Hab Hits

>Lil Tits was sent down to Hamilton of the AHL. Rumours are circulating that he may head to the KHL, but his agent has advised him to honor his contract and report to Hamilton. The Habs then sent 5 more players down a few days later (Pyatt, Maxwell, Carle, Weber and Sanford).

>Breezy officially retires from the NHL. Say what you want about the guy, he must have loved playing for the Canadiens. Why else would he return to a city that basically ran him out of town by constantly booing him. His biggest problem was signing the big contract.

>Franky B. has caught on with the Preds.

>Robert Lang is close to signing a deal with the Coyotes (pending a physical).

>The Habs left on their retreat and the following lines appear to be what we will see against the Laffs:

Pacs/Gomez/Gionta

Big Tits/Pleks/Cammi

Lats/Lappy/Dags

Moen/Metro/BGL

Habs End Preseason on Winning Note

The Montreal Canadiens ended their exhibition season with a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres. I wasn't able to take in the action, so really have no idea how the game went. From looking at stats and watching highlights it looks like the Sabres jumped out to an early 2-0 lead before the Habs scored 3 unanswered to come away with the victory. Everyone's new favorite Canadien Brian Gionta scored and was named first star. Lapierre and Stewart (with his first ever goal in a Habs uniform) rounded out the scoring. Carey Price made 29 saves in net while the Sabres Ryan Miller made 18. Ryan O'Byrne scored a decision over rat Patrick Kaleta after a typical cheap Kaleta hit on Tom Pyatt (who left and did not return). Montreal played without Andrei Markov and Mike Cammalleri but had the rest of the regulars in the lineup.

The Habs are now off to a retreat in Ontario for some team bonding before kicking off the regular season in Toronto on Thursday. The preseason record finished at 4-2-1. The wait is almost over....

Habs Drop Another One To The Bruins

The Canadiens came out on the short end of a 2-1 shootout loss to their old rivals the Bruins Thursday at the Bell Centre. The loss pushed the preseason record to 3-2-1. The Bruins were missing many of their key players like Chara, Savard and Lucic. The Habs also played without several key pieces as Gionta, Markov and the injured crew all sat out. Mike Cammalleri left after the first with what is being described as a lower body injury. Lil Tits scored the Habs lone goal and Halak and Thomas were both sharp. The Canadiens had an advantage in shots and killed off a penalty late and then another in OT before the Bruins were caught with too many men on the ice late in the extra session. Some other thoughts:

 
>Stewart got in a spirited second period scrap and was cut above the eye. He left for repairs and came back. Solid game for him, probably his best of the preseason.

>Lil Tits played his best game, maybe Martin being hard on him is just what the doctor orderedd.

>Halak was great again between the pipes.

>As for the young guys, Carle played well on the back end and Pyatt continued to impress up front.

>Ryan O'Byrne had a very good game for the Habs. Seems to have got his confidence back. He is playing physical and moving the puck well.

Down to one last preseason game Saturday against the Sabres. Hopefully Martin will put some lines and pairings together similar to the ones we will see during the regular season. No word on the injury front in terms of when any of them will return, but with a long break before the first regular season game on October 1st, I would doubt any would be rushed into action on Saturday if they aren't ready.

Confidence Boosting Win Over Cup Champs

Yea, yea, I know it's just exhibition. But tonight's win showed that the Habs can play with the best. Crosby and Malkin both played (and even killed penalties together) but the Habs used a great third period to come up with a 4-3 win. Brian Gionta continued to show why Gainey wanted him by scoring twice and adding an assist on a great feed to Scott Gomez shorthanded. Gionta is quickly making a case as to why he should be captain of this team. Lats scored the other Habs goal and Carey Price kept the Pens at bay. The three new guys, Gionta, Gomez and Cammalleri swept the 3 star selection. Pierre Maguire was his usual self, professing his love for Burke and the Laffs, even though they weren't playing. In his opinion the Habs were in trouble, until the 3rd when suddenly Habs fans had reason to be excited. As for other thoughts:

>Martin used the big three (Gionta, Gomez, & Cammi) on the same line in the 3rd and they produced two goals and several other good chances. Gionta seems to have chemistry with everyone.

>Carey Price looked sharp, stopping 28 of 31.

>Eric Neilson's fight streak came to an end. After Pacs left with an injury Neilson and Stewart were used sparingly.

>As for the young guys, Tom Pyatt and Ben Maxwell stood out. Pyatt isn't flashy but has good hockey sense. Maxwell, although he didn't play much, made some nice plays in the offensive zone.

>The PP didn't look great, but certainly better than other games. Spacek and Markov seem to be gelling.

Next up is the Bruins on Thursday. The Habs made 17 cuts today, sending those players down to Hamilton to get ready for the Bulldogs season. 4 were placed on waivers (2 of them among the 17 cuts), probably so they can be sent to Hamilton (due to their age). Hamrlik, Mara and Laraque are all injured. Still a long way to go, but the past two games have had more positives than negatives. The next couple will more than likely have pretty close to the opening night roster.

That's More Like It

Exhibition game #4 may have ended with a loss, but the effort was certainly there. Josh Gorges scored the lone Habs marker as the Bruins held on for a 2-1 victory in Quebec City. Halak played the entire game for the Canadiens against Bruins backup Rask. Both goalies played well, with Rask being peppered throughout the 3rd, but kept the Habs off the scoresheet after the Gorges goal. If Halak keeps playing like this we might have another goalie controversy. Unlike last night's affair, it appeared the Habs actually wanted to play. Some thoughts:

>For the "young" guys, Ryan White, Yannik Weber, David Desharnais and Mattheu Carle stood out. White was all over the ice creating offence and finishing checks and Weber played a great game in his own end and despite his size never seemed to get out muscled. Desharnais was buzzing all night. I have a feeling if he wasn't 5'7 and the Habs didn't have a few other undersized players he might have a shot. Carle moved the puck well and didn't look out of place on the PP.

>Gionta was buzzing again. He is going to quickly become a fan favorite.

>Lats didn't look comfortable on a line with Pleks and Gionta. I think he is better suited playing with Lapierre.

>Hal Gill, despite a bad giveaway near the end of the game, played a good game. Unlike Komisarek, he either gets shots through or puts it wide rather than into the oppositions shin pads.

>S. Kots aka Lil Tits played a better game and got in a 1st period fight. He seemed to have some chemistry with Desharnais.

A good effort, the way an exhibition game should be. With the preseason record now an even 2-2, next up is Crosby (maybe) and the Pens on Monday. The game is on TSN, so bring on Maguire's thoughts on how bad the Habs are and how great the Leafs are (or more importantly, how great Brian Burke is).

That Was Pretty Ugly

Well thank god it's just an exhibition game. The Habs streak of 2 wins came in a screeching halt at the hands of the Sens 6-1. Kovy of course got a goal but Mike Fisher did most of the damage with a hat trick. Spacek had the lone Habs goal on the PP in the 1st. I was able to catch the game, granted my eyes are still burning from having to watch it on my computer screen. So here are some quick observations from a lackluster effort:

>Price looked a little shaky letting in 4 goals on 16 shots in 2 periods of work. It's just exhibition so no need to get worried. Preseason is for working out the kinks.

>The defence was very weak. I guess that's what you get when you dress 2 regular NHL d-men + O'Byrne and 3 guys bound for Hamilton.

>Gomez, Cammi, and Big Tits didn't generate much offence. They looked out of sync on the PP, guess that's what happens when you don't practice it.

>Eric Neilson picked up his 4th fighting major in 2 games, but also took a couple of bad minor penalties too.

>As for the young guys I was impressed with Ryan White and Mikeal Johansson. White played a gritty game and got a couple of scoring chances. Johansson is pretty smooth and smart in his own end.

Next up the Bruins tomorrow night in Quebec City, 7 pm start time on RDS. It will be interesting to see when Martin starts trimming the roster a bit so the vets can start to get a little more game action in together. Regardless, it should be a rough and tumble affair between two hated rivals.

Habs Pull Off Another One

Two wins in two nights. Not a bad start to the exhibition season for the Habs. Depsite icing a very "thin" lineup, the Canadiens were able to overcome a slow start and sneak by the Sens 2-1 in a fight filled game. Brian Gionta scored his first as a Hab late in the 3rd, while Ben Maxwell had the other goal. Halak and Sanford both played well while splitting duties. Rematch tomorrow in Ottawa. Some observations as I actually got to watch the game:

>In the fight category rookie Eric Neilson (see picture above) won the crowd over early and often with 3 fighting majors and 37 PIM's in all. Looked like he really wants to make the team, but I would say that is a long shot. Alex Henry and Andrew Conboy also dropped them, but didn't do so well.

>Brian Gionta looked good. Fast, physical (for a little guy) and had some chemistry with Pleks and Pacs. Scored a goal and missed an open net with the goalie out or he would have had 2.

>Ben Maxwell played well. Good with the puck, had an early breakaway shorthanded as well before he scored.

 >Mara and Gill looked a little slow and uncomfortable with the puck. Let's hope they are just a little out of shape and nervous.

>Weber played very good. Didn't do much offensively, but was good in his own end and surprisingly physical for a little guy.

All in all, good effort by the Habs tonight, considering there were only 8 vets, including Pacs in the lineup. Started slow, it looked like a lot of the young guys were pretty nervous, but got better as the game went on. Next up Kovy battles his own team (not available for me to watch....)

New Guys Get Off To A Good Start

The first exhibition game is in the books and the new Habs got on the fans good side in a hurry. Scott Gomez started the scoring with help from Spacek and Cammi. Cammi then took a nice feed from Andrei Kost. for his "first" as a Hab as well. Dags added to the lead before the Panthers scored a couple of their own to make it a game. As it wasn't televised, I really don't know how everyone played. But judging by the radio guys (Murray Wilson has serious man love for Dags):

>The line of Gomez, Big Tits, and Cammi was very good. They seem to have found some chemistry already, especially Gomez and Cammi.

>O'Byrne was solid. Played a physical game and pounded a Gregory Campbell in a 3rd period dust up. Fans even had an "O'Byrne" chant going. Never thought I would see that after the way he was treated last year.

>PK played average but had a couple of rushes that brought the crowd to their feet (and inspired a couple of "PK" chants). Was on the ice at the end of the game to protect a 1 goal lead with some other young guys, good for Martin for doing that.

>Price played well, but wasn't tested much. The team seemed to run out of gas in the 3rd, so Sanford got most of the work.

>The crowd was electric. Huge ovation for the team as they came on the ice and when the starting lineup was annouced. Even some Ole chants during the game.

>Vertigo is back as the goal song. Love it or hate it, the old one just wasn't working.

Tonight the Sens come to town. Game can be seen on RDS. "Group 2" will play tonight for the Habs.

Finally A Game....Sort Of

Tonight is the night, the Habs finally suit up for an actual game. Well, it's an exhibition game but still important enough to sell out the Bell Centre, yet again. The Panthers come to town on a game that I'm sure will be on the radio somewhere, but not on my TV. I will have to wait until tomorrow to get my first taste of the 2009-2010 Montreal Canadiens. The Habs will go with the following lineup on the first of five games in a row:

In Goal will be Carey Price & Curtis Sanford
The Defence will be Josh Gorges & Andre Markov, Ryan O'Byrne & Jaroslav Spacek, Andre Benoit & P.K. Subban
Up front the lines will be Mike Cammalleri, Scott Gomez & Andrei Kostitsyn, Guillaume Latendresse, Maxim Lapierre & Matt D'Agostini, Gregory Stewart, Mikael Johansson & Brock Trotter, Mathieu Darche, David Desharnais & Ryan White

Habs Hits

>GG announces the sale is all but final to the Molson's. He reflects on his time as the owner of the greatest franchise in pro sports and sheds some tears. Even apologizes to the fans for not bringing a cup to Montreal. Class act all the way, you will be missed GG.
>In addition to Scott Gomez, PK Subban has also been taking French lessons. Considering he is a quote machine, it's only fair he provides them in both languages.

>Rumor has it that Robert Lang has been invited to the Habs training camp. His agent says he is negotiating with 6 teams right now so he might not even make it to camp, but a good decision by BG nonetheless, if it's true. He was certainly one of the Habs top players last year and I for one would welcome him back, even at age 39. The only question mark is his recovery from the injury last season.

>Dandy has recieved and invite to the Sharks camp. I'm still not sure why someone hasn't picked this guy up. I would think the market for a excellent skater like him who can play both forward and defence would be a little better. Guess not. Franky B. still has yet to find a home.

>Single game tickets go on sale Saturday September 12. Those looking to get some will be praying the "site crashing" fiasco from last year doesn't happen again. I remember blowing most of a Saturday trying to get tickets, only to find out the system was junk and the date to buy tickets was moved to the following Wednesday. This in turn caused me to waste a day at work sitting mostly in the "waiting room" before I finally secured my seats. Thanks to scalpers, it has to be this way, which sucks for anyone trying to buy tickets for two games. Guess that's what ebay, stub hub, etc. are for.

The Countdown Is On

Less than a month to go until the regular season starts. I, and other fans with RDS will have the opportunity to catch a minimum of 86 Habs games this year on TV. RDS announced that they will be showing 4 preseason games (1 of those on TSN2 as well) in addition to the 82 regular season ones. Hopefully we will have some playoff hockey added on to that. RDS as mentioned will once again show all regular season games (god bless them) with TSN/TSN2 showing 16 regular season games and CBC another 26. Hopefully the anti Habs sentiment on the CBC telecasts will be minimal, although with PJ Stock, Mike Milbury, Don Cherry, and Greg Millen, I'm not holding my breath. I will also cross my fingers Pierre Maguire somehow lands a GM position to make games on TSN a little more enjoyable. For American fans, Versus will have 2 games and NBC 1.

 
Rookie camp begins September 7th through the 11th, followed by main camp starting on the 12th. The Habs begin their preseason schedule on September 17th and the regular season gets underway October 1. There will be a long break from February 13 to March 2 for the Olympics in Vancouver. Last regular season game takes place on April 10.

In related news, it appears that my streak of visiting Montreal to catch some games will come to an end at two. Honeymoon in Cuba will take up our vacation time this year. It also appears I have been held off the list of camp invites again. I figured they would be looking for a 30 year old rookie d-man. Guess not. I will check again next year.