While 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.
"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!"
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/puck-daddy-s-most-disappointing-summer-series--montreal-canadiens-045821442.html
Stay tuned in the coming days, as there is a new HABS-TOWN edition on the horizon, and training camp is fast approaching.
I 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.
Showing posts with label Ian Hermelin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ian Hermelin. Show all posts
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
Wednesday, 25 June 2014
2014 Draft - Players to watch for Habs (Round 1)
Like I did in 2012 I did my draft research. Unlike 2012 however, I have compiled here a look at the first round of the 2014 draft.
The Canadiens hold the 26th pick in the draft this season.
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.
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.
Adrian Kempe - C/LW - 6'2/187 - Modo (SHL)
The 22nd ranked draft eligible player according to International Scouting services.
The 26th ranked draft eligible player on McKeen's list.
The 6th ranked European skater according to NHL Central Scouting
Ranked #10 overall by TSN's Craig Button
Ranked 28th by TSN's Bob McKenzie
The 21st ranked draft eligible player on HockeyProspect.com
The 29th ranked draft eligible player according to The Hockey News
The 15th ranked draft eligible player according to Sportsnet Magazine.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
"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)
"Missed 2015 eligibility by three days. Big power forward - a pro in the Swedish League. Plays a two-way game." - Jeff Marek (Sportsnet)
"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)
“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 (hockeysverige.se)
“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 (Future Considerations)
For a more detailed look at Adrian Kempe, please check out this excellent profile on him by Shawn Reznik of The Hockey Writers. Adrian Kempe THW: Close Up
Connor Bleackley - C/RW - 6'1/196 - Red Deer (WHL)
The 26th ranked draft eligible player according to International Scouting services.
The 32nd ranked draft eligible player on McKeen's list.
The 35th ranked North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting
Ranked #30 overall by TSN's Craig Button
Ranked 29th by TSN's Bob McKenzie
The 22nd ranked draft eligible player on HockeyProspect.com
The 30th ranked draft eligible player according to The Hockey News
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.”
• 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.
• 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).
"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)
"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)
“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 (The Last Word on Sports)
For a more detailed look at Connor Bleackley, please check out this excellent profile on him by Ryan Pike of The Hockey Writers. Connor Bleackley THW: Close Up
Travis Sanheim - D - 6'3/181 - Calgary (WHL)
The 30th ranked draft eligible player according to International Scouting services.
The 15th ranked draft eligible player on McKeen's list.
The 53rd ranked North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting
Ranked 8th overall by TSN's Craig Button
Ranked 24th by TSN's Bob McKenzie
The 16th ranked draft eligible player on HockeyProspect.com
The 21st ranked draft eligible player according to The Hockey News
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
"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)
"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)
“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 (Winnipeg Hockey Talk)
Ryan Macinnis - C - 6'3/185 - Kitchener (OHL)
The 25th ranked draft eligible player according to International Scouting services.
The 34th ranked draft eligible player on McKeen's list.
The 20th ranked North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting
Ranked #37 overall by TSN's Craig Button
Ranked 34th by TSN's Bob McKenzie
The 37th ranked draft eligible player on HockeyProspect.com
The 44th ranked draft eligible player according to The Hockey News
• 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.
• 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.
• 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."
• 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.
• In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and hunting.
"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)
“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 (Future Considerations)
“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.” - Bill Placzek (Draftsite.com)
For a more detailed look at Ryan Macinnis, please check out this
excellent profile on him by Shawn Reznik of The Hockey Writers. Ryan Macinnis THW: Close Up
Vladislav Kamenev - LW - 6'2/176 - Magnitogorsk 2 (KHL)
The 29th ranked draft eligible player according to International Scouting services.
The 59th ranked draft eligible player on McKeen's list.
The 13th ranked European skater according to NHL Central Scouting
Ranked #12 overall by TSN's Craig Button
Ranked 43rd by TSN's Bob McKenzie
The 35th ranked draft eligible player on HockeyProspect.com
The 56th ranked draft eligible player according to The Hockey News
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• He lists Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings and Nicklas Backstrom of the Washington Capitals as his favorite NHL players.
"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)
“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 (Future Considerations)
“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.” - Bill Placzek (Draftsite.com)
Roland McKeown - D - 6'0/195 - Kingston (OHL)
The 23rd ranked draft eligible player according to International Scouting services.
The 36th ranked draft eligible player on McKeen's list.
The 27th ranked North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting
Ranked #51 overall by TSN's Craig Button
Ranked 25th by TSN's Bob McKenzie
The 83rd ranked draft eligible player on HockeyProspect.com
The 26th ranked draft eligible player according to The Hockey News
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
"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)
"Smooth-skating blueliner can contribute at both ends of the ice and has excellent character." - Ryan Kennedy (The Hockey News)
“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 (Future Considerations)
“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." - Bill Placzek (Draftsite.com)
For a more detailed look at Roland McKeown, please check out this excellent profile on him by Shawn Reznik of The Hockey Writers. Roland McKeown THW: Close Up
The Canadiens hold the 26th pick in the draft this season.
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.
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.
Adrian Kempe - C/LW - 6'2/187 - Modo (SHL)The 22nd ranked draft eligible player according to International Scouting services.
The 26th ranked draft eligible player on McKeen's list.
The 6th ranked European skater according to NHL Central Scouting
Ranked #10 overall by TSN's Craig Button
Ranked 28th by TSN's Bob McKenzie
The 21st ranked draft eligible player on HockeyProspect.com
The 29th ranked draft eligible player according to The Hockey News
The 15th ranked draft eligible player according to Sportsnet Magazine.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
"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)
"Missed 2015 eligibility by three days. Big power forward - a pro in the Swedish League. Plays a two-way game." - Jeff Marek (Sportsnet)
"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)
“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 (hockeysverige.se)
“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 (Future Considerations)
The 26th ranked draft eligible player according to International Scouting services.
The 32nd ranked draft eligible player on McKeen's list.
The 35th ranked North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting
Ranked #30 overall by TSN's Craig Button
Ranked 29th by TSN's Bob McKenzie
The 22nd ranked draft eligible player on HockeyProspect.com
The 30th ranked draft eligible player according to The Hockey News
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.”
• 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.
• 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).
"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)
"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)
“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 (The Last Word on Sports)
For a more detailed look at Connor Bleackley, please check out this excellent profile on him by Ryan Pike of The Hockey Writers. Connor Bleackley THW: Close Up
Travis Sanheim - D - 6'3/181 - Calgary (WHL)The 30th ranked draft eligible player according to International Scouting services.
The 15th ranked draft eligible player on McKeen's list.
The 53rd ranked North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting
Ranked 8th overall by TSN's Craig Button
Ranked 24th by TSN's Bob McKenzie
The 16th ranked draft eligible player on HockeyProspect.com
The 21st ranked draft eligible player according to The Hockey News
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
"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)
"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)
“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 (Winnipeg Hockey Talk)
For a more detailed look at Travis Sanheim, please check out this
excellent profile on him by Ryan Pike of The Hockey Writers. Travis Sanheim THW: Close Up
Ryan Macinnis - C - 6'3/185 - Kitchener (OHL)The 25th ranked draft eligible player according to International Scouting services.
The 34th ranked draft eligible player on McKeen's list.
The 20th ranked North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting
Ranked #37 overall by TSN's Craig Button
Ranked 34th by TSN's Bob McKenzie
The 37th ranked draft eligible player on HockeyProspect.com
The 44th ranked draft eligible player according to The Hockey News
• 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.
• 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.
• 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."
• 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.
• In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and hunting.
"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)
“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 (Future Considerations)
“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.” - Bill Placzek (Draftsite.com)
Vladislav Kamenev - LW - 6'2/176 - Magnitogorsk 2 (KHL)The 29th ranked draft eligible player according to International Scouting services.
The 59th ranked draft eligible player on McKeen's list.
The 13th ranked European skater according to NHL Central Scouting
Ranked #12 overall by TSN's Craig Button
Ranked 43rd by TSN's Bob McKenzie
The 35th ranked draft eligible player on HockeyProspect.com
The 56th ranked draft eligible player according to The Hockey News
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• He lists Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings and Nicklas Backstrom of the Washington Capitals as his favorite NHL players.
“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 (Future Considerations)
“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.” - Bill Placzek (Draftsite.com)
For a more detailed look at Vladislav Kamenev, please check out this
excellent profile on him by Shawn Reznik of The Hockey Writers. Vladislav Kamenev THW: Close Up
The 23rd ranked draft eligible player according to International Scouting services.
The 36th ranked draft eligible player on McKeen's list.
The 27th ranked North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting
Ranked #51 overall by TSN's Craig Button
Ranked 25th by TSN's Bob McKenzie
The 83rd ranked draft eligible player on HockeyProspect.com
The 26th ranked draft eligible player according to The Hockey News
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
"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)
"Smooth-skating blueliner can contribute at both ends of the ice and has excellent character." - Ryan Kennedy (The Hockey News)
“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 (Future Considerations)
“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." - Bill Placzek (Draftsite.com)
For a more detailed look at Roland McKeown, please check out this excellent profile on him by Shawn Reznik of The Hockey Writers. Roland McKeown THW: Close Up
Saturday, 7 December 2013
Lars Eller - The Great Dane
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.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.
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.
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.
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.
This Montreal Canadiens brass led by Michel Therrien and Marc Bergevin is building these players for tomorrow, not for today. Long term vision. Brian Wilde 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.
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.
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 or with another team. I don't believe he is in the teams long term plans. I do believe Lars Eller is.
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;
"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.
"We're looking into the future … in the big picture of things, going forward, we feel very comfortable with having done this," Gauthier said.
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.
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.
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.
"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."
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.
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).
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.
"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."
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.
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.
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.
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;
"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.
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 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.
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.
Eastern Conference NHL amateur scout (via e-mail):
"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."
Independent scout (via telephone):
Would you say Eller is the best kept secret in the draft?
"No, because Eller isn't a secret anymore. He's on a lot of team's radar screen."
Do you see him going in the first round?
"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."
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?
"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."
How would you rate his skill level?
"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'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?
"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."
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'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."
Okay, but Kyle Turris was pretty much in the same boat. And that hasn't really held him back.
"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."
What was the second reason why he's down a little bit in the rankings from what his skill level is supposed to be?
"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.
"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. "
What's a best-case and worst-case scenario for him at the NHL level? Could he potentially not make it at all?
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."
There's more to find in Meltzer's Eller Profile on HockeyBuzz.com and I encourage you to check it out.
Time. Patience. Faith.
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.
The Habs are on their path, let's follow them on it and enjoy the ride.
Friday, 8 November 2013
HABS-TOWN: "Bournival is raising a lot of eyebrows this season"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What
first got you interested in the game of hockey?
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.
Is it
safe to bet, that growing up in Winnipeg the JETS were your first hockey love?
I loved the
Jets as a kid. When I was nine years old, my best friend had season tickets right
behind the Jets’ bench.
I should clarify - She became 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.
Did your
allegiances change to the Habs only when you moved to Montreal?
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.
How do you feel about the latest JETS incarnation?
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.
Do you
remember your first Habs game?
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.
Do you
have a favorite Habs player ever?
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.
Where do
you like to watch games?
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.
When
you're not working, do you watch games for fun? If so do you prefer to watch
with guys? with girls? why?
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.
Do you
have any pre-game rituals or in game superstitions?
Ha, no I’m not that crazy.
Maybe if I was on the team. You think I have a shot?
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"
Do you still play hockey regularly? You MUST have some pre-game rituals for you own games...
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...
Many
people may recall you spent a year working with a former Hab - PJ Stock. What
was that like?
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.Did you and PJ spend lots of off-air time talking hockey?
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.
Lots of
people think PJ's a "HAB-HATER" and really a Bruin at heart, what do
you think?
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.
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)
What are
your expectations for the 2013-2014 edition of the Montreal Canadiens?
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…)
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?
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.
For more from Chantal Desjardins, follow her on Twitter @Chantalonair or check her out on the web at www.chantaldesjardins.ca
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Saku Koivu: The MIGHTY Duck
Tomorrow night, Saku Koivu returns to Montreal for only the second time since leaving the team in 2009.
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.
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 numbers 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.
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:
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 Saku Koivu.
I can remember that summer of 1994, I had no idea who Saku Koivu was. My friend Lee however told me that there was this little Finnish guy named Koivu 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 Saku Koivu "debut cards". Saku 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, Saku's in the middle of his famous "Tiger Jump" (as coined by Pierre Mcguire) - a move that any Habs fan would recognize instantly.
Saku Koivu made his debut in 1995, and I can remember during the 0-5 start that got Jaques Demers fired one clear moment that defined Saku Koivu for me, at instantly made him my newest favorite Hab. The tiny little Koivu in only his 3rd or 4th game in the league levelled the much larger Eric Lindros into the boards. Lindros fell over and Saku skated off with the puck. In my memory Saku
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.
Saku 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 Saku had been relegated to the 2nd line, I would disagree. Saku'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 Saku Koivu on it was always the Canadiens most dangerous.
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". Saku was leading the National Hockey League in scoring when a knee on knee hit changed the next 3 years. Saku 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 remember the Cancer diagnosis. This was just after Saku 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, Saku 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. Saku looked like he hadn't missed a beat on the ice.
When the press conference was held to announce that Saku 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 SAKU! SAKU! SAKU! was back. I will NEVER forget that moment.
I believe the Canadiens management should be ashamed at how they have handled this. Saku Koivu was not only a phenomenal person on the ice, but off the ice as well. Saku 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 Saku Koivu 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 Saku Koivu ever will.
My Koivu #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 Saku and the Ducks visit this year.
Saku, 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 numbers 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.
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:
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 Saku Koivu.
I can remember that summer of 1994, I had no idea who Saku Koivu was. My friend Lee however told me that there was this little Finnish guy named Koivu 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 Saku Koivu "debut cards". Saku 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, Saku's in the middle of his famous "Tiger Jump" (as coined by Pierre Mcguire) - a move that any Habs fan would recognize instantly.
Saku Koivu made his debut in 1995, and I can remember during the 0-5 start that got Jaques Demers fired one clear moment that defined Saku Koivu for me, at instantly made him my newest favorite Hab. The tiny little Koivu in only his 3rd or 4th game in the league levelled the much larger Eric Lindros into the boards. Lindros fell over and Saku skated off with the puck. In my memory Saku
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.
Saku 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 Saku had been relegated to the 2nd line, I would disagree. Saku'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 Saku Koivu on it was always the Canadiens most dangerous.
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". Saku was leading the National Hockey League in scoring when a knee on knee hit changed the next 3 years. Saku 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 remember the Cancer diagnosis. This was just after Saku 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, Saku 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. Saku looked like he hadn't missed a beat on the ice.
When the press conference was held to announce that Saku 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 SAKU! SAKU! SAKU! was back. I will NEVER forget that moment.
I believe the Canadiens management should be ashamed at how they have handled this. Saku Koivu was not only a phenomenal person on the ice, but off the ice as well. Saku 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 Saku Koivu 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 Saku Koivu ever will.
My Koivu #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 Saku and the Ducks visit this year.
Saku, 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.
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 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.
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.
For more on Saku Koivu the hockey player: "Saku Koivu: By the numbers"
Sunday, 27 January 2013
The Breakdown: Week in review
I've been told that on occasion it's hard to catch 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.
We started out the week with the first edition of HABS-TOWN for the 2013 season. Mitchell Kujavsky, aka "The Funny Accountant" stopped by during a busy week of Blog launching. 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.
Mitch told us that the best game he ever went to was the Playoff game in 2006 when Saku Koivu almost lost an eye. "April 24th, 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."
Read more here: HABS-TOWN: " A cup win is already in the books"
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: Snapshot Preview: Habs vs Panthers - January 22nd 2013
We started out the week with the first edition of HABS-TOWN for the 2013 season. Mitchell Kujavsky, aka "The Funny Accountant" stopped by during a busy week of Blog launching. 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.
Mitch told us that the best game he ever went to was the Playoff game in 2006 when Saku Koivu almost lost an eye. "April 24th, 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."
Read more here: HABS-TOWN: " A cup win is already in the books"
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: Snapshot Preview: Habs vs Panthers - January 22nd 2013
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
to the net creating chances.
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.
Read more about the game here: "ONE"
Back in a few hours with a preview of tonight's HABS/DEVILS tilt.
Saturday, 13 October 2012
Labour Day
Just under a year ago, I started blogging about the Habs because it's a passion of mine. I have been told over the years by many who are smarter than me that I am not only opinionated but that I have a unique perspective on Hockey, and I should put my views and opinions out there in a public forum for others to see and comment on.
Over the past few months, I have seen my readership grow, I have seen phenomenal guests come to join my blog - and today is no exception. I am very grateful for all the support I have received. I have also been very fortunate not to receive much backlash - however I am always open to opinions that differ from mine.
I have often described myself as a passionate Hockey fan - who happens to follow the Montreal Canadiens, and I have patterned "The Breakdown" on that philosophy.
Because this blog is a passion for me, I can pick and choose when to write and what topics I would like to cover. I do not cover players personal lives. If I have an issue with a player it will be with their play on the ice.
One such topic that I do not wish to cover is the CBA. The National Hockey League and it's Players association are currently embroiled in their third labour dispute of the past 18 years. Whatever side of the fence you fall on, the owners or the players, the end result is we the fans are without hockey. Many part time employees of teams are without work. Many local businesses that rely on hockey games as part of their business model are suffering.
If you want to read up to the minute detailings of how negotiations are going towards a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, there are many fantastic resources available to you on the world wide web.
Recently I sat down with some fantastic hockey minds to discuss the CBA Negotiations, what it can mean for the game and what effect it can have on certain markets. Some of these names will be familiar to regular readers of "The Breakdown", and some are brand new.
I expect this to be the one and only time "The Breakdown" will touch on the CBA. I Hope you will all bear through the lack of coverage on the site.
Joining our Panel today are a host of NHL Journalists.
Abe Hefter comes to us from Montreal's CJAD 800 radio. Abe covers the Montreal Canadiens, and hosts "The Locker room" on weekends from 6-7pm.
James Murphy covers the Boston Bruins for ESPN Boston. He has been covering the Bruins for more than 10 years.
Aaron Portzline covers the Columbus Blue Jackets for the Columbus Dispatch newspaper.
Ben Raby is a former Montrealer who now covers the Washington Capitals for NHL.com and Comcast Sports.
Matthew Ross is the host of "Game Points" on TSN 690 radio in Montreal. His views on sports can be heard Sundays 6 - 8pm and Tuesdays 9pm - 12am.
Charlie Saunier is the senior writer at Prednecknation.com, a website focusing on the Nashville Predators.
1. Do you believe the 2012-2013 NHL season will start on time?
Ben Raby: Maybe on EA Sports... where the legitimacy of proclaiming 'if it's in the game, it's in the game' may be brought into question. But no, there will not be any NHL regular-season hockey on Oct. 11.
Matthew Ross: No, the sides appear to be too far apart on fundamental issues. The owners clearly favour the strategy of letting the players twist in the wind a little.
Charlie Saunier : Sadly no, I do not think there is a chance of starting on time.
Abe Hefter: No. From the beginning of this "bargaining process" I never believed it would start on time, and I don't think you can assume that we'll have hockey by January.
Aaron Portzline: Call me crazy. Call me an optimist. I think it's very possible.
James Murphy: I don't think the season will start on time and in fact I think there is a very real possibility and wouldn't be surprised if we lose another season and maybe more.
Aaron Portzline: I wasn't surprised to see a lockout begin on September 15th, but that doesn't mean the regular-season will be altered. I don't believe they're that far apart in pursuit of a new deal. Looks worse on paper than it truly is.
James Murphy: This lockout isn't about all the small market teams or philosophical differences and just revenue sharing. We are and we will find out even more so soon this is part two of 2004-05 where the players want revenge and the owners want to bury the players again. Start watching the AHL, junior hockey or even playing NHL 13 for your fix because you'll need one!
2. To many fans the current Labour strife looks like a millionaires vs billionaires fight - is that really all it is?
James Murphy: As I said earlier - emphatically Yes!
Matthew Ross: Basically. How else can fans look at it, really?
Charlie Saunier : On the outside, this is how it appears. If it's different on the inside, then both sides have done a terrible job at explaining their case.
Abe Hefter: I think hockey fans just want hockey. I beleive they have lockout fatigue and are tired of hearing the spin being spun by both sides. They don't care and that's bad for the game of hockey.
Aaron Portzline: Well, sure, but that's also oversimplifying it. Neither side wants to give up money, but they also don't want to give up whatever "gains" they made in the last CBA ordeal. Nor do they want to give up more ground, as many players feel they gave up too much last night. These are powerful groups of people, led by men (Fehr, Bettman) whose job it is to get as much as possible. This is politics + sports, which can equal 'ugly.'
Ben Raby: Millionaires vs billionaires is a big part of it, but that makes it sound like this is only about dollars and cents. While the focus of the CBA is mostly related to dollars and cents, this is also a case of employees standing up to their employers. Decisions will made that could shape lifestyles (length of contracts and health issues) and working conditions (travel schedules and realignment) and as employees, these 'millionaires' are still at the mercy of their employers regardless of being in a higher tax bracket than the typical 40-hour a week cubicle worker.
3. It seems to me that NHL owners believe that if there is another lockout it will not hurt the game of Hockey.
I believe their logic is that while no one will be making money, small market - or struggling franchises will actually be in better shape by not having to spend money in a multitude of areas. Based on what happened after the lockout in 2004, the NHL owners have every reason to believe that fans in rich healthy markets, while annoyed, will come back to the game no matter what and that fans in the small or struggling markets likely won't even realize that hockey is gone for awhile.
Do you think this logic is sound? How do you feel a potential lockout will affect your local team?
Aaron Portzline: Unfortunately, it's not just sound logic, it's been proven to be true.
James Murphy: You're dead on Ian and unfortunately because the players can't seem to get by the revenge factor and realize this, they are dead in the water (or shall we say frozen water!) already.
Matthew Ross: I agree and have said it on the air.
Charlie Saunier : I am sad to say, but yes the owners have solid footing here.
Aaron Portzline: The NHL was a $1.8B industry before the 2004-05 lockout took place. Now it's a $3.3B industry. The fans have come back in droves. Certainly the last CBA -- with the salary cap, the promise to lower ticket prices (never realized in most places), and the idea that parity had arrived -- struck a chord with the people. This CBA might not have such a warm and fuzzy feel to it, so it's difficult to say if a long holdout would be treated the same way at its end.
Abe Hefter: Fans in struggling markets are still fans. I don't beleive a lockout somehow "helps" the cause of the struggling franchise. The NHL is off the grid. That can't be good for the game, regardless of the market, and no matter how the fans react when the lockout is over.
James Murphy: The players will never win this battle and if they truly care about the game it is time to put pride and money aside and get the best possible deal they can get ASAP! The owners are completely wrong and greedy but they hold the leverage and always will.
Matthew Ross: The lockout won't hurt anyone, the Habs included.
Ben Raby: Listening to a DC sports station the other day, a reference was made to the Nationals clinching the city's first major playoff berth since the NBA's Wizards in 2008. There were mentions of the NFL's Redskins and DC United of MLS both making the playoffs in 2007. There was not a single mention of the NHL's Capitals. I'll assume it was a simple brain fart, but this was a two-person dialogue that went on for a few minutes. If there is no NHL hockey for an extended period of time, sports fans in major cities have plenty of alternatives and the NHL could fall further into the background.
Abe Hefter: This is clearly my gut speaking, but I think fans are apathetic to it all. The owners and the players better wake up to the fact that it would seem the fans could care less about the "plight" of both sides in this dispute.
Aaron Portzline: Not sure it would be as catastrophic to the Blue Jackets as many assume. Fans are already incredibly disillusioned and frustrated with the state of the franchise, and they don't hold much hope for an immediate change. Better to take a CBA break now than if they were finally putting together a good run of seasons.
Charlie Saunier : While the Preds have made a huge effort to get the building full from game 1 through the Playoffs, it is still a hard sell in this area in Oct & Nov with so many other options competing for the same dollars. The Titans (NFL) still dominate the media coverage & get most of the casual sports fans. College Football takes quite a bit of attention as well. If the lockout is limited to these calender months, I believe the casual fans will come immediately back to the Preds. If extended, there may start to become frustration, especially among the long term fans & season ticket holders.
Ben Raby: The Capitals have a sellout streak dating to 2008. If there is an extended NHL lockout, I can see the streak coming to an end once the game returns. Some markets are perhaps lockout proof... I'm not so sure that Washington is one of them.
4. If the NHL were to lockout an entire season or more again how do you feel things will change?
Aaron Portzline: Not sure entirely what you mean. Some fans would drift away, but many of them -- like last time -- would drift right back again. Hockey fans are the best fans in sports. But they gotta have their fix.
Matthew Ross: Things won't change. Unless fans show they won't come back or start to cancel season tickets en masse, it won't change.
Charlie Saunier : There will be great frustration. The Preds have had a great run on and off the ice over the last two years and missing an entire season would stall that momentum.
Ben Raby: I believe attendance and interest will take a hit, similar to the aftermath of the 1994 baseball strike. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I think more than a few fans would be slower to return to the game than maybe they were in 2005-06.
James Murphy: I don't think much will change. The fans will come back and the players will play. But the one thing I see changing or rather reverting back to a few years ago is that the NHL will once again lose the interest in it's two biggest markets New York and Los Angeles again. Those markets have been revitalized with the Kings' cup run and the Rangers' playoff run and offseason additions. That will hurt the league for sure!
Abe Hefter: The owners will find another spiffy slogan to splash onto the ice: reminiscent of "Thank you fans" at the end of the '04-'05 work stoppage. (Pardon my cynicism)
5. After the 2004 lockout, the NHL came back stronger than ever, why do you think that is? How will things be the same or different this time?
Charlie Saunier : Parity has become the standard in American professional sports leagues and I think the average fan was able to get more into the NHL once everyone was perceived to have a chance to win.
Ben Raby: The NHL came back strong in 2005 (not sure about 'stronger than ever') because it was such a mess before the 2004 work stoppage. The League was stale, scoring was way down (no 50-goal or 100-point scorers) teams with long histories like the Blackhawks, Penguins and even the Canadiens couldn't fill their buildings and struggled just to make the playoffs... There just wasn't a whole lot for the NHL to sell to its fans.
James Murphy: Completely agree with Ben here. There may be less buzz this time around but the game will be fine in end.
Abe Hefter: Ultimately, fans were starved for NHL hockey. They embraced the game and the changes that were made to the game; changes made in an effort to usher in a new era and a new-look NHL, like the implementation of the shoot-out.
Ben Raby: When the game returned, there were new rules to create scoring (no two-line pass, more obstuction calls and as a result more power plays) and buzz (shootout, no more ties, etc...)... There were also fresh faces (Crosby, Ovechkin, etc...), and eventually there was the Winter Classic.
James Murphy: The game will continue to be fine until fans actually take a stance. They should be ones seeking revenge not the players.
Matthew Ross: One word: shootouts. The rule change piqued people's interests and held them. Scoring was up as well and it was more exciting.
Abe Hefter: Which I hate by the way. It's nothing more than a beauty contest and a terrible way to decide a hockey game.
Ben Raby: If the NHL is out for an extended period of time, I don't see them returning with the same buzz and excitement as they did in 2005-06. The game has been great for years, and the league is in danger of losing that momentum.
Charlie Saunier : I believe things will be the same as long as this lockout doesn't cost more than a quarter of the season in games lost. If this lockout lasts an entire season, I believe it will be different because fans will be less willing to forgive a 2nd time & slower to return which will stall the momentum the league has gained since the 1st lockout.
Ben Raby: In 2004, there was no momentum to lose. The game needed an excuse to re-evaluate itself.
6. As with every collective bargaining agreement in every sport, there are not only economic issues being dealt with. There are issues of player safety and possible rule changes that get discussed as well. What are some changes in those areas that you would like to see?
Charlie Saunier : As with every collective bargaining agreement in every sport, there are not only economic issues being dealt with. There are issues of player safety and possible rule changes that get discussed as well.
Abe Hefter: Player safety is obviously a key issue. But, fundamentally, I would like to see the NHL "leave the game alone" and stop trying to force-feed fans "solutions" as to how to make the game "better" (like the shootout).
James Murphy: How about players show their solidarity on the ice and not try to kill each other to make highlights?
Matthew Ross: Above all else, I want the Mark Messier-recommended helmet instituted. A thicker helmet that could help to reduce concussions.
Charlie Saunier : I would just like to see clear definitions of the recently added head shot rules & consistent discipline for offenders. I know the NHL tried hard last year & made good efforts, but there was too much confusion among the players and fans on this.
Abe Hefter: Too many believe that the barometer of success in a game is the number of goals scored. (The more, the merrier). If that's the case, and I don't agree, why not just replace the puck with a marble and make the nets a foot wider? That'll result in more goals!!!
Aaron Portzline: I'd like to see the goalie trapezoid removed from behind the net. I'd like to reward goaltenders for being athletic and able to play the puck.
Ben Raby: I agree with Aaron on the removal of the trapezoid.
James Murphy: Get rid of the trapezoid rule and save defensemen!
Matthew Ross: Also, products like IntelliGym.ca being instituted, to help people's awareness of their surroundings, would also help to reduce injuries.
Ben Raby: Agree with all the comments regarding health. NHL should take note of the former NFL players who are now suing their league for failing to properly address health issues in the past. Icing needs to change. Not necessarily hybrid icing, but maybe the implementation of the 'Bowman' or 'Ringette' line which was tried at last year's research and development camp in Toronto.
6. For those who are unaware, what is Inelligym?
Matthew Ross: IntelliGym is cognitive training software that looks like a video game. It was developed for Israeli fighter pilots and adapted for hockey in conjunction with USA Hockey. It makes players more aware of their surroundings on the ice, reducing concussions and increasing offensive play.
Over the past few months, I have seen my readership grow, I have seen phenomenal guests come to join my blog - and today is no exception. I am very grateful for all the support I have received. I have also been very fortunate not to receive much backlash - however I am always open to opinions that differ from mine.
I have often described myself as a passionate Hockey fan - who happens to follow the Montreal Canadiens, and I have patterned "The Breakdown" on that philosophy.
Because this blog is a passion for me, I can pick and choose when to write and what topics I would like to cover. I do not cover players personal lives. If I have an issue with a player it will be with their play on the ice.
One such topic that I do not wish to cover is the CBA. The National Hockey League and it's Players association are currently embroiled in their third labour dispute of the past 18 years. Whatever side of the fence you fall on, the owners or the players, the end result is we the fans are without hockey. Many part time employees of teams are without work. Many local businesses that rely on hockey games as part of their business model are suffering.
If you want to read up to the minute detailings of how negotiations are going towards a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, there are many fantastic resources available to you on the world wide web.
Recently I sat down with some fantastic hockey minds to discuss the CBA Negotiations, what it can mean for the game and what effect it can have on certain markets. Some of these names will be familiar to regular readers of "The Breakdown", and some are brand new.
I expect this to be the one and only time "The Breakdown" will touch on the CBA. I Hope you will all bear through the lack of coverage on the site.
Joining our Panel today are a host of NHL Journalists.
Abe Hefter comes to us from Montreal's CJAD 800 radio. Abe covers the Montreal Canadiens, and hosts "The Locker room" on weekends from 6-7pm.
James Murphy covers the Boston Bruins for ESPN Boston. He has been covering the Bruins for more than 10 years.
Aaron Portzline covers the Columbus Blue Jackets for the Columbus Dispatch newspaper.
Ben Raby is a former Montrealer who now covers the Washington Capitals for NHL.com and Comcast Sports.
Matthew Ross is the host of "Game Points" on TSN 690 radio in Montreal. His views on sports can be heard Sundays 6 - 8pm and Tuesdays 9pm - 12am.
Charlie Saunier is the senior writer at Prednecknation.com, a website focusing on the Nashville Predators.
1. Do you believe the 2012-2013 NHL season will start on time?
Ben Raby: Maybe on EA Sports... where the legitimacy of proclaiming 'if it's in the game, it's in the game' may be brought into question. But no, there will not be any NHL regular-season hockey on Oct. 11.
Matthew Ross: No, the sides appear to be too far apart on fundamental issues. The owners clearly favour the strategy of letting the players twist in the wind a little.
Charlie Saunier : Sadly no, I do not think there is a chance of starting on time.
Abe Hefter: No. From the beginning of this "bargaining process" I never believed it would start on time, and I don't think you can assume that we'll have hockey by January.
Aaron Portzline: Call me crazy. Call me an optimist. I think it's very possible.
James Murphy: I don't think the season will start on time and in fact I think there is a very real possibility and wouldn't be surprised if we lose another season and maybe more.
Aaron Portzline: I wasn't surprised to see a lockout begin on September 15th, but that doesn't mean the regular-season will be altered. I don't believe they're that far apart in pursuit of a new deal. Looks worse on paper than it truly is.
James Murphy: This lockout isn't about all the small market teams or philosophical differences and just revenue sharing. We are and we will find out even more so soon this is part two of 2004-05 where the players want revenge and the owners want to bury the players again. Start watching the AHL, junior hockey or even playing NHL 13 for your fix because you'll need one!
2. To many fans the current Labour strife looks like a millionaires vs billionaires fight - is that really all it is?
James Murphy: As I said earlier - emphatically Yes!
Matthew Ross: Basically. How else can fans look at it, really?
Charlie Saunier : On the outside, this is how it appears. If it's different on the inside, then both sides have done a terrible job at explaining their case.
Abe Hefter: I think hockey fans just want hockey. I beleive they have lockout fatigue and are tired of hearing the spin being spun by both sides. They don't care and that's bad for the game of hockey.
Aaron Portzline: Well, sure, but that's also oversimplifying it. Neither side wants to give up money, but they also don't want to give up whatever "gains" they made in the last CBA ordeal. Nor do they want to give up more ground, as many players feel they gave up too much last night. These are powerful groups of people, led by men (Fehr, Bettman) whose job it is to get as much as possible. This is politics + sports, which can equal 'ugly.'
Ben Raby: Millionaires vs billionaires is a big part of it, but that makes it sound like this is only about dollars and cents. While the focus of the CBA is mostly related to dollars and cents, this is also a case of employees standing up to their employers. Decisions will made that could shape lifestyles (length of contracts and health issues) and working conditions (travel schedules and realignment) and as employees, these 'millionaires' are still at the mercy of their employers regardless of being in a higher tax bracket than the typical 40-hour a week cubicle worker.
3. It seems to me that NHL owners believe that if there is another lockout it will not hurt the game of Hockey.
I believe their logic is that while no one will be making money, small market - or struggling franchises will actually be in better shape by not having to spend money in a multitude of areas. Based on what happened after the lockout in 2004, the NHL owners have every reason to believe that fans in rich healthy markets, while annoyed, will come back to the game no matter what and that fans in the small or struggling markets likely won't even realize that hockey is gone for awhile.
Do you think this logic is sound? How do you feel a potential lockout will affect your local team?
Aaron Portzline: Unfortunately, it's not just sound logic, it's been proven to be true.
James Murphy: You're dead on Ian and unfortunately because the players can't seem to get by the revenge factor and realize this, they are dead in the water (or shall we say frozen water!) already.
Matthew Ross: I agree and have said it on the air.
Charlie Saunier : I am sad to say, but yes the owners have solid footing here.
Aaron Portzline: The NHL was a $1.8B industry before the 2004-05 lockout took place. Now it's a $3.3B industry. The fans have come back in droves. Certainly the last CBA -- with the salary cap, the promise to lower ticket prices (never realized in most places), and the idea that parity had arrived -- struck a chord with the people. This CBA might not have such a warm and fuzzy feel to it, so it's difficult to say if a long holdout would be treated the same way at its end.
Abe Hefter: Fans in struggling markets are still fans. I don't beleive a lockout somehow "helps" the cause of the struggling franchise. The NHL is off the grid. That can't be good for the game, regardless of the market, and no matter how the fans react when the lockout is over.
James Murphy: The players will never win this battle and if they truly care about the game it is time to put pride and money aside and get the best possible deal they can get ASAP! The owners are completely wrong and greedy but they hold the leverage and always will.
Matthew Ross: The lockout won't hurt anyone, the Habs included.
Ben Raby: Listening to a DC sports station the other day, a reference was made to the Nationals clinching the city's first major playoff berth since the NBA's Wizards in 2008. There were mentions of the NFL's Redskins and DC United of MLS both making the playoffs in 2007. There was not a single mention of the NHL's Capitals. I'll assume it was a simple brain fart, but this was a two-person dialogue that went on for a few minutes. If there is no NHL hockey for an extended period of time, sports fans in major cities have plenty of alternatives and the NHL could fall further into the background.
Abe Hefter: This is clearly my gut speaking, but I think fans are apathetic to it all. The owners and the players better wake up to the fact that it would seem the fans could care less about the "plight" of both sides in this dispute.
Aaron Portzline: Not sure it would be as catastrophic to the Blue Jackets as many assume. Fans are already incredibly disillusioned and frustrated with the state of the franchise, and they don't hold much hope for an immediate change. Better to take a CBA break now than if they were finally putting together a good run of seasons.
Charlie Saunier : While the Preds have made a huge effort to get the building full from game 1 through the Playoffs, it is still a hard sell in this area in Oct & Nov with so many other options competing for the same dollars. The Titans (NFL) still dominate the media coverage & get most of the casual sports fans. College Football takes quite a bit of attention as well. If the lockout is limited to these calender months, I believe the casual fans will come immediately back to the Preds. If extended, there may start to become frustration, especially among the long term fans & season ticket holders.
Ben Raby: The Capitals have a sellout streak dating to 2008. If there is an extended NHL lockout, I can see the streak coming to an end once the game returns. Some markets are perhaps lockout proof... I'm not so sure that Washington is one of them.
4. If the NHL were to lockout an entire season or more again how do you feel things will change?
Aaron Portzline: Not sure entirely what you mean. Some fans would drift away, but many of them -- like last time -- would drift right back again. Hockey fans are the best fans in sports. But they gotta have their fix.
Matthew Ross: Things won't change. Unless fans show they won't come back or start to cancel season tickets en masse, it won't change.
Charlie Saunier : There will be great frustration. The Preds have had a great run on and off the ice over the last two years and missing an entire season would stall that momentum.
Ben Raby: I believe attendance and interest will take a hit, similar to the aftermath of the 1994 baseball strike. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I think more than a few fans would be slower to return to the game than maybe they were in 2005-06.
James Murphy: I don't think much will change. The fans will come back and the players will play. But the one thing I see changing or rather reverting back to a few years ago is that the NHL will once again lose the interest in it's two biggest markets New York and Los Angeles again. Those markets have been revitalized with the Kings' cup run and the Rangers' playoff run and offseason additions. That will hurt the league for sure!
Abe Hefter: The owners will find another spiffy slogan to splash onto the ice: reminiscent of "Thank you fans" at the end of the '04-'05 work stoppage. (Pardon my cynicism)
5. After the 2004 lockout, the NHL came back stronger than ever, why do you think that is? How will things be the same or different this time?
Charlie Saunier : Parity has become the standard in American professional sports leagues and I think the average fan was able to get more into the NHL once everyone was perceived to have a chance to win.
Ben Raby: The NHL came back strong in 2005 (not sure about 'stronger than ever') because it was such a mess before the 2004 work stoppage. The League was stale, scoring was way down (no 50-goal or 100-point scorers) teams with long histories like the Blackhawks, Penguins and even the Canadiens couldn't fill their buildings and struggled just to make the playoffs... There just wasn't a whole lot for the NHL to sell to its fans.
James Murphy: Completely agree with Ben here. There may be less buzz this time around but the game will be fine in end.
Abe Hefter: Ultimately, fans were starved for NHL hockey. They embraced the game and the changes that were made to the game; changes made in an effort to usher in a new era and a new-look NHL, like the implementation of the shoot-out.
Ben Raby: When the game returned, there were new rules to create scoring (no two-line pass, more obstuction calls and as a result more power plays) and buzz (shootout, no more ties, etc...)... There were also fresh faces (Crosby, Ovechkin, etc...), and eventually there was the Winter Classic.
James Murphy: The game will continue to be fine until fans actually take a stance. They should be ones seeking revenge not the players.
Matthew Ross: One word: shootouts. The rule change piqued people's interests and held them. Scoring was up as well and it was more exciting.
Abe Hefter: Which I hate by the way. It's nothing more than a beauty contest and a terrible way to decide a hockey game.
Ben Raby: If the NHL is out for an extended period of time, I don't see them returning with the same buzz and excitement as they did in 2005-06. The game has been great for years, and the league is in danger of losing that momentum.
Charlie Saunier : I believe things will be the same as long as this lockout doesn't cost more than a quarter of the season in games lost. If this lockout lasts an entire season, I believe it will be different because fans will be less willing to forgive a 2nd time & slower to return which will stall the momentum the league has gained since the 1st lockout.
Ben Raby: In 2004, there was no momentum to lose. The game needed an excuse to re-evaluate itself.
6. As with every collective bargaining agreement in every sport, there are not only economic issues being dealt with. There are issues of player safety and possible rule changes that get discussed as well. What are some changes in those areas that you would like to see?
Charlie Saunier : As with every collective bargaining agreement in every sport, there are not only economic issues being dealt with. There are issues of player safety and possible rule changes that get discussed as well.
Abe Hefter: Player safety is obviously a key issue. But, fundamentally, I would like to see the NHL "leave the game alone" and stop trying to force-feed fans "solutions" as to how to make the game "better" (like the shootout).
James Murphy: How about players show their solidarity on the ice and not try to kill each other to make highlights?
Matthew Ross: Above all else, I want the Mark Messier-recommended helmet instituted. A thicker helmet that could help to reduce concussions.
Charlie Saunier : I would just like to see clear definitions of the recently added head shot rules & consistent discipline for offenders. I know the NHL tried hard last year & made good efforts, but there was too much confusion among the players and fans on this.
Abe Hefter: Too many believe that the barometer of success in a game is the number of goals scored. (The more, the merrier). If that's the case, and I don't agree, why not just replace the puck with a marble and make the nets a foot wider? That'll result in more goals!!!
Aaron Portzline: I'd like to see the goalie trapezoid removed from behind the net. I'd like to reward goaltenders for being athletic and able to play the puck.
Ben Raby: I agree with Aaron on the removal of the trapezoid.
James Murphy: Get rid of the trapezoid rule and save defensemen!
Matthew Ross: Also, products like IntelliGym.ca being instituted, to help people's awareness of their surroundings, would also help to reduce injuries.
Ben Raby: Agree with all the comments regarding health. NHL should take note of the former NFL players who are now suing their league for failing to properly address health issues in the past. Icing needs to change. Not necessarily hybrid icing, but maybe the implementation of the 'Bowman' or 'Ringette' line which was tried at last year's research and development camp in Toronto.
6. For those who are unaware, what is Inelligym?
Matthew Ross: IntelliGym is cognitive training software that looks like a video game. It was developed for Israeli fighter pilots and adapted for hockey in conjunction with USA Hockey. It makes players more aware of their surroundings on the ice, reducing concussions and increasing offensive play.
For more from Abe Hefter, follow him on twitter: @hefteronthehabs
For more from James Murphy, follow him on twitter: @Murphyslaw74
For more from Aaron Portzline, follow him on twitter: @Aportzline
For more from Ben Raby, follow him on twitter: @BenRaby31
For more from Matthew Ross, follow him on twitter: @TSNMatthew
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