When the NHL announced that it was to create the All-Star teams for the Annual Classic by a live draft, the first thought in most peoples' minds was:
"Who will have the shame of being the last standing"
To soften the blow to the 6th goalie and the last defenceman taken, the league put in some rules to ensure these were picked by an earlier deadline. (They also softened the blow to the least deserving forward, er defenceman, when they made him an assistant captain with exemption from the draft)
But guess what. someone will still have to be picked last. What's more, with the use of cunning and guile we can all figure out who the last defender and goalie picked were anyway.
As Canadiens fans, we don't have the luxury of being from a city in the US where the NHL is really trying to promote itself right now, so we only have on representative at the game.
Carey price nearly won the write in ballots, but the always humble Penguins fans stuffed the boxes for their goalie before Christmas when his stats were so Un-Star. Carey made it anyway, either on merit or because every team has to have one representative -- you tell me.
In any case, what this all means is that just about the only reason to watch any of the festivities this weekend for the hardcore Habs fan is to see where Carey price will be selected. It should give a new barometer on Price -- what opposing players think of him.
Mock draft results
Ahead of the actual draft, one of the most popular things to do for people with 3 minutes to spare is to do a mock draft and publish it in their newspaper or on their web page. In these drafts, the columnists either pick who they'd select (credible?) or pretend to be Staal and Lidtsrom and pick that way (less credible?).
In order to get an idea of the odds for Carey, I had a browse through about 9 mock drafts to see where he stood (NHL I, NHL III, TSN, Cgy Herald, Can Press, SI, SN, Broadstreet Hockey).
At this point, I'd have to say that Carey Price is the odds on favourite to be selected with the very last pick of a goaltender. The chips seem to fall mostly this way:
1) Cam Ward
Those pretending to be Staal all took him first. Given that Staal is the one picking, it seems plausible that he might go for Ward.
7 first, 1 second, 1 fourth (never after Price)
2) Tim Thomas
The best goaltender in the league this year (and over the past few years) gets relegated by Ward, but no further.
2 first, 4 second, 3 third (once after Price -- TSN)
3) Jonas Hiller
The best save percentage over the last few years, a solid and consistent bet is recognized as such.
1 second, 3 third, 2 fourth, 3 fifth (twice after Price)
4) Marc-Andre Fleury
Having to earn a selection without an internet vote may prove harder for MAF. The pundits knock him down the few notches his career stats deserve.
3 third, 3 fourth, 2 fifth, 1 sixth (twice after Price)
5) Henrik Lundqvist
Lidstrom is Swedish, and Lundqvist is pretty reliable to a standard.
2 second, 1 fourth, 4 fifth, 2 sixth (thrice after Price)
6) Carey Price
One big fan in Darren Dreger, but also openly mocked by some fantasy drafters. He was the clear last choice form the limited selection here.
1 second, 2 fourth, 6 sixth
On form
On form alone, Carey would probably fare a bit better.
This season, he is tied for fifth among the All-Star goalies in save percentage, with 0.920, good for 13th in the NHL (tied with Ward). Carey's been good, but the league standard has gone up. He's been better at keeping the goals down, as he's 9th leaguwide in that regard (2.36) and better than both Hiller (2.50) and Ward (2.70). So let's say if this game wasn't in Carolina, then Carey would be well ahead of Cam. Then again, if it wasn't in Carolina, how would Shanahan explain Ward over Pavelec or Rinne?
If we take a regular season only view and remove playoff accolades and blushes, then Carey is also slightly better than both Ward and Fleury for a career.
Sorry folks, but unless this game is suddenly moved to a different venue, it looks like GAA numbers won't be enough to save Carey's uneasy stand until the 10th round of this draft.
If there's something we've learned about Carey in his short career, however, it's that thinking he has something to prove is a better mode than thinking he's proved something already. As far as the Habs go, it may be good for Price to add a little chip to his shoulder for the next time he faces Staal, or Richards, or St. Louis.
Showing posts with label All Star Game. Show all posts
Showing posts with label All Star Game. Show all posts
Friday, January 28, 2011
Monday, January 26, 2009
New Ideas Please!
Even A Good All-Star Weekend Has Me Longing For A Meaningful Game
Even though the weekend ended as well as anyone could have hoped for from a Montreal standpoint, the headlines of the morning after are certainly touching on overkill:
I went into the weekend with hope, honestly. 4 Canadiens. In Montreal. There's something to work with here. But hope deflates as quickly as an 18-minute farce they call the Young Stars game. My enthusiasm for the skills competition quickly deflated to the level clearly being shown by those players being interviewed (I won't even mention the interviewers).
It's a shame, because with all the talent there – there must surely be a way to entertain a crowd and television audience who only turn up or tune in because they truly love the sport already.
All this got me to thinking. As usual, I feel that it is silly to criticise if one doesn't have anything better to suggest. So, I wanted to share with you some of my ideas. And I know you must surely have ideas of your own, imaginative and articulate as you all are...
Skills competition
The skills competition for me could be summed up by one quote (from memory):
Andrew Cogliano was not an all-star (merely a second year Young Star – the losing type) and he was not even the fastest Oiler (apparently). So, what I gather from this is that he was the fastest guy from among the 6 who competed. nothing more, nothing less.
Isn't it obvious to the NHL? What is stopping them from actually inviting the fastest from the teams around the league? What is stopping them from inviting the people who actually have the hardest shots?
Each and every team could (if they don't already) hold their own skills competition. the results could be compiled across the league and the top 8-12 players could be gathered for a race, shot competition, whatever.
It would certainly add some cachet to the event – we'd actually be seeing the fastest players, hardest shots, etc. The winner would be the champion in that skill. It would give players who aren't all-stars a chance to show that they are stars in their given skill (Plekanec could take Cogliano, I think...) and make the event a real competition.
If I think of the only exciting event at any all-star competition, it would be the home run derby from baseball's midsummer classic. It combines the show case of a skill, with the suspense of the home run (something that is still hard to achieve). The NHL's equivalent (accuracy shooting) pales in comparison. There's no drama anymore since Ray Bourque sucked it all out.
But do you remember that Wayne Gretzky McDonald's ad? The one where he was betting Mats Sundin? That ad has some good ideas in it. Several shots could be taken from different places around the ice (including from the defensive zone a la McD ad). 20 opportunities to score as many goals as possible. It could be the NHL's own home run competition. The drama would come from the difficulty (obstacles?) and the players who battle to overcome that.
Young stars game
This part of the weekend is the most ridiculously boring of all. Even the NHL knows this, as they sandwich in between the skills competition in hope of having people watch – and keep the only truly exciting competition (hardest shot) until after this farce is run out.
It would be so easy to make this game better. For the sake of argument, I'll retain the Young Stars game. But instead of pitting rookies against second year players who couldn't care less, I suggest having the best young NHLers play the best non-NHL youngsters.
From a practical point of view, perhaps it could be the AHL All-stars (or stars under 25). Perhaps it could be the best from that Don Cherry/Bobby Orr game.
Pitting these two groups would hopefully make the bragging rights on reward worth winning. Both sides would be out with something to prove. Imagine – some of the non-NHLers could even win a job out of this.
All-star game
If you listen to the game's biggest critics, they will tell you that the reason the game is boring is because it doesn't have hitting, fighting or, by and large, defending. They often miss the most important lack – the reason to care.
Think in terms of Montreal fans alone:
- In the regular season, there's hardly a moment of quiet
- In the playoffs, fans go home hoarse and not having spoken/heard a word to their friends on either side
- Last night, in Montreal, I could hear the players talking... (it was louder than last year in Atlanta, but not louder than a Tuesday in November vs. last place Atlanta)
The fans don't care as much because it makes no difference who wins. The players don't care either and it shows.
The solution here (I think) harks back to the past. The all-star team should play an NHL team. Obviously the ideal would be the Stanley Cup Champions, but it could also just be the host team. But there's a twist.
The host (or SC Champs) can make an all-star team of their own – using any player from the league (or still able to play) that has ever worn that team's sweater – ever (draft, game, practice, three-way trade).
Think about that. The Habs as hosts suit up this team:
Kostitsyn Plekanec Kovalev
Petrov Koivu Recchi
Higgins Ribeiro Ryder
Lemieux Tucker Keane
Markov Schneider
Streit Hamrlik
Souray Chelios
Price
Huet
Vokoun
Teams with GMs a little more active than Gainey (wouldn't be difficult) would have even more choice. In Boston, you'd have Thornton back, Ottawa gets Hossa, Chara and Havlat. It could be interesting.
Not only would it give a chance to reconcile with players (Ribeiro, Ryder, Streit). It would make the game Montreal vs. players that would rather not have Montreal win. Irreconcilable differences (Grabovski), well those guys just wouldn't be invited...
To add to the stakes, I'd suggest a wager (paid by the losers – own cash) to a worthy charity (Chosen by the winners). $100,000 at least to make a dent and an impression. There could be a Cup too (why not?).
Finally, I'd move the game to the week after the Stanley Cup finals (which would be earlier without this current break).
Now we have a weekend to get a bit excited about... Whaddya think?
Unforgettable (NHL.com)
I went into the weekend with hope, honestly. 4 Canadiens. In Montreal. There's something to work with here. But hope deflates as quickly as an 18-minute farce they call the Young Stars game. My enthusiasm for the skills competition quickly deflated to the level clearly being shown by those players being interviewed (I won't even mention the interviewers).
It's a shame, because with all the talent there – there must surely be a way to entertain a crowd and television audience who only turn up or tune in because they truly love the sport already.
All this got me to thinking. As usual, I feel that it is silly to criticise if one doesn't have anything better to suggest. So, I wanted to share with you some of my ideas. And I know you must surely have ideas of your own, imaginative and articulate as you all are...
Skills competition
The skills competition for me could be summed up by one quote (from memory):
JB: "Andrew how do you feel to be the fastest man in the NHL?"
AC: "Um, I don't think I am really. We had this competition in Edmonton and I lost..."
Andrew Cogliano was not an all-star (merely a second year Young Star – the losing type) and he was not even the fastest Oiler (apparently). So, what I gather from this is that he was the fastest guy from among the 6 who competed. nothing more, nothing less.
Isn't it obvious to the NHL? What is stopping them from actually inviting the fastest from the teams around the league? What is stopping them from inviting the people who actually have the hardest shots?
Each and every team could (if they don't already) hold their own skills competition. the results could be compiled across the league and the top 8-12 players could be gathered for a race, shot competition, whatever.
It would certainly add some cachet to the event – we'd actually be seeing the fastest players, hardest shots, etc. The winner would be the champion in that skill. It would give players who aren't all-stars a chance to show that they are stars in their given skill (Plekanec could take Cogliano, I think...) and make the event a real competition.
If I think of the only exciting event at any all-star competition, it would be the home run derby from baseball's midsummer classic. It combines the show case of a skill, with the suspense of the home run (something that is still hard to achieve). The NHL's equivalent (accuracy shooting) pales in comparison. There's no drama anymore since Ray Bourque sucked it all out.
But do you remember that Wayne Gretzky McDonald's ad? The one where he was betting Mats Sundin? That ad has some good ideas in it. Several shots could be taken from different places around the ice (including from the defensive zone a la McD ad). 20 opportunities to score as many goals as possible. It could be the NHL's own home run competition. The drama would come from the difficulty (obstacles?) and the players who battle to overcome that.
Young stars game
This part of the weekend is the most ridiculously boring of all. Even the NHL knows this, as they sandwich in between the skills competition in hope of having people watch – and keep the only truly exciting competition (hardest shot) until after this farce is run out.
It would be so easy to make this game better. For the sake of argument, I'll retain the Young Stars game. But instead of pitting rookies against second year players who couldn't care less, I suggest having the best young NHLers play the best non-NHL youngsters.
From a practical point of view, perhaps it could be the AHL All-stars (or stars under 25). Perhaps it could be the best from that Don Cherry/Bobby Orr game.
Pitting these two groups would hopefully make the bragging rights on reward worth winning. Both sides would be out with something to prove. Imagine – some of the non-NHLers could even win a job out of this.
All-star game
If you listen to the game's biggest critics, they will tell you that the reason the game is boring is because it doesn't have hitting, fighting or, by and large, defending. They often miss the most important lack – the reason to care.
Think in terms of Montreal fans alone:
- In the regular season, there's hardly a moment of quiet
- In the playoffs, fans go home hoarse and not having spoken/heard a word to their friends on either side
- Last night, in Montreal, I could hear the players talking... (it was louder than last year in Atlanta, but not louder than a Tuesday in November vs. last place Atlanta)
The fans don't care as much because it makes no difference who wins. The players don't care either and it shows.
The solution here (I think) harks back to the past. The all-star team should play an NHL team. Obviously the ideal would be the Stanley Cup Champions, but it could also just be the host team. But there's a twist.
The host (or SC Champs) can make an all-star team of their own – using any player from the league (or still able to play) that has ever worn that team's sweater – ever (draft, game, practice, three-way trade).
Think about that. The Habs as hosts suit up this team:
Kostitsyn Plekanec Kovalev
Petrov Koivu Recchi
Higgins Ribeiro Ryder
Lemieux Tucker Keane
Markov Schneider
Streit Hamrlik
Souray Chelios
Price
Huet
Vokoun
Teams with GMs a little more active than Gainey (wouldn't be difficult) would have even more choice. In Boston, you'd have Thornton back, Ottawa gets Hossa, Chara and Havlat. It could be interesting.
Not only would it give a chance to reconcile with players (Ribeiro, Ryder, Streit). It would make the game Montreal vs. players that would rather not have Montreal win. Irreconcilable differences (Grabovski), well those guys just wouldn't be invited...
To add to the stakes, I'd suggest a wager (paid by the losers – own cash) to a worthy charity (Chosen by the winners). $100,000 at least to make a dent and an impression. There could be a Cup too (why not?).
Finally, I'd move the game to the week after the Stanley Cup finals (which would be earlier without this current break).
Now we have a weekend to get a bit excited about... Whaddya think?
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Canadiens All-Star History
I know you're all a little all-starred out by now. I was going to write a post, but I'll save it for tomorrow or another day.
Instead, if you haven't already check out the short film the excellent Canadiens history website has on the all-star game – it will enlighten you on some of the history of this whole game, no doubt; as it did me.
Enjoy the exhibition!
Go Habs Go.
Instead, if you haven't already check out the short film the excellent Canadiens history website has on the all-star game – it will enlighten you on some of the history of this whole game, no doubt; as it did me.
Enjoy the exhibition!
Go Habs Go.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Habs Superskills
Not An Impressive Bunch Over The Years
The NHL Skills (or Superskills as it is now known) has not been kind to Montreal Canadiens players over the years. With Kovalev, Komisarek, Markov and Price in play is that about to change?
Breakaway Challenge
The premier event with Ovechkin in it. He is pitted against Alexei Kovalev and some other dudes who should have fun watching (Getzlaf, Kane and Crosby's replacement).
Historical winners
2008 Alexander Ovechkin and no one else, after he swung and missed at a puck lasts season.
Hardest shot
An event with some historical pedigree, this is the 100m of the skills competition. The NHL is billing Souray vs. Chara (both previous winners. But Mike Komisarek (entered) could have a shout so long as someone tells him to aim 15 feet to the right of the net. Habs heartthrobs Lecavalier and Streit (who we know shoots straighter than Komi), as well as Shea Weber are also in this one.
Historical winners
2008 Zdeno Chara 103.1 mph
2007 Zdeno Chara 100.4 mph
2004 Sheldon Souray/Adrian Aucoin 102.2 mph
2003 Al MacInnis 98.9 mph
2002 Sergei Fedorov 101.5 mph
2001 Fredrik Modin 102.1 mph
2000 Al MacInnis 100.1 mph
1999 Al MacInnis 98.5 mph
1998 Al MacInnis 100.4 mph
1997 Al MacInnis 98.9 mph
1996 Dave Manson 98.0 mph
1994 Al Iafrate 102.7 mph
1993 Al Iafrate 105.2 mph
1992 Al MacInnis 93.0 mph
1991 Al MacInnis 94.0 mph
1990 Al Iafrate 96.0 mph
Fastest skater
Jeff Carter, Zach Parise, Brian Campbell and Jay Bouwmeester compete here. I think Carey Price could do well trying to get away from these four who score against him a t will sometimes...
Historical winners
2008 Shawn Horcoff (elimination races)
2007 Andy McDonald 14.03 seconds
2004 Scott Niedermayer 13.783 seconds
2003 Marian Gaborik 13.713 seconds
2002 Sami Kapanen 14.039 seconds
2001 Bill Guerin 13.690 seconds
2000 Sami Kapanen 13.649 seconds
1999 Peter Bondra 14.640 seconds
1998 Scott Niedermayer 13.560 seconds
1997 Peter Bondra 13.610 seconds
1996 Mike Gartner 13.386 seconds
1994 Sergei Fedorov 13.525 seconds
1993 Mike Gartner 13.510 seconds
1992 Sergei Fedorov 14.363 seconds
Shooting Accuracy
Here we have defending champ Tomas Kaberle facing those who don't have other events: Jonathan Toews, Ilya Kovalchuk, Jarome Iginla, Dany Heatley, Marc Savard, Mike Modano and Evgeni Malkin. Conspicuous in his absence is Andrei Markov - I guess they didn't want the fans at the event to get too excited and interested in goings on...
Historical winners
2008 Tomas Kaberle 8 hits, 9 shots (new format)
2007 Marian Hossa, Eric Staal 4 hits, 5 shots
2004 Jeremy Roenick 4 hits, 4 shots
2003 Jeremy Roenick 4 hits, 6 shots
2002 Jarome Iginla, Markus Naslund 4 hits, 6 shots
2001 Ray Bourque 4 hits, 6 shots
2000 Ray Bourque, Viktor Kozlov 4 hits, 5 shots
1999 Ray Bourque, Jeremy Roenick, Keith Tkachuk 4 hits, 6 shots
1998 Ray Bourque, Peter Forsberg, Brendan Shanahan 4 hits, 6 shots
1997 Ray Bourque 4 hits, 7 shots
1996 Mark Messier 4 hits, 4 shots
1994 Brendan Shanahan 4 hits, 5 shots
1993 Ray Bourque 4 hits, 4 shots
1992 Ray Bourque 4 hits, 4 shots
1991 Mark Messier 4 hits, 6 shots
1990 Ray Bourque 4 hits, 7 shots
The now defunct puck control relay (where an individual showdown was held) was one other event a Hab had won, with Pierre Turgeon taking it in 1996. Other winners mostly included Paul Kariya.
Of course, Patrick Roy won the goalie standings a couple of times with the Habs too. but somehow tying with Vanbiesbrouck for 12 of 16 saves, doesn't seem superskillish to me. Compound that with Roy's most GAA in the all-star game and it's not something I'm blowing the horn about.
Records to fall
Some records cannot fall, such as most wins at hardest shot (MacInnis - 7) and shooting accuracy (Bourque - 8) for some time. But the absolute records could:
The hardest shot ever, for example: 105.2 mph (Al Iafrate)
The fastest lap: 13.386 (Mike Gartner)
Or most goals scored by the winner of the Breakaway challenge: 0 (Alexander Ovechkin)
Have fun, and root for those Habs. there's years of futility to be set straight, and who knows if they'll let us vote the whole team in again...
Breakaway Challenge
The premier event with Ovechkin in it. He is pitted against Alexei Kovalev and some other dudes who should have fun watching (Getzlaf, Kane and Crosby's replacement).
Historical winners
2008 Alexander Ovechkin and no one else, after he swung and missed at a puck lasts season.
Hardest shot
An event with some historical pedigree, this is the 100m of the skills competition. The NHL is billing Souray vs. Chara (both previous winners. But Mike Komisarek (entered) could have a shout so long as someone tells him to aim 15 feet to the right of the net. Habs heartthrobs Lecavalier and Streit (who we know shoots straighter than Komi), as well as Shea Weber are also in this one.
Historical winners
2008 Zdeno Chara 103.1 mph
2007 Zdeno Chara 100.4 mph
2004 Sheldon Souray/Adrian Aucoin 102.2 mph
2003 Al MacInnis 98.9 mph
2002 Sergei Fedorov 101.5 mph
2001 Fredrik Modin 102.1 mph
2000 Al MacInnis 100.1 mph
1999 Al MacInnis 98.5 mph
1998 Al MacInnis 100.4 mph
1997 Al MacInnis 98.9 mph
1996 Dave Manson 98.0 mph
1994 Al Iafrate 102.7 mph
1993 Al Iafrate 105.2 mph
1992 Al MacInnis 93.0 mph
1991 Al MacInnis 94.0 mph
1990 Al Iafrate 96.0 mph
Fastest skater
Jeff Carter, Zach Parise, Brian Campbell and Jay Bouwmeester compete here. I think Carey Price could do well trying to get away from these four who score against him a t will sometimes...
Historical winners
2008 Shawn Horcoff (elimination races)
2007 Andy McDonald 14.03 seconds
2004 Scott Niedermayer 13.783 seconds
2003 Marian Gaborik 13.713 seconds
2002 Sami Kapanen 14.039 seconds
2001 Bill Guerin 13.690 seconds
2000 Sami Kapanen 13.649 seconds
1999 Peter Bondra 14.640 seconds
1998 Scott Niedermayer 13.560 seconds
1997 Peter Bondra 13.610 seconds
1996 Mike Gartner 13.386 seconds
1994 Sergei Fedorov 13.525 seconds
1993 Mike Gartner 13.510 seconds
1992 Sergei Fedorov 14.363 seconds
Shooting Accuracy
Here we have defending champ Tomas Kaberle facing those who don't have other events: Jonathan Toews, Ilya Kovalchuk, Jarome Iginla, Dany Heatley, Marc Savard, Mike Modano and Evgeni Malkin. Conspicuous in his absence is Andrei Markov - I guess they didn't want the fans at the event to get too excited and interested in goings on...
Historical winners
2008 Tomas Kaberle 8 hits, 9 shots (new format)
2007 Marian Hossa, Eric Staal 4 hits, 5 shots
2004 Jeremy Roenick 4 hits, 4 shots
2003 Jeremy Roenick 4 hits, 6 shots
2002 Jarome Iginla, Markus Naslund 4 hits, 6 shots
2001 Ray Bourque 4 hits, 6 shots
2000 Ray Bourque, Viktor Kozlov 4 hits, 5 shots
1999 Ray Bourque, Jeremy Roenick, Keith Tkachuk 4 hits, 6 shots
1998 Ray Bourque, Peter Forsberg, Brendan Shanahan 4 hits, 6 shots
1997 Ray Bourque 4 hits, 7 shots
1996 Mark Messier 4 hits, 4 shots
1994 Brendan Shanahan 4 hits, 5 shots
1993 Ray Bourque 4 hits, 4 shots
1992 Ray Bourque 4 hits, 4 shots
1991 Mark Messier 4 hits, 6 shots
1990 Ray Bourque 4 hits, 7 shots
The now defunct puck control relay (where an individual showdown was held) was one other event a Hab had won, with Pierre Turgeon taking it in 1996. Other winners mostly included Paul Kariya.
Of course, Patrick Roy won the goalie standings a couple of times with the Habs too. but somehow tying with Vanbiesbrouck for 12 of 16 saves, doesn't seem superskillish to me. Compound that with Roy's most GAA in the all-star game and it's not something I'm blowing the horn about.
Records to fall
Some records cannot fall, such as most wins at hardest shot (MacInnis - 7) and shooting accuracy (Bourque - 8) for some time. But the absolute records could:
The hardest shot ever, for example: 105.2 mph (Al Iafrate)
The fastest lap: 13.386 (Mike Gartner)
Or most goals scored by the winner of the Breakaway challenge: 0 (Alexander Ovechkin)
Have fun, and root for those Habs. there's years of futility to be set straight, and who knows if they'll let us vote the whole team in again...
Thursday, December 11, 2008
All Farce Game
Montreal Loses Interest; Penguins Fans Vote For Injured Reserves
It was always a joke they said. unfortunately though, the Canadiens have decided to make this farce that is the all-star game a central piece of the Centenary celebrations.
You all know about the clever (read no social life) fans from Montreal voted thousands of times for each of the six nominees from the Canadiens. The league stripped some votes and added a very basic security screen (they probably never appreciated how little social lives the guys really had).
Everything looks rosy for a while. But now it seems the Pittsburgh Penguins hopefuls are getting the full support of a similarly childish campaign. The worst part, in terms of making this event more farcical than it already is, is that they are voting for non-stars such as Whitney and Gonchar, both of whom haven't played a second since the finals last spring. Just wait, slow to wake Caps fans will be next...
Carbonneau thinks it's off. I think most us are almost at the point of calling it all off.
What can the league do?
I think it can strip the vote away from fans. Few would contest that those of us who read blogs day and night and think and write about the Habs are big fans. But I doubt many of you readers have submitted thousands of votes. I haven't voted at all. I'm not sure I will – certainly not this year.
The vote could be stripped because the fans who do vote have a few times now (Rory Fitzpatrick, Canadiens 08 and Penguins 08) crossed the line. In their place, I would suggest a simple ballot among the players. It would be like the Lester Pearson award time 6. You could bar voting for oneself, or even teammates. Personally, I think that would be just as fun to see for the fans.
Ah, but the league doesn't care about that really. They care more about traffic to their website, right? I think a little more concern for their image, even at the expense of the pennies they can get from housebound teenagers in Pittsburgh and Montreal, would be a new and possibly refreshing approach.
While the league is about it, maybe they could scrap the requirement for a player from each team. By the time that happens, there's little room for actual all-stars. Imagine if all six Canadiens made it. With the need to represent every team, only one player from each remaining team could crack it. That would mean Malkin or Crosby sits so Doug Weight or Matt Stajan can play. Some teams have been so devoid of real all-stars for so long that they are making Hall of Fame resumes for their lame-stars (DiPietro anyone?).
Anyway, who are the all-stars so far?
I have Tim Thomas in goal (mindful that December, as usual, will probably alter this one); Markov and Green on defence; Malkin, Crosby and Ovechkin (no surprises) up front.
Anyone still voting for Komi?
You all know about the clever (read no social life) fans from Montreal voted thousands of times for each of the six nominees from the Canadiens. The league stripped some votes and added a very basic security screen (they probably never appreciated how little social lives the guys really had).
Everything looks rosy for a while. But now it seems the Pittsburgh Penguins hopefuls are getting the full support of a similarly childish campaign. The worst part, in terms of making this event more farcical than it already is, is that they are voting for non-stars such as Whitney and Gonchar, both of whom haven't played a second since the finals last spring. Just wait, slow to wake Caps fans will be next...
Carbonneau thinks it's off. I think most us are almost at the point of calling it all off.
What can the league do?
I think it can strip the vote away from fans. Few would contest that those of us who read blogs day and night and think and write about the Habs are big fans. But I doubt many of you readers have submitted thousands of votes. I haven't voted at all. I'm not sure I will – certainly not this year.
The vote could be stripped because the fans who do vote have a few times now (Rory Fitzpatrick, Canadiens 08 and Penguins 08) crossed the line. In their place, I would suggest a simple ballot among the players. It would be like the Lester Pearson award time 6. You could bar voting for oneself, or even teammates. Personally, I think that would be just as fun to see for the fans.
Ah, but the league doesn't care about that really. They care more about traffic to their website, right? I think a little more concern for their image, even at the expense of the pennies they can get from housebound teenagers in Pittsburgh and Montreal, would be a new and possibly refreshing approach.
While the league is about it, maybe they could scrap the requirement for a player from each team. By the time that happens, there's little room for actual all-stars. Imagine if all six Canadiens made it. With the need to represent every team, only one player from each remaining team could crack it. That would mean Malkin or Crosby sits so Doug Weight or Matt Stajan can play. Some teams have been so devoid of real all-stars for so long that they are making Hall of Fame resumes for their lame-stars (DiPietro anyone?).
Anyway, who are the all-stars so far?
I have Tim Thomas in goal (mindful that December, as usual, will probably alter this one); Markov and Green on defence; Malkin, Crosby and Ovechkin (no surprises) up front.
Anyone still voting for Komi?
Monday, November 17, 2008
All-Star Farce
The NHL, The Habs And Their Fans
All-Star Farce
The NHL, The Habs And Their Fans
I wasn't sure if I'd be chiming in on this topic again. I mean, come on, it's pretty uninspiring. Could I be more ambivalent about anything in hockey as I am about all-star voting?
This year, it's turned in to nonsense – with Canadiens fans artificially voting for players with voting code on their PCs. It's always been a bit of a nonsense exercise anyway, this voting, where the same few players get voted in year after year. Crosby, Ovechkin, Malkin, Brodeur, etc. Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom, etc.
At first, I have to say I was appalled by the Montreal plebs stuffed the ballot boxes without end. But with the NHL response, and that of people who in my mind go too far the other way, I have to say I am more amused than anything right now. How can I not have a chuckle. If it ticks off Philly fans like this guy:
How could I not laugh? Threw in Richards, eh? As much as Mike Richards is loved by Philly and Benoit Brunet, he is hated by me. I'll be happy if Koivu gets his spot.
Of course, it's embarrassing to Montreal and Canadiens fans. But so are flags on cars, Thunderstix, towel waving and the like. For a city where victory riots are accepted as faits accomplis, I hardly think a little creative computer-programming is much of a black mark in the eyes of the rest of the league. You want embarrassing, look at this:
Frankly the voting debacle's more embarrassing for the league – who have yet again shown their standard level of foresight and risk analysis expertise in forgetting automation (Anybody still confident Bettman and the boys are ready for the inevitable massive drop in revenue coming?). This must be the first time anyone has actually taken one of their slogans to heart ("Vote Now. Vote Often") – they should be forgiven for not being used to anyone paying attention to what they say or their website.
Positives do emerge
Apart from a good laugh at the conservatives calling for a return to the good old days where computer voting didn't mess up the accepted order (and the pre-anointed claimed their new sweaters year upon year), I thought of a few legitimate reasons to be positive about 6 Canadiens on the team.
There are certain positives to emerge from the voting scandal. First and foremost is that Koivu deserves to be on the team. He is one of the top 4 centres in the East and is one of the longest serving captains in the league – with the second-longest tenure as Canadiens captain. Since the game is meant to be part of our 100th season celebrations, he should (and it looks like he will) be there.
The second positive element is that there probably won't be room for as many also rans as the Habs get voted in, the real top players make it through naming (Malkin, Semin, Crosby, Ovechkin, Chara, etc.). If they don't pick up their game, freeloader perennially-named players like Lecavalier, Staal and St. Louis will miss out.
Third, Kovalev deserves to go to the skills competition (if not the game just at the moment). I've always been disappointed when the hardest shooter, fastest skater or best puckhandler weren't included in the more entertaining portion of the event. Maybe they can do the Kovalev pylon drill as a competition?
Fourthly, it will give fans like the guy who said this on a comments thread...
... a chance to see the outside world from here until January (provided he sees the light in auto-voting).
I suppose the final positive to come from this will be the inevitable overhaul that the NHl brings to the system. As with Rory Fitzpatrick, this embarrassment will force them to do something other than hand out 2 game suspensions.
Komisarek not in that league
Of course, there are negatives too. Komisarek chiefly among them.
Komisarek wouldn't make the starting 6 of our team if I had a vote, let alone the Eastern conference. After clawing his way to number 2 on the team and falling back to number 3 towards the end of the season, this all-star possibility currently sits behind 4 other players on my vote card for ice time.
That's why I'll admit it is embarrassing that fans are voting for him anyway. There is blindness to faults. But this will hurt those who purport that Montreal fans know their hockey. People voting for Komisarek as an all-star (even Price for that matter), clearly do not know anything beyond the bleu, blanc, rouge.
It's also unfortunate that the Canadiens (whose centennial season is actually next year) won't get more than their mandatory single representative in 2010. Computer programming laggards everywhere from Sunrise to Voorhees will make sure of it.
This year, it's turned in to nonsense – with Canadiens fans artificially voting for players with voting code on their PCs. It's always been a bit of a nonsense exercise anyway, this voting, where the same few players get voted in year after year. Crosby, Ovechkin, Malkin, Brodeur, etc. Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom, etc.
At first, I have to say I was appalled by the Montreal plebs stuffed the ballot boxes without end. But with the NHL response, and that of people who in my mind go too far the other way, I have to say I am more amused than anything right now. How can I not have a chuckle. If it ticks off Philly fans like this guy:
"Guess that means Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Mike Richards, Thomas Vanek and Henrik Lundqvist will have to battle it out for “reserve’’ duty in the Eastern Conference."
How could I not laugh? Threw in Richards, eh? As much as Mike Richards is loved by Philly and Benoit Brunet, he is hated by me. I'll be happy if Koivu gets his spot.
Of course, it's embarrassing to Montreal and Canadiens fans. But so are flags on cars, Thunderstix, towel waving and the like. For a city where victory riots are accepted as faits accomplis, I hardly think a little creative computer-programming is much of a black mark in the eyes of the rest of the league. You want embarrassing, look at this:
Frankly the voting debacle's more embarrassing for the league – who have yet again shown their standard level of foresight and risk analysis expertise in forgetting automation (Anybody still confident Bettman and the boys are ready for the inevitable massive drop in revenue coming?). This must be the first time anyone has actually taken one of their slogans to heart ("Vote Now. Vote Often") – they should be forgiven for not being used to anyone paying attention to what they say or their website.
Positives do emerge
Apart from a good laugh at the conservatives calling for a return to the good old days where computer voting didn't mess up the accepted order (and the pre-anointed claimed their new sweaters year upon year), I thought of a few legitimate reasons to be positive about 6 Canadiens on the team.
There are certain positives to emerge from the voting scandal. First and foremost is that Koivu deserves to be on the team. He is one of the top 4 centres in the East and is one of the longest serving captains in the league – with the second-longest tenure as Canadiens captain. Since the game is meant to be part of our 100th season celebrations, he should (and it looks like he will) be there.
The second positive element is that there probably won't be room for as many also rans as the Habs get voted in, the real top players make it through naming (Malkin, Semin, Crosby, Ovechkin, Chara, etc.). If they don't pick up their game, freeloader perennially-named players like Lecavalier, Staal and St. Louis will miss out.
Third, Kovalev deserves to go to the skills competition (if not the game just at the moment). I've always been disappointed when the hardest shooter, fastest skater or best puckhandler weren't included in the more entertaining portion of the event. Maybe they can do the Kovalev pylon drill as a competition?
Fourthly, it will give fans like the guy who said this on a comments thread...
I've been voting regularly (50+ times a day) and will continue to do so, however the auto-voting bot is useless (and pretty stupid).
... a chance to see the outside world from here until January (provided he sees the light in auto-voting).
I suppose the final positive to come from this will be the inevitable overhaul that the NHl brings to the system. As with Rory Fitzpatrick, this embarrassment will force them to do something other than hand out 2 game suspensions.
Komisarek not in that league
Of course, there are negatives too. Komisarek chiefly among them.
Komisarek wouldn't make the starting 6 of our team if I had a vote, let alone the Eastern conference. After clawing his way to number 2 on the team and falling back to number 3 towards the end of the season, this all-star possibility currently sits behind 4 other players on my vote card for ice time.
That's why I'll admit it is embarrassing that fans are voting for him anyway. There is blindness to faults. But this will hurt those who purport that Montreal fans know their hockey. People voting for Komisarek as an all-star (even Price for that matter), clearly do not know anything beyond the bleu, blanc, rouge.
It's also unfortunate that the Canadiens (whose centennial season is actually next year) won't get more than their mandatory single representative in 2010. Computer programming laggards everywhere from Sunrise to Voorhees will make sure of it.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Sporting News: Habs Players Snubbed
Thanks to Mike Boone for keeping up his posts and fishing this one out:
How funny that the year the players put it together and Gainey does little more than watch his previous work come to fruition, it is Gainey that is honoured and the players, namely Markov, that are snubbed.
I am excited for Washington that they are up and coming and made the playoffs for the first time in a while, but I don't think they necessarily merit 33% of the places on the all-star team for the season. One can hardly argue with the selections of Brodeur, Lidstrom, Ovechkin, Iginla and Malkin from this past season, but Mike Green should be up for discussion.
Questionable choice
Mike Green is definitely an up-and-comer, but I would hesitate to lay this honour on him just yet.
For on thing, the Capitals were not a good defensive team. While Lidstrom led defencemen in the NHL for scoring, he also led his team to the Jennings trophy. Green, while scoring 18 goals and 56 points led his team to a tied 17th best GA record (tied with Phoenix, no less).
For another thing, the Capitals play in what is hands down the worst division in the NHL. They played 32 games against division rivals, all of whom missed the playoffs. Most of their success came against these teams, as well.
Finally, I thought everyone was in agreement that Washington Capitals = Alexander Ovechkin. At least, that's why a player from a seventh place team is the heavy Hart trophy favourite, right? I would suggest that Mike Green without Ovechkin is probably a lesser player than all the alternatives (who incidentally, all play without Ovechkin).
My 6th All-Star
Looking through the league I see at least three legitimate candidates who would supersede Green in my ranking:
1) Dion Phaneuf
Already a Norris trophy candidate. Plays well at both ends. And, unlike Green, his team's seventh place finish came in what is probably the toughest division in the NHL.
2) Zdeno Chara
We saw what kind of a defender he was in our series. And, having seen what else Boston has to offer, it wouldn't be a stretch to say Chara led a team pretty much bereft of talent (certainly Ovechkin-calibre talent) to the same number of points as Washington in a much tougher division.
3) Andrei Markov
Outpointed Green. Led his team to first overall in the East. Choreographed the best PP in the league. Played on a defense that was significantly stingier in much tougher divisional games. What's more, he did it all without Ovechkin (with all respect to Kovalev).
I select Andrei Markov for the team instead of Green. He not only has better credentials than Green to make it, but the Canadiens deserve to be recognised for the season they had (and Markov would be a good representative) rather than the Capitals being given a double gong for pipping the flailing Canes at the post.
As if to prove the point, in the last head-to-head, Markov's Russia prevailed. Let's hope the next magazine gets its selections right...
The Sporting News has named Bob Gainey National Hockey League Executive of the Year.
Gainey received 12 of 28 votes cast by league executives. Detroit vice-president/GM Ken Holland was second with six votes.
Sporting News Coach of the Year Mike Babcock got six of 18 votes cast by his peers, while Guy Carbonneau picked up five votes to finish second.
Alex Ovechkin was named Player of the Year, picking up 250 of a possible 287 votes in a poll of players conducted for the magazine. Evgeni Malkin finished second with 18 votes.
The Sporting News named Patrick Kane Rookie of the Year. The magazine's All-Star team includes Martin Brodeur, Mike Green, Nicklas Lidstrom, Ovechkin, Malkin and Jarome Iginla.
How funny that the year the players put it together and Gainey does little more than watch his previous work come to fruition, it is Gainey that is honoured and the players, namely Markov, that are snubbed.
I am excited for Washington that they are up and coming and made the playoffs for the first time in a while, but I don't think they necessarily merit 33% of the places on the all-star team for the season. One can hardly argue with the selections of Brodeur, Lidstrom, Ovechkin, Iginla and Malkin from this past season, but Mike Green should be up for discussion.
Questionable choice
Mike Green is definitely an up-and-comer, but I would hesitate to lay this honour on him just yet.
For on thing, the Capitals were not a good defensive team. While Lidstrom led defencemen in the NHL for scoring, he also led his team to the Jennings trophy. Green, while scoring 18 goals and 56 points led his team to a tied 17th best GA record (tied with Phoenix, no less).
For another thing, the Capitals play in what is hands down the worst division in the NHL. They played 32 games against division rivals, all of whom missed the playoffs. Most of their success came against these teams, as well.
Finally, I thought everyone was in agreement that Washington Capitals = Alexander Ovechkin. At least, that's why a player from a seventh place team is the heavy Hart trophy favourite, right? I would suggest that Mike Green without Ovechkin is probably a lesser player than all the alternatives (who incidentally, all play without Ovechkin).
My 6th All-Star
Looking through the league I see at least three legitimate candidates who would supersede Green in my ranking:
1) Dion Phaneuf
Already a Norris trophy candidate. Plays well at both ends. And, unlike Green, his team's seventh place finish came in what is probably the toughest division in the NHL.
2) Zdeno Chara
We saw what kind of a defender he was in our series. And, having seen what else Boston has to offer, it wouldn't be a stretch to say Chara led a team pretty much bereft of talent (certainly Ovechkin-calibre talent) to the same number of points as Washington in a much tougher division.
3) Andrei Markov
Outpointed Green. Led his team to first overall in the East. Choreographed the best PP in the league. Played on a defense that was significantly stingier in much tougher divisional games. What's more, he did it all without Ovechkin (with all respect to Kovalev).
I select Andrei Markov for the team instead of Green. He not only has better credentials than Green to make it, but the Canadiens deserve to be recognised for the season they had (and Markov would be a good representative) rather than the Capitals being given a double gong for pipping the flailing Canes at the post.
As if to prove the point, in the last head-to-head, Markov's Russia prevailed. Let's hope the next magazine gets its selections right...
Monday, January 28, 2008
Why 79 trumps 71
(No, don't worry, it's not another Brisebois article. This one's about the littlest All-Star - Mike Ribeiro. Have to admit though, it is funny that Brisebois chose that number...)
How can 71 and 79 look so similar, but yet when they hit the ice and especially when they open their mouths, look so far. The space between 71 and 79 (is more than one Garon) and must be on that part of the curve where there is pretty much no horizontal component, because if the y-axis reads NHL star quality, the difference between the two is counted in tens, not single units.
Not even changing to the awkward looking 63 can hide this reality.
An article that was at one point on RDS, but now is found on La Presse makes my job very easy, as it illustrates the difference between the two post-lockout Habs at the All-Star contest this past weekend.
Check out the quotes:
I guess there's no love from Andrei then. Can't imagine why he would disown his old teammate.
Why doesn't this quote surprise me? Career goal fulfilled? No wait there's that trophy to win, the one in all his dreams - Art Ross.
Some would argue teams might actually look at past form (or at the possibility of signing someone reliable), but who am I to burst a bubble here?
I'm surprised they got that much out of Markov. What no hyperbole about how he's always planned on being an all-star, how he could get paid more than double what Mike Ribeiro now makes, how he wishes the superstars were friendly to him?
What you've got there is the best contrast and the biggest gulf in class (in my opinion) between two 5 million plus players in this league.
Andrei Markov, the serious professional was said to enjoy the all-star experience, but would have been equally as happy somewhere else while he rested for the real challenge ahead.
Mike Ribeiro, unable to get enough photos for himself to prove to people that he actually got to this game.
Markov the number one vote getter in the East barring Sidney Crosby. Ribeiro the second choice on a team that had to provide their single all-star.
Markov the cornerstone of the Canadiens franchise with management's faith and commitment as the highest paid Hab ever. Ribeiro, the guy who fetched us Janne Niinimaa.
Frankly, I don't know where all this resentment to Ribeiro comes from. I was pleased he got shipped out of town, and he should be thanked for that, not derided. If nothing else, it has given us a chance to watch an equally as talented offensive centre play with Kovalev. And one who plays defense at that.
Ribeiro could win the scoring title, and I know it would be like watching Sheldon Souray set the record for PPG by a defenseman - providing me with not much beyond a feeling that there must be something more to being good at hockey. Markov, consequently, rarely, if ever, leaves me feeling that way.
I suppose a lot of my feelings on Mike closely mirror those of HF10 at Four Habs Fans (though I'm not sure I could find as much vitriol as he does).
Mike may be an all-star, but he's not an all-star the way Andrei Markov is. Not even the way Alex Kovalev should have been. Not even within an order of magnitude.
While Mike may mistake what he hears people saying to him in Montreal for "Markov", I think that's as close as he'll come to the skill and pedigree of our top defenseman.
How can 71 and 79 look so similar, but yet when they hit the ice and especially when they open their mouths, look so far. The space between 71 and 79 (is more than one Garon) and must be on that part of the curve where there is pretty much no horizontal component, because if the y-axis reads NHL star quality, the difference between the two is counted in tens, not single units.
Not even changing to the awkward looking 63 can hide this reality.
An article that was at one point on RDS, but now is found on La Presse makes my job very easy, as it illustrates the difference between the two post-lockout Habs at the All-Star contest this past weekend.
Check out the quotes:
«J'aimerais être accompagné d'un coéquipier, ce serait plus facile de m'y retrouver» - Ribeiro
I guess there's no love from Andrei then. Can't imagine why he would disown his old teammate.
«La possibilité de participer à un match des étoiles me trottait dans la tête depuis longtemps. Cette saison, j'estimais que mes chances étaient excellentes et j'ai été déçu de ne pas avoir été choisi initialement.» - Ribeiro
Why doesn't this quote surprise me? Career goal fulfilled? No wait there's that trophy to win, the one in all his dreams - Art Ross.
«J'aurais peut-être obtenu plus d'argent si j'avais testé le marché des joueurs autonomes à la fin de la saison.» - Ribeiro
Some would argue teams might actually look at past form (or at the possibility of signing someone reliable), but who am I to burst a bubble here?
«Les journalistes russes me tapent sur les nerfs.» - Markov
I'm surprised they got that much out of Markov. What no hyperbole about how he's always planned on being an all-star, how he could get paid more than double what Mike Ribeiro now makes, how he wishes the superstars were friendly to him?
What you've got there is the best contrast and the biggest gulf in class (in my opinion) between two 5 million plus players in this league.
Andrei Markov, the serious professional was said to enjoy the all-star experience, but would have been equally as happy somewhere else while he rested for the real challenge ahead.
Mike Ribeiro, unable to get enough photos for himself to prove to people that he actually got to this game.
Markov the number one vote getter in the East barring Sidney Crosby. Ribeiro the second choice on a team that had to provide their single all-star.
Markov the cornerstone of the Canadiens franchise with management's faith and commitment as the highest paid Hab ever. Ribeiro, the guy who fetched us Janne Niinimaa.
Frankly, I don't know where all this resentment to Ribeiro comes from. I was pleased he got shipped out of town, and he should be thanked for that, not derided. If nothing else, it has given us a chance to watch an equally as talented offensive centre play with Kovalev. And one who plays defense at that.
Ribeiro could win the scoring title, and I know it would be like watching Sheldon Souray set the record for PPG by a defenseman - providing me with not much beyond a feeling that there must be something more to being good at hockey. Markov, consequently, rarely, if ever, leaves me feeling that way.
I suppose a lot of my feelings on Mike closely mirror those of HF10 at Four Habs Fans (though I'm not sure I could find as much vitriol as he does).
Mike may be an all-star, but he's not an all-star the way Andrei Markov is. Not even the way Alex Kovalev should have been. Not even within an order of magnitude.
While Mike may mistake what he hears people saying to him in Montreal for "Markov", I think that's as close as he'll come to the skill and pedigree of our top defenseman.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Game #43
The Habs' Dominance in Boston Continues
Game #43
The Habs' Dominance in Boston Continues
The Canadiens Game in Review
Date: Thursday January 10th, 2008
Opponent: Boston Bruins
Venue: TD Banknorth Arena, Boston, MA
Team Stripes
Final Score: 5-2 - Win
Habs starting goalie: Cristobal Huet (W)
Opposition starting goalie: Tim Thomas (L)
Habs goalscorers: Tomas Plekanec, Maxime Lapierre, Alexei Kovalev, Mathieu Dandenault (2)
Opposition goalscorers: Aaron Ward, Milan Lucic
2007/08 first
There's a first time for everything, so they say. What they didn't tell you is that every game, something happens for the first time, you just have to look harder in March...
1st Multiple Goal Game for Dandenault this season
1st Game Back From Injury for Bryan Smolinski (Missed 14 Games)
1st Shot on Net for Huet this season
Play of the game
The play you're straining to see on the press catwalk monitor...
With the Habs up 2-0 in the third Komisarek made a play that surely saved us letting up a goal (or a 'chance en or') and won my pick for play of the game.
The Bruins were coming in on a routine 2 - on - 2 when Markov, on his pivot, wiped-out. This fall created a 2 - on - 1. Like we are told from childhood - 'leave the shot to the goalie and as the defender take away the pass' - Komi stopped the pass. When the player with the puck saw that Huet was giving him nothing on the shot he decided to pass it. At that moment Mike put himself into a ball and stopped what would have been an easy tap in. The timing of this potential goal could have hurt the Habs, instead the timing of Komi's great play worked in our favour, because instead of 2-1 Kovalev soon made it 3-0. Huet must be given much credit on this play too for taking away any chance the lead player had at a shot.
Game puck
Trophies are for the end of the year, play well in the game, you get a lovely puck...
Mike Komisarek
Mike was fired up tonight and played one heck of a game. He blocked shots, made hits, took abuse from the Bruins and most of all prevented most chances before they became legitimate. If the league would ever recognize a defensive defenceman with any kind of award (as they claim they do) then Mike would have to get consideration this year. The people voting for such awards don't actually watch games they simply look at +/- and points and it is the latter category that will always hurt Komi. If these voters, the 'experts' of the league, were ever to watch a few games they would see that we may have one of the league's top defenceman (that plays defence) hidden beside the exceptional Andrei Markov.
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
Alexei Kovalev
- Had a very good game in the offensive zone. At times looked a little sloppy, but seeing as this is highly abnormal and the fact that most other players on both teams also looked sloppy at times I'll blame the ice. Teams know to watch him on the PP, but no one actually does; actually I should revise that - all they do is watch him
Mathieu Dandenault
- His speed and hard work and good attitude after being benched last game all paid off for him and the team tonight. At the end when it looked like Boston may tie it up Mat put 2 goals in to squash any hope they had at a comeback
Mark Streit
- Streit made 2 absolutely fantastic passes tonight that both led to goals. He just may be the 4th best passer on the team behind the big 3 (Sak, Kovy, Markov). I suppose if you want to be a National Team Captain you have to be able to pass. Streit now has a whopping 28 points and is on pace for 53! Who would have thought after a very impressive 36 points last year he would out-do himself. Played well enough defensively, again, to have a top 4 spot on the team
Defencemen
Mike Komisarek
- The only weakness this player may have is offence, but with Markov at his side it is hard to tell, and frankly, it doesn't matter. The 07-08 version of Komisarek plays a mature, responsible game. There were times tonight where he could have gotten sucked in to a fight leading to 5, 10 maybe even a game of penalties. Last year's Komi may have done this (a la Rivet/Souray), but unlike having #44 or #52 gone for the game losing Komi for a significant portion of the match is a massive hindrance
Roman Hamrlik
- I particularly liked when he came to Saku's aid in a scrum. He even took a cheap-shot from Thornton (Boston's fighter), but didn't let it escalate. Didn't do much offensively this game, but played very well in his own end. Let's not forgot that he is back with the old Breezer and it takes a certain type of skill to finish a game in the + beside him (Hammer was +1)
Goaltender
Cristobal Huet
- He looked confidant and composed the whole night. He didn't face much serious action, but made saves when he had to. The 2 goals against him were both bad bounces, but like in the past few weeks he didn't let bad luck turn into a loss. Puck-handling was weak again tonight as he continues to struggle with the concept of 'STAY IN THE NET'
Eyes on Kovalev
Did he flit and float? Someone ought to keep track...
Tonight neither Kovalev nor his line stood out too much, but like good lines elsewhere they got the job done. The three players combined for 5 points on a night where I wouldn't say they were even our best all around line. That is what great players and lines can do for you - quietly win games. He has now surpassed last year's goal total and is creeping up on his 47 total points. With 39 games left I am quite happy to say he should have no problem having his best season as a Hab. This is a guy who wants to play another 1000 games - how does 13 years at 10 Mil / year sound?
Kovalev's Assessment - Very Good
Overall Comments
The Habs have owned Boston since the lockout, and in a playoff series right before the lockout, and tonight was no different. Apart from a 15-25 minute period spanning the 2nd and 3rd periods the Habs were in complete control and played quite well. Like Topham always says, 'outplay the other team for 31+ minutes and you'll get the win', tonight there was no problem there. Our stats vs. Boston since the lockout are amazing, if that word even fits. In 21 games we are 17-4 and this season so far we are 5-0. Should we hope they get into the playoffs? I think so, I wouldn't mind facing them instead of Pittsburgh or NJ.
The Habs have now scored 135 goals in 43 games, that is 3.14 goals/game, good for third in the league behind only Ottawa and Detroit. Our defence isn't as impressive, but at 2.83 goals against/game (2.64 in our last 14 games) it is at least respectable. I have always thought with a cast of Huet, Markov, Streit, Komi and Hamrlik that defence would be what carries this team and I still believe we haven't seen the best yet. As long as we keep scoring a lot (7 straight games with 3+ goals) we may not need our D, but I am sure that down the stretch the 5 aforementioned players will be a big factor in our success. As for goals scored I couldn't be happier; we are scoring a lot and a lot of players are scoring. Does it matter that Ryder and Koivu don't have many goals if it means abnormally high totals for Kostitsyn and Latendresse? Not at all. Not everyone can have great years at the same time. As long as we are scoring, and more importantly winning, personal stats will not mean a thing.
The Eastern All-Star team will be announced tomorrow and I can't help but wonder if any Habs, other than Markov, will be added to the team. The league still uses the lame rule that each team needs a representative - sorry Huselius and Leclaire, hello Legace and Horcoff (the West roster was announced today). With only 21 spots available per conference pickings will certainly be slim. That means that there will be 6 players chosen from teams that already have a player. Regardless of this silly rule I thought I would take a look at the 2 Habs I think deserve to be there.
The first player is Cristobal Huet. He ranks 2nd in the East in Save% and 4th in GAA. Only Tim Thomas and Martin Brodeur (already selected) are in the top 6 in each of these categories so I believe Cristo deserves his shot. Look, however, for the NHL to choose either Lundqvist or DiPietro, along with Thomas, to save them from finding other 'All-Stars' on their respective teams.
Our other player that I think deserves strong consideration is Alex Kovalev. Numbers aside wouldn't you agree that he is one of the most exciting players in the league right now? His numbers are good and will be the only reason he gets consideration (as stupid as the Norris trophy voting), but even if his numbers were down I would say he should be there. His numbers, in this case, actually help my argument. He is 9th in the conference in goals (19) behind 8 sure bet All Stars; Kovalchuk, Ovechkin, Lecalvalier, Heatley, Alfredsson, Staal, Sundin and Jokinen. Kovalev also leads the league in PP points which, considering the league's promotion of and emphasis on the man-advantage, would be another great reason to have him there.
The Habs surely have 3 players that deserve to be at the most boring game of the year, but thanks to the league's rule I wouldn't expect anyone other than Markov to be in attendance at the annual 'NHL One Player Per Team Game'.
Date: Thursday January 10th, 2008
Opponent: Boston Bruins
Venue: TD Banknorth Arena, Boston, MA
Team Stripes
Final Score: 5-2 - Win
Habs starting goalie: Cristobal Huet (W)
Opposition starting goalie: Tim Thomas (L)
Habs goalscorers: Tomas Plekanec, Maxime Lapierre, Alexei Kovalev, Mathieu Dandenault (2)
Opposition goalscorers: Aaron Ward, Milan Lucic
2007/08 first
There's a first time for everything, so they say. What they didn't tell you is that every game, something happens for the first time, you just have to look harder in March...
1st Multiple Goal Game for Dandenault this season
1st Game Back From Injury for Bryan Smolinski (Missed 14 Games)
1st Shot on Net for Huet this season
Play of the game
The play you're straining to see on the press catwalk monitor...
With the Habs up 2-0 in the third Komisarek made a play that surely saved us letting up a goal (or a 'chance en or') and won my pick for play of the game.
The Bruins were coming in on a routine 2 - on - 2 when Markov, on his pivot, wiped-out. This fall created a 2 - on - 1. Like we are told from childhood - 'leave the shot to the goalie and as the defender take away the pass' - Komi stopped the pass. When the player with the puck saw that Huet was giving him nothing on the shot he decided to pass it. At that moment Mike put himself into a ball and stopped what would have been an easy tap in. The timing of this potential goal could have hurt the Habs, instead the timing of Komi's great play worked in our favour, because instead of 2-1 Kovalev soon made it 3-0. Huet must be given much credit on this play too for taking away any chance the lead player had at a shot.
Game puck
Trophies are for the end of the year, play well in the game, you get a lovely puck...
Mike Komisarek
Mike was fired up tonight and played one heck of a game. He blocked shots, made hits, took abuse from the Bruins and most of all prevented most chances before they became legitimate. If the league would ever recognize a defensive defenceman with any kind of award (as they claim they do) then Mike would have to get consideration this year. The people voting for such awards don't actually watch games they simply look at +/- and points and it is the latter category that will always hurt Komi. If these voters, the 'experts' of the league, were ever to watch a few games they would see that we may have one of the league's top defenceman (that plays defence) hidden beside the exceptional Andrei Markov.
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
Alexei Kovalev
- Had a very good game in the offensive zone. At times looked a little sloppy, but seeing as this is highly abnormal and the fact that most other players on both teams also looked sloppy at times I'll blame the ice. Teams know to watch him on the PP, but no one actually does; actually I should revise that - all they do is watch him
Mathieu Dandenault
- His speed and hard work and good attitude after being benched last game all paid off for him and the team tonight. At the end when it looked like Boston may tie it up Mat put 2 goals in to squash any hope they had at a comeback
Mark Streit
- Streit made 2 absolutely fantastic passes tonight that both led to goals. He just may be the 4th best passer on the team behind the big 3 (Sak, Kovy, Markov). I suppose if you want to be a National Team Captain you have to be able to pass. Streit now has a whopping 28 points and is on pace for 53! Who would have thought after a very impressive 36 points last year he would out-do himself. Played well enough defensively, again, to have a top 4 spot on the team
Defencemen
Mike Komisarek
- The only weakness this player may have is offence, but with Markov at his side it is hard to tell, and frankly, it doesn't matter. The 07-08 version of Komisarek plays a mature, responsible game. There were times tonight where he could have gotten sucked in to a fight leading to 5, 10 maybe even a game of penalties. Last year's Komi may have done this (a la Rivet/Souray), but unlike having #44 or #52 gone for the game losing Komi for a significant portion of the match is a massive hindrance
Roman Hamrlik
- I particularly liked when he came to Saku's aid in a scrum. He even took a cheap-shot from Thornton (Boston's fighter), but didn't let it escalate. Didn't do much offensively this game, but played very well in his own end. Let's not forgot that he is back with the old Breezer and it takes a certain type of skill to finish a game in the + beside him (Hammer was +1)
Goaltender
Cristobal Huet
- He looked confidant and composed the whole night. He didn't face much serious action, but made saves when he had to. The 2 goals against him were both bad bounces, but like in the past few weeks he didn't let bad luck turn into a loss. Puck-handling was weak again tonight as he continues to struggle with the concept of 'STAY IN THE NET'
Eyes on Kovalev
Did he flit and float? Someone ought to keep track...
Tonight neither Kovalev nor his line stood out too much, but like good lines elsewhere they got the job done. The three players combined for 5 points on a night where I wouldn't say they were even our best all around line. That is what great players and lines can do for you - quietly win games. He has now surpassed last year's goal total and is creeping up on his 47 total points. With 39 games left I am quite happy to say he should have no problem having his best season as a Hab. This is a guy who wants to play another 1000 games - how does 13 years at 10 Mil / year sound?
Kovalev's Assessment - Very Good
Overall Comments
The Habs have owned Boston since the lockout, and in a playoff series right before the lockout, and tonight was no different. Apart from a 15-25 minute period spanning the 2nd and 3rd periods the Habs were in complete control and played quite well. Like Topham always says, 'outplay the other team for 31+ minutes and you'll get the win', tonight there was no problem there. Our stats vs. Boston since the lockout are amazing, if that word even fits. In 21 games we are 17-4 and this season so far we are 5-0. Should we hope they get into the playoffs? I think so, I wouldn't mind facing them instead of Pittsburgh or NJ.
The Habs have now scored 135 goals in 43 games, that is 3.14 goals/game, good for third in the league behind only Ottawa and Detroit. Our defence isn't as impressive, but at 2.83 goals against/game (2.64 in our last 14 games) it is at least respectable. I have always thought with a cast of Huet, Markov, Streit, Komi and Hamrlik that defence would be what carries this team and I still believe we haven't seen the best yet. As long as we keep scoring a lot (7 straight games with 3+ goals) we may not need our D, but I am sure that down the stretch the 5 aforementioned players will be a big factor in our success. As for goals scored I couldn't be happier; we are scoring a lot and a lot of players are scoring. Does it matter that Ryder and Koivu don't have many goals if it means abnormally high totals for Kostitsyn and Latendresse? Not at all. Not everyone can have great years at the same time. As long as we are scoring, and more importantly winning, personal stats will not mean a thing.
The Eastern All-Star team will be announced tomorrow and I can't help but wonder if any Habs, other than Markov, will be added to the team. The league still uses the lame rule that each team needs a representative - sorry Huselius and Leclaire, hello Legace and Horcoff (the West roster was announced today). With only 21 spots available per conference pickings will certainly be slim. That means that there will be 6 players chosen from teams that already have a player. Regardless of this silly rule I thought I would take a look at the 2 Habs I think deserve to be there.
The first player is Cristobal Huet. He ranks 2nd in the East in Save% and 4th in GAA. Only Tim Thomas and Martin Brodeur (already selected) are in the top 6 in each of these categories so I believe Cristo deserves his shot. Look, however, for the NHL to choose either Lundqvist or DiPietro, along with Thomas, to save them from finding other 'All-Stars' on their respective teams.
Our other player that I think deserves strong consideration is Alex Kovalev. Numbers aside wouldn't you agree that he is one of the most exciting players in the league right now? His numbers are good and will be the only reason he gets consideration (as stupid as the Norris trophy voting), but even if his numbers were down I would say he should be there. His numbers, in this case, actually help my argument. He is 9th in the conference in goals (19) behind 8 sure bet All Stars; Kovalchuk, Ovechkin, Lecalvalier, Heatley, Alfredsson, Staal, Sundin and Jokinen. Kovalev also leads the league in PP points which, considering the league's promotion of and emphasis on the man-advantage, would be another great reason to have him there.
The Habs surely have 3 players that deserve to be at the most boring game of the year, but thanks to the league's rule I wouldn't expect anyone other than Markov to be in attendance at the annual 'NHL One Player Per Team Game'.
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