So there it was, the spectacle of the NHL draft lottery. RDS and TSN outdid themselves by narrowly surpassing the pointlessness of their Trade deadline Day and Free Agency day coverages.
We had to wade through quite a bit of speculation, but eventually there was some excitement.
First we pan to Bill Daly opening an envelope (what too sensitive to show the draw on camera?) and then to Brian Burke to show that the Maple leafs had not won the draft lottery (phew). From this we know that no team directly behind the Leafs were pulled either. Also, we find comfort in seeing that Burke is sticking with his angry man tie fashion.
Another envelope, another loser. This time the Isles miss the win. So that's what Garth Snow looks like...
The big moment didn't give much time for anticipation. The envelope was opened to reveal to Larry Carriere that the Habs would be picking 3rd as their position showed.
On to first, and the Oilers are revealed as the winners. The undeserving GM can't wipe the grin from his face. The sad Blue Jackets take one last loss at the final buzzer.
Picks in
What this means of course is that the Habs will be picking third overall. It will be the team's highest selection in over 30 years. Only the Rangers and Flames (no top 5 picks ever) have had fewer top fivers over that time.
Beyond the third pick, it's good to note that the Habs will be picking 3rd in every subsequent round as well. That is, all those rounds from which they have not already traded their privilege.
So that means 3rd, 33rd, 64th (round 2 has 31 picks), 94th and 154th. The team also owns the rights to Nashville's second round pick this year, thanks to Hal Gill. Essentially the team will have four picks by the time they would have had one in 2008. Five before they would have had their second last season.
This volume is important and not mentioned very often. Five players of the top 100 in a deep year can mean some quality depth added. It also gives the team a chance to mine some quality Quebecois talent (none right now in the consensus top 30, btw) without having to pay over the odds to do it (with too high a pick) or by doing it half-heartedly (O. Archambault @108).
Also very important is that 33rd pick. This pick is a first-round run-off pick and as such is very valuable. It gains more and more value as the trade continues and players that some teams have valued as their top priority fall by the wayside to home run swing picks. The value can be cashed either with one of those players, or perhaps in a bargaining move with an eager buyer on draft day. The luxury of having the other second rounder and the high 3rd and 4th rounders are good buffer for trade.
All this puts the Canadiens scouting staff in a nice position to really go after what they believe in. Furthermore, it gives a new GM some ammunition should the route of trade be considered the way forward.
Grigorenko
The 3rd pick as it stands now looks like it could materialize into Mikhail "Grigo" Grigorenko.
But temper the optimism. The likelihood of that player falling to the third position depends very much on the two teams ahead of the Canadiens.
In the better case scenario, I think we all saw the Blue Jackets taking Yakupov, with Edmonton finally conceding they need something other than a forward and taking (sudden consensus two) Ryan Murray to fill out a team of shooters. With CBJ in second, the logic remains, but is somehow less convincing. Columbus doesn't have a young stable of good forwards in the organization like the Oilers do and can't afford to take the second best player as they cling to NHL life. While a defender might ultimately make more sense for a team who believed Wisniewski the solution to their woes, a jittery team might value the quick fix of a scorer and at last a centre for Nash.
If Grigo is gone, the Canadiens have some soul searching to do. Ryan Murray is not perhaps the player they need on the big team to complement Subban/Markov/Gorges/Emelin/Beaulieu/Tinordi. And one sees what having an expendable young defender can return (McDonagh). The decision to trade that defender should be clear before the situation unfolds so that time is not lost to hesitation.
Personally, I would trade down before picking Murray. Indeed, from what I've read, I might prefer two of the top 30 to one of the next five. I have a bad feeling about Galchenyuk and would rather hedge than take him outright at three.
Whatever happens before June, or in June, I will guarantee that it will be a more exciting time to be a Habs fan than it usually is in early summer. The potential for this kind of talent to join, the potential for movement, the reason to even watch the draft all make for a better June.
Showing posts with label Edmonton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edmonton. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Thursday, March 08, 2012
Game #68
Pathetic Oiler Defence Make It Hard For Habs To Lose
Details
Date: 08/03/2012
Opponent: Oilers
Location: Edmonton
Win: 5-3
Habs Goalie: Budaj (W)
Opposition Goalie: Khabibulin (L)
Habs goalscorers: Subban, Pacioretty (2), Kaberle, Eller
Opposition goalscorers: Horcoff, Omark, Hall
Play of the game
A loss probably would have been better here, so in reality, Edmonton actually won this one. But, if I must look for the nicest play that the Habs made, regardless of the fact that it led to a win, then I will. That play, I thought, was Subban's PP goal. The passing that led to the goal was quick and precise and exactly the type of passing that has been lacking on our power-plays. The other thing lacking has been PK's booming shot which was the second reason why he scored his 6th of the season on this play.
Dome hockey team
The 6 players we're playing in a no changes, do or die contest in the domeForwards
Scott Gomez
Scott almost won the game-puck tonight as Edmonton's porous defence was just what he needed. Unfortunately for Gomez, we only play Edmonton twice a year and usually he has to contend with teams that have NHL defencemen and some sort of defensive strategy. When Scott plays like he did tonight he is a good player, but I fear, for his sake, that his chances have long since run out.
Max Pacioretty - Game Puck
For all those who said that Max was a 30-goal socrer, congratulations, you were right. He added another two to his tally tonight and now looks to have 35 in his sights. And, who knows, an extremely hot 14 games could take him dangerously close to 40. We have a good player in Patches going forward, a player who will hopefully be a 30/70 type player for the next few seasons.
Tomas Plekanec
I don't know if my linemates are as bad as Plekanec's and I play in about the lowest division of men's hockey possible. So, to see Tom go about his business and still be one of our better players says a lot. We'll probably get a centre, somehow, this summer, so where will Pleks fit in? Will he finally be a #2 behind a proper #1 (still liking that Gomez for Koivu swap? anyone?) or has Desharnais supplanted him? What about Gomez and Eller, do we have to play them on top-3 lines? At centre? In Montreal? Regardless, I respect Plekanec for playing out the season with heart and class.
Defencemen
Josh Gorges
Josh was maybe the only defenceman out there tonight, on either team, that a good team may employ to play defence for them; at least in the way everyone played tonight. Kudos then to Gorges for playing NHL D in a very open game. Tonight highlighted the very reason why Edmonton continue to be bad and why they have no need for any highly skilled Russian forwards.
PK Subban
PK picked up 3 points tonight and now, kind of quietly, has 30 on the season. He'll likely end up with 35-40 points which isn't bad considering the fact that a lot of people were looking to his lack of production as a reason for our troubles this year. Next year I would like to find a way to make him more a #2/3 for defensive responsibilities so that we can tap his offence even more.
Goaltender
Peter Budaj
This wasn't Peter's best game, but in the end he got the win and made a lot of good saves along the way. I am sure that management wouldn't have minded a loss tonight, and that may have been the reason for seeing Budaj in there, but I am sure that he had no interest in taking another loss and worsening his already unflattering stats. He may as well get some more playing time down the stretch, especially if we are serious about the draft.
Comments
We needed a loss, Edmonton needed a loss and we each needed the other team to win. Watching this game, however, you wouldn't have known that. Presumably, if we really wanted to lose we could (I mean, we have lost an awful lot of games that we were trying to win) and the same could be said for Edmonton. Both teams, however, went hard for the win as the players, not the management, were the ones out there, the ones that controlled the result. What we saw then, standings aside, was an 80's style Oilers game that had little to do with anything but speed, counter-attacks and scoring chances. It was actually a fairly exciting game to watch which made staying up late to watch and write a little more bearable than it could have been.
It is now on to Vancouver. Of more interest on Saturday, however, may be the Impact's first ever game in the MLS which also happens to be on the same day in the same city. Later on there will be a hockey game. If we lose, we'll probably be happy and if we win, against a very good Canuck team in their arena, we'll start asking ourselves, yet again, why we had to be so bad, for so long, against such equally bad teams. I for one don't want to start thinking that we would have or could have been good enough. I say, let's go through the motions on Saturday and let Vancouver get the 2 points that they need more than us.
NHL March Mathness
Usually this time of the year is fun for the math geeks among us because we get to play with playoff odds. The most adept start talking about permutations about now, while we'd expect an article from the mainstream to come out explaining how the results of the last three games determine a whole season of work.
Talk of odds was on the rise for a few minutes in February, but has thoroughly subsided with consecutive losses. The Habs could make the playoffs in theory, but only in about 0.03% of scenarios, most of which ask them to win 15 games in a row.
So odds aren't making the rounds much these days. That doesn't mean there isn't some math to talk about.
Toronto Maple Leafs
First, we have the Leafs. When the Canadiens were in the running with a nearly 20% chance at the playoffs, the Leafs stood at 70% or higher on most days. But since they fell from 8 games above 0.500 to none, the Leafs have shed a lot of playoff hope.
This may be of little interest to many, but to Habs fans who conceded a season 30 games too soon, watching falling Leaves is about as good as things can get.
Their chances of making the playoffs according to simulation at Sports Club Stats stands at 8.3%. The most likely scenario now placing them with a mediocre 83 points and no chance at games in April or top two picks. So exactly in that zone we would dread to be in as Montreal fans, and one which is so familiar (and possibly responsible) for a playoffless Toronto franchise.
Edmonton Oilers
Second, we have the Edmonton Oilers. I am not alone in citing them as the chief rivals to Montreal's bid to win a top two pick. Tonight, the Habs meet the young bucks in what I am calling the Grigorenko Cup -- a battle to the ends of the clock for most goals against and most credible losing display.
The math with Edmonton is simple. They stand at this time 2 points behind the Canadiens with a game in hand (admittedly games in hands for teams like these two mean 0 points more often than not). A regulation loss in the Grogorenko Cup would give the Canadiens the coveted lower hand in this race to Russian redemption.
Obviously the Oilers would stand equal on points and would have one more game to negotiate without slipping up to grab a point. That's just the start.
The tie-break is also important here.
Currently the Habs have one less regulation or OT win (ROW) than the Oilers, and consequently would win the first tie break. By manoeuvring Edmonton into a win this evening, the advantage would be doubled and make a tie in points a win (remember loss is win now) to the Canadiens.
The next tie break is head-to-head record. In a symmetrical season series such as this one, the tie break is simple -- who got the most points. With an early season loss to the Oilers, the Habs already have the edge in this tie break and could reinforce it with another loss. Winning this tie break would make a tie in the previous tie break a winning scenario too, giving that much more wiggle room for the futile home team.
In the worst case scenario, the Canadiens will win in regulation producing a gulf in points of 4, an equal number of ROWs and a deadlock in the 3rd tie break. This wouldn't be great, not only because of the points, but also because the Habs currently lose the fourth tie break of goal differential, where they haven't been quite bad enough.
An OTL wouldn't be ideal, but is workable.
Draft lottery 2012
I'm sure there are some of you out there who have the same misguided notions about the draft lottery that I used to have. I thought long ago that the lottery was like a raffle where the bottom 5 teams had so many tickets and each was drawn until the order was established.
This is not so. There is only one drawing in the draft lottery and after that team is drawn they merely move up 4 places in the order and the rest shift down accordingly. All 14 non-playoff teams have a chance to be drawn (with diminishing odds, of course). If the 17th place team is drawn, what happens is that they move up to 10th in the draft and 18th to 21st become 11th to 14th picks. All the teams from 22nd to 30th continue as if nothing ever happened retaining the first nine picks.
So the odds for being drawn are not exactly the odds for getting the pick you want.
These are the odds for being drawn:
25.0% - 30th
18.8% - 29th
14.2% - 28th
10.7% - 27th
8.1% - 26th
6.2% - 25th
4.7% - 24th
3.6% - 23rd
2.7% - 22nd
2.1% - 21st
1.5% - 20th
1.1% - 19th
0.8% - 18th
0.5% - 17th
Columbus as it happens will come last. So they have a 100% chance of a top two pick. Because they don't have to win the lottery to pick first, their odds of winning that pick are 25% + the sum of all the odds for teams 17 to 25, which amounts to 48.2%. That would be a lovely position to be in (though I'm not sure the hundreds of fans in Columbus would agree), but it's just not in the cards for the Habs.
Instead we look at positions lower in the order.
Were the Habs to come 29th (beat the Oilers), their odds would look like this:
1st pick: 18.8% (need to win lottery)
2nd pick: 42.0% (CBJ or team lower than 6th wins)
3rd pick: 39.2% (a team from 3rd to 6th wins lottery)
A whopping 60.8% chance of a top two pick.
If the Habs maintain their current position without "passing" Edmonton, the odds are as follows:
1st pick: 14.2%
2nd pick: 0.0%
3rd pick: 56.1%
4th pick: 29.7%
A paltry 14.2% chance of a top two pick.
Since top two is really where it's at, teams from 25th to 28th still have a hope, but only through winning the lottery (you can see those odds above). The benefits of finishing lower come in the position that is retained if a team higher (30th) or lower than wins.
Where the Habs may be lucky is in the fact that it is the Oilers and not another rival in the catbird seat. Looking up and down the Oilers, one finds dynamic scorer after dynamic scorer, but nary a goalie or defenceman around. The team needs a young defender like the Habs need two full scoring lines (a lot), and though they might be happier to retain the losing position, a trade down the road might not be out of the question.
2013 Draft lottery
I don't mean to disturb some sleeping monster, but to those unaware, the NHL and their players association currently have no CBA for next season. The last time this happened, there was no season. And though it's hard to imagine the league taking another PR hit of that magnitude, several factors suggest it's not out of the realm of possibility:
1) The US barely noticed a season without hockey last time
2) Canada came back in stronger numbers to support (though another strike may be a step too far)
3) The NHLPA don't like where they are and have brought in a harder line lawyer to lead their negotiation
4) The NHL owners don't like where they are and wish to reduce the proportion of revenues allotted to players
There are some sticking points there and based on judgments of things most important to owners (PR vs. more revenue in the pocket) and players (share of revenue vs. year of short career), there could be a standoff.
Let's assume for the sake of argument that there is no season. What happens in that scenario is a draft in 2013 without a season's standings to inform it. Last time this happened, Montreal walked away with a high pick by beating the odds somewhat and Pittsburgh nabbed their corner piece.
There's no formula set in stone for a draft of this kind, and perhaps it will be part of negotiation. But last time, it was based on a few things: results of the previous three seasons of play (specifically playoff participation) with some sort of penalty for getting a first overall pick (though it didn't hurt Pittsburgh or Columbus, only Washington). The system is flawed and was clearly dreamt up by someone more likely part of the Penguins than the Capitals organization.
But let's imagine the season is lost and a system that is more equitable to teams that are actually bad at that moment in time (as the real draft is). The Canadiens would stand in good stead.
Talk of odds was on the rise for a few minutes in February, but has thoroughly subsided with consecutive losses. The Habs could make the playoffs in theory, but only in about 0.03% of scenarios, most of which ask them to win 15 games in a row.
So odds aren't making the rounds much these days. That doesn't mean there isn't some math to talk about.
Toronto Maple Leafs
First, we have the Leafs. When the Canadiens were in the running with a nearly 20% chance at the playoffs, the Leafs stood at 70% or higher on most days. But since they fell from 8 games above 0.500 to none, the Leafs have shed a lot of playoff hope.
This may be of little interest to many, but to Habs fans who conceded a season 30 games too soon, watching falling Leaves is about as good as things can get.
Their chances of making the playoffs according to simulation at Sports Club Stats stands at 8.3%. The most likely scenario now placing them with a mediocre 83 points and no chance at games in April or top two picks. So exactly in that zone we would dread to be in as Montreal fans, and one which is so familiar (and possibly responsible) for a playoffless Toronto franchise.
Edmonton Oilers
Second, we have the Edmonton Oilers. I am not alone in citing them as the chief rivals to Montreal's bid to win a top two pick. Tonight, the Habs meet the young bucks in what I am calling the Grigorenko Cup -- a battle to the ends of the clock for most goals against and most credible losing display.
The math with Edmonton is simple. They stand at this time 2 points behind the Canadiens with a game in hand (admittedly games in hands for teams like these two mean 0 points more often than not). A regulation loss in the Grogorenko Cup would give the Canadiens the coveted lower hand in this race to Russian redemption.
Obviously the Oilers would stand equal on points and would have one more game to negotiate without slipping up to grab a point. That's just the start.
The tie-break is also important here.
Currently the Habs have one less regulation or OT win (ROW) than the Oilers, and consequently would win the first tie break. By manoeuvring Edmonton into a win this evening, the advantage would be doubled and make a tie in points a win (remember loss is win now) to the Canadiens.
The next tie break is head-to-head record. In a symmetrical season series such as this one, the tie break is simple -- who got the most points. With an early season loss to the Oilers, the Habs already have the edge in this tie break and could reinforce it with another loss. Winning this tie break would make a tie in the previous tie break a winning scenario too, giving that much more wiggle room for the futile home team.
In the worst case scenario, the Canadiens will win in regulation producing a gulf in points of 4, an equal number of ROWs and a deadlock in the 3rd tie break. This wouldn't be great, not only because of the points, but also because the Habs currently lose the fourth tie break of goal differential, where they haven't been quite bad enough.
An OTL wouldn't be ideal, but is workable.
Draft lottery 2012
I'm sure there are some of you out there who have the same misguided notions about the draft lottery that I used to have. I thought long ago that the lottery was like a raffle where the bottom 5 teams had so many tickets and each was drawn until the order was established.
This is not so. There is only one drawing in the draft lottery and after that team is drawn they merely move up 4 places in the order and the rest shift down accordingly. All 14 non-playoff teams have a chance to be drawn (with diminishing odds, of course). If the 17th place team is drawn, what happens is that they move up to 10th in the draft and 18th to 21st become 11th to 14th picks. All the teams from 22nd to 30th continue as if nothing ever happened retaining the first nine picks.
So the odds for being drawn are not exactly the odds for getting the pick you want.
These are the odds for being drawn:
25.0% - 30th
18.8% - 29th
14.2% - 28th
10.7% - 27th
8.1% - 26th
6.2% - 25th
4.7% - 24th
3.6% - 23rd
2.7% - 22nd
2.1% - 21st
1.5% - 20th
1.1% - 19th
0.8% - 18th
0.5% - 17th
Columbus as it happens will come last. So they have a 100% chance of a top two pick. Because they don't have to win the lottery to pick first, their odds of winning that pick are 25% + the sum of all the odds for teams 17 to 25, which amounts to 48.2%. That would be a lovely position to be in (though I'm not sure the hundreds of fans in Columbus would agree), but it's just not in the cards for the Habs.
Instead we look at positions lower in the order.
Were the Habs to come 29th (beat the Oilers), their odds would look like this:
1st pick: 18.8% (need to win lottery)
2nd pick: 42.0% (CBJ or team lower than 6th wins)
3rd pick: 39.2% (a team from 3rd to 6th wins lottery)
A whopping 60.8% chance of a top two pick.
If the Habs maintain their current position without "passing" Edmonton, the odds are as follows:
1st pick: 14.2%
2nd pick: 0.0%
3rd pick: 56.1%
4th pick: 29.7%
A paltry 14.2% chance of a top two pick.
Since top two is really where it's at, teams from 25th to 28th still have a hope, but only through winning the lottery (you can see those odds above). The benefits of finishing lower come in the position that is retained if a team higher (30th) or lower than wins.
Where the Habs may be lucky is in the fact that it is the Oilers and not another rival in the catbird seat. Looking up and down the Oilers, one finds dynamic scorer after dynamic scorer, but nary a goalie or defenceman around. The team needs a young defender like the Habs need two full scoring lines (a lot), and though they might be happier to retain the losing position, a trade down the road might not be out of the question.
2013 Draft lottery
I don't mean to disturb some sleeping monster, but to those unaware, the NHL and their players association currently have no CBA for next season. The last time this happened, there was no season. And though it's hard to imagine the league taking another PR hit of that magnitude, several factors suggest it's not out of the realm of possibility:
1) The US barely noticed a season without hockey last time
2) Canada came back in stronger numbers to support (though another strike may be a step too far)
3) The NHLPA don't like where they are and have brought in a harder line lawyer to lead their negotiation
4) The NHL owners don't like where they are and wish to reduce the proportion of revenues allotted to players
There are some sticking points there and based on judgments of things most important to owners (PR vs. more revenue in the pocket) and players (share of revenue vs. year of short career), there could be a standoff.
Let's assume for the sake of argument that there is no season. What happens in that scenario is a draft in 2013 without a season's standings to inform it. Last time this happened, Montreal walked away with a high pick by beating the odds somewhat and Pittsburgh nabbed their corner piece.
There's no formula set in stone for a draft of this kind, and perhaps it will be part of negotiation. But last time, it was based on a few things: results of the previous three seasons of play (specifically playoff participation) with some sort of penalty for getting a first overall pick (though it didn't hurt Pittsburgh or Columbus, only Washington). The system is flawed and was clearly dreamt up by someone more likely part of the Penguins than the Capitals organization.
But let's imagine the season is lost and a system that is more equitable to teams that are actually bad at that moment in time (as the real draft is). The Canadiens would stand in good stead.
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Game #67
Someone Had To Win; Habs Lose To Flickering Flames
Details
Date: 06/03/2012
Opponent: Flames
Location: Calgary
Loss: 4-5
Habs Goalie: Price (L)
Opposition Goalie: Kiprusoff (W)
Habs goalscorers: Plekanec, Pacioretty (2), Eller
Opposition goalscorers: Moss, Iginla (2), Giordano, Glencross
Play of the game
Dome hockey team
The 6 players we're playing in a no changes, do or die contest in the dome
Forwards
Max Pacioretty
I called the goals scruffy, and they were. His first was not destined to be scored a scoring chance until it trickled in. His second was pushed in by the goalie. Still, there's something magical about the same player being the one to get these goals and many of the nice ones, and lead the team by such a large margin. It's called being a goalscorer. He didn't do as well in many of the other areas, but for the goalscoring, I'll give all that up.
Lars Eller
One gets the idea that if placed with the right sidekick, Eller's plays would lead somewhere. I'm not sure the Habs have a player to supplement him in the next few years, but one must hope they figure something out. Occasionally, even in isolation, his vim pays off. Tonight, he was the most energetic looking for long periods and scored a determined goal for reward.
Tomas Plekanec
The guy is having a trying season. But even so, he'll be among the leaders and better than Grabovski in the long haul. Tonight he shrugged off Rene Bourque's indifference and Louis Leblanc's naivete long enough to show real spark and get a goal of his own too.
Defencemen
Tomas Kaberle - Game PuckLook, before we get too excited, all the Habs were at times pretty terrible tonight. Kaberle was a mess in his own zone occasionally too (as usual), but remarkably wasn't made to pay too heavily. The thing is, he really is half decent at making a pass. I've observed it's often because he does something simple like pass to open space for someone or pass well to an open player. It's sad that this'll get you a game puck. But it needed to be recognized in this game. Note also that each point Kaberle gets is a boon for the Habs, as his contract looks less and less untradeable by the assist. Gauthier (or whoever) might not wrest much for the Czech QB, but it'll be more than a UFA Spacek could have fetched.
Chris Campoli
I thought the defence as a whole were horrible in this game. Even when they weren't being scored on, they were making a meal of simple play. Campoli was no star, but he did not have an off night by his standards.
Goaltender
Peter Budaj
Poor Carey had little help in this game. The goals were not easy saves. But when it adds up as it did tonight to goals on a fair ratio of the complicated chances and a blatant error for another, we need to draw a line in the sand. He passed beyond what a dome selector could call acceptable. Budaj probably would have lost too, but that's not going to be a saving grace this time.
Comments
How can a game full of goals be painful to watch? I suppose if one's team is down early, down soon after tying and only rarely looking competitive, it colours one's opinion. I think primarily, I found the game to be dull for lack of quality chances created. The Habs scored on 3, if not 4, goalmouth mistakes. When even a team's highlight goals show a team content to take shots from low percentage areas, it's a bad sign.
There were minutes of excitement at the end, but no real anticipation thanks to a season of being conditioned to accept exactly what ended up happening. Our bad team faced another team that has little to take away but points from this game.
I truly look forward to the Habs next game, however. The Grigorenko Cup. It will be interesting to see just how interested each side is in winning versus the primary rival for second in the only standings that remain for each. Which goalies will start? Which new line combinations will be deployed?
Knowing the Habs, they should win in convincing fashion. Perhaps the Oilers with their multitude of frontline riches have no eye for this Russian anyway and will happily take the short-sighted win. As I speak, they are locked in a battle to defeat a team that would provide them points and their most dreaded enemy playoff life. Never know.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Game #59
Montreal Overwhelmed By Young Oilers
Details
Date: 17/2/2011
Opponent: Oilers
Location: Edmonton
Loss: 1-4
Habs Goalie: Price (L)
Opposition Goalie: Khabibulin (W)
Habs goalscorers: Halpern
Opposition goalscorers: Hemsky (2), Eberle, Jones
Play of the game
A Subban shot towards the end that went wide was, disappointingly, our best play of the game. Right after we killed a 5-on-3 we seemed to show some life. Weber did a good job to flip a high one in the air into the neutral zone. Their Gomez did an excellent job of controlling the puck and got it to Gio before getting it back. He then found a streaking PK who made a nice move to get in close. It was the story of the night, however, as the eventual shot went wide.
Dome hockey team
The 6 players we're playing in a no changes, do or die contest in the domeForwards
Scott Gomez - Game Puck
Is this the start of something? Camms could be back which means we could have two real lines (man, is Moen ever brutal or what?). If Scott plays like he did tonight with Cammalleri and Kostitsyn on his wings there would likely be very different results. A game like tonight wouldn't just be a good game in our eyes, but likely also in those who value stats above anything.
Lars Eller
I wondered if this could be Lars' last game with the big club this season, but then he went and played well enough to justify his spot. I can't however, really see a place for him long-term as it seems the third line is already set and I am not sure if he is a fourth-liner. I think that everyone involved would benefit from him being a top-6 in Hamilton rather than a bottom-3 up here.
Andrei Kostitsyn
Andrei was our most dangerous forward tonight and I wasn't the only one who thought so. JM was using him more and it seemed to help him with his confidence. He was connecting well with Gomez throughout, but I would still like to see him reunited with Pleks as that combo worked so well for us early on this year.
Defencemen
Yannick Weber
Yan was our best defenceman tonight and he was rewarded with an insane amount of minutes. Our D continues to drop which means the young Swiss rearguard, who started the season as our #8, is up into our top-3. He is doing a formidable job, but it would be nice if he could go back to learning his trade on the third pairing.
Roman Hamrlik
I almost put the Wis in here, but thought that that was a bit silly, so went with the least bad of the remaining four. That, tonight, happened to be Hamrlik. I wasn't too big on his defensive play, but did quite like what I saw from Roman in the offensive zone. With all the injuries we have we have to be very careful with him as at his age he is the most likely one to pick something up as fatigue must now surely be becoming an issue. Is Chelios available? He can't be too much worse than Nash or Mara.
Goaltender
Carey Price
This was a bit of an off game from Carey. He has saved much harder stuff than he let in tonight. Edmonton, however, is never a good place for him and it showed again tonight. With a tighter D corps this could have been a win and we wouldn't have noticed any weaknesses as those shots would have never been so dangerous; so, much is forgiven.
Comments
We lost the winnable game which in a way may not be a bad thing. We still have two more games to play in the west and I am sure that we will play better now having lost to the league's worst team. A win would have been nice, but maybe this loss will serve as a reminder to us in the coming weeks. It can be a reminder that no opponent should be taken lightly, a reminder that constantly pinching our D-men will bite us and a reminder that we must be much more efficient as we are too vulnerable; our lack of depth is starting to show on the face of the team. Sunday will be a good game, but now it has to be more than a shinny game, it has to be a win. We can't slide too much and I would much more comfortable heading to Vancouver off a win rather than off 3 losses in a row.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Game #25
Rookie Mistakes Cost Habs an Easy Win
Details
Date: 1/12/2010
Opponent: Oilers
Location: Montreal
Loss: 3-4
Habs Goalie: Price (L)
Opposition Goalie: Dubnyk (W)
Habs goalscorers: Gomez, Darche, Hamrlik
Opposition goalscorers: Foster, Hemsky, Gagner, Penner
Play of the game
The play of the game was a goal that should have really sealed it for us. Unfortunately, however, I think the players went to sleep after it. I thought that this goal was a really great individual effort by Pouliot who did very well in Edmonton's corner to fake-out a couple of Oilers and then throw the puck towards the net. The puck ended up on Hamer's stick inadvertently, but I really liked the intent and conviction that Ben showed. Roman made no mistake and, very nicely, finished the job.
Dome hockey team
The 6 players we're playing in a no changes, do or die contest in the domeMatieu Darche
Darche was instrumental on two separate PP goals as he went to the net and caused confusion both times. He picked up assists on both goals, but, I felt, deserved some extra credit. I really like using him when we are up a man and am happy that he is making the most of his opportunities.
Tomas Plekanec
Tom was our best centre tonight, but I did think that it was close. Gomez played a better game than usual (which included a goal) and Eller was quick all game, but I felt that Pleks was the best one out there. His line was dangerous (especially Kostitsyn early on), but maybe went a bit too quiet, towards the end, for their own good.
Michael Cammalleri
After the play in OT I almost put Andrei in here instead, but I stuck with Camms for a couple of reasons. The first, and main, reason is that he played a strong game as he looked a threat from beginning to end; he very nearly scored in OT. The second reason is that his error in OT was only due to the fact that Subban gave him very, very little to work with. Mike could have done better, but PK, what we're you thinking (x2).
Defencemen
Roman Hamrlik - Game Puck
Hammer's two shots which led to goals were both very well-timed and dangerous. The first was a bomb that caused confusion and, combined with Darche's and Cammalleri's attack, bore fruits. The second, his goal, was a bit lucky, but I really liked how he found that hole and made no mistake when the puck arrived. He was solid in his own end all night too.
Jaroslav Spacek
Jaro had a bad start to the game, but quickly cleaned that up fast. Slow at times, yes, but when given the opportunity to get in position he was quite good against the Oiler attack. What I liked most, however, were his shots from the point. They were hard and accurate and I was a little surprised that one didn't go in. If he keeps shooting like that I am sure that the goals will start coming more regularly.
Goaltender
Carey Price
An off night from Carey is still a good game. Tonight he can't really be blamed, but it was clear that, at times, previously in the season this would have been a win. In fact, this was one of his less good efforts and we still walked away with a point. When you can be in the dome, almost win and play solid throughout most of the game on an off night you know that you have something special going on. Subban will have a lot to answer for as I felt those goals were more his mistake than anyone's (the last two), but a loss to Edmonton isn't the end of the world; just more reason to win tomorrow.
Comments
You never want to lose a game that you are winning by two and you never want to lose to a team like the Oilers, but stuff like that happens and it is OK. The Habs actually played a more open game tonight and that may have been how the Oilers found a way back in. It certainly made for exciting end-to-end hockey, so I can't say that I am all that disappointed. The Oilers have good players and, with a bit of luck (or poorly timed plays by our D), can be quite the group. So, take this game for what it is, a tie, and move on to tomorrow. We have New Jersey and San Jose in the next 64 hours and I think that at least two points from those games is imperative. If we play like we did tonight (or have been doing all year) then I don't see that being a problem, especially if we play a full 60 minutes of smart-thinking hockey.
Working Stats
Whatever happens with the score tonight, Oilers fans will find a new stat to show they were the better team.
Tonight the Habs face the Oilers, and their army of stat-generating mathematicians.
I exaggerate, of course. Oilers fans can be very critical of their team. But it remains true that the Oilogosphere is the burning orb around which the new world of NHL statistics was born and now orbits.
We Habs fans are doing a relatively good job catching up, but are a relative Pluto compared to those who have been extolling the virtues of Dustin Penner for years.
If you want to have a different read for this game, and I've noticed other blogs like referring their game prep elsewhere, then having a good trawl through the Oilogosphere is as fun as any other trip you can take. They speak in a different language, sometimes. One where words like Fenwick and Zone starts flow off the tongue. But to any burgeoning stats fan, it's a good read.
Cult of Hockeey - sidebar especially (Dave Staples)
Irreverent Oiler Fans - archives now (Vic Ferrari)
The Copper and Blue (Derek Zona, Jonathan Willis, et al)
Lowetide
mc79 (Tyler Dellow, Colin Campbell whistleblower)
Battle of Alberta (Matt Fenwick, et al)
...
And for the Habs fans with tunnel vision like myself. Stick to the Habs with Olivier's numerical looks at the Habs:
En Attendant les Nordiques (Olivier)
Enjoy the game, and while Corsi may not be kind, let's hope the Habs win the most important statistical category (and least important for goalies...), the normalized win-loss differential.
Tonight the Habs face the Oilers, and their army of stat-generating mathematicians.
I exaggerate, of course. Oilers fans can be very critical of their team. But it remains true that the Oilogosphere is the burning orb around which the new world of NHL statistics was born and now orbits.
We Habs fans are doing a relatively good job catching up, but are a relative Pluto compared to those who have been extolling the virtues of Dustin Penner for years.
If you want to have a different read for this game, and I've noticed other blogs like referring their game prep elsewhere, then having a good trawl through the Oilogosphere is as fun as any other trip you can take. They speak in a different language, sometimes. One where words like Fenwick and Zone starts flow off the tongue. But to any burgeoning stats fan, it's a good read.
Cult of Hockeey - sidebar especially (Dave Staples)
Irreverent Oiler Fans - archives now (Vic Ferrari)
The Copper and Blue (Derek Zona, Jonathan Willis, et al)
Lowetide
mc79 (Tyler Dellow, Colin Campbell whistleblower)
Battle of Alberta (Matt Fenwick, et al)
...
And for the Habs fans with tunnel vision like myself. Stick to the Habs with Olivier's numerical looks at the Habs:
En Attendant les Nordiques (Olivier)
Enjoy the game, and while Corsi may not be kind, let's hope the Habs win the most important statistical category (and least important for goalies...), the normalized win-loss differential.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Game #69
Canadiens Cut It Close Against Basement-Dwellers
Details
Date: 11/03/10
Opponent: Oilers
Location: Montreal
Win: 5-4 (SO)Habs Goalie: Halak (W)
Opposition Goalie: Dubnyk (L)
Habs goalscorers: Plekanec, Gionta, Moen, S. Kostitsyn, (A. Kostitsyn - SO)
Opposition goalscorers: Nilsson, Gagner, Cogliano, Horcoff
Play of the game
This play was the main reason that Sergei got the Game Puck as it really was the best/most crucial play of the game. With the game tied at three I was a bit worried that we would find a way to lose to the league's worst team. Edmonton actually looked poised to go ahead and I thought a goal could come at any minute. I also felt that if they took the lead that would be it for us - so, that makes Kostitsyn's goal that much better. The play started with a weak dump-in by Gill that went right to the Oilers. Kostitsyn, however, fought hard in the corner and came out with the puck. He then moved in towards the net and put a well-placed shot up and over Dubnyk.
Dome hockey team
The 6 players we're playing in a no changes, do or die contest in the dome
ForwardsSergei Kostitsyn - Game Puck
Sergei has been playing well of late, but his service on the third line doesn't usually have that great of an impact. He can be an impact player, from time to time, but playing a solid two-way game is good enough for me. He has some chemistry right now with Moore and I feel that this now gives us our best third line of the season. Tonight Kostitsyn was an impact player as he scored that crucial goal and also added an assist.
Andrei Kostitsyn
At times Andrei looked great in this one and at others he looked quite mediocre. The good times included some quality shots, an assist on Plekanec's goal and good work in the offensive zone. His missed shots, flubbed passes and occasional defensive lapses made him look average, at best, at other times during the game. Well, he sealed his fate in the shootout where he made a fabulous move to score the only goal, the winner. We needed that goal, but I think, maybe more importantly, he did too.
Travis Moen
Right now the battle for the third spot on the third line is heating up. I think it is really between Moen and Lapierre and maybe even Darche. Lapierre, however, thanks to his dirty and inconsistent play, is slowly falling behind. Tonight's effort from Moen will help his cause greatly as he was really a force. He managed to score a goal (first in 30+ games) and pick-up an assist too. If he can be the energy guy for that line and play like he did tonight, then I think that line has everything we need from a third unit.
Defencemen
Andrei Markov
Markov was of course good tonight, but I think one area that needs to be improved is the PP. Now, you can point to Bergeron's absence and also at the play of his teammates, but at the end of the day this is his unit to run. I feel that we are trying to be too cute and are trying too many passes and that is costing us in our quantity of quality scoring chances. What he didn't do with the extra-man, however, he did at even-strength as he picked up 2 more assists (21) and dominated the flow of play while he was on the ice.
Hal Gill
This was a much better game from Hal which, thankfully, didn't involve any assists on Oiler goals. No, instead, Gill was quite discrete as I didn't really notice him much. When I did notice him, however, it was because he was making a good poke-check or was blocking a passing lane. As a 6th defenceman he can be quite effective as his long reach, size and ability to stay in position do help us. I hope that we continue to use him wisely and in the right situations and that he finds a way to be at his best for the next 1+ months.
Goaltender
Jaroslav Halak
This game did not start well for Halak as 2 quick goals already had me doubting him and our chances. He continued to look shaky throughout the game and with that came 2 more goals. It was decided then, Price gets the dome. In OT and in the shootout, however, Halak clawed his way back to respectability and I found reasons to give him the spot. He played the shootout particularly well (and, admittedly got a bit lucky) as he did not let any of the five shooters score. I am not thrilled with his game, I know he can/should be better, but when you get a win on an off-night, you have done well.
Comments
We started this game very strongly and I was convinced that we would run away with it after an early goal. To me, their defence and goaltending was too weak to match up and I was ready for a pounding. Four minutes later I was humbled as I had just watched my team go down in a game that no longer looked like a guaranteed 2 points. The Habs, however, kept up with the pace of the Oilers and found a way to match blows. No one player, on either team, was that spectacular all night as this was a team effort (for better or worse) by both squads. It was nice that we got to OT as I had been worrying that we would get 0 points; to me, 1 point at that point would have been enough. In OT we had our chances, but again our PP couldn't connect. It was then on to the shootout where one would have to think we held the advantage. Well, the goalie who I had never heard of had different plans as he decided not to let any of the three or four players that tried score between his legs. Luckily, for the sake of that 2nd point, Halak had found his form and Kostitsyn found the back of the net. These were 2 points that you really should get and, thank goodness, we somehow got. Boston on Saturday will be a test, but mostly a test of our desire to get into the playoffs. We don't want to allow the Bruins to get points just as much as we need them ourselves. So, let's see if we can continue our hot play and head into our week of scoreboard watching with 2 more in the bank.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Game #5:
Canadiens Outshoot (and Seemingly Outplay) Edmonton; come up short again
Details
Date: 10/10/09
Opponent: Oilers
Location: Edmonton
Loss: 2-3
Habs Goalie: Price (L)
Opposition Goalie: Khabibulin (W)
Habs goalscorers: Gionta, Hamrlik
Opposition goalscorers: Comrie, Jacques, O'Sullivan
Play of the game
Gionta and Gomez continued their hot play yesterday and it paid off for them towards the end of the 2nd. A great steal by Gionta at centre ice created an odd-man rush and the two made no mistake. Brian got the puck to Scott and, almost immediately, got the puck back himself. In they went on a 2-on-1 and did exactly what I was hoping for. I wanted a shot from Gionta rather than a pass to Gomez and that is what happened. It ended up being a perfect shot that went upstairs and fooled Habby. It was a timely goal and, at 1-3, put the Habs back in the game.
Dome hockey team
The 6 players we're playing in a no changes, do or die contest in the domeForwards
Scott Gomez
Once again Scott was one of our best players and once again I had to wait too long to see him on the ice. He did get 20 minutes of ice, but I find that the other 40 minutes of the game becomes extremely long as I wait for our only real scoring line to get back on the ice. He worked well with Gionta and a variety of other wingers tonight, and again was the main driving force of the offence.
Mike Cammelleri
It is great that Mike is playing so well, but like I call out goalies and defencemen for not being great and making not making crucial plays I must do the same with Mike. He is meant to be our best goal-scorer and he has now been snake bitten in his first 5 games. We can call it unlucky, we can say that other areas of his game have been good, but at the end of the day a goal-scorer must find a way to score. You don't notice zeroes beside Ovechkin and Crosby's names a week into the year; somehow they find a way. All that said, Mike was still one of our best in this one; I just need him to be better.
Brian Gionta - Game Puck
Hard work, again, paid off for the little man. He managed his 3rd goal in 5 games and right now looks like our only shot at a 40-goal scorer. The goal itself was great, but was just a small sample of his great play that lasted most of the game. He played 20 minutes of +1 hockey and is proving to be as proficient in his own end as the opposition's. Again, I only wish he was on the ice for more time.
Defencemen
Roman Hamrlik
Markov's spot is presently being filled (as well as it could) by the Hammer. He is managing to contribute in both ends and, last night, was our best all around defender. The two plays that stand out for me are, of course, the goal, which made it close, and a great defensive poke-check which derailed what could have been a very good scoring chance. He was on the ice for 24 minutes and managed to have a very positive influence on the game during that time.
Jaroslav Spacek
I am still waiting for Souray, Streit and Schneider's replacement to contribute in the same way on the PP, but am at least happy to report that Jaro has, for the most part, been our second-best blue-liner. There were no points to be had last night, but he was one of only four players to end with a positive rating. At 26+ minutes of ice time I am beginning to wonder if Martin is making the same mistake with his D as his offence. By playing Jaro with Roman we are more or less set for 25 minutes, the problems seem to happen when they aren't there. I may, given Markov's absence, try and balance the D a little better by separating the two out and putting them on with one of Gill, Mara or Weber each as those players are struggling more than they aren't.
Goaltender
Jaroslav Halak
I didn't want to do this tonight, but I couldn't stand by Price in this one. I won't blame him for the loss (there are 18 other players as, if not more, responsible, than him anyway), but I also don't think that this performance will win us many games. Maybe our D let him down, maybe our O didn't contribute enough, but that, unfortunately is the team he is playing behind. I was, however, very pleased with his lateral movement and rebound control and really felt he controlled things in his own end. The part that gets me though is the 3 goals on 19 shots. Right now he seems to be finding ways (well, the Habs are at least) to lose. At the end of the day other goalies around the league are winning games against harder opposition than the Oilers and behind worse D, so I know that it can be done. What may have tipped the scales in this one, as I needed to make a tough call, was how Carey handled the puck. He was too slow, came out too much and created too many giveaways for my liking as I continue to think that this, the weakest part of his game, needs a serious re-think.
Comments
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Spacek Interviewed
Back after a couple of days off on holiday. I didn't know how much I needed one. Now I know that I need another. Luckily the hockey world was kind – refraining from making any news of note for another week. Maybe there's a hint of disappointment in that for me, but there must also be relief given some signings in recent Augusts for our illustrious GM.
At risk of becoming the voice of Jaroslav Spacek, I wanted to point you all to a lengthy interview with the new Habs blueliner from the Journal de Montreal via Canoe
I have paraphrased from the translation of a probable translation. Take the quotes with a very large grain of salt. The themes should hopefully be maintained:
Spacek not an offensive defenceman
At least in his own opinion, Jaroslav isn't an offensive player. Still, 45 points ain't shabby.
Has a bad memory
Maybe the question I assume was asked wasn't, but Spacek appears to say he doesn' know any of his new teammates. He certainly should know Hamrlik, having been part of the same Olympic gold medal hockey team in 1998. Perhaps he's written Roman off just like 3/4 of Canadiens fans.
Calls for patience
Wise for his age. That or he knows he needs to buy his team some time from the fans here. Spacek thinks some parts of finding team chemistry will take time:
A question and answer session followed:
Not quite driving to Montreal the minute he's signed, but I'll take it. It explains why we didn't sign him for one year...
A diplomat as well as a good negotiator of contracts.
He may be surprised about the differences between us and Oiler fans. Hopefully he won't have to find out about the special cheer reserved for repeated defensive turnovers too early in the year...
A good level of lingering disappointment is good. Too bad the reporter forgot to ask why he signed elsewhere the minute free agency hit after that Cup run, though.
Olympic gold's not a bad way to launch a career at all. As he didn't mention the bronze, I'm guessing he's not so hot on the losing experience as the winning.
A summer vacation in Czech never hurt anyone. Pilsener, sausages and the like. I can't believe he didn't stay in Buffalo...
At risk of becoming the voice of Jaroslav Spacek, I wanted to point you all to a lengthy interview with the new Habs blueliner from the Journal de Montreal via Canoe
I have paraphrased from the translation of a probable translation. Take the quotes with a very large grain of salt. The themes should hopefully be maintained:
Spacek not an offensive defenceman
At least in his own opinion, Jaroslav isn't an offensive player. Still, 45 points ain't shabby.
«Mais je ne me qualifie pas pour autant comme étant un défenseur offensif. Je suis sur la glace avant tout pour empêcher l'adversaire de marquer. D'ailleurs, s'il y a une chose que je déteste par-dessus tout, c'est quand je suis sur la patinoire pour un but de l'équipe adverse.»
"I don't consider myself an offensive defenceman. I'm on the ice to stop the opposition from scoring. In fact, if there's on thing that I hate most, it's being on the ice for a goal against."
Has a bad memory
Maybe the question I assume was asked wasn't, but Spacek appears to say he doesn' know any of his new teammates. He certainly should know Hamrlik, having been part of the same Olympic gold medal hockey team in 1998. Perhaps he's written Roman off just like 3/4 of Canadiens fans.
Calls for patience
Wise for his age. That or he knows he needs to buy his team some time from the fans here. Spacek thinks some parts of finding team chemistry will take time:
«Quand je regarde notre formation, je constate que nous présenterons une toute nouvelle équipe aux amateurs de Montréal. C'est évident que ça prendra un certain temps avant de trouver les bonnes lignes d'attaque, mais je suis persuadé que les entraîneurs et la direction ont déjà de bonnes idées à ce sujet.»
"When I look at the team, I can see that we are an entirely new proposition for the fans in Montreal. It's clear that it will take some time to find productive line combinations, but I'm convinced that the coaches and the managers have good ideas on the subject."
A question and answer session followed:
Q: The Canadiens are your 6th NHL team (after the Panther, Hawks, Blue Jackets, Oilers and Sabres). Did you ever think you'd end up in Montreal?
A: I'm really looking forward to joining the Habs, who have shown a real commitment to me with a 3-year contract. It was important for me to sign a contract that was over a few years.
Not quite driving to Montreal the minute he's signed, but I'll take it. It explains why we didn't sign him for one year...
Q: You've already played at the Bell Centre (vs. the Canadiens) many times. How do you find the crowd and the ambience?
A: I can't say anything but good things about Montreal when it comes to hockey. Canadiens fans are unique among NHL fans, making the Bell Centre a magical place to play. My family can't wait to hear the "Olé, Olé" cheer as we approach the end of a game with a lead!
A diplomat as well as a good negotiator of contracts.
Q: Montreal fans can be unforgiving, and have a tendency to let the team know when things are going badly. How do you feel about that?
A: I'm very familiar with the reputation of Canadians fans. I know that fans and the organisation take their hockey very seriously. They are knowledgable hockey fans and they want to see their team work hard to win games, which is a good thing. It was very similar when I played for Edmonton.
He may be surprised about the differences between us and Oiler fans. Hopefully he won't have to find out about the special cheer reserved for repeated defensive turnovers too early in the year...
Q: What are your best NHL memories? Was it the Stanley Cup final with the Oilers in 2005-06?
A: That series was incredible. Believe me, losing in a seventh game and coming so close to getting your hands on the Cup was not a pleasant experience for me. I have to admit I still feel a bit shaken just talking about it. I'd give everything to get back there. I hope that one of these days I will be raising the Stanley Cup...
A good level of lingering disappointment is good. Too bad the reporter forgot to ask why he signed elsewhere the minute free agency hit after that Cup run, though.
Q: You won the Olympic gold with the Czech team in 1998 and the bronze in 2006 in Turin. Are these the best memories of your career?
A: Just to have the chance to play in the Olympics was a great experience. But, without a doubt, the most unforgettable experience was what I went through in Nagano. It was the first time that all the best players from the NHL were at the Olympics. It was those Olympics that really kick-started my career. To be a part of the Olympics with the best players on the planet was a great experience. We'll soon see what the next ones will be like.
Olympic gold's not a bad way to launch a career at all. As he didn't mention the bronze, I'm guessing he's not so hot on the losing experience as the winning.
Q: How are you spending your summer? Where are you going on holiday?
A: I started my summer holidays earlier than I would have liked when the Sabres missed the playoffs. I took my family to the Bahamas for a while and then we came back to Europe, where we moved into a new house in Rokycany. So I was quite busy with the move. But we have had the time to relax a bit with family and friends.
A summer vacation in Czech never hurt anyone. Pilsener, sausages and the like. I can't believe he didn't stay in Buffalo...
Monday, June 29, 2009
Who Won The NHL Draft?
Now that all's said and done, who won the affair the other night?
I have looked around for a verdict from someone else, and only found this so far. An article full of obvious choices that could have been entitled: "Who won the Draft Lottery?".
Given that the team who wins the draft is a bit subjective and very hard to ascertain until about 5 years on, it's difficult to say. For me, the winners are the ones who punch above their weight, who get good players without having to put in a dire season, who uncover players others didn't.
As we all know the first round was a bit of a formulaic affair, with most picks coming in the order that has been anticipated for near 2 months. So coming out of the first round, there wasn't really a clear out-and-out winner for me.
Some would be tempted to go with the Anaheim Ducks who made Philly overpay for Pronger to an almost criminal level. That may be, but they also have two picks that I don't rate at all – 2 two-way forwards in the first round is not good play. Paradoxically, some also rate Philly in the same sentence for nabbing Pronger. It certainly is a big pick-up, but they've dug themselves a mighty hole and anyone who do basic arithmetic can see that getting out will undo any good that it seems they've done right now.
Others might say the Islanders. And while they did the right thing by picking the prodigious Tavares, they traded up repeatedly only to get a player that should have been available later. That, and they took De Haan ahead of Kulikov, which I consider a massive slip.
The Canadiens are a winner in that they managed to get a Quebecer who may one day be a star (and thus unlikely to want to sign with us). They struck a PR coup and should have silenced all but the most possessed RDS commentators for the next while. A small victory.
I have this round in an almost dead-heat.
The second round and beyond really started to separate the men from the boys of NHL scouting departments.
In fact, the first two picks were very solid. The Islanders took the pro-ready Koskinen at #31, which for them is gold dust at this point. Detroit followed with a first rounder in the second thanks to some iffy picks from Calgary, Boston, Anaheim and Carolina.
By the end of the second, I like Atlanta, Colorado, Detroit, Edmonton, Florida, Nashville, Islanders, Ottawa and Tampa Bay. Each had produced a minor steal. Each had largely avoided drafting players that could be signed on August 8th of any given year and each had risked a bit.
It didn't look good for Montreal really, but they'd only had one at bat. The third and beyond saw the Habs and Timmins come out with some massive swats, trying to hit home runs while others tried to bunt a single.
You all know my biases from the previews, and so you know I think that Montreal did get contact with Leblanc but that also they hit a few potential homers on the weekend. Nattinen, given his size and talent should not have been available at 65th, and I'm not surprised that Timmins was as shocked as I was. We can thank a myopic view of Europe (with vastly overvalued Swedes) and teams settling into present-day hole filling mode far too early.
I think Timmins also cleared the monster with Avtsyn, though he played a dangerous game by taking a Connecticut high schooler before him. I suppose he put a man on base for Avtsyn to knock in. Russia has tough leagues that are only stocked full of more talent at the moment given the lack of flow to North America. For a 6'2", 200 lb winger to put up 56 goals in as few games as he did could not be passed up. From that point, Timmins hit a double to the wall to meet an important organizational need in Gabriel Dumont and took 3 more whopper swings on unknowns, including a goalie that could be a very good gamble.
Montreal wasn't the only team swinging away, though, and they were hardly the winners of this draft at all. They do in my opinion fit somewhere in the second echelon of teams, though we'll have to see whether their home runs clear the fence or even result in a hit before the final verdict. At least they swung!
My top 5
The best 5 teams, in no particular order, over the two days were:
Tampa Bay Lightning
Kept their pick and took Hedman, a number one caliber player at number two. But then they traded for another first and rounded out by taking two players I rate: Panik and Hutchings. I think they have at least 4 NHLers from this weekend here.
Ottawa Senators
Despite missing Kadri (Burke's never heard of reverse psychology) they got the better player in Jared Cowen. They then made up for missing Kadri by picking Jakob Silfverberg and stealing top goalie Robin Lehner. To add to their haul they nabbed 52-goal man Mike Hoffman from Drummondville (9 picks ahead of teammate Dumont).
Atlanta Thrashers
Evander Kane had an amazing year and is a top caliber player. But their kudos really come from picking Klingberg and my favourite Jeremy Morin – 2 very good players that shouldn't have probably fallen as far as they did. Add goalie Pasquale, who many thought could be the first goalie taken and they had a good draft indeed.
Edmonton Oilers
Award for being most on my wavelength. They also got the first mini steal in Paajarvi-Svensson, only to go on and nab Olivier Roy and Toni Rajala very late. Add to that Anton Lander – one of those Swedes Timmins surely coveted. Edmonton is stocking well and will start to make noise very soon, surely.
Nashville Predators
Solid right the way through, they never really batted safely. Their first pick Ryan Ellis will be very good, but fell past more conservative GMs. Ditto Zach Budish and Charles-Olivier Roussel (who I really thought would be a nice Hab). Their late picks were taken in the same spirit.
I have looked around for a verdict from someone else, and only found this so far. An article full of obvious choices that could have been entitled: "Who won the Draft Lottery?".
Given that the team who wins the draft is a bit subjective and very hard to ascertain until about 5 years on, it's difficult to say. For me, the winners are the ones who punch above their weight, who get good players without having to put in a dire season, who uncover players others didn't.
As we all know the first round was a bit of a formulaic affair, with most picks coming in the order that has been anticipated for near 2 months. So coming out of the first round, there wasn't really a clear out-and-out winner for me.
Some would be tempted to go with the Anaheim Ducks who made Philly overpay for Pronger to an almost criminal level. That may be, but they also have two picks that I don't rate at all – 2 two-way forwards in the first round is not good play. Paradoxically, some also rate Philly in the same sentence for nabbing Pronger. It certainly is a big pick-up, but they've dug themselves a mighty hole and anyone who do basic arithmetic can see that getting out will undo any good that it seems they've done right now.
Others might say the Islanders. And while they did the right thing by picking the prodigious Tavares, they traded up repeatedly only to get a player that should have been available later. That, and they took De Haan ahead of Kulikov, which I consider a massive slip.
The Canadiens are a winner in that they managed to get a Quebecer who may one day be a star (and thus unlikely to want to sign with us). They struck a PR coup and should have silenced all but the most possessed RDS commentators for the next while. A small victory.
I have this round in an almost dead-heat.
The second round and beyond really started to separate the men from the boys of NHL scouting departments.
In fact, the first two picks were very solid. The Islanders took the pro-ready Koskinen at #31, which for them is gold dust at this point. Detroit followed with a first rounder in the second thanks to some iffy picks from Calgary, Boston, Anaheim and Carolina.
By the end of the second, I like Atlanta, Colorado, Detroit, Edmonton, Florida, Nashville, Islanders, Ottawa and Tampa Bay. Each had produced a minor steal. Each had largely avoided drafting players that could be signed on August 8th of any given year and each had risked a bit.
It didn't look good for Montreal really, but they'd only had one at bat. The third and beyond saw the Habs and Timmins come out with some massive swats, trying to hit home runs while others tried to bunt a single.
You all know my biases from the previews, and so you know I think that Montreal did get contact with Leblanc but that also they hit a few potential homers on the weekend. Nattinen, given his size and talent should not have been available at 65th, and I'm not surprised that Timmins was as shocked as I was. We can thank a myopic view of Europe (with vastly overvalued Swedes) and teams settling into present-day hole filling mode far too early.
I think Timmins also cleared the monster with Avtsyn, though he played a dangerous game by taking a Connecticut high schooler before him. I suppose he put a man on base for Avtsyn to knock in. Russia has tough leagues that are only stocked full of more talent at the moment given the lack of flow to North America. For a 6'2", 200 lb winger to put up 56 goals in as few games as he did could not be passed up. From that point, Timmins hit a double to the wall to meet an important organizational need in Gabriel Dumont and took 3 more whopper swings on unknowns, including a goalie that could be a very good gamble.
Montreal wasn't the only team swinging away, though, and they were hardly the winners of this draft at all. They do in my opinion fit somewhere in the second echelon of teams, though we'll have to see whether their home runs clear the fence or even result in a hit before the final verdict. At least they swung!
My top 5
The best 5 teams, in no particular order, over the two days were:
Tampa Bay Lightning
Kept their pick and took Hedman, a number one caliber player at number two. But then they traded for another first and rounded out by taking two players I rate: Panik and Hutchings. I think they have at least 4 NHLers from this weekend here.
Ottawa Senators
Despite missing Kadri (Burke's never heard of reverse psychology) they got the better player in Jared Cowen. They then made up for missing Kadri by picking Jakob Silfverberg and stealing top goalie Robin Lehner. To add to their haul they nabbed 52-goal man Mike Hoffman from Drummondville (9 picks ahead of teammate Dumont).
Atlanta Thrashers
Evander Kane had an amazing year and is a top caliber player. But their kudos really come from picking Klingberg and my favourite Jeremy Morin – 2 very good players that shouldn't have probably fallen as far as they did. Add goalie Pasquale, who many thought could be the first goalie taken and they had a good draft indeed.
Edmonton Oilers
Award for being most on my wavelength. They also got the first mini steal in Paajarvi-Svensson, only to go on and nab Olivier Roy and Toni Rajala very late. Add to that Anton Lander – one of those Swedes Timmins surely coveted. Edmonton is stocking well and will start to make noise very soon, surely.
Nashville Predators
Solid right the way through, they never really batted safely. Their first pick Ryan Ellis will be very good, but fell past more conservative GMs. Ditto Zach Budish and Charles-Olivier Roussel (who I really thought would be a nice Hab). Their late picks were taken in the same spirit.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Game #67
Koivu Leads the Habs to a Much Needed Win
The Canadiens Game in Review
Date: Tuesday March 10th, 2009
Opponent: Edmonton Oilers
Venue: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
Team Stripes
Final Score: 4-3 - Win (OT)
Date: Tuesday March 10th, 2009
Opponent: Edmonton Oilers
Venue: Bell Centre, Montreal, QC
Team Stripes
Final Score: 4-3 - Win (OT)
Habs starting goalie: Carey Price (W)
Opposition starting goalie: Dwayne Roloson (L)
Habs goalscorers: Alex Tanguay, Glen Metropolit, Saku Koivu (2)
Opposition goalscorers: Andrew Cogliano, Sheldon Souray, Sam Gagner
Play of the game
The play you're straining to see on the press catwalk monitor...
OT was our play of the game. The momentum was ours heading into extra time and we treated that first 50 seconds like a PP as we were all over the Oilers. Our effort and desire to score led to a penalty and, thus, a real PP. Gainey decided to use his best players in this situation and that meant Kovalev, Koivu, Markov and Schneider would have a lot of open ice to work with. The passing was great and we needed just the one shot on net to end the game. In the end the play that ended it was a hard point shot taken by Schneider tipped in by Saku for his second on the night.
Game puck
Trophies are for the end of the year, play well in the game, you get a lovely puck...
Saku Koivu
In these emotional games, these must-wins, you always want your best players to be at their best. Tonight Gainey may have been in charge and firing off instructions, but it was Koivu who led the charge on the ice. Like most, Saku had a weak 2nd period, but when push came to shove and we needed a tying goal it was his line that was buzzing. Again in OT he was in the right place at the right time as he made a great deflection to beat the ever-complaining Roloson.
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
Saku Koivu
Whenever you hear Saku speak it is of the team and the group as a whole. We is a word he uses instead of I. I think that whenever a team is faced with a situation like the firing of a coach or a major injury or possibly a major trade it is the responsibility of the players on the ice to show their leadership. A GM, a coach or an injured player may be able to inspire, but in times like this I don't believe they can lead. It was no surprise, therefore, that Saku was the one leading tonight. His two goals give him 13 on the year, he played 19+ minutes and won 8 of his 11 draws. He was a model player for Bob tonight and I think the troops will remain right behind him.
Glen Metropolit
Andrei Kostitsyn had a great game, but he was edged out by Glen for the dome. Metropolit played a wonderful first period that I felt helped to set the tone. We were a strong team during that frame and he himself was strong on each presence. He played very well on the PK, won the majority of his draws (4-3) and scored a very timely goal on one of our two shots in the second period.
Alex Tanguay
This was certainly Alex's best game since coming back from injury and it couldn't have come soon enough. We need Alex to be a top-3 winger and a top-5 forward and tonight he was just that. He was very creative with Saku and Andrei as their line (thankfully kept by Gainey) made up our most lethal trio. He scored a goal and added an assist and finished at +3 on the night.
Defencemen
Andrei Markov
I was slightly disappointed to see that Markov was back with Komisarek. I for one thought that he and Schneider had been a good duo, but tonight's performance of all 3 players involved has settled my nerves for the time being. Andrei was, once again, our best defenceman and was extremely effective on the PP. We only managed to get the one goal with the extra man, but Andrei was instrumental in that goal and the play that led to it.
Mathieu Schneider
It was nice to see Mat playing well again. I felt that he had a so-so road-trip and I wanted a little more out of our big money acquisition. He worked well with Gorges in what should be an interesting pairing. The two were on the ice for Edmonton's first, but that had nothing to do with Mat, Josh fell. He picked up 2 assists in this one including a bullet of a shot in OT that was tipped in. He played 20 minutes tonight which was fourth most amongst our D-men and I am happy with that. There is no need to play him more than 22 minutes, but I am glad he was on for close to that.
Goaltender
Carey Price
Carey kept us in this one in the third period when a 2-goal deficit would have likely been too much. He made a couple of fantastic saves towards the end of the game which had me believing in him again. I still believe that Halak is the better goalie (and always have), but I think Price at least looks better than he has at any other point in 2009. In three straight games he has given us a chance to win and during that span we have won 2 and have had a floundering coach fired thanks to the collective effort in the loss.
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
I looked hard tonight for things that Gainey was doing differently. There were the line-up changes which I for one quite liked. I think D'Agostini is the better player of him and Pacioretty and I have the numbers' support. I really liked Dandenault's reaction to Carbo leaving and Gainey coming (he was ecstatic) and felt his play was a reflection of that. Mathieu played better than Begin, Laraque or Pacioretty would have done as a 4th liner. I also noticed that he kept the PP and PK units very structured. There were 6 forwards used on the PP and 4 on the PK and that was it. Only Kostopoulos and Stewart saw no special teams action. I believe that this will help as certain players can focus on one area as opposed to two, and I also think it will rest our Koivus and Kovalevs for even-strength and the PP. Our play at even-strength seemed a little more imposing tonight and I think that is mostly due the fact that, for the most part, we didn't role out 4 lines. We kept our good players coming and they were followed by other good players. Lastly when I look at the ice-time of certain players I am very happy; Markov - 28 minutes - finally, Koivu and Kovalev ~ 19 minutes - why not use your best players a lot, Kostopoulos, Stewart, Dandenault - 12 or less minutes - playing time, but not over-doing it.
Overall I liked the subtle changes that were made and I feel that they were a contributing factor to the win. This team won't morph overnight, but I feel a few changes at a time will take this group a long way in the end.
Overall CommentsWe came out in the first period with a lot of energy and we overwhelmed Edmonton. The problem was, however, that we only managed a single goal, clearly not enough to hold onto. The Oilers answered with a very strong second period as our period of weakness showed again tonight. In that frame we were out-shot 17-2 and allowed 3 goals. We did, however, manage a goal that would give us that one-goal deficit we have become so good at erasing. The third period once again belonged to us as we really dominated the Oilers. We had tons of chances and were once again playing with a spirit and desire that was screaming 'comeback'. When we were down 2-3 I think everyone in the Bell Centre could feel that goal coming as we were just playing too well. Tanguay made a valiant effort late in the third to stop a scoring chance when he tripped an Oiler in the slot. The bad news was he got the shot off (Price saved it), but we still got called. The penalty-killers did a great job for 2 minutes and then handed the game over to our offensive players once the single point was in the bank. OT came and went in the blink of an eye as our third period momentum, coupled with a PP of our own, was too much for Edmonton.
The Habs can (and do) comeback because we have the skilled players required to pull off such feats. In fact, our players are so skilled we should never really be down in these games in the first place. A lack of emotion or effort often creeps in during the mid-portion of a game and we are so often forced to play catch-up. In the end we win a lot of the games that we should, but we do cut it quite close. I think what Gainey, and the fans alike, want to see is consistence. That doesn't mean we have to dominate for 60 minutes, as that would be near impossible, but means that we shouldn't be forever digging these holes for ourselves. We are definitely a team that knows how to make a bad situation better, but I think Bob wants to take good situations and keep them that way. It was a good first win, but there are still many more needed. I believe, by looking at the current standings, that we won't be safe unless we get those 98 points that Topham called for at the beginning of the year. That means we need 19 points in our last 15 games, a record of 9-5-1. I know we have it in us, let's just hope the players start realizing it too. Thankfully we are 6-2 in our last 8 games, let's keep that foot to the gas, we are now so close to the finish line.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Game #55
Price Outdoes Halak and Lets in 7
The Canadiens Game in Review
Date: Wednesday February 11th, 2009
Opponent: Edmonton Oilers
Venue: Rexall Place, Edmonton, AB
Team Stripes
Final Score: 2 - 7 Loss
Date: Wednesday February 11th, 2009
Opponent: Edmonton Oilers
Venue: Rexall Place, Edmonton, AB
Team Stripes
Final Score: 2 - 7 Loss
Habs starting goalie: Carey Price (L)
Opposition starting goalie: Dwayne Roloson (W)
Habs goalscorers: Mathieu Dandenault, Francis Bouillon
Opposition goalscorers: Sam Gagner, Zachery Stortini, Andrew Cogliano, Ales Hemsky, Kyle Brodziak, Dustin Penner, Liam Reddox
Play of the gameThe play you're straining to see on the press catwalk monitor...
The play of the game, or the play that had the most bearing on the game was Ryan O'Byrne's penalty 5 minutes into the first period. We had a good start to the game, but in such a fragile state we needed to score first and needed to limit Edmonton's chances. After he took his penalty (which was thanks to a total defensive breakdown) the Oilers scored on the ensuing PP. In my eyes, and apparently certain players' too, the game was over at that point.
Game puckTrophies are for the end of the year, play well in the game, you get a lovely puck...
Saku Koivu
There were more people who cared tonight than who cared in Calgary, Saku, however, once again was the player who cared the most. No deficit is ever too great for Koivu to stop trying and it is for that type of effort that I believe he is a great skipper.
Dome hockey teamWe're going into the last minute with these 6 (and they're attached to the ice, so they're not coming off)...
Forwards
Saku Koivu
He didn't figure on the scoresheet, but he was our most active forward. He played well again with 2 wingers that in all honesty don't really belong in the league, but at least he makes them better. Can you imagine harnessing his effort and passing ability with 2 30+ goal-scorers?
Tomas Plekanec
I was very impressed with Plekanec's first shift in which he was all over the Oil. He skated hard tonight, but was again not too great in our own end; was anyone though? He ended the game with 2 assists and went 10-6 on face-offs.
Mathieu Dandenault
It is a sad day when your 7th best defender (9th if you include Hamilton players) is one of your 3 best forwards, so today is quite the shocker. You can't, however, fault Dandy from doing what he is assigned to do. He scored a goal and added an assist, doubling his season point total in one fell swoop. He was, before his injury, playing solid defence so I would be tempted, call me crazy, to use him on defence as we have about 4 guys who are really quite lost back there.
Defencemen
Roman Hamrlik
Another former home and another top-defender night for Roman. He was on the ice for 2 of Price's blunders, but wouldn't you know it, neither were his fault. He ended the game at even (hard to do given the score) and played more than any other Hab.
Josh Gorges
OK, what is going on? Another blow-out, another +2 performance from Josh! Is it possible that one of our poorest performers over the past month has turned back time and is once again playing solid D? You bet it is, Josh was used half of the game at forward and half at D, but actually looked quite good in our own end. I for one, however, am not shocked that Carbo used him less than everyone but Georges and Dandy because if this losing skid has taught me one thing it is that Guy's ideas are often the complete opposite of what we need.
Goaltender
Jaroslav Halak
We could change this section to: List the Goalie Who Didn't Start. It really is getting that bad unfortunately. Carey was his usual sulking, unable to let a bad-break go, give-up self tonight. If only he could find the All-Star (ha) in him and keep the goals-against to 3 or less we may occasionally come out with a point or two. There was no chance of winning this one as all I saw in goal was a guy who happened to own pads. Does anyone know how long we have to wait for the future to be the present? I have waited 150 games for the future of our franchise to arrive, why do I get the feeling he isn't coming?
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
This game was a clear example of why we must do something to improve this team, to give us a chance to play into April. The problem is, you see, that we are on the road and the trade deadline is 3 weeks away. Those are two great reasons not to make a trade, I mean isn't that the only day you are allowed to trade anyway? Plus, why trade for someone when we are on a road-trip? That really sounds like a lot of work to co-ordinate schedules and flights - we may as well leave it. Unfortunately it is this type of thinking that is and will kill us even more. We have an obvious need right now - a goalie - and since we are desperate it will (rightfully so) cost us a lot. Should we not do anything because of the high price tag (no pun intended) or should we do what it takes to give this team a shot? I think we could win some games with a few 3 or less goals-against performances and I would be willing to give up whatever is needed to get one of the 60+ goalies in the world that can do that on a nightly basis.
Overall Comments
Morale was high, instead of hockey they bowled and alas the problems were sorted. Well, Carbo and co., I think the main problem, evident for a month, isn't off the ice, but on it. Tonight we started strong and, in fact, we gave a lot of effort all game. I have never seen a team down by 5 goals try so hard in the last 5 minutes - it was encouraging. The problem, however, isn't around the opposition's cage, but it is in our half of the rink. It looks like we are abandoning any type of defensive system to 'go and do it ourselves'. See, there is no trust, no trust that Price will make a save and no trust our teammates will do what they are meant to in the defensive zone. All of this leads to players bunching up as everyone only trusts themselves to get the job done. This in turn leads to players out of position, turn-overs and eventually a lot of goals. It was a poor display tonight, but offensively I saw life. If we can give that kind of effort in front of a goalie we trust can make saves then I know we can win another game at some point.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Weakness Protection Program
Garth Murray Resurfaces
Just prior to the Habs explosion onto the NHL scene last season, they quietly removed one of their big weaknesses: a forward with plenty of ice time but not a shred of nose for the net.
Since that day of infamy, we haven't heard much from Garth Murray. Until now. Take note of what he looks like, then read on below.
Last night I noticed a pretty cool name in the scoring summary as I was looking for the pathetic Horcoff to put up some points for me in my hockey pool: Liam Reddox. As it happens, Dennis Kane of the eponymous blog had a bit about names today (he likes Bonk for himself, apparently) and so I submitted Reddox as the cooler name in the NHL.
I checked Liam's profile on Yahoo hockey to see if he could actually play anywhere near worth his name, and I found this.
Next time Garth Murray hires a lawyer and WRP expert to come up with a new identity, he would do well to pick someone who could come up with more realistic names than Liam Reddox. We know you're not in Phoenix...
Since that day of infamy, we haven't heard much from Garth Murray. Until now. Take note of what he looks like, then read on below.
Last night I noticed a pretty cool name in the scoring summary as I was looking for the pathetic Horcoff to put up some points for me in my hockey pool: Liam Reddox. As it happens, Dennis Kane of the eponymous blog had a bit about names today (he likes Bonk for himself, apparently) and so I submitted Reddox as the cooler name in the NHL.
I checked Liam's profile on Yahoo hockey to see if he could actually play anywhere near worth his name, and I found this.
Next time Garth Murray hires a lawyer and WRP expert to come up with a new identity, he would do well to pick someone who could come up with more realistic names than Liam Reddox. We know you're not in Phoenix...
Friday, October 24, 2008
Blogging the NHL
Habs Inside/Out A Rare Ally Among Mainstream Media
Blogging the NHL
Habs Inside/Out A Rare Ally Among Mainstream Media
More than a week late on this one, but you'll have to forgive my oversight. A wedding and a wonderful winning streak had come in the way of this article and the blogsite.
As I often try to do when I notice conflict and contrast in hockey and its loyal media, I wanted to write a piece about two recent stories I had come across. The first, and most encouraging, was this one from Habs Inside/Out about adding new bloggers to the site and the second was this one from Puck Daddy about the Oilers losing a blogger.
I'll begin with the latter...
Blogger booted
It was during the Oilers first game of the season that blogger Dave Berry of Covered in Oil was accosted by press (gang) guys and asked to cease his blogging activities from the Oilers pressbox. I won't recount the whole story, but if you want to read the drama, read on at Dave's last entries here and here.
The fact that I neither read nor particularly have any inclination to read live blogs while I'm watching a game is neither here nor there. The fact of the matter is, the Oilers have overstepped the mark on this occasion. Berry was doing nothing to contravene any oath he had taken or any law of society. He merely ticked off the brass, at which point they had to invent a set of rules which they would then go on to impose for all of 24 hours.
Their battle, as has been pointed by many a commentator, is rather futile. Anyone watching on TV, at the game with a blackberry or even still in the pressbox can easily live blog negative thoughts about the team if they want to. Covered in Oil, even, is still up and running, and will probably just replace Dave by someone else at some point.
What's more, even though the content was largely negative, how many people did the Oilers think this material was reaching. Judging by their comments, its probably only in the low thousands.
No, all the Oilers have ended up doing in this mixed up situation is anger a lot of very very vocal people. The story of the incident has been picked up by every hockey blogger under the sun (it must have if I'm in on it too) and every corner of the hockey playing universe. In terms of PR for the organisation, it was a -10 – I didn't read a single article taking the Oilers side here.
For me, as interesting as the saga was, what intrigued me more was who ratted Mr. Berry out in the first place.It must have been:
a) someone reading the blog that night (especially because it emerged the problem was content)
b) someone who doesn't like the idea of live blogging
c) someone who had contact with the Edmonton Oilers press guys
As big and popular as blogging is, I think it's a stretch to believe that anyone to do with the hockey team operation or ownership would be reading snide remarks instead of watching their team. This leads me to believe that it was either another blogger or someone from the traditional media.
Now, I thought that bloggers stuck together. And all the response in this case leads me to believe that is true, even though Berry did try to drag a couple of peers down with him belatedly.
So, that leaves the big bad media. Berry, a member of both fraternities himself, even expressed that were he not blogging he'd have had nothing to do while waiting for his quotes anyway. That throws the "too busy working" alibi right out the window. Yeah, I think the Edmonton media landed a scoring low here.
After all, there is a certain implicit agreement in the "I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine" arrangement between bloggers and media who work together. In the case of the Oilers organisation, it went to the extreme - the blogger was dissing his team and those "scratching his back". They decided to tell Mommy and Daddy.
Gosh, the media really do have their knickers in a twist over this new-fangled blogging thing, don't they...
... Well not all of them actually.
The progressive team @ Habs Inside/Out
Though I don't always agree with their take on matters involving hockey, I have to hand it to the boys from the Gazette and the blog they have nurtured over the past two seasons. I think they deserve acknowledgment for their efforts here.
For one thing the blog is done in the right spirit. It neither takes itself too seriously, nor does it take hockey too seriously. It simply provides an addendum to all the material that is published in its parent publication, the Montreal Gazette. This hasn't stopped the main page and Mike Boone's blog from being the most complete, up-to-date and reliable source for Canadiens material (in English, I should qualify).
The other thing the blog has done right has been to embrace the bloggers. I can't say that I have personally experienced their favour on too many occasions (there was a recent link attributed to another blog), but I still laud them for interacting and even linking with bloggers like Robert L, TC Denault, the Four Habs Fans and others. The step they have taken to formalise this relationship by serialising some of these authors on their Other Wing page, is either ahead of the times or right with them, depending where you're from. And the manner in which they interact with the bloggers does them credit too.
Habs fans should count themselves very lucky to have these guys. And, when you think about it, English Habs fans are the luckiest of all – with probably the most intense and disproportionate amount of coverage of any team in the NHL (given the size of our group).
So, in general, can bloggers and the media get along?
I think they can. Other than Habs Inside/Out, I think that there are countless examples showing that they can. In Long Island they fraternise, and in Washington they get along too. Thankfully Edmonton is one of a few teams who tread a more archaic path.
Personally, I don't think Tobalev or I would have any problem getting along with any of the professional Habs media (though as I said, we would have plenty to debate and disagree about – hockeywise).
Incidentally, I also wonder whether co-habitating is the right approach for everyone at the end of the day. I think the root of blogging and what makes it powerful and compelling is its independent nature. On this occasion, I tend to agree with Matt (the Flames fan) at Battle of Alberta, when he says:
It is certainly a dilemma that some lucky bloggers get to deal with. It's still all theoretical to me.
In any case, I am thankful I support Montreal, where the door to the halls of media discussion has been left wide open with a sign saying "Welcome bloggers".
As I often try to do when I notice conflict and contrast in hockey and its loyal media, I wanted to write a piece about two recent stories I had come across. The first, and most encouraging, was this one from Habs Inside/Out about adding new bloggers to the site and the second was this one from Puck Daddy about the Oilers losing a blogger.
I'll begin with the latter...
Blogger booted
It was during the Oilers first game of the season that blogger Dave Berry of Covered in Oil was accosted by press (gang) guys and asked to cease his blogging activities from the Oilers pressbox. I won't recount the whole story, but if you want to read the drama, read on at Dave's last entries here and here.
The fact that I neither read nor particularly have any inclination to read live blogs while I'm watching a game is neither here nor there. The fact of the matter is, the Oilers have overstepped the mark on this occasion. Berry was doing nothing to contravene any oath he had taken or any law of society. He merely ticked off the brass, at which point they had to invent a set of rules which they would then go on to impose for all of 24 hours.
Their battle, as has been pointed by many a commentator, is rather futile. Anyone watching on TV, at the game with a blackberry or even still in the pressbox can easily live blog negative thoughts about the team if they want to. Covered in Oil, even, is still up and running, and will probably just replace Dave by someone else at some point.
What's more, even though the content was largely negative, how many people did the Oilers think this material was reaching. Judging by their comments, its probably only in the low thousands.
No, all the Oilers have ended up doing in this mixed up situation is anger a lot of very very vocal people. The story of the incident has been picked up by every hockey blogger under the sun (it must have if I'm in on it too) and every corner of the hockey playing universe. In terms of PR for the organisation, it was a -10 – I didn't read a single article taking the Oilers side here.
For me, as interesting as the saga was, what intrigued me more was who ratted Mr. Berry out in the first place.It must have been:
a) someone reading the blog that night (especially because it emerged the problem was content)
b) someone who doesn't like the idea of live blogging
c) someone who had contact with the Edmonton Oilers press guys
As big and popular as blogging is, I think it's a stretch to believe that anyone to do with the hockey team operation or ownership would be reading snide remarks instead of watching their team. This leads me to believe that it was either another blogger or someone from the traditional media.
Now, I thought that bloggers stuck together. And all the response in this case leads me to believe that is true, even though Berry did try to drag a couple of peers down with him belatedly.
So, that leaves the big bad media. Berry, a member of both fraternities himself, even expressed that were he not blogging he'd have had nothing to do while waiting for his quotes anyway. That throws the "too busy working" alibi right out the window. Yeah, I think the Edmonton media landed a scoring low here.
After all, there is a certain implicit agreement in the "I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine" arrangement between bloggers and media who work together. In the case of the Oilers organisation, it went to the extreme - the blogger was dissing his team and those "scratching his back". They decided to tell Mommy and Daddy.
Gosh, the media really do have their knickers in a twist over this new-fangled blogging thing, don't they...
... Well not all of them actually.
The progressive team @ Habs Inside/Out
Though I don't always agree with their take on matters involving hockey, I have to hand it to the boys from the Gazette and the blog they have nurtured over the past two seasons. I think they deserve acknowledgment for their efforts here.
For one thing the blog is done in the right spirit. It neither takes itself too seriously, nor does it take hockey too seriously. It simply provides an addendum to all the material that is published in its parent publication, the Montreal Gazette. This hasn't stopped the main page and Mike Boone's blog from being the most complete, up-to-date and reliable source for Canadiens material (in English, I should qualify).
The other thing the blog has done right has been to embrace the bloggers. I can't say that I have personally experienced their favour on too many occasions (there was a recent link attributed to another blog), but I still laud them for interacting and even linking with bloggers like Robert L, TC Denault, the Four Habs Fans and others. The step they have taken to formalise this relationship by serialising some of these authors on their Other Wing page, is either ahead of the times or right with them, depending where you're from. And the manner in which they interact with the bloggers does them credit too.
Habs fans should count themselves very lucky to have these guys. And, when you think about it, English Habs fans are the luckiest of all – with probably the most intense and disproportionate amount of coverage of any team in the NHL (given the size of our group).
So, in general, can bloggers and the media get along?
I think they can. Other than Habs Inside/Out, I think that there are countless examples showing that they can. In Long Island they fraternise, and in Washington they get along too. Thankfully Edmonton is one of a few teams who tread a more archaic path.
Personally, I don't think Tobalev or I would have any problem getting along with any of the professional Habs media (though as I said, we would have plenty to debate and disagree about – hockeywise).
Incidentally, I also wonder whether co-habitating is the right approach for everyone at the end of the day. I think the root of blogging and what makes it powerful and compelling is its independent nature. On this occasion, I tend to agree with Matt (the Flames fan) at Battle of Alberta, when he says:
There's a reason I've never attempted to contact the Flames organization, get a press pass, an interview, or the like. Actually, there's two reasons, the first of which is that I like this blog the way it is: it's personal, I don't owe anyone any favours, and I don't have to abide by anyone's rules and guidelines but my own.
It is certainly a dilemma that some lucky bloggers get to deal with. It's still all theoretical to me.
In any case, I am thankful I support Montreal, where the door to the halls of media discussion has been left wide open with a sign saying "Welcome bloggers".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)