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Game 32 Preview: New Jersey Devils vs. Montreal Canadiens - 12/16/2009

John Fischer — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:00:20 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur made this awesome save against Philadelphia on Saturday. How many will he have against Montreal tonight? (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

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The Time: 7 PM EST

The Broadcasting Info: TV: MSG+ (HD); Radio: 660 AM WFAN

The Matchup: The New Jersey Devils (22-8-1) vs. the Montreal Canadiens (15-16-3)

The Last Devils Game: The New Jersey Devils started off great against Philadelphia, had a poor second period, but had a decent enough third period to put the Flyers away 4-1. The win was the first one this season over the team's Second Most Hated Rivals and was the game where Patrik Elias scored his 300th (and 301st) career goals. I recapped the game back on Saturday night.

The Last Canadiens Game: Oh, it's been a season of inconsistency for Les Habs. Up against Buffalo on Monday, the Canadiens got into penalty trouble and that led to Clarke McArthur's game winning power play goal. The Sabres went on to win 4-3 and Robert L of Habs Eyes on the Prize lamented the team's lack of discipline from that game, which truly stems from the team being outworked more than anything else.

The Goal: Try to win the second period. Oh, tonight would seem so magical for Martin Brodeur to get his 104th shutout against the team he seemingly owns on a regular basis, the Montreal Canadiens, in front of the hometown fans. Well, forget that noise. I'm more concerned with the team's performances in the period of the long change. Against the Lightning (Dec. 4), the Red Wings (Dec. 5), the Hurricanes (Dec. 9), the Panthers (Dec. 11), and the Flyers (Dec. 12), the Devils were arguably the second best team on the ice in the second period from what I saw. That's 5 of the Devils' last 7 games. That's disappointing.

I'm not saying the Devils should forgo playing well in the first period or the third period; I just want to see a good, solid second period performance. A second period where the other team doesn't make the game competitive after a great first period by the Devils. A second period where the Devils don't ease up on their work effort. A second period where the Devils don't loosen up on defense. Sure, the Devils have been getting results in the end, but they aren't doing it with complete games and they'll have to start giving more 50-60 minute efforts to keep getting results.

Read on for the rest of the preview for tonight's game, including some insight from Robert at Habs Eyes on the Prize.

First, let's get this out of the way, expect the lineup to be the same. So my guess will look awfully familiar to those who saw the team against Philadelphia:

Zach Parise - Travis Zajac - Nicklas Bergfors
Brian Rolston - Patrik Elias - Jamie Langenbrunner
Jay Pandolfo - Rob Niedermayer - Vladimir Zharkov
Rod Pelley - Dean McAmmond - Ilkka Pikkarainen

Andy Greene - Bryce Salvador
Colin White - Mike Mottau
Mark Fraser - Johnny Oduya

Martin Brodeur
Yann Danis

The Devils have been getting wins with current lineup and there's no way Martin Brodeur isn't starting against Montreal. Tonight, he'll tie Patrick Roy's career record for games played (1,029) and, well, Brodeur has done incredibly well over his career against Montreal, per Yahoo's career split stats:

	GP	MIN	W	L	T	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
Career vs. Montreal - Martin Brodeur	55	3326	35	15	5	99	1.79	1448	1349	.932	8

In a word: DOMINATION. Please note that those are his best split statline compared to all the other teams he faced.

Yeah, I'd expect Brodeur to do pretty well tonight. But as usual, this doesn't mean the defense can relax against Montreal. Sure, the team averages only 2.47 goals per game, but they had no issue putting up 3 goals past Ryan Miller. The big concern for the defense, on paper, will be the power duo of Tomas Plekanec and Mike Cammalleri.

	GP	G	A	P	+/-	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG	GTG	SOG	PCT
2009 - Tomas Plekanec	34	6	28	34	5	16	1	0	0	0	74	8.1
2009 - Mike Cammalleri	34	18	12	30	10	12	3	0	4	0	114	15.8

Behind them, it's a mix of seemingly inconsistent forwards. Talented players like Andrei Kostitsyn, ~~Alexei Kovalev~~, and Scott Gomez (P.S. The Rock will still boo you, all is apparently not forgiven.) are just not producing like the above two players. I'm sure the Canadiens faithful would love to see them improve on that front. Hence, the low goals scored per average for Montreal.

I'm also sure they'd love to see less penalties committed by their team. The criticism from Robert's recap of the Buffalo-Montreal game is not only echoed by Kevin Mio of Habs Inside/Out, but the team stats provide additional evidence. In terms of penalty minutes per game, it doesn't look so bad as the Canadiens average 13.4 minutes per game - that puts the team squarely in the middle of the league at 15th. But the minor penalties, oh, that's a different story. Les Habs have taken 170 minors this season, the second most in the league behind Philadelphia (172). By contrast, the Devils have only taken 101, the fewest in the league.

While that may not mean much in tonight's game, I think it highlights the importance of the Devils needing to outwork the Canadiens. They'll get beat, they'll do something dumb like hook, slash, or hold a player, and then they'll take a call that hurts them. Even if they kill all of the Devils' power plays (an increasingly difficult prospect as the Devils' PP is converting 22% of them), it's time they're spending mostly in their own end instead of attacking. That's opportunity to pressure them further and that's a benefit. So again, the Devils giving a complete - this includes the second period - effort on the ice will lead to many dividends beyond just possession of the puck.

The Canadiens have suffered a number of significant injuries to their roster along with inconsistent results. I had some additional questions about how Montreal on Sunday night. Thankfully, Robert Lefebvre, the man behind the epic Canadiens encyclopedia Habs Eyes on the Prize, was able to provide me with some answers.

Question #1. After a very busy summer, the Montreal Canadiens certainly haven't wowed many with a 15-15-3 (now 15-16-3) record. Regardless of what happened in Buffalo on Monday night, is there any one aspect that really sticks out that is holding the Canadiens back from success?

RL: While the Canadiens record may not have wowed many, fans in Montreal have generally been impressed with the majority of the new players. Cammalleri especially, [Brian] Gionta, before the injury, [Travis] Moen on the penalty kill, and with strong play from [Jaroslav] Spacek, [Hal] Gill and [Paul] Mara, the Canadiens are far from being in a desperate situation. If anything has held the team back, it has been the injury to Andrei Markov. After he was lost long term after being injured, the hope was that when he returned, Montreal would be somewhere around eight spot, looking at the playoff picture. It's mid December and Markov's return is imminent, so things are good.

Question #2. While Brian Gionta is injured and won't be at the Rock on Wednesday, Scott Gomez will make his first appearance in a Canadiens uniform. I can almost guarantee the Devils fans still haven't forgiven him for jumping to the Rangers, but how has he been received in Montreal? How is he performing so far, outside of what his stat line says?

RL: Scott Gomez - would you take him back? Personally, I haven't much good to say. I find he's a player who avoids making the tough plays in the offensive zone. When confronted, he seems to coil away and pass off, and it often appears that every set of defensemen in the league know it. While Gomez has merit defensively, that ain't what he's getting the big bucks for. For the anchor of a cap hit, he ain't worth it.

Question #3. Let's talk goalies. Chris Boyle's monthly analysis of Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak is an impressive statistical analysis. While the latest article notes that Price has been criticized for his glove side, but the numbers show he's been beaten low and to the right slightly more often. Why do you think that is the case?

RL: In November, there were many more accolades accorded Price for his strong play than there were criticisms of any glove side or low side weaknesses. Generally, the goals beating Price are less his fault than in the past. Why he would be more susceptible in one area is anyone's guess. My smirky answer would simply be because shooters are firing less to the upper regions since Carey's made certain corrections to his style.

Question #4. One of the more impressive team stats for the Canadiens this season is their winning percentage after scoring the first goal. The Canadiens are fourth in the league with a .846 percentage when they score first in a game. In contrast, they have one of the worst winning percentages when they give up the first goal, .200 and tied for 5th worst in the league. With that in mind, is it fair to say that the gameplan for Montreal will be to get that first goal?

RL: Every game plan in the history of hockey includes scoring the first goal, because as stats show, most teams have a losing record when they don't. Against the Devils, with a busy schedule, the Canadiens will place an emphasis on avoiding being pinned in their zone for long stretches. They'll also be tactical in using their speed to break through Lemaire's system in hopes of spending more time in the opposite end of the rink for a change. While the Habs aren't always getting that early goal, this team has shown that it rarely quits.

Question #5. Lastly, do you have a prediction for tonight's game?

RL: My prediction? How about a one goal game with the Canadiens taking it in a shootout. Boos for Gomez too, as he'll perk up some and put in solid effort.

Thanks to Robert for his answers. From them, I'm thinking the Canadiens could be better what their record indicates. Most of their free agent signings outside of Gomez have done well - most notably Cammalleri. Apparently, Andrei Markov is being talked up as the answer in Montreal - and when he returns, some of their troubles will ease. But he won't be playing tonight, and Scott Gomez and his pass-first ways will be. Now, with respect to the first goal question, I'd like to defend myself here. The Devils are one of three teams with a winning percentage after trailing first in a game (.571, behind Washington at .667 , ahead of Pittsburgh at .500). Rare, but the Devils have done it so many times this season, I don't think it is that far fetched to wonder why a team has trouble coming back from games. Still, look for Montreal to try and strike first and push ahead with speed.

All the same, it all goes back to whether the Devils play hard for all three periods. I really stress the second period because it's been 20 minutes of trouble in recent games; but as usual, hard work will lead to results. Don't worry about Martin Brodeur. Don't worry about the media. Don't worry about "what could be" in terms of any records. Be concerned with how the team performs.

Steve will have the GameThread up later today. Please comment on tonight's game in the comments (feel free to post any updates from Gulitti or Chere), and Go Devils!

Lack Of Discipline Costly As Canadiens Come Up Short Again

Robert L — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:01:32 -0000

The Canadiens penalty kill has been, well, killer of late.

Not sure of the exact numbers, but it's something like 2 goals scored against in the last 40 opportunities. They recently went 33 kills in a row without a goal surrendered.

While that is one awesome facet of team play, is there a downside?

Apart from pooping out the PK participants, could it be that the Habs' players faith in themselves and their proficiency when it comes to snuffing out foes man advantages be having the adverse effect of creating indiscipline on the ice.

It seems that in the last three contests, as the PK gains prominence, the team is taking more and more penalties.

It's the type of calls, careless fouls and outmanned deeds, that lead me to thinking that some players are losing sight of the bigger team picture.

The Canadiens are not a slow footed team, but they are getting into trouble because certain players are consistently being outworked.

Ryan O'Byrne and Glen Metropolit have been guilt of late, taking penalties on plays where scoring chances weren't in play. Each took three penalties against Buffalo last night. The Gomez slash was no brighter.

This team needs to realize that its margin of error is thin.

It's only thing to be looking ahead a little too soon to Andrei Markov's return thinking he's the season's savior. It's another to be all well and fine, dazzled by the performances of the Tomas Plekanec, Mike Cammalleri and (finally) Andrei Kostitsyn trio, but one line firing can't save the team's collective butt on a nightly basis.

Even goaltending, as great as it can be at times, won't carry the team.

Every single player's contribution on this team is needed, and it's often a case where what some player's don't do that is the difference maker.

It's all good to have a solid PK, stud goaltending, and offensive guns cocked, but if the smaller details aren't managed it all goes for waste.

Of 18 Canadiens losses so far, 11 have been by one goal. Reverse a couple of those results over a long season....

The bottom line is, the indiscipline is the effect and not the cause. Mike Boone nails it succinctly when inferring that the penalties are of the lazy variety. Holding, hooking and tripping calls are the result of being outworked.

And that's what this team needs to work on most, otherwise those awesome PK units will be in for a long hard ride.

If the tide doesn't turn, such a thing will wear a team down by mid season, negating the boost brought upon by Markov's return.

It ain't pretty.

Game Preview: Buffalo Sabres @ Montreal Canadiens

Rafal Ladysz — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:11:50 -0000

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

13 days ago: Buffalo Sabres right winger Patrick Kaleta, left, and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Paul Mara trade blows late in the third period of the NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009. Buffalo won 6-2. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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Scoring by committee and extraordinary goaltending create lengthy postseason runs. In essence, the Buffalo Sabres are playing playoff hockey currently or at least preparing for it. Beginning and ending with Ryan Miller, they have been backstopped by his 18 wins, four shutouts, a .939 save percentage and 1.83 goals against average. I'm honestly running out of positive things to say about the 29-year-old.

In the last three games, Steve Montador, Clarke MacArthur and Patrick Kaleta have each registered a game-winning goal. Darcy Regier wanted to build this squad from within giving them time to bond and grow together. We're beginning to see why. They have 11 different players with at least one game-deciding tally and Kaleta was the latest showing perhaps the finest display of his career in New York. When someone is down in terms of their level, a teammate has stepped up to the table.

Montreal surely has this match circled on their schedule after the Sabres demolished them 6-2 kicking off December on a high note. Less than ten minutes in, Buffalo put three quickly by Jaroslav Halak en route to a completely one-sided affair.

Five thoughts on each team below.

Carey Price will be dressed barring any last minute setbacks. He has two wins in five starts but can be the x-factor matching the Oct.1 Montreal victory where the Canadiens were outshot 35-17. His last performance in Atlanta was sparkling as he made a few breathtaking saves in a losing cause. They were outshot 34-19 by the Thrashers. More on that in a minute. Update: Halak is the starter looking to redeem himself.
Mike Grier's anticipated return to the line-up is occurring today. While this is good news, Grier has experienced a loss in the family and may not be as focused as he usually would be which is understandable. Lindy Ruff said he hopes to bring him ten to 12 minutes in ice time.
I spoke about the Canadiens getting outplayed by the Thrashers and it's a trait they haven't been able to avoid. Of the 33 games Montreal has completed, their opponent has registered more shots in 19 of them and they have only done so 12 times. In the last three matches, they have been outshot 121-66. ~~Price~~ Halak is going to have his work cut out for him tonight.
Catching fire, Derek Roy is becoming a point per game performer registering three goals and five assists in eight contests. His career statistics versus the Canadiens are re-assuring and Roy looks to keep it that way.
The hot stick in Montreal belongs to Andrei Kostitsyn who has four goals and five points in a four-game stretch. A talented stick-handler, the Belarussian packs a wicked shot and the Sabres would we wise to take away any space from a forward who has been flying since the middle of November.
Kaleta and Paul Mara have a bit of history dating back well over a year ago. It started with a check that injured the defenseman while he was representing the New York Rangers and the two have had it in for each other since. Mara is questionable for tonight but if he plays, expect quick fireworks.
Chris Butler and Nathan Gerbe are day-to-day both nursing lower body injuries. Marc-Andre Bergeron experienced a face laceration in Atlanta after being hit in the face by the puck. If he sits, that would be a massive loss for Montreal as he's provided necessary scoring from the back line.
Buffalo is allowing 2.17 goals against per game trailing New Jersey and Chicago barely. However, the Sabres are ahead of just Carolina and Tampa Bay in goals for in the Eastern Conference and could stand to use a little extra support.
Andrei Markov is meeting with doctors today to evaluate his status and could return at some point this week. Originally, he was expected to be out until February due to severed tendons in his right leg but has quickly recovered with intense work. One of the game's best defensemen, Markov will help the Canadiens in every way imaginable.
Tim Connolly has been quiet since a four-point evening in Philadelphia. The hip pain he's living with could have everything to do with it after last year's surgery. Connolly seems to be fine for the most part but you have to wonder if the busy schedule will take it's toll on him.

Having heavily outworked the Canadiens in two meetings, Buffalo is the favorite. Montreal does have two things going for them: a goaltender who can and probably will have to sneak out two points and a passionate fan base that will make themselves be heard. They'll need both from the opening face-off.

Markov Planning A Birthday Return For December 20?

Robert L — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:34:19 -0000

Translated from an article by Marc - Antoine Godin in yesterday's La Presse

Andrei Markov turns 31 on December 20. Could it be that Markov is planning to return to the ice on the day he celebrates his birthday?

One thing is certain, the Russian blue liner is far ahead of schedule in rehabilitating the achilles tendon injured in the season's first game.

Friday morning, Markov skated alone for 60 minutes and it can be said that not only was the familiar fluidity to his stride in evidence, but that his bursts were explosive, leading to the belief that such a return to the team's ranks could come any day now.

Markov has accompanied the team to Atlanta this evening as the Canadiens prepare to face the Thrashers. The Habs PP quarterback is not expected to play, but is scheduled to meet with team doctors on Monday to get the green light. The simple fact that he has rejoined the team suggests that he has reached an important step in his recovery.

If there is one rival player interested in these developments, it would be the Penguins' Sergei Gonchar. The veteran Russian defender would surely love to count on Markov's contribution come time for 2010 Olympics.

"I'm of the opinion that Markov will be back before January, so he will have had enough time to be ready for the games," Gonchar states. "He's good enough to quickly refind all his synchronism. We've played together on occasion in the World Championships, but it's hard to say if we will be paired in Vancouver. When we did play together, we had no trouble finding each other on the ice"

A Habs Centennial Dream Team

Robert L — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 16:20:19 -0000

In the winter of 1985, upon the occasion of their 75th anniversary, the Canadiens unveiled an all time team comprised of six players and a coach. The list included goalie Jacques Plante, defensemen Doug Harvey and Larry Robinson, center Jean Beliveau, right winger Maurice Richard and left winger Dickie Moore. It is doubtful that much would change should the Canadiens unveil a 100th anniversary team, as the club has won only two additional Cups in the past 25 seasons.

In tossing a few ideas around for celebrating the Habs 100th, Chris Boyle and I thought it might be interesting to put a fan's spin on the idea. We thought we'd give it a little extra kick and make it a Top 5 ranking at each position, which may be cause for more debate.

Here are the lists we've come up with, and some reasoning for their ranking.

Goalie - Jacques Plante

It's hard to argue against Plante as the Habs all-time greatest goalie. Along with there not being a single thing he hasn't accomplished, he's revolutionized the position, not to mention the game itself in the process of his career.

Bill Durnan (2)

First All-Star Team Goalie (1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1950)
Vezina Trophy (1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1950)

The ambidextrous Durnan was the man that set a high bar for Plante, owning practically all awards available to him in his short seven year career. On the testament of those who saw him play, it is said that he was at his prime his entire NHL career, and was the most combative goalie of his era. His effect on the 1943-44 Canadiens basically turned the franchise around and pointed it towards better days. Durnan joined what was a weak Canadiens team and left it poised for a run of dynastic proportions.

Ken Dryden (6)

Calder Memorial Trophy (1972)
Conn Smythe Trophy (1971)
First All-Star Team Goalie (1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979)
Second All-Star Team Goalie (1972)
Vezina Trophy (1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979)

Despite a multitude of individual awards, Dryden ranks just behind Durnan simply because of the team in front of him. The 1970's Canadiens were a powerhouse that rarely had off-nights. Dryden of course, was stellar throughout, including being the difference maker in the surprise 1971 Cup, but it is his classic pose of leaning on his stick that is his lasting image. On a great many Habs teams, there were many nights where Dryden's work was simplified by the force in front of him.

Patrick Roy (2)

Conn Smythe Trophy (1986, 1993)
NHL All-Rookie Team (1986)
NHL First All-Star Team (1989, 1990, 1992,)
NHL Second All-Star Team (1988, 1991)
Vezina Trophy (1989, 1990, 1992)
William M. Jennings Trophy (1987, 1988, 1989, 1992)

If Dryden lived a reality similar to Plante, then it can be said that Patrick Roy made good teams great in the same manner as Durnan. As confident as any goaltender that ever lived, Roy was the ultimate warrior in goalie gear, thrusting two Canadiens teams to victory on his strenghts alone.

Georges Vezina (2)

The early prototype for the "cool under pressure" goalie, Vezina played 328 straight games in goal for Les Habitant. One of the early pillars of the franchise itself, Vezina backstopped the Canadiens to a pair of Cup wins and three finals in a fifteen year career.

Honourable Mentions: George Hainsworth, Gerry McNeil, Gump Worsley

Defense - Doug Harvey

Doug Harvey was not the game's first rushing defensemen, nor was he the first to post consistently high numbers for a rearguard. What Harvey did better than the rest, was create the quarterback defenseman, able to control the speed of a game at a whim's notice. That he was practically nonchalant in his domination only added allure to his legend.

Larry Robinson

Conn Smythe Trophy (1978)
First All-Star Team Defense (1977, 1979, 1980)
James Norris Memorial Trophy (1977, 1980)
Second All-Star Team Defense (1978, 1981, 1986)

Robinson was quite the package for a rearguard as combined awkward grace, brawn, size, mobility and vision in a large frame. A quarterback and a policeman, Larry was a double edged threat whose strengths spanned all 200 feet of the rink. Perhaps his greatest asset was that his game adjusted to the circumstance and getting him angry only made him better.

Serge Savard

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (1979)
Conn Smythe Trophy (1969)
Second All-Star Team Defense (1979)

A great skater, Savard mastered in tempo adjustment without fanfare much in the Harvey mold. Difficult to beat one on one, he had an innate sense of turning the play up ice on a dime. Able to shift gears according to the game situation, Savard could snuff out offensives by playing the rock, or command a rush equal to the game's greats.

Andrei Markov

Played in NHL All-Star Game (2008, 2009)

Markov has been the backbone of the current Habs' squad for longer than many realize. It takes a keen eye to appreciate the gifts Markov brings, as he not only is bearer of some of the game sweetest passing, but he is also one of the most economical rearguards in terms of poise and positioning. On a team loaded with talent, Markov would post 100 point seasons.

Sprague Cleghorn

Cleghorn was never a typical defenseman in the traditional sense. He could score while rushing the puck with reckless abandon and used his stick in the same manner a surgeon wields a scalpel. For the most part, he protected teammates like few had ever done, and fewer have since. Cleghorn is simply the meanest son of a bitch to ever grace a hockey rink. In scaring the crap out of opponents, he assured the Canadiens greater talents were kept unharmed.

Honourable Mentions: Emile Bouchard, Kenny Reardon, Guy Lapointe

Center - Jean Beliveau

Class and grace personified, Beliveau entered the game as one of the biggest centers hockey had seen. His reach and command of the puck, his shot and size, were a rare package. Among his many skills, Beliveau was also a natural born leader, an inspiring presence, and a gift to the game. It could be that Jean is also the most decent and compassionate player the game has produced.

Henri Richard　

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (1974)
First All-Star Team Centre (1958)
Second All-Star Team Centre (1959, 1961, 1963)

A fiery little center cut from the same passionate mold as his older brother, the Rocket, all Henri could do was win. A consumate team man, and possibly the era's most rounded player, Henri took on whatever task was required, all in the name of team and victory. Pestulant as they come, there was no quit in this tireless worker. Only a player exactly like him could have lasted long enough to win 11 Stanley Cups.

Howie Morenz

Art Ross Trophy (1928, 1931)
First All-Star Team Centre (1931, 1932)
Hart Memorial Trophy (1928, 1931, 1932)
Second All-Star Team Centre (1933)

Imagine inducing Guy Lafleur with a touch of Rocket Richard's fiery gaze and trasplanting him back in time to the 1920's and you would have a solid idea of Howie Morenz brought to hockey in it's first true heyday. A fireball lauched from a cannon, Morenz had plenty of game and spirit, and his skills for the day were a revelation of sorts. Did what before had done, and raised the level of awareness for the game's possibilities.

Newsy Lalonde

Art Ross Trophy (1919, 1921)

Hockey and the Canadiens' first superstar, Lalonde was all brimstone, blur and bluster. A prolific scorer, he was also the game's first real badass. Part prima donna, part innovator, Lalonde seized games as canvases, and he wasn't shy to cause a stir when a shakeup was required.

Elmer Lach

Art Ross Trophy (1945, 1948)
First All-Star Team Centre (1945, 1948, 1952)
Hart Memorial Trophy (1945)
Second All-Star Team Centre (1944, 1946)

A slick passing center with a nose for the grinstone, Lach was the director of traffic for the great Punch Line of he, Blake and Richard. A savvy manner of the puck, Elegant Elmer was a fierce competitor whose enthusiasm for winning knew no bounds. Never has grace and recklessness ever been so productively packaged better in one player. Retired in 1954 as hockey's all-time point leader.

Honourable Mentions: Jacques Lemaire, Peter Mahovlich, Vincent Damphousse

Right Wing - Guy Lafleur

A gazelle with wings, Lafleur was an artist on ice, fleetly eluding everything in his path. Possessing several gears of acceleration, moves that had never been seen, a blistering wrist shot and an accurate slapper, Lafleur was the game's unstoppable force for six straight seasons of dominance. My vote for the most exciting player of all time.

Maurice Richard

First All-Star Team Right Wing (1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1955, 1956)
Hart Memorial Trophy (1947)
Second All-Star Team Right Wing (1944, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1957)

A trailblazer made of passion and fury, the Rocket battled like no one before him, bringing an awe to goal scoring that left mouths gaping. A bulldozer of desire from the blueline in, Richard fought for every inch of ice he claimed and owned. Impossible to assess in brief, his influence transcends his sport. Just your typical unique icon.

Yvan Cournoyer

Conn Smythe Trophy (1973)
Second All-Star Team Right Wing (1969, 1971, 1972, 1973)

Like Lafleur, the Roadrunner was all wheels and delivery. You can't catch what you can't see, and Yvan never stood still with a puck on stick for long. Owner of a wicked drive and a precise wrister, Cournoyer personified the Flying Frenchmen myth. A leader and an inspiration, Cournoyer was the first player I ever saw that was actually too fast for himself.

Bernie Geoffrion

Art Ross Trophy (1955, 1961)
Calder Memorial Trophy (1952)
First All-Star Team Right Wing (1961)
Hart Memorial Trophy (1961)
Second All-Star Team Right Wing (1955, 1960)

Beef, muscle and stubborness were the Boomer's calling cards, as he patrolled his wing with all the precision of a shotgun. Geoffrion was all out, and never minced tempos in his zest for the net. One of the game's great comedians, Boomer's heart was on his sleeve every inch of the way. In popularizing the slap shot, he altered the game, and goalie's noses in the process.

Stephane Richer

Played in NHL All-Star Game (1990)

A combination of both Lafleur and Boomer at times, Richer seemed like a reincarnation and an encapsulation of many great Habs all in one. While not entirely as consistent as his talent should have dictated, he remains theonly Canadiens player other than Lafleur to reach two 50 goal seasons.

Honourable Mentions: Didier Pitre, Alex Kovalev, Aurel Joliat

Left Wing - Dickie Moore

Guts. It's the one word that is consistenly used when describing Dickie Moore, who once won a scoring championship with a broken wrist in a cast. A battler, scorer and playmaker, Moore was playing a Canadiens team ravaged by injuries in the middle of the five Cup run of the fifties. As the Canadiens lineup thinned, Moore stuck it out to help lead the team down the stretch and keep it in first place. It's all one needs to know about the man.

Steve Shutt

First All-Star Team Left Wing (1977)
Second All-Star Team Left Wing (1978, 1980)

The most fleeting of all Habs snipers, the puck found Shutt and it was burried in the net. A perfect complement to the all aroung game awareness of center Jacques Lemaire and the dazzle of Lafleur. Shutt was never grandiose or elaborate, just consistent in putting the puck where it belonged. Nine consecutive 30 goal seasons is his legacy.

Frank Mahovlich

First All-Star Team Left Wing (1973)

A big man with grace and deceptive speed, the Big M was a tough player to shove off the puck. Perhaps forgotten in the aftermath of the 1971 Dryden sensation, Mahovlich was a big reason the Canadiens were competitively matched with the Bruins that spring. Nearing the end of his career, he offered the Habs four of his most splendid seasons.

Toe Blake

Art Ross Trophy (1939)
First All-Star Team Left Wing (1939, 1940, 1945)
Hart Memorial Trophy (1939)
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (1946)
Second All-Star Team Left Wing (1938, 1946)

A man who learned to win by hating to lose, Blake was a consumate pro in every sense of the word. A team first man all the who, Blake turned from gritty foe to discipline rival, toning down his pemalty minutes from 49 down to only six minors in his final three seasons. Remains the only NHL player to win an Art Ross and coach a team to a Stanley Cup, which he did 8 times as Habs bench boss.

Claude Provost

NHL First All-Star Team (1965)
Bill Masterton Trophy (1968) Played in NHL All-Star Game (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967)

Contrary to popular belief, it was not Bob Gainey who invented nor perfected the defensive specialist role on a hockey team. Of the many who preceded him, one of the best was Claude Provost, an aggressive and dogged checker whose skating style was all angles and elbows. The relentless Provost frustrated the living heck out of stars from the era such as Bobby Hull and Gordie Howe. There were never many accolades for Provost, but his efforts landed his name on nine Stanley Cups, the most of any player not in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Honourable Mentions: Bob Gainey, Mats Naslund, Joe Malone

Ovechkin:"I Sit in the Back, That's Where the Beer Is"

tuvanhillbilly — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:40:10 -0000

More photos » by Neil Davidson - AP

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I may have been gone for a while, dear readers, and it may have been a while since we've seen a long, interesting Russian-language translation, but the wait was worth it. Sovietsky Sport had Anna Nasekina, Russian five-time synchronized swimming world champion, cover the recent Montreal-Capitals game. This article has fantastic interviews with Vladislav Tretiak, Andrei Markov, Sergei Kostitsyn, Semyon Varlamov, and the best interview I think I've ever read with Alex Ovechkin. I needed a cigarette and a few minutes when I was done. Enjoy.

***

Just a week ago I had no interest in the draft, I thought a farm club was a gathering of cowboys, and had absolutely no idea who was the winner of the Stanley Cup last year. But then along came the commercial launch of the Synchronized Swimming Trophy in Montreal. Where Montreal and the Washington Capitals just happened to be playing...

OVECHKIN IS A CERTIFIED WIZARD

"In this city, even if WW III were to start, the first news you'd hear would still be the results of the next Canadiens game!" yelled my taxi driver. He wasn't holding the steering wheel or looking at the road. Turning to look at me, he waved his hands and screamed over the loud cries of the radio announcer. "Oh, that Ovechkin guy! He's a certified wizard! What he can do on the ice!" Without slowing down, he stuck his head out the window and yells "But! But! ("goal, goal" in French). The cabby is sharing his joy with his ‘brother' in the next car. "He kept his promise!"

What promise was that?

"Before the game today, Ovechkin went up to the Canadiens goalie-- Ooooh I've never seen anyone "approach" someone like this guy-and said ‘today I'm going to score on you'. And he scored on him! What an actor!"

Will Washington make it to the playoffs this year? - I've already studied up on the hockey lingo.

"Alex can carry the team. But the Capitals have a problem goaltender. Theodore, he's a jack-in-the-box. Today he can do everything, and tomorrow-nothing."

Varlamov's in goal now.

"He's still green. But I tell you, if you have a goalie, you have the Stanley Cup. Mademoiselle, are you going to the game at the Bell Center?

Yes, I'm going to root for Ovechkin.

"Are you Russian?"

You bet!

"A petite blonde with such a charming French accent" giggles the taxi driver. "Well that's the way it should be. The guy is really talented. He can do no wrong."

TRETIAK: SASHA PLOWS RIGHT THROUGH

You get a wide view from a distance-from the media booth located on the 8^th floor of the 20, 000 seat arena. From here, all I can see is the number 8, yellow laces and the unbelievable energy of the Russian hero. It seems like he is the only one on the ice. Ovechkin's stick doesn't even have a chance to touch the puck and the entire Bell Center erupts in raucous hooting. The Montreal fans are cautiously breaking in the Washington forward.

"I've never seen anyone play like that" commented Vladislav Tretiak, who had specially come to the game. "Even the most skilled players of the past always looked at their opponents. For Sasha, nobody else exists. He plows right through."

Did you come to the game for some specific reason?

"The Olympics are just around the corner. I have to look at the players, talk with them and see what kind of shape they are in."

Have you met with the injured Markov?

"Yes, and Andrey is in a good mood. But his recovery is the most important thing. I hope that we can count on him for Vancouver.

The meeting between the Canadiens and Washington turned out to be a nail biter.

"This is your first time at a hockey game and you are so lucky!" my Montreal counterpart Gennady Boguslavsky informs me. "If the score is tied after overtime, the game is decided on a shootout."

Shootout? (in Russian, "bullit"-TH) I heard that's the name of Andrey Markov's cat.

"Shootout, just like a penalty shot in soccer" said Gene.

I don't know about Markov's cat, but watching a shootout on ice can drain you of your emotions! It's a real test of your nervous system. The Capitals goaltender passed this test with flying colors. Varlamov got a shutout in the shootout. I jumped for joy, alone among the wounded Canadian fans. And then Gene grabbed me by the hand:

"Now we're going to the player's locker-room."

Where?!

"According to the NHL rules, every journalist accredited for the game can go into team's locker-room for post-game interviews."

I was paralyzed. Go into the team's locker-room after the game? Is this possible?

It was American cinema. Hockey players, freely walking around in their underwear among the correspondents, giving interviews almost in the shower. The managers clapped their hands and hurried them up:

"Guys, Guys, Hurry up, only five more minutes"

Cameras, microphones and tape recorders were bustling all around American players I didn't recognize. Responding to some questions, the players were able to get a sandwich from the refrigerator and, while chewing, sensibly explain the tactical and technical points of today's game.

Nevertheless, there was some tension in the air. Everyone was awaiting the entrance of one of the greatest hockey players on the planet.

Is Ovechkin always the last one? I asked an out-of-breath manager resting on a bench.

"Uh-huh. Everyone always waits for him. He's never in a hurry."

VARLAMOV: THERE IS AN EMPTINESS DURING THE SHOOTOUT

While I was waiting for Ovechkin, Semyon Varlamov, with a baseball cap pulled down over his eyes, was modestly answering questions from the Russian journalists. I waited until the Washington goaltender got free. Semyon looked at me warily from under his brim.

"Bobsled?"

I was taken aback.

Actually, synchronized swimming.

"Sorry, I was mistaken."

Well now let's hear a little bit more about this bobsled!

"When I was at the Junior Olympics, there was a female bobsledder. She also lived in the Olympic village."

And what about with this female bobsledder?

"Oh, nothing. I was still just a kid- 15 years old." Smiled Varlamov. "And what brings you here?"

A competition in Montreal. That's enough about that. Tell me what does a goaltender feel during the shootout? Does your heart fall down in your boots?

"You won't believe it, but there is an absolute emptiness. Like in outer space. After so many games, there isn't any emotion."

And when you let one in?

"You're very ashamed. The puck is in the net, and you think to yourself "what an idiot!"

Tretiak was at the game today. Did that help you to concentrate?

"I didn't really think about him being in the stands. I just did my job."

You're the hero today! You saved the team.

"I'm glad that I didn't mess things up in front of the champion."

Varlamov takes off his cap and writes on it "To Anna from Varly". My head is spinning from joy.

"As a keepsake. When could I see you perform?"

In July at the European championships. Semyon, enough about me. What's your condition for Vancouver?

"Fighting form. We have to show everyone what we are capable of."

At that moment Ovechkin approaches the press. My colleagues turn into a great swarm of mosquitoes and descend on the Washington star. I'm not in any hurry. I know that my time will come.

MARKOV: "I RELINQUISHED BULLIT AND BROUGHT IN MARUSYA"

Squeezing Varly's cap, I headed to the Canadien's dressing room to talk with one of the best defensemen of the National Team, Andrei markov. Alas, Andrei had already left. But before I could get upset, Gena Boguslavsky shoved a telephone in my hand:

"Andrei's on the line"

Immediately forgetting that I'm doing an interview, and that I'm supposed to ask intelligent questions, and that this is Markov, who has a reputation as a taciturn hermit, and that we are total strangers, I grab the phone:

Hi, this is Anya. Hello!

"Well, this is Andrei."

Andrei, are you upset that the Canadiens lost?

"Of course, I root for my own team. Although it seemed to me that Washington lost the initiative in the second period. But then the course of the game changed again."

That battle was no joke. Especially the shootout. And is it true that you have a cat at home named Bullit?

"The cat is in good hands. I now have a dog, an Irish setter named Marusya."

That's an interesting twist-I laughed. Markov, it seemed, did not share my joy.

"So how did you do?"

I thought that I had an auditory hallucination, but the question was repeated.

"How did the competition go?" - this guy also wanted to play the role of journalist.

It wasn't the best outcome. - I came to my senses. I only won one of the three programs. But it was the most important one.

"These things happen. You can't have victory without defeat."

"Wow!" flashed through my head.

What did Vladislav Tretiak say to you today?

"He and I talked business."

You didn't talk about the Olympics?

"No, there were no discussions about that."

They say that before the Olympics the Russian NHL players try not to touch one another. Is that true?

"I will tell you laconically. There are no friends on the ice."

How is your leg? When do you plan on returning to the ice?

"I've already started skating. I hope that in two to three weeks I'll be able to play."

How were you injured?

"I can't even explain it myself. My leg got cut with a skate. It was a game moment."

Did it hurt?

"Very much."

Get better soon and I wish you all the best.

"Thank you."

I hung up the phone and was trying on Varlamov's baseball cap, and who should come out of the locker room but Sergei Kostitsyn.

"So you were rooting for Washington?" he said, looking at the cap.

It'd be silly to deny it. Are you upset that you lost?

"There's still 70 games left. What is there to be upset about?"

The Canadiens will be 100 years old on December 4. Are you proud?

"Yes, the Canadiens have a rich history" said Kostitsyn while limping.

What's wrong with your leg?

"It's twisted, it's nothing. There will be a celebration at the Bell Center. They are inviting some old players like Elmer Lach. There's going to be a grand ceremony. Can I give you a ride?" Sergei unexpectedly offers on the way to the parking garage.

You can imagine that I didn't think very long about it.

In the car we talked about Belarus, about summer, about injuries, and about who thought up exercising after a game. We listened to music. Russian music. He has an entire collection of modern Russian pop in his Porsche.

We arrived and I got out of his car. I immediately realized that I had lost Varlamov's cap. It wasn't in my hands, it wasn't on my head, and it wasn't in the car. I panicked. We returned back to the stadium.

After several minutes the entire Bell Center knew that a Russian journalist had lost a hat from Varlamov. Everyone took part in the search, from stevedores to general managers. And they looked everywhere, from the basement to the 8^th floor. But they didn't find it. Having run three laps around the arena, in a lather and unglued, I returned to Kostitsyn.

I was expressionless. Such a gift, and I lost it! Sergei tried to console me with a Canadien's cap.

We returned to the hotel. We stopped in the exact same spot, I got out of the car, and I see lying there... the cap! On the pavement! Lying there! Nobody wanted it! What a happy day...

OVECHKIN:"I CAN'T GET ENOUGH STRETCHING"

I met up with Sasha Ovechkin the next day at a restaurant in the center of town.

"Sanya"-Ovechkin stands up and kisses my cheek.

Anya.

From the very first moment I feel like we've known each other for ten years.

The game was crazy yesterday. I never felt such emotions.

"Now go to a hockey game back in Moscow and compare the two."

I'll absolutely go. So do they differ much?

"Like night and day. The NHL is the best there is. To play here is a dream."

Does Washington have a good chance at the Stanley Cup this year?

"Right now we're in first place. But there are still 70 games ahead of us."

I guess you're pretty tired, huh?

"No, it's nothing. The main thing is to not think about being tired. Today I'm in Montreal, tomorrow I'll be in Carolina, then back again in Washington. That's my life, and I'm already used to it."

Do you fly on your own airplane?

"Yes, and it is mandatory to wear a suit. See, I'm already dressed"-Ovechkin fixes his tie. "Every player has his own seat on the plane. I have the second one, the very best!"

Do you also sit in the second seat on the bus?

"No, on the bus I'm on the third seat on the right. But after the game I always sit in the back of the bus. That's where the beer is."

What's it like living in Washington?

"It's good. It's a quiet city."

Do you get to Moscow often?

"During summer break. If you don't make it to the play-offs you have a full five months. If you make it to the play-offs it is three. But usually after the play-offs all the players are worn out. You spend your entire vacation recuperating. So are you a Muscovite?"

Yes. Where do you live in the city?

"Vodny Stadion. The greenest region of Moscow. I go out on the balcony, sip some beer, stretch out and go to sleep. I say grace. That's how I spend my vacation.

A girl comes up to Ovechkin and asks for an autograph.

There's probably no place left on earth where you can sit in peace?

"Come on! Some places they know me, some places they don't. It's not hard to sign autographs and pose for pictures. Basically, my philosophy is ‘what the hell'. This popularity is not really important to me" said Ovechkin, carelessly scribbling on a notepad.

So a star can never be captured?

"The illness of fame can be lost just as quickly as it is found."

Well it seems to me that the reputation of ‘caveman' flatters you.

"They call me caveman because I don't care what others think of me. I couldn't care less about anyone or anything."

If you didn't care about anything then you couldn't play the way you do.

"Well maybe I play the way I do only because it's all the same to me."

You mean to tell me that your manly unshaven face, your nonchalance, your missing tooth and yellow skates aren't part of your image?

"You want some wine?" Ovechkin suddenly changes the subject, taking a drink of a red California wine.

No thanks. Does someone create your image in the NHL? There must be a whole industry of image-makers there. - I continue the attack on the brink of a foul.

"I'm my own image-maker."

And fights-are they an integral part of the game?

"I don't fight. I hit. If I'm not doing it, I'm receiving it. Have you ever been to Beijing?" Once again Ovechkin changes the subject.

I have been.

"Was it good?"

That's not the word for it. It was the best thing that ever happened in my life.

"I was also in Beijing, when the women's fencers won the first gold medal. Now I can hardly wait for Vancouver. The World Cup is one thing, and the Olympics is something else entirely. We were only fourth place in Turin. Now we need to show them what we're made of."

What is more important, the Olympics or the Stanley Cup?

"Right now, the Olympics. I want to become an Olympic champion. But now you, as a synchronized swimmer, must be very limber?" Ovechkin asks suddenly.

Of course I'm limber.

"I don't stretch enough. I'm a forward, after all. You have to be flexible to slip between the defensemen. Every time I go to the gym I tell myself that I need to stretch, but I don't really do a good job of it. And my hands are small. I can't even wrap my hand around my wrist. I can only do yours."

Sasha takes my wrist in his hand.

Well now you're exaggerating; after all, you hold a stick in your hand. Now comes my turn to change the subject. Recently I saw your picture on the cover of a magazine. You looked cool!

"Glad you liked my picture, at least." --said Ovechkin and smiled a not-quite "I don't give a damn" smile.

Just don't complain that nobody likes you!

"I don't really care." Once again Ovechkin puts on his mask of indifference. "I'm only 24 years old. I'm not ready to settle down yet. How about you?"

Game Preview: Montreal Canadiens @ Buffalo Sabres

Rafal Ladysz — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:44:08 -0000

More photos » by Don Heupel - AP

18 days ago: Buffalo Sabres left winger Thomas Vanek, of Austria, celebrates his goal against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009. Buffalo scored five goals in the third period to defeat Carolina 5-1. (AP Photo/Don Heupel)

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Revenge is on the agenda tonight as the Buffalo Sabres look to win their fourth straight match and avenge a season opening overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Despite registering more than double the amount of shots as the Habs, 35-17, Montreal ~~earned~~ stole two points in the first meeting. Since then, it's been role reversals with the Sabres sitting one point out of the Division lead with three games in hand on the Boston Bruins and the Canadiens only five points ahead of the bottomed Toronto Maple Leafs.

Montreal has alternated wins and losses for the most part this season failing to reach any consistency. Defeat today spells four in a row in that category. In Buffalo's case, it's a fourth straight successful outing they seek in a stretch where they have connected superb offense (12 goals) with stellar goaltending/defense (three goals allowed). It'll be Ryan Miller and Jaroslav Halak backstopping their respective squads.

Five thoughts on each team below.

You name it, Ryan Miller's on top or close by. In reference to save percentage, goals against average and shutouts, the 29-year-old is setting the bar leading all netminders. His 15 wins are bested by Evgeni Nabokov and and Marc-Andre Fleury. Matt Stajan and Ron Wilson applauded his efforts in Monday's 3-0 result in Toronto.
As I said, Halak is in and he's actually won both career starts when facing Buffalo but was beaten six times in the process. Montreal's hopes rely heavily on him for the sake of a decent result because of injuries and the fact that the Sabres have their A-game going.
Henrik Tallinder notched his first goal in over a year three days ago creating a 2-0 lead and taking the life out of Toronto. Ready for another frightening fact? The last time the Swede scored twice in as many contests was May of 2006 during the playoffs. Go get em Henrik.
Mike Cammalleri and Tomas Plekanec have been the noticeable offensive producers. Besides them, nobody has 14 points although Brian Gionta likely would were he not hurt. They'll have to make their chances count because Buffalo usually out-shoots Montreal and Miller is seeing everything.
Jason Pominville, Derek Roy and Jochen Hecht are riding two-game point streaks. While they aren't large streaks by any means, it seems like a new person is stepping up daily to shoulder the load. Who will it be tonight?
Former Sabre blue-liner Jaroslav Spacek has struggled with nine points on the year. I guess someone forgot to tell Bob Gainey that last season's 45 points came in a contract year.
Energetic forward Tim Kennedy is still looking for that first goal at HSBC Arena. The local 23-year-old beat Martin Brodeur for goal No.1 and the other came in Toronto. With each coming against a historic goaltender or franchise, it would be worthy of breaking that funk through Montreal.
Good news for Andrei Markov who is expected to now return at some point in January rather than February. While it won't affect the outcome of this match, the sooner the Canadiens can activate their most valuable performer, the better.
Craig Rivet may return to the line-up tonight after missing two games confirming that he's healed up. The final decision will be on Lindy Ruff whether to allow him right in or wait given how well the defense has played recently.
I still can't believe Montreal pursued Scott Gomez and his ridiculous contract. This guy has 11 points to reward Gainey for $8 million dollars worth of salary. Chalk another stupid choice up to the general manager.

Four of the last seven battles have gone to overtime so expect a tight match-up if history is any indication. By the way, Toronto shutout Montreal 3-0 the day after Buffalo did the same to the Maple Leafs. Is it our turn to be closed down completely or am I just superstitious?

2010 Winter Olympics Hockey: A look at the Ottawa Senators

PeterR — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:00:12 -0000

The Olympics are mere months away, and I'd be lying if I said I'm not looking forward to the men's hockey tournament most of all. Although the Ottawa Senators don't have the international flavour they've had in years past, there will still be a pretty good Olympic presence for this year's team. Although plenty can still change between now and the beginning of the tournament, the following is a preview of which players may fall where on their respective Olympic teams. I've broken it down into four key categories:

Pack Your Bags

Daniel Alfredsson, Sweden: Alfredsson was an associate captain on Sweden's 2006 gold medal-winning Olympic squad, so you can be sure he'll be there again--and you can be sure he'll be a part of their leadership corps. He's got two silver and two bronze medals in World Championships, and has been on a total of twelve Swedish international teams. You'd better believe he'll be there.
Anton Volchenkov, Russia: There's no way the A-Train gets left out of Russia's Olympic roster. In fact, alongside offensive d-men like Andrei Markov (if he's back from his injury by then) and Sergei Gonchar, you can be sure Volchenkov will be a valuable shut-down defender when Russia is up against the big squads. He'll see plenty of the world's best, you can be sure.
Filip Kuba, Czech Republic: Even more so than Volchenkov, Kuba will looked to as one of the Czech Republic's top two defenders, along with Tomas Kaberle. Unlike Volchenkov, though, he will also have to offer some solid offence.
Milan Michalek, Czech Republic: Even if Michalek weren't having an awesome year, he would still likely be on the Czech squad for the Olympics. But with 13G and 8A in 24GP, it's an even easier pick for him to make it.
Jarkko Ruutu, Finland: There aren't many teams that Ruutu would make, but he could very well be instrumental to any success that the Finns have in the Olympics. He'll likely play third-line minutes, and he'll likely be up to his old tricks--but with a little more discipline added in.
Kaspars Daugavins, Latvia: There aren't many Latvians playing pro hockey in North America, and Daugavins--who's currently with the Binghamton Senators of the AHL--will probably be among the team's leaders, despite the fact that he's only 21 years old.

(Continue reading for the rest of the list... )

Nearly A Lock

Alex Kovalev, Russia: Most people would bet on Kovalev making the team, if only as a leader for the young stars. But young stars there are many, and Russia's not going to be scared to pull talent from the Kontinental Hockey League, too. Kovalev's highly likely to be on the team, but I don't know if it's an absolute lock--especially with the relatively low point total he's put up so far this season.

In A Battle

Mike Fisher, Canada: Fisher got himself on Olympic radar with a strong performance in last summer's World Championships, and his career-best numbers so far this season--10G, 11A in 21GP--is just adding to that. He's going to have to beat out some very good players to get a spot on Canada's squad, but he's done himself plenty of favours so far this season.

Headed On Down

Jason Spezza, Canada: A last-minute invite to Canada's orientation camp, Spezza was going to have to do a heck of a lot to get a sniff for Team Canada's roster at all, and his chances at centre were even worse. Although his defensive play has improved markedly, it's not going to get him on the squad, and the numbers he's put up so far have bumped him farther down the list.

Can The Canadiens Win The Northeast Division?

Robert L — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:27:12 -0000

A simple question for a Monday morning.

Can the Canadiens win the Northeast Division?

One quarter of the way into the 2009-10 season, it appears that no team at present is poised to run off with the Northeast Division title. As the current standings show, the top four teams are separated by a mere five points, and it gives credence to the notion that if one club were to get hot at this time, they could conceivably eclipse the other three.

As it stands, the Bruins lead the pack with 31 points, followed by the Sabres and Senators with 30. The Canadiens are 4 points back of Buffalo and Ottawa, and 5 back of the Bruins. A busy December schedule that sees them play 17 games in 31 days is a crucial month of the season. When the New Year dawns, the Habs will be sitting just past the mid-season point, with 43 games played.

It is not certain when key players such as Andrei Markov, Brian Gionta, Scott Gomez and Andrei Kostitsyn will make their return to the lineup, but with Markov beginning ti skate again and strong showings from the team in recent games, an air of hoprfulness has returned to Montreal. The play of youngsters such a Max Pacioretty and a rejuvenated Sergei Kostitsyn also serves to bolster the Canadiens' chances.

A look at an uninjured Canadiens roster speaks well for the team's potential:

Forwards

A. Kostitsyn - Plekanec - Cammalleri

Gionta - Gomez - S. Kostitsyn

Pacioretty - Metropolit - Moen

White - Lapierre - Pyatt

(D' Agostini - Pouliot - Laraque)

Defense

Markov - Mara

Hamrlik - Spacek

Gorges - Bergeron

(Gill - O' Byrne)

Goal

Price - Halak

December's schedule begins Tuesday with a home date against the Toronto Maple Leafs and features six other games against Northeast Division rivals. Six of the first ten games, between December 1 and 17 are at home, while the following seven, during a 12 day trip are on the road. The Canadiens play back to back games twice, playing the Wild in Minnesota following a home date with the New Jersey Devils on December 16. The round out the calendar year in the state of Florida, with games against the Lightning on succesive nights.

Poll

How many points out of a possible 34 will the Canadiens take during the month of December?

28 - 34?

17 votes

22 - 27?

140 votes

15 - 21?

128 votes

10 - 14?

31 votes

316 votes | Poll has closed

Plenty Of Good Promise Shines Through Despite Loss To Capitals

Robert L — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 06:52:12 -0000

Some losses are bittersweet and harder to swallow than others, and the Canadiens dropping a shootout point to the Capitals doesn't qualify as one of them.

Yes, it was a bit trying to see the Habs drop the ball shorthanded in the final minute of the game, but the ubiquitous Washington Capitals are a team built to take advantage of such situations. Witness the similarity between the end of this game, and the contest between the teams in Washington a week prior. Both games featured carbon copy story lines, with Montreal falling behind before wrestling the lead from the better team. Both contests included wild finishes, and in this one, a Maxim Lapierre goalpost is all that kept it from being extended.

I've been a little slow in warming to this team full of new faces and I know I haven't been alone. Glimpses of a bigger picture, a better and clearer view of this new club and what it could be capable of have been few and far between.

Oddly, I grasped a vivid look at the potential of this club in this narrow loss, and it has me feeling somewhat surprised. It came with the crisp awakening of a slap in the face.

What happened, how it happened, had all to do with the way the team responded during two crucial points in the game.

The first came immediately after the Capitals scored a pair of goals 1:12 apart in the first period. The Habs had been busy running around, augering themselves into ice, when Jacques Martin likely heard me, you and a hundred thousand others scream "Call a friggin' time out!" After he did, it helped settle the team down. It wasn't a moment too soon, as this game seemed a Capital goal away from becoming a blowout.

Martin was on the ball, and clearly showed at that moment that he has his pulse on the mindset and fragility of this club.

Equally important in the turnaround, and if you were watching on RDS you heard Benoit Brunet hit a rare nail on the head, when he called a pair of Carey Price saves a potential turning point. Price was hardly at fault for the 2-0 deficit, and he showed his mettle as goalie by shutting the door when he did. The crowd responded a gave him a rousing hand, and the team responded by beginning to take the game away from Washington.

Those two responses spoke that we were in for a hockey game, despite being behind by two. It also spoke a volume or two for character the club is building.

Starting in the second period, the Canadiens were carrying the play, and they forced the Capitals into committing a few fouls. Montreal were in the midst of totally blowing a power play five minutes in, when Jaroslav Spacek rescued the situation, scoring to bring the game within one. It was then that the Canadiens put the pedal down and earned the evenings' point.

It was during these moments, from then until the end of the game, that I began seeing a bunch of eye openers, that put a big grin where it's supposed to be for the first time in a long while. I saw some beautiful things unfold.

One thing I often look at in the course of a game, is how defensemen are reacting to a goaltenders' work. I judge their faith in their stopper by how often I see their jersey numbers, logic being that if we are seeing 6, 44, 26, 47, 22 and 3 too often near the crease and its perimeter, it is because they are turned toward Price, more worried about his tasks than their own. If a goalie is solid, the D men are confident, and they should then be focused on what is coming at them instead. If this is happening, like it did for great stretches last night, not a lot of numbers will be seen in that space.

In that regard, I've gained great appreciation for the effort supplied by Spacek and Roman Hamrlik. They are like the coolant under the Canadiens hood. At key times, their poise removed panic, and their swift work translated into the forwards having that extra split second to assist them in their work.

The positional play of the blue liners in this one was pivotal. Washington has 23 shots on goal for this game, with the same numbers of shots being blocked. Of those 23 blocked attempts, 11 were credited to the Hamrlik / Spacek duo. The remaining four defensemen, got in the way of only four shots, with 2 each credited to Bergeron and Gorges.

The work of four kids really brought me up from the couch, starting with Max Pacioretty, who looks more and more comfortable as a solid NHL'er with each passing game. Pacioretty is doing all kinds of good things in recent weeks and in this game he was outmuscling opponents, holding his own in battles along the boards, logging the puck for precious seconds, making crisp passes to originate plays, cruising into the slot to take shots and heading to the net to obstruct and create havoc. What was so beautiful about it, was that it all seemed to come so naturally to him.

In truth, it has been about three or four games that little things Pacioretty has been doing are jumping off the screen. I attribute it to him being allowed to play and mature with regular linemates, and veteran ones in Glen Metropolit and Travis Moen. Pairing a kid with reliable vets has tons of merit, and it speaks volumes for how to properly develop a prospect. That said, those 25 games of tutoring on one regular line is something that Guillaume Latendresse rarely ever got and desperately needed, and hopefully it is something that would serve a player such as Sergei Kostitsyn particularly well.

In short, that's exactly the double edged sword that injuries provide. Opportunity for the kids is created, but the assignments need to be managed more thoughtfully.

In three games since being recalled, Sergei has shown why he was so missed. The younger Kostitsyn looks like his head is on straight, as he's alert and disciplined. When things were going bad for the kid, he had this gnawing tendency to sit still with a WTF expression on his face whenever something crapped on him. Since his callup, he's displayed none of those trademark lapses, and has gotten down to the business of sparking the team creatively. His fluid skating, swift passing ability, brisk vision and dogged traits have all been in evidence. Against Washington, there were several heads up examples of this, especially the alert puck robbery of one Capitals forward headed the other way that turned a play around for the Canadiens. He's looked good out there, and his timing could not have been better. Once the injuries on team settle down, Sergei should stick around.

Impressive have been rookies Tom Pyatt and Ryan White. While White assuredly has the most offensive upside of the two, Pyatt has been perhaps the bigger surprise. Blessed with a great skating stride, does this kid ever get in deep on the forecheck! His speed allows him a great economy of time in his chasedowns, and he's gaining a rep for catching slow acting defensemen off guard. It's happened several times that I see a Canadiens player pinning an opposing player behind their net, and lo and behold, every time I take note, it seems to be Pyatt on them like a radar. Where he fits in, in the grander scheme of things becomes an interesting notion. On the Habs' depth chart, my guess is that he has jumped ahead of Kyle Chipchura.

Ryan White has some pitbull in him. He wears a shit eatin' grin game face that looks to be a cross between Lyle Odelein and Alfred E. Neuman and seems always eager to sign up for dirty work. His defensive coverage is improving by the game, and seems to enjoy mucking it up along the boards to great extent. What's so far been untapped, is a playmaking ability and shot that is the reason why he was drafted by the team. What's keeping him on the big club is the instinctive ethic that he brings to every shift. You get the impression that the kid doesn't need to be told a hell of a lot to get a job done. Pyatt and White, nine games into their NHL trail, were the two most used Canadiens forwards on the Canadiens' penalty kill against the Capitals. On a team with a shortened bench and inexistant fourth line, that stat says tons of good things for those kids.

So yeah, it was a bit of bummer losing in the shootout when the team deserved something better, but as I see it, starting with some of the kids, little corners are being turned one at a time.

I've been a hard fan to excite most of this season. Hearing of Andrei Markov back skating this week surely perks up the hopefulness. Seeing the team deprived of so many key elements and still going down fighting is awful inspiring. I could perhaps even begin to be sold on the notion of a very solid club that may turn out to be stronger than the simple sum of its parts.

About Last Night....

Lions In Winter

Capitals vs Canadiens boxscore

Jaspers' Rink