Lindros A Canadien? Non, Sacré Bleu!

I think some journalists get silly kicks by launching mindless rumours just to see how far they'll fly! The past week has featured a batch of silly hockey related stories, each one getting dumber than the preceding one.

But this one is the epitome of stupid.

The following comment was posted by Spector at his Fox Sports blog: "Speculation has Lindros considering training camp invites from several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, although he's also believed to be mulling retirement."

Now everyone including myself likes Spector, a fairly level headed rumour mongerer and buster. He often brings perspective to rumours, dispelling them from the get go. I tend to doubt that this one is of his launching, but hey, it's printed under his name.

In fairness, I'll spare Mr. Richardson of my opinion of rumour spitters on this one and concentrate on the heart of the matter - the nonsensicalness of Lindros in the bleu, blanc, rouge.



Lindros in Montreal is ridiculous notion for a multitude of reasons having to do with performance, perception and personality.

First off, as a player, Lindros is a spent entity with nothing to offer even the worst of desperate teams. He is finished, finito, kaput, and crapped. Last season, after the Leafs sensibly walked away from a cheapie deal with him, he literally went on a tour to shop himself to potential suitors. Why a sound organization like Dallas took a flyer on him still puzzles me.

The battered one time "next one" is a constant concussion waiting to happen. He plays with eggs in his pockets and comes out of corners with them unbroken. He scored a total of 5 goals for the Stars in a season spent jumping on and off the injured list. He may have actually hurt himself jumping off the injured list!

Some may say the Habs needs a big offensive center. Well Lindros is big, but he has left his offense somewhere in 1997. He is more known now to be a big something else. More on that in a bit.

Cross out performance. Grade it nil.



The perception of Lindros is a trickier one. The skeleton of the 1991 entry draft has followed him throughout his whole career, more often than not in unfair fashion. He has in fact, through miserably bad advice, created for himself a sullen and maligned persona he has never been able to shake. He has the world's most idiotic hockey parents to blame for his bad public perception.

Considering how the entire Lindros / Nordiques fiasco evolved and tainted him 16 years ago, it is imperceivable even at this late stage that the province of Quebec forgives him. It will be the opinion of many that being willing to play in Montreal in 2007 does not absolve him of his crimes of yore.

(Just for the record, I never blamed Lindros for turning his nose up at the greasy Nordiques and their unscrupulous owner Marcel Aubut. I've never seen a team conspire so blatanly to finish in last place in order to draft first three years running. I've also never witnessed a team negotiate with a player in such bad faith. The Lindros clan, weasels one and all as well, were onto the Nordiques motives from the outset. The Nords did all they could to slander the player and family once it was seen that they wouldn't play nice. The coup de grace was hurling out the despised language card to paint them racially and make them hated. There were no headlines when Lindros unequivocally stated that he would play for the Habs in a second. It's doubtful anyone recalls the words, the story was burried so well amidst hated words. Lindros was not the lone villain in entire escapade - to say the least. I feel on the verge of an entirely different post here - suffice to say that Lindros is hardly the devil he has been made out to be.)

Cross out perception and use 3 lines!



These headaches!

Personality is a trait that Lindros wears best in the eyes of many. Lindros, according to those who know him closest, is actually a very intelligent man, who seems to be on perimeter of a good second career in the NHLPA.

But on the other hand, and in my opinion, how he has reacted to his own situations over the course of his career color him dumb as a bag of hammers. Playing with concussions and then blaming doctors wasn't a bright move. Pointing out team officials while a captain in Philly was ill advised. Demanding a trade to ony one potential suitor and losing a years salary in a no win battle was as dumb as dumb gets. Stating that he "considering" retirement when 30 disinterested teams yawn is beyond vain.

In the knocked up cranium that conceals the Lindros brain, one could suggest that the wheel may still be spinning, but the hamster is dead!

Lastly, the Canadiens angle on it, even if it made a notion of sense, still doesn't add up.

The rumour is simply fodder and I'm surprised it hasn't first appeared in La Presse. It may well make it there eventually, who knows. I no longer have any usefullness for La Presse since my dog died.



Damn these headaches!

I can't buy into the Habs even thinking of inviting him. Bob Gainey has smartly and cautiously prevented himself from remotely dipping his little toe into the Yashin or Bertuzzi waters, so why would he be tempted with a player twice as wasted.

A GM cannot, on one hand, brag of the bountiful youth the organization has stockpiled, while retreading the tires with has beens like Brisebois and Lindros.

Gainey would be setting himself up for doubters and he knows it.

So Habs fan relax, this one's just too "out there" to swallow!

In fact, if Lindros signs with the Habs, I'll dance with his jock-strap clamped to my head in front of 1260 De la Gauchetière Ouest at noon wearing a Maple Leafs Tutu!

Guillaume Latendresse Could Be The Next...

One of the least talked about positive aspects, rising from a darkened Habs 2006-07 campaign, was the surprise that became Guillaume Latendresse. The nineteen year old young man, who scored a decent 16 goals in his rookie campaign, was something of a revelation in more ways than meets the eye.

Some of this surprise had to do with his game, which could be held up under a microscope as a case study on the effects of watching a player of great upside develop under pressures and demands.

His play panned out quite well, but what impresses me most about Latendresse has to do with who this young gentleman is, and the person he seems to be molding himself into.

Latendresse was something of a controversial addition to last seasons Canadiens team. Prior to making the big team, his play had suffered dips and drops, and many felt he was not quite ready for the NHL at such a tender age.

Brent Sutter, coach of the national junior team, was hesitant to give Latendresse a larger role at the 2006 WJC because of certain perceived liabilities in his game. Latendresse never huffed, and accepted the criticism while turning it into a learning experience.

Latendresse also had to deal with the ever prominant questions of language and politics meddling into his attempt to make the Canadiens. Being Quebec born and raised in the Habs backyard, it was loudly suggested that he made the team because of a feared public relations backlash alone.

At times it seemed the entirety of the french media and the teams fans were caught up in the hoopla surrounding his potential for making the team. The only one not caught up in it, seemed to be Latendresse himself.

Many naysayers missed the point that the argument largely in Latendresses favor was the undying fact that he'd led the team in pre-season scoring in back to back training camps in 2005 and 2006.

Alas, the young man made the team, which elicited every conceivable response, from whines to cheers, for all possible concerns. Overall, fans and media were generally happy about the decision made by coach Carbonneau and GM Gainey, but many suspected the move had linguistic undertones.

Latendresse had earned himself a fourth line role, starting with an average of eighth minutes playing time per game, while getting accustomed to the rigors of NHL life. Not to mention the spotlight of the ever present Montreal media.

He kicked off his NHL career with all the wallop of a wet kleenex, ringing a bunch of goalposts along the way to a pointless 13 game unstreak. The big winger would play some solid games while countering them with shifts so dismal, he looked like an out of place teenager.

Coach Guy Carbonneau's advice to the winger in tough times, was to continue working hard, learn the teams systems, get involved in the play as much as possible, and most importantly, continue to use his size to his advantage in the along the boards and in the corners.

The coach also advised him to mix in with teammates, relax a little, and enjoy his learning phase.

Teammates testified that the youngster was a hard working individual in practices. While being quiet, and not getting down on himself, he continued asking questions of veterans. Taking Carbonneau's advice, his play steadily improved and soon he was creating more and better chances for himself and his ever changing fourth line linemates.

Things gradually came together and the improving Latendresse looked less labouring on the ice than he did in earlier games.

After a handful of games in which Latendresse seemed to be ringing every other shot off a post or crossbar, it was a credit to his character that he only became more encouraged as time passed. Carbonneau rewarded the player's patience and effort when winger Chris Higgins went down to injury. Latendresse was spotted on the teams top line and responded almost immediately.

He applied the hard earned lessons on the fourth line to the first, and waited for the payoff
The role change ironically coincided with a very public critcism of the Canadiens handling of Latendresse by former Habs goaltender Patrick Roy.

While Roy's ulterior rant had an interest point to make about junior aged players, he likely misread Guillaume's maturity in dealing the situation. Just as it seemed the whole of Quebec was prepared to take Roy to task on his misplaced opinions, it was the player himself who handled Roy the best - and most tidily.

Without a notion of arrogance or misplaced pride, Latendresse spoke disappointedly of Roy's words, while mentioning his own age and all he had to learn. He then, using words carefully chosen, wondered why Roy would make himself look so childish with his snide comments.
Well, nobody saw this left hook coming!

Roy, on the eve of his Hall Of Fame induction, and somewhat humbled knowing how he was K.O.'d, met with Latendresse, explained himself and apologized. When asked about it afterwards, all Latendresse would offer up of the short conversation was that all was well between himself and the legendary goaltender.

Many took note of Latendresse's demeanor during the whole affair. Some suggested that class of this sort is rare amongst 19 year old NHL'ers. They weren't wrong.

The uneeded extra spotlight was then firmly and somewhat unjustfully placed on Latendresse. After a game or two he began looking quite comfortable on the top line, as his solid play staring producing goals and assists at regular intervals.

The success he achieved while on Saku Koivu's line however, did little to alter the boys composure. He surpringly kept a level head, continued his hard work, while learning as much as he could. He understood that upon Higgins return he would be sacrificing his inherited spot on the top line and heading back down to the cracker crumb shifts of the lineup.



What pleased many to hear again, was Latendresse saying that it was best for the team and that his role was secondary in the decision. He would take his experience and apprenticeship and use it to make the Habs fourth line even better. He spoke like a veteran, without a hint of rhetoric.

Surprisingly, once more, he accomplished what he spoke of. In his first five games back at his former role, he continued to put up numbers. A goal here and there, a two assist performance one other night. It didn't go without being noticed.

At one point, Latendresse was tied for sixth on the team in scoring - eighth among league rookies. Supremely good stuff considering his age and the slow start he fought through. Besides his points total, he finished near the top in the hits category among rookies and amongst the league leaders as well.

While watching an RDS pre-game show for a game in Florida near mid-season, I was hit by an observation made by a Quebec actor who was being interviewed in his seat in the stands.

The actor, whose name still escapes me, had at one time been involved in the french hockey miniseries "Lance Et Compte" He now lived amongst a large contingent of displaced Quebecors who call Florida their winter home. He sat with a half dozen friends, all decked out in the Habs red home jerseys - hardly an uncommon sight when the Canadiens are in town.

The actor answered a few questions concerning his acting career before the interviewer gave him a 360 spin to show off his Latendresse signed # 84 jersey.

The interview then shifted to talk of the player, and the actor mentioned that many of the jerseys worn by the assembled Florida Quebecers also were adorned with #84's. During that morning's skate, which they also attended in red, white and blue, they were noticed by the player himself.

After the practice had ended, Latendresse strolled over for some eye contact and nods and ended up shaking some hands. He signed some autographs and jerseys, and spent a good time chatting it up with his fans. It was an appreciated gesture by the sound of it.

The actor spoke of how Latendresse seemed aware of his public and how decent he acted in their midst. He mentioned that the youngster seemed very much aware of how he is perceived by a demanding hockey mad public. Latendresse spoke kindly, while never letting the group feel as though they were being rushed.

With a gleam in his eyes, the actor noted the ease of the player's manner in how he handled the adulation of the group and how he seemed a savvy veteran in this light, rather than a rookie in his first NHL steps.

As Guillaume was surrounded, and smiling, he deflected many of the superlatives cast his way by inquiring more about his fans and their takes on things. He seemed as curiousof them, as they did of their star player.

It struck the actor oddly - the casual friendliness of the exchange was refreshingly simple.
He perceived Latendresse as an individual who doesn't take himself for something any more special than the person on the street. Grounded, thoughtful, and willing to do what is being asked of him, no matter the foolishness of the demands.

The actor suggested that if the player is able to remain who he is, and be himself all the while becoming the player most believe he can be, that he has the potential to deeply impact the Quebec public in way only a few french Canadian players previously have.

Then, dropping a name rich in Canadiens heritage, the actor took me aback somewhat with his comparison.

After considering all the actors points, I had to agree..

With his popularity, his manner, coming stardom, and common decency, he said Latendresse could come to mean something way bigger in importance to his fans.

The name he mentioned?

Jean Beliveau.

Carey Price Will Start Season In Montreal

Remember that no matter where you read this statement next, I am underlining it loudly now, as it is carved in stone in my mind.

For a bundle of logical reasons.

Yes, there are some hockey thinkers that propose not rushing a blue chip prospect such as Price. They subscribe to gently cradling this diamond in the rough in fear of a setback of sorts hampering his progress and having doubt seep into his confidence.

That is smart advice that is usually smack on - in 95% of cases.

Carey Price, if you have not already noticed , is the exception to the rule in a big way.

Consider the player's resume over the last season alone, his rock solid attitude, calm temperment and the fact that he is no longer 18 years old, and it all adds up to a goalie who is NHL ready.

Will he be able to handle the pressure, you worry?

If rising victorious from a multi - round shootout at the WJC in front of an audience of millions hasn't convinced you, perhaps his accomplishments in last season's Calder Cup can.



Pressure is being a fresh out of junior prospect parachuted into the hopes of a middle of the pack AHL squad and being told "lead us!"

The mandate was insane, in some senses.

In Habs history, Price's rise to the top of AHL glory was almost a carbon copy duplicate of Patrick Roy's heroics in Sherbrooke some 22 years prior. The difference is, Roy's was accidental - a tale of goalie's injured, another tending to a pregnant wife. Luck, fortune, and timing paved the way for Roy's brilliance to unfurl.

Price being catapulted into Hamilton's drive was very much deliberate, and he passed his insane test with flying colors.

It was as though the Canadiens organization said, "Take us as far as you can lead us, son, we've faith in you!"

Pressure and expectations aren't what rattles this young man. He is perfectly suited for the Canadiens steam kettle, moreso than any goaltender I can remember not named Dryden or Roy.

Standing in Price's way in Montreal are Jaroslav Halak and starter Cristobal Huet, a tandem with a certain amount of clout and merit in the eyes of many.




In only two seasons, Huet has been a discovery. A throw in from the Radek Bonk deal pre - lockout, he has done the unimaginable in short order. In succession, he chased a Hart Trophy winning goalie out of town, led the league in save percentage, and earned himself a place in last season's All Star Game. No mean feat! Were it not for two injuries, Koivu's eye in 2006, and his own last season, his evaluation, and that of the Canadiens, would be much more illustrious.

Lady luck can be a five letter word starting with B!

Halak has been just as much of wild card paying big dividends. Drafted in the ozone rounds, he leapfrogged all Habs goalie prospects in sight, to earn the callup as Huet's replacement last winter. His play chewed up and spit out David Aebischer in its wake, and he led the Habs to within a win of a playoff berth.

Guy Carbonneau might still have second guessing nightmares about choosing Huet over Halak in the final tilt, but that's a history lesson for another time.

Great as both Halak's and Huet's recent accomplishments are, they are part of the past.

Not to demean what they have done, but the present tense says that Huet is the number one goalie of confidence, with a deal expiring at year's end, and Halak has been a pleasant surprise with an interesting upside.

Nothing more, nothing less.



With Price being tagged the goalie of the future, his present assessment carries with it a great deal of weight. And that assessment have a trickle down of circumstances.

Some training camp watchers have attested to Price being the best Canadiens goalie in the last two training camps. Added to that, the Canadiens deciders know Price has passed every high ordered task handed to him so far.

Returning Price to the AHL would only serve to confirm what is already known about him. Confirming such things only wastes time.

Time is of the essense in determining not only Price's fate, but those of Huet, Halak, and then others.

Huet's impending free agaency offers the Canadiens the option of resigning him, trading him, or both. Examining how he co - habitates with a goalie fighting for his number one job will go a long way in determing his future usefullness, contract offer included.

Canadiens fans have just watched Sheldon Souray skip town with no return value, the Habs brass might shudder to think of fans perceptions should they let Huet slip away with no return.



In Halak's case, the Habs are dealing with a goaltender who has spent a half season at the AHL level, and a stint in the NHL. A just goalie evaluation normally occurs during a stoppers second go round with opposition shooters.

To explain in short, there is no flash in the pan quite like a goalie. Opposition shooters initially foiled due to unfamiliarity with a goalie, tend to smarten up the second time around. Perfect examples of this are Aebischer and Andrew Raycroft. Knowing all about a goaltenders tendencies, is the shooters book. A solid goaltender stymies shooters over a long period of time. A less sound goalie is exposed when shooters adapt to what foiled them at first glance.

This is the Halak connundrum at present. Neither the AHL or NHL shooters have yet to take a second shot at him.

Before you make a case for Halak, I'll make Price's case.

In four rounds of AHL playoffs, four teams, each one better than it's predecessor, had multiple looks at Carey Price without being able to solve him. Through five, six, and seven game series', Price continued to hold the upper hand.

Price has little to prove beyond that at the AHL level. Halak does.



Behind Huet, Halak, and Price are three goaltenders whose values have yet to be tested for endurance. Yann Danis has shown consistency, while being overlapped by exceptional students. His brief NHL stint showed promise, but he like Huet could be free as a bird at the expiry of the next season. For all intents, Cedric Desjardins, Loic Lacasse are well spoken unknown quantities.

What conspires to make all their invidividual scenarios so precarious, is that the Habs have drafted no goalies in 2006 and 2007. With goaltending a depth jealousy at the time, and defense a need, the Canadiens smartly focused on their most glaring future void.

Signing also ran goalie prospect is one time saving option available to the Canadiens in this eventuality, but replacing goalie needs in the case of injuries and free agent defecttions can deplete an organiation very quickly.

Examples of this are rampant. No need to look further than the Los Angeles Kings summoning up Sean Burke from the dead last season to see how quickly an organization can run through stoppers when Lady Luck sours.

Should the 2007-08 season end with the Canadiens depth chart at the goaltending position resembling a combination of Price, Halak, Lacasse, and Desjardins, the Habs have much pre-planning to do.

Having Price spend an AHL season in vain, will have consequences. Primordially, the fate of Huet and Danis lies in the balance of ascertaining the NHL readiness of Carey Price.
Ask yourself, those of you who still believe Price still needs a year of AHL seasoning, if Montreal can afford to wait out the circumstances.

Carey Price's time is now.

And you read it here first.

Loverock Highlights Training Camp Invitees

Finally!

The Canadiens annual golf tournament and the start of the rookie camp tommorow can only mean that the real NHL season is finally upon us। Thank goodness for that - it's been too long of a bummer summer waiting to see what the 2007-08 Habs have to offer.

On Saturday, 27 possible future Habs will begin preparation for their upcoming seasons - wherever it may lead them. As prospects, many will be returned to junior, some will latch on at the AHL or ECHL levels, and a pair of lucky ones will gain a decent shot with the big time club.

Of the 27 names, 19 of them are Canadiens draft picks, 16 of which participated in the Canadiens summertime development camp.

There are 4 goaltenders ( Price, Lacasse, Desjardins, and Loverock), ten defensemen ( Carle, Cepek, Gleed, Kishel, Labrie, O'Byrne, Piche, Subban, Valentenko, and Weber ), six centers ( Aubin, Chipchura, Desharnais, Fortier, Maxwell, and Russell ), three right wingers ( Beauregard, D' Agnostini, and White ) and three left wingers ( Conboy, Kostitsyn, Lahti, and Stewart ).

Only Price, Chipchura, and O'Byrne have experience at the AHL pro level, having been integral pieces of the Hamilton Bulldogs Calder Cup run in the spring of 2007.

Not coincidentally, these three prospects are the odds on favorites to cling with the Canadiens come October.

Absent from the list are familiar names such as Mikhail Grabovski, Corey Locke, J.P. Cote, and Duncan Milroy, all players now considered as professionals who will be attending the Canadiens camp within two weeks time.

Four unfamiliar names are among the 27 rookie camp invitees. They are goaltender Andrew Loverock, defensemen Sebastien Piche and Mathieu Labrie, and center David Desharnais.

Loverock, who was also given an invite to the Habs development camp, is from the OHL's Mississauga Ice Dogs, while the other three hopefuls hail from the QMJHL.

Should his perfermances merit a contract, Loverock will be snapped up quickly as the Canadiens goaltending depth was subtracted two bodies with the departure of David ( I've got the pin - where's the grenade ) Aebischer and the left unsigned Christopher Heino - Linberg, who'd stayed in Europe the last three seasons.

By all accounts, Loverock appears to be one of many undrafted talents that for one reason or another slip between the cracks of the Entry Draft annually.



Browsing the net for the scoop on Loverock ( an NHL worthy name if there ever was one! ), info isn't hard to come by. Choice write ups and stats were common - like this one from the CHL website:

The Canadian Hockey League today announced that Andrew Loverock of the Mississauga IceDogs is the ADT CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending Sunday February 18, after posting a 3-0-0-0 record, along with a 1.33 goals against average, .962 save percentage and one shutout in three games. Loverock made 36 saves in a 4-1 win over the Owen Sound Attack on February 14. Two nights later, he turned aside 22 shots for his first shutout in a 5-0 win over the Brampton Battalion. He finished the week with 44 saves in a 6-3 win over the Ottawa 67's.

The 17-year-old native of Phelpston, Ontario improved his season record to 25-9-0-1 with a 3.41 goals against average and .891 save percentage in 36 appearances. The Victoriaville Tigre's Jean Christophe was the QMJHL nominee, posting a 2-1-0 record with a 2.30 goals against average and .939 save percentage. Carey Price of the Tri-City Americans was the WHL nominee with a three win week, a shutout, a 1.00 goals against average, and .963 save percentage in three games.

A commenter at a Mississauga Ice Dogs fan site, has this to say about the goalie:

Before the playoffs, everyone questioned whether goaltending would be Mississauga’s downfall in the playoffs. It’s just the opposite. Andrew Loverock has been phenomenal. Tuesday night’s game might have been a blowout for the Wolves had it not been for Loverock. And how about the second game in Mississauga Sunday night when he stopped 21 shots in the third period to preserve the 4-3 win?

The Niagara Falls Review featured a story on Loverock's disappointment at not being drafted, and the opportunity that the Habs development camp presented him:

Andrew Loverock is trying to make the best of a disappointing setback in his hockey career.

Despite a solid rookie campaign with the IceDogs, the 18-year-old netminder was passed over in the National Hockey League draft in June. "I was kind of expecting to be drafted," Loverock said Tuesday afternoon at Jack Gatecliff Arena before the team's scheduled two-hour workout. "For the first few days, I was disappointed. "Now I have to work harder to get a contract." IceDogs general manager Dave Brown was surprised Loverock was passed over.

"Did I think he would get drafted? Absolutely," Brown said. "Obviously, there were some things 30 teams didn't like." Through some hard work by his agent, Loverock was able to land a spot at a Montreal Canadiens' development camp in July where he was so impressive he was invited back to training camp.

"I learned a lot there", said Loverock, who was scheduled to leave for Montreal today, "It kind of opened the door. Now I know what it takes and what I have to work on. "I got a lot of feedback, which helped a lot. Loverock, a native of Phelpston, (about five minutes from Wasaga Beach), said he worked on his skating and positioning at the camp. Now he wants to build on that and make another good impression. "(I hope) they sign me to a contract, that what I'm looking at," said Loverock, who compiled a 31-13 record and 3.50 goals-against average for the IceDogs last season.

Niagara head coach Mario Cicchillo would like to see the Canadiens give Loverock a good, long look. "I hope he stays for two weeks to see the routine the other goalies are doing," Cicchillo said. "He'll see for himself what it takes to get to the next level." When Loverock returns to the IceDogs, he'll be the No. 1 netminder to start the season. With Lucas Lobsinger out until at least mid-October or early November while he recovers from knee surgery, Loverock is the man.

"I was the No. 1 at the end last year and it's kind of like you have to do it every night," Loverock said. "It's in your hands and you have to do everything you can." Rookie Adrian Volpe of Burlington, who was also in camp with the St. Catharines Falcons, will be the backup until Lobsinger returns. "When Lobsinger comes back, we'll reassess at that time and let them battle it out," Brown said.

"I find if there's someone pushing you, it's a lot better than if you state one guy is the No. 1 unequivocally." Loverock made the jump to the Ontario Hockey League after playing Tier 2 in Milton the previous season where he had an outstanding record, including a goals-against average under 2.00.

"There's a dramatic difference, but he handled it well," Brown said. "It's a learning process for these guys." Loverock, who Brown said appeared significantly different in his appearance after a summer of hard work, admitted there were many adjustments to make last season. "I never had a goalie coach in Milton," he said. "I worked on a lot of fundamentals. The league is a whole lot quicker and the skill level of the players is a lot better."



David Desharnais is another curious darkhorse invitation to the Canadiens rookie camp. His accomplishments bode well for his upside.

Desharnais has played three seasons with the QMJHL Chicoutimi Saguenéens, developing into a premier offensive talent in the league। In his rookie season, the Quebec City native played 70 games and scored 23 goals and 28 assists for 51 points, fourth on the Sagueneens.

In 2004-05, he scored 32 goals and added 65 helpers for 91 points, to finish second on the team. The center also showed a lot of passion for the game with everybody surrounding him, winning the Frank Selke Trophy for Sportsman of the league. He was named on the QMJHL second All-Star team.



Desharnais' accomplishments didn’t stop there, as he once again was a prime offensive contributor in 2005-06. Scoring 33 goals and 85 assists for 118 points, he finished 5th in the league in scoring, with two of his linemates in the top 5. The Selke Trophy was his a second time and he added another second team All-Star selection on his resume.

While intriguing offensively, he is still small in today’s NHL standards, but that has never prevented players from skating in the big leagues। He has a strong instinct around the net and is excellent with the puck.

The young center likes to use his teammates in the best possible way but will never shy from shooting the puck. He has scored 65 goals in his last two years with Chicoutimi. Desharnais is also a good leader in and out of the rink. He was the Sagueneens captain last season and has always been able to gain the opponents respect.

Last season, he received an invite to the Ottawa Senators rookie camp. A follower of that camp has this to say about Deshanais stickout out:

I thought the best player on the Sens was David Desharnais, all 5'7" of him! He showed a lot of speed and heart; he didn't shy away from contact and initiated some of it himself. He scored the Sens only goal, by winning the battle for the rebound.

In a short interview with La Presse, Desharnais was quoted as saying that he will be "working hard in order to get noticed at the rookie camp, giving my all in hopes of filling a spot on the Bulldogs. I'm not aware if center if a hole to fill in Hamilton, but I'm looking to have a good camp. I believe my chances are good and I will be showing them what I am capable of."

The Montreal Canadiens 100 Trivia Question Primer

In order to celebrate training camp opening in a little more than a week's time, and my kids going back to school, I am launching today, THE FIRST ANNUAL EYES ON THE PRIZE HABS TRIVIA CONTEST!

Don't hold your breath for a prize thought folks, other than good old fun and bragging rights!

Readers can wager amongst themselves all they wish, and I'd love to hear about any bets between participants, all in the name of fun.



Here a few simple rules and guidelines to follow.

First off, there will be no comments posted for this contest at this site. What happens with these questions at other sites or boards is beyond my control, but I will not respond to them there either. You can take answers posted on HF boards and the like for whatever it is worth. No comment!

All answers are to be submitted by e-mail.

If there are concerns, or if one wants question clarification, my e-mail is: realitycheck-time@hotmail.com

E-mail me about any query regarding the questions or format, I'll offer you anything except the answer until the contest is closed.

The winner will be announced as soon as someone nails all 100 questions or on October 1, 2007, whichever comes first. For reasons having to do with sanity, I will be limiting the post to 100 entries, at which point I will be listing all the scores and posting a winner. I will update the number of entries on a daily (or as close to it as possible) basis.

Participants can enter as often as they wish, just simply let me know in the e-mail if it is your second or third entry.

The contest will be closed when I receive my 100th entry. I will not respond to e-mails received the day after and beyond. If you submit after that time, you will simply have to wait until all answers are posted then to see how you ranked.

There are ten (10) question per decade of the Canadiens history. Points per question are weighted by decade to give more recent fans a fair chance. Some questions contain multiple answers and points will be noted in this fashion: ( 1+1+1 ) or ( 2+2 )

The value of each questions answers follow the questions. The 100 questions total 300 points.

Winners per decade, and runner's up will also be announced.

Total scores of all entries will not be disclosed until after October 1, 2007.

Warning to all - Googling won't find you all the answers - you will have to be well read to win, so read some books and sites if you want to claim those bragging rights. The answers to about 20 of the questions may actually be found in the archives of Eyes On The Prize over the past year.

My resources for the questions have included several popular books and sites based on the Canadiens and the NHL. Once the answers are posted, I'll accept challenges to those answers, if need be.

Happy searching - Have fun!

Robert L





The Montreal Canadiens 100 Trivia Question Primer

1998-2007 ( 3, 4, or 5 points per answer/ 40 pts)

1 - Upon arriving with the Canadiens via a trade, this player likened the media frenzy to the circus surrounding Michael Jordan. Who was he? ( 4 )

2 - What was Jose Theodore's prescribed medicine for thinning hair? ( 4 )

3 - Which player stated that Saku Koivu's courageous return from canver was "One of the most amazing things I've ever seen in hockey?" ( 5 )

4 - In the season in which Saku Koivu was diagnosed with cancer, who was the only player to wear the "C"? ( 3 )

5 - What number did goalie Olivier Michaud wear in his only period of play with the Canadiens? ( 4 )

6 - An oddity, unique in Habs history, occured on January 2, 2001. What was it? ( 3 )

7 - Prior to Vincent Damphousse scoring the first goal in Molson (Bell) Centre history, another Habs player had what would have been the historic goal disallowed? Who was he? ( 5 )

8 - The last Canadiens goalie to start his NHL career with the Habs in shutout fashion. ( 3 )

9 - Which Canadiens player, after the final game played in the Forum, scooped up a hunk of ice that he promised to keep refridgerated for his lifetime? ( 4 )

10 - This player, in only his second game as a Montreal Canadien, scored the team's historic 10,000th गोल अत home. Who was this player? ( 5 )



1989-1998 ( 3, 4, or 5 points per answer / 36 pts)

11 - He married a former "Full House" actress. Name them both. ( 2+2 )

12 - How many assists did Pierre Turgeon get in his last game as a Canadien? ( 3 )

13 - Of the 16 wins required to claim the Stanley Cup in 1993, how many did the Canadiens win by a one goal margin? ( 3 )

14 - Which 5 former Canadiens players have won the Jack Adams Trophy for coach of the year? ( 1+1+1+1+1 )

15 - Who did the Canadiens trade to aquire Brian Bellows and who did they receive once he was trade away? ( 2 + 2 )

16 - Which Canadien scored the last goal in the Montreal Forum? ( 3 )

17 - Who replaced Patrick Roy in nets in his final game as a Canadien? ( 3 )

18 - What unique feat did Vincent Damphousse achieve in his first season as a Montreal Canadien? ( 3 )

19 - Only two players from the 1993 Stanley Cup Canadiens are currently active NHL'ers. Name them? ( 2+2 )

20 - Matthew Barnaby nicknamed him Cornelius due to his likeness to the Planet Of The Apes character. ( 4 )



1979-1989 ( 2, 3, or 4 points per answer / 36 pts )

21 - In game 2 of the 1986 Stanley Cup finals, Brian Skrudland set a playoffs record with his goal 9 seconds into overtime. On the play, which linemate threw a pick on a Calgary Flames defenseman outside the blueline, to enable McPhee and Skrudland to break in 2 on 1? ( 4 )

22 - He holds the All Star game record for most assists in one game. ( 3 )

23 - Which 5 players have played 1000 games for the Canadiens? ( 5 )

24 - At 21 years and ten months, Stephane Richer was the youngest Hab to score 50 goals. Against which goalie did he get it? ( 3 )

25 - This number was worn by Moe Robinson in his only NHL game. ( 3 )

26 - Which Canadiens player was fined $9,000 for instigation a brawl that found it way into the stands of the Boston Gardens? ( 3 )

27 - The Canadiens reaquired his rights from the L.A. Kings so he could essentially retire as a Montreal Canadien. ( 4 )

28 - Who was the playoff MVP for 1984-85 Calder Cup champion Sherbrooke Canadiens, and how many Conn Smythe Trophies did he win in the NHL. ( 2+2 )

29 - He signed a contract extension after scoring 70 points in 40 games. In the final 40 games he had 40 points. Who is he? ( 3 )

30 - What player did the Canadiens draft with the pick they received for Robert Picard? ( 4 )



1969-1979 ( 2, 3, or 4 points per answer / 34 pts )

31 - I'm Howie Morenz' grandson and I trail Jose Theodore on the all time Habs goal scoring list. Who am I? ( 2 )

32 - What significance do Reggie Leach, Glenn Hall, and Roger Crozier have to Canadiens history? ( 2 )

33 - This player's overtime goal celebration launched a dreaded nickname. Who was the player and what was the moniker he came to despise? ( 2+2 )

34 - Canadiens defenseman knocked out cold by Dave Shultz' elbow. ( 2 )

35 - This former Canadiens player's brother is a current NHL GM. ( 2 )

36 - Irving Grundman, in a shrewd Pollock 101 mode, signed 3 former WHA players to ineligable NHL contracts to purposely exempt them from a waiver draft. Who were the three players? ( 2+2+2)

37 - In the book "Lions In Winter" by Goyens and Turowetz, an anonymous Canadiens player described a defenseman's up ice rush as the best "f*** you" play he's ever seen in hockey. Which defenseman was he speaking of? ( 3 )

38 - According to Scotty Bowman, which three Canadiens players offered by Sam Pollock had Red Wings GM Ned Harkness accepted in trade talks that would have allowed the Habs to choose Marcel Dionne 2nd overall in the 1971 draft? ( 2+2+2 )

39 - Against which team did Guy Lafleur score his first NHL goal. ( 3 )

40 - Which two players assisted on Jean Beliveau's 500th goal? ( 2+2 )



1959-1969 ( 2, 3, or 4 points per answer / 30 pts)

41 - The Canadiens traded little known players, Paul Reid and Guy Allen, for this player. ( 3 )

42 - His nickname was derived from a comic strip character. ( 3 )

43 - Leafs coach Punch Imlach is reputed to have called him a Junior B goalie. ( 3 )

44 - The Canadiens failed to protect this player who went on to win the Calder Trophy the following season. ( 3 )

45 - He was the last Canadiens forward to win the Calder Trophy and record a 5 goal game in his career. ( 3 )

46 - Two Canadiens players, with 9 and 7 Stanley Cups rings respectively, are not in the Hockey Hall Of Fame. Who are they? ( 2+2 )

47 - This western bred hockey player once lifted Bobby Hull's jaw protector, to sock him a good one in the kisser. ( 3 )

48 - This player was known for knitting his own underwear between periods. ( 2 )

49 - Before the creation of the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP's, this Hab scored 10 goals and added 5 assists in 11 games to lead the Canadiens to the Cup. Who was this unsung hero? ( 4 )

50 - This cartoon character wore number 23 to start his career. ( 2 )



1949-1959 ( 2, 3, or 4 points per answer / 30 pts)

51 - While a member of the Canadiens organization, this goalie was loaned to the Bruins for one game, and promptly shut out the Habs in his NHL debut. ( 3 )

52 - What NHL milestone was achieved by a Canadiens player on October 19, 1957? ( 3 )

53 - Which three one time Montreal Canadiens have tenured as NHL career goal scoring leaders? (2+2+2)

54 - This future Hall Of Famer gloved the puck into his own goal in overtime, costing the Canadiens the Stanley Cup. ( 3 )

55 - He was the last goalie to be named Canadiens captain. ( 2 )

56 - In the 1950's, the words "To you from failing hands, we throw the torch, be it yours....." were brought into the Canadiens dressing room. What year was it and who posted them? ( 2+2 )

57 - This player won a scoring title with his left wrist in a cast. ( 2 )

58 - As the story goes, the Canadiens signed this youngster as he would not let anyone else play with the puck during training camp. ( 2 )

59 - Leafs coach and GM Punch Imalch once called him the greatest player he's ever coached. ( 3 )

60 - Other than St Patrick's Day, what happened on March 17, 1955? ( 2 )



1939-1949 ( 1, 2, or 3 points per answer / 30 pts )

61 - During the 1944-45 season, Maurice Richard broke the record for goals scored in a season. Whose record did he break and how many goals did that player score? ( 2+1 )

62 - As the GM of the Maple Leafs at the time, Frank Selke aquired a future Hall Of Famer from the Canadiens without the stamp of approval from the Leafs Conn Smythe. The deal subsequently got Selke fired, thus freeing him to be hired by the Canadiens. Who were the players involved in the trade? ( 2+2 )

63 - Which Montreal Canadiens GM initially began the process of building a farm system to delevop prospects for the Habs. ( 3 )

64 - This former Habs player was convicted of murder. ( 3 )

65 - This well travelled Canadiens goalie would later be the victim of a 5 goal game courtesy of Maurice Rocket Richard. ( 3 )

66 - This player was recognized one year, for having only one minor penalty called against him all season. ( 2 )

67 - In 1941, the Canadiens essentially had two general managers. One was officially in the position, while the other went unlisted on all team related information. Who were they? ( 2+2 )

68 - He was the last Canadiens player to substitute for a goalie during a penalty. ( 3 )

69 - Which goalie stopped what would have been Maurice Richard's 50th goal, on a penalty shot at the Forum in the second to last game of the 1944-45 season? ( 3 )

70 - This player was the last to wear sweater number 9 for the Canadiens before Rocket Richard. ( 2 )



1929-1939 ( 1 or 2 points per answer / 24 pts )

71 - Explain the Kennedy Cup? ( 2 )

72 - Which future Canadiens General Manager became the first coach to win the Stanley Cup in successive years with two different teams? ( 2 )

73 - On December 7, 1935, the Canadiens donned a white jersey for the first time since the 1911-12 season. Who were their opponants that evening? ( 1 )

74 - Which Canadien was the first player in NHL history to be awarded a penalty shot? ( 2 )

75 - Which 3 players wore number 99 for the Canadiens in the 1934-35 season? ( 1+1+1 )

76 - Which player completed the forward line anchored by Aurel Joliat and Howie Morenz? ( 2 )

77 - Savage, Lamb, and Mondou are all surnames from the post 1980 Canadiens. By curiosity, three players with these same names previously dressed for the Habs in the same season. What year was it, and what were their jersey numbers? ( 1+1+1+1)

78 - In a charity auction to benefit the family of the recently deceased Howie Morenz, a former Canadiens player paid $500 for his jersey. Who was the player and what did he do with the jersey? ( 2+2 )

79 - The Canadiens literally stole this player from the Maroons. Soon the Maroons would be history, and the minor league player they cast off to the Habs would help rewrite their history. Who was he? ( 2 )

80 - Which Canadiens star appeared in newspaper ads promoting Bee Hive Corn Syrop? ( 2 )



1919-1929 ( 1 or 2 points per answer / 20 pts )

81 - In the 1928-29 season, Canadiens goalie George Hainsworth appeared in all 44 games for the team. His won/loss record was 22-7-17 with a 0.92 GAA and an amazing NHL record of 22 shutouts. What particular facet of the game was not yet allowed in order for Hainsworth to post such stats? ( 1 )

82 - Which player won the Hart Trophy in his first season as a Canadien? ( 1 )

83 - In 1927, Habs GM Leo Dandurand established the first two affiliate teams that fed players to the Canadiens. What were the teams names? ( 2 + 2 )

84 - Which two Canadiens were suspended and fined $200 by manager Leo Dandurand for beating up on the Senators Cy Denneny and Lionel Hitchman? ( 1+ 1 )

85 - Who did the Canadiens trade to reaquire Joe Malone in 1922? ( 2 )

86 - Which two teams did the Canadiens vanquish to win the 1924 Stanley Cup? ( 1+1 )

87 - The Canadiens aquired him by trading Newsy Lalonde to the Saskatoon Crescents. ( 1 )

88 - Who was the U.S. Olympic team goalie the Canadiens signed as Georges Vezina's successor? ( 2 )

89 - In January of 1922, in a 10-6 win over the Hamilton Tigers, two Canadiens players each recorded 4 goal games. In the 85 years since then, the feat still stands for a particular reason. Who were they, and why does the record still hold? ( 1+1+1)

90 - In the 1919-20 season, which team did the Canadiens beat 16-3? ( 2 )




1909-1919 ( 1 or 2 points per answer / 20 pts )

91 - Brothers Sprague and Odie Cleghorn played for the Canadiens up until 1925. Which brother appeared in the most games for the Canadiens? ( 1 )

92 - In the 1915-16 season, what did the NHA's leading scorer have in common with the Canadiens coach? ( 1 )

93 - Who scored the winning goal for the Canadiens in their first Stanley Cup win in 1916? ( 2 )

94 - Who was the first known Canadien thrown out of a game? ( 2 )

95 - During one season, the Canadiens crest was a stylized green maple leaf, with an old english "CA" lettering as an insert. What year was it? ( 2 )

96 - In order to entice Georges Vezina to play for the Canadiens, Habs manager Jack Laviolette had the goalie's brother play year long on the team's practice roster. What was his name? ( 2 )

97 - Who was the NHA's leading scorer in the Canadiens inaugural 1909-10 season? ( 2 )

98 - Who was the first ever Montreal Canadien signed to a contract? ( 2 )

99 - In the Montreal Canadiens second season, the son of the mayor of Sainte Hyacinthe wanted to be a Hab so badly, he offered to play for nothing. As the club had a $5,000 salary cap (imagine that!), they brought him on and he scored 12 goals in 16 games. What was his (ironic) name. ( 2 )

100 - Who were the 4 men who tended goal for the Canadiens in their inaugural season? ( 1+1+1+1 )

Best of luck to all!

Koivu Explains

A few weeks back, Canadiens captain Saku Koivu was quoted as saying that he perceived the Habs to be a playoff worthy team that cannot yet be considered Stanley Cup contenders.

Honestly, at first, the comment wasn't earth shattering to me, and I found Koivu realistic in his expectations.

Captain K has since retracted part of the statement, sharpening the "contender" side, with the old moldy "get into the playoffs - anything can happen" stance.

Flipping the coin though, Koivu doesn't sound like he has much faith in the team. Tired as it sounds, he should be saying that anything can happen, because he believes that anything can happen.

The notion that he doesn't seem sold on it, is what is troublesome.

Many Canadiens teams of the past have won unlikely Cups, and maybe that is why our captain sought to underline 1993 as an example. Trouble is, Koivu was only a Habs draft pick at the time (weeks later), hardly a participant.

Koivu might have been well served to offer up an example from his own file, and mention that the 2006 Carolina Hurricane are solid proof of anything-can-happen-ness. I'd like to hear him say "If I played one more game that playoff, a different team's name would be on the Cup."

That's the statement you want from a captain!

Perhaps Koivu could have taken the arrows in the chest and stood by his words, saying "I challenge my teammates to prove me wrong!"

That would have raised eyebrows and primed the team with an ulterior sense of purpose.

The refrain Koivu initially issued didn't sit well with the longstanding fans of the team because they believe the goal should be nothing less than the Stanley Cup come each October.

I second that as well - Believe, and aim high!

It was easier to buy into it when you had a goaltender the likes of Patrick Roy in the stable, who could lift a team to such heights. Sadly, some fans have gotten used to the "let's make the playoffs first and see what happens" motto.

That is why some fans feathers are being ruffled. Complacency is contagious, even when the analysis seems truthful. Going for broke in October is equally contagious with everyone on board. Neither viewpoint is dishonest - one is just better PR.

Another cause for concern among fans is the team signing veterans at the expense of playing the rookies and developing them.

Side me in with playing the kids!

I've stated it before - if we are not aspiring to win the Cup, playing the kids is the most beneficial gamble. There is less to lose and more to gain in the longer haul.

Perhaps folks are thinking "Well, if our captain doesn't believe we have what it takes to win a Cup, why not give the kids all the ice they can handle. The team can only benefit in the long run since the short term looks bleak".

Again, the reverse is, we can't win the lottery without a ticket. Get us into the playoffs and see what happens.

I understand I cannot make the argument on both sides of the equation, but my take is that the kids can get us into the playoffs just as well as the vets can. A younger team will be fresher legs once there.

Should they fail, they gain experience. It's a win - win proposition.

Experience can often be something you have - when you're too old to use it. Just ask the Detroit Red Wings!

When comparing youth versus experience, or short termed goals muted against the bigger picture, opinions are never wrong in October. Both perspectives have their merits in training camp, and the funny thing is, neither side is totally wrong in their view.

By March, hindsight decides the winner!

Let's be there.

Boivin Sees No Margin For Error

Transcribed from Le Journal De Montreal, September 5, 2007

Over the course of the past few season, the Canadiens brass have gotten fans used to the same old line. From rejean Houle to Bob Gainey, and passing through Andre Savard, the goal has been the same - make the playoffs. It now seems that the direction of the team has tossed out the old worn cassette, if one believes team president Pierre Boivin.

Boivin is categorical in his response. It's high time the Candiens aspire to greater heights. A simple playoff showing is no longer good enough.

"Our goals must be focused beyond just getting there. The playoffs are but a starting point. Furthermore, it is unacceptable to miss the playoffs."

At first glance, it appears Boivin's fuse has gotten somewhat shorter in recent years.

Could a disastrous season, as is predicted by the "hockey experts", signify the premature end for the Gainey - Carbonneau duo?

Boivin's comeback may require interpretation.

"Bob Gainey and Guy Carbonneau know what it takes to win. They know we are not in a rebuilding mode. They know their responsabilities."

"It is up to them to assure the maximum is brought out of all players and that the team enjoys a season not only nearing the fans expectations, but meeting those of the organization also.

If the Canadiens president hopes to see the Habs play in May, the players must buy into the notion as much. Saku Koivu's clipped quote of two weeks back not only caught Boivin off guard - it shocked him.

" I think it's an opinion based on his disappointments. Saku wants to win the Cup in Montreal. In my opinion, he hasn't had the time to realize the impact of the players we've brought in over the summer months."

Speaking of free agents, for the second summer running, the Canadiens watched their targetted signing slip between their fingers at the last minute.

According to Boivin, the day isn't far off when Montreal becomes a prefered destination as opposed to a questioned one. In fact Boivin states that the process of changing minds is already underway.

"We're going in the right direction. Five or six years ago, we weren't even on the free agents radar screen. Players used us mostly for leveraging deals with other teams. That's not the case anymore."

"In 2006, we were one of two teams in the Shanahan derby. This summer we were a hair's length from signing Briere. When you consider that a player of that stripe get maybe 15 offers...."

It leaves little doubt that the Habs best bargaining chip in these matters involves going a good distance in the playoffs. The team president understands this.

It's up to all concerned to make it happen.

A Hab Fan Is Born!

This little fella, ( we'll call him T ), was a hit with the ladies the minute he strolled out of the hospital. The girls just couldn't help it - "too cute" they all chimed!

Little T was the talk of the newborn ward, when he came into the world wearing the Habs toque. Rumours began before he's had his first cry even.

Had the father fitted him with the toque?

Was it a sly doc that did the trick?

Nobody blinked - perhaps the boy just came out ready for winter!

No one is saying, but word around the household is that little T has not cried since seeing himself in the mirror. Pretty understandable in my eyes!



The only thing little T's Mom and Dad are concerned about, is his attitude. Why, only a couple of days after being home, T showed that he has no tolerance for deviance under his roof. Sitting on Mom's knee at the kitchen table while feeding, his gaze spied Mom and Dad's dinner plate of hot dogs!

"Phhhhhffffttttsssssssssssssss!" said T, slobber rolling down his chin for emphasis, as he pointed to the half filled package of weiners nearby.

Mom and Dad were stunned somewhat to see T point a finger so soon, and were sweetly seduced into handing him the package of weiners.
T held them firmly.

He starred intently at them.

He gave a little sneer and proceeded to fling the entire remnants of the package directly in an awaiting ceiling fan, shredding them to bits.

"Oh, temper temper!" said Mom.

"Cut him some slack, Mom, look what brand you bought!"

Picking the wrapper up from the ground, Mom bonks her forehead with the base of her palm as if to say "Duh!"

"What was I thinking?" she sighed, "Maple Leaf Wieners!"

It was the closest T came to crying since being born.

Congratulations to the B****** family on their new arrival. Thanks for sending in the pic. Should this little man grow up with respect and proper good manners, it shouldn't be too long before he's hanging out with the right crowd.



I see his future looking something like this!

All the best, XX00

Habs On A Golf Course

Yes, of course, this usually signifies training camp is about to get underway, but I find seeing Habs players anywhere near a green such an ominous sight.

The occasion is always a charity event, but on this day the Habs used the occasion to unveil the new Reebok jersey's.

Notice the top picture of Cristobal Huet. Water is streaming off the jersey, leaving it dry. Hopefully pucks will have the same effect!

Here's some other shots of the gathered players I zapped from HIO. I especially like the one where Patrice Brisebois (71) and Roman Hamrlik (44) are hamming it up. Seems like Hammer is saying "I don't have to worry about you cutting into my icetime!"



Hamrlik: I really am going to be able to stretch these little things over my legs?
Halak: As long as Bettman doesn't get us goalie to wear them over our pads!



Ryder: Wonder why no one's talking to me? Is it the contract, or the 70's retro slacks?



Koivu: She's looking at me, man!
Komisarek: No dude, she don't even see you!

Seeing these pictures make me wonder if the Canadiens and Leafs players couldn't share a charity event like this. I'd be curious to see just how much better the Leafs are on the links.

Phew! New Habs Jersey's Retain Their Cool!

Phew!

The Canadiens new Reebok's are in, and the reactions are unanimously positive!

A giant sigh of relief was heard eminating from the heavens of hockey this morning. With a team so richly steeped in tradition as the Canadiens, not messing with it was a no brainer. There will be no rumblings from 1260 Gauchetière St. W this winter with the Habs retaining the classic look.














If these newer jersey are to keep players from being weighted down by dampness and heat, then the Habs have retained their cool in more ways than one!



















This is the perfect makeover, as the Habs have chosen to alter almost nothing - only the collar now sports a sleeker V - look. I won't even venture to qualify to new shapes with an adjective!

Here are some closeups of the finer details of the jersey.




































One poster I read this morning remarked that he hoped the numbers style and name plate lettering also remained in tact. I can't see it being otherwise.

Another interesting note is that at the Canadiens online shop, they are taking pre-orders on 14 player jerseys, and one of them is Carey Price - lo and behold. His # 31 is available with the likes of Koivu, Higgins, Latendresse and others. Very interesting.

Oh, and Cristobal Huet has fine tined his mask to go with the newer duds! Rumour has it that the other side was influenced by Jaroslav Halak's mask design, and features a painting of Carey Price raising the Cup!



















The good news all around is that the Canadiens jersey remains the class of the league, as always. Leafs fans look good in them still, as they always have. This Buds fan feels so snazzy is his disguise, he's doing his best Gene Simmons and is a hit with the ladies!




















So far it seems, that only the Original Six teams are totally content with their new jersey unveilings. On the whole of the NHL, the sharpening up of logo's is actually gaining a more positive response than the streamlined jersey's are. Some jersey's I've seen are pretty brutal, but the majority of the changes, being that they are from non-hockey hotbeds, aren't likely to start bonfires in mid town anytime soon.


















I liked the new Senators logo, but the absense of a stripe scheme is horrid. Word is that the these new Reebok's are hard to fit into, and even harder to get out of.















Still, their look is miles ahead of these new Leafs uni's!















A great site to keep up to date on all the changes, news and views is called Tournament of Logo's. There is a running vote playdown on the best crest's in the NHL. The Habs have passed the first round and the Leafs were dumped.

Here are some of the alterations of Canadiens jersey's in the early years of the team. As you can see, the changes made today are hardly anything compared to days gone by. The globe logo of 1924 was to celebrate the Canadiens as World Champions, as Cup winners were prone to call themselves then.

For a look back on the Habs jersey's and logo's of old, check out the various links at this fan site.