cfyves.com - Hockey

Claude Lemieux - Incredible

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 09:45:00 -0300

When I heard that Claude Lemieux was making a come back to the NHL, I thought "wow.... is this true?"

The guy had stopped playing for about 4 years.... and being 43 years old... it's amazing that he's made it back in pro-sports... but then again, from what I've heard some people who've played with him say, that he's always been in great shape.

Claude Lemieux is also a proven winner. He's won 4 cups... and on some different teams.

I'm happy for Lemieux. He's obviously worked quite hard and he said he would do whatever it took. He certainly did. Started with a stint playing in China... then made it to the AHL on trial basis... now he gets called up.

All the best to you Mr Lemieux!

This could turn out to be a good pick up for the Sharks.

NHL.com

Hockey News - saving the game

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:40:00 -0300

Here's a great article from the Hockey News..... this article touches how some markets in the US have been struggling on selling the sport, and how the passion for hockey in Canada has always burned....

The Nordiques and the Jets were obvious casualties of the NHL's moves towards expanding in the US... it's time to bring some teams back.

Et voici l'article:
The Hockey News
Mark Moore's Blog: Time overdue for more NHL teams in Canada
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/17747-Mark-Moores-Blog-Time-overdue-for-more-NHL-teams-in-Canada.html

No Mats in Montreal?

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:19:00 -0300

Personally, I've grown tired of this story.

The constant wondering "IF" Sundin will play and where he will play. I had grown fondly of the idea of seeing Sundin in the habs uniform... but before the idea had grown on me I was incredibly excited to see the coming year start up....

Ryder is now in Boston and last year, he really wasn't a big part of the team. I think the split between the Habs and Ryder will be good for both.

Tanguay is in Montreal filling the hole left by Ryder and also giving them a slightly different skill set.... I personally believe that Tanguay will be a better fit in Montreal this year then he was in Calgary last year and that Ryder was in Montreal last year.

And with the arrival of Georges Laraque I was thrilled.

Laraque grew as one of my favorite players while he battle in the playoffs with the Oilers some years ago.

I was really really hoping that the Habs were gonna make him an offer.. and that Laraque had changed his mind about playing in Montreal. And to my liking, the scenario played out.

With the young players taking a still larger role on the team and more of their great young talent signing on, this year seems much like last year as we see the growth of what Timmins and Gainey have been trying to build. And it's starting to come to fruition.

Pacioretty, Webber, Maxwell.... these are some of the names that I can't wait to see glimpes of. Will there be another Sergei Kostitsyn type player this year? Last year, the coaching staff almost kept Sergei in the big league out of the gate because he showed lots of upside. He sees the ice very well. This year's pre-season might hold a player or 2 in this same light.

In my eyes, there are much more to the Habs this year as the Sundin saga. The Sundin saga seems to have stolen the spotlight on a team that is coming to fruition in building themselves by choosing the best player (draft) and not filing holes or finding a role player.

Gainey built a very solid nucleus in Dallas while he was in the organisation.

He's been doing the same here. I personally have been so very pleased to see both Gainey and Timmins in the Montreal Canadiens organisation.

Back to Sundin, so it seems that he's wanting to play with the Rangers....
(Sportsnet article here)

Good for him.

It's too bad he's been most of the media spotlight on a Habs organisation bubbling with talent and potential.

I've noticed that they've been picked near the top of the league be some hockey magazines.... Seems as though some nay sayers have seen the light.

;-)

Go Habs!

Bob Gainey and the new Habs

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:31:00 -0300

I must say that I truely believe that Bob Gainey is now trying to execute the second phase of his plan.

In the first phase of the massive rebuild, it was focus on the draft and attempt to get some key players... key players were harder to come by quite obviously because it was a rebuild.

Gainey, Timmins and crew did a great job in the drafts. Watching a few of the draft shows, the were questioned on their picks.... I remember the reaction when they chose Carey Price. Many questioned that pick.... no one really questions today.

Sergei Kostitsyn was a total steal a few years back. A combination of great scouting and likely a little luck (when it comes to those late round picks).

Andrei Kostitsyn was considered somewhat of a risk because of injury.... but he has certainly shown some major talent. He's got a great looking shot and I believe it will get better.

We've seen the young habs come into their own. Higgins, Komiserak and co. are core components. There are younger guys in the lineup (Sergei Kostitsyn, Latendress..) and there are some future roster players in the system.. I think Chipchura will spend more time with the big team this year.

I personally can't wait to see the training camps begin and here about the development of the young guys.

I was also a bit surprised and delighted by Gainey's move to grab Tanguay from the Calgary flames. When you can get a guy like Tanguay (who fits Montreal's style more so then Calgary's in my opinion) without giving up anyone from your roster (remember the Kovalev deal??) it's a good move.

With Gainey speaking to Mats Sundin.... it all points to that second phase of rebuilding. Gainey had a #1 team in the east last season with the young guys (Higgins,Plekanec,Kostitsyn..etc) really playing huge roles.

I believe.

Gainey's got a plan!

Bob Gainey - Thank you!

Fri, 09 May 2008 23:20:00 -0300

I must say that I love the way the organisation in Montreal have built themselves... they have a greatly talented young core of players.

Interestingly enough, at most drafts and for most picks... at least the drafts I watched, their picks were always in question. Instead of getting a young player to fill a hole on the roster, Gainey and Timmins have gone after the best available players left in the draft when their pick has come up.

This year, lot's of the young talent played through the season. We've seen players come of age and others emerge on the roster and may come of age (or take a more prominent role) in seasons ahead.

There is also still an entire crop of great young players to find their place on the team in the next couple of years.

This season was great. Awesome. Great thanks to the entire Montreal Canadiens organisation and to all the players on the roster.

Here is a great article written by Eric Engels on HockeyBuzz.com.

Sergei Kostitsyn called up to Montreal

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:33:00 -0300

Looks like I'm pretty much on par with the call ups.

I mentioned Lapierre and O'Byrne and they were brought up to Montreal, and now Sergei Kostitsyn was called up to the big league in Montreal.

I don't think Sergei will solve all the problems in Montreal, but when he plays hard, he moves the puck very well, he's got a decent shot and he's not scared to throw some hits.

I really liked what I saw from him in pre-season.

We'll see how it goes on Thursday night!

(TSN article)

What gives - need change

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:38:00 -0300

Tonight I watched the Montreal Canadiens play against the Tampa Bay Lighting who feature Vincent Lecavalier, a local hero in the montreal area for sure. Rumours of bringing "Vinny" to montreal have been many for some years but VERY unlikely.

Bob Gainey came in some time ago and I believe it was part of his vision to rebuild the Montreal Canadiens.

I would say it's been a pretty hard road for Gainey in one sense. Trying to rebuild while at the same time trying to win.

The last couple of years have shown promise and at the same time the team has displayed some pretty big slumps.

One of the ongoing problems in the last 2 years seems to be a difficulty to score 5 on 5 goals. This has to be addressed.... but how?

The power play still seems to click, enough to keep us in the top of the PP %.

But how to address 5 on 5 offense?

I'm starting to think that the Montreal Canadiens should start to rebuild their core of players. I say this and think of certain players I'd consider moving while admitting that I am in fact a fan of some of these guys.

I read the rumour today, that proposed a trade.... the rumour was that the Habs would swap Koivu and Ryder to San Jose for Marleau and Bernier.

The more I thought about the trade, I think something of this sort might be a good thing. I'm a fan of Koivu. But Koivu has taken alot of crap in Montreal, and maybe a change of scenery would be good for him, as he's slumping a bit as is Ryder... and for Marleau in San Jose, he's also slumping a bit.

Koivu and Ryder would have new scenery on a strong team and wouldn't have all the media frenzy of Montreal.... while Marleau and Bernier would likely get a bit of a "home town" hero welcome.

This would also address one knock against Montreal, as they are small at forward on average.

Something else I would consider trying is to give Sergei Kostitsyn a shot on the habs roster, even for a few games. He's playing well in Hamilton with 22 points in 21 games and +3 (I think).

Sergei moves the puck well, can play with a physical edge...

Why not? They're dressing 8 D-Men at times.

Anyways..... peace!

Alex Kovalev - On his game

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:57:00 -0300

Just a short time ago Alex Kovalev was traded from the New York Rangers to the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens really didn't have to give anything up in terms of a roster player and the prospect that was traded is still not playing in the NHL.

Kovalev was received with a standing ovation at the Bell center back then. Since then, he has shown some of his mastery with the puck and the great shot he possesses.

Last year was a tad controversial in Montreal. The media is usually cut throat with the organisation... when they win they are kings in the city and when they loose a few the GM, Coach and entire team are bums. A tad extreme in Montreal.... but then again, it just shows how passionate the fans are about their team.

Kovalev had a sub-par year last season. Many people in the media being quite hard on him. Question him to no end.

This summer, I predicted that Kovalev would come into the season with something to prove. He is totally super-talented offensively. Last year I think the Canadiens struggle playing a game he would accel in. This year, I think that the coaching staff are more focused on really using him more offensively. Kovalev this year has been a very important piece of the Canadiens puzzle. I suspect that he has been given more of an important role given some of the things Gainey had said.

Anyways, so far I'm happy my prediction looks to be about right.

Kovalev has 12 goals and 9 assists in 24 games. He's on pace for a strong year. His pace would have him finish with 41 goals and 31 assists for 72 points. Let's hope he keeps playing like he has.

I like Kovalev. I was very happy Gainey made that move and I was also happy when Kovalev re-signed. Last year was a disapointment... but it was also disappointing for Kovalev himself.

Coupled with the young Andrei Kostitsyn I'm sure it gives Kovalev a mentoring role and likely fills him with some youthful energy. We could see Sergei Kostitsyn soon as well.... that would make an interesting trio.

Go Habs!

Jonathan Toews amazing goal

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:56:00 -0300

This is an amazing play by one of the brightest young players in the NHL.

Welcome to the league!

PEI Rocket fire coach Yanick Jean

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:16:00 -0300

After a bit of a lack luster start... where some CHL writers were predicting the Rocket to be a top the league as one of the strong teams in the country... they have fired Yanick Jean. Slow start 7-7-1-0. New coach should be announced shortly. (TSN story )