Shootout secrets revealed ... NOT!

posted by Mike Boone at 14h06 EST on Mar 22

"I can't tell these things guys."

Saku Koivu was not going to reveal his strategy. Whatever, it worked.

The Captain had just scored the only goal of the shootout, a backhander past Tim Thomas that secured two points in a hard-fought game of playoff intensity.

By winning, Canadiens remained atop the Eastern Conference. And they've opened up a five-point lead on Ottawa, which will be at the Bell Centre Monday night.

Koivu had noticed that in stopping Mark Streit and Alex Kovalev on the first two shots of the shootout, Boston goaltender Tim Thomas had played deep in his net.

"Everybody has their favourite moves," Koivu said. "I've done mine, and sometimes you want to come up with something new."

Koivu recalled he'd hit the post in the Canadiens shootout loss to St. Louis. He speculated that Thomas "didn't know what to expect."

"(Thomas) didn't challenge us much," Koivu added. "When a goalie plays deep in his net, there's not a lot of room for deking. You want to get a quick shot."

Koivu lauded Canadiens' six defencemen, a corps depleted by the loss of Mike Komisarek.

"We knew those guys would come out and play desperate and they did," said Josh Gorges, who played 25 solid minutes and nearly ended the game when he was sent in alone in OT.

"They pushed real hard and we were able to overcome it. I thought we played a real good game.

"We kept fighting,"" Gorges added. "It takes 60, 65 minutes plus a shootout sometimes."

Looking ahead to Monday, Koivu pointed out that to the extent that Canadiens' have had Boston's number this season, Ottawa has had theirs: five wins in six games.

"It's a huge challenge," the captain added. "Obviously we know the situation. If we win, it's a seven-point lead.

"I don't want to think too much ahead. We'll focus on Monday's game.

OT 00:01:

Ooof! My heart!

OT 3:47:

Kovy sends Gorges in alone

OT 4:15:

Higgins and Sergei

OT 5:00:

Cardiac city here. 60 shots in the game. That's entertainment

3P 00:00:

At least a point. What a game. Kovy on the PK: spectacular.

3P 1:46:

OH NNO! Tom thhe Bomb! What a gaffe! Julien takes a timeout. Otttawa loses. Too much happening

3P 2:38:

Chara has played amazing minutes.

3P 4:35:

Very short shifts

3P 4:45:

Sergei and Ryder come SO close.

3P Break:

Pleks line has shown up for the third period.

3P 7:00:

Tension builds. One mistake will spell disaster. OK enough clichés

3P 9:40:

Kovy sends Andrei K in alone.

3P Break:

Hard to read momentum. Both teams playiing very carefully.

3P 10:30:

PP was a mess

3P 12:43:

Wow! Falling, Kovy gets off a backhand. And it's a PP

3P 13:24:

Kovalev is cranking it up a notch.

3P Break:

Canadiens coming close. Thomas looks so awkward. I can't figure out the lline changes.

3P 15:00:

Sergei, Grabovski and Ryder.

3P 17:00:

Chhara jawing at Kovalev

3P 18:47:

Price snatches one out of the air.

3P 19: 20:

Another one killed

3P 20:00:

Gonna be a wild one.

Between periods:

Old pal – and fellow Habs I/O founder – Sid Banerjee thinks the game started slipping away from Canadiens halfway through the first period. The Koivu lline has ben outstanding, but others haave had trouble finishing plays, and the Pleks line has been ineffective ... Higgins, Hamrlik and Grabovski have been on for both Boston goals ... Bruins have 25 shots and seven muffs. Canadiens have 12 blocks, so that's a 444-shot barrage through 40 minutes ...Third period should be a dandy.

2P 00:00:

Heroic PK shift by Higgins

2P 1:21:

Very bad penalty by Sergei

2P 2:00:

This playoff hockey.

2P 2:55:

Wow! Amazing shift by Koivu line. Then Bégin belts Shane Hnidy. We'll see how it affects momentum.

2P 4:50:

Interesting time of the game. Both teams waiting for a mistake to pounce.

2P Break:

Was that Bobby Orr? No. Mark Streit.

2P 7:00:

Building has gone ddead

2P 8:00:

Quiet night for the big line.

2P 8:40:

More of that! Bégin hits Savard.

2P Break:

Canadiens aren't getting any offence going. Bruins are playing like they don't want to go 0-8

2P 10:27:

That started with a really soft neutral zonne play by Max on Lucic.

2P 11:24:

Too many icings under pressure.

2P 12:00:

Bruins keep coming close

2P Break:

Chaos in the Canadiens end. Bruins have a 21-14 shot advantage.

2P 14:000:

Sergei K: best passer on the team

2P 15:00:

Good shift for the Boston grinders.

2P 18:00:

Chara is going to end up with 10 shots at this rate

2P 18:27:

Nice rush bby Kovy out of the box Pleks and koivu

2P 19:14:

Good to have a rested PK. Just noticed O'B played 3:01 in first

2P 20:00:

I love firewagon hockey, but allowing 16 SoG in 20 minutes is ridiculous

Fearless prediction:

This game will end in a scrum.

Between periods:

Andrei Markov 9:37, Josh Gorges 7:09, Chris Higgins three shots, Bryan Smolinski 5-1 on faceoffs Grabovski 3-3 ... Some anxious moments with Price' clearing passes, but he's made spectacular saves ... Another high-energy game from Michael Ryder. That line is flying tonight, led by The Captain ... Mark Streit and Hammer are looking solid ...

1P 00:00:

28 shots and a period-ending scrum. That's hockey

1P 1:30:

Price mmishandles and has to make his 15th save

1P 2:45:

Koivu line has been brilliant

1P 4:00:

Great PK

1P 5:20:

Price's 10th save is a crowd-pleaser

1P Break:

Mark Streit has been spectacular with shot-blocking. Under pressure, Sergei takes a penalty.

1P 7:23:

Idiot. Delayed penalty on Pleks, so Kessel high-sticks Bouillon.

1P 8:00:

Defence pairings look good so far.

1P Break:

Canadiens have 11 shots already. Forwards are flying and Bruins D looks fat and slow

1P 9:20:

Great shift by Koivu line.

1P 10:11:

Nicer goal. Andrei K. backhands a rebound home.

2-1

1P 11:24:

Nice goal. Savard turnedd on the jets to chase down that ricochet and wrap it in.

1-1

1P Break:

Prices robs Marc Savard. Then another too-many-men on Bruins.

1P 13:22:

Higgins gets two good chances on first wave. Sergei annd Hammmer play points on second wave. Then Kovy takes a Koivu penalty

1P 15:00:

Before faceoff, Kovalev talking to Wes McCauley. Probably saying "Gonnna let them kill me or what?"

1P 16:00:

Some mishandled pucks in the Canadiens end. The fight raised the tension level

1P 17:30:

P.J. Axelsson?

Gonnna be a long night.

1P 17:40:

Bingo!

Sergei threads one to Ryder, puck comes backk to Mmarkov

1-0

1P 18:33:

Koivu against Milan Lucic line. Should be a speed addvanntage

1P 19:30:

Strong start for Bégin

Pre-game intros:

Kovy gets the biggest applause, of course, but the Brothers K are edging up on the applause-o-meter

1P 20:00:

Gotta think Bruins will come out thumping, with no Komisarek. Guys like O'Byrne and Bouillon will have to push back ... though you don't want any defencemenn going for 5 minutes

Jacques Beauchamp Award:

For the Canadiens' unsung hero. Mark Streit won it last year. My ballot: 1. Josh Gorges 2/ Tom the Bomb 3. Sergei K

Tim Thomas:

gets the start

Ref booed ... already:

Kerry Fraser

Happy Goonday:

Born this day: the late John Kordic in 1965, Todd Ewen in 1966

Youth movement:

Canadiens, with an average age of 27.7, are tied for the sixth youngest team in the league with – wait for this surprise – Toronto. Phoenix is youngest 26.5, a shade younger than Chicago at 26.6. Leading greybears are Atlanta and Calgary, average age 30.1, Anaheim at 30.2 and Detroit (with Chelly) at an even 32

Comparison:

Canadiens are 41-24-10 for 92 points. After 75 games last season they were 38-31-6 for 80 points. Goals For/Goal Against tis season are 233/200, a plus-33 differential. Last year it was 215/229 for minus-14

Spreading the hurt around:

In compiling a 7-0 record against the Bruins this season, Canadiens have hung Ls on four goaltenders: Manny Fernandez, Tim Thomas, Alex Auld and Tukka Rask.

That's the most since 1989-'90, when Canadiens beat five Quebec Nordiques goalies: Ron Tugnutt, Mario Brunetta, Greg Millen, Scott Gordon and Sergei Mylnikov

Tags:

Boone
Bruins

Comments

Submitted by 1010 on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 14:53.

Sean McCormick offers some lame drivel. This coming from a jealous weakling who's upset because an old man told him to sit down. You see Sean was pullin' for our dear old Habs until gramps upset him .You would think Hedger would want a real man. Wouldn't you? GO HABS.

Submitted by wild flower on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 07:45.

If Ryder had not been jerked in and out of action throughout the year, his stats would probably look about the same as Higgins.

Submitted by Garbo on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 12:00.

I agree, but that's not something to be proud of.

Submitted by wild flower on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 07:35.

Some have been posting negatives about Streit juring the last few weeks. I had not noticed how statistically close he is to Markov - like splitting hairs: Andrei Markov D 76 15 40 55 Mark Streit D 76 12 42 54 He won't be cheap.

Submitted by gohabs 25 on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 04:33.

Boone, I have to commend you for supporting Josh Gorges all year long. He's flown largely under the radar and I would probably ignore his consistently solid play if not for your mention of him in your live blogging. He has proven time and time again that he can step it up when we need him to. He plays bigger than he is and my respect for him has grown considerably over the past few weeks. I also notice that he's a Habs I/O favorite for post game interviews. Is this a conscious decision on the part of the Gazette crew or has he developed some sort of leadership role in the locker room? Great job picking a player that most people doubted from the beginning. Keep up the great work with the live blog!

Submitted by wild flower on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 07:40.

How does Gorges avoid putting up more points? After what I watched tonight I would say more should be coming. I don't think Kovalev feeds him the puck in the slot, like he did last night, unless he thinks Gorges knows what to do with it.

Submitted by nightmare_49 on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 06:56.

You don't have to be a hockey guru like Mike Boone to realize that Gorges has been a stabilizing force since he took over from Mark Streit on the third pairing. Actually Mr. Boone was tipped off about Gorges by Josh Andrew earlier this season at our H i/o summit when he told Mike that Gorges was one of his 23 favourite Habs this year and Mike reciprocated by putting his mug on the front page of the Gazette. I think the only one who doubted Gorges was Carbo who favoured his ex roommate You-Know-Who cuz of his grit,lol. The Kids Are Alright.

Submitted by RGM on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 06:37.

The Gazette folks aren't the only ones taking notice; he's becoming a regular on TSN as well. Kostopolous pants'd him during the last one. I'm glad to see all the skeptics and doubters being proven wrong. I got to see Gorges while he was in the WHL with Kelowna, so when we picked him up I was really happy to see somebody from my hometown junior team make it with my favourite team. That first shift he had, where he was -2, obviously left a very bad impression in a lot of people's minds ("we traded Rivet for this?") but he's constantly worked hard and been a consistent player on the ice, and now people are starting to take notice. I'd vote for him for the Jacques Beauchamps Trophy. See you April 5th at the Bell Centre!

Submitted by Mike Boone on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 06:48.

Gorges is one of the best interviews in the room and draws a big scrum of media people after every game these days. I'm proud to say I spotted his abilities as a passer and puckhandler (if not a talker) at training camp. Hey, shout out to Kelowna: I'm going to be out there for a wedding in August. And I did vote for him for the Beauchamp award.

Submitted by Chorske on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 01:41.

Watched the game tonight. Have to say, I thought Gorges was AWESOME.

Submitted by The Teacher on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 01:39.

WHAT A PATHETIC BLOG ON SPORTSNET Basically he is saying Habs fans have no passion..Is this guy for real? http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/sean_mccormick/2008/03/21/class_is_in_ses...

Submitted by Wencz on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 23:59.

Cheers to those who suggested Kilgour's to catch the game tonight, a Hab-Mecca in the heart of the Annex. Great wings, good beer, smoked meat and poutine on the menu, and of course, passionate fans.

Submitted by gauvinator on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 00:53.

I keep hearing about this place...how many Habs fan show up on a given night? Is it true they show the RDS feed with volume? That'd be awesome! Gotta get out there sometime...

Submitted by Chuck on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 12:38.

Yep... even when the Habs are on CBC, they'll still put on the RDS for you, with sound. And the wings are indeed killer! . . . ______________________________________ "All bow down before the Komisaurus Rex!"

Submitted by Jim Halpert on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 00:02.

Too lazy to walk all way to Bloor.. too lazy and too broke :P Heres to university students spending all their money on things parents would not like to know about.

Submitted by HabsFreak (not verified) on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 00:07.

Like they didn't.

Submitted by The Teacher on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 00:04.

LMAO! " Give the Habs a 5 minute standing ovation at the end of the last game of the season against the Leafs (winning OR losing), they deserve it and it will give them a huge lift going into the playoffs. It will also totally piss off Leafs fans)" "Are th

Submitted by RGM on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 06:39.

I'll be there for that, you can bet your last dollar I'll be cheering my *** off all night! A shameless Facebook plug (two, actually): join the Carey Price Facebook Group and sign up for the Montreal Canadiens v. Toronto Maple Leafs event for the April 5th game! See you April 5th at the Bell Centre!

Submitted by Chuck on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 12:37.

I'll be there too, cheering them on from the whites! . . . ______________________________________ "All bow down before the Komisaurus Rex!"

Submitted by Keith on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 23:14.

I thought Josh Gorges rose to the challenge tonight with a great game and the extra ice time. He has been rock solid and has come a long way since the start of the season.

Submitted by NLhabsfan on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 23:02.

Koivu never had a strategy...jeez this guy is done between legs.

Submitted by The Teacher on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:57.

I LOVE Montreal. :) "Give the Habs a 5 minute standing ovation at the end of the last game of the season against the Leafs (winning OR losing), they deserve it and it will give them a huge lift going into the playoffs. It will also totally piss off Leafs fans)" "Are the Habs ready to pay the Price?"

Submitted by twilighthours on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:51.

I have a feeling that 100 points for the Habs will get them the division title. That's .500 hockey from here out. I'm quite confident that if Montreal can split the two games with Ottawa and win two others, we'll get the division title. Ottawa can get to 103 points - here is their remaining schedule Mtl Buf Buf Bos Mtl Tor Bos But you know that they're going to drop one to Boston or Toronto. SO all we need to do is win one against Ottawa and 2 of the other 5 games....

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:46.

I like Teacher's idea and let me reiterate one idea I had posted earlier in the year in the hopes that HI/O might pick up on it: Could we get a thread started, like the one that was done for Henri Richard's BDay, where we could all tell the Habs how much we appreciate them and wish them well for the playoffs. Include where you're from with your comment. And have Dave, Mike or someone else hand the whole thing to the team? _____________________________________________________ Remember February 19th: The Comeback

Submitted by HabsFreak (not verified) on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 23:09.

Great idea!

Submitted by Jim Halpert on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:58.

That is an excellent idea. I approve this message.

Submitted by sanj91 on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:39.

wouldn't it be wonderful if it comes down to the last game and toronto needs to win to get into the playoffs. AND WE CRUSH THEM like they did to our playoff hopes last year. and then maurice wud bitch about how we shudda just given them the game and how we have no heart and how the refs suck and the boards were too fast and the crowd was too loud...i pray!!

Submitted by originalsix on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:42.

As much as that would make my day, I really couldn't stand having to agonize and worry in the laffs have to win against us to make it in. I would have a heart attack if they did. I hate them that much.

Submitted by doug on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 23:07.

plus in that scenario it's increasingly likely we'd play them in the first round. who wants THAT?

Submitted by Ed on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:41.

Don't forget about the Zamboni driver not cleaning the ice properly.

Submitted by Ed on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:38.

BOONE - I want you to explain to me how Price never got a star. Here is what you said between the 2nd & 3rd periods ______________________________________________________________________________ Bruins have 25 shots and seven muffs. Canadiens have 12 blocks, so that's a 444-shot barrage through 40 minutes ...Third period should be a dandy. ______________________________________________________________________________ I think a 444 shot barrage deserves at least a 3rd star. :) Good Night Mike, and thanks for the game blog. I look forward to your blog tomorrow "About Last Night".

Submitted by The Teacher on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:36.

Guys. I've thought of an idea. given that most of us had not expected us to get ANYWHERE near the first seed. I think it would be a good idea if we can show the Habs organization how proud we are of them. what do you think about this. no matter what the score is during our last game against the Leafs. We pass the word around that our fans should give them a standing ovation for the last 5 minutes of that game. I think it would give them a good lift going into the playoffs. It would also tear the heart out of the Leafs fans listening to us. (think how good it would feel even if we are losing :) )

Submitted by HabsFreak (not verified) on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 23:11.

Do It! I would love to see that kind of appreciation and just show all NHL players this is the place to be...best fans in the world!!!

Submitted by MannyP on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 23:02.

I don't think you need to be giving the Habs fans any idea. It will happen regardless. Or something similar to that.

Submitted by Rugger on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:46.

Great idea, I will be in Montreal on business and unfortunately not at the game, but I will stand in the hotel room for the final 5 minutes.

Submitted by Ed on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:42.

Wish I were there. I would definitely join in.

Submitted by Mickey on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:40.

Amazing

Submitted by originalsix on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:25.

WOW We're only behind Detroit & San Jose in most points in the league!! And what's even more scary is Toronto is 4 points out of the final spot. I'm praying Toronto doesn't make it.

Submitted by doug on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:27.

i root for them every night. their odds are astronomically low - would require a collapse of either the flyers or bruins, perfection by them, and mediocrity by buffalo, florida, and washington, all of which are ahead of them. if it gets closer i'll go against it, but i love the idea of their draft pick dropping by the day - for nothing.

Submitted by The Teacher on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:28.

Doug. They have no chance, and worsening their draft slot every point they pick up. I am just LMAO at them. "Are the Habs ready to pay the Price?"

Submitted by MannyP on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:26.

I think we all need to pray on this one...Somebody make them go away. I don't want the Leafs in the playoffs. I don't. This is our year. I want the monopoly of CBC, for our Habs. No Leafs. Please. Please!! Go away!!

Submitted by HabsFreak (not verified) on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 23:12.

If not the Leafs then it would be the Sens, then maybe us. Depends how Crosby is doing.

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:31.

If the Laffs are out, then CBC will show Curling and TSN will feature Poker. _____________________________________________________ Remember February 19th: The Comeback

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:25.

Sharks also have more than us. _____________________________________________________ Remember February 19th: The Comeback

Submitted by doug on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:28.

that would be the san jose team he/she alluded to, blitzen ;)

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:30.

Must've misread...thought it only said Detroit. _____________________________________________________ Remember February 19th: The Comeback

Submitted by originalsix on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:39.

haha, I was quick to realize and correct my error before anyone posted!

Submitted by originalsix on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:53.

...............

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:48.

:twak: LOL _____________________________________________________ Remember February 19th: The Comeback

Submitted by doug on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:44.

sneaky little sob ;)

Submitted by doug on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:44.

too funny

Submitted by The Teacher on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:45.

Are you sure it's your mouse and not you? :P "Are the Habs ready to pay the Price?"

Submitted by originalsix on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:53.

Eh, coulda been my mad skills or my mouse. Tonight was a good night, I go to sleep happy :D

Submitted by zamboni on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:25.

Many of you point out to a magic point = 2 to guarantee a playoff seed. In fact if we secure just one more point, there's no game outcome combination that would leave us out of the playoffs.

Submitted by Rugger on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:28.

If Buffalo wins out, and we lose out, but get one loser point, we would be tied with Buffalo, tied in wins and since we would be losing to them twice more this year, probably lose the head to head (assuming that is the next tie-breaker).

Submitted by doug on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:30.

which it is. . . 1. The greater number of games won. 2. The greater number of points earned in games between the tied clubs. If two clubs are tied, and have not played an equal number of home games against each other, points earned in the first game played in the city that had the extra game shall not be included. If more than two clubs are tied, the higher percentage of available points earned in games among those clubs, and not including any "odd" games, shall be used to determine the standing. 3. Goal differential

Submitted by ebk on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:48.

#1 most wins is the first tie-breaker

Submitted by sanj91 on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:43.

i have always felt that rule #2 should be the primary factor...number of wins means nothing....well it means a bit..but you know...

Submitted by RH on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:48.

Hey, where'd you get that pic? A couple of years ago, a colleague of mine, who's a huge leafs fan sent me the version where the kid in the Habs jersey is sitting by himself and all the other kids are on the other side. He thought it was quite clever but he couldn't answer me when I asked him how come none of those other kids dared to where their leafs jersey.

Submitted by doug on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:25.

don't think so - sabres could end up tied with us and would win based on head-to-head victories against us since we're 3-3 right now and we'd both end up with 42 wins in that (unlikely) scenario.

Submitted by zamboni on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:29.

Sabres might pass us in your scheme, but another team would drop. I challenge you, put in all the game outcomes as you wish, just gives us 1 more point, and you'd see that the lowest we would finish is 8th.

Submitted by doug on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:33.

oh, hadn't thought of that part. . . i will decidedly NOT take your challenge and take your word for it. great news, and thanks for the clarification!

Submitted by The Teacher on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:31.

Are you the one who ran the monte Carlo simulation? Are we 100% certain of making the playoffs? It's hard to see because we all play each other so many times. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR MONTREAL TO MISS THE PLAYOFFS. I give you my word. lol. "Are the Habs ready to pay the Price?"

Submitted by doug on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:37.

i forgot about that monte carlo simulation from last year. that was really great. was that you, zamboni? oh, and i bet that if we lose in o.t. to buffalo that not a single paper - and definitely not the nhl - will have figured this out. well, except for the gazette, thanks to zamboni and this blog.

Submitted by The Teacher on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:41.

I think he's running it lol. "Are the Habs ready to pay the Price?"

Submitted by zamboni on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:49.

Yep, Ran the Monte Carlo, and this would be our odds, if we get one more point in the remaining games. . . . .


                1st     2nd     3rd     4th     5th     6th     7th     8th
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montreal        0       0.13    0.14    0.06    19.73   59.03   19.53   1.39

Submitted by doug on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:54.

zamboni - can you do that for 1 point, 2 points, 3 points, and 4 points and repost?

Submitted by zamboni on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 23:18.

and by the way, here's how things stand as of today. . . . . .


3/22/2008 11:13:46 PM   Sim runs: 100000
Teams           P       1st     2nd     3rd     4th     5th     6th     7th     8th
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montreal        100.00  31.89   51.03   0.2     5.82    8.86    2.1     0.1     0.01
Pittsburgh      100     46.79   20.51   0.05    23.65   6.58    2.25    0.16    0.01
New Jersey      99.98   16.9    12.3    0.06    44.01   16.98   8.28    1.25    0.2
Ottawa          99.75   3.49    13.16   0.17    15      38.52   22.77   5.27    1.37
NY Rangers      99.06   0.93    2.43    0.02    11.04   24.58   44.13   11.98   3.95
Carolina        96.41   0       0.5     93.98   0       0       0.01    0.47    1.45
Boston          76.17   0       0.06    0       0.26    2.77    10.46   36.26   26.36
Philadelphia    74.81   0       0.01    0       0.21    1.65    9.05    32.13   31.76
Washington      20.49   0       0       4.24    0       0       0.18    3.83    12.24
Buffalo         20.15   0       0       0       0       0.06    0.71    6.34    13.04
Florida         10      0       0       1.28    0       0       0.06    1.63    7.03
Toronto         3.15    0       0       0       0       0       0.01    0.57    2.57
Atlanta         0       0       0       0       0       0       0       0       0
NY Islanders    0       0       0       0       0       0       0       0       0
Tampa Bay       0       0       0       0       0       0       0       0       0




3/22/2008 11:13:46 PM   Sim runs: 100000
Teams           P       9th     10th    11th    12th    13th    14th    15th
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montreal        100.00  0       0       0       0       0       0       0
Pittsburgh      100     0       0       0       0       0       0       0
New Jersey      99.98   0.01    0       0       0       0       0       0
Ottawa          99.75   0.21    0.03    0       0       0       0       0
NY Rangers      99.06   0.77    0.16    0.01    0       0       0       0
Carolina        96.41   2.21    1.04    0.28    0.05    0       0       0
Boston          76.17   12.29   6.9     3.23    1.37    0.02    0       0
Philadelphia    74.81   14.17   7.16    2.96    0.88    0.02    0       0
Washington      20.49   24.82   22.84   19.47   11.89   0.48    0       0
Buffalo         20.15   21.13   25.05   19.08   13.98   0.6     0       0
Florida         10      17.26   22.02   28.28   21.21   1.25    0       0
Toronto         3.15    7.13    14.74   26.02   45.3    3.66    0       0
Atlanta         0       0       0       0       0       3.4     67.14   29.46
NY Islanders    0       0       0.05    0.66    5.32    89.82   3.93    0.21
Tampa Bay       0       0       0       0       0       0.75    28.92   70.33

Submitted by zamboni on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 23:12.

Here you go Doug, here are the odds if we get only 2 points, 3 points or 4 points in the rest of the games. And this is a worse case scenario, because it assumes that we didn't beat any team in regulation and we gathered those points by tying in regulation and losing in OT. . . .


2-points        1st     2nd     3rd     4th     5th     6th     7th     8th
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montreal        0       1.35    0.6     0.47    34.93   54.47   7.93    0.24
3-points        1st     2nd     3rd     4th     5th     6th     7th     8th
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montreal        0       5.6     1.15    2.23    47.43   41.52   2.05    0.03
4-points        1st     2nd     3rd     4th     5th     6th     7th     8th
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montreal        0.01    16.23   1.04    7.32    52.46   22.77   0.17    0

Submitted by The Teacher on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:50.

Haha, I figured ;) Thanks. ha..if we get just 1 more point, our best probability is finishing 6th. That's what I predicted before the season, so I'll take it! What a year we're having..what a year... :) "Are the Habs ready to pay the Price?"

Submitted by zamboni on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 23:20.

but we're not stopping there are we? :)

Submitted by The Teacher on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 23:26.

No F'n way. We hold everything in our hands now. But then again, we did also last year and we all know how that turned out. " Give the Habs a 5 minute standing ovation at the end of the last game of the season against the Leafs (winning OR losing), they deserve it and it will give them a huge lift going into the playoffs. It will also totally piss off Leafs fans) "Are the H

Submitted by zamboni on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 23:30.

what a noble idea.

Submitted by sidhu on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:21.

Wow two fights in a row in the Flames-Wild game. Chris Simon just took out his anger over the Pronger 8-game suspension on Vandemeer's face.

Submitted by RH on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:24.

This might be a four hour game if they continue this way.

Submitted by tony d on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:20.

nice W for our boys...showed more grit and character in the 3rd...and a tired Kovy still did some nice moves...(not counting the turnovers) an unusually playful and jovial atmosphere on the benches before the shootout huh? lot of smiling faces and laughter between the players and the refs...maybe because we dodged a bullet on that Steve Begin crosscheck in the dying seconds... also noticed Kerry Fraser tap another ref on the butt at one point...even my wife noticed that... must be the natural party atmosphere that makes Montreal so special a nice end (pardon the pun) to an exciting game

Submitted by The Teacher on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:20.

Late CBC game wow 2 fights in first 5 mins! "Are the Habs ready to pay the Price?"

Submitted by sidhu on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:21.

Prezbo, I'd have to give the victory in both fights to the Wild

Submitted by The Teacher on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:22.

Haha, yeah, Simon clocked Vandermeer a few times! Stop calling me Prezbo damnit LOL "Are the Habs ready to pay the Price?"

Submitted by sidhu on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:26.

Haha I thought "Prezbo" is complimentary, he's a solid guy in the show. I respect your wishes, "Teach" it is :)

Submitted by The Teacher on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:32.

Hahaha, shooting someone accidentally twice and punching his boss and father -in-law is solid? LMAO. I haven't seen the latest season yet. got it all taped on PVR. So don't spoil anything for me ;) "Are the Habs ready to pay the Price?"

Submitted by MannyP on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:18.

Oh and on a sidenote...Will someone PLEASE start mentionning Craig McTavish as a Coach of the Year candidate?! This guy is doing a fantastic job!! How the hell are the Oilers still in this?!?!

Submitted by sidhu on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:24.

You must be joking - the team is 10th and was sitting towards the bottom of the league for most of the season. If any non-playoff coach should be given consideration, it's Bruce Boudreau in Washington. The team is 31-17-7 with him as head coach.

Submitted by MannyP on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:29.

Uhh hello? Have you seen their lineup? With Ales Hemsky being injured for a few games, too. And now, out of nowhere, they're what, 2 or 4 points out of the playoffs?!? Wake up, buddy! Bruce Boudreau, sure, of course, definitely. But look at the Oilers' lineup! No Ovechkins, there.

Submitted by sidhu on Sun, 03/23/2008 - 00:07.

Admirable, yes, but Coach of the Year? I think that's a stretching it a bit too much. I credit MacTavish for the late-season push given their depleted lineup, but the award goes to coach of the year and with Edmonton's relatively weak play for most of the season I don't think MacTavish is entitled to this award. On the other hand, Boudreau has had an impressive record ever since he took over. Glen Hanlon, by contrast, wasn't able to do much even with Ovy in his roster. In any case, hopefully we can agree that Carbo should deserve some serious consideration for what he has done with our boys this year. Go Habs Go!

Submitted by doug on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:50.

100% agree - was thinking the same thing today when i saw how much they've moved up in the standings. . . without souray, torres, horcoff, moreau (i.e., all their best players). . . incredible

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:20.

How about the Laffs? They haven't totally died yet. _____________________________________________________ Remember February 19th: The Comeback

Submitted by MannyP on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:25.

I don't buy the whole "Leafs are so tough!" hype goin' on these days, since they had all freaking season to play this way. It's easy to play tough when you've got nothing to lose. Look at the Panthers. Case in point. A bunch of wussies, playing like their *** is on fire. But true, Leafs are doing a nice job, here. Especially tonight. Pretty impressive.

Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:27.

I think it's impressive considering who they've lost to injury. _____________________________________________________ Remember February 19th: The Comeback

Submitted by MannyP on Sat, 03/22/2008 - 22:30.

They have their backs to the wall. Who wouldn't play this hard, in the situation they were in? It's called survival, instincts. I'm impressed, but not that impressed.

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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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Shootout secrets revealed ... NOT!

posted by Mike Boone at 14h06 EST on Mar 22

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