Pregame Preview: Canadiens vs Islanders (Game #81)

 
Match Up:

The Canadiens (45-27-8) are home to host the Islanders (31-37-11) Thursday night at the Bell Centre. The game starts at 7:30 and airs on RDS and TSN-Habs.

This is the third and final game between the Habs and Islanders this season and the Canadiens are looking for a series sweep. The last time these teams met, in mid-December, Carey Price and Evgeni Nabokov took the game to overtime tied 0-0, until Max Pacioretty finally found the back of the net.

What to Watch:

Despite 6 shots on goal and a couple of golden opportunities in Chicago, Max Pacioretty is still stuck at 39 goals on the year. Dale Weise and Josh Gorges both returned to the lineup on Wednesday and the pair combined to open the scoring when Weise scored after the initial shot from Gorges was blocked in front.

The Islanders are playing for pride at this point in the season, with just 73 points they have long since been eliminated from playoff contention. With their star John Tavares out of the lineup, as well as current leading scorer Kyle Okposo, Frans Nielsen has picked up the slack for the Isles. Nielsen hit the 25-goal mark for the first time in his career with the lone Long Island goal in a 4-1 loss to the Senators on Tuesday.

What's at Stake:

The Canadiens are now 3 points up on the Lightning with 1 more game played, putting them in the driver's seat in the race for home ice advantage. If the Bolts fall to the Flyers tonight, the Habs can clinch by taking at least one point from tonight's game. If the Lightning win, the Canadiens will still need 101 points and another regulation or OT win to clinch.

Who's Out:

Alex Galchenyuk (lower body) made an early exit from Wednesday's game and was seen on crutches afterwards, it's unlikely he'll be able to play Thursday and could be out much longer. Brandon Prust (upper body) has yet to be reevaluated but won't return until at least the beginning of the Playoffs and Travis Moen (concussion) is out as well.

The Islanders are missing John Tavares (knee), Kyle Okposo (lower body), Lubimir Visnovsky (concussion) and Brian Strait (hand). Michael Grabner (upper body), Cal Clutterbuck (upper body) and Calvin de Haan (lower body) are day-to-day and could also miss Thursday's tilt.

What Else:

The Canadiens played their final road game of the regular season against the Hawks on Wednesday, ending the year with a respectable 23-13-5 road record. The Habs managed 23 road wins and 51 road points despite being outscored in away games 112 to 108. At home, the Canadiens have been much stingier giving up just 87 goals in the 39 games they've played this year in the Bell Centre.

The Question Mark:

Who are your Habs 3 Stars since the trade deadline?

Let us know what you think, leave us a comment or send us a tweet with the #MTLHockey hashtag on Twitter.

Be sure to tune into the Montreal Hockey Talk Pregame Show an hour before the puck drop and the Post Game Show 5 minutes after the final siren. Join the live conversation by using the #MTLHockey hashtag on Twitter.

Read More

Habs/Islanders Post-Game November 10th 2013

Galchenyuk kisses the logo after scoring the final goal

The Canadiens got a spark from a line that dominated the early going of the season for the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge. The EGG line combined for a total of 8 points in a 4-2 victory against the Islanders who have now lost 4 straight.

Sitting in 5th place in the Atlantic division at this point in the season is a hard task. One of the more competitive divisions in the league could easily boast 5 playoff bound teams, 2 wildcard spots up for grabs, should the season remains as is. Every point earned now will make a difference in the back end of the season during the playoff race.

Like the last game against the Sens the Canadiens had the upper hand in the first. They controlled the game and set the pace early on. A few scoring chances highlighted the first period for the Canadiens  but weren't golden opportunities that posed much of a threat to back-up Kevin Poulin.
There seemed to be an extra jump in the step of the kids line, for a few games now they had been on the decline and while they weren't a detriment they definitely were not playing at the same level they did earlier in the season.
The Canadiens were the first to go to the box and killed off the man-advantage for the Isles who established some solid possession but only generated shots from the perimeter. The Habs received a power-play soon after and it was at this point they had their best scoring chance of the period, a wrap around by Galchenyuk never made its way to the back of the net.
The period finished nodded at nil-nil, the Habs had the better showing and to avoid a breakdown like the Ottawa game, needed to score and forbid the Isles from gaining any sort momentum.

The Canadiens wasted no time coming out of the intermission to put a goal on the board. The Canadiens would score three in the second and from there didn't give the Isles any opportunity to mount a comeback.
Brendan Gallagher got sprung on by a feed from Galchenyuk that he needed to kick to himself to set up a wrist shot that beat Poulin blocker side. It was the 10th time this season the Habs scored the first goal of the game.
Price came up big on a save against Matt Martin a few minutes following the goal and kept the lead alive, but not for long.
The Islanders did tie the game on the power-play. After Tomas Plekanec went to the box for a face-off violation, they killed it off but immediately shot themselves in the foot and took another penalty for a hold by Bouillon. Pierre Marc Bouchard scored his first goal against the Canadiens with a shot from the point that beat Price glove-side.
The teams exchanged chances until the Isles took a series of penalties that allowed the Habs to score a pair of goals to end the second. The last ranked team on the penalty-kill, the Isles, should of been wiser knowing they were facing one of the leagues stronger power-play teams in the Habs.
The first goal on the power-play was scored by Eller who released a one timer from a cross slot pass by Galchenyuk that Poulin had no chance saving.
The second power-play goal was a tip in by Bournival, his fifth of the year deflected a point shot by Diaz to beat the Isles goalie top corner.

Despite allowing a power-play goal in the third period to Brock Nelson, who was left alone in front of Price to slam the puck by and cut the two goal lead the Canadiens managed to play a very safe game with the lead. Price, who didn't seem phased to be dealing with the added pressure of a one goal lead, saved 24 of 26 shots in the game.
The Canadiens eventually sealed the deal when Galchenyuk finished off a beautiful tic-tac-toe goal. His third point of the night, along with Eller's third and Gallagher's second topped off a heroic outing for the young trio that desperately needed to be reignited.

Despite the recent acquisition of Thomas Vanek, the Islanders are not as successful as many would have thought. The high cost to acquire such a renowned sniper has not generated any kind of significant return as they fall to 2 wins and 5 losses since the trade.

The Canadiens hold onto the 5th place in the Atlantic. The next matchup is against the shocking Lightning who sit on top of the division. Playing at home for the Canadiens is a significant advantage, they will need to rely on of the loudest crowds in the league to rattle the cage for the Bolts. All 4 lines will need to roll on all cylinders. Price and his defencemen will be tested by the leagues top scorer Steven Stamkos and his set-up man Martin St-Louis. Expect the Tuesday night affair to be a big one for both clubs.

Read More

Vanek Traded to Islanders

The New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres have made what could be the biggest trade of the 2013-14 season.

Islanders: Tomas Vanek
Sabres: Matt Moulson, 1st round pick (2014),2nd round pick (2015)

Vanek was the biggest forward name available going into the season as many believed that the Sabres were going to be shopping their assets in order to build through the draft.

The islanders have gotten a player who has played at an elite level, especially considering his lack luster surroundings while playing for the Sabres over the years.

It is a steep price to pay if you are the Isles, Vanek is a pending UFA and there is certainly going to be a market for his services in the off-season, Garth Snow will have his work cut out for him to keep him on board.

The Sabres have done well to receive two high draft choices and a strong roster player. Moulson may have over achieved by playing alongside Tavares, however he still has a strong shot and will contribute offensively. Moulson is also a pending UFA and could be shipped out if there is a demand come the deadline.

NHL.com
Tsn.ca
Rds.ca

Read More

NHL 2013-2014 Conference Previews - Metropolitan

Paolo Migarelli comes east, and takes a look at the not-so-well named Metropolitan Conference.

The old Atlantic has been renamed and re-tooled. Add the Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes and one of the 2 newcomers in the East, the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

Renowned as one of the premier divisions boasting its representation by as much as 4 playoff teams before the merger, they will again be one of the tougher divisions to play in and will make for great fireworks down the stretch.

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

NEW YORK RANGERS

WASHINGTON CAPITALS

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

CAROLINA HURRICANES

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Read More

Vokoun Good-Fleury Bad, Habs Not Too Small? And More...

Good Morning Addicts!



Tomas Vokoun has backstopped the Penguins to the second
round after replacing Mar-Andre Fleury in goal.

 First off I would like to wish a happy Mother's Day to any and all of our readers who happen to be mothers!

And now to hockey. When the playoffs began, the one series I had no real intention of following was that of the Pittsburgh Penguins taking on the New York Islanders. I know that having two teams with high flying offense has a lot of potential of being quite entertaining, but at the same time when it seems one team will just roll through another in four games a lot is taken away from the excitement of it.

The one thing that made me believe in the back of my mind that John Tavares and company could possibly upset the Penguins was the fact that Marc-Andre Fleury was  in goal. Sure enough, after four games the series was tied thanks in large part to Mr. Fleury. Not to take away from the Islanders, it's just that I have no faith whatsoever in Pittsburgh's goalie.

The difference between last years early exit at the hands of the Philadelphia Flyers and their win over the pesky Islanders was Tomas Vokoun. Vokoun started game five and earned a shutout in the Penguins 4-0 victory over the Islanders. The Penguins back up was again called upon in last night's game and his 35 save performance earned his team a spot in the second round with a 4-3 overtime win.

With the win the Penguins will face the Ottawa Senators in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. As long as Dan Bylsma sticks with Vokoun against the Sens the Penguins will more than likely find themselves playing in the Eastern Conference finals soon enough.

My prediction?

Crosby, Malkin, Neal, Iginla, Kunitz, Letang and Vokoun over Anderson and a non 100% Karlsson in five.


Habs And Hockey News

- With their post season cut short, the Canadiens revealed to the media just how injured their roster was in their series against the Sens. With a list including a concussion, seperated ribs and shoulders and sprained MCL's it's hard to imagine the Habs would've went too far had they defeated the Senators.

- As disappointing as the Habs first round exit was, fans in Montreal have plenty of reason to be optimistic heading into next season.

- Andrew Berkshire @AndrewBerkshire argues that the Habs are not too small, an argument that is not often heard.


(Photo by Jason Cohn/Reuters)

Read More

Habs Beat Senators, Knot Series At One, Pittsburgh Blows Three Goal Lead, Therrien Keeps His Cool And More...

Good Afternoon Addicts!



Carey Price drops his tooth off at the bench during last night's
29 save win against the Ottawa Senators

 After falling apart in game one against the Ottawa Senators following Eric Gryba's crushing hit to Lars Eller's head, the Montreal Canadiens bounced back with a convincing 3-1 win last night at the Bell Center.

With Eller, Max Pacioretty and captain Brian Gionta out of the line-up things were looking pretty grim heading into game two of the best of seven series. The Habs however played the way they needed to in order to tie the series up before heading to the nation's capital.

Carey Price played excellent, hopefully putting to rest the doubt that too many Montreal fans have in the team's number one goalie. Price made 29 saves and lost a tooth en route to leading the Canadiens past the Senators.

Ryan White played what was probably his best game in a Habs uniform scoring the team's first goal, throwing three hits and getting under the skin of the Senators. Rene Bourque threw three hits of his own and added an assist giving him two points in two games.

Brendan Gallagher and Alex Galchenyuk showed no signs of playoff nerves as they teamed up for the game winning goal after being reunited on a line with Brandon Prust. The Gally's each have two points in as many games and are looking very promising in their first post season at the NHL level.

With the series tied at one, the series will resume at Scotiabank Place in Kanata tomorrow night. If the Habs show the energy they displayed last night they should have no problem banking at least one win in Ottawa.

Habs And Hockey News

- Coach k (@HabsCoachK) shares his view on last night's game in Tony's Take over at montrealhockeytalk.com

- I have to say, I half expected the Penguins to beat the Islanders in three but after last night's comeback by the Islanders I can't help but wonder if Marc-Andre Fleury will blow it for the Pens for the second straight years. Justin Glock (@JTGlock) of thehockeywriters.com takes a look at last night's collapse by the Penguins.

- Michel Therrien  is focused on the task at hand rather than showing a willingness to lose his cool as he might have ten years ago.

(Photo by Pierre Obendrauf, The Gazette)

Read More

Tonight's Habs/Leafs Game A Playoff Preview?, Brian Gionta, Habs Depth And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

Michael Ryder has been on a tear since re-joining the Habs
notching 20 points in as many games.

There's nothing like Saturday night hockey between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially now the Leafs are somewhat relevant!

With Toronto poised to make it to the post season for the first time in seven years, it marks the first time since before the 2004-05 lockout that a match up between these rivals this late in the season actually matters for both teams.

What makes it more interesting is the strong possibility that the Habs and Leafs could very well meet in the first round of the playoffs. Toronto currently leads the season series with a 2-1 edge earning a 2-1 victory in the Habs season opener and a 6-0 blowout in February.

Since the embarassment at the hands of the Leafs however, the Habs have gone 20-5-5 including a 5-2 victory over the Leafs.

A big difference between tonight's game and the previous three between the two clubs is the presence of Michael Ryder. The 5-2 win over Toronto was Ryder's first game in his second stint as a Hab and he played without practicing with the Canadiens and on very little sleep after the trade that brought him to Montreal in exchange for Erik Cole.

Since that game Ryder has accumulated 20 points in 19 games.

Montreal will be heading into tonight's tilt without forward Colby Armstrong (knee) and defencemen Alexei Emelin (knee) and Raphael Diaz (Concussion). Nathan Beaulieu who was called up to replace Emelin played extremely well in Thursday night's 5-1 drubbing over the Sabres with 16:50 minutes of ice time while registering four shots on net and posting a +2 rating.

Toronto will be playing without forward Joffrey Lupul (concussion) and Mikhail Grabovski could be a game time decision.

Habs And Hockey News

- Our own Fred Poulin (@FredPoulin98) takes a look at the Habs possible playoff match-ups.

- Andrew Berkshire (@AndrewBerkshire) continues his half season review series on Habs players with captain Brian Gionta.

- Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) of NHL.com provides a piece concentrating on the Habs balancing their offence with depth.

- Chris Johnston of Sportsnet.ca writes up on what's driving P.K Subban to a possible Norris Trophy nod this season.


(Photo by Bernard Brault, La Presse)

Read More

Pacioretty Returns In Habs Victory Over The Sens/ Bad Officiating And More...

Good Morning Addicts!

I guess at this point it's not that surprising that Max Pacioretty is back in the Habs line up just one week after undergoing an emergency appendectomy. Sure it's a procedure that normally requires three to four weeks recovery time but if we've learned anything about Pacioretty over time it's that he isn't human.

In any event, Pacioretty is indeed back and helped the Canadiens win their second game in as many days as they beat the Ottawa Senators 2-1 just four days after the Senators manhandled the Habs 5-1.

Pacioretty notched an assist on his first shift of the game and didn't look out of place on the top line with David Desharnais and Erik Cole.

With the win, the Canadiens earned a perfect four points over the weekend and are back on a winning pace after briefly faltering last Wednesday against the Senators in Ottawa. Carey Price made it his sixth straight victory losing only his first start of the season against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Habs And Hockey News

- Here's more on Pacioretty returning to the ice just eight days after his appendectomy.

- Although the Habs skated away with the win yesterday afternoon, the game easily could've - and probably should've - gone into overtime. Jakob Silfverberg scored what should've been his second goal of the game early in the third only for it to be waved off. Could this be the worst call of the year?

- Along with the Islanders, the Canadiens have taken the league by surprise with their success early in the season.


(Photo by Dave Stubbs, Montreal Gazette)

Read More

NHL Withdraws Offer, Hamilton Bulldogs, Habs' CHL Prospects, More

Happy Friday!

The October 25th deadline imposed the NHL for the scheduling of a complete, 82-game season has passed.

As a result, actual games will now be removed from the 2012-13 calendar and the NHL has withdrawn it's previous offer.

Both sides unfortunately seem quite distant on the subject of a new CBA.

Habs and Hockey News

- The Hamilton Bulldogs get set to face the Toronto Marlies tonight for the third time this season. The farm team lost Tuesday's contest against the Rochester Americans and will have to face their cross-province rivals without Louis Leblanc.

- HabsWorld reports on the progress of the Montreal Canadiens' CHL prospects.

- Amidst all the doom and gloom surrounding the CBA negotiations, Stu Hackel focuses in on some of the more positive news surrounding the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders.

- Russia's KHL was scheduled to play two regular season games in Brooklyn this January, but it now appears those games have been cancelled.


(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Read More

Barack Obama on Lockout, Full NHL Season Not Possible, Brooklyn, More

Good AM hockey fans!

Last night, during an appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, the current president took time to answer questions submitted from viewers and the audience.

Somewhat surprisingly for a Los Angeles based television program, one individual asked about the NHL lockout.

"You guys make money because you’ve got a whole bunch of fans out there who are working really hard — they buy tickets, they’re watching on TV" Obama pleaded to both owners and players.

Somehow, though, I doubt his influence will move these negotiations forward. In fact, Gary Bettman has now conceded that playing a full NHL season is not a reality and no meetings are planned for today.

The NHL has teams in five so-called "swing states" — Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Habs and Hockey 

- Stu Hackel questions the New York Islanders eventual move to Brooklyn.

- Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News argues that public perception of the league's lockout will eventually matter and impact the owners. Over at TSN, they wonder what enticements will be needed to bring disenchanted fans back.

- The Columbus Blue Jackets have hired long-time NHL broadcaster and executive John Davidson.

(Photo via NBC)

Read More

NHL-NHLPA Stalemate?, New York Islanders to Brooklyn, More

More posturing or a genuine stalemate?

With the league's deadline — October 25th — for a full season approaching, the NHLPA offered to meet with NHL officials today.

However, the league apparently refused to sit down with the players. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly suggested there was no clear agenda for the meeting and that the players were unwilling to negotiate.

In short, he wondered "What's the point?"

I frankly do not see how this can be simple posturing. Refusing to meet with the other side is definitely not going to be a public relations hit and Stu Hackel openly wonders if the NHL actually wants to end the lockout. Pierre LeBrun argues that egos are getting in the way.

On top of that, Tobias Enstrom, Patrick Kane and Niklas Backstrom have all fled for Europe in recent days. If it was believed the lockout was nearing its end, I'm not sure such prominent players would be heading to Europe at this point. 

What do you think? Genuine stalemate or is there still hope?

Habs and Hockey News

- Wow. The New York Islanders are no more. Sort of. The team is set to announced that they will be moving to the Barclays Arena in Brooklyn, New York after the 2014-15 season. 

- HabsWorld wraps up its prospect rankings, revealing the top-five Montreal Canadiens prospects. 

- David Clarkson, of the New Jersey Devils, may be joining Tobias Enstrom and others in the Austrian EBEL League.

(Photo Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)

Read More

NHL and NHLPA Trade Offers, Subban to Flyers?, Alexei Emelin, and More

Good AM!

Yesterday, the NHL and NHLPA exchanged proposals, which, I must admit, I took as a positive sign.

Yet, by all accounts, both sides remain miles apart in negotiations and that a lockout is upon us.

At least, that is the view shared by Pierre Lebrun, Stu Hackel and other reports.

In short, it seems like I will be going to see more than a few Ottawa 67s games then.

Habs and Hockey News

- Sean Lloyd's profile series continues with the hard-hitting Alexei Emelin.

- Fred Poulin takes a fantasy oriented look at the Northeast Division.

- According to Bertrand Raymond at RDS, the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers had talks regarding P.K Subban. The notion they would at least talk is not all that surprising, considering the Flyers lost out on Shea Weber and have multiple injuries on their blueline.

- Hockey Inside/Out has a chat with Michel Therrien.

- Eric Engels looks at five things that can help the Canadiens improve in the standings. You know, if there is a season to begin with.

- Given that a lockout seems unfortunately imminent, Ryan Kennedy offers up five non-NHL teams worth watching next season.

- Lubomir Vishnovky will remain a New York Islander. Earlier this summer, he had filed a grievance to void the trade, claiming the no-trade clause in his current contract was still valid.

(Photo by the Canadian Press)

Read More

Jeff Skinner Extension, Rene Bourque Profile, Erik Cole and More

Good AM Habs fans!

Well, it sure seems that the Carolina Hurricanes are not messing around this summer.

After trading for Jordan Staal, signing Marc-André Gragnani, Joe Corvo and Alex Semin, Jim Rutherford is now apparently close to inking Jeff Skinner to a long-term extension.

Bob McKenzie reports that the deal is for six years at around $5.75 million per season.

Given their similar ages and importance to their teams, one has to wonder if this deal will somehow impact the contract P.K Subban eventually receives. And, yes, I know one is a forward and another a defenseman.

Habs and Hockey News

- Sean Lloyd continues his excellent profile series, this time looking at the much maligned Rene Bourque.

- Over at HabsWorld, their Fantasy Focus series keeps trucking on with Erik Cole getting the spotlight today.

- Hockey Inside/Out looks back at last summer's deaths of three NHL enforcers.

- The Hockey News has begun rolling out its annual predictions, starting with No. 15 in each conference. Take a wild guess.

- Stu Hackel looks at the New Jersey Devils' dire financial situation and wonders if any Phoenix-like scenario is possible.


(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Messier wins grievance, Will the Isles move to Brooklyn, Doan update and more

Morning puck addicts!

I know I keep saying this, but man is it ever a slow news day!

It seems like each day there is less and less to talk about. I guess that's why there are foolish rumours flying all over the place. In times of slow news the rumours mongers seem to come out in droves, monging their rumours as they do.

I don't know about you, but I'm enjoying the spectacular weather we've been having (in Montreal) and the summer in general.

What about you? What have you been doing to fight off the dog days?

Hockey News

-Mark Messier won a grievance against the Vancouver Canucks and got a nice pay day out of it!

-Habsworld.net's fantasy focus turns to David Desharnais.

-Are the Islanders moving to Brooklyn?

-No one knows where Shane Doan will land but it now seems that the Sharks are off his list.

(Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Plekanec, Doan update, CBA stall, Alfredson back, Isles and more

Morning puck addicts!

It's another sparse NHL news day today. But given that we're into early August, I suppose that's not really surprising.

Nothing new on Subban's contract? Check.

Nothing new on the NHL CBA negotiations? Check.

I suppose one day soon something will happen on both or either front. But, until then, I guess we'll all just have to enjoy the nice weather!

Hockey News

-HabsAddict.com's Amos Legault takes a look at Alex Galchenyuk, and whether he will get a nine-game look at the NHL level.

-The good folks at Habsworld.net turn their fantasy focus to Habs center Tomas Plekanec.

-The Isles sign first-rounder, Griffin Reinhart.

-Alfie's back! The Sens captain has decided to participate in the upcoming season, his 17th. And good for him! He showed last year that he is still an eminently capable player on the ice, so why not sign on for at least one more season?

The Sens and the league will be better for having him in it.

-ESPN and Sportsnet both take looks at the current waiting game in the CBA negotiations.

Anyone else think a lockout, even a short one, is inevitable at this point?

-Lastly, Spector takes a look at what's new on the Shane Doan front. Is it me or does each summer seem to bring an unending waiting game for an ageing veteran?

I'm not sure what that says about the league, if anything. What about you?

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Habs/Caps post game, Playoff race, Leafs, Sens, Bruins, Devils, and more

Morning puck addicts!

50 is a pretty big number, no? Like, I mean if someone gave you 50 jelly beans, you'd think you had a lot of then.

Well what about losses in hockey? 50 sounds like an abusive amount of losses for a team to have, doesn't it?

Unfortunately for a Habs team whose season can't end soon enough, they lost their 50th of the year to the Caps last night.

50 losses. 50. Wow. That is just staggering. 35 in regulation and 15 in overtime or the shootout. I guess on one hand, you can say that they kept things close in many of those games.

But, at this point, it doesn't really matter.

What does matter is that with three games left to play and the Leafs winning last night, Montreal is looking like a lock for a top-three pick this June!

Habs News

HabsAddict.com - Canadiens - Capitals: Habs Register 50th Loss In Spite of Better Effort

Hockey Inside/Out - About last night … with audio

La Presse - Canadien-Capitals: le bulletin de Pierre Ladouceur

New York Times - Long, Cold Summer for Maple Leafs and Canadiens

RDS - Le Canadien encaisse une 50e défaite

Hockey News

TSN - SENATORS BLOW EARLY LEAD, BEAT FLYERS IN SHOOTOUT

TSN - LEAFS END HOME LOSING STREAK, DENT SABRES PLAYOFF CHANCES

TSN - JETS ELIMINATED FROM PLAYOFF CONTENTION WITH LOSS TO LIGHTNING

TSN - BRUINS ELIMINATE ISLANDERS FROM PLAYOFF CONTENTION

TSN - DEVILS CLINCH RETURN TO PLAYOFFS WITH ROUT OF HURRICANES

USA Today - Roundup: Canucks first in West; Whitney tops 1,000 points
(Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Habs News, PA Parenteau, Radulov and More

 

Morning Hab fans!

Yesterday, Francois Gagnon of La Presse had an interesting piece on upcoming Unrestricted Free Agent P.A Parenteau.

In short, he argued that the Montreal Canadiens must offer him a contract should the Islanders' forward eventually hit the open market.

I could not agree more.

On pace for 69 points this season, the Hull native also delivered an impressive 53 points last year. While he may not produce as much in Montreal - where no John Tavares-type player resides - he would still be a welcome addition to the offense.

And, as a bonus, he is a homegrown product.

Local talent like David Desharnais and Louis Leblanc cannot be alone on an island. If Quebec players are to have any success in Montreal, they need to be surrounded by others from the province.

Or else, the spotlight shines on only a few and, in rougher times, the pressure can become difficult to manage.

Contest

Courtesy of Animalerie Little Bear, we have two free tickets to give away for the Montreal - Tampa Bay contest at the Bell Centre on April 4th.

To have a chance at winning these tickets, all you need to do is 'like' our Facebook page before March 30th 2012. Please note that to obtain your winnings, you will need to pick up the tickets at Animalerie Little Bear.
Habs News

Montreal Gazette - Gorges turns Le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge into black-and-blue

Montreal Gazette - Lars Eller adjusting to the wing

Montreal Gazette - NCAA championships highlight Habs prospects

RDS - Le Canadien s'inspire des Sénateurs

Hockey News

ESPN - Rant answers: Fans have the Blues

Sports Illustrated - Radulov’s return could upset the West’s balance of power

SportsNet - Committed to the Cause?

The Hockey News - Campbell: Mississauga Rebels defeat Connor McDavid's Toronto Marlboros in OHL Cup final

TSN - Report: Agent confirms Radulov's return to Predators

TSN - Fraser: Determining responsibility on the big hits

TSN - Dreger's Mailbag: Will Radulov fit right in with Predators?

USA Today - Roundup: Pouliot scores twice as Bruins blank Maple Leafs


(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Habs News, Three Point Games, Radulov and More

 

Morning Hab fans.

The era of the shootout and three-point games has made it increasingly difficult for teams to move in the standings.

Case in point: Your Montreal Canadiens.

Even though the Habs have picked up points in seven of their last ten games - a decent streak for a bottom team like Montreal - they have moved up only one position, to 27th overall in the league.

And even that looks to be temporary, as Montreal has played more games than anyone in the bottom five.

At this point, most fans are probably fine with this since it likely means a top-four pick is in the cards for the Canadiens.

For those embroiled in playoff battles, though, this reality is tough to deal with.

The seventh seeded Colorado Avalanche, for example, has three more wins than any of the teams chasing them, yet own only a one point advantage over ninth place.

What do you think about the impact of the shootout and three point games?


Habs News

HabsWorld.net - HW Recap: Now they start to win?

Hockey Inside/Out - Canadiens back at practice rink

Hockey Inside/Out - About last night … (Saturday night)

RDS - Canadien : la lente agonie tire à sa fin

Hockey News

ESPN - I did not know that

ESPN - Being Brian Campbell

RDS - Radu aurait le champ libre vers la LNH

Sports Illustrated - Snoring down the stretch

The Hockey News - Campbell: Major junior veterans should get shot at pro hockey

USA Today - NHL roundup: Andrew Shaw leads Blackhawks past Capitals


(Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Habs Win, Gomez Scores, Chara Effect, Rumors and More

Morning Hab addicts.

You may not know this, but apocalypse is near.

The Canadiens won their third straight game last night, beating the Islanders 4-2.

They even managed a powerplay goal in the victory.

And Scott Gomez was the one who scored that man-advantage goal.

Clearly, the end is approaching.

Habs News

HabsAddict.com - Habs by the Numbers: The Chara Effect

HabsWorld.net - HW 3 Stars - The January 2012 Edition

Hockey Inside / Out - The CHardiac Kids

La Presse - Mieux vaut tard que jamais!

Hockey News

ESPN - Rumblings: Sellers starting to emerge

Sports Illustrated -Winter Classic a boost for Detroit

SportsNet - Feaster standing his ground

The Hockey News - Proteau: Team-by-team buyout candidates, Pt. 1

TSN - TradeCentre: Thursday's rumours from around the NHL

TSN - NHL officially announces 2013 Winter Classic matchup

TSN - Report: Canada could support nine NHL teams

USA Today - NHL Eastern Conference trade deadline outlook

USA Today - NHL Western Conference trade deadline outlook


( Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

Read More

Habs/Isles, Trade Bait, Rumors, Nordiques and More

Good A.M Hab fans.

Well, looking at the standings, you would think tonight's game is pretty much a battle of basement dwellers.

But beware, for the Islanders are an impressive 6-2-2 in their past ten games.

Thanks to this winning spell, have a notion that they could sneak into the playoffs.

Doubtful they will succeed, but stranger things have happened.

Meanwhile, further in the basement, the Canadiens still sit in 26th overall.

However, the Habs saw their "grip" on that position slip as Anaheim and Carolina - 27th and 28th respectively - played each other last night in a three-point contest, which Anaheim won 3-2 in OT.

Habs News

HabsAddict.com - Trade Deadline Bait: Travis Moen

HabsAddict.com - With Playoff Hopes Fading, Habs Need to Sell Assets

Hockey Inside / Out - Idle Canadiens slip a notch

RDS - Leblanc : un jeune Antoine Vermette?

RDS - Bain da sang financier

TSN - Price prefers to smile through Canadiens on-ice troubles

Hockey News

ESPN - Daily Debate: Caps take over division lead

Hockey Inside / Out - Isles winning despite injuries

Sports Illustrated - Stats the NHL ought to keep

SportsNet - Quebec Ready For Nordiques Return

TSN - Fraser: Explaining calls involving Brodeur, Gustavsson

TSN - NHL on TSN Quiz: Should teams pursue veteran goalie Nabokov?

USA Today - Toronto, Detroit to play Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium

( Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images North America)

Read More