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Go Habs Go - Fan Forum 08/09


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Did I just read that Sergei Samsanov scored on God... er I mean Price?!

Undermining your confidence this year is going to be easier than I thought.

As a Habs fan I can say there is no way you can undermine our confidence. We have spent more than a decade with a franchise which every year we doubted that they would even make the playoffs.

There are no guarantees but I think it's safe to say they are a playoff team this year. Any sensible fan would tell you last year (winning the East REGULAR season title) happened much quicker than expected.

Even with the PP issues and inconsistent play the Habs are a solid playoff team with the chance for home ice advantage ib the first round. If they can turn these issues around they will be a much better team overall.

The whole 100 year thing is cool but it is really just a reason to have ceremonies and sell merchandise. Yes, winning the Cup this year would be historical for the franchise and the league. In reality though the fans would rather have a Habs team that competes for years down the road and doesn't throw everything into one year.

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Your post doesnt even allude to Sens fans' arrogance over the past decade (a Cup-less decade I might add). Good for you Brad.

Probably because Brad sometimes understands what's relevant and what's not, unlike most in this forum. coughangréboochecough

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No doubt. And yeah, I did just want to shake things up here a little bit. It gets kind of boring at times, and Samsanov and the Bruins gave me a little ammo.

Merry holidays!

And 10 years of 'over-achieving' is a stretch for an expansion club. 5 of those we had a pay-roll half of what the big spenders had, and then when things were just getting good... bam... salary cap.

Zdeno is still Montreals worst enemy right now... and it's beautiful to see what he's done in Boston this year... as painful as it is for me to say it.

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Guest Low Roller

I'll always remember Dougie for this moment:

I remember that he was the only one that had any sort of passion on the ice during those playoffs. What a horrible period for the Habs.... Just look at the top ten scorers that year (2001-2002)

GPGAPTS

1Yanic PerreaultC82272956

2Richard ZednikR82222244

3Oleg PetrovR75241741

4Doug GilmourC70103141

5Joé JuneauC7082836

6Andreas DackellR79151833

7Patrice BriseboisD7142933

8Brian SavageL47141529

9Craig RivetD8281725

10Andrei MarkovD5651924
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When it comes to the Canadiens, there are expectations and then there are expectations. If you ask head coach Guy Carbonneau, he’ll tell you the team has met its expectations.

“We’re right where we want to be,†insists Carbonneau, who took a few days off to celebrate the Christmas season with an 18-9-6 record.

Carbonneau said there have been some nights when the Canadiens have had to deal with inconsistency, nights when the best players haven’t been the best players.

“You look around the league and every team has off nights.â€

But Carbonneau also said he recognizes that fans and media have different expectations. They have set lofty goals for this team after it finished first in the Eastern Conference last spring. They wonder why the Canadiens are fifth in the East this season.

A dispassionate look at the team’s standing indicates Carbonneau might have the best handle on where his team is and where it’s headed. Here are a few facts that might provide fans with some Christmas cheer:

• Record – The Canadiens have 42 points after 33 games. At the same point last season, they had 37 points. They are on a pace to finish with 104 points, the same total they reached last season when they led the East.

• Offence – There has been a lot of moaning about the power play which, quite bluntly, sucks. But the concern last year was the team’s inability to score at even strength. The Canadiens are doing quite well in 5-on-5 situations this year and the offence has produced 98 goals – three more than at this point last year.

• Defence – This is the team’s bread-and-butter and it has allowed 86 goals, one fewer than last year at this point. The Canadiens rank fourth in the NHL in goals-against average and that should be encouraging because we haven’t seen Carey Price at his best yet this season.

• Alex Kovalev – He had the second-best numbers of his career when he led the Habs with 84 points last season. This season, everyone is wondering what’s happened. In fact, he’s tied with Alex Tanguay and Andrei Markov for the team scoring lead with 26 points, despite going a career-high 19 games without a goal. And he’s not that far off last season’s pace when he had 28 points after 33 games.

That’s not to say this team doesn’t have some warts:

• Power play – After leading the NHL the past two seasons, the Canadiens are 28th. Who would have thought this team would miss Mark Streit so much? The good news is the coaching staff has have juggled the personnel and Montreal has gone 5-for-17 during the past three games.

• Injuries – The Habs have lost key players like Mike Komisarek, Saku Koivu and Christopher Higgins for extended periods, but Josh Gorges, Matt D’Agostini and Steve Bégin have filled in.

One concern heading into the post-Christmas period might be the fact that 27 of the Canadiens’ final 49 games will be on the road, but this team showed last year that it can play the roadwarrior role. Montreal picked up 54 points on the road last season and only 50 at home.

The Habs will get a chance to show they can get their act together on the road when they open a four-game trip Saturday in Pittsburgh. They’ll also play Florida, Tampa Bay and New Jersey. They had a combined 6-2 record against those teams on the road last season.

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Guest Low Roller

Top 12 Prospects Montreal Canadiens

1. Ryan McDonagh - Defence, 19 (1st round 12th overall 2007)

Hockey's Future Rank: #1

Habs' Prospects Rank: #2

Currently with Wisconsin (NCAA)

A steady two-way defenceman that does not do anything great, but to his credit he rarely makes a mistake and his hockey sense and decision making are very good. Has solid size at 6" 1' and 203 pounds which he uses frequently and makes opposing forwards pay for every inch of real estate near the net. McDonagh keeps opponents honest and generally to the outside with his strong overall skating ability while displaying enough quickness and agility to handle speed rushers. He has pretty decent puck skills for a defenceman and can stickhandle well enough to make some time and space for himself. Has a good powerful accurate shot from the point that can find holes and is easier to tip for forwards, but overall he is not projected to be a big point producer at the pro level. Can play with a nasty edge at times and likes to be overtly physical when in front of the net or along the wall although he has to learn to keep his emotions in check. Away from the puck his hockey sense allows him to break to the proper position without little hesitation while maintaining solid gap control and taking the right angles to the puck carrier. Once in the defensive zone McDonagh does a very good job of keeping his feet moving while keeping his head on a swivel and using an active stick to plug up the passing lanes. His experience in the upcoming U-20 WJC for team USA will go along way in taking his develop to the next level.

2. Max Pacioretty - Left Wing, 20 (1sr round 22nd overall 2007)

Hockey's Future Rank: #2

Habs' Prospects Rank: #1

Currently with Hamilton (AHL)

A skilled winger with a two-way pro style who can play gritty and produce offensively has reminded some of a young Shayne Corson. He has decent size at 6" 2' and 203 pounds and will most likely play at 215 once he fully matures. He uses his size well in battles for loose pucks and gets his nose dirty in front of the net. His puck skills are proficient since Pacioretty can stickhandle and cradle tough passes pretty well while showing some ability as a playmaker from the wing. He is a fine skater overall and gets around the ice and has the agility and strength on his skates to maintain a net presence. He has a quick accurate wrist shot and a heavy slap shot that is hard to handle. Considering that he played in the USHL two seasons ago, his defensive game is more advanced then some people had realized, but that is not to say he does not need some work in that area. Since the pace and tempo of decisions are that much quicker at the pro level, Pacioretty must consistently maintain the good habits without the puck. Having good habits, like getting the puck out past the defencemen, finding his check quickly, keeping his feet moving, active stick and puck support for his defencemen. He will need to be solid in those areas before he will be given a legitimate shot at a roster spot in Montreal. With his effort level, tenacious play and intangibles he could become a fan favorite very quickly. In his freshman season last year in Michigan he produced great offensive numbers with 39 points in 37 games along with 59 penalty minutes. This season in Hamilton he is projected to finish the season around 50 points in 80 games with over 90 penalty minutes which would be a solid season for a rookie.

3. Kyle Chipchura - Centre, 22 (1st Round, 18th overall 2004)

Hockey's Future Rank: #6

Habs' Prospects Rank: #5

Currently with Hamilton (AHL)

The gritty two-way checking centre at 6" 2' and 205 pounds has the leadership and intangibles that the Habs have been looking for and he could be valuable player for them in the future. He does not have elite pucks skills but he makes safe passes and stickhandles well enough to play at the NHL level. It is his good decisions both with and without the puck, largely due to his fine hockey sense and the ability to process information fairly quickly, that could allow him to play full time next year. He has an above average shot and is not expected to produce more than 50 points a year at the NHL level, but that was not the reason his was drafted. Although he did not put up big offensive number as a rookie two years ago in the AHL with 39 points in 80 games Chipchura played solid in all other areas. Chipchura's offensive production the following season was similar to his rookie season, but he earned a 36 game NHL call up where he did not look out of place. What makes him an intriguing player for the Habs is his strength without the puck and he is perhaps the best defensive forward among his prospect peers. At this time he consistently shadows his check and keeps his stick active while making good decisions in his zone. He knows which angles to take when defending as well as the value of good body position and he has a knack for blocking shots. After his success and experience at the WJC as the captain of gold medal winning Canadian squad, coupled with his playoff performance in the Calder Cup two seasons ago will help his development. He could be a traditional Selke-type player in the future and team leader.

4. David Fischer - Defence, 20 (1st Round, 20th overall 2006)

Hockey's Future Rank: #8

Habs' Prospects Rank: #10

Currently with Minnesota (NCAA)

At 6" 3' and 192 pounds he is an intriguing prospect who has the hockey sense and low-panic point to handle the NHL tempo and speed one day. He has made the transition from forward to defence in an impressive fashion considering the talent level he plays against. Fischer has enough overall puck skills to produce some offense as he makes good decisions with the puck and generally does not put the puck in danger. In the new NHL, defencemen better have at least solid mobility and Fischer is a deceptive skater who can surprise forwards on the forecheck with his agility. He does not possess a powerful slap shot and he could have better accuracy with a tendency to pass it off to his teammates. Over the past two seasons he has put up only 19 points in 87 games, but this season Fischer is on pace for 30 points which will more than double his output from last year. He is not a physical defenceman and plays more of a puck possession style defence and uses good body position with an active stick to ward off defenders. He is becoming adept at angling forwards and maintaining good gap control versus the rush and uses his ample wing span. Fischer is a disciplined player who rarely takes a bad penalty and is a strong five-on-five defender with a good plus/minus rating. The Habs will be patient and allow him to play at least three years in Minnesota before embarking on the AHL since defencemen always traditionally develop slower. He is potentially a solid NHL defenceman who is not flashy but could have a long effective career.

5. Ben Maxwell - Centre, 20 (2nd Round, 49th overall 2006)

Hockey's Future Rank: #5

Habs' Prospects Rank: #4

Currently with Hamilton (AHL)

Perhaps the fact he was undersized at 6"0' and 180 pounds is why teams passed on him in the first round of the NHL Draft. however this prospect could prove them wrong. Maxwell must gain power and weight to his frame if he wishes compete physically and avoid long term injury. Maxwell is a smart savvy centre that has the offensive and defensive awareness to be highly effective in both ends of the ice. He has good hockey sense and shows he can process information, making smart decisions quickly when the puck is on his stick. He skates well with the two-step quickness to get separation and the agility to avoid body contact but he needs more power in his stride. He's a good passer who can place the puck into tight areas even when skating at full speed. Considering Maxwell was a +17 three seasons ago and a +20 in 39 games in 2006-07 season shows his dedication to his team and he sacrifices his offensive opportunities. He has run into injury problems the last two seasons where he only played 39 and 31 games respectively. Has a way of stepping up his game in the postseason and has shown he can be clutch at that time of the year. His rookie season this year in the AHL has been impressive so far with 20 points in 26 games which earned him a call up to Montreal. Once he matures physically Maxwell could be a solid contributor at the NHL.

6. Ryan White - Centre, 20 (3rd Round, 66th overall 2006)

Hockey's Future Rank: #18

Habs' Prospects Rank: #12

Currently with Hamilton (AHL)

Another gritty hard working two-way hockey player in the mold of current Habs assistant coach Kirk Muller. He has decent size at 6"0' and 200 pounds and has all the intangibles teams look for with the willingness to pay the price to make plays and defend his zone. He has above average hockey sense and puck skills and gets most of his offensive production by hard work and opportunism while going to the dirty areas. With 161 points in 140 games along with 195 penalty minutes the last two seasons in the WHL, he showed the ability to dominate that level. The only really major concern about his game is his skating ability, but if he can improve that area and become an average NHL skater then he has a future. He made the jump to the AHL this season and has looked good as a rookie posting 16 points in 27 games but he must continue his hard work if he is to succeed. He might develop into a fine role player in the NHL who can play physical and kill penalties.

7. Matt D'Agostini - Right Wing, 22 (6th Round, 190th overall 2005)

Hockey's Future Rank: #9

Habs' Prospects Rank: #9

Currently with Hamilton/Montreal (AHL/NHL)

A late round pick that has shown potential over the last two seasons with 102 points in 139 games in the AHL. This season he has been on a tear offensively with 25 points in 20 games before being called up to the NHL. At 6"0' and 183 pounds he will need to make sure he has the adequate strength to compete on a nightly basis as it could affect his consistency. Shows enough hockey sense and good skating ability to play at the pro level and it is a matter if he can find a role and put it all together on both sides of the ice. Has a knack for scoring goals in bunches with a quick right handed release and the accuracy that can fool netminders. He is one of those players that gets the most out of his talent by working hard and finding a way to contribute and might have a nice career if he completely dedicates himself on and off the ice. If he can learn to be at least average defensively in the NHL he might be a valuable role player who can contribute offensively.

8. Mathieu Carle - Defence, 21 (2nd Round, 53rd overall 2006)

Hockey's Future Rank: #11

Habs' Prospects Rank: #11

Currently with Hamilton (AHL)

Considering he had 195 points in 258 games in the QMJHL and is 6"2' and 210 pounds with very good skating ability one would think he could have been drafted higher. He has the hockey sense to run the powerplay but doing it consistently at higher tempo and speed is always an adjustment for young defencemen. His defensive game needs some fine tuning over the next couple years as he must improve on maintaining body position, making sure he keeps his feet moving and his head on a swivel. He had played well for a rookie in the AHL with 24 points in 64 games and just needs some time to fine-tune his game and compete hard. Although he has talent he still has some things to work on and may take another three years, he is a project that might be worth the wait.

9. P.K. Subban - Defence, 19 (2nd round 43rd overall 2007)

Hockey's Future Rank: #7

Habs' Prospects Rank: #3

Currently with Belleville (OHL)

Subban is a 6" 0' and 202 pound defenceman that plays with moxie and relentless hard work. He shows fine hockey sense and vision with the puck and has improved by taking fewer risks. Subban has produced big numbers from the blueline with 102 points in 128 games over past two seasons in the OHL. His offensive numbers are even more impressive this year for the Bulls as he 37 points in only 29 games. A hard right handed accurate shot from point makes him a weapon and he usually keeps it low for the forwards to tip. Subban has good overall mobility due to his athleticism but his skating mechanics need a little refining to be more efficient. Works hard in his defensive zone and uses his quick feet and body position to thwart opportunities. It is hard not to like his enthusiasm and energy on the ice and his willingness to be a team player. His experience at the WJC last season and this year along with the Memorial Cup experience will take his development to another level and he could be a solid pro.

10. Yannick Weber - Defence, 20 (3rd round 73rd overall 2007)

Hockey's Future Rank: #10

Habs' Prospects Rank: #8

Currently with Hamilton (AHL)

Offensive minded Swiss-born defenceman has opened some eyes over the past two seasons in the OHL. At 5"10' and 195 pounds he is not much to look at but he can create offense from the backend with 96 points in 110 games played. His production does not dip off in the post season and last year when it got rough on the way to the Memorial Cup, Weber had averaged a point a game. Has the passing ability to make a quick breakout pass and can avoid the forecheck and hit the forwards at full speed through the neutral zone. His accurate right handed shot is an asset on the powerplay and Weber does a good job of walking the blueline and finding seams to get the puck through. He is a puck possession defender and is at his best when he keeps his feet moving and gets the puck off his stick quickly up the ice. Shows the hockey sense and vision to play at the next level but will he accept the sacrifice and physical punishment it takes to make it to the NHL. To his credit he was willing to mix it up at the junior level and Weber must show the same kind of moxie at the AHL long term. To his credit he has adjusted quite well to the rigours of the pro game so far and is leading the Bulldogs in points from the blueline and has a positive plus/minus rating.

11. Danny Kristo - Right Wing, 18 (2nd round 56th overall 2008)

Hockey's Future Rank: #12

Habs' Prospects Rank: #6

Currently with Omaha (USHL)

"The Count" is a speed demon forward that has the ability to create serious mismatches in one on one situation's and has excellent two step quickness with an extra burst in his stride. Not the biggest player at 5"11' and 172 pounds, but he makes up for it with enough jam and competitiveness at junior level. He will need to add a greater power-to-weight ratio and 15 pounds to his frame before he reaches the pro ranks to handle the rigours and avoid injuries. His hockey sense and puck skills are good but not elite and he should be able to play at a high tempo and speed in terms of decision making. He moves the puck pretty well at full speed, which is needed since he gets their in a flash and buzzes around jumping on loose pucks. Once Kristo figures out the nuances of the defensive side of the game he might be a very valuable penalty killer, since his speed against defenceman on the point could disrupt power plays. A project for the Habs that they will be patient with, Kristo could eventually be a nice addition to any NHL roster. The upcoming WJC for team USA will be a tremendous experience for him and a barometer on what he must work on in the future.

12. Pavel Valentenko - Defence, 21 (5th round 139th overall 2006)

Hockey's Future Rank: #14

Habs' Prospects Rank: #7

Currently with Moscow (KHL)

Now this strapping defenceman at 6"2' and 210 pounds is not the most graceful but he plays hard and shows up and competes. Valentenko proved that he play at the AHL as a 20-year old defenceman posting 16 points in 57 games along with 58 penalty minutes. He does not have high level skill set or hockey sense but is decision making his pretty consistent with or without the puck for a young defenceman. Now that he has returned to Russia for a more lucrative contract he may be a gone long term but his play last year makes him worthy enough to stay on the list for now. If he can handle the tempo and speed of the NHL he could become a valuable depth defenceman in a few seasons.

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When I think about the Montreal Canadiens, especially with their 100th anniversary celebration underway, I immediately think of Jean Beliveau.

He was, as we all know, one of the greatest Canadiens ever and, in my opinion, he was the classiest.

I have a great memory of Jean Beliveau that dates back a lot of years now. I was doing a game in the old Boston Garden on a Sunday afternoon several years ago. I had Mickey Redmond as my colour man. Well, that day the Canadiens won the game in overtime over the Bruins.

After the game, Mickey and I went downstairs to our studio, which was in the far corner of the Garden. Not too far away, the Canadiens had set up a VIP lounge with some food and drinks for their traveling party.

We here going back to Montreal on the team charter and were invited to drop by until we left for the airport.

So we went in with all the Montreal executives, family and friends, who were all feeling good as you would expect. After a while, Jean Beliveau came in the room and we exchanged greetings. A lady - a wife of one of directors - came by and asked Jean if had scored many overtime goals in his great career. Jean thought about it and finally said he wasn't sure, he didn't think he had scored any overtime goals.

Well, I knew the answer to that one and I jumped in said "yes you did Mr. Beliveau. You scored a goal for Montreal right here in the Boston Garden, it was in the second overtime in a game in the 1969 playoffs. You scored the goal and won the game on a pass from Claude Provost at 11:28 of the second overtime."

Everyone was looking at me like I was some kind of stats nut, or something, but Jean nodded and after a while his eyes got larger and he said, "I did?"

I said, "yes, it was a great goal, top the corner, under the bar."

He couldn't believe it.

The next day, after we got back to Montreal, I gave him a call. I had to tell him the story. He said he was astounded by what happened, but he looked it up and, yes, I was right.

So I told him how I knew it so quickly and with so many details.

That game just happened to be my very first play-by-play assignment in the National Hockey League. Of course I would remember, it was so special. I was calling the game on CBC radio and my partner was Bob McDevitt. Jean was delighted to hear the story.

Well, four years ago, I'm calling a game at the Bell Centre in Montreal. During the game, Jean was being interviewed downstairs. I called down to the truck and asked them to ask Jean if he would see me after the game. I had never had a picture taken with him, this great Canadiens legend. After the game, he was waiting for me in the Canadiens VIP lounge and we had the picture taken.

It was a great picture and a few weeks later I called the Canadiens PR director Donald Beauchamp and asked him if he could get Jean to write something on the picture in French.

This was just another example of how classy this man is. He wrote, in French: "Bob - This is a souvenir of our friendship, which began in 1969."

So many years later he remembered the story. Unbelievable. What a memory that is.

What can you say about him as a player? He was one of the greatest ever. He was one of the all-time classiest players on and off the ice. He was big and strong and great skater. He was great in the regular season, great in the playoffs. He was the captain and leader for so many years.

Jean Beliveau is such a gentleman, so classy, a special person.

A great man and a great Montreal Canadien.

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Guest Low Roller

Game on!

Because of all the injuries, the Habs have recalled Kyle Chipchura (who himself is returning from injury) and Max Pacioretty on an emergency basis just in case. They are not expected to play.

I'm kind of pissed off about this because I'm going to the Bulldogs game tomorrow night and all the top prospects (Chips, Dags, Maxwell, and Pacioretty) won't be there.

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