
yathehabsrule
Jan 30, 2009 Sep 07, 2010 30 106
First of all, I'd like to thank Robert Lefebvre for offering me the chance to contribute to www.habseyesontheprize.com
I have been an avid follower of the site for some time, and also write at my own blog www.yathehabsrule.com
I have been a hockey fan as far back as I can remember, and a fan of the Montreal Canadiens since I was five or six years old.
I recently joined SIHR (Society for International Hockey Research) and am also the Toronto area sports memorabilia writer for examiner.com
Feel free to drop me a line, or comment on any of my postings at any time. You can also follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/yathehabsrule
Cheers,
Kevin
website: Ya! The Habs Rule!
email:
a fan of
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Ticket info for the Habs road warrior faithful
I've collected some information on ticket sales for some of the Habs road games this season.
As more becomes available, I will update it, but a few games (Buffalo, St. Louis) already have tickets on sale.
The complete list can be seen here.
An update on Pat Burns
I ran into a friend who recently spoke to the Burns family.
Not a lot to report, but Burns and his wife Lynne recently sold their New Hampshire summer home, and are currently spending this summer in Quebec.
Though obviously declining in health, the fact he was able to make the trip from Tampa to Quebec is a positive sign.
I did up a brief piece on my site and I hope to chat up my contact a bit more, and if I get any updates, I will pass them on.
So after 18 seasons and 1291 games, Darryl Sydor is hanging them up.
He never wore the Habs sweater, but 507 career points, two Stanley Cups, a World Championship (1994) and a Memorial Cup ('92) is an impressive career, though not necessarily a Hall of Fame one.
But if you thought Chris Pronger's puck collecting in this years Cup Final offended you, Habs fans may or may not be impressed by Sydor's actions at the 1:45 mark on this Yahoo vid.
OK one fan at the Forum was probably thrilled.
Thanks to CBC's Jeff Marek for tracking this down.
Canadiens memorabilia pulled a pretty penny at auction
The ‘72 Paul Henderson sweater was clearly the talk of the town amongst memorabilia collectors last Wednesday morning.
Fetching a record price of $1,067,058, after a month long auction, it shattered the previous record set for a hockey sweater set earlier this year when a Bobby Orr rookie sweater fetched over $200K.
The Henderson sweater was not just the only item up for grabs through Classic Auctions last month however. The site also had many outstanding Habs related items available.
History was made...WIth some irony and some lottery luck.
In 2007, after finishing dead last in the regular season, the Philadelphia Flyers had the best chance to win the NHL Draft Lottery.
It didn't happen. THe Chicago Blackhawks, weighted fifth in the running, did and selected a forward from the London Knights named Patrick Kane.
Author Todd Denault also noted, on his Facebook page, the irony that "the Stanley Cup winning goal was scored in Philadelphia, by a guy wearing number 88. Talk about bad karma for Flyers fans."
Leblanc to stay in Harvard
The family of Montreal Canadiens 2009 first round pick Louis Leblanc has taken Creative Artist Agency (CAA) and agent Pat Brisson as family advisors.
CAA represents sports celebrities for all major sports and boasts a roster of clients that includes NHL stars Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane and Shane Doan amongst others.
Leblanc made headlines over the weekend, when his QMJHL rights were traded from the Chicoutimi Saugeneens to the Montreal Juniors, leading to questions on his future at Harvard.
Brisson stated that Leblanc will remain at the Ivy League school, where he was the ECAC Rookie of the Year, for time being.
Breaking News: Halak Signing !
No it's probably not the signing you'd think, but Jaroslav Halak will be doing a private autograph signing, in a joint effort from AJ Sportsworld and Frameworth Sports Marketing.
This is a rather last minute announcement, just made this afternoon, and orders must be submitted by this Thursday (June 3).
Pricing starts at $45 for your own items and up. Full pricing details are available on the title link or by emailing AJ at info@ajsportsworld.com
Habs Audio: Kirk Muller, Russ Courtnall and Eric Desjardins
Canadiens assistant coach Kirk Muller talked to the Fan590's Mike Hogan on Friday.
On being a head coach down the road: "Most assistant coaches have the wish to move on. It's not a secret that that's definitely a plan of mine as well. We'll have to see how it all unfolds."
More from The Fan
Russ Coutnall, the newest Batle of the Blades talking to Gord Stellick. Love the comment he makes to Stellick (his former Leafs GM who traded him) while sitting at the Canada/US border. He also talks on his experiences in Montreal.
Ex Hab and Flyers rearguard Eric Desjardins on his playing days in Montreal and Philadelphia.
10 years ago today, the hockey world lost of of the greatest when Maurice "Rocket" Richard passed away, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
This YouTube clip features highlights from his state funeral, followed by reflection from Jean Beliveau, Gerry McNeil and Elmer Lach.
More of the day's Habs links can be found here.
John LeClair: Not picking sides
Sometimes a Habs fan living near Toronto pays off, as I had a chance to sit down with John LeClair before Saturday's game and talk about his days with the Habs and Flyers.
One thing he stuck to throughout the afternoon was not choosing a winner in the Eastern Final. Note this was before Game Four.
Markov undergoes surgery - 6 months to recover
Defenceman Andrei Markov underwent knee surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn ACL in his right knee.
Estimates put recovery time at as much as six months, making him available to return in mid-November.
So much for the heroic playoff comeback in 2010.
Hopefully Markov's recovery time is accelerated for 2010-11 much like his injury earlier this season.
Petition to get "Feels Like 93" in the Bell Centre
Annakin Slayd’s 2010 version of "Feels like ‘93" saw a huge spike upon it’s re-release just over a week ago.
It now sits at over 58,000 hits on YouTube after the Montreal Canadiens Game Seven victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Annakin has been working hard to have Canadiens use it at the Bell Centre, but needs some help from the fans.
The title link will take you to an online petition to show your support.
You know it's bad officiating when even Hockey Night in Canada questions calls missed against the Habs.
A few other recent vids, including a great Sidney Crosby Tribute can be found at Ya! The Habs Rule!
Breaking News: A possible dream opportunity for a lucky Habs fan
Update: Turned out his was all for not. My source's boss, Jacques Martin, did use him (Mathieu Darche) in Game Four, playing him for over 8 minutes. He even had an assist and was +1. Certainly was a good suggestion for him to give up his spot to a fan to sit on the Habs bench for the whole game.
This is expected to be made official tommorow morning, but it slipped out in conversation with a Habs contact this afternoon.
Prior to game time, the Montreal Canadiens are expected to make a huge announcement regarding a special Game Four promotion.
If it happens, the announcement will be made after the Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins team warm-ups. My source also said there was still debate to pick a ticket holder, or have someone with a camera crew go out on the street and pick a passer by that does not have a seat.
Matt Cooke: So this makes you an expert??
The Penguins Matt Cooke questioned the style of play of Canadiens rookie P.K. Subban.
Quote from the Beaver County (giggity!) Times.
"It’s the second time (it’s happened)," said Cooke, who scored Pittsburgh’s lone goal early in the first period. "I know it’s not a penalty when skates collide but for that to happen in back-to-back games by the same guy is suspicious."
Cooke went on to say he didn't think it was intentional. Well he'd be the one to know about intentional and non-intentional hits, right?
A man goes into a bar and tells the bartender, "I'll have an Ovechkin". Bartender asks, "What's an Ovechkin?".
The mans says, "A White Russian, no ice, no cup".
Did anything like this happen in 1993?
Some fans just take their teams or TV time too seriously.
That's just one game. The Habs played 11 OT games in '93, including winning 10 straight. There were no murders of similar situations that I recall.
A look at the urgency of Habs' third and fourth line scoring in Game Six at Ya! The Habs Rule!
For those who missed it:
This is the call from an irate Habs fan named "Sal", who expressed his feelings, after Wednesday night's game, to the Team990 post-game show.
Thanks to the Team990's Conor McKenna for finding me a link to it.
Sal needs to work on his "inner voice". ;)
Also a look at the emotional maturity problems of Carey Price at from Ya! The Habs Rule!
Scott Gomez on the Canadiens' goaltending after the Capitals Alexander Ovechkin thought Jaroslav Halak was shaking in Game Two:
"Jaro got us here and [Carey] Price got us here," Gomez said. "He's the one who's been answering the bell and he's the reason we're standing here talking to you guys right now. He's a professional; he's been in huge games for his country."
Someone asked if he'd offer some words of encouragement before Monday's Game 3 and Gomez said he didn't think it would help, as he really has no idea what goalies do anyway.
"I don't know anything about goaltending, I don't know if anyone else does," he said. "So, I don't know if I can go up and talk to him. I guess in knee hockey I was pretty good at goaltending.
"I think that's why they have a goaltending coach. Especially goaltenders, they're different all around. They're weirdoes anyway, so I don't think I can make any sense to him anyway. You'd have to have some set of nuts to go up to the goaltender and tell him what you think at this level, that he should be doing [something] different, especially in the playoffs."
Losing Game One is nothing new for Ovechkin and Capitals
Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarter-Final between the Washington Capitals and Montreal Canadiens is just a couple hours away.
Montreal shocked the Capitals in Game One Thursday, but should we really have been that surprised?
Since Alex Ovechkin arrived in D.C., the Capitals have only made the playoffs in the last three seasons. Each series they have played in has gone the full seven games, with the Capitals going 1-1 in Game One of each of their opening rounds.
Suffice to say the Canadiens could be in for a long series, something the Capitals and their captain are used to playing. They also know that winning the first game isn't as important in a series as winning four is.
Here's the breakdown of each Game One the Caps have been in up prior to this season, and how the series wound up.
Game Preview: Habs and Devils Could Be a First Round Matchup
Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils face the Montreal Canadiens Saturday night, but is it the last time for the season?
It will be the final meeting of the regular season (The Devils lead 2-1), but with a tight race at two ends of the Eastern Conference playoff race, these two teams have an excellent chance to meet in the first round.
The Devils curently sit in the fourth slot with 91 points, trailing division leader Pittsburgh Penguins by two points and two games at hand.. Right on their heels are the Northeast Division leader Buffalo Sabres with 90 points. Montreal has a two point lead for 6th spot, amongst a pack from 5th to 10th that are separated by just 10 points.
Gametime is at 7 p.m. at the Bell Centre.
Habs and Bruins Set to Duke it Out One Last Time
The Montreal Canadiens (34-29-6) and Boston Bruins (30-24-12) will meet for the final time in the regular season Saturday night at the Bell Centre.
Montreal has won four of the first five meetings, two in shootouts, with there most recent coming on a 4-1 win in Boston on March 2.
Both teams are in the thick of a multi-team race for the bottom playoff seeds in the Eastern Conference, where 10 points separates sixth from thirteenth. The Canadiens are currently holding on to seventh place, with Boston just two points back in eighth, with three games at hand.
Game time is 7 p.m.
Habs Battle Oilers to a 5-4 Shootout Win
It took a shootout, but the Montreal Canadiens managed to beat the last place Edmonton Oilers 5-4 Thursday night at the Bell Centre.
Travis Moen and Sergei Kostitsyn had a goal and and assist each from Montreal and Jaroslav Halak made 22 saves for the win.
Oilers rookie netminder Devan Dubnyk made 21 stops, and still remains in search of his first NHL win.
The victory, combined with a Philadelphia Flyers loss to Boston, puts both teams at 74 points. The Flyers hold the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference as they have three games at hand. Boston maintains the eight position with 72 points.
Habs Look to Extend Winning Streak vs. Oilers
The Montreal Canadiens (33-29-6) will be looking to extend their winning streak to four games as they host the Edmonton Oilers (21-39-6) on Thursday night.
As the Canadiens continue to hold their sixth place position in the Eastern Conference by a mere two points, the Oilers are just looking out their dismal season that sees them dead last in the league overall.
A win for Montreal would match their season high win streak mark of four games, which they have done twice this season.
This will be the second, and final meeting between the two teams this season. The Oilers won the first game at Rexall Place by a 3-2 decision.
Puck drop is at 7:00 EST
Halak Finally Gets his Chance vs Lightning
For the first time in his career, Jaroslav Halak will get a start for the Montreal Canadiens (32-29-6) against the Tampa Bay Lightning (27-26-11) on Tuesday night.
The Lightning have owned the season series against the Canadiens, with their latest coming from a 3-0 win on Jan 27. Tampa Bay is 5-0-3 in their last eight meetings with Montreal.
The Canadiens hold continue to hold on to sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Lightning sit in 11th place, just four points back of 8th place Boston.
Game time is 7:30pm at the Bell Centre.
Habs California trip will be no holiday
Here's hoping that the Montreal Canadiens (30-28-6) aren't paying attention to those celebrity-infused California tourism commercials, because the next three games in four days will be no vacation.
The Canadiens open up their three-game Golden State swing with a stop in San Jose tonight against the Western Conference leading Sharks (40-14-9). They will play a pair of back-to-back games over the weekend against the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks.
Last season, behind the goaltending of Jaroslav Halak, Montreal surprised the Sharks with a 3-2 home victory. This time around Carey Price will get the call in goal. Coach Jacques Martin is making no roster changes from Tuesday's lineup, with the exception of healthy scratch Matt D'Agostini who was traded late Tuesday night.
The Canadiens are a lifetime 4-5-2 in San Jose, with their last win coming in a 3-2 overtime win on November 23, 1999.
Game time is at 10:30 EST
A Trio of Former Habs Were Born on February 18
I thought it was rather interesting to note that February 18 marks the birthdate of two Canadiens Hall of Fame players, and a journeyman goalie whose NHL career ended in Montreal.
Here's a quick look at the three individuals who played on a combined 16 Stanley Cup winning teams.
Flyers 3 Canadiens 2: Philly Holds off Sleeping Habs
Jeff Carter had two goals, and Scott Hartnell had two assists as the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-2.
The win snapped the Flyers nine-game losing streak, at home against the Canadiens, and leap-frogs them into sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Philadelphia got on the board first at 18:14 of the first period as a Flyers power play ended. With Carey Price flat across the goal line, Hartnell and Carter continued to dig and pitchfork until Carter finally squeezed it underneath the Canadiens netminder, who argued the call.
“I can see the refs point of view that the puck wasn’t covered," said Price. "My argument was that when your getting jabbed in the net, that it’s interference on my job to stop the puck.”
The Flyers got quick goals early in the second period from Carter (1:17) and Matt Carle (3:17) in what was possibly the worst 20 minutes of play by the Canadiens this season.
The home team had a 23-13 shot lead after 40 minutes and were it not for Price, it could have been a lot worse.
Despite letting in a weak fives-hole to Carter, the young goalie continued to battle to keep his team in the game against the Philly shooting gallery.
Montreal had played a perimeter game for most of the first two periods, which was evident by the Flyers 29 blocked shots on the night..
The Canadiens were not going into the net, but they began to do did just that two minutes into third. Rookie P.K. Subban took the puck up the ice and dumped it towards the net, where Glen Metropolit slipped it past Michael Leighton to get Montreal on the board.
The Habs' other newcomer, Dominic Moore, then scored his first goal with his new team after a wild scramble in front of Leighton just 56 seconds later.
The Montreal penalty kill units were then forced into work, fighting off three straight penalties to keep the Canadiens in the game, and shutting down the Flyers power play six times all night.
There was yet another scare for the Canadiens after a boarding penalty on Darroll Powe left Jaroslav Spacek bleeding on the ice. The veteran defenceman managed to skate off the ice, amidst the disturbing boos from the Wachovia Centre crowd.
Despite the man advantage, the Canadiens couldn’t get one past Leighton.
"We didn’t get the start we wanted," Moore said. "We built some momentum in the third, but it was a bit too late."
Moore's comments were echoed by Canadiens coach Jacques Martin, who noted that playing a full 60 minutes is crucial with the season winding down.
Game Three Stars:
1. Jeff Carter
2. Scott Hartnell
3. Matt Carle
Getting dirty: A FLyers-Canadiens game wouldn't be complete without some shenanigans as a scrum developed on the ice after the final horn blew.
Price, already on the Montreal bench, avoided a potential suspension when Hal Gill prevented him from stepping back on the ice.
"We’re two teams that are desperately clawing for a playoff spot," Moore said on the post-game mix up. " Obviously the intensity is a little stronger right now."
The two team's meet up again Saturday night, where the night's intensity in Philadelphia will likely carry over to the Bell Centre.
Price may have summed it up best, "Whatever happens tonight, leads into the next game."
Canadiens Begin Crucial Pair of Games vs Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers (30-25-3) head into the last weekend of play, before the Olympic break, just a point behind the Montreal Canadiens (29-26-6) in the Eastern Conference standings, with three games in hand.
It's pretty safe to expect them to play a very physical style in the home-and-home series, against their conference foes, Friday and Saturday.
The two teams have met once before this season, in a game where both teams set a game record for fewest combined shots (28). The Canadiens won that game by a score of 3-1.
The Flyers have won four of their last six games, and are coming off a pair of back-to-back wins against the New Jersey Devils, rallying from two-goal deficits in both games.
Canadiens Hold On To Stop Capitals Win Streak
Tomas Plekanec had two goals and Sergei Kostitsyn added three assists as the Montreal Canadiens (29-26-6) snapped the Washington Capitals (41-12-7) 14-game winning streak with a 6-5 overtime victory.
The win also snapped Washington goalie Jose Theodore's 10-game winning streak, leaving him tied for the franchise record. Theodore came on in relief of starter Michal Neuvirth, who left the game after reportedly aggravating a previous knee injury early in the second period.
Montreal played an agressive game, against a much better skilled Capitals team, getting on the scoreboard early when Scott Gomez took advantage of his team's forecheck , beating Neuvirth for his ninth goal of the season.
The Canadiens kept the pressure on, but Brooks Laich struck back just under six minutes later for Washington, slipping past a sleeping Montreal defense and putting a fancy deke on Carey Price.
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