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A win and they're in

Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 9:57 AM EDT 25/03/08

Montreal becomes the first Canadian team to qualify for the playoffs with victory over Ottawa ...Read the full article

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  1. Rob C from T.O., Canada writes: Lotsa goals at both ends of the ice.... Just wondering: Besides a will to win and a killer instinct, has anyone pointed out that the Sens lack goaltending and team defense?
  2. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Might not be a lot of 'Frenchmen' on the the team but they are certainly flying. Relaxed in the third period, but with a 6 goal lead - it's tough to keep focus.

    Ottawa is backpedalling into the playoffs (haven't got there yet). The one positive was to replace Gerber with Razor after the first as Gerber has lost confidence in his defence. Can't blame him, this defence is softer than a national brand of toilet paper.

    Can we vote for Bob Gainey as PM to run the country?
  3. Emmanuel Chan from Toronto, Canada writes: Wild finish to the game but 2 points nonetheless. Congrats to the Habs for clinching a playoff spot. The first goal has been accomplished -- now time to refocus for the post-season. GO HABS!
  4. Dogman Smith from Halifax, Canada writes: OK , bit nervous in the last p.., OK a lot nervous!!! in the last period.
    Luv the way Plekanec line changes tempo at full strength.
    way to go...luv to be on St.Catherines again for the first time since 1973 in June. Go Habs!!!
  5. D K from Canada writes: Sens stank!
  6. Michael L from Canada writes: It was two different Hab's teams out there - and I liked the first one a lot more. Ottawa's 'comeback' started right after Begin hit the post. And if anyone thinks Ottawa has any chance ...
  7. Bob Stanley from Toronto, Canada writes:

    Detroit Fan here!!

    Watched this key eastern match-up.

    Pretty clear that Ottawa is the more talented team. No goaltending though?
    Ottawa doesn't play for 2 periods and its over...Montreal cannot match Ottawa if Ottawa plays.

    Gerber allowed 3 goals

    Emery allowed 4 goals

    Price allowed 5 goals
  8. G MACK from Toronto, Canada writes: BOB STANLEY...
    You must have watched a different game! HABS let up and got bored!!!
    How does it even become 7-1?

    Stick to Detroit where the goal is clear and a cup is real possibility.

    Cheers.
  9. B I from Toronto, Canada writes: Bob Stanley from Toronto, Canada writes: Pretty clear that Ottawa is the more talented team ... Ottawa doesn't play for 2 periods and its over...Montreal cannot match Ottawa if Ottawa plays.

    Yeah, keep writing Montreal off. All the pundits did and look how right they were. Bob Mackenzie probably can't sleep at night right now.
  10. steve allan from Canada writes: Montreal took the third period off and that doesn't bode well as far as I'm concerned. When your next game isn't for four days and you can't even play all out till the end, that tells me you don't have the character to win in the playoffs. And I've said it once and I'll repeat it - the Habs will not go far with Price in the playoffs. The guy lets in too many soft goals.

    As far as Ottawa goes, hats off to Heatley and Alfredsson for not quitting. Unfortunately for the Sens they haven't got much depth....or character. Spezza is an overpaid coattail rider who just floats around out there most of the time picking up the odd cheap goal here and there.
  11. Sal Gillespie from Canada writes: See that Redden was hurt... as an Ottawa fan, I hope its serious. This dude's total collapse as a player, from all-star to AHL level, is unreal. Ottawa's defense should be amazing- what the heck has happened? OK, the goaltending has crapped out, thats at least understandable- two guys have lost their edge. But what about the rest? How could everybody get so bad so quickly? Poor Alfie- after all these years taking the heat, he's the only one left holding the boat afloat.
  12. B I from Toronto, Canada writes: steve allan from Canada writes: Montreal took the third period off and that doesn't bode well as far as I'm concerned. When your next game isn't for four days and you can't even play all out till the end, that tells me you don't have the character to win in the playoffs. And I've said it once and I'll repeat it - the Habs will not go far with Price in the playoffs. The guy lets in too many soft goals.

    You are going to be repeating it into the Conference Finals. You'll still be wrong.
  13. steve allan from Canada writes: Sal Gillespie - Alfie is a great player and he will be dangerous in the playoffs, but don't forget Heatley. The guy played with a lot of heart tonight. After that it tails off badly.....Spezza? Gimme a break! And the goaltending is mediocre at best. The defence pretty ordinary.

    I can't see this team going very far in the playoffs. And of course their owner is just a little preoccupied with other matters right now. Not a good thing for team morale.
  14. steve allan from Canada writes: G MACK and BI - I'm a Habs fan! I was there in '93 when they won the Cup. I'm just calling it like I see it. Hope I'm wrong about the character and goaltending.

    Spezza = Buttle. That's not fair to Buttle, at least the guy's a winner! hahaha
  15. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: steve allan - of course Montreal took the third period off. 6 goal lead and anyone gets lazy. If you can drill the opposition 7-1 over forty, you can coast for twenty.

    Habs can go far in the playoffs with Price. Or they could lose in the first round. That's what they playoffs are about.

    Ottawa scores 4 in the third to make it close. The big scorers come to life to salvage their pride. What I saw tonight was very little team work in the first two periods and a very soft defence.

    Razor starts in Buffalo. I have dusted off my 20 year old leather pads and have offered my services to the cause, although when I played I understood the defencemen in front of me, their weak points and their strenghts. Redden just confuses me.
  16. Dave Morris from Ottawa, writes: Very simply put, it looks ugly for the Sens. Montreal destroyed them. Forget the four goals in the third, Ottawa was never in this game. With no goaltending and now Redden out, Ottawa will be toast in round one vs. the Devils, Canes, Pens or Habs...depending how far they fall from now until season's end (both the Rangers and the Flyers could overtake them). Montreal showed it can explode out of the gate. Andrei K, Higgins, Grabovski will all be dangerous in the post season, and Kostopoulos showed he is hungry. The defence, even without Komisarek, is tight. Price is a rock. Gainey looks like a genius right now.
  17. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: The home team showed that they can play, while the visitors continue to slide. Impressive display by the Habs and an abject capitulation by the Sens (I now have a sense of Napoleon III army at Sedan).

    I'm off to an early management meeting on whether to repaint the offices teal or 'Provencal gold' to inspire the troops.

    I've always believed that a vinegar soaked knotted rope worked just as well - I think I should apply as the Sens motivational coach.

    Wotcher
  18. Swifty J from Mtl, Canada writes: Magnificent moral victory for Ottawa.
  19. Robert Lepage from Canada writes: Good job to the habs.

    4 goals and a shut out in the third period. Sounds an awful lot like regular season. Why can't my Sens play like this for an entire game?! It was painful to watch the game, just like a massive train wreck! It's ugly but I couldn't look away!

    I hope this is a character builder for them.

    As for the Habs... I think they could pull a Senators from last season: smoke the east and get pummeled by the west. Alternatively, they could be out in the first, or second, or the conf finals. Who knows?
  20. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: Got to love it. Montreal wins an ugly one, but gain their playoff berth. Forty minutes of superb hockey...then domination for twenty by the visitors and penalty trouble. Previous to tonight, the 'Tricolore' had managed only 11 goals agaist the Ottawa club so it's sweet to chase Gerber and then pound Emery. The Pens lose as well, so the Canadiens put some room between themselves and the clubs in pursit of them in the East. Being in the top slot is starting to seem normal now....GO HABS GO
  21. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: Thank god for the Canadian Press, otherwise the G&M readers would never know that the real storied hockey powerhouse of this country not only exists but is establishing themselves as the #1 seed in the East.

    The Globe columnists are too busy writing love-in stories about Stajan and Steen and their overachieving 12th place team.
  22. Howard Young from Canada writes: Did the goalies, Alfie and Heatley arrive on the first bus while the rest of the team showed up in Montreal hours later? The goalies were not stellar but where was the defence? Where were the majority of the forwards to help out defensively? ............................................................. Congrats to the Habs for clinching a playoff spot, you guys came out and played with a purpose. ............................................................................ While I'm glad the Sens finally tried to make a game of it in the 3rd period, this was partially due to the Habs taking the foot off the gas in the 3rd period. Part of me would have preferred the final score to have been 7 - 1, that way, the Sens wouldn't have any positive take aways to lean upon and would be forced to think about nothing but negatives, because they really need something to shake their collective tree.
  23. Swifty J from Mtl, Canada writes: We've had some good reading from Roy MacGregor the last couple of days.
  24. B I from Toronto, Canada writes: Steve Allan, I too used to be a cautious fan and nothing was ever really good enough. But this team has me believing because it can be a 4 line team just as it was in 1993. I really think we are going to see a different Saku Koivu in the playoffs where he traditionally makes every shift count. People are not going to enjoy playing against this team. As for Carey Price, I couldn't disagree with you more. His composure is second to none. Patrick Roy used to give up soft goals too but he always gave up one fewer than the guy on the other end of the ice.
  25. Nassar Ben Houdja from Canada writes: And rightly so.
  26. Dennis O'Keefe from saskatoon, Canada writes: Bob Stanley from Toronto, Canada writes:

    It's a good thing you are not a GM, or perhaps you could qualify for the Ottawa job.
  27. Carl C. from Canada writes: Go Habs Go!
  28. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Congrats to the Habs ---

    Is Super Troll still in hiding?
  29. Saskatchewan Seal Hunter Club from Canada writes: Way to go Habs. Its about time we didn't hear about the Laughs....oops I mean Leafs. Don't know about other parts of the country, but there are more Habs fans in my area then Leaf fans, and I'm in Western Canada.
  30. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: More Habs than Leafs fans in Atlantic Canada too...

    Funny that!
  31. Robert Lepage from Canada writes: Alright, I had a chance to review each goal and if I was a Habs fan, I'd be a little worried. I only counted three convincing goals (not a collapsed-redden-goal, or a slow-ref-goal, or a wtf-it's-in-the-net goal x2). I'd also be worried about Price, as he let in 2 really weak goals by the Sens.

    In the end though, if my Sens get ousted, I'm stuck cheering for the Habs. As long as one of them does well, I'll be content.
  32. steve allan from Canada writes: ----Robert Lepage from Canada writes: Alright, I had a chance to review each goal and if I was a Habs fan, I'd be a little worried. I only counted three convincing goals (not a collapsed-redden-goal, or a slow-ref-goal, or a wtf-it's-in-the-net goal x2). I'd also be worried about Price, as he let in 2 really weak goals by the Sens----

    There's some Habs out there who are fooling themselves. Lack of character and soft goaltending, particularly Price, is going to hurt this team in the playoffs. Better hope they don't meet Huet and the Caps because that Gainey trade (as I mentioned at the time) could turn out to be one of the biggest blunders ever by a Canadiens' GM.
  33. John McMortimer-Boyles from An Undisclosed Underground Location Safe From Nuclear Attack, Canada writes: To those talking about the Habs falling apart in the third period, I agree. Edmonton has blown a couple of these kinds of leads over the year by playing two periods of hockey and going to sleep for the third period. At least the Habs were able to pull together and get a win out of it.

    Anyway, lets see, Stanley Cup with the Habs vs the Oilers. While it would be cool, pinch me--I'm dreaming.

    Go Habs
  34. steve allan from Canada writes: By the way, whoever compared Price to Roy is way off base. Yes all goalies let in soft goals but that's not the problem with Price. His fundamentals are poor. Poor angle play, poor handling of rebounds, poor redirecting of shots, not to mention poor decision making with the puck.

    Play Halak or lose.
  35. Randy Peters from Montreal, Canada writes: ahem.
    Gentlemen, you are on glue.
    The Habs are winning convincingly again and again in all kinds of ways. They have scored more goals than any other team in the league and show no signs of stopping. Their goaltending since the trade deadline has been strong.
    It does my heart glad to see all these floundering Ontarians trying to rain on the Hab's victory parade.
  36. Swifty J from Mtl, Canada writes: I can't believe all the complaining from Habs fans. Sheesh. They went up by six goals, and you're surprised they rested their top guys and sat back? Do you think Ottawa looked brilliant, giving their all to a near-impossible comeback when they have a game tomorrow?

    Bottom line: the Habs are the first team in the East to clinch and there's a high probability they'll win the division. Sens still need two wins to be a lock for the playoffs, and have a schedule loaded with desperate teams.

    This is a good win, folks.

    I can just see it: if the Habs win the conference, you'll all complain because most of their losses happened against teams below them in the standings.
  37. Robert Lepage from Canada writes: A clarification on my previous post; all the goals are good and legitimate, they are merely infrequent reminders of the odd variability of the game. The Sens have the series 5-2 so far and you would be foolish to depend on such funky goals to win in the playoffs; yes, some of the goals were funky and smelled of pungent limburger.

    I wish both teams much success in the playoffs (if my Sens don't manage to kick themselves in the crotch and tumble all the way down to 9th).
  38. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Randy Peters from Montreal, Canada:

    Give them a break, Randy...

    Most of these comments may actually be coming from Leafs fans... You have to consider the source...

    Glad to see the Habs getting the monkey off their backs, and didn't play like deer in the headlights against Ottawa as previously...

    I fear that it is the Sens that have goaltending issues -- the Habs certainly don't...

    Go Habs...
  39. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Too funny .... 40 posts an almost 20 percent need to mention the Leafs....

    Including the ever whining Pat Billings of course.

    Hope the Leafs win the next two and make the Saturday game against the Habs mean something..

    Cheers
  40. Robert Miller from Canada writes: Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada:

    I agree with your 2:48 AM post...

    Why is anyone (including myself) talking about the Leafs on this thread -- let's stay on a topic actually worth talking about :)

    How 'bout my first place Habs and their genius GM?
  41. George S from Toronto, Canada writes: Great job Habs! It eases my mind greatly you made it to the playoffs. Hope my Habs don't worry about 1st place so much and just play safely to avoid any injuries that could hurt them in the post-season. Carbonneau and Gainey are showing to be really great hockey minds to turn this relatively young team into such contenders. I was one of the 'pundits' who didn't think this young team would be in this position at the start of the season, but, I am glad I was wrong. I honestly thought that these young guys might scrape into the playoffs near the bottom of their division- so relieved that they are already in. Thank You Habs!
  42. Bill Weston from Grand Rapids, MI, United States writes: First let me say that Im a Wings fan first and a Habs fan second. That being said, I'm loving the success the Habs have been having this season. Shades of the old days! Obviously, we dont get to see many eastern conference games here so Im basing what Im about to say on both the G&M article and the previous fan posts. If Im wrong, correct me but it sounds like the Habs definately coasted in the third period. I made a similar observation a week or so ago on a Detroit blog when the Wings quickly blew a two goal lead early in the third period to Columbus. If you want to emerge from the western conference, you simply cannot do that. Yes, Detroit came back in that game and got the win but my point was that if you give up a lead like that to the Sharks/Ducks/Stars (insert whichever western contender you want) youre going to be in trouble. In that post I wondered at the Wings killer instinct.. or lack thereof. Similarly, and your unlikely to take a 6 goal lead into the third against any western conference team first of all, you just cant afford to coast for the final 20 minutes if you want the win. It may be natural to let up with a lead like that like some posters are suggesting, but most western conference teams will bury you just as naturally. If the Wings want to come out of the western conference and the Habs want to do well against those same western conference teams, that killer instinct is a 'must' no matter how 'natural' the alternative might be. Just a word of caution is all.
  43. brad maddigan from Canada writes: I only saw th 1st period and the hilites. Montreal gave back a few goals in the 3rd, but who cares? This is a young team who had just clinched a playoff spot, and more than likely 1st in the Northeast. They pound Ottawa for 7 goals and guys get on here and say, 'yeah, but only 3 were good goals.' Give me a break! Ottawa is free falling and Montreal is the class of the East. The powerplay was back tonight, they received scoring from all 4 lines. Hopefully, Komarisek is back in 3 weeks, but from top to bottom this team is solid. For everyone who said the Habs would not make the playoffs(Bob Mckenzie and Pierre Mcquire this means you) I am going now watch Sportscentre and see you apologize for doubting Montreal.
  44. Rob C from T.O., Canada writes: 'Pretty clear that Ottawa is the more talented team'.....wha??? Oh, you're kidding. LOL! - Good one! I was wondering what you're on about. How have they been losing to the lowly leafs
  45. nigel martin from Canada writes: Clearly Ottawa made a bad trade prior to the deadline. As Brunet pointed out, they have been weakened defensively.
  46. Krakatoa East of Java from Canada writes: Turned it off at 7-1 so surprised to wake up and see it was numerically close

    hey Heatley dinged it off the post in the dying seconds of the game against the Leafs and then again tonight they had a few missed opps. So its not as bad as people make it out to be
  47. Mike Quinlan from Gatineau, Canada writes: All I can say is that being a fan of the Sens is starting to feel an awful lot like being a fan of the Expos. Maybe we should just have the banner printed right now 'Most talented team to never win a championship. Its going to be a slow spring watching the snow and Sens melt away...
  48. garlick toast from Canada writes: prior to the 3rd period the ottawa coach had a long chat with ref. magoo.he must have said something because magoo starting throwing the game.at one point during a lull, a fan boomed out ''f___k you magoo''.i agree.
  49. Howard Young from Canada writes: Toast, Magoo is traditionally unfriendly to the Sens. When you are up 7-1 in a game, the zebras will expect you to play like angels, since your team is so far ahead there's no reason to try and get the extra edge.
  50. Larfing Outloud from Virgin Islands (British) writes: The Sens should have picked up Raycroft when they had the chance.
  51. garlick toast from Canada writes: some teams use ''the trap''.the sens need ''the heimlich manouver''.
  52. Natalie R from Canada writes: Woo, Go HABS! Beat everyone, excepy the Leafs, you play!

    But in all honesty, good for them for making it, I'm proud as a Canadian. I wish I could've watched the game but Sportsnet was playing the Pittsburgh-Islander game (which was a total disaster). I thought CBC being a Canadian network would play the game between MONTREAL and OTTAWA.
  53. David Snider from Ottawa, Switzerland writes: I am gobsmacked. What a schizophrenic team!! They're killing me!!! I blame Scotty Bowman as much as I blame the Sens ... early in the season, SB said something along the lines of 'the Senators have the whole package' ... and they believed him!

    If this were a movie, the whole team would be dragged through the mud while BM shouted 'back to basics' with an audio montage playing inspirational themes. But since it's not a movie, they'll have to figure it out themselves.

    I've always supported the Sens (since '92) and will continue to support them, come highs and lows. I just wish they'd make it more fun for me to do so.

    If the Sens don't make it, my support heads East about 150km.

    Go Sens (and if not, then go Habs).
  54. Fester Boyle from Bert's, Barbados writes: Well, it proved that there is still some life in the ole Sens. According to the Citizen, the Sens need 6 points from the last 6 games to be guaranteed the playoffs. The next 2 are against Buffalo, then Boston, Montreal, Toronto and finally Boston. If this team is serious about the post-season, they will win all 6. They have the talent and are better, even Montreal notwithstanding last night's game. They need to show some heart and now is the time to do it.

    GO SENS GO!!!
  55. brad maddigan from Canada writes: Well after reading the posts here it is obvious, Senator fans are in denial. Just like Spezza last night on Sportsline. Boys, you got your butts kicked, and if you keep believing that things aren't that bad, you may not even make the playoffs. So keep dreaming in technicolour.
  56. Mac - GLG from Canada writes: Fester Boyle from Bert's, Barbados writes: They have the talent and are better, even Montreal notwithstanding last night's game.

    That's some funny stuff Fester.....................
  57. Allan Martel from Canada writes: At this rate Ottawa could be the first NHL team in history to lose a best of seven series in only three games. (This assumes that they show up for at least some of the games which isn't happening lately).

    The need for goaltending in Ottawa has reached crisis proportions and this problem will be dealt with this summer. Ottawa needs two new goalies and a fresh start. They also need to deal Redden who is, sadly, only a shadow of his former self.

    I see no hope now for Ottawa getting past the first round of the playoffs. indeed it is more likely that they will miss the playoffs alltogether.
  58. Mitka D from Canada writes: Dismal television coverage in Ottawa from the A-Channel, between channel changes from RDS. Gratuitous slamming of Lapierre even when three Senators were ganging up on him between whistles. This broadcast crew are the same guys who turned apologist when Emery hacked Lapiere last year, but Lapierre (to them) remains the gutless thug on ice (not Emery, or McGrattan, or Neil). Lapierre ends up with two assists on the game, in any event. To Ottawa commentators, Neil is a 'rugged RW' and Lapierre is a 'pest'. Neil has 19 points in 62 games, Lapierre 16 in 48. Murray yaps on like Yertle the Turtle, to no effect on the ice. Wonder what his players really think of him. Clearly his move to change Paddock is justified (in his mind), but his record is 5-6-1 and he is actually below Paddock's performance level when it counts. His job is safe, though, cause nobody wants it and the owner has other things on his mind. Sens Army opinions aside, this is a team which will need an significant psychological turn-around to contend in the playoffs. Other than the big line, they have little to offer. If they can do it, hats off to them. Feel badly for Alfie and a couple of others who are class players and who appear to be making an effort. Not the best game by Price, but still faced 36 shots from a good and desparate offence including many in short-handed situations, and made a couple of top-notch saves. He'll be even better.
  59. Jake ---- from Canada writes: So ottawa has allowed 19 goals in 4 games. Hate to say it but the sens are setting themselves up for an early exit from the playoffs. Thats if they make the playoffs.
  60. Jake ---- from Canada writes: Rob C from T.O., Canada writes: 'Pretty clear that Ottawa is the more talented team'.....wha??? Oh, you're kidding. LOL! - Good one! I was wondering what you're on about. How have they been losing to the lowly leafs

    The same way the Habs lost last game to the lowly leafs. And remeber they were on a terrible losing streak now the leafs are on fire watch out montreal.
  61. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: The only team around right now in the NHL with any sort of talent are the Toronto Maple Leafs. Just ask any of their fans who post on threads other than theirs day after day. Count them. Those fans havent had a team to cheer for in 41 years, all they can do is dump their clueless minds on other teams. Once a loser fan, always a loser fan. The Sens are having their problems, we can face it. We have goalie problems, we have defensive problems and we have problems up front. We are unlike the Nation team, so full of talent, so full of big contracts to top notch quality players, we can not even compete with that team. Bow to the Nation, bow to their fans, they are the best, they are the utmost in fans. Bow to you all.
  62. Swifty J from Mtl, Canada writes: Jake, the Leafs are welcome to their streak as far as I'm concerned. Heck, it would actually be fun to see them complete their miracle run and snag 8th place. Even though that means they'd have to beat the Habs twice.

    Still, I'd be even happier to see the Habs be the ones to drive the final nail. So here's hoping the Leafs get their regulation sweep of Boston this week.

    But seeing Ottawa complete an epic choke after such a brilliant first quarter of the season? That would be just priceless. For two nights only, I say: "Let's go Buffalo!"
  63. Al MacDonald from Cathedral of Hockey, Canada writes: Like it? Ya gotta love it! One of the things I like most about the Habs this year is that there are so many potential goal scorers. Although we don't have a superstar like Crosby, Ovechkin, Malkin, etc., the whole team is capable of putting the puck in the net. And this young team will be even better next year.

    Give it to the Sens again next game.
    Go Habs Go!
  64. Fed Up And Had Enough from Canada writes: To Proud Canadian - what is your deal man? They say that schoolyard bullies have to demean and belittle others to make themselves feel better about themselves.......is that your problem? You can't come on this board and talk about the Sens without slamming the Leafs fans.......what is up with that?
  65. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: "Proud Canadian" don't worry. By the end of the week, the leafs will still be in 12th spot and the Habs will reign at the top of the standings.
  66. Patrick G from Calgary, Canada writes: Allan Martel, trading Redden? That boat has sailed when he refused to waive his NTC. The only deal available is to do what Philly and Nashville did last year and that's to trade Redden's rights before July 1st and hope he signs with the new team.

    Given Redden's petulance of late, I wonder of he'd even sign with the new team or merely stick to his UFA status and see what his value is. It's sad to see a talented player become a mere shadow of himself. Perhaps he'll find happiness with the next team he plays for and maybe that team will reap the benfits of not having to pay him over $6 million a year.

    The Sens will make the playoffs, something which some of my fellow delusional Leafs fans won't see with their team. In the end, I respect the Habs franchise for what they are all about and while it pains me, I could live with the Habs doing some damage in the playoffs. I am hoping that my adoptive second city team, the Flames, can turn their inconsistent season around heading into the Cup run.
  67. Italian Spiderman from Montreal, Canada writes: Steve Allan from Canada writes:

    "There's some Habs out there who are fooling themselves. Lack of character and soft goaltending, particularly Price, is going to hurt this team in the playoffs. Better hope they don't meet Huet and the Caps because that Gainey trade (as I mentioned at the time) could turn out to be one of the biggest blunders ever by a Canadiens' GM."

    As a Montreal fan and a goalie who played for 18 years, trading Huet was the best decision Gainey has ever made. Not only would he have been unsecured next year, but overall he was almost always dependable for 1-to-2 h-o-r-r-i-b-l-e goals a game that would suck the motivation out of any team. Price is young, admittedly, and like the rest of the team (probably under the coaching of Carbo) held off considerably at the start of the 3rd last night to allow Ottawa's meagre comeback, but in the end Montreal a) got the Ottawa monkey off their back by showing they can score on this team at will; b) got a keen reminder about staying focused with a big lead while not suffering any point loss in the process; and c) held Ottawa basically scoreless through two focused periods without Komisarek even in the line-up.

    No team leads the league in goals by accident. The Habs will be a force in the coming playoffs and Price is going to have a storybook post-season. Bet on it.
  68. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Friendly Neighborhood Italian Spiderman- I agree 100% about Price. The earlier post evaluating Price's style had it all wrong. The kid is 20 years old. Give him a slight break. I am sure St.Patrick made some huge mistakes when he was 20 or 21. I don't think Price can order a beer in most of the cities he visits. Dissing a kid's style is the height of nonsense. He needs a few years to develop his NHL style. I sure he learned a few lessons last night.
  69. JM Work from Canada writes: lots of BITTER LEAFS fans on this board today
  70. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: We are not bitter. We are just sad that because of poor early season play we won't be able to enjoy the sight of the Leafs blowing the Sens right out of the rink during the playoffs. Well, there's always next year. Maybe the Sens will have the goaltending sorted out by then.Enjoy the off-season. it is rapidly approaching the Ottawa region.

    Cheers.
  71. Fed Up And Had Enough from Canada writes: Thanks Paul, couldn't have said it better myself!
  72. Howard Young from Canada writes: Fed, I'm not being pious or righteous about it, I'm just pointing out a fact and having a bit of fun with Paul I. Did you not see the emoticons? .......... ........................................................................................As far as taking jabs go, that's been a two way street for many years. There are no innocents on either side when it comes to that. At least I'm immune to the denial kool-aid and can admit there is a problem with my team, regardless of whether I'm in front of Sens or non Sens company.
  73. Howard Young from Canada writes: Paul I. "...poor early season play...", a bit of spin doctoring wouldn't you say? :)............................................................................................ Also, "....we won't be able to enjoy the sight of the Leafs blowing the Sens right out of the rink during the playoffs." Where was that kind of tough talk last year? ;-) It's easier to take pokes at a wounded animal.
  74. Jude Hannaford from Canada writes: As a canadian hockey fan, although a Habs fan first, it pains me to see the Sens falter the way that they have. However it seems plainly obvious that the Sens are toast. No secondary scoring, no depth, no goaltending and little team defence to speak of. They cannot continue to be a one line team due to the fact that they will be easy to defend and therefore will go nowhere. Now don't get me wrong, that is just the way I see things, I am not trying to start a pissing match here, in all honesty a perfect NHL would have all 6 Canadian teams be dominate at all times with the Habs winning the cup every second year or so. But Sadly that is not the case, it doesn't look as if any Canadian team will bring home the Mug this year but it seems clear to me that the Habs have the best chance. Admitedly they have some holes, Price's handling of the puck, a lack of a shutdown checking line, and little playoff experience to mention a few. From a Habs fan who did not see the glory years this season has been nothing short of fantastic. Admittedly I have been waiting for the shoe to drop, still not believing that they can continue to play the way that they have been this year. If they lose in the first round I won't be surprised, but I think that's what makes this team so much fun to watch; no high expectations. They simply continue to impress, and delight as the season draws to an end and hopefully they will do the same come playoff time. Vive Les Canadiens
  75. Fed Up And Had Enough from Canada writes: Oh Howard, spare me "it's easier to take pokes at a wounded animal"???? You Sens fans wrote the book on that one...fancy you taking shots now when the shoe is on the other foot (or paw, if you like).
  76. Howard Young from Canada writes: Me taking shots now, what are you talking about? Regardless, relax, I'm just having some fun with Paul I. Did you not see the :) and the ;-)? These are called emoticons in case you are unfamiliar with them. :)
  77. Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Howard Young- We have traded enough barbs on this issue so I know not to get offended. If the tables were turned right now I would expect you and the other Sensanista to be clubbing me like Jonny- Boy Roy going after a helpless goalie. I know you admire my insightful comments into the world of hockey. Go Leafs!

    Cheers-:)

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