Glad to see you aboard. I’ve wondered just how you would fare in the NHL in the big league. You’re a talented young hockey player and not only that, you are also quite intelligent.

Hope tonights Game goes well for you.

Let’s be consistent

In California for 3 games against the Ducks, the Sharks and the Kings. And there is no Pacioretty in the lineup due to the 3 game suspension that was given after the Penguins game.

My wish list for this road trip is simple. Consistency.

I would look for this all across the board. From the line combinations to the intensity on the ice (and please, let’s be intense!) I’d like to see this team fire away at the opposing team’s goaltender. Keep it simple, far away from the pressure cooker of the hometown crowd (probably good for both Leblanc and Budaj), it’s an opportunity for these guys to make the simple plays and build some confidence.

Will it be easy? I doubt it. In today’s NHL, I doubt there is truely an easy stretch on the schedule. But this is a chance to get some of the positive energy that a young guy can bring to a team, playing his first game.

None of these 3 teams they will face are having stellar seasons…. but sometimes it seems to be harder to win against a struggling team.

So tonight and the next 2. Let’s not go the way of the yo-yo….. let’s be intense…. consistent.

(Please) Win!

Go Habs!

It’s that time of year folks! You dust off your TV remote or getting in the ticket buying mood and start watching the greatest team in the NHL! (yeah, that’s right…. but as you can tell, this is a Habs blog right??)

Always a great time of year… I know these games really mean nothing… but do they?

What do they mean to me?

Well, I get to watch the veterans get in gear again… but more importantly (for this time of year) I get to see the prospects lineup next to our veteran players. I always love watching the young guys who are trying to force the coach’s hand, or find their spot on a roster. The enthusiasm…. the talent, the timidity (sometimes… let’s be honest!)…. it’s a chance to see tomorrow’s lineup.

How they handle taking the first steps towards their dream and playing for this great franchise we love.

Go Habs Go!

Enjoy!

A prelude to the training camp and pre-season is the Rookie Camps.

Thanks to the Montreal Gazette we can even see clips on YouTube. Yeah I know, they’re probably not the only ones.

Once all the pre-season roster is together and they play their first pre-season games I’m usually elated. I love seeing the prospects play in pre-season games. I know some people say the games mean nothing… etc.. etc… But they do mean something.

We get to see the young guys along side the regular roster players. How they handle it, talent level… improvements over last year… etc.. etc..

Can’t wait!

Add to that Josh Gorges and the possibility of having Yemelin (or Emelin) for a future defensive lineup. Maybe things will look good! Assumptions always though, with player moves, injuries, trades….

But certainly some interesting thoughts.

Beaulieu’s a great skater, he’s got puck moving skill and he’s got a 6’3 frame.

Check out this video of Beaulieu:

Also a nice article on Hockey’s Future on Nathan Beaulieu.

Added this interview after original post

So the Canadiens recalled Max Pacioretty as of late.

I found it a tad confusing to be honest as they brought up Desharnais only to send him back just as quick.

Both Pacioretty and Desharnais are ripping it up in the AHL. I really felt for Desharnais to be sent back down without getting a game. I listened to Tony Marinaro on The Team990 this morning and agreed with him, it would have been a good idea to have Desharnais play against Toronto. See how he’d play against a physical opponent. I personally believe he would have been fine.

Back to Pacioretty, he’s also just as deserving of the call up. Max has 17 goals and 15 assists for 32 points…  in 27 games. Not to shabby at all.

Early on it was hoped he’d develop into “that power forward” that we’ve needed in Montreal for some time. Last season it was my impression he went all but forgotten. Wasn’t as much chatter about him. I remember seeing him getting knocked off the puck quite a bit and it just didn’t seem like he was ready.

Is this his year?

Giving him a prominent role in the AHL and having play many minutes may turn out to be a very prudent move. Hearing him speak today, he seems much more confident. I believe he’s maturing.

This is where I’m hoping he’s used in a similar role to what he’s being used with the Bulldogs.

Put him on the top 2 lines. Make him play with some offensive talent and maybe put him along side some of your teams’ leadership. Pairing him with any of Gionta, Cammalleri, Plekanec…. give him a shot and be patient. He’s got some confidence, now help him learn a bit more from the guys you ultimately want him to play with.

Having him on the 3rd or 4th line would be, in my opinion, a wasted opportunity.

And had Desharnais dressed up, I would have liked to see him in a top 2 line role vs the Leafs.

Last night was Louis Leblanc’s debut with the Junior de Montréal in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. I know that this isn’t real big news. But make no mistake, all eyes will be on Leblanc as he plays with the Junior de Montréal this season.

Many people have both wondered how he’d fit, or how he’d perform in the QMJHL…. lot’s of what ifs…. etc.

But now we’ll get to see how his skill level and hockey smarts measure up against his peers in the “Q”. Also how he adjusts to the much longer season as opposed to the US College system.

Louis Leblanc finished last night’s pre-season game with 1 assist, +1, won 5 out of 8 faceoffs and had 4 shots on goal. Should also be noted that another Canadiens prospect, Philippe Lefebvre, also assisted on the play.

I always seem to have high hopes for most prospects that the Montreal Canadiens draft. While this is a pre-season game which really doesn’t mean anything….. I’m just happy to see the QMJHL kick into pre-season. Ultimately, it means the QMJHL season, NHL camps, NHL pre-season and NHL season are all around the corner.

Personally, I was one hoping that he would make the jump over to the “Q” and I’m quite happy that he made that decision. It should be much easier for the Canadiens organization to monitor Leblanc’s progress as well as having him in a league where many of the Canadiens fan base can also catch a glimpse of him.

I can’t wait to catch some of these QMJHL games.

According to Sportsnet Jarred Tinordi, the Habs 22nd overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft will be playing for the London Knights in the OHL. They report an official announcement should come within days.

Although there is currently some debate on which road is better suited for a young player’s development, Major Junior vs NCAA, I believe having Tinordi in a situation where he plays many more games will only be good for his development.

I was happy to hear about Louis Leblanc playing in the “Q”… which means I’ll likely skip out to watch him play. I’m equally happy to hear that Jarred will be playing in the OHL under Dale Hunter. Will be easier for some of us to catch a glimpse of him and keep track of his developmental years.

I’m quite pleased at this announcement. Should be noted that Dale Hunter played with Jarred’s father and has been a family friend for years. So Tinordi will have familiarity with his new coach.

EDIT:
Check out the Sportsnet article here

Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier announced the signing of prospect Alexander Avstin to a 3 year deal.

I’ve been anxious to see much more of Avtsin since he was drafted. The 19 year old just finished this year’s development camp last week.

The scouting reports said this guy had an physical game and lot’s of offensive skill. There was talk of Alexander possibly playing with the Juniors de Montréal or Hamilton. Now it’s official that we’ll see him in North America.

I would guess that Avtsin will spend the season in Hamilton. I’m sure we’ll see a glimpse of him at camp!!

Check out the official release:
http://canadiens.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=534383

If you don’t know much about Tinordi here’s the Gazette’s write up on him.

And here’s a short video interview with Jarred on draft day courtesy of Sportsnet.

P.K. Subban has been recalled from the Hamilton Bulldogs for this all important game 6 in the first round of the 2010 NHL playoffs.

Habs face elimination tonight against Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals. The game is in Montreal.

The Bell Center will likely exploded with energy. Habs weren’t really expected to win the Capitals but in the course of this series they’ve shown some good things against the Caps… and that the Caps can certainly be beaten.

P.K. Subban has become a fan favorite without barely scratching the ice in Montreal. He’s a great young prospect who’s had an incredible year in Hamilton. Always enthusiastic and upbeat P.K. will certainly bring lot’s of energy in the lineup. I expect that the crowd will show him some love tonight…. think we’ll hear some “PK” chants? I do.

Subban has 18 goals and 35 assists in 77 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs this year. He’s got great skating and puck moving skills and can play a physical game.

In my opinion, the Canadiens have nothing to loose in bringing him up being that they’re down 3 games to 2 and had a sub par performance by MA Bergeron in the last game. Although I don’t think Subban will be the savior for the series I think this is a great opportunity for him to get a taste of the pressure cooker in a Montreal Canadien’s playoff game… facing elimination.

Here’s the official press release!