3P 00:40:
Well-deserved ovation.
3P 00:50:
It's been a great season.
3P 2:20:
Flyers settiing up an impenetrable line in the neutral zone.
3P 3:04:
It started with Bouillon clearing right to Carter and ennded with Upshall redirecting a Carter shot.
Geez the D has been weak tonight.
3P 4:00:
Markov great this period.
3P Break:
Latendresse rings one off the post. Man, that was the game there!
3P Break:
Smoke line hustles up a PP. This could be the game right here.
3P 8:08:
Sergei giveway and Price stops Briere in alone
3P 9:17:
Little of Breeze this period.
3P Break:
Bégin hustles and draws a high stick. No call
3P 12:00:
I can't blog fast ennough to kkeep up. NNo whsitles.
3P 13:30:
Kovalev and those long shhifts ...
3P 15:30:
The place is going nuts
3P 17:00:
Plekanec playing like a man possessed.
3P 17:47:
ANDREI K!!
Goal of the season.
4-4
3P 19:20:
At least it's not 2-0.
3P 19:59:
Umberger: two goals and an assist. Unreal.
3P 20:00:
20 minutes along, question-filled summer.
Between periods:
Roman Hamrlik minus-3, Josh Gorges minus-2, the Smoke line on for two goals. A total collapse. Down 3-1 after that Higgins goal, how easy would it have been for Philly to say "we'll get them tomorrow." Then that odd Richards goal. And Umberger allowed to roam free (why not? He can't score) Price awful on Hartnell's long shot.
2P 00:00:
Well, we'll find out what the boys are made of in the third, eh?
2P 1:14:
This is just pathetic. Gut check time, and Canadiens have collapsed.
2P 3:00:
What an epic collapse. And Price was awful on that goal.
2P 3:47:
Canadiens are shellshocked. They'll be lucky to get out of the period 3-3 and regroup.
2P 4:00:
The place is in shock.
2P 4:16:
No.
This isn't happening.
Umberger?
It's a bad dream/
2P 4:35:
Plekanec wheels around Hatcher to create a chance for Markov
2P Break:
Andrei K on the doorstep. He's snakebit. Man, that goal ...
2P 5:58:
Goal. No video evidence to overturn it.
2P 5:58:
Whatever happens, another great shift by Umberger. He's out of control in this series.
2P 5:58:
Did Richards re-direct it with his glove?
2P 6:44:
Komisarek a backhanded shot on goal from centre ice.
2P Break:
Omen? Umberger fell on his ass on the PP.
2P 7:30:
Smoke line all over them
2P 9:00:
Wow! Bégin!
Wow! Price!
2P 10:24:
Komisarek high-sticked by Briere and retaliates with an elbow. Now a 5-on-3 Price called ... very cheap
2P 11:45:
CHRISTOPHER HIGGINS!
It's about time Biron looked crap on a goal.
3-1
2P 11:55:
Price looking very confident. 12 saves.
2P Break:
Higgins with Max and Latendresse. Flyers come awfully cllose off a goalmouth scramble.
2P:
Markov just misses on the PP. So do Andrei K and PPleks. Good PP
2P 16:08:
Another PP. Thoresen fell asleep, didn't know where puck was against Gorges
2P 17:00:
Pleks line out WAY too long.
2P 19:20:
Hatcher: So slow
2P 20:00:
Three words: NO DUMB PENALTIES. That Philly power play came damn close. Great puck control.
Cherry:
Has trumped Carbo's tie. Too funny.
Between periods:
Sergei K. is looking great, dishing out passes on the Koivu line ... Gorges and Bouillon have become the steadiest defence pairing ... Andrei Markov is not Andrei Markov. He's a step slow and hesitant, every unMarkovian traits ... Carbo is working all kinds of changes to get his scorers on against Jones and Hatcher and Smith ... Hamrlik 7:13, Gorges 7:02 topped the D
1P 00:55:
My man JG: great first passes.
1P 1:56:
Three quick shots on Biron. 11 in the period.
1P :
Richards wins the PP draw. Close calls but PK prevails
1P 4:56:
You knew it would happen. Kovalev is frustrated by defence against him and takes a lazy hooking penalty.
1P 6:20:
What a shift for Sergei!
1P Break:
Five shots, two goals on Biron. Unreal!
1P 8:32:
MAX! And he beat Timonen.
2-1
1P 9:40:
Who else? The birthday boy. And Breeze the goat.
1-1
1P 11:53:
First wave useless. Then a late goalmouth scramble gets exciting.
1P Break:
Another PP. 2-0 would very, very, very good.
1P 14:04:
Big hits on Carter, Upshall. Plekanec gets the goal.
1P 14:37:
That got a rise. Bégin flattened Hartnell.
1P 15:30:
Koivu on first wave. Streit makes giveaway but saves a goal. PP is too nervous. Then finally
BREEZE!
1-0
1P 17:17:
Max liine draws a penalty.
1P 17:38:
Price's new glove worked on Richards
1P 18:11:
Kovy again. Faceoff in Flyers' end. Whistle and out come Coburn and Timonen
1P 19:20:
Kovalev on against Jones and Hatcher. Then Stevens changes up right away to Coburn and Timonen.
1P 19:38:
Koivu, Higgins and Sergei
1P 19:59:
The beauty of the tie is it's just as ugly no matter what colour suit Carbo is wearing.
Anthems:
Mr. Clutch: Charles Prévost-Linton. And the yahoos drown out Thhe Star-Spangled Bannner
1P 20:00:
Balls out for 60 minutes. Anything less and it's soccer season in Montreal.
Starters:
Reunited Smoke line, Gorges and Bouillon against Richards, Lupul, Umberger, Timonen and Hatcher. I guess Stevens will try to match Coburn and Kovalev
I just hope these guys realize ...:
... if they blow it tonight I have to go back to my day job.
Crowd pumped:
Towels waving, "Go Habs go!" already. Gonna be LOUD tonight.
Inspirational music:
Should Lose Yourself be played during warm-ups for this game?
His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy
There's vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti
He's nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready
To drop bombs, but he keeps on forgettin
What he wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud
He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out
He's choking, how everybody's joking now
The clock's run out, time's up over, bloah!
Snap back to reality, Oh there goes gravity
Oh, there goes Rabbit, he choked
He's so mad, but he won't give up that
Easy, no
He won't have it , he knows his whole back's to these ropes
It don't matter, he's dope
He knows that, but he's broke
He's so stagnant that he knows
When he goes back to his mobile home, that's when it's
Back to the lab again yo
This this whole rhapsody
He better go capture this moment and hope it don't pass him
Happy birthday:
R.J.F. Umberger, 26 today
Referees:
Don Koharski, Kelly Sutherland
Zeke says ...:
My friend and colleague Herb Zurkowsky, whom I always tease but totally respect, says this one is definitely going back to Philly and could be coming back here on Tuesday.
Happy advertisers:
RDS sold playoff commercials with a guaranteed audience of 1.2 million viewers. Averages have approached 2 million, with peak viewing closing in on 3 million. That's a lot of eyeballs for those spots.
Carey Price's new gear:
For all his joking yesterday, do you suppose the new trapper annd blocker have extra padding to protect some kind of hand injury?
First blood:
Can Canadiens go through an entire playoff series without scoring the game's first goal? It doesn't make sense.
History:
François Ganon writes that while the Canadiens have surmounted 3-1 deficits only once (2004 - Year of José) in 25 tries, the Flyers have blown two of their 18 3-1 series leads: in 1988 against Washington and in 2000 against New Jersey, when Scott Stevens KOed Eric Lindros.
Last Tangle at the Bell Centre:
In this fantasy, Chantal Machabée plays the Maria Schneider role and ... oh, I'm going to burn in hell for eternity or until the Leafs win the Cup, whichever comes first.
Paul Holmgren:
Jean-Franccois Bégin, who's become my favourite La Presse columnist, even though he backs Arsenal, has a terrific piece on the Philadelphia general manager. Former goon he may be, but Holmgren has rebuilt the Flyers in a very short period of time and, in the process, corrected the errors of his predecessor, Goonus Maxiumus, aka Bobby Clarke.
Calling all Commentators:
Hey, let's top 1,000 again tonight. It's a HUGE game, and that kind of response dramatically enhances my chances of beig spared next tme a round of staff adjustments sees everyone who can remember Terry Harper taken out to the back 40 to be Old Yellered.
A good reason not to riot:
Fabian Brunnstrom, considered the best player outside the NHL, will be at the game tonight. The Swedish star is touring the cities that covet his services, and Montreal is in the hunt with Detroit (aka Stockholm West) and Dallas.
Share the agony and ecstasy of Habs fandom and read live blogs from every game with Gazette columnist Mike Boone.
Habs Inside/Out main RSS feed
I can't believe it, another season of hockey gone again.
Even if the habs didn't make it, I still love them. I think Price did really well. I mean for a 20 year old kid, common you gotta give the guy some props.
I'm so proud of the habs, they gave it their 110% and that's what they should always do no matter what.
Loving the habs(:
This is sad. We're sitting in our montreal hotel after last night's loss wondering what went wrong. We will miss the habs dearly for a few months.
BUT.
Even though it feels like I've been dumped by the girl of my dreams, we are getting back together. Come fall, I have a feeling she is going to want me back. And we will stay together probably for at least 82 games. The fact that it hurts this much to lose means we have something incredible going with this group of guys - Mediocrity would not feel like this. Ask a leaf fan how they felt when their team was eliminated from the palyoffs with 12 or so games remaining in the regular season. They were probably pissed off, but they weren't heartbroken.
Look, regardless of what round we went out in, unless we won the cup, this was bound to happen. And we weren't going to win the cup. But it's not the cup I really cared about and I dont think many of you care that much about it either - its the comraderie, the excitement, the wearing the jersey in the street and getting a car horn honk, the waving the white towels with 21 272 others, and the fist pumping, smiling, and 5-1 comebacks. It's all of that that we will really remember from this year, and we have to just keep in mind it is likely it will be even better come fall of -08.
Everyone has something incredible to look forward to. Whereas last summer, it was completely up in the air as to what this team would do.
I had a great time, I am sad as hell, but I am excited to finally be able to say we have a contender.
GO HABS GO. This team will be scary good.
poetic and beautiful. it was tough - i just watched it on dvr so the pain is really fresh for me - but we're young and will be better. they did us proud.
It is sad to hang up the jersey for the last time. In four months it will all be forgotten. The joie-de-vivre of the 100th season will be something to look forward to. It's been said before that you have to lose in order to learn how to win. You have to suffer the agony of defeat in order to avoid it at all costs. This is a young team aside from the veterans and it's been an incredible learning curve this year. Just to finish first overall was an achievement in itself. We had our moments in the playoffs (game 1 and 7 against Boston) and last night when we went up 3-1, I really thought we had it in the bag. There are no bags in the playoffs and the team that wants it more usually takes it as was the case last night. I hope we learn from this experience and come back stronger in our 100th year. Can't wait!
And you know, it's not like Carey played like crap, people. In fact, I'm damn proud of his play. Tonight's game was an example of how life went for him in this playoff season: The first Philly goal: a dive that Umberger would have connected with, what... once every hundred times? How bout a goal deflected off of glove? An opportune deflection for the 5th Flyer goal...
Damn, it just wasn't meant to be this year. But I'm no less proud of the guys, that's for sure.
Go Habs Go!!!
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______________________________________
"All bow down before the Komisaurus Rex!"
Chuck, let's be fair. Carey hasn't played well since the beginning of the third period of Game Five against Boston, with the notable exception of Game Seven.
I remember thinking back then that it looked like his fumbled giveaway that lead to the Metropolit goal seemed like it really turned the tide and he didn't seem the same afterwards. Well, I ran the numbers... check it out.
Price pre-giveaway:
Stopped 133 of 139 shots
Allowed 6 goals in 295 minutes
.957 SV%
1.22 GAA
3-0-1 record, 1 shutout
Price post-giveaway:
Stopped 151 of 175 shots
Allowed 24 goals in 353 minutes
.863 SV%
4.08 GAA
2-5-0 record, 1 shutout
I don't know what you call that second set of stats, but it's not good by any stretch of the imagination... and it's taking into account a shutout, to boot! I'm not suggesting I've lost all faith in him or whatever... but his numbers are flat-out horrible since the incident. I only hope he'll be back to his old self come next season...
Good stats...I also felt that that was Price's turnaround for the worst. Dunno what happened at that point, for a guy that is suppose to be headstrong it seems strange that he would get rattled by that goal. Game 5 definitely highlighted a weakness on Price's glove side. Although games 6 & 7 didn't show anything definitive.
To me it just seems that he plays tight with his glove hand when he tenses up.He doesn't stretch it out enough and therefore just barely misses it or fumbles the puck.
It seems to be that it was a case of pressure/tiredness, and it's something he can get over as he gains experience.
The thing that bothered me most is that Montreal seemed too predictable. Their power play and break outs were well read by the opposing coaches and they were easily shut down. They need to improvise more, try to read the flow of the game, maybe that is also a case of inexperience.
What are we left to do 'til September on here? Will there be daily postings and articles on here as usual?
I've depended so much on this site over the winter, and its become part of my routine, I dont know what to do without it.
The site is quiet active actually with discussions on the entry draft , free agency , trades and hockey talk and fewer agitators with their agenda.
By the way, Mike: Thanks.
It's been a pleasure reading your blogs and sharing your cardiac moments all season.
______________
Hab a nice summer.
have to agree - a friend told me about this site during the first series, and since then, i've been addicted. great commentary and conversations.
we'll be better next year for the experience and the moves gainey will make. this is what teams that win need to go through.
"All done," said Smolinski. "You guys want a drink? Let's get you a drink."
Cheers!
It's true, before the season began we'd all have been glad with one playoff round win. Now, we're all a little disappointed, but I still think there's a little sweetness mixed in with this bitter taste of defeat. We all saw some things we never expected would happen. Players like Andrie Kostitsyn, Tomas Plekanec and Mike Komisarek became what we knew they could be while the Gorgeses (what is the plural of Gorges?), Sergeis and Prices pleasantly surprised the hell out of us! So, while we toast the overachievement that led us this far, let's smile and drink one for the ride this group is gonna lead us on for the next few years!
"All done," said Smolinski. "You guys want a drink? Let's get you a drink."
Cheers!
It's true, before the season began we'd all have been glad with one playoff round win. Now, we're all a little disappointed, but I still think there's a little sweetness mixed in with this bitter taste of defeat. We all saw some things we never expected would happen. Players like Andrie Kostitsyn, Tomas Plekanec and Mike Komisarek became what we knew they could be while the Gorgeses (what is the plural of Gorges?), Sergeis and Prices pleasantly surprised the hell out of us! So, while we toast the overachievement that led us this far, let's smile and drink one for the ride this group is gonna lead us on for the next few years!
I suppose Carbo will be on the golf links tomorrow but i hope he told the rest of his foursome , Lats ,Breezer and Streit to bring their rain gear cuz the weather looks iffy, lol.
Did someone say golf ?
... I said : par-don ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1pAgAWFJmU&feature=related
Always Habs -
Dave Mex
Just posting to get rise out of Moye.
LOL Timo.
"One face-off, one battle, one shift, one period, one game, one series at a time."
"Are the Habs ready to pay the Price?"
Great season for our boys - we were not expected to make the playoffs, but we finished first in our conference, had the most goals in the league, had the number one PP, and played consistently throughout the season (no Christmas slump). The Habs should be proud of their performance overall and more importantly their character. The Comeback against the Rangers, perhaps one of the best Canadiens victory in years, is illustrative of that character.
We have a lot of young talent to build on. We will be losing some veterans (Brisebois, Smoke, Ryder), but we can easily replace them via free agency. Chipchura will be with the club, and maybe Stewart as well. Contrary to what some may say, I think Montreal is an attractive destination for free agents. Plus, we will have (I believe) a good $8-10m to spend (assuming that the cap will rise). I do think BG will be make some trades because of the logjam at defense so unfortunately we may see one or more players on the move.
There will be plenty of speculation regarding what BG should do (including whether and if so at what cost Streit should be resigned). For now, I think it's best if we just celebrate a fantastic season.
Many thanks to Mr Boone and the others at Habs I/O, and to all the commentators for making this season more enjoyable for me.
Sidu - Nice post but i fail to see a log jam on "D" as i don't see Streit (if he's signed) anything but a reserve "D" and the young one's are at least a year away and i hope we pick up a crafty veteran on the free agent market. We'll have two months to debate free agency.
One last note, I think it's a hoot that the Pens threw their last regular season game to avoid the flyers...and now ....should make for some fun hockey...what goes around comes around.
That regular season consistency seemed to fizzle in the playoffs but I see that as more a product of the increased pressure and youth. Our defensive play wasn't all that consistent during the playoffs.
We have a good core of players here. Price was up and down this series but with more experience he'll become consistent and perhaps consistently brilliant. We are solid in nets.
I don't think many changes need to be made to this team. Right now we have a lot of depth but I find this depth consists mostly of 4th line forwards and 6th defencemen. We definitely need one or ideally two big forwards who can play 2nd/3rd line roles (with 1st line potential) and a solid 4th D to accompany Hamrlik.
Latendresse and O'Byrne have the potential to fulfill these roles but a trade or free agent signing might be required until these guys develop. One of these forwards should be a right handed shot.
Perhaps more importantly, I think our team style/strategy/philosophy will need to be tweaked a bit here and there.
Very astute analysis.
Price was up and down in this series? He was Horrible. There was no up.
I will say it again, that was the worst playoff performance by an NHL goaltender I have ever seen. His weaknesses were glaringly obvious and don't think the rest of the league wasn't watching. They will kill him next year. They will not fear Carey Price believe you me. He will never be able to recover from this.
Congratulations! We have a little reward here at Habs Inside/Out for the most hysterical, totally-wrong, out-to-lunch assessment of a member of the Canadiens.
And you may already be a wiener!
In support of Larry, I would say that I think his analysis has at least some chance of becoming a reality instead of just being hysterical. I think anyone who questioned BG's deadline wisdom, was basically vindicated. Looking through clear glass towards the anniversary season, I see Koivu and Kovalev one year older, questionable goaltending, a core of D that in its best iteration (pts and pylon again tonight) includes Breezer not O’byrne, and some nice but small offensive talent. Can they repeat what they did this year let alone challenge for the cup? Not likely.
Totally right. Huet would have taken us all the way :>
good point - I can always count on you to explain why I needn't worry about the goaltending. What about the small forwards. If you needed one, right now who would you take: Plecanek, Koivu or Ribeiro?
Well I know what I just saw. And that was a talented team that badly outplayed their opponent night after night and were let down again and again with awful goals against. Are you telling me you thought he was good?
Every time the Habs had momentum and looked ready to pull it out he let in a flubber. It was painful to watch.
Hey Larry... Ever heard of Marc-Andre Fleury? He had shaken and bad goaltender written all over him not just in last year's playoffs but a good part of this season before he was injured. Now watch as he makes incredible saves. It's about confidence, Carey will be great. Look at Jose's season. Don't believe? Good, go to Toronto, we don't need you here. (Or maybe you prefer Ray Emery)
Dude, were you watching the series through stained glass?
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______________________________________
"All bow down before the Komisaurus Rex!"
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