This game has 40 minutes.......

I often hear and read comments about people lamenting over the fact that the Habs never play a full sixty minutes of hockey.  I don't think any team does, momentum changes from shift to shift, period to period.  Unless it's a blowout, the swinging back and forth is reflected on the scoreboard.  I can deal with that, only I wish the Habs would do me a favor and reschedule their nap for the second, I'm tired of having heart palpitations in the third.

A 5:00 P.M. start in Sunshine tonight, I'd like the Habs to finish the year off with a win, then go out and paint the town red for New Year's Eve.  They've earned it.

The celebrations will be quiet at Chez Moey's tonight, I'm assembling a seafood feast of escargots en brioche to start, breaded calamari with lemon, scallops wrapped in bacon and lobster tails. Some creme caramel for dessert and to wash it all down a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, my favorite champagne and my middle furkid's namesake.   We may or may not manage to stay up for the crystal ball dropping in Times Square.

Cheers!

Whatever your plans may be, stay safe and don't drink and drive!

This game has 40 minutes.......

I often hear and read comments about people lamenting over the fact that the Habs never play a full sixty minutes of hockey.  I don't think any team does, momentum changes from shift to shift, period to period.  Unless it's a blowout, the swinging back and forth is reflected on the scoreboard.  I can deal with that, only I wish the Habs would do me a favor and reschedule their nap for the second, I'm tired of having heart palpitations in the third.

A 5:00 P.M. start in Sunshine tonight, I'd like the Habs to finish the year off with a win, then go out and paint the town red for New Year's Eve.  They've earned it.

The celebrations will be quiet at Chez Moey's tonight, I'm assembling a seafood feast of escargots en brioche to start, breaded calamari with lemon, scallops wrapped in bacon and lobster tails. Some creme caramel for dessert and to wash it all down a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, my favorite champagne and my middle furkid's namesake.   We may or may not manage to stay up for the crystal ball dropping in Times Square.

Cheers!

Whatever your plans may be, stay safe and don't drink and drive!

Problem child?

The general consensus when Gainey traded Latendresse for Pouliot was one problem child for another.  It's a  bit of a mystery why Pouliot who was drafted fourth overall in 2005 has not been able to find success at the NHL level. 

Talent Analysis (taken from Hockey's Future)

Pouliot is a very talented player who has yet to put it all together at the pro level. An explosive skater with a good handle on the puck and a hard, accurate shot, he has the tools to be a top-line forward in the NHL. Questions about his attitude, commitment to playing defense and consistency have dogged him since turning pro however. If he can master the mental side of the game and learn a more disciplined approach to the game, he could be a top talent. If not, he could find himself playing in Europe.

His father passed away from leukemia in 2004, he was Benoit's biggest supporter and former coach.   I was wondering if that may have had a negative impact on him and the reason why his heart no longer seemed to be in it, but then I read this:
 
"My father always said I had something in my game I never used," Benoit says. "He said I'd have to put heart in it. He said everything would come all at once when I did that."
 
Obviously, it's been an issue from day one, but can he find it playing on the Montreal Canadiens?  I liked what I saw last night, he seemed comfortable with his line mates and  he doesn't lack in the skill department.

Benoit's NHL future rests solely in his hands and I'm hoping with teammates like Brian Gionta and Glen Metropolit, who both put Heart in the CH every time they step on the ice, our "tin woodsman" will find his.

Problem child?

The general consensus when Gainey traded Latendresse for Pouliot was one problem child for another.  It's a  bit of a mystery why Pouliot who was drafted fourth overall in 2005 has not been able to find success at the NHL level. 

Talent Analysis (taken from Hockey's Future)

Pouliot is a very talented player who has yet to put it all together at the pro level. An explosive skater with a good handle on the puck and a hard, accurate shot, he has the tools to be a top-line forward in the NHL. Questions about his attitude, commitment to playing defense and consistency have dogged him since turning pro however. If he can master the mental side of the game and learn a more disciplined approach to the game, he could be a top talent. If not, he could find himself playing in Europe.

His father passed away from leukemia in 2004, he was Benoit's biggest supporter and former coach.   I was wondering if that may have had a negative impact on him and the reason why his heart no longer seemed to be in it, but then I read this:
 
"My father always said I had something in my game I never used," Benoit says. "He said I'd have to put heart in it. He said everything would come all at once when I did that."
 
Obviously, it's been an issue from day one, but can he find it playing on the Montreal Canadiens?  I liked what I saw last night, he seemed comfortable with his line mates and  he doesn't lack in the skill department.

Benoit's NHL future rests solely in his hands and I'm hoping with teammates like Brian Gionta and Glen Metropolit, who both put Heart in the CH every time they step on the ice, our "tin woodsman" will find his.

Halak still manages to soar like an eagle while surrounded by turkeys............

While the rest of the  Habs were busy doing this during the Leaf's game (Pleky won't part with his lucky pink socks) Jaro was getting ready to roast a few chestnuts.

The crafty Leafs have been using Georges Laraque as a role model, they've determined that the true road to truculence is via Veganism.  While our boys were sleeping off their turkey dinners, the Leafs showed up to play hockey.

Maybe I'm asking for too much, but I'm hoping to see the Habs play something that vaguely resembles a hockey game tonight in Ottawa.

Halak still manages to soar like an eagle while surrounded by turkeys............

While the rest of the  Habs were busy doing this during the Leaf's game (Pleky won't part with his lucky pink socks) Jaro was getting ready to roast a few chestnuts.

The crafty Leafs have been using Georges Laraque as a role model, they've determined that the true road to truculence is via Veganism.  While our boys were sleeping off their turkey dinners, the Leafs showed up to play hockey.

Maybe I'm asking for too much, but I'm hoping to see the Habs play something that vaguely resembles a hockey game tonight in Ottawa.

The bestest Christmas present........

My very first NHL jersey!  Voila.....

My sister sent it from L.A., it's the real deal, I can smell the smog and marine layer on it!  I'm sure some of the Habs' purists will be clucking their tongues in disapproval....tough!  The Habs are my team but Saku will always be my favorite player no matter where he ends up.  As an added bonus I plan to wear it to work some day, just for the pure pleasure of pissing off the separatists and believe me there's plenty of them.

I'm telling a little bit of a white lie, the jersey was the second thing on my wish list.  The first thing I asked Santa for was Sheldon Souray dipped in chocolate.  Santa has never failed me in the past, but I suspect while he was trying to fit his rather large rear end into our chimney Mr. Moey snuck outside.  He won't admit to it but I know he found Shelly bound and gagged in the back of Santa's sleigh and set him free.  Well, one good deed deserves another, there was no Catherine Zeta-Jones on rye for Mr. Moey either.  We're even.

I'm sending positive vibes to Markov for his dreaded return to the ACC tonight.  Everything comes in threes, but not this time. Please join me in repeating this chant against the Leafs 13 times:

Darksome powers of the night,

gather round my candle's flame,

send my enemy in shaded flight,

send my enemy away in shame.

It might not be as effective without the dragon's blood but as much as I love my Habs there's no chance in hell I'm venturing out to the mall on boxing day.

The bestest Christmas present........

My very first NHL jersey!  Voila.....

My sister sent it from L.A., it's the real deal, I can smell the smog and marine layer on it!  I'm sure some of the Habs' purists will be clucking their tongues in disapproval....tough!  The Habs are my team but Saku will always be my favorite player no matter where he ends up.  As an added bonus I plan to wear it to work some day, just for the pure pleasure of pissing off the separatists and believe me there's plenty of them.

I'm telling a little bit of a white lie, the jersey was the second thing on my wish list.  The first thing I asked Santa for was Sheldon Souray dipped in chocolate.  Santa has never failed me in the past, but I suspect while he was trying to fit his rather large rear end into our chimney Mr. Moey snuck outside.  He won't admit to it but I know he found Shelly bound and gagged in the back of Santa's sleigh and set him free.  Well, one good deed deserves another, there was no Catherine Zeta-Jones on rye for Mr. Moey either.  We're even.

I'm sending positive vibes to Markov for his dreaded return to the ACC tonight.  Everything comes in threes, but not this time. Please join me in repeating this chant against the Leafs 13 times:

Darksome powers of the night,

gather round my candle's flame,

send my enemy in shaded flight,

send my enemy away in shame.

It might not be as effective without the dragon's blood but as much as I love my Habs there's no chance in hell I'm venturing out to the mall on boxing day.

Season's Greetings from chez Moey!

Hanging from my fireplace mantel, some of my favorite things.....cat angel ornaments, seashells from Sanibel, and my beloved Habs of course!

Meowy Christmas from Matisse and Clicquot, it's too bad the flash distorts their eyes, they both have beautiful baby blues....

Tara wishes you Meowy Christmas too, she wasn't about to be left out!

And last but not least, an ecard to all of my internet friends...........please click below.

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=0212320003

Season's Greetings from chez Moey!

Hanging from my fireplace mantel, some of my favorite things.....cat angel ornaments, seashells from Sanibel, and my beloved Habs of course!

Meowy Christmas from Matisse and Clicquot, it's too bad the flash distorts their eyes, they both have beautiful baby blues....

Tara wishes you Meowy Christmas too, she wasn't about to be left out!

And last but not least, an ecard to all of my internet friends...........please click below.

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=0212320003

Our very own Bambi.......

Marc-Andre Bergeron was literally picked off the junk pile or possibly rescued from the middle of a frozen pond.  What I love about this guy is his attitude or should I say lack of.  He just looks so happy to be employed and he gives it his all.  No airs or graces, or "I'm all that" and no sense of entitlement.  I know people make fun of MAB's defensive lapses and his uncanny knack for tripping over his own feet, but I find it endearing.  It brings back childhood memories of watching Bambi on an icy pond.  And much like Bambi, it doesn't appear to phase him in the least, he just dusts himself off and gets on with it.  Mind you, watching the dynamic duo of MAB and O'Byrne trying to clear the puck from behind our net is cause for alarm and a few giggles.  I just cover my eyes and hope for the best, which is pretty much how I watch every Habs' game these days.  And I love how he just keeps shooting, even if he misses the net by a country mile he lives by the old adage "if at first you don't succeed try try again."  He's just a dose of pure clean fun and I'm loving it.

Interesting tidbit, MAB is BAM spelled backward :)

Last note:

In my last post I  promised a recap of our mini weekend getaway but due to unforeseen events we had to reschedule for mid January.  Stay tuned, it's coming to a theatre near you.

Our very own Bambi.......

Marc-Andre Bergeron was literally picked off the junk pile or possibly rescued from the middle of a frozen pond.  What I love about this guy is his attitude or should I say lack of.  He just looks so happy to be employed and he gives it his all.  No airs or graces, or "I'm all that" and no sense of entitlement.  I know people make fun of MAB's defensive lapses and his uncanny knack for tripping over his own feet, but I find it endearing.  It brings back childhood memories of watching Bambi on an icy pond.  And much like Bambi, it doesn't appear to phase him in the least, he just dusts himself off and gets on with it.  Mind you, watching the dynamic duo of MAB and O'Byrne trying to clear the puck from behind our net is cause for alarm and a few giggles.  I just cover my eyes and hope for the best, which is pretty much how I watch every Habs' game these days.  And I love how he just keeps shooting, even if he misses the net by a country mile he lives by the old adage "if at first you don't succeed try try again."  He's just a dose of pure clean fun and I'm loving it.

Interesting tidbit, MAB is BAM spelled backward :)

Last note:

In my last post I  promised a recap of our mini weekend getaway but due to unforeseen events we had to reschedule for mid January.  Stay tuned, it's coming to a theatre near you.

Mini getaway, from home and hockey................

I haven't bothered to comment on the last two games, there's not much to add to what's already been said, over and over.  It is what it is, there's no sense in analyzing and hand wringing, we knew the team would struggle mightily without Markov and our scoring won't improve until Gionta is reunited with Gomez.  I have specifically been watching Gomez, he's playing well but let's face it, his various wingers just don't cut it and that's totally beyond his control.  I can't make any judgements until we have a full lineup, and to be fair nor should anyone else. 

Mr. Moey and I are going on a mini getaway this weekend, and to be perfectly honest, I could use a little hockey break right now. 

Christmas shopping and stuffing our faces with food and drink are on the agenda, (which is a lot more fun than hockey these days) and of course a peek in Ogilvy's store windows, they always have the best Christmas display.  I'll give a full recap on Sunday.  Over the years, friends and family have either moved or passed away, so it's time for Mr. Moey and I to make some new Christmas traditions, this will be the start of one of them.

Mini getaway, from home and hockey................

I haven't bothered to comment on the last two games, there's not much to add to what's already been said, over and over.  It is what it is, there's no sense in analyzing and hand wringing, we knew the team would struggle mightily without Markov and our scoring won't improve until Gionta is reunited with Gomez.  I have specifically been watching Gomez, he's playing well but let's face it, his various wingers just don't cut it and that's totally beyond his control.  I can't make any judgements until we have a full lineup, and to be fair nor should anyone else. 

Mr. Moey and I are going on a mini getaway this weekend, and to be perfectly honest, I could use a little hockey break right now. 

Christmas shopping and stuffing our faces with food and drink are on the agenda, (which is a lot more fun than hockey these days) and of course a peek in Ogilvy's store windows, they always have the best Christmas display.  I'll give a full recap on Sunday.  Over the years, friends and family have either moved or passed away, so it's time for Mr. Moey and I to make some new Christmas traditions, this will be the start of one of them.

What's a coach to do?

Because Jacques Martin's options are limited and he doesn't have enough bodies to sit repeat offenders, what else would be a suitable punishment for stupid game costing penalties?

Some ideas......

Do the team laundry, by hand 
Mandatory back to back viewings of "The English Patient"
Co-author a vegan cookbook with Georges Laraque
Cruise the bars with Mike Milbury
Share a hot tub with Pierre McGuire

Any other suggestions?  Please leave them in the comments.

What's a coach to do?

Because Jacques Martin's options are limited and he doesn't have enough bodies to sit repeat offenders, what else would be a suitable punishment for stupid game costing penalties?

Some ideas......

Do the team laundry, by hand 
Mandatory back to back viewings of "The English Patient"
Co-author a vegan cookbook with Georges Laraque
Cruise the bars with Mike Milbury
Share a hot tub with Pierre McGuire

Any other suggestions?  Please leave them in the comments.

Hang in there boys.........

The defense rests between periods in Atlanta

I'm not going to criticize the 4-3 loss to the Thrashers last night.  The fatigue factor is taking it's toll on the boys, too many games this month, injuries and a defense core that sorely needs a rest.  And then there's the ridiculous amount of penalties,  it's catch 22, the more pooped they are the more penalties they take and use whatever energy they have left to kill them.  Then the cycle starts again.

Poor Bergeron, I think he  needs someone to tie his skates properly.  I couldn't stop laughing when he fell on our first powerplay, the puck was nowhere near him.  But bless him, he does have seven goals.

I'm so anxious to see what this team will finally look like when Gionta and Markov are back in the lineup, we've been watching a patchwork version since the beginning of the season. 

Mr. Moey is now watching a couple of periods of hockey with me on Saturday nights, he's starting to get into it and he was damned impressed with Price last night.  He's also a Don Cherry fan, but I won't hold it against him.

In other NHL news, the Leafs beat the Caps 6-3.  I HATE when that happens, I savor every Leaf loss like a fine wine, I felt cheated last night.

Kovy gets a hattie ending a 14 game scoring drought.

The Ducks managed to beat Columbus 3-1, and yes I'm still rooting for them.

Sabres and the Devils are up next, oy vay............

Hang in there boys.........

The defense rests between periods in Atlanta

I'm not going to criticize the 4-3 loss to the Thrashers last night.  The fatigue factor is taking it's toll on the boys, too many games this month, injuries and a defense core that sorely needs a rest.  And then there's the ridiculous amount of penalties,  it's catch 22, the more pooped they are the more penalties they take and use whatever energy they have left to kill them.  Then the cycle starts again.

Poor Bergeron, I think he  needs someone to tie his skates properly.  I couldn't stop laughing when he fell on our first powerplay, the puck was nowhere near him.  But bless him, he does have seven goals.

I'm so anxious to see what this team will finally look like when Gionta and Markov are back in the lineup, we've been watching a patchwork version since the beginning of the season. 

Mr. Moey is now watching a couple of periods of hockey with me on Saturday nights, he's starting to get into it and he was damned impressed with Price last night.  He's also a Don Cherry fan, but I won't hold it against him.

In other NHL news, the Leafs beat the Caps 6-3.  I HATE when that happens, I savor every Leaf loss like a fine wine, I felt cheated last night.

Kovy gets a hattie ending a 14 game scoring drought.

The Ducks managed to beat Columbus 3-1, and yes I'm still rooting for them.

Sabres and the Devils are up next, oy vay............

An early Christmas present?

Grab the champagne, put on your party hats!  Word on the street is Andrei Markov is making the trip with the team to Atlanta.  It's not confirmed that he will play, but his return can't be far off.  Woo hoo!

A little bit about last night's game, our boys are still running on diesel fuel.  The first ten minutes were scary before their engines warmed up.  I thought the ice was tilted; we spent so much time in our own end, but the boys picked it up and it was a respectable showing.

 For one other worldly moment I thought Georges Laraque was going to open the scoring.  Wouldn't that have been something?  Seeing Pleks tussling with Malkin was as rare a sight as an ivory billed woodpecker.  Good on him though, he's shedding his self proclaimed "little girl" image one game at a time.

Halfway through the third I was just commenting on how Price hadn't let in his usual softy, remind me never to do that again.  I think I jinxed him.  Other than that, he was great, the score could have been a lot higher.

Too bad about that potential tying goal, but we've gotten away with other things that weren't called, seven men on the ice comes to mind.  I guess it evens out in the end.

On to Atlanta, Spiny will be in his element, he does well in warmer climates.

An early Christmas present?

Grab the champagne, put on your party hats!  Word on the street is Andrei Markov is making the trip with the team to Atlanta.  It's not confirmed that he will play, but his return can't be far off.  Woo hoo!

A little bit about last night's game, our boys are still running on diesel fuel.  The first ten minutes were scary before their engines warmed up.  I thought the ice was tilted; we spent so much time in our own end, but the boys picked it up and it was a respectable showing.

 For one other worldly moment I thought Georges Laraque was going to open the scoring.  Wouldn't that have been something?  Seeing Pleks tussling with Malkin was as rare a sight as an ivory billed woodpecker.  Good on him though, he's shedding his self proclaimed "little girl" image one game at a time.

Halfway through the third I was just commenting on how Price hadn't let in his usual softy, remind me never to do that again.  I think I jinxed him.  Other than that, he was great, the score could have been a lot higher.

Too bad about that potential tying goal, but we've gotten away with other things that weren't called, seven men on the ice comes to mind.  I guess it evens out in the end.

On to Atlanta, Spiny will be in his element, he does well in warmer climates.

Go Habs!

A clash between a giant hedgehog and penguins, hmmm....probably hasn't happened before so all bets are off.

Just in case you haven't read it, Red Fisher writes a good piece on Chris Nilan in the Gazette today.  I really hope Chris manages to stay on the straight and narrow this time, he's a good guy.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Nilan+battles+demons/2325571/story.html

It really bothers me when I read some people's disparaging comments about Red Fisher and his column, he's in his eighties for God's sake, at the very least show some respect for your elders.  Yes, he's old school, no nonsense and at times unforgiving, but I would give my right blogging arm to have his memories, his first night on the beat was covering the Richard riot.  Imagine.

Go Habs!

A clash between a giant hedgehog and penguins, hmmm....probably hasn't happened before so all bets are off.

Just in case you haven't read it, Red Fisher writes a good piece on Chris Nilan in the Gazette today.  I really hope Chris manages to stay on the straight and narrow this time, he's a good guy.

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Nilan+battles+demons/2325571/story.html

It really bothers me when I read some people's disparaging comments about Red Fisher and his column, he's in his eighties for God's sake, at the very least show some respect for your elders.  Yes, he's old school, no nonsense and at times unforgiving, but I would give my right blogging arm to have his memories, his first night on the beat was covering the Richard riot.  Imagine.

Chugging along at three and counting...........

I swear our Habs are running on diesel.  Have you ever owned a diesel car or truck?  You put your foot on the gas, it lurches, chugs, spurts and finally gets a good jolt of power.  Once it's warmed up it's a pretty smooth albeit noisy ride but it gets you where you need to go. 

We'll save the high octane premium for the playoffs, when the real race begins.

Chugging along at three and counting...........

I swear our Habs are running on diesel.  Have you ever owned a diesel car or truck?  You put your foot on the gas, it lurches, chugs, spurts and finally gets a good jolt of power.  Once it's warmed up it's a pretty smooth albeit noisy ride but it gets you where you need to go. 

We'll save the high octane premium for the playoffs, when the real race begins.

zzzzzzzzz.........Habs 3, Flyers 1

That was a snoozer of a game last night.  There wasn't even your typical Flyers' (we might as well stir up some crap because we're losing) goonery to keep me semi-entertained.  But in the end we won so that'll do me.

I really like Hal Gill.  I like him being interviewed, he strikes me as being a very calming but upbeat influence in the dressing room.  Personality wise he reminds me of Robert Lang, *sob* he just always manages to say the right things.  For example, last night his comments on the Habs' sloppy first period play were "we came off of an emotional night on Friday but we're doing the right things, we'll be fine."  And I believed him and we were.  He needs to keep the "A' on his jersey.

Speaking of Friday night, I managed to watch the whole centennial celebration over the weekend, I had recorded it so I could watch it uninterrupted.  I was quite chuffed when Scotty Bowman was using Marc- Andre Fleury as a measuring stick for Price's development.  I'm so glad he agrees with me, I wonder if he's a closet Moey Musings reader?  So I figure that if Price stays on pace with  Fleury's progress, we make the cup final in 2011 and win it all in 2012.  You read it here first.

One last note before tonight's game, somebody needs to smack Price and tell him that he needs to quit trying to help (hinder) the defense.  It was cute at first, but he's been creating chaos lately and now he's drawing penalties.  Enough already.

On to Ottawa and our dearly departed Kovy.  Go Habs.

zzzzzzzzz.........Habs 3, Flyers 1

That was a snoozer of a game last night.  There wasn't even your typical Flyers' (we might as well stir up some crap because we're losing) goonery to keep me semi-entertained.  But in the end we won so that'll do me.

I really like Hal Gill.  I like him being interviewed, he strikes me as being a very calming but upbeat influence in the dressing room.  Personality wise he reminds me of Robert Lang, *sob* he just always manages to say the right things.  For example, last night his comments on the Habs' sloppy first period play were "we came off of an emotional night on Friday but we're doing the right things, we'll be fine."  And I believed him and we were.  He needs to keep the "A' on his jersey.

Speaking of Friday night, I managed to watch the whole centennial celebration over the weekend, I had recorded it so I could watch it uninterrupted.  I was quite chuffed when Scotty Bowman was using Marc- Andre Fleury as a measuring stick for Price's development.  I'm so glad he agrees with me, I wonder if he's a closet Moey Musings reader?  So I figure that if Price stays on pace with  Fleury's progress, we make the cup final in 2011 and win it all in 2012.  You read it here first.

One last note before tonight's game, somebody needs to smack Price and tell him that he needs to quit trying to help (hinder) the defense.  It was cute at first, but he's been creating chaos lately and now he's drawing penalties.  Enough already.

On to Ottawa and our dearly departed Kovy.  Go Habs.

Go Habs!

Spiny's pumped after the Habs' win over the Bruins Friday night.  He's ready to take on the Flyers, ready to show Pronger who's boss.  Should be a good one.

Go Habs!

Spiny's pumped after the Habs' win over the Bruins Friday night.  He's ready to take on the Flyers, ready to show Pronger who's boss.  Should be a good one.

Simply.....brilliant

Wow!  How much fun was that?   I spent the afternoon listening to Mitch Melnick's show, Peter Mahovlich and Steve Shutt were guests in the studio.  Most of the discussion revolved around the four cup runs in the mid seventies, reasons why it would be so difficult now with the cap and free agency to build and maintain a dynasty.  One thing hasn't changed, according to Steve and Pete Habs' fans were every bit as demanding then as they are now.  They remarked on how the crowd would get on their case if they had only scored two or three goals, even though they had won the game.  They both agreed that the high expectations always forced them to bring their A game, it made them better players. 

I loved the ceremony last night, so many memories, so many great players.  Crowd favorites were Patrick Roy, Guy Carbonneau, Guy Lafleur and of course the incomparable Rocket.  It was nice to see Gordie Howe there, he had remarked not long ago that even though he and the Rocket were hated rivals during their playing years once they had both retired  he would have liked to put it behind them, he thought they could have eventually become friends. But it was not to be, the Rocket had passed on before he had the chance.

How cool was if for Viggo Mortensen, a life long Hab's fan to introduce his idol, Guy Lafleur?  

The retirement of the jerseys is always emotional and especially O'Byrne giving his jersey to Emile Bouchard, a really special moment for a young player, something he'll never forget.

Carey Price was amazing, he may have had some help from the ghosts of goalies past, I hope he doesn't auction that mask, it's a keeper.

A shout out to Cammie for his hat trick, is he our next Stephane Richer?

I was chuckling when Patrick Roy was being asked on his opinion of the Habs current lackluster play.  He said injuries played a large part, missing Gionta and Hal Gill was hurting the team the most.  No mention of Markov.  But maybe our boy Patty had a point, the team played one of their best games of the year with Gill back in the lineup.  Go figure.

I liked Guy Lafleurs' comments, he hoped the current squad would realize how important the team is to the fans and how much they're loved.   Judging by the 5-1 over Boston, I would say that message was heard loud and clear.

Simply.....brilliant

Wow!  How much fun was that?   I spent the afternoon listening to Mitch Melnick's show, Peter Mahovlich and Steve Shutt were guests in the studio.  Most of the discussion revolved around the four cup runs in the mid seventies, reasons why it would be so difficult now with the cap and free agency to build and maintain a dynasty.  One thing hasn't changed, according to Steve and Pete Habs' fans were every bit as demanding then as they are now.  They remarked on how the crowd would get on their case if they had only scored two or three goals, even though they had won the game.  They both agreed that the high expectations always forced them to bring their A game, it made them better players. 

I loved the ceremony last night, so many memories, so many great players.  Crowd favorites were Patrick Roy, Guy Carbonneau, Guy Lafleur and of course the incomparable Rocket.  It was nice to see Gordie Howe there, he had remarked not long ago that even though he and the Rocket were hated rivals during their playing years once they had both retired  he would have liked to put it behind them, he thought they could have eventually become friends. But it was not to be, the Rocket had passed on before he had the chance.

How cool was if for Viggo Mortensen, a life long Hab's fan to introduce his idol, Guy Lafleur?  

The retirement of the jerseys is always emotional and especially O'Byrne giving his jersey to Emile Bouchard, a really special moment for a young player, something he'll never forget.

Carey Price was amazing, he may have had some help from the ghosts of goalies past, I hope he doesn't auction that mask, it's a keeper.

A shout out to Cammie for his hat trick, is he our next Stephane Richer?

I was chuckling when Patrick Roy was being asked on his opinion of the Habs current lackluster play.  He said injuries played a large part, missing Gionta and Hal Gill was hurting the team the most.  No mention of Markov.  But maybe our boy Patty had a point, the team played one of their best games of the year with Gill back in the lineup.  Go figure.

I liked Guy Lafleurs' comments, he hoped the current squad would realize how important the team is to the fans and how much they're loved.   Judging by the 5-1 over Boston, I would say that message was heard loud and clear.

Go Habs!

Spiny is sleeping right now, he showed up this morning looking like a hog who'd been dragged  through a hedge backwards.  Oh my.  He needs his beauty sleep and all his energy for tomorrow night's tilt against the Bruins.  He's confdent he can take the bears and I tend to believe him, he's 23 feet taller than Chara.

Go Habs!

Spiny is sleeping right now, he showed up this morning looking like a hog who'd been dragged  through a hedge backwards.  Oh my.  He needs his beauty sleep and all his energy for tomorrow night's tilt against the Bruins.  He's confdent he can take the bears and I tend to believe him, he's 23 feet taller than Chara.

Unforgiveable.....that's what they are

I've put a lot of time and effort into this insightful, thoughtful and astute analysis of last night's game.  THAT WAS BLOODY AWFUL!!!  I mean c'mon guys, if you don't care about embarrassing yourselves at least think of the fans.  Yes, those fans that pay your salaries.  I've come to the conclusion that I would be content if the Habs lost every game this season except for ones between the Leafs and Bruins, at least that would stop the torture at work from rival fans and we would have a shot at the top draft pick.

Let's play make believe for a moment, just humor me if you will, in Moey's world I would trade Gomez to San Jose and get Saku back.  Saku isn't doing well, I'm sure it's a difficult adjustment for him and he misses Montreal.  Gomez hasn't impressed me and there doesn't seem to be enough room for him and his 7 mil to hang out in front of the net.  For less than half that price we could have my beloved captain back and offer Kovy, who's pining in Ottawa a hometown discount.  So the make believe lines would be Gionta/Pleks/Cammie and Kovy/Koivu/Kostitsyn.  Yeah, that's the ticket.

Okay, now back to reality.  I hate to say this but I think Pierre McGuire may have a point about pre-game ceremonies.   He says it's a distraction and a momentum shifter, the guys get all pumped up in the dressing room and then it falls flat when they have to stand around for too long before they play.  I honestly can't remember the last time les boys won a game after a jersey retirement or a delay of any kind.  Well if that's the case we're royally screwed on Friday night when Boston comes to town.  The festivities start at 5:45 and the game doesn't start until 8:00.  Eeek, we may as well kiss those two points goodbye now.

One last note for today, I'm really concerned about our new mascot, Spiny Norman.  I haven't seen him since he headed downtown for last night's game.  My inside sources claim they saw him drinking heavily in a shady dive called Porky's bar and Quill.  Not good, indeed.

Unforgiveable.....that's what they are

I've put a lot of time and effort into this insightful, thoughtful and astute analysis of last night's game.  THAT WAS BLOODY AWFUL!!!  I mean c'mon guys, if you don't care about embarrassing yourselves at least think of the fans.  Yes, those fans that pay your salaries.  I've come to the conclusion that I would be content if the Habs lost every game this season except for ones between the Leafs and Bruins, at least that would stop the torture at work from rival fans and we would have a shot at the top draft pick.

Let's play make believe for a moment, just humor me if you will, in Moey's world I would trade Gomez to San Jose and get Saku back.  Saku isn't doing well, I'm sure it's a difficult adjustment for him and he misses Montreal.  Gomez hasn't impressed me and there doesn't seem to be enough room for him and his 7 mil to hang out in front of the net.  For less than half that price we could have my beloved captain back and offer Kovy, who's pining in Ottawa a hometown discount.  So the make believe lines would be Gionta/Pleks/Cammie and Kovy/Koivu/Kostitsyn.  Yeah, that's the ticket.

Okay, now back to reality.  I hate to say this but I think Pierre McGuire may have a point about pre-game ceremonies.   He says it's a distraction and a momentum shifter, the guys get all pumped up in the dressing room and then it falls flat when they have to stand around for too long before they play.  I honestly can't remember the last time les boys won a game after a jersey retirement or a delay of any kind.  Well if that's the case we're royally screwed on Friday night when Boston comes to town.  The festivities start at 5:45 and the game doesn't start until 8:00.  Eeek, we may as well kiss those two points goodbye now.

One last note for today, I'm really concerned about our new mascot, Spiny Norman.  I haven't seen him since he headed downtown for last night's game.  My inside sources claim they saw him drinking heavily in a shady dive called Porky's bar and Quill.  Not good, indeed.

Go Habs!

Okay Spiny, it's time to earn some of your paycheck, the Leafs are our arch enemies, they don't deserve any respect. Beat the living daylights out of them, take no prisoners, show no mercy.

Go Habs!

Okay Spiny, it's time to earn some of your paycheck, the Leafs are our arch enemies, they don't deserve any respect. Beat the living daylights out of them, take no prisoners, show no mercy.

Close, but no cigar.......

That was a bitter pill to swallow.  I thought the Habs looked dazed and confused in the first period, I was almost tempted to change the channel.  Whenever that happens, I always remember the famous comeback against the Rangers and decide to stick with it. I'm glad I did, they came out killing dead things in the second.  Price let in his token softies but made the big saves when it counted.  He gets a look in his eyes when Ovie has the puck and is coming in for the kill, "bring it on you SOB, gimme all you got." 

Fifteen seconds left in the game and we take a penalty.  Shit. Price decides to play defense, tries to clear the zone and puts it on  a Caps player's stick, chaos ensues and Mara goes off for high sticking.  Props to Boudreau for pulling the goaltender and they end up tying it. The Habs have to be more disciplined, it's literally pointless to play your guts out to catch up, take the lead  and then end up blowing it in the dying seconds.  The Habs have to smarten up and start finishing, Markov's return is on the horizon and they need all the points they can get to stay in the mix, there's no more room for screwing around.

Close, but no cigar.......

That was a bitter pill to swallow.  I thought the Habs looked dazed and confused in the first period, I was almost tempted to change the channel.  Whenever that happens, I always remember the famous comeback against the Rangers and decide to stick with it. I'm glad I did, they came out killing dead things in the second.  Price let in his token softies but made the big saves when it counted.  He gets a look in his eyes when Ovie has the puck and is coming in for the kill, "bring it on you SOB, gimme all you got." 

Fifteen seconds left in the game and we take a penalty.  Shit. Price decides to play defense, tries to clear the zone and puts it on  a Caps player's stick, chaos ensues and Mara goes off for high sticking.  Props to Boudreau for pulling the goaltender and they end up tying it. The Habs have to be more disciplined, it's literally pointless to play your guts out to catch up, take the lead  and then end up blowing it in the dying seconds.  The Habs have to smarten up and start finishing, Markov's return is on the horizon and they need all the points they can get to stay in the mix, there's no more room for screwing around.

Go you frigging Habs!

I'm sitting here giggling away, on the NHL network they are showing the 1967 Stanley Cup finals between the Habs and the Leafs, it's hard to believe it's been that long since the Leafs have won.   It's fun looking at the groovy hairdos and the fashion in the sixties.  Just previous to that they televised the 1966 final between the Habs and Detroit.  It amazed me how subdued the crowd was when the Habs won it, even the announcer just stated it as a matter of course.  God how I miss those days......  it was their 14th date with Stanley and it had almost become routine.   The best part of it is listening to Danny Gallivan calling the game, I still miss him.

 Meanwhile, I'm looking out the patio doors and watching  a backhoe completely destroy my backyard.  We're getting our foundation jacked up and repaired, you've never seen a mess like it, we have a shell of a swimming pool sitting in the middle of a pile of rubble.  Oy vay............

Go you frigging Habs!

I'm sitting here giggling away, on the NHL network they are showing the 1967 Stanley Cup finals between the Habs and the Leafs, it's hard to believe it's been that long since the Leafs have won.   It's fun looking at the groovy hairdos and the fashion in the sixties.  Just previous to that they televised the 1966 final between the Habs and Detroit.  It amazed me how subdued the crowd was when the Habs won it, even the announcer just stated it as a matter of course.  God how I miss those days......  it was their 14th date with Stanley and it had almost become routine.   The best part of it is listening to Danny Gallivan calling the game, I still miss him.

 Meanwhile, I'm looking out the patio doors and watching  a backhoe completely destroy my backyard.  We're getting our foundation jacked up and repaired, you've never seen a mess like it, we have a shell of a swimming pool sitting in the middle of a pile of rubble.  Oy vay............

Habs long range forecast......sunny

I really like what I'm seeing this year with our new Habs.  I thought they would have been blown out of the water by the Pens, but they looked pretty respectable out there.  Jacques Martin used the KISS principle for his game plan (keep it simple stupid) try to keep it at 0-0 for as long as possible and try to catch a break. Simple and pretty effective for the most part, if we had capitalized on a couple of scoring chances the outcome could have been a win or at least a tie. 

I'm getting a sense that this team believes they have a chance of winning regardless of the opponent.  Reminds me a little of the 1980's U.S.A. Olympic team, Jacques Martin must be doing a fine impression of Herb Brooks in the dressing room, whatever Jacques is telling the boys, they're buying into and believing. 

The advantage is having a lot of young players, some of whom are playing their first NHL games.  They're not jaded, seasoned veterans who know their limitations, quite the contrary, when I watch them play I believe anything is possible too.

Last season, when we were booted out of the playoffs in four straight by Boston, one of our players commented that they knew they had no chance against the Bruins.  If that's your belief system, it becomes reality. 

I now know why Bob Gainey cleaned house.  As much as I loved Koivu, Kovy etc.  there's no way they could have been successful under Jacques Martin and especially not with all these injuries.  Koivu just doesn't have the stamina anymore to play punishing minutes, Kovy never seemed to have a sense of urgency and I doubt he ever will.

The early return of Markov is great news, Hammer and Spacek have both been heroic, there's no point in a healthy Markov if the rest of our D is on burnout leave.

We still haven't seen this team play to it's true potential and so far it hasn't been too shabby, exciting times ahead;  the best is yet to come.  I believe, do you?


Last note:  I received an email from Ryan Stotland the other day.  He is a big Habs fan and he's doing a 12,000 km bike ride for charity in South America.  Please click this link if you haven't seen this yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDFLjsvG0AI

Habs long range forecast......sunny

I really like what I'm seeing this year with our new Habs.  I thought they would have been blown out of the water by the Pens, but they looked pretty respectable out there.  Jacques Martin used the KISS principle for his game plan (keep it simple stupid) try to keep it at 0-0 for as long as possible and try to catch a break. Simple and pretty effective for the most part, if we had capitalized on a couple of scoring chances the outcome could have been a win or at least a tie. 

I'm getting a sense that this team believes they have a chance of winning regardless of the opponent.  Reminds me a little of the 1980's U.S.A. Olympic team, Jacques Martin must be doing a fine impression of Herb Brooks in the dressing room, whatever Jacques is telling the boys, they're buying into and believing. 

The advantage is having a lot of young players, some of whom are playing their first NHL games.  They're not jaded, seasoned veterans who know their limitations, quite the contrary, when I watch them play I believe anything is possible too.

Last season, when we were booted out of the playoffs in four straight by Boston, one of our players commented that they knew they had no chance against the Bruins.  If that's your belief system, it becomes reality. 

I now know why Bob Gainey cleaned house.  As much as I loved Koivu, Kovy etc.  there's no way they could have been successful under Jacques Martin and especially not with all these injuries.  Koivu just doesn't have the stamina anymore to play punishing minutes, Kovy never seemed to have a sense of urgency and I doubt he ever will.

The early return of Markov is great news, Hammer and Spacek have both been heroic, there's no point in a healthy Markov if the rest of our D is on burnout leave.

We still haven't seen this team play to it's true potential and so far it hasn't been too shabby, exciting times ahead;  the best is yet to come.  I believe, do you?


Last note:  I received an email from Ryan Stotland the other day.  He is a big Habs fan and he's doing a 12,000 km bike ride for charity in South America.  Please click this link if you haven't seen this yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDFLjsvG0AI