posted by Kevin Mio at 20h09 EST on Dec 15


Get the Flash Player to see this player.

After a promising start to a franchise-record seven-game homestand, the Canadiens sputtered to the finish line with losses to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals. What's of greater concern is that the team also lost the services of several players, including Mathieu Dandenault and Christopher Higgins for extended periods of time, while captain Saku Koivu and goaltended Carey Price also suffered injuries, although they should be on the IR for shorter periods of time. With or without those players in the lineup, the Canadiens have been a disaster on the power play this season, a prime source of concern for head coach Guy Carbonneau and his staff.

In this week's PuckCast, Pat Hickey, Dave Stubbs and Kevin Mio discuss the team's injury situation and their lack of power on what used to be the best man advantage in the NHL.

The PuckCast | Download it now
RSS | Add the PuckCast to your RSS reader
iTunes | Add the PuckCast to iTunes

Download the MP3 file for this podcast
Tags:

Comments

Thumper's picture
Submitted by Thumper on Tue, 12/30/2008 - 09:40.
Anyone else have problems putting volume 6 onto mp3 player.

Habsrule1's picture
Submitted by Habsrule1 on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 10:30.
The players have to want it. At this point, I do not believe it is about coaching. We have seen how they can play when they follow the game plan. The coaching staff has told them and shown them what to do. All they need to do is execute at game time. Carbo, Jarvis, and Muller can not do it for them. I think they do want it, but time will tell. Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy(Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy Habsrule

Kevin's picture
Submitted by Kevin on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 15:27.
I think the special teams (PP) are definitely about coaching.

Habsrule1's picture
Submitted by Habsrule1 on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 16:34.
To a certain extent, yes. We know they can coach it (see the past 2 years), so now we need to see the players execute it. Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy(Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy Habsrule

Bugs's picture
Submitted by Bugs on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 09:30.
The two best scenarios: We start scorin' on power-plays. O'Byrne becomes a Wall of Defensive Doom, undekeable, untoppleable, indomitable. That's pretty much it. Cup, here we come! Peace Out ______________________________________________________ Lord Bugs Potter, esq. Earl of Fluppitburg, Baron of Flopshlupshire and Knight of the Flannel Republic.

Submitted by habbel on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 01:10.
The two worst scenarios: 1) We don't make the playoffs 2) we make it and we have to play Boston, Philly, Wash, Carolina, Toronto... in any round. Can anybody else see Gainey retiring win or loose in the next two years? 09425

Submitted by nightmare_49 on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 06:53.
I can't see Gainey resigning in the next two years as he will be too involved with the team and the prospects he had picked. Also if he calls it quits that Einstien behind the bench would be after that job and he has brutal judgement for starters.

twocents's picture
Submitted by twocents on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 00:45.
In reference to comments made in the PuckCast, there were 3 three game losing streaks last year. One in February that featured three straight regulation losses and the other two were one SO loss sandwiched between two regulation losses. The latter two had already taken place by this point in the season. This year, not one.

Dave Stubbs's picture
Submitted by Dave Stubbs on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 08:39.
Shame on Hickey and me. We'll be beaten with the Canadiens media guide for this! Dave Stubbs
Habs Inside/Out
Sports Feature Writer, Montreal Gazette

 


twocents's picture
Submitted by twocents on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 11:19.
Well Dave, you have to admit it does provide some more perspective on the team's current performance. I don't mean to be the fact police, so sorry. I just don't think things are nearly as grim as the feel when you visit this place. Among last year's early losses were defeats to dubious, and non playoff, squads such as Toronto(twice), Atlanta, Florida, Carolina(twice), Buffalo(twice) and yes the last place Tampa Bay Lightening. 3 of the teams' losses were by three goals and 2 by four goals. This year, only 2 have been by three goals margins and one a five goal spread, none by four goals. Last year at this time we were shutout twice while this year once. 2007-08 we had won 5 games by three goals and one by 5. 2008-09 we have won 2 by 3 goals, 2 by 4 goals and 1 by five goals. Last year against western conference teams we were 0-2 at this point, this year 5-2. There are a lot of panicky types who visit this site, I figure any bit of fact that offers some calming effect is worth posting.

Submitted by nightmare_49 on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 06:46.
Eric - Mike Boone would of caught that one.

twocents's picture
Submitted by twocents on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 11:05.
Definitely!

Mike Boone's picture
Submitted by Mike Boone on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 18:55.
No, I wouldn't have

twocents's picture
Submitted by twocents on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 19:19.
Sarcasm is hard to get across without little wink symbols and stuff. I thought the exclamation point would do it subtly, but I guess they are overused these days.

Submitted by nightmare_49 on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 00:33.
Philadelphia Flyers Pop Collars, Crash Frat Party .. by SportsbyBrooks ..... http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/philadelphia-flyers-pop-collars-crash-frat...

sag's picture
Submitted by sag on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 00:06.
Anyone heard anything about this??? Read it on Le Grand Club. Bagarre dans le vestiaire du Canadien! Vues: 463 6 votes Il y a 2 heures olii7 Catégorie : Hockey Mots-clés : aucun Ce matin à l’entrainement du Canadien, une bagarre a éclater. Selon Francois Corbin du quotidien LaPresse, Kovalev, Markov, Kostitsyn, Lapierre et Begin auraient tous été impliqué. Mais, On ne sait pas plus de détails pour l’instant mais une chose est sur, si cela s’avère vrai, on peut s’attendre a un vent de changement chez le Canadien!

Bugs's picture
Submitted by Bugs on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 00:21.
And STILL, I bet Laraque was nowhere to be seen, right? Probably didn't want to get suspended... Peace Out ______________________________________________________ Lord Bugs Potter, esq. Earl of Fluppitburg, Baron of Flopshlupshire and Knight of the Flannel Republic.

SmartDog's picture
Submitted by SmartDog on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 00:15.
Which Kostitsyn? Must be Sergei... maybe the team is waking up. Seems like good news if it's true. ~Listen to the smart dog! ...People are complaining that my dogface looks too much like other dogfaces...let's not be prejudiced... but how's this one?

Submitted by ebk on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 02:12.
They all looked good to me, the Dogs I mean

Bugs's picture
Submitted by Bugs on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 00:04.
I don't mind that we're not scoring. I don't mind that the power-play is dead in the water. I don't mind that we have no grit and no sense of self-respect that we can let any shmoe spear our logo. I don't mind that our best players aren't playing the best right now. As long as we win the Cup? I'm cool with all of it. Cuz last year, we were 7th in the league with less goals scored and more allowed at this time. Now we're 5th. Or maybe 6th after tonight. Just get the CUP. And all faults will be forgiven. Peace Out ______________________________________________________ Lord Bugs Potter, esq. Earl of Fluppitburg, Baron of Flopshlupshire and Knight of the Flannel Republic.

Vid's picture
Submitted by Vid on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 23:52.
Not related but did anyone see St. Louis take a skate to the face (from the ref)? That's was just terrible. I was impressed with Ryder's last highlight reel goal where he fights off another former Hab Ron Hainsey and cuts across the crease to score. Which of the two would you wish were still on the team?

Bugs's picture
Submitted by Bugs on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 23:58.
That's a no-brainer. St-Louis. Peace Out ______________________________________________________ Lord Bugs Potter, esq. Earl of Fluppitburg, Baron of Flopshlupshire and Knight of the Flannel Republic.

HabsColor's picture
Submitted by HabsColor on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 23:50.
Believe or not, Habs' performance is depending on one player's attitude and performance -- Kovalev! I didn't want to give you guys a case report to prove my opinion, but just look back Habs stats for the past seasons, especially last year (his play and his line). I have tons of faith to see him back... (Maybe I am a little bit biased, but Carbo just did little on Habs' top proformance last season. When players got tired in playoffs, he just had no solution at all. Oh, yeah, he had his lucky tie.)

The Teacher's picture
Submitted by The Teacher on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 23:41.
per TSN Subban has helped the Belleville Bulls' to the top of the OHL's Eastern Conference. The 19-year-old has put together impressive offensive numbers this season. He has played in 29 games for the Bulls and has 37 points (4 goals, 33 assists) with a plus-27 rating. He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2nd round (43rd overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Submitted by nightmare_49 on Tue, 12/16/2008 - 00:30.
You forgot - Ian is his agent.

Alirio's picture
Submitted by Alirio on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 23:34.
Hi... New episode not appearing in iTunes... Can you refresh the RSS feed??? Or has there been a change in the feed's URL??? Thanks! I've made a huge mistake...

gumper's picture
Submitted by gumper on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 23:24.
And still not a word about our highest paid underachiever. When will someone start to call into question Tanguay's play? Big bucks come with big expectations.

BIG-D's picture
Submitted by BIG-D on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 22:36.
U know Guys, I may be Negative most of the time But SCREW all of the UFA's that don't want to be a part of a First Class Organization. The Best Hockey Team in the World. Their loss. At least where ever we finish this year we can say we did it on our own mostly from within. Lets support our Guys no matter what. We R Habs Fans DAMNIT. We R a rare breed. We bleed Bleu, Blanc et Rouge

Submitted by downeast hab on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 21:19.
Whats new. play a few good soild games, someone praises them up, and then they float for a couple of games. Its like a bad dream.

Submitted by habs 4 life on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 20:50.
we always get our hopes up for getting a star player, and we never get him. Are we being blackballed? feels like it. so frustrating? will a star UFA ever come here? I think this year is going down hill fast.

Submitted by Habsforlife 1959 on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 22:02.
It must be the taxes in Montral that stops all super stars from playing there? Its diappointing when BG has a shot in landing a big UFA and when it gets close to signing a player, That players opts out for another franchise. Absolutely a big let down for this organization when this kind of stuff happens. Just have to play with what you got signed.

Submitted by nightmare_49 on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 21:05.
2010 World Championship Could be Played before World Record Crowd - 75,967 .. Two Line Pass ..... http://thetwolinepass.com/2008/12/2010-world-championship-could-be-playe...

SmartDog's picture
Submitted by SmartDog on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 20:21.
I honestly think the Habs are about to turn it around. I don't know why but my instinct says so. ~Listen to the smart dog! ...People are complaining that my dogface looks too much like other dogfaces...let's not be prejudiced... but how's this one?

rp25's picture
Submitted by rp25 on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 23:59.
Looks like a girl I knew in High school..Honest..

Submitted by Shobud on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 23:04.
Thats the look I like Smart Dog

punkster's picture
Submitted by punkster on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 21:27.
My Lasa says, "Believe in the SmartDog. He has the look of a winner". I trust my Lasa and I trust the SmartDog's instincts. PS...SmartDog, it'd be nice to see a Lasa face one night...they're tenacious, loyal to the pack and never back down from bigger foes.

WestHab's picture
Submitted by WestHab on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 20:35.
oh there's the new dog, good one looks smarter. Komi we miss you.

WestHab's picture
Submitted by WestHab on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 20:34.
I hope you're right, but since I'm always wrong I'll say they won't. I also will refrain from picking Habs in the CBC pool. That should help Les Boys. Komi we miss you.