tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86522145934346189382024-03-14T00:52:17.098-04:00The BreakdownI will discuss and dissect different aspects of Montreal Canadiens games - as I see them.I also post occasional articles discussing different things surrounding the Habs as opposed to game analysis - including the popular "HABS-TOWN" feature. My opinions and comments are my own (unless otherwise noted). You can agree or disagree - feel free. Love me, hate me - these are my opinions.Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-981220911147643312014-08-25T23:03:00.002-04:002014-08-25T23:41:15.193-04:00HABS-TOWN: "What a roller coaster ride!!"<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whether she's appearing on CJAD's "The Exchange" to talk about Social media privacy rights, working for your family in her capacity as a family attourney, or waving her bleu-blanc-rouge colours around town, today's guest on HABS-TOWN isn't shy to share her opinions. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Izabel Czuzoj-Shulman is a passionate Habs-fan. She brought her fandom to our nation's capital and back. With ninja-like precision she navigated a houseful of three hockey playing boys to possibly become the most opinionated of the bunch. Today she shares some of those opinions with us in HABS-TOWN.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What got you into hockey, more specifically the Habs?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My dad and brothers were always Habs fans and
they're the ones who got me into hockey and specifically the Habs. I
still remember watching the '93 playoff run with my dad. I became a
bigger fan after the lockout in 2004 (I must have missed it) and have
been getting increasingly hardcore every year since. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What happened between the run in 1993 and 2004? Why'd you lapse and what brought you back?</span></span> </span></span></b> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well, I think from '93 to the late 90's I was too young to really know
what it was all about but I can't say for sure. I have limited memories
of being Ten.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In high school I spent most of my time working on fashion
shows and debating (odd combination, I know) so I don't think it was
until I branched out a bit more on my own in CEGEP that I truly began
appreciating hockey and the Habs specifically. I also never played
hockey so that might have led to me having less of an interest in it.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What got me back into it, interestingly enough was dating. I started
hanging out with guys who were hockey fans and starting watching it
again. It reminded me how much I had enjoyed watching as a little kid
and the Habs - monster in me was reborn. Poor guys (laughs) they had no
idea I'd be more into the game than them.</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do you remember your first Habs Game?</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I don't remember my first Habs game but I'm pretty sure it was
after they moved into the Bell Center (or at that time, the Molson
Center).</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do you have a favorite Habs player ever? if so, whom, and why? </span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I don't have a favourite Hab ever, but my
favourite all time player is Stevie Y.</span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EgoeXD6jGWc/U_v56xVVvQI/AAAAAAAADsQ/0L8QIlMymkQ/s1600/shulman2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EgoeXD6jGWc/U_v56xVVvQI/AAAAAAAADsQ/0L8QIlMymkQ/s1600/shulman2.jpg" height="320" width="305" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I love him because he's not only an all around amazing player
but he's also tremendously respected and admired by players, coaches and
management throughout the league. I also had the privilege of meeting
him last summer at a wedding and he was so gracious. People were
literally lined up - at a wedding!! - to get his autograph and he signed
every last one, took pictures and spoke to everyone. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A red wing as a favorite player. How does that happen?</span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I got into Stevie Y and the Wings because of someone I dated briefly.
He was a Wings fan so we'd end up watching games together. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My first
impression of them was that they were the only Western Conference team
that I'd watched that were talented and gracious. So many of those teams
were just big burly guys who wanted to fight. Then there were the 2000
era wings with Yzerman, Shanahan, Chelios, Draper and the list goes on.
Skilled, classy guys who wanted to play the game right. And I believe a
lot of that came from Yzerman being their captain. They would never
steal me away from my Habs but man were they fun to watch. Today, my
mind is blown by Datsyuk's stick handling every time and the winter
classic was awesome. Just good, ol time hockey<b>.</b></span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Where do you like to watch games?</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My favourite place to watch a game is the Bell Center. There is
no other arena with the ambiance of the Bell Center. I literally get
goosebumps during the opening of the games every single time. I also
love seeing the Habs play in other arenas. I lived in Ottawa for six years
and went to watch the Habs play the Sens whenever I could. It was
really fun because a ton of people in Ottawa are Habs fans and it almost
felt like being at home.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I also like to see the Habs when I travel, if I
can, so I've been able to see them in LA, Florida, Anaheim and Boston.
If I cant get to an arena to see the game I prefer to watch at home with
my dog, Zoey, who is also a Habs fan.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Do you find living away from Montreal changed how you view the team at all?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I definitely think living in Ottawa made me an even bigger Habs fan.
It's fun to be a fan of a "foreign" team. It made me want to be more
vocal about it, that's for sure. And that stayed with me when I moved
back home.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I also paid $15 more per month to get RDS in Ottawa so I
could watch my Habs in French and on a network that respects them the
way that they should be respected. So yeah, I love my Habs. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Do you prefer to watch with guys? with girls? why?</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I prefer to watch the game with someone who understands or at
least cares to understand the sport. Male or female is irrelevant to me.
But they have to be into the game! I also find it really interesting to
watch with people who play hockey themselves because they offer really
interesting insights into the game. My dad, for example, plays and refs
so he's a ton of fun to watch with! And one of my brothers is a goalie
so his perspective is always fascinating to me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b> Do Goalie - bro and Ref - Dad argue alot? Or are they always on the same page? Who do you find yourself agreeing with more?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For sure they argue. I see it less now since goalie brother and I don't
live with ref father anymore but they still get into it whenever we're
together. And I love to just sit back and listen when they do because
they both know the sport so well. It's so much fun to learn from them. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I
also get into quite a few arguments with each of them given how
opinionated I can be and I rarely side with one more often than the
other. I just think it's so cool that you can look at the game from so
many different perspectives. I consider myself a diehard fan but also
kind of a new fan so I realize I still have a ton to learn and I'm lucky
to be surrounded by people who know so much and want to share (and or
tolerate my rants). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Do you have any pre-game rituals or in game superstitions?</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have a ton of rituals and superstitions. On every game day,
whether regular season or playoffs and whether or not I will be watching
I MUST wear at least one item of red clothing. Typically it's a Habs
shirt. When we win, I insist on wearing whatever item I was wearing
for that game until it stops being lucky. And playoff time is always a
Habs shirt or jersey. My dog wears hers too. I park my car in my garage
in the exact same way during the playoffs and do my nails with Habs
colours and symbols. I'm entirely convinced that these things make a
difference.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>What's the best game you ever went to? what do you remember about it?</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Best game I've been too was this past <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1079269366" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">April 5th</span></span>.
Given the (Conference) restructuring, the Habs were finally playing Detroit and I
was ecstatic. Even more so when we went up 3-0. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When the Habs are
winning the Bell Center is the best place in the universe to be. But
then the dreaded 3 goal lead habits set in and the Wings tied it up.
It's funny because I had wanted to wear a Detroit hat along with my Habs
jersey and scarf but was told it was too confusing,(laughs) so I didn't. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let me tell you, as much as I love Detroit, when they tied it up my
heart sank. I always believe our boys will persevere though and Gionta
proved my point about how important Captains can be when he scored that
4th goal. From that point on, the energy was restored at the Bell
Center. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What a roller coaster ride!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Do you have any funny or interesting stories that are somehow related to the Habs?</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Just this past June on the afternoon of game 7 against Boston, I
was standing outside of my office and I saw a camera crew walking in to
my building. So I approached the guys and asked if they were there to
interview me for being such a huge Habs fan. They looked confused so I
showed them my nails which were all painted red, except for one finger
that was blue with the white habs symbol. After seeing that they agreed
to interview me so I brought them out to see my car which I covered in
Habs stickers and other paraphernalia. When they saw that I had a Youppi
toque, they insisted that I wear it for the interview. So, I appeared
on Global news that night at six<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_838558863" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"></span></span> wearing a Habs tuque (while otherwise dressed as a lawyer) talking about my love for the Habs<b>. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="437" src="http://globalnews.ca/video/embed/1332160/" width="670">Your browser does not support frames. <a href="http://globalnews.ca/video/1332160/montrealers-psyched-for-game-7">Click here to view the frameless video.</a>.</iframe> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>What are your expectations for the 2014-2015 edition of the Montreal Canadiens?</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think this is going to be an incredible season for us. Given
how far we got last year, there is no reason to assume we can't do as
well if not better. I think we've picked up some interesting guys and
(remember you heard it here first) I believe we have the power to bring
the cup back home in 2015.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>So you don't feel that the Habs may suffer from a leadership void this
year? They've gotten younger in the off season after jettisoning much of
their veteran talent - including their captain. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You know, I don't feel that there's a bit of a leadership void this year
because I find we have so many guys who fill in different aspects of
what makes a captain great. I think being a captain takes more than
having a strong presence with the team as well as skills on the ice. I
think it takes experience, poise and ability to keep the team and the
fans motivated when things look good as well as stepping back and
letting everyone enjoy the victories. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I liked Gionta, LOVED Koivu and
would love to see someone on our team step up and do the job right. But I
also think that no matter who our captain is, we have a great team.
Guys that motivate and encourage, guys that play the game the way it
should be played and set a great example even though they're not as
vocal. It all comes together to make for an awesome team.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I will say,
one of the things I enjoy most about the Habs at the moment is the
dynamic between Budaj and Price. I love that Budaj is constantly giving
Price little tips, commenting on things that he sees and helping Price
become better and better with every game. Those are the kinds of things
you want to see from your teammates and why I think that no matter who
the captain is, everyone has an important leadership-type role to play. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>You're a big Teenage Mutant Nina Turtles fan, which Habs do you feel best represent the personalities of each turtle,
and why?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fz-tFlXGSVM/U_v_7xHGyXI/AAAAAAAADs4/FteewPD4sIo/s1600/shulman6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fz-tFlXGSVM/U_v_7xHGyXI/AAAAAAAADs4/FteewPD4sIo/s1600/shulman6.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Based on the pranks he pulls and his general goofy attitude
Galchenyuk is Michaelangelo. I'd say Price is Donatello. He's not the
most talkative turtle but he's both a great leader and a brain. Leonardo
would have been Gionta but I'll give it to Markov now. A great leader,
skilled player and well respected in the locker room. I'd say P.K. is
Raphael not so much because he has a bad attitude but he can certainly
have an attitude one when he wants to although he is still an essential
part of the team. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <b>I think I may have had the cerebral Markov as Donatello, prankster P.K
as Michaelangelo, "cool but crude" Brandon Prust as Raphael, and to
me calm, cool, stoic Price is Leonardo. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Can I like your turtle choices but prefer mine?</span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can, but I think I get the last word here.</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(Laughs) Fair. </span></span><br />
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For more from Izabel Czuzoj-Shulman, follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/LadyLawyerMtl">@LadyLawyerMtl</a></div>
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Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-46111160416674169462014-08-20T18:23:00.000-04:002014-08-20T18:23:07.493-04:00Puck DaddyWhile I have not left you, I have written a piece for Puck Daddy as part of their "Summer of disappointment series" I do hope you'll head over there and read it, and am thankful for the love shown to me by Greg Wyshynski and the Puck daddy staff.<br />
<br />
"<em id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408572470759_1588" style="line-height: 160%;">There’s
entirely too much sunshine in the summer. So your friends at Puck Daddy
are offering a month of thrown shade and perpetual gloom. Behold, our
Summer of Disappointment series, in which we ask fans of all 30 teams to
recall the biggest bummer moments, teams and players in franchise
history! Please wade into their misery like a freezing resort pool, and
add your own choices in the comments!"</em> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/puck-daddy-s-most-disappointing-summer-series--montreal-canadiens-045821442.html">http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/puck-daddy-s-most-disappointing-summer-series--montreal-canadiens-045821442.html</a><br />
<br />
Stay tuned in the coming days, as there is a new HABS-TOWN edition on the horizon, and training camp is fast approaching. <br />
<em id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408572470759_1588" style="line-height: 160%;"> </em><em id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408572470759_1588" style="line-height: 160%;"> </em><br />
<em id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408572470759_1588" style="line-height: 160%;"><br /></em>Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-88208196209032825642014-07-05T23:33:00.001-04:002014-07-05T23:33:12.914-04:002014 Draft - Who Habs got - Nikolas Koberstein<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SK360BoIRRg/U6taJgMN61I/AAAAAAAADno/j8heNrkrajQ/s1600/draft.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SK360BoIRRg/U6taJgMN61I/AAAAAAAADno/j8heNrkrajQ/s1600/draft.jpg" height="130" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPu_P2cAI7g/U7i3VHOOBeI/AAAAAAAADrE/DKJXi6ReH7A/s1600/koberstein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPu_P2cAI7g/U7i3VHOOBeI/AAAAAAAADrE/DKJXi6ReH7A/s1600/koberstein.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCG_5aKFQzo/U67kUbif2zI/AAAAAAAADqE/Whu60hd5nbM/s1600/Lernout.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: large;">Nikolas Koberstein - D - 6'2/205 - Olds (AJHL)</span><br />
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The 205th ranked North American skater according to<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectbrowse.htm" target="_blank"> NHL Central Scouting</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/"></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">•</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"> This season has been an eventful one for Koberstein as he committed to
the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, participated in the CJHL top
prospects game, and was named to the AJHL's South Division All-Rookie
Team. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><br />
• </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">In total he posted 5 goals, 18 points and 153 penalty minutes in 51
regular season games. Koberstein added 2 assists while logging a ton of
minutes along side fellow rookie Chaydan Lauber in 9 playoff games for
Olds.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHmliT5G8qE/U7jDJ_6XrUI/AAAAAAAADrU/jKWM023_VGo/s1600/koberstein2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHmliT5G8qE/U7jDJ_6XrUI/AAAAAAAADrU/jKWM023_VGo/s1600/koberstein2.jpg" height="400" width="398" /></a></div>
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“Koberstein was a guy we went under the radar, we had our fingerprints
all over. We spent some time with him after the season, and I think this
guy has some good upside and long range projection. He's a great kid,
tons of character but he's a good hockey player too. He'll come to our development camp next week and we'll go from there.
He's a guy we call a five-year player. He'll go back to Olds, be the
captain, be the leader, play there another year and then go to the NCAA.
It's a five year potential commitment on him.<span class="quoteText" id="q-text">” - Trevor Timmins (Montreal Canadiens, Director of Amateur Scouting)</span><br />
<br />
<span class="quoteText" id="q-text">"</span><span class="quoteText" id="q-text">He's an exciting young player and would certainly benefit the Pats back end should he report." - Phil Andrews (Radio voice of Regina Pats) </span> </div>
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"Nikolas has come to our team and stepped right in to a top role for us,
he works extremely hard everyday and loves to learn the game." -
Brett Hopfe (Head Coach, Olds Grizzlys)<br />
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"<span>With Nik's skill set and work ethic I would not be surprised to
see him playing at the professional level when his time with UAF is
done.</span>" - Brett Hopfe (Head Coach, Olds Grizzlys)<br />
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Follow the latest Hab on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/koberstein07">@koberstein07</a></div>
</div>
Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-86394425939446138122014-06-28T12:05:00.003-04:002014-06-28T12:05:56.105-04:002014 Draft - Who Habs got - Brett Lernout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SK360BoIRRg/U6taJgMN61I/AAAAAAAADno/j8heNrkrajQ/s1600/draft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SK360BoIRRg/U6taJgMN61I/AAAAAAAADno/j8heNrkrajQ/s1600/draft.jpg" height="130" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCG_5aKFQzo/U67kUbif2zI/AAAAAAAADqE/Whu60hd5nbM/s1600/Lernout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RCG_5aKFQzo/U67kUbif2zI/AAAAAAAADqE/Whu60hd5nbM/s1600/Lernout.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Brett Lernout - D - 6'4/205 - Swift Current (WHL)</span><br />
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The 52nd ranked North American skater according to<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectbrowse.htm" target="_blank"> NHL Central Scouting</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hockeyprospect.com/"></a><br />
The 92nd ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/">The Hockey News</a><br />
<br /><a href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/magazine/"></a>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">• Known for his steady defensive play and rugged style, Lernout played
in all 72 games in 2013-14, posting 22 points (8-14—22) and a plus-7
rating in his first full seasons with the Swift Current. <br />
<br />
• Lernout played 20 games over two seasons with the Saskatoon Blades
before he was acquired by the Broncos in 2012-13. He notched his first
career Western Hockey League goal in Swift Current’s 3-0 win over the
Prince Albert Raiders on Feb. 9, 2013.<br />
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• Lernout grew up playing on a backyard rink built by his father. He
names his dad as the most influential person in his hockey career and
recalls scoring his first WHL goal with his dad in attendance as his
most memorable hockey moment. <br />
<br />
• In 2011-12, Lernout racked up 35 points (8-27—35) in 44 games for the
Winnipeg Wild. He added five points (1-4—5) in the playoffs to help the
team capture the Midget AAA title. Lernout guarded the Wild blueline in
front of netminder Ty Edmonds, the No. 18-ranked North American
goaltender.<br />
<br />
• Lernout grew up idolizing Chris Pronger’s tough playing style.•
In 2013-14, his first season in North America, Scherbak led all Western
Hockey League rookies in scoring by 19 points with 28-50—78 in 65
games.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YQDq0575ODQ" width="560"></iframe><br /></span></div>
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"He's a big kid, tough and nasty. He's hard to play against and a good
physical presence. He just needs to keep his game simple and safe to be
effective at this point. His puck movement is safe and adequate, and
he's able to box out forwards well in front of his own goal.” - B.J. MacDonald (NHL Central Scouting)<br />
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“<span class="quoteText" id="q-text">Lernout has lots of tools at his disposal, and started to put them all
together throughout the year. Lernout loves to use his frame and has
developed a mean streak. He’s a hard hitter and will drop the gloves.
He’s a solid skater for his size, especially in terms of straight-line
speed. Also has a hard shot, which is where most of his offensive output
comes from. Not a particularly good passer, and still has to improve
his defensive play.” - Mitch Brown (<a href="http://www.allaboutthehabs.ca/2014-draft-potential-mid-later-round-picks-part-2/">Allaboutthehabs.ca</a>)</span><br />
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<span class="quoteText" id="q-text">"The Western League is known for toughness and for defense: Lernout
brings both. A punishing, physical blueliner with great reach, Lernout
will continue to develop on a great defense corps in Swift Current
alongside Dillon Heatherington (Columbus), Bryce Martin and Julius Honka
(both 2014 prospects as well). Lernout will be the muscle." - Ryan Kennedy (THN) </span> </div>
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"<span>Brett showed good improvement through the course of the season. </span><span>A toolsy player with great size, strength, </span>and
skating abilities. He’s still raw, but if given time to develop, he
should become the type of physical defenseman that teams love to have
and hate to play against." -
Scott McDougal (Hockey Prospect)<br />
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"Very large intimidating defender who projects as a 6 or 7 who takes
advantage of his chances to play by arriving in a bad mood ready to
punish the opposition with ever chance. Not just a bruiser. He will make
it hard for you to play against him, but shows some patience and
awareness when he is in possession for his team or in the neutral zone.
Painfully clears the front. Closes out his man on the entrance, so the
rusher remembers it. I am not sure if he is completely adjusted to his
growing body, as he will look pretty smooth on his pins on the carry
until HE gets jostled. He is not looking to be the offensive force in
his pairing, but passes pretty well and has a good shot from the
perimeter. There is room for him to get bigger and stronger, and with
that his balance and feet may catch up." - Bill Placzek (<a href="http://draftsite.com/">Draftsite.com</a>)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BeSsKL3QQpw" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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<br />
For a more detailed look at Brett Lernout pease check out this excellent interview with him by Kelly Friesen of Yahoo Sports. <a href="https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/juniorhockey/blog/buzzing_the_net/post/nhl-draft-tracker-brett-lernout-swift-current-broncos?urn=juniorhockey,wp33803" target="_blank">NHL Draft Tracker: Brett Lernout</a><br />
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Follow the latest Hab on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/BrettLernout">@BrettLernout</a></div>
</div>
Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-76849558740348308222014-06-28T11:25:00.002-04:002014-06-28T11:27:15.331-04:002014 Draft - Who Habs got - NIKITA SCHERBAK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SK360BoIRRg/U6taJgMN61I/AAAAAAAADnk/wtCygftw30Q/s1600/draft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SK360BoIRRg/U6taJgMN61I/AAAAAAAADnk/wtCygftw30Q/s1600/draft.jpg" height="162" width="400" /></a></div>
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When Marc Bergevin and Trevor Timmins stepped up to the podium to make their first selection of the 2014 NHL draft, four of my top six favourite picks were still available for the pickings.<br />
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My number one for the Habs was Adrian Kempe out of Modo, he was eventually selected at 29th by the Kings.<br />
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The Habs brass selected Nikita Scherbak of the Saskatoon Blades who was not on my list. I am quite pleased indeed with this selection. The player, it should be noted, did not make my list as I did not believe he would be available at 26th over-all.<br />
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Scherbak acquitted himself very well in many interviews last night. Especially for a person who didn't speak a word of English less than a year ago. He came off as charming, funny, and grounded. After interviewing close to one hundred draft hopefuls this week, it's a fair bet that the Canadiens brass believes that Scherbak has the "character and compete" that they are looking for from all their players.<br />
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The "character" part was certainly on display last night.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shF55E8-ctk/U67c_G8TuXI/AAAAAAAADpw/97T0ESkUB9c/s1600/scherbak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shF55E8-ctk/U67c_G8TuXI/AAAAAAAADpw/97T0ESkUB9c/s1600/scherbak.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Nikita Scherbak - RW - 6'0/172 - Saskatoon (WHL)</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"></span><br />
The 27th ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="http://www.isshockey.com/" target="_blank">International Scouting services.</a><br />
The 16th ranked draft eligible player on <a href="http://mckeenshockey.rivals.com/default.asp" target="_blank">McKeen's</a> list.<br />
The 15th ranked North American skater according to<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectbrowse.htm" target="_blank"> NHL Central Scouting</a><br />
Ranked #35 overall by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/CraigJButton" target="_blank">TSN's Craig Button</a><br />
Ranked 21st by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/TSNBobMcKenzie" target="_blank">TSN's Bob McKenzie</a><br />
The 14th ranked draft eligible player on <a href="http://www.hockeyprospect.com/">HockeyProspect.com</a><br />
The 18th ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/">The Hockey News</a><br />
The 23rd ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/magazine/">Sportsnet Magazine.</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">• In 2013-14, his first season in North America, Scherbak led all Western Hockey League rookies in scoring by 19 points with 28-50—78 in 65 games.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">• Scherbak was named the Blades’ Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Plus/Minus Leader and 3-Star Award Winner. He earned the team’s Top Scorer Award after leading the Blades in goals, assists and points, becoming the first rookie to lead Saskatoon in scoring since Garett Bembridge in 1996-97.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">• A vibrant personality who is known to talk a lot on road trips, Scherbak has been taking English classes and learning at an accelerated rate. Saskatoon head coach Dave Struch jokes: “On the five or six-hour bus trips he sits four seats behind us (coaches) and that’s all you can hear, him talking the whole way.”</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">• He lists Pavel Datsyuk as his childhood hockey idol and wears No. 27 in tribute to Russian superstar Alex Kovalev.</span><br />
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"Excellent scoring instincts and he arrives at the right times to take full advantage. Awareness of how to exploit opportunities is very good and is vigilant and alert in this regard. A versatile player who can play off strengths of others." - Craig Button (TSN)<br />
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"Great skill and smarts, he's played all three forward positions thisnyear but his strength is on the right wing being a left hand shot, because he loves to drive the net. He really uses his linemates well, he's an unselfish player and has really adapted well to the North American game." - Peter Sullivan (NHL Central Scouting)<br />
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“<span class="quoteText" id="q-text">The best thing about him is that
he’s very coachable and teachable. Because he can skate he can get on
the puck. But when he’s not on it right away he’s not afraid to make or
take a hit. When you’ve got that part of a game from a Russian player
it’s exciting.” - David Struch (Saskatoon Blades, head coach)</span> </div>
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"Teams always ask Russians about commitment to the NHL over the KHL. Scherbak might land in round 2 after missing the combine due to visa issues." - Gare Joyce (Sportsnet)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/qI38sH5P0wE" width="560"></iframe></div>
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For a more detailed look at Nikita Scherbak, please check out this excellent profile on him by Ryan Pike of The Hockey Writers. <a href="http://thehockeywriters.com/nikita-scherbak-the-next-ones-2014-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/" target="_blank">Nikita Scherbak THW: Close Up</a><br />
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Follow the latest Hab on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/neketos22">@neketos22 </a></div>
</div>
Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-24370646402560390112014-06-25T20:43:00.001-04:002014-06-25T20:43:26.528-04:002014 Draft - Players to watch for Habs (Round 1)Like I did in <a href="http://habshermy11.blogspot.ca/2012/06/2012-draft-players-to-watch-for-habs.html">2012</a> I did my draft research. Unlike 2012 however, I have compiled here a look at the first round of the 2014 draft.
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<br />
The Canadiens hold the 26th pick in the draft this season.<br />
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6 names stand out to me as possibilities for the Canadiens to draft in the first round in Philadelphia. I
am profiling them below in my order of preference assuming all of them are on the board. <br />
<br />
I am not a Scout. I have not personally seen any of these players play.
Therefore any information you read below is coming from credible sources
who do this for a living. What I have done is compile information about
certain players that I believe Montreal could be looking at. For a
complete list of players, and information on many other players that are
not mentioned here, please click the links I have provided to the many
fantastic sources.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-guNUKZzjrSA/U6tS3JqCksI/AAAAAAAADnY/ew3hglNIMB0/s1600/kempe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-guNUKZzjrSA/U6tS3JqCksI/AAAAAAAADnY/ew3hglNIMB0/s1600/kempe.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Adrian Kempe - C/LW - 6'2/187 - Modo (SHL)</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
The 22nd ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="https://www.isshockey.com/scouting/home" target="_blank">International Scouting services.</a><br />
The 26th ranked draft eligible player on <a href="http://mckeenshockey.rivals.com/default.asp" target="_blank">McKeen's</a> list.<br />
The 6th ranked European skater according to<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectbrowse.htm" target="_blank"> NHL Central Scouting</a><br />
Ranked #10 overall by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/CraigJButton" target="_blank">TSN's Craig Button</a><br />
Ranked 28th by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/TSNBobMcKenzie" target="_blank">TSN's Bob McKenzie</a><br />
The 21st ranked draft eligible player on <a href="http://www.hockeyprospect.com/">HockeyProspect.com</a><br />
The 29th ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/">The Hockey News</a><br />
The 15th ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/magazine/">Sportsnet Magazine. </a><br />
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• In 2013-14, Kempe posted 19 points (3-16—19) in 20 games and was an
assistant captain with MODO’s under-20 team before joining the club’s
senior team in the Swedish Hockey League where he posted 11 points
(5-6—11) in 45 contests.<br />
<br />
• His brother, Mario, was selected in the fifth round (122nd overall) by
the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 NHL Draft. Mario has spent the past
five seasons playing in Sweden, most recently alongside Adrian with
MODO in Sweden’s top league. <br />
<br />
• A member of Sweden’s gold-medal winning team at the 2013 World
Under-17 Hockey Challenge, Kempe averaged a goal per game (5-0—5)
including a second-period tally in the team’s 7-5 win over Russia in the
final. <br />
<br />
• At the 2014 Under-18 World Championship, Kempe finished third on the
team with seven points (1-6—7) in seven games as Sweden placed fourth,
falling 3-1 to Canada in the bronze-medal game. He also tallied three
points (2-1—3) in four games at the 2013 Ivan Hlinka Memorial.<br />
<br />
• Kempe’s hometown is Ornskoldsvik, Sweden (approx. population 28,000).
He plays for the same MODO hockey program that produced NHL stars Peter
Forsberg, Markus Naslund, Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and Victor Hedman. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fgJp3pw2OHI" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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"Excellent skater with speed and quickness and he uses it to get to
openings and to back off defenders. Excellent sense for the game and
what is necessary and with his multitude of talents, he can deliver. A
team player through and through." - Craig Button (TSN)<br />
<br />
"Missed 2015 eligibility by three days. Big power forward - a pro in the Swedish League. Plays a two-way game." - Jeff Marek (Sportsnet)<br />
<br />
"Speedy and fearless, Kempe plays a physical game and can also help out with the offensive side of the game." - Ryan Kennedy (The Hockey News)<br />
<br />
“Adrian is a big strong winger who can also play in the
middle. He’s got some power forward potential, as he can be quite
physical and tenacious on the forecheck. He surprised a lot of people by
earning a jersey with Modo’s SHL team this season. He didn’t log big
minutes, but was occasionally used on the powerplay and exhibited some
of the talent that will probably make him a first round pick next month.
Still needs to grow into his body, can look cubbish at times.” - Uffe Bodin (<a href="http://hockeysverige.se/">hockeysverige.se</a>)<br />
<br />
“Kempe is a strong, bullish forward that has size,
strength and a work ethic to match. He can be tenacious on the forecheck
and never misses finishing a check. He has a heavy shot and isn’t shy
to drive towards the net.” - Aaron Vickers (<a href="http://futureconsiderations.ca/playerprofiler/ADRIAN-KEMPE/">Future Considerations</a>)<br />
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<script height="354px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=MDYzZmYzZjIwNTA0YjI4Y2YyM2JmNTgw&ec=ptYmJlbjqhWpXs5_sgcJbO8rsS1ROhqG" width="630px"></script></div>
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For a more detailed look at Adrian Kempe, please check out this excellent profile on him by Shawn Reznik of The Hockey Writers. <a href="http://thehockeywriters.com/adrian-kempe-prospect-profile/" target="_blank">Adrian Kempe THW: Close Up</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Connor Bleackley - C/RW - 6'1/196 - Red Deer (WHL)</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
The 26th ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="https://www.isshockey.com/scouting/home" target="_blank">International Scouting services.</a><br />
The 32nd ranked draft eligible player on <a href="http://mckeenshockey.rivals.com/default.asp" target="_blank">McKeen's</a> list.<br />
The 35th ranked North American skater according to<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectbrowse.htm" target="_blank"> NHL Central Scouting</a><br />
Ranked #30 overall by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/CraigJButton" target="_blank">TSN's Craig Button</a><br />
Ranked 29th by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/TSNBobMcKenzie" target="_blank">TSN's Bob McKenzie</a><br />
The 22nd ranked draft eligible player on <a href="http://www.hockeyprospect.com/">HockeyProspect.com</a><br />
The 30th ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/">The Hockey News</a><br />
<br /><a href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/magazine/"></a><br />
• Bleackley began the 2013-14 season, his second in the Western Hockey
League, with eight goals and 19 points in his first 15 games, surpassing
his 66-game point total from his first campaign with the Rebels
(9-9—18). He finished the year tied for the team lead in goals (29) and
paced the club with 68 points.<br />
<br />
• He was named Red Deer’s captain in November 2013, and at age 17 is one
of only three first-time draft-eligible players to wear the “C” in the
Canadian Hockey League this season: also Aaron Ekblad (No. 2-ranked
North American skater) of the Barrie Colts and Sam Reinhart (No.
3-ranked North American skater) of the Kootenay Ice.<br />
<br />
• Bleackley recorded two points and was an assistant captain on Canada’s
bronze-medal winning team at the 2014 Under-18 World Championship. He
also wore a letter with Team Pacific at the 2013 World Under-17 Hockey
Challenge, posting four points (3-1—4) in five games.<br />
<br />
• His hometown of High River, Alta. was devastated by flooding in June
2013, forcing many families from their homes: “We had to be evacuated
for two weeks. We had four feet of water in the basement and a lot of
mud. But it could have been worse. The community really came together
and the response was phenomenal.”<br />
<br />
• Bleackley grew up on the same street as Calgary Flames forward Corban
Knight (selected 135th overall by Florida in the 2009 NHL Draft). They
often played shinny together on a pond by their house.<br />
<br />
• He complied 89 points (45-44—89) in 62 games over two seasons with the
Okotoks Oilers Bantam AAA team in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey
League. He also won a gold medal with Team Alberta at the 2011 Western
Canada Under-16 Challenge Cup (2-2—4 in four games).<br />
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"Determined, competitive player who doesn't take any shortcut. Smart and
in right areas and is a catalyst for positive plays all over the ice.
Doesn't allow himself to be denied or his team to be denied. Whole is
greater than sum of parts!" - Craig Button (TSN)<br />
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"Hard-working pivot does the unglamorous jobs and knows how to put the puck in the net. Captain of his junior team." - Ryan Kennedy (The Hockey News) <br />
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“Conner Bleackley is learning to use his size and speed this season to
get in quickly on the forecheck and play a more physical game.
Bleackley has a very good wrist shot and a quick release. He shows the
ability to drive hard to the net, and has good balance and strength on
his skates to fight through checks and battle in the dirty areas of the
ice, in front of the net and in the corners.” - Ben Kerr (<a href="http://lastwordonsports.com/2014/04/29/2014-nhl-draft-profile-28-conner-bleackley/">The Last Word on Sports</a>)<br />
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For a more detailed look at Connor Bleackley, please check out this
excellent profile on him by Ryan Pike of The Hockey Writers. <a href="http://thehockeywriters.com/conner-bleackley-the-next-ones-2014-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/" target="_blank">Connor Bleackley THW: Close Up</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZstkM5Ne-r8/U6tjWjML3fI/AAAAAAAADn8/LQmlOBTAHjQ/s1600/Sanheim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZstkM5Ne-r8/U6tjWjML3fI/AAAAAAAADn8/LQmlOBTAHjQ/s1600/Sanheim.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Travis Sanheim - D - 6'3/181 - Calgary (WHL)</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
The 30th ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="https://www.isshockey.com/scouting/home" target="_blank">International Scouting services.</a><br />
The 15th ranked draft eligible player on <a href="http://mckeenshockey.rivals.com/default.asp" target="_blank">McKeen's</a> list.<br />
The 53rd ranked North American skater according to<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectbrowse.htm" target="_blank"> NHL Central Scouting</a><br />
Ranked 8th overall by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/CraigJButton" target="_blank">TSN's Craig Button</a><br />
Ranked 24th by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/TSNBobMcKenzie" target="_blank">TSN's Bob McKenzie</a><br />
The 16th ranked draft eligible player on <a href="http://www.hockeyprospect.com/">HockeyProspect.com</a><br />
The 21st ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/">The Hockey News</a><br />
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<br />
• Sanheim totaled 29 points (5-24—29) in his Western Hockey League
rookie season in 2013-14. He was paired with Ben Thomas (No. 86-ranked
North American Skater) for most of 2013-14, finishing with a plus-25
rating for the Central Division champion Hitmen.<br />
<br />
• Sanheim posted six assists at the 2014 Under-18 World Championship,
pacing all defenseman and sharing the team lead with Hitmen teammate
Jake Virtanen (No. 6-ranked North American Skater) en route to a
bronze-medal win with Team Canada. He was selected by opposing coaches
as one of Canada’s three best players. He also played for Team West at
the 2013 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge.<br />
<br />
• A native of Elkhorn, Man., Sanheim finished his minor hockey career
with the Yellowhead Chiefs in the Manitoba Midget AAA Hockey League,
compiling 74 points (27-47—74) over two seasons with the club.<br />
<br />
• His twin brother, Taylor, also played two years with the Chiefs,
finishing 2012-13 tied for eighth in the League with 52 points
(27-25—52) in 39 games. Taylor played the 2013-14 season with the
Dauphin Kings and Portage Terriers in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League;
the Brandon Wheat Kings hold his WHL rights.<br />
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<b>"</b>Progress has been exceptional. Nothing he can't do in the game. Skates,
thinks incredibly well, has poise, makes plays offensively and
defensively and is a player who recognizes opportunity in the game and
takes advantage." - Craig Button (TSN)<br />
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"High-rising blueliner has a great frame and moves well for his size. Confidence with the puck continues to grow." - Ryan Kennedy (The Hockey News)<br />
<br />
“He has the tools to potentially be a number 3 or 4 defenceman at the
NHL level. He has always been a solid defender but his ever improving
offensive game has turned some heads in the second half of the season.
He is playing with a little more confidence, jumping into the play at
the right times and putting up some points.” - Mitch Kasprick (<a href="http://winnipeghockeytalk.com/nhl-entry-draft-2014/travis-sanheim-2014-nhl-top-prospect" target="_blank">Winnipeg Hockey Talk</a>)<br />
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For a more detailed look at Travis Sanheim, please check out this
excellent profile on him by Ryan Pike of The Hockey Writers. <a href="http://thehockeywriters.com/travis-sanheim-the-next-ones-2014-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/" target="_blank">Travis Sanheim THW: Close Up</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KeHKtZCpJkk/U6tl3lu1jyI/AAAAAAAADoI/iysiJHGRWts/s1600/MacInnis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KeHKtZCpJkk/U6tl3lu1jyI/AAAAAAAADoI/iysiJHGRWts/s1600/MacInnis.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Ryan Macinnis - C - 6'3/185 - Kitchener (OHL)</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
The 25th ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="https://www.isshockey.com/scouting/home" target="_blank">International Scouting services.</a><br />
The 34th ranked draft eligible player on <a href="http://mckeenshockey.rivals.com/default.asp" target="_blank">McKeen's</a> list.<br />
The 20th ranked North American skater according to<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectbrowse.htm" target="_blank"> NHL Central Scouting</a><br />
Ranked #37 overall by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/CraigJButton" target="_blank">TSN's Craig Button</a><br />
Ranked 34th by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/TSNBobMcKenzie" target="_blank">TSN's Bob McKenzie</a><br />
The 37th ranked draft eligible player on <a href="http://www.hockeyprospect.com/">HockeyProspect.com</a><br />
The 44th ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/">The Hockey News</a><br />
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• A two-way center, MacInnis finished among the top ten rookie scorers
in the Ontario Hockey League during the 2013-14 season with 37 points
(16-21—37) in 54 games for Kitchener.<br />
<br />
• He is the son of Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Al MacInnis, a Stanley
Cup champion and seven-time All-Star who spent 23 seasons in the NHL
with St. Louis and Calgary. Al was a member of the Kitchener Rangers
(1980-83) prior to his NHL career. <br />
<br />
• Ryan was asked if his shot measures up to his father’s famous cannon.
Al won the Hardest Shot a record seven times at the NHL All-Star Skills
Competition: “No, not even close. We'll go outside a lot whenever I'm
home in St. Louis and we'll shoot a lot. He'll just feed me one timers
and he'll teach me about the art of shooting."<br />
<br />
• MacInnis registered five points (2-3—5) in six games for the U.S. at
the 2013 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, including a goal and assist in
a 4-3 win over Quebec in the bronze medal game. He was also a member of
the U.S Under-17 team that finished first in the 2012 Four Nations
Tournament.<br />
<br />
• In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and hunting.<br />
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"Raw ability with the potential to be a very good center. Skates well,
good hands, smart and he competes for positive results. With physical
maturity, he will excel even more and is the proverbial diamond in the
rough at this time." - Craig Button (TSN)<br />
<br />
“MacInnis has a tall, lanky build but has some good potential to add
strength. His speed currently lacks burst but his skating does have some
upside. He’s an instinctual player who uses solid positioning to remain
in the offensive play and has a heavy shot but needs to work on his
release and accuracy." - Aaron Vickers (<a href="http://futureconsiderations.ca/playerprofiler/ADRIAN-KEMPE/">Future Considerations</a>)<br />
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“Tall lanky centre forward who, at this point, is a projected second or
third rounder based on bloodlines and potential. He is Al Macinnis’ son.
Displays all the tools to be a possible dominating player, but have
shown little consistency in his efforts. His size and skill make his an
intriguing option show could solidify his grade with better efforts.” <span style="color: black;">- Bill Placzek (</span><a href="http://www.draftsite.com/nhl/player/roland-mckeown/19498/">Draftsite.com)</a><br />
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<script height="354px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#ec=44bDllbjolrH7m2bJVLtcf8Tpla7AMvF&pbid=MDYzZmYzZjIwNTA0YjI4Y2YyM2JmNTgw" width="630px"></script></div>
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For a more detailed look at Ryan Macinnis, please check out this
excellent profile on him by Shawn Reznik of The Hockey Writers. <a href="http://news360.com/article/241089090" target="_blank">Ryan Macinnis THW: Close Up</a> <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPisz8pFBgU/U6tmqtIczmI/AAAAAAAADoQ/Lr9Izj4qZ0s/s1600/kamenev.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lPisz8pFBgU/U6tmqtIczmI/AAAAAAAADoQ/Lr9Izj4qZ0s/s1600/kamenev.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Vladislav Kamenev - LW - 6'2/176 - </span><span style="font-size: large;">Magnitogorsk 2 (KHL)</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
The 29th ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="https://www.isshockey.com/scouting/home" target="_blank">International Scouting services.</a><br />
The 59th ranked draft eligible player on <a href="http://mckeenshockey.rivals.com/default.asp" target="_blank">McKeen's</a> list.<br />
The 13th ranked European skater according to<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectbrowse.htm" target="_blank"> NHL Central Scouting</a><br />
Ranked #12 overall by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/CraigJButton" target="_blank">TSN's Craig Button</a><br />
Ranked 43rd by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/TSNBobMcKenzie" target="_blank">TSN's Bob McKenzie</a><br />
The 35th ranked draft eligible player on <a href="http://www.hockeyprospect.com/">HockeyProspect.com</a><br />
The 56th ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/">The Hockey News</a><br />
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• Kamenev split the 2013-14 season between Magnitogorsk in Russia’s
junior league - scoring four goals and 10 points in 15 games - and
Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the Kontinental Hockey League. Playing under
former NHL coach Mike Keenan, Kamenev scored one goal in 16 games with
the eventual KHL champions.<br />
<br />
• He finished in the top five in tournament scoring at the 2013 World
Junior A Challenge, posting seven points (1-6—7) in five games as Russia
captured the silver medal.<br />
<br />
• As captain of Team Russia at the 2014 Under-18 World Championship,
Kamenev shared the team-lead with seven points (2-5—7) in five games.<br />
<br />
• In 2012-13, Kamenev tallied 15 points (9-6—15) in 36 games during his
rookie season with Magnitogorsk’s junior team that finished second in
the Eastern Conference of Russia’s top junior league.<br />
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• He lists Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings and Nicklas Backstrom of the Washington Capitals as his favorite NHL players.<br />
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"Protypical centre who can play everywhere on the ice with skills, smarts
and comeptitiveness. He reads the play exceptionally well and he has
the ability to produce in the crucial moments. Contributes everywhere in
game." - Craig Button(TSN)<br />
<br />
“Kamenev is a talented forward with good sized who uses his physical
gifts to protect the puck and win board battles. He sees the ice well,
has good hands and a strong shot. Has to keep his emotions in check as
he can get overzealous taking stupid penalties at times." - Aaron Vickers (<a href="http://futureconsiderations.ca/playerprofiler/ADRIAN-KEMPE/">Future Considerations</a>)<br />
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“Big hard working three zone centre-forward a strong stride, size and
very good puck skills. Positionally solid with excellent vision and
playmaking abilities. Good in the face off circle. Shoots the puck
quickly besides being a strong set-up man. Stood out a one of the better
players on the ice in the World Junior A challenge. If the whispers
that he is transferring to a CHL junior team are true he seems destined
to being picked early. He is a pretty complete player already and is
tough to move off the puck, and is excellent in the one on one battles
all over the sheet. He may be fairly close to playing soon.” <span style="color: black;">- Bill Placzek (</span><a href="http://www.draftsite.com/nhl/player/roland-mckeown/19498/">Draftsite.com)</a><br />
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For a more detailed look at Vladislav Kamenev, please check out this
excellent profile on him by Shawn Reznik of The Hockey Writers. <a href="http://thehockeywriters.com/vladislav-kamenev-the-next-ones-nhl-2014-draft-prospect-profile/" target="_blank">Vladislav Kamenev THW: Close Up</a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Roland McKeown - D - 6'0/195 - Kingston (OHL)</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: small;"> </span> <br />
The 23rd ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="https://www.isshockey.com/scouting/home" target="_blank">International Scouting services.</a><br />
The 36th ranked draft eligible player on <a href="http://mckeenshockey.rivals.com/default.asp" target="_blank">McKeen's</a> list.<br />
The 27th ranked North American skater according to<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectbrowse.htm" target="_blank"> NHL Central Scouting</a><br />
Ranked #51 overall by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/CraigJButton" target="_blank">TSN's Craig Button</a><br />
Ranked 25th by <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/TSNBobMcKenzie" target="_blank">TSN's Bob McKenzie</a><br />
The 83rd ranked draft eligible player on <a href="http://www.hockeyprospect.com/">HockeyProspect.com</a><br />
The 26th ranked draft eligible player according to <a href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/">The Hockey News</a><br />
<br />
• McKeown finished the 2013-14 season with 43 points (11-32—43) in 62
games and a team-high plus-38 rating for Kingston of the Ontario Hockey
League.<br />
<br />
• He is a two-time gold medalist internationally, winning with Team
Canada at the 2013 Under-18 World Championship and the 2013 Ivan Hlinka
Memorial. <br />
<br />
• McKeown was the captain of the Toronto Marlboros Minor Midget AAA team
in 2011-12 that featured Sam Bennett (No. 1-ranked North American
skater), Joshua Ho-Sang (No. 22-ranked North American skater) and Connor
McDavid (draft eligible in 2015). He registered 35 points in 28 games
for the Marlboros, who fell to the Mississauga Rebels in the 2012 OHL
Cup championship game. <br />
<br />
• An OHL All-Rookie First Team selection in 2012-13, McKeown led all first year blueliners with 29 points (7-22—29) in 61 games.<br />
<br />
• He trains in the off-season under the guidance of former player Gary
Roberts, who also works with NHL players including Steven Stamkos (Tampa
Bay Lightning), Jeff Skinner (Carolina Hurricanes) and James Neal
(Pittsburgh Penguins). <br />
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"Skating is the foundation of his game and he uses well to close off
plays defensively, transition the puck and then jump into the play
offensively. Very confident player who plays with evenness. In control,
steady and poised." - Craig Button (TSN)<br />
<br />
"Smooth-skating blueliner can contribute at both ends of the ice and has excellent character." - Ryan Kennedy (The Hockey News)<br />
<br />
“McKeown is a strong, do-it-all defensemen whose biggest asset is his
ability to think the game and know his position. He makes strong, simple
plays, has a good shot and distributes the puck effectively.” - Aaron Vickers (<a href="http://futureconsiderations.ca/playerprofiler/ADRIAN-KEMPE/">Future Considerations</a>)<br />
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“<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #333333;">Solid
all-around defender with excellent balance, stride and quickness.
Positionally solid, and already cool and collected in his game, with
excellent vision and reliablity in all situations. Handles the puck well
in his own zone, in transistion and on breakouts. displays a hard point
shot. If he is able to grow a bit more edge, he will climb up the
rankings. He was selected to the roster for the World Junior Under-18
Tournament in April, 2013.</span>" - Bill Placzek (</span><a href="http://www.draftsite.com/nhl/player/roland-mckeown/19498/">Draftsite.com)</a><br />
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<a href="http://news360.com/article/241107465" target="_blank"></a><br />
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For a more detailed look at Roland McKeown, please check out this
excellent profile on him by Shawn Reznik of The Hockey Writers. <a href="http://news360.com/article/241107465" target="_blank">Roland McKeown THW: Close Up</a><br />
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Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-70089575423342953022014-05-17T02:56:00.004-04:002014-05-17T12:29:00.345-04:00Welcome to Jungleland<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Eastern Conference final is upon us hockey fans. The Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers meet in the NHL playoffs for the first time since 1996 with the winner off to the dance for Lord Stanley’s Cup.</span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-bb19e7b9-08ef-efcc-99d8-f495d22a594e" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two original six rivals. Two multi-time Stanley Cup winners. Two teams that haven’t been to a cup final since either of them last won the prized chalice. </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scouring the web there are many previews of the series, but none quite like what you have before you. Two of your favourite hockey blogs are teaming up to tell you why their team will or won’t win. You can agree, you can disagree. In either case the games will be played on the ice, but the opinions of <span style="color: blue;">Rangers Unlimited’s Jared Sexton </span>and <span style="color: red;">The Breakdown’s Ian Hermelin</span> are here for your perusal. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rangers have played a lot of hockey in a short amount of time. Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final will be the Rangers 15th game in the last 30 days (Montreal has played 11 in that same time span). Fatigue is bound to settle in at some point.</span></span><br />
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If fatigue is a factor in the series, it will definitely be to the Canadiens' benefit. But it will be nothing like the workload discrepancy from the early games of the previous round against the Penguins. This series features two separate two day breaks in between games, something the Rangers haven't experienced since Game four of Round one.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Habs have been over-relying on their powerplay. The Canadiens have gotten to the Conference Finals largely on the strength of their hot powerplay. Their powerplay has accounted for 28% of their goals in the playoffs. Of the teams that have advanced beyond the first round, only Anaheim has relied on their powerplay more. That's all well and good if the Habs can continue to convert 26.3% of their powerplays, but can they? During the regular season, they converted 17.2% of their powerplay opportunities, good for 19th in the league.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Habs Power play can be very dangerous. Subban and Markov at the point are likely the most dangerous back-end duo on any power play league wide. Up front, with Vanek & Pacioretty, the Canadiens have two of the top 35 goal-getters in the league this season. With 39, only Ovechkin, Perry and Pavelski had more than Pacioretty and yet Vanek is considered the Habs most dangerous weapon. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for 5 on 5, the Canadiens are a very fast team, the capitalize on turnovers and send a 4-line attack in on goal. The relentless attack causes opposing defenses to eventually take said penalties.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The playoffs historically favor strong possession teams. I frequently reference Chris Boyle's great article exploring the relationship between aptitude at possessing the puck and playoff success. The Canadiens finished the regular season 22nd in the league in the Fenwick measure of puck possession (in score-close situations); the Rangers finished 6th. Teams in Montreal’s ballpark (>50%) have historically performed much worse than teams above that mark in the playoffs: only two have ever made the finals (both the Pittsburgh Penguins).</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the regular season, a glut of injuries forced the Canadiens to play on their heels a lot. They relied on a variation of the trap to win a lot of tight hockey games. Now, with the team at full strength we have seen the Habs go back to playing on their toes attacking the opponent relentlessly. This was something we saw last year all season long. Many point to the Habs pace last year as a reason for their collapse in the playoffs. They ran out of gas, this year it seems, they paced themselves (willingly or not).</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Canadiens didn't match up their D-Pairs as often as Boston did. The Habs top 4 matched up against the Bergeron & Krejci lines for the Boston series. Bergeron (2g,2a,+1) Krejci (2a, -2) Lucic (1g,2a, even) Iginla (3g, -2) didn't accomplish much. If the Habs do the same to the Rangers top end talent, I have no idea where New York will get it's goals from.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Canadiens rely on their top 4 defense much more than the Rangers do. The Habs top 4 have all averaged over 23 minutes a game through 2 rounds, however as a group those 4 are -1. The bottom pair has seen Mike Weaver and a rotating cast of Characters. Weaver has averaged 15 minutes a game while leading the playoffs in +/- at +7. His rotating cast of Francis Bouillon, Nathan Beaulieu and Douglas Murray have mustered about 12:30 a game and a +3 rating. The Habs top 4 have also accounted for 4 goals and 17 assists (Granted 4+8 came from PK Subban) so they do chip in on the offense.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rangers spread the ice time much more evenly among their top 6 defensemen, with only the top 3 playing more than 20 minutes a game. The top 4 however as a group are +3 through two rounds. Offensively though, the Rangers D don't help out as much as Montreal's. The top 4 have managed 3 goals and 13 assists, and it is much more evenly distributed than Montreal's which relied heavily on the reigning Norris Trophy winner.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rangers are definitely lacking an impact offensive weapon from the back-end like the Habs have in Subban. That's been a weakness for them all season and beyond.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mike Weaver's +/- will continue to look good as long as Carey Price continues to stop 96% of the shots on him with Weaver on the ice.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 72pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your point on Weaver would be a good one, and statistically I'm not going to argue with you. Weaver however has earned every bit of his +/- ranking by limiting quality chances against and by blocking shots. With the top 4 logging heavy minutes, it's good to know that #5 can be counted on in a pinch. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Habs will be facing McDonagh-Girardi and Staal-Stralman for three quarters of the time at even-strength. McDonagh and Girardi get the lion's share of the national fanfare, but the Rangers don't lose much with Staal and Stralman on the ice. The Rangers' top-4 managed to keep Sidney Crosby off the scoresheet in 5 of 7 second round games. The Canadiens have a balanced attack up front, so I think the Rangers match up better than the Bruins, whose second defense pairing was subordinate with Dennis Seidenberg out of the lineup.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Girardi and Mcdonough get attention, but they are a combined -10 in the playoffs. Staal & Stralman have been the better pair. Zdeno Chara was given the task of trying to shut down Vanek and Pacioretty - for the most part he was successful, until game 6 and 7.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">McDonagh had been out of game action with a shoulder injury for two weeks and really struggled in the early stages of the playoffs. It wasn’t until the last three games of the Penguins series where he really started to look like himself again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rangers can't score goals. Be it at even strength, on our the special teams. Through playoff games, The Rangers have scored 34 goals (2.43 a game). The Canadiens meanwhile have scored 36 goals in 11 games (3.27 a game). If we compare the defenses, The Rangers have given up 2 goals a game in the playoffs, Montreal, slightly more at 2.15.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't believe the Rangers have forgotten how to score goals. They scored three more goals than the Canadiens in the regular season (six more goalie-in goals). I have to believe their offensive numbers would look a lot better if they had the privilege of throwing 118 shots on Anders Lindback! When some of Rick Nash's playoff-leading shot on goal total starts going in, the Rangers should get the spike they need.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 72pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anders Lindback was fortunate for the Habs, especially since they have never fared well against Ben Bishop historically. That being said, the Tampa Bay Lightning, while quick, well coached and hard working were the weakest team in the playoffs this season. The regular season goal totals go out the window for me as they are not reflective of the current lineups either team sports. Thomas Vanek was not a part of the Canadiens roster and while he may or may not be lighting the lamp his mere presence in the lineup opens up room for multiple other players. </span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 72pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also don't think the Rangers forgot how to score, but again I go back to depth. Brian Gionta and Rene Bourque are playing on the 3rd line for Montreal. Danny Briere - who is a far cry from the player he once was is playing on the fourth line. Those guys are lining up against much weaker opposition and thriving. This is why I question the Rangers depth up front. They don't have an answer for those Habs players.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 112.5pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rene Bourque has 29 points in the past two seasons. The Rangers’ third line left wing--Pouliot or Hagelin, take your pick--surpassed that number this season. He’s the guy creating matchup problems for the Rangers?</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 140.25pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vanek is actually the guy that creates the Matchup problem. But Bourque is an interesting character study. After two consecutive 27-goal seasons, Rene Bourque has twice missed games in his career due to concussions. </span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 140.25pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Michel Therrien was hired as the coach of the Canadiens, Rene Bourque was one of the players he pointed to as needing to have a better work ethic. He started out pretty well last season, before suffering his second concussion, and was never the same after returning. Multiple times this season he was in the Coach’s dog house. One of the beat guys covering the Canadiens surmised that this likely had more than a little to do with the concussion history.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 140.25pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After Alex Galchenyuk went down late in the season, Bourque was inserted back into the lineup. He played alright, but nothing to put any fear into anyone - then the playoffs hit and everything changed. Just before the playoffs the Habs Director of Player Personnel, Scott Mellanby had a chat with Bourque. No one was privy to the exact details of the conversation, however since Bourque has been a different player. He was far and away the best forward on either team during the Habs first round meeting with Tampa Bay. He has scored 4 goals in the playoffs. He could see himself dropped to the fourth line (or out of the lineup) with Alex Galchenyuk returning, which again causes a matchup issue for New York.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 197.25pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the line-up you’ll likely see for game one, the Rangers are getting goals dispersed pretty evenly throughout.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stepan Line - 3 goals</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Richards Line - 11 goals</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brassard Line - 10 goals</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boyle Line - 4 goals</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 197.25pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Obviously, the top line sticks out like a sore thumb, but Kreider’s only played 4 games and Nash, I’ve been talking about ad nauseum, but I believe is a situation waiting to correct itself.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 225.75pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Contrast that with The Canadiens lines that we’re likely to see in Game 1, looks pretty well dispersed as well. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Desharnais Line - 10 Goals</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plekanec Line - 7 Goals</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eller Line - 9 Goals</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Briere Line - 5 Goals</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’d tend to agree that the Nash situation may correct itself, but he could see himself matched up with Plekanec. Plekanec doesn’t get talked about throughout the league as much as he should. To me, he’s the best defensive centreman in the league behind Pavel Datsyuk & Patrice Bergeron. When the Bruins won the Stanley Cup, David Krejci led the league in playoff scoring, against the Canadiens in round 1 he had 1 point. Plekanec. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alex Galchenyuk has yet to play a playoff game this year. By all accounts he had an inconsistent, disappointing sophomore year in the NHL, mainly due to multiple stints on injured reserve. He still scored 13 goals (good enough for 7th on the team) in only 65 games (Which projects out to a 16 goal season). If he is healthy - with all due respect to the aforementioned Dale Weise, Brandon Prust, Rene Bourque, or whoever comes out of the lineup for him, he is an offensive upgrade.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Galchenyuk, a young player coming back from an injury, does seem like the type to light up the Rangers in the playoffs. The Rangers got their boost in the last round, when Chris Kreider returned from his wrist injury. Kreider's return gave them three balanced scoring lines which is key to their attack.</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raphael Diaz and Dale Weise were traded for each other earlier this season. Weise to Montreal, Diaz to Vancouver - however they are now both facing their former team in this Rangers/Canadiens series. While Ex-Pats LOVE to burn their former teams, only one of these two players might get the chance. Dale Weise has been a revelation for the Habs, adding speed and grit to their fourth line, but also chipping in with timely goals. (He has three in the playoffs thus far). Raphael Diaz meanwhile has played fewer games (2) in this playoffs than Weise has goals (3).</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Benoit Pouliot meanwhile has been a revelation for the Rangers. He has cooled a touch with only 2 points in the series against Pittsburgh, but he has 8 points in 14 playoff games this season and scored 15 goals during the regular campaign being a part of the Rangers most consistent offensive line.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brandon Prust has been hurt. No one from the Canadiens camp will confirm exactly what the injury is, but his play early on the playoffs led many to suspect a rib or shoulder issue. Having said that, game six against Boston was his best game of playoffs and it looks like he's nearing full health.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dale Weise hasn't had this type of scoring surge since his stint playing in the Netherlands!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raphael Diaz doesn't figure to draw in for the Rangers unless there's an injury.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 72pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dale Weise is taking advantage of his opportunity. He works hard, and skates well, but that alone would necessarily account for goals, generally however a 4th line doesn't have a centreman with Danny Briere's skill set setting up plays. Playing with Briere against other fourth lines, and his own speed and size are what's leading to Weise's scoring surge.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 108pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think you’ll find that the Rangers’ fourth line compares favorably to the Bruins’ Merlot line, which happens to not age too well, as it turns out</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Henrik Lundqvist has never fared well VS Montreal. For his career, he is 13-11-2, 2.85 GAA .897 sv%. While those numbers are not otherwordly terrible they are significantly down from his career averages. Over his career, Lundqvist has won 54.7% of his starts vs other opponents (48.1% vs Habs) he has a 2.13 career GAA against every other opponent (2.85 vs Montreal) he has a .922 career save% against every other team (.897 vs Montreal). I'd hazard to guess those are by far his worst numbers against any opponent in the National Hockey League.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At Bell Centre, those numbers get even worse. Lundqvist is 4-5-2 Over his career at Bell Centre. 3.87 .876. In at least 10 starts, those ARE the worst numbers he has posted in any building as a visitor. The only arena that comes close is the old Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. The only other time he has a sv% below .900 is in buildings where he has started less than 5 times.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If this trend in goal continues, We'll be in for a short series. Lundqvist did not start in either game at Bell Centre this season, so this is a trend that the Rangers coaching staff is aware of.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lundqvist has struggled against the Canadiens in the past - his save percentage against the Habs is lower than against any other Eastern Conference opponent. When you reduce data into smaller samples, patterns can appear to emerge. When I checked in March, the Rangers were twice as efficient in Saturday and Sunday games than Monday and Tuesday games.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Lundqvist takes the ice in the Bell Centre, it will be in a crease the same size as any other and facing a regulation sized puck. If there is some disadvantage, it's solely in his head, but I have more confidence in his mental game than that.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 72pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lundqvist has not Started in Montreal since January 2012, and hasn't won at the Bell Centre since 2009, so something tells me the building MUST be in his head, or Rangers brass of multiple generations thinks it is.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In big game situations, Price and Lundqvist have met once with the Habs netminder walking away with a gold medal.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 108pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only because of Nash and St. Louis’ great work on the 4th line. :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-PTJHhUeAfc" width="420"></iframe></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Final analysis.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not taking the Rangers lightly, but If we fairly assume the defensive corps are a wash, I believe Montreal holds an advantage everywhere else.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throwing out the crazy stats of Henrik Lundqvist, Carey Price has been almost unbeatable since the Olympics. Over a seven game series, I can't see Lundqvist getting the better of Price 4 times.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Top Line Talent of the Rangers (St.Louis, Richards, and Nash) definitely have the name value over the top end forwards of Montreal - but Nash has yet to score a goal in the playoffs (Pacioretty has 3, Vanek has 5) and Richards and St.Louis are on the wrong side of 30. The Canadiens have 4 lines that can score, the Rangers I would argue have two.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The offensive depth, and Goaltending of Montreal will be too much for the Rangers to handle.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 27pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My head says the Canadiens don't hold the advantage over the Rangers, but you'd be hard to find pressed to find a Ranger fan that isn't weary when the club faces off against the Habs.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 27pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carey Price has been on point since the Olympic break (0.937 SV% - combined reg. season and playoffs), but so has Henrik Lundqvist (0.937 SV%). Both goaltenders are elite, but I'd have more faith in the Rangers winning the series if Price outplays Lundqvist than I do the Habs winning if the situation is reversed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: red; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Habs in six.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rangers in six.</span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #414142; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">A friendly wager amongst the readers of Rangers Unlimited and The Breakdown. Hab fans VS Ranger Fans. The winner - children somewhere.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #414142; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Should the Rangers beat the Canadiens and advance to the Stanley Cup final, all funds raised will be donated to the "Garden of Dreams".</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #414142; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Should the Canadiens defeat the Rangers to advance to the Stanley Cup Final, all funds raised will be donated to the "Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #414142; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">The Garden of Dreams Foundation is a non-profit charity that works closely with all areas of The Madison Square Garden Company including the Knicks, Rangers, Liberty, MSG Entertainment, MSG Networks and Fuse to make dreams come true for kids facing obstacles. All donations and fundraising efforts will help Garden of Dreams continue to help children by creating unique and unforgettable, on-going events and programs to brighten the lives of children and their families who battle everything from homelessness and extreme poverty, to illness, to foster care.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #414142; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #414142; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">The Montreal Canadiens Children's Foundation provides help and support to children in need. Since its inception in August 2000, the Foundation has donated upwards of $16 million to more than 500 charitable endeavors from across the province of Quebec who helps underprivileged children.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #414142; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">The Foundation is determined, more than ever, to help offer a brighter future and good health to underprivileged children and is committed to encourage and foster a healthy and active lifestyle among youth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #414142; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #414142; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Thank you for reading. Thank you for donating. May the best team win!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.fundraise.com/the-breakdownrangers-unlimited/eastern-conference-final-for-kids?show_edit=1" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">https://www.fundraise.com/the-breakdownrangers-unlimited/eastern-conference-final-for-kids?show_edit=1</span></span></a></div>
Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-36025231219819220252013-12-09T20:32:00.000-05:002013-12-09T20:33:05.467-05:00Douglas Murray eats his ChiliA few weeks ago, Arik Parnass of "Habs Eyes on the prize" wrote an article asking if Douglas Murray was the worst defenseman in the National Hockey League. At the time of the article, Murray had only played a few games and the fan base was very hard on him. The article delves deep into "fancystats" to point to some of Murray's strengths and weaknesses. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HmQnVN50BvY/UqZurisGMNI/AAAAAAAAB98/UmU_8LcunKo/s1600/murray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HmQnVN50BvY/UqZurisGMNI/AAAAAAAAB98/UmU_8LcunKo/s320/murray.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On August 22nd, Habs GM Marc Bergevin announced the signing of the native of Bromma, Sweden. When discussing his signing of the man some call Crankshaft, Bergevin called Murray "an experienced defenseman with good size". He went on say that the seasoned veteran would "bring a physical dimension to our team." On Mitch Melnick's TSN 690 show, NBC Hockey analyst Pierre McGuire noted that Douglas Murray was strong at clearing the net, being a physical presence and adept on the penalty kill.<br />
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If we accept that Douglas Murray was brought in to Montreal to fill specific needs, it's fair to assess his signing in the context of filling that role. With Healthy bodies coming back, Murray has been splitting time with Francis Bouillon as a sixth/seventh defenseman - which to me, is exactly the right fit for him.<br />
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The Canadiens have played 31 games this season and have gone to the Penalty kill
103 Times. They have given up 14 goals for a PK% of 86.4%.<br />
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Douglas Murray has played 15 games for the Habs in which the team has taken 43 penalties. They have been scored upon a measly 3 times during those contests, a penalty killing success rate of 93% - a full 6.6% higher than the season average.How does that stack up against the success rate when Murray does not play? Glad you asked.<br />
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In 16 games that the Canadiens have played without Doug Murray, they have taken 60 Penalties and given up 11 goals. A success rate 0f 81.7%, which is 4.7% lower than the season average, but a staggering 11.3% lower than the success rate than when Murray plays.<br />
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As far as being a physical presence, Murray has thrown 39 hits this season - an average of 2.6 hits per game. In the 15 games that he has played, the team has thrown a total of 300 hits, of which Murray accounts for 13%. In the 16 games without Murray, the team has thrown 285 total hits. That's 20 hits per game with Murray versus 17.8 hits per game without Murray. The difference of 2.2 hits per game effectively being effectively what Murray adds.<br />
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Building a hockey team is often termed a chemistry experiment, when the Douglas Murray element is added to the Canadies mix, their record this season is 10 wins, 3 losses and 2 shootout losses or 22 of a possible 30 points. With Murray outside of the lineup 9 wins, 6 losses and 1 shootout loss or 19 of a possible 32 points.<br />
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It can be argued that the addition of Douglas Murray makes the Canadiens only marginally better than they are without him in the lineup, but every margin adds up and it's hard to argue that the team is better off with him out of the lineup.<br />
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To read Arik Parnass' article: <a href="http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2013/11/17/5110272/is-douglas-murray-the-worst-defenseman-in-the-nhl">"Is Douglas Murray the worst defenseman in the NHL?"</a></div>
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Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-38354845514535296972013-12-07T18:18:00.001-05:002013-12-07T18:18:54.297-05:00Lars Eller - The Great Dane<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VT-LQk7d16k/UqOsfTnMyvI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/mQVxi7MeEkU/s1600/eller1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VT-LQk7d16k/UqOsfTnMyvI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/mQVxi7MeEkU/s400/eller1.png" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Think back. Early on in the 2013 lockout-shortened season, Lars Eller got off to a slow start. There were even rumors beginning to swirl that the Montreal Canadiens were looking to trade the young Dane. At that time I began putting together an article to disprove the notion that the Habs would contemplate such a move.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Life got in the way, I never finished up the article. Some details changed, David Desharnais signed a long term contract with the Canadiens and Lars Eller started to look dominant en route to the playoffs and his eventual meeting with Eric Gryba. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As it becomes more and more evident just how important the 24-year old Dane is to the future of the Montreal Canadiens, I felt it was time to revisit the article I was putting together. I started looking over my old research. I started editing What I had already started to piece together. What we're left with is a profile on an emerging future NHL star. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Since early last season, Michel Therrien has had a plan for Lars Eller. Eller is being groomed. At the start last season, Eller spent time on both special team units while playing fourth line minutes at even strength.I was and remain convinced that Coach Michel Therrien's plan was to virtually "build the player from scratch". Lars Eller is being groomed into the role of Thomas Plekanec 2.0. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can see a day in the near future, say 1-2 seasons from now where Plekanec' burdens are lessened. Where he is eased in to a 3rd line role at Center.A
shutdown role playing 15 minutes with Lars Eller and Alex Galchenyuck as the top two centres. That scenario would turn an older Plek into a Carbo/Gainey type - ELITE
shutdown Centre - While putting size and skill in the Top 6 at C.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This Montreal Canadiens brass led by Michel Therrien and Marc Bergevin is building these players for tomorrow, not for today. Long term vision. <a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/BWildeCTV">Brian Wilde</a> wrote a great piece on this months ago. "Time. Patience. Faith". That's what Bergevin is working with and Michel Therrin is HIS Coach. They have a plan. Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada once told TSN 690's Mitch Melnick that when Bergevin first took the job he was
getting calls from other General Managers about Eller. Bergevin would say he needed time to evaluate. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am certain, it didn't take long for both the Coach the GM to complete their evaluating,
they've seen what other GM's saw and they now have their plan in place. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">David Desharnais signed a long term deal last season. Two years ago he had a phenomenal season, and recently he seems to have regained that form. After long stretches of aimlessness from him, I
believe he is being given every opportunity to earn a place for next season, either with the Canadiens<a class="twitter-hashtag pretty-link js-nav" data-query-source="hashtag_click" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Habs&src=hash"><b></b></a> or with another team. I don't believe he is in the teams long term plans. I do believe Lars Eller is.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On June 17th 2012, The Globe and Mail's Sean Gordon wrote a long piece spotlighting then General Manager Pierre Gauthier's acquisition of Lars Eller; </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"If Gauthier's more than willing to take his lumps, it's partly
because he isn't playing on the same chessboard as the team's fervent
supporters; the trade provides something close to a mission statement.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"We're looking into the future … in the big picture of things, going
forward, we feel very comfortable with having done this," Gauthier said.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>He will be criticized for getting a relatively paltry return of two
prospects for the 25-year-old Halak, whose legend was cemented with fans
during the postseason.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>But 21-year-old centre Lars Eller, the 13th pick in the 2007 draft,
and rough-hewn Calgary Hitmen winger Ian Schultz (the 20-year-old
brother of the Washington Capitals' Jeff) fit Gauthier's vision.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Indeed, Blues GM Doug Armstrong said he tried to steer Gauthier away
from Eller, who had two goals in seven NHL games last season and scored
18 goals and 39 assists in 70 AHL games, but that the Habs wouldn't
relent.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"It's not like we viewed [Eller]as expendable," Armstrong said. "It
may be difficult for some of the fans in Montreal, but once they see him
play, they'll understand."</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Dane projects as a second-line centre, and
both the Blues and Canadiens view him as NHL ready for this fall.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Citing the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks, Gauthier said the
new paradigm involves piling up cheap, young talent that allows you to
add higher-priced pieces later on. It explains why he didn't insist on a
current roster player in the bidding (sources suggest four teams were
involved).</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>As it is, the Canadiens acquired two players for roughly what Halak
cost last season - probably the best they could hope for in a year where
there is a rich vein of free-agent goaltending.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"That's the type of maneuvering we have to do with this new cap
system," Gauthier said. "And to acquire good young players who will play
for you under their entry-level contracts, that becomes very important.
You look at players and how good they're going to get. You can get
established players, but you can also get them in unrestricted free
agency on July 1."</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fans of the former General Manager are few and far between here in Montreal and while Ian Schultz seems to be an NHL bust, Lars Eller was always the center-piece of the deal for Gauthier. This is a deal that had his fingerprints all over it. Whatever we think of Gauthier, his deals involving emerging NHL talent have all seemed to work out for the Canadiens.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Patrick Holland, Michael Bournival, Greg Pateryn and Lars Eller are all young players that the Canadiens acquired under Gauthier's watch. All four are projected to be NHLer's. Gauthier as General Manager acquired three of them - two of whom are currently on the roster. For all his failings as GM, this is one area where the man deserves to be praised. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In Gordon's piece, Pierre Gauthier cited the Chicago Blackhawks model which is interesting to note, not just because Gauthier now works in Chicago, but the Canadiens current General Manager came from the Blackhawks system, making Eller likely a player that fits his vision. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Looking further back to 2007, Bill Meltzer of HockeyBuzz profiled Eller leading into the NHL entry draft in a May 6th piece. His piece, almost the entirety of which I am reprinting here shows you just how high the ceiling could be for Eller; <i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"Among the 2007 draft prospects, Eller is arguably the most intriguing.
The Dane has shot up the rankings to the point that he's become a
fashionable "sleeper" first round candidate whom many say has the upside
to someday outshine many of the top ten picks. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Over the last few weeks, I've talked to as many people as possible to
get a sense of how far Eller has risen. Two scouts were kind enough to
respond so far. In the upcoming weeks, I have arranged to speak with
Eller's Frölunda head coach Jens Gustavsson and, hopefully, to several
other NHL scouts to whom I've reached out. I've also poured over as
many English and Swedish scouting reports on him that I've been able to
find. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>I have yet to see Eller play first-hand, so I can't offer any personal
observations. Because Eller is Danish, he plays at the Division I level
at the World Championships. And because he's been playing at the Swedish
junior level for Frölunda, rather than Elitserien, no clips from his
games are readily available. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>However, veteran hockey people who know a lot more than I do have been
raving about Eller. I thought I'd share their commentary and excerpts
from the scouting reports. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Eastern Conference NHL amateur scout (via e-mail): </span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"Eller has come on as much as any player in this draft. Last year you
could see the skill level but he was undersized even for a junior
player. This year he's grown and added strength. In terms of skill, he
is a plus skater and shooter and an excellent playmaker. He's a kid with
a lot of upside." </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Independent scout (via telephone): </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Would you say Eller is the best kept secret in the draft?</i></span></span></b> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"No, because Eller isn't a secret anymore. He's on a lot of team's radar screen." </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Do you see him going in the first round? </i></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"I don't see why he shouldn't. There's kind of a cat-and-mouse game that
I think could go on with him, where teams are going to try to feel out
how long they can wait and maybe grab another player or two they like
before they take him. But more and more I think someone's going to blink
pretty early on him and take him." </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Could it be a situation-- like Forsberg in 1991 -- where he goes in
the top 10 even though he's projected by Central Scouting and others
anywhere from mid-to-late first round or the second? </i></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"Well, you never want to put that kind of expection on a kid. Top 10?
That might be a little high, but not much. If some team has the [guts]
to do something like that, though, this might be the year." </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>How would you rate his skill level? </i></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"He has no real weaknesses to his game. Skating- top notch.
Stickhandling-top notch. Passing-- top notch. Plus he's a mature,
two-way player. He's filling out his frame, so size isn't really a
concern any more. He isn't afraid to get hit. If there's a flaw, it's
that he's sometimes a little too unselfish and passes up open shots." </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>I've heard some people compare him to Henrik Zetterberg when
Zetterberg was a teenager. Is that a fair comparison player, in terms of
raw skill level?</i></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"That's a real high standard to meet-- that's setting the bar really
high, I think. You know that Detroit was able to draft Zetterberg in the
seventh round (210th overall in 1999). There were size questions about
Zetterberg back then and he didn't really come into the limelight until
after he was drafted. I don't think it's fair to expect Eller to do what
Zetterberg did. What I will say is he has the skill level to a be a
special player if he continues improving at the same rate." </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>So if Eller clearly has that kind of upside, why is he still not a
top 10 prospect-- or even a top 30 according to some sources? In a year
where there are question marks about pretty much everyone, why isn't he
in the mix?</i></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"I'd say it's two things. He's from Denmark, so even though he plays in a
very good junior program in Sweden, scouts couldn't get to look at him
in the (elite level) of the WJC and Under-18s. The highest competition
he's faced was in the Swedish junior playoffs." </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Okay, but Kyle Turris was pretty much in the same boat. And that hasn't really held him back.</i></span></span></b> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"No, it hasn't. You're right. But Turris has shown he can play for
[Team] Canada and he's been accepted to a proven college hockey program
at Wisconsin. But there are guys who don't feel comfortable pushing the
Danish kid up until they actually see him at a higher level on a regular
basis. There isn't the track record to go on." </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>What was the second reason why he's down a little bit in the rankings from what his skill level is supposed to be?</i></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"In some ways it helps him and in some ways maybe it hurts him a little
that he's surrounded by so many skilled players [on Frölunda]. It helps
him because there's been scouts at a lot of his games. But it hurts him
because maybe he wouldn't be as effective when other teams focus on
stopping him. There's guess-work in projecting that, because the
quality of defense and goaltending below the Elite league-- and same
thing for the Division I tournament -- isn't always the best. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>"Next year, Denmark will be in the WJC and he should be there. He should
also be a rookie in the Swedish Elites by that point. He'll already be
drafted by then, but we'll get to see how far he's come along. " </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>What's a best-case and worst-case scenario for him at the NHL level? Could he potentially not make it at all?</i></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Unless it's a [Sidney] Crosby or [Alexander] Ovechkin level player,
anyone could fall a little short. He could get hurt. He could stop
developing. He could have trouble adjusting to the next level. But I
think he doesn't have any real weaknesses to hold him back. I think
he'll be an NHL player and could be a very good one."</i> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There's more to find in Meltzer's Eller Profile on HockeyBuzz.com and I encourage you to check it out.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ltFTtkkVWLI" width="420"></iframe> <span id="goog_1839232540"></span><span id="goog_1839232541"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Time. Patience. Faith.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If this recent streak the Habs are on has show us anything, it's that these three things are things fans need to have. The Coach has it - Listen to his speech before the Columbus game on 24CH recently. The GM has it - look at how his moves worked out. Now we need to have it to.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Habs are on their path, let's follow them on it and enjoy the ride. </span></span><br />
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Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-15928842470367562482013-11-26T09:11:00.001-05:002014-09-03T19:27:01.408-04:00UPDATED: How does the NEW Hockey Television landscape affect me? A very quick round-up of my understanding of the new National Hockey rights deal here in Canada and how it will affect your Montreal Canadiens viewing habits.<br />
<br />
As a part of the new National TV deal, Sportsnet/CBC have rights exclusively to games played on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. This would mean that TSN (for the regional channel only) would be able to pick up games not scheduled on those nights. However, as Sportsnet/CBC would be the national rights holders, they will have some affect on the scheduling. Expect to see more Sunday night Hab games in the future.<br />
<br />
As Rogers will be taking over control of Hockey Night in Canada, Expect to see the Habs on the CBC every Saturday night (with the Leafs appearing on all four Sportsnet channels). Between CBC/Sportsnet, expect to find (approximately) 40 regular season games. Based on the current regional deal, another 30 or so would still be on TSN's regional Habs feed. Making for approximately 70 games being available on English television.<br />
<br />
As far as French Language, it is much more straightforward. RDS is losing only it's National rights as well, which means 22 Canadiens games will now air on TVA/TVA Sports. The other 60 or so games will likely still air on RDS, however they would be blacked out outside of Quebec. As is the case with the TSN regional Habs feed, RDS' regional coverage deal also expires following this season, however it is expected they will bid heavily to retain those rights. This is a developing story.<br />
<br />
The reason that RDS currently airs all Habs games nationally (and the reason that future blackouts on Sportsnets Sens/Oilers/Leafs/Flames games will be lifted) is because they are also the national broadcaster. With them no longer being the National broadcaster the games are likely to be blacked out outside of Quebec.<br />
<br />
Radio deals currently in place will not be affected at all by this deal.<br />
<br />
To Summarize, beginning next season:<br />
<br />
English - 40 regular season and all playoff Habs games NATIONALLY on CBC/Sportsnet/City TV (Deal runs through the 2025-2026 NHL Season)<br />
-42 regular season Habs games REGIONALLY on Sportsnet East (3 games will be on City Montreal - Deal runs through 2016-2017 season) <br />
<br />
French - 22 regular season, and all playoff Habs games NATIONALLY on TVA/TVA Sports (Deal runs through the 2025-2026 NHL Season)<br />
- 60 Regular season, and all pre-season Habs games regionally on RDS (Deal runs through the 2025-2026 NHL Season)<br />
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Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-24863249512379669552013-11-19T20:56:00.000-05:002013-11-19T20:56:56.757-05:00"I would have loved to have stayed in Montreal" - A visit with Mike Commodore<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Perhaps it was destiny that a player with the nickname ``Commie`` would end up playing hockey in Russia`s Kontinental Hockey League.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta`s Mike Commodore is a name and face that is very familiar to hockey fans. In close to 500 NHL games, the big rugged red head has put up 106 points and 683 Penalty minutes. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Commodore became a household name when he grew out his red locks and beard in two consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup finals. As a relative newcomer to the National Hockey League in 2003-2004 (he had a short stint with the New Jersey Devils previously) Commodore would help the Calgary Flames head to an eventual loss to Tampa Bay in the championship round. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The 2004-2005 NHL Lockout saw Commodore head back to Lowell of the American Hockey League before being traded to Carolina in the off-season. In a great personal Triumph, Mike Commodore would not only make a return trip to the Cup finals, but this time he would become a Stanley Cup champion.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yD4zeogsYgQ/UowM9zoqC6I/AAAAAAAAB5A/qc4LoNnlrOs/s1600/commie22.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yD4zeogsYgQ/UowM9zoqC6I/AAAAAAAAB5A/qc4LoNnlrOs/s320/commie22.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Eventually, he would end up in Columbus where he would play some of his best hockey forming a number one shut down pair with Jan Hejda. Columbus Dispatch beat writer Aaron Portzline: <i>``Commodore was a really good
player in his first year with the Blue Jackets. Big, physical player who was loud enough and bold
enough to spark a moribund dressing room.`</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>
</i></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>Then Scott Arniel happened.
Arniel clashed with several players in the dressing room and seemed to
target Commodore from the start. You could tell from the start that it
wasn't going to end well.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>I've been surprised the last
two seasons that Commodore can't get a job in the NHL. Pretty good
player.``</i></span></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last season during the lockout, Hab-fans may have noticed Commodore patrolling the blue line for the Bulldogs in Hamilton and even at an intra-squad scrimmage at the Bell Centre. He didn`t stick with the Habs, and is now plying his trade with Admiral Vladivostock of the KHL.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I recently had a very lengthy chat with Mike Commodore all about his career, his time in Hamilton, Coach Sylvain Lefebvre, the KHL, the Stanley Cup and everything in between. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Growing up in Fort Saskatchewan, just outside of Edmonton, is it safe
to say you were a fan of the Edmonton Oilers growing up?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To be honest I was actually a Calgary Flames fan growing up. I have
always been the type that cheers for the underdog, and when I was
growing up in the 80's the Oilers were dominant....so I found myself
cheering for the Flames.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>I'm surprised to hear you were a flames fan growing up, did you have a favourite player?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">No. I really didn't have a favorite player. I just liked the Flames.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <b> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>It must have been great being a young kid watching the Oilers dynasty of the 80's from such close proximity, do you have any vivid memories about it?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes the Oilers were most
definitely dominant in the 80's for sure....but I was pretty young to
remember any specific moments. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The 2 moments that I do remember from
growing up regarding the Oilers; I remember my dad taking me to an
all-star game there, I think it was an all-star game anyways...sure seemed
like it. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And like everyone in Alberta and maybe hockey in general I
remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when Gretzky was
traded to LA. <b><br /> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>How did you first fall in love with the game of hockey?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To be honest I don't really
remember exactly when I fell in love with hockey. I always just really
enjoyed competing and playing sports. Almost any sport. Athletics was
always something I was pretty decent at. Because of where I grew up, if
you liked to play sports it was hockey in the winters, and I chose
baseball in the summers. That was how I spent my childhood and teens. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Were you always a defenceman? Did you try to emulate anyone in particular?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes I was always a defenceman. Looking back I wish I would have played
some forward as a kid....it might have helped my skating. I didn't
really try to emulate anyone but I did like Adam Foote as a player. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Do you remember the first time you went to see an NHL game?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think I remember my first game...it was definitely an Oilers
game, but I can't remember any details other then I know my dad took
me. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NOJROU2wNY/UowVxMgTMRI/AAAAAAAAB6M/18XhfLDqfU4/s1600/Mike-Commodore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1NOJROU2wNY/UowVxMgTMRI/AAAAAAAAB6M/18XhfLDqfU4/s1600/Mike-Commodore.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>What was it like being traded from New Jersey to your childhood team the Calgary Flames?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">haha...the trade to Calgary was
perfect! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I love the city of Calgary, I still spend most of my summers in
Calgary. And I really can't say enough good things about the Calgary
Flames and how they treated me. I am very grateful to the Calgary
Flames. Although I didn't play many games in Calgary, I was with the
organization a little over 2 years, and it was really the turning point
in my career. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />You reached the Stanley Cup Finals shortly after being called up by the Flames, what do you remember about that?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">haha, by the time I reached
the Finals in 2004 with Calgary I was so excited and having so much fun I
wasn't sure it was real! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Throughout your playing career, and even beforehand, you've been known
to grow out your hair, and then shave it for charity - particularly the
Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research, is there a reason this
particular charity strikes a chord for you?</b> </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kA8JihqC18/UowO4z919qI/AAAAAAAAB5U/USJ6I0yZvIs/s1600/shave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kA8JihqC18/UowO4z919qI/AAAAAAAAB5U/USJ6I0yZvIs/s320/shave.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I shaved my head a
couple times for charity. The Jimmy V foundation was in 2006. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I shaved
it for the Jimmy V foundation first off because it's an excellent
charity, and secondly I wanted to keep it local in Carolina so Jimmy V
was a perfect fit. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>If it wasn't always the Jimmy V fund, which other charities did the money raised go to? </b></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The time I shaved my head while I was with the Flames the money went to
cancer research and it was through my mom's high school. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was one of
those things where lets say the science teacher says <i>"Hey if you kids
raise $100 I will shave my head"</i>. So after we beat Vancouver in the
first round my mom asked me if I would like to be a part of it once the
playoffs were over so I said yes. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>With your notoriety for your Hair and Bathrobes, have you ever
thought about your own line of Men's hygiene products? Seems to have
worked out for a certain "Violent Gentleman".</b></span></span><br />
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qb8xAHrIdaY/UowNfURB4aI/AAAAAAAAB5I/h5jQS-x4DYI/s1600/bathrobe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qb8xAHrIdaY/UowNfURB4aI/AAAAAAAAB5I/h5jQS-x4DYI/s1600/bathrobe.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">haha,
Yes George Parros is a good man, a very smart man, and I see his line is
doing well. haha, I am not sure how well my own line of hygiene
products would sell....you don't see too many red head models selling
anything these days. Or ever. </span></span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Red head could work. I envision an affro'd, bathrobe clad redhead
advertising for shaving products in a whimsical style similar to the old
spice ads. Maybe throw in a borscht reference or two for fun!</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>You ended up
being vindicated by winning the Stanley Cup the very next season, but
how hard was it not being able to come back with Calgary after coming so
close? There must have been some sense of "unfinished business"</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes when I
first got traded to Carolina I was disappointed. Like I said I really
liked Calgary and I thought we would have a good team. So it was tough
for a couple days....until I realized that there probably wouldn't have
been any space for me in Calgary and getting traded to Carolina was the
best thing for me. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>I can't recall who said it, but following your Stanley Cup win in 2006, it
was said that your opening round victory against Montreal was the most
difficult series you had. Do you think that statement is accurate?</b> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That's a tough
question to answer. Was it tough? Yes it was. Montreal won the first 2
games in Carolina. So we were going to Montreal down 2-0...not
promising. But then we responded and won 4 straight games. But it's
really tough for me to rank the toughest. It took us 7 games to beat
Buffalo in the conference finals and 7 games to beat the Oilers to win
the Cup. So I will be diplomatic and say those 3 series were all equally
very tough! haha. <b><br /></b></span></span><div dir="ltr">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Which do you think affected the outcome of that series
more - the emergence of Cam Ward or the injury to Saku Koivu? Had Koivu
not been injured, and/or had Cam Ward not stepped in (for the ill Martin
Gerber) to start game 3, does the result remain the same?</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">haha...another tough
question. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Honestly all I can say is this....we had a REALLY good team
that year. For the entire year. After we got down 2-0 to Montreal I
think as a team the feeling was "We are way too good and had too good of
a year to go out like this"....and then we turned it on. But in saying
that....Cam standing on his head sure helped. haha. <b><br /> </b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Going into the Stanley Cup final in 2006, what if anything did you draw on from your experiences with Calgary in 2004?</b></span></span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejh1uOb0hLE/UowVhU7M-XI/AAAAAAAAB6E/_ZLCizdSiTU/s1600/commie22a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejh1uOb0hLE/UowVhU7M-XI/AAAAAAAAB6E/_ZLCizdSiTU/s320/commie22a.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I did draw on my 2004 final for sure...but at the same time it was 2
completely different scenarios for me. In Calgary in the finals I was
playing very minimal minutes...and in Carolina I was playing 20 minutes a
night. What I did draw from the Calgary finals was that I knew I had
been there before...so I knew what to expect both on the ice and off.
And I do remember waking up the morning of game 7 in Carolina and
thinking "I lost 1 game 7 in Calgary...I am not going to let that happen
again". Lucky for me it worked out. <b><br /> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Was the Final in 2006 a different animal as a result of having played
with the same teammates all season long as opposed to being a late season call-up? If so, how?</b> </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes
it was 2 completely different roles for me. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In 2004 I spent the first
half the year playing for Lowell Lock Monsters (Calgary's AHL team) got
called up right before the all star break...blew my shoulder out in my
second or third game...missed 2 months, then came back and played the
last couple regular season games in Calgary, and then playoffs. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In
Calgary I was more of a depth guy that caught a break due to injuries in
the playoffs and I got my chance. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In Carolina I was there all
year...and played significantly more....but you know what, both were
very rewarding experiences. I cherish both. <b>
<br /> </b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Do you think winning the cup in '06 gave you a greater
sense of accomplishment because you came so close two years prior? Or,
were they completely unrelated?</b> </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes I think I did get a greater sense of accomplishment in 2006
because of 2004. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In 2004 we came so close. Like REALLY close...and just
fell a little short. When it was over it was a tough pill to swallow.
You never know...lots of guys never get a chance to play in the Cup
finals...I did...you never know if it will happen again. So when it
happened the very next NHL season that was special. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>For fans outside of the market, particularly those in
Canada who know nothing about the city, what can you tell us about
Columbus? The team, the fans, the city itself.</b> </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lg2Ff4t8_v0/UowQid7EfAI/AAAAAAAAB5g/PzluIH1LMn0/s1600/bjs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lg2Ff4t8_v0/UowQid7EfAI/AAAAAAAAB5g/PzluIH1LMn0/s320/bjs.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In my opinion Columbus
is a kind of a hidden gem. I loved it there. Its a really good city.
Although the way things turned out with the Blue Jackets, the reason and
terms I left on still pisses me off, I can't blame the city of the
fans. The fans there are fantastic. My first year there when we made the
playoffs the fans were AWESOME. Great rink too. I can think of a
couple NHL teams who could use that model of arena and area when
building a new rink. </span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>2008-2009
was a very good season for you personally on the ice, and you helped the
Blue Jackets to their first (and to date only) playoff appearance, is
that a point of pride for you?</b> </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2008-2009 was a good
year for the Blue Jackets and for me. Yes we got swept in the first
round by Detroit, but overall the year was a smashing success for the
Blue Jackets. And yes I am proud of that season. Its really too bad we
couldn't build off of it. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For me personally it was my best regular
season as a professional. Statistically my second year in Carolina was
better...but overall 2008-2009 was my best year. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Unfortunately
everything was downhill after that and nobody remembers how I played my
first year there. All anyone brings up is the negative. Like I said
earlier, it still really pisses me off how things ended up between me
and the Blue Jackets. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>What was the buzz like around the team during that season/playoff run?</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That year I would
say things were pretty normal until the end of January. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">People need to
understand how Columbus works. First off Ohio State Football is #1 and
always will be. The Blue Jackets could run off 4 consecutive Stanley
cups like the Islanders back in the day and Ohio State football will
still be king. And I am definitely not saying that like its a bad thing.
It isn't at all. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So up until the end of January (the end of Buckeye football
season) normalcy for the Blue Jackets was weekday games with average crowds,
weekend crowds packed. Or close to it. Once January hit that year we
were doing ok but not great....but then we went on a tear in January...I
think we went 14-2 or something like that. After that the rink was
jammed every night and people were excited because they knew we had a
good team. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">People were really excited for the playoffs....unfortunately
it was a short run. We came out in the first period against Detroit in
Detroit on fire. We were all over them. It could have easily been 3-0.
Unfortunately for us...Osgood made some huge saves and after that
Detroit took over. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>You mentioned that it still irks you how things ended in Columbus, how DID things end over there? </b><br />Here is how it went down in Columbus. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Scott Arniel came into Columbus
as a first time NHL head coach, and he came in there loaded with
jealousy and arrogance. His mindset was "now I am an NHL coach and I
am going to get even for any shortcomings in my playing career". </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Scott
Arniel played pro hockey a long time at the NHL and AHL level. Scott
Arniel didn't think he was paid enough for the time he put in. He didn't
like guys that weren't married. Because in his words "I wish you guys
had a wife and kids when you came to the NHL so you know how much they
cost". He actually said that in a meeting. So needless to say if you
were single with no kids (which I was and am) and you were making good
money (I was the highest paid defenseman in the organization) you were
in trouble. Big trouble. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I broke my thumb the first game of the year in
a fight....missed 6 weeks. Came back and was playing some of the best
hockey of my career....my stats for that year finished at 20 games
played, 2 game winning goals, 3 assists, 44 pims, and -8. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I was playing
against top lines...the only stat that doesn't look good is the plus
minus. Pitt beat us 9-1 one night and I was -4. Other then that 1 game
my plus minus was just like everyone elses on the team. Anyways...I was
playing well....then he scratched me 10 games in a row. Refused to meet
with me. Wouldn't play me. The team was getting spanked left and right
while I was being scratched...still wouldn't play me. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2 reasons.....he
was jealous that I was single and making good cash...and secondly he is
extremely arrogant and wanted more power in the organization. By
scratching me who looks bad? Well first off I do. And secondly the GM
looks terrible cause he is the one that signed me to be the highest paid
defenseman on the team. So what ends up happening? I want a trade so
Arniel kicks me off the team, I get bought out - and no matter what the
reason is a buyout is a black mark against you. And its been downhill
from that point forward. </span></span><br />
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I know it sounds
kinda crazy....but I put a lot of time into this and those are the
reasons. If I was playing like shit I would say so. I was a pretty good
player in Columbus. My first year was great, my second year I played the
whole year with groin problems, and the third year arrogant jealous
Scott Arniel got hired and that's the end of the story. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The
next season he tried the same tactics with Derrick Brassard, another
single guy making good money, but fortunately for Derrick - Arniel got
canned before he could finish him off. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Look at Scott Arniel's coaching record. Its awful. And he had good players. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>During last season's NHL
lockout, you had a chance to play with some of the Montreal Canadiens
prospects. What can you tell us about them? Is there anyone who stood
out on the ice that maybe Habs fans have yet to see up in the show?</b> </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am glad I decided to play in Hamilton. And thankful for the
opportunity. I had a good time there and it was definitely worth it for
me. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As far as prospects...god we were SO young. The youngest team in the
AHL I believe. Its hard for me to pick out guys at this moment, I think
a few of them have played a few games in Montreal this season. But
since I am a defenseman I will just give you a couple defenseman that I
think have a chance to excel at the NHL level. I really liked Tinordi,
Beaulieu and Pateryn. Its no secret that they are good players though. I
think everyone in Montreal knows that. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Anyone who follows your Twitter account can see that you
have a bit of a relationship with Brendan Gallagher. One would assume it
started in Hamilton, do you keep an eye on him, or the team in general?</b></span></span><br />
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I
like Gallagher, I met him in Hamilton. I like him a lot as a person and a
player. Yes I do follow the Canadiens...but not so much the wins and
losses, I like following the guys I played with in Hamilton last year. I
check box scores once a day I would say. Vladivostok is 19 hours ahead
of Montreal...so needless to say I am not watching any games. </span></span><br />
<br />
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</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>The Canadiens clearly have a lot of defensemen in the system,
do you feel you were given a fair shot to make the team out of training
camp last season? Would you have liked to stay?</b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Montreal Canadiens treated me very well. I have no complaints.
Obviously I would have loved to have stayed in Montreal but that wasn't
going to happen. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Look with the lockout last year I don't even consider
that a training camp. We had four practices and one inter-squad game. The team had seven d-men on 1-way contracts and that was before Subban signed. So
8 d-men on 1 ways. There was no space for me. Even if I played like
Larry Robinson in that inter-squad game they wouldn't have kept me! <b><br /> </b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>An often
listed criticism against the Habs is that they are too small, and not tough
enough. Toughness and size are two attributes that you bring in abundance, do you
feel you could address those needs for the Habs one day down the road?</b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Could I address those needs if that's what Montreal is looking for?
Yes I could. But I have a long ways to go before I even think about
that. I have been buried by 2 coaches in the last couple years, and my
battle is to prove that I can still play. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am playing in the KHL, my
focus is to play as well as I can here and see what happens. </span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>
How did you like playing for Sylvain Lefebvre in Hamilton?
How did he compare to some of the other Coaches you've had to play for?</b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I
liked Sylvain Levebvre. I think he's a good person and will be a good
coach at the NHL level someday if that's what he wants to do. But he was
a rookie head coach. So I think he has somethings to learn, which is
normal for a rookie in any profession. There are some things that I
would have done differently for sure. <b><br /> </b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Do you have a favourite Coach (head or assistant) that you've played for? Why?</b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are a bunch of Head coaches that I really liked and thought were
good. Dean Blais, Larry Robinson, Daryl Sutter, Peter Laviolette, Ken
Hitchcock come to mind. But if I had to pick 1 favorite head coach I
will pick Tom Rowe. Tom Rowe was my assistant coach in Lowell in 03/04,
and the Head Coach in Lowell in the lockout year 04/05. I really can't
say enough about what he did for my career. He was a tough, no bullshit
guy, but if you worked hard for him he had your back no matter what. He
turned my career around. Thank you Tom. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Think he'll make a good NHL head coach one
day? </b><br />Yes I think Tom would make a great NHL head coach if
that's what he wants to do. </span></span><br />
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>How are you liking the KHL?</b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I
am enjoying the KHL. Its a very good league with very good players. It
is also very different from what I am used to. But that being said it
should be different. This is a completely different country and way of
life. I came over here with an open mind looking to play some hockey and
find some life experiences. I haven't been disappointed. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><br />It is
clearly a different brand of hockey, are there things you like better
about the game in Russia that you feel the NHL could learn from, and/or
vice versa?</b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is very different. Other then the basics of shooting, passing and
skating it is completely different. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To answer your question...without a
doubt I think the NHL should adopt the point system the KHL uses. 3pts
for a regulation win, 2pts for overtime win or shootout win, 1 point for
overtime or shootout loss. I personally believe it is significantly
better. A team should be rewarded for winning in regulation. And the 3
point win really makes things interesting in the standings...even if
your team is near the bottom in the standings...they can make up points
fast with regulation wins. Also I don't think winning a game in a
shootout should be worth the same as winning a game in regulation. To me
the KHL system makes more sense. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The 1 thing
that really sticks out for me that the KHL could adopt is a little more
of a NHL way of coaching. More teaching and systems taught in the KHL
would be great for the teams and the players. Like I said its just
different here. Here the attitude is "the players are professionals,
they should know how to play". Well I have been a pro for 14 years and I
know I could still use some learning. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>It's funny that you mention the KHL needing to adopt
more of the NHL approach to coaching, with more systems. Younger
players loathe systems, especially the creative guys. </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>The stereotype
we often hear about players coming from Russia is that they are more
skilled/creative/less structured, do you think that's a product of their
development?</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Does the lesser emphasis on structure allow them to be
more creative in honing their skills?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">That's a very
good question. And I guess the answer has to be yes to both those
questions. But it would be really nice if you could introduce just a
little bit of structure here. I mean I think you can still be creative
and be responsible defensively. Pavel Datsyuk figured it out. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>If you happen to win the Gagarin Cup this season, would
it be a new source of pride to be the only player to have won both the
Gagarin and Stanley Cups?</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Would I really be the only person to do that? If so that's cool. I
like winning and have enjoyed my share of it. If I could add a Gagarin
Cup to my resume I would be very proud. This is a really good league. </span></span>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>If another player has already won both cups, I couldn't find a note of it anywhere, so I believe you'd be the first.</b></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>
At the end of the day, no matter how many teams a player
has played for they always identify strongly with one above all else.
Who would that team be for you, and why?</b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Carolina Hurricanes. I won a Stanley Cup in Carolina. I played
more NHL games there then I did for any other team. The 2 and a half
years I spent there I played well. Its a shame I didn't get the
opportunity to play there longer. A lot longer. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>It sounds to me like you still feel like there's some unfinished
business in both Carolina and Columbus, is that fair? If you had the
opportunity to finish that business it only one, which would it be and
why?</b></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I don't know about unfinished business....we won in Carolina....it
just would have been nice for me if instead of trading me they would
have signed me long term. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And in Columbus that whole situation is sad. I
really liked it there and I worked my ass off there, I was good in the
community. I enjoyed some success but was kicked out and bought out by
an unsuccessful, arrogant, jealous first year head coach halfway through
my contract. Now as a result I am remembered as being a huge bust in
Columbus. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hate complaining and everyone has their "I got screwed" story....but
honestly its a joke how I was treated in Columbus by Scott Arniel. I don't think I deserved that. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Have you ever
actually seen a Commodore 64? (I owned an Amiga when I was a kid - it
was an offshoot of the Commodore, it was a fun computer with a great
Indiana Jones game!)</b></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">hahaha....I have seen a Commodore 64, a long time ago. Check them out
on twitter though....Commodore 64 computers are making a comeback!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Maybe you should be the new Commodore 64 spokesman. Have you got one?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Don't have one but you are right I should get one. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br /><div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Thanks very much for taking the time, wishing you
all the best in the KHL this season on your way to a Gagarin Cup and
looking forward to seeing your new line of bathrobes in the NHL again
one day!</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>For more from Mike Commodore, follow him on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/commie22" target="_blank">@commie22</a> </b></span></span></div>
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Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-91717125981860410182013-11-08T18:33:00.000-05:002013-11-08T18:33:50.228-05:00HABS-TOWN: "Bournival is raising a lot of eyebrows this season"<div class="im">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Unless you've been living under a rock, you've likely got at least passing knowledge of Chantal Desjardins. The affable girl from small town Winnipeg who made it all the way to big time Montreal to become a hit with local Media. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Since arriving in Montreal in 2006, Chantal has been everywhere! She has worked on CHOM, CJAD and Virgin radio in various capacities. She's emceed many events. She's run for charity, she's dabbled in stand up comedy and most recently she's been seen on CTV Montreal Television hosting sports and entertainment segments.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Chantal holds a communications degree from the University of Winnipeg and a Creative Communications diploma from Red River college. Early on in her career she appeared as a guest on morning shows for Q94FM and BOBFM in Winnipeg before moving to Montreal permanently. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chantal has proven quick on her feet over her many years in Radio dealing with the likes of Aaron Rand, PJ stock and "Bad Pete" Marier. Not only has she held her own with some of their quick wit, but she has improved the quality of their broadcasts. Mike Cohen of the Suburban lauded her "amazing" chemistry with Aaron Rand, a trend that has followed her at all of her career stops. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">A constant running in thread throughout her career has been sports - particularly Hockey. From her earliest days in Winnipeg, to her current post at CTV, Chantal has been the Sports Girl, a title she's glad to hold as her love of the game an passion for talking about is is evident. Chantal is a huge part of HABS-TOWN and if you weren't quite sure why or how, this is the place for you.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">What
first got you interested in the game of hockey? </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">When I was five I wanted to be a ballerina, but it took exactly one dance class to realize
that I had about as much grace as Elaine from Seinfeld and my mom decided that boys
hockey might be better suited to my skill set. I’ve played hockey ever since
and I still can’t dance. </span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Is it
safe to bet, that growing up in Winnipeg the JETS were your first hockey love? </span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I loved the
Jets as a kid. When I was nine years old, my best friend had season tickets right
behind the Jets’ bench. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1UsyQRM18A/Unx6YW0hTUI/AAAAAAAAB24/2taHHAHT_OY/s1600/tie_pizzahut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r1UsyQRM18A/Unx6YW0hTUI/AAAAAAAAB24/2taHHAHT_OY/s320/tie_pizzahut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I should clarify - She <i>became</i> my best friend when I found
out she had season tickets behind the Jets bench. Anyways, I swear that whole
season, Tie Domi would wink at me every time he returned to the bench. Either
that or he just had a weird eye twitch from fighting so much. Either way,
that’s how Tie Domi became my favorite player (even now that he’s on those lame
commercials selling long distance plans) and the Jets became my team. </span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Did your
allegiances change to the Habs only when you moved to Montreal? </span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">The Jets
left for Phoenix back in 1996. I swear the whole city went into a depression.
For years after a new petition would pop up every few months trying to bring
the team back. It would get hundreds of thousands of signatures…and then
nothing. So when I moved to Montreal 6 years ago, the Jets, and my winking Tie
Domi, were so far removed from my memory that it was pretty easy to switch
teams. And when I started covering the team for CJAD800, I got so wrapped up in
the story lines that I found myself cheering for the Habs whenever the two
teams would play each other.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b>How do you feel about the latest JETS incarnation?</b></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMBhxYCssAw/Unx66vm5m7I/AAAAAAAAB3A/Qm9NBY6tCa0/s1600/KANENENEfdsfafs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMBhxYCssAw/Unx66vm5m7I/AAAAAAAAB3A/Qm9NBY6tCa0/s200/KANENENEfdsfafs.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I think Winnipeg getting the Jets back is an amazing accomplishment for
the city. The Bell Centre atmosphere is electric, but from what I hear,
the MTS Centre in the 'Peg is definitely comparable. Now if Claude Noel
can just keep his players more focused on hockey and less on tweeting
pictures of themselves in Vegas surrounded by stacks of dolla
bills...they'll be fine. </span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Do you
remember your first Habs game? </span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">My first
ever live Habs game was in 2007 after I moved from Winnipeg. It was an October
game and the Bruins were in town, and the Bell Centre was electric. They Habs totally dominated, I think
they won 6-1, and the crowd went crazy every time the Canadiens found the back
of Boston’s net. It was amazing.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b>Do you
have a favorite Habs player ever?</b> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I
don’t
really have a favorite player these days. Working in sports, you’re
supposed to
stay neutral, but if I had to choose one, it would probably be Saku
Koivu. I
love a good story of overcoming adversity, and his story is one of the
best. I also
had the chance to interview him a few times, and he was always so
genuine. Sometimes that’s hard to find when you’re dealing with athletes
making millions
of dollars.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b>Where do
you like to watch games?</b> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I get distracted easily, so if I really want to focus
on the details, I need to watch the games alone on my couch. But of course,
there’s nothing like watching a game from the Bell Centre. Watching from the
press box is okay, but you’re so high up that the players sort of look like
ants and since you’re supposed to be “working”, you can’t have a beer up there.
The best is when you’ve scored tickets down in the Reds, $12 beer in hand…good
times. </span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">When
you're not working, do you watch games for fun? If so do you prefer to watch
with guys? with girls? why?</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I do watch
games when I’m not working, partly so that I can be in the loop the next day
when I am working, and partly because I love hockey. I usually have a group of
friends that will watch it at their place or at a pub. It’s usually guys who
are die-hard hockey fans, but I have a few girlfriends who enjoy it too.</span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Do you
have any pre-game rituals or in game superstitions? </span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Ha, no I’m not that crazy.
Maybe if I was on the team. You think I have a shot?</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3rYTK9Xzn1I/Unx8D2KOyOI/AAAAAAAAB3M/zpniWm7VxdU/s1600/kimstpierre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3rYTK9Xzn1I/Unx8D2KOyOI/AAAAAAAAB3M/zpniWm7VxdU/s320/kimstpierre.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Maybe you do have a shot at the team, crazier things have happened. Matt
Darche was 33 before he signed with the Habs, and he'd only played 101
NHL games before that over 10+ pro seasons. Of course there's always the
Manon Rheaume comparable too, and even the Habs have called in Kim St-Pierre to practice with them before. As Randy Teiman likes to often
say....."You never know"</span></span></span> </span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b>Do you still play hockey regularly? You MUST have some pre-game rituals for you own games...</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I play beer league hockey with the guys. A lot of them
end up talking about their good ol' Junior days...back before they'd get
an injury just from tying up their skates. It's still a lot of fun
though, even if no one is going pro anytime soon. I don't really have
any pregame rituals though... </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b>Many
people may recall you spent a year working with a former Hab - PJ Stock. What
was that like? </b></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--LUHV4CldZ8/Unx5r_K4yYI/AAAAAAAAB2w/g14Hbwv7IIs/s1600/chantalpjbadpete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--LUHV4CldZ8/Unx5r_K4yYI/AAAAAAAAB2w/g14Hbwv7IIs/s200/chantalpjbadpete.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">It was loud. I worked with Pete Marier, and PJ Stock…both loud
personalities. Put them in a room together, and it was basically like
babysitting two kids. Two really fun, really talented kids.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b>Did you and
PJ spend lots of off-air time talking hockey?</b> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Not really. Sports was just one
part of the morning show on CHOM, so we spent a lot of time trying to think of
different elements we could bring to the show. Like the one time a guy called
into the morning show and said they’d gotten a ticket for playing street hockey
with his kid. So PJ called up a few buddies and organized a huge charity street
hockey tournament for the next day. It attracted hundreds of people and raised
a bit of money for charity. He really used his “celebrity” status to help out
when he could. </span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Lots of
people think PJ's a "HAB-HATER" and really a Bruin at heart, what do
you think? </span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I think PJ
just likes to stir the pot. He would say the pro-Bruins comments, which would
rile up Pete Marier (and most of our listeners). I’m not sure if he even always
bought into what he was saying, but it made for great radio.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b>When PJ was working on Team 990, I felt the same way as a listener, he's
just trying to rile people up. It's shtick. I think he enjoy being the
heel. (to borrow a wrestling term)</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b>What are
your expectations for the 2013-2014 edition of the Montreal Canadiens?</b> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I think
having Therrien and Bergevin are exactly what the Habs have needed to rebuild a
winning franchise. There are a lot of injuries right now, so if they can stay
healthy, this could be the year. (Now I really sound like a Habs fan…)</span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">For the
moment Jarred Tinordi and Michael Bournival are with the Canadiens, do you
expect them to last the season here, why or why not? What are your expectations
for them?</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Whereas
Galchenyuk and Gallagher were great surprises last year, Bournival is raising a
lot of eyebrows this season. He really seems to be holding his own as a rookie,
and he’s making those around him better too. I hope he stays up for the year.</span></span></span></div>
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For more from Chantal Desjardins, follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/Chantalonair" target="_blank">@Chantalonair</a> or check her out on the web at w<a href="http://ww.chantaldesjardins.ca/">ww.chantaldesjardins.ca</a></div>
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<br />Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-87734508695202436012013-10-23T20:58:00.002-04:002013-10-24T18:30:18.841-04:00Saku Koivu: The MIGHTY DuckTomorrow night, Saku Koivu returns to Montreal for only the second time since leaving the team in 2009.<br />
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The only other time Koivu played in Montreal, it wasn't exactly a banner night for him. He had zero points, took three penalties - including 2 which resulted in goals, and the team needed a shootout to pull out a victory. The Montreal faithful, voted Koivu the games first star, however, because the game was decided in extra time, the games first star automatically goes to the player who scored the winning goal. Saku Koivu was relegated to second star. That garnered the former Captain his second ovation of the night.<br />
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It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Saku Koivu. I can't hide it. His name often comes up in HABS-TOWN features and I wrote full feature about him a few years ago. The <a href="http://habshermy11.blogspot.ca/2011/11/saku-koivu-by-numbers.html" target="_blank">numbers</a> for Koivu don't lie, he will go down as one of the all-time greats to play for one of the most storied franchises in all of pro-sports. Had Koivu accomplished all he did here - on and off the ice - with any other team, his jersey would be retired.<br />
<br />
When Koivu had to leave Montreal in the summer of 2009, Mitch Melnick called for people to write in emails that those at the station would then forward along to Saku. I raced to my computer and wrote something as quickly as I could:<br />
<br />
<i>I can remember the summer of 1994. I was 13 years old and was only
starting to be interested in sports. I had followed the Canadiens cup
run in '93 and watched much of the next season, I was of course excited
but what I saw, but really didn't understand the game the way I do now. I
was saddened the day my favorite player - Kirk Muller - was traded away
- but I would soon find a new #11 to cheer for. So enamored with
Captain Kirk was I, that I started to wear #11 on my jersey in every
sport I've played since - however much as I tell that story, noone
believes it. Everyone believes I wear #11 for <span class="il">Saku</span> <span class="il">Koivu</span>.</i>
<i></i><br />
<i><br />I can remember that summer of 1994, I had no idea who <span class="il">Saku</span> <span class="il">Koivu</span> was. My friend Lee however told me that there was this little Finnish guy named <span class="il">Koivu</span>
who was going to be the next great player for the Habs. I can remember
us walking along Decarie to the old Sports Cards Colisseum shop (in the
even older Snowdon Theatre building) and both of us buying <span class="il">Saku</span> <span class="il">Koivu</span> "debut cards". <span class="il">Saku</span> had yet to play a game in the NHL, so in the picture on the card, he's of course wearing Finnish colours. In the picture, <span class="il">Saku</span>'s in the middle of his famous "Tiger Jump" (as coined by Pierre Mcguire) - a move that any Habs fan would recognize instantly.</i><br />
<i></i><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROJH4PMF6-A/UmhwRvnzuFI/AAAAAAAAB18/BjNuKaetTCQ/s1600/koivu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ROJH4PMF6-A/UmhwRvnzuFI/AAAAAAAAB18/BjNuKaetTCQ/s1600/koivu.jpg" /></a> <i>S<span class="il">aku</span> <span class="il">Koivu</span> made his debut in 1995, and I can remember during the 0-5 start that got Jaques Demers fired one clear moment that defined <span class="il">Saku</span> <span class="il">Koivu</span> for me, at instantly made him my newest favorite Hab. The tiny little <span class="il">Koivu</span> in only his 3rd or 4th game in the league levelled the much larger Eric Lindros into the boards. Lindros fell over and <span class="il">Saku</span> skated off with the puck. In my memory <span class="il">Saku</span>
crushed Lindros even harder than Scott Stevens eventually would.
Perhaps my memory has embellished the story a little bit - but I prefer
it this way.</i>
<i><br /><span class="il"> </span></i><br />
<i><span class="il">Saku</span> played with the heart of a lion. He was
never afraid of guys that were bigger or stronger then him. He faced
the toughest defense and the toughest checkers every night, and still he
excelled. Some would say he was never a true first line Center, I say
he never had first line wingers to play with. (Mark Recchi aside). When
Mike Ribiero had his one breakout year with Montreal, and when The
Kostitsyn - Plekanec - Kovalev line was really running 2 seasons ago,
"experts" and fans would claim that <span class="il">Saku</span> had been relegated to the 2nd line, I would disagree. <span class="il">Saku</span>'s
minutes never dipped down, and he always had the other teams best
defensive pairing shadowing his line - so no matter what people here may
have said - to the rest of the league whichever line had <span class="il">Saku</span> <span class="il">Koivu</span> on it was always the Canadiens most dangerous.</i>
<i></i><br />
<i><br />I vividly remember watching Hockey Night in Canada that night in
December of 96 when the Habs played the Hawks and everything changed for
the "next big star". <span class="il">Saku</span> was leading the National Hockey League in scoring when a knee on knee hit changed the next 3 years. <span class="il">Saku</span>
showed everyone the courage and dedication to this team he had by
always foregoing surgery on the knee - since with rehab he could get
back to playing faster. Each time he would come back, look great, and
re-injure the knee. People called him "injury-prone" - ignoring that it
was the same injury over and over - I call him a fierce competitor.</i>
<br />
<i><br />I remember the Cancer diagnosis. This was just after <span class="il">Saku</span>
had finally had surgery to repair his knee. He was finally going to be
healthy. He would finally become dominant again, but it was not to be -
at least on the ice. Off of the ice however, <span class="il">Saku</span>
dominated the disease that riddled his body. He beat all the best
predictions and came back to play phenomenal hockey in a magical playoff
run that was cut short by the stubborness of the coach at the time. <span class="il">Saku</span> looked like he hadn't missed a beat on the ice.</i>
<i><br />When the press conference was held to announce that <span class="il">Saku</span>
was cancer-free and he would be attempting to make a comeback before
the season's end I followed intently and listened to every sound byte
possible to make certain I would be at that game. I paid full face value
to sit in the Air-Canada club and free food be damned, I was at that
game, and it was the greatest moment I have ever been a part of. The
Canadiens won their 7th straight game, clinched a playoff spot for the
first time in 4 years, and <span class="il">SAKU</span>! <span class="il">SAKU</span>! <span class="il">SAKU</span>! was back. I will NEVER forget that moment.</i>
<i></i><br />
<i><br />I believe the Canadiens management should be ashamed at how they have handled this. <span class="il">Saku</span> <span class="il">Koivu</span> was not only a phenomenal person on the ice, but off the ice as well. <span class="il">Saku</span>
can be measured by his success on the ice (he currently sits 10th on
the Canadiens all-time scoring list where there is NOONE from his
generation anywhere close), but most importantly he can be measured by
his worth as a man. The <span class="il">Saku</span> <span class="il">Koivu</span>
foundation is a phenomenal lasting legacy that I hope will continue
it's fantastic work. I hope it will not be forgotten by the people of
Montreal - the same way I doubt <span class="il">Saku</span> <span class="il">Koivu</span> ever will.</i>
<i></i><br />
<i><br />My <span class="il">Koivu</span> #11 Ducks t-shirt is already on
order, and I plan on wearing it proudly (the only time I will ever wear a
visiting team's logo at the Bell Centre) when <span class="il">Saku</span> and the Ducks visit this year. <br /><br /><span class="il">Saku</span>,
you've been an inspiration to everyone in the city of Montreal whether
they realize it or not, they will one day. I can only hope that others
follow your path as a man, and try to do good the way you have in the
face of adversity.</i>
<i></i><br />
<i><br />Thanks for the memories, good luck with your new team, and here's
hoping to see you one day once again in the bleu - blanc - rouge.</i><br />
<br />
I have no idea if Saku Koivu ever read what I wrote, but I think it's of little consequence. Towards the end of his tenure in Montreal, some here had soured on him, preferring instead to campaign for an enigmatic Russian to be re-signed while letting the longest tenured Captain in the history of the franchise go out with a whimper.<br />
<br />
Hab fans remembered Saku fondly when he returned in 2011, and I am sure they will do the same again tomorrow night. Let's just hope it's not for the last time - maybe just the final time as a visitor.<br />
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For more on Saku Koivu the hockey player: <a href="http://habshermy11.blogspot.ca/2011/11/saku-koivu-by-numbers.html" target="_blank">"Saku Koivu: By the numbers"</a></div>
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<br />Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-26021912536267493782013-10-21T19:18:00.001-04:002013-10-21T21:00:27.946-04:00HABS-TOWN: "It was an absolute euphoric feeling!"<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the very first followers I gained on Twitter was "the Professor" Avi Goldberg. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Avi is no stranger here on "The Breakdown" having appeared before as a part of a roundtable discussion during the NHL lockout. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Avi is a professor of sociology at Vanier College in
Montreal. You can read him all over the web, as he is a Contributing Editor at The Barnstormer, and a Featured
Writer at All Habs. He also has his own private blog where he uses his sociological mind to make sense of sport-media culture and the
different ways that we as fans prosume (produce & consume) the contents and
experiences of sport-media culture.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He's a very interesting guy, an excellent read, and today we meet Avi the fan, an integral member of HABS-TOWN.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">What got you into
hockey, more specifically the Habs?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Ok, you have to know that I was born in
Montreal but raised in Edmonton. I am a fan of both the Habs and Oilers. With that
out of the way, my first memories of getting into hockey are from family visits
to Montreal for Passover and everyone running to the TV in the middle of the
dinners to check out the score of the Habs games during the playoffs. As a
youngster then, I would sit in the basement of my aunt and uncle’s place in
Chomedey and watch Habs games with everyone. This was my first real exposure to
hockey and the Habs. Since these experiences also introduced me to the
unmistakable voice of Dick Irvin, Kojax souvlaki, and Montreal bagels, it’s not
surprising that the Habs and hockey were so appealing for a young guy living in
the prairies. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Was it Hard to be a
Habs fan living in Edmonton?</span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">I certainly got teased
by a couple of my good buddies. They laughed hysterically as I talked to them
incessantly about Mats Naslund and, later on, Patrick Roy. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2h9Sg0qjyTo/UmWtCRRzuCI/AAAAAAAAB1c/TIxdleiDWm4/s1600/oiler1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2h9Sg0qjyTo/UmWtCRRzuCI/AAAAAAAAB1c/TIxdleiDWm4/s320/oiler1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">The thing about
being a fan back then, without the internet, was that so many people from
Edmonton really knew so little about the Habs and vice versa. Kind of as it can
be with politics in Quebec, most of my Edmonton pals just paid no attention to
the Habs unless there was some reason for it. You have to remember that most of
the attention Edmontonians devoted to visiting teams went to the hated Calgary
Flames. So, most of the time, my love for the Habs was basically mildly amusing
to my Edmonton friends and not so much the source of any serious rivalry or
animosity. Much later, after moving to Montreal, this worked in reverse when a
fellow Oilers fan and I would drive our Montreal pick-up hockey buds a bit
crazy as we would endlessly tell stories of Oiler greatness in the dressing
room prior to and following our games. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Do you remember
your first Habs game? </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Since I grew up in Edmonton, my first
Habs game was in about 1988 when I came to Montreal on a winter vacation. A
friend of mine took me to a Habs-Whalers game at the Forum and it was totally
surreal to actually sit in the building I had seen on TV so many times over the
years. The arena was smaller and busier than I expected. I was also surprised
that people were smoking so much during the intermissions. The fries were great
and I think it was the first time I drank orange soft drink in ages. The game
itself, a 2-1 Habs victory, was a sleeper. Still, the banners, the players, those
escalators crossing like two hockey sticks, the beautiful white home jerseys,
and the walk out onto a freezing cold St. Catherine Street in downtown Montreal
after the game made the experience worth it. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">So was that Habs game
in 1988 your first NHL game? or had you been to an Oilers game in Edmonton
first?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">My first NHL game would
have been an Oilers game prior to 1988, but I cannot truthfully remember a
notable <i>first NHL game</i>. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Do you have a
favorite Habs player ever? if so, whom, and why?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">For some reason, I always loved Mats
Naslund. Just liked the fact that he shot left (like me), wore that big helmet,
and had those shifty smooth moves and playmaking skills on the ice. Due to his
26, that was the number I always chose for my jersey when I was on a team. My
Edmonton pals made plenty fun of me for this choice, but to me, Mats was the
man! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Mats Naslund seems to
be one of those forgotten players. We always hear about the Dynasty Era
"heroes", like the Richards, Cournoyer, Beliveau, The Flower, the
“big three, etc. When it comes to players from the 80's, Patrick Roy is the
only constant. Yet, Naslund was a remarkable player who had good numbers, and
it seems like the generation that grew up watching him often mentions him as
their favourite. </span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Do you think Saku Koivu will go down that way in the history
books, or as something else? What about a current Hab like Andrei Markov?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Ok, this is my view on
this. Koivu was a very solid player, worked his ass off, and did not get the
universal support I think he deserved. He got caught in a very unfortunate
crossfire surrounding language, politics, and hockey where some fans in Quebec
clearly needed a scapegoat for the fact that there were no real Quebecois
hockey heroes on the Habs to support and rally behind. Markov, when healthy,
has been a tremendously solid, highly skilled, and valuable player. The problem
with remembering both of these guys as legends, I think, is that neither one of
them is a pure superstar (although Markov is close), and it is also debatable
whether either one of them can be associated with team greatness. We will
always remember and admire Koivu for overcoming cancer, and fans that hate the
fact that he was singled out for not speaking French will always rally behind
him as a victim of nasty Quebec politics. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">With Markov we will be aware of his
great skill and the fact that the team wins so many more games than they lose
when he is in the lineup. Think of the different things we can associate with
Naslund, by contrast. The Swede was a quirky and effective player, used a
helmet and stick that were memorable due to their lack of familiarity to
Canadians, and ultimately contributed to an unexpected Stanley Cup victory in
1986. Aside from overcoming cancer (albeit a biggy), I am not sure if Koivu and
Markov feature in a team narrative that will keep their memories alive in a
meaningful way. Then again, with Markov, there’s still time!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Where do you like
to watch games?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">If I had the time, I would love to watch
games with friends in a small bar-restaurant where staff and patrons know each
other. I just love the idea of being out in public, lots of others there for
the same reason, enjoying cold beer, and escaping time while watching the game
of hockey. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Do you prefer to
watch with guys? with girls? why?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">When I was a younger person, the idea of
watching games with women was virtually unheard of. Now, the passion for hockey
exhibited by women is off the charts, no different from what I see from the
guys. To illustrate, when I first met my wife, Lori, she was in the process of
moving back to Montreal from Toronto and one of the things she was looking
forward to was being able to watch the Habs in Montreal. In the early years she
told me stories of how she would have just died of tension and anxiety if the Canadiens
would have played the Leafs in the 1993 finals instead of the Kings. Though I
would have been into a Habs-Leafs finals matchup, I totally loved the fact that
we were sharing these kinds of conversations. In short, though Lori is not
currently as tuned into the Habs as I am, my ideal situation would be watching
with her and getting my daughter into it with us as well. So, I’m cool with
watching with guys or women. And, if it’s people who are close to me, all the
better. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Do you have any
pre-game rituals or in game superstitions?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">No real pre-game rituals but my friends
and I in Edmonton pioneered some major in-game superstitions. It all happened
during Oilers playoff games during the dynasty years. We would usually watch at
Michael Chow’s house and his two brothers would be hanging out with us as well.
So, we’d take our seats for the game, it wouldn’t matter really where we
started off. As long as things were going well, we stayed in our spots. The
moment things started to go bad for the Oilers, we would change seats, so I
might move from the couch to the floor and Justin from the floor to the couch.
We would continue to shift as needed until Oiler momentum would be restored.
Needless to say, I still employ this basic tactic, even if I am watching important
games alone.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">What's the best
game you ever went to? what do you remember about it?</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">I have to say that the two best games I
ever attended were not Habs games but Oilers games. <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">When I was 13, </span>my dad took me to games 4 and 5 of the Stanley Cup
Finals against the Islanders. We sat in the nosebleeds at Northlands Coliseum.
Yelled and screamed our heads off. Saw big bad Billy Smith yanked from at least
one of those games (both of them ended up as 7-2 Oilers victories). The place
was deafening and it was an absolute euphoric feeling to see this amazing young
team inch close to the championship after having been thoroughly destroyed by
the Islanders in the Finals the year before. My dad couldn’t score tickets to
the Stanley Cup clinching game but we watched at a family friends’ place. The
memories of those two games with my dad will forever live within.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uHIUioX9cjk" width="560"></iframe> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">If those were the
best Oiler games you've been to, what's the best Habs one and why?</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Though I am a huge
hockey fan, I truly have not been to nearly as many live games as I would like.
The most exciting Habs game I attended was during the 2004 playoffs, second
round against Tampa Bay, the eventual champions just before the lockout. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">The
Habs were down 2-0 in the series but played strong in game 3. They trailed by a
goal heading into the 3<sup>rd</sup>. I joked with my friends just before the
period that Patrice Brisebois, simultaneously hated and admired in Montreal,
would be a hero of the game. In the dying moments of the game, Ryder and
Brisebois(!) did score to put the Habs ahead. For a few moments, I was a real
man for making that prediction. Sadly, with less than 30 second left,
Lecavalier scores for Tampa Bay to send the game to OT. While I wanted to be
optimistic heading into OT, I just didn’t think the Habs would pull it out. No
surprise when Brad Richards scored 1:05 (I looked it up) into the extra frame
to pull TB up 3-0 in the series. The loss was depressing in the end, but there
was some great tension and drama, making it a pretty fun night. The less-than-friendly
banter we exchanged with two Tampa Bay fans that made their way up to the game
helped to create an all-around playoff hockey experience in MTL. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Do you have any
funny or interesting stories that are somehow related to the Habs?</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">I have a fairly good and interesting
Oiler story if you want to hear it, but the best Habs story I can muster is the
time I was invited to a Habs game by Rob Zamuner’s sister. This happened when Zamuner
played for Tampa Bay. Again, the game itself is basically non-existent in my
memory, but I do remember hanging around after the game waiting for Zamuner to
come out of the dressing room to meet us. We kind of stood around like idiots
as Habs and Lightning players, coaches, media people walked by wondering what
the two geeks were doing there. Zamuner came out, chatted with us for a bit,
then headed back to join his teammates. It really wasn’t that exciting but it
was certainly interesting standing around in the bowels of the Forum with all these
famous people walking right beside us and feeling like a complete clown for
being there. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">I'll bite, what's
the interesting Oiler story?</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">In grades 11 and 12, I
dated the niece of the Oilers Assistant General Manager. This meant
unprecedented access to games and to one private Stanley Cup victory party
after victory over the Boston Bruins in 1987-’88. After the celebrations and
interviews died down at Northlands Coliseum, the team went to a smaller banquet
hall in another events building just next to the arena. My girlfriend and I
attended the party at which a meal was served, music blared, and everyone in
attendance got to mingle with the players and view the Stanley Cup up close.
Similar to my experience in the bowels of the Forum, my girlfriend and I were a
little shy about really interacting with the players, but for a couple of hours
we were right there watching the guys celebrating their big win. As we were not
A-list guests, we were assigned to a table with the unheralded Keith Action and
Marty McSorley. At best, we shared a little small talk when they weren’t
talking to each other or to their families. There certainly was champagne
making the rounds, but the players were on very good behaviour. I’m sure the
real partying and debauchery happened the moment the players left this official
team function. Needless to say, we were not invited to join the after
party! </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Last season, the
Habs decided to keep Alex Galchenyuk and Brandon Gallagher in Montreal at the
time, what did you think? </span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Did they meet your expectations?</span></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">How do you think it
relates to Jarred Tinordi, Nathan Beaulieu and Michael Bournival this season?</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Previously, I was conditioned to think
that, based on failings of the past, young guys should go back to junior or the
farm and develop properly. I had this view even though I was also aware of
teams that allowed young players to play right away and with great
consequences. Based on this, I was very skeptical about keeping the Gallys up,
but they (especially Gallagher) were more than respectable. Galchenyuk and
Gallagher are exciting, enthusiastic players and they’ve picked up where they
left off last year and I think it worked out great. With Tinordi, Beaulieu, and
Bournival, as long as Therrien lives up to what he says about giving them real
time to play and providing them with teaching and guidance, I say keep them
here. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Is there anything that Brian Gionta
and Andrei Markov can do to earn another contract in Montreal? </span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here’s my preference/prediction. To me,
the Habs need to go a little further along in terms of a generational change in
its playing talent before it will be a serious contender for the Stanley Cup.
What this means is that, as much as I respect Gionta, I see him in more of a
caretaking role, helping the current team get to its next and better version,
than as the leader who’ll be first to hold the Cup since 1993. In Gorges,
Subban, Gallagher, and even Lars Eller, I think there is good captain material
just ahead. As for on-ice, I hope there will be a younger and bigger forward
who will ably take Gionta’s place. Markov is a little trickier for me,
especially given the amount of time he’s been with the team, and even given the
way he’s looked on the back end since being paired with Subban. If the guy
plays the season like how he’s looked in the last few games, I’d sign him to a
two year deal, as long as the money is ok. Let’s say he’s good, and let’s say
all the young D talent develops as you want them to in the coming couple of
years, how bad would it be to have Markov in the role that Bouillon is in right
now? Gionta’s time in Montreal will honourably come to an end. Markov, assuming
he stays healthy and productive (big assumptions!), will re-up and be there for
at least one good run to the Stanley Cup.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">For more from Avi Goldberg, follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/AviGoldberg" target="_blank">@AviGoldberg</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<![endif]-->Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-2636846957441554162013-10-11T02:13:00.001-04:002013-10-11T02:20:59.745-04:00HABS-TOWN: "I can still smell it today!"<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Writing about the Montreal Canadiens has many small perks. One of them is contributing a popular feature to Habs-lore. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With "HABS-TOWN", we've met people who cover the Canadiens, people who used to cover the Canadiens, fans of the Canadiens, and now a family member of a Canadien. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stephanie Lapointe is the daughter of Hockey Hall of Famer, Guy Lapointe. <span class="legText">During a 16-year NHL career, Lappinte helped revolutionize what a defenseman could be. Although he would finish up his career with stints in St.Louis and Boston, Lapointe is best remembered as a member of Montreal's "Big Three" on Defense. Together with compatriots Larry Robinson and Serge Savard, Lapointe would win six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1970's. </span></span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="legText">Stephanie is Guy Lapointe's only daughter, and yet of the family she was the one who fell in love with the game of hockey. She currently owns her own <a href="http://www.prohr.ca/" target="_blank">Human Resources consulting firm</a>, and is at the forefront of a movement to have her <a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/lapointe-banner/" target="_blank">father's sweater retired. </a></span></span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="legText">Everyone's got a story about the Habs affecting their lives, Stephanie lived with one of the Montreal Canadiens all time greats for a father, making her a perfect person to read about in today's HABS-TOWN.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8rg5vUGYBWg/Tu-G-SYZwgI/AAAAAAAAACs/DNVuauwk7XA/s1600/TheBreakdownTextV1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="56" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8rg5vUGYBWg/Tu-G-SYZwgI/AAAAAAAAACs/DNVuauwk7XA/s320/TheBreakdownTextV1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What got you into hockey, more specifically the Habs?</b><br />
I was born in 1975 with a father playing hockey in the National Hockey League for the Habs. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Early on in my life that’s all we heard and watched. When I was about four years old, I would go to hockey practice with my father. I quickly became a Habs fan because these players were like family to me.<br />
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<b>Were there any you were particularly close with?</b><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Not any particularly they were all very nice and I usually preferred to hang out with their kids.</span></span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Are you still friends with any of those players kids you grew up with?</b></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b> </b>I’ve moved a lot. My father was traded to Boston then St-Louis, back to Quebec for the Nordiques and finally arrived in Calgary as a coach and scout. It made it difficult to keep in touch, but if we see each other at events we are always happy to see each other. </span> </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
<b><b>As you got older did your relationship with the players change? You would have been close enough in age to be their peer as opposed to "the daughter of".</b></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Absolutely! I was told to stay away from hockey players. (Laughs). My dad didn’t approve. </span></span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">When I was in university, I was working in a bar in Calgary and would often see there.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">They were always very polite, friendly, but knew not to cross the line. I knew they'd have my back if anything happened. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Do you think your dad's reaction of "stay away from hockey players" was as a result of something specific, or just generally known in your house?</b></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b> </b> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I was friends with a few of them, they dated my friends. I guess my father saw how difficult it was on the family with him being on the road so much. My parents divorced when I was very young. It’s not the lifestyle I would want for my son. <b> </b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><b>Based on your dad's stance on hockey players, I guess it's safe to say your husband is not one? </b> </b></span></span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtSgiCqaMqM/UleLNbj9YnI/AAAAAAAABwo/gJZEh-EgePk/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtSgiCqaMqM/UleLNbj9YnI/AAAAAAAABwo/gJZEh-EgePk/s320/photo2.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">That is correct. However I married I Maple Leafs fan from Ontario and I'm not sure which is worse. I enjoy listening to my father and him talk hockey! </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Dave Kaufman from TSN 690, once asked Patrick Burke (Brian's son) what team he grew up cheering for. Patrick bluntly said "whichever one my dad worked for". </b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>Your dad was in hockey for a long time in various roles with multiple franchises, did you find your loyalties switching with your dads?</b></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Great question! I always favoured the Habs. That's where my father spent most of his career and won his 6 cups. Out of respect I also cheered for the teams he worked for, but Habs were and will always be my favourite team. </span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Do you remember your first Habs game? </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My first Hab game was when I was only 3. My mother took me to watch my father play. I don’t remember much, but I’m told I would sit there and really watch the game.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Who is your all-time favourite Habs player? </b><br />
My favorite Habs player was Guy Lafleur. He was a legendary player. I also found him to be very nice and attentive when I went to practice. He’s the one who taught me how to skate.<br />
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<b>If the "demon blonde" taught you how to skate, is it within reason to say you must be a pretty good skater?</b><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">I don’t like to brag, but I do consider myself to be an excellent skater. I was also into figure skating so that helped as well.</span><b> </b><br />
<b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>W<b>hat must your dad have thought that your favourite player was someone other than him?</b> </b><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Well, to be perfectly honest my dad WAS my favorite player and my hero growing up. I just figured it sounded a bit corny. </span><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b><b>Let's talk a little about the era's post-dad's retirement. Who were some of your favourite players then? It must be different liking a player that you don't have a personal relationship with.</b> </b><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">I liked players like Shane Corson, Chris Chelios, and Kirk Muller. At least those are names that are off the top of my head!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Where do you like to watch games?</b><br />
Of course it’s always more fun watching games at the Bell Center, the atmosphere is out of this world, but I enjoy watching them at home with my boys - husband and son.<b> </b><br />
<b><br />
</b><b>Does your son play hockey? If so, do you feel there's any added pressure on him due to his lineage?</b><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Luckily no. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I can’t imagine the pressure he would have being the Grandson of a hockey legend. He’s an avid golfer. He loves to watch hockey, but never really got into it to play.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>If your son did show interest in playing hockey, how do you think you'd react?</b></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">I would be extremely supportive and attend every single practice and game. I would be that crazy mother in the stands cheering on her child. He would be so embarrassed. </span><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b><b>Did you want to play Hockey growing up, or did you leave that to your siblings?</b></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have two brothers<b>.</b> Neither was really into hockey. I was the one who wanted to play, but my dad always refused<b><b> </b></b></span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhxDtFk1ucU/UleLNH8HRcI/AAAAAAAABws/uhgfoLB9gJk/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhxDtFk1ucU/UleLNH8HRcI/AAAAAAAABws/uhgfoLB9gJk/s320/photo1.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><b>Why do you think your dad didn't want you to play? Did he ever relent, and let you play?</b></b><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">At the time I think he thought it was a man’s sport. He knew I liked to wrestle and play fight with my older brother. He probably thought I would get hurt. Things were different back then. I never got to play in a team, but I make up for it now with my family and we get pretty competitive.</span><br />
<b><b> </b> </b><br />
<b>Do you prefer to watch with guys or girls in general?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I would be tempted to say guys because they know more about hockey, but I see that women are just as knowledgeable about the game. It’s not about watching the team with the best jersey or the cutest players!<b> </b><b> </b><br />
<b>Do you have any pre-game rituals or in game superstitions?</b><br />
No. I don’t really believe in rituals or superstitions. I probably should since I’ve seen my dad do all kinds of weird stuff during the playoffs.<br />
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<b>What kind of weird stuff did you see your dad so during the playoffs?</b><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">He refused to shave and would wear the same socks, I remember my mother complaining about the smell of my dad’s equipment.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I can still smell it today! </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>My wife hates the smell of my hockey gear! Luckily today there are ways to clean the gear, but man oh man "hockey hands" are the worst.</b> </span><img alt="" class="ajz" data-tooltip="Show details" id=":1ht" role="button" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif" /><br />
OMG hockey hands! That has got to be the most horrific smell in the world!<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>What's the best game you ever attended?</b><br />
That’s a tough one since there have been so many great Habs games over the years that I was fortunate enough to see. One that does come to mind however is a game against the New York Rangers about 6 years ago when we gave up 5 goals only to come back and win the game with 5 straight and then the shoot-out. It was almost unbelievable how it was happening, and the fans (myself included) were losing their minds with every goal the Habs got. When Kovalev tied it at 5-5, I really thought the roof was going to come off the Bell Center.<b> </b><br />
<b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Do you have any funny or interesting stories that are somehow related to the Habs?</b><br />
I have so many! As I said I practically grew up in the locker room. My father was quite the prankster so we shared some good laughs. I recall one day he put whipped cream in all the players’ shoes while they were on the ice during practice. Seeing their reactions after was priceless.<b> </b><br />
<b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What are your expectations for the 2013-2014 edition of the Montreal Canadiens?</b><br />
With the re-alignment of the divisions, it will be interesting to see what happens. The Atlantic division is very strong, and it seems most think that either Boston or Detroit will dominate, but I think that Montreal may just surprise everyone.<b> </b><b> </b><br />
<b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>For the moment Jarred Tinordi and Michael Bournival are with the Canadiens, do you expect them to last the season here, why or why not? What are your expectations for them?</b><br />
Tinordi may stay around, and I hope he does. He’s a big body and the Habs could use some more size out there, especially in the absence of Parros who I hope gets back in action soon. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael Bournival seems to be earning his position on the 4<sup>th</sup> line, and is adapting well to the speed of NHL paced hockey, so we’ll have to wait and see if he can continue. He may get sent down, but I don’t think it will be very long before he’s got a permanent position on the team!<br />
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<b>Do you see any current members of the Canadiens who remind you in any way of your dad? If so, what exactly reminds you of him?</b><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Not current, but Chris Chelios often reminded me of my Dad’s style of play. He had a rough and tumble style about him that made me think of my Dad.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>It's interesting that you compare Chris Chelios to your dad. Since PK Subban burst in with the Canadiens, many have compared him to Chelios. Do you in turn see any similarities between Subban and your dad?</b></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">PK is a very talented defenseman. I can’t see the similarities that everyone speaks about. You have two complete different players with different styles. On and off the ice.<b><b> </b> </b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>When current Hab-fans and players look up at the Bell Centre rafters they see the names and numbers of Larry Robinson and Serge Savard. </b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>For those who never saw him play, what was special about your dad on the ice that earned those three men the name "the big three"? </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">My father played 777 games for the Montreal Canadians.. He scored 572 career points in a Habs uniform. Not only has he won 6 Stanley Cup Championships, but he was also a big part of Team Canada's victory in the 1972 Summit Series. To date he holds the franchise record of goals for a defenseman (28), and also most goals for a rookie defenseman (15). </span><b><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Objectively do you feel your dad belongs up there with his compatriots? Why do you think it hadn't happened to this point?</b><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Let me be very clear that any effort I am doing to help retire my father’s jersey is all mine. I didn’t even mention it to him. I truly feel he should be up there with the rest of the big three. I can’t answer why he isn’t up there. They waited so long for (Emile) Bouchard. It should happen sooner than later.</span></span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Does it bother you that players can still wear #5? </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I would say it’s just a number, but it’s an important number in my family. My grandfather was chief firefighter and his badge was also #5. Then my Dad sported the number so I wouldn’t say “it bothers me” but I selfishly thinks it’s “ours”. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">For more from Stephanie Lapointe, follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/RavenMontreal" target="_blank">@RavenMontreal</a></span></span></span><br />
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<br />Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-70197112246540179842013-10-09T08:59:00.000-04:002013-10-09T08:59:01.704-04:00Snapshot Preview: Habs VS Flames - October 9th 2013Montreal Canadiens (1-1-0) at Calgary Flames (1-0-2) <br />
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The Montreal Canadiens have not won in Calgary since 2002. Doug Gilmour scored the winner for the Habs that night. <br />
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last time these two teams met was during the 2011-2012 season. The Flames were 4-1 & 5-4 winners in both meetings, but much has changed since the Habs last visit to the Saddledome. Rene Bourque scored 2 goals in helping the Flames to the victory, and this will be his first visit to cow town since he was traded to Montreal. The player sent the other way in that deal, Mike Cammalleri did not play in that Habs loss and will not play in this game either as he remains sidelined with an injury. <br />
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Alex Tanguay, Jay Bouwmeester, Olli Jokinen and Jarome Iginla combined for 9 points against Montreal in 2011-2012 (2-7--9) but they have all moved on to other franchises in the interim.<br />
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The since retired Mikka Kiprusoff won both games in the Flames net posting a 2.50 GAA and a sterling save percentage of .922.<br />
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Calgary starts Joey Macdonald in between the pipes to face Montreal - only his 3rd career game against les gloriex, a second start. In that limited time frame he has put up good numbers, with a GAA of 1.71 and an excellent .932 save percentage. The Native of Pictou, Nova Scotia hasn't been off to a spectacular start to this season surrendering 5 goals (on 28 shots) to Vancouver in Calgary's loss on home ice, October 6th.<br />
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Jiri Hudler, Mark Giordano and David Jones have thus far been the leaders on offense for the Flames in this young NHL season, each having amassed four points in Calgary's first three games. The Saddledome has always been a friendly place for the recently acquired Hudler, who has tallied 27 points in 32 games at the building (mostly while playing for Detroit). This will be only his sixth career meeting with the Tricolore against whom he has scored three times. David Jones who also came to Calgary in the offseason (from Colorado) also has a very short history against Montreal, having played them only three times previously, but he has been dangerous putting up 4 points in limited ice time.<br />
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The Flames last played on Sunday night in Vancouver. They had a 3-1 lead early in the 3rd period, however the much stronger Canucks came storming back to eventually win the game 5-4. The Flames are not a team to be taken lightly as coach Bob Hartley has them competing hard every night. If the Canadiens are to win this game they will need to equal the work effort of the Flames and use their superior skill set and depth to carry them.<br />
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This will be only the fifth time Canadiens' netminder Carey Price has squared off with the Flames. In previous meetings, he has posted rather pedestrian numbers of a 3.97 GAA and an .865 save percentage. Price has been off to an excellent start, most recently stopping 22 of 23 shots in the Habs 4-1 victory over the Flyers Saturday night.<br />
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Lars Eller has been the Habs leader in the early goings here, putting up 5 points in only 2 games. In both games he has been the Canadiens best forward and his performance thus far had his named as the NHL's second star last week. The young Dane has 4 points in 5 career meetings against the Calgary Flames.<br />
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Sophomore Alex Galchenyuk has also been on fire in the early goings for Montreal assisting on 4 goals through 2 games. This will be his first career meeting with the Flames.<br />
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Max Pacioretty sat out the Canadiens game on Saturday with an apparent shoulder injury he suffered in the season opener against Toronto. He is in Calgary with the team and is expected to play tonight. Captain Brian Gionta did not travel with the team due to family reasons, however he is expected to rejoin them this afternoon and will be in the lineup tonight.<br />
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The Habs last played on Saturday at home against Philadelphia. The younger, faster, well conditioned Canadiens were too much for the Flyers to handle. Montreal took over much of the game. The Power-Play has been an area of concern for the bleu-blanc-rouge early on, it clicked for 2 goals against the Flyers but came up empty on seven other occasions. It also struggled against Toronto. <br />
<br />Former Hab Mike Cammalleri has yet to make his season debut and will not play tonight. Former Leaf Matt Stajan remains sidelined with a leg contusion. For the Habs, as is usually the case, the list of the walking wounded is much longer. Defenseman Alexei Emelin had off-season knee surgery and will not play until the end of November at the earliest. He has been skating on his own. Davis Drewiske injured his shoulder during training camp, but should be back in a couple of weeks. Newly acquired Douglas Murray has yet to debut for the Habs. He suffered an upper-body injury during training camp, but should be ready to bring his brand of physicality to the Montreal lineup within a couple of weeks as well. George Parros remains sidelined indefinitely with post concussion syndrome. <br />
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<br />Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-90460499669122465022013-09-11T22:55:00.002-04:002013-09-11T22:55:54.700-04:00GAME ON! <div style="text-align: center;">
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I'm back. At least I'm working to be.<br />
The wheels are in motion. The gears are turning...and just in time for training camp.<br />
The Habs training camp opened up today with physicals for all the invitees. The players will take to the ice for the first time tomorrow, and the puck will drop on the first pre-season games this weekend.<br />
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It's all very exciting - but not really.<br />
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Other news in the sporting world has been keeping sports mind in Montreal here very busy, and that's the focus of the day here.<br />
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Baseball is back in Montreal.<br />
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Well sort of.<br />
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The Toronto Blue Jays - a team that voted to contract the Montreal Expos in 2002 - are coming to Montreal's Olympic Stadium to play a series of exhibition games in March of 2014. Almost 10 full years after Major League Baseball ripped out my heart, and moved my team to Washington. Like many others, I didn't forget that the Blue Jays voted to contract the Expos, so why would I go to these games? Major League Baseball left me standing on a curb, why would I support them? The Big O is a vile, decrepit place. It's gloomy, it's gray, and it has no life. Why would anyone want to spend a minute of time there?<br />
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For the love of the game. That's why.<br />
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I want nothing more than to see another Major League team in Montreal. I want nothing more than to be able to sit outside on a hot summer's day and glance out at the Jacques Cartier bridge while eating a steamie, sipping a beer and hearing the crack of a bat. I want it to happen, as to do you. I'm a realist, and even with the great efforts of Warren Cromartie, Annakin Slayd, and the Boys at ExposNation it's still a pipe dream - but we can afford to dream, can't we?<br />
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Do you wanna see Major League Baseball in Montreal again? Dare we continue to dream? Momentum has been building for the past year, let's keep it going with two sellouts in that awful stadium in March - for exhibition games! Keep the dream alive.....<a href="http://www.evenko.ca/en/show/event/7740" target="_blank">look to the future</a>!<br />
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Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-7129423973605643372013-02-05T19:55:00.001-05:002013-02-05T19:55:41.019-05:00Snapshot Preview: Habs VS Bruins - February 6th 2013Montreal Canadiens (6-2-0) vs Boston Bruins(6<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span>-1-1)<br />
Puck drop is at 7:30pm EST (RDS, TSN)<br />
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The Boston Bruins have arrived in Montreal and are eagerly waiting their matchup with the Montreal Canadiens. To the surprise of noone, the Bruins are off to a great start this season notching 13 of a possible 16 points, the surprise however comes from their opponent Michel Therrien's Montreal Canadiens. The Habs are also off to a hot start collecting 12 of the same 16 points. First place in the North-East division are up for grabs at Montreal's Bell Centre.<br />
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The Bruins come in to Montreal looking for their fifth straight win against the Canadiens. Tuuka Rask, who will start in goal for Boston however was not a part of those victories. Tim Thomas who won all five of those games is off in the wilderness somewhere leaving Rask to try to beat a Canadiens team that has given him fits over his career. Rask has won only one time in eight career starts against Montreal - including five straight losses.<br />
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On the other side of the ice Carey Price looks to continue his strong start by going for his 16th career regular season win against these Bruins. Price has been spectacular at the Bell Centre especially, posting a 5-1 record to go along with a sterling 1.82 GAA and .933 save percentage. Over the weekend, Price stopped 62 of 64 shots he faced en route to two wins over Ottawa and Buffalo respectively.<br />
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Ryan White and Lars Eller rotated at the fourth line centre position in practice, however while White certainly adds more jam to the lineup, I expect to see him sit. Colby Armstrong has scored 15 or more goals on 3 occasions in his career, and I expect he will form a formidable trio with Eller and Travis Moen. The latter two had some success together last season. The line combines some size, with some skill and some jam. Both Armstrong and Moen can handle themselves physically, while having the ability to create offense.With Therrien having last change on home ice, I expect the Canadiens to keep this line intact and have four balanced lines with the ability to score on all 4.<br />
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Nathan Horton has been a Hab-killer his entire career posting 21 points, including 7 goals in 30 contests against the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge. Rich Peverly has also put up strong numbers with 6 goals and 14 points in only 17 games.<br />
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Noted fan-favourite Zdeno Chara always brings his A-game to Montreal putting up 143 Penalty Minutes and 184 shots on Goal in 72 contests. He has scored 13 goals and has a +14 rating against the Canadiens and his alleged arch-nemesis Max Pacioretty.<br />
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Max Pacioretty returned over the weekend from a short layoff after having an appendectomy
and looked like he hadn't missed a beat. He picked up an assist.<br />
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<br />Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-42213675851984159692013-01-29T09:22:00.002-05:002013-01-29T09:22:53.707-05:00Snapshot Preview: Habs VS Jets - January 29th 2013Montreal Canadiens (3-1-0) vs <span style="font-size: x-small;">Winnipeg Jets</span> (3<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>-1-1)<br />
Puck drop is at 7:30pm EST (RDS, TSN-HABS)<br />
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PK Subban who signed a contract to return to the Montreal Canadiens will not be in the lineup tonight as the Habs play host to the Winnipeg Jets. Subban instead will join the team tomorrow in Ottawa, not likely to play before this weekend at the earliest.<br />
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Yannick Weber looked like a player who hadn't played in awhile against the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, and with 4 games for the Habs over the next 6 days it will be interesting to see how head coach Michel Therrien juggles his defensemen. I would expect Francis Bouillon to get at least one night off, and I don't expect Thomas Kaberle to stay in the press box.<br />
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Peter Budaj will start one of the next four games between the pipes for Montreal, but Carey Price will get the nod in goal tonight. Price is off to a terrific start this season with a .936 Save Percentage and a minute 1.73 Goals against through 4 games. Historically he has done well against then Winnipeg (Atlanta) franchise racking up 19 of a possible 28 points. <br />
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I expect Al Montoya to get his second start in goal tonight for the Jets, who like Montreal are riding a three game win streak. Montoya is 1-1 lifetime against the Canadiens with a 2.88 Goals against and an .897 Save Percentage. He stopped 21 of the 25 shots he faced en route to a victory in his only other start of this season.<br />
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Onndrej Pavelec had the night off for the last Jets' game on Sunday, but has not played well against Montreal historically. In his last 5 games against the Canadiens, Pavelec has just one victory for his efforts. He has lost his last 3 starts at the Bell Centre going 0-3-0 with a 4.01 GAA.<br />
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Former Hab Ron Hainsey will face his former club for the 18th time in his career. He has done well against the club that drafted him, scoring twice and adding 7 assists. Olli Jokinen is a new face for the Jets this season, but he has performed well against Montreal over his career scoring 11 times en route to 29 points in 41 contests.</div>
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Andrei Markov is off to a torrid start with 4 goals already, he has yet to play the Jets since their move from Atlanta but he has put up 19 points, including 6 goals in 31 contests with the franchise. Erik Cole is still looking for his first goal this season, but the notoriously slow starter has played well against this franchise. Cole has scored 18 goals and put up 39 points in 47 games against them. </div>
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After being told by team officials that they would be here in Montreal for the season, tonight becomes an interesting test for the two Gally's - Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher - to see how they respond. As the game is being played in Montreal, expect Michel Therrien to once again get the kids on against a favourable matchup.</div>
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Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-1881197158561070662013-01-28T20:36:00.001-05:002013-01-28T21:22:42.322-05:00Of PK's, Generals, and Gally's...oh my! Here I was planning out my post about last night's win by the Montreal Canadiens over the Devils, their first at the Bell Centre in a long long time, when news comes out about the team and Resticted free agent P.K. Subban agreeing to terms on a two year deal.<br />
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General Manager Marc Bergevin held firm to his guns, something I completely commend him for. P.K. Subban has been great for the team. His public face is extremely personable, likeable and charming. On the ice he is flashy, he is exciting, and he works hard. He sells jerseys, he sells the team, and he sells himself. The guy is fantastic. I believe he's an asset the Canadiens should lock up long term. Reportedly he wanted to be locked up long term. So what was the issue?<br />
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The issue, it seems, is that The Montreal Canadiens in their recent history have a way of doing business that involves signing their players to a "bridge contract". The theory behind the bridge contract is that it rewards hard work with a salary increase while allowing the player time to shine and earn a huge contract, not just in terms of dollars but in terms of length.<br />
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Both Max Pacioretty and Carey Price were given bridge contracts after their entry level deals. Both recently signed long term extensions, and in the case of Pacioretty, his extension actually only kicks in next season - he is still playing under his bridge contract.<br />
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Josh Gorges, coming off a serious knee injury, signed a 1-year bridge deal to show what he had when healthy, as soon as they were allowed, the Canadiens gave Gorges a long term extension. This is the way the Montreal Canadiens do business. It seems that although they may have saved some money by signing Subban long term now, they are prepared to pay more later on if they have to. They want the long term deal to be earned, something I fully believe P.K.Subban will have no problem doing.<br />
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Canadiens fans should be excited as the back-end now has two very dynamic puck movers, something that I can't ever recall seeing. Also Andrei Markov and P.K.Subban should finally see some time on the same bench together - something that has rarely been seen. I expect in a role secondary to the "general", P.K.Subban is likely primed to break out more than we have ever seen.<br />
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Lars Eller was expected to return to the lineup in time for yesterday's game regardless of Max Pacioretty being forced out. As the coach wanted, he was "more aggressive" throwing three body checks in the first period, but for the most part looked lost. This isn't something new. Every time that Eller has been put on the wing with the Canadiens before he seems lost. Pierre McGuire suggested on "Melnick in the afternoon" recently that Eller seems more suited to be a winger. If that's the case, someone needs to spend time teaching him the position. Lars Eller is still a young player and if he needs a serious retooling then the coaches should treat him the same way they would Brendan Gallagher and Alex Galchenyuk - with kid gloves and extra care. Go over things with him, break down tape, and expect mistakes. Treat him like a rookie. I wouldn't give up on him just yet.<br />
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The two Gally's were informed today that they would be remaining with the Canadiens for the season. I'm not surprised at all by the decision to keep Brendan Gallagher up with the club, but am slightly more surprised at the decision to keep Galchenyuk.<br />
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Brendan Gallagher is in the first year of his entry level deal regardless if he plays in the American league or the National Hockey League, whereas Alex Galcheyuk would not be starting his entry level deal if he were to continue the season in Sarnia.<br />
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Both players have shown that there are able to play at this level, yesterday was a strong strong effort from both kids. Canadiens Coach Michel Therrien has done a great job insulating them. Brandon Prust has been assigned as a "babysitter" on the line.Gallagher is a little guy who likes to play big by barreling towards the
opposing net, Galchenyuk is a skilled forward that opposing teams will
want to attack. Prust being there gives the kids a veteran sounding board and also gives them a tough force to protect them from being roughed up by opposing players. Yesterday, with Galchenyuk 0/5 on faceoffs, the coach had Prust slide over to take them - an in-game adjustment that former coach Jacques Martin may not have made. The kids have been given many more chances to shine at home with matchups that favour them - something that proves that the coach is paying attention. Michel Therrien has a history of working well with young players, something that is once again being evidenced here.<br />
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We spoke about Andrei Markov a couple of games ago. I have been impressed with him not avoiding traffic. He's logging many minutes, playing both special teams, and scoring goals. Yesterday was the best game I've seen him play yet. He pinched at appropriate times, he created offense, and never lagged in his own end - with one exception; Just before the winning goal Markov pinched and the puck was turned over leading to a 3-on-1 against Alexi Emelin. Emelin played the puck well, and on the ensuing turnover Markov ended up scoring the winning goal. The General is getting close to being all the way back and Hab-fans should be excited. <br />
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<br />Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-26054443224125518612013-01-27T12:08:00.003-05:002013-01-27T12:08:51.149-05:00Snapshot Preview: Habs vs Devils - January 27th 2013Montreal Canadiens (2-1-0) vs <span style="font-size: small;">New Jersey D<span style="font-size: small;">e</span>vils</span> (<span style="font-size: small;">3</span>-0-0)<br />
Puck drop is at 6:00pm EST (RDS, TSN 690AM)<br />
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Lars Eller will make his return to the Habs' lineup this evening as they take on the undefeated New Jersey Devils. His return will come at the expense of Max Pacioretty who was operated on last night at a Montreal Hospital to have his appendix removed.<br />
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Early in the morning yesterday, Pacioretty showed up for practice with flu-like symptoms. The decision for Eller's return to the lineup had already been made before it became apparent how grave Pacioretty's illness was. The power forward will miss the next 3-5 weeks in recovery. Eller meanwhile will move over to the wing, where he is less comfortable, on the Habs' top line with Eric Cole and David Desharnais. Eller has shown the ability to pick up points against the Devils having scored twice in their eight meetings. <br />
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40 year old Future Hall of famer, and noted Hab-killer Martin Brodeur roll into the Bell Centre. In 66 career starts vs Montreal, Brodeur has won 43 times, shutting out the opposition 9 times. The future Hall-of-famer is also off to a torrid start this early season with a miniscule goals against of 0.98 and stopping 68 of 71 shots faced over the Devils 3 victories.<br />
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While Carey Price has only 5 career victories against the Devils in 14 tries, he too is off to a torrid start this year. The Canadiens netminder has stopped 81 of the 85 shots he's faced and has only allowed 1 goal at even strength. <br />
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Habs' Captain Brian Gionta has faced his former club only 7 times in his career, notching a goal and 3 assists. While Thomas Kaberle has put up 5 goals and 31 assists in 49 career contests against the Devils. Andrei Markov who leads the Canadiens with 3 goals this season has never scored against New Jersey in 31 meetings.<br />
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Ilya Kovalchuk has owned the Canadiens, like many other teams in his career. He has averaged just shy of a point per game putting up 36 points in 40 games.<br />
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Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-2712386896041640862013-01-27T10:58:00.000-05:002013-01-27T10:58:30.032-05:00The Breakdown: Week in review<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been told that on occasion it's hard to ca<span style="font-size: small;">tch up on all my writings, or to go back and look at older articles. So starting this week, I'll be posting a week in review of stories from the previous week.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We started out the week with the first edition of HABS-TOWN for the 2013 season. Mitchell Kujavsky, aka <a href="https://twitter.com/hahaaccountant" target="_blank">"The Funny Accountant"</a> stopped by during a busy week of Blog launching. <span>Since 2001, Mitch has been splitting his time between Montreal, Ottawa
and Toronto, honing his accounting skills. In 2009, Mitch opened his own
Tax and Business consulting service, MK & Associates. In between,
Mitch was fine-tuning his personal and corporate tax skills,
diversifying
his knowledge in the related fields of bookkeeping &
business consulting, and finding himself a Wife. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span><span>Mitch told us that the best game he ever went to was the Playoff game in 2006 when Saku Koivu almost lost an eye. "</span><span><span>April 24<sup>th</sup>,
2006. Game 2 of the Conference quarters
against the Carolina Hurricanes. Putting
aside for the moment the result of the series and the gut-wrenching,
crushed-to-the-core-of-my-being feeling that I went home with following the
series-ending game 6 loss, this was the single most exhilarating moment I’ve
felt as a Canadiens fan. After wrecking
the favoured Hurricanes in game 1, the Canadiens knocked out the Hurricanes
goalie Martin Gerber just a few minutes into game 2. The crowd was going absolutely bananas
(please see explosion of noise reference above) but the drama was only just
beginning! The Habs blew that early 3-goal lead and needed a double-overtime
comeback win to take a 2-game-to-nil series lead back to Carolina.
Again, forget the result…the rollercoaster ride that was game 2 was one
of the most exciting sports moments I’ve experienced so far in my life."</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>Read more here:</span></span> <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://habshermy11.blogspot.ca/2013/01/habs-town-cup-win-is-already-in-books.html" target="_blank">HABS-TOWN: " A cup win is already in the books"</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Tuesday as Brandon Gallagher was getting pumped up for his NHL debut, the rest of the town was buzzing about the return of Alexei Kovalev. We previewed the game hours before puck drop: <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://habshermy11.blogspot.ca/2013/01/snapshot-preview-habs-vs-panthers.html" target="_blank">Snapshot Preview: Habs vs Panthers - January 22nd 2013</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Game with the Panthers ended up being a rather eventful night of firsts. Alex Galchenyuk, in a classy move, was named the first star of the game
after scoring his first NHL goal. He had a great game. His line with
fellow rookie sparkplug Brendan Gallagher was hopping all night. Shift
after shift guided along by their "babysitter" Brandon Prust they drove
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There were many encouraging signs out of the Montreal Canadiens last
night. Many players played well. Many players worked very hard. Many
hits were thrown, players stood up for eachother and offense was
created. Michel Therrien, as promised has even started to evolve his
coaching tactics often pushing a defenseman into the offensive zone as a
fourth attacker supporting the forwards. Last night, the Canadiens
drove the pace. But, let's be honest here, this was a Florida Panthers
team playing it's 3rd game in 4 nights.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read more about the game here: <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://habshermy11.blogspot.ca/2013/01/one.html" target="_blank">"ONE" </a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Back in a few hours with a preview of tonight's HABS/DEVILS tilt.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span> </span></span> </span></span></span>Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-61331525689136881582013-01-23T09:07:00.001-05:002013-01-23T09:07:45.757-05:00"ONE" Last night was a night of firsts at the Bell Centre in Montreal.<br />
A first career loss for Scott Clemmensen (6-1-1, 1.97 GAA) against the Habs. <br />
A first career win at home for Carey Price (1-2-1, 2.22 GAA). against the Florida Panthers. <br />
The first career point for Brendan Gallagher, in his first NHL game no less.<br />
The first Goal and the first star selection for Alex Galchenyuck.<br />
The first win of the season.<br />
The first win for the new Coach and the new GM.<br />
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Lots of firsts.<br />
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Before the puck could drop, The Canadiens paid tribute to Richard Garneau who passed away over the weekend. Richard Garneau for 23 seasons was the "French Dick Irvin" covering the Montreal Canadiens for SRC. When the Montreal Forum closed, when the Bell Centre (then Molson Centre) opened, when there is a jersey retirement, when the Canadiens celebrated 100 years, Garneau was there. <br />
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Alex Galchenyuck, in a classy move, was named the first star of the game after scoring his first NHL goal. He had a great game. His line with fellow rookie sparkplug Brendan Gallagher was hopping all night. Shift after shift guided along by their "babysitter" Brandon Prust they drove to the net creating chances. If we're to be fair however, Galchenyuck was not the best player on the ice last night, he wasn't even the best Hab last night.<br />
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Lars Eller was a healthy scratch last night as the coach said that Eller
needed to "show more intensity". This was not a problem for Rene
Bourque. Bourque last night played the kind of game that was advertised
of him by former General Manager Pierre Gautheir when he was acquired.
Michel Therrien has given Bourque new responsibilities and some rope to
prove or disprove his ability. Last night he shined. While he did not
collect any points on the game, Bourque created. By driving to the net
hard twice, he drew two penalties. The Canadiens would score on one of
the ensuing Power Plays. He used his body throwing 4 hits, and he killed
penalties. Not only did he kill penalties, he killed them effectively.
It's true, he was on the ice for Florida's only goal of the hockey game,
but this is a work in progress. So far, I like the results. <br />
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Many will point to the play of Andrei Markov as being stellar. Markov scored 2 goals on the Power Play last night, and logged just over 23 minutes on 6 shifts. If there were any doubts about his health they should already be disappearing. While many will point to Markov's goals a a sign that he's "back", I was much more encouraged by the defenseman's play in his own end. Markov wasn't afraid of battles in front of the net or in the corners, he didn't shy away from contact, and he continues to have an excellent ability to read and anticipate the play. Offensively, he struggled with the puck. It is the case with many players early in this shortened season as many of them haven't played all year. In the case of Markov his amount of games over the last 3 years is limited, but he has played over 30 games already this season including his time in the KHL. I am encouraged by Markov's play, I think he is on his way back, but to say he's already there might be wishful thinking. There will still be some frustrating games for the defender, if not for the fans.<br />
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There were many encouraging signs out of the Montreal Canadiens last night. Many players played well. Many players worked very hard. Many hits were thrown, players stood up for eachother and offense was created. Michel Therrien, as promised has even started to evolve his coaching tactics often pushing a defenseman into the offensive zone as a fourth attacker supporting the forwards. Last night, the Canadiens drove the pace. But, let's be honest here, this was a Florida Panthers team playing it's 3rd game in 4 nights.<br />
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Many of the Panthers players looked tired. Jonathan Huberdeau came as advertised. He had only 2 shots on net, however both were excellent saves by Carey Price who had to be strong at moments. Huberdeau was strong with the puck and drove play on the ice whenever he was on it. Scott Clemmenson also had a strong game despite letting in 4 goals. He made 29 saves. Alexei Kovalev had a few nifty dangles and missed the net a few times on hard shots, but for the most part did not stand out positively or negatively.<br />
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The Panthers scratched Captain Ed Jovanovski last night, as they have said they will do multiple times this season. His age, coupled with his style of play and a condensed schedule don't mix well. This leads me to wonder how many games Francis Bouillon can play 20 plus minutes for. Bouillon gives everything he has in his body on every shift, a recipe for disaster with his small stature in a shortened season. <br />
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Alex Galchenyuck is making the decision to keep him in Montreal or send him back to Sarnia a difficult one. He hasn't yet looked out of place in Montreal, but we have seen similar situations arise with young players here before. After 3 more games played in a Habs uniform, the brass will need to make a decision. Personally, regardless of his play here, I would send him back to Sarnia. I feel as though there are too many unknown's as to what will happen if he stays here. By sending him back to Sarnia, he is given a chance to play meaningful games, more minutes, and compete for a memorial cup. It would also give the Canadiens a longer training camp in the fall to re-assess the situation. 2 games, does not 5 make, but this can't be an easy decision. With other young players who also need to be rotated in (Eller, Gallagher) I wouldn't hesitate to scratch Galchenyuck for a couple of games. Scratching him, allows him to participate in practices with Montreal, while not using up games of eligibility. This would allow the team to have a longer look at the player, doing it for too many games however wouldn't be great either as he needs to play to develop. Let's re-assess in a week.<br />
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Look at the positives, get ready for Washington tomorrow. The Caps will bring it.<br />
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<br />Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-65873588211045914892013-01-22T16:26:00.001-05:002013-01-22T16:26:11.332-05:00Snapshot Preview: Habs vs Panthers - January 22nd 2013Montreal Canadiens (0-1-0) vs Florida Panthers (1-1-0)<br />
Puck drop is at 7:30pm EST (RDS, TSN 690AM)<br />
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The artist formerly known as "L'artiste" is back at the Bell Centre tonight. This is not the first time Alex Kovalev returns to Montreal, however this time it feels different. Kovalev has not played at the Bell Centre since December 7th 2010. After disappointing stints in Ottawa, Pittsburgh and the KHL, The Enigma put up 3 points on Saturday night in his Panthers debut.<br />
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This will be the third game in 4 nights for the Panthers who are looking to rebound after a beating in Ottawa last night. Former Hab Jose Theodore is expected to get the night off, while Scott Clemmensen gets the nod between the pipes.<br />
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The Canadiens meanwhile are looking to avenge a 2-1 home-ice loss to Toronto on Saturday. The Habs have not started a season off with two losses since 2000-2001. Brian Gionta scored the Only goal for Montreal on Saturday.<br />
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With Brendan Gallagher making his NHL debut and Alex Galchenyuck moving over to Centre tonight, Lars Eller is the odd man out. According to head Coach Michel Therrien, Eller needs to up the intensity in his game. While that may be true, seems to me more like giving Galchenyuck a chance to show everything he's got before sending him back to Sarnia.<br />
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The two Goalies playing tonight's game couldn't have more differing records. Scott Clemmensen has never lost against Montreal (6-0-0, 1.68 GAA) while Carey Price has never beaten the Panthers at home (0-2-1, 2.62 GAA).<br />
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Michael Blunden and Yanick Weber remain healthy scratches for Montreal, while Petteri Nokelainen continues to rehab a back injury.<br />
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<br />Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8652214593434618938.post-46570192067415438672013-01-22T09:10:00.000-05:002013-01-22T09:14:30.301-05:00HABS-TOWN: " A cup win is already in the books"<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mitchell Kujavsky recently started<a href="https://twitter.com/hahaaccountant" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://twitter.com/hahaaccountant" target="_blank">tweeting</a>, and today launches his website "<a href="http://www.thefunnyaccountant.com/" target="_blank">The Funny Accountant</a>". Since 2001, Mitch has been splitting his time between Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, honing his accounting skills. In 2009, Mitch opened his own Tax and Business consulting service, MK & Associates. In between, Mitch was fine-tuning his personal and corporate tax skills, diversifying
his knowledge in the related fields of bookkeeping &
business consulting, and finding himself a Wife. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While
funny is a subjective thing which you'll have to glean for yourself,
some of Mitch's humour shines through in this editon of HABS-TOWN.<b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"> </span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"> </span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">What got you into hockey, more specifically the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Habs?</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">I was born and
raised in Montreal! </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6_jtuq7bgo/UP6XxjpNneI/AAAAAAAAANc/CmfmMhQYQuY/s1600/kujo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6_jtuq7bgo/UP6XxjpNneI/AAAAAAAAANc/CmfmMhQYQuY/s1600/kujo1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">It’s difficult to grow up in this city and
not become </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"> at a minimum </span>interested in hockey, and fanatical at the max. I consider myself somewhere in the center and
a classic example of an armchair fan as I was never much of a skater and never
played organized hockey even as a kid. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">So what got me into hockey? Easy
– growing up in Montreal. What got me into the Habs? Easier – growing up in Montreal. <br />
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">Do you remember your first<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Habs<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>game?</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"><b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">It took some research
because I remembered just a handful of details about my first Habs game. Upon
further review, after an online search and a discussion with my Father (who
brought me to the game along with my sister), it was May 9<sup>th</sup>, 1986,
the day the Canadiens eliminated the New Rangers in the Conference finals
enroute to winning the Stanley Cup 2 weeks later. I remember very little about the details of
the game, aside from what I’ve watched and read about it since then. All I really remember is that I had never
before experienced a sound quite like the explosion of noise at the end of the
game and hadn’t experienced it again until years later at the Bell Center.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SQxZw89VCfs" width="420"></iframe> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">
<br />
</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">Do you have a favorite<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Habs<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>player ever?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">Not really….if I had to
choose one all-time favourite though it would probably be one of the many
so-called grinders that have come through Montreal. A gritty guy like Claude Lemieux or Chris
Nilan. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPGO7KmKWg8/UP6aL1Isg3I/AAAAAAAAANw/9Ml8Bgk2uYM/s1600/Nilan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TPGO7KmKWg8/UP6aL1Isg3I/AAAAAAAAANw/9Ml8Bgk2uYM/s1600/Nilan.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">Where do you like to watch games?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">I watch 99% of games on
the 93-inch projector in my living room. In the past, I’ve preferred watching
alone but since getting married, I’ve occasionally invited the wife to watch
with me. Soon, my 1-year-old will develop the same obsession as her Daddy and
I’ll have to free up another spot on the couch.<br /> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">Do you have any pre-game rituals or in game superstitions? </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">Just one – and it’s
shared I’m sure by most Habs (and hockey) fans. Don’t talk about the victory
until the final siren. Just don’t!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">What's the best game you ever went to? What do you remember
about it?</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">April 24<sup>th</sup>,
2006. Game 2 of the Conference quarters
against the Carolina Hurricanes. Putting
aside for the moment the result of the series and the gut-wrenching,
crushed-to-the-core-of-my-being feeling that I went home with following the
series-ending game 6 loss, this was the single most exhilarating moment I’ve
felt as a Canadiens fan. After wrecking
the favoured Hurricanes in game 1, the Canadiens knocked out the Hurricanes
goalie Martin Gerber just a few minutes into game 2. The crowd was going absolutely bananas
(please see explosion of noise reference above) but the drama was only just
beginning! The Habs blew that early 3-goal lead and needed a double-overtime
comeback win to take a 2-game-to-nil series lead back to Carolina.
Again, forget the result…the rollercoaster ride that was game 2 was one
of the most exciting sports moments I’ve experienced so far in my life.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">Do you have any funny or interesting stories that are somehow
related to the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Habs?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;">It’s funnier and more
interesting for others than for me but while living in Toronto in December 2009, my apartment was
robbed one afternoon (luckily no one was home at the time). They got my wife’s jewelry, some electronics
equipment and…..wait for it….my official (with fight strap in the interior
lining) #31 Cary Price jersey. Now,
while I’m sure a Price jersey carries a very nice resale price on the Montreal black market, I’m pretty sure it’s good for
nothing more than kindling on the streets of Toronto.
Enjoy my jersey you dumbest-thieves-ever. I hope you tried it on and got tangled in the
fight straps. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222;">What do you think of the hiring of Marc Bergevin and his
moves so far? </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4lz5EvIqksc/UP6dL5BYI2I/AAAAAAAAAOE/HZFHiqkcoc8/s1600/kujo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4lz5EvIqksc/UP6dL5BYI2I/AAAAAAAAAOE/HZFHiqkcoc8/s1600/kujo2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222;">So far, so good. I don’t know much about the guy other than
what I’ve read since his hiring but he certainly isn’t afraid to make bold
moves. The transactions he’s responsible
for so far seem to have added a bit more of a physical aspect to the team. Plus, even though we didn’t get our hands on
a big-ticket player this past summer, with the Gomez issue behind us, hopefully
there is some opportunity for a very exciting group of rookies/sophomore
players (Leblanc/Galchenyuk?) to get some regular ice-time. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">Are you looking forward to the lockout
shortened season?</span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222;">I always look forward to hockey season,
shortened as it is. While I was initially
planning some sort of statement or boycott, is there really a point? Yes, the lockout could have been
avoided. Yes, there was a complete lack
of forward-thinking on both sides of the table as the CBA expiration day
approached. Hopefully, the Canadiens
organization comes up with some kind of gesture to fans that will placate the
masses. If not, it will just create a
bitterness that will definitely hurt the game in the long-run. Rebuilding the
trust and goodwill of fans will be a longer process in Montreal than in other NHL cities due to the
fact that the sport is such an integral part of our fall/winter/spring culture.
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222;">How will the Habs fare this season?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #222222;">On the record, a cup win is already in the
books. Off the record, if we stay
relatively healthy (especially core guys like Plekanec, Markov, Subban Pacioretty
et al) and if another over-performing rookie emerges (see - #94), in my opinion
the 5<sup>th</sup> or 6<sup>th</sup> seed in the East isn’t out of reach.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For more from Mitch Kujavsky, follow him on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/HahaAccountant" target="_blank">@HahaAccountant </a></span></span></div>
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Hermy11http://www.blogger.com/profile/05455158975546971164noreply@blogger.com0