This Season Carbonneau Has A Stronger Grasp

Translated from Bertrand Raymond's column in the March 22, 2008 Le Journal

One year ago, Guy Carboneau's lack of experience behind the bench was plainly visible.

Even though he'd been an assistant to the general manager in Dallas, and an assistant coach in Montreal on two occasions, the final decisions now belonged to him. On certain nights, everything seemed to happen so fast for a coach whose main assistant, Kirk Muller, was as green a rookie as he.

Less than a year later, with his team enjoying a remarkable season, Carbonneau is considered a coach of the year candidate.

So, how did that happen?

Of course, several players - Alex Kovalev comes to mind - have had their say in the success, but Carbonneau isn't denying that one year's experience can make a big difference. He understands that today he is a better coach.

During an interesting interview, the former Canadiens captain admits that he has a better control over the day to day goings on regarding the team. Honestly, he admits that he is surprised by the Habs performance this season.

"Realistically, I never thought come mid March that we'd be ahead of the Ottawa Senators", Carbonneau claims. "Of course, it is obvious that the Senators have taken a step back, and it has opened doors for many teams."

He could also add that the Canadiens have avoided what has happened with Ottawa. If the Habs have not suffered anything longer than a three game losing streak, a good part of the credit must head Carbonneau's way.

"Should it be concluded that we have been very fortunate?", he asks. "I guess you could say that our team has been well prepared for games and that we have been lucky enough to avoid injuries. These are all factors that need to be taken into consideration."

To thread the needle more precisely, Carbonneau adds that certain decisions that were planned out well ahead of time have played a major role in the success of the Canadiens.














For example, the team has regularly profited from a scheduled day off per week. Practices that would run up to 75 minutes earlier in the year now cut off at about 40 minutes. Carbonneau has never swayed from using four lines and six defenseman all season. Lower tier players are on a regular rotation in and out of the lineup.

Obviously, the rotation of players doesn't include the impact variety. The point was to keep third and fourth lines, as well as sixth and seventh defenseman energized.

Carbonneau also notes that the team doesn't play a kamikazee style of hockey, which enables injuries to be avoided. Stressing a poised positional game has its benefits.

The coach has taken some criticism for giving days off after bad games, especially the Sundays, but has stubbornly stuck to his gins in doing so regardless.

"When I was playing, I found it beneficial to have that day off", he explains. "When Sunday is free, players can plan family activities, take off to the Laurentides, or do whatever. After losses, I'd head to the dressing room just furious, but I always found it was important to respect that routine."

That could be the prime explanation for Carbonneau's success in year two. Last season, things were passing fast and he was more emotional. This season, there is the sense that he is more in control.

Carbonneau explains that the major difference between this season and last, is that he can foresee the reactions that his decisions provoke.

"There is less of the unknown for me this time", he admits. "Last season, I was trying to learn from what others coaches had done. I'd note things afterwards. I was making decisions without knowing what to expect. This year, I know what to expect."














Without having to mention it, the 48 year old coach brings up last year's situation with defenseman Craig Rivet. He classifies that learning experience as something that contributes to what has made him a better equiped coach today should the situation arise again.

"I still believe I did the right thing", he says, "but this year, would I have acted differently?
Probably. I would have taken time to explain to him why I was doing it. Rivet was surprised to find himself out of the lineup. Every player is when it happens to them."

"We didn't do this on a whim. It was the right decision, but it was an unexpected reaction to it. All told, we should have been more in control of the situation."

Carbonneau admits that behind the bench he is reacting to circumstances better than before. For example, last season, when down by two goals, he'd shorten the bench in favor of those who were rolling, as opposed to continuing to roll four lines as he does now.

When asked what have been this seasons biggest surprises for him, Carbonneau glances at a wall chart that contains the Habs current lineup.

"After all that went down last season, Alex Kovalev has to top the list. Roman Hamrlik's contribution is of note. Throw in the names of Bouillon, Gorges, and Streit, in addition to all the young players."

In Carbonneau's esteem, how many players would the Canadiens be away from a Stanley Cup?
It's a hard question for him to answer. The coach believes that with the current roster at his disposal, that the Canadiens have it in them to cause some heads to turn.

"I think that if we would have been able to add Marian Hossa, it would have helped a great deal", he adds in all honesty. "We are a young team. We'll see how the players do come playoff time. We are on the verge of getting some very important answers."
.

Habs For Breakfast - 2008-03-05

Starting with a joke:

Q: What's the difference between a trampoline and a Leafs fan?
A: You take off your boots when you jump on a trampoline.

Canadiens Plekanec A Keeper - The Gazette

"Brière's snub of the Canadiens was generally regarded as a major shortcoming and meant the Canadiens were stuck with Tomas Plekanec." - Pat Hickey

Carbo Plays Net Detective On Road - The Gazette

"Does he show his confidence in rookie goaltender Carey Price and give him a chance to atone for a poor performance Monday in San Jose? Or does he give Jaroslav Halak a chance to make his first National Hockey League start this season?" - Pat Hickey

Big Banger - S I .com

"The numbers are noteworthy -- he wears his statistics in the pastel yellow under his eyes and the purple welts on his torso -- but Komisarek has given Montreal something better measured by orthopedists than stat crunchers: a spine. - Michael Farber

Une journée spécial à Phoenix - RDS

"Guy Carbonneau n'a toutefois pas cherché à défendre son jeune gardien : "C'est la stratégie de tout le monde. Les 30 équipes dans la ligue nationale essaient de faire la même chose. Il est aussi bien de s'habituer car il ne fait que commencer."

"On a encore des croûtes à manger" - RDS

"On a fait de bonnes choses, mais également de très mauvaises. On a marqué quatre buts contre une équipe coriace en défense. Ç'aurait dû être suffisant pour l'emporter à l'étranger. Mais on en a donné six!" - Carbonneau

"C'était une plaqué de football": Price - RDS

"Sur la séquence du troisième but, à titre d'exemple, Price a été poussé dans le fond du filet par Patrick Marleau, quelques secondes avant que Joe Thornton ne décoche une frappe." - Carey Price

Lafleur sent que l'avenir est prometteur our le CH - La Presse

"C'est toujours le fun de participer à ces matchs organisés pour des levées de fonds. Les ovations sont toujours spéciales, ça me fait toujours chaud au coeur. Les tours du chapeau, je ne les compte plus. Les parties sont un peu ardues actuellement pour moi. J'ai un genou mal en point, je n'ai plus 20 ans", a indiqué Lafleur, aujourd'hui âgé de 56 ans.
















"On n'a pas joué comme un équipe de premier rang": Lapierre - Le Journal

"Il y a des joueurs du Canadien qui ne se sont pas laissé marcher sur les pieds. Ce fut le cas de Maxim Lapierre, qui a bien joué son rôle d'agitateur." - Pierre Durocher

"Price ferait mieux de s'y habituer": Carbonneau - Le Journal

"Marleau m'a littéralement plaqué, s'est-il plaint. Je devine que c'est maintenant quelque chose de légal dans la ligue. Les joueurs des Sharks se sont fait dire de foncer sur moi et ils ont fait du bon travail. Le mérite leur revient. Il faut croire que c'est la façon de marquer des buts dans la LNH", Price a ajouté sur un ton sarcastique.

Rivet a-t-il un visage à deux faces? - Le Journal

"Sous la plume de David Pollak, l'unique journaliste qui couvre de façon régulière les matchs des Sharks, Rivet a déclaré, à la suite de sa rencontre avec la presse montréalaise : "Je me suis efforcé de mettre un sourire sur mon visage." - Pierre Durocher

Les conjointes ont rejoint les jouers à Phoenix - Le Journal

"C'est une belle récompense pour les joueurs et c'est bon pour l'esprit d'équipe d'apprendre à mieux se connaître en famille», a expliqué Guy Carbonneau, qui profitera de la journée de congé d'aujourd'hui pour disputer une partie de golf."

Le Canadiens a été brouillon - Le Journal

"Le jeu des défenseurs était erratique, brouillon même, et ils ont été mal appuyés par les attaquants. Josh Gorges et Mike Komisarek ont chacun pris une «tasse de café deux laits deux sucres» au cours de la troisième période." - Pierre Durocher

Price n'a pas apprecécié de se faire rudoyer - La Presse

"On a répété cent fois combien Price était d'un calme olympien. Mais lundi soir, à San Jose, la fumée lui sortait par les oreilles!" - Marc Antoine Godin

Since we are a little thin on "new" news stories for today, I offer you this little rant by Habs fan Doug, who posted this beauty at Habs Inside Out and Four Habs Fans this past week.

Doug introduces this work of art like this: . "Here's my post that covers the manic-depressive plight of the typical Habs fan (and the media). Use the first entry in parentheses when times are good and mania sets in, use the latter when there's a minor slump and it's time for histrionics."

"It [is a good time/SUCKS] to be a Habs fan this year.

After years of frustration [we're finally back on top!!!/WHEN THE HELL IS THIS ORGANIZATION GOING TO GET IT?]

We've got [the top power play/A CRAP PK UNIT] which [reminds me of the 70's/IS EMBARRASSING WHEN OUR COACHES ARE CARBO, JARVIS, AND MULLER].

Carbonneau has [to be considered for the Jack Adams award/ LOST THE ROOM AND HAS TO GO], Koivu [is showing the leadership he's shown on the international stage/ IS PISSING ME OFF WITH THE OFFENSIVE ZONE PENALTIES], Higgins [is a future captain and is returing to form/ SHOULD HAVE GONE IN THE HOSSA DEAL], and as far as Price goes, [that was a brilliant move by Gainey to move Huet and tell him this is his team / HE WAS TOO YOUNG AND GAINEY GAMBLED WHEN HE DIDN'T NEED TO.]

The fact that TSN rumors that Gainey's being looked at for the Toronto GM job [is typical of the Toronto Sports Network - give me a break!/ IS AT LEAST SOME GOOD NEWS - MOVE THE BUM!]The way things are going [we have to be favorites for a Cup run/ IT LOOKS LIKE THE CENTENNIAL SEASON IS GOING TO BE YET ANOTHER EMBARRASSMENT.]

It's time to [get those champagne bottles chilled/ ADMIT THAT WE NEED VETERAN LEADERSHIP AND TRADE THESE OVERRATED KIDS].

Why would I say that? Because [Kovalev is playing like a man posessed, we have the best prospects of any team/ PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO WIN IN THIS LEAGUE], and Price [is God/IS NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME].

Seriously, that guy [has ice for veins/ IS SO FRIGGING OVERRATED] and I'd recommend [signing him long-term now/ TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT HALAK AND LOOKING FOR A VETERAN].I'm just so [thrilled/PISSED] today and for the first time in a long time, and I say this hesitantly, [i'm a real believer that the Habs can make a run for the Cup this year/ I AM THINKING THAT MAYBE I NEED TO FIND ANOTHER HOBBY.]

The Dynasty Habs are [back/GONE FOREVER] and it [just feels so good!/ IS TIME FOR ME TO REALIZE THAT.]

[go habs go! i believe!!/ FUCK!!!!]

Now every Habs fan surely knows at least one fan like this!

Habs For Breakfast - 2008-03-04

Weird game last night - were the Habs jetlagged or twilight zoned?

Looks to me like Carey Price has trouble when he hits his fourth consecutive start. Is it just me, or does he only let it weak ones when he's played a string of games. The Jody Shelley knuckleball goal was tipped by Komisarek, by Price should not have over reacted and gone into such a quick crouch to stop it.

Perhaps the Sharks quick first goal destabilized him, not to mention the non call on one goal where he was pushed into his net and lost his stick - refs blew that one!

The Canadiens battled hard for most of this one, and better things should come from this road trip once they are acclimated to the California area.

It's always a bummer to read about losses after one, but today I found some interesting links that have to do with more ersonal stories. Don't miss reading about the Latendresse family and the exploits of the Cincinnati Cyclones. For the most part, the bloggers outdid the media in their writing efforts today.

For laughs, check out the dysfunction piece aimed at the Senators and Four Habs Fans always crackup take on a loss. Enjoy!

Habs Remain Close To Rivet's Heart - The Gazette

"I can honestly say that I loved every minute I spent in Montreal, even with the ups and downs, but when the trade came, I was prepared for it. I knew it was time to move on," Rivet said before the Sharks hosted the Canadiens last night.

Thornton's Big night Boosts Sharks Over Canadiens - Faceoff

"Tomas Plekanec scored twice for the Canadiens, who had a three-game win streak broken but retained the top spot in the Northeast Division following Ottawa's loss to Anaheim on Monday."













Living By Speed And Dying by Speed - The H Does Not Stand For Habs

"Well, the Canadiens defence got a taste of what the Habs' offence serves up to opponents every night. Unfortunately, the D looked pretty slow and helpless in the face of the Sharks' speed last night. I didn't see all of the game, but I saw Josh Gorges and Mike Komisarek look like pylons twice apiece." - J.T.

Pawn To Rook 4 - FHF

"Price found a way to make Brian Campbell look like Bobby Orr and Jonathan Cheechoo like,… Jonathan Cheechoo. Pencil in the Shelley Long special he offered up on a goal from the East coast and the kid would only have needed to air-drop a few bags of rice over scattered villages in Nicaragua to win the Humanitarian of the Night Award." - Habsfan 33

Habs Score 4 But It Isn't Enough - Lions In Winter

"I thought Max showed a lot of spirit tonight. The Habs looked tired and unmotivated for this game and it was Lapierre who was trying to get the troops going. His pest-like play is what we need out of him from here on in, the scoring is just a bonus. He scored a late goal to bring us back within one and give us hope." - Tobalev

3-4-08: Sharks 6 Canadiens 4 - Theory Of Ice

"It was close. For the most part, the two teams alternated goals, and while Montreal never had the lead, they kept themselves in the game. They played tenaciously. Tenacious is good. We can respect tenacity. But personally, I think this game wasn’t so lopsided that they should be happy just to have hung in there like the orange tabby kitten on the inspirational poster that someone will doubtless by buying for Price tomorrow morning. They can do better." - E

And finally, not a Habs related read, but truse me, you'll enjoy this one tremendously nonetheless!

Senators Deserve Dysfunction Award - The Gazette

"Before launching into today's subject, we urge the NHL to consider adding an award recognizing team and/or individual dysfunction to the list of 87 or so awards it hands out." - Ed Willes


Carey Price ne l'avait pas - RDS

"Chancelant tout au long du match, Price a donné un cadeau aux Sharks de San Jose en fin de deuxième période, un but au prolifique Jody Shelley sur un tir de la ligne bleue, et les Sharks ont finalement vaincu le Canadien 6-4."

La belle histoire des Latendresse - RDS

"Ils ont commencé à jouer pour le plaisir, Guillaume est 15 mois plus jeune que Olivier donc je les amenait au parc et on a fait une patinoire dans la cour arrière. Olivier a commencé à patiner et Guillaume a suivi immédiatement. Ils ont fait un peu de soccer, mais le hockey était leur sport. Ils faisaient les écoles de hockey l'été, on s'est promené un peu aux États-Unis. On a eu beaucoup de plaisir", affirme Alain Latendresse.













Rivaliser avec les équipes de l'ouest - RDS

"Maintenant, le mandat du Canadien sera de démontrer comment il pourra rivaliser avec les équipes de l’Association de l’ouest qui préconisent dorénavant un style beaucoup plus robuste." - Gaston Therrien

Gainey convoitait-il Martin Havlat? - La Presse

"Gainey se serait informé de la disponibilité de Martin Havlat après avoir renoncé à acquérir Marian Hossa, mais la conversation n'aurait pas duré longtemps, puisque Tallon exigeait Chris Higgins en retour." - Mathias Brunet

"On va s'en rappeler": David Desharnais - Le Journal

"L'exploit est passé inaperçu, mais il n'en est pas moins digne de mention. Les Cyclones de Cincinnati, équipe affiliée des Bulldogs de Hamilton, ont établi un record de la Ligue de la côte Est (ECHL) en remportant 17 victoires consécutives. Ce n'est pas rien."

Who Could Leave?

Yesterday in Le Journal De Montreal, journalist Pierre Durocher took a look at which Canadiens players are most likely to be moved before the February 26 deadline. Of course not all, if any at all, will be moved, but Durocher's piece just seeks to explore the scenarios that could involve various players the Habs could part with should the cards of a progressive deal fall into place.

Rather than my usual transcription of a newsworthy piece from this paper, I thought I'd turn this entry into a type of point - counterpoint argument where I would analyze what Durocher sums up.

I don't neccessarily take the opposite point of view just for devil's advocate purposes. I agree or disagree and extend the thought into another area suitable for speculation and second guessing.

Durocher's words are in italics.

Have fun with it!

Habs fans will know in two weeks, 16 days to be exact, if Bob Gainey has been successful in his efforts to improve the team via a transaction before the February 26 trade deadline.

Last season at this time, Gainey sent defenseman Craig Rivet to the San Jose Sharks in return for Josh Gorges and a second round pick that turned out to be Max Pacioretty.

He also added Michael Leighton on waivers, though the goaltender was only dressed for a pair of games and saw no action. The Habs flipped the pick to the Carolina Hurricans for a 7th round pick that became USHS defenseman Scott Kishel.

At the time, it seemed that the Canadiens were perceived as throwing in the towel in the pursuit of a playoff spot.

Many onlookers felt the move was not the step forward they were hoping for.

Leading up to last year's deadline day, the watch was on for Sheldon Souray to be moved, but Gainey explained his decision to stick with his record breaking defenseman by declaring the Habs still in the race. He also stated that he did not want to deprive fans of a star player in the midst of a career year and reiterated the hope that could resign Souray in the off season.

Souray did set a power play goal record for defenseman in the Habs failed season, and departed for the Edmonton Oilers in the summertime. In hindsight, one can only guess if Gainey would have been able to add an element to the team that would be helpful today.

Such is the nature of speculation.

























Canadiens fans are certainly hoping Gainey fares better this season as the stakes are higher, and the team more loaded with tradable assets.

For now, we can only look and speculate some as to who is most likely to no longer be wearing the bleu, blanc, rouge come the night of the 26th.

According to Le Journal De Montreal, the Habs untouchables are Andrei Markov, Alex Kovalev, Tomas Plekanec, Roman Hamrlik, Mike Komisarek, Carey Price, brothers Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn, Mark Streit, and Guillaume Latendresse.

I would hesitate to include Streit in with this group, and I sense that many would replace Latendresse with the name of forward Chris Higgins.

I won't disagree that this is where fans opinions would differ most.

Also, I find it absolutely dangerous not to consider goalie Cristobal Huet among the untouchables at this point. I'm not too crazy about how Le Journal is looking at Huet, but this will be disected in detail shortly.

Now let's go over the names of those most succeptible to leaving if the price is right.

MICHAEL RYDER: He represents without a doubt, Gainey's most assured trading value. Ryder's past stats work in his favor. Placed with the right center, Ryder could find his magic touch around the net again. Gainey has to be careful not to sell him for a song. He cannot repeat the error of the Ribeiro trade.

What Le Journal is saying in Ryder's regard is partially true - he could, combined with someone slick to feed him, become the player he was once before.

For myself, I quite doubt it will happen. Ryder is the same player he has always been, it is just that the rest of the league has caught up to this one trick pony. The best he'll ever be is a 20 to 25 goal man tops.

Still, it is Gainey's job to maximize the asset Ryder could still be. So far, no takers have been found that will offer Gainey more than a song. That says something about what other GM's think of Ryder. A second round pick would be great returns on him.

While it has been brought up - the Ribeiro trade was no mistake. No one in the Canadiens camp could stand the skinny little bugger for his attitude and lack of dedication.

From management to players, everyone was fed up of his act, and Gainey couldn't have gotten more from him based on the league wide low esteem of this selfish, self centered prima. Had there been a better offer out there, Gainey would have grabbed it. The hypocrite media who complain about the deal will never own up to wanting him offed as well. I don't care how many points he scores in Dallas, I don't miss him.

MATHIEU DANDENAULT: The Canadiens don't really have any place left for him and the versatile veteran could be of interest to many teams. Don't forget that Dandeneault has three Cup rings from his Detroit years. However, he has one year left on a deal that pays him 1.75 M, which makes him one expensive role player.
















This is true enough, but if Dandenault cannot crack the Habs top six on defense, I would assume no contending team would see him as an upgrade at that position either. As a forward, what's the going crrency on seven goal scorers? As long as Dandy's salary outweighs his usefulness, he's staying put. I like him as an energetic fourth liner with the Habs as long he he stops requiring being sat out in order to get what's expected of him.

SAKU KOIVU: Our captain is having an off year. He seems tired. If Gainey were to decide to trade him for a younger player, what message would this send to fans dreaming of playoff success? Koivu is no longer the team's top pivot, but he is still a very good second line center. Who even knows whether Koivu would wave his no trade clause? Wade Redden wouldn't do it.

"Each case should be analyzed differently", suggest Koivu. "Redden surely has his own good reasons to want to remain a Senator. I've never thought about what I would decide to do if the Canadiens received an offer for me because the scenario has never produced itself".

If Koivu stays, he might have to swallow some pride in taking on a different role. The Canadiens would also have to properly manage his drop in play to make it all work.

My thinking is that people are getting way ahead of things in proclaiming Saku's decline. Yes, I will admit at times that it has been frustrating to watch him suffer this season, but Koivu has played on a suddenly disfunctional line. I think it is short sighted to blame a trio's problems on a steady and reliable vet who has always gotten the job done.

Explain how it is that he can have a career year last season, and now be on the downside of the hill?

His decade long commitment and dedication to the Canadiens cause should buy him at least another playoff round to set things straight. Koivu is usually at his best then, and it should make for a truer evaluation of where he is at before reviting the subject in the off season. Teams who generally upset chemistry on the eve of the playoffs rarely reap the benefits. The move would be better made at any other time.

CHRIS HIGGINS: If the Canadiens are dreaming of player in Marian Hossa's ball park, they may have to surrender a top player themselves. Chris Higgins might need to be let go of in such a case.
























I agree with the sentiment, but I would hate to see him leave for anything less than Hossa. Higgins is a hard working character guy that isn't as easily replaced as one might think. Every player has slumps or off seasons in their career and they sometimes need to tolerated for the benefit of the talent to come.You have to ride it out and you can't just give up on a kid when he first plateau's. Higgins should get a lot better once he's over this hump.

CRISTOBAL HUET: A complex case for Gainey. Huet is an upcoming UFA and the Canadiens will need his services until Carey Price is indeed ready to assume the role of number one goalie. Gainey surely wants to keep Huet around another year, but Huet knows he'll get some good offers elsewhere. At his age, his priority will be security, first and foremost.




















This is absolutely true. Gainey is running a risk by not trading him that is as tenuous as hanging onto him without a signed contract.

The solution is to sign him now to a multi year deal and gamble that trading a contracted Huet will bring them more later if they do than it would to deal him unsigned now. Of the three risks, the contract is the safest route - provided were not talking about Theodore type money.

RYAN O'BYRNE: Certain observers believe that the young defenseman could serve well as alluring trade bait. It's considered a safe enough scenario to depart with O'Byrne seeing as Pavel Valenteno, Mathieu Carle, and perhaps Alexei Yemelin are next up in the defensive pipeline.

























I quite agree, although his size is not easily replaced. If he's the throw in that seals a good deal for Montreal then I'd not hesitate a second longer.

Le Journal did not mention the names, but other players of value not on the untouchable list who have good return value could include Max Lapierre, Jaroslav Halak, Josh Gorges, and Steve Begin.

For Lapierre, I wouldn't part with the young centerman unless it brought in another center with more upside through a package deal.

In Halak's case, his is tied to Huet's, and he won't be going anywhere until that more important case is solved either way. Gainey won't burn both ends of the candle.

Josh Gorges represents an interesting option for many teams. He's young, he comes cheap, and has a decent upside for a stay at home defenseman - all traits that explain why Gainey sought him. As defense is still the Habs achilles heel, I don't anything happening in this regard.

Steve Begin would be as loved in 29 other cities as he is in Montreal. He's in a sense irreplacable as I doubt the Habs could find another like him for his fetching value. I've always called Begin a captain without a "C".

Is a Ryder / Halak Package A Reality?

Bob Gainey has consistently been described using words such as patient, stoic, and unrevealing. With the Canadiens progressing on schedule and looking good, the question must be asked as to when the Habs GM will unveil himself by developing an itchy trigger finger in the case of two of the team's five prospective free agents come 2008.

Those free agents would be winger Michael Ryder and goaltender Cristobal Huet.

There are many cliches about the "why's, where's, and when's" to trade, and all the reasonable ones, tried and true through time, have to do with a team's current standing and depth at a position.

Ryder and Huet, constitute hot potatoes for Gainey at present, for a number of different reasons that are currently being played out with various unfolding scenarios.

Huet first:

To spell it out flatly, Gainey will not want to part with Huet. If Jaroslav Halak was lighting up his crystal ball with glorious foresights, rookie Carey Price would have seen more than four games of NHL action by now. The fact that the steady and consciensious Huet makes the ideal tutor for "goalie of the future" Price negates any thought that Halak can last as a Hab beyond this season barring major injuries or catastrophies.

That Halak and his agent have given Gainey the ultimate of ultimatums - "trade me or I expire to Russia for big bucks after this season" - means the Habs GM's ears are damp with incoming calls about his minor league goalie.

Now Ryder:

To be blunt once more, if Ryder were in Gainey's long term picture, his deal would not be expiring next July. While he may have been the team's top scorer the last three seasons, Ryder is hardly complete enough a top line player for the team to aspire to a Stanley Cup with him as a number one sniper. Gainey agreed to sign him to a very tradable contract for scenario's such as this.

I ask you, does Ryder as a top line go to guy, inspire your 100% confidence in his role, despite all the doubt surrounding his qualifications. To ask yourself the honest question is to put yourself in Gainey's shoes.



Clearly, there has to be someone within the organization that can step up and improve upon Ryder's totals. Be it Kovalev, Kostitsyn, or even Latendresse, who played his soundest hockey there, surely some other Habs can bring an added dimension to what Ryder often makes a stagnant line.

Imagine what Eric Cole could accomplish on this line.

Ryder does bring one wicked release in the slot area, but little else to the team, and Gainey is smart enough to understand that this is where the Canadiens can upgrade most.

(Robert L Note: My thoughts on why Ryder has been a figured out player by opposing teams, as posted at HIO and Boone in recent days, can be read at the bottom of this post.)

The question is, for now and the coming weeks, what can Gainey bring to the Canadiens in return for a slumping top line winger, who is headed for free agency?

Burning question number two would be, what would a goalie of good NHL repute, albeit a current minor league sensation, bring the Habs in return trade value.

Taken individually - neither prospective trading could provide the Canadiens with gains that would make the most ardent fan salivate. It just doesn't make any sense - yet.

Packaged together, it gets more interesting.



Rumours, gossip, and innuendo have been swirling that ratpacks of scouts from teams all over the NHL have been following the Canadiens games closer than maggots on raw meat. In fact, it has been reported more than once that several teams scouts have been in attendance in multiple numbers during the last half dozen Habs games, both on the road and at home.

Something is brewing, and it is not a new 9.0 % alcohol content beer from the Molson Corp.

In truth, Gainey may not have brought any of this on himself. It may just be other teams speculating while looking to fill out needs. Gainey, a reknowned patient man, may have nothing more up his sleeve than a hairy arm.

GM Gainey's needs are quite simple when it comes to the current Habs - offer him something that resembles an upgrade to the lineup, and he's all ears.

The trouble with trading in today's NHL, as you may have noticed by the absense of deals, is that team's not already capped out, have set their own caps. Little more than dollar for dollar trades are now made.

Another facet of the dilema is that teams rarely trade defensemen. It is one area of every team's depth chart that no GM in this reality ventures with. With third and fourth line checkers always being the most accessable of commodities, that leaves goal scorers and goalies high on GM's shopping lists.

Gainey may be offering up both, and in a cheap enough salary package to boot!

Sift through NHL salaries to find a 30 goal scorer under 3 million dollars a year and I wager you will find few players under 30 years of age that have the upside that Ryder has to make teams curious.

Want a backup goalie, at an AHL wage, who could play his way into a starter's role quickly for under a million? Call Bob!

If you combine the two assets, you may understand why Gainey is in the auctioneer's (read driver's seat) position - all ears until the highest bid is dropped. Teams need either goal scoring or puckstopping, and Gainey's card hand is full.

Gainey will not be the gambler for now - he will await the biggest gambler for the time being. He can afford to - his team has been winning.



Stakes will rise as he waits and you can be certain that teams have put in "initial" offers. Gainey will be as patient as he needs to be, without risking too long of a wait.

The hard part for Gainey may involve more than just tight cap dollars. Putting some of his most recent moves in the last two seasons under scrutiny, it becomes clear that few teams have come out on the winning end when dealing with him.

Jose Theodore's trade was an unbelievable and astute salary dump on an unsuspecting partner. Flipping Mathieu Garon for Radek Bonk and Cristobal Huet speaks for itself still. Sergei Samsonov's bottoming out in Montreal last season has proven to be no aberation, much to the dismay of the Blackhawks, who have made him a regular scratch. Defenseman Craig Rivet is a team worst minus 5 with the San Jose Sharks, who have yet the reap one single goal from their blueline ( Habs rearguards have 9 goals).

In addition to players traded away, none of the players that Gainey has let go hold much esteem. Bonk, Johnson, Aebischer, and even Sheldon Souray have done little for their team's fortunes so far this season.

Unfortunately, of late, Ryder's play has not exactly made him an attractive commodity. On the flipside, the Canadiens must keep him on the top line, as long as the team keeps winning, in order for Ryder to showcase himself both as trade bait and an upcoming UFA. The troubling thing is that Ryder seems to be sensing all of this external pressure, and it has shown in his play.

Halak is in Hamilton, and his showcasing took place late last season. How he is faring currently, almost becomes secondary in his evaluation by other teams. Having backed Gainey to the wall with his trade demands doesn't make moving him any quicker or easier.

Taken together, sending both players to one destination would give a greater return. Gainey has smartly accumulated great depth in the organization in order to make these types of two for one deals that will bring in a superior talent to what is being sent away.

It is not likely that a trade is looming for the time being. Teams are still are in the playoff mix a dozen games in. As soon as teams begin parachuting in the standings, or in attendance figures, watch for Gainey to be poised to make a move that will better the team's position and standing.

With only 31.8 million dollars committed to next season's cap, and only Ryder, Huet, Brisebois, Smolinski, and Streit hitting the UFA ranks, Gainey has put himself in a position of strength, and can take on one hefty contract should the team find the right player.
Thing are just starting to get interesting!

My Ryder analysis:

It's sad to admit it, because I rather like the guy, but Michael Ryder has been figured out by the opposition. His slump goes back much father than the hat trick in last seasons finale.While his shots on goal are down, his attempts aren't. His shots get blocked by defenseman knowing his ruse.

Ryder's limitations have become obvious to his opponants and his game has been figured out. Watch how he almost never removes his hands from his stick. He rarely ever has only one hand on it, whether deking, checking or simply skating. He doesn't remove one hand when trying to beat someone with the puck, nor does he attempt it when checking an opponant. It is much easier to reach farther with one hand than it is with two. I don't get why Ryder is this way.

He has made a concentrated effort so far this season to be sounder defensively but he has also made the opposition's job in his regard much easier. By playing so stiffly, he is limiting his own options and moves. He rarely ever takes the puck to his backhand or uses a straightarm to go around a player wide with the puck further away, one handed and out of poking range.

It's always a stiff deke and a shot. When a player bares down on him, his stick is always to the same side. Since he never opens his stance, or uses his stick to make himself wider or larger, he's beaten rather easily. He's extremely easy to check when the puck is on his backhand - it's right there for the swatting.

By trying to challenge opponants with both hands squeezing the stick, he has made himself into an easier player to counter. Add in that he only an adequate skater, and the job of shutting his down gets a whole lot simpler. He will still get the odd shot off now and then and score one, but considering the amount of exposure a leading goal scorer gets in Montreal, I found that he is a player than has simply been figured out.

Just for fun, count how many times during the next game that you see Ryder with one hand on his stick. Trust me, you won't need a calculator. The last time I saw it, was because Ryder had broken his stick.

Fingering Carbonneau

Midway through the 2006-07 season, Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau was the happy recipient of accolades that described his coaching career as being very much right on track. The Habs powerplay was top ranked, the penalty killing unit was not far behind, and the Canadiens had eyes on the first place Sabres.

Wondrously, everything Carbonneau touched seemingly turned to gold!

Shortly thereafter, stones thrown into the Habs playoff path got larger, and before long, the wheelbarrow containing the teams post season aspirations were teeterring left and right and headed straight into the quarry.

Carbonneau's rookie shortcomings were soon exposed, it was said. Certain mistakes were made, and questions arising from unknown sources began to point in the coaches general direction.
By the seasons end, what was once a small flesh scrape became a giant festering wound - if one is to believe rumours and generally ill informed sources.

In many factions, to my observation, the misinformed truth is starting to be talked about as if it is fact - in the case of what exactly rotted Carbonneau's season. There has been supposed media leakage of dressing room innuendo, that combined with poor play by the team, has combined to shake the fans faith in Carbonneau.

The honeymoon ended in Detroit last January, near about the time Carbonneau sought the sitting out of long time veteran Craig Rivet as a means to shake the team complacency and send a message to inner clicks. Rivet, a long rumoured whisperer to the Habs english press, did not take kindly to the Carbonneau stand, and the ripples were felt conversely throughout the hierarchy of the team.













Carbonneau's move had merit. After many a back pat of encouragement and rigid defenses of his players failed to properly motivate the troops, he choose the hardline - a method that often works to desired effect. It took belief, balls, and conviction, but it backfied on the coach, who perhaps miscalculated the depth of the teams woes.

What Carbonneau saw, was a team that was failing to put in the necessary effort, and he responded with what he felt was the proper cure.

In the end, a coach can only coach the team he has, and not the team he wishes he had. This applies to facts of talent and experience, as well as injuries and dedication.

Among the many tasks Carbonneau has to perform, he must motivate, instruct, inform, pamper, and prod players into being able to fit into all game situations. Beyond all that, Carbonneau asks each individual to work hard. And then harder.





















Carbonneau's resume of hockey knowledge and resources, according to teammates and other witnesses over the years, has never been in short supply. His assets have been said to include communication and understanding, along with having been the type of player who once fit snuggly and adeptly into any of his former coaches game plans.

Carbonneau's reputation based on former teammmates comments testified to his game smarts, his attention to detail, his patience and savvy in instructing younger players.

In short, he had all the tools.

His most ardent student, in his days in Dallas, had been teammate Brendan Morrow, who among others, attested that he learned much of his game from Carbonneau's teaching. (Take that Morrow has since married Carbo's daughter with a grain of salt in his compliments.) Morrow's game grew with each passing season, and resulted in him being named the Stars captain last year.


















Often it said that a team is only as good as it's system, but that notion is a bit of a fallacy in that all coaches reaching the NHL level have methods and practices in place that have gotten them there. Coaches are more knowledgable than they have ever been, and what separates one from the other often boils down to nuances, these days, rather than grand philosophies.

Today, a team is only as good as their willingness to work hard, listen and learn. A chain with weak links, eventually becomes about as strong as a shoestring.

People criticize Carbonneau 's system without being able to answer exactly what that system involvest. It is quite more detailed than a matter of preference of how players are deployed.

It's more than simply a trap - all teams employ the trap at given times. It is not a 1-2-2 setup, nor a 2-1-2 spread. All teams throw both system onto the ice, when games and line matches call for it. It is neither the choice between a puck possession or puck pursuit strategy. Think about it - pursuit leads to possession! Coaches league wide adjust with these facets in games based on score, opponant, and stage in the game.

Teams don't sit back, necessarily, by purpose or coaching instruction. It's another misread popular notion, based on a lack of perceived intensity. Setting up four players in mid ice is designed to slow a team down. It's done because it works.

The command in games in which a team holds a lead is to aggressively gain the puck and dump it deep in order push a team in their end and hold them there by pursuit. When teams are seen sitting back, it is usually a hesitant reaction by a group lacking confidence. It's only logical that a coach would prefer to see his own team deep in the opponants end, holding the play there confidently, in the dying moments of a game.

A coaching system is often made up up several types of coverages, both offensively and defensively, that are related to the players put on the ice for both teams. The set ups alter constantly during the course of a game. Teams have certain modes that are employed as a rule, other situations call for exeptions to the rules that require instantaneous adjustments by sharp eyed coaches.

The notion of a system in which each player robotically sticks to one set one rules is a frivolous one. It plainly doesn't exist. In the ebb and flow of a game, one based on speed, situations can alter with a player leaping over the boards.

A coaches job not only involves preparing his team to adjust to the given tendencies of that nights opponant, vis a vis line matching, but also to recognize that the opponant also has several tricks up their sleeves.

The coverages that teams deploy vary from line to line, and zone by zone. The offensive and defensive plays are also designed to suit the players at hand, tempered against those on the opposite team. Breakouts for different defenseman pairings are altered. They are also geared towards taking advantages of the weakness of the opposing team.

Setting up in the offensive zone varies positionally for different players. Certain line combinations have better puck cycling skills than others. Some lines put an accent on puck pursuit by utilizing their speed. A slower footed line, call them grinders if you wish, may rely more on the physical aspects, and seek to gain their edge in pinning their opponants to the boards while double teaming. The options are seemingly endless for how combinations of players of differening skill levels can be used.
























What doesn't change as much, in whole of the big picture, are players and their tendancies, their limitations, and experience levels. And this all comes back to a coach, coaching the team he has.

Beyond this big picture, it is the job of the coaching staff to improve these players. It is also the duty of the players as well, to work at learning a complete game involving all the scenarios of play mentioned above.

In Guy Carbonneau's case, he knows all this and more. A two decade veteran of the game, and three time Stanley Cup and Selke Trophy winner does not lose all of his knowledge and intuition with the passing of a bad half season.

Doubters in him are simply misguided, or perhaps vastly unknowledgable. Dislike him if you choose, but question yourself before questioning the coach. That old motto always served me well. In players terms, that is called looking in the mirror.

For myself, I have never been too smooth on that smartaleck grin Carbonneau wears on his face in the event of a cheap call by officials. Seeing it become a permanent fixture across his face predictably lead to trouble and disrespect from officials, and by no coincidence, indiscipline from his players. The younger and more easily influenced players treat such a coaches rebuttal as an out, an excuse for what comes both before and after such calls. It's a negative trait of Carbonneau's that he should seek to rectify.

There were of course other faults by the rookie coach. Without adding myself to the redundant rhetoric, I found a common trait in many of his wrongs.

Carbonneau as a coach, is a work in transition. He is by grooming, an old school hardliner who is attempting find his place coaching players who are rarely as schooled in the same methods and demeanor. His faults, if one call term them so, mostly begin here.


















Patience was not Carbonneau's virtue this past season - he had way too much of it to the liking of some, yet not enough in the eyes of others. While holding firm to many notions, teams adjusted to the Canadiens game.

Much of the fuss about the coach emanated from a pair of rumblings by Alex Kovalev in Russian papers during, and at the close, of the disappointing season. The root of the Carbonneau questioning began here, and concerns about his communication shortages were brought forth.

Oddly, in the season's first half, Carbonneau's communication traits were an oft mentioned key to the teams success.

On the flipside of the equation, the are a bevy young hardworking players who bested their best seasons in the midst of all the turmoil. Carbonneau is unfairly never credited as having a helping in hand in their developement and progression. By no small coincidence, the players who had worked the hardest, did the best. That seems to testify that Carbonneau completed a good potion of his coaching mandate.

Yet, from chatrooms to talkshows, the chatter has failed to move beyond Kovalev's accusations. Considering the notorious hard worker and supreme team leader Kovalev is, I'd tend to question anyone who puts faith in his comments rather than question the coach.

If one chooses to form their opinions based on the pure speculation from supposed misquotes from an unhappy player, that's their blindfold!

I'm with the coach!

Master Bob's Masterplan

The Montreal Canadiens wheeling and dealings of the past week leave little doubt that Canadiens GM Bob Gainey and staff are hard at work preparing for next season. With Andrei Markov tagged for four more years, an offer tended to Sheldon Souray, an overseas late bloomer gobbled up as a free agent, and a trade for a prospect ready for the AHL, it has been a whirlwind 7 days for Gainey and company.

The latest two moves are curious ones involving players previously unknown to Canadiens fans. Gainey will have an abundance of files on his desk this summer, as the organization continues to build in both the smartest and cheaper of ways - from within.


















Ryan Russell and Janne Lahti

Janne Lahti, who signed for 1 year, is a Finnish winger of decent size, who notched 20 goals in the Elite league this season. He is said to have good defensive credentials as well as a wicked shot. He became noticable upon scoring a bunch of goals in the recent World Tournament. Lahti was also being pursued by the Washington Capitals. His addition will add depth to an already stacked organization that is worthy of envy when it comes to prospects. The Lahti contract is most likely a one way deal, and can benefit the Habs or the Bulldogs. Still it is unliky the Canadiens lured him overseas with an AHL destination in mind.

Ryan Russell is a Kootenay Ice teammate of Ben Maxwell, a Canadiens draft choice in 2006. Russell had been drafted in the 7th round of 2005 by the Rangers and had not signed with New York. As he would have re-entered the draft as an unsigned player, the Canadiens scooped him up in exchange for a pick (their 7th in 2007) they likely would have used to select him in the event he was still available. The fact that Montreal took no chance and traded for him, signifies that they see something of worth in him that suggests possibly another team was onto him also. It's a smart move by the organization to sign a known quantity rather than draft and gamble on the unknown. The Habs brass showed their savvy on this move by getting a player who can essentially fit right in to the organization somewhere, right away.


What both these moves are showing fans, is that the Gainey - Timmins - Gauthier front office greatly understand the reasoning behind maintaining a stockpile of talent at every level in the organization. Not only are they busy propping up the Canadiens for next season, they have a keen eye on the Hamilton Bulldogs as well. As everyone knows, the Bulldogs begin the Calder Cup final this evening (they threw Hershey a knockout punch, didn't they?), and the best thing for the Habs would be to assure they are perenial contenders. Solidifying a competitive farm team in the end can only help maintain a steady flow of well developed prospects to the big club.

Since the announcement of the new CBA in 2005, there are new and important realities that NHL GM's have to deal with in regards to contracts. Youth will play a large role in all teams ability to compete and the better NHL teams will be stocked with young and cheaper talent.

It is primordial that a team has at least half of its starting lineup's younger players in a under 25 or 26 age group. With free agency coming as early as age 25 soon, there will be great turnover of this group annually, and the recent moves made by Gainey and company address and solidify this need head on.

The defection of Alexander Perezhogin also raises another spectre in dealing with the lower end contracts. There is now much competiton from overseas, as European and Russian league teams are in similar dollar markets for players that are on a team's lower end of the pay scale.

The basic truth is that NHL teams will hardly try to compete with this situation, they will simply find other players. Imagine for a second the ruckus caused by the Canadiens had they matched Perezoghin's offer and one quickly understands why the Canadiens didn't flinch.

Carey Price






















The lower end deals, especially the multi-year ones, are giving the Canadiens organization additional flexability in light of having to negotiate longer termed UFA deals. What can greatly eat up cap space for a team are injuries and this is one of the ways a team plans for it.

Last season, the Canadiens were essentially capped out in mid season, having to return Maxim Lapierre to Hamilton in order to manage a few bucks they might need come the year end trade deadline. It is also the reason behind the trading of Craig Rivet. The money saved could have helped pay for a rent-a-player should Gainey and staff felt the need to aquire one at that point. It also allowed the team a longer look at Lapierre and Andrei Kostitsyn.

Having a solid foundation in Hamilton, both economically and talent wise, helps the Canadiens remain competitive both on the ice and in the boardroom.

As the Canadiens will surely be subtracting some players and their salaries from last seasons club, so will the Bulldogs. Certain Hamilton players will graduate to the NHL, some will be cast aside, and some will be offered new deals. Gainey will attempt to resign RFA's and will let others walk away. Whether certain prospects are still deemed NHL bound will come into play. The Canadiens will likely attempt to keep certain players uniquely for their usefulness to the Bulldogs.

Maxim Lapierre




















Three players of character whose contracts are expiring that Gainey will attempt to keep in the fold are Yann Danis, Corey Locke, and Duncan Milroy.The reasoning behind holding onto all three players vary, but cover the span of scenarios applicable to the reasoning behind holding onto such character players. It is an example of what Gainey and the organization are doing extremely well.

In Danis' case, it would be smart to keep him because an organization can never have enough quality goaltenders. Danis has performed up to expectations in Hamilton, but has been outdistanced by a pair of thouroughbred goalie prospects in Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price. Danis will likely wish to move on, considering the logjam in goal ahead of him.

Kyle Chipchura




















Evidently, Carey Price will one day soon become the number goalie in Montreal, barring a disaster of course. In that viewpoint, both Halak and Cristobal Huet have number one goalie status written all over them, and it wouldn't be surprising to see either one of them moved in this upcoming season. Considering that a team trades from its greatest strength, and that David Aebischer is (thankfully) no longer in the picture, a more defined role for Danis awaits.

If the Bulldogs are to benefit from Danis' experience for another season, every player on that squad wins with such a decision. So does Danis, as he gets to showcase himself in a situation of strength and gains bargaining power should he eventually wish to leave the organization. It makes sense for him to stay, as it makes sense for Gainey to keep him.

Mikhail Grabovski




















As for Milroy and Locke, both players have consistantly gotten better with each year, as is evident this playoff season. Each have an outside chance of making the Canadiens next fall, depending on their performances in camp, and who returns to the Habs as far as UFA's go. Milroy had his first taste of NHL experience this season and did not look out of place. Locke has been rejuvenated as a winger in these playoffs, and his skill levels have never been in doubt. The Canadiens will not let him go without offering him what amounts to a one way contract, regardless of where he ends up playing next season. Again, should both be Hamilton bound, it continues to keep the Bulldogs an experienced veteran club.

Matt D'Agnostini




















Keeping Hamilton solid is all part of the Gainey plan. Players graduating from junior who will make up part of the Bulldogs lineup next season, can only benefit from rubbing shoulders with players who have had experience and success at that level.

It makes perfect sense to continue to surround the younger players in the organization with the best possible support in order to fast track them to the NHL. Considering the importance of low level salaries on an NHL team, spending the dollars at the AHL level where this is no cap, is one way to circumvent one monetary issue.

By all evidence, championship teams are built from the net out. Gainey was surely grinning his biggest grin in months, knowing this, while watching Carey Price stone the defending Calder Cup champs with a 46 save shutout performance last night.

The fruition of the Canadiens hard work in building from within was clearly on display in Hershey last night. Breeding and grooming the multitude of Habs prospects to play in a team mode in front of solid goaltending clearly has its benefits. Seeing the organizations youngest faces learn this fact night in and night out in Hamilton suggests that the organization is on the right track to another championship.

The Canadiens masterplan involves several points toward this goal, and they are acheiving it in smart steps.

Ryan O'Byrne














Start with a stockpile of talent based on character driven players. Keep an abundance of them, at low level prices, both in the NHL and AHL. Bolster the younger American League talent with winning and experienced teammates to fast track their ascendance to the NHL. Groom the players in the same system the NHL club plays in order to simplify transition. Reload annually, with an eye keenly focused on all these simpler goals, and eventually winning begins to take care of itself.

There are many who wish Bob Gainey would break form and try every possible free agent and trade avenue to win a Stanley Cup all in one year. If you are one of those who believe such impatience works, you haven't studied the Toronto Maple Leafs of the last ten seasons.

Toronto has gone for broke quite often, believing they were perhaps one player away from a Stanley Cup. They never were.

They pillaged their talent ranks of depth annually believing this myth, while trading for that one player. This season, their farm team finished dead last in their division. The Maple Leafs continuously stumble without a plan that involves vision.

I'd rather not be witness to a Canadiens GM building a team resembling the 2007 Maple Leafs or Marlies.

Gainey, well atuned to the realities of today's NHL, is using the same blueprint that found success with the 1976 Canadiens.

It will doubtfully deliver a dynasty, but a Stanley Cup is in the masterplan.

Offer In Souray's Hands, Will He Bluff?

It has recently been made known that Canadiens GM has quickly extended Habs free agent defenseman Sheldon Souray a contract offer. Gainey is acting lightening fast on this Souray portfolio, only days after inking fellow D-man Markov, as he surely understands that time in this case, is of the essense.

Why the hurry, you may wonder?

My theory is that it is because Souray, whether he intends so or not, has the ability to hold the Habs hostage with his decision. Gainey in all common sense, does not want to arrive at July 1 still doubting his PP specialists intentions. This offer has been tendered to establish fact, sooner than later.

The connundrum is that a Souray holdup, (not intended as a pointed gun - pun! ) could deviate Gainey's foray into other free agent territory come July.

I have a fear of this portfolio dangling a little too long based on comments from Souray's agent Paul Theofalous. When he suggests that the offer will be pondered, sat upon, rethought ad nauseum, I take it as they want to have a strong card to play in this deal. Gainey, a straightshooter, but a sly gamer, won't appreciate extended bluffing.

He'll want to know as soon as possible from the Souray camp, exactly where it is that the bear takes a dump!

























Though we will likely not be priveledge to daily updates, I expect offers to go back and forth until Souray either signs or demands a deal that says he'll by sitting by the phone on July 1.

I would also expect that Gainey will try as he might to avoid the same 4 year term handed to Markov. I'm sure he won't want to dance this waltz again come four years time. Sealing up two big contracts at once tends to play against each singular deal.

Considering that dollars turned away by Souray could translate into another future players riches also makes Gainey anxious for the time of day.

The trouble on the horizon is that Souray and agent won't truly know their worth until the fateful day comes. Speculation on an offer can swing like a pendulum when a player is far from an assured value.

Some schmuck to take Souray's place?























I make mention of that in regard to Souray's liabilties on defense. Truth is, Souray ain't every GM's cup of tea, as the Kings Dean Lombardi has stated in his own case. The Kings likely lost interest in Souray, all the way back when they fleeced Carolina of prospect Jack Johnson.

That snub could translate into an extra card in Gainey's hand, should he play it right. That the Habs would be making an offer, knowing full well what Souray's deficiencies are, is a committment the big defenseman is unlikely to find elsewhere. Gainey should be almost bombastic in getting this across!

How I see some of this card game playing out has much to do with Gainey establishing some sort of cutoff date, a take it or leave it offer, possibly one week prior to serious business day. The closing window may get the Souray camp plausing the known more than the unknown, with Lombardi-like comments ringing in their ears.

The primordial reason for using haste over waste in this off season is that this is not one of the more overflowing free agent pools worth dipping into in recent memory. If the Canadiens are considering adding a defenseman to their ranks via this market, slim pickings at fools prices are what awaits them.



















Secondary to Gainey's haste is the fact that RFA's such as Higgins, Ryder, Plekanec, and Komisarek are up for better than pay scale increases that will undoubtably cut into money targetted for a potential free agent. Count on one giving Gainey a hard time.

Working in the Canadiens favor, is the fear factor that Markov brought up as one of his reasons for staying put. With so much transition in Souray's personal life, call it instability if you will, he may be tempted to side with the intangibles he knows await him in returning to Montreal.

A city he is adored, understood, and appreciated in, is something no other organization can offer him.

The feelings have always seemed mutual, and Souray has never shied from letting it be known. He has always stood up for pride and team, and it would seem unlike of him to bolt if Gainey's offer is a good an honest one.

























Much of the speculation will have to do with where Souray sees himself heading to, should July 1 not bring any resolve. Other than the much bantered about preferential West coast destinations that I do not believe will unfold, what I fear most is Souray being lured to a team of great promise, such as a perenial contender like Detroit, or a soon to be knocking at Stanley's door team, such as the Penguins.

I recall two different defenseman who left Montreal under opposite circumstances, but with similar characters. More recently, there is Craig Rivet, humbled and traded away, and back a few years, and Stephane Quintal, offered moon, beach, and sundeck by the New York Rangers upon free agency.

While Rivet spit an untasty venom upon his leaving, Quintal shouted from Manhattan rooftops that there was nowhere like Montreal to play. His misguided loyalty earned him a dubious Blackhawks jersey faster than you can say "Thank-you!"

All three of these rugged rearguards were team - first guys while Habs, and surely Souray remembers how Quintal felt as he was spurned by not receiving an offer from the Canadiens until after the deadline. Souray won't have to feel that sense of detachment, offer in hand.

It makes me wonder if Souray ever thinks about Quintal and greener dollars not being greener grass.

Here's hoping he has!

I remember Souray not doing all too well in some Poker tournament awhile back. Perhaps his bluffing is not up to snuff.

For some personal insight into Souray's home life and a little background info, try these links.

Habs Hopes Derailed By Many Factors

Call this a pre-post mortum.

In the midst of a playoff stretch drive that has the Canadiens buggered by more issues than a Courtney Love counselling session, here are some of the complications that derailed what looked to be a fine season up until December 23rd, 2006.





These facts are offered, not simply as excuses, but as roadbumps with consequences along the way.

I still believe that the Habs players form the nucleus of a team capable of acheiving a higher position in the standings, and more able than the currant edition we now haplessly witness in freefalling mode.

The Habs should've been a playoff this year, but all this happened to screw things up.

10 - Cristobal Huet's injury combined with the total ineptitude of David Aebischer as an NHL goaltender of any worth

9 - Two different flu bugs at crucial times, in late December and March

8 - Bob Gainey's loss

7 - Alex Kovalev's nonchalance / elbow injury / falsely interpreted Russian media reports (Yeah! Riiight!)

6 - The impending free agency of key team proponants and its distraction to team goals

5 - Chris Higgins injury just as he was emerging as a team leader

4 - Spotlight on Guillaume Latendresse's Miss Quebec girlfriend

3 - Carbonneau sitting out a popular veteran in Craig Rivet

2 - Saku Koivu's inexplicable slumping

1 - Sergei Samsonov's signing bust that delapitated teams second line and 2 trade demand distractions

Add in two injuries to Steve Begin, the overall uselessness of Janne Niinimaa, Maxim Lapierre being sent down to the minors as he was hot, and Radek Bonk's untimely injuries and you have the disaster with unfair scrutiny we are about to witness as the Canadiens miss the playoffs in 2007.

Habs Send Rivet To Sharks For Josh Gorges And First Rounder In 2007

Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced today the acquisition of defenseman Josh Gorges and the San Jose Sharks first round pick in 2007, in return for defenseman Craig Rivet and a 5th round pick in 2008.

Gorges, 22, is currently playing in his second season in the National Hockey League. This season with the Sharks, he played in 47 games, registered four points (1 goal, 3 assists) and 26 penalty minutes. He averages 17:47 minutes of ice time per game. In 96 career regular season games, the 6’1’’, 195-pound defenseman registered 10 points (1 goal, 9 assists) and 57 penalty minutes.

In his rookie season in 2005-06, he played in all 11 playoff games with the Sharks and collected one assist.Gorges, a native of Kelowna, British Columbia, joined the Sharks as a free agent on September 20, 2002. In his first season as a professional with Cleveland in the AHL in 2004-05, he was named the Barons’ Rookie of the Year.









Gorges played his junior hockey in Kelowna in the WHL, from 2000 to 2004. He totaled 152 career points in 245 regular season games with the Rocket (33 goals, 119 assists). As team captain, he led Kelowna to the Memorial Cup Championship in 2004, receiving the George Parsons Trophy (Tournament Most Sportsmanlike Player). He helped Team Canada capture the silver medal at the 2004 World Junior Championship. He was also named to WHL All-Star Teams twice (2004 and 2003).

Rivet is currently playing in his 12th season in the NHL. He was the active player with the most games played in the Canadiens uniform with 692, including 653 regular season games (27th rank in team history). In regular season, the North Bay native registered 151 points (39 goals, 112 assists) and 795 penalty minutes (16th rank in team history).

Josh Gorges was born August 14, 1984 in Kelowna, British Columbia. A free-agent signing of the San Jose Sharks in the summer of 2002, Gorges is a graduate of the WHL's Kelowna Rockets.

A steady defenseman who can contribute offensively, Gorges spent four seasons in Kelowna, helping the club capture the 2004 Memorial Cup. In his four seasons with the club, Gorges registered 152 points (33-119-152) before going on to make his professional debut with the AHL's Cleveland Barons in the fall of 2004. In his final two seasons with Kelowna, Gorges playoff totals are 36-5-30-35.

A member of Canada's silver medal winning World Junior team in 2004, Gorges went on to make his NHL debut with San Jose during the 2005-06 season while seeing limited action with the clubs AHL affiliate.

Eric Duhatschek in The Globe and Mail writes that "faced with the prospect of losing him anyway as an unrestricted free agent, the Montreal Canadiens traded defenceman Craig Rivet to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenceman Josh Gorges and a 2007 first-round draft choice. The Canadiens also surrender a fifth-rounder in 2008 in the deal."

I see this move as GM Bob Gainey making the statement that he will focus on resigning Sheldon Souray and Andrei Markov come July 1, 2007. The Habs GM essentially took care of the least of his priorities and freed up a couple of million in the process. Rivet has long been rumoured to be part of a divisive dressing room clique and his benching for a game back in january clearly spelled the beginning of the end for the longest tenured Canadien.

GM's Gainey and Doug Wilson analyse the transaction.