Notes on the third:
-Ah...there's Cammalleri. Nice one-legged jig to get out in front for a shot.
-Gomez. Haven't seen so little hustle since the death of disco.
-Gill and Spacek are a marriage made in defensive hell.
-Good use of the time out by Martin.
-You have to love HDTV. We now know Price has a broken blood vessel in his right eye.
-Hammer time! Sometimes he has flashbacks to being the first overall pick. Easy garbage for Cammy.
-Wish Price had made that shot. Great win!
Notes on the second:
-Not having a D who can make a successful forward pass is hurting the transition game.
-That wasn't hooking by Plekanec. It was holding the stick with the armpit by the Sharks.
-Why does it seem the Canadiens never know where the puck is?
-It's easier to move snowplows than it is these Sharks.
-Price is handling the puck like he's roping calves.
-That Eller/Darche/Pouliot line has size, moves and persistence. Hello, second line!
-Is Cammalleri in uniform tonight? I haven't noticed.
-Plekanec's better than chocolate.
-Nice bounce back period. The physical Sharks aren't intimidating anyone.
Notes on the first:
-I understand Martin's reasoning in keeping Subban out again today, but I'd rather see him in against the big Sharks anyway.
-Nice fast start, but it'll be interesting to see what happens when the San Jose forecheck kicks in.
-Beautiful work by Pouliot on the Darche goal. And great puck pursuit by Darche himself.
-Are these the Canadiens, effectively forechecking? I must be dreaming during my afternoon nap.
-This is the kind of game when it's good to have a body like Andrei Kostitsyn's.
-Gill's looking a bit baffled by the little round black thing.
-Oh, Carey. I hope that doesn't signal a return of the rotten luck that dogged him in the last couple of seasons.
-Ten-four shots in favour of San Jose. It didn't look that way.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Body Blow
Three weeks ago, we were devastated to hear rumours Andrei Markov would be out of action for three months with yet another knee injury. That prognosis seems fantastic now. Now, looking at an entire year without him, it's a crushing blow.
Our disappointment first must be for the man himself. Markov has given a lot to the Canadiens, and loves playing hockey. This latest injury has to be crushing for a guy who's spent most of the last two years rehabbing, sitting on the sidelines and helplessly watching his team go on without him. Missing the game itself is bad enough, but now Markov has to deal with more pain, more surgery and more rehab. Worse, it's all happening at a stage in his career when he was hoping to sign his last big contract and finish up as a Hab. That's all in jeopardy now, with the doubts about his long-term health this situation has stirred up.
Lots of fans will put a bright face on the situation. The Canadiens are winning without him, the power play is recovering, Subban is capable of playing Markov's minutes and the loss of the team's most expensive defenceman opens up millions in cap space that Gauthier can use to improve the forward lines.
All of that is true, but it's an overly optimistic view. It's rare for a team to succeed without an elite defenceman. Last year the Habs managed to get by the Penguins without Markov, but against Philly, when an effective PP might have made the difference in a game or two, his loss was much more keenly felt. Subban may be the kind of guy who can fill that role in a couple of years, but, as we saw against the Oilers, he's still a kid with a lot to learn. Andrei Markov is an All Star, number-one defenceman and he's not that easy to replace. His absence might save the team his salary, but whatever Gauthier uses the money to buy won't be Markov and won't fill the hole he leaves.
Cap space alone isn't a solution either. It allows the Canadiens to pay a new acquisition, but first the Habs have to spend assets to get that guy. WIth Markov in the lineup, they keep their picks and prospects. Now, if they want to use that cap space, they have to spend something they probably don't want to spend first.
Still, something will happen with the money. It has to, but it won't be right away. With the team holding on to first place in the division, Gauthier has the luxury of waiting for the right deal to come along. The team needs a couple of pieces to be a real contender. It needs to get a defenceman to shore up the Markov-less blue line. It also needs a tough forward with hands who can round out the Gomez line and not collapse under Philly's forecheck. One or both of those might be acquired with the money the Habs are saving. They still won't replace Andrei Markov.
I think it's important for the team to re-sign Markov this year. He's not yet 35, so if he should retire early or sustain another injury, he won't count against the cap. If he comes back even at 80% of the player he used to be, he'll be worth his contract. He's the kind of asset you don't want to see end up with a rival. His loyalty to the team and determination to make himself whole again deserve repayment by management. Two years at four million to show good faith and give him a chance to prove he can still play would be enough. There's no question his leadership and the quality of his play are worth that.
For now, while Gauthier is busy looking for a way to get best value for the cap space he's just acquired, we should be realistic. Whatever he gets won't be Andrei Markov, and the day the team's best defenceman got broken again could very well be the day the season changed for the Canadiens.
Our disappointment first must be for the man himself. Markov has given a lot to the Canadiens, and loves playing hockey. This latest injury has to be crushing for a guy who's spent most of the last two years rehabbing, sitting on the sidelines and helplessly watching his team go on without him. Missing the game itself is bad enough, but now Markov has to deal with more pain, more surgery and more rehab. Worse, it's all happening at a stage in his career when he was hoping to sign his last big contract and finish up as a Hab. That's all in jeopardy now, with the doubts about his long-term health this situation has stirred up.
Lots of fans will put a bright face on the situation. The Canadiens are winning without him, the power play is recovering, Subban is capable of playing Markov's minutes and the loss of the team's most expensive defenceman opens up millions in cap space that Gauthier can use to improve the forward lines.
All of that is true, but it's an overly optimistic view. It's rare for a team to succeed without an elite defenceman. Last year the Habs managed to get by the Penguins without Markov, but against Philly, when an effective PP might have made the difference in a game or two, his loss was much more keenly felt. Subban may be the kind of guy who can fill that role in a couple of years, but, as we saw against the Oilers, he's still a kid with a lot to learn. Andrei Markov is an All Star, number-one defenceman and he's not that easy to replace. His absence might save the team his salary, but whatever Gauthier uses the money to buy won't be Markov and won't fill the hole he leaves.
Cap space alone isn't a solution either. It allows the Canadiens to pay a new acquisition, but first the Habs have to spend assets to get that guy. WIth Markov in the lineup, they keep their picks and prospects. Now, if they want to use that cap space, they have to spend something they probably don't want to spend first.
Still, something will happen with the money. It has to, but it won't be right away. With the team holding on to first place in the division, Gauthier has the luxury of waiting for the right deal to come along. The team needs a couple of pieces to be a real contender. It needs to get a defenceman to shore up the Markov-less blue line. It also needs a tough forward with hands who can round out the Gomez line and not collapse under Philly's forecheck. One or both of those might be acquired with the money the Habs are saving. They still won't replace Andrei Markov.
I think it's important for the team to re-sign Markov this year. He's not yet 35, so if he should retire early or sustain another injury, he won't count against the cap. If he comes back even at 80% of the player he used to be, he'll be worth his contract. He's the kind of asset you don't want to see end up with a rival. His loyalty to the team and determination to make himself whole again deserve repayment by management. Two years at four million to show good faith and give him a chance to prove he can still play would be enough. There's no question his leadership and the quality of his play are worth that.
For now, while Gauthier is busy looking for a way to get best value for the cap space he's just acquired, we should be realistic. Whatever he gets won't be Andrei Markov, and the day the team's best defenceman got broken again could very well be the day the season changed for the Canadiens.
Friday, December 3, 2010
My New Sweater
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Well, here it is. Ironically, it arrived fifteen years to the day after my Habs hero played his last game wearing it. I thought it over carefully, and I went with Roy because he's the reason I fell in love with the Canadiens in the beginning, and he's the one whose magic helped win the only two Habs' Cups I remember well. Thanks for all the input!
Aftermath: The Devils Are Not Very Good This Year
Last night's game was all about the future. Yannick Weber must have been sitting in the pressbox for the last week, wondering what the hell he'd have to do to get into the lineup. As it turned out, he just had to wait until another rookie screwed up and think about what he'd do when he got his shot. He obviously spent a long time thinking, because he played an excellent game against the Devils. The brightest moment for him was on a Devils' 2-on-1. Weber played it perfectly; took away the pass until the last moment, then moved at the shooter, forcing him to fumble the play. The kid's biggest knock is that he's weak in his own end, but he didn't look it last night. His assist on Scott Gomez' PP goal made him look even better. Weber has been tearing up the AHL, and now he's serving notice he's ready for a real NHL shot. He deserves that shot, and Martin will have a tough decision to make regarding whether he gets it, or P.K.Subban bumps him back to the press box tomorrow.
Weber's performance wasn't the only glimpse of the future we saw against the Devils. Lars Eller has been getting better and better in every game, and he and Benoit Pouliot are developing the kind of chemistry that's turning them into more of a second line than a third or fourth. These two guys are first-round draft picks, so they've obviously got skills. What they need are ice time, decent linemates and a dose of confidence. Martin's giving them about twelve minutes a night to prove themselves, and they're helping each other finish plays. That helps them build the confidence that drives success. They had a goal apiece last night with no time on the PP. When they start getting rewarded with power play minutes, they'll score even more.
The present and future in the net was his usual stellar self. Carey Price looked very good on some hard shots and managed to stay alert despite a few quiet stretches in his end. Flagging concentration has always been one of his weaknesses, but he's showing some much improved attention to detail and mental strength this year.
Tom Pyatt might not be a future offensive dynamo, but he's a guy every team needs. He's a big reason why the PK is first in the league and he's very smart in his own end. It was great to see him get rewarded with a goal because you just know every one is so precious to him.
Josh Gorges is showing why he needs to be part of the team's future too. At 26, he's become invaluable to the Canadiens defence. One of the best parts of his game is his durability. He plays through pain and maintains his great positioning and smart puck movement despite it. He's in the last year of a very modest contract this year, and Gauthier needs to think about opening negotiations to keep him around long term.
That was a game the Habs needed to win. A loss after the disheartening collapse against Edmonton would have been just the kind of event to trigger a losing streak. The blown points in the last few losses are pretty disappointing, but last night's effort proved the team recognizes it can do better. If they're confident in their ability to bounce back like that, it signals good things for the immediate future. The key to remaining in a good position in this parity-driven league is to be consistent and avoid long slumps. The Canadiens, so far, are managing to do that.
If last night was a glimpse of the Habs future, things are looking good indeed. It's been a long time since we could say that and believe it.
Weber's performance wasn't the only glimpse of the future we saw against the Devils. Lars Eller has been getting better and better in every game, and he and Benoit Pouliot are developing the kind of chemistry that's turning them into more of a second line than a third or fourth. These two guys are first-round draft picks, so they've obviously got skills. What they need are ice time, decent linemates and a dose of confidence. Martin's giving them about twelve minutes a night to prove themselves, and they're helping each other finish plays. That helps them build the confidence that drives success. They had a goal apiece last night with no time on the PP. When they start getting rewarded with power play minutes, they'll score even more.
The present and future in the net was his usual stellar self. Carey Price looked very good on some hard shots and managed to stay alert despite a few quiet stretches in his end. Flagging concentration has always been one of his weaknesses, but he's showing some much improved attention to detail and mental strength this year.
Tom Pyatt might not be a future offensive dynamo, but he's a guy every team needs. He's a big reason why the PK is first in the league and he's very smart in his own end. It was great to see him get rewarded with a goal because you just know every one is so precious to him.
Josh Gorges is showing why he needs to be part of the team's future too. At 26, he's become invaluable to the Canadiens defence. One of the best parts of his game is his durability. He plays through pain and maintains his great positioning and smart puck movement despite it. He's in the last year of a very modest contract this year, and Gauthier needs to think about opening negotiations to keep him around long term.
That was a game the Habs needed to win. A loss after the disheartening collapse against Edmonton would have been just the kind of event to trigger a losing streak. The blown points in the last few losses are pretty disappointing, but last night's effort proved the team recognizes it can do better. If they're confident in their ability to bounce back like that, it signals good things for the immediate future. The key to remaining in a good position in this parity-driven league is to be consistent and avoid long slumps. The Canadiens, so far, are managing to do that.
If last night was a glimpse of the Habs future, things are looking good indeed. It's been a long time since we could say that and believe it.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Habs vs. Devils - Them Again Edition
Notes on the third:
-I don't love the Ole song, but hearing it New Jersey is sweet.
-Crap. I wanted the shutout for Price, but you could see that play developing a mile away.
-Gomez should get the Benoit Brunet Memorial Trophy for missing the most open nets in a season.
-It's nice that there's always an extra Hab there to clear the puck out of danger.
-Great game. See? They can beat anyone when they all decide to work for it.
Notes on the second:
-Weber's making some nice defensive plays. Uh oh! Defence controversy!
-Nice for Pyatt's hard work to finally pay off. This year, he's the best player involved in the Gomez trade.
-Speaking of Gomez, he finally finished something. It must feel like Tolstoy when he put the pen down after War and Peace.
-Pouliot! And he stayed on his feet!
-Martin must be ready to spit nails at the two-for-one dumbass penalties. Beautiful kill though.
-I swear I heard Kostitsyn think when he decided not to cross the blueline and put himself offside.
-Good period. Highly entertaining to hear the Devils crowd boo their own team.
Notes on the first:
-How cute! There are two little Giontas.
-Well, okay, if they want to score a goal a minute, we'll take it! Gio's showing mom and dad why he's the gifted one.
-Eller's going to be such a good player. The best thing about him is that he never thinks he's too good for the third line because he was a first-round pick.
-Poor Pleks...he says he doesn't understand why he can score on spontaneous breakaways, but never on planned ones. He figures he has too much time to think.
-I like how Weber's feet are always moving.
-Hammer covered up for Price like a quilt on a four-poster.
-Hal Gill's ten-foot stick is reason enough to sign him for another year.
-Way too much deep pinching going on by the Habs' D.
-Not a bad period, but it would have been nice to see the early intensity carried through the whole 20. They need to keep the speed going.
-I don't love the Ole song, but hearing it New Jersey is sweet.
-Crap. I wanted the shutout for Price, but you could see that play developing a mile away.
-Gomez should get the Benoit Brunet Memorial Trophy for missing the most open nets in a season.
-It's nice that there's always an extra Hab there to clear the puck out of danger.
-Great game. See? They can beat anyone when they all decide to work for it.
Notes on the second:
-Weber's making some nice defensive plays. Uh oh! Defence controversy!
-Nice for Pyatt's hard work to finally pay off. This year, he's the best player involved in the Gomez trade.
-Speaking of Gomez, he finally finished something. It must feel like Tolstoy when he put the pen down after War and Peace.
-Pouliot! And he stayed on his feet!
-Martin must be ready to spit nails at the two-for-one dumbass penalties. Beautiful kill though.
-I swear I heard Kostitsyn think when he decided not to cross the blueline and put himself offside.
-Good period. Highly entertaining to hear the Devils crowd boo their own team.
Notes on the first:
-How cute! There are two little Giontas.
-Well, okay, if they want to score a goal a minute, we'll take it! Gio's showing mom and dad why he's the gifted one.
-Eller's going to be such a good player. The best thing about him is that he never thinks he's too good for the third line because he was a first-round pick.
-Poor Pleks...he says he doesn't understand why he can score on spontaneous breakaways, but never on planned ones. He figures he has too much time to think.
-I like how Weber's feet are always moving.
-Hammer covered up for Price like a quilt on a four-poster.
-Hal Gill's ten-foot stick is reason enough to sign him for another year.
-Way too much deep pinching going on by the Habs' D.
-Not a bad period, but it would have been nice to see the early intensity carried through the whole 20. They need to keep the speed going.
Subby Don't
So, Jacques Martin has decided to bench P.K. Subban, boy wonder, for having a bad game last night, and half the Habs fans with opinions are cursing him for hurting Subban's confidence and ruining a fine young player.
That's ridiculous. Martin is building a player here, not wrecking one. There's no doubt P.K.'s got the skills to be a fine NHL player, even a true star, for many years. There's more to being a star than just skill, however. A young player who's thrust into the limelight in a city as adoring as Montreal risks getting a fat head and forgetting why people loved him in the first place.
I don't believe P.K.Subban is arrogant or has an overly well-exercised ego. I think he consciously tries to remember his responsibility to act like a professional and keep his priorities straight. That's off the ice. On the ice, there's a fine line between supreme confidence in one's ability and arrogance. If Subban is given a starter's job with big responsibility and little in the way of restraint, it will be almost impossible for him to keep a rookie's humility; the kind of humility a player needs to remain open to learning.
Every player needs to know he's part of a team, and no matter how big his skill, he's replaceable. If he starts thinking things revolve around him, he loses sight of the team's goals and takes too much on himself. It happened to Carey Price in the first couple of years of his career, when he was handed a big, important role on the team, and he started thinking like a guy who knew more than he actually did. It took a hard crash for him to realize instant stardom still requires hard work.
Jacques Martin is benching Subban because the kid had a bad game last night, and needs to know he's not yet so secure that he can play like that with impunity. It's true he didn't play as poorly as some of the veterans, but he's at a different place in his career than they are. He's particularly vulnerable to thinking he's the king of the world, and it's up to the coach to make sure that doesn't happen. This is part of any rookie's learning curve, and P.K.Subban, for all his talent, is still just a rookie.
The move may hurt the team tonight because Subban's better than Yannick Weber. In the long run, though, the hope is that it teaches a lesson the kid needs to learn to be a better player later. Kudos to the coach for having balls enough to teach it when everyone is yelling and telling him he's wrong.
That's ridiculous. Martin is building a player here, not wrecking one. There's no doubt P.K.'s got the skills to be a fine NHL player, even a true star, for many years. There's more to being a star than just skill, however. A young player who's thrust into the limelight in a city as adoring as Montreal risks getting a fat head and forgetting why people loved him in the first place.
I don't believe P.K.Subban is arrogant or has an overly well-exercised ego. I think he consciously tries to remember his responsibility to act like a professional and keep his priorities straight. That's off the ice. On the ice, there's a fine line between supreme confidence in one's ability and arrogance. If Subban is given a starter's job with big responsibility and little in the way of restraint, it will be almost impossible for him to keep a rookie's humility; the kind of humility a player needs to remain open to learning.
Every player needs to know he's part of a team, and no matter how big his skill, he's replaceable. If he starts thinking things revolve around him, he loses sight of the team's goals and takes too much on himself. It happened to Carey Price in the first couple of years of his career, when he was handed a big, important role on the team, and he started thinking like a guy who knew more than he actually did. It took a hard crash for him to realize instant stardom still requires hard work.
Jacques Martin is benching Subban because the kid had a bad game last night, and needs to know he's not yet so secure that he can play like that with impunity. It's true he didn't play as poorly as some of the veterans, but he's at a different place in his career than they are. He's particularly vulnerable to thinking he's the king of the world, and it's up to the coach to make sure that doesn't happen. This is part of any rookie's learning curve, and P.K.Subban, for all his talent, is still just a rookie.
The move may hurt the team tonight because Subban's better than Yannick Weber. In the long run, though, the hope is that it teaches a lesson the kid needs to learn to be a better player later. Kudos to the coach for having balls enough to teach it when everyone is yelling and telling him he's wrong.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Aftermath: Hubris
When a team has the kind of great playoff run the Habs had last season, that team can get a little bit arrogant. After all, when you've taken down the best team in the league, as well as the defending Stanley Cup champs, you start to build some street cred. You're suddenly not the "scraped into eighth place AGAIN" Canadiens. You're a little bit like your dad's Canadiens; the ones who used to run through the playoffs like Usain Bolt runs through the 100 metres.
Unfortunately, the arrogance inherent in redefining a team that way tends to blind it to the reality that the NHL is actually a house league. Any team can win on any given night, and expecting a lower-ranked team to fall at your feet can only lead to trouble.
That's what happened last night. The Canadiens went into that game thinking the Oilers were a team of rookies with the worst PK in the league, ranking around the bottom of the standings. They figured, when they popped a couple of PP goals, that the Oilers were living down to their reputation. They got a two-goal lead and they let down.
The problem with doing that against a young, inexperienced team is that they don't know they can't win. They're enthusiastic and they still believe anything is possible. Giving them the smell of blood in the water by giving up that horrid short-handed goal (thanks again, refs for completely failing to call the trip on Cammalleri) should have been a wake up call. The Oilers, at that point, believed they could win. The Canadiens, unfortunately, thought they could still control the action.
The Oilers' speedy young players, who had an advantage against the Canadiens' slow defence, piled on the pressure and the Habs didn't respond. The giveaway by Cammalleri that led to the winner was typical of the entire game. He thought he could chip it ahead and make a cutesy play up to a teammate. It got intercepted and everyone was caught because the Oilers were turning the transition game faster than the Habs' D could handle it.
A lot of people will dump on Subban for his error in throwing himself at the puck on the short-handed tying goal. They'll swear at him for his lousy pass to Cammalleri on the winner. But they forget, most rookies make those kinds of plays two games out of three. The fact that we're at game 25 and we can count on one hand the number of times Subban has cost his team is remarkable. Nobody should crap on him except his coach.
Price was brilliant again. None of the blame should fall on his doorstep. Except for the Fraser long shot on the PP, which was arguable, he gave up goals on scrambles when the D should have removed the shooter, and on odd-man rushes.
Again, the lack of finish is hurting the team. They had tons of chances and didn't complete the plays. If Markov is out for the year and a deadline deal is in the works, it should maybe be a scoring winger. The centres can make the plays, but nobody is finishing. The D could use help, but the forwards need it more.
In the end, the Canadiens should have learned a lesson in that game. That is, nobody can be taken lightly, and every team, every night, has a chance to win. The Habs thought they could bank the two points without any worry. They played the Oilers light, and the Oilers took advantage. Now the Habs have to hope the Devils do the same thing to them.
Unfortunately, the arrogance inherent in redefining a team that way tends to blind it to the reality that the NHL is actually a house league. Any team can win on any given night, and expecting a lower-ranked team to fall at your feet can only lead to trouble.
That's what happened last night. The Canadiens went into that game thinking the Oilers were a team of rookies with the worst PK in the league, ranking around the bottom of the standings. They figured, when they popped a couple of PP goals, that the Oilers were living down to their reputation. They got a two-goal lead and they let down.
The problem with doing that against a young, inexperienced team is that they don't know they can't win. They're enthusiastic and they still believe anything is possible. Giving them the smell of blood in the water by giving up that horrid short-handed goal (thanks again, refs for completely failing to call the trip on Cammalleri) should have been a wake up call. The Oilers, at that point, believed they could win. The Canadiens, unfortunately, thought they could still control the action.
The Oilers' speedy young players, who had an advantage against the Canadiens' slow defence, piled on the pressure and the Habs didn't respond. The giveaway by Cammalleri that led to the winner was typical of the entire game. He thought he could chip it ahead and make a cutesy play up to a teammate. It got intercepted and everyone was caught because the Oilers were turning the transition game faster than the Habs' D could handle it.
A lot of people will dump on Subban for his error in throwing himself at the puck on the short-handed tying goal. They'll swear at him for his lousy pass to Cammalleri on the winner. But they forget, most rookies make those kinds of plays two games out of three. The fact that we're at game 25 and we can count on one hand the number of times Subban has cost his team is remarkable. Nobody should crap on him except his coach.
Price was brilliant again. None of the blame should fall on his doorstep. Except for the Fraser long shot on the PP, which was arguable, he gave up goals on scrambles when the D should have removed the shooter, and on odd-man rushes.
Again, the lack of finish is hurting the team. They had tons of chances and didn't complete the plays. If Markov is out for the year and a deadline deal is in the works, it should maybe be a scoring winger. The centres can make the plays, but nobody is finishing. The D could use help, but the forwards need it more.
In the end, the Canadiens should have learned a lesson in that game. That is, nobody can be taken lightly, and every team, every night, has a chance to win. The Habs thought they could bank the two points without any worry. They played the Oilers light, and the Oilers took advantage. Now the Habs have to hope the Devils do the same thing to them.
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