I have to start by saying that I actually missed the first period… I know, I know… how could I do such a thing.

Actually, it was my daughter’s Christmas concert.

Despite the 3 game slide that saw Montreal loose against the Red Wings, Leafs and Flyers I was pretty positive going into last night. A Bruins vs Habs matchup is always a worth while affair and a match up that I will certainly never tire from.

A couple of things that I’ll note.

Max Pacioretty. I fully realize that we’ve just seen 2 games from him this year in Montreal but I’m really liking what I’m seeing.

Past seasons, Max had alot of expectation on his shoulders and it seemed as though in so many games he kind of looked as though he just wasn’t quite there. He seemed to get bumped off the puck often and almost seemed as though he was a boy among men at times.

After ripping up the AHL, he looks confident. He’s skating very well, since I can’t say I’ve seen both complete games I can say from what I’ve seen, he’s really improved on his passing and also seems to finish his checks much better. The confidence seems to be there and it’s looking as though he could be a good complement to Gionta and Gomez.

Mike Cammalleri… always love watching him play…. that shot that he has is nothing but a laser. But dropping the gloves? I have to admit when he first dropped them…. I was thinking “Oh no”. My first reaction was to think “Please God… don’t let him hurt hist wrists. But it all turned out ok.

Then there was Mike Milbury’s wonderful comments about the Habs being a bunch of cockroaches. I almost laughed. Almost. Now I certainly do realize that in sports commentary it’s also about entertainment but please. Milbury seems to show the same disrespect in his comments as his accusations of the Habs play. Nice try Mike. Just remember Mike, you were no angel.

I was a little surprised at the Boston Herald’s article today as well. I guess they don’t like the Canadiens there.

So the “despicable and dirty little hockey team that loves to dish out nasty cheap shots, often from behind, often after the whistle” team from Montreal (that was a quote from the Boston Herald article) will move on to face the Avalanche on Sunday night.

Cheers.

Carey Price continues to look so confident, Andrei Kostitsyn, Tomas Plekanec… many players looking good.

Congrats to Lars Eller for scoring his first goal as a Montreal Canadiens player. May the flood gates open for you!

Habs finished the game leading in shots (33 – 25).

Seems as though it was that long ago that every game was a blow out in terms of shots on goal. Seems the numbers are tightening up alot.

Here are the video highlights:

But wow. Price is playing with confidence and aggressiveness.

Now let’s not get too carried away…. but hands down, he’s been one of the better players this season. Keeping his team in the hunt for some “Ws”.

Here’s a nice little video…. showing the boys winning!

A feature on the annual golf tournament kicking training camp. Fun video.

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.

Today Jaroslav was saying his goodbyes and thank yous to fans in Montreal and there were estimates of about 5000 fans showing up to meet Halak.

Personally, I’ll never doubt him. He just did everything he had to do in order to find his number 1 job that he now holds in St Louis. Played the ECHL, played the AHL… starting, backup… always worked hard.

I’m happy that he’s getting a number one job.

Here the link to the interview.

And here’s the video player:

(Courtesy or RDS)

Best wishes to you Jaro!

Here’s a nice little feature on Dustin Boyd.