Wednesday, 25 November 2015

Habs blow out Rangers, lose Price

Montreal Canadiens - 5        New York Rangers - 1 (F)

New York, New York --

The Canadiens(17-4-2) came into this game with injuries to Gallagher and Mitchell, and left the game with a big W and without Carey Price...The Habs goalkeeper played a stellar two periods before backup Michael Condon took over due to an apparent right leg injury. Price returned from his previous injury last Friday in a 5-3 Montreal win over the Islanders. He played only one other game before this injury. Devante Smith-Pelly recorded a two goal night on the top line in reassurance of injured Brendan Gallagher. Sven Andrighetto also recorded his 1st goal of the season in his second game, while Alex Galchenyuk added a goal and an assist. Tomas Plekanec also had a great night with 3 helpers. Things weren't so bright on the Rangers (16-4-2) side as goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was yanked after allowing a season high 5 goals on 24 shots.

It was a game of quick starts to the periods for Montreal. Recently called up form St. Johns, Sven Andrighetto scored his 1st goal of the season 5 minutes in the game off a rebound in front of the net. Under 3 minutes into the 2nd frame, freshly promoted to the 1st line, Devante Smith-Pelley puts up his second goal of the season as he snapped one blocker side past Lunqvist. With just under 5 minutes to the period, Rangers captain, Ryan McDonagh shoots the puck from the blue line, ricocheting off Nash and behind Price for a Power Play goal. The Habs came into the 3rd period with Michael Condon between the pipes in relief of another injury sustained to Carey Price. It has been reported that he sustained a right leg injury. The Price-less Habs stunned the Rangers, scoring two goals in just 72 seconds to start the period. Smith-Pelly tucked one in close through Lunquivst's legs at 17 seconds and Alex Galchenyuk sniped one glove side 55 seconds later for this 4th of the season. Captain Max Pacioretty added an insult to the injury by recording his 12th of the season on a beautiful feed from Alex Galchenyuk on the Power Play. Forward Alexander Semin also left the game due to a lower-body injury.

Montreal now improves to (2-0-0) versus the Rangers this season. They have won 11 of the past 10 meetings to New York in the regular season. The Rangers loss tonight ended a 9 game home winning streak, their last loss coming October 18th versus the New Jersey Devils in a 2-1 OT loss. Up next, Montreal face the Devils November 27th at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. It will be the first of back to back games versus the newly structured Devils (11-9-1). The Canadiens last played the Devils April 3rd, 2015, losing 3-2. Following the game, GM Marc Bergevin announced that Carey Price will not be starting due the leg injury he sustained in tonight's game. Michael Condon will get the nod in goal tomorrow night.

Tuesday, 24 November 2015

Winter Classic alumni rosters announced

A few hours ago, this years annual Winter Classic game, between your Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins, alumni rosters have been announced. Legends on both rosters such as Cam Neely, Ray Bourque and Brian Leetch for the Bruins and Larry Robinson, Mats Naslund and Alex Kovalev for the Habs have been welcomed back to play the friendly outdoor game. Don Cherry and Guy Lafleur will be behind the benches. The game will be held in the afternoon of December 31st at the Gillette stadium in New England. The Canadiens last outdoor alumni game took place in 2003, where they faced Wayne Gretzky and the Oilers. The Bruins last played in the 2010 Winter Classic where they hosted the Philadelphia Flyers at Fenway Park. 

Full Rosters

Monday, 23 November 2015

Prospect Report: Habs Top 10 Kids



There are a few factors that play a role involving a player’s success after their junior years. These factors include injuries, size, work ethic and attitude.  The Canadiens have a solid group of prospects drafted from the last couple of years, especially the draft of 2013. Here is a ranking list I have strung together of the Montreal Canadiens top young guns that will be making the jump to the NHL in the next couple of years.




1.   Jacob de La Rose (drafted 34th in 13’)


LW/C, 20, St. Johns (AHL) 6-2, 190      Prospect Grade: A-

Hailing from Leksand, Sweden, de La Rose is a defensive-minded forward who can play wing and center.  He is not the fastest skater but has a high hockey IQ and his ability to read the play and cut off passing lanes is exceptional. His smarts have earned him 33 games with the Montreal Canadiens last season. His playing style is valued more in the bottom 9 and the PK, but can easily play in a top 6 role. If it wasn’t for such a deep Montreal depth chart, de La Rose would have been playing with the Habs this season. NHL: 2016-17