With Slovakia's tight win based on Jaroslav Halak's tight goaltending versus Russia, the goaltending debate for the Habs is picking up so much steam its beginning to scald. The problem is most armchair observers seem to be using logic reminiscent of a certain San Jose Sharks pro scout.
The Montreal Canadiens are currently in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of Tampa Bay (who have two games in hand) and two ahead of the New York Rangers who hold one game in hand. We may just make the playoffs this year, and if we do, we'd likely want the strong goalie we had for much of the season to try and keep us in against Washington, New Jersey, or whoever we get seeded against.
Reality however, states we'll likely make a first round exit unless we perform a miraculous upset. Our team has been too up and down to really be consistent - our longest winning streak all season is only three games. In that case we need to be focused as much on the future of the franchise, and which goaltender we hold on to. No matter what Pierre Gauthier thinks, both of our goalies are RFA at the end of the season and we really can't afford to have them both alongside a resigned Thomas Plekanec.
And this is why we need to resign Carey Price and trade Jaroslav Halak.
I'm sure right now there's coffee hitting your monitor not unlike a Jason Blake wrist shot to the chest of a goaltender on those words, but hear me out. Price has had certain flashes of brilliance this year, and is statistically better in save% than Olympian Marc-Andre Fleury, Ottawa savior Brian Elliot, LA starter Jonathan Quick, and most other hyped up underachievers (I'm looking at you, both Philedelphia goaltenders, all three goaltenders to suit up for the Maple Leafs this season, Nicklas Backstrom, and both Nashville goalies). Admitted Halak's .923 is nicer than Price's .911 but it's not like Price is making a huge gap of less saves - especially as he's generally been put in following a Halak loss, suggesting the team wasn't bringing much effort anyway (further proven by Price's GAA being higher than goaltenders with worse save percentages, though still a reasonable though not outstanding 2.81).
So Price can compete, he just isn't playing as well as Halak right now. But here's where the future comes in.
Halak is a positionally sound goalie, will be 25 at the end of the season, has calm emotions and fast reflexes. His weaknesses are controlling the puck, and his size ( 5'11 is short for a goaltender). While reflexes don't degrade quickly, it's unlikely they will ever improve noticeably, and as he's already positionally sound there's not a whole lot of upward motion. Halak can practice with the puck but he's never going to get four inches taller.
Price, 22, is excellent with the puck (can you name four goaltenders better than him with the puck?), 6'3, and has just as sharp reflexes. His biggest issues are a weak glove hand (that is nonetheless greatly overplayed), some positional awareness issues, and having some difficulty dealing with the emotional stress of working in the Montreal environment. In short he's immature. Funny thing is, in the league, there aren't a whole lot of mature 22 year old goaltenders - let alone 22 year old goaltenders to begin with. He calms down and works on his positioning, and he's got a clear advantage on Jaroslav, who has effectively reached his ceiling. Is it really a gamble to say that Price will be a different player at 24 than he is at 22?
Can we risk giving up that potential to try to hold on to our eighth place seed this season?
Can we risk not getting any return for our current hot goaltender?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Top Ten Reasons Your Team May Be Falling Out of the Postseason: Round 2
Top Ten Signs Your Team Might Be Falling Out of the Playoff Race: ROUND TWO
10: Realized your future rested in the hands of several people who played for the Leafs as recently as two weeks ago.
9: Realized your future rested in the hands of the rejects of the team dependant on Leafs rejects.
8: Future star player you picked up in the entry draft in June is actually playing like it's his first year in the league.
7: No one bothers to differentiate which goalie with the last name "Mason" plays for your team any more.
6: Jason Blake is adding offense to your team.
5: Team's performance seems to be connected to the strength of their logo... and their logo is a symbol of the American auto industry
4: Goaltenders and first two lines take the night off to watch the Superbowl. *
3: Marty Turco's "Flop Like a Fish when the Puck Touches You" isn't keeping the puck in front of the goal line any more
2: Line called up from the AHL provides an offensive boost.
1: Longest franchise winning streak ended by the Toronto Maple Leafs
* and to think this could have been a shot at Boston's losing streak instead
10: Realized your future rested in the hands of several people who played for the Leafs as recently as two weeks ago.
9: Realized your future rested in the hands of the rejects of the team dependant on Leafs rejects.
8: Future star player you picked up in the entry draft in June is actually playing like it's his first year in the league.
7: No one bothers to differentiate which goalie with the last name "Mason" plays for your team any more.
6: Jason Blake is adding offense to your team.
5: Team's performance seems to be connected to the strength of their logo... and their logo is a symbol of the American auto industry
4: Goaltenders and first two lines take the night off to watch the Superbowl. *
3: Marty Turco's "Flop Like a Fish when the Puck Touches You" isn't keeping the puck in front of the goal line any more
2: Line called up from the AHL provides an offensive boost.
1: Longest franchise winning streak ended by the Toronto Maple Leafs
* and to think this could have been a shot at Boston's losing streak instead
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Things that have happened since the last Dec 23 Road Win for the Habs
Here's a slice of things that have happened, or how the world looked the last time the Habs had a road win on Dec 23.
It's been a little while since we last won a road game on the 23rd of December. Our last WIN on this date was at home to Pittsburg... in 1995.
I'll stick to the big ones, mostly related to hockey.
- The internet became widespread because of...
- Every powered computer ever developed was manufactured.
- The television gained widespread acceptance, switched to colour, and changed resolutions half a dozen times. It's moved from vaccuum-tube'd implementation with a cathode ray tube display to liquid crystal displays, plasma output screens, and OLED LCDs.
- As an addenum to that, the NHL went from being primarily radio-driven to being televised, with the addition of white ice
- The Montreal Canadiens won 20 more Stanley Cups, while the Leafs won 7.
- The NHL Expanded from 6 to 30 teams.
- Every major Rock, rap, and rnb star's career has occurred since that game.
- It occured during the first season that a player scored 50 goals in 50 games. That very player along with Elmer Lach lead the Habs to a win that night against the Bruins.
- Every retired number in the Bell Centre except Howie Morenz was retired after that game.
- Both Bob Gainey and Jaques Martin were not born when the game took place.
- Since that game only two playersi n the NHL have been goaltenders named captain of their team, Bill Durnan two years later, and Roberto Luongo 63 years later.
- Some players had not yet returned from the Second World War.
- Newfoundland became a Canadian province, Nunavut a Canadian Territory.
- Toronto overtook Montreal as the most populous Canadian city.
- Rosa Parks had not refused to stand, Martin Luther King had not had a dream, Malcolm X had not yet caused controversy, and the civil rights movement had not yet happened.
- The Berlin Wall had not yet fallen.. actually the Berlin Wall had not yet been built.
- Russia was run by Stalin, Spain by Franco, and Cuba by Ramón Grau (also known as "someone not named Castro")
- In the amount of time that has gone by, Hal Gill could complete four full laps around the rink.
1945 was a long, long time ago.
It's been a little while since we last won a road game on the 23rd of December. Our last WIN on this date was at home to Pittsburg... in 1995.
I'll stick to the big ones, mostly related to hockey.
- The internet became widespread because of...
- Every powered computer ever developed was manufactured.
- The television gained widespread acceptance, switched to colour, and changed resolutions half a dozen times. It's moved from vaccuum-tube'd implementation with a cathode ray tube display to liquid crystal displays, plasma output screens, and OLED LCDs.
- As an addenum to that, the NHL went from being primarily radio-driven to being televised, with the addition of white ice
- The Montreal Canadiens won 20 more Stanley Cups, while the Leafs won 7.
- The NHL Expanded from 6 to 30 teams.
- Every major Rock, rap, and rnb star's career has occurred since that game.
- It occured during the first season that a player scored 50 goals in 50 games. That very player along with Elmer Lach lead the Habs to a win that night against the Bruins.
- Every retired number in the Bell Centre except Howie Morenz was retired after that game.
- Both Bob Gainey and Jaques Martin were not born when the game took place.
- Since that game only two playersi n the NHL have been goaltenders named captain of their team, Bill Durnan two years later, and Roberto Luongo 63 years later.
- Some players had not yet returned from the Second World War.
- Newfoundland became a Canadian province, Nunavut a Canadian Territory.
- Toronto overtook Montreal as the most populous Canadian city.
- Rosa Parks had not refused to stand, Martin Luther King had not had a dream, Malcolm X had not yet caused controversy, and the civil rights movement had not yet happened.
- The Berlin Wall had not yet fallen.. actually the Berlin Wall had not yet been built.
- Russia was run by Stalin, Spain by Franco, and Cuba by Ramón Grau (also known as "someone not named Castro")
- In the amount of time that has gone by, Hal Gill could complete four full laps around the rink.
1945 was a long, long time ago.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tuesday Top Ten: Signs Your Team Might Be Falling Out of the Playoffs
Tuesday top ten time, and as we're halfway through the season, it's time to chronicle what might be signs that your team will be golfing at the end of April, so
Top ten signs your team might be falling out of the playoff race:
10: Your goaltender was reminded he is, in fact, Cam Ward
9: Hopes for your team rest at least partly on a goaltender aquired in December.
8: No one in Montreal wants your French-Canadian star centre.
7: Have been blown out this season by the Leafs
6: Contingancy plan on your star player getting injured is a player not good enough for the Leafs.
5: Your playmaking centre has had his size be a trending topic on twitter more times than points he's gotten this year.
4: You traded a former fourth-overall pick for a player you have healthy-scratched in the past week.
3: Your team is allowing Chris Osgood to actually face a few shots a game.
2: After spending $20 million this season on new free agents, the one bailing your team out the most is a $750 000 a year defensemen who injured his own goalie in the stanley cup finals.
1: The league is feeling too much pity to find a reason to suspend Chris Pronger.
Top ten signs your team might be falling out of the playoff race:
10: Your goaltender was reminded he is, in fact, Cam Ward
9: Hopes for your team rest at least partly on a goaltender aquired in December.
8: No one in Montreal wants your French-Canadian star centre.
7: Have been blown out this season by the Leafs
6: Contingancy plan on your star player getting injured is a player not good enough for the Leafs.
5: Your playmaking centre has had his size be a trending topic on twitter more times than points he's gotten this year.
4: You traded a former fourth-overall pick for a player you have healthy-scratched in the past week.
3: Your team is allowing Chris Osgood to actually face a few shots a game.
2: After spending $20 million this season on new free agents, the one bailing your team out the most is a $750 000 a year defensemen who injured his own goalie in the stanley cup finals.
1: The league is feeling too much pity to find a reason to suspend Chris Pronger.
I'm Back: The Favourite, part 1
My life has been a bit upside down for the past month-ish, and I haven't been posting as I should. I apologize and am now looking to get back in the swing of things.
We'll get started with what is going to be an eleven part feature The Favourite
Since we lost most of the familiar faces of the franchise this off-season, many people are clamoring to find a player to identify with, to like. Even halfway through the season, the amount of people on Twitter asking what jersey to buy supports this. I'm going to profile eleven players, and advocate all of them as potential 'favourites'. They may not all be the best, but they may have some aspects that just jump out and say "Yes, I'm proud to have his number. I'm proud to cheer for him. He's a favourite".
Favourite Hab: #46 - Andrei Kostitsyn
The Basics:
Andrei will always have a bit of a dark mark on him that's not his fault. We selected him over a few players who've gotten some press time, guys with the last names like Carter and Getslaf. He had an immensly rocky start to this season, and was viewed as nothing special last season (despite a respectable 23 goals), but most remember two seasons ago when he had 26 goals in 78 games. He's spent much of his time with the Habs as being touted as having immense talent we're waiting to have show up. He's got one of the best shots on the team (Cammalleri's is better, and while Bergeron's is certainly harder, Kostitsyn's is more accurate), and it's become clear he's moved out of Kovalev's shadow and works very well with Thomas Plekanec.
The Stats:
AK46 is a proven 20 goal scorer, which is naturally useful on a team with issues with secondary scoring, though since Gionta has gone down there's been nothing secondary about Andrei's role with the team. Andrei Kostitsyn, a six-foot tall winger has 10 goals and 12 assists this season (sitting at +2), putting him on pace for another 20+ goal season on paper, but its important to note he was held to only two goals in the first quarter of the season. He's producing at a much faster rate now and it will be interesting to see where he ends up this season.
Intangibles:
Despite what people may say about his occasional moments of under-performing, he's dealt with immense pressure surrounding him, be it unfair comparisons to Alexei Kovalev, controversy concerning shady Belorussian mobsters, or the drama surrounding his brother early this season. One of his biggest issues had been communications issues with the rest of the team, but since becoming closer talking with Plekanec, his production has ramped up this season. As he becomes more open with the team, we can expect the best out of him. He's also finally discovered exactly what he can do when he puts the puck on the net. Often ignored, while not a heavy hitter by any means, he isn't afraid to take the body at all.
Highlights:
All highlight videos are not my own creation.
We'll get started with what is going to be an eleven part feature The Favourite
Since we lost most of the familiar faces of the franchise this off-season, many people are clamoring to find a player to identify with, to like. Even halfway through the season, the amount of people on Twitter asking what jersey to buy supports this. I'm going to profile eleven players, and advocate all of them as potential 'favourites'. They may not all be the best, but they may have some aspects that just jump out and say "Yes, I'm proud to have his number. I'm proud to cheer for him. He's a favourite".
Favourite Hab: #46 - Andrei Kostitsyn
The Basics:
Andrei will always have a bit of a dark mark on him that's not his fault. We selected him over a few players who've gotten some press time, guys with the last names like Carter and Getslaf. He had an immensly rocky start to this season, and was viewed as nothing special last season (despite a respectable 23 goals), but most remember two seasons ago when he had 26 goals in 78 games. He's spent much of his time with the Habs as being touted as having immense talent we're waiting to have show up. He's got one of the best shots on the team (Cammalleri's is better, and while Bergeron's is certainly harder, Kostitsyn's is more accurate), and it's become clear he's moved out of Kovalev's shadow and works very well with Thomas Plekanec.
The Stats:
AK46 is a proven 20 goal scorer, which is naturally useful on a team with issues with secondary scoring, though since Gionta has gone down there's been nothing secondary about Andrei's role with the team. Andrei Kostitsyn, a six-foot tall winger has 10 goals and 12 assists this season (sitting at +2), putting him on pace for another 20+ goal season on paper, but its important to note he was held to only two goals in the first quarter of the season. He's producing at a much faster rate now and it will be interesting to see where he ends up this season.
Intangibles:
Despite what people may say about his occasional moments of under-performing, he's dealt with immense pressure surrounding him, be it unfair comparisons to Alexei Kovalev, controversy concerning shady Belorussian mobsters, or the drama surrounding his brother early this season. One of his biggest issues had been communications issues with the rest of the team, but since becoming closer talking with Plekanec, his production has ramped up this season. As he becomes more open with the team, we can expect the best out of him. He's also finally discovered exactly what he can do when he puts the puck on the net. Often ignored, while not a heavy hitter by any means, he isn't afraid to take the body at all.
Highlights:
All highlight videos are not my own creation.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
An excellent article on our new aquisition
First and foremost, good to see the team rally to a win last night. If someone said in our stretch of games between Washington, Detroit, Columbus, Pittsburg, and Washington that we'd have 5 points total, some would accept that as performing decently - we have that after only three of the five games. We're in Pittsburg tonight and hope we can keep the magic alive.
Everyone has moments in sports that get them a bit misty-eyed and I really think this article about our new aquisition, Benoit Pouliot, needs to be read. It's from ESPN though I found it off of Habs InsideOut
The article
Everyone has moments in sports that get them a bit misty-eyed and I really think this article about our new aquisition, Benoit Pouliot, needs to be read. It's from ESPN though I found it off of Habs InsideOut
The article
Monday, November 23, 2009
Little brother returns, The golden boy is shipped out of town
Montreal Canadiens call up RW S. Kostitsyn, trade RW G. Latendresse for Centre B. Pouliot.
I assume I'm not the only one who didn't see this coming, despite the fact that I've been dead to the world for the past week. Poulot was selected fourth overall in the 2005 NHL entry draft, which makes me wonder if he'll poke some fun at the fifth overall pick from the same round. Though you could just look at this as Montreal trading up 41 spots four years after the fact, while laughing about how people said "Montreal is dumb taking a goalie, Theodore and Huet will always be rock solid for them"
Latender was really getting lashings for underperforming, though his real issue was trying to be a finesse player when every aspect of his build and skillset says "Crash the net you're a power forward". That said, best of luck to him in Minnesota. Good to see members of the Habs playing with a guy named Koivu.
Speaking of which, we really need to get on signing Plekanec. I don't know what the cap implications of this deal were, but we aquired an underperforming centre for an underperforming winger and somehow I doubt this was meant as just a screw you to Kyle Chipchura.
Maybe the real thing here is either our maligned winger (who has 13 points in 16 games in the AHL) is either going to move up to the NHL on a more regular basis or is going to move out of town in the very immediate future. I'm not sure which I prefer so much as I hope we just get solid play. I;d like to see both Kostitsyn's succeed, but I want what's best for the team first. I'm not worried about this callup, I'm just curious about it's implications.
In other news Greg Stewart is finally back in the AHL. Finally.
I assume I'm not the only one who didn't see this coming, despite the fact that I've been dead to the world for the past week. Poulot was selected fourth overall in the 2005 NHL entry draft, which makes me wonder if he'll poke some fun at the fifth overall pick from the same round. Though you could just look at this as Montreal trading up 41 spots four years after the fact, while laughing about how people said "Montreal is dumb taking a goalie, Theodore and Huet will always be rock solid for them"
Latender was really getting lashings for underperforming, though his real issue was trying to be a finesse player when every aspect of his build and skillset says "Crash the net you're a power forward". That said, best of luck to him in Minnesota. Good to see members of the Habs playing with a guy named Koivu.
Speaking of which, we really need to get on signing Plekanec. I don't know what the cap implications of this deal were, but we aquired an underperforming centre for an underperforming winger and somehow I doubt this was meant as just a screw you to Kyle Chipchura.
Maybe the real thing here is either our maligned winger (who has 13 points in 16 games in the AHL) is either going to move up to the NHL on a more regular basis or is going to move out of town in the very immediate future. I'm not sure which I prefer so much as I hope we just get solid play. I;d like to see both Kostitsyn's succeed, but I want what's best for the team first. I'm not worried about this callup, I'm just curious about it's implications.
In other news Greg Stewart is finally back in the AHL. Finally.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Mancrush Vindicated
I make no secrets of it. I like Kyle Chipchura. He hasn't been defensively responsible in the past, but he's aggressive, has good leadership qualities, and is strong on the puck. If he could score, he'd be what Guilliame Latendresse is supposed to be. Except Gui! is not. Which is why Chips is getting the nod tonight, and I am immensely happy.
Tomorrow I'll be debuting a new feature that'll last ten weeks - Every Sunday I'll profile a Hab as a candidate to be a "favourite player" - It's not leading to a 'decision' or anything, I just figured that the boys could use moments in the spotlight as so many fan favourites slid out of town in the off season, and now that we're 20 games in we can start talking about the character of these folks
Tomorrow I'll be debuting a new feature that'll last ten weeks - Every Sunday I'll profile a Hab as a candidate to be a "favourite player" - It's not leading to a 'decision' or anything, I just figured that the boys could use moments in the spotlight as so many fan favourites slid out of town in the off season, and now that we're 20 games in we can start talking about the character of these folks
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Your guide to enjoying the habs at home.
I live in Toronto. It's a rough city to be a habs fan in; as we had the audacity to ship them via free agency a penalty-box timekeeper pretending to be an all-star defenseman.
That said, living in Ontario, or really anywhere outside of la belle Province makes it incredibly challenging to actually enjoy a Habs game. RDS is hard to stumble upon, Hockey Night in Canada coverage is lacking, and six hour commutes are somewhat inconvenient to see your team.
I'm going to try and keep this fairly affordable and vague. Not everyone can commit thousands of dollars to a home theatre.
So here I present: The Essentials to Creating a Home Habs Experience
1: You will need a TV. Not a computer, not a laptop. NHL Gamecentre on their website has some incredibly unfortunate restrictions with blackouts.. and internet connection latency
2: You'll need a cable box or sattelite. This unfortunately is non-negotiable. You simply wont get more than a dozen games without it.
3: Order the channels! If you need english coverage, you'll be shelling out around $140/season for the Center Ice package, which is great. If that seems a bit excessive you can cut the cost in half by simply ordering RDS, which only sets you back $6 a month, though you get no other teams and your games will be in French. If this is a problem to you, pull up a laptop and watch the game while listening to the CJAD feed off the internet: http://www.cjad.com/
4: Your experience is going to be limited if you don't have good seating. A good couch or big recliner really helps take the edge off of going 0-10 on the man advantage.
5: Beer, scotch, bourbon, or ginger ale. While not openly promoting alcohol, a good sipping beverage really does add to the experience. And if you like your drinks with kick, they can help you forget it after an embarassing home loss. There's also the added subtle team loyalty if you drink Molson, or only drink Molson when the team is leading. The one buddy you could convince to watch the Habs with you will truly understand your committment.
6: Snacks. Both satisfying and an excuse to leave your seat during commercial breaks and embarassing defensive lapses.
7: Either a buddy or twitter. Just so you're not potentially drinking alone in your basement watching a hockey game with commentary that you don't understand. If you're really good at this you might even want to start a hockey blog.
That said, living in Ontario, or really anywhere outside of la belle Province makes it incredibly challenging to actually enjoy a Habs game. RDS is hard to stumble upon, Hockey Night in Canada coverage is lacking, and six hour commutes are somewhat inconvenient to see your team.
I'm going to try and keep this fairly affordable and vague. Not everyone can commit thousands of dollars to a home theatre.
So here I present: The Essentials to Creating a Home Habs Experience
1: You will need a TV. Not a computer, not a laptop. NHL Gamecentre on their website has some incredibly unfortunate restrictions with blackouts.. and internet connection latency
2: You'll need a cable box or sattelite. This unfortunately is non-negotiable. You simply wont get more than a dozen games without it.
3: Order the channels! If you need english coverage, you'll be shelling out around $140/season for the Center Ice package, which is great. If that seems a bit excessive you can cut the cost in half by simply ordering RDS, which only sets you back $6 a month, though you get no other teams and your games will be in French. If this is a problem to you, pull up a laptop and watch the game while listening to the CJAD feed off the internet: http://www.cjad.com/
4: Your experience is going to be limited if you don't have good seating. A good couch or big recliner really helps take the edge off of going 0-10 on the man advantage.
5: Beer, scotch, bourbon, or ginger ale. While not openly promoting alcohol, a good sipping beverage really does add to the experience. And if you like your drinks with kick, they can help you forget it after an embarassing home loss. There's also the added subtle team loyalty if you drink Molson, or only drink Molson when the team is leading. The one buddy you could convince to watch the Habs with you will truly understand your committment.
6: Snacks. Both satisfying and an excuse to leave your seat during commercial breaks and embarassing defensive lapses.
7: Either a buddy or twitter. Just so you're not potentially drinking alone in your basement watching a hockey game with commentary that you don't understand. If you're really good at this you might even want to start a hockey blog.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The first week of comparing Kessel to Cammelleri
As I said I would do way back in late September, I'll be comparing Phil Kessel to Michael Cammalleri all year. I've spent the last month learning how to spell "Cammalleri" and it's time to begin. I'll be doing one of these once every week or two weeks, depending on how creative i feel, and at the end of each month I'll see who "won" the month.
I'd love to point out that Cammalleri has 14 points to Kessel's 3, someone would likely point out that comparing one player to another when one spent a month doing nothing is only legitimate when the player doing nothing is actually on the ice, and as this comparison has nothing to do with Jason Blake, we can only look back to Nov 2 for the comparison.
Kessel has three points since then including a game winner; though do game winners really count when your team wins by four goals? Meanwhile Cammalleri has been trying an experiment called "secondary scoring" where his line puts up very few points hoping that Thomas Plekanec is ready for a lot of work. Meanwhile there's the sensation that Cammalleri is actually focused on working with his teammates as he's assisted on goals and clearly can score himself as his shootout winner proved. That said, it might be because Cammalleri actually has NHL quality linemates as opposed to an AHL centre and a creepy albino guy who's patented skills include "going fast", "wrist shot from the blue line", and "ruining my team's cap situation for the foreseeable future"
I won't be declaring a 'winner' this week, it's more that it's good to see the party has begun for this comparison. Besides both players are at basically a point per game pace anyway so they're theoretically neck and neck.
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