Removal Of Kovalev As Power Play Focal Point The Key To Recreating It

The formerly top ranked Canadiens powerplay has gone AWOL, and rectifying it is a top priority for the team in trying to get back on track and refind it's consistent winning ways.

The Canadiens PP currently sits 25th in the NHL, having counted on only 12 of 82 opportunities thus far for a conversion ratio of 14.6%. Only the Blue Jackets, Coyotes, Panthers, Devils, and Islanders are faring worse.

In assessing what is not working at present, it is important to understand the reasons behind the unit's lack of success so far.

What is difficult to breakdown, is that Montreal certainly have enough offensive elements to succeed with a man advantage, at first glance. All the keys seems in place, with a nice mix of snipers, forwards strong on the puck in corner board battles, some good sized options in front of the net, and good puck movement from the point. So far, the units used have created enough chances to merit continued patience and faith, but without results both will wear thin.

In past seasons, isolating the prime ingredients for the Canadiens power play success was a simpler matter. In 2006-07, Sheldon Souray's blasts from the blue line were a constant threat. Two reasons accounted for Souray's success: no one dared get in the way of the quickly unleashed bullets, and the shot was most often highly accurate.

In 2007-08, a Souray - lite in Mark Streit manned the point, and while his shots were nowhere near Souray's in velocity, they were accurate and low, and efficiently dispensed. Streit was equally adept at moving the puck as swiftly as he shot it, and that enabled the other shooters big gains.

With either of Souray and Streit, the opposition was kept off guard and guessing due to the varying options, and that was how the Canadiens capitalized most often.

Perhaps misunderstood most in these schemes during this time, was the role of Alex Kovalev on the right side. Other than the changing faces at the point, he is the one of two constants on the first unit. His role is essentially to quarterback the powerplay from the right board out, and it is his work that other teams have keyed on and adjusted to most swiftly this season.

Earlier in the season, the Canadiens sought to employ it's other first unit constant, Andrei Markov, in much the same manner as Streit was worked last year. By moving Markov over to Kovalev's side of the ice, they figured to capalize on the swift passing between the two to keep the puck in constant motion. Unfortunately for Montreal, Markov was not as comfortable on the opposite side, and his shots at the nets are neither as hard, swift or as accurate as the former foils who played there.

By focusing on Kovalev - essentially double teaming him - the opposition has rammed a spike into the Canadiens power play gears. Truthfully, this is not a new challenge. It began late last season, and became more exposed as the playoffs wore on.

As other teams improved their penalty killing against the Canadiens, they also became less fearful of taking penalties, and thus imposed a more physical standard against the Habs five on five.

What other teams do on the penalty kill is quite basic: they position their four point box openly to form more of a rectangle, with the two closest points aimed directly at Kovalev. With limited space, Kovalev often tries to create options where there are none - flipping passes off the ice where there are no clean lanes, or skating a back and forth "S" pattern to open his end of the box and sneak a shot on goal.

The higher forward closest to Kovalev places his stick in the lane of the pointman, and the defenseman playing him also points his stick toward the blueline, thus negating the cross ice feeds. In this coverage, Kovalev dipsy doodles, circling over his own path in an attempt to open the slightest of spaces and lanes.

Where Kovalev becomes his own worst enemy, is when he attempts longshot plays to create movement on the opposition side. His soft flips to the point fail increasingly, because who ever is playing that position can neither one time a shot, or cradle and move the puck swiftly.

The bigger problem with Kovalev being rendered straightjacketed on the power play, is that it stagnates the four players teamed with him. The forward at the opposite side of the ice, the left wing, almost never sees the puck. The player at the net, or beside it, can only react once Kovalev has shot on goal. That player, the center, must also play the right corner, to allow Kovalev an additional pass option. The defensemen are played tightly enough, just daring Kovalev to risk a fragile pass in that direction.

What results is that the Canadiens players possess the puck for great lengths during their advantage, but the five man unit is almost as immobile as the oppositions defensive setup. When a powerplay does not keep the puck and players moving at all times, it spells disaster.




















It must be pointed out that the players involved on the unit are working hard to create opportunities during the ticking seconds. This is not to say the unit isn't working misguidedly. They have tried several tinkerings on the unit to no avail, such as employing a fourth forward - be it Alex Tangauy or Sergei Kostitsyn - on the left point in order to spread out the areas from which the puck can be played, passes can be made, and shots can be taken.

The solution does not lie in the removal of Kovalev per se, but it may require the romoval of him as a focal point. Subtracting the club's most offensively gifted player from the unit is a foolish notion, but reinventing how he works during the advantage is the starting point.

To that end, Kovalev sometimes sets up on left side of the ice, facing the exact same coverage scheme. What differs in this setup, is that his cross ice feeds become less of a risk and his shots on net come from a closer range. His stick is also further away from his opponants, which means he can attempt to move to net more freely to create shots and opening. Where this plan runs into trouble is that Kovalev is not as comfortable with it, and he is still the focal point for the opposition while doing the same things that were not working at his usual space.




















Where the Canadiens now stand, is in working against what the opposition regularly throws at them in terms of coverage. The secrets of how to conceal the Habs firepower have been shared league wide, and it is now up to the Canadiens to make the required adjustments to get it moving once more.

Most observers have long believed that placing a larger player in front of the goal is the way to go, but the method in which such a situation works is not always clear. A player seemingly poised on the goaltenders doorstep, screening the view and picking up rebounds is often an illusion. Such a player has to keep himself moving, either from the side of the crease into the goalie's view, or crossing the edge of the crease in order to keep defenseman busy and turning away from the puck focus.

Having a player simply stand on the goalie is akin to nullifying the advantage itself, as his coverage then falls in the hands of the netminder. The four remaining players on the offensive are then covered more tightly man to man, and the extra player the team enjoying the power play has, is now two hundred feet away in their own goal. This setup simply doesn't work as most folks perceive.



















What is perhaps doing the Canadiens the biggest diservice at present is the fact that the old methods worked with ease for two plus seasons, and that breaking old habits is hard to do.

After pointing to what has ceased working on the Canadiens power play, one is left to wonder what possibly can unstagnate the efforts of the emn working it. A solution might be to decentralize the Kovalev role in it while maintaining the use of his talents.

To do this, the Canadiens would then employ Kovalev and his passing skills on the blueline. He would only shoot on net when obvious chances presented themselves. Otherwise, he would act only as a simple wheel man in rotating the puck to both sides of the ice with defense partner Markov.

Their passes would have to be brisk, and they would ideally not be holding on to it for long periods of time. They would be advised to move it often and fast in order to tire and frustrate the coverage. They would switch places along the blue line during possession to create options to skate in closer during the crossovers. To facilitate puck movement, their wingers would also be in constant motion, swinging like pendulum points from side to side.

The duo at the blueline would not be played as tightly as Kovalev was by himself before, as it would open all kinds of room nearer to the net. The wingers on both sides would then return as more viable pass and shoot options, and more movement overall would be created. All of both wingers and center could attack the net at given chances, creating more confusion for the opposition.

What a scenario such as this could provide if properly deployed is great deal more room and movement while enjoying the advantage. The keys to any successful power play involve creating space and scoring chances by maintaining puck possession options while moving it fluidly to cause confusion and kaos.

The idea of Kovalev playing the point would return the fluidity to the Canadiens powerplay offense.

The puck and the space to create with it would then become more equally shared amongst the unit's participants. In essence, it would be like giving the players back the skills that have been robbed of them by having Kovalev rule the unit.

The recreation of the power play would not work overnight. Players, especially Kovalev in this instance, would have to get comfortable with the new rigors of it. For one thing, Kovalev would have to learn caution and read inopportunity more precisely. Markov and the remaining players would need time to adjust to receiving passes from angles and areas they have gotten away from. It could take as much as ten games for the unit to become comfortable. By that time it ought to be producing at a better clip that what is currently dying before everyone's eyes.


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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".

Limited Solutions For Canadiens PP Woes

So the Canadiens number one ranked power play of last season has gone south.

Make that west!

It's not difficult to see that the Habs 2 for 33 PP stinks so far without the focal point that was Sheldon Souray's blistering drives.

Seeing this futility almost makes me re-evaluate the teams hopes.

What made the team so successful in this area last season wasn't Souray's shot in its entirety - it was the mere threat of it.

At one point in the early going of 2006-07, and carrying over from the previous season, there was a statistic that summed up the Canadiens powerplay better than the standard conversion ratio. It was that Souray had been on the ice for something like 30 consecutive powerplay goals.
The Souray threat was key element in the Habs overall success, much more than many were willing to admit.

Between Andrei Markov and Alex Kovalev, slick passers both, Souray had an option to each side if stuck. Furthermore, either side had Souray as an option. It was almost perfect!

What this threat did to teams defending a man down was force them to choose an option. They could attempt to knot up Souray and play him close, exposing themselves down low, or they could chance it and suffer the consequences.

Each option was a roll of the dice on a given night and was the prime reason the Canadiens were so successful in this department.

The Canadiens seem at a loss presently to replace the booming shot element missing from their attack.

The big problem now is that there is no one on the current Habs lineup that can inspire the same respect and fear when raising the stick to the sky when winding up.

It is as if the Habs have replaced a shotgun blast with a bunch of boy scouts with rubber bands! No one is shaking in fear!

In going 2 for 33 in 5 exhibition games, the Habs are converting at a rate of 6%, compared to last year when they were around the 20% range.

Point blank - if the Canadiens can't come up with a solition for this, they will be easy patsies for even the leagues weaker teams considering their 5 on 5 strength is equally dismal.

Are there any inner solutions to fill the point void?

None that I see at present.



The best shooters on the team ply their trade from close in. Michael Ryder's quickness and accuracy are dependant upon his freedom in the slot. Kovalev's deceptiveness in shooting from the right side has all to do with moving defenders to the middle with a point pass option and opening an alleyway to the net.

Could Ryder or Kovalev play the point?

In both cases, the shot is there. In both cases, the ability to read defenders is not. Next?

Next is no one. Chris Higgins and Saku Koivu have power play roles that require them to buzz the net and cycle the puck in converting opportunities. Forwards such as Kostitsyn and Plekanec are puck movers, plain and simple, and are not attuned to any other type of specialty given their respective games.

Of the remaining forwards or defenseman, none are suited to man the point and command it with any presence.

The Canadiens must find a way to work their power play with the cards they have been dealt.

There are three types of setups on the PP that work and Montreal is ill equiped in these options.

The first is the previously explained booming shot focal point.

The second is having an immovable object in front of the net. A player big enough to withstand an onslaught of hacks while being large enough to screen a goaltender and still convert what comes his way in scoring chances. Think Dany Heatley, Joe Nieuwendyk, Tim Kerr, Dave Andreychuk, and Phil Esposito - with players talented enough to feed them in tight traffic.

The last option is a group of five pinpoint puck movers, lightning fast and accurate enough to auger dizzied defenders into the ice.

Option one signed with Edmonton.

Option two is an equally rare breed. Two of the Habs larger forwrds able to fill such a role are Bryan Smolinski and Guillaume Latendresse. Neither are experienced in the role.

Option three offers the Canadiens something to work with. Skilled puck movers and an equal number of triggermen are all that we have to go with in the absense of a blue line threat.

So where does that leave the popgun Habs?

It leaves them throwing all of their assets into the third idea, which is akin to putting all one's eggs into one basket.

Beyond putting your most skilled passers out there with a triggerman or two, all the Canadiens can offer as an extension to this idea is to add a fourth forward, a defensively responsible one, to man the blue line and hope he isn't screwed over by tight coverage.

Otherwise it's back to working a set of standard plays to perfection within a semi capable group of able puck movers.

The trouble is, teams have the Canadiens sized up well when defending against what they can throw at teams.



When I coached, my approach to killing penalties went something like this.

I drilled it into players heads that they were not playing 4 against 5, and convinced them until they saw it my way. Yes, there were 5 opposing players, but we still had 4 skaters and a goalie.

The oppositions extra man was in essense, at the far end of the rink tending goal where there was no threat.

The two forwards took care of the point should the puck be there, the defense nulified the wings.

If this smothering was persistant and forcefull enough, the puck would be battled for much more than it would be moved. The fifth forward was positioned in the slot for a shot that would either not be coming, or he would need to remove himself from a dangerous area in order to gather a pass that would keep play moving, thus eliminating himself as a threat in front of the net.

Should shots make their way through this web, I instructed my goalie to play up close and tight to the loose player high in the slot. If that player was solely intent on screening the goalie, the task became easier.

There was no box or square, small or wide to speak of. I positioned players in the form of a diamond - that is three curved base points with the top point being the puck pursuant.

It took extremely swift and talented players to beat this blanket - guys named Crosby, Thornton, Iginla, and Lecavalier, that we don't have.

From what I've witnessed so far, from last season's second PP unit to this season's effectives, this is how teams will be shutting down the Canadiens.

The glimmer of hope is that the Habs have a batch of talented forwards, pimpled and whiskerless, ready and eager to learn from trials and tribulations.

Even on paper it looks as though it won't be good enough for a good while.

Trotting through my head are thoughts of reaquiring Souray at a kings ransom, hoping he waves a no trade clause as an unhappy Oiler.

Yeah, yeah - dream on I hear my conscience say!

Going over the Habs options for power play proficiency, solitions are thinner even in dreams.

Adding all this up, I'm thinking the only person that can alter this predicament is named Bob Gainey.

Habs Should Imitate Senators

Habs GM Bob Gainey and the Montreal Canadiens have a long standing policy of not negotiating contracts in mid-season. Since 2003, Gainey has deviated from this only once, in order to extend captain Saku Koivu conract for 4 seasons.

It is a policy that many more than I do not agree with.

The thinking behind the bannishment of mid-season extension talk is the distraction to players current seasons and its inherrant loss of focus to team goals.

Fair enough, in certain cases, but once a deal is signed - or not - doesn't the focus fall backon tasks at hand.

Last season, the Senators shackled Chris Phillips for 4 years at a surprisingly fair price, and just did the same for Mike Fischer yesterday.

The words "surprisingly fair price" are annomalities rarely heard during contract announcements. Usually it's "they paid him how much?"

It would have been nice to settle with Sheldon Souray last season at a "surprisingly fair price", just as it will be / could have been with Michael Ryder, the Habs only proven sniper.

The policy is out of sync with today's free agency realities. With players able to reach unrestricted status at about the same time as their prime years kick in, it is a logical step for the Canadiens to forego of it and become a whole lot more proactive with its youth stars.

This means Michael Ryder right now, and Higgins and Komisarek next season prior to their current bargain deals expiring.



The abandoning of the "no talk" stand would also help the team better assess where a player's head is at in terms of whether he wishes to resign at the contracts end or fly off free as a bird with no droppings.

The Habs miss what Souray could have brought them at present and Gainey has incurred hindsight criticism for not acting in what I feel were the Canadiens best long term interests in the matter. Had they began discussing matters with Souray and his agent, the current eventuality would have been avoided.

On one hand, the Canadiens may have aquired a roster player that would be dressing tonight, or a draft pick that could be in Montreal down the road.

On the other hand, Souray could have had two power play goals against the Penguins last night, given all the opportunities.

Instead, the no negotiations stand have left Montreal with nothing but a void to fill.

It strikes me funny to be looking to Ottawa to suggest how the Habs should do things, but right is right.

While I'm on the subject of other team backyards, have you heard that both of the Ontario team's Swedish captains, Sundin and Alfredsson are levying to bring free agent Peter Forsberg into their respective folds.

I cannot envision either jersey suiting Forsberg too well. They'd look like Nashville's did all over him, in their mustard and snot shades of yuck.

Gainey should put on his devil's horns and do to others what others have done to the Habs here and negotiate with Forsberg. The player, if healthy could still lend a hand to the Habs at the right price. I believe Forsberg would come at a discounted rate, otherwise both the capped out Sens and Leafs wouldn't be in the running.

Having Gainey throw his hat into the ring, upping the offer to Forsberg, would do well to keep him away from a rival team. The worst it could do is strangle their finances by making him more expensive than he is currently worth.

Gainey could be doing it silently as off now.

I had to laugh at the recent quote from the braintrust (loosely used). Something about the Leafs and the Stanley Cup this season in the same sentence. The tired rhetoric is still being sold in Toronto. I almost feel sorry for their...oh, nevermind!

The Leafs could win the Stanley Cup, anything can happen!

Right after they raise the Titanic and find the band still playing!

NEW BLOG ALERT:

Check out Matt Macaskill's spanking new "Drive For 25" site. Matt is a longtime writer and great contributor for Habs World and his new blog is one to keep and eye on.

Begin: Habs Are A Greatly Improved Team

(Robert L Note: Transcribed from Le Journal De Montreal, August 29, 2007.)

Canadiens forward Steve Begin doesn't give a damn about the pessimist predictions of publications such as THN, who suggest the Habs will finish a distant 13th in their conference.

"No big deal, all it can do is motivate us for the upcoming season", said the rugged winger, after working out on ice at the Rosemere Arena in company of some fellow NHLer's.

Begin then caught the press gathering off guard when he suggested that the Canadiens would be a greatly improved squad in 2007-08.

"It is true that the loss of Sheldon Souray will hurt us in some ways", he admitted. "We'll miss that booming point shot on the powerplay, but we'll just adapt to scoring goals another way with a man advantage. We'll just have to adjust our tactics, and approach the powerplay differently."

"Roman Hamrlik is more stable defensively than Sheldon was, and he brings a rugged game", Begin added. "Having played against him, I can testify that he is big and solid on his skates. He's an excellent defenseman."

Begin believes that fans must also not underestimate the worth of newly aquired centerman Bryan Smolinski.

"We aquired a very good veteran capable of posting decent numbers offensively", he pointed out. "He's excellent defensively as well as being an ace on faceoffs."

Begin also mentioned that Patrice Brisebois' experience will be beneficial but did not touch on newcomer Tom Kostopoulos.
























"People forget we were playoff bound last season, were it not for injuries and the viscious flu bug that enabled the two skids we suffered in January and Febuary", Begin recalled.

"We made mistakes and lost games under odd circumstances", he continued, "I sincerely believe we are an improved team".

"I know that it is in my nature to be an optimist, but with all our younger players progressing, we are going to make the playoffs. That is the main goal to set before the season starts."

Begin felt the rumblings from captain Saku Kovu's quote in Montreal papers last week regarding the team leaders notion that the Habs were a playoff team, in fact, but not yet a Stanley Cup contender. In Begin's opinion, Koivu was simply being honest and realistic.

If the Canadiens are in fact an improved team, as Begin states, then the same can be said of the Rangers, Flyers, Bruins, Panthers, and Capitals.

"It's impossible to speak of the teams Stanley Cup hopes when no one can perceive what the team will look like after the March trade deadline", Begin cautioned.
























"Remember that Mike Ribeiro seemed to be in the midst of his best training camp last September, when he suddenly found himself in Dallas. Things change fast."

"Who knows if the Canadiens won't get their mits on an impact player at the trade deadline. You just can't predict anything that is going to happen by Febuary."

Begin doesn't need to make his point further.

Souray - Bittersweet And Bitter Fingers

(This post is dedicated to Habs fans such as myself, and Dave Stubbs included, who I assume are still perplexed as to why Souray is an Oiler.)

Sheldon Souray was my favorite Montreal Canadien. He will continue to be a player I will cheer for regardless of jersey colors, for now at least.

My respect for Souray went beyond his game. He is a team first guy in all senses of the word. He's overcome left field adversities with class, composure and dedication in his career. He is what the french press in Montreal like to call "Un Des Vrais!"

I'll miss him greatly.

I have to admit, I was pretty devastated, but not altogether surprised, when Souray failed to resign with the Montreal Canadiens this past off season.

Free agency often exposes the core of a players true soul being. It's often a one-time, career year based opportunity that players and agents alike do not want to mess up.

There are two bottom lines that come into play - dollars and happiness.

Chris Phillips of the Ottawa Senators gained fan respect league wide for being able to differentiate love over gold. In signing for less than his market value to remain a Senator, he made the ultimate team statement and committment, and enabled his team to move forward with him part of it, rather than look to greener pastures.

Some players like home runs to land in the upper deck, others are happy just to clear the fence.
Watching the Habs and Souray negotiate, from the outside, I kept waiting to see which of the two parties would allow a little water in their wine, enabling a deal to get done.

I saw this happening in one of two ways.

Souray, knowing the team had stood by him through the thick and thin of injuries, a brutal and very public marital mess, and some questions regarding his overall game, would say something akin to, "It's the Canadiens patience and belief in me that allowed me to develop into the player I've become. They've stood by me. This is home, and accepting a little less money doesn't faze me. I'm happy to be coming back."

Habs GM Bob Gainey, on the other hand, might have pursued Souray more relentlessly, while recognizing the players pride at becoming who he is. Unknown to us fans, he may or may not have said, "Sheldon, all through this process, you have never stopped being a team guy. We believe we have supported you well. You've never demanded a trade, while continuing to put out for us. We recognize your committment, and we are prepared to compensate you for all that you are by making you a priority for us. Let's talk!"

Hindsight is always a 20/20 proposition. Gainey would have had Souray in the fold had he not been sold on having to tend to Andrei Markov's contract first. He underestimated Souray's pride.

Unthinkable, considering the player wore his heart on his sleeve.

Gainey could have opted to settle Markov's contract, only to announce it later, while continuing on to negotiate with Souray. Instead, Gainey lowballed the player, and misread the demand for him on the open marketplace. GM's usually have a pulse on how the remainder of the league evaluates certain talents, and Gainey banked on his knowledge that no other team was likely to be willing to renumerate Souray better than the Habs in light of his defensive misgivings.

It was a gamble that almost paid off for Gainey, had it not been for one desperate GM in Kevin Lowe, needing to save face after being shunned and ridiculed. Many teams passed on Souray, while the Canadiens offers were fair - nothing more, nothing less.

The lesson might well be to beware of renegade GM's, of which the NHL has more and more of.
I'm disappointed in both Souray and Gainey, for not letting a little water seep into the wine in order to get a deal done.

In Dave Stubbs excellent column published today, Souray suggests that his negotiation with the Habs took on a different route than the one he saw playing out. While he suggests no ill feelings remain towards the Canadiens organization, it's hard not to see little pinkies pointing to Souray's disappointment with Gainey and the team during negotiations.

Souray sounds happy to be an Edmonton Oiler, but the veiled blame and disguised settling of scores first, points to an undercurrent of bitterness, though Souray attempts to spin it otherwise.

When Souray signed the Oilers deal, he hinted that the Habs had made a late 11th hour offer. He doesn't revisit the quote in the Stubbs piece.

The whirlwind experience of free agency likely has Souray wondering, "How the hell did I end up here?"

























No one including Souray himself, likely saw Edmonton as a probable destination when this process began. It was, hence, a renegade GM to Souray's rescue. Kevin Lowe and Sheldon Souray both saved face with this deal. The question remains as to whether their off ice harmony begets on ice success.

For now, I can't help but think that both Souray and Gainey blew this one - together. I place the emphasis on the player, who has an agent and the benefit of choice, in this most uncompromising of times.

Comments that begin with, "We never heard back from the team" are seldom responded with "We called often and were greeted with deaf ears".

Both parties wanted and needed each other. Neither would admit it, with dollars compromising needs. It's a shame.

More than any other player leaving the Habs, the Souray defection cuts a little deeper than most. It doesn't sting any less with the revalations from the Stubbs article. The "It's Business" quote from Souray makes me roll my eyes skyward.

My answer is, if you want happiness, make your heart your business! If making no one else happy but yourself - good luck!

Drowning my sorrows in music, a longstanding foolproof fallout shelter for myself, has always given me perspective. With the Habs being one of the great loves of my life, I realize that there ain't no one broken hearted love song at the ready to provide cure and solace. So, I look towards understanding.

Rocker Bruce Springteen opened his 2002 disc, "The Rising" with a song called "Lonesome Day". The 9/11 inspired disc dealt with sadness and loss, with a little misguided retribution thrown in to bring it down to a basic emotional human scale. The uptempo "rise above it all" nature of the lyric and music offers more questions than answers, while butting heads with the relationship mysteries of life.

Oddly, it was the song ringing in my ears, between the car CD player and the home, when I came inside to discover the news that Sheldon had become an Oiler.

The lyric begins with an unfolding mystery:

"Baby, once I thought I knew
Everything I needed to know about you
Your sweet whispers, your tender touch
But I didn't really know that much
Joke's on me, but I'm gonna be okay
As long as I can get throught
This lonesome day"

The third verse kind of summed up how I felt in the instant Sheldon signed with the Oilers:

"Better ask questions before you shoot,
Deceit and betrayal's a bitter fruit,
It's hard to swallow come time to pay,
The taste on your tongue don't easily slip away.
Let kingdom come,
I'm gonna find my way,
Through this lonesome day."

While it's been mentioned the verse is an analogy for procreational abstinance, misplaced in song, Springsteen likely intended it as representing a lack of U.S. government forethought when it comes time to drop bombs.

Either way, it captures pretty well how I felt on the lonesome day Souray signed in Edmonton.

The bottom line is, much of what happens in life, is beyond our control. We still must learn, through survival instincts, to deal with it, regardless. Hockey players and fans alike.

Most Habs fans have moved on already, placing Souray in the "I've heard all those spins before" category. Money talk will do that to heart strings - just like it does in the worst of divorce cases. Hockey fans aren't at all unlike a spurned love interest. Regrets come later.

Nowhere in Souray's quotes does the player mention what he did to bridge the gap during negotiations. Players and agents and GM's are all compromised in the free agency process.
Playing a hand often leads to exposing costly needs. Emotions come as an afterthought - hence the Stubbs article and Souray's need to plead his case upon being questioned.

Both Souray and Gainey put up fronts they could not back down from once initiated in this dealing. Much was on the line in this scenario - reputations were at stake.

Gainey will not comment. He will let his actions speak.

We fans, are caught in the middle.

I go to great lengths to remove myself from this connundrum, but fail miserably.

I still wish Souray was a Hab.

What agitates me most, is that I get the feeling that Sheldon, while pointing sublte but yet bitter fingers, wishes he was still a Montreal Canadien also.

Listening to "Lonesome Day" over and over, there is still no resolve.

Sheldon, it's never too late to come home again!

Canadiens Need Identity Makeover.

The title might seem harsh, but the truth is tough teams win Cups.

With that fact in mind, the Canadiens do need an identity makeover, to some extent. Not an overhaul, mind you, but the Habs need to get mean - especially at the Bell Centre.

The are several Canadiens players who need to adopt the attitude that the playoffs start in October, and they should begin early to establish a reputation that the Bell is no longer a place for a Sunday afternoon stroll.

The grittier core of the Habs lineup need to expose tooth and fang to deliver this message, and several Canadiens players have the goods and emotional game makeup to accomplish the notion.

It would go a long way towards improving their 5 on 5 play, a longstanding Canadiens achilles heel, and undo the reputation that the team plays small.

It's time to lower the boom on the opposition and keep them looking over their shoulders, and they need to develop the habit of all doing it together at once in the same game!

Everybody needs to get taller on this team, and an all for one attitude is the best place to start.

When every player covers a teammates back, a more confident lineup rapidly emerges.

Currently, no player on the Canadiens roster, could be described as a policeman, of sorts.

Now the team doesn't require an all out, headhunting goon. For all intents and purposes, they've gone the way of the dinosaur in the almost New NHL. Most recently, the Canadiens employed Garth Murray and Aaron Downey to laughable results, leaving only Sheldon Souray to stick up for teammates. But I digress, my point is no so much about fighting and the need for Chris Nilan types, it is just that the type of game they need to bring on will require some backup.

Getting down and dirty and making every inch of the boards seem like corners is what they must get busy at. No more Mr. Nice Guy!

























There are seven players on the Canadiens who already bring certain elements of this type of grit to the ice nightly. They are Mike Komisarek, Chris Higgins, Guillaume Latendresse, Maxim Lapierre, Steve Begin, Francis Bouillon, and captain Saku Koivu. They lead here, where others (read mostly Europeans and Russians) follow.

While the players mentioned above sometimes set the tone, it is a wavering decibel that needs cranking. They need to play to their roles without missing a beat, skipping a hit, and delivering a message.

Mike Komisarek, the Canadiens leader in hits last season serves as an excellent example of the dedication such a role requires. He seemed on a mission to make a name for himself in 2006-07 and he succeeded.An unattentive forward doesn't want to get slightly distracted around him. It's heads up time when Komisarek is on the ice, and no one turns their back to him. I see Scott Stevens type crunches in Komi's future. Learning to drop the gloves more often would go along way in sealing a reputation as a player not to be messed with. He can take on the team policeman role left vacant by Souray and add to it.

With Chris Higgins having become something of a goalscorer, he may become too slick for his own good - or that of his own team's. Much like Michael Ryder, Higgins has been seen turning away from a solid opportunity to smash headlong into an opponant in order to preserve a scoring chance. The follow - through on the hit needs to become the habit. The unselflish creating of a scoring chances for linemates by applying those hits is the shortcut to better offense. When opponants become aware they will not get slammed hard they become braver and more daring with the puck. All Habs would be served to employ this attitude and Higgins has just the mental fortitude and leadership capabilities to show the way. We have only gotten small glimpses in what has essentially been two half seasons of what Higgins is able to accomplish. A healthy Higgins during 80 games will create a whole new dimension to his upside.





















Latendresse is a hitter with tremendous size and upper body strength. When he uses it best, it keys him into games immediatly. He is the type of player, who, once he matures, will be sent out to start games and set the tempo. His maturity has been his best asset so far, and he seems willing to do what the coaching staff asks of him. When his game rounds out, he will bruise opponants with clean hits. He more than any other player in the Bell, can rouse a crowd with a devastating body crunch. Should the seemingly passive Latendresse ever bring on a mean streak, he will be fearsome to say the least. I believe that once he finds regular linemates, his complete game will blossom. An angered and passionate Latendresse will cause a premature pass or puck dump everytime. His developement is key to the Canadiens future hopes.

Maxim Lapierre served notice that he can be an indiscreet and irritating little bugger within a few matches last season. First he dumps Sidney Crosby on his keister off the opening faceoff with a shove from the butt end of his stick and days later he gets a trifle too close for Ray Emery's comfort, rattling his cage on a close in play. Both coy ploys had NHLer's wondering just who does this Lapierre kid think he is? He is a player, capable of decent numbers, but in a specialty role. He'll be sent onto the ice to either get players off the ice or off their game. The good news in Lapierre's case, is that he already understands that this is his meal ticket to remaining in the NHL. Without this edge, he's a fringe player. With his rats demeanor, he is an irreplacable componant in wining key games.





















Steve Begin is the Habs purple heart warrior. A career fourth liner, Begin defines the term sparkplug. Need someone to drop the gloves in defense of a teammates - Begin's your man. Blocking shots - no problem. Throwing out that big first hit to set the tempo of a game early - Begin is the master. People tend to forget that Begin was an AHL playoff MVP just a few years back. Begin hasn't forgotten what his calling card is, and he brings adreneline to every shift. A captain without a letter, he will accomplish his role injured or not. File his under "inspiration".

On defence, Francis Bouillon is the Habs face wash specialist. Along the boards, Bouillon uses this grease and grime etiquette to slow down adversaries and pin them out of the play. His strength and the leverage his shorter stature provides are a decoyed invitation into a bumpy ride for those who underestimate him. As with Begin, Bouillon is often forgotten in the mix, and needs shift to shift consistency. Rather than pumping up for the big hits that garner cheers from the Bell Centre crowds, Bouillon needs to learn that sometimes quantity overrules qualities. Hitting more often would be advised.

On International Ice, Saku Koivu's temperment undergoes a bristling transition as he deploys no shortage of illegalities to his gain. Subtle jabs and slashes, higher sticks and elbows seem to turn him into a Finnish version of a win at all costs Bobby Clarke. While a certainly a much nicer guy off the ice, Koivu would really start fires if he brought his playoff temperment along for the regular season more often at the right times. What Koivu needs to be taught is how to reel it in some, and oddly, when to spare the effort. Oftentimes, Koivu is a spent player by the third period due to his emptying the tank too soon. He needs to be a more patient performer in the first and second periods as he is lined up against other teams top forwards. More energetic wingers would help his line become more challenging in 5 on 5 situations, but Koivu is also tasked with leadership duties and restreint has rarely been his friend. Last season, the Habs were the NHL's best 3rd period team - often with Koivu leading the way.



















It remains to be seen how Brian Smolinski and Tom Kostopoulos fit into the scheme of things.

While by all accounts Smolinski is a solid vet, the word on Kostopoulos is that he is of the Lapierre grain. To that I say, let the sparks fly!

Outside of these players, remain the European componants of the team. If the players in charge of lighting the fuse work to effect, others will follow, including the teams more subtle elements - it's inevitable.

Watch the way Alex Kovalev plays when he's absolutely pissed off and out for vengance!

Lying in the balance of an enlivened Habs team, is the question of discpline on a team whose coach's reputation garnered them more penalty minutes than they deserved last season. Fringe calls against them, were often blamed on the coaches mouth and smirk, and rightly so in my opinion.

Should Carbonneau's team play the role of hell raising devils, it will be up to the coach the adapt a "what just happened" poker face!

In short, the coaches demeanor will have a lot to do with whether the Habs can become the meaner team they need to be under his guidance. He has to convince them that they could win this way, while being able to hold up his end of the bargain by chilling out behind the bench. Not everything he says, needs to be for the referees ears.

With the Canadiens being a work in progress, toughness is a way to go. Can the coach be a disciplined accomplice?

Team Current Habs Versus Team Former Habs

So this post originated via an argument with know-nothing Leaf fan #1967....

The quote from my blue and white bud brained aquaintance that set my blood to boil was...."The Canadiens ( pronounced Canadee N's - like they all do!) have probably traded away a team worthy of winning the Cup!"

Riiiiiiight!

Knowing that very few former Habs have left the team to go on and win the Stanley Cup with other squads, a notion was born in my head to compare ex - Habs to today's current team to see how one lineup would measure against the other. I'll get to that shortly. Scroll down past this conversation to get to those comparisons if you wish.

This battle of wits with an unarmed, card carrying Leaf nation member, started out as a verbal joist over which of our teams finished best in 2006-07.

He exclamed "Touche!" upon the meaningless fact that the Leafs finished 9th and the Canadiens were 10th, before I could mention that both teams failed to make the playoffs.

"So take your little extra point in the standings and shine it proudly. What does it give you?"
"Bragging rights!", he states, undaunted.

"Bragging rights to what?" I demanded. "The Habs have won 10 Stanley Cups since the Leafs last won it in '67. Still wanna talk about bragging rights?"


















"That's all yesterday", he summised, "It don't matter, the Leafs are Canada's team."

"So we're a nation of losers, right? Like all those Cup wins by Montreal have gained them no allegiances across the country over the years, I suppose?"

"Nope", he defends without a point. "Toronto is the country's biggest city, English is Canada's official language."

"We have two official language my friend, wake up!"

"Well I never heard of Habitants Nation!"

"Leaf Nation is a title Leafs fans have given themselves, buddy. It's for all intents and purposes inexistant. It's a slogan for Christsakes, it doesn't represent a country."

"Still we are Canada's team!"




















"Can you break a twenty for me?", I ask.

"Yup, two fives and a ten, good?"

"Flip that five dollar bill over, will you?"

"Yeah, so what?"

"See those kids playing pond hockey there?" I ask him.

" Yes, Canada's game, man!"

"That kid with number 9 on the jersey, that ain't Lanny McDonald, you know!"

"I know, but Lanny was one of the greatest Leafs ever, never shoulda been traded!", says Leaf Nation man.

"Probably not, but you're missing my point. A Hab, Rocket Richard, an icon, is on the Canadian currency!"

"It could be Lanny! Even if he was traded to Calgary. The Habs traded great players away too, like Patrick Roy. Alot of people probably think that's Lanny on the five dollar bill...who knows?"

"I doubt it!"

This is where Leaf fan states that the Habs traded away a slew of players whose names graced the Stanley Cup. I challenge him to name one other than Roy and he couldn't. I threw in Chris Chelios, Francois Beauchemin, and Jassen Cullimore.

I added that Lanny McDonald was not traded to Calgary, but was dealt to the Colorado Rockies for a player who ended up wearing number 99. This perplexed him totally. I reminded him of Wilf Paiement, who he faintly recalled.

"So what!", he counterded, "could still be Lanny on that bill!"

"Canada's team ain't the Leafs dude! Lanny wore number 7with Toronto!"

"Whatever!"

With that he turns to the elderly lady sitting next to him and asks a question about her husbands prostate cancer.

While I pull pen and pad from my pocket, scribbling madly, I remind myself some things in life are more important than hockey. I start jotting down former Habs regardless.

Once home, I research NHL.com and find 33 former Montreal Canadiens, amongst the players of 29 NHL teams. I choose the best 22 and line them up against the Canadiens current roster.

I doubt the lineup of former Habs would win a Cup, taken together as a team.














Judge these lineups for yourselves. I find that the current Canadiens have a slight goaltending edge, and more upside and depth at forward. The bottom half of former Habs defensemen is favorable over the current Canadiens blueliners.

I have noted with asterisks, players who have departed during the Bob Gainey regime. This could be used to rate Gainey's four years of work as Habs GM - see it as you wish. The numbers in brackets are the players salaries in million dollar decimals. The former Habs cap out at 55.5 million.

You be the judge here. Which lineup would you prefer over the next few seasons?

Cristobal Huet / Tomas Vokoun - Florida (5.7)
Price or Halak / Jose Theodore* - Colorado (5.3)
Andrei Markov / Mathieu Schneider - Anaheim (5.6)
Roman Hamrlik / Sheldon Souray* - Edmonton (5.4)
Mike Komisarek / Francois Beauchemin* - Anaheim (1.7)
Mathieu Dandeneault / Chris Chelios - Detroit (0.9)
Mark Streit / Craig Rivet* - San Jose (3.5)
Francis Bouillon / Stephane Robidas - Dallas (1.5)
Patrice Brisebois / Ron Hainsey* - Columbus (0.7)

























Saku Koivu / Mike Ribeiro* - Dallas (2.8)
Michael Ryder / Darcy Tucker - Toronto (3.0)
Alex Kovalev / Sergei Samsonov* - Chicago (3.5)
Tomas Plekanec / Dainus Zubrus - New Jersey (3.4)
Chris Higgins / Mark Recchi - Pittsburgh (2.0)
Andrei Kostitsyn / Marcel Hossa* - Rangers (0.8)
Bryan Smolinski / Radek Bonk* - Nashville (1.5)
Guillaume Latendresse / Richard Zednik* - Florida (1.6)
Steve Begin / Chad Kilger* - Toronto (0.9)
Maxim Lapierre / Yannick Perreault* - Chicago (1.5)
Tom Kostopoulos / Craig Conroy - Calgary (2.4)
Kyle Chipchura / Jason Ward* - Tampa (0.7)
Garth Murray / Donald Brashear - Washington (1.1)

Other former Habs not included in this lineup are defensemen Brett Clark of Colorado, Sean Hill of Minnesota, and Alain Nasreddine of Pittsburgh. Former Habs goalies are Mathieu Garon* of Edmonton, Jocelyn Thibault of Buffalo, and David Aebischer* of Phoenix. Forwards Raitis Ivanans* of Los Angeles and Scott Thornton of Los Angeles, round out the group.

Unsigned former Habs also include Mike Johnson*, Jan Bulis*, and Trevor Linden.

Sheldon, What Could You Be Thinking?

As of this writing, Sheldon Souray, remains stranded in the free agent abyss, obviously no longer a Montreal Canadien, yet not belonging to any other NHL organization.



It would be easier to understand his turning down the Canadiens multiple offers, had he signed a contract elsewhere by now. Logic would evidently follow any move, but so far Souray and his agent appear to have painted themselves into a corner.

All that is known about his negotiations with any teams so far, is that he has turned down what seems to have been the last Canadiens offer on Sunday July 2. The reported 4 year - $22 million deal then fell into the lap of Roman Hamrlik, who happily snapped up the somewhat bloated renumeration.

Sheldon, give your head a shake! Was returning to the scene of your success such a terrible idea?

I was surprised to hear that Habs GM Bob Gainey would make such an alluring offer to Souray, I was even more startled that Sheldon would turn it down.

Seeing as how other NHL teams with cash to spare have been filling out their rosters daily, the number of possible destinations and options for Souray seem to be dwindling. Rumours, for what they are worth, have pointed him in the direction of San Jose, Dallas, New Jersey, Edmonton, and the dreaded New York Rangers.

It makes one wonder what exactly could have gone wrong in Souray's negotiations to this point.

Perhaps turning down up to three offers from the team that groomed Souray into an All Star is a red flag.

Maybe it's that career year thing, with many GM's sensing it can't be duplicated.

Many will say it is Souray's brutal plus minus stat, that owes ten substractions to David Aebischer's juicy rebounds, that are scaring the sounder teams away.

There are also teams that will concern themselves with Souray's personal life, unfair as that is.

Could it be an agent issue, considering the big payday at hand? Paul Theofanous, an IMG affiliated agent who has handled the careers of Anika Kournikova and Michael Nylander, among many others, has shady written all over him.

It might be that late season shoulder injury, that kept Souray out of a final regular season game when he was needed most. No one will know how good the healing and rehab went until Souray plays again. I doubt this point, considering the Canadiens offer - but who knows what really was offered. Only fools bank on heresay!

Two wrist injuries? His cannon shot ought to alleviate any such fears his wrists are of any concern.

Talking to Canadiens fans about Souray's trek into the free agent desert, I am finding many who feel as I do. The consistant opinion is that Souray was worth more to a Canadiens team that knew how to employ him, than he is to teams who simply see statistics and sense a risk.

When I mention that Souray was offered $5.5 million dollars over 4 years, eyes roll! People are confounded as to why he passed it up.

Of course, there is a world of difference between the intrigued hockey fan chugging a beer, and the informed GM on the job, but sometimes perceptions are everything.

What puzzles me most, is that all season long, Souray seemed quite sincere about remaining a Montreal Canadien. Most athletes don't comment so profoundly on their own rumours as Souray did, and he was often adamant about his denials in asking for a trade, or his supposed West Coast desires.

There was that "unfinished business" quote that stuck to many Habs diehards.

The comments from Souray that rang in Habs fans ears all season long had to do with how much time there remained to negotiate, and how much money was too much money. Team concerns always took precedence in Souray's view. It seemed like comforting honesty at the time.

Now one week after the free agent doors have swung open, Souray is still up for grabs.

Eventually, questions as to why this is so, will be answered. Money amounts will play into the equation. The right fit on the right team will be measured as well.



I have been tempted to call Souray's agent Paul Theofanous myself ( Phone: 212-874-3043, Fax: 212-874-3997) and ask him why Sheldon is no longer the same perfect fit he was in Montreal all these years.

The scenario almost begs the question.

Who's The Right Free Agent Fit For Montreal?

With July 1 just around the corner, Canadiens fans are geared for GM Bob Gainey to play a mid summer Santa Clause and deliver a gift to the 2007-08 Habs season's hopes. Yes, he's made his list, and will checking it and checking it off, more than twice!

A word of precautionary advice - save initial disappointed for the 82nd game, and then judge Gainey's work. If the team makes the playoffs in 2008 - the steps were forward and not backwards moves.

Each individual fan has hopes that the Canadiens braintrust will land that big name that will further the teams chances and solidify the October starting lineup. Many names are being bandied about, while speculation persists about the next 48 hours in the Sheldon Souray negotiation, if there is in fact any talk going on with the man with the booming shot.

Gainey in assessing the teams needs, surely has a plan A, B, and C in place dependant upon Souray's departure.

Attracting free agents to play in Montreal is always a difficult task, but Gainey must approach this fact, in creating his wish list, as if no such apprehensions exist. Character players, who will not wilt under pressure, must top the list over players who simply wish to play in Montreal to fullfill longstanding desires.

If this reads as a vote against a player such as Buffalo's Daniel Briere - it is not. It is simply assessing where the teams greater needs lie in the bigger picture.

Last season, Gainey erred in retrospect, in bringing in Sergei Samsonov, for all the wrong reasons. As available free agent prospects dwindled, I regarded this particular signing as a last ditch effort to appease fans and media after more sought out players turned elsewhere. Gainey won't make the same mistake twice running, and won't hesitate to use Samsonov as an example of what shouldn't be done, should he be shut out of the July sweepstakes again this time.

Much of where he chooses to focus will depend on what route Souray has chosen to follow.

If Souray somehow remains, the focus will shift to needs up front. Should he follow the expected greener pastures, filling out the backline becomes the key priority.

Seeing as how the Canadiens drafted recently, with 6 choices out of 9 being rearguards, it is obvious that Gainey has his pulse set on where the Habs need propping up most. This is not only a future concern, but a very conscious present one also. Defenseman could also consume his focus in regards to free agents, with or without re-upping Souray.

In Gainey's mind, a team can never have enough physical and mobile defenseman, capable of playing tough while getting to the puck ahead of opponants. Should Gainey find a way of strengthening the top 6, he will not pass it up. Neater work behind the blueline, in essence, allows for greater creativily upfront. The Canadiens forwards are a speedy group, and better effiency behind the blueline will help assure that the forwards are pointed in the direction of the opposition goal more often than otherwise.
























As speed is the teams strongest asset up front, the key to unleashing it lies in the forwards using their energy more wisely, and saving some for the offensive zone. If the first half of a 45 second shift is spent repairing defensive breakdowns, that energy is wasted by the time forwards cross the opposing blueline. This is where the puck pursuit style favoured by the team, in light of its speed asset, breaks down due to a lack of gas in the tank.

It all comes back to the defensemen.

Adding another whirling dervish in the Samsonov mold up front will hardly help the Canadiens repair this deficiency. Last season, the diminutive but speedy Samsonov, skated miles, often in circles, because he was a responsible two way player. His plus minus stat was quite respectable on a team where good marks in this area were few. But having Samsonov be defensively responsible robbed him of his game and hurt the team in the end. Adding that Samsonov played the season on his off wing, confusion reigned in his defined role.

This disaster shouldn't be repeated by adding the same type of player, without first addressing the blueline. This is why I see Gainey primordially seeking to shore up the D, Souray or not, either by free agency or a trade.

The conundrum is that Gainey is in the mix with many other GM's scanning the free agent market with the same goals in mind. And this season, the pickings are slim to none.

Pourring over the list of available candidates on defense, there are only a small handful of 12 names of interest that would constitute up upgrade on the Canadiens backline, from the depth positions of 1 to 6.




















They include Brad Stuart (Cal), Teppo Numminen (Buf), Roman Hamrlik (Cal), Darryl Sydor (Dal), Danny Markov (Det), Martin Skoula (Min), Vitali Vishnevski (Nas), Brian Rafalski (NJ), Scott Hannan (SJ), Tom Preissing (Ott), Bryan Muir (Was), and Cory Sarich (TB). Nick Boyton, who has been placed on waivers by Phoenix and Mathieu Schneider (Det), recovering from wrist surgery are two other options.

It is likley that Rafalski, Hannan, and Stuart will re-up with their respective teams, but should Gainey be able to land either of the three, it would be seen a major upgrading. Getting Rafalski and Stuart, both key to their teams plans, will be near to impossible. If either were to leave, it would mainly be to teams with Stanley Cup aspirations rather than a middle of the pack destination. Both could command over $5 million per annum and it's unlikely the Canadiens would venture that far and pay over top dollar to mend their open sores.

Hannan is a cheaper option. The steady, stay at home type, may make himself too pricey for the Sharks, but in $3 to $4 million range, makes much sense for the Canadiens if they are lucky enough to snap him up at that price.

Next on the list would be Darryl Sydor and Martin Skoula, both efficient puck movers who can contribute in all game situations. Both are familiar with playing on very tight teams and their experience would lend itself well to Montreal's needs and goals.

Numminen, Vishnevski, and Preissing all bring experience and skill, without striking fear into the eyes of opponants. Numminen is a wealth of knowledge, but may be getting too far along to use it in vaste enough amounts to benefit Montreal. Preissing would be staying in Ottawa if the price were right. Vishnevski is solid and unspectacular defender who gets the job done without fuss or fanfare. He's a good fit at the proper cost, bit in this market he'll take the largest bait.

Markov and Hamrlik have the offensive moves, but are light on the puck carrier. As they are getting on in years also, determining whether they would be upgrade, on the ice moreso than on paper, will be tricky. Muir and Sarich would be depth aquisitions slotted into the 5th or 6th roles, which would be a reduction in ice time for both. They may come cheaper, but the canadiens could be just as well off going with youth at this point.

Boynton and Schneider remain curious options should the Habs completely strike out above.
























Being that there are far more options up front, the Canadiens will attempt to bring in a forward of impact that compliments its speed and grit on the top three lines. There is much too choose from, but there are more ill-fitting pieces than there are perfect fits.

Tops on everybody's lists is Briere. The shifty and elusive centerman would add creativity to the Habs attack, but at a high price. His downside is his size, as he is worn down often as the season wears on. The upside is that his offense will bolster a team greatly during the regular season.

The names of available forwards (as of this writing) that are being mentioned that could help the Canadiens are: Ryan Smyth, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Peter Forsberg, Paul Kariya, Keith Tkachuk, Alexei Yashin, Jason Blake, Teemu Selanne, Vyacheslav Kozlov, Danuis Zubrus, Brendan Shanahan, Darren McCarty, Todd Bertuzzi, Robert Lang, Petr Sykora, Derek Armstrong, Viktor Kozlov, Mike Comrie, Michel Ouellet, and Bill Guerin.

Of these 21 names, I would rule out those of Yashin, Lang, Bertuzzi, and Selanne immediately. The reason for doing so, in order, are: unmotivatible, age, history and sulky demeanor plus injuries, and highly unlikely to consider relocation.

Size and strength up front would be great compliments to the Habs speed. In this category, the players most likely to make those around them better and braver would include Smyth, Drury, and Tkachuk - all gamers who aren't afraid of getting their noses dirty. The list would also include Forsberg were it not for injury concerns. The Canadiens are bogged down with smaller attributes. Players who would make them play taller are not to be overlooked and Gainey surely paid attention to this facet of the game during the Stanley Cup final.

Scott Gomez, with wingers Patrik Elias and Brian Gionta, posted totals of 13-47-60 last season, a disappointment in my eyes. If he were to replicate such stats, in Montreal at his asking price, would it constitute an upgrade? A disappointment? Gomez, while hardly fleet of foot, is fairly good in traffic. His attributes however, do not outweigh his limitations, and he is not unlike Saku Koivu, a number two center in a number one role. Would dropping him down a line bring his production up and justify a hefty salary? Asking the question, is answering it.

Bill Guerin and Brendan Shanahan are short term solutions with predictable results. They will both hit in the 25 goal range, but are better seen as final pieces to a puzzle rather than building blocks. Neither would settle for a second or third line role and they would be robbing a younger player of progression in the Canadiens lineup.

Danuis Zubrus and Michel Ouellet present interesting options. Zubrus has grown as a center since leaving Montreal. His game is more complete one and he could be the type of player to trigger Kovalev's offensive instincts. Ouelllet, a 24 year old, who has scored 35 goals in two seasons, would be an interesting fit alongside Maxim Lapierre and Guillaume Latendresse.

Sykora, Kariya, Blake and Comrie are what the Canadiens already have plenty of, which is small forwards. Sykora, who was passed over last season in favor of Samsonov, is the largest of the four. He is a consistant point producer but also takes mental vacations in his own end. Blake is a laser shooter in the mode of Michael Ryder, with a little more edge. Comrie is great in a freewheeling game but disappears in traffic. He's never been accused of being a team player.

Kariya is a more complete player than he was a decade ago. While his 100 point seasons are a distant memory, he remains a hard working forward who gives it all he's got. He's swift and sneaky, and while he'll try to, he won't outmuscle anybody along the boards.

The inclusion of players such as McCarty, the two Kozlov's, and Armstong haven't been brought up much, but deserve a look nontheless.

McCarty is a dirty grinder with good experience and leadership capabilities. If the Canadiens see Kyle Chipchura in the role of checking center, McCarty provides a linemate who plays and honest game and knows his role. He's a player who you know would wear the jersey with pride. In addition, dressing room nutcases make for great tension release valves.

The two Kozlov's are centers and almost polar opposites. Slava is the smaller of the two and plays a peskier game. His smooth passes and speed would fit neatly in the middle of Alex Kovalev and Andrei Kostitsyn. Ditto for Viktor Kozlov. While he is not nearly as nifty, he brings size and creates room offensively. The trouble with Viktor is he is difficult to motivate and often plays in streaks.

Derek Armstrong is an unknown quanity in the East. The 34 year old center with decent size plays a similar role to Radek Bonk. While posting 11-33-44 totals with Kings last season, he was a surprising +13 on a team loaded down with minus players. His pricetag will make him a wise pickup for the right team.

USA Today has this list of UFA's, dated June 26, 2007. Accuracy may be questioned, as their list includes Red Wings winger Tomas Holmstrom. Upon seeing that name, I began writing this post based on him being my choice target to fix the Habs woes, and these thoughts, all for naught, quickly wrote themselves:

Immovable in the crease, and tough as nails along the boards, he is well schooled in both ends of the rink. He could easily be the Canadiens bargain at close to five million (he signed for half). His assets would make a better player of linemates such as Koivu, Ryder, Higgins, and even Kovalev, by creating chaos and being hard on the puck. He is key to Detroit's game, but the Red Wings may not be able to hold him in the fray at the price he could be worth to others. Their payroll includes many long term deals and rising stars, and Holmstrom is ripe for the plucking. If you doubt Holmstrom's usefullness, witness what Anaheim was able to do with Detroit after he was missed.

Oh well, maybe in three years!