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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

SERGEI KOSTITSYN WANTS TO BE TRADED


Today in Toronto Sergei Kostitsyn of the Montreal Canadiens has request to be traded after he was suspended by the Canadiens for refusing to go to Hamilton when he was sent down to the AHL. "In Sergei's case, we have expectations, we had objectives that were laid out and it's important for the players to understand that we want them to respect that," Martin said. "We feel that he needs to work at his game. He needs to understand what's expected of a professional.

We feel that by being assigned to Hamilton he'll have an opportunity to show us that he can play at this level." Nobody has ever questioned Sergei's talent from the time he was drafted in the sixth round in 2005. He led the Ontario Hockey League in assists in 2006-07 while playing on a line with Patrick Kane and Sam Gagner with the London Knights."The Montreal Gazette said it could have something to do with Kostitsyn wanting to go to the Russian league called the KHL. I don't think that Montreal will like to keep Kostitsyn now because they don't need any problems like they had last season.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

HABS SEND MORE PLAYERS TO HAMILTON


Yesterday in Toronto, Jacques Martin has announced that he had sent 5 players to the Bulldogs. The Players that have been sent are as followed:

Forwards:

Benjamin Maxwell
Tom Pyatt(injured)
Dany Massé (injured)
Olivier Fortier (injured)

Defensemens:

Yannick Weber
Mathieu Carle
Alex Henry ( injured)


Goaltender:

Curtis Sanford

As you can see the Habs have sent some players to the minors because there hurt.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

COYOTES SIGN ROBERT LANG TO A 1-YEAR-CONTRACT


Yesterday in Phoenix, Robert Lang signed a 1 year contract. The terms of this deal has not been released."We are very pleased to have signed Robert Lang," Coyotes general manager Don Maloney said in a statement. "He provides another veteran presence for our team and is a proven scorer in the National Hockey League."Lang had 18 goals and 21 assists in 50 games for the Montreal Canadiens last season before getting injured.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

CANADIENS GETTING READY FOR THE NHL SEASON IN TORONTO


Today in Toronto, the Montreal Canadiens continued there bonding trip to get ready for the NHL season and Habs coach Jacques Martin says it's great to get the players to know each other. “This type of team building is something I’ve always done with my teams.I think it’s a great way for the guys to get to know about each other and develop their leadership skills"Martin said.

"There will be training sessions in the morning, both on and off ice, and then in the afternoons and evenings we’ll do some activities, including some physical ones, which will be aimed at developing responsibility and leadership.” The Canadiens will open the season on Thursday in Toronto against the Leafs at 7:00 pm E.t on CBC and or RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Monday, September 28, 2009

Sergei Kostitsyn sent to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL


Yesterday evening in Montreal, Jacques Martin (Habs head coach) announced that he has sent Sergei Kostitsyn to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL. Sergei Kostitsyn can't join the Bulldogs until they return from Edinburgh, Scotland (where they had training camp). This move by Martin is a surprise as Kostitsyn was expected by everyone to start the season with Montreal on the second line with his older brother Andrei Kostitsyn and Habs veteran Tomas Plekanec. Only time will tell if he will be called up from Hamilton in the future.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Saturday, September 26, 2009

HABS COME BACK DOWN 2-0 TO BEAT THE SABERS IN THE FIANL PRESEASON GAME


Tonight in Montreal, it was Montreal's last preseason game and they ended it in style. Early in the first, the Sabers jumped to a 2-0 lead with goals from Clarke MacArthur and Nathan Gerbe. But Montreal was not ready to give up. Brian Gionta scored a powerplay goal to put Montreal within 1. Then 10 minutes later it was Maxim Lapierre who tied it at 2-2. Gregory Stewart would go on to score the winning goal as Montreal won 3-2. Carey Price stopped 29 shots in the 3-2 win. The Canadiens will open the season on Thursday against the Leafs in Toronto.

Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin said size will not be a problem for the Canadiens in the upcoming season. "Up front I think we're a little small but we still have the individuals like Travis Moen, Guillame Latendresse, Maxim Lapierre and Matt D'Agostini," said new head coach Jacques Martin, also part of the changing Habs landscape. "I think people have a tendency of looking at our three top forwards as being small." Matin added that the rest of the lineup was not particularly lacking in the size department. The season opener againstToronto will be on Thursady at 7:00 pm E.t on CBC and or RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Friday, September 25, 2009

HABS FALL IN SHOOTOUT AGAINST THE BRUINS


Last night after Briesbois said good bye, Montreal took on the Bruins and it was a great game. But the Canadiens fell 2-1 in the shootout. S.Kostitsyn scored the lone goal for Montreal in the game."It was without a doubt his best game so far," said Habs head coach Jacques Martin. "He went to the net, he was involved, he did some good things."

Canadiens forward Mike Cammalleri left the game due to a lower-body-injury."It's more precautionary, nothing serious," coach Jacques Martin said. "We just wanted to make sure that it didn't get worse and we feel that it'll be all right. Whether he'll play Saturday, we'll see, but what's more important is October 1st." The Canadiens last Preseason game will be on Saturday against the Sabers in Montreal at 7:00 pm E.t (no television broadcast for game).

Shootout
Matt D'Agostini MTL Save
Blake Wheeler BOS Save
Tomas Plekanec MTL Miss
Patrice Bergeron BOS Goal
Scott Gomez MTL Save

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

BRIESEBOIS SAYS GOOD BYE


Last night Patrice Briesbois said good bye to Montreal with some tears. Briesbois talked aabout why he was wearing the 1993 Stanley cup champion ring."I wore it today for the first time since 1993 because I told myself that I'm a winner," the Montreal native said through tears, addressing his coach from that year, Jacques Demers. "No one can ever take that away from me."

Briesbois is thankful that Bob Gainey brang him back to Montreal in 2003."I really think Bob re-launched my career," Brisebois said. "I felt free on the ice after he did that. I knew if I made a mistake, I wouldn't hear those boos again. In March against the Devils Bresibois played his 1000th game in the NHL."Without Bob, I don't think it would have been possible," Brisebois said. "That ovation is something I'll remember the rest of my life." Brisebois will never forget his years in Montreal.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Thursday, September 24, 2009

BRISEBOIS TO ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT


Today in Montreal, long time veteran defenceman of the Montreal Canadiens Patrice Brisebois announced that after 18 years and 2 Stanley Cups in the NHL he is ready to retire. “Patrice was really important to me at the beginning of my career when I was breaking into the league,” said Guillaume Latendresse.

“He’d often take me aside to talk to me or help me any way he could. No matter what was happening on the ice and whether he was in the lineup or not, Breezer always had a smile on his face and was always nice to everyone he met. He can hang up his skates today knowing that he had a great career and he was lucky to experience all that he did over the years," Latendresse added.

Briesbois played 1909 games in the NHL and had 98 goals and 322 assists for a total of 420 points.“He was a great teammate and while it’s sad to see him retire it’s part of life in the NHL,” said Markov. “He was always such a positive guy who gave 100-percent in everything he did.”Briesbois has won a Cup with Montreal in 1993 and with Colorado in 2001.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

17 ROOKIES SENT TO AHL HAMILTON


Yesterday in Montreal, Canadiens GM Bob Gainey sent 17 players to Hamilton. The Players are as followed:

Goaltenders (2)
Robert Mayer
Cédrick Desjardins

Defensemen (5)
Chad Anderson
André Benoit
Michael Busto
P.K. Subban
Frédérick St-Denis

Forwards (10)
Ryan White
Mikael Johansson
James T. Wyman
Ryan Russell
David Desharnais
Andrew Conboy
Brock Trotter
Dany Massé
Mike Glumac
Mathieu Darche

HABS RALLY WITH 3 GOALS IN THE 3RD PERIOD TO BEAT THE STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS


Brian Gionta opened the scoring in the first, but then they were down 2-1 going to the 3rd. They never gave up. The Habs tied the game up with a goal by Scot Gomez off a beautiful feed from Gionta. Then Guillaume Latendresse put the Habs in front 3-2 with 10 miutes to go. But they weren't done there. With 8 minutes to Brian Gionta on timed a pass from Mike Cammalleri into the net (That would be the winner). Bill Guerin put the Penguins within one, but that's as close as they would get as the Habs win 4-3.

"Brian's always been a great player," said Gomez. "The thing with Brian is he works so hard, you have to match that. He goes 100 per cent every time and to keep up with him, you have to pick up your game. But it's been a while since we played together, we still need time. There were a couple of passes where I rushed him." Th Habs next game will be on Thursday against the Bruins on RDS at 7:30pm E.t.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Monday, September 21, 2009

HABS FALL TO THE BRUINS IN QUEBEC CITY


Last night Montreal and Boston traveled to Quebec to play another preseason game. But unfortunately the Habs could not beat Bruins goaltender Rask as the Bruins won 2-1.Michael Ryder and Chuck Kobasew scored for the Bruins. As for Montreal, in the lose, Josh Gorges scored the only goal for Montreal on the powerplay. The Canadiens next preseason game will be tonight against the Penguins on TSN2 at 7:30pm E.t.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Sunday, September 20, 2009

FISHER GETS A HAT-TRICK AS THE CANADIENS LOSE 6-1 TO SENATORS


Last night in Ottawa at Scotiabank place, the Senators scored 6 goals as they beat the Canadiens 6-1. Fisher had 3rd goals and an assist in the victory. This was the first time the Senators got more than 1 goal and the first time they won in the preseason. "The win was really important and I thought overall we played a really good game," said Kovalev ( who opened the scoring with the first goal of the night).

"It's always strange when you get traded and when you walk into a building where you used to play and you see the guys you used to play with. It's a little bit strange but it goes away real quick,"Kovalev added. In the loss, Carey Price played the first two periods stopping 12 of 16 shots he faced before being replaced by Cedric Desjardin.

"There are things we are going to have to work on," Price said. "We need to prepare a little bit better and once we get down to normal numbers the guys will come together a little better. We're kind of on our own pages right now and once we cut down to our team, we'll get better." The Habs will be going to Québec tonight to take on the Bruins. This game will be available on RDS at 7:00pm E.t.

Written By: Andrew Di Pardo

Saturday, September 19, 2009

GIONTA SCORES GAME WINNER AS THE CANADIENS BEAT THE SENATORS 2-1


The Canadiens were coming off a 3-2 win coming into last night's game against the Senators. After the first period the Sens were leading by 1 of a powerplay goal from Milan Michalek. But the Canadiens were ready to give up just yet. Just 5 minutes to go in the second Ben Maxwellt decked out Sens goaltender Kinradeand put the puck in the net to tie the game at 1-1. In the 3rd period with over 6 minutes to play Brian Gionta one timed the pass into the back of the net to put the Habs up 2-1. That would later become the winner.

"The biggest thing is trying to get out there and feel comfortable," said Gionta, who played on the top line with Tomas Plekanec and Max Pacioretty. "There are so many new guys, guys that I've never played with, it's just a matter of time to feel comfortable. The first period was a little slow, but I thought the second and third period our line really had some good chances, some good jump, and it felt pretty good."

"They're unbelievable players," said Michalek, who was involved in the Heatley trade by the Sharks along with Jonathon Cheechoo. "We had good chances but we had some breakdowns in the defensive zone and we have to get better there." The Canadiens next game will be tonight against the Senators in Ottawa.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Friday, September 18, 2009

HABS WIN PRESEASON OPENER


Last night in Montreal, the Canadiens started there preseason with a 3-2 win over the Panthers. It all started with just 2 minutes to go in the first, when Scott Gomez redirects the shot from Jaroslav Spacek into the back of the net. Then in the second period it Andrei Kostitsyn passes the puck to Mike Cammalleri in the slot who one timed the puck into the back of the net. Matt D'agostini would add a goal late in the second to put Montreal up 3-0. The Panthers would go on to score 2 goals by David Booth and Evgeni Dadonov as the Habs will pick up the win by the score of 3-2.

"I'd like to say it's a great moment, but I'm sure that when you score a regular season goal with this sweater on it's going to be a lot different," said Gomez, who joined the Canadiens in a trade from the New York Rangers this summer.It's a good feeling, but a pre-season goal is still a pre-season goal. It's still hockey and I still love to score. I don't get too many of them. It's neat to see young guys score because I've been in that situation. They'll probably be on the phone all night with mom and dad and friends. But the older you get."

"I've got to admit since I was a kid I remember hearing, 'La premiere etoile!"' Cammalleri said. "That's something that me and my dad would always tease about, we'd say those words. He's here tonight so I'm sure it was special for him as well." The Habs next game will be tonight against Kovalev and the Senators.

Written by Andrew Di Pardo

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Canadiens Traing Camp: RED V.S WHITE SCRIMMAGE GAME 3


Today in Montreal at the bell center complex, the Canadiens were battling for jobs as they played there 3rd and final red v.s white scrimmage before the preseason. The first line of Mike Cammalleri, Scott Gomez and Andrei Kostitsyn of the red team. The scoring started in the first when Cammaleri passed the puck across the crease right to Gomez for an easy tap in to put the reds up 1-0. In the second it was the same story as the Reds got 2 more goals from Andrew Conboy and Max Pacioretty as the Red team would win 3-1.

The red team became the champion of this mini tournement.“The real test for these pairings will be in the preseason games. For the moment, I like what I’ve seen from these combinations,” offered the Habs’ bench boss. “Putting Andrei Kostitsyn with Gomez and Cammalleri seems to be working. That’s a line that will probably play together for some preseason games.” The pre-season will start on Thursday for the Canadiens.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

MARKOV DECIDES TO TURN DOWN HABS CAPTAINCY


Since former Habs captain Saku Koivu signed with the Duck's, Jacques Martin has been trying to find a new captain. Today he offered defenceman Andrei Markov that job. But unfortunately Markov turned Martin down. So with Makov not wanting to be the Captain, Martin said that Gainey would pick the Captain at the end of training camp.

Written by Andrew Di Pardo

Thursday, September 10, 2009

MONTREAL CANADIENS SEASON PREVIEW


With the 2009-2010 season just around the corner, the Montreal Canadiens are expected to rebound off a bad season with help from there number 1 goalie Carey Price. In game 4 of the 1st round series of the playoffs between Montreal and Boston, the Canadiens were down 4-1 in the 3rd period and Price raised his arm's when' the Hab fan's jeered him just like Patrick Roy did."We had two frustrated parties and maybe the choices weren't the best, but you know, it's going to happen," said Price. "Sometimes I'm going to get it, sometimes a player shouldn't give it back but sometimes it happens." Price also said that he is ready to move on."I don't think I've ever been put in a situation that I can't handle.I've never backed down from a challenge and this year I'm not going to start."

With Jacques Martin putting together the first line of Mike Cammalleri,Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez, the Canadiens should have lots of offense this season."We both know that me and Gionta have something to prove this season," Gomez Said." There's no better place to prove yourself but in Montreal." So if you look at the Canadiens roster you will see that the Habs will finish in 3rd place in Eastern Conference.

THE 4 LINES OF THE HABS ARE AS FOLLOWED:

Goalies:

1. Carey Price
2. Jaroslav Halak

Line 1:

Mike Cammalleri, Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta

Line 2:

Andrei Kostitsyn, Tomas Plekanec and Matt D'Agostini

Line 3:

Guillaume Latendresse, Maxim Lapierre and Georges Laraque

Line 4

Travis Moen, Glen Metropolit and Max Pacioretty

Defensive Lines:

1. Andrei Markov and Josh Gorges
2.Roman Hamrlik and Jaroslav Spacek
3.Paul Mara and Hal Gill

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

MOLSON DEAL TO BUY THE HABS IS FINALIZED


Today in Montreal, Gillett finalized the sale of the Canadiens. Gillett agreed to sell the Canadiens to Molson in June. "8 years ago my family had the privilege to see all of you.It was the best 8 years of our life. I have enjoyed every single moment and all the privilege you and your fans have given us to be the owners of the Montreal Canadiens," Gillett said. " Now it's time for the next generation to take over." So now it's official Molson own's the Habs again.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Canadiens Pre-season schedule 2009


Pre-season schedule 2009:
September 2009
Date Visitor Home Time (ET) TV Network/Results
Thu Sep 17, 2009 Panthers Canadiens 7:30 PM

Fri Sep 18, 2009 Senators Canadiens 7:30 PM RDS
Sat Sep 19, 2009 Canadiens Senators 7:00 PM

Sun Sep 20, 2009 Canadiens Bruins (Quebec, QC) 7:00 PM RDS
Mon Sep 21, 2009 Penguins Canadiens 7:30 PM RDS, TSN2, NHLN-US(HD)
Thu Sep 24, 2009 Bruins Canadiens 7:30 PM RDS
Sat Sep 26, 2009 Sabres Canadiens 7:00 PM

Sunday, September 6, 2009

HABS ROOKIE CAMP STARTS MONDAY


Yesterday the Habs announced that they will start rookie camp on Monday, September 7th 2009 and will end on Thursday September 10th 2009. 15 of 29 players that will be attending rookie camp are from the draft. The rookie's will talk to the media every day after practice at 5:30pm E.t.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Saturday, September 5, 2009

What happened to Phil Goyette?


Do you wonder whatever happened to Phill Goyette? If you do you will like this interview from:
http://ourhistory.canadiens.com/article/Where-Are-They-Now-Phil-Goyette

Where do you live now?

I live in Lachine.

What are you up to these days?
I’m retired now. I stay in shape in the summer by playing a lot of golf. I probably play about five rounds a week, just trying to keep my score respectable. At my age, the ball doesn’t go quite as far, but I still shoot between 85 and 95. I play with Elmer Lach, who is 92 years old, and his drives might be a little shorter than they used to be but he definitely hasn’t lost his touch out there.

Where did you work after you retired from hockey?
I was actually working even while I was playing for the Canadiens. It’s only been about 10 years since I stopped working. Before that, I worked for 43 years as a ­paralegal in the import/export industry. Back then, we had to work even when we played – let’s just say the salaries didn’t really compare to what they’re making today.

How did that work with your employer at the time?
It worked really well. It was good for the company having me there as a professional hockey player. I also bought a lot of shares pretty early on and naturally, when you’ve invested in the company, you work harder to make sure it’s successful. I’ve sold all my shares, though, and the company is now owned by FedEx.

How often do you lace up the skates per year?
Just to get the legs going now and then. Some years, I go a little more often, but otherwise probably once a week. It changes things up in the winter. I haven’t taken off for Florida yet; I’m still way too young for that!

So you think Florida might be your next move?
No, for now, I spend about a week there in the winer and I’m already excited to come home. My grand-kids are there so I want to be near them. I didn’t really see my own kids grow up because I was always on the road, so I really want to make sure I’m there to see my grandchildren as much as possible.

Are you still in touch with your former teammates?
I see the ones who still live around here quite regularly with the Canadiens Alumni.

How many Canadiens games do you watch each season?
I watch a few every season. It’s tough with the number of teams now to even keep up with all the players around the league. I’m just not as into it anymore. But when I know there’s going to be a lot of emotion or a big rivalry, I’ll make my way to the Bell Centre to check out the game.

What’s your most valued souvenir or piece of memorabilia that you’ve held on to since your playing days?
Definitely my replica Stanley Cup and all the other replica trophies, both the individual and team awards. But the first Cup is absolutely the most important to me. Other than that, probably the Lady Byng I won while I was with St. Louis.

Where do you keep your Stanley Cup ring?
I only ever received one ring – for the Cup we won in 1960 – and I wear it all the time. Today when the guys win, their rings are so big they can’t even wear them. Mine is the perfect size!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

LIGHTNING SIGN ALEX TANGUAY TO A 1 YEAR CONTRACT


Alex Tanguay update:

Today in Tampa, the lightning announced that they had signed Alex Tanguay to a 1 year $2.5 million dollar contract.Last season with the Canadiens, Tanguay had 16 goal's and 25 assist in 50 games."All the guys I talked to who played with him said he's unbelievable," Lecavalier said. "He's going to bring a lot of offence to our team.He's a hard-working guy, a good guy and you never have enough of those guys. I played with him in the world juniors in 1998. I'm happy he's part of it."

Written By Andrew Di Pardo