Home Sweet Home?

Martin Brodeur did what he always does against the Canadiens, stopping everything the Habs could throw his way en route to another shut out.

How do they rebound after another brutal trip to New Jersey?

Tom Kostopolous and Steve Begin will be taking a trip to the press box tonight. Carbonneau believes Mikhail Grabovski will bring in some offence. Mark Streit will start as a forward, another attempt to generate some scoring.

How long does Grabovski have left? He’s looked out of his league virtually every shift he’s played.

But, what other options does Guy have?

The Predators have never won in Montreal and the Habs need to keep that streak alive.

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24 Comments

#1 PACTUM SERVA says:
December 1, 2007 at 3:47 pm

Carbo sits begin and kostopoulus and inserts grabovsky and gorges into the line up to generate more speed and yet the slowest guy on the planet is still on the first line? LATALENTLESS must spend alot of time under gaineys desk i swear.Yep and in montreal its guys like kovalev who always take the heat.A sad state of afairs.

#2 Habs Blog says:
December 1, 2007 at 3:55 pm

I agree..

I was at the game last night, and cannot believe Brisebois and Latalentlesse get this ice time…if they were named Breakwood and TheTenderness they’d be in the ECHL/retired 5 yrs ago and that’s whats most frustrating…

Ott is dropping another game, 6 games… and we cant gain anything ??? Also frustrating…

#3 BarrieHabFan says:
December 1, 2007 at 5:26 pm

Latendresse does have some future upside, but right now he doesn’t deserve to be on one of the top lines. I still see Brisebois as a valuable addition. Sorry, despite his errors this team needs his ability to move the puck out of the zone until they get someone to replace him.
Has anyone ever thought that maybe Begin would work well on the Koivu line just once in a while? Better than Latendresse and someone who works hard, goes into the corners and to the front of the net. Sort of a very poor mans Smyth.

#4 Dancan81 says:
December 1, 2007 at 6:52 pm

Maybe try Grabs on the second line and move Pleks or Kosts to the first. That line needs a goal scorer, why bring up people who are talentless with the puck?

#5 Stuart-SB77 says:
December 1, 2007 at 8:56 pm

tonight the lines are very wierd. finally Higgins is playing with Kovalev. a combination that hasn’t been seen. At least I’ve never seen it. Kovalev has 2 Assists in the 1st period. I’m sooo hapy right now so If they break down in the 2nd period I’ll die!!!!!lol

#6 Jeff says:
December 1, 2007 at 10:23 pm

“Maybe try Grabs on the second line and move Pleks or Kosts to the first. That line needs a goal scorer, why bring up people who are talentless with the puck?”

Not Kostopolous, He doesn’t move the puck that well. Plekanec, absolutely, he is one of the best players on the Habs.

Pactum is right, Latendresse should be third line, sure he got 2 goals tonite, but maybe stick him, Ryder, and Kostopolous on the third line. Say what you will about Brisbois, he is one of the few that has been really consistent over the past 15 years or so, we can count on good defense from him.

In all honesty, Kovalev and Koivu would probably play well together, still Plekanec or Ryder (if he gets better) and I think you got a really good top line. Ask the Flames, you can do fine with a great first line, and only mediocre lower lines.

#7 Jeff says:
December 1, 2007 at 10:52 pm

…And that’s how you blow a game! Thanks Habs! THis is the team that I go for?!? They may have played like the worst team in the league in the last 9 minutes. It doesn’t matter if you play 50 decent minutes and get lucky for 50 minutes, if you can’t play defence for the last 10. Learn not to take dumb penalties, and not get lazy because you can run the clock down. Carbo is part of the problem.

#8 Habs4Ever says:
December 1, 2007 at 11:05 pm

from last few minutes I had a chance to see, tonight I really felt Huet was a sieve, very little effort on the goals against in shoot out, to blow 3 goals in last 10 minutes of a game, that is disgusting.

I think the Habs need to really get hammered by a bottow dweller to get some attention, right now they are so so, they need to get humiliated so that
mgmnt can see they badly need some help, lately they have been useless
how much longer ??

#9 groundworking says:
December 1, 2007 at 11:09 pm

Missed the game tonight. But I completely agree with you guys about Latendresse and Kostopolous–the latter is clearly a more important part of the team this year than the former.

Glad I missed the game. Looks like another gutless effort.

#10 Darrell says:
December 2, 2007 at 12:43 am

WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TONIGHT. I LEFT TO GO TO TOW WITH ABUT 5 MIN LEFT INTHE GAMEAND COME HOME TO FIND OUT THEY LOST IN A SHOOT OUT??????…LET ME GUESSCARBO WEN ITH BREEZBY AND BOULION FOR THE LAST 5 MIN. THIS HAS GOT TO STP ….MANNAGEMENT GO TO GET SOME HELP.. BRING UP O’BRINE AND OTHRS FROM THE DOGS FO “D” AND TRADE SOME OF OUR “TALENT” RYDER, BREEZBY, BOULION HAVE GOT TO GO.
I HAVE ABOUT HAD IT WITH THIS TEAM…………WE HAVE TE TALENT INTHE MINORS TO BRING UP OR TO TRADE WITH OTHERS FOR BETTER PLAYERS. GAINEY AS A OLD HABS PLAYER YOU MST BE EMMBARISED BY THE LACK OF HEARTTHAT THIS TEAM DIPLAYES AT TIMES. WE FNALY GOT THE KOVELEV WE WANT AND THE PLAYERS TO PLAY ON A LINE WITH HIM AND THE THE REST OF THE TEAM FALLS APART.. I DONT EVEN WANT TO GET STARTED ON LANTONDESS(SPELLING I WRONG BUT SO IS THE FACT THAT HE IS STILL UP WITH HABS SO I DONT CARE TO SPLL IT RIGHT)

#11 PACTUM SERVA says:
December 2, 2007 at 12:58 am

ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm i think its spelled LATALENTLESS

#12 Xtrahabsfan says:
December 2, 2007 at 4:42 am

Yo Dudes,Lat’s has scored three goals in the last two games,so when you pick on him atleast have some timing,lol. Bench Ryder,Huet,Smoke and send in the Bulldogs.The time is now,right now, for change!!!

#13 PACTUM SERVA says:
December 2, 2007 at 10:03 am

3 goals in two games all of which a drunken monkey could have scored.He looks so out of place out there its not even funny but hey you are right he did score 3 in two games so all hail to thee almighty latalentless. (end of sarcasm)

#14 Stuart-SB77 says:
December 2, 2007 at 10:04 am

thank you XTRAHABSFAN,I want to see a line with A.kostitsyn-K.Chipchura-S.Kostitsyn. It might be a third line but still.Sergei had 123 pts or something in 59 games in london ontario last year. I can’t see him getting lower than 40 in the nhl, he’ll be better than ryder. RYDER IS ON PACE FOR 9 GOALS!!!!!!

#15 Darrell says:
December 2, 2007 at 2:33 pm

OK you are right he does have 3 goals but come off it his game is not what it should be. He should be playing better on both sides of the puck. He is sitting at -4 .Smolinski -6 ,Streit (-9), Markov(-8) ,Bouillon (+-0) but also 0 points and only 17 shots on net. Ryder on pace for 9 goals, 32 points and a 4.05sh%. These guys (except Markov) should see a lot of games from the press box and guys from the “Dogs” should be given a chance to play.

#16 Habs4Ever says:
December 2, 2007 at 2:40 pm

Since the “TEAM HAS GONE TO THE DOCGS”
lets “BRING THE DOGS TO THE TEAM”
Did that gutless piece of **** Bonk ever score a goal with the Habs??
now that piece of **** scores in a shoot out..and is scoring with some frequency for another team.

#17 Jeff says:
December 2, 2007 at 4:53 pm

Montreal was the team that players loved to play against and play with. Now Mtl is a real joke… We haven’t called anyone up from Hamilton yet this year if I’m right. They aren’t winning and aren’t wanted to change a thing. Uh, Mr. GM its time to do something.

How is a team like Buffalo who’s best player is Vanek (not an all-star) doing better than Montreal. Its a coaching problem…

#18 superfan says:
December 2, 2007 at 6:14 pm

Habs4Ever

BONK had 13 goals 10 assists, MORE than SMOLINSKI will ever produce for this team..before you spew garbage out of your mouth get your facts straight

#19 Smiler2729 says:
December 2, 2007 at 9:38 pm

****.

#20 BarrieHabFan says:
December 2, 2007 at 11:30 pm

What ever happened to Lapierre?

#21 groundworking says:
December 3, 2007 at 12:01 am

One more first line center to play in the spot of virtually anyone who could end up on waivers or in the AHL–Ryder, Latendresse (AHL), Smolinski…

It’s a mental issue with this team: stupid mistakes cost dearly in the NHL, and we can’t have Smolinski the checking forward who doesn’t backcheck, or Ryder the goal-scorer who doesn’t score, or Latendresse the power forward who’s scared to throw a hit. This is pathetic. These guys need to start doing their jobs or we should fire them. I’d rather lose all year and watch young hard working rookies bust their butts for a spot in the NHL than watch a bunch of third and fourth line forwards who have somehow developed a sense of entitlement to a spot on the roster.

#22 Stuart-SB77 says:
December 3, 2007 at 10:14 am

do you guys agree with me and bringing S.Kostitsyn to the NHL? I think he should get a try.

#23 MrBigTime says:
December 3, 2007 at 3:13 pm

With goaltenders Cristobal Huet nursing a pulled groin and Carey Price sick with the flu, the Montreal Canadiens may have Jaroslav Halak between the pipes when they host the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday night. – TSN

first I’ve heard of this….things just went from bad to worse

#24 Habs4Ever says:
December 3, 2007 at 11:46 pm

Groundworking # 21
Hey Right On !!! I agree, I’d rather see the team lose with young guys trying to make it, then lose with these guys who feel they have a “right” to be
in the nhl, get rid of the bums and lets lose with young guys trying to make it happen for the future

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Avatar37 : pressure playing in Montreal, since he has problems with the expectations in Washington and Montreal isn't any easier. Then again, the media were very easy on Kovalev, so maybe it's a Russian thing? No idea. Anyway, yeah, it would have to be an established star that gives us an immediate drastic upgrade at forward, that's the only way I'd trade PK, because we'd be giving up a potential QB on our blueline for the next decade.
Avatar37 : Goalie - Sure, the only player I'd say who is untradeable (meaning I wouldn't trade no matter what) is Carey Price. You build a winning team from the net out, and I don't think there's a better goalie for his age in the NHL than Price, so I wouldn't trade him. Otherwise, every player would be open for offers, but for PK Subban, it would take (for me) an already established star, like Carter or Crosby or Ovechkin. As much as I like Ovechkin, I'm not sure he could handle all the media pre
goalie : I'm not suggesting at all that we judst dump or get rid of PK. I do however believe that he is a very valued commodity in the NHL adn that the Habs will receive offers for his services. If someone ffers us young, strong, puck handling forwards who can score, I think the Habs have to look at that possible trade.
Avatar37 : Agreed. It would be a big mistake to trade PK just to move up 2 spots in the draft. PK, Emelin, and Gorges are the bright future of our defense.
Senet1 : I am with you Avatar, Subban stays, it is not often that you get a stud defenceman who can play 25+ minutes. The mistakes he makes are for the most part not that serious and people forget he is only 23 and been in the league 2 years. He has come a long way in those two years. He has offense, defence and he hits. You cannot bet much better than that. Two more years experience and he has a shot at the Norris. If Markov does anything I hope he teaches PK how to work the PP.
Avatar37 : «link»
Avatar37 : go.
Avatar37 : round exit. Heck, even the year they won the cup we almost took them out in round 1. I believe in the corps of this team, I really think we just need a few tweaks. Adding Larry Robinson to run the defense would be a BIG help, keep Cunneyworth as offensive coach, and get a head coach who can get these guys back on the right path. We need to establish an identity again, a team that won't let itself be pushed around like it was under Martin. A few scrappers on this team and we'll be good to
Avatar37 : Yeah, the only way I'd trade PK is if we were getting an established star in return, like Carter or Crosby. I don't think we're miles away from competing deep into the playoffs, the NHL has become so competitive because of the salary cap that really there aren't huge differences between the teams. Add into the equation the stupid scoring system (some games worth 2 points, some 3) that the standings don't truly reflect where teams should really be. Look at Boston, cup winners to first rou
Senet1 : It would have to be something pretty special before I would trade PK. To me he is the #1 building block of our defence. I would trade any other defenceman we have before I would trade PK.
Senet1 : An improvement in our offense and strengthening our defence. Personally, I do not think we are that far off, five players at best could get us there. One thing that has always been true about the playoffs, Defence wins and you need a strong 3rd and 4th line.
goalie : I'm more optimistic now about the Habs than I have been for the past three dreadfully long seasons!
goalie : 2: I think GM Bergevin will make somewhat of a 'blockbuster't rade either before or on the day of the draft adn I believe PK Subban will be in that package. WE have t rememebr we have to give away some talent to get back other talent. No one wants players like Moen to move up in the draft etc.
goalie : Some thoughts:The more I see the playoffs it becomes even more obvious that we're miles away from being able to 'compete' dep into the playoffs
Avatar37 : «link»
Senet1 : Young Subban might also be an option if the Russian goalie is not available. However, to me I would wait another year and attempt to use my draft 2nd round draft picks to improve out forward situation.
Senet1 : Although Rinne contact is another example of long term at the wrong time. He is 29 years old. A case could be made with Price that double his money now with bonuses if we win the cup, I think that is still allowed in contracts?
Senet1 : Problem is he is going to want Pekka Rinne money and term. That is closer to 7M. On the other hand, the contract could have step up clauses in it over the 7 years.
Avatar37 : With Price, I wouldn't blink twice about offering him a 7 year contract now, especially if he'd be willing to give up dollar value for length. 7 years at $5.5 million a year would be just fine in my book.
Avatar37 : I think the goaltending void in our current system would push me to draft Vasilevski with our second pick, if he was available. He's young and has lots of potential, but is at least 5-6 years away from starting to be ready to play on an NHL roster.
Senet1 : Long tern contracts are a risk, but if you have a super star not as much. Luongo's contract was long term but signed too late in his career.
Avatar37 : Senet - Yes, you were clear in your post, my question was directed at goalie. I'm with you in that I'd be willing to sign him to a 7 year contract. I'd be nervous about anything longer, because every single long term goalie contract I can think of turned out to be a disaster for the team signing it.
Senet1 : I think that Budaj is a better goalie than many give him credit for, is he a Price no but with a tight defence he could be a good goalie. Many teams have average goalies but have great defence and still win. Look at Detroit, for years they have had average goaltending, but won cups. Goalies can get on a roll in the playoffs, look at Huet as an example, he was not really a good goalie but played great in the playoffs, next year he was a wash. Defence makes the goalie a winner, just ask Price.
Senet1 : Having a young equivalent goalie in the system right now is not important, three years from now it will be, so we have three years to make that kind of move in the draft. I think we have more pressing needs aat the moment.
Senet1 : Personally, I do not see this as a negative because of Price's age, you wait to draft a goalie of a Patrick Roy or Brodeur some teams wait a life time. To me we have on so why would we want to not play that out for as long as we can. Bottom line is this, regardless, right now you have a stud goalie, you are either going to pay him the money he deserves for not sign him and lose him. There is no middle of the road here.
goalie : Avatar made a great point. We don't have an NHL or up adn coming NHL goalies in our system. Another great move by Gauthier. Price is sitting very pretty.
goalie : WEll Price has us by the nads. I guess I'd have to go as far as a 7 year contract due to his play adn his age.
Senet1 : Luongo is now 33, he has been a good goaltender for a number of years. I would sign Price for 7 years and at age 31 then we deal with UFA at that time. Hopefully, we could provide him with another 5 years at that time. That is my opinion anyway, I would never risk losing him as a UFA at this point in his career to me that would be a very poor management decision. Even a 10 year contract would put him only at 34 years old. If you are going to sign him to long term now is the time.
Senet1 : If you have a young stud you have to gamble a little and give him a contract that is worthy of his abilities and his potential. It can have escalation clauses or reducing clauses like Kovalchuk's contract.
Senet1 : Avatar, I thought I was clear Yes I would sign him long term. My previous post said. The problem is if you have a out in the contract after 5 years then the player also has an out after 5 years. So no self respected lawyer would accept a contract that did not have equal escape clauses. So no I would not sign only for 5 years, if Price was 28 years old yes but not a 24. Seven years still only makes him 31 when the contract is over. If you have a young stud you have to gamble a little and give him
Avatar37 : Cammalleri trade. Given the fact that we have no NHL starting quality goaltenders in the system currently, aren't we held hostage to having to sign Price?
Avatar37 : There are many bad goalie contracts, just look at Huet. However, your post didn't answer my question as to what you'd do with Price. He's an RFA now, but for argument sake, if he were a UFA, what would you do? If he wanted a 7+ year contract, you know some other team would give him one. Would you risk losing him for nothing because you didn't want to sign a contract over 5 years? And if we lose Price, our goalies are Budaj and Robert Mayer, as we sent Karri Ramo to the Flames in the Cam
goalie : .. a 5 years contract again based upon the experience he has had AND he likes Bobby Lou!
goalie : Ditto for Philly, Ther goaltender 'situations' have both become the number 1 story line for both teams, and in Vancouver one could see the exaspiration on Gillis' adn to some extent Vigneault's faces when continously being bombarded by the loooong term contract that the Canucks are stuct with. (Gillis even said last February or so, thank goodness it looks like more than few other teams will be looking for a starting goaltender for 2012-13. He said he would never again do more than a 5 year c
goalie : I've spent the past four winters in BC thus I am very aware of the Canucks situations. I'd first say I give Gillis adn Vigneault 100% credit for being VERY supportive of Roberto L. even when Corey Schenider has vastly out played him. (I too like Bobby Lou but facts are facts).