A Montreal Canadiens fan blog
Archive for September, 2010
Shots against is the big issue going into the new season
Sep 30th
I know there’s been tons of talk this off-season about everything…. wide spread panic about trades, silly media leaks about striking goaltenders… strong scrutiny at pre-season play.
Well, the regular season is almost upon us. With that I thought I’d share one aspect of the Montreal Canadiens play that I believe NEEDS to be improved. It’s a stat that you hear about in the regular season but doesn’t get a whole lot of attention otherwise.
It doesn’t give you a big “crash/bang/boom”…. isn’t spectacular like that Kovalchuk contract. But, it slowly sinks a team.
Shots against.
The shots the opponents manage to get through the defense and unto the Habs net. This has been a stat that has been haunting the Canadiens for far too many years.
Here are the shots against stats for the last 10 years!
More >
Can the real boo-birds please stand up?
Sep 22nd
I did enjoy the pre-season game between the Habs and Bruins tonight. I was totally pumped up to see some hockey again. Seeing the Habs team and all the young guys hanging around for a couple of games.
Lot’s of positives by the young players tonight.
Something that sickens me is the cheers that Carey Price got in warm up turned to boos quickly.
Honestly people, I don’t understand your reasoning at all. If you’re all drunk, then yeah, maybe that’s an excuse although it’s a terrible one.
I understand you’re buying tickets, that you may be buying merchandise. I understand that some of you may love hockey. But I really do not understand your reasoning in booing a member of “you’re team” (and I use that term incredibly lightly here) and ridiculing him when he touches the puck.
I have no idea how that would have any positive impact on a team you profess to be a fan of. These hockey players, they are people… just like you. Maybe a few hundred people should follow you into your work place and just get on your back while you work…. or maybe your co-workers already do that.. who knows?
Last season Halak became the guy in the stretch. And people would boo Price… which I didn’t understand then. But, ok, you’re voicing your desire for the other goaltender.
But, now… here we are, game 1 of the Pre-Season… a game where the rust will just fall off a bit… a game that means nothing… and that other guy who some professed to love… well he’s gone!
On twitter it was said that many fans didn’t like the Halak trade. I know many fans didn’t like the Halak trade. I myself would have preferred to have both goaltenders in Montreal. But we don’t get everything we want. And there’s a possibility that Eller and Shultz turn out to be players for years to come.
Still, what would that have to do with Price? Price didn’t trade Halak.
It just seems (likely because it is) classless to get on a guy like that. One period into the pre-season.
Habs TV – The boys are back in town
Sep 19th
Courtesy of the official HabsTV.
A feature on the annual golf tournament kicking training camp. Fun video.
Sportsnet feature: Price feels right about upcoming season
Sep 17th
Courtesy of Sportsnet
This is definitely a big season for Price. Everyone knows it.
One thing that I’m waiting to see is exactly how those “passionate” fans… you know, the ones who seem to think booing your players off the ice is gonna help somehow…. and how Price himself reacts to some of the challenges that will certainly present themselves.
There are gonna be games where the team in front of him may let a ton of shots through… again. And there are gonna be games where Price is gonna let a soft goal in… or maybe 2.
Will the fans give him a fair shake? Are they gonna jump on him in true “boo bird” fashion when he plays a bad game? Might they even blame him for a loss where the team lets him face…. say 45 shots…. and only manage 20-ish shots on their opponents? (happened last year)
How is Carey’s confidence gonna hold?
Price, in my opinion, is one heck of a talented goaltender. He’s got loads of natural skill, size… he’s won at every level. He’s got all the tools.
If the boo birds flock to the bell center with regularity this season, how will Price react?
I’m hoping he’s given a fair shot. Yeah, people can voice their displeasure but getting on a guy who’s playing on your team repeatedly… just remember what they did to Brisebois (like him or not), probably did nothing to improve the moral not only of the player but the entire team.
I’m with ya Carey. Hope you have a strong season.
Game highlights – Montreal Canadiens vs Florida Panthers – Pre-season
Sep 28th
Posted by Yves in Game highlights
Comments
Quite a spirited affair last night between the Canadiens and the Florida Panthers. Here are some game highlights courtesy of Sportsnet.