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Flyers finish off Canadiens

TIM WHARNSBY

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 12:47 PM EST 04/05/08

Montreal suffered its fourth defeat in a row — this time 6-4 — and were eliminated in five games by Philadelphia ...Read the full article

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  1. No Comment from United States writes:
    The better team prevailed.

    Nothing left to burn here, Habs fans! :)
  2. Bill H from Canada writes: Ole Ole Ole..... cough cough choke!
  3. Da Puma from Stab City, Canada writes:
    Ole Ole Ole...Habs are gone!!! Yes!!!

    Go Wings Go!!
  4. Popeye Dillon from North Vancouver, Canada writes: Outplayed at every position the Habs have no scape goat for the results. Philly simply was the better team this series. Get some defence if you're going to challenge for the cup.
  5. Doktor David from London, Canada writes: L'équipe meilleure, pour le ce soir, gagnée. Au revoir Montréal, désolé de vous voir aller...

    Great game, some great hockey - should continue to be very interesting.

    Cheers!
  6. EJ Ravensbud from Canada writes: Habs are toast. They were singing tonight even in defeat. Those who are optimistic for next year - doesn't look good - too many Ruski floaters.
  7. steve allan from Canada writes: How many times did I say it - YOU CAN'T WIN IN THE NHL WITH A PEEWEE GOALIE!

    Carey Price is never going to be a great goalie and I blame Carbonneau for putting him in there tonight. A long year of sacrifice down the drain because you didn't have an NHL goalie. That's painful.

    Looks good on Gainey for trading Huet. Oh sure, let's get rid of Huet, we've found the goalie of our dreams.

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

    P.S. - see you all next year. I suspect the Habs will be golfing in early April next year.
  8. Popeye Dillon from North Vancouver, Canada writes: Steve Allen : Of course you probably saw the great 'Mark Laforest' from your hometown so you measure all goaltenders by that standard. Yuk..Yuk!
  9. Watching the country slip away . . . one concession after another from Canada writes: Thanks a lot, ya buncha sacks o' turd. Ya play like the Mtl. Canadiens should play in the regular season, then turn the dial to 'suck!' when it really counts. I can't get rid of the stink off my TV from amateur goals that Price let in. You suck. All you had to do tonite was win, and I'd be back on the bandwagon...but noooooo.
  10. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Congratulations to the Flyers. Umberger was exceptional. Philadelphia's rise from the basement to the Conference Final must be applauded. Les Canadiens can also be proud of what they achieved this year, and they should be. Young Price has nothing to be ashamed of. A very close series, almost all the games decided by a single goal, empty netters notwithstanding. Overall, we are seeing some of the most exciting playoff hockey in years.
  11. The Mangemeister from Canada writes: Not bad for a team that was not picked to make the playoffs by the so called experts,and I'm not a Montreal fan.
  12. M M from Calgary, Canada writes: What do the fans do now? How many things can they burn in montreal tonight? Doze crazy frenchies....
  13. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Two really strange aerial goals against Price tonight - both legitimate. Montreal does have talent and Gainey was daring in handing the job to Price. The gamble did not pay off this year, but may pay dividends in the future. Once this group of individuals jell as a team, it could be interesting.

    Miller the Insufferable will be able to concentrate on suppoerting the local boy, which saves me from digging through the basement in search of King Crimson.
  14. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    I see the Leaf and Bruin trolls are out already.

    Hats off to Philly - Habs outshot them and often outplayed them, but the Flyers capitalized on their chances almost 100% of the time. Agree Umberger was a stud in this series. But it was Biron who stole the show - he looks a lot like Kiprusoff in 2004 - watch out.

    Only time will tell is Price will really be a great goalie. People will be second-guessing Carbo on the goalie change for months.

    I'm not sure the Habs would have fared well against Pittsburgh anyway - they look unstoppable - until they run into Detroit, that is.
  15. No Comment from United States writes:
    Price reminds me of a young Glenn Healy or Don Beaupre. Solid if not spectacular. Give him a few years to work on that playoff beard...
  16. jake and pete from Canada writes: Yes the Leafs could beat the Canadians at golf on Monday, thay have had more time to practice year after year than our Habs.

    All puns aside, when was the last time a twenty year old goalie was your starter for the playoffs? That was a gutsy move by anyones standards.

    Gainey is still building his team for 2 to 3 years out. Any experiance the kidscan get at this level will only payoff at the end.

    At least the Habs have a plan in place.

    Meanwhile I'll be watching the Kitchener Ranger on their road to the Memorial Cup. Best team in junior hockey anywhere.

    Have a great Baseball, Ball Hockey, and Soccer season to all the parents and youth involled out there. Keep it safe and parents keep teaching our kids the right skills and respect for sports.
  17. Blunt Comment from Toronto, Canada writes: This fiasco is the ugly side of Canadian hockey. The Habs are a team of European midgets -- good enough to finish first during a regular season when no one cares (or checks); bad enough to be embarrassing when the games (and size) matter.
    And yet, the CBC broadcasts the series as if this collection of Montreal losers is 'Canada's team.' Puhlease!
    Yes, the Leafs suck, Ottawa underperforms, the Flames mystify, the Oilers come up short and the Canucks fail to impress. But at least the rest of Canada doesn't cling to some tragic disillusionment of a mediocre hockey team masquerading as a contender.
    The Leafs will get so bad, they'll get goos someday. The Montreal Canadians will hoodwink hockey fans in Quebec for as long as the latter choose to be suckers.
    Is is true Koivu is the fifth-tallest member of the team?!...
  18. Gabriel Stefan from Canada writes: Gutsy doesn't translate into smart. Putting a 20 year old inexperienced goalie in net for the playoffs may have been gutsy, but that doesn't make it smart.

    Also the Canadians didn't make the playoffs last year either, so other then a couple of extra weeks of practice the Leafs and the Habs are on the same level in terms of golf.
  19. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Dave the Rave - Good comment. - It shows just how fine a line it is from abject failure to near success. And how fast the wheel can turn for many NHL squads, up or down depending on the management.
  20. uncle rukus from Mississauga, Canada writes: Funny I was watching a DVD tonight paused it to get some popcorn and check the score 3-1 Canadiens 2nd period I thought game over. After finishing watching the movie saw the score and flipped how can you blow a 2 goal lead at home in the playoffs??? Then I saw the hilights and who is Carey Price again??? Who much weak goals can you give up in one game...Flyers were aiming for that weak glove hand for sure. The real Canada's Team is playing in Halifax not the USNHL... 6 teams out of 32 some Canadian league eh???
  21. Rob Rocket from Thunder Bay, Canada writes: Bad end to a good year...but a great future ahead. Will Price be back? Yes, if only because he didn't get where he is with the record he's got on pure B.S.. That may be how I keep my job, but it wouldn't work in sports! Lots of good young talent...we will sing soon. And as to all the dopey 'too many Russians' remarks...every time I saw Kovalev, he was moving well. So were the Kostitsyn brothers, who are actually Belorussians, as if the Don Cherry types know there's a difference. I said a couple of weeks ago (weren't you paying attention?) that they are too young a team to pull it off this year, but that it will come soon.

    I've been a Habs fan since '66. I know these things. A la prochaine.

    O, one last cutting remark: I wish like hell the fans would stop booing, and that posters would stop saying that talented athletes who happen to be on the other team or who have let you down 'suck' or are 'losers'. I mean, really!
  22. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: One of the most significant aspects of this series was that both teams were led by coaches who embody the word 'class'. Stephens and Carbonneau are very talented and well-spoken men who have transformed their respective teams. As an aside to some of the less than civil comments on this and other threads, hopefully the posters will find a good home in the Extreme Cage Fighting forum the G&M is creating just for them.
  23. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: A bunch of kids who were supposed to finish 13th, ended up finishing 1st and playing until May. It could be much worse.

  24. EJ Ravensbud from Canada writes: Pat - nah- its about as worse as it gets.
  25. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: Thanks for an excellent, entertaining season Habs, and displaying true sportsmanship. The future looks really bright for this squad. Looking forward to the 100th anniversary next year and the 08 - 09 campaign. I've seen the Canadiens win 10 championships and fully expect to see another. Cheers
  26. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Certainly a fun game to watch. I was hoping for OT.

    Not sure why some of you want to hang this one on Price... he made plenty of great saves. Two breakaways.... a 5 on 3. The one Umberger goal looked a litte weak.... but that's about it.

    Reality is the Flyers were a bigger, stronger club... and tougher.

    Good experience for the Habs youngsters.... I'm wondering which Kovalev shows up at training camp.

    Cheers
  27. ERIC THOMAS from Broomall, Pa, United States writes: To all my friends in Canada, Hello! Flyers fan from Phila area calling!
    Just want to say congrats to the Habs and their fans. What a great team you have. I must say I'am surprised we got past your team. We were the worst team in the league last year. Management made some bold smart moves that are now bearing fruit. Both teams have
    many bright young stars, so I suppose we shall lock horns again in the future. I also hope the Leafs get things turned around soon. The more good teams there are the better the competition. Thus the better the entertainment value. I hope you will wish us luck in the next round! - Flyers fan from Philly!
  28. D. B. from Canada writes: I feel bad for Koivu, but not every great player gets a Stanley Cup ring. There are a few Leafs players come to mind. I always thought Montreal might be able to win a Cup each decade. Time is running out in this decade.
  29. Sean O'Reilly from Canada writes: Steve Allan, you simply don't have a clue.

    The fans of Montreal got what they deserved when they boo an anthem, and riot after one game.

    You're an embarassment to this Country!
  30. Mariposa Belle from Leacockland, Canada writes: Eric - I am with you on this. I like the Pens and I think the Blueshirts have had a good season and are a good team, but I acknowledge that the Flyers are a legitimate holder of Stanley.

    But I am biased - spent some time downing energy drinks on the dock with Rick McLeish.
  31. L.B. MURRAY from Canada L.B. MURRAY from Canada from Canada writes: -
    So.... The Montreal Canadiens are out and Canadians are rejoicing?????

    What??? Is there one Canadian team left?? No...nO...no...

    Strange that the goalie for Phillie is a Quebecois by the name of Biron... good job, Biron. Fully agree that the Phillies and the Penguins are the better teams...

    Also feel very sorry for Koivu... and the rest of the team...

    Sob..sob..sniff. sniff...

    Oh well... It was great watching all of you guys... Thank you!
    Now, get some R & R and have a great summer playing golf.

    Cheers!

    -
  32. Bake McBride from Vancouver, Canada writes: Total disappointment in the Habs. For the first time in my life I rooted for Mtl over Boston (after renouncing the Bruins finally after the Thornton trade) & subsequent opponents in the East and they let me & my pool picks down severely.
  33. D. B. from Canada writes: I don't think it matters so much that the Canadiens' loss will prevent rioting in Montreal (if they went so far as to win the Cup). There will be riots in some other major North American city.
  34. Patrick Matheson from Canada writes: Nice comments from Eric... Thanks

    This playoff series was not lost due to Carey Price...
    Yes he a had bad game and a half... but the offence and defence was not there with the same intensity of the opponents.

    This loss was a team effort in the sense the Habs had it pretty easy with the Ottawa Sens... and they were not ready for the type of playoff hockey that the Phillies brought to the ice... They were hungrier.

    yes... blame the SENS.. but perhaps if that had a tougher 1st round...?

    Anyway... Great team and really really GREAT FANS... thanks so much
  35. Tetchy Citizen from Canada writes: So, the playoffs are over for Canadian fans. See you all in October. Oh, the CBC is still bumping everything on its schedule? Why?

    Gary Bettman rules!
  36. A Leading Edge Boomer from Canada writes: Well, I guess it can be said that Team Canada at the World Hockey Championships is truly Canada's Team .
  37. PANIC! At The Ice Floe from Ottawa, Canada writes: Habs fans got what they deserved. Booing the American anthem was completely classless.

    Plus the city just saved a few million in damages.
  38. Bob McDonald from Canada writes: The Canadian media is to blame! When a Canadian city gets into the playoffs, that's all the Cdn media focus on.

    If they talked about all the Canadian players, including those playing for American cities, then the players on teams in Cdn cities would not feel 'put upon'. There are fine Cdns playing for the Flyers, the Sharks, the Stars and the Wings. If they had headlines like the Canadiens had these last few weeks then the players in Montreal would not have felt so much pressure that they could not relax and play creatively.

    My opinion explains the clutch failures in Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal. It also explains the freedom felt by players in New Jersey, Tampa, Philly, even Detroit. Although, the Wings are in 'Hockeytown', the Detroit sports media focus far more on basketball, football and college games than they do on the NHL. Their hockey players are relaxed, creative and can focus on their game - not the nutty media reports their human mistakes seem to make explode all around their teams.
  39. No Comment from United States writes: No, Tetchy Citizen , the playoffs are just getting interesting now that the posers are eliminated. Lots of good hockey to come...
  40. Bert Russell Paradox, BC from Canada writes:
    Shucking, diving and their power play got them through the season ... but when they didn't get away it in playoffs - they are ordinary. Price got rattled when his defence let the other team in close so much - I think the coach made a mistake by pulling Price for a game .. he is a damn good goalie but will benefit from another years experience.
    Montreal needs more toughness in forwards but they have nothing to be ashamed of.
  41. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: Here's the series in a nutshell: Habs press hard, Latendresse is alone with the goalie and rings it off the post...the Flyers skate down the ice, blindly shoot at the net and get a crazy deflection in the net.

    One team scored on all their breaks, the other didn't and is gone.
  42. No Comment from United States writes:
    Dry your eyes, Robert Miller, wherever you are!
     
  43. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: The good big men of the Flyers beat the good little men of the Canadiens. The difference was the Flyers played playoff hockey and Montreal was not able to match it.

    Montreal should trade Kovalev. He had a good rebound season but you could see the wear and tear on him accumulate as the series went on. He will have a sub par year next year for sure. I would also want to keep him away from the other young Euros so they wont pick up his bad habits.
  44. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: No Comment from United States writes: 'The playoffs are just getting interesting now that the posers are eliminated. Lots of good hockey to come'... For you Americans, yes, for us Canadians, the season is over. Support the sponsors, we wont even know who they are.
  45. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: PC - go to sleep like you promised us. Your wife is still waiting in bed. Go be with her and leave us hockey fans to cheer for our Canadian Captains!

    Montreal sure played like Ottawa did in these playoffs!
  46. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Speak for yourself Claude (PC).

    I am looking forward to watching more Detroit, Philly and Pittsburgh..... even starting to like Dallas a little (Richards and Ribero).

    Cheers
  47. ah sails from Canada writes: It was a weird series, everything Flyers through at the net went in, too many Habs couldn't put it into an empty net, Habs defense was strangely weak on the puck and giving up breakaways and of course the goaltending...when you realize giving up Huet for nothing in return, he would have been plenty good enough to at least get past Philly..we didn't need great goaltending just good...we now know Price is no Dryden or Roy..maybe a Charlie Hodge
  48. steve allan from Canada writes: Next year??? Some of you people should try thinking for yourself instead of repeating someone else's nonsense. When it comes to sports, the future is NOW. Can you guarantee that the Canadiens will be back in the playoffs next year? No. The fact is they finished first in the East and bombed in the playoffs. That's a major letdown. And for you unconditional Price fans, I wish you people would actually get a clue. Price is 20 years old, the same age Patrick Roy was when he led Montreal to the Cup in 1986. If he doesn't have it now, he'll never have it. He's both mentally and physically soft and don't even try to say otherwise. In it's the playoffs that you separate the men from the boys and Carey Price is a boy. Some of the excuses he made for himself, including saying after the game tonight that he was tired tells me everything I want to know about him. He should use the offseason to write a lexicon of alibis to use next year when he bombs again....because he's going to need it. And you people who claim he's not the reason the Habs lost - you're either the biggest hypocrites in the world, or you know nothing about hockey. Give it a rest. What separates the men from the boys is playoff hockey and what separates Canadiens' fans from Leaf fans is the former know how to analyse a failure and call it as it is. No apologists need apply.
  49. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: steve allan; Is Huet your brother/lover or something? You seem awfully bitter

    Was it Price fault they lost game four?

    The kid has been a winner wherever he has played.... to suggest that the Habs had any chance of advancing to the cup final this year is crazy. They played in a weak division and got to beat up on the Leafs, Buffalo, Boston and except for the first month a sliding Ottawa team.

    Do you not think that Gainey realized that?

    Montreal finished with 5 more wins than Philly and they got to play Toronto and Buffalo (non playoff teams) and Boston (8 and 0) in 12 games. Philly was up against Pittsburgh, NJ and NYR (all playoff teams) for those 12 contests.

    Gainey was planning ahead and wanted playoff experience for his youngsters.

    Cheers

    The habs were way to soft.... as I said from the beginning... even the Bruins almost beat them with a team devoid of skill but full of heart.
  50. Vasili Yeremenko from Canada writes: Thank god. Now I don't have to listen to people tell me I am not a good Canadian if I don't cheer for Saku Koivu, Roman Hamrlik etc.
  51. joseph Cheng from Toronto, Canada writes: Don Cherry was right for a change. The Habs do need two or three bigger forwards. The present roster is way too small and more suited for international competition. However, I think the Pens will dominate this year and will win the Cup quite handily.
  52. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: joseph Cheng; I'll take some of that action.

    Detroit or Dallas will smoke them. I will be surprised if they get past Philly.... that series will depend on the goalies.

    Don't get me wrong... I enjoy watching them play.... but I have watched pretty much every playoff game and the Pens have had a pretty soft ride to the conference finals. Next year for the Pens too.

    Cheers
  53. chris isher from Canada writes: alot of hating going on here, but it seems there is little recognition of the real facts of why the Habs lost, let me take a shot at it...firstly weak goaltending...due to inexperience or burnout take your choice, also i think that Price was knocked off his game because of the intensity, playoffs mean more, and for some reason teams want to play harder against he HABS, personal vendettas or whatever want to call it..always seem to be one or the other, people just seem to like to see them lose....probably all those cups from the past or something.....lack of presence in front of net, big issue, Biron was good, not great but good, most shots were visible from his standpoint, they could have shot 100 hundred per game and he would have stopped all of em,....and of course alot of luck and good timing of the goals, not all of them but most important ones, both teams played hard, but the difference was the goaltending, and yes size, but you can't teach size, it was a good series in the sense the HABS will learn about what it takes and it will help them in the future..........Gainey has em on the right track and he will make the needed adjustments for the next year......i will give it time, lots to look forward to...........philly was good and had enough to win.......i learned to hate the name Umburger (ugh) but yea........too bad no more Canadian teams left...............i will watch the games because i am a hockey fan but i will miss waiting for the Hab games........next year again....we will see.................
  54. joseph Cheng from Toronto, Canada writes: Scot Loucks: Just to change the topic. When do you think the Leafs will become some semblance of a decent hockey team? Should they start from scratch and draft the younger players as the Habs and the Pens did? As a Leaf fan first and Habs fan second, this has been heck of a frustrating year!
  55. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Hi joseph; Good question.

    Problem with the leafs are three fold.

    First off there really isn't much choice out there as far as UFA's go this year. Believe it or not Avery and Adam Foote are the only two I would go after. Maybe Ryder.

    McMistake has 3 years left. 6.15 next year then 2 years at 4.15... he will be easier to get rid of after next year.

    How do they get rid of Blake? Word has it he is poison in the dressing room.

    Will Tucker accept and play with third line minutes?

    I think there will be a market for Kubina this summer.... but he was their best Dman at the tail end of the season.

    My choice for next year is to pick up the Russian, try and sign the swede (and Sundin) get rid of Poni and Kubina.... because they will fetch something.... probably make the playoffs and maybe do as well as the habs did this year....oh yeah.. and buy out Raycroft and insert Clemmonson as their backup.

    Cheers
  56. Tyler Wilson from Toronto, Canada writes: First, I'm a habs fan. Take that as you will. Second, I have to admit, if a team wins a series 4-1, clearly they were doing something right. So my congratulations to Philly.

    But as for steve allen's comments

    'If he doesn't have it now, he'll never have it.' - This has no actual merit as an argument whatsoever. Just because he didn't do what Patrick Roy did, doesn't mean he won't be as good, or at least a very good goaltender.

    'Some of the excuses he made for himself, including saying after the game tonight that he was tired tells me everything I want to know about him. He should use the offseason to write a lexicon of alibis to use next year when he bombs again'

    Perhaps next year he won't win the World Junior Gold Medal, the World Junior MVP, The Calder Cup, The Calder Cup MVP. I encourage anyone posting in this forum to endure that type of pressure and record and suggest that they're not 100%. If I were Carey Price, I would reflect on the fact that I had a better year than most goaltenders would ever dream of having, and I have 20 more years to work my team into a Stanley Cup contender.

    Bottom line: Montreal a better team, Philly a better round. They succeeded when it counted, and Montreal has a great future ahead. I'll take my 12 games of playoff hockey I was not supposed to get according to the experts at the start of the year.

    What were YOU doing when you were 20? :)
  57. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Chris Isher;

    Guess which teams that are left have the most Canadians playing for them? (nhlnumbers.com).

    Minimum is 11.... and Montreal only had 7 dressed. NYR only has 1 more and he is hurt (Avery).

    Cheers
  58. Frank Godfrey from Canada writes: Now that the Habs have been eliminated in 5 by Philly after going through seven to beat Boston, can we not agree they were a tad over-rated. Still, their season was a success. As an inveterate Toronto supporter I can only hope the Leaf higher-ups see, and do, what it takes to turn a club around. I just hope the fans don't imitate that ole, ole, ole crap from Montreal where it somehow seems to fit.
  59. Michael Sharp from Victorious, Canada writes:

    Well, when the Eastern media tries to tell me thet Montreal is Canada's team and I know better, I'm glad to see this conceit eliminated.

    Who is Canada's team now?

    Pittsburgh?
  60. Frank Godfrey from Canada writes: Michael Sharp, no team is Canada's team. Period. TO and Montreal have the largest fan base because they come from the original six and operate within the largest population areas of the country. It makes as much sense as saying TO, or VAN, or Montreal is Canada's 'most'.....anything. Could anyone in this land ever agree about anything ?
  61. The Dude from Canada writes: Ahhhhh. The Habs fans got what they deserved, reaping what they sowed in bad karma.

    From burning police cars to looting to booing the American national anthem to being really bad guests in Boston (booing Boston's star players, singing that repetitive Ole song and otherwise generally annoying the Boston fans), there are many Habs fans that didn't deserve to see a successful Montreal playoff run.

    Glad to see Philly put them down.

    P.S. I'm not sure why the fans were called classy at the end of the CBC broadcast for supporting Carey Price despite his mediocre play. I know the natural reaction in Montreal is to boo home town players (ask Patrice Brisebois) that play poorly but I don't think that not booing really graduates them to 'classy'. Their incessant booing of Briere, Biron, and any penalty called against them further emphasizes their lack of class and good sportsmanship. I think their fans could be called 'enthusiastic' and 'passionate' but 'classy' is not a word I would pick.
  62. Sam . from Canada writes: I will take this time to not gripe and complain...I thank the Canadiens for an exciting season with lots of accomplishments....We all know that the post-season is completely different and I feel that most of their problem with the Flyers...other than errors by Price....was due to their defense...for some reason these guys couldn't keep the puck in the zone...every time it came to the point they would have it blocked by the Flyer players....compliment to the Flyers in that sense as they did their job....
  63. rick binda from Montreal, Canada writes: Patrick Roy in the head office NOW. Price needed a season in the American league. Carbonneau put in his 4th line at the end of too many games. Keep the Russians...but get some muscules to protect them. Bob Gainey's 5 years plan failed, give another winner a shot now mr. Boivin.
  64. F E from Ottawa, Canada writes: The MVP's in this series deserve to be Martin Biron's goal post. Montreal had a great season despite the loss to Philly. there is a lot of good things to build on for years to come. However Carey Price's soft goals do concern me. It proves he is not mentally tough.
  65. robert quinn from Japan writes: No joy in Boueville tonight. Har.
  66. brad maddigan from Canada writes: Disappointing final result. I thought the Richards goal should have been called back. Turned out to be the TSN turning point. Maybe Carbo should have called a time out after the 2nd Umberger goal. Talk about a guy coming from no where. I still thought the Habs were going to pull it out, but then they started giving up odd man rushes and it finally caught up to them. Still a great season and lots to build on.
  67. The Seeker from Toronto, Canada writes: Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: A bunch of kids who were supposed to finish 13th, ended up finishing 1st and playing until May. It could be much worse.

    This series was worse, Patricia.

    Glad to see the usual posters coming out with egg on their face - that's you, Pat - gone are the comparisons to Patrick Roy and the '86 and '93 teams.
  68. Joe Canada from Switzerland writes: I thought it was a hell of a good series.
    Biron was stellar. Price had his moments, but I think we'll be seeing more from him.

    I'm not a big fan of the flyers, but they're looking like they're learning to play hockey instead of maintaining their past history of 'thuggery'. Montreal looked good. They're a young team, but speedy and they move the puck well. Their PP didn't quite click this series, but will with training and diligence.

    All in all, a great series, but I give it to Marty Biron.

    BTW: I'm a laff's fan, but boy, it's been fun watching OTHER teams play some great hockey.

    salut
  69. Sissy Schuss from Canada writes: the game changed after the floater went in - 3 goals in a five minute span

    was the puck touched - it seemed to mystify price and put him in a trance after that....
  70. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Not enough credit is given to Paul Holmgren and John Stevens for rebuilding a Philadelphia team that was a doormat last year. And there are, of course, those who still criticize Gainey's 'five year plan'. If anybody cares to remember (I certainly do) what Les Canadiens 2002-03 looked like (Jeff Hackett, Mariusz Czerkawski, Donald Audette, Andreas Dackell, Gino Odjick, Randy McKay, Stephane Quintal) before Bob took over, they'll applaud his work too. Now if he can just get that elusive 'impact player' he's been looking for...
  71. M Eats from Canada writes: Blunt Comment from Toronto re: Canadiens a bunch of wimpy Europeans. By my count Montreal played 7 Euros while Philly played 5. Not a great disparity. Similar numbers in Toronto.

    And as for Canadiens fans, they are critical and supportive in equal amounts. Not disillusional -- leave that to Leafs fans who are satisfied with mediocrity and have been for decades.
  72. Dave T from midwest, Canada writes: Really the series was 5 games to 0 for Philadelphia, and Montreal stunk out the joint night after night.
  73. Richard Hawrelak from Sarnia, Canada writes: For once I agree with that clown in the flowered jacket who mumbles incoherent phrases punctuated by thumbs up or down ... 'size made all the difference. He followed this with just take a look at the difference during the final hand-shake.'
  74. Marc Chasseur from Snowdon, QC, Canada writes: Gee, real demanding hockey fans here in MTL: team gets swept by Tampa in '04 and they get sent off with a standing ovation. Same thing last night after blowing a two-goal lead and going down to Philly in five.

    What a load of rubbish the idea MTL fans demand excellence...
  75. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: Good big men always beat good little men.

    Montreal has the same problem Ottawa has always had. They have too many of the same kind of players - small, fast, shy from contact, weak heart. Great to watch in the regular season but misery in the playoffs. Gainey is right. It will take a min. of 5 years to modify that because GMs dont give up on their players with size. So Gainey will have to try to draft some and/or pick off the odd free agent.
  76. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Those who want Gainey to dump Kovalev should consider the facts. Alex had his best season in six years. He was the Habs scoring leader, finishing just outside in the top ten scorers. He was a significant factor in helping the Kostitsyns to develop, and a leader when Koivu was injured. They also miss the fact that Montreal got him in a trade for Josef Balej (who?). Fact: every game in this series was won by one or two goals. That shows you how close the competition was, the myopia of some observers notwithstanding. As it stands now (and off season moves can shuffle the cards), the 2008-09 season appears to see Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Montreal, Boston, Washington and the New York Rangers as the top teams in the East. Carolina, Buffalo, Atlanta, New Jersey, Ottawa, Toronto, Tampa Bay, the New York Islanders and Florida all have big questions to answer. Parity is a wonderful thing.
  77. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: Dave - Kovalev is a classic underachiever. He has tons of talkent and size and usually uses neither. It's true, this year he actually trained and prepared and had a good season. With his personality, I think that was it. He isnt mentally strong enough to do it back to back. The young Euros they have need to be mentally tough if they are to be useful. So find them a new teacher - one who teaches heart.
  78. Verona Raven from United States writes: Kudos to Carboneau to drive that team to contention. They truly deserve a lot of credit for their regular season based on what they had on the team. 104 points for a squad that many felt would not even make the playoffs is a success on its own. They will build on this season and I think Gainey and Guy are steering this team in the right direction. I think people will see that and WILL want to play in Quebec; ask the two Long Island kids (Higgins and Komiserek) how they like Montreal...they absolutely love playing there. I'm not even a Habs fan...but its the greatest place I've ever seen a hockey game, hands down.

  79. pierre lefebvre from Brossard, Canada writes: Defence has abandoned Les Canadiens. During last 3 games of Price he has let in 15 goals. Its either a blank or catastrophe. The defence corps may be too offensive and fails to apply basic principles. Flyers were an easy pray during regular season so were Bruins. Both became major treats in payoffs. There must be a message for the young group of athletes on this team.
  80. Earl Anthony from Canada writes: Congratulations Flyers! You deserved to win.

    Habs got out-goaltended mainly because Biron played surprisingly well. Goal posts are part of the equipment. Huet was not able to lead Washington past these same Flyers so he is old news. The Price will be right for the Canadiens!

    Flyers were bigger and stronger, winning alot of the personal battles along the boards.

    Montreal had trouble all year stopping the other teams big line (who knew it was the fourth line with Umberger!). Habs defence couldn't play shut down.

    Bottom line is a team stocked with last year's AHL cup winners did not have enough experience to win in the Big Show. Next year they will be better!

    Go Habs Go!
  81. Rusty Waters from Canada writes: Montreal has too many small players that should be jockeys not hockey players. They move fast but no substance to them, they are like 4 clylinders motors that rev fast but have no torque. A team of figure skaters. It was a big mistake to bench Ryder...he would have scored some needed goals for them. No canadian team left so I guess we will watch the American game now. Price is a average goaltender but could be a excellent goaltender if he kept his eyes on the puck not the players. He also needs to anticipate deflections.
  82. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Bob Gainey is a great hockey man, but not perfect. He rolled the dice on this one with Price and lost. Now the question is how much damage was done to a young Price now fragile confidence, and can he bounce back?

    I remember Jose Theodore and Jocelyn Thibeau were also the 'second-comings' in their times....... Patrick Roy only comes around once a generation at best.

    Was Price hurt? If not he looked shaky and lacking confidence.

    Perhaps Gainey made an error at the trading deadline. Maybe he should have kept Huet and started him in the playoffs. If Huet had problems, then put Price in there with little pressure and low expectations. If he got on roll, so be it. Remember, the kid is only 20 (what were we doing at 20?)

    Gainey's made some good moves, but also made some stinkers. Signing Samsonov. Trading Mike Ribiero for Niinimmaa.

    Ribiero this year; 27 goals 56 assists PLUS 21 and top point getter on team! Playoffs: 11 games played-13 points PLUS 2 leads team in points.

    And he is only 28 years old

    Niinimmaa? Now playing in Sweden after a disaster in Montreal!

    Anyhow, great season for a team not even supposed to make the playoffs.
    .
  83. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: I was wondering when people were going to bring up Ribiero. He is killing it in Dallas....a real playoff performer.
  84. Comments closed, censored, deleted or made to disappear from Mini Bushland, Canada writes: The hitting each other with sticks and cerebral commotions season has at last ended, here. No more such entertainment locally. We'll have to turn to the real thing: Afghanistan and Iraq.
  85. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: To conclude the Kovalev debate, let's agree that he has been an underachiever for most of his career--until this year. Gainey and Carbo got the best out of Alex. More importantly, Alex got the best out of Alex. 35 goals isn't chump change. No one can predict what happens next year, but why shouldn't AK27 have another solid season? Kovy was motivated this year, even more reason to be motivated in '08-09. He remains a bargain for the Habs, unless you prefer the departed Josef Balej. Montreal will need some more big guys on the blueline and up front though, so let's hope O'Byrne, Chipchura, Stewart et al develop. The Philadelphia and Boston series were good lessons from hard-working, tough teams; Gainey, Carbo and his staff (hopefully the players as well) will have learned from them.
  86. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: Scotty, havent watched an entire game in a while. Had the game on last night between commercials on the NASCAR race. To check the score only. Its summer time, I've got no interest in hockey after the team I cheer for is gone. Truthfully, my interst in hockey is very minimal, I just can not cope with Bob Cole and crew at any time. If that area changed, I might be more in depth with the game. Got the 50 inch HD working other areas. Have a great summer, hope you find suitable employment shortly, Im sure you feel the same way. Take care, keep your head up, keep safe, keep warm. Cheers.
  87. Lyn Alg from Canada writes: Sage advice to Les Grande Canadiens: Get a competent goalie for the start of next season.
  88. Lyn Alg from Canada writes: In hockey 'size does not matter'. It's skill and intelligence. Having said that, in hockey, size does matter when it come to a direct coorelation between brawn, brains, and size. It has been proven that the bigger the size , the less brain and more brawn. Why is it that Philly is always at the bottom or near the bottom of the league? Uh, duh! I simply cannot wait to see Crosby, Malkin, Staal and company, have the 'uh duh' Flyers for breakfast. Incidentally, we haven't heard too much this year from the toothless, Flin Flon Bozo.
  89. Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: Sure, Gainey isn't perfect (which GM is?). Ribeiro is an interesting case, as is Ryder. Ribeiro was a problem child in Montreal who only once cracked 20 goals in six up-and-down years and managed only 2 goals and 3 assists in two playoff seasons. What could Gainey get for him? Clearly, not much. Ryder is a puzzle, a gifted scorer who refuses to evolve into a complete player. Sometimes players have to change teams in order to blossom. As far as Samsonov is concerned, he has baffled every team he has ever played for, showing great initial promise and then going flat. PS did somebody actually say the Canadiens need a goalie? (Though Curtis Joseph would look good in Hab colors)
  90. Willard Kurtz from Toronto, Canada writes: The Habs overachieved in the regular season and most seasoned fans knew they would be in tough in the playoffs but there was always hope. It's been great while it lasted and it's good to know that this team is a couple of moves away from a true shot.

    I was surprised to hear during the debate on the Richards goal that as long as you don't motion the glove towards the net it's OK. I hope they revisit that rule.

    All I have to say to the Philly fans is that you know your team was unbelievably lucky - I mean it was bizarre. RJ Umberger had 13 G in 74 GP in the regular season but racked up 8 G in 5 GP in the Montreal series. That bum could do no wrong it was uncanny. Can they keep the Midas touch...if they do then they're destiny's team you can't beat that kind of fortune. I can't believe they will.

    Penguins in 4.
  91. shoshana berman from Canada writes: Good, the citizens of Montreal are safe now.
  92. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Dave The Rave from Ottawa, Canada writes: PS did somebody actually say the Canadiens need a goalie? (Though Curtis Joseph would look good in Hab colors)

    Hmmm...a mentor and play some games.Would CUJO go for that? if he did, he would be great for the 20 and 22 year old.
  93. Joe Calgarian from Canada writes: I said it in the mid-90's that a Canadian team would never again win the Stanley Cup. That prediction continues to stand.
  94. Rob C from Canada writes: Carey Price has a lot of Andrew Raycroft in him...he makes the big save and waves at the easy ones. That 'high glove side stuff' looks bad in women's hockey and minor bantam let alone the NHL playoffs! Go get a goaltender Bobby G.
  95. Rob C from Canada writes: ....if I am not mistaken, they resigned Cujo for next year, no?
  96. L.B. MURRAY from Canada L.B. MURRAY from Canada from Canada writes: -
    Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Chris Isher;

    Guess which teams that are left have the most Canadians playing for them? (nhlnumbers.com).

    Minimum is 11.... and Montreal only had 7 dressed. NYR only has 1 more and he is hurt (Avery).
    _________________________________

    Morning, Scot. You're right about the Canadians playing for U.S. teams in the NHL....

    Couldn't believe the number of maple leaves (18 to 20 of them) on the Penguins team... I would have guessed about 6 or 7...

    -