Gally/Kristo Play for Bronze As Diaz Goes For Gold, Nygren Officially Signs With Habs And More...

Good Morning Addicts!



Habs defenseman Raphael Diaz (left) goes for gold today at
the WHC as his Swiss team takes on Sweden.

 Alex Galchenyuk and Danny Kristo may not have finished the World Hockey Championships with gold medals as they ould have liked, but the two Montreal Canadiens are on their way to bronze medals as the Americans are currently up 2-0 over the Finns with less than five minutes to go in the second period.

Galchenyuk, who joined the tournament after the Habs were eliminated from the NHL playoffs, has so far notched one goal in four games and a -2 rating. Danny Kristo played in all nine games for the Americans and came into the bronze medal game with one goal, two assists and a -1 rating.

Raphael Diaz, who also joined the tournament late has one game left this afternoon as his undefeated Swiss team will take on Sweden for the gold medal. Switzerland beat Sweden 3-2 earlier in the tournament on their way to a 9-0 record leading up to this afternoon's final.

Diaz has an even plus/minus rating in his three games played and one assist.

Habs And Hockey News

- With year one in the books as the Habs new GM, Marc Bergevin looks forward to continuing his mission of turning the Montreal Canadiens into a winning team.

- Here are Eldon MacDonald of The Hockey Writers 2013 NHL Draft rankings for picks 31 through 60.

- Magnus Nygren has officially signed with the Montreal Canadiens.


(Photo by Petr David Josek/Associated Press)

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Canada beats Russia 4-1 in New Year's Eve Battle

The much anticipated New Year’s Eve battle between rivals Canada and Russia surely didn’t disappoint. Despite the 4-1 score, this game couldn’t have been closer. Both teams came out hunting for the win right from the opening whistle, but it was Canada who drew first blood with a goal at the 14:03 mark by Dougie Hamilton. Mark Schiefele added to the Canadian lead only a few minutes later off a pass from Jonathan Huberdeau. Refusing to let the game get away from them, the sell-out Russian crowd only got louder, and would be rewarded with a goal from Nikita Kucherov late in the period to cut the Canada lead in half.

Neither team’s intensity died down in a second period that was defined by fast play and hard hitting. Both teams had plenty of chances, but it was Canada who managed to score on a beautiful wrap around goal by Jonathan Drouin early in the second period to bring the lead back to 2. A flurry of Canadian shots were sent towards Andrei Makarov, who played brilliantly throughout the game, stopping 44 of 47 shots, to keep the Russians alive.

Desperate for a comeback, the Russians put the pedal to the metal in the third period, using their quickness to create many near opportunities in front of the Canadian goal. Unfortunately for them, Malcolm Subban came ready to play for the second night in a row, and refused to be beaten. With just under 2 minutes left, Makarov was pulled to give Russia the extra skater. Canada however, took advantage with an empty net goal by Huberdeau, that took the hope out of the home crowd. With a 4-1 lead, Subban flexed his muscles again, saving a late-awarded penalty shot, that would have at least provided a silver lining for the home Russian team.

The much deserved win gives Canada a bye into the semi-finals, while Russia now have to play on Wednesday against a gritty Switzerland team. 

Writer’s Notes: I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how unbelievable the Russian fans have been throughout the tournament thus far. Not only in supporting their own team, but in accommodating us Canadian fans as well. Even after defeat, their fans were lined up to shake our hands and take pictures with us donned in our Canadian paraphernalia. Despite some other deserving teams, judging from last night’s game, nothing would be better here in Ufa than a Canada-Russia rematch in the finals.

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Rob Myerson is a Quebec trained secondary education teacher. After a year in Montreal, teaching at Beurling Academy, he moved to London, England where he currently resides and works. His previous sports writing experience comes from writing for Bishop's University's school newspaper, "The Campus".

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Team Canada Sneaks by Americans 2-1

A very pro-Canada crowd was on hand in Ufa to witness a Canadian win over the rival Americans. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Ryan Strome scored early to give Canada the only firepower it would need in a 2-1 victory.

In a game that lacked consistent momentum for either side, it was the goaltenders who stood out for both teams. Malcolm Subban made 36 saves for Canada, while John Gibson made 30 in a losing cause.

After Canada's first period goals, both teams played very timid and lacked the usual intensity of a typical Canada-U.S game. The Americans changed that at the 11 minute mark of the third period with a Jacob Trouba goal, that would cut the Canadian lead down to one.

The American momentum disappeared however, thanks to untimely third period penalties that would include two game misconducts, one of which going to captain Jake McCabe for a hit to the head. The Canadians, disorderly on their man-up advantages, weren't able to capitalise on a five-on-three opportunity.

Back at full strength and smelling blood, the U.S put the pressure on the Canadians late in the third. With just under two-minutes left, a boarding call to the tournament's leading scorer Nugent-Hopkins, gave the Americans a late power play. Phil Housley then opted to pull Gibson, giving the States a 6-4 man advantage. After many close-calls and near scoring chances, Subban and Canada's willing shot-blockers managed to hold on for the win.

The win over Team USA moves Canada into first place in the "Group B" standings, but only for now. In order to earn the first round by, Canada is going to have to play a lot better tomorrow against a hot Russian team, who is coming off of a 7-0 win against Germany, and has a home crowd ready to add fuel to the fire.

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Rob Myerson is a Quebec trained secondary education teacher. After a year in Montreal, teaching at Beurling Academy, he moved to London, England where he currently resides and works. His previous sports writing experience comes from writing for Bishop's University's school newspaper, "The Campus".

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New Offer From NHL, Russia Downs USA, Spengler Semis for Canada

Good Morning HabsAddicts

Early Friday afternoon, Pierre LeBrun broke the news that the National Hockey League had submitted a new offer to the NHLPA, composed of some 300+ pages.

Some parts of the offer were already discussed before, including a 10 year term on the Collective Bargaining Agreement, $300 Million for the "make whole" provision ($50 Million of which is to go to the NHLPA's pension plan), and a single amnesty buy-out for each team in 2013-2014 which wouldn't count against the salary cap.

Important to point out, as far as the amnesty payment is concerned, that the bought out contract would instead count against a team's hockey related revenue, which would reduce amounts on both sides of the ledger. This is a significant move by the league, in an attempt to find an equitable way to avoid an immediate cap hit to a single team. It would instead distribute the onus to all teams by reducing HRR and the salary cap by a minimal and manageable percentage.

While the league still insists on a cap on player contract lengths, they've extended the length to six years instead of the original five, and they have backed off on issues like entry-level contracts, Group 3 free agency (unrestricted), and arbitration rights.

However, included in this latest offer is an absolute drop-dead date to start, that being January 19th, in order to have a 48-game season. Training camps would have to begin on January 11th. Effectively, that gives both sides a windows of just a few days to get this offer agreed upon, and begin recalling their players from European club teams and the KHL.

Habs and Hockey News and Notes

- In an action packed affair, Team Russia defeated Alex Galchenyuk and Team USA 2-1 on Friday morning at the World Junior Hockey Championships. Team Canada, who won earlier on Friday 6-3 over Slovakia, received some good news as forward Anthony Camara would not receive any supplemental discipline for his devastating hit on Slovakian defenceman Patrik Luza. J.C. Lipon, who also received a major penalty for head contact on forward Tomas Mikus, received a one game suspension.

- With HC Davos' win Friday versus Adler Mannheim, Team Canada was assured a birth in the Spengler Cup semi-finals in Davos, Switzerland on Sunday. The quarter-finals will take place Saturday between Fribourg Gotteron vs. Adler Mannheim and HC Davos vs. Salavat Yulaev Ufa.

- The Montreal Gazette's Dave Stubbs celebrates (I'm kidding) the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Canadiens last Stanley Cup win. 

(photo: Paul Sancya/AP)

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Canada hammers Germans, RNH with 5 Points

Good Morning PuckAddicts!!!

In one of the most anticipated games in World Junior Hockey Championship history (thanks NHL Lockout), Team Canada exploded for nine tallies versus a sub-par German team in their opening game in this year's tournament.

Edmonton Oilers sophomore Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored a goal and four assists, while his line mates Jonathan Huberdeau and Mark Scheifele combined for 10 points. Malcolm Subban went mostly untested in this affair, however he did give up a bit of a softy on a horrible turnover by Mark McNeil in the second period. He bounced back beautifully in the third, making a couple of point blank saves.

Canada continued their undisciplined play in the first two periods with a parade of unnecessary penalties, putting behind the eight ball early, and allowing the Germans to stay hopeful. However, Canada dominated to majority of the game, often maintaining possession of the puck in the German zone for three to four minutes at a time.

Canadian head coach Steve Spott, while happy with the result, should be apprehensive about his team's defensive zone play. Scott Harrington and Dougie Hamilton were solid on the Canadian defense, but Team Canada was often hemmed in by a tenacious German team, who were more lucky than good on all three of their goals. The fourth line for Team Canada showed an obvious deficiency in transitional play, giving up the puck multiple times along the half-wall, leading the German scoring chances.

Another obvious weakness in Canada's game was their lack of a defensive presence in the mid-ice lane. They allowed the Germans to attack with speed through the neutral zone on numerous occasions, forcing some over extended shift and mistakes in their own zone.

Team Canada's next test comes Friday morning against Team Slovakia.

Special Correspondant in Ufa

HabsAddict is happy to welcome Robert Myerson to our staff. Rob will be covering the World Junior Championship from Ufa, Russia after the Slovakia game, and providing our readers same day game summaries and analysis. Join me in welcoming Robert aboard.

(Photo courtesy Canadian Press)

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Canada Beats Sweden In SO, Disclaimer Of Interest A Go? And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

Team Canada's Boone Jenner may face supplementary discipline
after his late hit on Swedish defenseman Jesper Pettersson.

After falling 3-2 to Finland in pre-tournament action on Thursday, Team Canada bounced back with a 2-1 shoot out win against Sweden yesterday morning.

Jonathan Drouin of the Halifax Mooseheads scored Canada's only goal in regulation tying the game in the third period. Jonathan Huberdeau of the Saint John Sea Dogs scored a beauty in the shoot out before captain Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Edmonton Oilers netted the winner.

Habs prospect Sebastian Collberg assisted on Sweden's goal scored by Alexander Wennberg. Collberg was impressive on many of Sweden's power plays setting up chances and showing impressive puck control with nifty stick work.

Canada will begin the tournament on Boxing Day against Germany. Wednesday's game should be used by Canada to work on their discipline. Their constant trips to the penalty box could cause the Canadians problems further in the tournament if they spend too much time on the p.k. against stronger teams in do or die situations.

As if Canada's on ice penalties aren't trouble enough, Boone Jenner may face suspension after his late hit on Jesper Pettersson left the Swedish defenseman with a dislocated shoulder and a fractured wrist.

Alex Galchenyuk, the Habs only other prospect in the tournament was also on the losing end of pre-tournament play as Finland defeated Team U.S.A. 5-1.

Habs And Hockey News

- Back on the lockout front, the players have voted in favor of filing a disclaimer of interest. The NHLPA has until January 2nd to file the disclaimer if they choose to do so.

- Patrick Kearns (@PatrickKearns) of TheFourthPeriod.com provides a fun lockout free article delivering 25 Christmas gifts to players and personnel around the NHL.

- Team U.S.A. will finalize their roster today, making three last cuts before kicking off their tournament debut against Germany on Thursday.


 (Photo by Darren Makowichuk/QMI Agency) 

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Hudon To Miss WJC, Bealieu And Tinordi Progressing, Spengler Cup And More...

Good Morning Addicts!



Habs prospect Charles Hudon will miss the WJC due to
a lower body injury.

 Only four days left until the start of the 2013 World Junior Championships. Canada lost their first pre tournament game against Finland  on Thursday but will get another shot this morning against Sweden. As soon as this post is written I will be sitting in front of my television gettting my first taste of the tournament.

As eager as I am to watch some hockey I must say I am quite disappointed I will not be able to watch Charles Hudon. Hudon, Montreal's fifth round draft pick in 2012 injured his back in practice on friday and was ultimately replaced by Mark McNeill of the WHL's Prince Albert Raiders.

Hudon has been having quite a year in the QMJHL so far this season notching 18 goals and as many helpers for 36 points in 27 games for the Chicoutimi Sagueneens.

On the bright side, Habs fans will be able to catch a glimpse of the Canadiens second overall pick Sebastian Collberg who will be suiting up for Sweden.

With Hudon having to back out - pun intended - Collberg is one of two Habs prospects still in the tournament. The other of course being Team U.S.A.'s Alex Galchenyuk who has been absolutely destroying the OHL this season. With 27 goals and 34 assists, Galchenyuk sits in second place for points - one behind Ryan Strome of the Niagra IceDogs - and tied for first in goals with the IceDogs Brett Ritchie and Boone Jenner of the Oshawa Generals.

Habs And Hockey News

- The Hamilton Bulldogs continue to struggle as they fell 2-1 to the St.John's Ice Caps last night. The 'Dogs now have won only once in their last five games as they remain in the AHL's Western Conference basement along with the San Antonio Rampage.

- Dan Kramer (@DanKramerHabs) of AllHabs.net takes a look at the progression of Habs Prospects Nathan Beaulieu and Jarred Tinordi.

- With all the excitement surrounding the WJC, let's not forget about the Spengler Cup. Steven Ellis (@StevenEllisNHL) of The HockeyHouse provides Team Canada's roster as well as every other team's roster for the tournament which also starts on Boxing Day.


(Photo fromhttp://www.radio-canada.ca/emissions/culture_physique/2012-2013/chronique.asp?idChronique=263544)

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Galchenyuk On Fire, Players To Vote On Dissolving The Union And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

Alex Galchenyuk of the Sarnia Sting is second in OHL scoring with
61 points in 33 games

I've mentioned before that one of the few positives to come from the lockout -if not the only positive - would be the lack of pressure on Alex Galchenyuk. The Habs have needed a star player ever since Patrick Roy was shipped to Colorado to help lead the Avalanche to two Stanley Cup championships, and Galchenyuk may very well be that star.

The need for an impact player became so crucial that for years the Habs have been rushing their prospects and in doing so, harming their development.

With the drafting of Alex Galchenyuk the last thing the Habs want to do is rush him. After an 83 point season in 2010-11, Galchenyuk injured his leg in a pre-season game last year causing him to miss all but two regular season games and six more in the post season.

Despite his talent and potential it seemed like a no brainer to let him continue his development in the OHL. Galchenyuk has been enjoying quite a season so far and without the NHL there is no pressure to call him up to the NHL. No chance to rush him to the big stage.

However, at a certain point you have to wonder if his domination of the OHL is enough of a challenge for him. While I was happy that there was no chance of throwing him in the deep end at the first sight of success, I never really expected him to have the type of year he is having.

The Sarnia Sting are 33 games into their season and after last night's five point performance in the Sting's 7-4 victory over the Kingston Frontenacs Galchenyuk is just one point behind Ryan Strome of the Niagra IceDogs for the league lead.

Gally's hat trick brought his goal total to 27 which ties him for first with Brett Ritchie, also an IceDog and Boone Jenner of the Oshawa Generals.

Since the beginning of Novemer, Galchenyuk has accumulated 18 goals and 38 points in 18 games. In December, he's notched 11 goals and six assists in just seven games.

With this type of success, I am starting to wonder if he has anything to gain by finishing the season in the OHL. It's always good to dominate in the minors before going pro but at this point it seems too easy.

If the NHL were to resume should the Habs call up Galchenyuk to let him get his feet wet or let him continue to taunt his opposition in th OHL?

Habs And Hockey News

- Mike Blunden celebrated his 26th  birthday with two goals including the game winner for the Hamilton Bulldogs in last night's 6-4 victory over the Rockford IceHogs.

- NHL players will start to vote today on whether or not to dissolve the union. The five day voting period will end Thursday.

- After three years without gold, team Canada has chosen to go with skill over grit at this years World Junior Campionships in UFA, Russia.


(Photo from http://unitedstatesofhockey.com/2012/06/12/the-curious-case-of-alex-galchenyuk/)

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Rangers Owner Wants In On Negotiations, Alex Galchenyuk Tearing Up OHL And More...

Good Morning Addicts!



Rangers Owner James Dolan would like to sit in on labor talks

With labor negotiations going nowhere and mediation failing, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman offered the players a chance to meet with the owners without any league or union officials present.

I have to say it is a creative idea but I'm not too sure the players will go for it. While some may see it as a chance to end the lockout I can't see too many players being comfortable sitting at the bargaining table. On Saturday David Perron of the St. Louis Blues tweeted "Isn't sending players to negociate w. owners without Fehr like us saying to owners let's negotiate this on the ice?". You can't help but think there are plenty of other players worried that they would not get the deal they're hoping for without their union leader Donald Fehr at the table.

Someone who ould like to be at the table with the players, however is Madison Square Garden CEO James Dolan. Larry Brooks of the NY Post reported that Dolan.  It's not yet determined yet if Dolan has expressed his interest  to Bettman and it's hard to tell whether or not Bettman will give the MSG owner the green light.

On one hand Dolan urged that Bettman be relieved of his duties in 2007 in conjunction with filing suit against the league in a conflict regarding website, digital rights, licensing and team merchandise control. On the other however, Dolan played a huge role on the NBA owners side last year in helping their lockout come to an end on time for a 66 game season which started on Christmas day.

As the owner of the New York Rangers and CEO of MSG he is losing money with every passing day and with his experience at the NBA bargaining table he's been through this before. Considering these two points, shouldn't Dolan be allowed to sit in and see if he can help bring this lockout to an end?

Habs And Hockey News

-  Alex Galchenyuk just continues to roll as he put up seven points in two night over the weekend. In a 7-4 win Saturday night over the Saginaw Spirit the Sarnia captain tallied a goal and two assists. The next night, Gally added an assist to a three goal performance in a 5-2 win over the Peterbrough Petes putting him third overall in OHL scoring.

- Cedrick Desjardins earned his first shutout of the year in Hamilton in his fourth start as the Bulldogs blanked the Abbotsford Heat 3-0 in only their third win out of their last ten contests.

- Andrew Berkshire (@AndrewBerkshire) continues his coverage of Habs players during the lockout in week 10 of his Overseas Habs and Prospects report.

- Only 24 days are left until the World Junior Championships, and with the NHL locked out Team Canada will be stacked with talent.

- If Commissioner Jeremy Roenick ran the NHL rather than Commissioner Bettman, the league would have fewer teams as soon as the lockout ended.


(Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America)

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Alex Galchenyuk/Brady Vail at 2013 WJC?, Plekanec's Advice to Gally, Owners Need to Speak Up And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

Alex Galchenyuk is fifth in the OHL scoring race

There seems to be a lack of hockey news this morning other than the usual lockout talk and the current theme of the week, decertification. With no update on either front I'm going to start with the upcoming World Junior Championships that will begin on boxing day.

Adam French is a blogger for the Phoenix Coyotes - remember them? - over at HockeyBuzz.com. French wrote an article on which forwards he feels will make the American squad. Among his choices are Habs prospects Alex Galchenyuk and Brady Vail.

Galchenyuk seems like a shoe-in. With last night's four point performance in an 8-2 win over the Peterborough Petes, Gally is now fifth in the OHL scoring race with 41 points - 15G 26A - in 25 games. The fact that the 18 year old captain is putting up these numbers on a less than dominant team - sixth place in the Western Conference - makes it that much more impressive.



Brady Vail of the Windsor Spitfires

 Brady Vail of the Windsor Spitfires is further down the chart tied for 37th, but is still putting up a point per game pace with ten goals and 15 helpers in 25 contests. Vail is also putting up his impressive stats on a team that is not exactly a powerhouse as the Spitfires currently sit in seventh place just two points below the Sting.

Will having two Canadiens prospect represent team U.S.A. make it harder for you to root against our neighbours down south?

Habs And Hockey News

- A few days back I highlighted a few questions regarding the Habs that have been left unanswered due to the lockout.

- Tomas Plekanec has a few words of advice for Montreal Canadiens top pick Alex Galchenyuk.

- Larry Brooks of the NY Post makes a good point on how the owners need to step up and let their voices be heard by the board of governors in order to end the lockout.

- With the lack of NHL hockey to watch, Ryan Kennedy of TheHockeyNews.com provides a list of exciting teams to watch from around the leagues.

(Photos by by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images North America)

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