Maxim Lapierre
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Should he stay or should he go?
Anyone who saw the past two Habs games has to agree he played very well and looks to be ready for the NHL. He was one of the best players on the ice last night. Huet, Lapierre, Streit and Koivu pretty much carried the team and won a game they probably should have lost.
Lapierre playing well presents an interesting dilemma. If he stays in the lineup then who sits? And where do they all fit?
Guy Carbonneau was trying different line combinations late in the 3rd again. We briefly saw Kovalev join Koivu and Ryder again, is this the future #1 line? Removing Latendresse from the first line might be a mistake since it’s the only position he’s flourished in.
Chris Higgins was arguably the Habs best player before going down with a lengthy injury. He is back on Saturday against the Penguins. Where will he play?
Perhaps Carbonneau will use Higgins on the second line. Higgins can play wing or center and try to light a fire under Sergei Samsonov. Assuming Samsonov still warrants 2nd line ice time. Kovalev could also use a change of scenery.
If Begin is healthy, Higgins is healthy and Lapierre is playing well. That leaves out Aaron Downey and potentially Garth Murray.
Unfortunate since they are great locker room guys and extremely hard working.The positive thing is the Habs have some depth they have not had in many years. Having too many options is better than no options and having every player working hard to crack the line up can only be a good thing.
Projected future roster:
Kovalev – Koivu – Latendresse
Higgins – Plekanec – Ryder
Perezhogin – Bonk – Johnson
Samsonov – Lapierre/Begin – MurrayWith Higgins back and Lapierre knocking on the door, Samsonov’s floating time is running out.
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December 15, 2006 am31 11:08 am
A shame that this would kick Streit out of the lineup for the moment…
December 15, 2006 am31 11:37 am
I would keep Streit in the 4th line. He is very well there. Better than Murray.
December 15, 2006 am31 12:03 pm
This is awsome… The Habs actually have a team with so many weapons that we may have to form a fifth line??? We’ll Maybe we need to come down from the clouds a bit. The Habs gave up an astounding 43 shoot last night, maybe the Habs should look at reducing # this to something a little more reasonable. Streit is a +4 in +/- but he had pretty impressive outting as a forwaard. They should NOT forget the Defense in sparking the Offense. Although, it’s fun to watch Huet frustrate the opposition, its hard to believe anybody in Net can put up with that kind of punishment night in & night out! The next couple of teams aren’t lacking any firepower (Pittsbugh & Buffalo) and Huet is probably not in Net for both. ABBy has looked better as of late, but 40 shots good is questionable!?!?
we need a streek!
December 15, 2006 am31 1:12 pm
Well, I like the way things are going and yes, it must be extremely difficult to decide where to put who and who to take out.
There’s only two things that I think must stay:
1) Koivu and Latendresse have to stay in the same line
2) Streit deserves to be in the fourth line
As for Murray and Downey, well, I’d really like em to stay but if they gotta go for us to be a better team and get a better chance at getting OUR cup back, I’m up for sending them out. I know some of us are ticked off with Sammy right now, but he still has more points then Murray or Downey so we might as well not send him down… yet!
December 15, 2006 am31 1:15 pm
Oh and being a Quebecker and more then happy to see all theses quebec natives playing well, I have to agree that Maxim must stay. I mean, he’s got his first goal in his second game on the fourth line while Latendresse got it way later and on the first line.
The more frenchies the better
December 15, 2006 am31 1:18 pm
Smiler 2729:
Good job in the last set of postings.
I was very pleased to see an on line petition protesting the lack of the Montreal Canadiens on the national broadcast.
If I am still seeing the Maple Leafs exclusively on the national broadcast in March and April (when the Leafs will likely be out of the picture while the Habs are in the thick of things), the petition should evolve into a boycott of the sponsors of HNIC! If that were to happen, it might get some attention across this country. This is not, and never will be… the Leaf’s nation!
December 15, 2006 am31 1:25 pm
So, just to restate what Smiler 2729 already said in the last set of postings. Go to:
http://www.petitiononline.com/habshnic/petition.html
I also liked stevejur’s idea about forming a permanent link to this petition on the main page of Habs blog. Think about all the poor shmoes like me in Atlantic Canada who are forced to watch absolutely horrible games like the Leafs versus the Red Wings last weekend. Nobody in the Maritimes that I know even likes the Leafs!
December 15, 2006 am31 1:45 pm
ok ok I’ll sign the Hnic for you poor atlantic habs fan dudes, but I still say that RDS is better!
By the way, are there more Leafs fans then Habs? I beg to differ but my university teachers here in Ottawa say they are pretty sure Toronto has more…
December 15, 2006 am31 2:23 pm
Komisarek! The Habs hidden gem… The Man can hit, shoot, Pass, defend, and did I say hit??!?! Seems like this guy has been consistant night after night! He a top D-man that aready surpassed last years numbers.
December 15, 2006 am31 2:31 pm
You guys wanna hear a good one?
This is a post about Maxim Lapierre and so far nobody really talked about him (except for me, of course hehe..)!!!
December 15, 2006 am31 2:43 pm
You’re right HaBz4EveR but if you ready the article Lapierre is only mentioned as much as in these Blogs. I can’t decide whether to jump on the band wagon yet, but it wouldn’t take many more games like he’s been playing for me.
I’ve got to admit he’s been very visable, seems like a player not waiting for the puck but rather making the plays happen with some smash mouth, digging in corners, working infront of the net action. Got to love it… I’d love to see more and not from just him!
December 15, 2006 am31 2:44 pm
The RDS guys call a better game than those HNIC hacks any day!
Go Habs Go!
December 15, 2006 am31 2:46 pm
To see the new jersey style for many teams click on this link and scroll down a bit… http://www.edmontonoilers.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=513412&sid=14daa4ce2271c5582d5066078c9f1729
December 15, 2006 am31 2:54 pm
We need **** Irvin and Scotty Bowman back in the Broadcast booth for HNIC. These guys wouldn’t stand for this blatant disregard of the Habs…
December 15, 2006 am31 3:06 pm
Anybody hear about the recent AHL trade? Montreal Traded Patrick Travers to San Jose for Mathieu Biron.
Could this be a sign of preparation for trades to happen before the deadline? maybe they wanna trade Markov/Souray (I would say souray because of the way he has raised his market value so far this season) for a forward and theyre looking for more depth in defence.
Ideas…. Thoughts…..
December 15, 2006 am31 3:28 pm
I hope not but it seems logical. Establishing a relationship, see how things go a with a minor trade… not sure if its a great idea at this point, but if the nights do not turn out well against Pittsburgh and Buffalo; Who knows??? Hummm… Is Bob still pulling the stings or did Gauthier make the Move?
December 15, 2006 am31 3:35 pm
I think a trade, especially of Souray, would be a major mistake. Streit’s goal last night pointed out how important Souray is. The Lightning goalie and defenseman were both so sure a hard shot was coming, they froze and let the pass happen. Only two teams have less regulation time losses, let things ride.
December 15, 2006 am31 5:01 pm
What is sad is that Montreal routinely trades away its great prospects, like one of the Tampa Bay Lightening that comes back to haunt Gainey….I would not be suprised if we traded away the best for some broken down defense or forward who will eat up what little breathing room there is. There have been some great rookies who went on to shine in other teams….shame though that Montreal trades it great rookies only to get old used players who are way too expensive at the wrong time…..you almost need to force Montreal to have a two year trade moratorium if only to keep the good prospects….like Maxim. You also have another proven rookie Kostytisn….and don’t forget Price….man, I feel sorry for the rookies who think they have a future with Montreal….like why do we even get rookies if we never keep them?
December 15, 2006 am31 5:25 pm
Guys. Here is a copy of the e-mail I received from Jack Black, head of Audience Relations at CBC. I hope the BS that he fed to me doesn’t turn your stomach’s as well…Thank you for taking the time to write to CBC Television regarding HNIC.
This situation is always a tough one to deal with from a distribution point of view.
When the schedule is finalized, we realize full well that we can’t please everyone all the time. It’s a classic Catch-22.
There are many variables that play into the Leafs being on, on a weekly basis:
· We listen to our fans and, believe it or not, the vast majority wants to see the Leafs.
· It’s not economically viable to continually show more than two games every Saturday.
· The Leafs’ games draw the highest audience allowing the CBC to charge more for advertising revenue that goes towards offsetting the show’s high production costs.
· There simply isn’t the manpower to produce multiple games while covering other sporting events on the weekends.
· For every fan that agrees with your point of view there are an equal number that would prefer to see the Leafs.
For every fan that agrees with your point of view there are an equal number that would prefer to see the Leafs.
As for the Montreal Canadiens, Radio-Canada used to simulcast the Habs’ games from RDS (the French TSN). The deal expired prior to this season due to a RDS decision not to renew the three-year contract.
Should you have any further questions surrounding this topic, please call Radio-Canada in Montreal: 1-514-597-6000.
Please don’t hesitate to contact CBC Audience Relations should you have any further
questions or comments. You may reach us toll-free at 1-866-306-4636 during regular
business hours, or by email through the CONTACT US link on cbc.ca.
Regards,
Jack Black
December 15, 2006 am31 7:14 pm
Sorry to Say it guys, but Mr. Black has a point. I’m pretty sure that the market in Toronto is bigger than the one of Montreal. Sadly, Whether they be THE “Canadian” broadcasting corporation or not, they are a corporation in the end. And a corporations #1 priority is to make as much money as possible. I don’t doubt for a second that leafs games bring in more viewers than Habs Games… Here’s a list of reasons:
1) We habs fans hate the HNIC commentators neways so we still watch RDS whether the game is on CBC or not
2) The population of Toronto > pop of Montreal (and even Greater than the ENGLISH pop of Montreal). So not only are we less than them, we have less english people than them.
3) Leafs Suck!
Well thats about all, now would you guys please quit complaining about HNIC while simultaneously saying that you only watch RDS cause Don Cherry’s a ******. Why do you care if HNIC doesn’t show our games if you’re not gonna watch the games on CBC neways. If the French turns you off from RDS, then get a radio or go online and listen to CJAD.
That’s my piece, I’m a huge habs fan, But come on guys!
December 15, 2006 am31 9:23 pm
Wow… Just wow… it that really what he said?!? well then they must really not know the amount of habs fans around… ignorant fools. So what if the leafs fans miss one saturday night for the habs? hey we’re asking just for a couple and he’s like oh but the profits would never allow it.
Last time I checked crown companies don’t have as a main goal to reap huge profits, they are there to satisfy the WHOLE of the canadian population…
December 15, 2006 am31 10:16 pm
Hey guys guess what?
They got Hnic wih the habs tomorrow… on local listings. Not because they want ot get the habs on but probably because they want to see the crosby show
December 15, 2006 am31 10:55 pm
Thanks for signing the petition HaBz4Ever, and don’t be fooled at all by the words of Jack Black (if that is his real name.) Here is what his arguments essentially boils down to:
Blah, Blah, Blah. More money for the CBC. Blah, Blah, Blah. More money for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Blah, Blah, Blah. More merchandising for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Blah, Blah, Blah. Greater market share for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Blah, Blah, Blah. More jobs in Toronto.
It might make sense if the CBC was an entirely private organization, but if we actually recall that the CBC is a crown corporation funded by the nation’s taxpayers, and is meant to represent the country equally by regions (not just under the umbrella that might makes right), the story changes greatly.
Being a fan of the greatest hockey team in the world comes with a responsibility. When Habs’ fans witness a player/person like Bob Gainey, the protoype of humility, class, good sportsmanship, stoicism we should want to share this with the rest of the country from coast to coast. When we see a Maple Leafs’ coach whining about the roughness of the ice or a poor call by a referee, we are rightfully disgusted by these displays. It’s also a matter of values, folks, and which values do you want to spread through the country.
I tell you quite clearly that if even a few people start talking about a boycott of HNIC sponsors over this issue, Jack Black changes his tune pretty quickly.
Let me give you another more grotesque example. Last year, when Boom Boom Geoffrion (who had died on the day of his sweater retirement!) had his sweater retired in Montreal, do you know what the CBC was showing the rest of the country. A tribute to Tie Domi???? Now, the only thing that impressed me ever about Tie Domi was how a man with such limited physical appeal and only one eyebrow to share between his two eyes could……………Belinda Stronach. (I will leave it to you to figure out the rest.)
Sign the petition if you have not already, and let’s get the CBC back on the national broadcast at least every second or third week.
December 15, 2006 am31 11:52 pm
Re. Post 15.
I am surprised that the Canadiens would be making any trades at this point (even minor leaguers) given the events of the past week. I wonder who would have signed the deals on this one?
December 16, 2006 am31 12:33 am
Hey guys the pens got another huge win and crosby got 4 points. Its true they played against the islanders, but I’m starting to get worried that they might just be WAY harder to beat all of a sudden. And guess who’s their next potential victime… us.
Hopefully Huet will be in nets and Higgins will have a good comeback!
December 16, 2006 am31 12:46 am
Gauthier was manning the phones for this one but as per Bob Gaineys instructions relayed all pertinent info to him and gave the actual go ahead.This is obviously a safety net move by the habs to brace for not being able to sign Souray and having to make a deal.They will not wait until the spring to see if they can re sign him if a deal is not done before the trade deadline ( feb 27?). It will be either they sign him before then or a trade will happen.
ps…..even if Vinnies Dad wants him to come to mtl from Tampa, its just not going to happen folks. Look for someone like a Simone Gagne first……and brace yourself for the possibility of losing a few future stars like Chipchura and Kostitsyn in the process.I dont have much of an inside track anymore like I used to here in Fredericton, but still have a few friends who get to talk to people in the habs organisation every now and then. Sometimes they talk, sometimes they dont…funny enough the biggest things happen when are not talking….right now they are being very quiet. Nobody even had an inkling of the Traverse trade until 2 hours before it happened.General consensus around here is that nothing will happen before the end of January, but that the guy to go will be Souray and he’ll be going far west as per his request ( san jose / LA , Maybe even phoenix for the likes of Nagy , however they also want Emelin on the deal which would be a mistake).
from the files of the semi informed rumor mill:
Izzy
December 16, 2006 am31 10:28 am
look for higgy to play patient and hard. But don’t start measuring him yet. He will have to get his “skates” back, although knowing higgy, it will happen sooner than later.
December 16, 2006 am31 11:05 am
For the near future (After Bonk + Begin return) the lines will be:
Higgins-Koivu-Ryder Markov-Komisarek
Samsonov-Plekanec-Kovalev Souray-Rivet
Perezhogin-Bonk-Johnson Boullion-Dandenault
Latendresse-Begin-Streit
this will give us a complete roster for the first time this season.
WE have to shut down Crosby tonight
GO HABS GO
December 16, 2006 am31 11:25 am
and to think this kid was only a few picks away from becoming a hab ( he wanted to just like his dad). Can you imagine?
December 16, 2006 am31 2:48 pm
The Habs better be ready to go tonight, especially Huet. 10 points in his last 2 games. Malkin has somehting like 16 goals, Stall has ten, and with a French Canadien goalie in net(Fleury) this may be one of the toughest games the Habs play this season. I’d be looking for them to play an extremely defensive game since there’s no way they can run and gun with the Pens.
And don’t look for Crosby to come to MTL as a FA when his time comes. Don’t get your hopes up. Remember that Lemieux, Bourque, Lecavelier and Brodeur all grew up as Habs fans and did they come to play for Montreal? When you live in a place long enough you build relationships and that place becomes your home. And when it comes down to signing Crosby or Malkin, they’ll chose Crosby.