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Sunday, December 28, 2008

A.Kostitsyn's first career hat trick leads the Canadiens to a 3-2 victory over the Pens



Even though the Canadiens were out shot 34-19,they still managed to get the win.Andrei Kostitsyn(First game back from ingury)Scored all 3 Canadiens goals.Carey Price was also a big factor in last nights win,he made 32 saves on 34 shots to guide the Canadiens to a win."When you have an offence like the Penguins have, and especially in the third period when we gave them three power plays, it's never easy," Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau said. "I think Carey's always been known as a guy who can finish. I think tonight he was ready."A.Kostitsyn's hat-trick was only his first career Hat-Trick.Their should be more to follow in future reference.


The Penguins got the lose but the Penguins coach is proud of his team."I liked our effort tonight and thought we deserved better," Penguins coach Michel Therrien said. "There are going to be nights when the result is not on your side. Tonight was one of those nights. Carey Price was outstanding and stole the game."The Penguins captain Sid the Kid think they deserved more from the lose."I know we lost, but we had a pretty good effort," Crosby said. "We didn't give them much. We had a couple mistakes on the first two goals and the third goal was a pretty good shot. They really didn't get anything after that. We had a lot of chances to tie it up and even take the lead. Our effort was there."

The Canadiens will hope to continue this streak throught the season.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas



I hope every body has a safe and happy Christmas this year.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Hurricanes defeat Canadiens in OT



With the Hurricanes overtime victory over Montreal last night,the Hurricanes have won 12 games in their last 15 meetings with Montreal. Goalie Cam Ward's record against the Canadiens in his career is now 9-2-2.I don't think we were ready to play,we knew that's how they play.We were playing like this for 5-7 years."Montreal Coach Guy Carbonneau said.At the start of this season the Hurricanes had won 9 straight games at the Centre Bell,but That all changed as Koivu won the shootout for the Canadiens to defeat the Hurricanes.The Hurricanes have won 10 of their past 11 games at the Bell Center.

Despite the bad calls by the Ref,the Canadiens refuse to blame the lose on the Ref."The penalties were deserved we keep getting ourselves in trouble because of that," said Carbonneau. "That's the way they play.You have to dig and outwork them and that's not how we played. But we were able to tie it. We had a bit of bad luck at the end, but five out of six points isn't bad. We'll take it.""You know we established a point,we were scratching our heads trying to find out how to be consistent in this game.We talk about not siting back not waiting for the last 20 minutes to start putting pressure on them.Despite having a few goals waved off we battled back.Like I said we established a point."Komiserk told TSN.The Canadiens have lost 3 sraight games against the Hurricanes.The Canadiens next game will be a few days after christmas against the Penguins.

'Merry Christmas'

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Game Preview:Carolina Hurricanes At The Montreal Canadiens



On Tuesday the Montreal Canadiens(18-9-5) took 11 penalty's against the Hurricanes which lead to a 3-2 lose. But in Thursdays game the referees were not spoiling the game for either the Canadiens or the Flyers,as the Canadiens bounced back with a 5-2 win.In the victory over the Flyers the Canadiens were 2 for 5 on the power-play.Last night the Canadiens hosted the Sabers, the Canadiens got the 4-3 Overtime Victory with Kovalev's power-play Goal(His first Power-Play goal of the season)."I'm trying not to do too much," said Kovalev, who set up Kostitsyn's tying goal with under five minutes left in regulation. "I came out this year and felt pretty good, so I felt like I could do a little bit extra. But it was time to go back and not try to do everything by yourself and use your partners a little bit."


The Carolina Hurricanes won 2 in a row going into saturdays game against the Bruins but that all changed,the Brunins got the victory by the score of 4-2.But in the Bruins victory they also got an injury.Bergeron took a hard open-ice hit from Denis Sinberge."The doctors have been looking at it," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "They haven't given us any indication as far as the severity of it. Obviously, he went down a little dazed. We're not able to give you a verdict. That's all I can tell you about that situation.""He got dinged pretty good," the coach said. "He was speaking to me and then I took off and coached the third period."The Puck drop for this game will be at 7:08Pm E.T on RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Kovalev is the hero for the Canadiens in tonights O.T. victory over the Sabers



The hockey game was tied at 3-3 when Alex Kovalev scored a power play goal with 24 seconds left in overtime to give the Montreal Canadiens a 4-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres.Kovalev beat Ryan Miller with a shot close to the bottom of the right face-off circle. Kovalev did not score for 18 games going into the game against the Hurricanes on Tuesday,but that all changed he scored a shorty in that game and then began a goal scoring streak which has lasted 3 games so far. "I'm trying not to do too much," said Kovalev, who set up Kostitsyn's tying goal with under five minutes left in regulation. "I came out this year and felt pretty good, so I felt like I could do a little bit extra. But it was time to go back and not try to do everything by yourself and use your partners a little bit."Roman Hamirlik tied the game at 2 apeace early in the Third ,Sergei Kostitsyn also scored to tie the game at 1 in the Second and then scored the tieing goal late in the third to send this game to OT where Alex Kovalev scored the game-winning goal.

Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller made 42 saves in the lose.As Jaroslav Halak made 31 saves in the Victory."Halak was excellent again tonight," coach Guy Carbonneau said. "The first few games he played this season, we always found a way to lose. Now we're finding ways to win with him in goal. That's great for his confidence."Montreal will complete their marathon homestand on sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes.Carey Price will make the his first start in 6 games.The puck drop will be at 7:08 Pm E.T on RDS.


Written By Andrew Di Pardo

A.Kostitsyn out with Suspected Knee Injury Plus:More News on The Canadiens Injurys



Montreal Canadiens forward Andrei Kostitsyn did not suit up for practice on Friday because he has a suspected knee injury and will not play tonight against the visiting team (The Buffalo Sabres).In Thursday's 5-2 win against the Flyers, Andrei Kostitsyn played the first 2 periods but left the game at the start of the third. "He will try to skate this morning and may be able to play in Sundays home game against the Carolina Hurricanes." coach Guy Carbonneau told Rogers Sportsnet.With Andrei Kostitsyn out, his younger brother Sergei Kostitsyn will take his spot on a line with centre men Tomas Plekanec and right winger Alex Kovalev in Tonights game against the Sabers.

Other Canadiens Injury News:Good News for Montreal netminder Carey Price,was back at practice yesterday and may (Possibly) be ready to return on Sunday. Jaroslav Halak is ready to make a 6th straight start against the Sabres.Saku Koivu (lower body)is not expected to return any time soon(Koivu will make his return by the End of January). Mathieu Dandeneault (broken arm)will return after Christmas. Christopher Higgins (shoulder) will return in either early January or Early Febuary.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

GamePreview:Bufallo Sabers At The Montreal Canadiens


Both the Canadiens and the Sabers have a load of Injurys and both teams have been struggling.But these 2 teams have won their last game that they have played.The Candiens got a 5-2 win over the Flyers on Thursday IN Montreal."When we play teams we should beat, maybe we try things we shouldn't try," said Begin. "Maybe we play softer."Against this team, we were all better. Now we have to play like that against every team."The Sabers got a 5-0 shut-out win against the L.A. Kings last night in Buffalo."Sometimes you have to have a little bit of an edge in your game, and I don't think I've had it," Miller said. "There comes a certain point where you're mad at yourself enough but confident enough in your game where you just go out and play."


Canadiens Injurys
RW Andrei Kostitsyn (Dec.18,2008)Left game-suspected knee injury(day-to-day)

G Carey Price (Dec.6,2008)Lower Body Injury and a cold (day-to-day)

C Saku Koivu (from Dec 10, 2008): Left game - lower-body injury (day-to-day)

LW Christopher Higgins (from Dec 9, 2008): Upper-body injury (IR)

RW Mathieu Dandenault (from Dec 9, 2008): Broken arm (IR)

LW Christopher Higgins (from Dec 8, 2008): Left game - upper-body injury (day-to-day)

LW Alex Tanguay (from Nov 27, 2008): Whiplash (day-to-day)

Sabers Injurys

C Nathan Gerbe (from Dec 15, 2008): Upper-body injury (IR)

D Craig Rivet (from Dec 11, 2008): Shoulder (day-to-day)

RW Patrick Kaleta (from Nov 30, 2008): Head/neck (IR)

D Craig Rivet (from Nov 30, 2008): Upper-body injury (day-to-day)

RW Ales Kotalik (from Nov 14, 2008): Hamstring (IR)


The Puck drop for this game will be at 7:08Pm E.T In Montreal,Quebec'S Bell Center on RDS,CBC-M and MSG-B.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Friday, December 19, 2008

The Canadiens overpower the Flyers by the score of 5-2



The Canadiens played a hard fought game last night in Montreal against the Flyers.Steve Begin and Sergei Kostitsyn each had a goal and an assist as the Canadiens overpowered a red-hot flyers team last night."When we play teams we should beat, maybe we try things we shouldn't try," said Begin. "Maybe we play softer."Against this team, we were all better. Now we have to play like that against every team."Matt D'Agostini and Guillaume Latendresse also scored and Alex Kovalev achieved his 900th career point with his 2nd goal in 21 games."When I saw Kovy there, I knew I had to try that pass," he said. "I took a chance there."The defencemen were waiting for it, but it got through. Now, poor Kovy, he'll remember me all his life because it came on his 900th point.""It was definitely nice to see," said Kovalev. "Now I know everyone will be saying why do we only play our best against the best teams, but I hope this is the start of playing well against every team."

Araon Asham had a the first Flyers goal and and Braydon Coburn had the Flyers second goal in the 5-2 lose.Believe it or not the Flyers were the team that nocked out the Canadiens in last years second round.The Canadiens next game will be on Saturday against the Sabers.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Sundin signs 1-year $9.5 million dollars with the Canucks



The long 6 month wait for Sundin's decision is over.Sundin has signed with the Vancouver Canucks.( who Offered Sundin 20 Million dollers for 2 seasons in Augest)"I am truly excited to be joining the Canucks," said Sundin. "Once I made the decision to return to play a few weeks ago, the Vancouver opportunity was simply the best overall fit. I want to thank Mike Gillis and the entire Canucks organization for their professionalism throughout this entire process."Sundin was expected to make his decision over a team that's going to compete for the Stanley Coup,but that wasn't the case as he signed with the re-building Canucks.In my opinion,if Sundin wanted to play for a team that was going to compete for the Stanley cup, he would of chose either the Montreal Canadiens or the Detroit Red Wings.

Among the teams interested over the last six months were the Canadiens, Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers.The Canucks had the most money to offer for Sundin."We are very excited to have Mats join the Vancouver Canucks," said general manager Mike Gillis. "Playing previously in two Canadian markets and consistently being among team and League leaders in scoring, Mats has proven that he can excel under pressure. He adds a wealth of experience, leadership and skill to the Canucks." Sundin has missed half of the NHL Season,and he will still get the $9.5 million dollars,which I personly think that that's unfair for the Canucks.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Game Preview:The Philadelphia Flyers At The Montreal Canadiens:Mike Komisarek will make his return tonight



The struggling Habs will likely get some help, as Mike Komisarek is ready to make his return."I think that I'm ready to go,but technically I'm not cleared by the doctors yet but we will see Thursday morning." Mike Komisarek told TSN."The fact that he wants to play is great,and I think he's ready to Play."Said Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau.The Canadiens are just 3 points behind the Flyers and they will look for a win Tonight in Monntreal Quebec at the Bell Center.The puck drop for this game will be at 7:08 Pm E.T on CBC and or RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Sundin will decide on Thursday



"Despite the rumors, Mats Sundin has not yet made a decision on where he will play this season."Mats Sundin's agent, J.P. Barry told TSN.Barry was interviewed by TSN' on AM 640 Toronto Radio today, and he said that Sundin's decision would come Thursday.Sundin will decide between the Rangers and the Canucks but where will he play?"That'll be Mats call," Barry said. "He's looking at a lot of different things in making the decision. Obviously, there will be a very large discrepancy in the compensation offered and that's one factor of many that he'll have to decide upon."What if Sundin decides to go to the Rangers,but then realize that they don't have enough cap space?"We'll have to see," said Barry. "That is a complication if he does decide to go to New York - the possibility is that the offer is conditional."He he does'nt make his decison on Thursdy,it will defenetly be before Christmas.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Kovalev finally scores but it does'nt matter as the Canadiens fall 3-2




Eric Staal scored two power-play goals and Carolina took advantage of the Canadiens penalty's which lead to a 3-2 Canes victory."For the most part, we were on the power play so much they didn't really have many quality opportunities until the third period," Ward said. "It's my job to come up with that big save with 10 seconds left, and fortunately I was able to."Kovalev scored a short-handed goal for the Canadiens and Guillaume Latendresse scored on a penalty shot to tie the game at 2 apeace.Joe Corvo later scored the game winning goal on the Powerplay late in the 2nd to lead to a 3-2 Hurricanes victory.The Canadiens, who have lost 3 games in a row, and finished the game with one power play."I really don't want to talk about it," Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau said about the discrepancy. "You guys saw the game. You can write or say whatever you want to say about it. I'd rather not talk about it."

Even though the Canadiens lost the game Kovalev was still happy that he finally put the puck in the net."It's definitely nice to get one, but it would have been even nicer if we had won the game," Kovalev said.The Canadiens next game will be on Thursday against then 4th place Philadelphia Flyers at 7:08Pm E.T ON CBC and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Sunday, December 14, 2008

NHL News:If Avery wants to play again where will it be?But where ever he plays it will not be with the stars



Averys 6 game suspension is over, and so is his career in Dallas.Avery will be focusing on his Anger management classes while the Stars will be focusing on hockey. "Avery needs to focus on his own well-being while the Stars hockey team must focus on playing hockey and competing for a playoff spot," said Stars Co-General Manager Brett Hull. "Everyone understands that Sean will not return to the Dallas Stars. We all need to move forward." It's obvious that both the NHL and the Stars don't think he should be in the NHL."The message here is: no distractions. Sean can focus on resolving his personal issues," said Hull, "and the Stars will have closure on this episode. The team needs to put its energies into winning."

Their are rumors that say Brett Hull doesnt care about Sean Avery,but that was not the case accordind to Hull."We do care about Sean and want what is best for him," said Hull. "We've agreed to do what we can to help find him a place to play hockey once he addresses his personal issues.""Everyone talks about how much class I don't have," Avery said. "Well it's the end of the series and men go to war against each other. I guess he forgot to shake my hand. I don't know if anyone saw that. Of course I was going to shake his hand."Sean Avery will miss the rest of the season because of his issues.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Canadiens suffer 2 straight defeats



Tonight in Montreal every body expected Alex the great (Alex Ovehckin)to lead the way for the Capitals but that was not the case,Simeon Varlamov lead the way making 32 saves in his first NHL game.The game was tied at 1 a peace with 3 minutes left in the 3Rd when Alex Kovalev nearly broke out of his slump and hit the crossbar."It's tough not putting the puck in the net on a opportunity like that I shuld have scored."Kovalev Told the Canadien Press.Right after that chance by Kovalev Nylander came back down the other way and redirected a re-bonded shot off of Halak for the soon to be game winning goal.Patrice Brisebois scored the only goal for the Canadiens who have a 16-8-5 record so far this season.Montreal was 0-8 on the power-play in this game and are 2-32 on the power-play in the 7 game homestand.

Jaroslav Halak started in his 3rd straight game for the Canadiens as Carey Price is out with a cold and a lower body injury. Halak made 24 saves and has stopped 75 of 81 shots over his last 3 starts, but he's lost two of them.The best power play in the NHL the past 2 seasons is now 6--77 in Montreal's last 17 games.Montreal Coach Guy Carbonneau showed his anger by putting the 4 liners of Maxim Lapierre, Steve Begin and Tom Kostopoulos out for 2 power-play shifts in the 2nd period.The Canadiens next game will be on Tuesday in Carolina at 7:08Pm E.T against the Hurricanes on RDS and or FSN-Carolina.


Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Game Preview Washinton Capitals A.T Montreal Canadiens



In Thursday's 3-1 loss to Tampa Bay, Montreal captain Saku Koivu left in the second period with a "lower-body injury" and didn't return.He will most likely not play tonight according Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau."Saku is going to need an MRI," Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau told the team's official Web site on Friday.Koivu's injury came 1 game after Mathieu Dandenault and Christopher Higgins got an injury.Higgins and Dandenault got the injury in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames.Montreal goaltender Carey Price has missed the last two games with a cold. Price, is tied with Buffalo's Ryan Miller for fifth in the league with 13 victories.Price will miss this game tonight against the Capitals.

Theirs not much bad news for the Capitals Right now as they have 1 injury (Alexander Semin sprained ankle) and they are in third place in the Eastern Conference. Alexander Semin will miss 16 -17 games with a sprained ankle.

The puck drop will be at 7:08 Pm E.T On CBC,RDS AND Comcast-W.

Written BY Andrew Di Pardo

Canadiens Call up Denis and Maxwell from the AHL



Yesterday the Montreal Canadiens announced that the Hamilton Bulldogs goalie Marc Denis and Forward Ben Maxwell have been called up from the AHL to attend today's practice and possibly the game tonight against the Capitals. Marc Denis, who joined the Canadiens as a free agent on August 3, 2008, played 19 ogames with Bulldogs this season.He achieved 12 wins in 26 games. Denis was named the Reebok/AHL Player of the month of November. He made 96 saves out of 99 shots in November.Denis (the NHL veteran)has appeared in 348 NHL games with Colorado, Columbus and Tampa Bay, earning 112 wins and posting 16 shutouts.

Ben Maxwell, was the Canadiens' second pick (49th overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.He started his rookie season in the AHL and is really looking forward to his first practice with the Canadiens."It's great,I can't wait for the Practice."Maxwell said.Denis and Maxwell will arrive will attend the team’s practice today at the Bell Centre.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Friday, December 12, 2008

Tampa overpovers the Canadiens with 3 goals



It must of been a great night for Lightning forwards Martin St.Louis and Vincent Lecavalier as they both combined for 3 goals as they defeated the Canadiens by the score of 3-1."It feels good," said St. Louis, whose two goals gave him five in his last five games. "I'm playing with confidence now and I'm trying to spread that around.The team is going in the right direction now."The win was also a long awaiting for Tocchet, who improved to 2-7-4 since taking over as head coach from the fired Barry Melrose."I think Tocchet is a puppet,the Lightning's owners meddle in coaches' decisions." Barry Melrose said on Tuesday."I think Rick Tocchet is doing a great job," said Lecavalier, the team captain. "Players respect him.''It doesn't show on paper, but we're playing better as a team and hopefully, we'll carry that on and build on this win."Lecavalier added:"We focus on what we have to do. We don't listen to what Melrose says any more. We've got great players here, we have a great coaching staff, and we're moving forward."

More Injury news for the Canadiens,Montreal Captain Saku Koivu left the hockey game early in the 2nd "You Can see Koivu looking down at his right skate I believe he's having a problem with his skates."Said Jim Husten(CBC COMMENTATOR)but that was not the case Montreal Coach Guy Carbonneau called it a lower body injury,Koivu is to have tests on Friday to see if it is serious.

The Canadiens next game will be on Saturday at 7:08PM E.T(Puck Drop)on CBC,RDS And Comcast-Washington.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Lang and D'agostini Lead Canadiens to a 4-1 Win Over The Flames



Robert Lang and Alex Kovalev were starting to play like they played when they were linemates on the Penguins. Lang registered 2 goals and 2 assist, and Kovalev got no goals but he got 2 assist."It was a good, fun game," said Lang, whose ninth and 10th goals gave him the team lead. "Everybody played well.You need a game like that once in a while." The Flames were on a 2 game winning streak coming into this game against the Canadiens. Miikka Kiprusoff were keeping the Flames in the game by making great saves but his team could not put the puck in the apposing net."We were not good enough and that's the bottom line," said Flames defenceman Dion Phaneuf. "They beat us in every aspect of the game - not by a lot, but they had that little bit more."

As for Montreal backup Jaroslav Halak he made 32 saves in the victory.Miikka Kiprusoff made 30 saves in the Flames lose. It wasnt all good for the Canadiens they left the game with a win and 2 injured players.Matt D'Agostini continued his scoring streak last night by scoreing his 4th goal of his career in his last 5 games."I just chipped the puck up and made a deck." Matt D'Agostini told TSN.Higgins left 15 minutes into the 1st period with likely a wrist injury, after a hit into the boards and Dandenault went out 14:58 into the 2nd period with a broken left arm, he was slow to get off the ice after a hit in a corner by Boyd.

The Canadiens next game will be on Thursday against the Lightning at 7:00Pm E.T On CBC,and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Game Preview:Flames V.S Canadiens



Tonight in Montreal it's the battle of the captains Koivu V.S Iginla.The Last time these two Captains faced of was on Tuesday October 17th, 2006 the Canadiens won that game by the final of 5-4. The Flames are coming off a 3-0 shutout win against the Rangers Sunday night and will look to get another great win tonight in Montreal."It was a way better result compared to the game against the Canadiens," Rangers captain Chris Drury said of Thursday's 6-2 road loss. "If we get one early, make it 1-0 or 1-1, it's a different game.But we could not do that the past 2 games"The Canadiens will look to reabond from a 2-1 OT lose to the Devils tonight against the Flames."We knew they'd have a quick start. We weathered that early and then we got to playing."Parise said after scoring the OT Winniner for the Devils.

The Players you should keep an eye for Tonights game are:
(If your in a Hockey Pool)

For Montreal:

1.Alex Kovalev(He's going to break out on the Power-Play)
2.Matt D\'Agostini
3.Alex Tanguay
4.Robert Lang
5.Andrei Kostitsyn
6.Saku Koivu
7.Carey Price

For Calgary:

1.Jarome Iginla
2.Dion Phaneuf
3.Todd Bertuzzi


Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Sunday, December 7, 2008

HABS FALL IN OT 2-1 AGAINST THE DEVILS



Usually when the Canadiens go into overtime nether team scores and it goes to a shootout,but not last night. Zach Parise got a nice pass thought the slot and it caught Price out of position and Parise just put it in the open net."We knew they'd have a quick start. We weathered that early and then we got to playing." Matt D'Agostini continued his scoring streak by scoring 3 goals in 4 games forthe Canadiens. Montreal's 3 game win streak came to a end last night,and now are 3-0-1 on their record 7 game homestretch. "Someone has to step up and start scoring," said Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau. The Canadiens who had the NHL's best power play the last two seasons became 0-for-5 on the powerplay and are now 5-for-60 in their last 14 games."Every powerplay is tough," Carboneau said. "The only good ones are when you score a goal."

In last night's game Montreal defencemen Andrei Markov got a puck to the face with 2:40 remaing in the 3RD and lost a couple of teeth.It's hard for the Canadiens they have lost both of their top defencemen due to injurys,First it was Komaserk in a fight against Lucic against the Bruins and now Markov who took Parise shot of the mounth.The backup Newjersy goalie scott Clemmensen is doing well stopping on average 25 shots per-game and has a 6-3-0 record since Martin Brodeur's injury."I'm not trying to replace Marty, especially here in his home town," Clemmensen said of Brodeur. "It's tough to play here because they're a good team and they feed off the energy of the crowd."

The Canadiens next game will be on Tuesday against the Flames at 7:38 PM E.T ON RDS and SNETE-W

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Game Preview:New Jersey Devils At Montreal Canadiens(HABS)



The Devils will close their 5 game road trip tonight in Montreal against the Canadiens.The Canadiens have won 3 out of their last 4 games against the Devils and would like to continue this streak tonight. Both the Devils and the Canadiens are coming off wins.The Devils were down a goal with about 2 minutes remaining in their last game which was against the Flyers but played right to the end and tied the game with a goal from Zach Parise and later won in OT."It definitely was a big win," Parise said. "We responded well after we gave up that late goal. I thought we played hard all night. We played smart."The game winner was scored by Patrick Elias in Overtime(With Elias' 15th overtime goal it put him into a tie with Mats Sundin and Jaromir Jagr for the NHL record.)"It's a quality that certain people have," Sutter said. "Some people get into a groove and handle it better than others. With some guys, things just seem to work for them in those situations and Patty's one of those guys."The final score in that game was 3-2

As for the Canadiens,they had no trouble what so ever scoring against the Rangers as they got a huge 6-2 win."We went out their and played a full 60 minutes and that's what we want to do."Steve Begin told TSN. The Canadiens were shooting and going hard to the net all night and creating chances."That's how we play we get the puck and we go to the net with it, we never give up."Steve Begin told the Canadiens press.The Rangers forward exoplained what was wrong with the Rangers on Thursday."I think one of the differences between us was they were coming in our sown with speed and creating chances to score and we were not." Naslund told TSN.

The Canadiens Versus the Devils puck drop will be at 7:08Pm E.T On CBC-M,RDS and MSG-New Jersey.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Friday, December 5, 2008

NHL News:Avery was handed a 6 game suspension



Sean Avery is well known as a pest in the NHL, some things Avery did like giving the finger to the media at a Rangers practice,putting his drink on the L.A Kings bench and his most recent quate “I just wanted to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds." Avery was prevering to Dion Phaneuf's Girl Friend. Commissioner Garry Bettmen thinks he has taken it to far this time. Yesterday Avery gave an apology to the entire NHL:“As many of you know,I like to mix it up on and off the ice from time to time, but understand that this time I took it too far.”


“He remorseful in what he did,” said Brett Hull, the Stars’ general manager who signed Avery to a four-year, $15.5 million contract last July. “It’s about all you can do.”Avery agreed to maybe consider taking Angermanegement Class's."Mr. Avery has expressed stupid comments and has sought a professional anger management evaluation," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a league-issued statement. "I will require that he follow through with that process as a condition of his returning to the ice and that he complies with any and all recommendations."

Avery will return to playing hockey in about 2 weeks if the Stars want him back.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

The Canadiens win their 3rd straight game for the first time in over a month



Matt D'Agostini is making the most of his chances he's only had 7 shot's on goal in the past 2 games and he's scored 2 goals."To be here it's great I'm just enjoying it in right now,to score a couple of goals from the start is you know it feels good."said D'Agostini.He had a goal and an assist in the Montreal Canadiens 6-2 blow-out win over the Rangers last night.Montreal head coach Guy Carbonneau has no reason what so ever to call up struggling forwards Guillaume Latendresse and Sergei Kostitsyn who have sat out the past 2 games.When a reporter from TSN asked D'Agostini if he thinks he will stay on the Canadiens for the rest of the season.This was his Response:''I'd like to think so,'' said D'Agostini."'We're not short of guys here, so anything that will keep me in the lineup."

Last night all 4 lines combined for at least 1 goal per line."We went out their and played a full 60 minutes and that's what we want to do."Steve Begin told TSN.The Canadiens were shooting and going hard to the net all night and creating chances."That's how we play we get the puck and we go to the net with it, we never give up."Steve Begin told the Canadiens press.The Rangers look a littel bit shacky from the start and didn't get pucks to the net."I think one of the differences between us was they were coming in our sown with speed and creating chances to score and we were not." Naslund told TSN.The Canadiens have proven that they can still put the puck in the net.The vintage jersey the Canadiens wore last night was the jerseys they wore when the Canadiens won their first Stanley Cup.

The Canadiens next game will be on Saturday against the Devils at 7:00Pm E.T On CBC-M,RDS and on MSG-New Jersey.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

The Canadiens overpower the Thrashers with a 5-4 win



Going into the 3rd period of play the Canadiens were up 3-0 on goals from Matt D'Agostini(First ever NHL Goal),Thomas Plekanec and Andrei Markov but Atlanta was not planning on giving up just yet. In the 3rd period Atlanta scored 3 unanswered goals to tie the game.Andrei Kostitsyn scored with 5:11 remaining in the 3rd period to make the Canadiens regain the lead by a single goal.Robert Lang added an empty net goal to preserve the lead at 5-3. Atlanta would add 1 more goal but it would not matter.

"I've felt comfortable the last two games," Kostitsyn said. "Tonight we played well in our zone and their zone, we put pucks deep and put pucks in the net."

"It's definitely unfortunate what happened in that third period," said Tomas Plekanec, who scored his sixth of the year for the Canadiens. "If we played solid the way we did in the first two periods for 60 minutes it would definitely be a better feeling for everybody in this room. Everybody's obviously happy about the two points, but the way we got it, it's not pretty."

Ron Hainsey(Former Hab)scored twice in the Game.

"After the game, I was happy," Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau said. "I wasn't too happy after Ron Hainsey scored twice. We had a brain cramp."

Carey Price made 22 saves to win his third straight start for the Canadiens.Johan Hedberg stopped 28 shots in the Atlanta net.

The Canadiens next game will be on Thursday against the Rangers at 7:00Pm E.T On CBC,RDS and MSG-N.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo