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

Merry Christmas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Canadiens get a hard worked victory

The Canadiens started their 7 game home stand last night(Longest home-stand in Canadiens History) with a 3-2 win over the Sabers.Thomas Vanek scored a goal in the first period to give the Sabers a 1-0 lead,until Andrei Kostisyn tied it at 1 apeace in the Second.5 minutes after Kostisyn tied the game,Thomas Vanek scored again to give the Sabers another 1 goal lead.But before the period was over Begin and Markov traded goals to give the Canadiens a 3-2 lead. "Saku made a great play to get the puck to me and I just kept my stick on the ice," said Markov. ''The win was huge for us."We've been up and down. We're still looking for our game and I think we can still play better.""Our attitude was better from the start," said Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau.

Vanek put the puck between his own legs and lifted it past Carey Price on a nifty move at 13:31 of the first period.This particular play was the Highlight of the Night on TSN's sportcenter."It was a great play by (Jaroslav) Spacek to keep the puck in," said Vanek. "I was going to go off, but when I saw that, I stayed in front and the puck came to me."I knew that if I just turned and shot, Price was pretty solid and I had to put him off because I was in so tight, so I put it between my legs and shot it and it worked out."Even Though that was a very nice goal the Canadiens picked up the 2 points and the Sabers picked up 0 points in last night's game.

The Canadiens next game will be on Tuesday at the Bell-Center against the Thrashers at 7:30 Pm E.T on TSN,and RDS



Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Game Preview: Buffalo Sabers At Montreal Canadiens

After the Buffalo Sabres were in a long 6 game slump, they responded with back to back wins.The Sabres will look to continue this winning streak tonight in Montreal.Both Buffalo (11-8-3) and Montreal (12-6-4) got off to great starts in October but have not been consistent and now are trying to end November on a wining note.The Canadiens will look to respond from last night's lose to the Capitals with a win tonight.

The Sabers also played a game last night,it was against the Penguins they won that game 4-3."They're a great team and we know they have the firepower, but we stayed within our system and it paid off for us," Gaustad said. "We didn't run around and we stayed within ourselves. When we do that we're a strong team and a hard team to play against."

Carey Price will start in goal for the Canadiens and Ryan Miller will start in goal for the Sabers in Tonights game.

The Sabers are just 3 points behind the 5th place Canadiens.The puck Drop for tonights game will be at 7:08Pm E.T on CBC-M,RDS, and MSG-B.

written By Andrew Di Pardo

Canadiens could not find the back of the net against former teammate Jose Theodore

Jose Theodore who played 10 seasons with the Canadiens made save after save to lead to a 3-0 Capitals win."I knew in the first period I was seeing the puck well," said Theodore, who has 26 career shutouts. "Even if I didn't see a lot of shots early, I knew I would need a good shot to beat me." "The saves he made over a period of five minutes in the second period were pretty dazzling," Boudreau said.Theodore's second game against Montreal was a lot better than his first game. He allowed 8 goals in a loss to the Canadiens on Oct. 21, 2006, when he played with Colorado.

"Before the game, Theodore didn't talk. He just concentrated on (the) game," Ovechkin said. "Today, he played well and deserved it. He deserved it."Alex Ovechkin, Tomas Fleischmann and David Steckel scored for the Capitals to lead to yet another win at home their 9-0-1 at home this season.

Halak played a solid game for the Canadiens but the offense wasn't converting."That's where I'm embarrassed," Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau said. "We come up with that kind of game, and that kind of effort and I'm really sad for Halak."Montreal Coach Guy Carbonneau thinks that some saves that Theodore made were flukes."He was lucky at some times," Carbonneau said. "He made the saves when he had to. We didn't really test him."


The Canadiens next game will be tonight against the Sabers at the Bell Center at 7:00Pm E.T on CBC Montreal,RDS,and MSG Buffalo.

Written By Andrew Dipardo

Canadiens outwork the Stanley Cup Champions

The Montreal Canadiens were putting pressure on Ty Conklin right from the opening faceoff and when the Wings had a chance to score Carey Price stopped them cold.Price made 32 saves, and Maxim Lapierre, Tomas Plekanec and Christopher Higgins all scored goals in the second period."We didn't forecheck,'' Plekanec said."We stayed in the neutral zone and tried to make them make turnovers and we did a great job."Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau told his team to be very patient with the puck.''Detroit's a team that likes to control the puck,'' Carbonneau said. ''Just tried to play as tough as we can in the neutral zone and make them dump it in.''Johan Franzen scored in the third for Detroit, and Ty Conklin stopped 22 shots in the lose.


''I thought they played their system real well,'' Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom said. ''I think we saw their first play was right at the red line and they were backing off and not giving us any speed through the neutral zone. Once we got the puck in we lost a lot of 1-on-1 battles in the corners, couldn't sustain that pressure that we wanted to.''Lapierre scored the first goal of the game just 5:23 into the second period when his pass from behind the net deflected in off Lidstrom's skate.''You get the puck to the net and good things are going to happen,'' Conklin said. ''Bad things, in our case. Not a whole lot went well for us certainly at the other end.''Plekanec's power-play goal made the score become 2-0. ''It put us up 2-0 and created breathing room for us,'' Plekanec said.Higgins scored to make it be 3-0 off a weak bakehand that somehow passed Conklin.


''I'm a big believer in creating your own good bounces,'' Higgins said. ''We played our positions and were able to take advantage of them.''Later in the third period Franzen decked passed all the Canadiens defense to make it be 3-1 and break Price's shutout.''It's tough, but two points is more important,'' Price said.

The Canadiens next game will be on Friday against the Capitals.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Game Preview:Montreal Canadiens At Detroit Red Wings

Tomorrow the Montreal Canadiens will be going to Detroit to face the Red Wings in what possibly can be the 2009 Stanley Cup Final.Both The Canadiens and the Red Wings are coming off a loses. The Canadiens Lost Last night in a Shootout against the Islanders.The Red Wings are coming off a Lose in Overtime to the Canucks. The Canadiens defenceman Ryan O'Bern put the Puck in his own net on a delayed penalty Call in last nights shootout lose against the Islanders. "I feel bad, I apologized to everyone in the room,'' said O'Byrne, who didn't play for the remainder of the game. ''The fans are eager for victories and they had a right to react the way they did."I know it's tough because they expect a lot and we expect a lot out of ourselves as well,'' Gorges said. ''I know how it feels, I've put the puck into my net before. It's never intentional, it's a bad break, and nobody feels more sick to his stomach about it than Ryan does.

Sami Salo Scored in OT on a Slap Shot to defeat the Red Wings 3-2."I basically slept the last 96 hours before today, so it's a nice feeling to get the win," said Salo, whose point shot was tipped in by Daniel Sedin to tie it."I have to thank (Demitra) for that goal," said Salo, who also hit the post in the opening minutes. "I've had a few posts here lately.""We're rallying around each other," Sanford said. "There's adversity right now and we're finding a way to deal with it. We have each other's back out there and we're going to find a way to get through all this."

"We let one slip away," Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "Full marks to them. We gave up 24 shots on the road and very few opportunities and they were able to find a way to win. We took a penalty in overtime and they made a good play."

The game between the Canaiens and the Wings puck drop will be at 7:38pm E.T on TSN,RDS and the NHL(Net).

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

O'Byrne scores but on the wrong net

The Canadiens were up 3-2 when there was a delayed penalty call and Ryan O'Byrne put the puck in his own net.Bill Guerin scored in the shootout to give New York a 4-3 victory last night over the Montreal Canadiens.''I feel bad, I apologized to everyone in the room,'' said O'Byrne, who didn't play for the remainder of the game. ''The fans are eager for victories and they had a right to react the way they did.''Guerin got the credit for the own goal.Steve Begin, Josh Gorges and Maxim Lapierre scored for the Canadiens in the shootout lose.The Canadiens lost their second straight shootout but still got points in four of their last five games.Everyone on the Canadiens was quick to come to O'Byrne's defence after the game.

'I know it's tough because they expect a lot and we expect a lot out of ourselves as well,'' Gorges said. ''I know how it feels, I've put the puck into my net before. It's never intentional, it's a bad break, and nobody feels more sick to his stomach about it than Ryan does.

''I just thought to chant his name was tough because I know how he feels and he'd give anything to take it back.''

''We're going to try a lot more experiments because since the beginning of the season we've been leaving the same 10 players who are supposed to make the power play work, but it's not working,'' Carbonneau said. ''If we have to put the fourth line on the ice to change things up, that's where we're at right now.''

The Canadiens next game will be on Wednesday against the Detroit Red Wings At 7:30pm E.T on TSN and or RDS.

Written by Andrew Di Pardo

Bruins continue there winning ways

Tim Thomas remembered what happened last time they played in a shootout in Montreal, He made sure it didn't happen again last night. Tim Thomas stopped all 3 shootout attempts.Thomas stopped Alex Kovalev, Andrei Markov and Canadiens captain Saku Koivu on the final shot of the shootout.Blake Wheeler scored the loan goal in the Shootout for the Bruins."To come in here and get a win feels really good, especially in a shootout," Thomas said. "I've seen Saku score on that last shot and him being the one walking off the ice with his arms raised and all happy. I was happy to be the one with my arms raised and all happy."

Milan Lucic who won the fight with Mike Komisarek on November 13 that left the Canadiens defenceman with a shoulder injury that will make him at a minimum sit out for 1 month was a target of Georges Laraque all night."I told him that he's 220 pounds, he's a big guy," Laraque said. "I tried everything."Instead of fighting Lucic scored the tieing goal."It's fun if they're on you like that or they're not on you like that, this is a fun building to play in," said Lucic, who didn't want to talk about Laraque. "Our mindset is that we're going to take one game at a time, not looking too far ahead and not dwelling on what we did in the past. That mindset has helped us thus far."

Andrei Kostitsyn and Tom Kostopoulos scored for the Canadiens who are 11-5-.Montreal has scored only 17 goals in the past 9 games."It's just a matter of time," Habs coach Guy Carbonneau said. "We have too much talent to just keep scoring one goal or two goals a game." Back to the shootout Wheeler the first shooter of the Shootout apeared to lose controle of the puck and it sliped right through Carey Price to his left as he went to his right."He kind of did the no-move move," Price said. "He lost the puck and psyched me out and himself out."

The Canadens next game will be on Monday against the Islanders at 7:30Pm E.T on RDS.

Written BY Andrew Di Pardo

ROY'S BACK

Last night in Montreal the Canadiens retired ST.Patricks Number 33. It was a very emotional night for both the Canadiens and Patrick Roy. In front of a sellout Montreal crowd at the Bell Centre, Roy's Banner went up into the rafters with 14 other Montreal Canadiens legends last night. Roy was just 15th Montreal player to have his number retired.

Patrick Roy's Speech:

"Thank you for demanding that we play every game as though it were the last," said Roy. "I will remember more [of] those moments where we shook the Forum, where we shook Montreal."

"Your encouragement and applause goes straight to my heart as you honour me."

Roy, who won two Stanley Cups with the Canadiens and still holds or shares six team records, then joined current Montreal players Saku Koivu and Carey Price for the ceremonial raising of the banner.

"Of course, I will remember the day when I left a little too soon without saying goodbye as I would've liked,"

The night Roy speaks of was a regular-season game between the Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings at the fabled Forum on Dec. 2, 1995. Roy allowed nine goals to the Red Wings, but coach Mario Tremblay refused to pull him from the net.

When the furious goaltender finally left the game, he stormed directly to president Ronald Corey, stating he had played his last game for Montreal.

Roy was traded days later to Colorado, where he won two more Stanley Cups and a third Conn Smythe Trophy award as playoff MVP.

But all was forgiven on Saturday night, with the Montreal faithful giving Roy several standing ovations.

"As you welcome me today as you did on the first day my friends… tonight, I'm coming home," Roy concluded.

Other jerseys hanging from the rafters at the Bell Centre are:

Jacques Plante (No. 1)
Doug Harvey (2)
Jean Beliveau (4)
Bernie Geoffrion (5)
Howie Morenz (7)
Maurice Richard (9)
Guy Lafleur (10)
Yvan Cournoyer and Dickie Moore (12)
Henri Richard (16)
Serge Savard (18)
Larry Robinson (19)
Bob Gainey (23)
Ken Dryden (29)

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Quotes Said By Patrick Roy

(OTHER HOCKEY NEWS)Last night in Toronto Windal Clarks number 17 was retired by The Maple Leafs.

Patrick Roy number 33 retirement tonight in Montreal

Roy was drafted 51st overall in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens.He was a fan of the Canadiens rivals the Quebec Nordiques.Roys Grandmother was a Canadiens Fan,She passed away before her grandson Patrick Roy got drafted. Roy was called up from the Minor team (the Bisons)to play for the Canadiens. on February 23, 1985, he made his Canadiens debut when he replaced the Canadiens starting goaltender Doug Soetaert in the third period. He did not allow a single goal in the period.Patrick Roy was sent down to the Sherbrooke Canadiens to play a game because there starting goalie had equipment problems. He won the game and became the number 1 goaltender in the Playoffs and lead them to a Calder Cup.


In the Next Season Roy started playing with the Montreal Canadiens. He Played in 47 of the 82 Montreal Canadiens games. Roy became the Habs number 1 goalie for the playoffs. Patrick Roy made the Canadiens win there 23rd stanley Cup and Roy won the Conn Smythe Trophy for the Most Valuable Player. Roy was the youngest player to ever win the Conn Smythe Trophy. After the Cup victory in 1986 Roys got a nick name it was St.Patrick.Roy continued playing for the Habs.The Canadiens won the Adams Division in 1987-88 and in 1988-89, when they lost to the Calgary Flames in the Stanley Cup final. In 1990 he appeared in his first ever All-Star Game. In the 1991-1992 NHL Season the Canadiens won another adams divison trophy.


The Following season (1992-1993)the Canadiens lost their first two games to their rivals Quebec Nordiques "The Canadiens go home empty handed and the Nordiques have a 2-0 lead in the series." The CBC Sports comentator said. Game 3 went into overtime the Canadens prevailed with a win that put them right back in the series.The Canadiens won there next 7 games playoff games majority of them in overtime. The Canadiens on the way to the finals they defeated Nordiques,The Sabers and thhe Islanders before facing the Kings. The First game of the Stanley Cup Finals the Kings won 2-0. But the rest of the series was a different story the Canadiens won the next 4 games against the kings to capture there 24th Stanley Cup. Patrick Roy won 2 Stanley Cups on the Canadiens.


In 1995, Patrick Roy was playing the worst game of his hockey career and it was against the Red Wings. He was finally pulled after allowing 9 goals. He gave Montreal head coach Mario Tremblay a bad stare before he told president Ronald Corey "It's my last game in Montreal.""Despite allowing five goals on 17 shots in the first, Tremblay kept me in the net in order to humiliate me." Roy told the media after a 11-1 lose.Roy later got traded to Colorado.

When Roy Played his first ever game against his former cub the Canadiens Roy got the win and had the game puck in his hand, He wiped the Puck at Tremblay and just missed his head.Trembly just stood there with his arms crossed. Roy Later went on to win 2 more Stanley Cups in his Career in Colorado.

No matter what good or bad things happened Roy is still the best goalie of all time and one of Montreals best goalies of all time.Patrick Roy will get his number retired tonight at 6:00Pm on RDS and or CBC Montreal.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Senators lose 6 straight

The Montreal Canadiens had lost 5 of 7 games coming in to Scotiabank Place to take on the Senators. The Habs played a great game getting the puck on net for a total of 35 shots at Auld in the shootout victory. Following the Shootout win Montreal's head coach Guy Carbonneau picked up his 100th victory as the Canadiens head coach. In the shootout Andrei Markov and Alex Tanguay put the puck in the back of the net."It's a huge win for us, obviously," said Carbonneau, who'd called his players out after a dismal 2-1 loss Tuesday night in Carolina against the Hurricanes.He was asked if Thursday's effort was more to his liking, the coach replied: "By a mile.""Both teams were kind of struggling lately and everything was left on the ice," he said. "Both teams fought hard and played well defensively. I was just happy we were able to come back at the end."

Dany Heatley put The Senators up by a goal in the 1st period intil 2 minutes later Saku Koivu tied the game at 1-1. Nick Foligno gave the Senators a 1 goal again in the 3rd intil Andrei Markov tied the game at 2 apice.

This is the Result of the shootout:

Round 1 Alexei Kovalev misses shot.

Round 1 Jason Spezza scores on Carey Price
Ott 0-1
Round 2 Andrei Markov scores on Alex Auld

Round 2 Daniel Alfredsson misses shot.
Tied 1-1
Round 3 Saku Koivu misses shot.

Round 3 Jarkko Ruutu misses shot.
Tied 1-1
Round 4 Alex Tanguay scores on Alex Auld

Round 4 Antoine Vermette misses shot.
Mon 2-1

"Vermette missed his shot so I was going in and the goalie makes about 70 or 75 per cent of the saves, I'm not sure of the exact stats on penalty shots, so you have to sometimes take chances. On my backhand, if he opens his five-hole, I can shoot it there, and if he doesn't, I can always take it back to my forehand and try to get it over his pad. Fortunately for us, the puck found its way through his pads."Alex Auld told TSN.

The Canadiens next game will be on saturday against Boston with a specail event will take place Patrick Roy's number 33 will be retired.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Game Preview:Montreal Canadiens A.t Ottawa Senators

The Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators were the NHL's highest-scoring team last season. This seasons it's been a different story as the goals have been hard to come by for both the Canadiens and the Senators.The Canadiens shut-out the Sens in there last 2 meeting and will look for there 3rd straight shut-out tomorrow night in Ottawa. With the Panthers victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, the Senators went down to dead last in the Eastern Conference."It's never nice seeing your team in last place or out of the playoffs even," winger Dany Heatley told TSN. "But at the same time we're not that many points out of a playoff spot and there are a lot of games left to be played."To make matters worse the Senators forwards Mike Fisher and Chris Neil are out of the line up for 2 weeks."We know that we have to get playing and get some points," Sens head coach Craig Hartsburgh said following practice Wednesday. "As much as it is about the standings, it's about playing the game and playing a good 60 minutes every night."

The puck drop for this game will be at 7:40 pm E.T on RDS and SNET-E.


Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Habs fall to Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes fired enough shots at Carey Price in the game to eventually get 2 goal through the Montreal goaltender in the 3rd period.Sergei Samsonov and Ray Whitney scored one and a half minutes apart in the 3rd period to make the Canes take a 2 goal lead. Carolina put a season-high 48 shots on net in its 2-1 victory over the Canadiens last night."We came out with the attitude that we were going to shoot some pucks and crash the net a little bit more," Samsonov said. "We really made an effort to try to put the puck on net from any position, and I think that kind of created the forecheck."As for the Canadiens goalie Carey Price he played a exelent game saving 46 of 48 shots he faced.


"That's a team that shoots everything," Price said. "Whenever they get the puck in a good shooting position, they're going to be letting it go to the net."Robert Lang scored for the Canadiens, who ended a power-play drought last night.The Canadiens lost for the third time in four games last night."The whole game was about who was going to take a gamble," Montreal forward Alex Kovalev said. "I think every time we saw (the) opportunity to be on the safe side, we took a gamble, and it cost us. We really (need to) focus on and concentrate on the little details, which is not to worry about points or if you're going to score a goal. For now, we need to win a couple of games 1-0 or 2-1.

The Canadiens next game will be tomorrow night in Ottawa against the struggling Senators on RDS and or SNET-E at 7:30 PM E.T.

Written by Andrew Di Pardo

Habs snap losing drought in Shootout against the St-Louis Blues

The Montreal Canadiens avoided a 3rd straight loss tonight after being behind by a single goal with 5 minutes remaining in the 3rd period. Andrei Kostitsyn and Robert Lang scored in regulation for the Canadiens and Alex Kovalev scored in the Shootout. Carey Price made 24 saves in the shootout victory. Steve Regier scored twice for the Blues, and Legace also stopped 24 shots. The Canadiens were 0-for-10 on the power play and have scored twice on their last 36 chances. St. Louis was 1-for-9 with the man advantage.


Kostitsyn's backhand that squirted through Legace's pads tied the game at 1 with 1:55 remaining after an outlet pass from Price.He got a goal and a assist tonight to give the Canadiens a chance to win. Just 2 minutes into the 3rd Steve Regier scored his second goal of the game to give St-Louis a 2-1 lead. Robert Lang tied the game at 2 a piece with just under 5 minutes remaining in the 3rd.The Canadiens later went on to win the game 3-2 in the shootout.

This was the Result of the Shootout:

Round 1 Saku Koivu misses shot.

Round 1 Brad Boyes misses shot.
Tied 0-0
Round 2 Andrei Kostitsyn misses shot.

Round 2 David Perron misses shot.
Tied 0-0
Round 3 Alexei Kovalev scores on Manny Legace

Round 3 Keith Tkachuk misses shot.
Mon 1-0

The Canadiens next game is in Caroina on Tuesday on TSN and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Habs extend losing streak to 2 games

Jeff Carter and Scottie Upshall scored for the Flyers and Martin Biron made 24 saves that lead to a 2-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on tonight. Alex Tanguay scored his 8th goal of the season to put the Canadiens within 1 goal that's as close as the Canadiens got. The Canadiens record went from 9-2-2 to 9-4-2.

Montreal gave goalie Carey Price the night off to rest for tomorrow's night game in St-Louis against the Blues. Jaroslav Halak got the start in goal tonight for the Canadiens and played a great game, making 29 saves in the lose.

There's no doubt that the Canadiens defense has been struggling the past 5 games giving up 20 goals in that strand. But tonight it was the offence that failed to put anything in the back of the net through 2 periods before making a charge in the 3rd that came up short.

The Canadiens will look to snap there 2 game winless streak tomorrow in St-Louis.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

The Canadiens host the Flyers Tonight At the Bell Center

The Flyers will play in Montreal tonight for the first time since defeating the Canadiens in Game 5 in may to see the Canadiens Cup Run end. The Habs fans for sure won't provide a warm welcome to the Flyers. "It's in the back of your mind that it's still the team that put us out last year and you're going to have a little bit of a grudge, but it's a new year," Montreal goalie Carey Price said after making 29 saves in October's victory in Philadelphia who are 5-6-4 this season. As it stands right now the Canadiens sit in the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference with a impressive 9-3-2 record.

Price has won all four regular-season games he played against the Flyers while having a 1.75 goals-against average, but was 1-3 with a 4.13 GAA in the playoff series.Price got his first shutout of the season against the Senators, he followed that game with a 6-1 lose to the Bruins in Boston."They had more of a fight and they put in the effort, and we didn't," said Price, who has a 3.45 GAA on the road compared to 1.69 at home.

The Flyers are coming of a 5-4 shootout lose to the Penguins in Pittsburgh. They put up a good fight down three goals to tie it but came up short in the Shootout. "The encouraging thing was we were able to come back against a good team," coach John Stevens said. Flyers coach John Stevens wants his team to play tougher. "Late in the (third) period we were doing a lot of good things, and then one mistake against a team that's very opportunistic and it's 4-4," said center Mike Richards, who has a seven-game point streak. "It's a tough way to lose a game in a Shootout."

The Puck Drop for tonight's game will be at 7:08 on CBC Montreal,and RDS.

Written BY Andrew Di Pardo

Habs get Blown Out 6-1 by the Bruins

Last night in Boston the Bruins enjoyed a 6-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens and snapped there 12 game regular Season losing drought."You lose 12 in a row in the regular season, you question yourself and take a mental beating," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "After the playoffs last season and how we've played against them this season, I don't think there is a complex anymore."The Canadiens offense played great but Manny Fernandez wasn't letting them score in other words robing them.As for the Canadiens devence there mental focus was not there last night.

"They'd gone a lot of games against us without a win and we just weren't ready, for whatever reason," Koivu said."I think they just wanted it more," Canadiens goalie Carey Price said. "They had more of a fight and they put in the effort, and we didn't."

The Boston Bruins Goaltender Manny Fernandez made 27 saves in the victory.As for the Canadiens Goaltender Carey Price made 25 saves in the 6-1 lose.

The Habs were down 4-0 until Habs captain Saku Koivu scored his 6th goal of the Season with 6:26 left in the second. "They'd gone a lot of games against us without a win and we just weren't ready, for whatever reason," Koivu said.

The Habs next game will be against the Flyers on Saturday at the Bell Center.

Written by Andrew Di Pardo

The Montreal Canadiens Visit The Boston Bruins Tonight

The Bruins are coming of a 2-1 Shootout win in Chicago. They Will hope for the same result on home ice against the Montreal Canadiens.Tim Thomas made 32 saves in last night's win. Thomas also stopped a penalty shot in overtime on Chicago's Patrick Sharp. Boston improved to 7-1-0 record in its last eight. Blake Wheeler scored in the shootout to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead. P.J. Axelsson also scored in the shootout to give the Boston Bruins a 2-1 victory over Chicago last night.

The Canadiens will look for the exact result that they archived against the Senators. They played a hard game all the way through and Carey Price got a shutout. If the Canadiens win tonight they will go ahead of the Sabers by a single point.

Next Season the Canadiens will be losing ten players(if they don't sign then)to UFA: including forwards Saku Koivu, Alex Tanguay, Alex Kovalev, Robert Lang and defenceman Mike Komisarek.The Canadiens are at the salary cap right now so that means next summer they're going to have to make some tough decisions.

Written BY Andrew Di Pardo

Price and Higgins break Canadiens Losing streak

Last Night at the Bell Center Higgins Scored his first Career Hat-Trick."I've come close a few times," Higgins said after his 3 goal Hat-Trick which led the Canadiens to a 4-0 NHL victory over the Ottawa Senators last night. "I hit the post a few times trying to get one.For it to go in was nice, especially here in front of our fans."

Guillaume Latendresse also scored for the Canadiens in there 4-0 win.Carey Price made 28 saves for the Northeast Division leaders the Montreal Canadiens who have a 9-2-2 Record.Guy Carbonneau had a few words to say about the game."this was the best 60 minutes we've played this Season."He told the Press.

Chris Higgins dedicated his hat-trick to his mother Susan."My dad gets a lot of credit for where I am right now in hockey but my mom's the heart of the family and this is for her," he said.

Last season, Ottawa was 5-3-0 against Montreal, but lost the last two games against the Canadiens.Tom Kostopoulos served the first of his three-game suspension for a so called dirty hit from behind on Toronto's Mike Van Ryn. Steve Begin and Patrice Brisebois were scratches for Montreal in last night's game against Ottawa. Luke Richardson was scratched from Ottawa's lineup.

Ruttu laded a dirty hit on Montreal Forward Maximum Lapierre.Carbonneau said he hopes the NHL reviews the incident because "it was a shot to the head."

Rutu was sent to the dressing room with a 10-minute misconduct for talking to Lapierre on the bench, and waved to the braying crowd as he left the ice."They cheered for me, so why not thank them," said Ruttu. "I want to be black or white - love me or hate me. I don't want to be a gray area."

The Canadiens next game will be tomorrow against the Bruins.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Ottowa Senators A.t Montreal Canadiens:Tom Kostopoulos Suspended Plus Jason Spezza Needs to Play Better Acording to Senators Coach

The NHL has suspended the Canadiens forward Tom Kostopoulos for 3 games today for a hit on the Leafs defenceman Mike Van Ryn on Saturday's 6-3 losse.Some people say it's a dirty hit because it was a hit from behind but according to Mark Messier Kostopoulos was just doing his job.

"Kostopoulos was just finishing off a body check,This would have never happened if the NHL would have never have took out the touch and grab rule."Mark Messier told the Fan 590.

Kostopoulos had a few words to say to the media.

"First and foremost, I sincerely regret the injuries suffered by Mike Van Ryn,''Kostopoulos said in a statement. ''This is an unfortunate turn of events. I was just trying to get in on the forecheck and get the puck. I didn't anticipate him turning and couldn't stop. I was trying to finish my check and obviously it did not end up well. I never intend on injuring another player. I feel bad. I hope he is going to be all right and resume playing as quickly as possible.''

Van Ryn got a concussion, a broken nose, a broken bone in his hand and a cut to his forehead from the Kostopoulos HIT. He is out for a month.

Craig Hartsburg wants Spezza to play better.

''That was yesterday, we've moved on,'' Hartsburg said following Monday's morning skate. "We've talked yesterday and he knows he has to play better, and he will play better.''

Craig Hartsburg told Jason Spezza he will not be on the same line as Danny Heatly and or Daniel Alfredsson.

"I have no problem with the way Dany Heatley's working and competing. I think Jason needs to play a better game," Hartsburg told the Ottawa Sun on Sunday. "We certainly need Jason to be our best player. That's what he's supposed to be: be one of our best players every night. He has got so much talent and his size and everything.If he shows more consistency in his work and his competing, he should be a dominant player."

Dany Heatley Will be playing on the first line, Daniel Alfredsson on the Second Line,And Jason Spezza on the third Line.

The Puck drop will be Tomorrow at 7:08 On TSN or RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Habs lose 2 straight

The Leafs scored 3 power-play goals to defeat the Canadiens 6-3 in the 2008 Hall of Fame Game.Former Canadiens forward Mikhail Grabovski scored his first career goal against the Canadiens tonight and registered 3 assist tonight at the Air Canada Center.

Grabovski blast a quick shot by former teammate Carey Price to make it 2-0 at 1:48 in the 2nd period.He was in the penalty box for goaltender interference when Lang got the Habs on the score board 3 minutes later.

About 2 minutes later Plekanec scoreda power-play goal at 9:59 in the 2nd period and tied the game.

Hagman for the leafs scored 1 minute later and then abot 2:50 minutes later Koivu scored for the Canadiens before Antropov put the Leafs up 4-3 at 16:27 in the 2nd.At 2:49 into the 3rd period Kazak put yet another shot in the net for Toronto that made the score be 5-3.They would add 1 more goal to win the game 6-3.

The Habs record is now 8-2-2 as for the Leafs they are 6-5-4.

The Habs next game will be against ottowa on Tuesday.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

The Canadiens will look to go back to there winning ways tonight against the Leafs

The Canadiens have the least amount of regulation loses in the NHL and have played very good on the road.They will look to continue their winning ways tonight in Toronto against a struggling club the Toronto Maple Leafs.They will look to get the same result they got the last time these two teams met the final score in that game was 6-1 in favor the Canadiens.

The Canadiens (8-1-2) are completing a four-game road trip. Their 4-0-2 road record matches Buffalo's for the best in the Eastern Conference.

Anyway the Canadiens needed Sergei Kostitsyn's goal with just 41 seconds left in the 3rd period to avoid its first regulation road loss of the season Friday in Columbus. The Canadiens however ended up losing 4-3 in a shootout.

"We turned the puck over a few times in the neutral zone, and they took advantage of it," Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau said.

Jaroslav Halak started in Friday's game so Carey Price would be have the night of to be ready to playagainst Toronto.

Carey Price has won four of his last five starts against the Maple Leafs. He is 6-1-1 this season with a 2.17 goals-against average, the same career GAA he has versus Toronto.


Written By Andrew Di Pardo