Canadiens Once Again Fail to Put Up 82-0-0 Season

I decided to take a few days off and see my family in Canada's Hockey Mecca (sarcasm) - Toronto. And I also made a decision, since we are so early on in the season, to not watch hockey. After all - I don't get the opportunity to see them too often, and I had one of my closest friends wife celebrating her birthday this weekend - so I wasn't going to glue myself to a TV in a sports bar on Friday night. Instead, I made sure that my pal in Montreal texted me with score updates throughout dinner (Thanks Jordan). I had to show some level of appreciation for the Keg* steak, and wonderful bottles of Red that we were consuming.

So when I got home late on Monday night, I had to decide whether it was worth getting on the notebook and checking in on all the latest Tweets, Blog posts, and H I/O news.  Exhausted from driving 1704km over the course of the weekend, I put my weariness aside, and did just that.

I think that the best comment I received from a fellow Tweep, was in response to me asking what the latest news was concerning the team. Expecting a flood of answers ranging from complaints on JM's coaching abilities, to the lack of PP offense (etc. etc. etc.); instead this response said "We're 3-1-1. What's to talk about. We're looking good".

Maybe it was because I was surrounded by Toronto Maple Leaf fans this weekend, and their incessant banter about how they were off to a better start than the Habs. Maybe it was the ludicrous talk of how being in first place in the Conference was a foreshadowing of the seasons results for Brian Burke's squad. I guess I was just expecting Montreal fans to not be happy enough, even though we're only five games in.

It's refreshing to see many of the fans throughout the city feeling a bit more secure and comfortable with the teams results so far. There seems to be a certain candor that I haven't noticed in quite some time. It feels a little more like the playoffs of last year, where despite having made some mistakes, and some costly errors, we know this team can prevail. There has come an understanding, that there is not going to be an 82-0-0 season for any team.

I certainly hope that we can continue to have this positive attitude continue throughout the season. There is no doubt that it will have a positive effect on the boys in Bleu, Blanc, et Rouge. It also has a less poisoning effect on the fan base as well. Which in turn .... well, you understand what I'm saying here.

It's good to be back in the land of hockey. It's good to once again be surrounded by fanatics that love not only the Canadiens franchise - but the sport. Having said that though, I better go check some stats and see who's on the second line for game six. There has to be SOMETHING that I can complain about.

Open the Floodgates - Habs Home Opener 2010/2011

It's here! The home opener. We get to welcome home our boys as they play the Tampa Bay Lightning at le Centre Bell in Montreal.

No big changes are expected for tonight. No adjustments to the 4 forward lines. But the anticipated return of Roman Hamrlik to the defensive unit happens, and that's something to celebrate. With a defensive core that has lacked a bit of "get up and go", perhaps the addition of Hamrlik to the team can shake things up a bit. Not that we can expect a "full on" 25 minute outing from our veteran, but his presence should help in solidifying our defensive capabilities.That means the omission of Picard from tonight's line-up and the addition of O'Byrne, as he gets paired up with Hall Gill.

Once again - we leave the decision making to J Martin, and will only know for sure if he was correct, after 60 minutes of hockey.

Fresh off of a two day rest, and more importantly, a win against the Penguins - this team should be ready for what the Lightening have to throw at them.

There is no doubt that the Lightning have improved themselves over the off-season, and will most likely be contenders in the playoff race this year. With the additions of Stamkos and Gagne over the summer, Tampa brings more size, speed, and toughness to the team that was - only a year ago - wondering if they could maintain a fan base, not to mention their Captain: Vincent LeCalvalier. After a decisive victory at home on Saturday against the Thrashers (in which Stamkos accumulated 2 goals and an assist), look for a team that will be hungry to go after a 2-0 to start to the season.

The Habs; however, are coming off a huge win against the Pens Saturday night as well. Doing what they do best, and walking into the New Igloo for the first time, the Canadiens potted 2 goals in 24 seconds of the third period, to gain a come from behind victory. Not the prettiest offensive game to watch, but certainly a flicker of hope as Carey Price turned away 36 of 38 shots in a well deserved victory.

Tonight's questions surround the ability of the offense lines to move their way in front of Dan Ellis, creating traffic and havoc for the newly acquired Lightning goaltender. This will be the first start for Ellis - who was acquired from the Canadiens in the off-season. Ellis came over to Montreal on a trade that saw himself and Dustin Boyd moved to the Montreal franchise from Nashville, in return for Sergei Kostitsyn. However, without a deal in place before the July 1st deadline - he became an unrestricted free agent, and was subsequently picked up by Tampa.

So tonight will be yet another good test for La Flanelle. With some solid growth and adjustments over the past two matches, I have a feeling that tonight's going to be a good night.

Keys to Victory:

Get shots on net. Forget about incessant cycling. I know on a team that is smaller in size - speed and puck movement are important. But that doesn't mean neglecting to put the puck where it belongs - on goal. Just ask Scotty Gomez.

Create more traffic. Guys like Lapierre, Pouliot, Eller, and Boyd need to be parked in front of Ellis. Considering Ellis only had 31 starts last season - if he can be rattled early, it will pay off dividends.

The Power Play v Penalty Kill. Stop taking stupid penalties. Seven opps for Pittsburgh last Saturday could have come back to haunt us. And with a PP that has generated next to nothing for the team this year, it's time to align Gomez as a forward (to gain and keep the zone) with the likes of Subban (to take the crucial point shots). By the way - did I mention TRAFFIC?

Defense. Play like it was the playoffs. Never in my life have I been so proud as I was during the post-season last year. Gorges backchecking, and Gill blocking shots. Subban moving the puck. It's time to intensify the defensive game. Carey will make the saves - the defense just has to limit turnovers and Shots On Goal.

So there it is. A night we've all been waiting for, and a great opportunity to gain our second win of the season. There is really only one other thing to be said ....

Go Habs Go!!!

Canadiens Fans to Pick Three Stars

Hold Up! Did I really hear that correctly?

Apparently, according to the Habs Inside Out Puckcast (dated Oct 12th 2010), and a Canadian Press article published today in the Swedish Media companies METRO Newspapers, this comes direct from Bell and the Montreal Canadiens.

Announced during the morning skate in Brossard today, the statement was made  that fans will be able to download a free app from the Bell website. Previously, the selection was made by broadcasters televising the game; however now - this leaves the judgment solely to the fans online, or in the arena to make that decision. And their decision will be announced at games end, as per usual.

Does anyone else have an issue with this? Are we really opening up "voting lines" and leaving this in the hands of anyone who has the ability to log on to Bell.ca/canadiens? I can only imagine the ridiculous responses if Carey Price has a bad night. Are there really enough subjective fans out there to make the right choices? When did the 3 Stars of an NHL game become synonymous with "So You Think You Can Dance"?

I like the fact that Montreal is trying to bring fan involvement to a new level. The announcement of a weekly 30 minute player profile being available online, through Bell Mobile, or television sounds like a great way to connect fans to the team. But having a free vote on a games 3 Stars is ludicrous at best.

I can only surmise what the name of the Bell App will be .... Canadien Idol (?).

Sid the Kid - Shut Down Again - Things to be Thankful for on Canadian Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone ... at least to all you Canadians out there! And I guess a Happy Columbus Day to the kind American followers that read this blog! I hope that you have plenty to be thankful for on this fine October day.

No complaints here in Good Ol' Montreal! I mean, we had a "Bright, Bright, Bright - Sunshiny Day", and we watched Ben Cahoon make CFL history, as he became the leagues all-time leading pass receiver (catching his 1007th to pass previous CFL legend Terry Vaughn).

But I guess in retrospect - all those Habs fans out there are looking back on Saturday nights victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins as an early, yet continuous Thanksgiving Day present. That gift that keeps on giving. Let's face facts, ever since that night that Crosby smashed his stick against the post of Jaro Halak in the playoffs last year - there hasn't exactly been a love-on for the Pens Captain. As a matter of fact - you could take every watched segment of his "Golden Goal" and thrown it in the trash as far as Habs fans were concerned. "The Kid" was showing his true colours. A spoiled little boy that relishes in accomplishment - but has no room to stomach defeat.

And that brings me to the point at hand. The other things that came about in game 2 of our regular season that we have to be thankful for.

Clearly, we saw a very confident and skilled netminder between the pipes. I don't know if its the fact that Carey Price is just sick of coming up with losses on occasions when a win should have been at hand (and no - I'm not blaming him for it all), or if there was a new confidence that our young goalie decided to get back to. But without doubt, Price was looking more like the Price of old. He was stepping forward in his crease, challenging shooters, taking away the angles. More importantly, after he allowed that first goal off Malkin on a beautiful feed from Crosby, there was none of that traditional shoulder slump in his body language. He got beat, accepted it, and moved on. Even more impressive was that he continued to stand tall after the Letestu goal. After all - he really should have had that one - and I'm sure he'd love the chance to get that back.

But after giving up two - Carey did something that we've seen him do many times before. Times where - in the past -  his team has been known to let him down. He continued to make great saves, as well as routine saves, in order to keep his team in the game!

So what else do have to be thankful for today?

Well there was a definite step up on the defense and the penalty kill. Taking 7 penalties in all for the night - the Habs certainly (at times) looked a bit undisciplined, and yet the likes of Gorges and Gill were great on the PK. With the exception of Spacek coughing it up again a couple of times, there seemed a bit more consistency in shutting down the Penguins offense. Having said that - even Spacek began to flex his muscles from the blue line with a pair of blistering point shots. Subban continues to shine as well. On the forecheck, working hard in the defensive zone, grinding it out. And despite what Don Cherry has to say - this kid need not offer any special treatment to "veterans" like Crosby. He's faced off hard against him in the playoffs, and shut him down. Why should that be any different in the regular season. You don't get a Golden Hall Key just because you've been around the school for a few years.

So let me just make one quick point on that issue. Cherry spoke on Coach's Corner Saturday night, like he was a soothsayer proven right. He spoke to the fact that he knew PK Subban was going to get injured; because he hasn't shown the right level of respect to superstars in the league. Nonsense! This rookie is doing his job. Making sure that no matter how long you've played in the league, no matter how much the press holds your hand and bows at your every word - that you better bring your "A" Game every time out - or be put in your place. Thank God that Mr Cherry is not our coach. He is definitely not in our corner.

So things have looked pretty decent so far! Lots to take to the table tonight and offer our thanks for. But let's not forget the glaring shortcomings that need addressed immediately, if we want to see future success for this team, and a good run deep into the playoffs.

Offensively, the Habs looked weak on Saturday night. Despite the early goal from our returning hero - Mike Cammalleri - there is some great weakness to be taken care of. Yes, the Plekanec feed was excellent, but after that moment in time - until deep into the third - there was a serious lack of offensive effort. For a team that has tried to move to some bigger sizing in the offseason, including the likes of Eller and keeping Poulliot, there was in huge lack of getting players to the front of the net.

Fleury was a one man smorgasbord of rebounds. Juicy, delectable, and inviting. But no one came to the table. Instead they sat back trying to find a spot in the slot  for Cammy (which was shut down consistently). Believe me. After last years playoff high of 13 goals from that exact position - don't expect it to be too vacant over the regular season for #13.

And what about the likes of Moen, Kostitsyn, and Lapierre? Where was the net presence with that trio? If things are going to look up, especially against big time teams like the Caps, Pens, and Philly; there needs to be much more assertive play to the crease.

One last note. I know this is going to get under many a skin, but it has to be said as far as I'm concerned. Enough about Scotty Gomez. Anyone who actually watched the game on Saturday night noticed one thing. This man can not only move the puck, he was one of the VERY few Canadiens who was shown any respect by the Penguins on the power play. When he gained the zone (another Gomez specialty that is lacking by the rest of the offensive lines), they backed off and recognized him for the danger he can be. I know he got his frst shot late in the game, and that he finally scored. But leave the man alone. He's a playmaker, and continues to do his job well. Despite what most fans may say. You don't like Price being criticized, so don't pick someone else to bear the cross instead.

Well - enough said. We did what we set out to do. We set the pace for the season against Pittsburgh. We made a statement that told the hockey world "It wasn't just dumb luck in last years playoffs!". We continued to build as a team, and make it known that we will be contenders again this year.

And as far as I'm concerned - that's plenty to be thankful for.

Good On Ya Boys!

"Close the Igloo - Sidney has left the building"

Sweeter words have never been spoken, as the ones uttered by Bob Cole last May 12th.

As the journey came full circle for Mellon Arena (formally the Civic Arena), which was in desperate need of closing its doors; the Montreal Canadiens made sure that they closed the doors much in the same way they opened them on September 19th, 1961. With a win!

Victory bookends, so to speak.

And tonight begins a new era of the hockey rivalry between the Penguins and the Canadiens, that is no doubt a touch more bitter moving into the future.

The new Consol Energy Center, has already given the Pens their first loss, as they opened the season at home to the 2009-2010 Eastern Conference Champion Philadelphia Flyers. So you can be sure that as Cammalleri steps onto the ice tonight for his first game of the season, "Sid" et al will be looking to avenge how quickly the Canadiens sniper and his crew sent them home last year.

But in order to do that, there will be a few changes happening to the line-up tonight.

To begin with, Michael Cammalleri is back and ready to get his season under way. After serving his one game suspension in the press box during their loss against the Maple Leafs on Thursday night, he will be anxious to get some ice time - and to produce. No doubt that leaves the rest of the top lines to be shuffled, mostly meaning Lars Eller who showed great skill, grit, and determination in the season opener. Matthew Darche has also been named as a healthy scratch for this evening as he becomes the odd man out with Cammy's return.

We still await the return of Roman Hamrlik, which will not be tonight (as confirmed by Martin after the morning skate today). The estimated timeline for him is Game 3 on Wednesday versus Tampa. Not the best news - but better Wednesday than later on. It became very apparent on Thursday night during the opener, that defense continues to be the largest struggle for the Habs.

With Markov out (still indefinitely), and Hamrlik sidelined, the pressure has been put squarely on the likes of PK Subban, Georges, Gill, and Spacek. And despite his incredible play in last years playoff run, Subban is showing more of the rookie side to his game lately, than he has in the past. That's to be expected! He's new, he's young, and that's what young guys do. But he has that urge to learn and soak up from the veterans. So the return of Hamrlik and Markov becomes even more important as we move forward. Tonight there will be a "special interest" for Subban as he faces off against his Belleville Bulls ex-teammate, Eric Tangradi.

Where the difference has to be seen immediately, is in Spacek. There seems to be a slowness and lumbering quality to his play that needs a pick-me-up. His lack of energy, and mental mistakes leading to turnovers, have been instrumental in opposition scoring opportunities, and goals. So we turn to Goerges and Gill to step it up, until the core defensive team returns complete to the ice.

But not all the questions lie in the Canadiens camp. Pittsburgh has seen some off-season changes as well. Specifically in the loss of Sergei Gonchar to the Ottawa Senators, and the sidelining of injured center Jordan Staal. Both of those players were instrumental in going 14 games deep into the playoffs last year - and clearly, Gonchar's howitzer point shot was missed in their first game of the year.

That being said, tonight should be a fiery game with fast paced action, and lots of intensity. Pittsburgh has something to prove, and Montreal has a stance to hold. This looks like a fresh new rivalry that will certainly last all season.

So let's walk into this "New Igloo" tonight and pick up where we left off. Let's give it a good ol' Montreal christening.

Not A Creature Was Stirring ... Not Even A Mouse

Isn't that a line from the famous poem about the most exciting day in a child's life? Christmas morning?

Well it is Christmas Morning: In October.

I woke this morning super early; bleary eyed, but with a little kids anticipation of the day to come. I'm a wee bit tired after the live Hockey Pool Draft last night, which I can't say produced the best results for yours truly, but that's ok.

I climbed out of bed and threw on a t-shirt and a pair of shorts, making  my way quickly to the living room. Firing up my notebook, I waited for it to boot up. Even it has a different glow about it on such a wondrous day. Twitter, HI/O, and the fantasy draft page on my screen - I proceeded to open every new blog post like a most desired present. Reading through each one with goose bumps building across the surface of my skin. All of it culminating in what will be the best and most desired present of the day ... Opening Puck Drop of the Canadiens vs. the Maple Leafs, tonight at the Air Canada Center.

I can hardly believe that October 7th 2010 has arrived.

Now I'm not going to go over the starting lineup for tonight, because many other great writers have touched on that subject in the "presents" that I mentioned earlier. And if you want to have the joy of opening those gifts yourself - then I implore you to go and read them! Instead, I wanted to try and put into words, the excitement and pure giddiness that I'm feeling as the new season has arrived.

Tonight, the speculation about top 12 forwards, who'll be in net, what the "D" is going to look like, and who's going to remain on the big team all come to an end. And no doubt, when the game comes to it's conclusion tonight - we'll all be back to writing and Tweeting our thoughts and criticisms. And why not? That's what fanatics do!

But for right now, I want to live in this moment. I want to cherish this feeling. One of eager anticipation, youthful impatience, wide-eyed excitement. Because for me, this is what being a Habs fan, and hockey fan is all about.

I'll close with this. I may not have talked about how I think Eller is going to do replacing Cammalleri tonight, and I haven't mentioned how different we're going to look with our full on "A" Team out there - with a non-AHL defense and offense. But what I WILL say is this:

Canadiens 4 Maple Leafs 3 (OT).

GO HABS GO!

Apple Pickin' and Head Hunting

I can tell you that when I got up on the morning of Saturday October 2nd, 2010. There was only one thing on my mind. The final preseason match-up between our beloved Canadiens, and the Islanders of New York.

So I immediately fired up my notebook, and checked to see what the announced line-up was going to be. Yeah - I was a bit surprised. I was kind of expecting something closer to what Martin might place on the ice for the opening night this coming Thursday. But then again, I should have learned by now that I should always expect the unexpected from the man behind the bench.

I was as equally surprised and disappointed by the B Team that the Islanders decided to showcase in front of an excited fan base that filled the Colisée Pepsi in Quebec City. A city that continues to show the hockey world that they are ready for a franchise to return to their beautiful city.

So in all that disappointment, I hopped into the car, and decided to head off the Island to the south shore, past the Complex Sportif Bell in Brossard, and into apple orchard country. There's no way to distract yourself better on a beautiful fall day, then going on an apple picking excursion for some fresh Cortland and McIntosh love. And I have to tell you - the trip can only be labeled as sweet success. Two bags of apples, one dozen beignets de pomme, one tourte de viande, and a pumpkin pie later ... I headed home with a big old smile on my face.

But as the evening unfolded on a lopsided thrashing of the Islanders; the Habs up by 3 goals (4-1) nearing the end of the second period, it became clear that I wasn't the only person who had decided to go hunting today. With under five minutes left in the second, Nino Niederreiter, who came over from the Swiss league, decided to go after Mike Cammellari.

Now there's going to be a lot of speculation in both camps as to what happened, but after taking much time to review the posted films today, I think it's pretty obvious.

Anyone who knows the style of Cammy, his demeanor both on and off the ice, also knows that it takes a heck of a lot to get under his skin. I mean - for Pete's sake - the guy Tweets to his fans, and sends pictures over Plixi to give them all an inside look at what team life is about. He even makes sure that he "Double Tweets" - English and French. Epitome of a nice guy is what comes to mind when one thinks of him.

And despite the sole incident that happened in Calgary, when he left Havlat in a daze off the faceoff with a bit of a suckerpunch, we all know that you don't get Cammellari to lose his temper without a reason.

Back to the video review ...

There has been a lot of concern in the NHL regarding head shots, and blindside hits in the league. And there have been plenty of examples of players that need to be held accountable for the dirty hits that they place on other players. Don't even get me started on the likes of Todd Bertuzzi and Matt Carle.  But that, my friends, is where this saga really begins. There is no doubt that the reason for a spirited reaction from Cammellari came from an unclean and dirty blindsided hit from Niederreiter.

Who would expect that from the Swiss. Aren't they lovers - not fighters?

But Niederreiter has a history. Go back to the 2010 IIHF Under 20 Championships and the spat between him and future Maple Leaf Nazim Kadri. Unsure of exactly what happened, apparently Kadri felt some unsportsmanlike action from Niederreiter, and refused to shake hands with him after the game. He was quoted as saying "Obviously, in big games like that, guys tend to lose their composure a bit, ...".

And we witnessed a lack of composure again last night.

So where does that leave us? There is a ton of speculation regarding a possible multiple game suspension of Cammalleri for the beginning of the season. And I have to mention to everyone that has posted on this situtaion, it was not the slash (as pitiful as that slash was) that Mike was called for - it was on the high stick that brushed the chin of Niederreiter. But that speculation leaves me only two offers.

First of all, I don't condone raising your stick towards anyone's head. So I would expect that Cammy feels a bit off course for making that mistake - even in the heat of the moment. But secondly, the NHL needs to nip blindside hitting from junior players in the bud. After all the discussion that has gone on to change the league rules, this is a prime example of where it needs to be assessed immediately.

And that assessment should have an impact on any supplemental discipline that is incurred after such a night of preseason hockey. If you want to hold Michael Cammalleri accountable for his reaction, then you must hold Niederrieter accountable for his head hunting techniques.

Because if we don't - we're inviting players to challenge the new rules. And those are exactly the players that we don't want in this league.