Habs For Breakfast - A Game Of Deja Vu

No short, snappy intro to today's links. It began and turning into a whole other post, which you will be reading shortly.

Team's character faces biggest test this season - Gazette

"His skills and confidence haven't gone anywhere," Koivu said of Price, who watched the third period from the bench and might still now be soaking his head in the shower."You don't lose those things overnight." - Dave Stubbs

Too little too late - Gazette

"When you outshoot them 34-14, you've got to win the game," Higgins continued. "It was a tough game for Pricey and he didn't really get a whole lot of shots on net, but on the other end you don't know how much longer it's going to go with the chances we've had." - Pat Hickey

Price or Halak? Carbonneau faces goalie decision for tomorrow night - Gazette

"Does he stick with rookie goaltender Carey Price, who has struggled in the first three games of the series and was pulled last night after giving up three goals on the first 11 shots he faced? Or does he gamble and go with Jaroslav Halak, who made his first appearance since March 29 in a relief role last night?" - Pat Hickey

He was the face of the Flyers - Gazette

"At least I didn't lose the team. That has been my life, being part of being a team. If I would have been cut off ... like what (former Canadiens president) Ronald Corey did to (former GM) Serge Savard ... he should be shot for." - Herb Zurkowsky

Price is wrong - Globe Sports

"It's going to be a long series," Carbonneau said. "If we keep putting 30 shots on goal and hold them to 14, we're going to win." - Tim Wharnsby























Phildelphia Steals Game Three - Dennis Excellent Montreal Canadiens Blog

"The Habs were ineffective during an early-game two man advantage. They held a big edge in play in the first period. They hit three posts. Carey Price, looking shaky, was replaced by Jaroslav Halak in the third, and the team responded by outshooting Philly 16-2. But it wasn’t enough, losing in the end 3-2, and the team is now down two games to one. They need game four so badly, there’d better be focus, concentration, commitment, no late-night dinners, no over-doing the beer or wine, and a good, reasonable curfew these next two nights." - Dennis Kane

Price Shakey As Habs let Gimme Slip Away - Lions In Winter

"With about 15 minutes to go in the game Halak made what turned out to be a very key stop. It was the only time that the Flyers, in my opinion, had a legitimate scoring chance all night. The puck was fed from Halak's left to his right, just outside of the crease. Patrick Thoresen was the player who seemed to have a certain goal, but Jaro got across with a great right-pad save. It kept the game at 0-3 which at the time may have seemed like a moot point, but as it turned out gave the Habs a serious shot of getting back into this one." - Tobalev

Price n'est pas le seul à blâmer - RDS

"On ne doit pas oublier qu'il n'est âgé que de 20 ans et qu'on lui demande d'être le sauveur de l'équipe, a affirmé l'entraîneur du Canadien, après avoir avoué que le gardien recrue est ébranlé." - Guy Carbonneau

Un air de déjà vu... - RDS

"Même s’il a semblé ébranlé à la suite des deux filets qu’il a concédés en l’espace de 72 secondes, le gardien des Flyers Martin Biron a été brillant par la suite en étouffant toutes les tentatives des attaquants des Glorieux. Le cerbère québécois a réalisé un grand total de 32 arrêts – dont 15 lors de l’engagement final."















Koivu: "Nous faisons face à un gros test" - La Presse

"Car si on peut imputer une large part du blâme sur la piètre performance de Carey Price, ses coéquipiers n'ont pas le droit de s'en tirer aussi facilement. Pourquoi? Parce que si le Canadien a perdu, hier, c'est aussi parce qu'il a été incapable de profiter des occasions qui se sont offertes à lui." - François Gagnon

Brière: "On gagne avec du caractère" - La Presse

"Les Flyers ont en effet passé près de 12 minutes en infériorité numérique. Ils ont esquivé avec succès un désavantage de deux hommes durant deux pleines minutes, mais ont donné au Canadien ses deux buts pendant la punition de cinq minutes infligée à Derian Hatcher. "Le secret de notre force en désavantage numérique? C'est Marty! C'est ça la recette", a lancé Umberger, qui a lui-même effectué du travail colossal en infériorité en plus de marquer un autre but. - Marc Antoine Godin

"Habituellement, un club gagne quand il n'accorde que 14 tirs...": Chris Higgins - Le Journal

"L'attaque massive du Canadien a finalement produit deux buts en troisième période pendant que Derian Hatcher purgeait une pénalité majeure pour avoir dangereusement mis en échec Francis Bouillon contre la rampe." - Pierre Durocher

"On perd et on gagne en équipe" - Le Journal

"Les coéquipiers de Carey Price se rangeaient dans son coin après sa contre-performance contre les Flyers, hier soir. Le contraire aurait été étonnant. Il ne fallait pas s'attendre à voir un joueur le montrer du doigt, quoique Price ne s'était pas gêné pour lancer une flèche à ses coéquipiers après le match de samedi dernier." - Marc De Foy

"Guillaume mérite d'être là": Guy Carbonneau - Le Journal

"Je recherche un meilleur équilibre dans nos lignes d'attaque, a poursuivi Carbonneau. Smolinski et Kostopoulos jouent avec beaucoup de confiance présentement et cela facilitera l'arrivée d'un jeune comme Latendresse, qui a hâte de jouer."
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Bring On The Flyers! A Preview And A Look Back

The Canadiens have drawn the sixth seeded Philadelphia Flyers as second round opponants and the series should play out to be an interesting and wild one.

In all likelyhood, this is the opponent the Habs would have prefered to meet as they enjoyed more success this season versus the Flyers than they had against the New York Rangers. The Canadiens went 4 - 0 versus Philadelphia in 2007-08, outscoring them by a 15 - 6 margin.

Of course, the regular season is meaningless at this point, and the Canadiens have just come through learning the downside of overconfidence by perhaps taking a Bruins team they had dominated during the regular season a little too lightly.

This series will mark the fifth time the two team have met in the playoffs since the Flyers joined the NHL in 1967.














The Canadiens and Flyers first clashed in 1973 when the Bobby Clarke led Flyers were becoming serious Stanley Cup contenders with their combination of brawling hockey tactics and a stifling defensive system. Backed by the strong goaltending of Bernie Parent and the goal scoring exploits of players such as Reggie Leach, Bill Barber and Rick McLeish, the Broad Street Bullies as they became known would go on to win back to back Cups in 1974 and 1975.

The Canadiens of the day were led by veterans Yvan Cournoyer, Frank Mahovlich and Henri Richard, featured the big three of Savard, Lapointe and Robinson on defense, and had Ken Dryden in goal.

In the series, the Habs were a concerned and surely timid group after losing the first game of the series to the Flyers in Montreal. The Canadiens rallied the next night to tie the series and went ahead 2 games to one in Philly on the strenghth of an overtime goal by Robinson. They won the next two and went on to beat the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup final.

After the Flyers had imposed their rough and tumble histronics upon the NHL with two Cup wins, the teams met again in the 1976 Cup final. Although the game were close, the series wasn't, as the Canadiens swept in four to regain the Stanley Cup.

Serge Savard, at the time, likened the win as a victory for hockey and the NHL was rescued from a "Slapshot" style mentality that had made inroads into the game. The message was clear - Guy Lafleur and friends were no match for Dave Schultz and company.

Just as the Habs ended the Flyers reign at the top, Philadelphia did the same in knocking of the Cups champions in a six game set in 1987. Claude Lemieux's tactic of returning to the ice after warmup to score a goal into a deserted Flyers net had irked certain Philadelphia players and the charade erupted into a pre game brawl. The teams followed that up two years later in 1989, in a series that is best rememered for rekindling visions of 1973 when Flyers goalie Ron Hextall dashed from his crease to mug Habs defenseman Chris Chelios in retaliation for his hit on Brian Propp.


















Curiously, the Flyers were coached that season by Paul Holmgren, and the Canadiens lineup featured both Guy Carbonneau and Bob Gainey. Holmgren and Gainey are now opposing GM's, with Carbonneau behind the Habs bench.

It is noteworthy to remark this, as little seems to have changed over the years in terms of how the Flyers operate. Philadelphia are still attempting to reign supreme with goonerism, having seemingly learned little over the three decades of losing since that 1975 Cup. It remains a fact that the never could win with dignity or lose with any amount of class.

This season, several Flyers players have been suspended for various forms of idiotic behavior that has had no effect on the team winning whatsoever. Such acts might affect a timid team at best, but come playoff time it has little chance of success.

















Whether anyone can expect thuggish hockey overtones in this series with the Canadiens is anyone's guess, but if one looks at the Flyers method's versus how the Canadiens operate presently, the scenario of high flying hockey versus beat 'em in the alleys tactics looks ready to play itself out once more.

In the Flyers series clinching win over Washington yesterday, the outcome of the game itself was compromised when a penalty wasn't called as a Flyers forward pushed a Capitals defender into goaltender Cristobal Huet, leading directly to a Philadelphia goal.

It was described this way at NHL.com:

Right before a loose puck made its way to Kapanen, Philadelphia's Patrick Thoreson gave Shaone Morrisonn a shove, and the Washington defenseman plowed into Huet, knocking the goalie off his skates. The NHL posted an explanation on the Web, saying Thoresen legally body checked Morrisonn and no Philadelphia player made contact with Huet.

That reasoning apparently didn't make its way to the fans, who yelled insults and curse words at the on-ice officials.

Now why it is reasoned that Thoreson's body check was legal when Morrisonn never had puck possession is beyond logic, but you can wager the Flyers won't hesitate to try it again. The goal gave the Flyers a 2-1 lead at the time, one they would not relinquish.

Here's a clip of the incident:



Against Montreal, the Flyers were called for 3 goalie interference minors in their four meetings, twice in one game.

The Flyers make no apologies for their ways - when visiting their official site, viewers are greeted with the phrases "Enter / Loading Vengeance NOW!"























Philadelphia, on the surface, appear to be a team similar to the Habs first round Boston foes in terms of their rugged play, grinding forwards and less than fleet footed defence.

While they may have allowed more goals against than the Bruins, they were the fifth highest scoring team in the East with six 20 plus goal scorers. The Canadiens will surely be challenged as the Flyers are a very tough opponent when gaining the lead.

Here is how this season game's played out:

November 1 in Montreal / 5-2 Canadiens / Summary / Gamesheet
December 13 in Philadelphia / 4-1 Montreal / Summary / Gamesheet
February 16 in Montreal / 1-0 Canadiens / Summary / Gamesheet
February 17 in Philadelphia / 5-3 Montreal / Summary / Gamesheet

The best Flyers against the Canadiens offensively were Mike Richards with 2 goals and an assist, Daniel Briere with 2 assists, and Mike Knuble with a goal and an assist. Knuble is out for the playoffs with an injury.

For the Canadiens, Alex Kovalev had 2 goals and 4 assists, Andrei Markov had 5 assists, Saku Koivu had 2 goals and 2 assists, Andrei Kostitsyn had 2 and 1, Tomas Plekanec 3 assists, Mark Streit 2 and 1, and Chris Higgins with 2 goals.

In the first game on November 1, the goalies were Huet and Biron and Montreal outshot the Flyers 41-19. In the remaining three game, it was Price versus Nittymaki, and the Canadiens were outshot in all three by 31-23, 34-20, and 37-33 margins.

Carey Price had two first against the Flyers, earning his first career shutout on February 16, and his first NHL assist the following night.

The Flyers had the league's second most potent powerplay behind the Canadiens, but managed only one goal in 28 man advantage situations. The Canadiens for their part countered with 6 goals in 31 chances.

The Montreal media will have a field day with the Daniel Briere stories, as will the Bell Centre boo birds giving the Flyers forward the business everytime he touches the puck.

It should be quite the entertaining series!

Here's a few clips featuring the Habs and Flyers starting with a Robinson and Schultz tilt from a regular season game in 1974, Andrei Kostitsyn's highlight reel goal against Philly this season, brother Sergei's nice hit on Steve Downie in the OHL, and an extended version of the last 80's pre game brawl.








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Bill Masterton Exemplified Perseverence Beating Odds

Many hockey fans have doubtlessly heard the name Bill Masterton from the annual trophy awarded in his honour at season's end. Story of who Masterton was is often singularly associated with his tragic passing as the result of an on ice incident, but Masterton was much more defined by who he was, and the perseverance he displayed on making to the NHL after years of hard work.

Masterton was born August 16, 1938 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Growing up in hockey, Masterton had a knack for scoring goals and was often among the league leaders in that category.

At 17 he joined the St. Boniface Canadiens and in 22 responded with 23 goals and 49 points in 1955-56. Masterton and the Canadiens played in the Memorial Cup playoffs, where he tallied eight points in six games but it was the OHA's Toronto Marlboros who successfully defended their national junior amateur title.

In the fall of 1957, Masterton enrolled at the University of Denver, where he played hockey while getting an education. In four years with the school team he was one of the club's top offensive weapons, averaging more than two points per game in each of his last three seasons. Masterton helped the school to win an impressive three NCAA national titles, in 1958, 1960 and again in his senior year in 1961, when he was named the most valuable player of the entire NCAA tournament.

Following graduation, Masterton was hopeful of landing a professional job in hockey, but with just six teams in the NHL, cracking a team's lineup was next to impossible. In 1961-62 Masterton joined the Hull-Ottawa Canadiens of the EPHL, a minor pro league. Among some of Masterton's more notable teammates included future NHLers Keith McCreary, Jim Roberts, Barclay Plager, Terry Harper, Dallas Smith and goalies Cesare Maniago and Ernie Wakely.

Masterton retired from the game for a spell, but was encouraged to return after the Montreal canadiens traded his right to the Minnesoata North Stars on June 14,1967. He had toiled patiently in the minors for years, mostly in the USHL before getting a shot when the league expanded to 12 teams for the 1967-68 campaign. The expansion North Stars, after a tryout in which he surprisingly made the team, signed him to a free-agent contract. It was the thrill of a lifetime for Masterton, who had for so long dreamed about one day making it to the best hockey league in the world.


















Masterton scored the first goal in North Stars history on October 11, 1967. After only 38 games in the league, tragedy struck.

During a North Stars' game against another expansion team, the Oakland Seals, on January 13, 1968, Masterton fell awkwardly to the ice, hitting his head. Bill was checked by Larry Cahan and Ron Harris of Oakland, and fell backwards onto the ice. The force of the back of his head hitting this ice caused much bleeding, and he quickly lost blood. He was seriously injured, sustaining much brain damages. Doctors were prevented from doing surgery due to complcations in the area of the brain. Two days later, Bill died. He was the first player in 40 years to die as a result of an on-ice incident in the NHL. His death would result in more intense lobbying for hockey players to wear helmets, which were uncommon in professional hockey at that time.

No other North Star ever wore his No. 19, and it was officially retired in 1987, six years before the North Stars left Minnesota.

Masterton's dedication and perseverence have been forever immortalized by the league, with a trophy named in his memory. It is awarded annually to the NHL player who best personifies perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game of hockey as voted upon by the members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. Bobby Clarke, Serge Savard, Mario Lemieux, Cam Neely and Saku Koivu are just a few of the big names that have been honoured with the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in past years.

The Canadiens Peter Principal

As a rule, I generally shy away from rumour talk like an outbreak of herpes.

This one, however, seems to have teeth, and it is concerning me.

It is being jumped on from all over with the zest of a Viagra gripping Hugh Hefner.

I'm speaking of the Peter Forsberg to the Canadiens talk.

I have a motto about trades that has rarely steered me wrong: If you are reading about it - it ain't gonna happen.

GM's simply do not compromise the integrity of a deal being discussed, or about to go down, by talking of it to anyone who would dare be brash and stupid enough to print it.

It just doesn't happen often and it's rarer than Pope poop.

If you scope the standing of teams, examine the contracts and their context, witness the players performance, you can pretty well figure out who's likely to be moved.

Guessing who makes no one a genius.

Guessing where to and for who in return, makes one a psychic.

No psychics of the like work in hockey circles.

That is generally how I've seen it since forever.

I state all this beforehand, because their is a rumour of Habs concern that has an unusual source speaking of it. He also seems to be advising against ir - rare as that is.

In Friday's Le Journal De Montreal, Yvon Pedneault took on the Forsberg file.

Pedneault is never one to claw into these things. He has an incredibly tight lipped reputation as one of the most well informed journalists covering hockey in North America. It is said that he is almost constantly on his cell phone, quizzing for the-about-to-happen news. He never lets a cat out of the bag as far as trades go, but knows every detail behind the deal the minute it occurs.

In short, he is extremely reliable and trustworthy from both sides of the fence.

He is not concerned about breaking stories. He is only concerned with being fully informed on what has happened the second it occurs.

Upon a trade, he will speak of how long teams have discussed players involved. He will comment that other players figured into a deal at one point without ever alluding to who they were. He'll examine and disect the deal from the differing GM's points of view, why the time came for the trade. He'll know if it involves off ice concerns or contract stalemates.

His post trade analysis' are of unequivocal repute.

This explains why GM's are willing to slip him a detail or two. He just never leaks.

So now, I figure if Pedneault is speaking of Forsberg and Montreal for more than the first time, this isn't just smoke, it's fire!

I'm not so sure I like it either!

To quote Pedneault, he had this to say today:

"In Philadelphia, there has lately been much written that Montreal is one of the teams ( 11 all told ) that are in the pursuit for Forsberg. Montreal is being being billed as an interesting destination as the organization is stockpiled with young talent, and the types of players for whom the Flyers are taking an interest in as well. Despite the fact that the Habs opponants are always better down the middle, the Canadiens can get by well enough without Forsberg. Bob Gainey and his scouting staff would be gambling big on this one."

He went on to mention that the Canadiens have been watching Forsbeg closely.

In another area of the same edition, Pedneault puts forth Forsberg's name once again, upon being asked which players would best fill the Canadiens deficiencies. he also mentions the Panthers' Gary Roberts.

So there is your smoke and fire, from the lips of one who's rarely ventured onto this limb.

I'm sure he broke no confidences in speaking of the player - Forsberg's name is being bandied about as though he is the sole savior to a dozen teams woes.

Involved in the quagmire that is aquiring Forsberg are a no trade clause needing to be waived, the remainder of a 6M dollar contract, and that fact that he cannot seem to remain healthy enough to promise a contribution worthy of dealing him.

Outwardly, Forsberg, speaking as a proud player, has spoken of staying put in Philly. Some say that this is due to self doubt that he will actually be able to help whoever pays the big price for him. In a nutshell, he doesn't want to go to a team and disapoint. Didf I mention he was a proud man?

Inwardly, he desperately wants to win another Stanley Cup. It is what players of his stripe are built for, and why he competes so ferociously when games are big. He continues to believe that, should he solve the dilema that is his left skate and foot, he can make the difference on a winning team.

Now about that particular boot. Forsberg had pre-season surgery on both ankles to alleviate discomforts built up due to extreme wear and tear. While the medical side of the ankle injuries have healed in a way that termed them successes at the time, Forsberg's right foot strength has left much to be desired. It has been determined that with a proper, more comfortable type of skate boot, his problem will be solved.

Trouble is, he has been searching high and low for a specified design that may not exist to help him.

In fact, he spent a great amount of time in Montreal earlier this season, working with a skate manufacturer, in order to find that perfect fit. It is told that he practically ran from laboratories to rented ice, trying out every prototype handed to him until he satisfied that an improvement was within his grasp.

It all reads like the resume of a future Masterton Trophy winner.

With barely a month to go before the trading deadline, Forsberg's yet to find a perfect solution to his foot foibles. Watching him play, some have suggested that he favors one side to another when having to pivot or skate backwards. It would take a big edge off his game.

In understanding all this, do the Canadiens really believe he could be worth the risk?

Even a Forsberg deemed 75% healthy may solve the Habs second line center desperation, but the Canadiens will need to unload a spare part under the cap to find room for the rest of Forsberg's mullah. Along with that, a prospect or two might need to be sacrificed to aquire him.

The Flyers surely will take no one's "has-beens" in the deal, they already have a team full of them - so forget pawning the likes of Samsonov or Niinimaa their way.

An interesting scenario does exist due to the Flyers sitting dead last in the NHL. They get first claim on all waiver wire pickups. Should the Canadiens want to deal player off - for arguments sake, David Aebischer, they simply need to send him to the minors. Calling him back up and having him claimed on waivers frees the Canadiens of half his contract dollars, thus enabling the team picking him up, in this case, the Flyers, to deal him themselves, as a 50% cheaper commodity due to that waiver loophole. The Flyers would then receive whatever they get in return, thus sweetnening the Forsberg deal to Montreal.

The Canadiens and Flyers have a history involving big names changing hands.

While Bobby Clarke is no longer the Flyer's GM in name, he is still the most highly consulted person in the organization on day to day player matters. Bob Gainey and Clarke have a longstanding friendship - it was Clarke who hired Gainey to coach the Minnesota North Stars while GM of the team in the early 90's.
Now that's alot of smoke to fan. Is there a fire?

Only Pedneault and the fly on the wall have the answer for now.

The Hockey New Years Wish List

Here's a list of New Years wishes for the players and personalities, teams and organization that make hockey the greatest game on Earth.

To the Canadian boys in Sweden at the WJC - another undefeated run to the Gold to launch their careers.

Former Flyers GM Bobby Clarke - a less stressful front office job while coming to grips with today's game.

For Wayne Gretzky - a healthy family and a ticket out of Phoenix before 20 years of hockey integrity is undone.

Pat Quinn - the opportunity to once again scream at NHL officials close up.

Brendan Shanahan - the 50 goal season this funnyman and astute hockey thinker's legend deserves.

Peter Forsberg - spare parts!

To Mario Lemieux and the Penguins fans - solid plans for a new arena that they will fill for decades.

Guy Carbonneau - A Jack Adams Trophy to place next to his Selke's.

To Gary Bettman and Colin Campbell - muzzles, disguises, and a goal scoring surge.

John Muckler, Harry Neale, and Don Cherry - a hastened and vile free ride off into the sunset.

Rory Fitzpatrick - peace of mind to concentrate on the task at hand and a playoff spot for the Canucks.

To the Blackhawks and Bruins - a return to the playoffs and a battle with another Original Six franchise.

Guillaume Latendresse - continued class, composure, and coolness under fire.

To Dave Lewis - a mirror and a razor.

For Sidney Crosby - an Art Ross and a hockey game in late April.

Charles Wang - perception and 25 good books on hockey.

To Sheldon Souray and Andrei Markov - lucrative multi year deals with the Habs that do not handcuff GM Gainey. (OK, that's for me also!)

Mats Sundin - hair, wingers, and a contract that keeps him in the blue and white.

To the Oilers and Flames - deep playoffs runs into the month of May.

For the Ottawa Senators - a head scout that can replenish their depleted talent base.

To Alexander Ovechkin - America wide recognition and a highlight reel goal that tops last seasons goal against Phoenix.
John Ferguson Jr. - A father in good health and free agent clarity.

To Pat Burns - A call come June from newly appointed Senators GM Bryan Murray.

To every hockey playing child, between the ages of 3 and 20 - government sponsored mandatory heart defribulators in every arena in Canada and the United States.

To Doug Gilmour - a first ballot induction to Hockey Hall immortality.

For Red Fisher - on a similar note, eliminating the "Honourees" distinction from the HHOF, and an invitation to return as a full fledged "Member."

To Jeremy Roenick - a killer second half, meals after games only, and a healthy family.

To Gordie Howe, Jean Beliveau, and Bobby Orr - the best health and all the adulation and love from the hockey world as it continues to not only recognize your player contributions, but also the special people you are.

David Aebischer - a starters job, anywhere!

Jose Theodore - a gossip free resurgeance to the netminding elite.

Ed Belfour - another contract well earned.

For Patrick Roy - another Memorial Cup run and a clue when to shut up when things are of no concern.

To the Capitals, Blues, Predators, and Panthers - fans in the seats.

Phil Kessel - a Lance Armstrong like recovery.

To the Zambonies rock group - a huge pop hit so good it replaces "The Hockey Song" in minds of fans for the next 30 years.

Lou Lamoriello and Claude Julien - hairpieces and cameos on "The Sopranos."

To all NHL goalies - less groin pulls unless self administered.

To the Blues and Predators - a game that's settled by a shootout lasting an additional hour featuring a ton of highlight reel goals and a complete turnover of the shooters order to make the sports story of the week.

For women playing hockey everywhere - the recognition they deserve and more TV time.

To Canada itself, a nation united around a puck - more squirts and tykes highfiving bewildered teammates after scoring on their own net, more parents of kids smiling in freezing arenas, more frozen ponds and lakes and outdoor rinks, volunteers unlimited, and a million boys and girls aspiring to be the next Sidney Crosby.

To Bob Gainey and family - good health and spiritual guidance from angels above for generations and beyond.