NO live blogging tonight. I REPEAT. No live blogging tonight. I have other commitments. Besides, do you think I actually get paid for doing this stuff?
Besides, is there really any point? I mean, com'on. The Buffalo Sabres? The fourteen-losses-in-a-row Buffalo Sabres? Is there even any point in playing this thing? Who's going to watch? I mean .. COM'ON.
I mean ... haha ... just think if the Habs were, on the off, unbelievable, one-in-a-billion chance, lose this game. Wouldn't that be incredible? Yes. Yes it would. But that's not going to happen. I mean, LOOK at that picture above. Three guys chasing Joe Thornton. That's not even AHL bad. That's not even Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League bad. Hell, that's not even Bantam Level 2 bad. That's just bad, bad, bad.
So what is there to say, really? Buffalo last won a hockey game ON DECEMBER 27th, and that win was by shootout. The last time this Sabres team won an actual regulation National Hockey League game was December 11, 2014. That's eight weeks ago. That's 22 games ago. Has there ever in world history, been a professional hockey team as bad as this year's Buffalo Sabres? There may very well have been, but it I'd be dammed to come up with a better (worse) example.
The line is pretty brutal. The Sabres have the 30th ranked offense, 30th ranked defense, 30th ranked powerplay, 29th ranked penalty kill, 30th ranked shots per game, 30th ranked shots surrendered per game, 30th ranked faceoff percentage!! I mean, that's basically a coin-flip stat, and they're still the last in the League.
Ted Nolan is encouraging the Sabres who are trade candidates to "make it happen" with fine play. "Maybe somebody will see you and want you."
— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) February 3, 2015
There's no way. NO way the Habs will lose tonight. Heaven forbid, and god save Michel Therrien's hide, if by some incredible situation, Buffalo wins tonight.
Two points should already be posted up on the standing boards for the Canadiens. This game is already over. Done. Kaput. Don't even bother tuning in. I'm not even blogging. We already know the outcome. I'll see you this Saturday.
One
- Very agreeable to Therrien's decision in moving Ryder alongside Eller and Galchenyuk. Eller's been our best playing forward this month.
- Plekanec doesn't fool anyone, especially Miller. Bourque was ideally positioned to receive the pass on the 2-on-1 break.
- Quite a few Habs jerseys in the stands tonight in Buffalo. Scoring tickets costs about 1/4 the price for the Bell Centre.
- Excellent first save by Budaj on Myers. Beaulieu not in very good position during that Sabres rush.
- This Bourque/Plekanec thing might work after all. Pretty pass Bourque to Pleks, prettier dish Pleks to Gionta. 1-0. Sabres defense ... who knows?
- Habs have been trying to feed a winger from defense to high slot for the last couple of weeks, but it never works. The shooting lanes are nearly always jammed.
- Buffalo, for whatever reason, is one of the few places in the east where Subban isn't booed each time he touches the puck.
- Ryder shift pays off, nice blind feed to Galchenyuk, 2-0. Sabres defense once again MIA. This could get ugly.
- Habs are just on it with puck possession. Sabres are being made dizzy chasing the puck around their zone. Simply no contest right now.
- First period looked exactly like a bottom feeder team against a League-leading team. Habs merely need to play that period two more times and they can clinch their post-season spot.
- Ott plasters Gallagher, Habs had no enforcer on the ice to respond, so Bouillon drops his gloves - and unbelievably gets the takedown over Ott.
Second Period:
- Well that's nice. Bourque has been credited with Habs first goal, assists to Gionta and Plekanec.
- Sabres' defense is absolutely wretched. There is no other way of describing them. Gallagher all alone in front of Miller off a point shot rebound. The nearest defender was a good 20 feet away. Just awful.
- Sabres are waving the white flag for their season. Habs forwards going straight at Miller at will. This game could get embarrassing.
- Eller line again looks fine, but Desharnais/Pacioretty/Gallagher have arguably looked even better, which is a refreshing change for that struggling line.
- Therrien rewarding accordingly, Desharnais line rewarded with first shift on the powerplay.
- 8 minutes left, shots are 28-9. Yup, that's about right.
- Habs taking a page out of Washington's Tuesday night book, clogging up the shooting lanes. When something does get through, Budaj is there.
- Markov on the powerplay makes it four - zeerow.
- Make-up call on Prust. Sabres need something, anything here.
- Boos rain down, Sabres' behinds receiving a sound thrashing tonight. 32-11 shots total through 40 minutes. The play has been even more lopsided.
Third Period:
- As if they needed more of it, Habs' collective Corsi numbers are likely to be through the roof after this one is done.
- Flynn ruins Budaj's shutout bid, shorthanded no less. Markov making silly and unnecessary pinch and gets caught. Therrien won't like that play, especially by someone who ought know better. 4-1.
- So making slight contact with the goaltender outside the crease is also a penalty? Okay, then.
- Sabres doing a very good demonstration of what a 30th ranked powerplay looks like.
- Doesn't seem right for Subban to not be on the scoresheet. We can put that to bed now. 5-1. P.K. now leads the League defenseman scoring race by 5 points.
- The night gets even worse for the Sabres, as they're called for abuse of officials. Wow.
- Thanks to those fiercesome Islanders, Habs are back in first place. Helped by a pathetic performance by the Sabres, and the Habs, let's not forget, are a danged good hockey team that played a danged good game tonight. Possession differential was ridiculous, the final Corsi numbers should be as interesting as they will be lopsided.
Oh yeah. Let's not forget. The Habs have officially clinched a playoff spot. But that mission was long ago a foregone conclusion. The focus now is on preparing for, and winning a championship.
Gameday Game Preview of the Game Tonight Preview
One more win. That's all that's required. Two lousy points and the Habs can put a little "x" beside their name where x marks the spot for "book a post-season ticket".
The only thing standing in the way of accomplishing what we all pretty much knew was going to happen three months ago are the Buffalo Sabres.
Now, these Sabres. They largely gutted their roster before the trade deadline for picks and prospects, even though they had faint hopes of qualifying for a playoff spot. With only a handful of games left, however, those hopes are pretty much gone, as Buffalo finds itself in 12th place, 8 points behind 8th with 8 games to go. You do the math.
So are the Sabres playing desperate? We've been here before, with games against so-called "desperate" teams, including the Jets and 'Canes from a couple of weeks ago, both contests relatively easily won by the Canadiens. Still, those games were won while we had a healthy defense. Today, not so much. Emelin is done until next season. Diaz is still out (for how long is still anyone's guess), and if Tuesday's game against Washington is any indication, the blue line isn't near as physical as it was once before, or needs to be.
The Sabres are a relatively healthy bunch, with just Alex Sulzer and Ville Leino out with injuries. After getting off to a torrid start, winger Thomas Vanek has more or less come crashing back to earth. Scoring 23 points in his first 10 games, Vanek has since tallied just 10 points in his last 20 starts.
Other odds and ends: The Sabres sub-12% powerplay makes them the worst in the have the League, Habs continue to motor along, 4th overall. Buffalo isn't a whole lot better on the PK - 26th overall, the Habs, after a sluggish start to their PK unit where they struggled to stay atop the bottom third, have improved a tad to 14th overall.
Sabres, in case you hadn't seen much of them during the year, have been chronically guilty of turning the puck over in their own zone, making them exceptionally vulnerable to the forecheck, of which has been one of the Habs' big strength this season. So on paper, this really shouldn't be much of a contest.
Ryan Miller will start tonight for Buffalo, and the freshly re-signed Peter Budaj will get the nod for the Habs.
Ah, sweet weekend. Ye hath arrived. It's my last weekend chattering my teeth in western Canada before I begin my treck to Montreal, where I'll be live blogging the games from the best pubs the city has to offer. It's a hard job without pay, but somebody's gotta do it!
Another game, another win, another injury for the Habs. Ryan White is out day-to-day with a lower body injury, and Mike Blunden will get his chance to show his stuff tonight on the 4th line.
Here are the Habs lines, based on this morning's practice:
Carey Price will start tonight, although with the two mammoth games coming up next week against the Pens and Bruins, tonight is as good a night as any to rest him against the struggling Sabres.
We'll have a bit more about those Sabres later today.
Player Movement Update:
Bourque Regression? Looks like a bit of bad news for Rene Bourque. After practicing with the team for much of the week, including non-contact play on Wednesday and Thusday, Bourque missed Friday and this morning's practice. Therrien said he knows nothing about Bourque's status, and there's been no team updates. Still, when you see a player regress during concussion recovery, it's never a good sign of things to come.
Habs Claim Halpern Here's a bit of a blast from the past, Canadiens claimed Jeff Halpern off waivers from the Rangers this morning, which either tells us that Petteri Nokelainen has regressed in his recovery, or Bergevin is cooking up a deal that would involve someone on the 4th line (White?).
Or maybe White's injury is far more serious than anyone is letting on? Anyway, the Halpern move is interesting.
More Updates:
Ryan Miller will start tonight, while Thomas Vanek, who took s wicked shot off his hip in his game against the Habs, will return tonight. Drew Stafford is a healthy scratch, Nathan Gerbe will take his spot.
- Sabres are a turnover machine in their own zone. Being a goaltender in Buffalo must be a maddening experience.
- Ott can shoot the puck that hard? Desharnais coughs up the puck and Ott with a howitzer. Sloppy and careless puck handling by Habs in their zone - a page out of the Sabres book.
- Hmmm. Price looking a bit shaky. Habs continue to be very sloppy handling the puck. Sabres have also come to play.
- Clear interference on Pacioretty by Pomminville. Refs missed it.
- Gallagher = pluggy version of Saku Koivu? I see the resemblance more and more.
- Little pushback by Habs, here. Three great chances in 25 seconds. Gotta hit the net, though.
- At 6'6"', Tinordi second tallest Hab in team history (behind Hal Gill). He's intimidating to look at, never mind having someone that size coming towards you along the boards.
- Ut oh. Shot from the line redeflected by Myers. No chance for Price. Shocking 2-0 lead.
- Weird period. Sabres were the better team, but not by two goals. Habs looked sluggish, slightly disorganized in their zone. Canadiens have plenty of time, but the hill is a bit steep now. Buffalo's second period has been a disaster this season, so next 20 minutes will tell the tale.
Seond Period:
- Hard work by Gionta line generates first powerplay of the game.
- Keep feeding Subban at the line for the shot. No cannon though, they're looking for a redeflect.
- Really good powerplay for Habs. No goals but great passing and puck control. Let's see if that generates some momentum.
- Indeed it has, and Galchenyuk draws an interference. Habs back on the man advantage.
- Habs being a bit too target fixated. Get these shots on the net, guys.
- D-line shot accuracy on the powerplay definitely lacking. Markov the biggest culprit.
- Second been all Habs so far. Very strong forecheck generating lots of chances, no finish though.
- Vanek took a cannon point shot by Enroff off the leg in front of Price. Looks like he's in a lot of pain. Getting attention on the bench.
- Habs have 18 shot attempts this period. Hit the net 5 times. Second period dominance being frittered away by a chronic inability to hit the net.
- Vanek gone to the dressing room. Obviously a bit serious.
- Enroth makes desperation save on Ryder. It just isn't happening tonight, folks.
- Habs haven't had many shorthanded goals this season. Getting one now would be nice.
- Geez. How have the Habs not scored on Enroth yet? He looks crazy unstable out there.
- Habs dominated, but didn't score. Over thinking these opportunities, aiming too hard for the corners. Enroth looks entirely shaky, but the Canadiens are letting him off the hook. Guys, the formula is simple - shoot the pick ON THE NET, crash, get dirty, just push it in already.
Third Period:
- Apparently Vanek's injury is upper body? Odd since he was heavily favouring his right leg. Anyway, he's done for the night.
- Habs 38 shot attempts so far tonight, hitting the net 19 times. That won't cut it.
- Desharnais line has been a bit of a mess tonight. Collective -6, and unable to win many battles for the puck along the boards.
- Enroth with terrible puck control but still, can't find the back of the net.
- Enroth giving up huge rebounds, Habs forwards need to be crashing for those loose pucks.
- Finally. Lots of loose pucks and Gallagher with a feed to Pacioretty in the slot. It's 2-1.
- Sabres got their first good scoring chance since the first period. Right now in "hold-on-for-dear-life" mode.
- Desharnais having a brutal night picking up the loose puck, winning battles along the boards.
- Gallagher is a monster out there.
- Colby Armstrong scores late in the 3rd to tie the game?? I'm rubbing my eyes. Can't believe it. Also can't believe how ridiculously great Galchenyuk's pass to him was.
- Sabres defense literally being pushed over by Habs forwards.
- Yikes. Pacioretty needs to have better crease awareness. That might cost us this game. Sabres to the PP.
- Big time saves by Price on this PK. Big time.
- Oh my god. Enroth just robbed Gionta of the game winner.
- Furious period by Habs earns them at least one point. They've dominated totally since the start of the second period. Now to OT.
- Bah. Sabres score with two seconds left on the powerplay. Subban is mad at the officials for that call, but the point remains, he should never have gunned for that check in an overtime.
Overtime:
- Critical error by Subban. Tried for the big hit, and ends up in the box with a high stick. Therrien fuming, presumably at Subban.
- Tremendous PK so far by Habs.
- Bah. Sabres score with just two seconds left in the Subban penalty. Subban arguing with the officials that his stick made no contact, but the point still stands - he simply shouldn't have gone for the big hit. Not in overtime.
Gameday Game Preview
Well, we've got two teams heading in entirely different directions, the Habs fighting hard for top spot in the Conference, and the Sabres fighting hard to figure out where it all went so badly wrong.
Both teams seems to have experienced pinnacle games, but have gone in contrary directions. On February 7, the Sabres came from a late three goal deficit to beat the Habs in OT, 6-5. One might have expected the Sabres to ride the emotion of that victory towards reaching greater heights. Since then, however, the Sabres have gone 6-10-2, and now find themselves mired in 14th place in the East.
Meanwhile on February 9th, the Habs took a sound thumping at the hands of the Leafs, 6-0. You might have expected the Canadiens to respond with despair in reaction to such an humiliating loss. Since that defeat, Montreal has gone an astounding 13-1-3. Huh.
So tonight! The Sabres won't be starting Ryan Miller, but will go with the youngster Jhonas Enroth, who's had just two career starts against the Habs, BUT ... has won them both. So hey - why not? Another part of the whole resting Miller thing might have something to do with the little spat he had with Patrick Kaleta - Miller taking great exception to the underachieving Kaleta's public complaints about not getting enough ice time. Anyway, Kaleta, who was a healthy scratch on Sunday's game against the Caps, where the Sabres took another thumping, will probably get a start tonight in Montreal.
In any case, you know things are not going well for a hockey team when the players are fighting with each other via the microphone.
As usual, the Sabres' most dangerous offensive weapon is Thomas Vanek. 13 goals and 31 points (good for 8th place overall in the League), the Sabres continue to be hampered by dreadful performances by their powerplay unit, just 11.5%, dead last in the League. Their PK hasn't been much better, 78% efficiency, only good for 25th overall. Let's face it - Buffalo's specialty teams suck.
Where else is Buffalo awful? Scoring first in a game. They've only won 50% of those games, 3rd worst in the League. When scored against, they're marginally better - 23rd overall, but still, not good.
Really, there's no reason why the Habs, at home where they've been so tough to beat this season, shouldn't roll all over Buffalo.
But you never know. Enroth in net - he could pull a few rabbits out of the hat.
But naw. Habs should take this, and thereby extended their winning streak to 6. That's HALF A DOZEN (thanks Wikipedia!).
Puck drops at 7:40 E >>> S >>> T. ENJOY THE GAME.
Are the Habs on the Cusp of a Correction?
Can we get a little statistical this morning? I've been looking at some numbers today, specifically League PDO combination and Fenwick rankings (PDO explination here, Fenwick explanation here), and there are some pretty heady indications that the Canadiens are playing just a bit more than a tad over their heads right now, which means only one thing - a correction is in order.
Now, this isn't *bad* news per say, but when you examine the club's PDO ration, which adds together even strength team save percentages and shot percentages. If your number is over 1.0, you're probably winning more than you should be. If your number is under 1.0, you probably aren't playing as well as you should be.
The Canadiens' PDO measurement is currently 1.027, which is tied for the 2nd highest in the League (with Chicago), only behind Anaheim who are wayyyyy out in front with a 1.047 total. The good news for the Habs is their record after 29 games is so good, that they're a shoo-in for a playoff spot. But where they actually finish in the Conference standings is up for scrutiny.
Just to make things a bit easier, I've ranked playoff teams (those currently with comfortable playoff positions) currently overperforming from non-playoff (those fighting for a playoff spot) teams underpeforming, to give you an idea of how things might trend over the next few weeks towards the end of the schedule. I've also added the "very bad news" Playoff Wilderness ranking of teams that really have no business even thinking about making the post season:
Looking at the overperformers who are currently standing in a pretty comfortable place, the lower the PDO ranking, the better, because the closer you are to 1.0, the more likely that your season isn't an aberration. This is good news for Ottawa, and as much as I hate to say it, very good news for the Bruins. Their records, by PDO standards, are pretty close to where they should be. Conversely, the Ducks are playing wayyyy over their heads right now, and should soon, at least by statistical reasoning, be going into a slump (I think the Ducks are going to start their slide tomorrow night as they play Chicago). Meanwhile, the Hawks, Habs and Pens are all basically around the same standard - the Hawks due for a correction, but still far ahead enough to reason that they'll finish at the top of their Conference, since Anaheim is their closest competitor.
So the skinny is this. By PDO numbers, you'd have to play your bet that the Bruins will eventually finish first in the Eastern Conference, which means the Habs can't finish any higher than 4th.
Playoff Underperform:
14. Minnesota (.997) - 34 points
15. Nashville (.996) - 28 points
16. Columbus (.996) - 28 points
18. Los Angeles (.996) - 34 points
19. NY Rangers (.995) - 30 points
20. Winnipeg (.995) - 32 points
21. Phoenix (.992) - 30 points
23. San Jose (.987) - 30 points
24. St. Louis (.987) - 34 points
25. Edmonton (.986) - 28 points
27. New Jersey (.979) - 32 points
Okay. Ton of stuff to sift through here - the Western Conference is a mess, because the standings are so close. So let's do the East first.
First, the Rangers, who nobody can figure out, look like they're about to go on a winning run - with their PDO below 1.0, the team is also posting a healthy Fenwick Close of more than 53%, which is 7th in the League. Second, the Devils are significantly below where they ought to be, a measly .979 PDO, and a 6th ranked Fenwick, they really ought to be giving the Pens a bit of a push for the Division. But 12 points back, at this point, it's unlikely.
The West? Where to start? Good news for Phoenix and San Jose who are battling hard for a top 8 finish, but really good news for Minnesota and especially St. Louis, whose upper ranking in the Conference should only improve as the season concludes. I'd definately place my bet on the Wild winning their Division over Vancouver, while St. Louis, who also have the 3rd best Fenwick in the League, should easily finish ahead of Detroit in their Division, and maybe, just possibly, might make things a little uncomfortable for the Hawks if Chicago, does, as we think they might, scale back a bit on their winning percentage.
Also, the Kings. Good PDO, and they have the number one ranked Fenwick percentage in the League. Even though 12 points down in the standings, they have, I believe, a very good shot at catching Anaheim for the Division.
Playoff Wilderness (very bad news):
4. Tampa Bay (1.024) - 27 points
6. Toronto (1.019) - 32 points
8. Detroit (1.010) - 32 points
Okay, Tampa Bay is having a pretty terrible season, just 13 wins and 11th in the Conference. Funny thing is, they should be even worse. Their PDO ranks up there with the Hawks, and their Fenwick is a 30th ranked 44%. This team ought be fighting the Panthers for 15th spot, and who knows, by season's end, they might be. Guy Boucher's days, I suspect, are numbered.
The Leafs? Oh, the Leafs. Their PDO isn't *awful*, but their sub 45% Fenwick is the 4th worst in the NHL, which means their current points standing is significantly far above where they ought to be, and unless something dramatic happens, Toronto should finish out of the playoffs.
I added Detroit if only because they're so borderline. The PDO hovering almost at 1.0, and a Fenwick just over 51%, they're in very tough for one of those hotly contested playoff spots. The PDO/Fenwick numbers suggest that they'll probably finish just out of 8th place, meaning for the first time in a couple of decades, the Wings wouldn't be in the post-season.
SOOOOO ... all that said, with consideration to PDO and Fenwick, here's my best guess as to how the Conference will pan out at season's end:
Eastern Conference:
1. Boston
2. Pittsburgh
3. Carolina
4. Montreal
5. New Jersey
6. NY Rangers
7. Ottawa
8. Winnipeg/NY Islanders (pick 'em).
Western Conference:
1. Chicago
2. Anaheim
3. Minnesota
4. Los Angeles
5. St. Louis
6. Phoenix
7. San Jose
8. Vancouver
Gameday Gamegoo:
- Nothing much to say yet. Nothing from coach Therrien, no team announcements, nada this morning. But we'll update this later.
About Last Night ...
Happy Monday! Yeah, it's Monday. We know the routine. Right now, two days before the supposed first day of spring, yours truly struggled to get his car started this morning out on the tundra of never-ending frigidity that is the western Canadian prairies. Global warming my ...
Anyway. More important matters at hand. Le bleu, blanc en rouge machine keeps mowin' right along, five wins in a row, and a reasonably favorable schedule on the horizon with two games coming up against the spiraling Sabres, and one against the Islanders. Oh yeah, that's right. We can't seem to handle the Islanders.
It's a pretty quiet day, news-wise in Habs land. Coach Therrien says Michael Ryder should be returning to the lineup tomorrow, but there's no change in the injury status for both Rene Bourque and Raphael Diaz, although the former continues to practice with the team. Brandon Prust did a skate this morning. I wouldn't be shocked if he was back in the lineup by this time next week.
Results Roundup:
- The Pens claimed top spot in the Eastern Conference with a hard fought 2-1 victory over the Bruins. We're happy with the result, since the Pens, now two points ahead, have played two more games, while the Bruins stay one point behind, and that three game in hand cushion has now dwindled to just one!
- What the heck? The Winnipeg Jets are in 3rd place in the East, although they lost to the Sens on Sunday 4-1. How Ottawa manages to keep winning is nothing short of astounding. Still waiting for that shoe to drop.
- Caps beat the Sabres in the battle of two clubs going nowhere fast. I watched some of this game - what little I could tolerate, that is. Sabres' season is long done, and there's no way the Caps will battle back into the playoff picture. They're a cohesive mess on the ice.
- Edmonton continues to turn their once flagging season around, edging out the Preds who had a disastrous west coast trip, losing badly to the 'Nucks, Flames and the Oil. Last night's loss was highlighted by this gem of a play that not only cost Nashville the game, but might also bring back a few bad memories to many a Habs fan. Oh well, it's not our problem any more, right Barry Trotz?
That's all for now! Have a great Monday, and keep watching for Habs updates.
So last night. Still have a taste in my mouth. Dry, bitter, rancid taste. And no, it's not Folger's crystal coffee that I may or may not have consumed this morning. It's losing to ever-loathsome Boston freakin' Bruins. I've had enough of that. No more. No more Folger's crystals either. That stuff is poison. I think it might be recycled pieces of ashphault.
ON TO BETTER AND BRIGHTER THINGS. Tonight we face the Sabres, who've become one the the early-season disappointments! They were supposed to be kinda challenging for a high spot in the Division this season, but right now they're at the bottom of the heap looking wayyyyy up to see the top. So you just know that Lindy Ruff is very displeased right now, and everyone who wears and plays in that Sabres sweater knows it.
Ergo, I don't expect tonight's game to be anything less than a significant challenge. You know the Ryan Miller will be bringing his game, and by now, in case you've been dead the past couple of weeks (which, by the way, you really should see a doctor about asap), there's a guy named Thomas Vanek who's kinda tearing up the League with 19 points, or 2 points a game, which is sorta *really* good.
Habs side, who's going to sit? Kaberle again? Will Ryan White return, and if so, who'll sit for him? Eller, possibly? So many questions.
Answers in a few hours when the game puck drops.
First Period:
- Both clubs doing very good job clearing their own zones, limiting chances.
- That's how you do it, Pleks with a beaut snap from the circle, Habs grab early lead.
- Fast and furious now, courtesy a wreathed turnover by Bouillon deep in his zone. Kaberle is already thinking "no way I'd have done that." Orr score ties the game quickly.
- Habs D more aggressive pinches to keep the puck in Sabres zone, it's creating pressure and chances.
- Poor decision making by Subban creates two on one shorthanded break for Buffalo. Needs to play smarter.
- Sabres feeding the line quite a bit for shots, clearly looking for deflections and rebounds. Not a lot has been forthcoming to this point.
- Relatively even period, one major good by Bouillon cost the Habs a probable first intermission lead.
Second Period:
- Is it unreasonable to say that Budaj is terrible at covering up loose pucks?
- Not to be overly harsh, but no way Price plays as soft as Budaj did on Sabres equalizer. These backup netminding wins are going to be tough.
- I've read the preposterous argument that Markov and Subban combo on the PP is a bad idea. Hoping that Subban cannon goal shuts that stupid observation up once and for all.
- Sloppy played period. Habs somewhat fortunate to be up by one. With Budaj, Habs will need to score at least one more in the third. It's that simple.
Third Period:
- Well there you go. Pleks with a beautiful move on the break to beat Miller, and Budaj has his cushion. 4-2 Habs.
- Canadiens really clamping down nicely here, clearing their zone beautifully. Buffalo hasn't had a sniff of a chance since the Plekanec goal.
- Seems like Vanek is dangerous each and every shift. He's that good.
- Speaking of, it would be a significant feather in the Habs' cap if they were to keep Vanek off the scoresheet tonight.
- Ryan White drops his glove on Ott, and has just drawn an incredibly dumb penalty. Four minutes in total, and it's all but certain he'll be a healthy scratch for some time to come.
- Hoo boy. Sabres score and are still on the powerplay. No way I'd want to be White right now. No way.
- There goes keeping Vanek off the board.
- Sabres all over Habs right now. Ryan White praying.
- Office pool on when White plays again? Put me down for March. Maybe.
- Habs seemingly have regained some of the momentum which was pretty much all Sabres. Now can they hold and win?
- Sabres swarming, Budaj's gonna give me a cardiac.
- Habs doing incredible job keeping puck in Sabres zone there. Speed/hustle kills.
- Therrien tosses Eller out there last minute, showing confidence that he'll help bring this home.
- Oh Budaj. Oh dear. Hoo boy. Point blow. This might be reviewed though.
- Budaj simply unable to cover the loose puck. Yeah, we mentioned that earlier.
- Plekanec pleading with refs that Budaj was mugged in the crease during the scramble. Interference is not reviewable.
- It might be over simplistic, but if Price is in goal, we win. If Ryan White doesn't do something really stupid, we win. Overtime we go.
Overtime:
- It's simple, Habs must win in OT, because Miller vs. Budaj in shootout is massive advantage for the Sabres.
- Sabres aren't dumb, they're clearly playing for the shootout.
- Shootout it is. Do we even bother watching a foregone conclusion?
More in a bit, but P.K. has just been announced as a starter today. Yay.
Ryan White gets a scratch. Hopefully next time he'll think twice before mouthing off at the net. Carey Price will start between the pipes. Duh.
More in a bit.
First Period:
- Habs get early PP, Markov and Diaz paired, Subban remains on the bench.
- Desharnais very unnecessary hold there. When will the funk end?
- Tenuous, close-checking start first 6 minutes, Habs shots all from the parameter, easy shots for Miller.
- Diaz isn't particularly mobile at the line, as least keeping the pucks inside the zone.
- If Habs PP continues to sputter, will Therrien match P.K. With Andrei?
- Still baffled how Bourque, 5 feet from the goal, can miss the shot by six feet.
- Habs buzzing around Miller, but still haven't been able to muster a quality challenging shot on the Sabres' netminder.
- Took 11 minutes, but Sabres finally register a shot.
- Jeebs, let's hope the next 45 minutes are more uptempo. Almost unbearably tight checking hockey so far.
- Eller was put out Habs 2nd shift. Don't think he's been out until now, with 4:30 left.
- Habs doing an exceptional job blocking Buffalo's shots. Price never had it so easy.
- Too soon to call Desharnais/Cole/Eller combo the Lost Line? 'Cause that's what they look like.
- Bourque another fine effort, just can't seem to finish.
- And finally Bourque delivers going hard to the net. Entirely deserved. 1-0.
- Habs owned the period, Sabres pathetically registered one one shot. Key to finally put one past Miller to come away with a clear period win. Sabres will almost certainly come out with a response in the 2nd, Habs must anticipate and defend accordingly.
Second Period:
- As expected Sabres come out strong, but struggling to complete passes. Canadiens bring very aggressive in their zone, not allowing Buffalo forwards much room or time to wind for a shot.
- Gallagher to Galchenyuk to Gallagher to Galchenyuk. But it hits a defender's leg and trickles in and Galchenyuk gets his 3rd. Nifty goal by two very young and dynamic wingers. 2-0.
- Armstrong a little too casual on the PK and nearly costs a goal. Be interesting to see if he gets any more specialty unit time today.
- Sabres may not have scored on the man advantage but it's given their offense some wings. Next goal will be critical in determining the final outcome of the game.
- Plekanec exasperated with the linesmen at the faceoff circle who have tossed him out three times so far in the game.
- Subban's penalty is all on Kaberle, not to mention the difficult save required by Price. Kaberle's main argument for making the lineup card is that he benefits the PP. Not helping his cause much.
- Sabres definitely have responded, but Price remains razor sharp.
- Goalpost hit by Buffalo one end, Sabres caught flat footed on the transition, and finally, finally, Desharnais cracks the scoring list.
- Speaking of, welcome to the club Lars Eller. The Sabres defense is waving the flag as the gate is opened wide on the wing, and Habs are threatening to make this a blowout. 4-0.
- Buffalo in total zone chaos. Really should be 5-0 now.
- Habs blue line super aggressive with the pinch, even up by four goals. Odd approach, certainly not necessary at this stage.
- Eller with a phantom tripping penalty. Gotta make this somewhat interesting, I guess.
- Sabres just taking their sweet time moving the puck around. Easily defended.
- Eller really solid shift to end the period, grinding hard for puck possession. Therrien is inclined to reward that effort with more time.
- Habs hard work and seemingly fresh legs paid dividends in the 2nd. Sabres looked a lot like we did Wednesday night in Ottawa.
Third Period:
- Logical move by Buffalo to start the 3rd, Miller out, Enroth in.
- Bourque right place again, picks up his 2nd of the night. Buffalo just terrible handling checks and giving away pucks today. 5-0.
- Insult to injury, Prust creams Steve Ott in a fight. Sums up the day, really.
- Pretty goal by Vanek on a shorthanded break as Price gambles with a poke and loses his shutout bid. 5-1.
- With nothing to lose, Sabres pelting Price with shots in the 3rd. Creating breaks and odd man rushes for Canadiens' forwards.
- Subban absolutely clangs the post with a cannon shot. So close.
- Gotta say that minute of 3 on 3 was great fun. League really must have this for their overtime format. Can't imagine a goal not being scored within 5 minutes.
- Brilliant puck control by powerplay, Habs 6th goal courtesy point blast by Subban, Desharnais with easy rebound for his 2nd of the day. All Montreal today.
- Sabres totally dominated today. So many of these games in a compressed schedule seem to be determined by whomever has the fresher legs. Tomorrow another difficult test as Habs, with less than 24 hours rest, will face the more rested Sens. A win will go a long way towards solidifying the emerging belief that this Habs team might be a whole lot better than many had given them credit for heading into the season.
So let's make this fast. LEAFS ARE TERRIBLE. But we already knew that. Still, so much fun to watch 'em self destruct towards a ninth straight year with naught a playoff game in sight.
So yay that! What's the other big thing ... something about Patrick Roy being our next coach or GM or Executive Vice President of Player Personnel something or the other ... or maybe all three. Whatever. That's a recipe for disaster. I can't believe that the Canadiens' brass would even entertain giving a loose cannon so much firm control over what we think is still the most esteemed franchise in hockey history.
Don't do it Mr. Molson. Step away from the crazy machine, and don't push that button.
TONIGHT it's our boys against the Sabres. It's a big game for Buffalo - a win tonight will move them into a tie for 8th place in the East. It's even bigger for us. A win tonight will move us into ... a ... tie ... for .. uh ... 14th place. Woot?
Actually a win will move us to within a point of leapfrogging the Leafs for (maybe last?) place! LET'S DO THIS.
First Period:
- Not surprisingly the Sabres come out fast - they want this one bad.
- Staubitz does basically all he's capable of - picks a fight his first shift against McCormick, and will probably sit on a bench the rest of the night. And so it goes.
- Is it too much to dream that Bourque might actually be showing up for this game? Decent first shift there.
- Palushaj looked bad/slow there, and Price surrenders a rare wrap-around goal to Hodgson. Sabres score first.
- If the knock on Desharnais is that he passes too much, the knock on Bourque (among others) must surely be he shoots too much. But then passing was never one of his strengths (among others).
- Heckova check by Desharnais there - not a hook, just stick on stick.
- Habs in tough tonight. Sabres are hell bent on getting to 8th spot.
Second Period:
- Sloppy defensive coverage, Campoli wanders far away from the crease, and Weber way too soft as the Sabres swarm the crease. 2-0. This could get really ugly.
- Making the mission even more unpossible, Miller is on his game tonight. Eeek.
- Habs just totally outgunned. Offense incapable of getting anything moving. I'll be shocked if one gets past Miller tonight.
- Good penalty to take there by Roy there with a hook on Campoli. Probably saved a goal.
- Remember how I noted that Bourque had a strong first shift? Well, that was it. Show up, skate hard for a minute, rest for the night, collect your check the next day. Pretty sweet deal.
- Lackluster period, Sabres more or less on cruise control at this point. Habs no real threat to score. Might as well file this in the L slot.
Third Period:
- For the bazillionth time Lars Eller takes an undisciplined hooking call in the offensive zone, right in front of the official. Eller's next big step is a hockey IQ improvement. Don't matter how good your skating and skills might be - if you play dumb you'll never improve.
- Price being the consummate professional here holding the Sabres at bay. Would be very easy (and forgivable) to just toss the towel in.
- Really don't see the point of playing Staubitz at this stage of the game, and yet there he is, taking a very bad interference penalty.
- Price one of the few who showed up tonight for the Habs. He had no chance tonight. Not behind this team.
- Sabres score to salt this away. Funny how the stupidest penalties seem to lead to a goal for the other guys.
- Habs record since the coaching change drops to 15-21-6. That pace works out to a 71 point season ("good" or bad enough to be positioned for the 2nd draft pick). Habs still have a good shot - just 3 points ahead of Edmonton, the Oilers have a game in hand.
Happy Monday! Happy game day! Still feeling the afterglow from Saturday night's glorious win over the headed-for-an-early-playoff-exit Canucks? Me too! Or are you one of those half-glass empty types bemoaning the suddenly diminishing hopes of having a top 3 draft pick? Well boo on you. A win, especially this season, is like a fine wine - an experience to be cherished and embraced. Or something like that. Whatever. We gladly take W's wherever and whenever they come.
So tonight! It looks like Peter Budaj will get the start, and there's even speculation that Desharnais will get clearance to play. We'll see. I'm just looking forward to another game with Andrei Markov in the lineup - he (and by consequence the team as a whole) looked pretty good 48 hours ago. Tonight we face the victory-desperate Buffalo Sabres, who are treading just barely above water in their faint hopes for that 8th and final playoff spot. This could actually be a good game!
And congratulations SAKU KOIVU, who will play in his 1,000 regular season NHL game tonight! The heart of a lion, one of the finest centres to proudly wear the C and H. We continue to mourn your departure Saku, but we celebrate your achievement.
First Period:
- The Desharnais effect is immediate. Cole with a sneaky shot that catches Miller by surprise. Nice start.
- Budaj looking pretty good. It's the basics that sometimes elude him leading to the iffy goals. Needs to limit that as much as possible.
- Markov is clearly gun shy about taking any hits in the corner. Can't say I blame him.
- Myers with a strange injury after colliding with Eller. Looks like something gave (Eller did nothing wrong).
- Staubitz with Cole? That's an odd pairing.
- Budaj's got the horseshoes working OT so far.
- 11 SOG for the Sabres through 14 minutes. Budaj holdin' 'em in.
- Paciotretty streaking down the wing clangs one off the post. Miller again in la-la land.
- Markov getting dialed back tonight? Just three shifts, around 4 minutes for the period.
- Habs tightening up zone coverage significantly, Sabres' chances not nearly as frequent or dangerous as first 10 minutes of the period.
- Sabres very Habs-esque in the first - creating many good scoring chances, but failing to capitalize. Habs playing classic rope-a-dope road game.
Second Period:
- Ouch Pacioretty taking a shot off the inside of his right skate. Gone to the dressing room. That ain't good.
- Eller came about two inches from scoring - in his own net.
- Geoffrion taking Pacioretty's spot on the Desharnais line.
- Second string Budaj with a first string glove save on Roy. That was a beaut.
- Markov scared the heck out of me as he collapses in front of Budaj. But it was a Roy high stick.
- Kaberle set up perfectly by Plekanec. If it's Markov receiving, Habs lead 2-0.
- Hah. Plekanec sets up Markov perfectly ... and he fans on the puck. Guess I'll shuddup now.
- Credit where credit is due - Weber with two nice shot blocks.
- Eek. Some rust remains. Andrei just got his clock cleaned courtesy some dazzling moves by Ennis. Game tied.
- Miller hasn't been tested since Habs PP very early in the period. That's how dry it's been for the offense.
- Sabres really struggling with the finish tonight. If it were on, might be a blowout already.
- Excellent transition game by Subban tonight. He gives us a fighting chance.
- Sad sack frame for the Habs - Sabres really controlled much of the tempo, not to mention puck possession. We're extremely lucky to be tied with 20 minutes left.
Third Period:
- Pacaioretty back on the bench. Exhale.
- Eek. Eek. Really bad pinch by Markov creates odd-man break for the Sabres Emelin redirects cross-ice pass past Budaj and Sabres take the lead.
- Habs really struggling to keep their legs moving, Sabres all over looking for the insurance goal.
- Habs really slowing down here - maybe it's a side effect from that western road trip, maybe it's symptomatic of a larger issue of conditioning that's dogged this team all season long. Sabres third goal looking like a matter of time.
- Ooch. Cole won't get many better chances than that. Mike Weber saved a goal there.
- Myers with a nasty blindside hit on Gomez. Habs get a PP chance.
- Well that lasted 14 seconds. Pretty marginal hooking call on Pacioretty. Eager beaver officiating there.
- Markov pinches to get a quality try on Miller, which is cool. But then Weber rushes up leaving Plekanec the only guy back, which is very bad. Sabres nearly salt it away.
- Habs can't string two consecutive passes together here, making it rather difficult to generate some offense.
- Bourque was particularly invisible tonight. Even more so than his usual invisible self. #whentradesgohorriblywrong
- Markov with a fabulous play to keep the Sabres from scoring into the empty net, and he generates a great scoring chance. Welcome back.
- AND DESHARNAIS SCORES with 3 left!! How big is that Markov play now?? Fantastic!!
Overtime:
- Weber pinches to take a shot, I think he actually hit the post, but as a result gets caught up ice. Myers scores and the Sabres grab that precious extra point. Still, to get that one point is another indicator that this team is entirely different with Markov in the lineup.
So anyone actually feeling pretty good about what happened last night? Yeah, yeah ... the Bruins won, but our Habs were (let's be frank) down and out, played a gutsy and dominate third period unlike any other game we'd see this season. And while the Leafs won (bah), that hard-earned single point still keeps us within shouting distance with 23 games left to go.
Meanwhile, the hacks and fans from Boston-land are all in a tizzy because of the fan response last night to Chara getting a puck in the face, courtesy a clearing attempt by Plekanec late in the third period.
The point being missed, of course, is that only a small minority of fans cheered when Chara hit the ice like a sack of potatoes - the descriptive "Habs fans cheer" headlines are recklessly misleading. The vast majority of those in attendance didn't utter a peep, an entirely commendable reaction when you consider it's been less than a year since Chara's infamous hit on Max Pacioretty. How many Boston writers were then posting articles with the headline "Chara Attempts to Decapitate Habs Forward"? Nope, you see, the hit was simply "unfortunate". No way you should blame Chara! It was just one of those "hockey plays", you know? The kind where the guy's head is nearly torn off his shoulders. Sorry Max ol' chap, best of luck to you, and beside, you were probably totally faking it!!
But you gotta spew nonsense to the faithful to get that traffic! So crank up the sensationalist machine. Habs fans = goons. Bruins players = victims. Done!
MORE ABOUT THOSE DASTARDLY SHOOTOUTS: Yes, YeS, YES to this. They are BAD. They're boring. I HATE them. They appeal only to fans (*cough* Americans *cough*) who find little to enjoy about the game other than that puck going into the net.
No more. Adopt the three point system for wins. Let the games be fought hard in 60 minutes, not with the sideshow shootouts features silly goals that aren't remotely legal.
THE HAMMER COMES DOWN ON MARCHAND: The NHL weighed in on that nasty low hit delivered by Marchand last night on Emelin. He's totally suspended! Ha ha .. just kidding! He's a Boston Bruin! So you know ... free pass, yadda yadda, same old story.
Totally-unbiased-absolutely-neutral-no-way-he-shows-favoritism Brendan Shanahan just tweeted his verdict:
Like all penalties on the ice, not all "clips" rise to the level of supplemental discipline. This check by Marchand was delivered to the upper thigh/hip and not the knee area. We don't like it, but not SD.
There you go! Nothing wrong at all. OH ... but Marchand didn't get off scott free, as you can see. The big wigs in the NHL front office "don't like it." Ouch. Well that will really teach Marchand a lesson or two, won't it?
Just one more thing: Hey, Mr. Shanahan? We aren't idiots. He didn't hit his knee? Well sure, in the freeze frame clip that YOU posted it doesn't show that hip-on-knee contact, but how about this picture?
A suggestion to the NHL. Punish players ... I mean, actually freaking PUNISH players, especially the serial headcases like Marchand, for their ongoing attempts to injure others on the ice.
Until you start doing that, Shanahan and the suits he reports to, simply cannot and will not be taken seriously by the hockey community.
GAMEDAY LINEUP UPDATE: Weber is in, Campoli is out, which should come as surprise to exactly nobody in light of this little gem from Wednesday night.
Price will start. Will Budaj get in a game before season's end?
Post morning practice interviews, featuring Cole 'n' Cunneyworth.
HAL GILL TRADED: To Nashville with a 5th round conditional, in return for a 2nd round pick (2012), and two lower level prospects.
But yeah ... we got a 2nd rounder. Looking at the two young players right now. Will post again shortly.
UPDATE: The players are Geoffrion AND Slaney.
Wow. What a deal!! The 2nd rounder AND one of the Preds' top offensive prospects in Geoffrion.
Just ... wow. Pierre. Excellent trade!
CONDITIONAL PICK UPDATE: The Preds will get '13 5th round pick IF Geoffrion plays 40 games with the big club next year. If he doesn't, no pick.
If Geoffrion sticks for 40 games next year, it means he's worth sticking around for 40 games next year, thereby making the 5th a relative bargain.
Let's not make this sound like it was a one-sided trade. The Preds did get Gill, who will really help them out. This move was totally Barry Trotz, arguably the smartest coach in the game. Why did they trade for Gill? "Experience. Anybody who's got some size, who won the Cup. ... Penalty killing, especially on a defensive side."
Have to agree. Gill makes the Preds much more competitive for a championship. But ... still ... we got a lot back in return.
First Period:
- With Gill traded, Campoli makes it into he lineup. Every trade has its big downside I suppose.
- This might be a tough game given that the Sabres are a pretty desperate team, and they got spanked last night by the Flyers. You just know Ruff read them the riot act, so there are probably more than a few Sabres that will come out if that gate angry and flying. First ten minutes expect a Buffalo blitz.
- White skating well, picking up where he left off Wednesday night.
- And like Wednesday, opposition strikes first with a shot from the line that seemingly is deflected. Maybe this one was just plain misplayed by Price? 1-0 Sabres.
- Nope. Official scoring no deflection. I guess Price overplayed the shot.
- Regehr credited with the goal, just his first of the year. If there was a prime candidate for most disappointing acquisition made in the off-season, Regehr would probably win hands down.
- Subban's slapper is a shadow of it's former self.
- Wow. Outstanding puck control and movement by the Habs PP, finished by pretty pass from Desharnais to Kaberle who snuck in from the point a la Markov. Game tied.
- Habs PP now 5 for it's last 12.
- Ryan White had a tough shift. Positionally lost in the Sabres zone when the Habs had a good cycle going, then outmuscled for the puck in the defensive zone allowing Myers to snap a beauty over Price's shoulder. Gomez with the initial giveaway to create the scoring chance/goal for Buffalo.
- Stand corrected on Habs first goal, scored one second after PP expired. So PP is actually 4 for last 12.
- Gomez!! And this one before the PP expires! Habs man advantage definitely clicking now.
Second Period:
- Habs go to the PK for the first time in the post-Gill era.
- Habs penned in their own zone most of that penalty (bad), but don't surrender a goal (good).
- After an iffy defensive display in the first, both clubs settling down, a lot of players cluttering the neutral zone. Things more or less grinding to a halt.
- Leblanc providing a really good demonstration on how not to take a breakaway. What the heck was that?
- And Subban with a demonstration on how to exactly play the defender facing a 3-on-1.
- Campoli making me look bad bemoaning his place in the lineup, snapping one past a flopping Miller. Gomez a nice job creating a screen. Habs take the lead.
- Cole getting shadowed pretty hard tonight, so he's been kept pretty quiet.
- Pacioretty leading all skaters with huge 14 minutes of time, 4 minutes left in the 2nd.
- Darche also getting plenty of time, getting rewarded handsomely for playing some of the best hockey of his career of late.
- They may not have scored the most points, but I'm thinking the Gomez/White/Kostitsyn line is the best of the week for this team.
- Price save of the game right there. Maybe one of his best all year.
- Well here we go. One more time. Habs in lead going to the 3rd. For some reason, I'm feeling a bit more comfortable about it tonight. Let's see what happens.
Third Period:
- Have to assume that Ruff reminded his team that a loss tonight would pretty much extinguish the Sabres' hopes of getting back into the playoffs race. So expect plenty of bodies to be crashing Price until (if) the Sabres can score to tie the game.
- Defense (more or less) doing a good clearing the zone so far.
- Keep chippin' it out. Just keep chippin' it out.
- Sabres unable to get anything going so far. Fans getting restless.
- Huge Gill-less PK here.
- Plekanec with a blocked shot that sends him smarting to the bench.
- Habs blocking shots and passes like crazy. Anything to win tonight.
- Emelin another standout performance tonight. Can't believe how far he's adapted to the NHL and progressed this year.
- Gomez wide open net on the 3-on-2, pass hopped over his stick as he attempted the shot.
- Halfway home. Can they hold on?
- Derek Roy with a World Cup-style collapse in front of the official, looking for a call.
- Campoli/Kaberle combo at this stage of the game? What the heck is Cunneyworth thinking??
Overtime:
- Madness must end. Campoli wildly out of position, Sabres missed an open net. Game really should be over.
- Habs shell game in 3rd cost them the two points. That and questionable bench management by the coach.
- Darche is playing great, but you don't want him out there in OT.
- Pacioretty with a terrible penalty with a minute left. And why is Campoli out there again?
- Habs hopes of winning rest on surviving this Sabres PP and winning the shootout. In other words, it's fading fast.
- Sabres really should have finished the game off. The chances certainly were there, just couldn't convert.
- Shootout. The dreaded shootout. Price has to be dreading this.
Shootout:
- Season stats: Price 13g/17s, Miller 4g/8s. Yeah, I like Buffalo's odds.
- Pacrioretty (okay), Desharnais (um ... okay) and Kostitsyn.
- Price with very nice first save.
- Pacrioretty!!!
- Price on Pominville! Habs Desharnais can end it right here.
WOOT. It's 50! I totally can't believe I've made it this far. Sure, I'm about 30 pounds heavier than I was at game 25, even though I ran a marathon in-between, and yeah, I'm starting to now wonder what the whole purpose of this season is with the few 30-some remaining games left ... maybe a few extra more if I'm lucky. But still, the big 5-Oh. Wow. Time flies when you're really not having a whole lot of fun.
Anyway, it's the story that just won't go away. Bruins' GM Peter Chiarelli has had to endure the indignant chore of ONCE AND FOR ALL denying that he's gonna trade away Tim Thomas' wacky butt to some other team that's dying for a messy distraction in their dressing room, by issuing a classic non-denial denial:
"Not trading him ... I have not talked to anyone and I don't plan to."
Well thank goodness that's all cleared up. Now we know for sure Thomas isn't going anyyyyywheee ... woooah hold on ... you don't "plan to" talk to anyone? But plans change, don't they? And what if someone talks to you? That would change things a bit, no?
Anyway, deconstructing that little statement, Chiarelli is unquestionably leaving the door just a little bit open, as any proper and well-thinking NHL General Manager would do. I'd be pretty shocked if the Bruins did trade away Thomas before the deadline, since they're hoping to ride him to a Championship defense (who wouldn't? ... would the Habs have rightfully traded away Roy in 1994? NO!!! They waited a few months longer to make that awful deal, so SEE ... it just doesn't happen .. right away!!).
But yeah ... if, say, a Western Conference team made a pretty aggressive offer to Chiarelli for Thomas, he'd be crazy to not consider. Almost as crazy as any team wanting to trade for the Thomas baggage.
MEANWHILE, oh gawd ... more Tim Thomas nonsense. the Montreal Gazette really knows how to muff it up, don't they? Other than running the entirely useless Hockey Inside Out (I refuse to link to it because of its uselessness), they dunn gawn run a pretty silly column by freelancer Jack Todd, who (with zero substantiation) informed readers that Thomas' big problem is that he kinda hates black people of which that President Obama guy just happens to be one of, which is why he really didn't want to go to the White House. See? It's all quite explainable!
Once this absurd column hit the fan, the Gazette scrambled to take down Todd's article, and replaced it with this toned-down piece which scrubbed all reference to Thomas' apparent disfavour to people of colour, including Obama.
Really guys?!? Wow. Anyway, Todd is now feeling the heat, and might never be published again in Montreal. The REAL blame, however, rests with Editor Stu Cowen. He's the guy who green-lighted and published the piece, and he's the guy who ultimately must take the fall.
HABS-RELATED STUFF: So the practice lines this morning were Bourque-Plekanec-Gomez, Blunden-Eller-Kostitsyn, Darche-White-Weber, Cole-Desharnais-Pacioretty. Yay. Ryan White is back? Or is he? The team announced late this afternoon that Andreas Engqvist has been called up from Hamilton, leading me to suspect that White isn't *quite* ready to return.
Is it also safe to assume that Petteri Nokelainen won't ever play another game in a Habs uniform? If White comes back, and they're calling up Engqvist, I'm thinking it is.
CHEAP TIX: Wow. $50 to see a Habs game IN Montreal? Yup. It's true. The seat ain't great, but still, the price is great.
GAMEDAY OMG ANDREI MARKOV IS SKATING UPDATE: This morning, he was out on the ice practicing for 15 minutes! The season is saved!!! Oh wait. What did Cunneyworth just say? "He's still a ways away." Oh. Hm. Nevermind.
$60 A TICKET! Yup, you can buy a bunch of 'em for tonight's game. These things are so much more affordable when your team is terrible. Now, be prepared to bring along a pair of binoculars, but still ... $60!!
Here's Gorges, Eller and Gill talking about tonight's BIG game against a team that's behind us in the standings. Wait, what?!? Somebody is actually behind us in the standings??
So the NHL set a ratings record for that All-Star game on the weekend! Hockey is back!! Oh ... that record was just for Canada? They really didn't cover the game in the United States? Oh. Hm. Nevermind.
TIM THOMAS NEWS: Ahhh ... we have some!! So Mr. "defense of freedom and liberty" guy or whatever he likes to call himself (but whatever, he's great!!) so yeah .. here's the thing. He doesn't really do that "voting" thing, you see? Well, for the past eight years, at least.
TIM, you're a freedom-lovin' guy! Why aren't your raising your voice by participating in the democratic process? A lot of people kinda sorta died defending that most precious rights of rights, ya know? What gives, Timmy?
THIS IS GREAT: We Canadians are constantly patting ourselves on the back for all the strain and sacrifice we endure making an backyard skating rink. Well guys (and girls), have you tried making that outdoor rink in the freakin' desert?! This AWESOME family in Arizona has done just that. Now that's impressive! Canada, you just got served.
First Period:
- Plex/Bourque/Gomez combo, just like Monday's practice.
- That's the benefit of playing aggressively at the line, Pacioretty with a nice poke to spring a break. 1-0.
- Pominville unlucky. Price overplayed the angle leaving half the net gaping and open. Pominville rings it off the inside of the post. Game ought to be tied.
- Cunneyworth keeping the ice splits pretty even so far.
- Cole is so strong on his feet. If he isn't being allowed to drive to the net it's probably because he's been hauled down.
- Habs (again) spent a fair amount of time working on the PP during Monday's practice. Let's see if there's an improvement.
- Nope. Bad as ever.
- Gorges called for a hook, which the reply would disagree with. Oh well.
- Pretty even period, Habs played a pretty disciplined game in their zone keeping the Sabres chances to a minimum. Not exactly a blazing fast pace, to be expected since it's been a week since most everyone has played.
Second Period:
- Habs a bit sluggish getting back into their zone creating a Sabres 3 on 2, finished by Leino. 30 seconds earlier the crowd was howling for a whistle after a Sabres shot from the line appeared to deflect into the mesh and back onto the ice. Hmmm.
- Emelin just made one heck of a block on a Pominville shot destined for the back of the net. Seconds earlier he unloaded a thunderous check on the Sabres captain behind the net. Emelin has the capacity to change games. He can be that good.
- Cole with a ringer off the crossbar.
- Plekanec line has been pretty quiet tonight, it's a new line combo that hasn't really clicked yet.
- Apart from Cole's crossbar, Habs have had pretty much nothing this period. Sabres dominating possession and tempo.
- Cole with an incredible burst of speed blowing past the Buffalo D that nearly results in a spectacular goal. Somebody should check to see if he's got a jet pack hidden in his gear. That was pretty special.
- Cole having a frustrating period of near misses. This time a point blank backhander that Miller is able to turn back.
- Feeling more and more like the next goal will inevitably go to the Sabres.
- Price doing his level best keeping this game tied.
- Habs totally muffed that 3 on 1 with just a few seconds left.
- Sabres won that period hands down, very much deserve the lone goal. Outshooting Habs 29-15, Buffalo really does deserves a win. Habs just too sluggish to compete.
Third Period:
- Engqvist gets a tripping call. The call up is currently desperately hoping the Sabres don't capitalize.
- Very early in the season the Sabres were totally outplayed and outshot at the Bell Centre but Miller stole two points. Is Price about to return the favor? Buffalo outshooting 33-15.
- Battle for the puck along the boards, three red shirts and two white. The guys in white won the puck. That's all you need to know about tonight's game.
- It's the Carey Price show right now. But will it have a happy ending?
- Bah. Doesn't look like it. Gill all turned around and played his crease soft allowing Gaustad a free pass to the net. Sabres score that aforementioned inevitable goal, and the Habs inept offense will have to cook up a response or this one is done.
- Sabres are going to have 40+ shots tonight, Habs might not reach 20.
- Dismally disorganized, Canadiens having trouble coordinating a simple pass.
- That All-Star break really came at a rotten time didn't it? Hard to believe this is the same team that totally thumped the Wings just six nights ago.
- Not sure how Pacioretty missed that wide open net, but he just did.
- Nice end to end action here. Looks like maybe an exciting finish?
- Sabres winning puck battles along the boards, Habs offense having trouble generating sustained pressure.
- Habs have narrowed the shot differential the past six minutes or so, but apart from Pacioretty's open net chance, Miller hasn't had to be spectacular.
- Habs lose, but this time it's deserved. Sabres the far better team from just about every angle.
Sooo ... I guess sweet revenge on Miller will have to wait another day, in light of his concussion from Saturday night, courtesy the (very) illegal contact made by Milan Lucic, who somehow managed to escape disciplinary action from the League. Bruins and suspensions. Anyone notice a trend of inactivity?
Cammalleri is reportedly scratched from the lineup - clearly whatever injury he's got is of the nagging variety, as this is the second sitout since his knee was cut. Engqvist will get a start, although let us all hope that part of his responsibilities tonight don't incur taking faceoffs.
Speaking of centres, following a pretty strong return, should be interesting to see if Martin rotates Gomez into more top line shifts, or if he keeps him on mainly fourth line duty. I suppose Gomez is at least due a chance to prove his worthy by getting some 2nd line opportunities, although he did seem to adjust nicely to a checking role, and even helped the fourth to create a few offensive chances against Nashville.
- Par Arpon Basu's tweet, official starting lines tonight are Moen-Pleks-Gionta; Pacioretty-DD-Cole; Gomez-Eller-Palushaj; Nokelainen-Enqvist-Darche.
First Period:
- Scary slash by Regehr on Cole, obviously aiming to break his stick in two. Viciously hard, those are the slashes that break wrists and arms.
- In the first five minutes three Habs tossed out of faceoff circle. Pretty danged sure we're dubiously leading the League for that.
- Quite certain Diaz kept that puck inside the Sabres zone, yet the linesman, standing no more than 12 feet away, blows the call.
- If Enroth does tonight what Miller did to us a month ago, I'm gonna scream.
- When was the last time the Habs started 6 centers like they are tonight? Was it in my lifetime? Ever?
- Erik Cole robbed by Enroth point blank, after the faceoff that followed a 2-on-1 break where Enroth made a fine save on ... Cole.
- Moen threading a perfect pass to a streaking Gionta, who somehow failed to make contact with the puck.
- Somewhat uneventful period, slight edge to Habs who outshoot Buffalo 10-6. Enroth being the difference.
Second Period:
- Utter chaos in Sabres zone after Weber makes nice play to keep the puck in at the line, and Cole one-time rips the puck into the Buffalo net, no chance for Enroth.
- Lots of offensive pressure generated last shift by Habs fourth line, Darche gets a clear-cut breakaway. Darche being, of course, the last guy you want on a breakaway. Routine save for Enroth.
- Sabres lots of gusto after the whistle, looking for a fight where none exists. Where were they after Lucic's head shot on Miller Saturday night? Oh, that's right. Hiding.
- Price tremendous on the two minute 4-on-3 Sabres PP. Several sparkling saves and terrific positioning.
- Spacek getting fair amount of attention from training staff at the bench. Not sure what the injury is or when it occurred.
- Sabres just one effective PP so far, rest have been easily muted by Habs PK.
- Pacioretty piling up the points, Sabres defense way too passive on that rush. 2-0.
- Ruff has seen enough to conclude the game is on the cusp of getting out hand. Calls a time out.
- Habs fourth line buzzing again, they just can't finish the play.
- Clumsy turnover at the blue line gives Sabers easy 2 on 1 break, Gorges with great shot block to possibly save a goal. That's why they pay him the big bucks.
- Although Buffalo outshot Habs 13-9 in the period, Canadiens largely controlled the play, with Price facing little challenge except during the two minute 4-on-3.
Third Period:
- Diaz a clumsy turnover behind his net, quick pass to Pominville with an unstoppable one-timer high slot, 2-1.
- Sabres smelling some blood, Price could have a very busy third period.
- Habs ice the puck. Don't fear the icing, especially if you want to stutter the other guy's momentum.
- Almost all Buffalo so far. Not sure how much longer the lead can be maintained.
- Spacek officially gone for the night, unknown injury. Same for Engqvist. Ouch.
- With Engqvist done, Gomez has been moved back to the fourth line.
- Casual dump in by Plekanec and another passive reaction by Sabres defense frees Gionta all alone in front of Enroth who makes game-saving poke check. Ruff can't be pleased about this.
- Gomez on first line PP. When was the last time he scored a regular season goal? February?
- Absolute confusion in Habs zone following a wretched line change, Roy ties the game.
- Given how much the game was in control after 40 minutes, anything less than two points from this one will come as a bitter disappointment.
- Sabres mauling Habs in Montreal's zone, but Gaustad just took a very foolish cross checking penalty.
- It took nearly 15 minutes, but Habs just registered their first shot of the period.
- Habs way too cute on that PP, and Subban's shot very Spacek-like in accuracy.
- Without Cammalleri, and Gill, and Spacek, and Cammalleri's replacement Engqvist, I suppose the Habs have held up pretty well. Just didn't have the horses for the third period.
- Lock down and play for the point and OT. Salvage something from this.
- Buffalo owned that period, will feel very good about their chances in OT. Habs have to be kicking themselves for letting this one slip away, in large part due to sloppiness in their own zone.
Overtime:
- 3-peat! And will PK finally get one????
- Oh gawd. What was Cole doing with the hit on Enroth?? Glorious opportunity for Sabres, Price will have to flip a few cartwheels to save this.
- Wow. What a kill. And Patioretty draws a Sabres penalty!! Crazy!!
- Last time there were two two minute penalty kills in an OT? Has there ever been such a thing?
- Price looking to make his first *save* in a shootout this season.
- Price beaten under the bar. But Patioretty responds to even it up.
- Oh wow. Price looked bad on second shot. Still hasn't made a save in a shootout this season, and the Habs lose a tough one.
- After a very rough start against the Avs, Carey Price looks to regain some of last year's form. We'll know pretty soon after the puck whether he's fighting the puck like he did three nights ago.
- Martin reportedly put the boys though a fairly intense practice on Monday to "send a message." The coach is clearly unhappy with what he's seen thus far and there may be a resultant short leash used tonight.
- Quite the applause for a quarterback. Now can we play some hockey?
First Period:
- Desharnais starts, almost instantly creates a good chance. Easily the Habs best line right now.
- Just got this feeling that Eller is on the cusp of breaking out. The effort is there, just need some follow through.
- Relatively cautious period, each team refusing to surrender high percentage chances. Got the feeling this could be one of those 2-1 type of games.
- Habs D certainly looks more focused and disciplined tonight. Zone coverage appears more inclined toward protecting Price and reducing turnovers. Much more the Martin style of hockey.
- Pacioretty ... so many chances this period. If he converted on more he'd be leading the League in scoring.
Period Two:
- Miller keeping the Habs off the board. Goals are going to be few and far between, methinks.
Relentless pressure leads finally to a Habs goal, Diaz with nice patience via a pretty pass from Pacioretty. How long will it hold?
- The answer is a resounding "not long." Following an unnecessary icing with 7 seconds left in the period, the Sabres score with 2 seconds left on the clock. These are game killers. Be interesting to see how the team responds in the third.
Third Period:
- Habs not with the same jump as they had in the first and second period. The late goals, as I wrote, just kill the life out of you.
- Miller just so square to the shoots and shooters. Appears nearly unbeatable.
- 11 minutes left, d line being more aggressive playing the puck. Either they score soon or Price will be facing some difficult chances.
- Gomez has been a one-man turnover machine. Killing precious PP momentum.
- Don't see Miller being beaten again tonight. Just too good.
- Canadiens have really dominated, outshooting Buffalo 41-19 with 7 minutes left in the third. This will be a bitter defeat if the score holds.
- No "great" chances for Habs in the period, really. Sabres in shut down mode right now, hoping to hold out for a steal road win.
- And there you have it. A 3-1 loss in a game where the Habs outshot their opponent 41-23. The team continues to struggle finishing its scoring chances.
