Denis Out, Sanford In Desjardins Bumped To 4th In Queue

It must be quite a laugh for Bob Gainey and former Panthers GM Jacques Martin. While Bob is scooping up his 8th new addition to the organization through free agency – their chief playoff rival from last spring has done nothing other than take one step sideways (signing Scott Clemmenson to replace Craig Anderson) and four steps back (signing Leopold as a replacement for Bouwmeester, whose rights they acquired in that late June trade).

Yesterday, it was Gainey's turn to make a sideways move by signing Curtis Sanford of the Vancouver Canucks/Manitoba Moose to take the place that Marc Denis occupied last winter.


Curtis Sanford

In Curtis Sanford, the Canadiens have acquired a third-string goalie with good credentials for the position. Over his long and convoluted career, Sanford has scaled as high as starter (St. Louis, 2005-06), but generally settles in somewhere between great AHL starter and adequate NHL back-up.

Sportsnet says of his strengths:

Has a tremendous attitude and the perfect demeanor for the backup role at the NHL level. Is capable of making big saves at key moments of a hockey game.

And, weaknesses:

Is somewhat small for the goaltending position, and tends to get beaten upstairs with relative frequency. Isn't durable enough to be an NHL starter.

On looking at his stats, one thing is clear. It seems than when he plays against AHL calibre shooters he can be an excellent goalie, but struggles at the NHL level. Even the difference between Peoria 2003-04 to 2004-05 (when young NHLers roamed the AHL ice) was marked, with a drop of 2% in saves made. The fact that he ranges from slightly just below the standard you'd hope for in the NHL to all-star in the AHL gives proof to the fact that there are more good goalies around than shooters in the two leagues.

No doubt it hasn't escaped many pundits that Gainey has yet again this off-season replaced a French Canadian with an outsider. But if you stick to their mantra "a talent egale, on prendra le Quebecois", Gainey may win a debate on it. While Marc Denis has not put up an NHL record anyone would want to hold up since before the lockout, Sanford had 2005-06 in St. Louis and, to some extent, last year in Vancouver. Even in the AHL, Sanford has outclassed his rival (last year's numbers: 1.73, 0.936 vs. 2.46, 0.920).

It seems that like many of the moves from this off-season, it will have to be regarded as a minor upgrade at the same position.


Trade ripples

The predictable summer rumour merchants jumped right on this signing – just as they do with every Montreal, Toronto, New York or Philadelphia transaction. Hockeybuzz suggests that the move frees up Halak for a trade. Not only that, but a trade that would ring the Canadiens another top centre (Patrick Marleau) and unblock the Heatley logjam all at once.

It's a lot to read into the signing of a Manitoba Moose employee. Plus, it's been said before when Marc Denis was signed.

Personally, I wouldn't say that this signing does free up Jaroslav Halak to be traded – not after Carey's forays into blunderland. I certainly don't think that it gives Gainey the impetus to go out there and actively offer Jaro around.

I do think, however, that it removes the restraint that was previously there. Where there was no depth before (sorry Cedrick), the addition of Curtis Sanford does mean organizations won't fall down if an NHL-level goaltender is traded and someone has to move up. It means that while this isn't the signal that a trade is inevitably around the corner.

If anything, I think it plugs what was the major hole in the hole organization for now and is a sign that Montreal can now listen seriously to offers about nearly all of its roster (barring Markov). That in itself is important because you always want to be in a position to be the team that benefits from the crazed Florida GM coming knocking.

Tomorrow Never Knows Into The Free Agency Void

Turn off your mind, relax and float down stream.
It is not dying, it is not dying.

Lay down all thought, surrender to the void
It is shining, it is shining.

Free agency tomorrow. Surrender to the void Habs fans.


Free agent preview

The previews for tomorrow's festivities must surely number in the thousands by now. I don't want to re-invent the wheel, so I'll make it simple. For me the most concise and useful previews were the following:

USA Today – Most popular: 25 free agents who'll draw plenty of interest

THN: The NHL's all-overlooked free agent team


Of the two, I'd most recommend the second because it eschews the more obvious diatribe about Bouwmeester, the Sedins and Gaborik – who in our hearts of hearts we all know we won't sign tomorrow anyway. Besides, the bargains in this free agency mess don't come from the top ten – where thanks to Philadelphia and New York, one always overpays.


Forwards

Unfortunately, we may be in a bit of a pickle. Even with Koivu, Kovalev and Tanguay we needed a top forward to add a second wave. If we lose all those three, we need four.

While I'm not a fan of overpayment on every player, it seems to get a star forward (with the trade route barred to us), one must. Of the top players, I'd take Koivu and Kovalev back and stick with the trade option until we find a way to pry away that premier goalscorer we need. If Tanguay finds his real value is a pay cut, I'd welcome him back too.

If it's to be done tomorrow, I'd want Gainey to be in on conversations about Hossa and Havlat with a possible look at Mikael Samuelsson. The Sedins have a lot of allure, but a package deal? How old are you guys?

In addition, to replace Kostopoulos with a more skillful option, I'd take THN's advice and look into Joel Ward:

"At 28, Ward was too old to be rookie-eligible last season (he played 11 NHL games in 2007-08). But he scored 17 goals while cast in a defensive role for the Predators, including a couple shorthanded markers. This guy can fly, adding wings to any team's forecheck."

Defence

Unlike Gainey, I'd let Komisarek go without any fight. I can't for the life of me decide why he thinks differently, but then we share different opinions of what makes a thoroughbred, after all. While everyone's worrying about Jay Bouwmeester and Big Mike, I'd be swoping for some #3/4 guys to really get a solid squad at the back.

Someone I've been hot on for ages now is Johnny Oduya of the Devils. On him, THN says it nicely:

"Do you want Johnny Oduya? Yes, you do, if you're a fan of two-way defensemen at a bargain-basement price."

In keeping with the THN advice, I also thought someone just like Christian Backman would be a very nice addition and Brisebois-signing barrier. As they say:

"Quietly efficient and ever improving, Backman is the kind of support player that every blueline needs."

Goalies

The fact is we need one for Hamilton. It could be Marc Denis, but I'd want a promise of no games in Mtl. Here I'd really veer towards the young and someone who might not mind sitting behind two or three better prospects. This isn't a July 1 priority and may come via trade as well...

A mentor for Carey Price? How about a blanket? The guy is coddled. He doesn't need his own mentor to take up salary and dispatch Halak. He'll have his own coach and he'll have to make do.



So, sit back, relax and enjoy the fun. And remember tomorrow never never knows. The team you think is a bottom-feeder tomorrow may be a contender come April.

... play the game, existence to the end.
Of the beginning, of the beginning...

Sometimes You Thank The Stars They Are Just On TV...

Jacques Demers is the latest broadcaster/analyst to whip off a quick who stays, who goes article; despite the fact everyone stays until July 1 nearly two months away (barring trades of course, but this is Bob Gainey we're talking about).

His analysis over the season left me wanting, but I thought he improved with time. This latest analysis is his worst work in my working memory.

Now, I have plans and work in progress to present my own reflections on all these comings and goings, but I thought I would pick a few gems from Jacques to have a go at:

1) "Je n’hésite pas, j’accorde un nouveau contrat à Kovalev."

I wish I had the links (maybe I'll find them), but Jacques you hesitated massively. This is the manic depressive talking here. The minute Kovalev has 10 good games without a goal, Demers will have forgotten his sudden willingness to pay Kovy.

This comment goes with the rest of the article, in that you can see it was put together over a fifteen minute period.


2) "Il n’y a aucun doute, je garde les services d’Alex Tanguay."

Except that you seem to be willing to despatch our proven scorer and captain in Koivu. I think there's plenty of doubt, stemming mainly from the fact he was not a big contributor when he wasn't surrounded by the best. Can we afford to pay for someone who needs so much support to make goals? I think we probably can, personally. But there's at least some doubt.


3) "Je n’hésite pas une seule seconde et j’offre une nouvelle entente à cet ailier qui a démontré une belle progression." (Guillaume Latendresse)

Pardon me for noticing guys, but Guillaume did not improve this year. He certainly relished the chance to have his status downgraded from scoring prospect to checking line winger, but as he is not great defensively nor a great bodychecker (although a frequent one), one must surely question this re-up. particularly in light of Demers keeping both Higgins and Plekanec, both better players who'll also be looking for less responsibility on the third or fourth line.

There's a lot of hesitation here for me as it becomes clear that Guillaume may top out as a not-so-scary or physical winger who can score 16-18 goals from now on. I'd give him another chance (for obvious reasons), but would easily trade him if even a decent offer came through.


And the insane comment that kick-started this article:

4) "Je ne doute pas une seule seconde que Denis mérite un autre contrat pour servir de police d’assurance."

What on earth? More hyperbole from Jacques about no doubt. Funny the guys he has no doubt about...

Marc Denis, after Georges Laraque, was the unmitigated failure of a signing for the year. Can you remember when Halak was struggling to stop a puck in early January? Denis seemed to be in line for minutes (he got domes from the bench – that's how bad Halak was), but Carbonneau at the time would have none of this guy. There was no confidence whatsoever in the goalie from Hamilton.

Even his record in Hamilton is sketchy. He started out really well (as would be expected of a 31 year-old first round pick in a league beneath him), then e came up to Montreal. after his redemotion he had a horrid stretch and then bounced back. Hamilton squeezed into the playoffs where they were (and Marc in particular) a sorry bunch.

He is not an answer for Hamilton next year, let alone Montreal. It should be so long and thanks for all the fish...


Wow, that was heavy. Jacques Demers, being the Don Cherry of French Canadian TV is prone to saying stupid things off the cuff. But these were some of the worst. I'm just glad he's no longer associated with the decision making for this team and that he is kept at a safe distance from the ice in the RDS press box...

Game #645 Goals on 27 Shots; Just Where He Left Off

The Canadiens Game in Review

Date: Wednesday March 4th, 2009
Opponent: Buffalo Sabres
Venue: HSBC Arena, Buffalo, NY

Team Stripes

Score: 1 - 5 Loss

Habs starting goalie: Carey Price (L)
Opposition starting goalie: Patrick Lalime (W)

Habs goalscorers: Tomas Plekanec
Opposition goalscorers: Derek Roy (2), Jaroslav Spacek, Paul Gaustad (2)

Play of the game
The play you're straining to see on the press catwalk monitor...

I suppose the play of the game was our goal. The goal itself was quite simple - face-off win, shot from point, rebound, in - but it was the fact that it came when we were down 5-0 that made it significant. The team didn't give up tonight and they kept trying right until the end; that goal was scored with 1 minute left. They may have changed their style of play during the game, but I thought that they tried hard for 60 minutes.

Game puck
Trophies are for the end of the year, play well in the game, you get a lovely puck...

Andrei Markov
Markov saw who was in nets and he did his best to make sure that we kept our shots-against down. Andrei was the main reason we let up about 20 shots less than we have been doing, but unfortunately, it was still not enough. The PP didn't score tonight, but that wasn't for a lack of chances. Of all the players on the man-advantage, Markov was the best.


Dome hockey team
We're going into the last minute with these 6 (and they're attached to the ice, so they're not coming off)...

Forwards

Andrei Kostitsyn
Right from the start of the game I liked the way that Andrei was playing. He took 4 shots and they all looked pretty dangerous. He skated well and was part of quite an effective zone-clearing trio. It was his best game in a few as I feel the stats were the only part missing tonight. A switch to Saku's line may help him and the team, but as of now he is doing good work as the third member on a hot line.

Saku Koivu
Saku led the attack again tonight with another very solid performance. He was setting up his linemates all night, but Lalime seemed to get the better of them. Koivu fought well along the boards and in the corners and was, yet again, dominating in the face-off circle - he went 9-3.

Christopher Higgins
Ever since he was stripped of his 'A' he has been playing some great hockey. Maybe being the 2nd assistant on the Habs is a cursed position. I mean Komisarek was already having a brutal season, but since he was anointed as the assistant captain he has been atrocious. Higgins played with a lot of heart and spirit tonight, but again was unable to finish. He took a team-high 7 shots, but, you guessed it, they were all stopped. So, by my count that line has a play-maker, a crash-and-bang puck-retriever and now only need a scorer - cue Tanguay.

Defencemen

Andrei Markov
This, surprisingly, was our best defensive effort in weeks. The defencemen as a group sure didn't make it seem that way (Brisebois, Komi and unfortunately Schneider all had horrid games), so I think it was thanks to the hard work of the forwards and, of course, Markov. He took 7 shots (3 on net) and was used for over 25 minutes, but despite Carbo's best efforts it was not enough; there were 35 minutes played without him.

Roman Hamrlik
Not a bad game from Roman at all. He was on for 2 PP goals against, but I really needed to see more from our main penalty-killer (Price) before I would call either of these goals Roman's fault. He kept fighting right until the end of the game and even managed to pick up an assist on Plekanec's shutout-breaker.

Goaltender

Marc Denis
Ouch. It is hard to believe that we are pinning the hopes of our franchise on a guy who concedes the top of the net on every potential shot and who lifts his stick away from his 5-hole on every breakaway, but we are. This was Carey's 6th (in 11 starts) 5+ goal performance since he showed the home crowd in Montreal that he was no All-Star. He never looked like he believed in himself tonight which didn't bring much confidence to his team or us fans. I have seen this movie before (Theo, Aebischer) and I know how it ends. If Price plays we can (and rightly should) anticipate losses. So, with the playoffs far from a certainty that means: see you next season Carey. Tonight we could have started Denis and that is exactly what we should have done. We are so worried about Price getting down on himself by pulling him or by taking starts away, but could he really get any lower on himself? All we are doing by playing him is costing the team.



Eye-Openers
In this new section we are going to try and shed some light on certain plays or events that would otherwise go unnoticed

The Habs made no moves today and so it is with this group (plus - Tanguay, Lang, Sergei, Chipchura, Halak, Bouillon, O'Byrne and Latendresse) that we will move forward. I think we could have used a back-up goalie who could stop pucks, - a back-up at 1/2 price went to Toronto and hopefully was considered by us - another defenceman who may have played less than 1000 games, but who hopefully would have had the faintest clue what he should be doing out there and maybe another centre as we wait for Lang to come back. There you have it though, our needs are already here. Look at who was missing tonight and you can see a suddenly improved team. Tanguay, Sergei and Latendresse give us options, a chance to take a few 3rd/4th liners out and put some talent in. Bouillon gives us a #5 man (Komi, I'm sorry, but you are 6th at best) and allows us to take out our worst defenceman since we had, well, him in the 90s/00s. And, best of all Halak gives us a guy who gives the team a chance to win on every night. I think Denis can be the back-up we need in the playoffs, well, it isn't like we have any other choice. On top of all of that we have Lang, Chipchura and O'Byrne who can all help and who all have done so in very recent memory.

So, this was a loss that hurts, but it was also a game in which we put our worst elements on display. Once we allow Patrice his 1000th game (anyone know why we think he deserved that? I mean, can I play in the NHL too? I have skates and can almost make a pivot) and realize that our 'future' is not now then hopefully we can put our 20 best players in uniform. We have the players we need, all we need now are injuries to heal and a few decisions based on hockey and not on favoritism.

Overall Comments

The Habs started the game very well, but we failed to score in the first period and that really shaped the game for us. During the opening 20 minutes we had 18 shots and 3 PPs, something that should be enough against a goalie as weak as Lalime. I knew we were digging our own grave by not scoring early in this one as I had this strange hunch that Price would let in a few...Well, let in goals is exactly what Carey did and with that he sucked away all of the momentum and confidence we had coming into the game. The players played differently after we went down, gone was the high-flying explosive play that we saw last week and back was the nervous, cautious play that comes hand in hand with a Price appearance. The goals came fast after the first one and soon enough Buffalo was up 5-0. The Habs, once they realized they had lost, seemed to pick it up at the end and actually played a strong final 10 minutes. In the end it was a predictable loss, - starter sick, road game against playoff hopeful, coming off 4-game winning streak - but it still stings. We now go into Atlanta on Friday to face a very weak team. We have one objective: win at any cost.

Chemistry 101Old Faces Back Into the Mix

Injuries that happened an age ago are healing. It appears that many of our walking wounded will be back in the lineup in short shrift according to RDS.

That is if they can crack the lineup...


Guy Carbonneau himself said:

J'aurais des craintes si j'étais actuellement un joueur blessé, a affirmé Carbonneau, lundi. Je saurais qu'on peut me remplacer.

I have this to say to Guy: What on earth are you on about?

A lot has been made of the Canadiens success since the fall of Higgins, Koivu and latterly Tanguay. Since all three have been out of the lineup, the Canadiens have really caught fire. The Lapierre axis has thrived with more ice time and the Kostitsyns have enjoyed some statistical boosts with the centreman Robert Lang.

But does anyone for a minute think that Andrei Kostitsyn surged because Saku Koivu injured his ankle? Does anyone think that Lapierre's line is better off with Kostopoulos instead of that slouch Chris Higgins?

Saku Koivu was by far and away the best player to begin the season for the Canadiens. With him in the lineup, they were doing an able job at keeping up 104 point+ pace. The fact that they have had a winning streak in his absence should do nothing to take away from that.

Chris Higgins had a poor start statistically. However, he is a trusted officer in Carbonneau's game plan. He does everything right (apart from shoot straight, that is) and should easily find a place on any line whose role isn't scoring or perhaps on a line that could do with some energy (e.g., Plekanec's).

Tanguay, for his part is further away from return. His pure offensive know-how should not be taken for granted. And Price, well, he's straight back in as starter.


The casualties

Carbonneau is right about some people about to lose their jobs on this team, but those days were long foretold:

Mathieu Dandenault for instance, despite his valiant demonstration, will probably find it hard to justify the exclusion of the younger Kostitsyn, Latendresse or Pacioretty/D'Agostini from this point forward. One can only hope they keep up their torrid production and make Dandenault, playoff game 1 starter a more remote possibility.

Georges Laraque might have trouble convincing teammates that won the East without an enforcer that they suddenly need one – as all their best hockey has come when he has been nursing one of his many injuries. On the bright side, at least his salary is being paid by insurance companies and not our ticket revenue...

Steve Begin hasn't done himself many favours lately often managing to be outshone by all of line three and often Hamiltonians as well. He'll see games into the future, maybe not a certain place, though.

And, barring more injuries, Marc Denis will never have as good a chance to make the Canadiens this season as the one he blew when he looked shaky as Halak for a period.


Dilemma (not so much) – The lines to come

Koivu for Chipchura or Begin is not a dilemma, nor is Higgins for Stewart, Pacioretty or D'Agostini in my eyes. The prospects have availed themselves very well, but they are prospects – who hope they could one day be as productive as Koivu or Higgins. They are not contenders yet.

So, onto the changes. Carey Price is back already, with Marc Denis back to the minors to try and win that job back... And, assuming the reintegration will go in stages as expected, we should expect to see Koivu and Higgins the first to return. I would put Koivu back with people he has chemistry with (oh wait, that's almost everyone...), so probably Higgins and D'Agostini:

Pacioretty – Plekanec – Kovalev
A Kotitsyn – Lang – S Kostitsyn
Higgins – Koivu – D'Agostini
Latendresse – Lapierre – Kostopoulos

Pressbox: Begin, Stewart

Hamilton: Chipchura


Then, once Tanguay returns, he refinds Koivu and you could get something like the following:

Tanguay – Koivu – D'Agostini
Higgins – Plekanec – Kovalev
A Kotitsyn – Lang – S Kostitsyn
Latendresse – Lapierre – Kostopoulos

Pressbox: Begin, Stewart

Hamilton: Pacioretty


Health is not a dilemma, but an opportunity. An opportunity to have people on the ice at all times who can threaten to score a goal, not just run down the minutes. An opportunity to make wins and comebacks from a multitude of different situations. And, an opportunity to hunt down those Bruins...

If you see a dilemma, let me know, because I can't.

Game #38Montreal Forwards Outshoot Florida Panthers In Goal-Slinging Affair

The Canadiens Game in Review

Date: Sunday, January 4th, 2009
Opponent: Florida Panthers
Venue: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC

Team Stripes

Final Score: 5-6 - Win (SO)

Habs starting goalie: Jaroslav Halak (W)
Opposition starting goalie: Craig Anderson (L)

Habs goalscorers: Francis Bouillon, Andrei Kostitsyn (2), Robert Lang, Tom Kostopoulos, (Andrei Markov - SO)
Opposition goalscorers: Brett McLean, David Booth, Radek Dvorak (2), Jassen Cullimore

Play of the game
The play you're straining to see on the press catwalk monitor...

What a change from Friday, plenty of good plays to choose from here. The play of the game for me was Habs goal #2. Not only was it one of the prettiest plays of the night, but it was also the timeliest of plays and marked the turning point of the game (well the first one, anyway).

The play starts for me when I see Craig Anderson somewhere near the top of the faceoff circle to the left of his crease. He was there to break up a play that involved a melee of players. Sergei Kostitsyn ended up with the puck with a clear lane to shoot. But instead of shooting (with the angle well covered by a retreating Anderson), he had the presence of mind to think pass. A split second later he hit his streaking brother with a crisp cross ice feed to where he would be (importantly, not where he was) and Andrei picked the inside of the post with his patent accuracy.

Game puck
Trophies are for the end of the year, play well in the game, you get a lovely puck...

Andrei Kostitsyn
Andrei made the second line dangerous today. He made it the first line, really. He played like he wanted the puck and went to get it time and time again. His first goal, the play of the game was a good shot. His second goal, our fifth, was great - a goalscorer's shot. Even besides his two goals, he was liveliest among the forwards and took creative chances with clever timing. He was the reason we made a comeback and he was the reason we had enough goals to hold Florida off. A great game from #46.



Dome hockey team
We're going into the last minute with these 6 (and they're attached to the ice, so they're not coming off)...

Forwards

Andrei Kostitsyn
2 goals on 2 shots to go with a lot of pressure in the Florida zone. RDS wanted to pump up the Lapierre line tonight (and rightly so), but Andrei Kostitsyn led a unit that was on the ice for 4 Canadiens goals. They say to win your best players must be your best. It seems that at the same time as we win in ever stranger ways, Andrei is becoming the very best of the scoring forwards - and when he's on, we often find a way to win.

Guillaume Latendresse
Guillaume is definitely doing more of what we expect Guillaume to do of late. This game was no exception. After a horrific first period where he couldn't have given a better demonstration to my point about North American youngsters lagging in the skill of pass reception, he turned things around. Over the game in total there were 6 shots from Gui and another 5 that were either blocked or misses. It doesn't do much for his shooting percentage, but all his shots came as a result of hard work, an incredibly uncanny knack to find good position and pressure from his whole line.

Sergei Kostitsyn
Like Guillaume, Sergei had a rough first. His first shift of the second, where he was on the ice for 2 goals for turned things around completely for the young Kostistyn. From that point he made intelligent plays, used his speed efficiently and helped turned the game around. He certainly did make some gaffes today, but show me a player who didn't. At the end of the game, it's hard to argue against a dome for the passer on the play of the game, another pass on a candidate goal and +4 (highest on the team).

Defencemen

Roman Hamrlik
I chose Roman for the dome based on watching him play today. In a game where Florida probably got a bit too much room, no defencemen were pushing for player of the game honours. However, I felt that Hamrlik, of the 6, availed himself best over 65 minutes. In fact he did a very good job for most of the night, holding his opponents off the scoresheet despite a shakier than usual Josh Gorges, right until the 5th Panthers goal. Add to that, his well-timed pinching and he's my D of the game.

Andrei Markov
The second D spot was really up for grabs tonight. First Bouillon had it with a goal and some good hits. But nailbiting stuff from him in the third make me think again. Komisarek made a play for the place, but also folded his tent early in this one. And, Brisebois, the enigma played well up front directing some great shots at some points, but really had some shocking moments at the back. Markov was really no better than those three, but did differ in that his effort and play improved over the night rather than deteriorated. He too had moments to encourage, with some good takeaways and pinching up front. He really waited to the very last play of the game to seal the place, though - with that beautiful and recurring shootout goal he does. And as usual, as goes Andrei markov, so go the Habs...

Goaltender

Marc Denis
Halak was not as terrible tonight as the scoreline or the statistics made him out to be. He didn't give away goals cheaply like last game and he even played a couple of good shootout shots (and got his first save ever in that). But even if he had not let in 5, he was merely average. There was not an exceptional save. And, I think it's fair to say he had 5 opportunities to make one and whiffed. As Tobalev frequently says, he did not give his team a chance to win (well not on most nights, anyway); so for that reason, Marc Denis claims his second dome in as many games.



Eye-Openers
In this new section we are going to try and shed some light on certain plays or events that would otherwise go unnoticed

Passing success is more important than Benoit Brunet hard-working hockey. Great passing, I am willing to wager, creates far more goals and opportunities than any dump in, line change or body check in the opposition's corner. Good passing makes a team look good. Bad passing makes them hard to watch.

Exhibit A: The first period. The Canadiens came out playing with loads of energy, but couldn't open up the Florida defence. Ignoring the individual errors that led to goals against, most of the Canadiens woes in the first were due, in my humble opinion, to some very unimaginitive passing. Passes were being made time and time again directly to players. Even successful passes were being cradled, controlled for a few seconds, carried and then redistributed. In short, the Canadiens made a welcome target for a team that relies on textbook defence.

Exhibit B: The second period. In the second frame, the Canadiens scored 4 goals, took 19 shots and had the vast majority of possession. The difference from my point of view was a sudden increased efficiency in passing. Passes were being made into space (ask Wayne Gretzky why he was so good at creating goals), not to players sticks. The passers anticipated the flow of the game, dictated where it would go next and suddenly found seams. The passing gave the forwards space and gave the Florida defenders something to think about.

If the Montreal Canadiens want to figure out what is wrong with their PP, they should have a look at these two periods again. They should even check out Florida (more specifically Mikael Frolik). Accurate passes to open space in dangerous areas can create confusion and it can create seams. One pass on the PP is good, two in a row like this is a scoring chance, and three passes is the Canadiens PP from last year (at 30% efficiency). And the passes should be strung together, planned before received. One touch passing will mean the PP will probably have less time in zone, but more goals with just a few more one touch passes. But I guess we'd rather just take the time in the zone?

Overall Comments

I noticed when Markov scored the winner today, Carbonneau turned and left the rink immediately - all the while shaking his head. It was that kind of game. To be sure, based on momentum and expectations with 10 minutes to go, Florida had the feel good night. But guess what, we got the two points.

I'm sure the players would have been in for a rant about their third period collapse (second period comeback forgotten) and the way they almost blew it. But you don't win a game 6-5 without something good going on. You don't often get any points when your own goalie is shaky and allowing 5 goals on 31 shots in regulation. If I'm honest, the forwards as a group played pretty darn well. 5 goals is nothing to laugh at. The Lang and Kostitsyns line had some lapses, but generally played very, very well. The darlings (Lapierre, Latendresse and Kostopoulos) had a great outing for a third line, well deserving of the praise they received. Even Kovalev, Plekanec and Pacioretty had brilliant moments. Chipchura didn't really set a foot wrong in his 10 minutes of ice time either.

It's important to be stern, of course, but I hope there is a little celebration, as well as some review of that second period to examine one of the best 20 minute bouts of offensive flair and control of the season.

Game #37Canadiens Defence And Goalies Not Prepared For Tight Game

The Canadiens Game in Review

Date: Friday, January 2nd, 2009
Opponent: New Jersey Devils
Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ

Team Stripes

Final Score: 1-4 - Loss

Habs starting goalie: Jaroslav Halak (L), Marc Denis
Opposition starting goalie: Scott Clemmensen (W)

Habs goalscorers: Max Pacioretty
Opposition goalscorers: Brian Gionta, Zach Parise, John Madden, Jamie Langenbrunner

Play of the game
The play you're straining to see on the press catwalk monitor...

Not much to crow about in this loss, unfotunately. Several players had good nights and chiefly among them were newcomers Pacioretty and Chipchura. The play of the game, rather predictably, was the Canadiens goal. It merits recognition because, not only was it a good shot, but the build up was also smart and noteworthy.

Kyle Chipchura received the puck following a takeaway just in front of Halak. From there he accelerated for a few strides then decisively caromed the puck off the boards to provide a tasty free puck just inside the Devils blueline. Shocked Devils defenders, used to more lethargic plays from the Habs by this point, were caught off guard as Pacioretty sped down the right wing and collected the free puck. His speed carrying him into open ice, he then righted Halak's earlier wrong by loosing a great snapper just under the crossbar gloveside on the hot Clemmensen.

Game puck
Trophies are for the end of the year, play well in the game, you get a lovely puck...

Tomas Plekanec
In a game where your goalie falters early, you hope as a fan (and probably as a coach) that certain players will step forward and play harder, play creatively and add a spark to the resistance and comeback effort. This game the player who responded best in this way was Tomas Plekanec.

Tomas looked lively all night and was able to get around and behind Devils defenders all evening with his shiftiness and speed. The best parts of his effort on the night were exemplified by the way he killed a penalty midway through the first period. On the play he took a pass sweetly from Kovalev out of the Habs zone, built speed and challenged the defenders. He then flipped the puck behind the Devil and turned on the afterburners. The New Jersey player ended up obstructing Tomas (which was good for killing the penalty and a PP for the Habs), but I think Pleks might just have made it there.



Dome hockey team
We're going into the last minute with these 6 (and they're attached to the ice, so they're not coming off)...

Forwards

Tomas Plekanec
Besides his examplary penalty killing, Pleks was also the pivot of the liveliest and most dangerous Canadiens line on the night. He, Kovalev and Kostitsyn were the only forwards to sustain pressure or create confusion virtually at all. His speed and shifty sating were also put to good use on the PP, where the Habs didn't score, but nonetheless looked like they might have a few times. Add to that his recurring theme of faceoff superiorrity and we nearly have our old Plekanec back, I think.

Kyle Chipchura
Joel Bouchard talked about youngsters making an impression to cement a place, well Kyle did just that. Chipchura showed that he is more than defensive forward material most of the night as he demonstrated his intelligence, efficiency and unfailing effort - his part in the goal the icing on the cake. Honestly, there were countless times where I said "good play", followed the player to catch the number and saw 28. This is a very good sign for me. He is more ready for the NHL than Maxwell, D'Agostini and perhaps even Sergei Kostitsyn. Another couple of games like this one should make him a fixture.

Alexei Kovalev
The Devils had this young Canadiens team worked out this game. Much of the frustration we had with our forwards at the end of this affair can easily be traced to the way the New Jersey defenders forced our young players to the periphery time and time again. Most were willing to take the open lane down the boards (destination: dump in and turnover), but Kovalev was not. I noticed throughout the game, and particularly later on, that Alexei was the NJ trap breaker. He refused to be marshalled, refused to play the puck behind the net without a plan to get it back. His determination in this regard led to his line looking the threat (and indeed they were with 9 of the Habs 33 shots, 6 to Kovalev) and most of the Habs real scoring chances, PP included. It was just another demonstration from Kovalev of why you someties can't just give in and play brainless Benoit Brunet dump and chase (i.e., when you watch your teammates failing so badly at it).

Defencemen

Josh Gorges
No defenders should get off the hook for this loss. But once again, at the top of the list of those who played soundly (even in a loss) is reliable Josh Gorges. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what he did right, but it's probably best demonstrated by the fact the Devils did not score on the late second period PP when Halak was more than a little lost. On that PK, Gorges blocked 3 shots and had two steals to ensure the Devils lead would remain at 2 for Denis.

Roman Hamrlik
Like Gorges, Hamrlik had mistakes (they were both on for goal 1 for example), but Hamrlik stands out with Josh for having an even rating at the end of the game. Where he had his usual moments of constancy and poise, he also made one desperate recovery after a giveaway that was impressive in its deication to defence and skill. Of course, it was his giveaway.

Goaltender

Marc Denis
Marc was solidly in the dome by the third Devils goal. While it pains me to agree with Brunet and Bouchard, particularly as they had the knives out for Halak after one goal, they were right that Jaro needed to make a save on one or two of the first period goals. The first goal was particularly painful as it looked the most stoppable. The second was from a future 50-goal man, but nonetheless went through the five hole. I think Carbonneau did the right thing for Jaro in leaving him in after the first and by letting him regroup to finish the second. Though he ended up almost resepectable statistically, he was never dome-worthy on this night.

Denis for his part did well to stop long range slappers that the Devils thought would go in all night, but was not perfect either. We certainly did not have a Ty Conklin moment from him. He played as would be expected from a nervous comeback player. I for one hope Carey's injury heals quickly and that Jaro rebounds for next game.



Eye-Openers
In this new section we are going to try and shed some light on certain plays or events that would otherwise go unnoticed

Though there were several things worth talking about from the game itself - the way we get caught on odd-man rushes, the way we don't create them, the way we allow ourselves to get pushed to the boards, the way our PP point men conspire to hold the puck until defenders are set and so on - I thought I would go off the board for this instalment.

As most of you will know, the NHL all-star voting closed during the game at 9 pm EST. This, of course brings to an end the inane exercise that has been going on far too long, an embarrassing period for the Habs, the Penguins and the league. It is a true shame that poor Jean Beliveau will be associated with this farce as he announces the lineups in an "exclusive" (for those who can't read or count) event on Saturday. As it stands the Eastern team will be made up of 4 Canadiens and 2 Penguins, with the only races that mattered between Price and Fleury, Komisarek and Gonchar and Kovalev and Koivu.

There is some good to come of this voting. Injured players didn't make it in the end. That's about it. Komisarek making the team is comical, but considering the alternatives (Gonchar, Whitney or Numminen, if the fans are to be trusted) and that Bruins fans are too busy enjoying an extended winning streak to care, it's OK, I suppose. Kovalev is not a top-three forward on performance (so say Jeff Carter, Alexander Ovechkin and Marc Savard), but he will do a credit to himself during the skill competition and the game, so I'm happy for the spectacle that he will be there. The other four players are more or less right considering the ballot options.

None of that, to be honest was very eye opening at all. I merely wanted to mention my thoughts. The eye opening moment for me came when I totalled up the Russians. 3 in the Eastern conference starting lineup. This is incredible considering the country has but one NHL team's worth of players across the entire league, and didn't have a bloc of fans (that we know of) voting day and night by text for the whole group at once.

Now, you may comeback that Kovalev is one of them and hence, the Russians got a free pass. But realistically, he's only taking another Russian's place. There are even others behind that who could fill in ably.

I certainly think it is noteworthy that a country that is withdrawing (for the most part) from participating in this league, that they are still stocking it with top top players. If nothing else, you have to agree based on the polling that Russian players at least play hockey that fans want to see.

It brings to mind something I read the other day from Paul Romanuk who's writing on the Spengler Cup again. He, of vast NHL and international broadcastng experience, states unequivocally that the Russian players there (on a non-NHL team, remember) just have skills that North American players can't match. Puckhandling, obviously, and interestingly the oft-overlooked skill of pass reception.

Pass reception is one thing I have noticed for some time has made our Russian stars (even Belarussian ones) stand out. Markov is an all-star due to a lot of factors, but his top skill, even ahead of passing, is pass reception. Kovalev too has exceptional pass reception and agility upon receing a puck. Why does this skill lead to more attractive hockey? Well if I watch an average NHLer receive a pass, two bobbles and a second to settle down and the defence are in place. In a league where coaching is consistently of a high standard and where conditioning and defensive strategy is on the up, it is hard for forwards (or any players) to make space and offensive plays. By receiving even bad passes cleanly and even directing them into their streaking path, the all-stars from above all stand out form their peers.

This eye opening fact brings me to two conclusions:

1) There is a gold mine to be had in Russian players who can handle the puck at top speeds. Thinking of Ben Maxwell too much makes me also think of Alexander Perezhogin.

2) In an affair with no hitting (like the all-star game), a team with Markov, Kovalev, Malkin, Ovechkin, Kovalchuk and possibly Semin should put on a show worth watching after all.

Overall Comments

It bears repeating that the Canadiens have just collected 6 points on a four-game Xmas road trip. In past years, a mere two would have been a treat - 6 is exceptional. The loss last night was coming. Losing Tanguay was manageable, but losing Price was not.

I am not sure if I heard correctly, but I think I heard Brunet or someone on RDS say that the Canadiens had returned home in between the Tampa game and the New Jersey game. Makes sense from a family point of view. Hardly, though, form a hockey point of view. A couple of days at home to be with family and make up for all the eating, drinking and revelry missed while in Florida is not a recipe for athletic success. I'm not sure it affected the play, but the Canadiens defencemen in particularly had less than springy legs on this night.

The game will also be remembered for the inclusion of a boatload of youngsters. The second line was Sergei K, Lang and D'Agostini? Not one you'd write in for a team with limitless depth. The other two lines had ineffective members as well. I'm not sure how the Canadiens can be expected to manage much longer with these youngsters. But if Sergei Kostitsyn, Latendresse and D'Agostini don't show more signs of doing something more than occasionally and Begin and Kostopoulos are determined to entrench themselves on non-offensive lines with their displays, then we may be in trouble. One immediate switch that might pay dividends is Weber in (even at forward), he couldn't shoot less effectively into defencemen on the PP than Brisebois, Komisarek and Gorges. Beynd that, Saku? Carey? Chris? Help...

Promotions and DemotionsGainey Comes To Life And Moves

According to Canadiens.com:

The Canadiens announced Thursday that defenseman Yannick Weber, goaltender Marc Denis as well as forwards Max Pacioretty and Kyle Chipchura have been recalled from the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League. All four players will join the Canadiens tonight in New Jersey.

This coincides with the demotion of Maxwell (largely ineffective so far) and the embattled Ryan O'Byrne.

The moves make sense in that Weber is the PP specialist we have desperately needed for months, and could not be any worse than a nervous Ryan O'Byrne. Chipchura, captain of the Bulldogs, has already proven he can play NHL hockey, which should be an improvement over Maxwell who had trouble proving the same. And Pacioretty comes in to replace the injured Alex Tanguay, who is out of the lineup for up to 6 weeks. It has been painful waiting for Gainey to move this year again, but the team's success has papered over the cracks. It is great to see him make these moves now, even so late, as the current formula was bulging under the stress of tight games.

The promotion of Marc Denis is more temporary. Price has lower body discomfort (read "the runs", in all likelihood). The way Price played and ended the last game, it is hard to believe the injury is substantial. The Denis call-up feels odd. Perhaps this is part of a showcase move as the Canadiens need for winger may need to be addressed through the trade of a goaltender. Speculation on my part, but I feel something is up.

Hopefully Weber will play this evening, as we have been waiting for his promotion for an age. Chipchura should make the cut too, based on ability and experience, and I would be surprised to see Pacioretty (though that would be interesting too). Three good reasons to tune in tonight...

as for the demotions, Maxwell will benefit from more time. As for O'Byrne, I don't think it could be any worse for him than being bolted to a bench in Montreal.

Scott's family wants Cup: Part II

For the second time in recent years, the biggest signing of the off-season chose his team based on family ties. For the second time, he's called Scott. The first time, for the Niedermayers, it worked, and it just could again (well soon, anyway).


I hope Chicago understand what they've gone and done here. They've gone and acquired the single most successful living hockey brain anywhere. They have made the biggest and most important move of the NHL offseason. It's making their recruitment of Stan Bowman look like a stroke of genius...

Sidney Crosby may be right in some of his assertions regarding Marian Hossa, but he is wrong if he thinks Detroit has not changed this offseason. Losing Bowman has traditionally been as devastating to dynasties as losing their star player in recent times, just ask the 1980 Canadiens and the 1993 Penguins.

But it's not what happens to teams on Bowman's departure that is most impressive, but rather what tends to happen once he steps through the door.

Scotty's pedigree
Scotty Bowman was brought into the Canadiens organisation following his attenuated playing career with the Baby Habs. From the mid-50s to the mid-60s, he was the on-and-off-again coach of the Baby Habs himself, overseeing the Canadiens most valued possessions (their young signings) and tutoring them in the ways of the organisation and the champion.

When the NHL expanded, the ambitious Bowman moved away from his hometown and the Canadiens to take control of the coaching duties for the St. Louis Blues. In what was no small feat, he brought the fledgling franchise to the Stanley Cup finals in each of its first three seasons – losing twice to his some of his wards from the Canadiens and once to Bobby Orr and the Bruins. What is worthy of note here is that Scotty was cutting his teeth in the Stanley Cup finals (as a coach) as a mere 34 year-old.

When he left the Blues, the Canadiens and Sam Pollock (never one to miss out on a quick way to improve his team) welcomed Scotty back into the fold. He didn't win the Cup in his first season, but as his team's record will attest, that was probably more to do with Esposito and Orr than any deficiencies of his own. The following season, the Canadiens would win the championship, and we all remember the 4 in a row to end Bowman's tenure. His acrimonious exit would coincide with the end of the Canadiens dynasty.

Following the Habs, Bowman had a relatively quiet decade. Critics of his would certainly pick on his tenure with the Buffalo Sabres as a sign that Bowman is not always a magician. This is certainly true. But, to coach any team in the era of the Islanders and Oilers was a monumental task. Even in the absence of Cups, his Sabres enjoyed mild success. They would have 2 100-point seasons and have their winningest period in team history to that point.

His next foray into NHL action was with the Pittsburgh Penguins. First as an advisor, then as head coach, he helped guide the talent-heavy Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cups. You get the feeling, he might have also had some say in that prophetic draft pick of Jaromir Jagr in 1990 and the important trade for Ron Francis, as well. Whatever you may say about Bowman and the Pens, one thing is clear: they won with him there and not when he wasn't. It is this knack for coaxing the best from stars like Jacques Plante, Guy Lafleur, Mario Lemieux and Sergei Fedorov that was so important.

Speaking of Fedorov, Bowman's latest association with the Red Wings has resulted in the only uninterrupted and unquestioned streak of championship success in the modern game. As with the Penguins, he provided a catalyst for success for a squad that had to that point been underachieving based on their talent. The latest feather in his cap, his ninth Stanley Cup this spring, was testament to all the work he and his team of managers have done. The Red Wings completely outclassed the league this season in play and results. Their team, developed from within, mostly during Scotty's time in Detroit is a marvel and a model.


All this is why the move to sign up Scotty Bowman is a wonderful coup for the Hawks. I'll be watching with interest as he once again advises on the progress of young hotshots on the cusp of something more. If nothing else, you get the feeling Scotty is excited, and for the rest of the league, that is a dangerous thing...

Finally getting to work with his son is great. But for Canadiens fans, Scotty finally getting to work with Denis Savard (a fellow Verdun boy and Baby Hab alumnus) will be interesting too. For me, it harks back to one terrible decision in team history (Grundman over Bowman for GM) which was shortly followed by another (overlooking Denis Savard). Who knows, Scotty might have done things differently for us in the 1980 draft.

A Day To Forget

It was all going so well. Well, not bad anyway.

Now, 2 days after resisting the lunacy of UFA signings, Gainey has done about face.

After proving we didn't need a fighter by winning the East and then ignoring Philadelphia toughness in the playoffs, Gainey made his first move of free agency the signing of a fighter. Georges is a great personality, but on this team he's blocking a better player from playing. I'll be thrilled if Georges rediscovers his 2000-01 form and scores 10+ goals, but 8 years is a long time when you're talking about form.

Predictably, many commentators are lauding Gainey for finally filling a need that the Canadiens have had sine (I read this on one unbelievable piece) Darren Langdon! They should be proud of their work as they refer to our lack of toughness against Philly, conveniently forgetting that it was a straight-shooting scorer that we lacked, not a big-bodied enforcer.

Only 2 good things can come of this move really - there is no money left to sign Brisebois and PJ Stock will finally shut up about the topic.

Other signings
The signings of Denis and Henry are hardly worth commenting on. Denis if he returns to his peak will not touch Halak at his best, so Hamilton is where he'll stay. Henry is already a journeyman defenceman and could well play a bit - hopefully no one will notice.

Grabovski trade
Now I'm not deluded enough to think that Grabovski would have had a long future in Montreal, but for a guy who showed a bit of speed and flair, it was disappointing to see him get the old prospect treatment. Sure he was truculent, but so was Dandenault, he's on the books.

What I don't like about this trade are the partner (Leafs) and the return (American defencman). Trading to a division rival is silly when the trade is so unnecessary unless what you can get in return is impossible to resist. Pateryn is no such prospect. He is a decent-sized, decent playing defenceman. That's all.

But seriously, can we stop it already with the American defencemen? Take a minute to ask yourself (Trevor Timmins) how many good American defencemen there are in the league. Take some time to watch the US National team play - there are some to stay away from even among the elite. Does Timmins really think more than one of our defencemen from the US will ever make the club? There must have been a more intriguing prospect out there for Grabovski's rights than a middling US college boy.

Poor show on this trade. I suppose we did get more than we got for Huet...


Not a good day for the Canadiens in my books. We are still in very good shape (avoiding big salary millstones and signing Kostitsyn), but hopefully boredom will not creep in tomorrow with more roster blockers eating millions.

I'll forget this day happened if you will. By the playoffs, hopefully we won't remember who these additions were, as we carry our best roster forward.