Game Thread | Habs vs. Bruins | 02/02/06

SpiderManNL · Guru

Game Thread | Habs vs. Bruins | 02/02/06

SpiderManNL · Guru

SpiderManNL · Guru

SpiderManNL · Guru

I put Theodore in as the projected goalie because I truly believe that Gainey is stupid enough to come back with him in this game. I have lost all confidence in Gainey & Theodore and in my opinion the sooner those two bums ran out of town the better off the team will be.

Nil d · Guru

SpiderManNL wrote:

I put Theodore in as the projected goalie because I truly believe that Gainey is stupid enough to come back with him in this game. I have lost all confidence in Gainey & Theodore and in my opinion the sooner those two bums ran out of town the better off the team will be.

That 8.41 GAA and .714 SP are particularly attractive! I suppose Gainey will put Theo back in nets out of compassion for Huet!

SpiderManNL · Guru

http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/hockey/canadiensstory.html?id=3247199d-b7b0-4cb6-a7ef-c783694033c8

Theo, Habs searching for answers

By PAT HICKEY

What's the matter with Jose Theodore?

That's the $4.5-million (U.S.) question for the Canadiens. Canadiens vice-president, general manager and head coach Bob Gainey has added psychologist to his list of titles as he attempts to find the answer.

Gainey and Theodore sat down for a heart-to-heart talk yesterday in an attempt to get to the root of what Gainey described as "sporadic" and "inconsistent" performances.

"I'm trying to understand him better," Gainey said. "I want to know if he's having any problems and how we can address those problems the best we can."

Gainey said inconsistent goaltending isn't the only reason the Canadiens find themselves in a three-way tie for ninth place in the Eastern Conference heading into tonight's game against the Bruins at TD Banknorth Garden (7 p.m., TSN, RDS, CJAD Radio-800).

Gainey said Cristobal Huet will start in goal. That's no surprise, because Theodore has failed to finish three of his last four starts and he's the main reason the Canadiens' goaltending ranks 23rd among the 30 National Hockey League teams.

Gainey said he wasn't sure when Theodore would make his next start - Huet's performance might have a bearing on that decision - but he said the team will do whatever it takes to get Theodore back on track, short of a stint with the Hamilton Bulldogs.

Sending Theodore to the minors is out because (a) it would be a sign of disrespect for the former Hart and Vezina Trophy winner and could destroy his confidence and (b) there's the chance some team might pick him up, believing the theory that all he needs is a change of scenery.

"He's played some very good games for us and picked up some wins, but there have been some nights when the team has played well and the goaltending hasn't been there," Gainey said.

Theodore, who took part in an optional workout at Verdun yesterday before the team left for Boston, wasn't in a talkative mood.

But, after he was yanked during Tuesday's 8-2 loss to Carolina, the goalie described his current troubles as a "slump."

But Gainey and Theodore appear to be giving the goaltender a bit too much credit. His play has steadily eroded and his goals-against average has gone up to 3.46 after hovering around the 3.00 mark for most of the season. His save percentage, which has seldom been higher than .890, has dropped to .881.

Earlier this season, Theodore and company could point to other goalies who struggled with new equipment and the "new" NHL, but many of those goalies have adjusted. A case in point is New Jersey's Martin Brodeur, who was named the NHL defensive player of the month yesterday. He's one of the big reasons the Devils are among the teams who jumped past the Canadiens in the standings last month.

Tonight's game is the first of two between the Canadiens and the Bruins. The clubs will meet again Saturday at noon. Each team has 52 points, with the Canadiens holding two games in hand. A double loss in the series would be a crushing blow to either team.

Gainey, whose record has dropped to 4-5 since he replaced Claude Julien as head coach, said he hoped to gain some momentum before the Olympic break, which begins Feb. 11.

"We have a handful of games, including four at home, and we're hoping to improve our position."

While Huet is set to start in goal, Gainey said he was still undecided about the rest of his roster. The status of Jan Bulis will affect some of the decisions. Bulis remained in Montreal yesterday with the flu, but could join his teammates today.

© The Gazette (Montreal) 2006

brooklynhabfan · Guru

superb pics spidey!

4-2 habs. Why not?

AB Habman · Guru

SpiderManNL wrote:

http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/hockey/canadiensstory.html?id=3247199d-b7b0-4cb6-a7ef-c783694033c8 Theo, Habs searching for answers By PAT HICKEY What's the matter with Jose Theodore?That's the $4.5-million (U.S.) question for the Canadiens. Canadiens vice-president, general manager and head coach Bob Gainey has added psychologist to his list of titles as he attempts to find the answer.Gainey and Theodore sat down for a heart-to-heart talk yesterday in an attempt to get to the root of what Gainey described as "sporadic" and "inconsistent" performances."I'm trying to understand him better," Gainey said. "I want to know if he's having any problems and how we can address those problems the best we can."Gainey said inconsistent goaltending isn't the only reason the Canadiens find themselves in a three-way tie for ninth place in the Eastern Conference heading into tonight's game against the Bruins at TD Banknorth Garden (7 p.m., TSN, RDS, CJAD Radio-800).Gainey said Cristobal Huet will start in goal. That's no surprise, because Theodore has failed to finish three of his last four starts and he's the main reason the Canadiens' goaltending ranks 23rd among the 30 National Hockey League teams.Gainey said he wasn't sure when Theodore would make his next start - Huet's performance might have a bearing on that decision - but he said the team will do whatever it takes to get Theodore back on track, short of a stint with the Hamilton Bulldogs.Sending Theodore to the minors is out because (a) it would be a sign of disrespect for the former Hart and Vezina Trophy winner and could destroy his confidence and (b) there's the chance some team might pick him up, believing the theory that all he needs is a change of scenery."He's played some very good games for us and picked up some wins, but there have been some nights when the team has played well and the goaltending hasn't been there," Gainey said.Theodore, who took part in an optional workout at Verdun yesterday before the team left for Boston, wasn't in a talkative mood.But, after he was yanked during Tuesday's 8-2 loss to Carolina, the goalie described his current troubles as a "slump."But Gainey and Theodore appear to be giving the goaltender a bit too much credit. His play has steadily eroded and his goals-against average has gone up to 3.46 after hovering around the 3.00 mark for most of the season. His save percentage, which has seldom been higher than .890, has dropped to .881.Earlier this season, Theodore and company could point to other goalies who struggled with new equipment and the "new" NHL, but many of those goalies have adjusted. A case in point is New Jersey's Martin Brodeur, who was named the NHL defensive player of the month yesterday. He's one of the big reasons the Devils are among the teams who jumped past the Canadiens in the standings last month.Tonight's game is the first of two between the Canadiens and the Bruins. The clubs will meet again Saturday at noon. Each team has 52 points, with the Canadiens holding two games in hand. A double loss in the series would be a crushing blow to either team.Gainey, whose record has dropped to 4-5 since he replaced Claude Julien as head coach, said he hoped to gain some momentum before the Olympic break, which begins Feb. 11."We have a handful of games, including four at home, and we're hoping to improve our position."While Huet is set to start in goal, Gainey said he was still undecided about the rest of his roster. The status of Jan Bulis will affect some of the decisions. Bulis remained in Montreal yesterday with the flu, but could join his teammates today.© The Gazette (Montreal) 2006

Heeeeeelllllllloooooooooo Gainey! A lack of respect and worried about his confidence if he sends him down because he had one good year??? Pllllllleeeeeease!!!!

It's almost like Gainey just woke up today and noted this! He has sucked all season! A stint in the minors is exactly what he needs but it could be another month before Mr. Patient reallizes this! So what if he doesn't clear waivers! It'll free up cash rather than have the high paid pine warmer and psychologist wages!

Another thing Gainey, Theo is no Brodeur! Never had the class or the talent! Brodeur is a team player!

Please wake up Gainey, put this guy on waivers or make some trades already! We must be the only team in NHL who hasn't at least tried to improve! Oh I forget, we got the big scrapper, Downey!

This is gone on way too long!!!!!!!!!Playing with project Theo and giving him games will kill any remaining playoff hopes we have!

The very small positive that I see with Gainey is he reallizes Huet should start tonight! Wow, what a rocket scientist!

Desi · Senior Member

Anyone who thinks that this is the same, lame Boo-ins team that rolled over for the Habs earlier in the season is in for a big surprise. The Bs have been playing some of the best hockey in the league over the last month, and it's just our luck that we've got 'em twice this weekend. If you saw their game vs. Ottawa the other night you will have noticed that the Sens were outhustled, outmuscled, outshot and of course outscored. The shots that did make it to the Boston net were handled well by the kid Thomas. He's solid on his angles, stays on his feet (no offense, Theo) and has a good glove hand.

Unless the Habs are willing to match Boston's work ethic on the ice and start producing a lot more shots than they have in recent games, it's going to be a long weekend. Watch the play along the boards and in the corners. If we lose those battles early in the games the way Ottawa did, you can be sure that losses will follow -- no matter who's in net at either end.

Does anyone remember 1971, when an aggressive Montreal team backstopped by a young kid named Dryden dispatched the much-favored Bruins in the first round of the playoffs? Well the shoe is on the other foot now. They're the underdogs (by a tiny margin), they've got the determined players, and they've got the hot young goalie.

I think I picked the wrong weekend to come to Montreal to see the boys play... Coming back to my Bruin-loving neighbors here in New England after two Boston victories would be more than I can bear...

Les Canadiens sont la

AB Habman · Guru

Desi wrote:

Anyone who thinks that this is the same, lame Boo-ins team that rolled over for the Habs earlier in the season is in for a big surprise. The Bs have been playing some of the best hockey in the league over the last month, and it's just our luck that we've got 'em twice this weekend. If you saw their game vs. Ottawa the other night you will have noticed that the Sens were outhustled, outmuscled, outshot and of course outscored. The shots that did make it to the Boston net were handled well by the kid Thomas. He's solid on his angles, stays on his feet (no offense, Theo) and has a good glove hand. Unless the Habs are willing to match Boston's work ethic on the ice and start producing a lot more shots than they have in recent games, it's going to be a long weekend. Watch the play along the boards and in the corners. If we lose those battles early in the games the way Ottawa did, you can be sure that losses will follow -- no matter who's in net at either end. Does anyone remember 1971, when an aggressive Montreal team backstopped by a young kid named Dryden dispatched the much-favored Bruins in the first round of the playoffs? Well the shoe is on the other foot now. They're the underdogs (by a tiny margin), they've got the determined players, and they've got the hot young goalie. I think I picked the wrong weekend to come to Montreal to see the boys play... Coming back to my Bruin-loving neighbors here in New England after two Boston victories would be more than I can bear... Les Canadiens sont la

Good insight Desi!

davidb · Guru

Desi, I must agree that they are not the same team we played already this year. However, They are not the underdogs now so I would not compare them to the Dryden years. I see the Bruins as a real contender now. Unfortunately for us the Bruins are now in their prime and playing the best hockey in the league right now. I think the shoe is on the other foot like in 71. We are the underdogs and we need a great outing by Huet for us to have a miracle

Figaro · Guru

Tim Thomas is not a kid - he's in his 30s I think - probably explains why he's so easily adapted to the NHL and had a good run. But Montreal must win this game. They face about 5 mut wins in a row if they really want back into the hunt. If Toronto hadn't sucked just a little more than us, we'd be done already. So, count the lucky stars and let's go for a 6-1.

SpiderManNL · Guru

http://www.canadiens.com/eng/news/redirect.cfm?sectionID=habsNewsDetails.cfm&newsItemID=4756

Game Preview: Canadiens vs. Bruins

BOSTON – The Canadiens will look to get back to their winning ways as they face the Boston Bruins in the first game of a home-and-home series; the second meeting goes Saturday afternoon at the Bell Centre.

With two wins in its last three road games, Montreal will be looking for its second straight road win following the club’s 4-3 overtime victory over Toronto last Saturday. The Canadiens last posted back-to-back victories away from the Bell Centre on Oct. 31 and Nov. 4.

The Bruins head into tonight’s matchup on the heels of a 5-0 shutout of the Ottawa Senators. Mike Sullivan’s crew have now earned at least a point in eight of their last nine games, making the battle for the last few playoff spots that much tighter.

Tonight is the third meeting between the Canadiens and Bruins this season. Bob Gainey’s squad took the first two by finals of 2-1 and 4-3 on Oct. 5 and Oct. 18, respectively.

See you soon! This home-and-home series between the Canadiens and Bruins is the 75th of its kind between the two longtime Original Six rivals. In 148 games in these series, Montreal holds the upper hand, with a 70-56-14 record and outscoring Boston 425-369. In addition, the Canadiens have swept the series 16 times, while the Bruins have accomplished the feat just eight times and have not done so in nearly fifty years; the last Bruins sweep in a home-and-home came in 1956-57. Montreal got its revenge later that season, beating Boston in the Stanley Cup Finals, four games to one.

A love-hate relationship: Ever since Alex Kovalev joined the Canadiens in March 2004, the Bruins certainly haven’t looked forward to the meetings. In 10 games, including the 2004 playoff series, Kovalev has had his way with Boston, recording five goals and seven assists. Tonight, he’ll aim to extend his points streak against the Bruins to eight games; the 32-year-old has collected 44 points in 46 career games against Boston.

Post-Joe era: After shocking the hockey world by trading Joe Thornton to the San Jose Sharks, the Bruins are slowly but surely showing that the deal wasn’t one-sided. In 26 games since Nov. 30, Boston has posted a 14-9-3 record. Marco Sturm, Brad Stuart and Wayne Primeau, the three players acquired in the trade, have combined for 24 goals and 24 helpers since heading east. Of the 24 goals, five have been game-winners and four of those have been courtesy of Sturm.

Cristobal Huet will experience the Canadiens-Bruins rivalry for the first time as he makes his ninth start tonight in Boston.

AB Habman · Guru

Huet is in net. No excuses! Time for the boys to bring it!

Our Defense must Defend/ Our fighters must fight/ Our passers must pass / Our scorers must score!

Sounds easy to me! Don't let Huet down!

Go Habs!

rwp2le · Guru

Lets hope that the Bruins can get Koviu and Kovalev going again. Anyone else think Higgins has no business being on that line? I understand how big Chara is, but my god Higgs your in the bigs now, you cant be afraid to get hit. I dont know who else noticed how Higgins would not go in the corner with him? Even Saku will. Time for Higgins to step up, or sit his ass down.

murphy · Veteran Member

SpiderManNL wrote:

I put Theodore in as the projected goalie because I truly believe that Gainey is stupid enough to come back with him in this game. I have lost all confidence in Gainey & Theodore and in my opinion the sooner those two bums ran out of town the better off the team will be.

SpiderManNL. As one of the 'arm-chair' coaches, your sarcasm, together with the same from some other posters, has helped make this board an unpleasant place to visit. Gainey, whilst not always making the moves we feel he should, has had every reason to call some of his players stupid and bums but he has too much class for that. Name calling shows a lack of maturity and I call on your common sense to avoid doing this. We are all supposedly mature persons and all of us are sometimes disgusted by the lack of effort being put forth by the Habs, however, as loyal fans we should be supporting the team(that includes Gainey & Theodore). It is easy for us to sit back in our easy chairs and scream and yell when things don't go the way we want them. These players are human and I am sure they don't like losing anymore than we do. They would gladly turn it around and I feel they will, and if we are true fans we will stand behind them come 'h--l or high water'.

ray · Senior Member

Bulis didn't make the trip yesterday, but word is he flew into Boston today, does anyone know if he is in or out. We sure could use him, and is Bonk riding the pines again?

AB Habman · Guru

murphy wrote:

SpiderManNL wrote: I put Theodore in as the projected goalie because I truly believe that Gainey is stupid enough to come back with him in this game. I have lost all confidence in Gainey & Theodore and in my opinion the sooner those two bums ran out of town the better off the team will be. SpiderManNL. As one of the 'arm-chair' coaches, your sarcasm, together with the same from some other posters, has helped make this board an unpleasant place to visit. Gainey, whilst not always making the moves we feel he should, has had every reason to call some of his players stupid and bums but he has too much class for that. Name calling shows a lack of maturity and I call on your common sense to avoid doing this. We are all supposedly mature persons and all of us are sometimes disgusted by the lack of effort being put forth by the Habs, however, as loyal fans we should be supporting the team(that includes Gainey & Theodore). It is easy for us to sit back in our easy chairs and scream and yell when things don't go the way we want them. These players are human and I am sure they don't like losing anymore than we do. They would gladly turn it around and I feel they will, and if we are true fans we will stand behind them come 'h--l or high water'.

Sorry Murphy! I'm with spiderman and the other frustrated members on this one! I don't think he is bringing the board down but the Habs poor play bringing us down!

I'm sure you feel real bad for the millionare players over us armchair coaches but as a fan, it's our right to be part of a democratic board full of opinions! Frustrated or critical! Spiderman has been a great contributer to this board with all the informational pastes he posts! He's as great a Habs fan there is! Let us speak our minds in the bad times and the good times!

murphy · Veteran Member

AB Habman wrote:

murphy wrote: SpiderManNL wrote: I put Theodore in as the projected goalie because I truly believe that Gainey is stupid enough to come back with him in this game. I have lost all confidence in Gainey & Theodore and in my opinion the sooner those two bums ran out of town the better off the team will be. SpiderManNL. As one of the 'arm-chair' coaches, your sarcasm, together with the same from some other posters, has helped make this board an unpleasant place to visit. Gainey, whilst not always making the moves we feel he should, has had every reason to call some of his players stupid and bums but he has too much class for that. Name calling shows a lack of maturity and I call on your common sense to avoid doing this. We are all supposedly mature persons and all of us are sometimes disgusted by the lack of effort being put forth by the Habs, however, as loyal fans we should be supporting the team(that includes Gainey & Theodore). It is easy for us to sit back in our easy chairs and scream and yell when things don't go the way we want them. These players are human and I am sure they don't like losing anymore than we do. They would gladly turn it around and I feel they will, and if we are true fans we will stand behind them come 'h--l or high water'. Sorry Murphy! I'm with spiderman and the other frustrated members on this one! I don't think he is bringing the board down but the Habs poor play bringing us down! I'm sure you feel real bad for the millionare players over us armchair coaches but as a fan, it's our right to be part of a democratic board full of opinions! Frustrated or critical! Spiderman has been a great contributer to this board with all the informational pastes he posts! He's as great a Habs fan there is! Let us speak our minds in the bad times and the good times!

I can agree with what you are saying in that Spiderman has been a great contributor to this board and we all share his frustration at the poor play of the Habs. Opinions are a big part of this board and we should all be free to express them. Based on the Habs play lately, I feel we are justified in being critical but I feel it should be constructive criticism. Sarcasm adds nothing to the board.

I do not feel bad for the millionaire players. They are getting paid to play but lets remember they are also human and I am sure they feel just as badly about this slump as we do. Lets hope they can do something about it starting tonight. GO HABS GO.

AB Habman · Guru

murphy wrote:

AB Habman wrote: murphy wrote: SpiderManNL wrote: I put Theodore in as the projected goalie because I truly believe that Gainey is stupid enough to come back with him in this game. I have lost all confidence in Gainey & Theodore and in my opinion the sooner those two bums ran out of town the better off the team will be. SpiderManNL. As one of the 'arm-chair' coaches, your sarcasm, together with the same from some other posters, has helped make this board an unpleasant place to visit. Gainey, whilst not always making the moves we feel he should, has had every reason to call some of his players stupid and bums but he has too much class for that. Name calling shows a lack of maturity and I call on your common sense to avoid doing this. We are all supposedly mature persons and all of us are sometimes disgusted by the lack of effort being put forth by the Habs, however, as loyal fans we should be supporting the team(that includes Gainey & Theodore). It is easy for us to sit back in our easy chairs and scream and yell when things don't go the way we want them. These players are human and I am sure they don't like losing anymore than we do. They would gladly turn it around and I feel they will, and if we are true fans we will stand behind them come 'h--l or high water'. Sorry Murphy! I'm with spiderman and the other frustrated members on this one! I don't think he is bringing the board down but the Habs poor play bringing us down! I'm sure you feel real bad for the millionare players over us armchair coaches but as a fan, it's our right to be part of a democratic board full of opinions! Frustrated or critical! Spiderman has been a great contributer to this board with all the informational pastes he posts! He's as great a Habs fan there is! Let us speak our minds in the bad times and the good times! I can agree with what you are saying in that Spiderman has been a great contributor to this board and we all share his frustration at the poor play of the Habs. Opinions are a big part of this board and we should all be free to express them. Based on the Habs play lately, I feel we are justified in being critical but I feel it should be constructive criticism. Sarcasm adds nothing to the board. I do not feel bad for the millionaire players. They are getting paid to play but lets remember they are also human and I am sure they feel just as badly about this slump as we do. Lets hope they can do something about it starting tonight. GO HABS GO.

I hear you! Sometimes frustrations takes away being constructive! I guess I'm guilty of that also!

murphy · Veteran Member

Great stop by Huet on the penalty shot. Nice to see the Habs score the 1st goal and a great goal by Pleks.

SpiderManNL · Guru

1st Intermission

1 0

Shots on Goal: 13 8

Nil d · Guru

Good first period all around. Huet looking very strong - nice save on the penalty shot (a key point in the game thus far).

Souray looking good, as are the two top lines. Kovalev could have a couple of goals with a bit of luck.

Bulis looked very soft on that penalty. Get intense, guy!

Also funny to see the B's too-many-men penalty. Anyone notice their goalie skated out to go to the bench? He must have thought the penalty was on the Habs. Wouldn't that have been a hoot if they had scored in the empty net?

And finally, what a howitzer by Plekanec! Wow!

Keep it up, Boys!

plouf · Guru

Nil d wrote:

Good first period all around. Huet looking very strong - nice save on the penalty shot (a key point in the game thus far).
Souray looking good, as are the two top lines. Kovalev could have a couple of goals with a bit of luck.
Bulis looked very soft on that penalty. Get intense, guy!
Also funny to see the B's too-many-men penalty. Anyone notice their goalie skated out to go to the bench? He must have thought the penalty was on the Habs. Wouldn't that have been a hoot if they had scored in the empty net?
And finally, what a howitzer by Plekanec! Wow!
Keep it up, Boys!

Not bad so far, although it's kind of a deja vu from say 3 seasons ago, when the Habs were more of a hustling, slightly disorganized and underskilled, outshot but opportunistic team, with a good goalie. Weird.

Kovalev and Koivu started great but then tailed off for me and looked sloppy - at least they are working hard. Plekanec is sharp, nice goal. I love that Bulis keeps going after Hal Gill in the corners (anyone else think Bulis has great heart but not enough brains?). And Begin is all hustle. I love that guy!
Also, great pass by Souray. He looks awake out there. Good intensity from Rivet and Bouillon too.

But.....anybody else disturbed by the fact that the likes of Travis Green and Nick Boynton have both managed to skate through our whole team across the blueline. Unfortunately, I think Komi was on both times...he's not improving very fast, if at all.

plouf · Guru

brutal "penalty kill"...one of the worst I've seen all season. Help!

Nil d · Guru

plouf wrote:

brutal "penalty kill"...one of the worst I've seen all season. Help!

Brutal first seven minutes of the second. They're stinking out the joint. Thank God for the Crystal Ball!

plouf · Guru

Nil d wrote:

plouf wrote:
brutal "penalty kill"...one of the worst I've seen all season. Help!

Brutal first seven minutes of the second. They're stinking out the joint. Thank God for the Crystal Ball!

Starting to get it going a little bit now...Kovalev looks dangerous. Ribeiro playing pretty well. I think putting him on the energy line is the way to go. It's like they make him braver.

plouf · Guru

So much for the positivity.

Terrible, hopeless! Horrendous.

The game is tied, but we are getting our butts kicked in the second period.

murphy · Veteran Member

Self-destructing, weak play by the defence especially Souray. Too many penalties. Forwards are standing still. What happened?

Nil d · Guru

Nil d wrote:

plouf wrote: brutal "penalty kill"...one of the worst I've seen all season. Help! Brutal first seven minutes of the second. They're stinking out the joint. Thank God for the Crystal Ball!

Unfortunately it did not get any better in the final 13 minutes.

Man; one of the worst periods for the Habs this year. Souray looked great in the first, but sucked big time in the second. The entire defense disappeared, and the forwards were all too slow, too soft, too awful. Zednik - what's up with that guy?!