OTT vs MTL Jan 7, 2006 - Hockey Day In Canada 2PM EST Game Thread

Figaro · Guru

OTT vs MTL Jan 7, 2006 - Hockey Day In Canada 2PM EST Game Thread

AB Habman · Guru

I hope this works! It's actually up to Kovy. If he doesn't want to play with Ribs, he'll show it by floating. And you can't call that the first line but just more balance on top two lines!

I will go out on a limb and say that Ribs will make a difference after his wake up call!

davidb · Guru

The Bruins beat the Sens last night 4-2. The Sens have 4 out injured big names too.

SpiderManNL · Guru

Higgins - Koivu - Ryder
Kostitsyn - Ribeiro - Kovalev
Bulis - Bonk - Zednik
Ferland - Begin - Sundstrom

Souray - Komisarek
Markov - Rivet
Bouillon - Dandenault

Cristobal Huet

Meetings This Year:

Oct. 11th, 2005:

4

2

Oct. 27th, 2005:

3

4 OT

Nov. 29th, 2005:

0

4

Dec. 20th, 2005:

3

4 SO

SpiderManNL · Guru

SpiderManNL · Guru

Ando · Guru

And-o is afraid to watch!

SpiderManNL · Guru

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=149689&hubname=

Canadiens in free fall at halfway mark

MONTREAL (CP) - Back in early November, it appeared that the free-flowing, post-lockout NHL was made for the Montreal Canadiens.

But since roaring out of the gate to a 12-3-1 record, the Canadiens have gone into a free fall, winning only six of their last 23 games.

And now they enter perhaps the toughest stretch of their schedule - beginning Saturday afternoon against the first-place Ottawa Senators at the Bell Centre - having lost four games in a row and six of their last seven.

"In the first quarter of the season, we won a lot of one-goal games," said defenceman Sheldon Souray. "We got lucky in a lot of the games.

"I'm not going kid anyone. We were very happy getting the wins, but we were lucky. I just hope that we didn't think that things were going to get easy for us just because we had a good record. A couple of bounces either way and we could just as easily have been 3-12."

Their troubles began when Alex Kovalev and Saku Koivu had injuries, taking away two-thirds of their top line. But both are back healthy and the Canadiens continue to lose.

It has been a team effort, from weak goaltending from Jose Theodore to sloppy play on defence to some careless play among the forwards.

And although they still have a tenuous hold on the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot, Atlanta, New Jersey, the New York Islanders and Florida are catching up.

As the have losses piled up, so has the clamouring from fans for trades of everyone from Koivu to Theodore to Souray, although there has been no indication from general manager Bob Gainey that any deals are in the works.

They caught a break in playing 28-8-3 Ottawa with the Senators in a mini-slump of their own due to injuries to stars Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza and Martin Havlat.

Ottawa has only lost five of its last 23 games, but two losses came in their last three games, including a 4-2 defeat in Boston on Thursday night and an 8-3 loss in Atlanta on Monday.

And the Senators blew a 3-0 lead and lost in overtime on their last visit to the Bell Centre on Dec. 20.

"In that game, we were afraid to get embarrassed," said Souray. "We know how good they are and how dangerous they can be if they get time and room.

"They scored a couple of goals on the power play, we decided to tighten it up and we made a great game of it and eventually won. We'll need that same type of effort. It's not going to be easier because they have guys missing."

Backup Cristobal Huet was in goal for that victory and will be back in the net again. Theodore, who allowed 15 goals in the team's last three games, will be given a rest.

Coach Claude Julien, who lately has been benching players, juggling lines and having skaters moved up and down from the minors, has more changes in the works.

The Koivu-Kovalev-Richard Zednik line was broken up as the Canadiens made a failed comeback bid in a 5-4 loss in New Jersey on Thursday and looks like it will stay that way.

Koivu skated with Michael Ryder and Chris Higgins on Friday. Kovalev didn't skate, but will join Mike Ribeiro and rookie Andrei Kostitsyn on Saturday. Zednik was grouped with Jan Bulis and Radek Bonk.<

Ribeiro, who led the team in scoring in 2003-04, was a healthy scratch for the last two games due to a substandard effort. He has one goal in his last 27 games.

Ribeiro recalled that he was scratched in 2003-04 and came back playing better.

" I've been playing OK, but it's been a while since I scored and that didn't help," he said. "But I think it's a message for everybody to step it up and play better.

"Two years ago, it helped me to be stronger mentally and to be a stronger player. You learn from that. I think I'm more mature now and I understand more what it means."

His usual linemate Pierre Dagenais was also scratched the last two games, but there was no word on whether he would return.

What hurt the Canadiens was that five of their six losses in the last two weeks were to teams with records of .500 or lower.

Now, they face a string of much stronger opponents. After Ottawa, they go to Colorado, then play host to San Jose and Dallas before a going on a run of six road games against Calgary, Vancouver, Carolina, Philadelphia, Ottawa and Toronto.

For Souray, the key is to tighten up their defensive play, regardless of the quality of opposition.

"Right now, we're at a point where we have to play simple and concentrate on defence," he said. "We've given up way too many goals the last few games.

"If we can just get a good honest effort and keep it simple and take a bit of pride in the jersey we're wearing, we can do well."

Nil d · Guru

Ando wrote:

And-o is afraid to watch!

Nil d has to admit, those goalie stats are scary!

brooklynhabfan · Guru

"And now they enter perhaps the toughest stretch of their schedule"

nice, maybe I will put my head in the sand

SpiderManNL · Guru

http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/hockey/canadiensstory.html?id=2ae84eb0-aa07-4d40-b8f0-866df754eba0

Julien shuffles Habs' deck

Habs rookie Higgins earns promotion. Will join line featuring captain Koivu, Ryder; Ribeiro and Kostitsyn to team with Kovalev

By PAT HICKEY

Canadiens coach Claude Julien is turning to his youngsters in a bid to end the club's recent slide.

When the Habs entertain the Ottawa Senators today (2 p.m., CBC, RDS, CJAD Radio-800), rookies Chris Higgins and

Andrei Kostitsyn will be asked to play larger roles.

"I've said all along that I don't care what line I'm playing on as long as I'm playing," said

Higgins, who finds himself on one of the top lines with captain Saku Koivu and second-year pro Michael Ryder.

Kostitsyn, who has been making an impression during his second stint this season with the Canadiens, will be playing with Alex Kovalev and Mike Ribeiro, who will be seeking redemption after watching the last two games from the press box.

"One of the things young guys bring to the team is energy,"

Higgins said. "Michael and I have a job out there. We have to use our speed and strength to get the puck and let Saku make the plays."

Julien's shakeup - the other set line for today's game has Radek Bonk between Jan Bulis and Richard Zednik - is based partly on the Canadiens' slump and partly because the youngsters are playing well.

The Canadiens have lost four in a row, six of their last seven and are trying to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The young players have been earning their keep in recent games. Higgins, Ryder and Jonathan Ferland scored Thursday in New Jersey during a comeback attempt en route to a 5-4 loss.

Julien started experimenting with his lines during the third period of that game and liked what he saw.

The boldest experiment has Ribeiro between Kovalev and Kostitsyn, who has been impressive in two starts after being recalled from Hamilton. Ribeiro can be a defensive liability and doesn't have blazing speed, but he is creative and Julien hopes that he meshes with the two Europeans.

While Ribeiro returns to the lineup, Julien said he hadn't made a decision on whether to dress Pierre Dagenais, who was benched along with Ribeiro. One consideration might be that Dagenais, who was praised by Julien yesterday for his hard work, scored the winning goal in a shootout when the Canadiens beat Ottawa here on Dec. 21.

A strong performance in that game has earned Cristobal Huet a start in goal for the Canadiens, although a change might have been in order because Jose Theodore has allowed 15 goals in his last three starts.

The Canadiens were banged up for that Dec. 21 game, with five regulars out of the lineup. This time, the Senators are hurting.

Two-thirds of Ottawa's No. 1 line is missing, with Jason Spezza (bruised chest) and Daniel Alfredsson (broken rib) out. That leaves Dany Heatley with Antoine Vermette and Bryan Smolinski. Brandon Bochenski and Martin Havlat are long-term casualties, while rookie sensation Andrej Meszaros is questionable after taking a shot off his foot during Thursday's loss in Boston.

"My guess is that he'll play, because he's such a tough kid," Ottawa coach Bryan Murray said. "I was surprised he went back out there after he got hit. Today, his foot was so swollen, he couldn't get his skate on, but I think he'll play."

Ray Emery will get the nod as the Senators' goaltender. He's the backup to Dominik Hasek, but Murray isn't doing the Canadiens any favour here. Emery has a 2-0 record against the Habs and also beat them in a preseason match.

After today's game, the Canadiens have some time off before travelling to Colorado, where they will face the Avalanche on Wednesday.

phickey@thegazette.canwest.com

© The Gazette (Montreal) 2006

Canadiens' Mike Ribeiro - who returns to the lineup today on a line with Andrei Kostitsyn and Alex Kovalev - and Pierre Dagenais take a breather during practice yesterday.

ray · Senior Member

thank god they're sitting theo down for this one. Huet couldn't be as bad as theo has been lately. but its not all his fault. The d-man around him have been crashing all around and not doing the little things to help out. I believe theo is a upper tier goaltender, but something is wrong and i hope he finds out what it is soon or his confidence will be shot for good. Even the saves he makes he looks very shaky.

Don't feel good about this one, and predict a 3 goal loss, but hopefully I'm wrong which happens often, according to my girlfriend! Happy Hockey Day in Canada everyone, great day of watching hockey and drinking pops.

SpiderManNL · Guru

http://www.canadiens.com/eng/news/redirect.cfm?sectionID=habsNewsDetails.cfm&newsItemID=4656

Game Preview: Canadiens vs. Senators

MONTREAL – While all of Canada is ready to celebrate hockey, the Canadiens certainly don’t intend on giving the Ottawa Senators any presents this Satuday afternoon in their meeting at the Bell Centre. Tuesday against the Devils, despite a strong rally in the third period, the Canadiens fell 5-4, dropping their fourth straight.

The Senators are also coming off a loss in their most recent game. Minus the services of Daniel Alfredsson for a third straight game, Bryan Murray’s crew dropped their second contest without their captain in the lineup, as the Boston Bruins pulled out a 4-2 victory. Ottawa, who has been at the top of the Eastern Conference standings since early in the season, gave up the number one spot to the Philadelphia Flyers who, with 60 points, are one point ahead of the Senators.

Today’s matinee affair marks the fifth meeting between the Canadiens and Senators this season. Ottawa had won three first three with Ray Emery in goal before Montreal, upon Alex Kovalev’s return on Dec. 20, pulled out an inspiring 4-3 shootout win. Emery will get the start again today.

Huet gets the call: An important factor in the Canadiens’ win over the Senators on Dec. 20, Claude Julien has decided once again to give the 30-year-old netminder the start against the visitors from the nation’s capital. Huet had kicked aside 34 of 37 shots in the first 65 minutes of the game, before robbing Alfredsson and Dany Heatley in the shootout. It was the French goaltender’s first win as a Montreal Canadien.

Lines get shuffled: After being scratched for the last two games, Mike Ribeiro will be back in the lineup against the Senators. The 25-year-old forward, who has 26 points in 37 games, will center rookie Andrei Kostitsyn and veteran Alex Kovalev. Kovalev made a triumphant return against the Senators on Dec. 20, hitting two milestones while notching three points and scored in the shootout. Captain Saku Koivu will also find new wingers by his side as he’ll be joined by Michael Ryder, whose 18 goals lead the team, and Chris Higgins. Jan Bulis will return to the wing as he’ll join fellow Czech Radek Bonk and Richard Zednik on the third line.

Four or nothing: While they hold the league’s best record in goals-against average, the Senators haven’t had much success in low-scoring affairs. When they score four or more goals in a game, the Northeast Division leaders are 26-0. However, when they find the back of the net three times or less, they are 2-8-3. The last time the Senators won when they scored three or less was in their season opener against the Maple Leafs.

After a strong effort in the Canadiens' win over the Senators on Dec. 20, Cristobal Huet will once again be between the pipes Saturday afternoon.

SpiderManNL · Guru

norskipaul · Senior Member

Well, Im off to my brothers house to watch the game, he's got the proper sattelite equipment. I'll be taking a six of the local brew and a pocket full of optimism and positive thinking. After reading The Sen's injury list I think we've got a shot at this one. if we do the business I'll stop by my regular on the way home and hoist a few. Who am I kidding, I'll do that anyway. Cheers everybody and good luck!

norskipaul · Senior Member

Forgot to mention my red vintage Canadiens jersey that I got right here at the Gohabs shop!

Habhead · Veteran Member

WOW!!!

Who is this team in red?

Habs chase Emery, up 4-0 in the first!

SpiderManNL · Guru

1st Intermission

4 0

Shots on Goal: 14 11

brooklynhabfan · Guru

no one look for 40 minutes...can't...quite...believe....

Nil d · Guru

Habhead wrote:

WOW!!! Who is this team in red? Habs chase Emery, up 4-0 in the first!

Easily their best period of the year. I could have played goal for the Habs in that one.

SpiderManNL · Guru

2nd Intermission

4 1

Shots on Goal: 23 17

Nil d · Guru

Nil d wrote:

Habhead wrote: WOW!!! Who is this team in red? Habs chase Emery, up 4-0 in the first! Easily their best period of the year. I could have played goal for the Habs in that one.

Second period not so good....................

The Habs are trying to get fancier, I noticed. In the first, they were doing things simple, short tic-tac-toe passes, finishing their checks. The Ottawa goal was a bit of a fluke, but the score could have been worse. Habs need to get back to basics in the third or there's gonna be trouble, right here in River City..................

murphy · Veteran Member

Nil d wrote:

Habhead wrote: WOW!!! Who is this team in red? Habs chase Emery, up 4-0 in the first! Easily their best period of the year. I could have played goal for the Habs in that one.

It was a great 1st. period but the Habs fell into a shell of just trying to dump it down the ice in the second. They need to get back to the same intensity as in the 1st. Great to see our team winning for a change especially against one of the top teams.

Nil d · Guru

murphy wrote:

Nil d wrote: Habhead wrote: WOW!!! Who is this team in red? Habs chase Emery, up 4-0 in the first! Easily their best period of the year. I could have played goal for the Habs in that one. It was a great 1st. period but the Habs fell into a shell of just trying to dump it down the ice in the second. They need to get back to the same intensity as in the 1st. Great to see our team winning for a change especially against one of the top teams.

I'm nervous going in the third. If they can keep the three-goal lead for the first five minutes, they'll be OK, I think.

murphy · Veteran Member

Nil d wrote:

murphy wrote: Nil d wrote: Habhead wrote: WOW!!! Who is this team in red? Habs chase Emery, up 4-0 in the first! Easily their best period of the year. I could have played goal for the Habs in that one. It was a great 1st. period but the Habs fell into a shell of just trying to dump it down the ice in the second. They need to get back to the same intensity as in the 1st. Great to see our team winning for a change especially against one of the top teams. I'm nervous going in the third. If they can keep the three-goal lead for the first five minutes, they'll be OK, I think.

Gone past the first five minutes and I am really nervous. Habs have had 1 shot on net and are still playing the same as in the 2nd. Huet is having a great game.

Habhead · Veteran Member

I agree, I hate it when the Canadiens decide to play "defensively" with still half the game to go. But, it has seemed to have worked though, as there's only 7 minutes in the third. Habs getting in penalty trouble though, if the Sens score on this one it could be an interesting finish . . . this game isn't in the bag just yet.

Habhead · Veteran Member

Very refreshing to see a Habs gaolie (Huet) not give up alot of rebounds. I'd say keep starting Huet until he loses . . . what can it hurt?

SpiderManNL · Guru

Final Score: 4 1

brooklynhabfan · Guru

Habhead wrote:

Very refreshing to see a Habs gaolie (Huet) not give up alot of rebounds. I'd say keep starting Huet until he loses . . . what can it hurt?

Not a bad idea to make Theo hungry again... As a football (soccer) fan, I'm used to the whole "sit on a lead" strategy... I'll take it!!!

Nil d · Guru

Habhead wrote:

Very refreshing to see a Habs gaolie (Huet) not give up alot of rebounds. I'd say keep starting Huet until he loses . . . what can it hurt?

Absolutely; go with the hot hand. When he falters, Theo will be chomping at the bit to prove he belongs in the net for good.

Great game by Huet and the Habs today. A bit of luck, too - did you see how they had six guys on the rush when Koivu scored the first goal?!