Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Game 37: Canadiens at Panthers

#MTLHockey Preview

habs_panthers_oct242011 

Match Up

The Canadiens (23-11-2) are in Sunrise, Florida Tuesday night to face the Panthers (16-9-8). The puck drops at 7:30 and can be seen on RDS and Sportsnet East.

This is the first of five meetings between the Habs and Panthers this season, the teams will play twice more in Florida and twice in Montreal. The Habs and Cats split their four game series last season with each team picking up a 2-1 win in Montreal and a 4-1 win in Florida.

What to Watch

Carey Price continues to make his case as team MVP posting win number 20 on the season Monday in Carolina, but his 28-save performance the night before likely means it will be Dustin Tokarski between the pipes on Tuesday. Lars Eller and Jiri Sekac looked good on a line together in Carolina, they each scored for the Habs on Monday and finished the night plus-3 and plus-2 respectively.

Last year's top draft pick, Aaron Ekblad, is making a strong case for rookie-of-the-year considerations. He's third in rookie scoring with 19 points on the season and logs an average of 22 minutes per game. Only Nick Bjugstad has more points for the Panthers this year, with 20.

What's at Stake

The Panthers aren't nipping at the Habs' heels just yet, but they are making a strong push to reach the playoffs for just the second time since 2000. The Canadiens have eight more points than the Panthers, but the Cats have three games in hand on Montreal so a loss on Tuesday would mean that suddenly Florida is within striking distance of the Habs.

Former Habs assistant coach, Gerard Gallant, has impressed in his second stint as an NHL head coach, this is his first chance to face his former team this season.

Who's Out

The Canadiens go into their final game of 2014 with a healthy roster.
For the Panthers, off-season addition Shawn Thornton (groin) is the only player missing heading into Tuesday's game.

What Else

Despite a rough stretch at the end of November and carrying into the start of December where the team went 1-5-1, the Canadiens have quickly turned things around winning six of their last seven. The Habs look to end 2014 on a high note with another win and the chance to reclaim top spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Question Mark

What are your New Year's Resolutions for the Habs?

Tonight's Show

Join host Steven Hindle along with Kosta Papoulias and Rob Elbaz for the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show as we go live at 6:30 to preview the Canadiens and the Panthers.

Monday, December 29, 2014

Game 36: Canadiens at Hurricanes

#MTLHockey Preview

montreal canadiens vs carolina hurricanes nhl match-up 

Match Up

After an extended Christmas break, the Canadiens (22-11-2) look to pick up where they left off when they face the Hurricanes (10-21-4) in Carolina on Monday. The game is set to start at 7:00 and can be seen on RDS and Sportsnet East.

This is the second of three meetings between the Habs and Canes this season, and the only one in Carolina. Alex Galchenyuk scored his first career hat trick the last time these teams met and Max Pacioretty picked up three assists to lead the Habs to a 4-1 victory.

What to Watch

As good as Galchenyuk and Pacioretty have looked together, David Desharnais has looked alright as well on a line with P.A. Parenteau and now Lars Eller. Desharnais has three goals and two assists in his past five games, a quarter of the 20 points he has in 35 games this season.

There haven't been many bright spots in the Canes season so far this year, except the possible high draft pick at the end of the tunnel. The Hurricanes are the second worst team in the NHL, three points ahead of the league-worst Oilers. Defenseman Justin Faulk has emerged as one of the team's best players, leading the Canes in scoring with 20 points.

What's at Stake

The Canadiens may have had an extra couple of days off but their competition hasn't. Both the Red Wings and the Lightning picked up wins on Saturday leaving the Habs in third place in the Atlantic division, but with games in hand.

Who's Out

The Canadiens are rested and healthy headed in to Monday's action.

Jordan Staal is set to make his season debut on Monday and Jiri Tlusty is expected to return to the lineup as well for Carolina. Alex Semin (upper body) is day-to-day.

What Else

The IIHF World Junior Championship is underway taking place in Toronto and Montreal this year, and the Canadiens have four prospects taking part. Goaltending prospect Zach Fucale is the starting netminder for Canada, Artturi Lehkonen is captain of the Finnish team, Jacob De La Rose is wearing the "C" for team Sweden, and Martin Reway is captaining the Slovaks. As impressive as it is to have three prospects captaining their respective teams, the Canadiens top draft picks from the past two seasons, Michael McCarron and Nikita Scherbak, were left off their countries' roster.

The Question Mark

What have been the Habs greatest strengths and weaknesses so far this season?

Tonight's Show

Join host Steven Hindle along with Kosta Papoulias and Rob Elbaz for the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show as we go live at 6:00 to preview the Canadiens and the Hurricanes.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Could The Montreal Canadiens Be Interested In Ryan O'Reilly?

Now that the NHL roster freeze has been lifted, will Habs GM Marc Bergevin continue to improve his roster prior to the trade deadline? The team currently sits third in the Atlantic division with a record of 22-11-2 for 46 points, only two points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning with two games in hand.

Montreal currently has a surplus of defensemen, with veterans Mike Weaver and Bryan Allen being on the outside looking in following the emergence of youngster Nathan Beaulieu. It would make sense for Bergevin to trade a rearguard to get some scoring punch in the team's top nine ahead of the playoffs.

One player who is reportedly on the trade market is Colorado Avalanche forward Ryan O'Reilly, who has two years remaining to his contract at $6 million/year. The Avs are looking for an established defenseman in return. 

In 35 games, O'Reilly, the 23-year-old forward has 6 goals and 14 assists for 20 points to go along with a -11 rating on a very disappointing Colorado squad. O'Reilly, who can both play wing and center, had a much better campaign in 2013-14, potting 28 goals and 36 assists for 64 points in 80 games.

A solid two-way forward who is known for his discipline and respect on the ice only collected 14 penalty minutes over the past three seasons (144 games). He would certainly help the Canadiens in that area as the team is known to take too many penalties.

The Avalanche and the Canadiens have been trade partners in the past when the teams swapped two problems before the season with Daniel Briere going to Colorado and P-A Parenteau coming to Montreal.

Who would you give to the Avs in order to land Ryan O'Reilly via trade?
Lars Eller? Alexei Emelin? Jarred Tinordi? Sven Adrighetto?

With both teams being near the cap maximum, the deal would need to work financially.

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Follow me on Twitter @FredPoulin98


Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Game 35 - Canadiens at Islanders

#MTLHockey Preview

habs_islanders_dec132011 

Match Up

The Canadiens (21-11-2) are in New York to take on the surprising Islanders (23-10-0) Tuesday night at the Nassau Coliseum. The game is set to start at 7:00 and airs on RDS and Sportsnet East.

This is the first of three meetings between the Habs and Isles this year, and the first of two in Long Island. Last season the Canadiens took two of three from the Islanders including a 21-save shutout performance by Carey Price to help the Habs to a 1-0 overtime victory last December.

What to Watch

The new top line of Alex Galchenyuk, Brendan Gallagher and Max Pacioretty have combined for seven goals in the last five games and look like they're here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. With six points in his last three games and 24 points on the season, Galchenyuk has moved into second on the team in scoring.

The salary cap losses of others has been the Islanders' gain this season, the team was able to bolster their defense by adding Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk to the roster without giving up much in return. Boychuk leads the Isles in ice time per game, making him an integral part of the team's success so far this season.

What's at Stake

The Canadiens have a chance to catch the Islanders in the Eastern Conference standings with a regulation win on Tuesday, but more importantly, they can help solidify their spot at the top of the Atlantic Division.

Who's Out

The Canadiens are healthy again heading in to Tuesday's action, so it will be interesting to see who Michel Therrien dresses. Sven Andrighetto and Nathan Beaulieu both held down starting positions on Saturday and could dress again on Tuesday.

The Islanders are missing Michael Grabner (lower body) and Matt Carkner (back).

What Else

Last season the Habs finished the year 17th in face-off percentage, with a 49.6% success rate. The Predators led the league with a 53.1% efficiency. With the addition of Manny Malhotra this season, the Habs have jumped all the way to first winning 55.4% of their face-offs so far. At 62.4%, Malhotra leads the league in face-offs, winning over four percent more of his draws than Martin Hanzal or Patrice Bergeron in second and third place.

The Question Mark

It's almost Christmas and the Canadiens have a share of the division lead; say something nice about Michel Therrien.

Tonight's Show

Join host Steven Hindle along with Kosta Papoulias and Rob Elbaz for the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show as we go live at 6:00 to preview the Canadiens and the Islanders.

Monday, December 22, 2014

The 12 Habs of Christmas

In honor of the holidays, here is a Canadiens version of "The 12  Days of Christmas"

On the first day of Christmas the Habs gave to me a Stanley Cup in June

On the Second day of Christmas the Habs gave to me two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the third day of Christmas the Habs gave to me three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the fourth day of Christmas the Habs gave to me four Markov blocks
Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the fifth day of Christmas the Habs gave to me five Olympic Golds
Four Markov blocks
Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the sixth day of Christmas the Habs gave to me six wins in a row
Five Olympic Golds
Four Markov blocks
Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the seventh day of Christmas the Habs gave to me seven Gallagher hits
Six wins in a row
Five Olympic Golds
Four Markov blocks
Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the eighth day of Christmas the Habs gave to me eight penalty kills
Seven Gallagher hits
Six wins in a row
Five Olympic Golds
Four Markov blocks
Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the ninth day of Christmas the Habs gave to me nine broken sticks
Eight penalty kills
Seven Gallagher hits
Six wins in a row
Five Olympic Golds
Four Markov blocks
Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the tenth day of Christmas the Habs gave to me ten power plays 
Nine broken sticks
Eight penalty kills
Seven Gallagher hits
Six wins in a row
Five Olympic Golds
Four Markov blocks
Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the eleventh day of Christmas the Habs gave to me eleven Price saves
Ten power plays 
Nine broken sticks
Eight penalty kills
Seven Gallagher hits
Six wins in a row
Five Olympic Golds
Four Markov blocks
Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

On the twelfth day of Christmas the Habs gave to me twelve Oles 
Eleven Price saves
Ten power plays 
Nine broken sticks
Eight penalty kills
Seven Gallagher hits
Six wins in a row
Five Olympic Golds
Four Markov blocks
Three Galchenyuk goals
Two Subban Slapshots
And a Stanley Cup in June

Happy Holidays Habs fans and Go Habs Go

A Habs fan blogging from BC

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Game 34: Canadiens vs Senators

#MTLHockey Preview

Habs Vs Sens PlayoffsMatch Up

The Canadiens (20-11-2) end their homestand Saturday when they host the Senators (14-12-6). The game is set to start at 7:00 and airs on TVA and City.

This is the first of four meetings between the Habs and Sens this season, and the first of two in Montreal. Last season the Habs went 3-1-1 against the Sens, winning the last three meetings. The last two times the Canadiens and Senators met, the Habs overcame three goal deficits to win.

David Desharnais scored in the final second of a 5-4 OT win to draw the Canadiens even in their March 15 win over the Sens, a game that the Habs trailed by three in with less than three and a half minutes remaining.

What to Watch

Desharnais has looked pretty good on a line with P.A. Parenteau since Lars Eller's injury. In the past three games Desharnais has two goals and two assist, while Parenteau has had a pair of assists of his own. The duo practiced on Eller's wings on Friday, which could mean that Alex Galchenyuk will get the opportunity to stay at center as Desharnais shifts to wing.

Kyle Turris is coming off consecutive two point nights, he has three goals and seven points in his last five games. With 23 points, Turris is tied with Erik Karlsson for the team lead, although at minus 12, Karlsson has the team's worst plus/minus rating.

What's at Stake

The Canadiens have taken six of eight possible points since their homestand began, they'll be looking to end on a high before hitting the road until after the New Year. The Senators are seventh of eight in the Atlantic division, but with 34 points in 32 games, it's still too early to count them out of the playoff race.

Who's Out

Max Pacioretty was forced to leave Thursday's game against the Ducks early when he was shoved into the boards by Clayton Stoner. Pacioretty was taken to hospital as a precaution, but the injury doesn't appear serious and he is listed as day-to-day. Defensemen Mike Weaver (concussion) and Bryan Allen (illness) could be healthy enough to dress Saturday, which would mean Michel Therrien will have a decision on who to sit.

The Senators are missing defensemen Patrick Wiercioch (undisclosed) and Marc Methot (back). Zack Smith (wrist) and Chris Neil (knee) are also out.

What Else

Paul MacLean was the first coach to lose his job this season when he was fired by the Senators earlier in the month. MacLean was replaced by David Cameron, MacLean's assistant since 2011. Despite a long coaching career in the AHL and OHL, this is Cameron's first head coaching job in the NHL. He brings a 3-1-1 record into Saturday's game.

The Question Mark

With the holidays around the corner, what would you get Marc Bergevin, Michel Therrien or your favorite Habs player for Christmas?

Tonight's Show

Join host Steven Hindle along with Kosta Papoulias and Rob Elbaz for the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show as we go live at 6:00 to preview the Canadiens and the Senators.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Game 33: Canadiens vs Ducks

#MTLHockey Preview

montreal canadiens vs anaheim ducks nhl habs

Match Up

The Canadiens (20-10-2) are home to host the Ducks (21-7-5) and pay tribute to former captain Saku Koivu on Thursday. The game is set to start at 7:30 and airs on RDS and City Montreal.
This is the first of two meetings between the Habs and Ducks this season, and the only one in Montreal. The Canadiens actually managed to beat the top seed of the Western conference in both of their matches last season. Dustin Tokarski backstopped the Canadiens to a 4-3 shootout win in Anaheim with a little help from both posts when he faced Kyle Palmieri in the shootout.
Kyle Palmieri's penalty shot walks the goal line tightrope. Originally posted by @GregBallochST.

What to Watch

Alex Galchenyuk notched his first career hat trick Tuesday night against the Canes, lifting him up to 9 goals and 21 points on the season. Max Pacioretty picked up three primary assists, setting up each of Galchenyuk's goals on Tuesday. Pacioretty now leads the team with 25 points on the year.
Ryan Kesler is having a strong year with his new team, the former Canuck has 11 goals and 26 points in 33 games this season. Ryan Getzlaf leads the way for Anaheim, he has 34 points already this season, eighth overall in the NHL.

What's at Stake

The top of the Atlantic division is getting pretty crowded, with four teams separated by just two points for the division lead. With 42 points apiece, the Canadiens and Red Wings are sandwiched in between the Lightning at 43 and the Maple Leafs at 41.

Who's Out

Sven Andrighetto has been sent back to Hamilton after a fairly successful four-game stint with the Habs. Lars Eller (upper body), Mike Weaver (concussion) and Bryan Allen (illness) have all returned to practice and are cleared for contact, the trio should be available to play Thursday if needed.
Kyle Palmieri (shoulder) is the latest Duck to go down with injury, leaving Tuesday's game against the Leafs. He joins Corey Perry (knee), Francois Beauchemin (finger) and Eric Brewer (foot) on the sidelines.

What Else

Saku Koivu played with the Canadiens from 1995 to 2009, he wore the "C" for ten seasons starting in 1999. Koivu played 792 games in bleu blanc et rouge, scoring 641 points, tenth most in team history, and 450 assists, ranking him sixth all-time amongst Canadiens.
Of course, Koivu's most memorable moment in a Canadiens uniform came on April 9, 2002. He was diagnosed with cancer in September of 2001 and spent almost the entire season receiving treatment before returning on the third to last game of the season, receiving one of the largest ovations in team history. Koivu then led the team to an improbable playoff series win against the top-seeded Boston Bruins.

The Question Mark

Apart from Koivu's return after beating cancer, what other moment in his career stands out for you?

Tonight's Show

Join host Steven Hindle along with Kosta Papoulias and Rob Elbaz for the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show as we go live at 6:30 Thursday to preview the Canadiens and the Ducks.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Sven Is In The Ghetto

Called up on December 5th to replace Lars Eller, who is out with a shoulder injury, Sven Andrighetto didn't wait to make an impact, recording a point in each of his first three NHL games (2 goals and 1 assist). The 21-year-old native of Zurich, Switzerland is currently playing on a line with Tomas Plekanec and Jiri Sekac

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Andrighetto is the first Habs player to record to record at least a point in each of his first three NHL games since Pierre Mondou accomplished the feat in 1977-78. 

Andrighetto, a 5-foot-9, 183-pound forward who played two seasons in the QMJHL with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies before the Canadiens drafted him, was enjoying a solid sophomore season with the team's AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, prior to his call-up.



In 21 games with the Bulldogs, the speedy winger/center had recorded 9 goals and 9 assists for 18 points and +1 rating under the tutelage of head coach Sylvain Lefebvre, The season before, Andrighetto had potted 17 goals and 27 assists for 44 points in 64 games with Hamilton, good for second among the team's forwards. 

Andrighetto, who was selected in the third round (86th overall) of the 2013 NHL draft after being passed over twice at the draft, is quite happy to find himself in the NHL right now. Still, the young European doesn't take anything for granted and savors every moment he spends with the team that drafted him and believed in him.



Read the article I wrote on Sven more than two years ago before people knew him. Sven Andrighetto: The Next Undrafted Gem

If we look at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the only other player drafted outside of the first round to play more than one NHL game is Anthony Duclair of the New York Rangers (7 points in 18 games). Luckily for Habs fans, as opposed to Duclair, Andrighetto is not eligible for the U20 World Championship Tournament since he is 21 years old.

Andrighetto is part of a new generation of Swiss players who are enjoying tremendous success in the NHL along with the likes of youngsters Nino Niederreiter and Sven Baertschi. He is also the fifth Helvetian athlete to play for the Canadiens after David Aebischer, Mark Streit, Yannick Weber and Raphael Diaz.

Both Andrighetto and rookie Jiri Sekac give plenty of credit to veteran Tomas Plekanec for their success as he has been a very good role model and mentor for the kids. The fact that Plekanec is used to help younger players has helped the two rookies to gain confidence and take chances offensively as they know the veteran center will have their back if they commit a turnover. 

While he is currently enjoying tremendous success at the NHL level, Andrighetto is not a lock to remain with the Bleu Blanc Rouge for the rest of the year as Lars Eller is slated to return to the line-up around Christmas, and maybe even earlier. Eller's presence would create a logjam in the Habs' top nine, which means Andrighetto could very well be the odd man out. 

Let's hope that Andrighetto doesn't turn into the next Cory Conacher, another small winger who was off to a stellar start (24 points in 35 games) in 2012-13 with the Tampa Bay Lightning, before being shipped out to the Ottawa Senators for lanky G Ben Bishop. Since the trade, Conacher has played 106 games with the Senators, Sabres and Islanders, recording only 10 goals and 24 helpers for 34 points with a +4 rating. Earlier this week, the Islanders waived him and he was not claimed by the 29 other teams...

The moral of the story is that while Andrighetto is enjoying much success right now, it doesn't mean he will turn into the next Pavel Bure. Keep your hopes not too high Habs fans and enjoy the Swiss wave while it lasts.

Do you think Marc Bergevin should make room up front so that Sven can remain with the big club?

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Follow me on Twitter for more updates on the Habs and hockey in general.

Game 32: Canadiens vs Hurricanes

#MTLHockey Preview

Habs Vs Canes

Match Up

The Canadiens (19-10-2) are home to host the Hurricanes (8-18-3) Tuesday night at the Bell Centre, for the third match in their five-game homestand. The game is set to start at 7:30 and airs on RDS and Sportsnet East.

This is the first of three meetings between the Habs and Canes, and the first of two in Montreal. Last season, the Habs went 2-0-1 against the Hurricanes. The team lost 5-4 in overtime after blowing a 3-0 third period lead. Jeff Skinner had two goals and an assist to spark the Canes' comeback.

What to Watch

Jiri Sekac scored a pair of goals in Montreal's 6-2 win over the Kings, giving him four points in the last three games and his first multi-goal game in the NHL. PK Subban scored a goal and added a pair of assists Friday as well, bringing him up to 22 on the season. Sven Andrighetto still has a point in every NHL game he's played after scoring his second career goal and third point.

The Hurricanes have lost five in a row, sending the team crashing to the bottom of the league standings tied with the Edmonton Oilers. The Hurricanes don't have a single player with a positive plus/minus rating who's played over 15 games this season. Justin Faulk the team's leading scorer with 17 points is also a team worst -15.

What's at Stake

Depending on how their division rivals do on Tuesday, the Canadiens have a chance to end up anywhere from first in the division, if they earn a win and Detroit and Tampa don't, to fourth, if the Leafs win their game and the Habs lose to the Canes.

Who's Out

Lars Eller (upper body) is nearing a return but won't be back in time for Tuesday. Mike Weaver (concussion) is also working toward a return, as is Bryan Allen (flu).

The Hurricanes are missing Jordan Staal (leg), Andrej Nestrasil (upper body) and Alexander Semin (lower body). Jiri Tlusty (undisclosed) missed Saturday's game against the Flyers but could be ready to return on Tuesday.

What Else

Montreal's new look line-up is expected to stay intact for at least one more game, giving Alex Galchenyuk another opportunity to show what he can do at center on the team's top line. Despite not picking up a point in the two games he's played in the role so far, Galchenyuk has not looked out of place in the role. David Desharnais meanwhile, looked pretty good between new linemates P.A. Parenteau and Michael Bournival, picking up a goal against the Kings.

The Question Mark

What for you has been the Habs highlight of the season so far and which player are you most excited to watch each game?

Tonight's Show

Join host Steven Hindle along with Kosta Papoulias and Rob Elbaz for the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show as we go live at 6:30 to preview the Canadiens and Hurricanes.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Game 31 - Canadiens vs Kings

#MTLHockey Preview

montreal canadiens vs los angeles kings

Match Up

The Canadiens (18-10-2) are home host to the defending Stanley Cup champion Kings (15-9-5) Friday night at the Bell Centre. The match is set to start at 7:30 and airs on RDS and Sportsnet East.

This is the first of two games between the Habs and Kings this year, and the only one in Montreal. The Kings took both games last season, a 2-1 win in L.A. and a 6-0 victory in Montreal. PK Subban scored the only Canadiens goal against the Kings last year, while L.A. defenseman Jake Muzzin had goals in both games.

What to Watch

Alex Galchenyuk played his first full game of the year at center on Tuesday, and while he didn't record any points, his line opened the scoring when Brendan Gallagher beat Ryan Miller with a hard wrist shot. Sven Andrighetto picked up his second NHL point in his second NHL game, an assist on Tomas Plekanec's ninth goal of the year.

That 70's Line is the trio to watch for the Kings. The line of Jeff CarterTyler Toffoli, and Tanner Pearson has combined for 28 goals in 29 games this season, making them one of the most productive in the league. Jonathan Quick started for the Kings in Ottawa on Thursday, so look for Martin Jones to get the call on Friday.

What's at Stake

After a tough stretch the Canadiens are down to third in the Atlantic Division behind the Lightning and Red Wings. A win on Friday would help the Canadiens turn a much needed corner and put them back on track in the race for the division title.

Who's Out

Lars Eller (upper body) could miss much of this Canadiens homestand, but should be ready to return around the time it is wrapping up. Mike Weaver (concussion) is out indefinitely, while Bryan Allen (mumps) and PK Subban are battling an illness and may be forced to miss Friday's game.

The Kings are only missing Slava Voynov, who has been suspended indefinitely as a result of his arrest related to domestic abuse. 

What Else

Home ice has been good to the Canadiens so far this season. In 14 games the team boasts a 10-3-1 record at Bell Centre, taking 21 of a possible 28 points. The team has scored 44 goals on home ice this year, an average of 3.14 goals per game. That's a big difference from the 1.81 goals a game they are averaging on the road.

The Question Mark

Is Alex Galchenyuk ready for the pressure of playing top-line minutes?

Tonight's Show

Join Steve Hindle along with Corey Collard and Kosta Papoulias as they bring you the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show live at 6:30 on Friday to preview the Canadiens and the Kings.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Therrien Changes The Lines But For How Long?

Greetings Habs Addicts!

Well, it took another lacklustre effort, this time against the Dallas Stars on Saturday before Michel Therrien finally did the unthinkable: He surgically removed David Desharnais from Max Pacioretty's hip and replaced him with Alex Galchenyuk.

Now Habs fans have been clamouring for a Pacioretty-Galchenyuk-Brendan Gallagher combination for a while now and they finally had a chance to see it in action - albeit briefly - in the third period of what had been a non-competitive game up until that point. The Stars went on to win the game 4-1, but the Canadiens showed signs of life in the period. The second change Therrien made was moving Tomas Plekanec onto a line with  Jiri Sekac and Sven Andrighetto, who scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game.

Photo Credit: allhabs.net
The big question going into Tuesday's home game against the Vancouver Canucks is whether or not we will see a full game of these line combinations or if Therrien the juggler will switch things up again. Building chemistry takes some time and Therrien never likes to take time and see how things develop. Instant results or see you later seems to be his mantra. Unless you're Desharnais, in which case you remain with Pacioretty regardless of the circumstances.

Until Saturday night.

Alex Galchenyuk is a natural centerman who has not had the opportunity to play the position on a consistent basis. Arguably, if Lars Eller had not gotten injured, he would probably still be toiling on the wing. Galchenyuk has the best stick skills on the team. Pacioretty may be a natural goal scorer, but Galchenyuk has the skills and vision to create scoring chances and put the puck in the net. With space in the middle and an opportunity to produce, he should be able to feed the sniper with some creative passes and give the diminutive Brendan Gallagher a chance to clean up the rebounds in front of the net. There is no reason why this trio cannot all score 20+ goals before the season is over. Provided they stay together. And how long they stay together is the million dollar question.

Michel Therrien's coaching decisions have been less than stellar this season. He has been a far cry from the coach who came in during the lockout and changed the losing culture in Montreal. Last year showed some regression across the board in many categories aside from their overall record, at least until the playoffs came along. He abandoned the puck possession approach that worked during the lockout-shortened season in favor for a dump-and-chase approach and it did not work. Then he went back to puck possession during the playoffs and they had the magical run to the Eastern Conference Finals. This year he reverted back to his favored dump-and-chase approach and the team is floundering from a lack of scoring, a lack of discipline and this time there is no Thomas Vanek lingering on the trading block to come in and save the season again. Off-season acquisition P.A. Parenteau has been disappointing so far, with only 6 goals and 11 points in 29 games and David Desharnais needs to have his play called out by mayor Denis Coderre again as his two goals and 15 points in 29 games is terrible for a player who averages over 17 minutes per game on the top line and top power-play unit. Therrien finally separated him from Pacioretty on Saturday, which may be a blessing in disguise for the Habs offense.

Jiri Sekac spent a chunk of time in the press-box until Marc Bergevin dealt away Travis Moen and Rene Bourque to essentially force Therrien's hand to play the touted rookie. Aligned with Lars Eller and Brandon Prust, Sekac responded by putting up 8 points in 16 games of third line minutes after his press box vacation. With Eller going down with an injury, Sekac finished the game with fellow countryman Plekanec and Hamilton Bulldogs prospect Sven Andrighetto. There is a lot of talent and speed on this line. Plekanec is also defensively responsible, which should recover some of the rookie mistakes his line-mates may make as the season progresses. A smart Therrien should allow this line an opportunity to be creative with the puck. All three have tremendous stick skills and following a dump-and-chase mantra would be a waste of their skills and play away from their strengths. But alas, it is Therrien logic that ultimately decides how things play out.

Therrien appeared to see the light in Dallas. He saw the need to take some chances and make the changes that he was unwilling to make to this point. He created two line combinations that have the talent and ability to dominate a puck-possession game and put the puck in the net. If he can find a way to adapt his strategies to exploit the strengths of these two line combinations and give them the patience and time to develop some chemistry, he may have solved the scoring woes and save the season. The 17-10-2 record is misleading, as the Habs have failed to generate any offense in the first period of games and often have to rally late to win the games. This resilience is a testament to a never-quit attitude but not the recipe for success at the NHL level. If he decides to revert back to his previous ideas and force these talent trios to dump the puck and chase after it, we can expect to go 3-6-1 in the next ten games too.

The choice on how your season plays out is all yours, Michel. Choose wisely.

---
Nick Malofy is a transplanted Montrealer, currently living in evil LeafLand. He is a contributor here at HabsAddict.com and give him a follow, as he can often be found rambling on Twitter.

Game 30 - Canadiens vs Canucks

#MTLHockey Preview

montreal canadiens vs vancouver canucks nhl

Match Up

The Canadiens (17-10-2) return home for the first time this month to host the Canucks (18-8-2) Tuesday night. The game is set to start at 7:30 and can be seen on RDS, Sportsnet East and Sportsnet Pacific.
This is the second and final meeting between the Habs and Canucks this season, the Canadiens took advantage of two late goals the first time these teams met to salvage a point in a 3-2 overtime loss. Henrik and Daniel Sedin combined in OT for the game winning goal.

What to Watch

For the first time this season Max Pacioretty won't line up next to David Desharnais at the start of the this game. Instead, Alex Galchenyuk will center the top line, a position many Habs fans expect the 20 year old to fill for many seasons to come. Galchenyuk has six goals and 18 points on the season, putting him behind just Pacioretty and Tomas Plekanec for the team lead at 20.
The twins are once against leading the Canucks in scoring, but newcomers Radim Vrbata and Nick Bonino have been pitching in regularly as well. Vrbata with 12 goals and 23 points in 26 games is on pace for a career year, his previous best is 62 points with the Coyotes.

What's at Stake

The Canadiens have gone 1-5-1 in their last seven, crashing down the standings the Eastern conference along the way. The Habs are at the start of a five game homestand that will take them close to Christmas. They can recover some ground over the next two weeks and starting the stay off with a win will help their cause.

Who's Out

Lars Eller (shoulder) is out indefinitely for the Habs. Mike Weaver suffered a concussion Saturday night in Dallas and could miss significant time as well. The good news for Montreal is that Michael Bournival is healthy and expected to make his return to the line-up on Tuesday.
The Canucks are without Dan Hamhuis (lower body) and Zach Kassian (finger). Shawn Matthias (head) missed the last Canukcs last game against the Senators Sunday and may not be ready to play Tuesday either.

What Else

Jean Beliveau has been lying in state at the Bell Centre Sunday and Monday prior to his state funeral on Wednesday, and the Canadiens organization will have their chance to say goodbye before Tuesday's game. Member's of the Canadiens from throughout the years have paid their respects to the legend.

The Question Mark

With five home games to play including matches against the Kings and Ducks, how many points would you be satisfied with in this homestand?

Tonight's Show

Join myself Rob Elbaz along with Corey Collard and Kosta Papoulias for the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show as we go live at 6:30 to preview the Canadiens and the Canucks.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Top 10 Reasons Michel Therrien Is Failing The Grade... Again

Similar to last season, but after 29 games and a 17-10-2 this time, the Montreal Canadiens have seen their first place overall in the NHL evaporate due to poor play in recent weeks, going 3-6-1 in their last ten games and failing to win consistently, especially on the road.
First in the NHL not a long time ago, the Canadiens are now ranked 11th in the league with only a seven-point lead of the ninth place Florida Panthers who have four games in hand on the Habs...
Let’s see 10 reasons why Michel Therrien needs to change his way of coaching or to be fired if GM Marc Bergevin and owner Geoff Molson have any hopes to see their team make the playoffs this season.
1. The slow starts almost every game: the Canadiens have scored only NINE GOALS in the first period, good for last place in the NHL. At the same time, the team is 6th in the league with 26 goals allowed in the first frame for a goal differential of -18 in the first period. -18! You cannot give up the lead every game and expect to win every time. Therrien just can't seem to prepare his team correctly. The Canadiens are the only playoff team with a negative goal differential this season (-2).
2. His ingrained man-crush on David Desharnais. While I like David as a person, Therrien needs to stop giving him every chance to succeed and remove him from Max Pacioretty's line. The diminutive pivot has only one even-strength goal this season and two in 29 games. He only has 15 points overall and is currently on pace for a mere 42 points over a full season. Despite his lack of offensive production, the head coach keeps giving him first power play duties as well as plenty of ice time. In Dallas, Desharnais played a season-low 14:43 minutes... that's not what I call "benching".
3. His consistent use of veterans such as Bryan Allen, Mike Weaver or Tom Gilbert over youngsters Nathan Beaulieu and Jarred Tinordi. The two young defensemen are currently playing in the AHL while the above veterans keep making mistake after mistake. The same happened up front with Rene Bourque and Travis Moen who had to be traded by Marc Bergevin so that rookie Jiri Sekac could draw into the line-up every night. 
4. His constant line juggling and questionable decisions regarding his offensive lines and defensive duos. For example, Therrien keeps pairing two righties together in Gilbert and Weaver, while he sticks two lefties together in Gonchar and Emelin. His constant use of grinder Dale Weise on a line with David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty is comical at best. 
5. His affinity for a dump-and-chase style of play with a passive forecheck is not working. Because of the small size of the club’s forwards, the Habs would be better suited to adopt a west-east approach instead of a north-south strategy that is simply not working. The team needs to penetrate the offensive zone with the puck instead of dumping it and failing to retrieve it. The Habs need to forecheck with two forwards and use their speed to create turnovers in the offensive zone instead of letting the opposing teams come out of their zone too easily and enter the neutral zone without any pressure.
6. The utilization of natural center Alex Galchenyuk on the wing, even though players like Lars Eller and David Desharnais have struggled mightily at times. We finally saw Chucky at center last game due to the injury to Eller, but we can bet he will be back on the left wing for the contest against the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday.
7. Poor defensive positioning had led to numerous scoring chances from the opposing teams and if it were not for Carey Price’s and Dustin Tokarski's stellar play, the Canadiens would have a far worse record. The defensemen have a hard time making a good first pass, often icing the puck because of an inaccurate pass or clearing the puck by the boards with the wingers having no real opportunity to catch the pass and make a clear exit of the defensive zone. The team is so discombobulated in the defensive zone that the opponents have been able to take advantage of this flaw.
8. The indiscipline of the team: while the Canadiens are 28th in the league with only 76 power play opportunities, and converting them at a dismal 14.5% rate, the team is 29th in the NHL with 105 penalty kill situations so far. Luckily for Therrien, his PK unit is doing the job, killing 83.8% of the penalties good for 11th overall. The team's penalty ratio is a pedestrian -31 differential on the season, a big reason why the club is in a downward spiral at the moment.
Therrien is clueless most of the time.
Therrien is clueless most of the time.
9. The inability to adjust the power play units after the early season failure. The solution is quite simple as the team needs to use movement and quick passes to free up Subban and his lethal one-timer to have any kind of success. I analysed the situation a few weeks ago here.
10. His inability to adapt during games and to match up his lines, especially at home where he is supposed to have the advantage with the last change. We have often seen the Canadiens get caught with their fourth line on the ice while the opponent’s first line jumps on the ice; situations that often led to a goal.
Below you will find the Habs’ expected lines for Tuesday’s match-up against the Canucks:
Max Pacioretty – Alex Galchenyuk – Brendan Gallagher
Sven Andrighetto – Tomas Plekanec – Jiri Sekac
Michael Bournival – Deavid Desharnais – P-A Parenteau
Brandon Prust – Manny Malhotra – Dale Weise
Extra: Eric Tangradi
Once again I am puzzled at the hockey decisions made by Michel Therrien and his coaching staff.
As for the defensive pairings, nobody has a clue what the duos will be and who is going to play or be scratched since both Bryan Allen and Mike Weaver seem to be injured and the team has yet to call up another defenseman from Hamilton…
It sounds like Therrien is quickly losing his dressing room as a result of poor decisions this season… 
Is it time to panic in Montreal, or it's simply a bump in the road?

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Game 29 - Canadiens at Stars

#MTLHockey Preview

HabsStars

Match Up

The Canadiens (17-9-2) wrap up their road trip Saturday night when they play the Stars (9-12-5) in Dallas. The game starts at 7:00 and can be seen on TVA and City.

This is the first of two games between the Habs and Stars this season. The Canadiens will play host to Dallas at the end of January. Last year the Habs took both their games versus the Stars including a 6-4 victory in Dallas. Max Pacioretty and PK Subban each tallied four points in the victory.

What to Watch

Sergei Gonchar scored his first goal in a Canadiens uniform on Friday, becoming the oldest player in franchise history to score for the team. Gonchar played 79 games over two seasons with the Stars before being traded to the Canadiens picking up two goals and 23 points with the team, just a fraction of the 801 career points he's earned the the NHL.

The Canadiens will have their hands full Saturday night as they'll try to neutralize the league's top goal scorer, Tyler Seguin. Seguin has 19 goals on the season and 32 points on the year. New addition, Jason Spezza, is also off to a fine start in Dallas with five goals and 21 points in 26 games.

What's at Stake

The Canadiens are mired in a mini-slump that's cost them points and place in the standings. The Habs have slipped into a tie for third place in the Eastern conference with a Penguins team that holds three games in hand. The Stars are at the other end of the spectrum, but have a high-powered offense that could cause trouble for Montreal.

Who's Out

Lars Eller (upper body) left Friday's game with an apparent left shoulder injury; he's not expected to play on Saturday. Sven Andrighetto has been called up for from the Bulldogs and could dress Saturday night.

Rich Peverley (chest) has not played since collapsing on the bench in March last season. Peverley had surgery the next week to correct an irregular heartbeat but has been limited to off-ice workouts since. Patrick Eaves (ankle) and Valeri Nichushkin (hip) are also both out for Dallas.

What Else

The Canadiens went one-for-three on the power against the Hawks on Friday, improving them to 11-for-74, or a 14.9% efficiency. In 12 games with Gonchar in the lineup the Habs have gone 8-for-32, an even 25% conversion rate and a world of improvement on their 3-for-42 effectiveness before he arrived.

The Question Mark

What is the biggest problem the team needs to address in order to find success again this year?

Tonight's Show

Join myself Rob Elbaz along with Steve Farnham and Jesse Dorais for the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show as we go live at 6:00 on Saturday to preview the Habs and Stars.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Game 28 - Canadiens at Blackhawks

#MTLHockey Preview

montreal canadiens vs chicago blackhawks nhl

Match Up

The Canadiens (17-8-2) continue their road trip Friday night as they are in Chicago to face the Blackhawks (16-8-1). The game starts at 8:30 and airs on RDS and Sportsnet East.

This is the second and final meeting between the Habs and the Hawks this season. The Canadiens dropped the first game on home ice 5-0. Despite out-shooting the Blackhawks 11-5 in the first period, the Canadiens went into the first intermission trailing 1-0 on a goal by Jonathon Toews. Corey Crawford made 28 saves in the game to earn the shutout.

What to Watch

Alex Galchenyuk scored his sixth goal of the season against the Wild on Wednesday, it was his third straight game with a point, bringing him up to 17 on the season. Like Galchenyuk, PK Subban also extended his point streak to three games and reached 17 points on the season with an assist on Wednesday.

The Blackhawks have won four straight led by the trio of Patrick Kane, Kris Verteeg and Brad Richards. Kane has 25 points on the season including seven in his last games. Versteeg has a goal and six assists in his last three games and Richards has five points in his last three.

What's at Stake

The Canadiens have slipped to three points back of the Lightning for top spot in the East, and are two points back on the
PenguinsIslanders (the Islanders, really? are you sure?) as well. Moreover, the Canadiens have a chance to avenge the 5-0 loss they suffered to the Blackhawks on home ice earlier in the year.

Who's Out

Michael Bournival has been sent the the Bulldogs for reconditioning as he nears his return to the Habs lineup.

Corey Crawford injured his foot at a concert earlier in the week and will be out for two to three weeks. Patrick Sharp (leg) and Trevor Van Riemsdyk (knee) are also out for the Hawks.

What Else

The Canadiens are coming off a 2-1 loss to the Wild on Wednesday, it was the 11th time in 27 games that the team was held to one goal or fewer in regulation. It's a trend the team will need to reverse if they expect to have continued success as the season progresses.

The Question Mark

While Carey Price has probably been the team's MVP to this point in the season, who has been the team's best skater?

Tonight's Show

Join myself Rob Elbaz along with Steve Farnham and Jesse Dorais for the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show as we go live at 7:30 on Friday to preview the Habs and Blackhawks.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Game 27 - Canadiens at Wild

#MTLHockey Preview

HabsWild

Match Up

The Canadiens (17-7-2) are in Minnesota Wednesday night to face the Wild (13-9-1) at the Xcel Energy Center. The game is set to start at 7:00 and airs on RDS and Sportsnet.

This is the second and final meeting between the Habs and Wild this season. The Canadiens scored a convincing 4-1 win when these teams met the first time this year. Lars Eller and Jiri Sekac each had a goal and an assist in the game while Brandon Prust picked up a pair of helpers.

What to Watch

Max Pacioretty picked up his team best 12th goal and 20th point of the year on Monday in Colorado, the 26-year old is now sixth in the league in goals scored.

Ex-Hab Thomas Vanek, has just two goals so far this season although with 12 assists, including one against the Canadiens earlier in the year, he does hold a share of the team lead in that department. Zach Parise leads the Wild in points with 18, but with 11 goals, it's Nino Niederreiter that leads Minnesota in that department.

What's at Stake

The Canadiens have relinquished the NHL lead after the Tampa Bay lightning lost in overtime to the Sabres Tuesday night. They are now 1 point behind their division rivals with a chance to leap-frog them by winning in Minnesota on Wednesday.

Who's Out

The Canadiens are missing Michael Bournival (shoulder) who is traveling with the team but not expected to play during this road trip.

The Wild are missing Matt Cooke (hip). The team's top defenseman, Ryan Suter, missed practice Tuesday with an illness, but is expected to be in the lineup Wednesday night.

What Else

The Canadiens lost perhaps their greatest ambassador late Tuesday night. Jean Beliveau, 10 time Stanley Cup winner, 14 time NHL All Star, two time Hart Trophy winner, Art Ross and Conn Smythe winner, Hall-of-Famer, and one of the most recognizable figures in hockey, passed away at age 83. He played his entire NHL career from, 1950 to 1971, with the Montreal Canadiens and was a constant presence at the Montreal Forum and the Bell Centre since his retirement.

The Canadiens have set up a page on their official website to share tributes to Le Gros Bill, it can be found here.

The Question Mark

In four words, what did Jean Beliveau mean to you?

Tonight's Show

Join myself, Rob Elbaz, along with Kosta Papoulias and Corey Collard for the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show as we go live at 6:00 to preview the Canadiens and the Wild.

Monday, December 1, 2014

A Bag of Pucks: Thoughts from the Hockey World

Hey Habs fans, it's been a couple of weeks since my last post and a lot has been happening in Habs Nation and the hockey world. Here are my two cents on some of the major events

Rene Bourque Trade

On November 20th Rene Bourque was traded to Anaheim in exchange for 6'5" defenseman Bryan Allen. This was a win-win trade. Bourque gets a fresh start in Anaheim after falling out of favor in Montreal after some indifferent play. On November 9th Bourque was waived by the Canadiens and sent to Hamilton the next day. This trade will free up significant cap space and will allow forwards like Jiri Sekac to see more ice time. Meanwhile, Montreal gets added insurance on defense in case of injury. Allen won't be contributing much to the offense, but he's a solid veteran who can perform in a top-four pairing. Expect to see him on the 3rd pairing with time on the PK unit.

Mr. Hockey takes a turn for the worst

Hockey Legend Gordie Howe is in ill health after suffering a massive stroke October 26th. On November 16th, Howe took a turn for the worse suffering some minor strokes and also feeling the effects of a previous back injury that was worsening his dementia. Howe is a living legend in hockey having played through parts of five decades. He really opened the game up for youth who followed and idolized him. Habs fans raise your sticks to Mr. Hockey and pray for the best for him.

Legendary coach Pat Quinn dies

Pat Quinn sadly passed away on Sunday November 23rd passed away after a lengthy illness. While he never coached the Montreal Canadiens, defenseman PK Subban was on the 2009 World Junior team coached by Quinn. Pat Quinn was instrumental in resurrecting the Vancouver Canucks. He served as GM and President of the Canucks from 1987-1997. He was head coach from 1991-1994 after a ban was lifted preventing him from coaching after selecting Pavel Bure a year before his draft eligibility. Quinn held the GM/head coach positions for the Toronto Maple Leafs 1998-2005. I had the privilege of meeting the legendary coach at a Canucks fan appreciation event in 1995. The hockey world truly lost a legend in Pat Quinn. Rest in peace coach.

Edmonton Oilers fire goalie coach

On November 11, the Edmonton Oilers fired goalie coach Frederic Chabot. I choose to write about this topic because it exemplifies how NOT to run a hockey team. The Edmonton Oilers were once a feared franchise, winning five Stanley Cups in the 80's. However, since that time, the weak Canadian dollar affected the Oilers ability to sign and keep top players. From 2010-2012 the Oilers had the first overall pick in the entry draft and selected Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov respectively. Clearly, the Oilers have issues having given up the most goals in the league. However, it is easy to make a coach the scapegoat for poor play, but at the end of the day it is on the players. Also, the coach can only work with what he is given. GM Craig McTavish also has to take some blame for poor drafting decisions and not getting the right players in free agency. No, the Oilers will not make the playoffs this season.

Current Playoff Standings 

If the playoffs started tomorrow, five of the seven Canadian teams would make the playoffs (your Montreal Canadiens, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Winnpeg). Only Edmonton and Ottawa would be on the outside looking in.With just over a quarter of the season in the books, the Habs are in a six way tie for 1st in the league. By virtue of having played an extra game, the Habs are officially 4th in the East. I love that they have beat the hated Bruins thrice and Detroit twice. Goalie Carey Price has been spectacular. Jiri Sekac has been effective in the Habs bottom six. GM Marc Bergevin's moves have all paid off thus far. Hopefully the team continues to thrive as the season goes forward. I hope all five of the teams make it to the playoffs because I want to see a Canadian team win the cup. Although realistically, Montreal and Vancouver are the two most likely teams to make it all the way to the cup finals.

Brandon Gallagher extended six seasons

Finally on November 30, the Habs extended forward Brandon Gallagher to a six-year deal that will expire after the 2020-21 season. While Gallagher is a good player signing, such a lengthy deal is always risky. First, one can't predict the health of a player. Hockey is a violent sport and there is always the risk of injury. Another factor is by signing a lengthy deal, the motivation to perform at a high level might be down. Gallagher has a guaranteed contract the next six years. He doesn't have to worry about earning his next contract for a few years. I like Gallagher as a player so I think he will likely provide scoring and grit for the Habs.

Go Habs go

Habs fan blogging from BC

Game 26 - Canadiens at Avalanche

#MTLHockey Preview

habs canadiens match up avalanch colorado vs nhl 
Match Up

The Canadiens (16-7-2) start their four game road trip in Colorado on Monday to face the Avalanche (9-10-5). The game starts at 9:00 Eastern time and airs on RDS and Sportsnet East.

This is the second and final meeting between the Habs and Avs this season. The Canadiens won the first game 3-2 in Montreal on the strength of three second period goals. PK Subban scored twice in that match, including the game winner, and took first star honors.

What to Watch

Carey Price is 6-2-0 in his last 8 games, allowing just 12 goals in that span, and just 8 at even strength. Price has stopped 87 of the last 90 shots he's faced, good enough for a .967 save percentage in his last three games. Dale Weise picked up his sixth assist of the season in Montreal's 4-3 shootout loss to the Sabres on Saturday. With 10 points in 22 games this season, Weise is just six points away from matching his career high.

The Avalanche have won three of their last four coming into Monday's game, led by Gabriel Landeskog, who has two goals and six points in that span. Nathan MacKinnon has also been hot as of late, he has seven assists in his last five games.

What's at Stake

The Canadiens are one of six teams leading the NHL with 34 points on the season, although they've played more games than the other five. Colorado is at the bottom of their division and, like the Sabres, are allowing on average more than three goals a game. The Canadiens can use a solid victory against the Avs to rebound from a less than stellar pair of games against the Sabres Friday and Saturday.

Who's Out

Tom Gilbert was a healthy scratch in Montreal's last two games as Michel Therrien has had to juggle his defensive pairing to make room for new additions Sergei Gonchar and Bryan Allen. Michael Bournival (shoulder) is nearing a return to action, although there is still no word on when he is expected to dress next.

The Avalanche are without their starting goalie, Semyon Varlamov (groin). They're also missing center John Mitchell (leg), Mark-Andre Cliche (undisclosed), and Jamie McGinn (back). Veteran defensman Brad Stuart (hamstring) is day-to-day.

What Else

After a long break last week, the Habs go right back to the grind with four road games in six nights. They'll travel over 2100 miles during the trip, from Denver to Minneapolis to Chicago and then Dallas, before returning home to the Bell Centre for a five game homestand.

The Question Mark

Who was your Habs top performer of the month for November?

Tonight's Show

Join host Steven Hindle along with Kosta Papoulias and Rob Elbaz for the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show as we go live at 8:00 to preview the Canadiens and the Avalanche.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Price or Halak? Four Years After

It has been more than four years now since the Montreal Canadiens decided to trade goaltender Jaroslav Halak to the St. Louis Blues. As the title says, this article will discuss how our ex-goaltender, Jaroslav Halak, has done over the years, compared to the goalie the Habs decided to keep, Carey Price, and how the main prospect we got in this trade, Lars Eller, is evolving.

I am pretty sure you all know what happened after the 2010 playoffs, but let me remind you quickly. After carrying the team on his shoulders for the duration of the playoffs, Halak got traded for forwards Lars Eller and Ian Schultz. At that time, many people were claiming it was the worst deal ever, that the Habs got robbed and some even claimed that Halak was far superior to Carey Price.

Lately, the Slovakian goalie played some very solid minutes for the Islanders, and a few people are starting to wonder what's going to happen with Eller, who's playing on the 3rd line here in Montreal, and struggling to keep a decent offensive production. Not to talk about Schultz, who still has never played a single game in the NHL.

Let's start with Jaro Halak. Since the trade, he has been the starting goaltender of the St. Louis Blues, the Washington Capitals and now the New York Islanders. He started a total of 171 games in four seasons (I am not counting this season, and let's not forget there was a lockout in 2012-13), which is an average of about 43 games per year. In three of these seasons, he played more than 40 games, which is considered about half the season. Let's keep going with his personal stats. He has kept a goal against average of 2.23 and a saving percentage of 0.916. He also posted a record of 88 wins, 51 losses and 22 overtime losses during that time. Let's add that this year, he currently has a 2.20 GAA, and a 0.923 save %. Stats might not say everything, but we must admit his are pretty solid.

As for Lars Eller, he has played a total of 279 games with the Montreal Canadiens, scoring 43 goals and recording 58 assists for a total of 101 points. So, in return of a number one goaltender, we received a 0.36 point-per-game forward whose best season was 8 goals, 22 assists. Not only to mention Ian Schultz has yet to play his first NHL game and he probably never will.

As for Carey Price now, Montreal's starting goaltender, he's been in net for 235 games (which is an average of about 59 games per season), recording a GAA of 2.42 and a 0.918  save %. He has won 119 games, lost 89 games, and lost another 26 in overtime or shootout.  This year, he has a 2.34 GAA and a 0.922 save %.

Basically, what I'm trying to show with this article is how the two goaltenders have kept similar stats over the course of these four years, and how we literally got robbed by trading Halak for Eller. Yes, he has played for three teams in four years, but wherever he went, he has always been able to show decent things. Now the defining factor could be the amount of games played in a season. Would Jaro Halak be able to be a starting goalie for more than 60 games? We might have an answer this year, since he in undoubtedly New-York's starting goaltender. As for the trade itself, Eller has shown promising things, but he has never been able to reach his full potential. Will he eventually become the power forward we've been promised, or will he stay a 3rd-4th liner? If Eller does not progress and stays where he is right now, and Halak keeps being on top of his game like he is right now, we will easily be able to say that this trade has been one of the worst even in Montreal's history.

Note: I feel the need to mention I put Price's statistics in here only for a comparison. My personal opinion is that at that time, and even today, Price still has a great potential and is truly the number one goaltender the Montreal Canadiens needed. I am mostly just saying that what Gauthier got in return of Halak was next to nothing.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Game 25 - Canadiens vs Sabres

#MTLHockey Preview

HabsSabres

Match Up

The Canadiens (16-7-1) return to Montreal to host the Sabres (7-14-2) and complete the home and home series between these teams. The game is set to start at 7:00 and airs on TVA and City.

The Sabres to the second game in this four-game season series Friday night in Buffalo thanks to a little bit of skill and a little bit of luck. The skill came on behalf of Tyler Ennis who combined speed, dexterity and some nifty hand-eye coordination to put the Sabres on the board. The luck also came courtesy of Ennis, who's late game dump in ricocheted off the boards in the Canadiens zone leaving Carey Price stranded and Matt Moulson alone in front with a tap-in game winner.

What to Watch

The Canadiens have no scored just one goal in their last two games and three in three. At 2.42 goals per game, the Habs are 23rd in the league in scoring, a stat they'll need to improve before they can truly compete with the league's best. Considering Buffalo is in the bottom four in terms of goals against, the Habs should be able to take advantage of home ice advantage to rally their lethargic offense.

The Sabres will hope that Ennis, their leading scorer with seven goals and 15 points, has another goal like this in him for Saturday night:


What's at Stake

Passing up points once against the worst team in the league doesn't bode well, but the Habs have an immediate opportunity for redemption on home ice. At 33 points the Canadiens still hold the Eastern conference lead, but Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh and the Islanders are each right behind the Canadiens with 32, and Detroit is in the mix as well with 31 points this year.

Who's Out

Michael Bournival (shoulder) is nearing a return but still might not be ready to play on Saturday. Aside from that the team is healthy, but Alexei Emelin will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety prior to Saturday's game and may receive a suspension for his hit on former teammate Brian Gionta.

The Sabres were without Josh Gorges (knee) and Cody McCormick (concussion) on Friday, although Gorges may make his return at the Bell Centre. Drew Stafford (lower body), missed part of Friday's game and may miss Saturday's action as well.

What Else

The Canadiens power play found success in Buffalo using four forwards and a 1-3-1 set up. After an ugly stretch of extra man opportunities, the Habs have found a bit of consistency with the man advantage, especially since the arrival of veteran power play specialist Sergei Gonchar. In the eight games since Gonchar joined the team the Habs are 6-for-24 on the power play, after going 3-for-42 up to that point.

The Question Mark

What are your thoughts on the "new look" power play the Habs experimented with on Friday, and the power play in general since Gonchar joined the team?

Tonight's Show

Join host Steven Hindle along with Kosta Papoulias and Rob Elbaz for the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show as we go live at 6:00 Saturday night to preview the Canadiens and the Sabres.