TSN IS NOW THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH BROADCASTING CHANNEL OF THE MONTREAL CANADIENS

Today, TSN announced that they are now the official English Broadcasting channel of the Montreal Canadiens. They will be showing 24 games of the Montreal Canadiens (for viewers of Quebec and people in Central and Eastern Ontario who have Bell) . Those games will be on channel 402 on Bell satellite and it is not available on Telus, Rogers or Basic cable. Each game will be available in HD. For more info visit http://tsn.ca/habs/.

Canadiens TSN Schedule:

October

Monday, October 25 Phoenix @ Montreal 7:30pm
Friday, October 29 Montreal @ NY Islanders 7pm

November

Tuesday, November 2 Montreal @ Columbus 7pm
Friday, November 5 Montreal @ Buffalo 7:30pm
Tuesday, November 9 Vancouver @ Montreal 7:30pm
Tuesday, November 16 Philadelphia @ Montreal 7pm
Thursday, November 18 Nashville @ Montreal 7:30pm
Monday, November 22 Montreal @ Philadelphia 7pm

December
Sunday, December 19 Montreal @ Colorado 8pm
Tuesday, December 21 Montreal @ Dallas 9pm
Sunday, December 26 Montreal @ NY Islanders 7pm
Tuesday, December 28 Montreal @ Washington 7pm
Thursday, December 30 Montreal @ Tampa Bay 7:30pm
Friday, December 31 Montreal @ Florida 5pm

January

Sunday, January 2 Atlanta @ Montreal 1pm
Thursday, January 6 Pittsburgh @ Montreal 7:30pm
Monday, January 17 Calgary @ Montreal 7:30pm

February

Tuesday, February 15 Buffalo @ Montreal 7:30pm
Thursday, February 24 Toronto @ Montreal 7:30pm

March

Thursday, March 3 Montreal @ Florida 7:30pm
Tuesday, March 8 Boston @ Montreal 7:30pm
Thursday, March 10 Montreal @ St. Louis 8pm
Thursday, March 17 Tampa Bay @ Montreal 7:30pm


Tuesday, April 5 Chicago @ Montreal 7:30pm

GIONTA GETS HIS FIRST GOAL AS CAPTAIN AS THE CANADIENS BEAT THE SENS

(1-3-1) Ottawa Senators 3-4 Montreal Canadiens (3-1-1)
                                      Final

Last night in Montreal, the Canadiens took an early lead with a Goal by their captain Brian Gionta on a breakawy. Then with time winding down in the first period the Senators tied the game with a goal by Milan Michalek. In the second period, it was all montreal until 13 minutes in the Senators took their first shot of the period and scored on it. The goal was scored by Karlsson. Then just a minute later Milan Michalek scored on a backhand to give the Sens a 3-1 lead on just their second shot of Period 2. But the Canadiens didn't give up.

With 7 minutes to play in the period Jeff Halpern's centering pass went off the Senators defensman's skate to put Montreal within 1. Then with 3 minutes left in the second Andrei Kostitsyn skated in pass the defenders and scored to tie the game going into the 3rd. Then with just 4 minutes remaing Kostitsyn skates in and took a shot that was stopped by Elliot but the reabound went right to Plekanec who scored five hole to give the Canadiens the 4-3 lead. That would be the game winner as the Canadiens come from behind and win it 4-3.

In the victory, Carey Price made 16 saves on 19 shots."I didn't face a whole lot of work, but it just shows our guys are working out there to help me," said Price who has started in all 5 of Monteal's games."We battled hard, but we've got to close the game off when we've got a two-goal lead," said Senators defenceman Karlsson. "But I think we're on the right track." In the Sens lose, Brian Elliot made 33 saves on 37 shots and the other Sens golie that played in this game (due to Elliots skated problems) made 3 saves on 3 shots and it was his NHL debut and his name is Lehner. "It was nice for me to have my first little bit of a game played here in the show," Lehner said. "And an extra bonus, I think I'm the youngest Swedish goalie ever to play in the show so I'm happy about that. I couldn't have done more."

The Canadiens played well in this game and they will hope that there will be many more of these kind of games  to come. The Habs next game will be a while from now as they play Thursday night against the Struggiling Devils.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

CANADIENS SPOIL THE SABRES 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WITH A 2-1 WIN

(2-1-1) Montreal Canadiens 2-1 Buffalo Sabres (1-3-1)
                                           Final

Last night in Buffalo N.Y It was the Sabres 40th anniversary Celebration but they couldn't get a win. Before I get to the game summary. Here's some history on this Buffalo Sabres team. The Sabres organization started 40 years ago to the day of last nights game (Oct.15th, 1970). Ironically  it was against the Montreal Canadiens who beat the Sabres on that night by the score of 3-0. The Ceremony began by redoing the faceoff that happened 40 years Prior between the most winning player in NHL history former Habs Captain "the pocket Rocket" Henri Richard (who won 11 Stanley cups)and former Sabres captain and head coach Flyod Smith.  After the Ceremony it was time to play hockey. But the question was were the teams ready to play.One team was and that team is called the Montreal Canadiens.

The Canadiens got off to a great start by controlling the play in the offensive zone but Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres was their to keep the game score-less with save after save.Now lets go to the second. Just 2 minutes into the second the Habs would get on the board with a goal from Picard (which was a bad goal due to the fact that the shot was going wide but it hit off a Sabres defenseman and into the net) to make it 1-0.

At the other end Carey Price (who made a total of 22 saves) was great in this one as he was their to make the big saves that the Habs needed. The Canadiens would reward Price by scoring their first powerplay goal of the season on a rolling puck that was shot by Gorges and looked like a curve ball in the final minute of the second period. Miller had no chance what so ever on that one.

Then in the third, Buffalo seemed to have finally woken up by taking shot after shot and finally Derek Roy put it up and over the glove of Price to cut the lead to 1. Note: That goal was the Sabres first goal in  108 minutes. But that's all they would get in this game as the Canadiens would go on to win 2-1 is your final."We felt good about our lead, but we knew they were going to come out hard," said Picard, who scored a goal for the first time since Dec. 18, 2009, at New Jersey.

"We actually got a couple chances early in the third, then they had theirs. After that, we just shut our blue-line, and they couldn't get in."With this loss by Buffalo they have now lost 4 straight games and they are all home losses."We had a couple of bad bounces and it seems like we've had bad bounces fall on us," Roy said. "We're getting outworked at home and that's unacceptable."

Even though the Canadiens may have won this game Price still hasn't got a Shutout. The last time he got a Shuttout was November 9th 2008. You want to know why he hasn't got a shuttout in so long? It's because of sloppy defense. For example, the Habs played well last night but one sloppy defensive play lead to a goal.

The Habs will have to improve on there defense if they are going to see Price get a shuttout. But Honestly, this game they just had one densive slip up. In the game against Tampa they had 5 or 6 and Price only let in 2 goals on those plays. So they are improving. I think you will see Price get a few shuttouts this year if they keep improving that's the key.The Canadiens next game is tonight against the Senators on CBC-M and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

CANADIENS FALL IN HOME OPENER

(2-3-0) Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3  Montreal Canadiens (1-1-1)
                             Final Ot

Last night in Montreal, it was the Canadiens home opener but the Canadiens couldn't grab a win as they lost 4-3 to Tampa in overtime. Let's look back to what exactly happened in this game. The Habs got off to a great start by taking a 1-0 lead in the first with  a Lightning  give away that went right to Lapierre who fired home his first of the season to make it 1-0. Shortly after that Cammalleri skated in and took a shot that was stopped by Smith but Cammalleri got his rebound and made a great pass to Plekanec who scored on a wide open net to make it 2-0.

Early in the Second period Tampa would respond with a goal from Brett Clarke (former Hab) on a one timer which was on the powerplay. Then with the Habs on the powerplay with 5 minutes to go in period 1 Subban fanned on a shot and it lead to a 2 on 1. St.Louis received a pass and one timed it on net but Carey Price with a big glove save to keep the lead in tak.But 5 minutes into the final frame, Stampkos came in and took a shot and it was blocked by Gorges but the rebound went right to St Louis who fired it home to tie the game at 2-2.

Then 1 minute after that Kostitsyn skated in he deked out 2 players and scored to give the Habs the lead once more. With 2 minutes to go in the game Stamkos tied it up on a one timer.So were off to O.t. Then in Ot. Former Hab Dominik Moore skated in on a 2 on 1 and passed it across the crease right to Malone who buried to win the game for the lightning 4-3 the Final. In the win, Smith made 24 saves on 27 shots."We have a lot of character in this dressing room," St. Louis said. "We've gone through a lot the last couple of years but we battled. To be able to battle in a building like this early on in the season and get a victory like this, it's a great sign."

In the lose Carey Price was great by making 44 saves on 48 shots. But unfortunetly for him it wasn't enough to win."I thought we had too many penalties," Canadiens coach Jacques Martin said. "There was a lack of discipline in our play. This league is too close and you can't give that many opportunities away." The Canadiens next game will be Friday against the Sabres in Montreal at 7:30 pm E.t on RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

PRICE MAKES 36 SAVES TO LEAD THE HABS TO A VICTORY OVER THE PENGUINS

(1-1-0) Montreal Canadiens 3-2 Pittsburgh Penguins (0-2-0)
                                           Final

Last night in Pittsburgh, It was the rematch of the Eastern Confrence Semi-Finals between the Montreal Canadiens and the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was a disapointing playoffs for the Penguins as Montreal knocked them out in 7 games in there old building (Mellon Arena). The rematch took place right across the street in the Penguins new arena which is called Consol Energy Center. But there new arena didn't stop Montreal from defending there playoff win against the Penguins as the Candiens won this game 3-2 the final. It all started in the first period when Carey Price robed Crosby on his one-timed shot. Price had to go from one side of his net to the other to make the save. Then with just 4 minutes left in the 1st Plekanec centering pass to Mike Cammalleri goes in to make it 1-0. In the second period the Penguins would get it back. Crosby's cross seen pass goes right to Malkin who one times it and it goals in to tie the game.

Then shortly after that Crosby skates in on a 2 on 2 play and Crosby goes for the shot and Carey Price makes the save and he flashes the lether on it to keep the game tied going into the 3rd. In the 3rd, Kris Letang gives the Penguins the lead with 12 minutes to go. The shot beat Carey Price five hole. Just 2 minutes after that the Penguins came in on a 2 on 1 and Crosby's shot was stopped then Malkin on the rebound but it was stopped by Carey Price. Another great save by Price and the Habs are still in this game. Then with 3 minutes to go in the period Josh Gorges of Montreal took a shot from the point and it was tipped in by Cammalleri thats his second of the game ties it at 2-2. Then just 24 seconds later Gomez skates in and takes a shot it was stuck in between the pads of Fleury but Gionta tapped his pads and the Puck went in. Gomez would get credit for the game winning goal that's his first of the season and Montreal wins it 3-2.

"I just kind of threw it on net at the end and good things happen, I guess," Gomez said. "Kind of like Doc Halladay, I just threw the 3-2 changeup in there."What a performance by Price as he stopped 36 of 38 shots as he was a big reason why the Canadiens won."Carey was really good, but you know what? We expect him to be that way," Cammalleri said. "I don't think that was anything out of the ordinary for him -- that's Carey Price. I loved his body language, he made some game-winning saves throughout the game, so well done by him." The Canadiens next game will be on Wednesday against the Lighting in Montreal at 7:30pm E.t on RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

GREAT GOALTENDING LEADS TO A TORONTO WIN

(0-1-0) Montreal Canadiens 2-3 Toronto Maple Leafs (1-0-0)
                                           Final

Last night in Toronto, it was the season opener between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. The Leafs got off to a great start by scoring 2 goals in the first 8 minutes. Those goals were from Brent (1st) and Kessel (1st). But the Canadiens would respond under a minute after Kessel scored it was Dustin Boyd on the rap-around to put Montreal with in one. In the second, it was all Montreal but Giguere was there to keep Toronto in the game with save after save.

There was no scoring in the second because of him. But in the third, the Maple Leafs would jump to a 2 goal lead again with a dangle from former Sabres Clark MacArthur and a nice back hand shot that beat Carey Price blocker side to make it 3-1. 20 seconds later Jeff Halpern of Montreal would score to put Montreal within one again. Then with under 2 minutes to go Carey Price makes a great sprawling save on Kessel to keep Montreal in the game. Then with ten seconds to go Gionta's rap around would be stoped twice by Giguere as the Leafs would win it 3-2 the final.

In the win Giguere made 26 saves on 28 shots  for Toronto. "He played really well," Wilson said about Giguere. "He focuses and battles every shot. Looking at the game, this is probably one that last year we'd get tied against in the last minute. Because of a couple of great saves, we ended up preserving the win."The Canadiens captain Brian Gionta was also impressed with the way Giguere played."He made two or three big saves on me there at the end," Gionta said. "I thought I had it, but he found a way to get his pad on it."

In the Canadiens loss, Price Made 21 saves on 24 shots." I think Carey played well. He made kept us in the game."Martin said." The only time he let goals in was when our defense made mistakes. We'll have to work on our defense for the Next game." The Canadiens next game is on Saturday in Pittsburgh at 7:00pm E.t on CBC and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

PRICE QUESTIONABLE FOR SEASON OPENER

CLERMONT, Que. -According to TSN Carey Price may be out for the Canadiens first regular season game in Toronto due to a flu that Price reportedly picked up yesterday."It's going to depend on how he feels tomorrow," said Canadiens coach Jaques Martin on Wednesday. "We can't be concerned. We just have to deal with the reality. If he's ready to play tomorrow, then he'll play. if he's not, that's why we have an experienced netminder like Alex Auld." Carey Price is looking to bounce back from a bad season. If he plays like he did in the last 2 preaseason games he will do well.
Written By Andrew Di Pardo

HABS SEND 5 PLAYERS TO THE AHL

Ben Mawell in the Canadiens first preseason game against Boston

MONTRÉAL -- The Canadiens announced today that they have sent 5 players down to the Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL).Those 5 players are goaltender Curtis Sanford, forwards Ben Maxwell and Ryan White, as well as defensemen Alex Henry and Yannick Weber. In five preseason games White had 2 goals and a assist, Ben Maxwell got 1 goals and a assist in 4 games, Weber had 2 assist in 4 games and Sanford played 1.5 periods this preseason and he made 6 saves on 6 shots.These players will report to Hamilton tomorrow.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

CAMMALLERI TALKS ABOUT SUSPENSION

CLERMONT, Que. - Mike Cammalleri spoke about his 1 game suspension and was un happy to be forced to miss Montreals first Regular season game. “I'm not going to pretend that I wasn't excited to open the season in Toronto because I was.The League made its decision and I’ll have to abide by it,” stated Cammalleri."The only thing for me to do now is look ahead to Saturday’s game and concentrate on that.” Mike Cammalleri played 65 games last season and had 26 goals and 24 assits.“It’s the League’s decision, and it’s something we’ll respect,” said Martin, “This now gives the opportunity to one of our young player to step up and play in the season-opener against Toronto.” That young player is Lars Eller. Eller will be taking Cammalleri's place on the top line with Andrei Kostitsyn and Tomas Plekanec.

“It’s great that I’ve had the chance to play all these different positions so far. It’s helped me learn quickly where and how I can play that’ll most help the team,” explained Eller. “I want to be there, I want to make things happen. I want to help this team win.”

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

CAMMALLERI GETS SUSPENDED FOR 1 GAME

Today in Montreal, the Canadiens forward Mike Cammalleri has been suspended for 1 game for a slash on Islander forward Niederreite on Saturday. Cammalleri will forfeit $32,258.06 of the Habs budjet."I got an elbow first, then kind of got a stick. Then I was trying to get back in the play and got a cheapshot," Neiderreiter told reporters. "It's pre-season, but you should never do a cheapshot like that. He came from behind and I never expected to get slashed. It's not a good thing." Cammalleri will miss the Habs opening regular season game against the Leafs but will be back for game 2 of the season which is against the Penguins.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Michael Cammalleri Slash Nino Niederreiter (October 2 2010)

NHL Pre-season game 7: HABS BLOWOUT THE ISLANDERS BUT CAMMALLERI GETS EJECTED

(0-4-0) New York Islanders  2-7 Montreal Canadiens (4-3-0)

Last night in Quebec City it was Montreal's final Preseason game and it ended on a good not with a 7-2 victory and a bad note for Mike Cammalleri who was ejected from the game. But before we get on to that I'll give you the full game story. So anyway, the Canadiens got on the board fast with a goal from Mike Cammalleri just 4 minutes in. Then Pouliot scored 3 minutes after that to make it 2-0. The Islanders would reaspond with a goal from Jon Sim to make it a one goal game. Then on the powerplay P.K Subban point shot beats the Islanders goalie to make it 3-1. Early in the second, Plekanec would score to make it 4-1. They would have that lead going into the third.  Then it was Lars Eller who would score to make it 5-1. The Habs would go onto get 2 more goals as they win it 7-2.

In the victory, Mike Cammalleri was ejected from the game due to a 2 handed slash to back of the legs of Nino Niederreite. But Niederreite was the man who started it. If you look at the video you will see that he lifted the elbow to try to nail Cammalleri in the head. So in my opinion I think he deserved the slash. " I spoke to Cammy before the game and I told him that this guy likes to do that kind of stuff,"Plekanec said." I hope he learned his lession." The Canadiens next game will be there first Regular season game and it will be this Thursday against Toronto at the A.C.C on CBC and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

NHL Pre-season Game 6: CANADIENS FALL TO THE SABRES IN GIONTA'S CAPTAINCY DEBUT

(3-1-0) Buffalo Sabres 5-3 Montreal Canadiens (3-3-0)
                                  Final

Last night in Montreal, it was Gionta's first game wearing the "c" but unfortunately for him and his teammates they didn't get the win as they would lose 5-3 to the Sabres. In the first period the Sabres got on the board quickly with a powerplay goal by Vanek. Now lets go to the second , just 2 minutes  in Adams beat Alex Auld on the rap around to give Buffalo a 2 goal lead. Just 15 seconds after that Montreal would respond with a rap around goal of there own from 38 year old Mathieu Darche. 2 minutes after that Ryan O'Byrne takes a shot from a bad angle and Montadore tips it into his own net to tie the game at 2-2.

Buffalo would go onto get 2 more goals in the second by Connolly and Adems and 1 goal in the third from Schiestelto make it 5-2. But Montreal wasn't done as Tom Pyatt would add a goal to put them within 2. Then Andrei Kostitsyn scored which should have put them within one but it was waived off because the official said it was kicked in. But the reaplay shows that it was a good goal but due to lack of video review in Pre-season the goal would not count as the Habs lose  5-3.

In the lose, the Habs didn't get a single powerplay goal as they went 0-6."We have to be better, but at the same time we never had our two units competing against each other and that was our strength last year,"Martin said. "Once we get our people back I think that'll help our performance on the power play." Alex Auld made 32 saves for Montreal in the lose. After every time he gave up a goal the Fans would chant "Carey, Carey,Carey." It's only preseason they shouldn't be tauting there own goaltender is what I believe anyway. The Habs next game will be on Saturday night against the Islanders in Quebec city on RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo