"Desperation is the word right now," Flyers center R.J. Umberger.
Alex Kovalev had a goal and two assists to lead the Montreal Canadiens to a 5-3 win over Philadelphia on Sunday night, the reeling Flyers' seventh straight loss.
The Flyers, who lost to Montreal for the second straight night, have taken a stunning freefall from division leaders to seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. Their season-high skid has left Philadelphia only one point ahead of Boston and Buffalo (64).
Coach John Stevens held a closed-door meeting with a team losing confidence as quickly as games.
"We've got to start doing everything in our power that's going to be in the best interest of our team winning hockey games," he said.
Francis Bouillon scored his first goal in 75 games, and Michael Ryder and Saku Koivu also scored for Montreal. Maxim Lapierre added an empty-net goal with 1:24 remaining.
The Canadiens beat the Flyers 1-0 on Saturday night in Montreal behind Carey Price's first NHL shutout and an Andrei Kostitsyn goal. Price followed with 34 saves on Sunday.
The Canadiens are tied with Ottawa for the most points in the Eastern Conference (73), but Ottawa has two more wins.
"Our goal was to make the playoffs and it's still our goal. Sometimes you're ahead a little bit of the curve and I think we are," Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau said.
Mike Richards, Braydon Coburn and Riley Cote scored goals for the Flyers. Cote scored his first NHL goal with 18.1 seconds left.
The Canadiens took advantage of a momentary mental lapse in the final seconds of the first period that left Bouillon open to skate nearly the length of the ice and finish the 2-on-1 break with his first goal since last season.
Forward Scottie Upshall drilled Kostitsyn in the corner near Montreal's net. Montreal defenseman Josh Gorges came to Kostitsyn's defense and goaded Flyers defenseman James Vandermeer into a faceoff, leaving Bouillon free to skate uncontested through center ice and score with 2 seconds left for a 2-1 lead.
Gorges smirked at Vandermeer as he skated away.
"I think if each guy is better and more aware every shift on the ice, that's the only way we're going to stop this thing," Vandermeer said. "If I'm a little more aware where the puck is, if I'm back, maybe it slows the play up a little bit."
A play like that seemed to sum up all that's gone wrong for the Flyers.
"Everyone stopped. They thought it was going to be a fight," Stevens said. "That's just a killer. You can't stop playing."
Carbonneau was surprised the Flyers would try and fight instead of defend.
"They completely forgot the play to try to engage in short fighting," he said "They play us enough to know that we're not trying to engage in anything. We're just trying to play the game."
Coburn, who returned after missing four games with a ruptured artery in his buttocks, scored his fifth goal only 34 seconds into the second that tied the score. It was the first even-strength goal the Flyers scored against Montreal this season.
The celebration was short lived.
Ryder punched in the puck off a rebound for his ninth goal only 1:41 later for a 3-2 lead. Then Montreal capitalized on a two-man advantage when Koivu hooked the puck around a sprawled Antero Niittymaki for his 11th goal.
Those were enough goals to send Montreal to its third straight win overall and a season sweep (4-0) off the Flyers.
There were plenty of Montreal fans in the crowd, so when Kovalev scored his 27th goal off a pass from Tomas Plekanec from behind the net, pockets of the upper deck broke into cheers and chants of "Go Habs Go!"
The Flyers tied the score at 1 midway though the first on Richards' 23rd goal. With the Flyers short-handed, Richards faked a pass from the circle, then put his stick down and slapped one past Price.
Notes: The Flyers played without RW Steve Downie (concussion), D Derian Hatcher (knee) and RW Joffrey Lupul (sprained ankle). ... The Flyers have lost six straight overall to Montreal. Their last win against the Canadiens came on Nov. 25, 2006.
Associated Press
Showing posts with label canadiens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label canadiens. Show all posts
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Habs Host Flyers To Kick Off Home-&-Home
The Montreal Canadiens will look to extend Philadelphia's 5-game losing streak to 6 tonight as they welcome the Flyers to the Bell Centre. The Flyers will then host Montreal Sunday night.
Montreal (30-19-9) will look for its 5th straight win against the Flyers (30-22-5) squad since a 4-2 loss on Nov. 25, 2006.
The Canadiens' are looking to build on their win in Florida on Wednesday, as that win put an end to a 3-game losing streak.
The Flyers may be welcoming two defencemen back to the lineup tonight, as Derian Hatcher (knee) and Braydon Coburn (Buttocks - or ASS...yeah, that one's funnier) practiced with the team this morning.
Flyers' Simon Gagne will see a neuro-specialist in Denver this week after suffering his third concussion of the year, and stated that if the specialist recommends he take the rest of the season off, "I will do it". That is not good news for the Flyers, who could definitely use his services for the stretch drive and of course, the playoffs.
Alex Kovalev (ankle) and Josh Gorges (flu) skated and are expected to be in the Canadiens lineup tonight. Defenceman Roman Hamrlik (flu, skin condition/rash) did not skate, but that was for precautionary reasons and he too is expected to play tonight. No word on who will be the healthy scratches.
Puck drop: 7:08
Montreal (30-19-9) will look for its 5th straight win against the Flyers (30-22-5) squad since a 4-2 loss on Nov. 25, 2006.
The Canadiens' are looking to build on their win in Florida on Wednesday, as that win put an end to a 3-game losing streak.
The Flyers may be welcoming two defencemen back to the lineup tonight, as Derian Hatcher (knee) and Braydon Coburn (Buttocks - or ASS...yeah, that one's funnier) practiced with the team this morning.
Flyers' Simon Gagne will see a neuro-specialist in Denver this week after suffering his third concussion of the year, and stated that if the specialist recommends he take the rest of the season off, "I will do it". That is not good news for the Flyers, who could definitely use his services for the stretch drive and of course, the playoffs.
Alex Kovalev (ankle) and Josh Gorges (flu) skated and are expected to be in the Canadiens lineup tonight. Defenceman Roman Hamrlik (flu, skin condition/rash) did not skate, but that was for precautionary reasons and he too is expected to play tonight. No word on who will be the healthy scratches.
Puck drop: 7:08
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Struck Late By Lightning
Huet was SPECTACULAR in this game...unfortunately, the Habs lost in regulation, extending the losing streak to 3 games as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Montreal Canadiens by a 3-2 score.
Vaclav Prospal had the tying and game-winning goals in this one. His game winner came with 8:09 remaining in the 3rd, and gave Tampa their first lead of the match.
Chris Higgins opened the scoring (and broke a slump in the process) just 50 seconds in, as he took a 2 line lob pass from Andrei Markov which sprung him on a clear cut breakaway. Using a wide outtie-innie fake to get Ramo sliding the wrong way, Higgins was able to easily bury the puck passed the red-line into the vacated net.
Shortly thereafter, Tomas Plekanec collected a loose puck and sprung himself on a shorthanded breakaway. He came in with speed, and as Ramo went down with a poke-check, Plekanec released a wrister but was denied by the pre-positionned right pad. As cliché as it's going to sound, it has to be said: This game may have been a different result had he scored there on the penalty kill.
Instead, Tampa were able to tie the game on a rebound goal potted by Rimouski, Quebec native Michel Ouellet.
The 3rd goal of this game came at the 9:48 mark of the 1st, as Mike Komisarek was able to earn his team a powerplay after CRUNCHING Nick Tarnasky into the boards and having Andre Roy step in to take an interference penalty.
On that powerplay, Mark Streit was able to lug the puck coast to coast, flip it in along the boards to get by Boyle, and center it out front to a streaking Plekanec for the one-timed wrister that beat Ramo.
With 40 seconds remaining in the 1st, Vaclav Prospal got his first of two as he took a feed from Lecavalier and let go a wrister that beat Huet 5-hole.
No goals to report in the 2nd period, but a whole LOT of nice saves from both goaltenders, but mainly from Cristobal Huet, as he came up with his most notable saves on Jan Hlavac (twice) and Craig MacDonald.
In the third, Prospal would notch the eventual game winner by converting a feed from Vinny Lecavalier, who really grinded for the assist. Pressuring Markov behind the Habs' net, Lecavalier came up with, lost, and came up with the puck once more, stealing it away from Markov using a savvy combination of slashes and sticklifts. Instinctively, he threw the puck out front, right on the tape of the unmarked Prospal, who outwaited Huet into a flinch and released a wrister that Huet had gotten a piece of, but not enough to keep it from trickling home.
The rest of the game was highlighted by some more miraculous saves. Huet came up with 3 more clutch saves to keep it a one goal game, including the stellar stop on a tic-tac-toe combination from the big line that ended up having St.Louis stopped on the doorstep on a cross-ice feed.
With time winding down, Lecavalier caught Kovalev with an elbow, and Kovy retaliated, throwing a punch towards Lecavalier. Both were sent off with roughing minors, and action went to 4-on-4. With the extra ice, and Huet already on the bench, the Habs nearly capitalized a couple of times, but Karri Ramo came up with the game-saver. With under 20 seconds to play, Andrei Kostitsyn went cross-ice down low and hit brother Sergei perfectly on the tape, but Sergei failed to get a lot of mustard on the chance, and Ramo was able to move laterally quickly enough to come up with the save - despite being unsure of where the puck lay. It would eventual be blown down as a frozen puck, and the Lightning would survive the late surge to hang on for the win.
Tampa outshot Montreal 36-21. The shots were 9-9 after one, but then Tampa turned it on, outshooting Montreal 10-4 and 17-8 over the course of the final two periods, respectively.
The Habs play again tomorrow night, as they visit the Panthers to finish off the road trip. Florida are fresh off a 5-3 loss Sunday in Buffalo which saw them lose Richard Zednik - who is expected to be out for the rest of the season - due to a freak skate-to-throat incident. That game is schedule for 7:30 pm.
Contrary to the pregame report, Mathieu Dandenault did dress for this game. The scratches were Kostopoulos and Begin, with Hamrlik missing his 4th consecutive game with the flu.
Vaclav Prospal had the tying and game-winning goals in this one. His game winner came with 8:09 remaining in the 3rd, and gave Tampa their first lead of the match.
Chris Higgins opened the scoring (and broke a slump in the process) just 50 seconds in, as he took a 2 line lob pass from Andrei Markov which sprung him on a clear cut breakaway. Using a wide outtie-innie fake to get Ramo sliding the wrong way, Higgins was able to easily bury the puck passed the red-line into the vacated net.
Shortly thereafter, Tomas Plekanec collected a loose puck and sprung himself on a shorthanded breakaway. He came in with speed, and as Ramo went down with a poke-check, Plekanec released a wrister but was denied by the pre-positionned right pad. As cliché as it's going to sound, it has to be said: This game may have been a different result had he scored there on the penalty kill.
Instead, Tampa were able to tie the game on a rebound goal potted by Rimouski, Quebec native Michel Ouellet.
The 3rd goal of this game came at the 9:48 mark of the 1st, as Mike Komisarek was able to earn his team a powerplay after CRUNCHING Nick Tarnasky into the boards and having Andre Roy step in to take an interference penalty.
On that powerplay, Mark Streit was able to lug the puck coast to coast, flip it in along the boards to get by Boyle, and center it out front to a streaking Plekanec for the one-timed wrister that beat Ramo.
With 40 seconds remaining in the 1st, Vaclav Prospal got his first of two as he took a feed from Lecavalier and let go a wrister that beat Huet 5-hole.
No goals to report in the 2nd period, but a whole LOT of nice saves from both goaltenders, but mainly from Cristobal Huet, as he came up with his most notable saves on Jan Hlavac (twice) and Craig MacDonald.
In the third, Prospal would notch the eventual game winner by converting a feed from Vinny Lecavalier, who really grinded for the assist. Pressuring Markov behind the Habs' net, Lecavalier came up with, lost, and came up with the puck once more, stealing it away from Markov using a savvy combination of slashes and sticklifts. Instinctively, he threw the puck out front, right on the tape of the unmarked Prospal, who outwaited Huet into a flinch and released a wrister that Huet had gotten a piece of, but not enough to keep it from trickling home.
The rest of the game was highlighted by some more miraculous saves. Huet came up with 3 more clutch saves to keep it a one goal game, including the stellar stop on a tic-tac-toe combination from the big line that ended up having St.Louis stopped on the doorstep on a cross-ice feed.
With time winding down, Lecavalier caught Kovalev with an elbow, and Kovy retaliated, throwing a punch towards Lecavalier. Both were sent off with roughing minors, and action went to 4-on-4. With the extra ice, and Huet already on the bench, the Habs nearly capitalized a couple of times, but Karri Ramo came up with the game-saver. With under 20 seconds to play, Andrei Kostitsyn went cross-ice down low and hit brother Sergei perfectly on the tape, but Sergei failed to get a lot of mustard on the chance, and Ramo was able to move laterally quickly enough to come up with the save - despite being unsure of where the puck lay. It would eventual be blown down as a frozen puck, and the Lightning would survive the late surge to hang on for the win.
Tampa outshot Montreal 36-21. The shots were 9-9 after one, but then Tampa turned it on, outshooting Montreal 10-4 and 17-8 over the course of the final two periods, respectively.
The Habs play again tomorrow night, as they visit the Panthers to finish off the road trip. Florida are fresh off a 5-3 loss Sunday in Buffalo which saw them lose Richard Zednik - who is expected to be out for the rest of the season - due to a freak skate-to-throat incident. That game is schedule for 7:30 pm.
Contrary to the pregame report, Mathieu Dandenault did dress for this game. The scratches were Kostopoulos and Begin, with Hamrlik missing his 4th consecutive game with the flu.
Habs Open Up Stay In Florida vs. Lightning
Huet and the Canadiens look to rebound from one of their worst games of the season as they continue a three-game road trip against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night.
With a chance to pull within one point of Ottawa for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, the Canadiens fell behind 3-0 less than five minutes into the game and lost 6-1 on Saturday.
Huet stopped only one of four shots before he was pulled 4:45 into the opening period. Rookie Carey Price then surrendered three goals on the final 25 shots. Huet was 10-3-1 with a 2.53 goals-against average and one shutout in his previous 14 starts.
It was the second straight loss and third in four games for Montreal (29-18-9), which dropped five points behind the Senators.
The Habs will go with Cristobal Huet tonight, who has won both of his starts this season vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning. Carey Price was in goal for the shootout loss at the Bell Centre way back on December 11th.
Alex Kovalev has goals in four straight games against Tampa Bay.
Although the Lightning own the worst record in the conference, they are only seven points behind Southeast Division-leading Washington. If the Lightning are going to make a run at a playoff spot, they have to play better at home, where they have won only three of their last 14 games (3-10-1).
Johan Holmqvist has heated up lately, going 6-1-1- with a 2.40 g.a.a. in his last nine starts; however, the TEAM 990 is reporting that Karri Ramo will get the call in goal.
Vincent Lecavalier sits in fourth place in the Art Ross point-scoring race with 72 points, four behind leader Alexander Ovechkin. He was recently bumped into fourth courtesy of the surging Evgeni Malkin, who is certainly making the most of his time as the team's #1 centerman.
Ryan O'Byrne will play tonight, but Tom Kostopoulos will be a healthy scratch along with Mathieu Dandenault. Along with Mark Streit, Dandenault is a team worst -10.
The woman who filed the charges against Ryan O'Byrne has now dropped them, reports CJAD.
Puck drop slated for 7:08.
Report with files taken from AP.
With a chance to pull within one point of Ottawa for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, the Canadiens fell behind 3-0 less than five minutes into the game and lost 6-1 on Saturday.
Huet stopped only one of four shots before he was pulled 4:45 into the opening period. Rookie Carey Price then surrendered three goals on the final 25 shots. Huet was 10-3-1 with a 2.53 goals-against average and one shutout in his previous 14 starts.
It was the second straight loss and third in four games for Montreal (29-18-9), which dropped five points behind the Senators.
The Habs will go with Cristobal Huet tonight, who has won both of his starts this season vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning. Carey Price was in goal for the shootout loss at the Bell Centre way back on December 11th.
Alex Kovalev has goals in four straight games against Tampa Bay.
Although the Lightning own the worst record in the conference, they are only seven points behind Southeast Division-leading Washington. If the Lightning are going to make a run at a playoff spot, they have to play better at home, where they have won only three of their last 14 games (3-10-1).
Johan Holmqvist has heated up lately, going 6-1-1- with a 2.40 g.a.a. in his last nine starts; however, the TEAM 990 is reporting that Karri Ramo will get the call in goal.
Vincent Lecavalier sits in fourth place in the Art Ross point-scoring race with 72 points, four behind leader Alexander Ovechkin. He was recently bumped into fourth courtesy of the surging Evgeni Malkin, who is certainly making the most of his time as the team's #1 centerman.
Ryan O'Byrne will play tonight, but Tom Kostopoulos will be a healthy scratch along with Mathieu Dandenault. Along with Mark Streit, Dandenault is a team worst -10.
The woman who filed the charges against Ryan O'Byrne has now dropped them, reports CJAD.
Puck drop slated for 7:08.
Report with files taken from AP.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Healthy Sens Pound Habs To 6-1 Final
How happy are the Sens to have Alfie and Heatley back? Check that: How happy is Jason Spezza?
Spezza wrapped up the evening with a neat 3 goals and 3 assists, notching his first career hat-trick and passing his career high of 5 points in one game.
Alfie made his return felt as well, going on to tally 2 goals and 3 assists. Dany Heatley finished with 1 goal and 3 helpers, as the "Pizza" line combined for 15 points (refered to as the "Pizza" line because when Ottawa scores 6 or more goals in a game, the fans get a free slice of pizza from Pizza Pizza, and that line is more often than not responsible for the 6 goals in any given game.)
Spezza opened the scoring 22 seconds in on a nifty redirect off an Anton Volchenkov blast stemming from an offensive zone faceoff win. At 1:42 of the first (!:20 later), Spezza had his second of night, sweeping home a loose puck that Huet was unable to cover off a streaking Dany Heatley wrist shot. Huet was chased at the 4:45 mark, as Daniel Alfredsson officially capped his return with a goal, and, in doing so, introduced Carey Price to the ice. Price temporarily healed the wound, but in the second, Ottawa added goals from Heatley and Spezza.
Andrei Kostitsyn scored the Habs' lone goal of the game on a 5-on-3 man advantage with 25 seconds remaining in the 2nd, redirecting home a nice pass set up by brother Sergei to make it a 5-1 Sens lead. Price started that play off and was credited with the secondary assist, the first of his career.
But, to kill the buzz, Alfie earned the crowd their pizza, scoring 2:28 into the third on the powerplay, notching his 2nd of game and giving Spezza the personal-milestone 6th point on the night. Mercifully, the scoring would end there.
Huet allowed 3 goals on 4 shots. Price stopped 22 of 25 in relief. Montreal has now lost 4 of their last 6.
The Senators scored both of their powerplay goals on opportunities granted to them via Patrice Brisebois penalties (notice how much I like him?)
Montreal outshot Ottawa 34 -29, and Ray Emery had 33 saves in the win. Ottawa's lead in the standings has now increased to 5 points over Montreal.
The Habs are off until they kick off a south-Florida mini-trip, visiting the Lightning Tuesday before heading into Florida for a date with the Panthers Wednesday.
-- WHAT'S ON MY MIND? --
-I really hope Montreal finds a way to rebound from this loss as they continue their road-trip in So-Flo next Tuesday/Wednesday. They are now losing more than they are winning, something we are used to enduring in the past but not yet this season, and to keep the fans from panicing, a strong effort and a WIN is needed vs. the Lightning.
-Huet was to blame on 1 of the three goals he allowed. Spezza's redirect and Alfie's shot were practically unstoppable, but Spezza's rebound goal off Heatley was a gift left on the doorstep.
-Montreal really turned it on when down 3-0. They found plenty of ways to beat Ray Emery, but almost no way to solve the posts, as they dented the iron on 5 separate occasions! Emery owes his posts (and, on one occasion, his crossbar) dinner.
-The Habs REALLY need secondary scoring, as tonight demonstrated what the rest of the season could look like should the new big-line fail to produce, although it is rather unfair to judge a performance against a conference leader such as Ottawa.
-Good to see Sergei Kostitsyn not shying away from rough stuff, as he got into his second career fight. His opponent was much tougher this time around, as he upgraded from Chuck Kobasew to Wade Redden. Redden was able to knock him down with a swift uppercut, but, hey, at least he stepped up, which is more than what I could say about Maxim Lapierre, who likes to stir, but doesn't seem to like to shake (shake meaning fight).
Spezza wrapped up the evening with a neat 3 goals and 3 assists, notching his first career hat-trick and passing his career high of 5 points in one game.
Alfie made his return felt as well, going on to tally 2 goals and 3 assists. Dany Heatley finished with 1 goal and 3 helpers, as the "Pizza" line combined for 15 points (refered to as the "Pizza" line because when Ottawa scores 6 or more goals in a game, the fans get a free slice of pizza from Pizza Pizza, and that line is more often than not responsible for the 6 goals in any given game.)
Spezza opened the scoring 22 seconds in on a nifty redirect off an Anton Volchenkov blast stemming from an offensive zone faceoff win. At 1:42 of the first (!:20 later), Spezza had his second of night, sweeping home a loose puck that Huet was unable to cover off a streaking Dany Heatley wrist shot. Huet was chased at the 4:45 mark, as Daniel Alfredsson officially capped his return with a goal, and, in doing so, introduced Carey Price to the ice. Price temporarily healed the wound, but in the second, Ottawa added goals from Heatley and Spezza.
Andrei Kostitsyn scored the Habs' lone goal of the game on a 5-on-3 man advantage with 25 seconds remaining in the 2nd, redirecting home a nice pass set up by brother Sergei to make it a 5-1 Sens lead. Price started that play off and was credited with the secondary assist, the first of his career.
But, to kill the buzz, Alfie earned the crowd their pizza, scoring 2:28 into the third on the powerplay, notching his 2nd of game and giving Spezza the personal-milestone 6th point on the night. Mercifully, the scoring would end there.
Huet allowed 3 goals on 4 shots. Price stopped 22 of 25 in relief. Montreal has now lost 4 of their last 6.
The Senators scored both of their powerplay goals on opportunities granted to them via Patrice Brisebois penalties (notice how much I like him?)
Montreal outshot Ottawa 34 -29, and Ray Emery had 33 saves in the win. Ottawa's lead in the standings has now increased to 5 points over Montreal.
The Habs are off until they kick off a south-Florida mini-trip, visiting the Lightning Tuesday before heading into Florida for a date with the Panthers Wednesday.
-- WHAT'S ON MY MIND? --
-I really hope Montreal finds a way to rebound from this loss as they continue their road-trip in So-Flo next Tuesday/Wednesday. They are now losing more than they are winning, something we are used to enduring in the past but not yet this season, and to keep the fans from panicing, a strong effort and a WIN is needed vs. the Lightning.
-Huet was to blame on 1 of the three goals he allowed. Spezza's redirect and Alfie's shot were practically unstoppable, but Spezza's rebound goal off Heatley was a gift left on the doorstep.
-Montreal really turned it on when down 3-0. They found plenty of ways to beat Ray Emery, but almost no way to solve the posts, as they dented the iron on 5 separate occasions! Emery owes his posts (and, on one occasion, his crossbar) dinner.
-The Habs REALLY need secondary scoring, as tonight demonstrated what the rest of the season could look like should the new big-line fail to produce, although it is rather unfair to judge a performance against a conference leader such as Ottawa.
-Good to see Sergei Kostitsyn not shying away from rough stuff, as he got into his second career fight. His opponent was much tougher this time around, as he upgraded from Chuck Kobasew to Wade Redden. Redden was able to knock him down with a swift uppercut, but, hey, at least he stepped up, which is more than what I could say about Maxim Lapierre, who likes to stir, but doesn't seem to like to shake (shake meaning fight).
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Alfredsson Returns As Habs Visit Sens
The Sens just welcomed back Dany Heatley to the ice last game after he had missed 11 games with a separated shoulder, and Heatley was able to tally 2 goals and an assist in his return...so what can we expect of Daniel Alfredsson as he makes his return from a hip injury tonight?
The Senators (33-18-4) were able to restors a 3 point lead on Montreal Thursday with their 5-4 win against the Panthers, coupled with Montreal's 4-2 loss vs. the Maple Leafs. The Sens struggled prior to Heatley's return, and have only won 1 of 7 games without Alfie in the lineup.
Since joining the Senators in 2005 following a trade from Atlanta, Heatley has recorded points in each game at Scotiabank Place against the Canadiens, totaling seven goals and nine assists while leading Ottawa to an 8-2-0 record.
Alfredsson, the Senators' leader with 32 goals and 68 points, has missed the last four games with an injured hip flexor. Alfredsson hasn't played since Jan. 29, when he logged an assist in just over 12 minutes during a 5-2 win over the New York Islanders in his first action following the All-Star game. He has three goals and eight assists during Ottawa's current five-game home win streak over Montreal.
The Senators have outscored the Canadiens 24-10 since last losing to them at home on Nov. 13, 2006.
Montreal, who got their first win of the 8-game season series against Ottawa on Tuesday, will be looking to close the 3-1 gap that Ottawa holds to one game with a win tonight at ScotiaBank Place. To do that against a team welcoming back it's biggest stars, the go-to line of AK27, AK46, and Tommy Turtleneck (hat-tip to Kev for the nickname) will have to shine brighter than ever. Some secondary scoing from Koivu and whoever he is centering will be needed as well, not to mention making the most of every powerplay opportunity they will get while staying out of the sin-bin. The Canadiens are losers of 3 of their last 5, and are trying to avoid falling into an official slump, one of their first of the season.
Montreal will be without Roman Hamrlik, who remains in quaratine while suffering from the flu. Michael Ryder will play tonight, with Mathieu Dandeneault designated as the healthy scratch. Cristobal Huet gets the call in goal.
The Senators (33-18-4) were able to restors a 3 point lead on Montreal Thursday with their 5-4 win against the Panthers, coupled with Montreal's 4-2 loss vs. the Maple Leafs. The Sens struggled prior to Heatley's return, and have only won 1 of 7 games without Alfie in the lineup.
Since joining the Senators in 2005 following a trade from Atlanta, Heatley has recorded points in each game at Scotiabank Place against the Canadiens, totaling seven goals and nine assists while leading Ottawa to an 8-2-0 record.
Alfredsson, the Senators' leader with 32 goals and 68 points, has missed the last four games with an injured hip flexor. Alfredsson hasn't played since Jan. 29, when he logged an assist in just over 12 minutes during a 5-2 win over the New York Islanders in his first action following the All-Star game. He has three goals and eight assists during Ottawa's current five-game home win streak over Montreal.
The Senators have outscored the Canadiens 24-10 since last losing to them at home on Nov. 13, 2006.
Montreal, who got their first win of the 8-game season series against Ottawa on Tuesday, will be looking to close the 3-1 gap that Ottawa holds to one game with a win tonight at ScotiaBank Place. To do that against a team welcoming back it's biggest stars, the go-to line of AK27, AK46, and Tommy Turtleneck (hat-tip to Kev for the nickname) will have to shine brighter than ever. Some secondary scoing from Koivu and whoever he is centering will be needed as well, not to mention making the most of every powerplay opportunity they will get while staying out of the sin-bin. The Canadiens are losers of 3 of their last 5, and are trying to avoid falling into an official slump, one of their first of the season.
Montreal will be without Roman Hamrlik, who remains in quaratine while suffering from the flu. Michael Ryder will play tonight, with Mathieu Dandeneault designated as the healthy scratch. Cristobal Huet gets the call in goal.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Leafs Rebound For Win; Habs Fall 3 Back Of Sens
Kyle Wellwood goes top shelf while stumbling to his knees for the game-winner late in the 2nd period. Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson/ESPN.comThis Maple Leafs team didn't look like a last place Maple Leafs team who were fresh off an 8-0 drubbing on home ice courtesy of the Florida Panthers Tuesday night. Insetad, Toronto came out gunning in Montreal tonight, looking to rebound from a humilitaing loss in front of their own fans, and they rebounded in fine fashion, taking down one of the hottest teams in the NHL right now in our Montreal Canadiens.
The Habs were able to open the scoring, but Toronto responded with 3 unanswered goals, including the 3rd back-breaking goal from Kyle Wellwood on the PP with 24 seconds remaining in the 2nd period to hold on for a 4-2 win. Darcy Tucker added a couple of goals including the empty netter to seal the deal for the Leafs, who have won their first match against Montreal after dropping 3 straight to even the season series at 3 games a piece.
Montreal opened the scoring on Plekanec's 20th goal of the season, matching his career high set last year. Andrei Kostitsyn got the phantom assist, as he did most of the work but did not figure on the scoresheet. AK 46 got his forecheck going, collected the loose puck on a brilliant dump in from Markov, circled the net, held off his challenge, and got the puck back to Markov, who then threw it towards goal. Kovalev redirected it into Kubina's skates, and as the puck rebounded to Kovalev, he put a pass under Kubina's stick and a little ahead of a wide open and awaiting Plekanec, who had to control the puck skate-to-stick before sliding it five-hole past Vesa Toskala.
Kovalev was able to get a goal tonight as well, as the Leafs failed to convert on a powerplay opportunity. Kovalev realized that he was beaten and out of position on the play, so he decided to bolt up ice and hope for a miracle. That miracle happened, as Carey Price came up with a key stop and Plekanec was able to seize a loose puck and launch it up ice to the awaiting Kovalev, who found himself on a clear cut breakaway (and that's an understatement!) Kovalev kept it simple, yet fancy (as is customary of him), going forehand-to-backhand and shelfing the puck past Toskala to make it a one-goal game early in the third. However, Toskala would hold his ground long enough for Tucker to pot the empty netter and seal the win.
Vesa Toskala registered 34 saves in the win, while counterpart Carey Price had 24. Cristobal Huet will be back between the pipes Saturday in Ottawa as the Habs visit the Sens.
The Senators got the 'W' tonight vs. the Panthers, restoring their 3 point lead over Montreal. They welcomed back (with VERY open arms) Dany Heatley tonight, who had 2 goals and added a helper.
Huet's string of consecutive starts ended tonight at 13. Crisotbal went 9-3-1 in that span.
-- WHAT'S ON MY MIND?... --
And now, to kick off my new feature at the end of all future post-game reports that I like to call "WHAT'S ON MY MIND?", which will be a quick summary of any random event that I have on my mind...
The Habs were able to open the scoring, but Toronto responded with 3 unanswered goals, including the 3rd back-breaking goal from Kyle Wellwood on the PP with 24 seconds remaining in the 2nd period to hold on for a 4-2 win. Darcy Tucker added a couple of goals including the empty netter to seal the deal for the Leafs, who have won their first match against Montreal after dropping 3 straight to even the season series at 3 games a piece.
Montreal opened the scoring on Plekanec's 20th goal of the season, matching his career high set last year. Andrei Kostitsyn got the phantom assist, as he did most of the work but did not figure on the scoresheet. AK 46 got his forecheck going, collected the loose puck on a brilliant dump in from Markov, circled the net, held off his challenge, and got the puck back to Markov, who then threw it towards goal. Kovalev redirected it into Kubina's skates, and as the puck rebounded to Kovalev, he put a pass under Kubina's stick and a little ahead of a wide open and awaiting Plekanec, who had to control the puck skate-to-stick before sliding it five-hole past Vesa Toskala.
Kovalev was able to get a goal tonight as well, as the Leafs failed to convert on a powerplay opportunity. Kovalev realized that he was beaten and out of position on the play, so he decided to bolt up ice and hope for a miracle. That miracle happened, as Carey Price came up with a key stop and Plekanec was able to seize a loose puck and launch it up ice to the awaiting Kovalev, who found himself on a clear cut breakaway (and that's an understatement!) Kovalev kept it simple, yet fancy (as is customary of him), going forehand-to-backhand and shelfing the puck past Toskala to make it a one-goal game early in the third. However, Toskala would hold his ground long enough for Tucker to pot the empty netter and seal the win.
Vesa Toskala registered 34 saves in the win, while counterpart Carey Price had 24. Cristobal Huet will be back between the pipes Saturday in Ottawa as the Habs visit the Sens.
The Senators got the 'W' tonight vs. the Panthers, restoring their 3 point lead over Montreal. They welcomed back (with VERY open arms) Dany Heatley tonight, who had 2 goals and added a helper.
Huet's string of consecutive starts ended tonight at 13. Crisotbal went 9-3-1 in that span.
-- WHAT'S ON MY MIND?... --
And now, to kick off my new feature at the end of all future post-game reports that I like to call "WHAT'S ON MY MIND?", which will be a quick summary of any random event that I have on my mind...
-The game seemed to be lacking in one area specifically tonight: REFEREE-ING! The Habs should have been awarded with many more powerplay chances than they were tonight, and I say this in an impartial stance. To Toronto's credit, some calls went un-noticed their way as well, but certainly not as many as what they got away with tonight. Howver, credit must go where it's due, and as much as I hate to praise the team I despise so greatly, the Leafs simply got the job done with a severely under-manned roster tonight.
-What was Koivu thinking in the last 30 seconds?! Markov sent a pass in his direction as the Habs tagged up on the delayed offside, but Koivu's attention seemed to be on Toronto's bench in front of him for an inexplicable reason. His lack of readiness allowed Tucker to come away with the puck and pot the empty netter. Carbo was then seen shaking his head in disgust...I sense some tension between the two. With the goalie pulled and under a minute to go, Koivu's attention has to be on the puck and not on anything else.
-Mark Streit must hit the net on 1 out of every 7 or 8 blue-line one-timers. His lack of accuracy could cost us in the longrun, and I find it extremely aggitating to endure. He does get the odd slapper to go for goals on some nights, but he should REALLY work on his long range one-timers in practice, for his own and the team's benefit.
-Would Kovalev have looked smart had the Leafs scored on their chance while he bolted up ice? I believe that he would have been back in the media's evil eye had the Leafs gone up 4-1 at that exact moment...
-Patrice Brisebois needs to go. That's it.
Feel free to COMMENT on any of the points I mentionned above, or anything at all! I am really enjoying the feedback being left by all of you, so THANK YOU and please keep it coming!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Habs, Leafs Set To Renew Rivalry
Associated Press pre-game report
LINEUP UPDATES AT BOTTOM
The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, hockey's two oldest franchises, have won a combined 37 Stanley Cups. With the way the Canadiens have played lately, they appear to be a contender for what would be their NHL-best 25th trophy.
Given their play since the new year, the same certainly can't be said about the Maple Leafs.
Montreal looks for its sixth win in eight games on Thursday when it concludes a four-game homestand against Toronto, which is coming off its worst loss since 2005.
The Canadiens (29-16-9) have been steadily rising in the Northeast Division since late December, and have closed within one point of Ottawa, which had clearly established itself as the Eastern Conference's premier team over the season's first two months.
But by beating the Senators 4-3 on Tuesday, Montreal sent a message that Ottawa is in for a fight if it wants to win maintain control of not only the division, but the conference.
"We all know nobody trusted us before the season," said center Tomas Plekanec, who had two goals and an assist. "We were supposed to be in 13th or 12th place right now, and we are where we are and we know what we can do, but we're not going to get overconfident, that's for sure."
Plekanec has 19 goals - one shy of his career high - and is the Canadiens' second-leading scorer behind Alexei Kovalev.
Kovalev had only 18 goals in 73 games last season, leading many to believe the 34-year-old's days as a premier scorer were through. But he has 24 goals and 28 assists thus far, including two goals and four assists in his past three games.
After missing the playoffs last spring, Kovalev is focused on the big picture.
"It's still 35 points to make the playoffs," he said. "That's the way I look at it, so we have to keep working."
Kovalev has tormented the Maple Leafs recently - he has four goals and three assists in the teams' past three meetings, all Montreal wins. Toronto won the first two games between the clubs in the season's first month, and Kovalev was limited to one assist.
The Leafs (21-25-9) snapped a three-game losing streak on Saturday with an impressive 4-2 win against Ottawa, but followed that by equaling their worst loss in more than three years, an 8-0 thrashing administered by Florida on Tuesday.
Florida scored three power-play goals to chase goaltender Vesa Toskala as the Leafs fell to 5-9-1 since Jan. 3.
"We can't roll over like that in any game," said center Matt Stajan. "It's embarrassing to lose like that on home ice. We know that in this room."
Toronto is giving up an average of 3.27 goals - only Tampa Bay and Los Angeles yield more goals per game. It's been even worse for the Leafs in their last 15 games, getting outscored 53-33 in that stretch.
One of the team's top offensive options will be missing his third straight game on Thursday. Nik Antropov, whose 18 goals are second behind Mats Sundin's 22, will serve the final game of his league-imposed suspension for hurling a stick at an official following an overtime loss to Carolina on Jan. 31.
Sundin, who has been one of the most prominent names discussed as the league's Feb. 26 trade deadline approaches, has been held pointless in four of his last five games.
He has six goals and 10 assists in his last 13 games against Montreal.
Carey Price gets the call in goal and will likely go head-to-head with Vesa Toskala. Expect some line juggling with the possibility of Chris Higgins playing on the fourth line. Francis Bouillon has an injured foot and will be a gametime decision. Should he not dress, Michael Ryder will be inserted into the lineup. Brisebois will dress in place of Roman Hamrlik, who is still out with the flu.
Puck drop scheduled for 7:08.
LINEUP UPDATES AT BOTTOM
The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, hockey's two oldest franchises, have won a combined 37 Stanley Cups. With the way the Canadiens have played lately, they appear to be a contender for what would be their NHL-best 25th trophy.
Given their play since the new year, the same certainly can't be said about the Maple Leafs.
Montreal looks for its sixth win in eight games on Thursday when it concludes a four-game homestand against Toronto, which is coming off its worst loss since 2005.
The Canadiens (29-16-9) have been steadily rising in the Northeast Division since late December, and have closed within one point of Ottawa, which had clearly established itself as the Eastern Conference's premier team over the season's first two months.
But by beating the Senators 4-3 on Tuesday, Montreal sent a message that Ottawa is in for a fight if it wants to win maintain control of not only the division, but the conference.
"We all know nobody trusted us before the season," said center Tomas Plekanec, who had two goals and an assist. "We were supposed to be in 13th or 12th place right now, and we are where we are and we know what we can do, but we're not going to get overconfident, that's for sure."
Plekanec has 19 goals - one shy of his career high - and is the Canadiens' second-leading scorer behind Alexei Kovalev.
Kovalev had only 18 goals in 73 games last season, leading many to believe the 34-year-old's days as a premier scorer were through. But he has 24 goals and 28 assists thus far, including two goals and four assists in his past three games.
After missing the playoffs last spring, Kovalev is focused on the big picture.
"It's still 35 points to make the playoffs," he said. "That's the way I look at it, so we have to keep working."
Kovalev has tormented the Maple Leafs recently - he has four goals and three assists in the teams' past three meetings, all Montreal wins. Toronto won the first two games between the clubs in the season's first month, and Kovalev was limited to one assist.
The Leafs (21-25-9) snapped a three-game losing streak on Saturday with an impressive 4-2 win against Ottawa, but followed that by equaling their worst loss in more than three years, an 8-0 thrashing administered by Florida on Tuesday.
Florida scored three power-play goals to chase goaltender Vesa Toskala as the Leafs fell to 5-9-1 since Jan. 3.
"We can't roll over like that in any game," said center Matt Stajan. "It's embarrassing to lose like that on home ice. We know that in this room."
Toronto is giving up an average of 3.27 goals - only Tampa Bay and Los Angeles yield more goals per game. It's been even worse for the Leafs in their last 15 games, getting outscored 53-33 in that stretch.
One of the team's top offensive options will be missing his third straight game on Thursday. Nik Antropov, whose 18 goals are second behind Mats Sundin's 22, will serve the final game of his league-imposed suspension for hurling a stick at an official following an overtime loss to Carolina on Jan. 31.
Sundin, who has been one of the most prominent names discussed as the league's Feb. 26 trade deadline approaches, has been held pointless in four of his last five games.
He has six goals and 10 assists in his last 13 games against Montreal.
Carey Price gets the call in goal and will likely go head-to-head with Vesa Toskala. Expect some line juggling with the possibility of Chris Higgins playing on the fourth line. Francis Bouillon has an injured foot and will be a gametime decision. Should he not dress, Michael Ryder will be inserted into the lineup. Brisebois will dress in place of Roman Hamrlik, who is still out with the flu.
Puck drop scheduled for 7:08.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
9 Points For Plekanec's Line; Habs Down Sens 4-3
Plekanec's line continues its dominance, as each member of the line would register 3 point nights hosting the Senators Tuesday night. AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson/ESPN.com
Come pre-season, many doubted the possibility of the Habs even qualifying for the post-season. Now, February 5th, the Canadiens have the 2nd most points in the East and the 4th most in the NHL.
That's right: The Montreal Canadiens are now one point away from top spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Habs improved their record to 29-16-9 thanks to a 4-3 win tonight on home ice vs. the Eastern Conference leading (currently injury riddled) Ottawa Senators.
Chris Kelly opened the scoring 2:42 into the game with help from Antoine Vermette, but that goal led to a series of 4 unanswered goals for Montreal.
Getting it started was Andrei Kostitsyn, or as I like to call him, AK 46. Andrei was able to notch a powerplay marker by planting himself at the tip of the crease and being the beneficiary of a beautiful display of puck-control and passing courtesy of linemates Alex Kovalev and Tomas Plekanec. Kovalev stickhandled the Ottawa defensemen out of position before laying it off to Plekanec, who dished a perfect cross crease pass to Kostitsyn, who battled for the tip-in goal with Andrej Meszaros on his back.
Up next was Tomas Plekanec, scoring what was certainly considered the goal of the game and a definite possibility for Habs goal of the year. Kovalev was able to catch a long cross ice pass from blueline to blueline, gain the zone, go cross ice through a few Sens players to Andrei Kostitsyn, who then went cross crease again through a couple of Sens to find Tomas Plekanec streaking hard to the net, and Plekanec was able to beat the visibly confused Martin Gerber with the re-directed wrister. Tic, Tac, Toe with a dash of beauty.
The Habs' next two goals came 1:46 apart, midway through the second period. Mark Streit padded the lead to 3-1 after accepting a breakout transition pass from AK 46, gaining the zone, and unloading a slapper that redirected off Joe Corvo's outstretched stick to wind up lasering its way home top corner. Plekanec then scored his 2nd of the game on the powerplay after taking a feed from Kovalev and quickly throwing it towards Gerber from the goal line, bouncing it in off his catching glove arm for a goal that Gerber certainly wishes he could have back.
That's right: The Montreal Canadiens are now one point away from top spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Habs improved their record to 29-16-9 thanks to a 4-3 win tonight on home ice vs. the Eastern Conference leading (currently injury riddled) Ottawa Senators.
Chris Kelly opened the scoring 2:42 into the game with help from Antoine Vermette, but that goal led to a series of 4 unanswered goals for Montreal.
Getting it started was Andrei Kostitsyn, or as I like to call him, AK 46. Andrei was able to notch a powerplay marker by planting himself at the tip of the crease and being the beneficiary of a beautiful display of puck-control and passing courtesy of linemates Alex Kovalev and Tomas Plekanec. Kovalev stickhandled the Ottawa defensemen out of position before laying it off to Plekanec, who dished a perfect cross crease pass to Kostitsyn, who battled for the tip-in goal with Andrej Meszaros on his back.
Up next was Tomas Plekanec, scoring what was certainly considered the goal of the game and a definite possibility for Habs goal of the year. Kovalev was able to catch a long cross ice pass from blueline to blueline, gain the zone, go cross ice through a few Sens players to Andrei Kostitsyn, who then went cross crease again through a couple of Sens to find Tomas Plekanec streaking hard to the net, and Plekanec was able to beat the visibly confused Martin Gerber with the re-directed wrister. Tic, Tac, Toe with a dash of beauty.
The Habs' next two goals came 1:46 apart, midway through the second period. Mark Streit padded the lead to 3-1 after accepting a breakout transition pass from AK 46, gaining the zone, and unloading a slapper that redirected off Joe Corvo's outstretched stick to wind up lasering its way home top corner. Plekanec then scored his 2nd of the game on the powerplay after taking a feed from Kovalev and quickly throwing it towards Gerber from the goal line, bouncing it in off his catching glove arm for a goal that Gerber certainly wishes he could have back.
That goal would in fact come back to haunt Gerber, as it would stand as the eventual game-winner. The Sens would rally for two third period goals courtesy Jason Spezza and Antoine Vermette, the latter scoring shorthanded, but all for naught as the Sens fall by a goal.
Cristobal Huet was sensational in this outing. Despite giving the puck away to Kelly for the game's opening goal, he made the saves he made when he really had to, making at least 5 saves on what could be considered as golden opportunities for the Senators, including two saves on Chris Kelly in the dying moments of the game to preserve the victory. He had 26 saves in the win, and made a strong case to coach Carbonneau who now has to decide who to start for Thursday's outing vs. the Maple Leafs.
The line of AK 27, AK 46, and Tomas Plekanec (TP 14 just doesn't have that ring to it...) each tallied 3 points on the evening en route to leading the Habs to their first win against Ottawa of the season. Montreal hadn't beaten Ottawa since a 3-1 win on Jan. 29, 2007.
Cristobal Huet was sensational in this outing. Despite giving the puck away to Kelly for the game's opening goal, he made the saves he made when he really had to, making at least 5 saves on what could be considered as golden opportunities for the Senators, including two saves on Chris Kelly in the dying moments of the game to preserve the victory. He had 26 saves in the win, and made a strong case to coach Carbonneau who now has to decide who to start for Thursday's outing vs. the Maple Leafs.
The line of AK 27, AK 46, and Tomas Plekanec (TP 14 just doesn't have that ring to it...) each tallied 3 points on the evening en route to leading the Habs to their first win against Ottawa of the season. Montreal hadn't beaten Ottawa since a 3-1 win on Jan. 29, 2007.
The Habs first half of the game was excellent, but there were questionnable moments in the second half of the game which certainly went noticed by the coaching staff.
Saku Koivu was benched for most of the third period after taking an absolutely useless hooking penalty immediately after the Sens reduced the Habs' lead to 4-3. Carbonneau's patience with Koivu's lack of discipline in key moments has finally ran out, and the captain found himself in Carbo's doghouse for the thrid period.
RDS and TheScore television reported that both Daniel Alfredsson and Dany Heatley might return to action Saturday, conveniently in time to face Montreal in the two clubs' 5th meeting of the season.
RDS and TheScore television reported that both Daniel Alfredsson and Dany Heatley might return to action Saturday, conveniently in time to face Montreal in the two clubs' 5th meeting of the season.
Habs Eye First Win Vs. Injured Senators
The Habs run into the Senators at a very opportune moment in the season, as the Sens are dealing with injuries to multiple key players, and, of course, are dealing with a goaltending controversy from within.
The Canadiens (28-16-9) are 3 points away from division rival and Eastern Conference leading Ottawa (32-17-4) as they prepare to host them tonight at the Bell Centre. The two clubs will meet again this coming Saturday in Ottawa at ScotiaBank Place.
Ottawa has been in the news all year; sometimes for reasons that they enjoy, and, more recently/often, for reasons that are detrimental to the club overall.
Ray Emery is in the headlines AGAIN today as reports indicate that "Rayzor" Ray left practice and then left the facility early. This is the latest event in what can be considered an epic saga of events that have transpired between Emery and the Sens this season, ranging from altercations with teammats (McGratton), verbal disturbances during practice (Neil), and his own failure to arrive to practice on time on two separate occasions. Emery has been nothing but a distraction this season, and it is very unfortunate for him and the Sens as well. Slated to be the starter for the Senators this year after taking them to the Finals in last year's playoffs, Emery suffered a wrist injury which required surgery in the pre-season, which inevitably led to Martin Gerber being named the starter. Gerber took off, tallying win after win after win while Emery healed, and the emergence of Gerber solidified his position as the team's #1. Since his return, Emery has struggled when given the chance to play, and his frustrations have now carried over negatively.
As if the "Emery Situation" isn't enough, Ottawa have now been dealt significant blows in the form of injuries. Patrick Eaves, Dany Heatley and Daniel Alfredsson are all ruled out for tonight's contest against the Habs, and there is a possibility that top shut-down man Chris Phillips misses tonight's action as well, as he is listed day-to-day with a lower body injury. The Sens are winless this season without Alfie in the lineup...which is why Alfie is strongly considered to be named MVP at season's end. Alfredsson has tallied 2 goals and 4 assists in three games vs. Montreal this season.
If there's any plus for Ottawa tonight, it lies in Martin Gerber. Gerber has gone 7-1-0 with a 2.26 goals-against average in eight lifetime starts versus Montreal.
The Canadiens are looking to rebound from a heartbreaking defeat on home ice suffered at the hands of the New York Rangers this past Sunday afternoon. Montreal dropped a 3-0 lead to eventually lose 5-3. They are 1-1 in their current four-game homestand, and face an injury riddled Sens team tonight before hosting their arch-rival Maple Leafs this Thursday.
The Habs have not defeated Ottawa yet this season, recording a 0-3-o record. They have been outscored 11-6 in that span, but are definitely in their best position yet to secure their first win vs. Ottawa this season with 5 games remaining between the clubs. Cristobal Huet is expected to get the call tonight, while freshly re-called Carey Price will backup. Many believe Price will start Thursday vs. the Leafs, as he is 3-0 vs. Toronto this season. Michael Ryder will be a healthy scratch tonight, and defenceman Roman Hamrlik will be an injured-scratch as he is suffering from the famous Flu bug that the Habs and their fans know about all too well thanks to last season.
Sepcualtion continues to swirl that a deal is in the works between Atlanta and Montreal that would have the Thrashers sending over Marian Hossa. Speculation also suggests that the Thrashers are eyeing Chris Higgins, Michael Ryder, Ryan O'Byrne and prospect d-man Alexei Emelin as possible returns. Don't count on Gainey moving Higgins, but don't rule out any of the other three as the Habs have a deep pool of defensive prospects in the system - and we all know that Ryder's days in Montreal are numbered...we just don't know the actual number.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:38.
The Canadiens (28-16-9) are 3 points away from division rival and Eastern Conference leading Ottawa (32-17-4) as they prepare to host them tonight at the Bell Centre. The two clubs will meet again this coming Saturday in Ottawa at ScotiaBank Place.
Ottawa has been in the news all year; sometimes for reasons that they enjoy, and, more recently/often, for reasons that are detrimental to the club overall.
Ray Emery is in the headlines AGAIN today as reports indicate that "Rayzor" Ray left practice and then left the facility early. This is the latest event in what can be considered an epic saga of events that have transpired between Emery and the Sens this season, ranging from altercations with teammats (McGratton), verbal disturbances during practice (Neil), and his own failure to arrive to practice on time on two separate occasions. Emery has been nothing but a distraction this season, and it is very unfortunate for him and the Sens as well. Slated to be the starter for the Senators this year after taking them to the Finals in last year's playoffs, Emery suffered a wrist injury which required surgery in the pre-season, which inevitably led to Martin Gerber being named the starter. Gerber took off, tallying win after win after win while Emery healed, and the emergence of Gerber solidified his position as the team's #1. Since his return, Emery has struggled when given the chance to play, and his frustrations have now carried over negatively.
As if the "Emery Situation" isn't enough, Ottawa have now been dealt significant blows in the form of injuries. Patrick Eaves, Dany Heatley and Daniel Alfredsson are all ruled out for tonight's contest against the Habs, and there is a possibility that top shut-down man Chris Phillips misses tonight's action as well, as he is listed day-to-day with a lower body injury. The Sens are winless this season without Alfie in the lineup...which is why Alfie is strongly considered to be named MVP at season's end. Alfredsson has tallied 2 goals and 4 assists in three games vs. Montreal this season.
If there's any plus for Ottawa tonight, it lies in Martin Gerber. Gerber has gone 7-1-0 with a 2.26 goals-against average in eight lifetime starts versus Montreal.
The Canadiens are looking to rebound from a heartbreaking defeat on home ice suffered at the hands of the New York Rangers this past Sunday afternoon. Montreal dropped a 3-0 lead to eventually lose 5-3. They are 1-1 in their current four-game homestand, and face an injury riddled Sens team tonight before hosting their arch-rival Maple Leafs this Thursday.
The Habs have not defeated Ottawa yet this season, recording a 0-3-o record. They have been outscored 11-6 in that span, but are definitely in their best position yet to secure their first win vs. Ottawa this season with 5 games remaining between the clubs. Cristobal Huet is expected to get the call tonight, while freshly re-called Carey Price will backup. Many believe Price will start Thursday vs. the Leafs, as he is 3-0 vs. Toronto this season. Michael Ryder will be a healthy scratch tonight, and defenceman Roman Hamrlik will be an injured-scratch as he is suffering from the famous Flu bug that the Habs and their fans know about all too well thanks to last season.
Sepcualtion continues to swirl that a deal is in the works between Atlanta and Montreal that would have the Thrashers sending over Marian Hossa. Speculation also suggests that the Thrashers are eyeing Chris Higgins, Michael Ryder, Ryan O'Byrne and prospect d-man Alexei Emelin as possible returns. Don't count on Gainey moving Higgins, but don't rule out any of the other three as the Habs have a deep pool of defensive prospects in the system - and we all know that Ryder's days in Montreal are numbered...we just don't know the actual number.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:38.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Resillience Key To Rangers' Victory...+ New Habs Trade Rumours
Chris Drury had the go-ahead goal midway through the third period, and the Rangers scored five unanswered goals in a 5-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens.
The Canadiens were the hotter team in the early going. Montreal dominated and dictated play throughout the first in a period that saw them go up 2-0 on powerplay goals from Markov and Kovalev.
Things got really interesting in the second period. Sergei Kostitsyn was hooked from behind on a breakaway, the ref raised him arm, and when the Rangers got control of the puck, he pointed to centre ice indicating a penalty shot for the young Kostitsyn. Sergei moved in on Lundqvist, dead center, and decided to release a perfectly placed wrister from 10-15 feet out that beat Lundqvist over the glove for a water-bottle rocking tally.
That's when the Rangers woke up.
Just about 3 minutes later, Michael Rozsival was able to sneak one past Huet on a point blast that had eyes for the twine. 24 seconds later, it was Brandon Dubinsky's turn, as he was able to beat Huet for an unassisted marker, making it a 1-goal game.
A little later, Alex Kovalev threw an elbow into Ryan Hollweg's mouth on a forecheck. The hit (which was late) was definitely penalty-worthy, but went un-noticed by the referees. The CBC (where I watched today's game) was then focussing on Hollweg who was on the bench as they went to commercial, and it showed a view of Hollweg that indicated that he had revenge on his mind, as his eyebrows were lowered and his mouth formed a frown.
Before Hollweg got back on the ice for a shift, Scott Gomez was able to score on a beaten Huet from in close. Gomez was wide open because Markov had lost his stick on the shift and would have had a perfect opportunity to clear the zone. Instead, Gomez collected the puck and buried it for the easy tying goal.
Next shift, Hollweg was on the ice. The puck came around the boards to Sergei Kostitsyn, who had his back to the play. Hollweg charged in, and in disgusting fashion, laid out the prone and unsuspecting Sergei from behind into the boards. Sergei collapsed in a heap to the ice, and Hollweg, fully aware of what he had done, showed no remorce, and simply prepared himself to be rushed by a Hab player on the ice. Josh Gorges was that player, as he was closest to the play. Francis Bouillon and Colton Orr dropped the gloves in a tilt of their own, and when all was said and done, Hollweg was ejected from the game on top of receiving a 5 minute boarding major, and Gorges was dealt a 2-minute roughing minor, sending the Habs on a 3 minute powerplay, that they eventually would fail to cash in on. Sergei Kostitsyn would stay in the game after shaking off the cobwebs.
Midway through the third, Chris Drury converted a perfect pass from Nigel Dawes as he beat Huet backdoor for what would be the eventual game-winner. Marty Straka added one with 1:30 remaining, and with Huet still in the net.
No penalties were taken in the third period. Andrei Markov pushed his points streak to 6 games with the unassisted PPG. The Rangers outshot Montreal 30-28. Expect Ryan Hollweg to be suspended in the next 24 hours, likely for over 5 games. There is also a possibility of a Kovalev suspension for his elbow to Hollweg, though it would likely be for a maximum of one game.
The Habs next face Ottawa at home Tuesday, Toronto at home Thursday, and visit Ottawa Saturday for a Northeast Division-focused week. Montreal sit 3 points back of Ottawa and both teams have played 53 games.
Other notes:
-The Canadiens have demoted Jaroslav Halak to Hamilton. They have not yet recalled another goaltender, but an educated guess would have Carey Price being recalled over Yann Danis, as Price has had tremendous success vs. the Maple Leafs this season. Halak did not appear in a single game since being called up. Carey Price is fresh off his first career AHL regular season shutout game, as he blanked all shots fired his way against the Manitoba Moose in a 2-0 Bulldogs win.
-Michael Ryder was scratched for Sunday's game, and new rumours are surfacing about possible deals. With the Habs reportedly interested in Jokinen, Fedorov and Hossa, you can now add the Nashville Predators as possible trade partners. Rumours suggest that the Habs are interested in defensive-minded defense prospect Kevin Klein, and a possible three way deal could be in the works between Mtl-Nashville-and Carolina. The predators are reportedly interested in Erik Cole, and with an overstock of young prospectual defensemen, Nashville are definitely looking to upgrade on offense. We'll keep an eye on this situation as it develops.
The Canadiens were the hotter team in the early going. Montreal dominated and dictated play throughout the first in a period that saw them go up 2-0 on powerplay goals from Markov and Kovalev.
Things got really interesting in the second period. Sergei Kostitsyn was hooked from behind on a breakaway, the ref raised him arm, and when the Rangers got control of the puck, he pointed to centre ice indicating a penalty shot for the young Kostitsyn. Sergei moved in on Lundqvist, dead center, and decided to release a perfectly placed wrister from 10-15 feet out that beat Lundqvist over the glove for a water-bottle rocking tally.
That's when the Rangers woke up.
Just about 3 minutes later, Michael Rozsival was able to sneak one past Huet on a point blast that had eyes for the twine. 24 seconds later, it was Brandon Dubinsky's turn, as he was able to beat Huet for an unassisted marker, making it a 1-goal game.
A little later, Alex Kovalev threw an elbow into Ryan Hollweg's mouth on a forecheck. The hit (which was late) was definitely penalty-worthy, but went un-noticed by the referees. The CBC (where I watched today's game) was then focussing on Hollweg who was on the bench as they went to commercial, and it showed a view of Hollweg that indicated that he had revenge on his mind, as his eyebrows were lowered and his mouth formed a frown.
Before Hollweg got back on the ice for a shift, Scott Gomez was able to score on a beaten Huet from in close. Gomez was wide open because Markov had lost his stick on the shift and would have had a perfect opportunity to clear the zone. Instead, Gomez collected the puck and buried it for the easy tying goal.
Next shift, Hollweg was on the ice. The puck came around the boards to Sergei Kostitsyn, who had his back to the play. Hollweg charged in, and in disgusting fashion, laid out the prone and unsuspecting Sergei from behind into the boards. Sergei collapsed in a heap to the ice, and Hollweg, fully aware of what he had done, showed no remorce, and simply prepared himself to be rushed by a Hab player on the ice. Josh Gorges was that player, as he was closest to the play. Francis Bouillon and Colton Orr dropped the gloves in a tilt of their own, and when all was said and done, Hollweg was ejected from the game on top of receiving a 5 minute boarding major, and Gorges was dealt a 2-minute roughing minor, sending the Habs on a 3 minute powerplay, that they eventually would fail to cash in on. Sergei Kostitsyn would stay in the game after shaking off the cobwebs.
Midway through the third, Chris Drury converted a perfect pass from Nigel Dawes as he beat Huet backdoor for what would be the eventual game-winner. Marty Straka added one with 1:30 remaining, and with Huet still in the net.
No penalties were taken in the third period. Andrei Markov pushed his points streak to 6 games with the unassisted PPG. The Rangers outshot Montreal 30-28. Expect Ryan Hollweg to be suspended in the next 24 hours, likely for over 5 games. There is also a possibility of a Kovalev suspension for his elbow to Hollweg, though it would likely be for a maximum of one game.
The Habs next face Ottawa at home Tuesday, Toronto at home Thursday, and visit Ottawa Saturday for a Northeast Division-focused week. Montreal sit 3 points back of Ottawa and both teams have played 53 games.
Other notes:
-The Canadiens have demoted Jaroslav Halak to Hamilton. They have not yet recalled another goaltender, but an educated guess would have Carey Price being recalled over Yann Danis, as Price has had tremendous success vs. the Maple Leafs this season. Halak did not appear in a single game since being called up. Carey Price is fresh off his first career AHL regular season shutout game, as he blanked all shots fired his way against the Manitoba Moose in a 2-0 Bulldogs win.
-Michael Ryder was scratched for Sunday's game, and new rumours are surfacing about possible deals. With the Habs reportedly interested in Jokinen, Fedorov and Hossa, you can now add the Nashville Predators as possible trade partners. Rumours suggest that the Habs are interested in defensive-minded defense prospect Kevin Klein, and a possible three way deal could be in the works between Mtl-Nashville-and Carolina. The predators are reportedly interested in Erik Cole, and with an overstock of young prospectual defensemen, Nashville are definitely looking to upgrade on offense. We'll keep an eye on this situation as it develops.
Habs Continue Dominance over Isles
MONTREAL (AP) - Alex Kovalev knew the Canadiens would have a good afternoon if they made it hard for Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro to follow the puck.
That strategy worked in the second period Saturday, when Kovalev had a goal and an assist and Montreal scored three times in a 4-1 win over New York.
"We know how good he is when he sees a shot," Kovalev said. "It's harder for the goalie when there's traffic in front of the net. That's what we tried to do against him."
Mark Streit scored a power-play goal 7:32 into the middle period to give Montreal a 2-1 lead. Kovalev, who assisted on Tomas Plekanec's short-handed goal 37 seconds into the second, gave the Canadiens their third goal of the period with his team-leading 23rd on a screened shot past DiPietro at 12:35.
Cristobal Huet stopped 29 shots in his 11th straight start for Montreal, which has won six of eight (6-1-1).
"I think we try to stay with our game plan, play smart and outwork the other team," Huet said.
Streit got his second point of the game with an assist on a late goal by Mathieu Dandenault, who was a healthy scratch for the Canadiens' last four games.
Blake Comeau scored his third goal 5:01 into the second for New York, which lost its fourth in a row.
DiPietro made 28 saves after missing Thursday's 3-1 loss to Los Angeles because of the flu.
Streit finished off a passing play with Christopher Higgins and Saku Koivu by putting Koivu's cross-ice pass beyond DiPietro into the left side for his eighth goal.
Kovalev made it a two-goal margin when he put a low wrist shot from the right side past defenseman Andy Sutton and between DiPietro's pads.
Plekanec scored his short-handed goal as Montreal was killing the last of three straight minor penalties.
Kovalev intercepted Islanders captain Bill Guerin's pass along the blue line and raced down the ice to the Islanders' zone, where he left a drop pass for Plekanec. Kovalev held off Islanders defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron while Plekanec swung left to put a shot past DiPietro for his 17th goal.
"They're a great transition team and they feed on mistakes," DiPietro said. "I don't think you can try to run-and-gun with a team like the Canadiens. They're a quick, fast team and that's the kind of game they like to play."
Successive infractions by Michael Ryder, Plekanec and Mike Komisarek late in the first left the on-ice officials unable to keep track of the game clock in the final minutes of the opening period.
Ryder was given a roughing penalty at 16:40 when he jumped on Comeau in the left corner after the Islanders forward checked Higgins from behind headfirst into the boards. Comeau got a boarding minor on the play.
After Plekanec was sent off for tripping at 17:37 to give New York a 4-on-3 advantage, Islanders head coach Ted Nolan used his timeout after Komisarek was sent off for hooking at 18:44.
When play resumed, the scoreboard clock showed 1:05 remaining in the period - instead of 1:16.
The lost time was added on before the second period and the teams faced off at center ice to play the final 11.1 seconds of the first before switching ends.
"It was weird," Guerin said. "I've seen it happen where it was a second or two. It happens. If we were looking for excuses I'd have to find a better one than that."
Notes: Koivu played his 700th regular-season game. ... Canadiens D Andrei Markov set up Kovalev's goal to extend his assists streak to five games. Markov was struck in the face by a puck backhanded along the boards by Ryder in the third period. He received a cheer from the sellout crowd of 21,273 when he got up and went to the bench before returning to collect his second assist of the game on Dandenault's goal with 2:39 remaining.
Associated Press
That strategy worked in the second period Saturday, when Kovalev had a goal and an assist and Montreal scored three times in a 4-1 win over New York.
"We know how good he is when he sees a shot," Kovalev said. "It's harder for the goalie when there's traffic in front of the net. That's what we tried to do against him."
Mark Streit scored a power-play goal 7:32 into the middle period to give Montreal a 2-1 lead. Kovalev, who assisted on Tomas Plekanec's short-handed goal 37 seconds into the second, gave the Canadiens their third goal of the period with his team-leading 23rd on a screened shot past DiPietro at 12:35.
Cristobal Huet stopped 29 shots in his 11th straight start for Montreal, which has won six of eight (6-1-1).
"I think we try to stay with our game plan, play smart and outwork the other team," Huet said.
Streit got his second point of the game with an assist on a late goal by Mathieu Dandenault, who was a healthy scratch for the Canadiens' last four games.
Blake Comeau scored his third goal 5:01 into the second for New York, which lost its fourth in a row.
DiPietro made 28 saves after missing Thursday's 3-1 loss to Los Angeles because of the flu.
Streit finished off a passing play with Christopher Higgins and Saku Koivu by putting Koivu's cross-ice pass beyond DiPietro into the left side for his eighth goal.
Kovalev made it a two-goal margin when he put a low wrist shot from the right side past defenseman Andy Sutton and between DiPietro's pads.
Plekanec scored his short-handed goal as Montreal was killing the last of three straight minor penalties.
Kovalev intercepted Islanders captain Bill Guerin's pass along the blue line and raced down the ice to the Islanders' zone, where he left a drop pass for Plekanec. Kovalev held off Islanders defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron while Plekanec swung left to put a shot past DiPietro for his 17th goal.
"They're a great transition team and they feed on mistakes," DiPietro said. "I don't think you can try to run-and-gun with a team like the Canadiens. They're a quick, fast team and that's the kind of game they like to play."
Successive infractions by Michael Ryder, Plekanec and Mike Komisarek late in the first left the on-ice officials unable to keep track of the game clock in the final minutes of the opening period.
Ryder was given a roughing penalty at 16:40 when he jumped on Comeau in the left corner after the Islanders forward checked Higgins from behind headfirst into the boards. Comeau got a boarding minor on the play.
After Plekanec was sent off for tripping at 17:37 to give New York a 4-on-3 advantage, Islanders head coach Ted Nolan used his timeout after Komisarek was sent off for hooking at 18:44.
When play resumed, the scoreboard clock showed 1:05 remaining in the period - instead of 1:16.
The lost time was added on before the second period and the teams faced off at center ice to play the final 11.1 seconds of the first before switching ends.
"It was weird," Guerin said. "I've seen it happen where it was a second or two. It happens. If we were looking for excuses I'd have to find a better one than that."
Notes: Koivu played his 700th regular-season game. ... Canadiens D Andrei Markov set up Kovalev's goal to extend his assists streak to five games. Markov was struck in the face by a puck backhanded along the boards by Ryder in the third period. He received a cheer from the sellout crowd of 21,273 when he got up and went to the bench before returning to collect his second assist of the game on Dandenault's goal with 2:39 remaining.
Associated Press
Friday, February 1, 2008
Habs Open Matinee Weekend vs. Islanders
The Canadiens are looking to continue their recently impressive home play as they get set to welcome the New York Islanders to the Bell Centre Saturday afternoon. The game goes at 2 p.m., and is the 1st of a back-to-back set which sees Montreal hosting the Rangers Sunday in another matinee matchup.
Montreal (27-15-9) has gone 4-1-1 on home ice since the calendar switched over to 2008. The Habs will look to bolster their modest home ice record in an attempt to get it to resemble their sparkling road record, which ranks 1st in the Eastern Conference. Their match against the Isles is the first of a 4-game homestand.
Their last two home games have been phenominal, and have arguably been the top 1 and 2 performances that they have put on on home ice this season. They trounced the Bruins by a season-high final score of 8-2 back on January 22nd, and then (after defeating New Jersey in come-from-behind fashion at he Prudential Center) they defeated Washington in superb fashion, shutting them out 4-0 in a game that can arguably considered as Kovalev's best in a Habs uniform.
The Canadiens lead the season series with the Isles 2-0, having won both games on Long Island and limiting the Isles to just 1 goal a game in 3-1 and 4-1 road victories. Crisotbal Huet was between the pipes for both of those contests, and all indications suggest he will man the crease tomorrow afternoon.
The Islanders are looking to end a 3 game losing streak tomorrow. Their most recent loss came last night as the Kings came into town and stole 2 points away from the Islanders, who were without Rick DiPietro due to flu-like symptoms. DiPietro is 0-3-1 in his last 4 games.
Bill Guerin and Mike Comrie, the offensive leaders on the team, have gone ice cold lately. Guerin (the Isles' leading goalscorer) is pointless in 5, whereas Comrie (leader in points) has but one helper in his last 6 outings. When they aren't scoring, it seems no one else is, as is proof in their recent games.
The game will air live on CBC and RDS, and, another reminder: puck drop is set for 2:08 p.m.
Montreal (27-15-9) has gone 4-1-1 on home ice since the calendar switched over to 2008. The Habs will look to bolster their modest home ice record in an attempt to get it to resemble their sparkling road record, which ranks 1st in the Eastern Conference. Their match against the Isles is the first of a 4-game homestand.
Their last two home games have been phenominal, and have arguably been the top 1 and 2 performances that they have put on on home ice this season. They trounced the Bruins by a season-high final score of 8-2 back on January 22nd, and then (after defeating New Jersey in come-from-behind fashion at he Prudential Center) they defeated Washington in superb fashion, shutting them out 4-0 in a game that can arguably considered as Kovalev's best in a Habs uniform.
The Canadiens lead the season series with the Isles 2-0, having won both games on Long Island and limiting the Isles to just 1 goal a game in 3-1 and 4-1 road victories. Crisotbal Huet was between the pipes for both of those contests, and all indications suggest he will man the crease tomorrow afternoon.
The Islanders are looking to end a 3 game losing streak tomorrow. Their most recent loss came last night as the Kings came into town and stole 2 points away from the Islanders, who were without Rick DiPietro due to flu-like symptoms. DiPietro is 0-3-1 in his last 4 games.
Bill Guerin and Mike Comrie, the offensive leaders on the team, have gone ice cold lately. Guerin (the Isles' leading goalscorer) is pointless in 5, whereas Comrie (leader in points) has but one helper in his last 6 outings. When they aren't scoring, it seems no one else is, as is proof in their recent games.
The game will air live on CBC and RDS, and, another reminder: puck drop is set for 2:08 p.m.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Ovechkin Gets Revenge...And Then Some!
*Alexander has a GR8 night; tallies 4 goals and an assist in a 5-4 Caps win.
If this is how Alexander Ovechkin rebounds after a bad game, then there is basically no chance of stopping him for the rest of his career.
Alexander the Gr8 figured in on all 5 goals in the Capitals 5-4 victory over Montreal in D.C. tonight, as he scored 4 GOALS to go along with his one assist. It was Ovechkin's second career 4-goal and 5-point game, as he previously turned in the feat on December 29th at Ottawa. Ovechkin leads the NHL with 43 goals and took over the points lead with 70.
Ovechkin came out of the gate running. After taking an early (accidental) high stick to the face courtesy Alex Kovalev, he bulldozed Steve Begin with a legal yet devastating open ice check that sent the latter flying onto his backside.
Ovechkin then got himself on the scoresheet, as he would do 5 times on the evening, by opening the scoring and then adding another after a Kozlov goal which he had set up to make it 3-0.
But the Habs wouldn't lay down and die, a quality we've seen on multiple occasions this season from our "glorieux". Sergei Kostitsyn would cap a nice passing play with a goal, as Lapierre got it to Latendresse, and Latendresse got it cross crease to the unmarked youngster, although it did appear that Latendresse was going for the shot initially. In any case, the pass was the right play as it led to a goal.
Big brother Andrei then got a PPG with 0.7 seconds remaining in the 2nd, as he coralled a Kolzig rebound from a Markov shot and beat the keeper 5-hole as he moved laterally in desperation. That goal had some significance, as it marked the first time that a sibling duo scored in a game for Montreal since Pete and Frank Mahovolich did it in 1974.
Midway through the 3rd, Ovechkin would restore the insurance with his 3rd of the night. Going one on one with Mark Streit, Ovechkin held, cut in at the blue line, and released an almost unbelievably accurate wrister that went through Streit's legs and over Huet's left shoulder...He put that one where Uncle Jimmy keeps the Cheez Whiz.
However, 1:17 later, Guillaume Latendresse would go from passer to scorer in this game, as he took a feed from Sergei Kostitsyn and outwaited Kolzig to slot it home into the gaping cage.
Then, in uncommon fashion, the Habs pulled the goalie (not uncommon) and TIED THE GAME! (VERY UNCOMMON!) Plekanec had the initial shot, which got lost in the paraphenalia of a sprawling Kolzig, and as Latendresse waited patiently in the crease for a miracle, that miracle came. The puck was MIRACULOUSLY jarred loose, and wound up directly on Latendresse's stick, who buried it from about a whole centimeter out.
The Habs somehow pulled together and also pulled the rabbit out of the hat to earn a point in Washington, but that is as much as they would get, as Alex Ovechkin once again took matters into his own hands and converted a nice pass from Jeff Shultz who pinched down low to set up the game winner.
The Caps were a much better team on this night than they were on Tuesday, and if they can continue to play the way they did, they really do have as good a chance as Carolina or Atlanta to clinch the Southeast Division Title and clinch home-ice for the 1st round of the playoffs. They outshot the Canadiens 38-21 in the win. Alex Ovechkin had 6 shots on goal and logged a whopping 24:52 of ice time, all while finishing at +4 and dishing out a game-high 5 hits.
That's domination. That's downright scary.
Ovechkin has now scored over 40 goals in each of his first three NHL seasons. Saku Koivu played in his 700th career game, all for Montreal. The Habs will now return home to prepare for back-to-back weekend games on Superbowl weekend, 1st playing host to the NY Islanders Saturday (2pm) before playing host to the NY Rangers on Sunday (also at 2pm). Sunday's game is the only game scheduled on Superbowl Sunday...and that's obviously no coincidence.
If this is how Alexander Ovechkin rebounds after a bad game, then there is basically no chance of stopping him for the rest of his career.
Alexander the Gr8 figured in on all 5 goals in the Capitals 5-4 victory over Montreal in D.C. tonight, as he scored 4 GOALS to go along with his one assist. It was Ovechkin's second career 4-goal and 5-point game, as he previously turned in the feat on December 29th at Ottawa. Ovechkin leads the NHL with 43 goals and took over the points lead with 70.
Ovechkin came out of the gate running. After taking an early (accidental) high stick to the face courtesy Alex Kovalev, he bulldozed Steve Begin with a legal yet devastating open ice check that sent the latter flying onto his backside.
Ovechkin then got himself on the scoresheet, as he would do 5 times on the evening, by opening the scoring and then adding another after a Kozlov goal which he had set up to make it 3-0.
But the Habs wouldn't lay down and die, a quality we've seen on multiple occasions this season from our "glorieux". Sergei Kostitsyn would cap a nice passing play with a goal, as Lapierre got it to Latendresse, and Latendresse got it cross crease to the unmarked youngster, although it did appear that Latendresse was going for the shot initially. In any case, the pass was the right play as it led to a goal.
Big brother Andrei then got a PPG with 0.7 seconds remaining in the 2nd, as he coralled a Kolzig rebound from a Markov shot and beat the keeper 5-hole as he moved laterally in desperation. That goal had some significance, as it marked the first time that a sibling duo scored in a game for Montreal since Pete and Frank Mahovolich did it in 1974.
Midway through the 3rd, Ovechkin would restore the insurance with his 3rd of the night. Going one on one with Mark Streit, Ovechkin held, cut in at the blue line, and released an almost unbelievably accurate wrister that went through Streit's legs and over Huet's left shoulder...He put that one where Uncle Jimmy keeps the Cheez Whiz.
However, 1:17 later, Guillaume Latendresse would go from passer to scorer in this game, as he took a feed from Sergei Kostitsyn and outwaited Kolzig to slot it home into the gaping cage.
Then, in uncommon fashion, the Habs pulled the goalie (not uncommon) and TIED THE GAME! (VERY UNCOMMON!) Plekanec had the initial shot, which got lost in the paraphenalia of a sprawling Kolzig, and as Latendresse waited patiently in the crease for a miracle, that miracle came. The puck was MIRACULOUSLY jarred loose, and wound up directly on Latendresse's stick, who buried it from about a whole centimeter out.
The Habs somehow pulled together and also pulled the rabbit out of the hat to earn a point in Washington, but that is as much as they would get, as Alex Ovechkin once again took matters into his own hands and converted a nice pass from Jeff Shultz who pinched down low to set up the game winner.
The Caps were a much better team on this night than they were on Tuesday, and if they can continue to play the way they did, they really do have as good a chance as Carolina or Atlanta to clinch the Southeast Division Title and clinch home-ice for the 1st round of the playoffs. They outshot the Canadiens 38-21 in the win. Alex Ovechkin had 6 shots on goal and logged a whopping 24:52 of ice time, all while finishing at +4 and dishing out a game-high 5 hits.
That's domination. That's downright scary.
Ovechkin has now scored over 40 goals in each of his first three NHL seasons. Saku Koivu played in his 700th career game, all for Montreal. The Habs will now return home to prepare for back-to-back weekend games on Superbowl weekend, 1st playing host to the NY Islanders Saturday (2pm) before playing host to the NY Rangers on Sunday (also at 2pm). Sunday's game is the only game scheduled on Superbowl Sunday...and that's obviously no coincidence.
Pre-Game Buzz Should Set The Tone
The Habs will look to match a season-high 4-game winning streak tonight as they visit the Verizon Center and the Washington Capitals.
The Canadiens (27-15-8) are 10-2-2 in their last 14 games, and are fresh off a home ice victory against the Caps, having defeated them 4-0 on Tuesday night at the Bell Centre. But the buzz today has been about Capitals forward Viktor Kozlov's recent comments in regards to Tuesday's contest.
Kozlov went on the record saying (and I paraphrase here as I do not have the exact quote) that the Habs were trying to embarass them Tuesday by sending out Alex Kovalev's unit on a powerplay with under 1 minute remaining with the score already at 3-0 (a game deemed out of reach for the Caps). The unit ended up scoring with just over 40 seconds remaining.
The main thing about this is the whole issue of unwritten rules in hockey. The unwritten rule states (as ironic as that may sound) that a coach of a team should not designate its top forwards to a powerplay when the game is already out of reach for the opponent. Some will argue that:
A) Carbo sent Kovalev out because he had such a strong game before hand and hadn't had the luxury of obtaining a point, and some might argue that:
B) Kovalev was sent out because he can handle the puck and put on a great show for the home-town crowd.
Some may also argue that:
C) No matter who you have, you shouldn't do something like that (as in sending in a star player when the game is already over), and others will suggest that:
D) Unwritten rules shouldn't even be followed, and that running up a score is all part of playing a 60-minute hockey game.
Well, it happened, and the great thing about it is that it will set the tone for tonight's contest in Washington. The Caps definitely have revenge on their mind, and they will come out looking to blow the Habs away on home ice. Might we be seeing the beginnings of a rivalry from such a random event? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Emotions will run high tonight in D.C.
The Habs have won 10 straight Thursday night contests, and have only lost just one, dating back to October 18th where they dropped a 4-3 decision to the Senators in Ottawa in their 1st Thursday evening match of the season. The Habs lead the season-series 2-1 and have never scored less than 4 goals against the Caps this season, outscoring them 13-7 thus far. The Habs' #2 ranked powerplay will match up against Washington's #25 ranked penalty kill.
The goalies slated to get the starts are Crisotbal Huet for Montreal and Olaf Kolzing for Washington. No lineup changes for Montreal, as Brisebois and Dandeneault continue to sit it out.
Pcuk drop goes at 7:08. Enjoy the game!
The Canadiens (27-15-8) are 10-2-2 in their last 14 games, and are fresh off a home ice victory against the Caps, having defeated them 4-0 on Tuesday night at the Bell Centre. But the buzz today has been about Capitals forward Viktor Kozlov's recent comments in regards to Tuesday's contest.
Kozlov went on the record saying (and I paraphrase here as I do not have the exact quote) that the Habs were trying to embarass them Tuesday by sending out Alex Kovalev's unit on a powerplay with under 1 minute remaining with the score already at 3-0 (a game deemed out of reach for the Caps). The unit ended up scoring with just over 40 seconds remaining.
The main thing about this is the whole issue of unwritten rules in hockey. The unwritten rule states (as ironic as that may sound) that a coach of a team should not designate its top forwards to a powerplay when the game is already out of reach for the opponent. Some will argue that:
A) Carbo sent Kovalev out because he had such a strong game before hand and hadn't had the luxury of obtaining a point, and some might argue that:
B) Kovalev was sent out because he can handle the puck and put on a great show for the home-town crowd.
Some may also argue that:
C) No matter who you have, you shouldn't do something like that (as in sending in a star player when the game is already over), and others will suggest that:
D) Unwritten rules shouldn't even be followed, and that running up a score is all part of playing a 60-minute hockey game.
Well, it happened, and the great thing about it is that it will set the tone for tonight's contest in Washington. The Caps definitely have revenge on their mind, and they will come out looking to blow the Habs away on home ice. Might we be seeing the beginnings of a rivalry from such a random event? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Emotions will run high tonight in D.C.
The Habs have won 10 straight Thursday night contests, and have only lost just one, dating back to October 18th where they dropped a 4-3 decision to the Senators in Ottawa in their 1st Thursday evening match of the season. The Habs lead the season-series 2-1 and have never scored less than 4 goals against the Caps this season, outscoring them 13-7 thus far. The Habs' #2 ranked powerplay will match up against Washington's #25 ranked penalty kill.
The goalies slated to get the starts are Crisotbal Huet for Montreal and Olaf Kolzing for Washington. No lineup changes for Montreal, as Brisebois and Dandeneault continue to sit it out.
Pcuk drop goes at 7:08. Enjoy the game!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Huet, Habs Blank Capitals 4-0
*Big '8's collide as Mike Komisarek checks Alex Ovechkin into the boards. AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz/ESPN.com.
The Habs extended their winning streak to 3 games as they defeated the Washington Capitals at the Bell Centre Tuesday night by a 4-0 scoreline. Cristobal Huet notched his second shutout of the season, making 35 saves in the contest.
The Habs kept Washington goalie Brent Johnson busy as well, as the high-shooting tilt saw Johnson turn aside 36 of 40 shots fired his way. It was a visibly disappointing game for Alex Ovechkin, as he only got 4 shots away, not many of them quality. He was checked very well most of the night by Mike Komisarek, and even when things looked good for him, they didn't end up so well, as he had pucks roll off his stick on shots, and shots deflected into the crowd by Habs' defensemen. He also took a few solid checks from big Mike, but dished out some of his own as well.
The Habs got goals in all 3 major situations in the 1st period. First off, Mark Streit one-timed home the eventual game-winning first goal of the game on the powerplay, set up by Andrei Markov and Michael Ryder. The Habs then scored shorthanded, as Alex Kovalev did a great job killing off a 5-on-3 powerplay for the Caps, which eventually led to Tomas Plekakec intercepting a pass in his own zone and blowing by the rest of the Capitals squad. Fresh out of the box, Sergei Kostitsyn was able to join the rush onside to create the 2-on-0 against Johnson, and Plekanec slid him a perfect pass which Sergei then fired home passed the beaten Caps' netminder. Before the period's end, Steve Begin hounded down a loose puck behind the Caps net, and as Johnson hesitated to play the puck in fear of playing it outside the trapezoid, Begin threw it back out front to a streaking Koivu, who released a quick wrister that beat Johnson glove-high.
The 2nd period saw no scoring, but did have some great saves and missed opportunities at both ends, and also featured some absoultely mind-boggling moves put on by the show that we know as ALEX KOVALEV. This guy has SO much talent, doesn't he?
The final goal came in the last minute of the game, as Alex Kovalev was able to bang a loose puck through Johnson on the powerplay for a much deserved 1st point of the evening. Assisting on the goal were Plekanec and Streit, giving them 2 point nights.
Kovalev was rewarded with a goal after blocking a slapshot from Tom Poti earlier in the game. He was icing his thumb throughout the rest of the match, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Kovalev going for x-rays tomorrow. He played the rest of the game without missing a shift, so there is little reason to worry.
Josh Gorges has a standout game on defense, blocking 5 shots. Komisarek also blocked 5 on the night, and played a key role in the victory once again. Guillaume Latendresse was limited to just 10:53 of ice time in 13 shifts.
The 2 clubs meet again on Thursday at the Verizon Center in Washington.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Habs Open Up Home-&-Home Hosting Capitals
The NHL's leading goalscorer comes to town as the Habs open up a home-and-home series against Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.
The Caps found themselves dead last out East early on in the season. With Glen Hanlon behind the bench, the Caps were a dismal 6-14-1, and were looking like they were going to miss out on yet another post-season appearance.
And then they fired Hanlon, and replaced him with the then farm team head coach Bruce Boudreau...and they never looked back.
Since Boudreau has been at the helm, the Capitals have gone an astounding 17-8-4, and have averaged more than 1.1 goals a game...and Alexander Ovechkin has been playing his best hockey since the coaching swap.
Ovechkin has registered 25 of his 39 goals and 17 of his 26 assists since Boudreau took over. Ovechkin is also on pace for 64 goals this season - no one has scored 60 in one season since Pittsburgh's Mario Lemieux (69) and Jaromir Jagr (62) in 1995-96.
Also breaking out have been rookie standouts Mike Green on defence, who leads ALL NHL defenders with 14 goals, and Nicklas Backstrom at center, who has been racking up points (mostly assists) playing alongside super-sniper Alexander the Gr8. Backstrom is second in the rookie points race, behind Chicago's Patrick Kane, therefore throwing his name back into the Calder mix.
The Caps are red hot lately, as they have gone 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. They will, however, be facing another red-hot Eastern Conference team that is oozing confidence.
With 60 points through 49 games, the Habs are surprising many of their pre-season critics - including, myself. Yes, I'm embarassed to admit it and I'm ashamed to have had lost faith in the first place, but I wasn't the only pessimistic fan. Many pundits had the Habs missing the playoffs, and I am in effect thrilled to see that they are going out there night after night and earning point after point. They are a confident bunch, but they are definitely not satisfied with where they stand just yet.
Chris Higgins said: "There's still a team ahead of us in the standings and it's dangerous thinking, thinking that we've accomplished something. We haven't accomplished anything. We still have 30 something games remaining and you don't accomplish anything with that many games left. None of our markers or goals have been met yet. When we make the playoffs, that's a marker. The ultimate is to win the Cup and that's our goal."
Added Chris: "The goal is to finish as high as we can in the standings. That's something we've talked about recently since we've been playing better. Before, we were talking about separating ourselves from the pack below but, now, it's about catching who's in front of us. That's a healthy way to think about things."
The Habs find themselves with the 2nd most points out East, yet they are 4th in the conference as Ottawa has 66 points. They are 6 points out of 1st spot...but, looking at this in a glass-half-full kind of way, they are also 6 points ahead of the 9th place New York Rangers. These are crucial times now, and every team will be leaving the extra effort on the ice from here on out. Games will be much more intense and points will be much harder to come by, so expect some things to change for some teams.
As the going gets tough, we will see if the tough can get going...or if the tough will soften and fall out of the race.
Puck drop: 7:38
The Caps found themselves dead last out East early on in the season. With Glen Hanlon behind the bench, the Caps were a dismal 6-14-1, and were looking like they were going to miss out on yet another post-season appearance.
And then they fired Hanlon, and replaced him with the then farm team head coach Bruce Boudreau...and they never looked back.
Since Boudreau has been at the helm, the Capitals have gone an astounding 17-8-4, and have averaged more than 1.1 goals a game...and Alexander Ovechkin has been playing his best hockey since the coaching swap.
Ovechkin has registered 25 of his 39 goals and 17 of his 26 assists since Boudreau took over. Ovechkin is also on pace for 64 goals this season - no one has scored 60 in one season since Pittsburgh's Mario Lemieux (69) and Jaromir Jagr (62) in 1995-96.
Also breaking out have been rookie standouts Mike Green on defence, who leads ALL NHL defenders with 14 goals, and Nicklas Backstrom at center, who has been racking up points (mostly assists) playing alongside super-sniper Alexander the Gr8. Backstrom is second in the rookie points race, behind Chicago's Patrick Kane, therefore throwing his name back into the Calder mix.
The Caps are red hot lately, as they have gone 7-3-0 in their last 10 games. They will, however, be facing another red-hot Eastern Conference team that is oozing confidence.
With 60 points through 49 games, the Habs are surprising many of their pre-season critics - including, myself. Yes, I'm embarassed to admit it and I'm ashamed to have had lost faith in the first place, but I wasn't the only pessimistic fan. Many pundits had the Habs missing the playoffs, and I am in effect thrilled to see that they are going out there night after night and earning point after point. They are a confident bunch, but they are definitely not satisfied with where they stand just yet.
Chris Higgins said: "There's still a team ahead of us in the standings and it's dangerous thinking, thinking that we've accomplished something. We haven't accomplished anything. We still have 30 something games remaining and you don't accomplish anything with that many games left. None of our markers or goals have been met yet. When we make the playoffs, that's a marker. The ultimate is to win the Cup and that's our goal."
Added Chris: "The goal is to finish as high as we can in the standings. That's something we've talked about recently since we've been playing better. Before, we were talking about separating ourselves from the pack below but, now, it's about catching who's in front of us. That's a healthy way to think about things."
The Habs find themselves with the 2nd most points out East, yet they are 4th in the conference as Ottawa has 66 points. They are 6 points out of 1st spot...but, looking at this in a glass-half-full kind of way, they are also 6 points ahead of the 9th place New York Rangers. These are crucial times now, and every team will be leaving the extra effort on the ice from here on out. Games will be much more intense and points will be much harder to come by, so expect some things to change for some teams.
As the going gets tough, we will see if the tough can get going...or if the tough will soften and fall out of the race.
Puck drop: 7:38
Friday, January 25, 2008
Habs Break Jersey Curse, Win 4-3
*Hamrlik and teammates Sergei Kostitsyn (right) and Chris Higgins celebrate the latter's eventual game-winning powerplay goal, as the Habs break a huge slump at the swamp. AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, courtesy ESPN.com.The Habs came into New Jersey on a bad note, but used the 3rd period to score 3 goals to eventually come back from 2 goals down and win the game by a 4-3 scoreline, stretching their road record to 17 wins this season.
Bryan Smolinski got the first two Habs goals, and slumping forwards Koivu and Higgins got the equalizing and winning goals respectively. Montreal outshot New Jersey by a stunning 32-13 count, including outshooting them 20-3 in the third period.
New Jersey's loss was the first loss to the Canadiens in the last nine meetings overall and only the second in the last 20 in New Jersey.
The Habs' powerplay went a measley 1-for-7, but that 1 powerplay goal was the one that put the Habs up for the first time in the game with 5:29 remaining in regulation, and stood up as the game winner.
The Devils seemed to get lazy to start a third period in which they carried a two goal lead. They took the only 5 penalties of the 3rd period, putting the habs in a great position to take the lead, as they eventually did on Higgins' marker.
Coach Brent Sutter was furious with his teams lack of effort and discipline, and immediately sent the team to practice on the auxiliary rink following the final buzzer of the game.
"I'm disappointed in the whole team and its commitment to win. Their play was brutal. They already had their plans to head to (Las) Vegas or wherever the hell they're going before the game was half over. It's totally unacceptable. Everything it takes to win a hockey game, we didn't do. It was a total lack of effort from everyone."
"For whatever reason, we had a lot of guys who wanted to do their own thing out there," Sutter said. "We had a 2-0 lead and had a 5-on-3 power play and had four or five quality scoring chances, but they were thinking of themselves instead of the team. We've had two-goal leads in our building and let them slip. It shows a lack of commitment to want to play. It tells you that this is not a mentally strong hockey team."
Added Sutter, "To be honest, they should be embarrassed. It's hard for me to sit on this for four days. It sure as hell better be hard on them as well. We were brutal."
The NHL now rests as the All-Star weekend is upon us. The Habs play again on Tuesday, at home to host Washington in the first game of a home-and-home with the Capitals.
Bryan Smolinski got the first two Habs goals, and slumping forwards Koivu and Higgins got the equalizing and winning goals respectively. Montreal outshot New Jersey by a stunning 32-13 count, including outshooting them 20-3 in the third period.
New Jersey's loss was the first loss to the Canadiens in the last nine meetings overall and only the second in the last 20 in New Jersey.
The Habs' powerplay went a measley 1-for-7, but that 1 powerplay goal was the one that put the Habs up for the first time in the game with 5:29 remaining in regulation, and stood up as the game winner.
The Devils seemed to get lazy to start a third period in which they carried a two goal lead. They took the only 5 penalties of the 3rd period, putting the habs in a great position to take the lead, as they eventually did on Higgins' marker.
Coach Brent Sutter was furious with his teams lack of effort and discipline, and immediately sent the team to practice on the auxiliary rink following the final buzzer of the game.
"I'm disappointed in the whole team and its commitment to win. Their play was brutal. They already had their plans to head to (Las) Vegas or wherever the hell they're going before the game was half over. It's totally unacceptable. Everything it takes to win a hockey game, we didn't do. It was a total lack of effort from everyone."
"For whatever reason, we had a lot of guys who wanted to do their own thing out there," Sutter said. "We had a 2-0 lead and had a 5-on-3 power play and had four or five quality scoring chances, but they were thinking of themselves instead of the team. We've had two-goal leads in our building and let them slip. It shows a lack of commitment to want to play. It tells you that this is not a mentally strong hockey team."
Added Sutter, "To be honest, they should be embarrassed. It's hard for me to sit on this for four days. It sure as hell better be hard on them as well. We were brutal."
The NHL now rests as the All-Star weekend is upon us. The Habs play again on Tuesday, at home to host Washington in the first game of a home-and-home with the Capitals.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Polar Opposite Rival For Habs Tonight
Montreal continued its domination of the Bruins a couple of nights ago, as expected. But will the Devils continue their domination of the Habs at the Prudential Center, as expected?
As the Habs earned their 9th straight win over Boston on Thursday, the Devils are looking for their 10th straight against Montreal. This is clearly a North/South situation for the Habs with regards to their opponents this week.
Here's where it gets particularly ugly.
The Habs' statistics for games played in New Jersey are down right humiliating. When playing host to Montreal, Jersey has gone 21-1-4 over their last 26 games! The Habs' most recent win in New Jersey dates back to February 5th, 2002, when Jose Theodore was able to shutout the Devils in, (you probably guessed it), a 1-0 win. If you think that's long enough ago, then you probably wouldn't want to know the date of the last Habs victory in N.J. prior to that one, but I'm going to tell you anyway, because here at Habs Hockey-Talkey, we do humiliation right!
Patrick Roy was able to shutout N.J. as well in a victory earned WAY BACK on October 26th, 1993!!!
If that isn't alarming enough, or isn't enough of an indication of DOMINANCE of one team over another, then I don't know what is. Boston should feel pretty damn good in comparison to that dreadful record.
Cristobal Huet has never earned a single point against New Jersey, going 0-6-0 career against the Devils with a 3.29 GAA.
And to SOMEHOW make matters even WORSE than what they already are for Montreal? The Devils were on the winning end of a 7-3 drubbing of the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday night in Philadelphia, another team they have been dominating this season. The surprise there (in case you don't know) is that New Jersey is not an offensive team, in fact, they're far from it. They have been relying on living legend Martin Brodeur to backstop the defensive minded to team to win after win, year after year, and it has more than paid off, with Jersey claiming a couple Stanley Cups over the years.
No word on any lineup updates yet, as I am writing in the wee hours of the morning now. I will update tomorrow should any changes be made to Tuesday's lineup, of which I doubt heavily.
Puck drop: 7:08
As the Habs earned their 9th straight win over Boston on Thursday, the Devils are looking for their 10th straight against Montreal. This is clearly a North/South situation for the Habs with regards to their opponents this week.
Here's where it gets particularly ugly.
The Habs' statistics for games played in New Jersey are down right humiliating. When playing host to Montreal, Jersey has gone 21-1-4 over their last 26 games! The Habs' most recent win in New Jersey dates back to February 5th, 2002, when Jose Theodore was able to shutout the Devils in, (you probably guessed it), a 1-0 win. If you think that's long enough ago, then you probably wouldn't want to know the date of the last Habs victory in N.J. prior to that one, but I'm going to tell you anyway, because here at Habs Hockey-Talkey, we do humiliation right!
Patrick Roy was able to shutout N.J. as well in a victory earned WAY BACK on October 26th, 1993!!!
If that isn't alarming enough, or isn't enough of an indication of DOMINANCE of one team over another, then I don't know what is. Boston should feel pretty damn good in comparison to that dreadful record.
Cristobal Huet has never earned a single point against New Jersey, going 0-6-0 career against the Devils with a 3.29 GAA.
And to SOMEHOW make matters even WORSE than what they already are for Montreal? The Devils were on the winning end of a 7-3 drubbing of the Philadelphia Flyers Tuesday night in Philadelphia, another team they have been dominating this season. The surprise there (in case you don't know) is that New Jersey is not an offensive team, in fact, they're far from it. They have been relying on living legend Martin Brodeur to backstop the defensive minded to team to win after win, year after year, and it has more than paid off, with Jersey claiming a couple Stanley Cups over the years.
No word on any lineup updates yet, as I am writing in the wee hours of the morning now. I will update tomorrow should any changes be made to Tuesday's lineup, of which I doubt heavily.
Puck drop: 7:08
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Bruins Awaken Habs' Offense...Again...
*Maxim Lapierre, right, celebrates his goal with 3 seconds left in the first period against the Boston Bruins with teammate Mike Komisarek. AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson, courtesy ESPN.com.When times get tough for the Montreal Canadiens, there is just nothing like a date with the division rival Boston Bruins to cure any offensive ailments.
The Habs rattled Boston for 8 goals in an 8-2 victory, the third time this season that the Habs offense has ignited for over 7 goals. 2 of those times, the Habs played host to the Boston Bruins. They were polite in the process on Tuesday, leaving Alex Auld and Tim Thomas to share the honours of allowing 4 goals a piece. Montreal was also interested in sharing something else: The goalscoring. Only Andrei Kostitsyn scored twice, one for each goaltender, and each line was able to figure in on the scoring in the FIRST PERIOD alone!
Tom Kostopoulos scored so early in the first period, tempting me to use the phrase "if you blinked, you missed it". It took 14 seconds for T.K. to score on a Steve Begin deflected shot. Tom reached for the puck, spun around, and fired into the gaping cage, as Auld was off position by a mile by having committed to a Begin shot. Ryder then tipped home a Koivu wrist shot just 2:58 later to double the Habs advantage to 2 goals. After Boston halved the deficit on a Marco Sturm rebound goal, the Habs shifted into top gear again, answering the Boston tally with goals by Andrei Kostitsyn and Maxim Lapierre. All of this went down in period #1.
The second period allowed for 2 more Canadiens goals. First, Steve Begin played a pass from behind the net onto the stick of Bryan Smolinski, who made no mistake one-timing a wrister from atop the crease into the top corner, passed relief goaltender Tim Thomas. Tom Kostpoulos got an assist on that goal as well, which should be remembered for a little later...
Mike Komisarek then made it 6-1, finishing off a beautiful passing play.
A.K. 46 fed Komisarek at the point, who threw one down low along the boards to the awaiting Tomas Plekanec. Plekanec drew two Bruins players' attention to him, then returned the feed to the pinching Komisarek, who coralled the puck and released a wrister that beat Thomas 5-hole. Thomas was visibly upset with the coverage (or lack-there-of) on Plekanec, flailing his arms wildly and staring to the heavens.
Tempers flared after this point. Sergei Kostitsyn caught David Kreijci with an open ice hip-check, which in turn led Zdeno Chara to cross-check Sergei down to the ice from behind. Sergei had enough time to get back to his skates before Chuck Kobasew came out of nowhere, dropping the gloves and going after the young Kostitsyn. Sergei held his own pretty well in the tilt, and had to face a fighter in Kobasew who did not remove his helmet with visor.
Kovalev then added to the scoring on the powerplay, taking a beautiful cross-ice pass from Mark Streit, and sending a partially fanned butterfly slapshot towards the goalie. The puck went off of Aaron Ward's knee, and re-directed into the net, giving the Habs the 7-1 lead.
Now, back to Kostopoulos...
Steve Begin was playing a puck in his own zone with his back to his blue line, when Shane Hnidy activated from defense and laid an absolutely class-less hit from behind into Begin, who had to leave his first game back from a shoulder injury with what seems to be a re-aggravation of the same left shoulder. As the play ensued, linemate Tom Kostopoulos came with a full head of steam at Hnidy, dropping the gloves and standing up for his teammate.
In case it has slipped by you........ Tom Kostopoulos recorded a goal, an assist, and a fight. That's right, a Gordie Howe Hat-Trick for T.K.!
Nokelainen and Kostitsyn exchanged goals before the end of the game, as the Habs wrapped up their 9th straight victory over the Bruins, and improved their perfect record versus the Bruins this season to 6-0-0.
Tom Kostopoulos was apparently surprised with his 1st star nomination, as he came onto the ice in shorts and skates after having been sent to the locker room for his 10 minute misconduct penalty for his fight with Hnidy, which occured with 8:44 remaining in regulation. In a nice display of fan appreciation, the fan-favorite gave away two hockey sticks to two lucky members of the crowd during his 1st star salute.
The game wasn't without it's controversy though. Mathieu Dandeneault sounded off prior to the game, indicating his unhappiness with being sat out for yet another game. He made clear that he was not requesting a trade, but said he would be upset even further should he be scratched again this season. With the way the Habs played tonight, all signs point to Carbonneau sticking with his current lineup, which will certainly create a buzz over the next couple of days. The Habs travel to New Jersey to face a red-hot Devils team on Thursday. The Devils were on the winning end of a 7-3 rout on Tuesday night as well, this one coming against their own division rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers.
It is reported that Begin's injury isn't as serious as initially feared, as a quick analysis suggests that it is only a pinched nerve. Details should be made clearer tomorrow as Begin will receive a scan to detect for any damage.
What did you think about the game? Would you make any changes to the lineup for Thursday's road game? Comment below!
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