Habs 1, Panthers 3: Honestly...

The cable went out right before that powerplay in the 3rd (wet snow is blowing up some local transformers for some reason) so I have no idea how this ended. Even God said "DON'T LOOK! THE POWERPLAY IS HIDEOUS!" Highlights! Please! (They're not working!)

But I don't need highlights to say that:
- Spacek is going to kill me.
- Price might kill Spacek first. Or Hamr.
- A rookie like PK Subban can stickhandle and protect the puck with ease through a crowd of wild rabid dogs yet the veterans seem absolutely incapable of doing so.
- The inept powerplay will kill this team.
- Markov didn't un-kill the powerplay magically.
- Martin didn't put Markov on the PIVOTAL 5-on-3 at all so he killed the game that way.
- Too many back-to-back games gonna kill the old man defence so you may as well have SCRATCHED Spacek for Picard (I can deal with his mess for now).
- No one can fucking aim when they shoot.
- No one understands a rebound is something you should try to score on. Panthers understood this, Habs never understand it.
- Gionta may be a zombie because no way he screws up that bad on a wide open net if he weren't.
- The Panthers play like shit in every other arena, including a gross stinker in Ottawa just before, but come here and magically turn into a real team (OK they seem to do the same to Penguins on more than one occasion).
- It might have been a good night to play DUSTIN BOYD.
- The opposite net is a mysterious place where only Halpern's line goes.
- Darcy Hordichuk is full of hot air.

Please. Fix the powerplay before you go to Columbus. Other than that, 7-3-1 with THIS defence, with only one line really scoring, and NO powerplay for October? Yea, I'll take that.

Habs 3, Islanders 1: Alex the Bard

Having truly earned a night of rest,
My young friend Carey doth sit.
To Long Island they put me to the test
Where a rematch script was writ.

What's this? A powerplay goal!
By Plekanec, worth every penny.
For when that sneaky little man is on a roll
Goals! He will get many.

'Twas quiet in my end in the first,
Somewhat frantic in the second, and smooth in the third.
A 5-on-3 kill to quench our thirst,
Victory would be ours! Pouliot! Moen! The cheers were heard!

My first game as a Hab! First star, and a game puck!
So take that "No Habs No" campaign and shove it, you schmuck.

Habs 5, Islanders 3: Boom.

That game was exhausting to watch even though I was busy eating my green curry chicken (yum!) or sitting on my comfy sofa (it's very comfy).

The other day, Pierre McGuire was a little ornery at how happy everyone in and around the team were. Happy is an understatement as they were downright giddy after the overtime win against Phoenix. I mean they had DOUGHNUTS available for the press and Jacques Martin was cracking jokes! Yet Debbie Downers seem to be everywhere. I mean I still hear people bitching about the Halak trade (STFUUUUU Eller is awesome and Pleky is more important than Halak). Despite the giddy happy attitude, the guys are totally grounded. They're happy and having fun, yes, and they're winning BUT they know it's still early in the year and that they're not exactly perfect.

Exhibit A: Cover those point shots. All three Islanders goals were deflections through multi-screens because no one was clearing the enemy from Price's sight and no one was really covering the point all that well save for a few (like Pleky, who was pretty awesome defensively). I mean that first goal against would have never happened if Gio didn't totally flub his deflection and actually hounded the puck instead of opting to back up and fall asleep. Gill and Gorges forgot Tavares and weren't really in a good position to block anything except Price's view so they didn't help on the second goal while no one was really bugging the pointman. And Eller tried to take care of the pointman on the bouncy third goal by taking it to the ice but he couldn't get up and back at him in time to do anything about the shot. Hopefully they'll take note of this and fix it for Friday's part 2 of this mini-series.

Also don't take too many penalties against this team please. They don't even have Streit but if Wisniewski's got carte blanche to fire at will from the point...

I wonder if we'll see Rick DiPietro in nets Friday. Yes! He's still alive!

Habs 3, Yotes 2 (OT): Throw the snake!

Or the Kostitsyn.

Well that was a white knuckle type of game.

When you only have ONE line that's doing anything properly in all three zones, a win like this is hard-fought and well earned. When the stars are shining, haters take a walk. When the powerplay finally produces a goal that freezes a goalie in sheer terror, well 1-for-a-billion on the night doesn't look so bad so long as the two points are sent your way in the end. And it takes a rare visit from the big, bad Western Conference to make a playoff game in October, which caught the guys off guard at first but they matched them not just in the shot category but in the intensity of it all. Never underestimate a Western team that has only 1 win since coming back from Europe. They're in semi-desperation mode as a team that got 100 points last year (and get to chew on the Senators next).

I can safely say, this game was best viewed on Express unless you take your heart medication because the Turnover Epidemic has spread over from Ottawa and the defensive zone was an absolute mess. Also that corner ice needs to be checked because no way Gorges wipes out that much on his own.

HOT:
- Price (who went to the dentist after the game)
- AK46 (who's brain was smeared on the glass the last time the Yotes came to town)
- Plekanec (who was amazing all game, and played his rat style that inspired me to name my Hamster after him)
- Cammy (with that PP goal)
- Subban (needs no explanation)
- Picard (reluctant to admit but he actually played really well tonight)
- Gorges (ya two penalties but HE LEADS THE D IN POINTS WTF)
- Eller (getting close to that Marmaduke nickname)

NOT:
- The other lines though Gomez is really trying, he's just not going to shoot unless he passes to himself eh
- Pouliot's quota used up in Ottawa, back to being a lazy sod
- The powerplay, though I threatened to not be their friends if they didn't score and Cammy scored so I should threaten them more often...
- I can't take another year of Spacek.
- Gill took a therapy day yesterday so I'm thinking something's not right, but SEE go park your ass in front of the OTHER goalie on the PP and these guys might actually score more.

The refs even told Picard it was probably one of the best games they've seen. I'm also impressed that it was actually probably the only game I've seen where those guys called things properly on both ends.

I dare say the quote on the door in the room is holding true to this team: "Working together. Winning together. Growing together." Also with this the Habs have continued to stump CTV's Brian Wilde. Good. Stay stumped, Poindexter.

Habs 3, Sens 0: We love the Sens

Group hug!

Scratch that, no we don't. But it's just so much sweeter to win a game when it's against them. I swear it's not because I like SLC's rants, it's more because I can't stand that team. (Not the same hate I keep for Flyers, Leafs and Bruins though). I also hate their goal horn, that sounds more like roadkill on the 417. But they're not really a rival, they're more like an annoying neighbor. And now with Clouston's "oh we're losing the game, send out the goons" thing he's been doing recently? Fuck 'em.

PERNELL KARL SUBBAN. You will know this name. You will learn this name. For every breakaway, or 2-on-1 screw up Picard causes, PK Subban will be right there nipping on your heels (or sprawled on the ice preventing you from taking a shot). Defensive liability my ass. This kid is gold and has a smile that could cure all the troubles in the world. Except for Don Cherry, who can piss off already.

And yes, the Sens played yesterday and beat up on the Sabres (or Alfredsson did), but whatever to that. I seem to remember a 4-3 victory at home on a back-to-back game after the Habs (also) beat the Sabres just last week.

A perfect response to a 3-0 loss is a 3-0 win:
- It might have been 19 saves for a shutout but with this team you can never expect an easy night for a goalie. Crease crashing (both friendly and non), horrible turnovers, 2-on-1, Alfredsson. Carey Price EARNED that shutout. Especially after the many times he got screwed over last year when he was pitching shutouts only to have a puck tip in off a teammate or something. And in 5 career shutouts, 3 are now against the Sens.
- Already talked about PK, so how about the Belamullet! What a stud! I don't know how he does it but how does someone his size vanish behind players only to pop up undetected ready to score? Answer: he's a ninja.
- Also his smiling happy face is precious.
- Pouliot! I said before the game that you will score tonight. Thank you for listening. And it wasn't a powerplay goal but it was technically from the powerplay set up. A nice pass from Gomez, a bounce off the board (Gorges!), and right on your stick for a tip in over poor Elliott.
- Sign in the crowd after he scored was asking Murray where's Benoit. RDS got confused. I'm confused. Are they asking for Andre Benoit, undrafted ex-Habs/Bulldogs career minor leaguer who's got a PhD in powerplay? (No guarantee that'll transfer over to the NHL though).
- Eller running over countryman Peter Regin. I giggled.
- Picard smacking around his old teammates. I giggled. Then wondered who put what in his water. (Still got bailed out by PK and Price on many many occasions, but I guess until he causes a major fowl that actually gets noticed on a replay, Coach won't notice).
- How many clean hits are you going to retaliate against, Sens? Don't blame them for your inability to take a hit or make a play without getting hit.
- May as well have used the goal horn. Scotiabank Place is a second home. Perfect road game plan with a rink full of Habs fans. (And I saw a Leafs jersey too, which was confusing). The Carey chant was loud, the Kovy-Boos were loud (not sure if that was just Habs fans though), the Ole song was loud, the Go Habs Go was loud. Funny when Foligno kicked the puck in and the goal was disallowed, the cheer was deafening.
- OK guys, with 2 minutes left and your goalie pitching (praying) for a shutout, DO NOT PUT SPACEK OUT THERE.
- Also DON'T SING THAT FUCKING SONGS YOU STUPID FANS! The Goodbye song shall be sung ONLY during playoffs when your team is winning and sending another team on their summer vacation. I don't know if this is written somewhere, but you just don't DO that shit in fucking OCTOBER.
- This is what, the 4th game in a row where they allowed around 20 shots against? I'm proud of you boys. I'm starting to believe those days of losing while outshooting the opponent will be gone.
- I feel bad for Elliott.
- Sorry Kovy, sulk moar. You aren't coming back to Montreal.

Can't post any stunned Sens fans pictures. They all left right after Andrei's second goal. (Well, they leave early anyway even when the Sens are winning. Hey that parking lot's a bitch and it's a long drive back to Ottawa).

This is why you can't have 4 days off

Here's how it goes.

It was reported that new Coach Yippee-Ki-Yay wanted to open things up offensively with the Devils, especially after the very expensive acquisition of Kovalchuk fucking up the League's payroll schematics. However they went on a terrible tear, and poor Marty Brodeur's stats were suffering because he no longer found himself protected by the choking defensive shell that's going to vault him into the Hall of Fame. Marty made a big stink to the media, throwing his defense (or lack of) under the bus because the Devils can't dress a full roster and a sudden rash of injuries have piled all the pressure on Andy Greene to save his career and Lou Lamoriello's face.

Enter the Habs, seemingly ill-prepared from the 4 days off that killed any momentum they got from the pretty good start they had, and they happily stepped into the Devils' trap who have happily reverted back to their dull, boring, snuff the life out of your arena style else they find themselves on Marty's dinner plate. Brodeur gets a shutout. A couple of lucky bounces get scored. A terrible job by Stephan Auger who makes me believe there was some truth to Alex Burrows' claim (that or Lou paid him off to fix this much needed win by his team). And voila. Habs fans go to sleep. Devils get a dull win. The Bell Centre crowd was too bored to even boo and probably wanted their money back.

At least Kovalchuk didn't score, which just tells you about how the goals were scored (cafouillage behind the net, deflection off Boyd, traffic off a lost icing faceoff 'cause Pouliot fell on his face and missed the puck). Though the Habs couldn't even score on a WIDE OPEN EMPTY NET. Jerks. One scoring chance does not a game make.

And the PP is still poo poo. Call up Weber.

The Montreal Canadiens: we're your slump busters. No, not you Ottawa. Go away.

Hockey "bye" week, take 2

Hamster Pleky is bored.

A goal, an assist, 5 shots on net, and a plus 2. Who dat? If I told you it's Andrew Conboy would you believe me?

The Bulldogs have only played 3 games this season and Conboy already has 2 goals and an assist and a strangely quiet penalty sheet with only a 2 for unsportsmanlike conduct. (No idea what he did, but I doubt he's taunting teams with golf swings already). The 6'4" 200lb winger is off to a pretty good start. In preseason, Randy & Randy set him up on a line with Engqvist and Avtsin (who's known as the puppy dog 'cause he's the youngest on the team). At first I thought it was to give Avtsin some protection and for Engqvist to help on the defensive side. Seems they're doing way more together than just working the system. Derek Wills finds Conboy reminds him of Oilers' Zach Stortini who played for the Bulldogs when they shared AHL affiliation with the Habs. Unfortunately he can't fight like Stortini, but I can see the similarities in the way he battles, how he's a workhorse, and how he drives the net hard.

I just gotta say, the line of Conboy-Engqvist-Avtsin is so fucking weird on paper yet apparently absolute affective! In tonight's 5-2 destruction of the Rochester Americans, their line contributed to 2 goals (5 points). Avtsin picked up his first AHL goal off a centering pass from Engqvist after Conboy dug it out of the corner. Conboy's goal was his reward for picking the puck out of a huge crowd in front of the net where he flipped a backhand past Markstrom.

Yannick Weber has also started off well and registered multi-point games in all 3 played. Maybe it was the system Boucher brought in last year, but he struggled hard at times. Doesn't seem to be the case this year. He's back to accurately shooting missiles from the blue line with quickness and accuracy and makes me believe if the Habs powerplay continues it's struggles, Streit 2.0 will get the call. (I also believe that Weber's presence will make PK twice as good as he is as those two have this little thing that's been going on since their junior days). Weber opened the scoring tonight on the powerplay and closed the scoring for the Bulldogs, both using his devastating shot. I think he might have broken a record (previous held by Andre Benoit).

Another who struggled with Boucher's system at the start was Ben Maxwell, who switched his numbers around to be #19, now that Brock Trotter vacated the number on his way to Latvia. Randy & Randy got him playing with White and Pacioretty. Spent the summer building his strength seems to be paying off, and after a pretty good camp, he's got 3 goals and 2 assists in the 3 games played and was the scoring leader on the team before Weber blasted ahead.

The unfortunate part about tonight's game was the City of Hamilton. For a place that wants an NHL team so badly, they sure don't give much of a damn about what they already have. A whooping 1669 showed up for a rival, and I swear most of the were Rochester fans. Cheap, pro hockey? Move the Dogs here so I can get season tickets.

Habs 4, Sens 3: L'Antichambre's worst nightmare

Quote of the night, and a summary of the game:
@lawyergirl77 That's right! BigTits is back and doing dirty things to/with his Pleky once again!!

Unless you're blind (or just one of those bitter haters), Andrei Kostitsyn has been flying since the start of the season. Is it because he no longer needs to keep an eye on Sergei while balancing his own family life? (I think not many people realize he's a married man--well I think they're married but eh no one really gets married in this province anyway--and a young father of an adorable little blond girl). Is it because the new leadership core in the room have helped him deal with the annoying media? One thing we know for sure, he's healthy. And secondly, his linemates are just as hungry as he is, maybe more, and he's definitely feeding off it.

Carbo once said when he hits, he hurts.

His speed and size make many salivate. His hands and knack for scoring the most mind boggling type of goals stand true to his draft position. This is a guy no one really wanted to take a chance on because of his epilepsy, and yet the Habs felt sufficient medication from the doctors could help him with this. People have coined him as someone who doesn't care about what happens, and I'm sorry but that couldn't be further from the truth. Just because a guy keeps his emotions to himself doesn't mean he doesn't care. And when he does get angry, it usually results in a retaliation penalty, BUT I DIGRESS! He won't do the flashy goal scorer moves every times he pots one. His trademark is both hands in the air in a semi-gorilla fashion or feet and arms in the air because someone has knocked him on his ass trying to stop him from scoring (and ultimately failing).

And what is this?! Like Gorges finally discovering that he can in fact hit the net and maybe even score a goal if he actually aims, the Belamullet has discovered actual defensive play! Backchecking more. Shot blocking. Working hard for a takeaway. And fully integrating himself in the transition play that is so important in the speed game these guys need to play in order to dominate the way they need to.

It's unfortunate but the highlight of his goal doesn't work (even the CBC replay edition cuts it short). Instead, I'll post the most awesome rush he created for Pleky's goal which totally describes his play right now.

I can hear the moans and groans from the local press as they're forced to interview him post-game. They can't stand it when he gets the first star. (RDS even lost interest in talking with him and turned to Darche for more of a scoop).

Another interesting thing happened tonight. The Habs outshot the Sens 40 to 19. So, exactly who played an away game yesterday? Sens only managed 2 shots in the 3rd and I don't even know what the 2nd shot looked like. Of course, Ruutu being stupid had plenty to do with that...

I thought I was going to miss this game. Turns out that even a Brazilian restaurant in the skeezy section of Pierrefonds turned it's 20 TVs to the game when it started. And apparently the guy behind me was a Sens fan... Ugh...I ate too much meat and now I'm drinking kaopectate. (No, it's not the fault of the restaurant, more my stomach being problematic for a few days). Meat on a sword coming to your table constantly is like a little piece of heaven hidden in the pits of hell.

My brother's 25th birthday, wearing the Expos shirt I got him. That meat was so good...

A 2-1 score and 40 years ago...

Forty years ago the Sabres came into this world, blinking into the poor lighting of their old crappy arena. And probably the only things people really remember is ice fog and the death of a poor little bat by a high stick. The Aud may be gone now but someone managed to take some nifty abandoned pictures before that happened.

Forty years ago the Habs, wearing their road reds, were visitors and beat the Sabres wearing home whites 3-0.

The Pens called the Sabres after the game and apologized for forgetting to tell them that if they want to celebrate an anniversary, don't call the Habs. Party poopers.

Two of the most chillax goalies in the League and probably two of the only goalies in the League continuously hung out to dry by their teammates.

We all know how Buffalo plays. Lindy Ruff and Jacques Martin makes strange bedfellows. Both are system strong coaches, except Lindy screams a lot while Martin swears under his breath and doodles notes on his notepad all game. Both teams came off a rather annoying loss the game before, except the Sabres didn't score a single goal while getting outshot 35-24 by the shorthanded Devils. In fact, it was hard to tell which goalie was angrier after the result of their last game. Price entered this game as the only goalie in the League to face the most shots in 3 games. One thing's for sure, in spite of crap ice, the Habs came out way more determined than a supposed "angry" Sabres team.

- Ryan Miller is Ryan Miller. Carey Price is Carey Price. It's like "Hey, I made THIS save!" "Oh really, well I made THIS save!"
- After the penalty fest on Wednesday, nice to see the boys play more disciplined. Also the refs in this game decided they weren't going to call every little twitch or twat for once, probably keeping in spirit of the 40 years celebration.
- Who pops the cherry on the powerplay? JOSH GORGES! Complete with sound effect.
- Also on that note, El Jorje scoring means there really is a God. No sticks needed to be sacrificed either.
- For once a defenceman kicked the puck into the net NOT covered by Carey Price.
- Still can't make any saves while being glomped by 3 guys though. Seriously, why you do this to him... Why won't you let him have a shutout?
- Andrei Kostitsyn or bull in a china shop? If the Sabres set up a brick wall at their blue line he'd break through that too.
- Only thing, Andrei, dear... Kovy would have totally picked that far corner while having a tea and biscuit.
- I was upset that Rhino was benched for Picard, yet it turned out ok. Honestly I think he might have had that epiphany. With Eller drawing everyone's attention, he actually had the presence of mind to continue on the puck for the opening goal. And he only got caught once or twice, but there was no harm done.
- PK is special. He screws up, yet he fights hard to cover for his errors. This is why I love this kid.
- Yea, the ref that fucked up that too many men call after Miller left for the bench, I'm thinking you're in trouble.
- Of course after that travesty on Wednesday, we were happy to see some officiating in our favor for once... And to see Derek Roy pissed off is always lovely.
- Not cool sending out the truculence with 4 seconds left, Lindy...

Solid team win. For once, no passengers. Even Pouliot. And holy puck possession, Batman! You guys finally got the concept! And it was lovely seeing the goofy victory moves again.

The New Bulldogs!
Hey hey! The Bulldogs opened their season tonight! And they spanked the Amerks 5-2. It's weird though because Chuck Weber, ex-coach of the Cyclones, is now the Amerks coach. I'm sure he was proud when Wyman and Desharnais scored on his team. Rough time for Jacob Markstrom, Florida's prize goalie prospect (and WJC drama queen). I mean, CONBOY scored! Also Cunneyworth used to coach the Amerks.

What is this, Coach Swap?

Dogs didn't start off too good and found themselves down 2-0 early but then scored 5 unanswered goals. No one was a minus. Mayer held his ground. A couple of fights (typical Amerks/Dogs game). And they got their new coach his first win in his first regular season game.

Word of the Game: Cafouillage

Suck it, haters. Without Carey Price, Habs are 0-3-0 instead of an even 1-1-1. Granted they should have won this one. Instead it's time for the ol'd Jacques Martin style of hockey!

- Get outshot ridiculously (48-27)
- Hang back and nurse a one-goal lead
- Nurse a one-goal lead with CAFOUILLAGE in the defensive zone
- The stupid one-man forecheck
- The ladida figure skater pressure with a one-goal lead

Sometimes I wonder if Price really wished he were traded to the Blues so he could win games while only facing 4 shots a period. He was, to say the least, a very unhappy man while talking with the press after the game. Also I think he murdered Halpern with his "laser stare" for knocking the puck away from him as he tried to cover it in OT during that CAFOUILLAGE that cost them the full 2 points.

Add in some RIDICULOUS officiating (that wasn't a slash, you missed that trip, you missed that blatant interference, you missed a few goalie interference, maybe you should read the handbook), and there was the game.

Of course Habs shot themselves in the foot with their own brand of real penalties. Looking at you Cammy (WTF DUDE?!). When facing a team with Lecavalier, St. Louis, Stamkos, Gagner, and Malone's fat ass up front YOU MIGHT WANT TO STOP TAKING PENALTIES. Granted Habs PK was pretty good for most of the night. Their own powerplay wasn't so good though. SOS Markov.

Nice to see Hamr back. However, if you're going to block shots only to duck away from the one that leads to a goal, then don't look Gorges in the eye ever again. First, man up and put a VISOR on so you won't have to duck away. That or hike your butt to the net and push Malone out of the way so Price can see the shot...

Pre-game ceremony was awesome. No bullshit. Habs stood in a circle around center ice while Gio tried to introduce everyone in French and English (sort of). He deserves mad respect for having the balls to do that in front of 21-thousand people in a language he hasn't fully grasped. I'm sure the wooliest of wool appreciated Captain America's effort even if he had no idea how to say any of the numbers properly but he could just brush that off and say he was speaking Belgian French. And yes he apparently mispronounced everyone's name on purpose. Hi Justin Boyd! Hi Maxime Laperrière!

Looked like they had an awesome pre-game video too but instead RDS decided it was more important to hear Benoit Brunet tell us that he thinks Price is nervous even though he doesn't know anything nor care about Guy Boucher or for the 3 Amigos give us their redundant opinion on Boucher and the Bolts. Cool looking player video though from what I saw behind their heads...

OK I know the Habs love making awesome goals. Case in point, Andrei Kostitsyn's was a siiiiiiiiiiiick dangle around the poke check of Mike Smith after Plekanec made the suspect Bolts' defense look suspect. His own goal was quite awesome too after Cammy made them look just as suspect. Lapierre's goal was definitely assisted by Mike Vernace (what the hell are you doing there dude-who-was-swapped-for-Greg-Stewart?) after Eller totally got the hang of working on the 3rd line. But could we also get some garbage crash-the-net goals? The PP may suck donkeys but hey they're scoring 5-on-5! Sort of.

I hope they watch videos of that first period though because that was fantastic. Crisp passing, smart plays, good positioning. And two goals to boot. Moar please.

Homers unite! (Alright!)

As the first Chilean miner is tubed out of his 2-month underground prison, I'm actually watching the Thrashers play the Kings on terrible LA ice. It's not that I don't care. Really, I'm very happy for them and very happy that they're finally out of that damn mine safe and somewhat sound. It's just that I'm milking this Center Ice free preview for everything it's got 'cause there's no way in hell I'm paying for it later.

Also I hate CNN. And it'll be on the news in the morning anyway.

Come to think of it, this game sucks ass for a home opener. You know it's bad when the only goal comes from CHRIS THORBURN. He of face punching fame. On a semi-breakaway. Seems the Kings blew their energy in the first period, and spent more time trying to hit people than hit the net.

(Oh, looks like they've settled down in the 3rd. Just scored two goals in two minutes. All they needed was an ice breaker, I guess).

With the Habs home opener tomorrow, I only hope the energy and emotion of our boys doesn't lead them to do the same. I also hope they don't get someone like Slash to guitar the anthem. Jimi is not pleased, Slash. Especially since you didn't trash the guitar nor set it on fire.

Didn't even wear a royal purple.

Of course knowing our luck we'd probably get Eric Lapointe......

---

Are you as wary as I am at the Habs giving the fans the power to select the 3 stars of the game? I honestly don't think they could do a worse job than the media. However one worries about people voting for their favourites. Guess we'll find out with how many Lapierre gets.

Of course maybe, just maybe, this will be a turning point in maturity for the current flock of Habs fans as they're given a sense of responsibility to do right by the game.

Oh who am I kidding...

---

Habs are also allowing a 30 minute segment on (I guess) each player's personal and professional life. We've already seen Lapierre build his house. We've seen the NHL do little segments like this before, like the pizza-making one with Sheldon Souray. I'm game for this.

If anything maybe now some silly fans who falsely characterize some of these guys (punks, brats, mafioso) can realize they're not how they seem. Or realize they're just guys who play hockey and have families. Yea, think about their families next time one of you droogs boo them...

---

Looks like the media has run out of things to bother the players with! I mean, Price is playing well so there's nothing there to bug them on... Guess it's time to bother PK Subban with Don Cherry's silly comments after the win on Saturday about respect. Dearest PK, I hope you ignore it all and continue to play the way you play and chirp the way you chirp. You could already write a book about respect (and props for the highly intelligent answer). But shame on the reporter who asked him about such a dead, non-issue and one that PK really didn't need to hear.

Here's to a good home opener. Hamr looks to be back (which means Picard is out, hurray). And may you chirp at Vincent all game, PK. (Also watch out for his tendency to spear Plekanec in the gut).

Smells like first win

Predictions are crap. I mean, Rod Francis had 9-1 Pens. What does he know anyway, he's a Buffalo guy. The picture above was taken off the Habs twitter from the morning skate. We all laughed at it. Was it a prediction? Destiny has a new home? Destiny is 0-2 on the season.

Pre-game in the locker room, RDS showed the boys. Boyd was chill. Others were smiling. Price was wrapped in a fleece Habs blankie with his cap down low. Looked like he was taking another pre-game nap. According to Don Cherry, you much psyche yourself up before the game. Throw some punches with a pal like Fleury does with Talbot. Or look like your trying to relieve your constipation into your net like Leclaire. Our cowboy doesn't need that crap.

Our cowboy stopped 36 of 38 shots, five from Crosby alone. Leclaire spent most of his time on his ass flailtending. (My brother calls his technique "If I flail my arms rapidly maybe nothing will get by me"). Fleury looked like garbage and some ornery Pens fans are already wondering if Brent Johnson gets the call next game.

Actually, ornery Pens fans abound. Apparently there was in-fighting. In the washrooms. Ouch.

Maybe the ghosts don't like the fancy new building?

Bullet points in case you can't make out what Mario Tremblay is saying on RDS:
- Cammy loves the new building much like he loves crushing the Pens.
- Travis Moen turns into Pavel Bure when he plays the Pens.
- I don't know how Benoit Pouliot can be so frustrating yet finds himself #3 on the points list. Now, if he could just keep his stick on the ice, he'd maybe tip in some goals. Also I don't think the Habs are aiming to have him be the Franco-Travis Moen but it's nice that he started throwing the body around.
- Keep booing Subban, Pens fans. He loves it.
- He also loves making Crosby cry.
- And Malkin.
- And he didn't embellish that you fucking tools, Comrie nearly took his eye out... (But he apologized).
- Have I mentioned how much I love Dustin Boyd?
- Rhino's confidence must be going insane. I've never seen a guy get dinged with so many bullshit "2 minutes for playing defence" penalties in my life.
- Also what other team thinks it's OK to play him with Picard. Lord have mercy on our souls.
- Lars Eller should not be on the 3rd line. He's Top 6 not a grinder, Martin!
- Just as RDS was bitching about Gomez not having any shots on goal, he sends one weak shot at Fleury and scores. Ask and ye shall receive.
- Also it's normal a PLAYMAKER won't have any shots on net.
- That's what Captain America is for.
- Talbot totally fell for Lapierre's trap and he totally knew it. Was so red in the face in the penalty box.
- And Lapierre's smile was precious.
- It pisses me off how much shit the Pens get away with.
- Whatever. Habs still won. In 24 seconds.
- Hal Gill really wanted that empty netter.
- Don Cherry's a tool.

Stunned Pens fans. Fun times.

G-Love and Special Teams

I like cold beverages.

Unfortunately a possible year of Alex Picard and Jaro Spacek will require some hard liquor.

I Michael Bayified Picard's error to spruce it up (and blew up a few Leafs in the other corner). He's wearing the Shia LaBeouf goat horns. And to exemplify how wide-open and empty the Habs defensive zone is, I added a car and a bomb. WHERE IS EVERYONE?!

I'm actually ok with how this game played out. I thought the game would go either way, and it damn well could have if:
- they had more finish.
- PK wasn't so nervous and didn't wiff his perfect PP opportunity shot.
- Benoit Pouliot would come down from his fucking cloud.
- Benoit Pouliot didn't drag down Lars Eller and Andrei Kostitsyn with his lazy play ruining the 2nd wave.
- defense didn't suck so much.
- Ryan White would have been given his spot like he so damn well EARNED.
- Darche didn't waste Ryan White's roster spot.
- Darche didn't take 2 last minute penalties to kill momentum (even though they killed all the penalties).
- Gomez and Gionta were more a unit.
- with an empty net, more urgency was shown. At least they didn't give up the empty netter.
- Cammy wasn't suspended.
- Hamr could go.
- Markov wasn't still rehabing...

...Actually scratch that last one 'cause he always got injured at the ACC. This time, it was Phaneuf who got cut by a skate. (Though it wasn't bad, just ask how a little cut is putting a damper on Jordan Staal's start of the season).

However it is only the first game of the season, and I saw a lot of promise. Namely:
- Price battling strong through the flu and looked sharp enough which, considering he was sucking lozenges and barely ate all day, kind of makes the others look bad. I was hoping for some Jake Allen-type vomiting, and on one sequence he looked ready to hurl, but nope. The first shot he faced was a doozy over 6 minutes into the first period off a complete defensive zone breakdown. Exclamation mark on the last save he did which I call the Diving Albatross.
- Rhino was the unfortunate candidate to be paired with Picard but looked better than he's looked in a while.
- Lars Eller is FUCKING AWESOME.
- Dustin Boyd seemed to be the only one other than Eller who looked seriously interested in scoring. And got the first Habs goal of the season through tenacious effort and solid grit. And a little help from Lapierre.
- Kostitsyn looks more awake than I've ever seen him at the start of a season and seems pissed off he's playing with Pouliot on the powerplay.
- Plekanec VS 4 Leafs on the penalty kill with 2 minutes left to play. In the Leafs' zone.
- Gionta pushing Phaneuf around. He'll bite your ankles.
- Up your truculence, Habs outhit them. Every Hab had a hit except Picard. Pleky and Gorges had 4 hits each.
- Jeff Halpern's goal and contribution. Mazel tov!
- Komisarek was staring directly at both Habs goals.

And the game ended two seconds too early. Would it have made a difference? Stranger things have happened. The refs looked mighty confused at what to do and finally just called it a night. Maybe next time they'll end the game after the 1st period 'cause you know they wanted to watch So You Think You Can Dance.

They said it might get ugly tonight. It was pretty normal for a change. Rare to see an actual hockey game between the Habs-Leafs. Maybe that was because resident moron Jay Rosehill was sent to the minors and Colby Armstrong didn't throw a dirty hit.

Now, if Price could give his flu to Spacek and Picard, maybe THEY will play better.

Roll out the red carpet

Hockey season is about to start. Like tomorrow. We smelt it in the cold, crisp October air that rolled in. Soon it'll be about boots, shovels, and snow tires. And already the pundits are predicting doom.

Frankly predictions are for tools.

I don't like predictions. I don't like previews. I don't need a roundtable of guys in suits who get paid to repeat the same refrain every year. "Ovechkin/Crosby are tops! Penguins will win the Cup! The Sedins are inseparable!" Don't try too hard folks, you might bust an original vein. Assuming, of course, you have one.

Take your negativity, your Price hate, your Smurf jokes, your lack of toughness, and your warped Halak-saved-the-season nonsense and shove it. It's all about the Secret. Think positive and the Universe will reward you. Do like Cammalleri said. "Drop the puck."

And remember, the Stanley Cup is not awarded after game 1.

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This afternoon while at work I had the Coyotes playing Dinamo Riga streaming live on my other screen. It was great to see Brock Trotter again, who did all the work for Dinamo's only goal. Actually he created the first real scoring chance in the first period, coming out of the penalty box. Looks like he's playing as a winger, but he also took a faceoff on relief (and won it). He's still flying, still dangerous. Seems to be doing OK on the extra large ice surface. Even got a gorgeous breakaway that was replayed a few times but didn't score. Actually he had a few dangerous opportunities but was either hauled down, stopped, or missed. He's wearing 91, which is his Bulldogs number reversed.

But what an atmosphere. The Bell Centre terrorists could learn a thing or two from the Latvian crowd. They sang non-stop, played drums, on introduction they scream the players family name after the PA guy says the first name, they cheered their team even when they were clearly hopeless outmatched and losing 3-1. They gave goalie Chris Holt the love when he collected his player of the game trophy (though I'd have given it to Trotter or Hartigan, his linemate and the goalscorer, for their great play). The energy was completely positive. I wish we could feel the same kind of power here for our Habs...

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Disappointed that Ryan White was sent down today. Though I understand he's a victim of contracts and is one of the few that doesn't need to worry about waivers, it still sucks. The way the NHL is these days I'd rather let the kids play. Anyway, I'm sure he'll be back very soon.

Frankly I think White will be this year's Tom Pyatt. He'll stick once his waiver days are upon him. Until then, he gets to benefit off Randy & Randy.

Come back soon, Ryan.

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Seems Price got that flu that's been going around lately and might not start tomorrow. If he does somehow find the power to start, maybe he'll vomit on Grabovski as revenge for spearing him in the jock...

I'm rooting for you, kid: Starring J. T. Wyman

Every now and then a rather unknown prospect pokes his way through the bush, blinking into the arena glow and into my heart. And unless Pierre McGuire says something about them, and it's usually a snooty comment followed by annoying chuckles, not many people know about the farm kids. Well, I'll try to keep you interested on those you may not have heard about. (And we've heard plenty about Desharnais).

This year, I got my eyes on you James Thomas Wyman. A fourth round pick (100th overall) from the 2004 draft, the 24-year-old Minnesota right-winger who spent four years at Dartmouth, and four more years with the Bulldogs and Cyclones, seems to have finally discovered his true calling: the intellectual two-way forward.

Firstly, he's got the ability to play all 3 forward positions and his size of 6'2", 200lbs are definitely a bonus even if he's not the type of guy you'll see throwing the body more than he needs to. He also shoots right, which is a rare thing! Then after dabbling on defense for a bit, once as a necessity to cure an injury-plagued defensive squad and later because it might have gotten him a job to show some versatility like Mathieu Dandenault, it created a monster. This monster is keen on making life miserable for rival defenders because a hockey smart guy like Wyman discovered what struggles defencemen deal with to benefit his own offensive capabilities. If evaluations in pre-season are anything, and the absence of a few of the Bulldogs' offensive staples gave him the opportunity to do so, Wyman stepped on the ice and helped kicked the BingySens collective asses.

Game 1 he had two goals and an assist in the 3-0 victory. Except he never held the puck on his stick when he scored the two goals. The reason for this is where he set up shop. His spot is right in front of the net or by the lower circles/hash marks, having scored goals by getting the puck bounced off him. This is another plus: he stands in the sweet spot. How many times have we yelled at our Habs to "GO TO THE NET!!!GRR!FROTH!". The first goal, Fred St. Denis snapped a shot from the blueline, off Wyman and in. The second, Desharnais took a shot from the blueline and banked it off him because he was at the net.

Game 3 he picked up the puck at center ice and wristed it over Mike Brodeur's left shoulder, which if you know Mike Brodeur...well, it's hard to score on that guy if you're not bouncing pucks in off people. That goal was unassisted. But it was his overall play on the ice that piqued the attention of Derek Wills' broadcast, and Brad May who was a guest for all three games. It was a new and improved Wyman, according to Wills. And when you're looking at the kids on the farm, improvement is key.

This is a typical J. T. Wyman goal, and as you can see, he's got the presence of mind to notice and follow PK on his crazy rush, match his speed accordingly, and made himself open, ready to tip in the shot.

His empty net goals are pretty fantastic too, usually shot with accuracy from behind the blueline if he sees he'll be bothered by a defenceman.

Wyman is on a new one-year deal, which tells me it could be the last time we see him because he'll most likely get replaced by new depth players if he finds something better elsewhere. It would be a shame to lose him after he spent all this time developing into a good depth forward. Perhaps he'll get another shot at the NHL this season on call-up duty. And perhaps then he'll know more of what he'll be getting into. Because players like Wyman test the water first and work to improve on what they've seen. However if they opt to keep him past his one-year deal to allow the newer, younger prospects a chance to continue their development pace, there's a shutdown role in his future. Especially when he seems born to play in the Jacques Martin system, using his speed, defense, leadership, and hockey smarts.

Monday's child

I'm not in any way condoning Cammalleri's actions and I'm fine with the 1-game suspension. Any more would have been pure idiocy. But what's the point of the NHL saying they're serious about the lateral blindside hit that they sent a video to every team to watch when, in reality, they'd rather deal with the problem after it's happened and your player is left drinking his meals for a few weeks? Here you had a bitter rookie looking to prove something going after a guy half his size, where while you may be aiming for the shoulder, the only thing you're bound to get is the head. (Think of Hal Gill's famous 2-minutes for being tall penalties). All it would have taken was one twitch on Cammy's behalf in the wrong direction, or one wrong movement that would have prevented him from seeing Nino at the last second, or one reaction too slow to protect himself, and what would we have? Cammalleri would have joined the queue with Marc Savard at the doctor's office for head trauma and we'd be without our star sniper for the year, and probably a huge chunk of his contract term.

It's a prime example of the lack of respect that's plagued this League for a long time now.

"But he didn't get hurt," is what I hear. That's not the point. Have we all forgotten about the intent to injure rule? "But we couldn't determine he was looking to injure," is what we'd hear. You're telling me you can't tell after over 100 years of playing pro-hockey when a guy isn't headhunting? Have we not seen this time and time again? Especially considering the score, the timing, and the type of team the Islanders iced. Ironically Dean McAmmond was out there last night. He knows all about getting knocked out in pre-season...

Cammy got his message and probably wishes he handled the situation differently because now he'll miss the first game of the regular season. But what did little Nino learn? Did he learn not to do that dangerous play again? I seriously doubt it. Jump on the "blaming the victim" all you want, I know what I saw. Interestingly enough, no news outlet seems to care to show what this highly touted prospect attempted to pull. All we hear is how Cammalleri suddenly went postal and nothing was mentioned about why he flipped out.

And frankly don't come on the air offering your sanctimonious self-righteous bullshit either, especially if you start your sentence with "I didn't see the game but (I saw the propaganda TSN replay)." Mentioning the wicked kapow he gave Havlat when he was with the Flames holds no bearings on what happened Saturday. And Georges Laraque's "I told you so" crap was the ultimate in comedy. As if an invited tussle with Raiders of the Lost Ark villan, Jeremy Yablonski, would have stopped the Islanders from running after Cammalleri or Lars Eller... Now that I mention it, Big Georges' presence never stopped anyone from running our players because everyone knew he wouldn't go unless you agreed to it (assuming he was even playing, and that has nothing to do with Jacques Martin cutting your ice time, Georges).

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Meanwhile, Derek Boogaard is apparently getting a humanitarian award for spearing Chris Neil in the balls.

Seriously, Collie? What's taking you so long on this one?

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The Count of Danny Kristo got suspended a game for having beer. He's 20 years old. Apparently he's old enough to vote, drive a car, and probably own a gun. But a beer in University is a HUGE no-no!

The Count of Danny Kristo needs to move to Canada now.

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The Habs goal song is getting lame. I mean, U2? Really? Well, considering most teams in the League use Garry Glitter or Zombie Nation, I guess it's better than that. I was disappointed when Simple Plan's song "Generation" was only used for one year. Sure I hate that band... However they're a local group, the song is fresh and rocking, and the lyrics fit well.

What should the Habs consider using?

I keep hearing people say the Habs should take an Arcade Fire song for a goal song. But which song? Their new single seems more fitting for a video montage... And can you find me an Arcade Fire song that doesn't make you feel like you want to head for the nearest bridge and leap...?

Pre-season: Kicking around some kids sure makes a town happy

We can't stop here! This is Nordiques country!

The pre-season is finally over.

And with a 7-2 romp of the Other Islanders (the true roster was somewhere beating up the Devils), it's time to head off into the cold October sunset and prepare for the long grind of the regular season. Naturally RDS spent most of it's time talking Blue so they missed Nino Niederreiter attempted blindside on Mike Cammalleri (you know, the one the NHL made a video of to try and curb headshots) which started this whole sequence of a pissed off Cammalleri going after the freshly minted draftee ending in Cammalleri going Bobby Clarke on his leg. (Apparently Nino was left with a bruise, oh boohoo).

As my brother said "nothing is worse than an angry rookie in a terribly lumpsided romp".

Of course later on a 3rd period faceoff, a Not-So-Islander went after Lars Eller from behind. Ryan White tried to clean up the mess, but it was Jaro Spacek who ended up getting jerseyed and clocked for playing Good Cop. Slap Shot was on the movie network before the game. Maybe the boys got inspired.

But that's OK 'cause TSN's headlines were already calling for a suspension on Cammalleri. And while Cammy could have done like Eller and take it to them on the scoreboard or with a big hit, his infraction is not suspendable. Then again the NHL works in mysterious ways. And he wears a Habs jersey.

So what can we say about the play tonight? (Other than it was 40 minutes too long)
- Tomas Plekanec has taken out all the tools of the crafty box. An amazing fakeout on Manny Legace by purposedly shooting the puck at the boards to get the rebound Brian Gionta style? You sneaky bastard, I love the new Plekanec!
- Alex Picard has shown us the Alex Picard we all know from his time with the Sens. In other words, the Alex Picard that drove SLC mad. (Sample quote: "Alex Picard has already cost me five stress balls, two remotes and one neighbour so far this season.") Fitting that he's got Brisebois' old number.
- Regardless of who the competition was, Price looks to be rounding into regular season form. There was a sequence where the puck was going goalie pong in our end. The Not-So-Islanders could have scored 5 goals right there but he stood his ground. And the team REALLY NEEDS TO LEARN HOW TO TAKE A PASS FROM HIM!
- Yea it was men against boys out there (for the most part) but our defense really needs to stop drooling.
- Thanks for practicing the powerplay and penalty kill too.
- Gorges on the powerplay blows my mind. I love him though.
- Nice to see the coaches finally seem to be sticking with a forward up high. It only took a year of everyone screaming at you to do this to finally get it done.
- Well, PK obviously stays. Legace needed ointment after that goal.
- Eller most likely will stay though I wouldn't mind it if Randy&Randy can take him for a few weeks. The Great Dane is big, hard to catch, and will draw penalties like nobody can. He also doesn't get rattled when gooned.
- I wish Pouliot could go on a conditioning stint. Sure it was probably his best pre-season game yet, he still looked lazy on a few plays.
- I want Ryan White to staaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.
- The Colisée is a shitty building. Or as I call it, the "'Ostie Calissée". Still, fun to see NHL players in junior benches.

By the way, if you want the Nordiques back, don't come crying to the federal government for money. Especially when you send separatist politicians to ask.

Hey look! It's October!

Darcy Tucker finally retires. One down off my list of people I totally endorse to be elbowed in the head repeatedly. (Which means I'll have to retire that tag too). Seriously, I can't believe the Habs drafted that bridge troll.

How appropriate NHLOL!

Of course what's the point in mentioning Darcy Tucker without linking to the Kovalev Epic Elbow of Justice?

One less hockey douchebag out of the League...

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Jose "Not Brodeur" Theodore replaces poor Josh Harding with the Minnesota Wild on a 1 year 1,1 million dollar contract. That is until his hip flexor conks out and puts him on the IR too. Khudobin? Get ready for prime time!

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One more game before the real season starts so people can analyze the team with actual substance instead of watching guys that will be sent into the care of Randy & Randy.

Pacioretty was sent down today, which is good. Perhaps Randy & Randy can teach him how to be a power forward properly without hurting himself. And while I would love to see those guys whip Pouliot into shape, I don't know what his waiver status is. Maybe they can take on Lars Eller for a bit so he can learn in the safety of the AHL. Hey these kids take time! Rush them, and you'll only ruin them. Especially with this fanbase and their rediculous expectations of "I WANT IT NOW!!!" calls. Spoiled brats.

Learn this term: Development.

Don't understand it? Don't got a dictionary? Google it. Tattoo it on your heart. Because if you're not careful the Habs will become the Expos of the NHL. (Developing talent for every other team, one prospect at a time)!

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Speaking of development...

You know what, Valentenko? Screw you. You left the Habs right before they had a shitload of injuries on D and would have been the first to come up (especially to replace Komisarek). You ditched this team under false pretenses of a family emergency and then suddenly signed a deal in the KHL. Later you tell your local press 5 different excuses on why you left and we're wondering which is credible (and none of them were family crisis related). Was it really a sick family member or did you really just miss your girlfriend? Then the Habs finally trade your useless rights for Gomez (and Pyatt), and you suddenly appear in the Rangers camp roaring to play in the NHL?

I hope they mail your ass to Hartford.