Preseason Annoyances & Impressions

After a long and arduous off season, it's finally here. Hockey is back in our lives, and I couldn't be happier to immerse myself in everything it has to offer. I subscribed to a few additional sports channels, and I'm hoping to break my record year of watching 124 NHL hockey games (including regular season & playoffs). It does, after all, only equate to about 15 days of 365, which is NOT ENOUGH!

Anyway, due to suffering from MAJOR hockey withdrawals, I was more than a little eager when training camp opened, and exhibition games began. I forgot about something I always seem to forget, every year - preseason annoys the heck out of me.

Why, you ask? Because the "casual hockey fan" sees the Habs tattoo on my forearm, decides to strike up a conversation about the Canadiens despite their limited knowledge on the subject, and says, "geez, they really suck this year, haven't they only won one game?" This is the moment when I loathe preseason. If I had a nickel for every time I explained the fact that the majority of the people wearing the CH in preseason games won't be a member of the squad come regular season, I'd be a millionaire. And that isn't even the most infuriating part! Even after I explain this, they look at me as though I've grown a Brad Marchand nose on my cheek.

All annoyances aside, one thing that I ACTUALLY enjoy about September is training camp. I managed to make it out to Brossard for two scrimmages, and was thoroughly impressed by the youngsters skating out there. The Canadiens have a tendency to trade away depth for washed up veterans, so it's encouraging to see that we still have prospects worth getting excited about.

For example, Brendan Gallagher. Perhaps the most pleasant surprise from camp, this 5'8" Edmonton, AB native was compared to Brian Gionta after only a few days; high praise for a fifth round draft pick! It was at the Sunday scrimmage on the 18th that he really burst onto the scene, surprising everyone in attendance. Surviving every round of cuts until today, there was speculation he may even make the team for at least nine games before returning to his WHL team. The fact that he didn't make the team shouldn't be cause for concern; allowing him time to develop his skills and build up his strength and maturity will only make him a better, more well-rounded hockey player. You can expect to see great things from him in the future.

Next on the list would have to be the Canadiens 2010 and 2011 first round picks, Jarred Tinordi and Nathan Beaulieu. Beaulieu, a 19 year old defenseman, proved he will be a force to be reckoned with in a few short years. Last year he racked up 12 goals and 33 assists for 45 points in 65 games, to go with his 52 PIM with the Saint John Sea Dogs. Young, exciting defensive talent is something that this organization desperately needs if they intend to continue playing Jacques Martin's system, and it's guys like Beaulieu and Tinordi that will be a huge part of that in future years.

Lastly, I would put seeing Max Pacioretty and Josh Gorges back on the ice, cleared for contact as something that got me all hot and bothered as well. Patches isn't only back to his regular self, I'd dare say he has improved, gaining weight and muscle, not to mention speed. After an impressive preseason performance, I can only look forward to the regular season, and continue to be thankful that he is not only alive in the game, but is alive, period. I, along with Pacioretty, want to move on from the awful Chara hit that still makes me cringe. Let's hope this season gives everyone a reason to remember him for something other than the terrible sound his head made when it hit the stanchion.

The Canadiens play their final preseason game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Pepsi Colisée in Quebec City this Saturday, before heading off for some R&R before their regular season opener in Toronto on Thursday. The wait is over, my friends. Hockey's back!

Go Habs Go!

Photos Credits: Robyn Flynn

Post-Mortem

I wasn't quite able to delve into anything too soon, hence why I haven't written a new blog post since the Canadiens were eliminated by the Bruins last week. Melodramatics aside, it's something that breaks my heart every year, and something that takes some time before I'm able to really discuss it. But, without further adieu, here is my Habs post-mortem for the 2010-2011 season.

Jacques Martin. I've criticized his "system" all year, not because it's a bad system, but because I don't necessarily think it's the right system for this particular group of players. One of the worst Goals-For record in the league is not something to boast (despite an impressive Goals-Against). It's simple; you can't win hockey games if you can't score goals. Sitting back on 1 or 2 goal leads is scary, and a defensive game is not the way to get the most out of this group of players.

After such an unbelievable season, I'm a little saddened that Carey Price did not get the league recognition that comes with a nomination for the prestigious awards of Hart & Vézina. While I'm not discrediting those who did receive nominations (because they are completely deserving), it just seems unfair that Price is not being recognized for the tremendous season he had. Without him, I don't even want to think about the season we would have had.

P.K. Subban. I've been following this kid for years, and his real coming out party was last year during the team's lengthy playoff run. His official rookie season was amazing. I don't care what kind of backwash they naysayers spew. It's pure jealousy. His raw talent this early in his career is a clear indicator of the player he'll grow to be. Part of his talent is his ability to get under people's skin, something he's clearly better at than most. If he played for your team, you'd love him too.

A big part of Subban's professional growth this season has to be attributed to Hal Gill. The seasoned veteran helped Subban grow and adapt to the league. I really hope the Habs can sign Gill for at least another year.

The loss of Josh Gorges and Andrei Markov due to knee problems was a heavy blow to take. But I'm excited to see what Gorges will be like without knee problems (he's had ACL issues for at least as long as he's worn the CH crest) and I hope that Markov has learned a way to not be made of glass. The acquisition of James Wisniewski and Brent Sopel as defensive replacements were additions I liked quite a bit, particularly the former. Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier has some difficult decisions to make on the blue line, but I really hope that Wiz keeps wearing the bleu, blanc, rouge.

Brian Gionta, our captain, our captain. I absolutely adore him & had the pleasure of meeting him a few times this year. He is the epitome of class, and makes an excellent addition to the historic roster of Habs captains.

Mike Cammalleri didn't quite have the season I would have hoped for, but I think that is in large part due to playing through injuries that he would not have had to play through should we have had a healthy, full roster. His determination is admirable, and he made a splash during the playoffs, still in the top 5 for post-season points, despite the Canadiens 1st round exit 5 days ago.

Scott Gomez was one of the biggest disappointments of the season, however I'm not sure why anyone would be surprised. He is a career over-rated player, who is not worth his $8 million salary. But is that his fault? No! I'd like to place the blame on the New York Rangers for offering him that kind of money in the first place, and on Bob Gainey for agreeing to continue buying into his "worth". That being said, I accept the cap hit if for no other reason than the fact that without him, we probably wouldn't see Cammy or Gio on the roster (if you're scratching your heads about that bold statement, check out the UFA's that came to sign in Montreal before the 2009-2010 season. Exactly.)

Maxim Lapierre and Ryan O'Byrne: good bye, and good riddance.

Tomas Plekanec is the continuous workhorse, and continues to show up every night. In my opinion, he is one of the more under-rated players in the NHL and I think that's part of what makes him so great.

Andrei Kostitsyn had such a terrible season, but made up for it by playing great for the last 20 or so games of the season. Another lacklustre performance in the playoffs, and he was back on everyone's "list". The kid needs to step it up next year.

Max Pacioretty. The time in Hamilton did him good, and he was brought back up at precisely the right time. From the moment he rejoined the Habs, he was on fire. I was rapidly falling in love with him when suddenly Zdeno Chara rammed his head into the stanchion at the Bell Centre on March 8th. I'll never forget the sound his head made as it hit the pole. I'll never forget the way his motionless body looked as it lay on the ice, and I sat stunned in my living room, thinking for sure he was dead. I'll never forget the way his teammates hoisted his stretcher onto the gurney as they wheeled him off the ice. And I'll never forget the anger I felt when I learned that Chara would face no supplementary discipline. Say what you want about my professionalism, but if I was ever near the monster and a flight a stairs, well, you get the picture.

After a season that most definitely had its ups and downs, what I learned this year is that people are quick to mock and judge those that take their love for the game seriously. So what if I watched 87 out of a possible 89 hockey games this year? So what if I was too distraught after the Pacioretty hit to go to school for a few days? So what if I got a Habs tattoo on my wrist? At least I care about something other than myself. If you want to wake up at 3:30 AM to watch a far away prince marry a commoner, go right ahead. I won't judge you. But please, I ask that you show the same respect for me.

Until next season, GO HABS GO!!!!!

Taking Superstitions Too Seriously

I've never been someone you could call overly superstitious; except when it comes to hockey. If the Habs go on losing streaks, I'll do just about anything, including switching beer brands, what channel I watch the game on, where I sit on the couch, which bar I watch the game at, etc. So after having success in the first 2 games of the conference quarter finals against Boston, I thought I knew the winning formula.

So on Monday, as I prepared to head to the Bell Centre, I wore the necklace I believed to be lucky, I called my dad to ask him which shirt I should wear (on Saturday he advised I wear my Cammalleri shirt, and who should score the first Habs goal but none other than #13!), I went to Mclean's pregame to have Guinness and chicken wings, and yet the Habs lost.

As I made my way home, I was racking my brain trying to decide what I had done differently. I had worn bleu, blanc, rouge war paint rather than the CH crest temporary tattoo, could that be the reason? Is it because I was AT the game, rather than watching from Mclean's? And then, I realized something important: maybe, just maybe, I have absolutely no control over how the Habs play, and perhaps their loss had absolutely nothing to do with me?

I know it's tough to swallow, Habs fans, but don't let your superstitions get the best of you! Try to enjoy the playoff run, and don't beat yourselves up!

MTL Stand Up

Annakin Slayd's latest - MTL Stand Up <3

2011 Playoffs Preview

The first round of the 2010-11 NHL Playoffs starts tonight (and it couldn't come sooner! Being deprived of hockey for a few days was not fun). I thought I'd preview each series in the 1st round, who I think will take the series and why. Here goes!

Eastern Conference:

Washington Capitals vs New York Rangers:

I'm going to have to pick the Caps in 5. Coach Bruce Boudreau has made adjustments in the way his team plays in order for them to achieve playoff success. If his team doesn't make it past the 1st round, he could be joining Clouston, Richards & Crawford in the fired coaches club...

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Pittsburgh Penguins:

Bolts in 6. Despite an excellent start to the season, the Pens haven't fared so well in the latter half, in large part due to losing their star forwards Sidney Crosby & Evgeni Malkin. It doesn't look like the 2 will be joining the line-up anytime soon, and Marc-André Fleury's lackluster season leads me to believe they'll be eliminated in the 1st round.

Montreal Canadiens vs Boston Bruins:

Habs in 6. Call it homerism if you must, but the Habs are 4-2 versus the Bruins this season. The Habs have overcome so much this season, it's a miracle they're in the playoffs at all (many counted them out after the loss of Markov & Gorges. Oddly enough, the blueline has been one of the Canadiens strengths this season, in large part due to the acquisition of James Wisniewski & Brent Sopel, not to mention to heroics of Roman Hamrlik & Hal Gill, and of course, the extraordinary break-out rookie season had by P.K. Subban). Along with a goalie having a career season (Carey Price), and a healthy dose of underdog syndrome, the Habs have the recipe for success.

Buffalo Sabres vs Philadelphia Flyers:

Sabres in 7. I think this will be one of the most exciting matchups in the east (after Habs/Bruins, of course). I would love the see the Sabres take out the Flyers. If that is the case, and the Habs knock off the Bruins, I think the Habs would breeze past the Sabres in the conference semis, making a 2nd straight conference final appearance.

Western Conference:

Chicago Blackhawks vs Vancouver Canucks:

The Canucks won the President's trophy this year, they have 2 of the leagues leading scorers in the Sedin twins, blah blah blah. As much as I love seeing Canadian teams in the playoffs, I think the defending Stanley Cup champs will knock them off in the first round. I think the Canucks will give them a run for their money, looking to avenge their loss to Chicago last year, but the Hawks will emerge victorious in this repeat matchup.

San Jose Sharks vs Los Angeles Kings:

I'm thinking Sharks in 4. I haven't seen too many experts or analysts or fans pick the Kings. I'm jumping on that bandwagon, and going with San Jose.

Detroit Red Wings vs Phoenix Coyotes:

Red Wings in 5. It's really beginning to look like the 'Yotes won't be in Phoenix for very much longer. I think this failed first round will be the final nail in their coffin. Move them to a better hockey market, already! Bettman, I know you hate Canada, but I thought you loved money? I promise, you'll make some if you move the team to Winnipeg or Québec City.

Anaheim Ducks vs Nashville Predators:

Preds in 7. Why not? Would be fun to see them make their 1st second round appearance in franchise history (don't get overly excited, their franchise has only existed for 12 years).

Well, there you have it folks. My first round preview. Now grab a beer, sit back, relax and enjoy the show!