In a turn of events, that I can only describe as pure awesomeness, PK Subban will be at the 2011 NHL All-Star festivities in Raleigh, North Carolina.
PK was already back home in Toronto visiting family when he received a call from Brendan Shanahan offering him a chance at the gig. Unfortunately, he won't be playing in the game Sunday. PK and a group of 12 rookies will have the chance to participate in the skills competition Saturday night.
Someone in management at the NHL must have read my last blog and decided he deserved a chance! It had nothing to do with Subban finishing 7th amongst all defensemen in All-Star voting.
Unfortunately for Subban he's going to have to buy a new suit. The rookie told a reporter at Canadiens.com that he only brought casual clothes when he left for Toronto.
Go rock them Subban! I wonder what skill competition he'll be in? I can see him doing well in the hardest shot or fastest skater competitions but we'll have to wait and see what he participates in.
Cheers,
Patrick
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Does Gaining Wisniewski Make Up for Losing Markov?
It's clear that the Habs management went out to get James Wiesniewski to try and fill Markov's shoes, who is out for the season due to a knee injury. So, does Wiesniewski live up to Markov's prowess?
The short answer is no. He doesn't. There is no way he is as good a hockey player as Andre Markov. Markov made incredible passes, and jumped into the play in ways that can't be taught or mimicked. But Wisniewski does provide something that the Habs were lacking with the loss of Markov.
He is doing a good job on the point, especially on the powerplay, but also at even strength. He has 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists) through his first 7 games with the Habs. All that we traded to get this guy were 2nd and 5th round draft picks in the 2012 draft. The Islanders were almost giving him away.
In the end, even though Wisniewski is no Markov, I like him and I think he's a great addition to the team.
To top it off, he's really happy to play here. Check out this video from the Habs website to get to know a bit more about Wisniewski - it's called 'Meet the New Guy': http://video.canadiens.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=1118&id=91453 I learned that Wisniewski had a scrap with 6'2" Travis Moen back in 2006 when Wisniewski played for Chicago and Moen played for Anaheim.
So the Habs blue line is looking okay, although, now we've lost Gorges for the season too!
The short answer is no. He doesn't. There is no way he is as good a hockey player as Andre Markov. Markov made incredible passes, and jumped into the play in ways that can't be taught or mimicked. But Wisniewski does provide something that the Habs were lacking with the loss of Markov.
He is doing a good job on the point, especially on the powerplay, but also at even strength. He has 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists) through his first 7 games with the Habs. All that we traded to get this guy were 2nd and 5th round draft picks in the 2012 draft. The Islanders were almost giving him away.
In the end, even though Wisniewski is no Markov, I like him and I think he's a great addition to the team.
To top it off, he's really happy to play here. Check out this video from the Habs website to get to know a bit more about Wisniewski - it's called 'Meet the New Guy': http://video.canadiens.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=1118&id=91453 I learned that Wisniewski had a scrap with 6'2" Travis Moen back in 2006 when Wisniewski played for Chicago and Moen played for Anaheim.
So the Habs blue line is looking okay, although, now we've lost Gorges for the season too!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
NHL All-Star Game
The NHL All-Star game is coming up Jan. 28-30th. The Montreal Canadiens are sending a single player, Carey Price, to the game.
All-Star Game Format
So this year, the game isn't going to be East vs. West or North America vs. the World. This year, the league decided to have a good old draft using captains! Just like we would do on an outdoor rink. Now I can't wait to see how this unfolds!
Does Price Deserve to Go to the All-Star Game?
Ok, so Montreal is sending off Carey Price to the All-Star game. I'm not too surprised nor very impressed. I feel like he got the shove in because of the rule that every team in the NHL needs to have a player representing them in the game.
His save percentage (.919) and goals-against average 2.38 rank him 17th and 12th in the NHL accordingly. Decent performances but what about all those goalies ahead of him? The only places where he ranks amonsgt the top in the NHL is games played and wins. Games played is not a terribly justifiable stat for ending up in the All-Star game. And while wins might be, seeing as wins go hand-in-hand with games played, and he's played the 2nd most games (39), of course he is going to be up there for wins (21-3rd in the NHL). But, realistically, he's only winning about half his games played.
P.K. Subban Will Sit Out All-Star Weekend
Now, P.K. Subban is a guy I would like to see in the All-Star game. In the fan voting Subban finished 7th overall amongst all defensemen! Yet, somehow he's not in the game? There's no doubt in my mind that Subban is one of the fastest, strongest and most creative players in the NHL.
There are some great experienced defensemen in the league and maybe PK needs more time to prove himself in the NHL. But, there is also a list of 12 rookies going to the game and I am curious as to how Subban missed that list! It would only get him into the skills competition but it would still be better than watching the game on TV!
All-Star Game Format
So this year, the game isn't going to be East vs. West or North America vs. the World. This year, the league decided to have a good old draft using captains! Just like we would do on an outdoor rink. Now I can't wait to see how this unfolds!
Does Price Deserve to Go to the All-Star Game?
Ok, so Montreal is sending off Carey Price to the All-Star game. I'm not too surprised nor very impressed. I feel like he got the shove in because of the rule that every team in the NHL needs to have a player representing them in the game.
His save percentage (.919) and goals-against average 2.38 rank him 17th and 12th in the NHL accordingly. Decent performances but what about all those goalies ahead of him? The only places where he ranks amonsgt the top in the NHL is games played and wins. Games played is not a terribly justifiable stat for ending up in the All-Star game. And while wins might be, seeing as wins go hand-in-hand with games played, and he's played the 2nd most games (39), of course he is going to be up there for wins (21-3rd in the NHL). But, realistically, he's only winning about half his games played.
P.K. Subban Will Sit Out All-Star Weekend
Now, P.K. Subban is a guy I would like to see in the All-Star game. In the fan voting Subban finished 7th overall amongst all defensemen! Yet, somehow he's not in the game? There's no doubt in my mind that Subban is one of the fastest, strongest and most creative players in the NHL.
There are some great experienced defensemen in the league and maybe PK needs more time to prove himself in the NHL. But, there is also a list of 12 rookies going to the game and I am curious as to how Subban missed that list! It would only get him into the skills competition but it would still be better than watching the game on TV!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Comeback Victory
Saturday night's match up between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins was about as much as a Habs fan could ask for. In the end, that is, as they crawled back from a 2-0 deficit.
At first, things were looking bad for the Canadiens. There was a rather uneventful first period, followed by a second period that allowed Boston to take a 2-0 lead thanks to 2 goals by Bergeron, his 9th and 10th of the season.
I thought we had a chance to comeback when Darche batted the puck out of the air and into the back of the net with 12:03 left to go in the 3rd period. But the referee immediately signalled no-goal for high-sticking and video review withheld that call. Opportunity lost I thought. But that wasn't the case.
Trailing 2-0 in the 3rd period, the Canadiens wait until there is only 2:22 left in the game to start their comeback.
Gomez either made a bad pass or took a terrible shot on net, but gets credited with the goal as the puck deflected off a few skates and between Thomas' legs. Boston leads 2-1.
Then with only 48 seconds left in the third Habs score another goal off a skate. Wisniewski took a weak shot from the point that bounced off Thomas's pad, off Gionta's skate and in. Another lucky goal and the Habs brought it into overtime.
In overtime the Habs have a 2 minute 4-on-3 powerplay but fail to capitalize.
Then with 1:17 left in overtime a screen shot by Pacioretty fools Tim Thomas and Montreal wins the game 3-2.
Standings Unchanged
In yesterday's blog, I mentioned how Montreal had an opportunity to move from 8th to 3rd place if they beat Boston last night. That was if they beat Boston in regulation time. Winning in overtime brings the two teams tied at 49 pts, but Boston keeps 3rd position since they have 2 games in hand.
Chara is a Beast
After Pacioretty's winning goal, Chara was infuriated by a nudge he received from the younger player. It took 6'7" Hall Gill and two referees to restrain the beast. Let's just say that Chara looks very intimidating when he gets angry and that Pacioretty was lucky Gill was around to watch his back.
Patrick
At first, things were looking bad for the Canadiens. There was a rather uneventful first period, followed by a second period that allowed Boston to take a 2-0 lead thanks to 2 goals by Bergeron, his 9th and 10th of the season.
I thought we had a chance to comeback when Darche batted the puck out of the air and into the back of the net with 12:03 left to go in the 3rd period. But the referee immediately signalled no-goal for high-sticking and video review withheld that call. Opportunity lost I thought. But that wasn't the case.
Trailing 2-0 in the 3rd period, the Canadiens wait until there is only 2:22 left in the game to start their comeback.
Gomez either made a bad pass or took a terrible shot on net, but gets credited with the goal as the puck deflected off a few skates and between Thomas' legs. Boston leads 2-1.
Then with only 48 seconds left in the third Habs score another goal off a skate. Wisniewski took a weak shot from the point that bounced off Thomas's pad, off Gionta's skate and in. Another lucky goal and the Habs brought it into overtime.
In overtime the Habs have a 2 minute 4-on-3 powerplay but fail to capitalize.
Then with 1:17 left in overtime a screen shot by Pacioretty fools Tim Thomas and Montreal wins the game 3-2.
Standings Unchanged
In yesterday's blog, I mentioned how Montreal had an opportunity to move from 8th to 3rd place if they beat Boston last night. That was if they beat Boston in regulation time. Winning in overtime brings the two teams tied at 49 pts, but Boston keeps 3rd position since they have 2 games in hand.
Chara is a Beast
After Pacioretty's winning goal, Chara was infuriated by a nudge he received from the younger player. It took 6'7" Hall Gill and two referees to restrain the beast. Let's just say that Chara looks very intimidating when he gets angry and that Pacioretty was lucky Gill was around to watch his back.
Patrick
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Canadian Juniors and Habs vs. Bruins Tonight
The Canadian Juniors got a silver medal Wednesday night even though a gold medal was within their reach and the Habs play the Bruins tonight in a game that could nearly flip the standings upside down for these two teams!
Canadian Juniors
Talk about choking! I couldn't stand watching as Team Canada crumbled to the Russians in the third period Wednesday night. They went into the period with a 3-0 lead and then let the Russians score 5 goals straight in the third, to lose 5-3. I've never seen such a terrible turnaround! Okay maybe by the Leafs...
Am I a bad person for feeling happy when the Russians got kicked off their flight for 'unruly behaviour'?
Habs vs. Bruins - A Game that can ROCK the standings
Canadiens are fresh off their first Shootout win of the season thanks to a beautiful goal by Benoit Pouliot (by the way, it was also their only shootout of the season). Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins are coming off a pretty decent road trip, collecting 8 out of a possible 10 points in their last 5 games.
The most exciting thing about tonight's game is the change that can happen in the standings if the Habs get their act together and win. Montreal sits in 8th place in the Eastern Conference right now with 47 pts. Boston is in 3rd with 48.
Pos - Pts - Team
1. 56 - Pittsburgh
2. 53 - Tampa Bay*
3. 48 - Boston*
4. 55 - Philadelphia
5. 52 - Washington
6. 51 - NY Rangers
7. 50 - Atlanta
8. 47 - Montreal
Since they changed the way the standings work, each of the 3 division leaders are guaranteed a top 3 spot in the conference standings. So, for example Tampa Bay, leader of the Southeast division with 53 points is ahead of Philadelphia who has 55 points. That doesn't seem too bad. However, looking at Boston with 48 points ahead of Philadelphia, does look kind of strange.
Anyways that's the way the league's standings work, like it or not. And, it's a great opportunity for the Habs because they can jump up to 3rd place if they beat Boston tonight.
Tonight's game could be important for the end of season results. It's a so-called '4-point game'. The winning team gets 2 points for the win, but the losing team loses an opportunity at earning 2 points.
Whoever, holds third place at the end of the season will have a major advantage in the playoff run, allowing them to face easier teams to start. Let's hope the Habs bring their best game tonight.
Patrick
Canadian Juniors
Talk about choking! I couldn't stand watching as Team Canada crumbled to the Russians in the third period Wednesday night. They went into the period with a 3-0 lead and then let the Russians score 5 goals straight in the third, to lose 5-3. I've never seen such a terrible turnaround! Okay maybe by the Leafs...
Am I a bad person for feeling happy when the Russians got kicked off their flight for 'unruly behaviour'?
Habs vs. Bruins - A Game that can ROCK the standings
Canadiens are fresh off their first Shootout win of the season thanks to a beautiful goal by Benoit Pouliot (by the way, it was also their only shootout of the season). Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins are coming off a pretty decent road trip, collecting 8 out of a possible 10 points in their last 5 games.
The most exciting thing about tonight's game is the change that can happen in the standings if the Habs get their act together and win. Montreal sits in 8th place in the Eastern Conference right now with 47 pts. Boston is in 3rd with 48.
Pos - Pts - Team
1. 56 - Pittsburgh
2. 53 - Tampa Bay*
3. 48 - Boston*
4. 55 - Philadelphia
5. 52 - Washington
6. 51 - NY Rangers
7. 50 - Atlanta
8. 47 - Montreal
Since they changed the way the standings work, each of the 3 division leaders are guaranteed a top 3 spot in the conference standings. So, for example Tampa Bay, leader of the Southeast division with 53 points is ahead of Philadelphia who has 55 points. That doesn't seem too bad. However, looking at Boston with 48 points ahead of Philadelphia, does look kind of strange.
Anyways that's the way the league's standings work, like it or not. And, it's a great opportunity for the Habs because they can jump up to 3rd place if they beat Boston tonight.
Tonight's game could be important for the end of season results. It's a so-called '4-point game'. The winning team gets 2 points for the win, but the losing team loses an opportunity at earning 2 points.
Whoever, holds third place at the end of the season will have a major advantage in the playoff run, allowing them to face easier teams to start. Let's hope the Habs bring their best game tonight.
Patrick
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