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