-x3 on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:03.
this isn't funny. this is just lame. It's kind of sad.

Submitted by Milan Lucic (not verified) on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:06.
Told you some flounder would take the bait!

Gabx's picture
Submitted by Gabx on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:08.
Its not so much taking the bait as just...pointing out the pointlessness of it i guess.

Submitted by Milan Lucic (not verified) on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:13.
All really good humor has and element of truth to it. Do you really think the Habs are ready to play the Bruins on Saturday night? Does Carbo have a super secret fourth line combo that he is hiding from the rest of the League? Barring an Act of God, the high point on Saturday night will be when they raise Patrick Roy's number to the rafters. After that, all bets are off.

Gabx's picture
Submitted by Gabx on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:16.
Yeah yeah, i agree with what you're saying (mostly, because i'd feel bad giving up hope completely just yet), its just posing as lucic and all...lol.

Submitted by Yeats on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:20.
You better develop a sense of humor sport, you may need it on Saturday night. (Believe me, if I didn't tell you it was me, most of you guys would have had no idea whatsoever.) "No one can put your nuts in a vice unless you let them." Yeats

Gabx's picture
Submitted by Gabx on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:22.
yeah, ok.

Submitted by Yeats on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:27.
Yea, you knew it all the time. (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.) You were on to me like stink on a skunk. Sure you were. LOL. Got any bold line combos?

Gabx's picture
Submitted by Gabx on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:31.
No, i had no clue that it was you, actually, how would i? nope, i've got no brilliant line combos, i'll leave that to carbo, and everyone else on this site ;)

Gabx's picture
Submitted by Gabx on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:07.
.

forskis's picture
Submitted by forskis on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:57.
Wow...so many people are already writing them off for Sat., what happened to the faith? What happened to the "we beat them all the time"? Yes, the Bruins are playing well and the Habs are playing nowhere near their potential but you gotta have faith and believe. Slumps happen throughout a long season, better that it be in the early part of the season rather than the second half...I think they will play hard agains the Bruins because they remember last week's pasting...in all sports, the rule applies: "any given Sunday"....have faith and relax...and please, you cheered for the same players last year and now you want half of them gone and you cheered the newcomers and you now you want them gone too... Listen, they are not playing well so be upset, absolutely yes, but relax and realize that they have not even played 20 games yet... I think the Habs will win on Saturday, whether it be ugly or not, they will win and work their way back to their potential...last year it took until late December before everything came back together...so we got a little bit of time for them to get this funk out of their system.

melissa-x3's picture
Submitted by melissa-x3 on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:20.
THANK you.

Habs_008's picture
Submitted by Habs_008 on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:00.
i like what ur saying! I will be in atendence on Saturday nite, heading up to mtl 2morrow nite 2 party! its gonna be a great weekend.

BIG-D's picture
Submitted by BIG-D on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:41.
Is it me or did Price seem to duck when he went down on the first goal?

LongIslandHabsFan's picture
Submitted by LongIslandHabsFan on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 08:52.
Give the kid a break. Heatley somewhat whiffed on the shot, sending a fluttering knuckleball towards Carey's noggin that mesmerized him almost as badly as Pleks was mesmerized trying to play on a line with Higgy.

Gabx's picture
Submitted by Gabx on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:02.
Yeah I noticed that too...weird eh?

saskhab's picture
Submitted by saskhab on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:02.
It was kind of a lunge. He didn't get a good read on that one and tried to reach out for it a bit before it got too high.

BIG-D's picture
Submitted by BIG-D on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 01:05.
I'll buy that Saskhab.........

Moey's picture
Submitted by Moey on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:38.
Well it sounds like I didn't miss anything tonight, by all accounts we're still in the crapper. On a lighter note, Robin Williams on the Olympic stadium, "The only stadium where the fans have to wear helmets". http://moeymusings.blogspot.com/

mjames's picture
Submitted by mjames on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:37.
I will gladly take the two points . As they say "fake it until you make it" and our team is certainly living prove of that adage. On Saturday the score will be 10-2 and i don't have to tell you who will have ten. Based on our recent play this game will be a real *** whipping. I agree with some posters that BGL has to take down this kid Lucic. If not he will be running at our guys all night. Georges has to go out and mug Lucic. Just very basic. mjames

G-Man's picture
Submitted by G-Man on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 06:38.
The Habs aren't as pathetic as posters on this site make them out to be. Gilbert 2008/09 is the season of the Habs

t1tan5's picture
Submitted by t1tan5 on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:45.
If you go into a game thinking you will lose, the battle will have already been lost. We will win. And if we don't, we better go down in a blaze of epic glory.

Chris's picture
Submitted by Chris on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:20.
Skip this message if you're planning on watching the ADT Canada-Russia series game on recording. Missed the Habs game to go to the game between the Russian selects and the OHL all-stars. Game wasn't too bad...OHL was awesome in the first but Russia managed to tie it up 2-2, Russia was FLYING in the second but OHL tied it up 3-3, and then the third period turned on a VERY fluky goal off a Russian skate into their own net, and OHL piled it on for the 6-3 win. Stars of the game: Cory Hodgson: scored a hat trick (including credit for the deflection off the skate), was generally involved in the play all night. Made some very nice dekes...the kid has great hands! John Tavares: scored a couple of goals, had at least one nice assist. Was really trying to get himself a hat trick all through the third, trying to go 1-on-5 a few times. Never quite made it through, but came damned close! Tried the lacrosse-style goal behind the net late in the third...even though he wasn't successful, I'm pretty sure the Russians wanted to beat the snot out of him. Kind of a classless thing to try with 2 minutes to go in a 6-3 game. Dale Mitchell: Holy crap that guy is fast! Decent hands to boot. Tyler Cuma: RIDICULOUS wrist shot on that guy: hard, accurate and stupidly quick release. And they were from the point. Wow. He's listed at 6'2", 182 lbs. but I don't believe it. He looked much taller and bigger than that. Josh Brittain: fairly quick and a MONSTER (6'4", 217 lbs). He hit everything that moved at various times during the game. Somewhat undisciplined, but NHL scouts I'm sure love the guy to death because of his size. Players I was disappointed with: Taylor Hall and Ryan Ellis were both somewhat invisible. They've been tearing up the OHL this year for Windsor, but they really didn't stand out tonight. Both OHL goalies (Chris Carrozzi and Tyler Beskorowany) looked shaky. As for the Russians, Dmitry Kagarlitsky stood out for his speed and offensive skill, although he seemed pretty easy to push to the outside once he got in the OHL zone...when I looked him up, I can see why: 5'8" and 141 (!) pounds. He reminded me of a faster, more skilled Oleg Petrov. But hands down, their best player was Evgeny Grachev: big (6'3", 202 lbs. but looked bigger than that), fast and great skill. Unfortunately, he's already NY Rangers property. Blech! Russian goalie Alexander Pechurskiy was pretty weak on at least 3 of the goals. Don't think we'll be seeing him in the NHL anytime soon.

t1tan5's picture
Submitted by t1tan5 on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:19.
Sheeeet...I sure hope the boys have more resolve than some fans here. Giving up 48 hours before puck-drop. Ever heard of "they're playing above their heads"? Well that's the Bruins right now. If you look at their D, it is very suspect beyond Chara. If we can pressure them into making mistakes, we will win. By pressure, I mean a relentless TWO-man forecheck. The one-man deal is useless. Lucic? If BGL or somebody destroys him early on and sets the tone for the rest of the match, Lucic should not be that much of a factor. The rest of their forwards are, size-wise, like the Habs. Besides Lucic, whom I have already addressed, they don't have that much size up front. What they do have is a superlative work ethic. They simply NEVER coast. There is only one way to defeat effort and that is MORE effort.

Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:11.
So Habs won games against 2 worst teams in each conference... and they needed a shootout to do it. Woo! Exciting. I admit, team played better, so baby steps I guess... baby steps. Hope enough steps can be taken to make them compete for 60 minutes. Hopefully these steps can be taken early enough to make it to the post season. Btw, carbo's reaction said a lot after Tanguay scored. I bet he started to feel the pressure and whispers of maybe the coach is not alright. Anyway... on to Bruins.. and I am afraid.

Habsrule1's picture
Submitted by Habsrule1 on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 11:54.
I think he was nervous after reading your posts on here. "I can't hear what Jeremy(Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy Go Habs Go!! Habsrule

G-Man's picture
Submitted by G-Man on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 06:42.
Carbo wasn't relieved. He was happy 2 of the 4 shooters followed his advice and went 5 hole on Auld. Weren't you watching him on the bench demonstrating how Auld's pads come down just prior to the shootout? Gilbert 2008/09 is the season of the Habs

Submitted by zip by on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:22.
I take your point - but here is my rant: The Habs are not winning anything on the boards - with the notable exception of Begin (please keep him in!) they are poke checking or "skating close" to the opposition on the boards with absolutely zero results. What kind of system requires that they lose in this situation? One can talk endlessly about the speed and skill of the team - but these qualities only figure if they actually possess the puck. Yes Carbo was relieved - and rightly so - unless he gets his team to win the battles - then the war will be lost.

Ian G Cobb's picture
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:02.
Sure hope Price can keep us in games until Carbo gets the rest of this squad together.

doug's picture
Submitted by doug on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:13.
Sure hope Carbo goes if Price can't keep us in them

Harani's picture
Submitted by Harani on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:02.
My positives for this game -Markov must have read all the critics between the first and second period because he came back in the third with a mission. A goal and shootout goal! WOW! -When I saw Tanguay's face after that glove save on him by Auld. Boy did he looked pissed! Like three times, his efforts went to waste and I was like, come the shootout and this guy will score for sure! And there you go! I love tanguay! -Sergei Kostitsyn added two assists to his sheet and I really like him and his brother together on the same line. I sure bet he gained back his confidence. -The best for last! Carey Price came up HUGE! Yet again, making the right saves at the right time to keep his team alive. And that save on Ruutu was like AMAZING! It is sure a save which has to go on the highlight reels. -The PowerPlay seemed to click more this time around. Simple plays are working. -Captain Koivu seems to have taken his leadership role to heart today. It was nice to see them perform. -The other good thing about the Habs is their potential to keep fighting. The play in the right corner by Andrei Kostitsyn is a perfect example of never giving up. And player like Bégin and Kostopoulos work their heart out and bring all the energy. The Negatives -Ryan O'Byrne just reaffirmed my initial guess on him proving to me that he certainly isn't made for the NHL. Boy he got me frustrated so many times today. Two dumb penalties and only 3 hits for that Huge body of his. When Steve Begin can dish out 5 hits, why can't O'Byne? He doesn't seem to know how to use it. Just shoves himself around and keeps giving the puck away. -Alex Kovalev looked a little less lost but you wonder what it is going to take him to snap out of this frozen state. -Pleks seemed lost through most of the game. He wasn't himself and the addition of Higgins just made things much harder. And that line was clearly the worst combination tonite. -The number of combined shots by both teams was equal to the total saves made by Price on tuesday night, 46. The Canadiens have to start finding ways to shoot the puck. -And one more thing, Robert Lang was horrible on the faceoff front, perhaps he needs to practice them. He went a terrible 27% (4 won out of 15!). -Latendresse was kind of messed up. 4 penalty minutes but some good plays. I should say he has been rather inconsistent. -Did I mention Ryan O'Byrne frustrating style of play (if he ever has any)? I guess that's the overall impression when the Habs left Scotiabank Place. An unsolid 4 points out of 6. Good stuff...or Lucky team. Off to Roy's jersey retirement. Perhaps maybe a night to remember! Les Boys are coming home!

Submitted by zip by on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:26.
I don't disagree with your points - but I think you forget to mention that Georges played a very good game. Having been given the chance play a top 4 role - he is coming along very nicely.

Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:22.
O'Byrne is ok as the 6th dman playing about 10 minutes. I thought he was on the ice a lot more often than he shuold have been and personally i did not think he was all THAT bad. Yes, he was soft and yes he does not have any offensive skills but his positioning was better than in game against the canes, and that penalty on which Sens scored was a bullshit. I didn't know you are not allowed to have ANY contact in the NHL. Kovalev was again in the vegetative state. Many turnovers, not using his linemates, and most of all a lazyass penalty on Ruutu (which I think was a dive). If you are taking a retaliatory penalty, take an elbow to the head, or a stick to the mouth. Lats was ok. I like him this year and if you know me you'd know that I used to be one of his biggest bashers.

doug's picture
Submitted by doug on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:12.
- i don't think the kostitsyns were together much more than that single time they scored - the Power Play clicked - I guess. . . in that we scored fairly quickly on the only time we had the man advantage. Not sure that's a sufficient sample size to say anything, harani

doug's picture
Submitted by doug on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:00.
Random thoughts on the game: - I thought the teams played an even game. Neither has much toughness, which allowed skating room. I think the Habs can play with any team that's mostly finesse and doesn't intimidate and slow down our speedy forwards: in other words, the Senators. - Koivu continues to be the best player on offense - Welcome back, Andre Markov. I think his cross ice seeing eye pass to Tanguay was the first time he did this season what seemed to happen every game last season. - I'm sorry, but Carbonneau IS the problem. Consider the three times he's faced adversity during his tenure behind the bench. 2006-2007 starting at Christmas break, uptempo Habs team (same team as last year and this year +/- some interchangeable parts in my opinion) goes into tailspin. Carbonneau sulks. Carbonneau starts to bench randomly. Carbonneau stops communicating. Carbonneau rotates lines. Flu bug hits in March and no one seems to remember how bad it was before that happened. Season over on last game of the season after pathetic breakdown. 2007-2008: no adversity until playoffs, when Bruins start to figure us out and Carbonneau responds with "the ugly tie my wife bought me". Goes to round two, being stopped because of inability to finish combined with holey as opposed to holy Price. Ugly tie doesn't work. This year, team starts sucking early. No changes made. Team then sucks AND loses. Yelling but no changing. Team loses against Leafs -> tirade. Team beats Sens 4-0 -> hyperbole ('best game since i've been coach'). Team loses to Leafs -> "i have no answers". And then? Change the lines every day, and is randomly benching Lapierre. . . and would bench a top three line player but... no talent on the sidelines. - If Habs had lost tonight Carbonneau would have been gone by Christmas. Not saying he prolonged his stay long, necessarily, but losing to this only team we match up well against would have prolonged the slump and deepened it. - Bruins will own us on Saturday. Watched them come back from 2-0 and 4-2 last night against Sabres. Men against boys. Don't see a different out come on Saturday, and almost don't want to watch. - I thought there passing was better this game, but it was too much on the periphery (as usual) and it was against a weak team - Players other than Koivu and Markov who I liked tonight: Price, Tanguay, Gorges, Begin,and Latendresse, actually (yeah, he had the high stick, etc., but he was skating and passing fairly well) - More good than bad or trended up: Hamrlik, Kovalev (who i'm sure people were cursing after the trip and inexplicably called back goal, but he looked like he cared), Bouillon, O'Byrne - Mostly invisible: Higgins, Plekanec (except when he would show his speed, not that he did anything with it), Akots, Skots, Kosto (tho when noticed was hustling) - Occasioally scary: Brisebois - Useless: Laraque - and that's despite fact he threw his first solid check of the season - Bottom line: call me underwhelmed, but nonetheless enormously grateful, and - notwithstanding the above- hopeful although it feels illogical to be so until i see a real turnaround game

Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:29.
You know, Doug, I am just sick of you negativity :)

Submitted by jimbo on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:19.
O'Byrne really?With all the Lat bashing that goes on here,people are finally starting to take notice that this clown is horrid.Doesn't do anything well.Send him down to steel town or give him away.You learn to play in the AHL,you get schooled in the show.

twocents's picture
Submitted by twocents on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:15.
Doug, I know this is somewhat pointless as it doesn't change the substance of what you are saying much but, my memory tells me the flu bug hit right at the Christmas break 2 years ago and coincided with the collapse. I believe they actually regrouped in March and played well down the stretch only to lose the last few games and blow it. I also do not agree that it was virtually the same team then as now.

Harani's picture
Submitted by Harani on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:05.
S. Kos has two assists and you call him INVISIBLE? The boy is working his *** off to keep his spot. Not enough but not as bad to be called invisible.

Ian G Cobb's picture
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:03.
Brisbois play well I thought.

Ian G Cobb's picture
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:57.
Where the hell can we play Higgins for him to show. He was absolutely invisible tonight.

Submitted by StillattheMapes on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:04.
Actually, he was worse than that, and I like the guy as a player, but not with Plekanec and Kovalev, I was begging Carbo to put AK46 back out there with those two because he was also struggling with Lang. Koivu and Tanguay have great understanding together.

LongIslandHabsFan's picture
Submitted by LongIslandHabsFan on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:03.
Hate to say it, because I really pull for Chris with him being a fellow Long Islander, but ... Didn't our troubles really start when he came back from his injury? We had 4 lines that were all working well and now look at what a mess it's become.

Chris's picture
Submitted by Chris on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:30.
Habs struggles beginning with Higgins' return was pure coincidence. They were a one-line team (Koivu's) and the opposition started keying in on stopping that line. The secondary scoring (Plekanec line especially, but the Lang line also struggled) wasn't able to pick up the slack and there you have it. The Habs are geared around their offence...if they aren't scoring, they are going to have a tough time winning.

Submitted by StillattheMapes on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:52.
I was at the game tonight. Really bad game by our guys, especially given what Ottawa had as team. A few comments. The ice was really terrible, which didn't help. Higgins looked lost with Plekanec and Kovalev, Kovy made a few plays but mostly floated, little K was lost completely lost on the 4th line, then there was the Lang-46-6 combo which didn't work at all for 55 minutes (ugh) until geez then you finally put the k-bros with Lang for a minute and we score. Price was fantastic, but neither team did much, shots were 11-11 at the end of the second. Half the crowd were hab fans, which was fun. I dunno what's wrong, but don't blame it on the defence, we rarely kept the puck in the offensive end and were routinely pushed off it everywhere else. This team should be at least as good as last year if not better, so there is something not right somewhere.

Will Longlade's picture
Submitted by Will Longlade on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:53.
Nifty goal by Tanguay. He telegraphed it so much that Auld may have been thinking he would return the puck to his forehand. A good game to build on. Let's hope it helps the team get back into the groove for Saturday's tilt. Should be a good one.

LongIslandHabsFan's picture
Submitted by LongIslandHabsFan on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:00.
That move will be dubbed the "Obvious". Make it so obvious what you're going to do that the goalie doesn't believe you're going to do it and does nothing. Brilliant!

LongIslandHabsFan's picture
Submitted by LongIslandHabsFan on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:56.
It certainly would be a more desirable result if the big galoot actually fought someone himself, rather than watching one of his teammates get pummeled (Komi, Cube, Tom the Bomb, etc.)

showey47's picture
Submitted by showey47 on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:57.
I think bgl just has to say f#$k the "code" where heavy weights only fight heavy weights. He will challenge lucic on saturday, lucic will decline like most sane people would. But then bgl has to remind milan lucic "no thank-you" is not an option. If bgl wants to be a serious contributor on this team he needs to pummel anyone who takes a cheap shot at one of our star players regardless of who it is.

Norm0770's picture
Submitted by Norm0770 on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:03.
I hope Carbo gives BGL the green light to take an instigator penalty. I just keep seeing Lucic's over the top celebration and think someone should smack that guy so he realizes he didn't win a heavy weight bout.

Gabx's picture
Submitted by Gabx on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:22.
it was really his celebration and the boston fans olé-ing and na na na-ing that pissed me off. i hate boston SO MUCH.

RGM's picture
Submitted by RGM on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 08:55.
They've had a lot of pent-up frustration over the past two years. Getting their butts handed to them on a regular basis by our Montreal Canadiens has made them mean. ----- Go Habs Go!

Ian G Cobb's picture
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:59.
He better jump him the first shift and beat the snot out of him, and yes he will take an instigator penalty.

LongIslandHabsFan's picture
Submitted by LongIslandHabsFan on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:46.
Alright, I guess they can take us all off suicide watch temporarily. 4 of 6 points on the road trip, featuring 2 come from behind wins. Now please don't remind me of the pathetic play that forced us to have to come from behind, having led only once in regulation during those 3 whole games (when it was 1-0 before pooping the bed against Carolina). But Markov at least snapped out of his funk, the PP clicked at 100% tonight (even if it was just 1 for 1), and Price saved our bacon again. Problem is, now we have to play a real team on Saturday. Patrick, put on that 33 one more time for us?

Chorske's picture
Submitted by Chorske on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:46.
YAY, everyone is happy again.

Ian G Cobb's picture
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:49.
Not me

Chorske's picture
Submitted by Chorske on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:53.
My tongue was only a little in my cheek. ;)

Number31's picture
Submitted by Number31 on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:41.
That Brothers Kostitsyn Dance near the end before Markov's goal was a great play and created an opportunity as well as completely confused the opposing defensemen. If they do that more often... Keep them together! O'Byrne however really needs some work down in Hamilton. Maybe bring up Belle? (Since Henry needs to pass waivers). Price and shootouts = love. I think he'll have fun at the ASG. I think I've said that before though. Now to get those lines scoring regularily and defense to be a bit more consistent... Though I can't really complain. Half the game was played in the neutral zone, with Ottawa's own number 31 playing on his head to keep his equally struggling team alive. Auld isn't that much different from last year save for being a bit sharper more often, so kudos to him for really carrying this team.

showey47's picture
Submitted by showey47 on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:48.
I think obyrne needs to clear waivers and believe it or not, somebody would snatch him up and quite honestly i am tired of losing quality defencemen to the waiver wire. Just to have them come back and bite us in the ***.I'm pretty sure the guy has played a grand total of 48 career games. He isn't any worse then komi when he broke in the league, the only difference is the team expectations are alot higher now then they were back then.

Will Longlade's picture
Submitted by Will Longlade on Fri, 11/21/2008 - 00:00.
I agree. OB is capable of playing much better and his performance year to date is greatly exaggerated on this site. He's a plus 5 player in his short NHL career and beleive it or not has some offensive upside.

Ian G Cobb's picture
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:53.
Showey- Obyrne is so young yet, we forget, but he is not up to the pace of this league. If we want him to get there we have to play him solid for the rest of the year and hope he gets there.

BIG-D's picture
Submitted by BIG-D on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:39.
I am sorry for my earlier comment. We have one D-MAN he is #79. We still need 4 more... "OUSTANDING SAVE BY PRICE" what Danny would say. God bless his soul....

Gabx's picture
Submitted by Gabx on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:40.
I think Gorges did pretty good tonight too...

Norm0770's picture
Submitted by Norm0770 on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:56.
Georges led both teams in ice time tonight with 27 minutes. Didn't notice him that much so he must have been playing simple mistake free hockey.

Larry's picture
Submitted by Larry on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:43.
There were a few positive signs tonight. I think Mike had it right even when,like he said, nothing was working. They were trying.

Gabx's picture
Submitted by Gabx on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:47.
Like he said too, thats scary, because they WERE trying, against one of the WORST teams, and things STILL didnt go that well...it makes me really nervous for saturday.

Ian G Cobb's picture
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:39.
I will take the two points to be sure, against the worse team in the NHL. But we have a hell of a hole to climb out of. We have to be the softest club in the league. Talent means absolutely nothing if you can not control the play. If price did not save our bacon tonight, along with a piss poor call to scratch out a goal by the ref we would not have had a shot for the extra point. Very sad that we play so soft. I will enjoy our great talent this year to be sure, but when the tough teams get ready to play us we are going to take a *** kicking. Boston Saturday night will tell the story. Kovalev had a better game tonight, but Oburyn and Lats can not keep up to the play at this level yet, and take penalties.

Gabx's picture
Submitted by Gabx on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:38.
If they would have played the whole damn game the way they played the last two minutes of the third period, they probably would have won. i wanted to tear my hair out, watching both teams get the puck, and then lose it. it was like watching little kids play hockey. You know, the whole, "aww, thats so cute, they're trying" thing.

Submitted by postie jim on Thu, 11/20/2008 - 23:36.
OK Markov i guess u heard me talking about u.Still think u r to soft for your size and your shot is not like Webers, still have,nt changed my mind.May b if this keeps up i will.Chow Hab fans for now.

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