Canadiens Injury Update

Today in Montreal, Canadiens GM Bob Gainey updated Tanguay,Kostitsyn and Pacioretty's injury status. On April 28th 2009 Montreal forward Alex Tanguay had a successful arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Tanguay missed 32 regular season games and Montreals last 2 playoffs games against the Bruins with a shoulder injury.Yesterday Montreal forward Max Pacioretty underwent successful surgery to repair an abdominal wall muscle tear.S.Kostitsyn will be undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery tomorrow.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

CANADIENS HAVE A LONG SUMMER AHEAD OF THEM

Even though the Canadiens have been eliminated early in the playoffs but that does not mean that they don't have time to rebuild. The Canadiens will be in a search of a new coach (which rumors say the new coach could be Patrick Roy) and will be signing alot of players to new contracts. When Kovalev was asked: "Who do you think Gainey will sign first?" Kovalev responded:"Myself, probably,"Kovalev joked."I've said it many times.I'd love to be here," Kovalev said of a possible return. "I love everything about this team and still believe it's moving in the right direction. But it's not up to me what happens."

People in the media have been wondering for the longest time if Montreal captain Saku Koivu will join his brother in Minnesota.Well, Saku Koivu answerd that question last week. This was his response:“It would be amazing in one way to play with him on the same team. But on the other hand, he’s at the point where he has his own career. He’s making a name for himself and in some ways, it’s easier for him and I’d like to keep it that way. But it’s tempting to think about playing on the same NHL team with him and having some success.”

When Komisarek was asked:"Do you think Gainey will sign you?" He reasponded:"It's tough to say, coming off a disappointing end to the season," he said. "A lot more things need to happen before they start taking care of players here."Gainey will have a long summer deciding who will stay and who will go on Montreal.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

KOIVU DOES NOT WANT TO LEAVE MONTREAL

Montreal Captain Saku Koivu told the media on Saturday that he does not want to leave Montreal."This city is a home for me. I've loved it here and I have no reasons to leave. But at this point, their plan has to be the same as mine.," Koivu said."I think I need some time right now to get away from the game, clear my head and think about what the future will be. Obviously, the team will do the same thing (to) make up their mind about what the roster is going to look like for next year."Saku Koivu also said he thinks if Gainey does not sign him by July 1st he probably won't be back in Montreal. In the regular season, Koivu played 65 games he scored 16 goals and got 34 assist for a total of 54 points.As for the playoffs, Koivu played 4 games he only had no goals and 3 assist for a total of 3 points.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Roland Melanson Wants to have a veteran Goalie

Yesterday Roland Melanson talked to the media about wanting a vetrin goalie.Melanson said Price is to young to handle the pressure in Montreal."Carey is a young one that knew a lot more success in his career than of difficulties,"Melnanson said."Do not forget that we have to deal with a young custodian of 20 years. And when you lose 3, 4, 5 or 6 straight games, it is difficult for a young custodian. In a perfect position to deal with it.I would have liked to count on a veteran as Cristobal Huet to help it in the difficult moments.I had not this luxury.I have two young custodians and it was necessary to pass to the breadth together."

Melanson said he thought what Price did on Wedsnday (Raising his arms to the boos from the Montreal crowd) was Inappropriate."I am certain that it regrets his gesture but, at the same time, this is a guy that plays with emotions.He has a big heart and he wants to do well.We have 20 000 persons that bear the team, with the tops and the bottoms. They support us even in the difficult moments. Unfortunately, there are 1500 persons, those that one calls 'the gross one', that do not deserve to be there, that have not any class. That gives a bad picture to the city, a bad picture to the team." Only time will tell if Gainey will get a veteran goalie.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

CRAIG RIVET IS TRYING TO GET KOIVU ON THE SABERS

According to Francois Lemenu, The Sabers Captain is trying to convince former teammate Saku Koivu to sigh with the Sabers. Nobody knows if Montreal GM Bob Gainey has even started to place anything on the table for his 10 free agents.Koivu said if he does not get signed by the end of june they probably don't want him."If I'm not signed by July 1, I don't think I'll be back in Montreal," Koivu, told TSN."Finishing your career with one team would be awesome in a way, but it's too early to say because I don't know what the team's plan is. We lost Wedsnday, so I need time to sit down with my family and figure out what's best for us."

When Koivu was asked if he will join his brother in Minnesota? He simply responded:“It would be amazing in one way to play with him on the same team. But on the other hand, he’s at the point where he has his own career. He’s making a name for himself and in some ways, it’s easier for him and I’d like to keep it that way. But it’s tempting to think about playing on the same NHL team with him and having some success.”

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

TANGUAY,LANG AND KOVALEV TALK ABOUT BEING FREE AGENTS

Today in Montreal, Tanguay, Kovalev and Lang talked about becoming free agents and why they would like to stay on Montreal.

Alex Tanguay:“I loved playing for the Canadiens,” said Alex Tanguay. “I’m a Quebecer. I’m close to my family, I like it here, I’m comfortable here and I feel at home. So the answer is yes, I’d like nothing more than to stay here in Montreal.”There is no other place in the NHL where fans are as active, loud and understand the game like here in Montreal,” continued Tanguay, who has clearly buried the hatchet from his days as a die-hard Nordiques fan. “I’d love to come back and give it another shot with the group we have here. Once you experience what it’s like to play here, you understand this is the ultimate hockey town. There’s nothing like it.”

Robert Lang:“I really loved it and had a great time here this year. The people are great and the fans are fantastic,” said Lang. “I really want to come back. I don’t think the pressure here is a distraction; I actually like it and fed off the energy that exists in Montreal.”

Alex Kovalev:“There’s no doubt that I’d love to remain a part of this team, a part of this city,” admitted Kovalev. “But it’s not only up to me.”When Kovalev was asked if he will go to a team like Detroit that are Supposed to be a contender? He simply responded: “Sure any player can just go to a team they think is on the edge of winning the Cup, but where is the fun and the challenge in that?” asked Kovalev rhetorically. “To me it’s more interesting to be with a team that isn’t expected to win and does great things. It just means more and it’s more fun that way.”

Only time will tell who will stay on Montreal and who will not.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

GAINEY TALKS ABOUT WHY HIGGINS, PLEAKENC AND GORGES WERE NOT PLAYING THAT WELL

Gainey told the media yesterday that Higgins,Pleakenc and Jorgers were not playing well because the Bolts G.M said that he was shopping them around."The second half of our season was when things started to go off course and I felt the first place was when we had discussions with Tampa Bay," said Gainey. "We had an agreement with them.I got a call in January from them with a list of names that they wanted to talk about and those players ended up in public because they used those names to take them to other teams to see if they could create a different trade for Vincent Lecavalier. I think it was disgraceful that Josh Gorges, Tomas Plekanec and Chris Higgins have to read that stuff." As you can see all the problems that were happening during the season with the Canadiens are starting to slowly come out.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

KOIVU IS NOT SURE IF HE WILL PLAY FOR THE HABS NEXT SEASON

Today in Montreal,Canadiens captain Saku Koivu said he is not sure if the Canadiens will sighn him in the offseason."If I'm not signed by July 1, I don't think I'll be back in Montreal," Koivu, told TSN. "Finishing your career with one team would be awesome in a way, but it's too early to say because I don't know what the team's plan is. We lost Wedsnday, so I need time to sit down with my family and figure out what's best for us." Saku Koivu played 65 games, he scored 16 goals and registerd 34 assist for a total of 54 points. The other players who might not be back next year with the Habs are forwards Alex Kovalev, Alex Tanguay, Robert Lang and Tom Kostopoulos and defencemen Mike Komisarek, Mathieu Schneider, Francis Bouillon, Patrice Brisebois and Mathieu Dandenault.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

CANADIENS REFLECT ON A SEASON OF DISAPPOINTMENT

After getting eliminated in 4 straight game against the Bruins, the Canadiens reflected today on what went wrong this year."We projected a number of players to continue to progress and grow and really through the first half of the season we got most of that. It was the second half where we had the problems and once they started to accumulate, we weren't able to carry through with what look like on paper last September, should be a team still competing in the playoffs today," said general manager Bob Gainey in a press conference Thursday.

Carey Price was broodily booed by the Canadiens fans last night in a 4-1 lose to Bruins. Today the media asked Price, why he rose his arms? So Price simply responded: "I made that particular gesture to remind people that booing doesn't always help," Price stated on Thursday. "We're out there trying our hardest, guys are playing hurt and we're doing everything we can and things werent going our way and we started having people turn on us in our own rink. It's kind of hard to put up with."Rumors say that players such as Alex Kovalev, Saku Koivu and Mike Komisarek could possibly not be back next year.

"I think I need some time right now to get away from the game and just clear my head and think about what the future will be. Obviously, the team will do the same thing and they're going to go through the season and make up their mind on what the roster will look like going into next year," said Koivu. "This is a home for me and I love it here, I've no reasons to leave but at this point their plan has to be the same as mine if I'm going to be here."Only time will tell who will not be on the Habs next year and who will stay on the Habs for next Year.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

GAINEY DEFENDS PRICE

Last night in Montreal, the Bruins swept the Canadiens with a 4-1 victory. But the big story was not about the Bruins win, it was about Carey Price getting booed when he touched the puck. Price was frustrated, so he raised his arms in the air just like Patrick Roy did in 1995. Roy was traded a game after he did that, rumors say that Gainey said to Price that he will be traded."I didn't say anything to him," said Gainey. "He reacted, but people were rude. People were unfair, so he stood up for himself. What's wrong with that?" When Gainey was asked what Price could have down differently he responded:"I suppose he could have kept his cool and not made any kind of gesture, but when you're being bullied, if you don't stand up for yourself, who is going to?" said Gainey.

"I've said before, this kid is going to win a Stanley Cup one day," captain Saku Koivu said of Price. "Sometimes you have to put your emotions away and not show them, but that's part of the learning process.We've got to realize he's very young. He'll go through ups and downs in his career and he'll learn from them." Montreal inforcer Georges Laraque said the fans were acting inappropriately towards Price. "We have the best fans in the league, but the way they reacted." said Laraque. "Carey's only 21. If you're going to point fingers, point them at our injuries.It's hard enough to be swept at home and when you hear those boos -- that's not the fans who supported us all year and helped us make the playoffs." If the Canadiens want to win a stanley Cup next year, Bob Gainey will have to do alot of work in the summer.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

THE CANADIENS GET SWEPT TO THE HANDS OF THE BRUINS

Last night in Montreal, The Canadiens scored the first goal and were playing well but they just could not put the puck past Thomas. As the Bruins rallied back with 4 straight goals to win the game 4-1.This szeries win by the Bruins was the first time since 1999 that the Bruins past the first round."When you realize how tough it's been for Bruins fans over the last few years, to come home with a series victory has been too long," said Boston coach Claude Julien, who turns 49 on Thursday. "I think we still owe them more." As for the Habs, they got sweeped for the first time sice 2004."We were always playing from behind or tied no matter how well we played," said Montreal winger Chris Higgins. "It's frustrating.

Remember when patrick Roy raised his arms in 1995 when the habs fans were booing him.Now think back to last night, The Canadiens were down 4-1 so the fans decided to boo Carey Price so Price did exactly what Roy did (raise his arms)."I suppose he could have kept his cool and not made any kind of gesture, but when you're being bullied, if you don't stand up for yourself, who is going to?" said Gainey. "He had two or three breakaways to stop, as well as some open scoring chances, so what's the basis of the jeering?" I do not like what the Fans did. The goals that Price let in was not his fault. Just look at the goal Ryder scored, Roman Hamirlik turned the puck over right in front of the net. In my opinion it's just unexceptionable.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

THE CANADIENS ARE NOT READY TO GIVE UP JUST YET

After losing 4-2 in game 3 the Canadiens are not planning on taking out their golf clubs just yet. “It might not have happened often that a team has come back from a 3-0 deficit, but it’s not impossible,” he noted. “With the aura surrounding the Canadiens-Bruins rivalry, there’s no better series for that to happen; the situation couldn’t be more apropos.”The only teams that had come back down 3-0 to win a series was Toronto Maple Leafs in 1942 and the most recent team was New York Islander.

"You can't quit at this point," Koivu said. "I think it's up to every individual to prepare themselves for the battle on Wednesday. We understand the odds are against us, but the only thing that can be on our minds is that we have to win one game at home and go from there." Game 4 will be on Wedsnday at 7:00pm E.T on CBC and RDS. Just remember what Maurice Richard (the Rocket) said "Never give up."

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

FORMER HAB RYDER SCORES GAME-WINNING GOAL,AS THE HABS FIND THEMSELVES DOWN 3 GAMES

Last night in Montreal, the Canadiens got off to a good start by Higgins scoring the first goal of the game.But they could not hang on as the Bruins answered back with a late period goal by Philip Kessel to tie the game. Then just over 3 minutes into the second,Shawn Thornton put the Bruins up by a goal. Yannick Weber for Montreal would tie the game at 2-2. Then with just 3 minutes left in the second it was former Hab Michael Ryder scored (which would eventually become the game winner).

"I'd forgotten about last year. I don't really think about it," said Ryder, who signed a three-year, $12-million free agent contract with Boston. "It feels like I've been here for so long now, actually, and the guys are great and they've welcomed me in and it's good just to be a part of the team. We're rolling good right now."Montreal G.M and Coach Bob Gainey was not happy with the 4-2 lose to the Bruins."All our players are on skates now and we know what the game represents, so we will be re-evaluating everyone," said Gainey. "It's the worst situation and the best challenge."

"We'd rather not be in this situation. We came in looking for a win and we didn't get one." The Canadiens will need to win 4 in a row now if they want to win the series (In NHL history that has only happend 2 times)."At this point, there's not too much positive there," Canadiens Captain Saku Koivu said. "Every game, there are things you try to build on but what we're doing right now is not enough. We have to find a way to get the goals. It doesn't matter how you do it, to get the win."Game 4 of this series is Wednesday night at the Bell Centre at 7:00pm E.T on CBC and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

BRUINS FORWARD MILAN LUCIC HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FOR 1 GAME

Bruins forward Milan Lucic has been suspended 1 game by the NHL today for a cross check to the neck on Montreal Forward Maxim Lapierre.The incident happened with just under 5 minutes to go in the third. Lucic received a 5 minute major and an automatic game misconduct.“I think in Looch’s situation, obviously he might’ve lost his composure a little bit in that area. But what you’ve got to remember is he got elbowed in the head and then high sticked by Schneider."

"And then Lapierre comes in. who’s been an instigator throughout the whole series and even during the regular season. And what Looch did is react to him coming at him. It wasn’t premeditated and in reviewing it, he hit him with his glove. He had his stick in his hands, but the glove hit the helmet,” said Bruins coach Claude Julien. There are rumors that state that the NHL will sit down and discuss if he should be suspended for longer.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

DO THE CANADIENS HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO GET BACK INTO THIS SERIES?

The Bruins won their first 2 home games this series,now it's the Canadiens chanceto do the same.“We know what kind of energy our fans bring,” said Mike Komisarek. “Those of us who were here last year know. There’s no better place to play during the playoffs than the Bell Centre.We have to put these two games behind us and get back on track in the next one. That’s the only solution.” The Canadiens will need to stop talking penalties and start drawing penalties. After the game last night Gainey admitted he wanted to win at least 1 of the 2 games in Boston.“We had hoped to win one of the two games here,” admitted the Canadiens' bench boss. “The first game was our best chance. Now, we have to go home and win.”

“It wasn’t like the thought was we’d win it in four games. You might be counting us out but that’s far from the feeling in this room,” explained Maxim Lapierre to the large pack of media surrounding him. “They won the first two games in front of their fans. Now, it’s up to us to and take that first one at home. Then, we’ll take it from there.”With just under 5 minutes to go in game 2, Milan Lucic crossed checked Josh Gorges then he crossed checked Maxim Lapierre in the face. He got a game misconduct, and there is no news yet if the league will suspend him for a longer period of time. Game 3 will be tomorrow at 7:00pm E.T on CBC,RDS and NESN.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

PENALTIES GALOR,THE CANADIENS FALL IN GAME 2

Thought the game, the referees kept calling penalty after penalty on Montreal. In my opinion some calls should have not been made, for EX. Kovalev was called for hooking but he didn't even touch the guy.Then the Bruins went and scored to make the score be 3-1 (the Bruins would later to go on to win 5-1). When Gainey was asked what does your team have to do to stay out of the penalty box? He simply responded:"Listen to the coach."

As for the Bruins, the referees did not call a penalty on the Bruins until the last 5 minutes of the game.It seems to me that the ref. missed about 2 or 3 calls that should have been called on the Bruins. For EX. Milan Lucic crossed checked Saku Koivu in front of the net. I think if the ref. is going to call lots of penalties on the Habs I think they should at least call penalties that should be called on the Bruins.

"When you look at shots and scoring chances, they were pretty even," Gainey said. "But we give really good chances to score, we give opportunities on the power play against a team that's been a strong power play team all year long. So we walk into their strengths, and when we do that our goalie will be put into a vulnerable situation." Game 3 of this series will be in Montreal on Monday night at 7:08pm E.T on CBC,RDS and NESN.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

P.S: The Bruins were 3 for 5 on the powerplay.

BRUINS FORWARD MATT HUNWICK WAS RUSHED TO HOSPITAL WITH SPLEEN AILMENT

The Boston Bruins defenceman Matt Hunwick was rushed by ambulance to hospital this morning with a spleen ailment.Rumors say he got this injury because of the fasewash that Komiserk gave him and the shock of Kostopoulos elbow that just missed his head"I have no other details on Hunwick's condition than that it's an injured Spleen.It is Obvious that he didn't feel very good, so our trainers did what was right and called an ambulance," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "Hopefully we can get some good news here as we move on." Hunwick will miss on average 2 or 3 games with the injured spleen.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

FIVE KEYS TO THE HABS IN GAME 2

1. The Canadiens will need goalie Carey Price to make some big key saves at the times that the game is on the line (Something that Price was good at in game 1).

2. The Canadiens will need Mike Komisarek, Roman Hamrlik and Josh Gorges not to be sucked in to lazy penalty's (Like Gorges did in game 1, Which cost the Habs the game).

3.The Canadiens will need the top line of Tanguay,Koivu and Kovalev to score big goals for the team like they did in the regular season.

4. The Canadiens will need their second line of D'Agostini,Plekanec and A. Kostitsyn to brake out of a slump and score some goals.

5.The Canadiens will need Gorge Laraque to get on players like Thortan,Chara and Lucic nerves. He will also need to do some big hits.

The puck drop for tonight's game will be at 8:08pm E.T on CBC,RDS and NESN.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

CANADIENS PLAYERS WILL NOT GET SUSPENDED FOR THE POST GAME SCRUM

According to sources, Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli said he wanted the NHL Commissioner Garey Bettman to look into two scrums that happened late in the third period of game 1 of the series between the Bruins and the Canadiens."They were just trying to send a message to us," Boston Coach Claude Julien said to the media. "If the league wants to look at it that's their business. In my opinion that's just playoff hockey." Montreal defenceman Mike Komiserk had a good laugh with the media when he was told that Chiarelli wanted a suspension for that fashwash on Bruins defenceman Matt Hunwick.

"That's a bit of a ridiculous statement," Komisarek said. "I don't know if the kid has gentle skin or what.It's playoff hockey, but I've never been like Larry, Moe and Curly and tried to poke someone's eye out." Hundwick said that he is not in the position to talk about it."He was facewashing me and I was facewashing him, so I'm not in a position to be making accusations," Hunwick said. "It's not one of those things where I'm waiting for the league to do something.If I knew something illegal happened, I'd probably say something. But I'm not in any frame of mind to be passing judgment." Game 2 of this series will be tomorrow night at 7:00pm E.T on CBC,RDS and NESN.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

The Canadiens Battle Hard But Fall In Game 1 To The Bruins

In the First Period of play, The Bruins opened the scoring with 2 goals in 12 minutes by David Krejci and Phil Kessel.But the Canadiens were not ready to give up just yet. The Canadiens got on the board late in the first with a goal by Higgins. Then it was Kovalev slapped 1 home late in the second to tie the game 2-2. Midway though the Third, Gosh Gorges took a hooking penalty. On the powerplay Boston's Captain Zdeno Chara scored a one timer to put the Bruins up 3-2.Phil Kessel added an empty-netter to make the Bruins win game 1 4-2.

"Anyone who thought we had no chance, I think we opened their eyes tonight," said Montreal winger Alex Tanguay, who assisted on the Habs' first goal. "This game could have finished 6-1 or 4-2 the way it did, I think if you look at our team and look at their team, there's no doubt we can compete with them." Before the game the TSN Media was talking about how the Bruins would dominate the Canadiens in hits,well they were wrong.

The Canadiens lead in hits by the count of 55- 48."I think our guys are really proud of our effort," Price said. "Our team played really well, we skated with them all night. It was a bit of a confidence boost knowing that we can skate with these guys." Game 2 of this series will be on Saturday at 7:00pm E.T on CBC, RDS and NSN.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

More News on The Canadiens V.S the Bruins Playoff series

When the Canadiens face the Bruins on Thursday in the opening round of the playoffs, you can put what happened in the regular season aside because the Playoffs are a different season. According to Broadhead of Rogers Sportsnet, he expects the Bruins to sweep the series against the Canadiens. But according to Chris Higgins of the Canadiens he says that's not likely. “People were saying the same things about them last year in the first round; that we were supposed to sweep them and all that business. Now it's the other side of the coin,” stated forward Chris Higgins.

In my opinion Montreal should win this series in 5 games as long as they get their top line of Tanguay, Koivu and Kovalev continue to score goals.The Canadiens will need Laraque and Stewart to be matched up with Lucic and Chara. But the Canadiens will also need their 2 and 3 lines to score some goals as well.When Komiserk was asked what we can expect from this series he reasponded:“A lot of bruises and a lot of bumps, it's going to be great hockey.”

Montreal is missing defenceman Andrei Markov with a knee injury. The Canadiens are also missing defencemen Francis Bouillon with a torn groin and centre Robert Lang( who is expected to be back for round 2 of the playoffs). This is going to be an intresting playoff series.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

The Molson Cup is awarded to Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens

This afternoon, Montreal goaltender Carey Price was named the the Molson Cup Player of the Year for the 2008-09 season. Price played in 52 regular season games this season. He achieved a record of 23 wins, 16 losses and 10 overtime/shootout loses and just got 1 shutout and has a 2.82 goals-against-average and a save percentage of .905%. Carey Price also took part in the 2009 NHL all-star game in Montreal. For the second straight season a Montreal Canadiens player has won the Molson Cup. Last season It was forward Alex Kovalev of Montreal. Now this season it was Goaltender Carey Price of Montreal.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

PLAYOFF PREVIEW : Montreal Canadiens V.S Boston Bruins

With the Canadiens 3-1 lose to the Penguins, The Canadiens will battle with the Bruins in the postseason for the 32nd time in Franchise History.When you look back at the history the Boston Bruins usually win the season series against Montreal, but they always come up short in the playoffs against Montreal. Just look at the 2004, The Bruins won the season series but lost in 7 games in the playoffs against the Canadiens. Last season, Montreal finished in 1st and the Bruins finished in 8th,this season it was the other way around."We don't worry about what happened in the past we have to worry about what's happening now,"Gainey Said.

"It'll be a very exciting challenge for our team," said Montreal goaltender Carey Price. "They're one of the premier teams in the league this year.But all year we felt we can play with them."On March 17th, Bruins forward Marc Savard was asked on Off the Record:What team would you like not to face in the Playoffs opening round? He simply responded: "The Montreal Canadiens." Is it just me or does everyone know that Facing the Canadiens in the playoffs will not be a walk in the park.

"We have to compete hard because we know they'll be coming. You want to get the pucks in on their defence. (Zdeno) Chara's a big guy, and you want to wear him down the best you can. You soft-chip it and try to get a good forecheck and get them moving. He logs a lot of minutes," Glen Metropolitt of the Montreal Canadiens told the media on Sunday.Game 1 of this series will be on Thursday in Boston at 7:08Pm E.T on CBC and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

P.S: I think the Habs will win the series in 5 games

HABS FALL 3-1 TO THE HANDS OF THE PENGUINS

Last night In Montreal, Bob Gainey was testing different lines to see if the Habs can get players like Laraque and Metropolitt to score goals. It did not turn out well. The Canadiens (with the score tied 1-1) were on the powereplay but 2 times on the same powerplay the Canadiens gave Pittsburgh a 2 on 1. The Pens scored on both chances shorthanded as the Habs fall 3-1 to the Penguins on the last game of the regular season."I wish our team played better," said Canadiens coach Bob Gainey. "We didn't have enough emotion early.Carey Price was outstanding. Our last week wasn't really good -- one out of eight points. Now we have four days before we start the playoffs and we can put all our attention onto one team. It will be a good break for us to practice."

Maxime Talbot, Eveni Malkin and Kristopher Letang scored goals for the Penguins in the 3-1 victory over the Habs. With the Pens victory they can have home ice in the first round of the playoffs if the Flyers lose today."We probably never thought we'd have a chance to get home ice and now we've given ourselves that chance," said Pittsburgh star Sidney Crosby. "We've got to scoreboard-watch.If we get it, great, and if not, we're familiar with our opponent and we'll go from there."Roman Hamrlik scored the loan goal for Montreal in the lose. With the lose to pens, Montreal will finish in 8th place and will face the first place Bruins in the first round of the 2009 Playoffs.

Written By Andrew Di Paardo

Gainey mixs up the Lines for tonights game

According to RDS, Alex Tanguay will not play tonight against the Penguins. Gainey told the RDS media today that he wants to rest Tanguay for the Playoffs.In my opinion, the Canadiens want to face the Bruins in round 1 of the Playoffs. So I think that they don't want to play there stars on the top line.Carey Price will start tonight for Montreal. Marc Andrei Flury will start tonight for Pittsburgh.The Canadiens lines for tonights game is as followed:

Line 1:Higgins - Metropolit - Kovalev
Line 2:Latendresse - Lapierre - Kostopoulos
Line 3:A. Kostitsyn - Plekanec - D'Agostini
Line 4:Stewart - Koivu - Laraque

Defence pare 1: Gorges - Dandenault
Defence pare 2:Weber - Schneider
Defence pare 3:Hamrlik - Komisarek

The puck drop for tonight's game will be at 7:08pm E.T on CBC-M and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

More News on Robert Langs Playoff Future

According to sources Robert Lang will possibly back for the second game of round 2 for the Canadiens (if they past the first round). “If everything’s perfect and the team plays long enough, then it’s possible, yes,” he said of a possible Playoff return. Robert Lang was the Canadiens leading goal scorer with 18 goals before his injury.“You know that something obviously is wrong, you just don’t know exactly what it is,” Lang recalled. “It was kind of a strange feeling with no movement in the leg. It was scary at first.I was having a good season, but you can’t dwell on it. Obviously I’d be a lot happier if I were still out there helping the team, but stuff happens.” This is a kind of injury that you don't want to rush Lang back from.

“This is just an obstacle that I have to overcome,” he said. “From having been around the league awhile, you know that you have to put in your (rehab) time. This is important," Lang said.It’s not like it’s a knee or a ligament. Basically, it’s a fluke. You have to believe you’ll be just fine, and there’s really no reason why I shouldn’t be.” When Lang was asked if you want to play again next season, he simply reaplied:“I’ve had a great time here,” said Lang, an unrestricted free agent come July 1. “There’s nothing I’d rather do (than return to Montreal). It’s been a great experience – great owner, coaches and guys on the team.I’d definitely like to come back.This season, and beyond." Lang could possibly start skating in 3 weeks and can possibly return to play in 4 weeks.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

THE CANADIENS CLINCH A PLAYOFF SPOT WITH A O.T LOSE TO THE BRUINS

Last night in Boston, it had the intensity like a playoff game.Early in the second period,the Canadiens were down 3-1 but never gave up. They battled back with Goals from Matt D'Agostini and Matthieu Schenider to tie the game at 3-3. Matt D'Agostini added another late second period goal to put the Habs up 4-3. Boston was not done yet, late in the third Zdeno Chara tied it at 4 to send the game to O.T. In O.T Mark Recchi scored his second goal of the game to give the Boston Bruins a 5-4 O.T victory over the Canadiens. "We've had an up and down season but we kept it together tonight and stayed in the game," Canadiens coach Bob Gainey said. "Our major objective was to get into the playoffs."With the 5-4 O.T Lose to the Bruins, the Canadiens clinch a playoff spot.

"We had some tough times throughout the season and it hasn't been the easiest one," Canadiens captain Saku Koivu said. "But the way we've been playing, the way we've been handling everything that's gone on off the ice, what's happened the last month, I'm really proud of our team." Alex Kovalev also scored for Montreal in the O.T lose. In my opinion, the Bruins were just playing dirty. After a clean hit by Mike Komiserk, Bruins forward Lucic and defencemen Thortan just literly jumped Mike Komiserk.

It seems to me that the Bruins were trying to injure Mike Komiserk."When we do lose our cool and let our emotions get the best of us, we let them get those goals and grab the lead," Bruins forward Milan Lucic said. Lucic led all players with 18 penalty minutes and a 10 minute misconduct."I think they thought we were going to back away a bit but we came back out there and kept fighting," Canadiens wing Matt D'Agostini said. "That shows the character that we've got in this room and hopefully we can bring that in the next game and in the playoffs."With the win by the Rangers and the O.T lose by the Habs, it's offical the Panthers will not make the post season.The Canadiens next game will be on Saturday against the Penguins.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

More News on Schneider and Markov

According to sources,Mathieu Schneider will be out for the rest of the season (And possibly 6 Months) to recover from torn rotator cuff. Schnider was told by doctors in New York that Surgery can wait. Schneider was acquired from the Atlanta Thrashers in a Feb. 16 to help the Habs Powerplay and he did just that.As for Markov, he has a sprained left knee.According to sources,he'll miss at least 3 weeks and won't return before the end of April (Robert Lang is also expected to return at the end of April).

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

The Canadiens get downed by the Rangers

Last night in New York the Rangers were playing a more desperate game than the Habs, and looked like they wanted the 2 points and do any thing to get it.Chris Drury scored 2 goals, and Antropov scored a single goal in the 3-1 victory over Montreal. As for Montreal, Dandenault scored the loan goal in the lose. The Canadiens were just one win away from clinching a Playoff spot last night, but for the second straight game they could not get it done."There is no sense in panicking now," defenseman Josh Gorges said.

"I mean, there are only two games left and we understand that. We understand where we sit and the magnitude of the games coming up, but we can't let these things bother us. You gotta get better from it. You gotta move past it and make sure Wednesday we're ready to get back to work and Thursday we're ready to play in Boston. The games aren't going to get any easier from here on out."

With all do respect to the Rangers, Sean Avery was cross checking and high sticking Montreal Players in the face but no Penalty call on the Play. But when Komiserk just litery taps Drury he jets a penalty. Is it just me or is there something wrong with the NHL's Officiating. When Gainey was asked about the officiating in last nights game he said: "were not going to point any fingers at anyone.Next question"

"We got into the game well, but in the second period the Rangers really took control of the play, where it was happening, the number of shots on net and the scoring chances," Gainey said. "We were not the only desperate team in the game (Tuesday night) and I think they showed that. They created the lead and made it difficult for us to find time and room and shots in the offensive zone in the second half of the game."The Canadiens last 2 games of the season are against the Bruins (on Thursday) and against the Penguins (on Saturday).

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

THE SENATORS DEFEAT THE HABS 3-2

The Canadiens had a 2-1 lead going into the third period (Where Alex Auld made great saves to eventually lead the Sens to a 3-2 victory)."We started the third with the idea of playing with fewer players, using experienced players and players who had played well to that point of the game," Gainey said. "It's never easy for a player like Janik, playing his first game with his new teammates in a game that was so important to us."With Andrei Markov and Mathieu Schneider out with an injury,Hamrlik and Patrice Brisebois took their place on the point on the powerplay.

But they were unable to do Schenider's hard slap shot and were unable to set the players up like Markov could as the Habs were 0-3 on the powerplay for the first time in 7 games."We have to give credit to their penalty killing, they were aggressive, they were first on loose pucks and they were in shooting lanes," Brisebois said. "Andrei's not there, Mathieu's not there, so we're going to have to do the job. We know the power play is a huge asset in our game and we're going to have to score one or two goals a night if we want to win games."The Canadiens next game will be tonight against the Rangers.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

NHL first star of the week Is Alex Kovalev of Montreal

Kovalev was named the NHL’s first star of the week today, becoming the first Habs player to be the first star since Carey Price exactly one year ago today. Ever since Gainey put Tanguay, Koivu and Kovalev together they have been on fire. So don't be surprised if Koivu or Tanguay become the first star this week.The second star of the week is Chicago's Nikolai Khabibulin. The third star of the week is David Backes of the Blues.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo
Photo By Andrew Di Pardo

Mathieu Schneider And Andrei Makov will not play tonight against the Senators

On Saturday night in Toronto the Canadiens got a 6-2 win, but they lost 2 key defencemens. Gainey was expecting them to return to play tonight against the Sens but according to sources they are not ready to play. Andrei Markov is out with an fractured leg and Mathieu Schneider is out with an upper body injury.Ryan O'Brien and Francis Bouillon are expected to replace the injury. "Bouillon will only play if he's ready to play,"Gainey Said."If he's not ready we will need to compremise."The puck drop for tonights game will be at 7:38pm E.T on RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

The Canadiens Blowout the Leafs by the Score of 6-2

Last night in Toronto, the Montreal Canadiens were dominating play all over the ice by getting pucks on goal and scoring big goals on the powerplay. Of the top line of Tanguay, Koivu and Kovalev, the one that has improved his game it is Alex Kovalev.He had 1 goal and three assists in last nights 6-2 shellacking over the Maple Leafs."Well I'm probably playing as good as I have been all year," said Kovalev. "Like I've said many times, sometimes you try to do too much on your own instead of using your partners. Right now I kind of know more about the players that I'm playing with.You've got to believe in this team," he said. "That's the only way you can make the changes."With the 6-2 victory by the Habs,they now sit just 1 point back of the 6th place Penguins.

We're trying to grab as many points as we can and move up the standings," said forward Chris Higgins. "The confidence in the room is back that's pretty obvious to tell.I think we've got four games left here and if we continue to play the way we've been playing the last couple games, then we'll have the right mindset for the playoffs." If the Canadiens continue to play like this they will become a Stanley Cup contender in the playoffs.

The only bad news for the Habs is that Defenceman Mathieu Schneider left yesterday's game with an so called "upper-body injury." In the first period another Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov was hit hard by Mikhail Grabovski with seven minutes to play."I don't really have any idea how it will unfold," Gainey said. "But I'm hoping that they'll be available to us to play on Monday against Ottawa."

Written By Andrew Di Pardo
Photo by Andrew Di Pardo

Game preview: Canadiens @ Maple Leafs

With Carey Price out with the Flu, Jaroslav Halak will make his second straight start tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs (Who lost 8-5 to the Flyers last night. more on that later). The Habs are 1 point ahead of the 7th place Rangers and are just 2 points back of 6th place Penguins."We're not looking at where we're at in the standings. We're just looking at winning games," Canadiens forward Alex Tanguay said. "Points are crucial, and it's going to be no different for us Saturday in Toronto.

"It took a wile for the Canadiens to adapt to Bob Gaineys system a little longer the Canadiens expected to." Well you don't change things overnight or one game, it takes time. You need some results you need some wins constant play to kinda get the message thought and get the players to believe in the system, Koivu said."

"When we did not get the wins, Gainey made us find a way to win,"Koivu added.As for the Leafs, they are officially knocked out of the race for the playoffs. But were having played great until last night against the Flyers. They Leafs were down 6-0 but then scored 3 late second period goals. But they could not complete the comeback as they lost 8-5."We had some guys who basically mailed it in tonight and didn't want to compete," Wilson said. "We knew that they would come hard." The Puck drop for tonights game will be at 7:08pm E.T On CBC and RDS.


Written By Andrew Di Pardo

P.S: I will be at the game tonight in Toronto

The Canadiens Defeat the Islanders 5-1 To Gump Past the Rangers for seventh In The East

Thought the game, the Canadiens were controlling the puck, getting pucks to the net and got goals from there top line of Koivu, Tanguay and Kovalev.Saku Koivu scored the first goal of the game on the powerplay. Late in the first Schenider took a hard slap shot from the point went past Yann Danis for another Powerplay Goal by the Habs. Tanguay scored to make it 3-0 early in the second period.Andrei Markov and Mike Komiserk also scored for Montreal. With the 5-1 win by the Canadiens, they now have a one-point lead over the Rangers with five games left, one more than New York (Who lost 4-2 to Caroline last night)."It's fun to have your destiny in your own hands," forward Alex Tanguay said.

"We knew that no matter what the Rangers were doing tonight, we knew we had one game in hand on them. And if we just won our games, we were going to move up,"Tanguay added.Jaroslav Halak made 26 saves in the 5-1 victory over the Isl's.As for the Islanders,Yann Danis made 29 saves in the lose.The Canadiens are 4-0-1 in their last five."We feel good," Tanguay said. "We've played better, and hopefully we can keep on improving. We are a team that felt at the start had a lot of potential.

"We maybe underachieved but even though we're 77 games into it, the season is still young and we can still make some good things happen." The Canadiens are just 2 points back of the Flyers and the Penguins for 5th spot in the east.The Flyers are playing tonight against the Leafs. Montreal fans will want the Flyers to lose tonight. That game will be on SNET-O at 7:30pm E.T.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

More News on Hamirlik And S. Kostitsyn's injury

Even though Roman Hamirlik let last nights game against Chicago with an upper body injury, he will still make the trip to Long Island and Toronto. As for S.Kostitsyn, he will not make the trip to Long Island and Toronto with a shoulder injury.“Roman should be okay to go tomorrow night against the Islanders but we’d rather Sergei stay here for treatment,” said Bob Gainey. “There had been some pain and we knew about that, but he was still able to play." '

The hit on Tuesday made the situation worse.”With S.Kostitsyn's injury,Christopher Higgins will take his spot of a shutdown role for the Habs’ second line. “I’ll likely be playing with Tomas and Andrei. We finished the game together Tuesday night and we’ve played together before. We’ll have to make sure contribute offensively.”

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

PRICE MAKES 28 SAVES, AS THE CANADIENS DEFEAT THE BLACKAWKS 4-1

Carey Price was driving to the morning skate on Tuesday morning,he spoted his old goaltending partner Cristobal Huet on the street."I gave him a hug out of my window," Price said of his first meeting with Huet since the trade. "We had a green light coming, so we couldn't talk too much.But it was a sad day for me when he got traded. It was almost like having an older brother. He was a guy I looked up to for advice. He was everything I wanted out of a partner." Just 24 sec. into the first period, Keith thought that there was an iceing call so he taped it back,guess who was on the door step. It was Alex Kovalev one timing home his 23rd goal of the season to give the Habs a 1-0 lead.

Guillaume Latendresse, Andrei Markov and Mathieu Schneider also scored for Montreal.Sergei Kostitsyn and defenceman Roman Hamrlik, both got a upperbody injury last night. With the Canadiens 4-1 win over Chicago,it officially eliminated the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators from any chance of any contention to make the playoff.Huet made 29 saves and allowed 4 goals in the lose. As Carey Price made 28 saves and just allowed 1 goal in the victory."He's a good goalie and he's going to have a great career," Huet said of Price. "When you talk about being a mentor, I don't know. But he had a good game tonight."The Canadiens next game will be on Thursday against the Islanders on TSN and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo