It's CBC's annual Hockey Day In Canada tomorrow with the network dedicating over 13 hours of coverage to the NHL Triple Header (Montreal @ Ottawa, Vancouver @ Toronto (the highlight of the day with the return of Mats Sundin to the ACC), Calgary @ Edmonton.
In addition to the triple header there will be all kinds of Canadian Hockey stories with live coverage from:
- Campbellton, New Brunswick
- Plaster Rock, NB
- Liberty Village - Toronto
- Carlyle, Saskatchewan
- Cold Lake, Alberta
- and from that city south across the border from Detroit - Windsor ON (and yes geographical trivia - when you travel across the Ambassador Bridge to go to Canada from Detroit - you travel SOUTH! One more useless off topic geography bit of trivia - some parts of California are actually north of the southern most point in Ontario.
Anyways - back to hockey - I for one will give Mats Sundin a standing ovation when he returns to the ACC tomorrow - he deserves it. All the details about Hockey Day In Canada - including being able to watch the Leafs game in Punjabi or Italian on their website - can be found here.
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/hdic2009/
Full Version: NHL 2008-09 season
This is the most under rated ultra cool sports day on the continent. Always try to catch as much of it as possible....
NHL Network carries it in the USA.
This follows last weekend's "Hockey Weekend Across America," which pretty much went by unnoticed.
This follows last weekend's "Hockey Weekend Across America," which pretty much went by unnoticed.
I've been very lucky to be able to go to some great games in person - the highlight of which was Game 6 of the 1993 World Series at the SkyDome when Joe Carter hit the 3 run home run in the bottom of the 9th to come from behind to beat the Phillies and win for the Jays their second straight World Series. But of course I don't have a championship moment like that attending any Leafs game - since they haven't won the Stanley Cup in 42 years.
After last night I still don't - but I certainly can say I've attended one of the most emotional Leaf game in years - the 10th anniversary celebration of the Air Canada Centre hosted one of its more dramatic games - with the return of Mats Sundin to Toronto - as a player on the visiting Vancouver Canucks. Some people thought that many Leaf fans would boo him - and certainly a very small minority did almost every time he touched the puck. But what a welcome home he received at the 6 minute mark of the first period during a TV time out. I can't describe that moment and then the incredible end to the night any better than as described in the Toronto papers this morning. All I'll add from a more personal perspective is that it was spine tingling thrilling to have had the good fortune to be there. And I'll add - thank you Mats!
Here are snippets from this morning's Toronto Star. Page One of the paper with the banner headline
Fans Love-in melts Sundin. This from Rosie Dimanno
*******
A deep bow, a kiss, a mighty heart worn on the sleeve.
For Mats Sundin, it could not have been scripted any better – from a standing ovation at one end of the game to a shootout winner at the other. "That's the stuff you dream of," he admitted afterward. "Whether you're 38 years old or 7."
On his keenly anticipated return to the Air Canada Centre, Sundin was fittingly the first star of the game. He came out, took those final seconds in the spotlight, bent from the waist in tender mutual recognition and sent out smooches, hand to his lips.
"The ovation from the fans was overwhelming. I'll remember this for the rest of my life.
"There were tears coming."
And bless that crowd for not holding it against him. For, rather, giving Sundin one of the sweetest tributes in the history of the franchise – a two-minute standing O that did, indeed, bring tears to the big Swede's eyes.
Even with Vancouver ultimately 3-2 shootout victors – on Sundin's backhand, no less, too perfect – there was nothing to begrudge the returning star, for 13 years property of the Leafs.
The Sundin Salute began during a commercial break, about six minutes into the game, Sundin on the bench and a short Thanks Mats! video compilation unfolding on the Jumbotron. The audience took it from there, rising as one to its feet, the roar reaching crescendo throttle, Sundin lifting his glove in acknowledgment.
Grasping the moment's significance, Canucks coach Alain Vigneault sent Sundin over the boards, though it was not his shift, and it was then that No. 13 – in blue and white and green – visibly started to crumple, his jaw quivering.
As he moved in to take the faceoff deep in the Toronto zone, Leaf centre Matt Stajan tactfully moved back from the dot, everybody faded away, linesman included, Canucks and Leafs tapping their sticks, and for a stirring minute it was Sundin alone, head bowed and eyes dripping.
"It was his moment," said Stajan. "I wanted to sit back and let him take it all in."
Overall, on the 10th anniversary of the ACC, on Hockey Day in Canada, no less, it was a warm embrace for the man who wore a "C" on his chest for 11 seasons here, if only fitfully afforded the regard he was due across that breadth of service. He wasn't Wendel, he wasn't Dougie, he wasn't Darryl – none of whom led Toronto to a Stanley Cup final either, you may recall.
He was and is Mats Sundin, endlessly courteous – perhaps too mush-mouthed for his own good – and Scandinavian reserved, by temperament and professional training, dignified rather than indignant when attacked, withholding his emotional core and never quite forgiven for that.
Still, the possessor of multiple franchise records: most points (987), most goals (420), most game-winning goals (94). And gobs of them were highlight-reel pretty – wrist shot from the top of the circle, off the rush, on the backhand, best in hockey and a dying art.
A reporter asked of Sundin, at the end of the night, if he'd finally shown that he was a man of emotion.
"Always been."
*******
And this from an article by Paul Hunter on the front of the sports section headlined 'Perfect Ending for Sundin'
********
It was the kind of magic – the wonderfully unscripted kind – that made Mats Sundin such a force in this city during his 13 seasons and, apparently, kept the fans on his side even during controversy. The ending Sundin delivered last night seemed so perfect, so deep in drama, it's hard to believe it wasn't scripted somewhere.
On the night the former captain returned to the Air Canada Centre, making his first appearance here in that iconic hockey stick Canucks logo, the game came down to the shootout. And who else but Sundin had the puck on his stick to end it?
Sundin, Vancouver's third shooter, broke in on Toronto goaltender Vesa Toskala and, to the surprise of none of the 19,500 onlookers, went to his backhand. As he'd done so often in a Leaf jersey, the 38-year-old lifted in the game-winner as Vancouver won its eighth in the last nine – this one by a score of 3-2.
"You dream about getting chances like that, being a deciding shooter, having a breakaway at the end of the game," he said. "When you grow up playing, you dream about chances like that. I'll take it."
It was probably what Sundin didn't dream about, the defining emotional moment of the former captain's association with the Leafs, that most fans on hand will remember long after the score is forgotten. A touching first-period tribute had Ol' Mats choking back tears and made a mockery of the pre-game debate about whether Sundin would be jeered or cheered. At the first TV timeout, a photo tribute to Sundin began on the big screens over centre ice. That brought the crowd to its feet to begin what was a thunderous two-minute ovation.
Sundin, at first, tried to get away with a wave of thanks from the bench but Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault sent him over the boards. "I had to tell Mats to stand up. I don't think he was quite sure how to react there," said Vigneault. "It was a good moment to be part of." Sundin, clearly choked up, drifted around the ice awkwardly until he finally settled over the faceoff dot to the left of Toronto goaltender Vesa Toskala.
Everyone else on the ice backed away, including Toronto centre Matt Stajan, on tap to take the draw against Sundin. For about another full minute the appreciation was thunderous and Sundin, tears welling in his eyes, listened to how much he meant to the fans here.
"I was probably crying a little bit," he conceded. "Thirteen years in the city, a lot of ups and downs and emotions, a lot of great teammates, a lot of great fans. It was a very emotional ride."
Pretty much was for anyone in the building.
It was one of the most heartfelt acknowledgments in recent memory involving the Leafs and certainly one of the most touching at the Air Canada Centre, celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend.
It's a special feeling, despite what happened last season at the trade deadline, they really showed me respect. It was amazing," said Sundin. Jason Blake and Stajan scored for Toronto but the night was Sundin's.
"The ovation from the fans was very special," he said. "I'll remember that the rest of my life."
********
After last night I still don't - but I certainly can say I've attended one of the most emotional Leaf game in years - the 10th anniversary celebration of the Air Canada Centre hosted one of its more dramatic games - with the return of Mats Sundin to Toronto - as a player on the visiting Vancouver Canucks. Some people thought that many Leaf fans would boo him - and certainly a very small minority did almost every time he touched the puck. But what a welcome home he received at the 6 minute mark of the first period during a TV time out. I can't describe that moment and then the incredible end to the night any better than as described in the Toronto papers this morning. All I'll add from a more personal perspective is that it was spine tingling thrilling to have had the good fortune to be there. And I'll add - thank you Mats!
Here are snippets from this morning's Toronto Star. Page One of the paper with the banner headline
Fans Love-in melts Sundin. This from Rosie Dimanno
*******
A deep bow, a kiss, a mighty heart worn on the sleeve.
For Mats Sundin, it could not have been scripted any better – from a standing ovation at one end of the game to a shootout winner at the other. "That's the stuff you dream of," he admitted afterward. "Whether you're 38 years old or 7."
On his keenly anticipated return to the Air Canada Centre, Sundin was fittingly the first star of the game. He came out, took those final seconds in the spotlight, bent from the waist in tender mutual recognition and sent out smooches, hand to his lips.
"The ovation from the fans was overwhelming. I'll remember this for the rest of my life.
"There were tears coming."
And bless that crowd for not holding it against him. For, rather, giving Sundin one of the sweetest tributes in the history of the franchise – a two-minute standing O that did, indeed, bring tears to the big Swede's eyes.
Even with Vancouver ultimately 3-2 shootout victors – on Sundin's backhand, no less, too perfect – there was nothing to begrudge the returning star, for 13 years property of the Leafs.
The Sundin Salute began during a commercial break, about six minutes into the game, Sundin on the bench and a short Thanks Mats! video compilation unfolding on the Jumbotron. The audience took it from there, rising as one to its feet, the roar reaching crescendo throttle, Sundin lifting his glove in acknowledgment.
Grasping the moment's significance, Canucks coach Alain Vigneault sent Sundin over the boards, though it was not his shift, and it was then that No. 13 – in blue and white and green – visibly started to crumple, his jaw quivering.
As he moved in to take the faceoff deep in the Toronto zone, Leaf centre Matt Stajan tactfully moved back from the dot, everybody faded away, linesman included, Canucks and Leafs tapping their sticks, and for a stirring minute it was Sundin alone, head bowed and eyes dripping.
"It was his moment," said Stajan. "I wanted to sit back and let him take it all in."
Overall, on the 10th anniversary of the ACC, on Hockey Day in Canada, no less, it was a warm embrace for the man who wore a "C" on his chest for 11 seasons here, if only fitfully afforded the regard he was due across that breadth of service. He wasn't Wendel, he wasn't Dougie, he wasn't Darryl – none of whom led Toronto to a Stanley Cup final either, you may recall.
He was and is Mats Sundin, endlessly courteous – perhaps too mush-mouthed for his own good – and Scandinavian reserved, by temperament and professional training, dignified rather than indignant when attacked, withholding his emotional core and never quite forgiven for that.
Still, the possessor of multiple franchise records: most points (987), most goals (420), most game-winning goals (94). And gobs of them were highlight-reel pretty – wrist shot from the top of the circle, off the rush, on the backhand, best in hockey and a dying art.
A reporter asked of Sundin, at the end of the night, if he'd finally shown that he was a man of emotion.
"Always been."
*******
And this from an article by Paul Hunter on the front of the sports section headlined 'Perfect Ending for Sundin'
********
It was the kind of magic – the wonderfully unscripted kind – that made Mats Sundin such a force in this city during his 13 seasons and, apparently, kept the fans on his side even during controversy. The ending Sundin delivered last night seemed so perfect, so deep in drama, it's hard to believe it wasn't scripted somewhere.
On the night the former captain returned to the Air Canada Centre, making his first appearance here in that iconic hockey stick Canucks logo, the game came down to the shootout. And who else but Sundin had the puck on his stick to end it?
Sundin, Vancouver's third shooter, broke in on Toronto goaltender Vesa Toskala and, to the surprise of none of the 19,500 onlookers, went to his backhand. As he'd done so often in a Leaf jersey, the 38-year-old lifted in the game-winner as Vancouver won its eighth in the last nine – this one by a score of 3-2.
"You dream about getting chances like that, being a deciding shooter, having a breakaway at the end of the game," he said. "When you grow up playing, you dream about chances like that. I'll take it."
It was probably what Sundin didn't dream about, the defining emotional moment of the former captain's association with the Leafs, that most fans on hand will remember long after the score is forgotten. A touching first-period tribute had Ol' Mats choking back tears and made a mockery of the pre-game debate about whether Sundin would be jeered or cheered. At the first TV timeout, a photo tribute to Sundin began on the big screens over centre ice. That brought the crowd to its feet to begin what was a thunderous two-minute ovation.
Sundin, at first, tried to get away with a wave of thanks from the bench but Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault sent him over the boards. "I had to tell Mats to stand up. I don't think he was quite sure how to react there," said Vigneault. "It was a good moment to be part of." Sundin, clearly choked up, drifted around the ice awkwardly until he finally settled over the faceoff dot to the left of Toronto goaltender Vesa Toskala.
Everyone else on the ice backed away, including Toronto centre Matt Stajan, on tap to take the draw against Sundin. For about another full minute the appreciation was thunderous and Sundin, tears welling in his eyes, listened to how much he meant to the fans here.
"I was probably crying a little bit," he conceded. "Thirteen years in the city, a lot of ups and downs and emotions, a lot of great teammates, a lot of great fans. It was a very emotional ride."
Pretty much was for anyone in the building.
It was one of the most heartfelt acknowledgments in recent memory involving the Leafs and certainly one of the most touching at the Air Canada Centre, celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend.
It's a special feeling, despite what happened last season at the trade deadline, they really showed me respect. It was amazing," said Sundin. Jason Blake and Stajan scored for Toronto but the night was Sundin's.
"The ovation from the fans was very special," he said. "I'll remember that the rest of my life."
********
An interesting stretch. The Penguins came into town and beat the Flyers on Saturday on a horrible giveaway by Martin Biron that led to the game-winner late.
The next day the Penguins were beaten by the Capitals in Washington -- with Alex Ovechkin battling Sidney "Whiny" Crosby during the game, then dissing Crosby after the game: "He's a good player but he talks too much. I play hard, if he wants to do something like hit me again, he can try to hit me and then not talk to you guys about who plays dirty."
Then tonight the Caps, still at home, were up 2-0 in the second period but were outplayed and lost to the Flyers 4-2, ending a long win streak on home ice vs. Eastern Conference opponents. Even more impressive is that the Flyers played without their best defenseman, Kimmo Timonen (flu).
The Caps really look tough, however. Their big question mark will be whether Jose Theodore can give them the goaltending they'll need in the playoffs.
The trade deadline is a little over a week away.
The next day the Penguins were beaten by the Capitals in Washington -- with Alex Ovechkin battling Sidney "Whiny" Crosby during the game, then dissing Crosby after the game: "He's a good player but he talks too much. I play hard, if he wants to do something like hit me again, he can try to hit me and then not talk to you guys about who plays dirty."
Then tonight the Caps, still at home, were up 2-0 in the second period but were outplayed and lost to the Flyers 4-2, ending a long win streak on home ice vs. Eastern Conference opponents. Even more impressive is that the Flyers played without their best defenseman, Kimmo Timonen (flu).
The Caps really look tough, however. Their big question mark will be whether Jose Theodore can give them the goaltending they'll need in the playoffs.
The trade deadline is a little over a week away.
It will be interesting to see if the Rangers can turn their season around under new coach as another coach has bitten the dust after a loss to the Leafs. The Rangers tied the can to Tom Renney after the Leafs beat the listless looking Rangers at MSG on Sunday. He becomes the second coach to lose their job immediately after a loss to the Leafs. The Pens Michel Therrien was the other a couple of weeks ago.
Tonight in the rematch between the Leafs and Rangers at the ACC - John Tortorella will not be in his old position - the studio at TSN between periods analyzing the game. Instead he will behind the Rangers bench debuting as their new head coach. The Rangers have lost 10 of their last 12 games and now are barely holding on to a playoff position just 2 points ahead of 9th place Carolina.
And from the 'You've got to be kidding me?' file - the money machine - otherwise known as MLSE - owners of the ACC, Leafs and Raptors - they announced today that in these brutal economic times they are RAISING season ticket prices for next year by an average of 3.5%. This from a team that already has the most expensive tickets in the NHL. MLSE makes more profit than they know what to do with and have a hockey team that has not been in the play-offs for 4 years!
Some reward for their ridiculously loyal fans in these tough economic times - with Ontario in particular reeling with huge job losses and everybody cutting back. A price INCREASE? Truly Incredible!
Tonight in the rematch between the Leafs and Rangers at the ACC - John Tortorella will not be in his old position - the studio at TSN between periods analyzing the game. Instead he will behind the Rangers bench debuting as their new head coach. The Rangers have lost 10 of their last 12 games and now are barely holding on to a playoff position just 2 points ahead of 9th place Carolina.
And from the 'You've got to be kidding me?' file - the money machine - otherwise known as MLSE - owners of the ACC, Leafs and Raptors - they announced today that in these brutal economic times they are RAISING season ticket prices for next year by an average of 3.5%. This from a team that already has the most expensive tickets in the NHL. MLSE makes more profit than they know what to do with and have a hockey team that has not been in the play-offs for 4 years!
Some reward for their ridiculously loyal fans in these tough economic times - with Ontario in particular reeling with huge job losses and everybody cutting back. A price INCREASE? Truly Incredible!
Interesting. Comcast-Spectacor, parent company of the Flyers (and 76ers) announced Monday that not only are they NOT raising ticket prices next year, but they're allowing season ticket holders to pay in longer installment plans -- up to 9 months for the Flyers and 10 months for the 76ers. Also, they now only have to pay in advance for one postseason round at a time (down from two), and the 76ers will have more seats priced at only $15.
That Rangers-Leafs game is being carried on the NHL Network in the USA.
That Rangers-Leafs game is being carried on the NHL Network in the USA.
What a scintillating matchup on Versus tonight: Colorado (last place in the West) at the NY Islanders (worst in the entire league). Colorado is barely alive for a playoff spot, currently 10 points behind 8th place Anaheim. And between the Isles' usual attendance woes and today's snowstorm, I'm betting there will be a lot of empty seats.
At least the trade deadline Wednesday may bring some excitement.
At least the trade deadline Wednesday may bring some excitement.
Sean Avery is back with the NY Rangers, as they claimed him off waivers from Dallas. Quelle surprise. I'm a little surprised it took this long.
The Flyers are finishing up a nice win at Boston, but Philly.com says they may be dealing before the trade deadline despite their cap limitations (that saw them lose two players to other teams through waivers because they had to make room under the cap for Danny Briere's return)...
QUOTE
With about 24 hours left in the NHL's trading deadline, there are a lot of rumors floating around.
One of them has the Flyers sending goalie Marty Biron to Phoenix to free some cap space for John Stevens' team to make other moves. Phoenix would then send Biron to another team _ perhaps Buffalo, Biron's old stomping ground. (Sabres' goalie Ryan Miller is injured.)
If the Flyers moved Biron, they would free room and supposedly go after Florida defenseman Jay Bouwmeester or Anaheim defenseman Chris Pronger (my first choice).
Antero Niittymaki would then become the Flyers' No. 1 goalie.
The Flyers may move Matt Carle and Joffrey Lupul to get Bouwmeester or Pronger.
Pronger, who makes $6.25 million, is signed through the end of next year. Bouwmeester can become a free agent after the season, so the Flyers would want him to agree to a long-term deal before they acquire him.
The Flyers are dead last in the NHL in available cap space ($55,656, according to nhlscap.com), so dealing the inconsistent Biron would give them flexibility. In order to be dealt, Biron would have to waive his no-trade clause.
Before last tonight's game in Boston, Biron said he has not been asked to waive his no-trade clause and that he would "cross that bridge" if it happened.
One of them has the Flyers sending goalie Marty Biron to Phoenix to free some cap space for John Stevens' team to make other moves. Phoenix would then send Biron to another team _ perhaps Buffalo, Biron's old stomping ground. (Sabres' goalie Ryan Miller is injured.)
If the Flyers moved Biron, they would free room and supposedly go after Florida defenseman Jay Bouwmeester or Anaheim defenseman Chris Pronger (my first choice).
Antero Niittymaki would then become the Flyers' No. 1 goalie.
The Flyers may move Matt Carle and Joffrey Lupul to get Bouwmeester or Pronger.
Pronger, who makes $6.25 million, is signed through the end of next year. Bouwmeester can become a free agent after the season, so the Flyers would want him to agree to a long-term deal before they acquire him.
The Flyers are dead last in the NHL in available cap space ($55,656, according to nhlscap.com), so dealing the inconsistent Biron would give them flexibility. In order to be dealt, Biron would have to waive his no-trade clause.
Before last tonight's game in Boston, Biron said he has not been asked to waive his no-trade clause and that he would "cross that bridge" if it happened.
The Calgary deals paid dividends already as they took a 4-0 first period lead and rolled to an easy 5-1 win over the Flyers. Meanwhile, Scottie Upshall scored in his Phoenix debut. 
Here's a bit of a shocker - Guy Carbonneau fired as Canadiens coach. Bob Gainey to go behind the bench.
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/599150
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/599150
While in Toronto I read that none of the last 5 Montreal coaches had any prior NHL coaching experience, and now the odds-on choice to take over next season is their AHL head coach (now with the Canadiens as an assistant). Surprising.
The Flyers still haven't won at Detroit since November 1988 (only 16 games in those 20-plus years, but still). Tonight's 3-2 score (with the Flyers blowing a 2-0 second-period lead) was not indicative of the domination by the Red Wings. They outshot the Flyers 48-26, but the Flyers had 23 blocked shots to the Red Wings' 4, which means that the actual shots attempted was 71-30 for Detroit. It was men vs. boys out there.
I tell you this is one of those week's where all you can do as a Leaf fan is think how amazing it would be for the NHL .... IF ... the Leafs were a playoff team. The Leafs have 3 'road' games this week. Road game one at the Lightning against Tampa Bay another non-playoff team on TSN across Canada. Argh you would think - two non playoff teams on a national TV game. Instead it was one of the most entertaining games of the year to watch with half the crowd people on March Break cheering for Toronto. The atmosphere especially in the third period, overttime and 6 rounds of the shootout absolutely electric before the Leafs finally won. Pierre Maguire was over the top in his praise of the game and atmosphere even quoting one of the linesmen as saying this was one of the most fun games he had worked all year.
Then last night a bit of a dud but again about 1/3 of the crowd ready to cheer for the Leafs in Florida but the Panthers full value for their 4-1 win.
Next tomorrow night at Montreal - and you can bet 1/3 or better of the crowd will again be Leafs fans as Leafs try to play the spoilers in Montreal who are in danger of missing the playoffs. And as the article I've posted below from the Toronto Star notes - it may be a wild and potentially ugly crowd for the Canadiens should they lose.
One thing for sure - every executive with the CBC is likley praying that Montreal get in as their presence at least helps a bit with the ratings. Especially now that the CBC's main cash cow - aka the Toronto Maple Leafs - are already going to be missing from action in the playoffs this year. With the Leafs in - the Stanley Cup playoffs are one of CBC's biggest money makers and the CBC is short of funds these days. The playoffs are still profitable for them without the Leafs - just not nearly as profitable as it is when their ratings are boosted by the extra million or more that the Leafs would bring in. Montreal's presence would add about half that many to what they will get without either of the two original six teams playing.
And without that extra revenue the CBC may be forced into more layoffs. Already a bunch were announced this week - unfortunately impacting a couple of my friends.
Here is the Star article referenced earlier.
*******
March 20, 2009
Messy in Montreal
One gets the feeling it could be a wild Saturday night in Montreal tomorrow with the Maple Leafs in town.
The seat behind the Habs' bench is rather hot these days. Nobody is getting fired today. But the Canadiens' centennial season has gone terribly awry, including a 5-4 loss to Ottawa Thursday night in which goalie Carey Price was yanked after allowing four goals on 15 shots and was nearly in tears afterward while talking to reporters.
The Habs have lost four straight and are now 1-2-0-2 since Bob Gainey fired Guy Carbonneau and stepped behind the bench himself. The Canadiens would have been booed off the ice after losing to New Jersey last Saturday, but cheering erupted in tribute to hometown boy Martin Brodeur for his 551st win and the Habs were spared.
It's Carbonneau's firing that may be the most explosive issue brewing here, and not only because fans were chanting Carbo! Carbo! Carbo! at the last Montreal home game. In La Belle Province, any Canadiens news is big news, and any big Canadiens story often takes on political and cultural elements. In the case of Carbonneau, this is more than just about a hockey coach being fired. According to Don MacPherson in the Montreal Gazette, people outside Quebec have difficulty understanding the sensitivity of the story, particularly with the club doing poorly under Gainey.
Consider how the situation might have looked to a French-speaking Quebecer, wrote MacPherson. Carbonneau was fired and temporarily replaced by an English-speaking general manager (though Bob Gainey is bilingual) who reports to an absentee American owner. Carbonneau had been let down by his players, most of whom, including all the leading ones, don't speak French.
And Gainey appeared to be positioning Don Lever as Carbonneau's eventual permanent replacement. He would be the team's first unilingual anglophone coach in a quarter-century. Maybe tomorrow night the Habs will get back on a winning track against a Leaf team that is hustling to stay competitive in the final weeks of this season.
But there will be lots of Leaf fans there, helping once again create what is the most colorful hockey atmosphere in North America these days. If it all goes bad for the Habs, it could get ugly.
************
Then last night a bit of a dud but again about 1/3 of the crowd ready to cheer for the Leafs in Florida but the Panthers full value for their 4-1 win.
Next tomorrow night at Montreal - and you can bet 1/3 or better of the crowd will again be Leafs fans as Leafs try to play the spoilers in Montreal who are in danger of missing the playoffs. And as the article I've posted below from the Toronto Star notes - it may be a wild and potentially ugly crowd for the Canadiens should they lose.
One thing for sure - every executive with the CBC is likley praying that Montreal get in as their presence at least helps a bit with the ratings. Especially now that the CBC's main cash cow - aka the Toronto Maple Leafs - are already going to be missing from action in the playoffs this year. With the Leafs in - the Stanley Cup playoffs are one of CBC's biggest money makers and the CBC is short of funds these days. The playoffs are still profitable for them without the Leafs - just not nearly as profitable as it is when their ratings are boosted by the extra million or more that the Leafs would bring in. Montreal's presence would add about half that many to what they will get without either of the two original six teams playing.
And without that extra revenue the CBC may be forced into more layoffs. Already a bunch were announced this week - unfortunately impacting a couple of my friends.
Here is the Star article referenced earlier.
*******
March 20, 2009
Messy in Montreal
One gets the feeling it could be a wild Saturday night in Montreal tomorrow with the Maple Leafs in town.
The seat behind the Habs' bench is rather hot these days. Nobody is getting fired today. But the Canadiens' centennial season has gone terribly awry, including a 5-4 loss to Ottawa Thursday night in which goalie Carey Price was yanked after allowing four goals on 15 shots and was nearly in tears afterward while talking to reporters.
The Habs have lost four straight and are now 1-2-0-2 since Bob Gainey fired Guy Carbonneau and stepped behind the bench himself. The Canadiens would have been booed off the ice after losing to New Jersey last Saturday, but cheering erupted in tribute to hometown boy Martin Brodeur for his 551st win and the Habs were spared.
It's Carbonneau's firing that may be the most explosive issue brewing here, and not only because fans were chanting Carbo! Carbo! Carbo! at the last Montreal home game. In La Belle Province, any Canadiens news is big news, and any big Canadiens story often takes on political and cultural elements. In the case of Carbonneau, this is more than just about a hockey coach being fired. According to Don MacPherson in the Montreal Gazette, people outside Quebec have difficulty understanding the sensitivity of the story, particularly with the club doing poorly under Gainey.
Consider how the situation might have looked to a French-speaking Quebecer, wrote MacPherson. Carbonneau was fired and temporarily replaced by an English-speaking general manager (though Bob Gainey is bilingual) who reports to an absentee American owner. Carbonneau had been let down by his players, most of whom, including all the leading ones, don't speak French.
And Gainey appeared to be positioning Don Lever as Carbonneau's eventual permanent replacement. He would be the team's first unilingual anglophone coach in a quarter-century. Maybe tomorrow night the Habs will get back on a winning track against a Leaf team that is hustling to stay competitive in the final weeks of this season.
But there will be lots of Leaf fans there, helping once again create what is the most colorful hockey atmosphere in North America these days. If it all goes bad for the Habs, it could get ugly.
************
So the Leafs won that game 5-2, right? How ugly was it in Montreal? The Habs are now tied in the point totals with Florida for the 8th and final playoff spot.
Meanwhile, after that debacle in Detroit the Flyers have shaped up, with wins at Buffalo and Pittsburgh and a win last night at home over New Jersey. If they can continue this play, they should finish 4th and get home ice in the 1st round, as well as going into the playoffs on a good roll.
Meanwhile, after that debacle in Detroit the Flyers have shaped up, with wins at Buffalo and Pittsburgh and a win last night at home over New Jersey. If they can continue this play, they should finish 4th and get home ice in the 1st round, as well as going into the playoffs on a good roll.
So much for the Flyers' winning streak. How do you beat red-hot Pittsburgh on the road, come home the next night and beat King Brodeur and the Devils, get two days off, then play a Florida team that's falling out of the playoffs and last night cough up a third-period 3-1 lead and lose to Buffalo, then have to travel right after the game to get into town for a game tonight -- and lose to Florida???
The Flyers could've had a really disastrous weekend after losing to Boston last night. The night before they were down 2-0 in the third period against the pitiful Islanders (who, to their credit, were coming off a 2-0 win at Detroit). They scored 3 quick goals but were then quickly tied, and managed to win in the shootout. So they're still in 4th in the East but it's about as tight as you can get:
4. Philadelphia 92 pts.
5. Carolina 91
6. Pittsburgh 90
7. NY Rangers 87
8. Montreal 86
9. Florida 85
10. Buffalo 82
The Flyers, Canadiens and Sabres have a game or two in hand on the others.
If the current West standings hold up there's going to be quite a turnover. Anaheim, Edmonton, Minnesota, Dallas, Colorado -- all sitting home in two weeks while Chicago, Columbus, Nashville and St. Louis will all be in (yeah, Chicago has a long history and Nashville has some playoff history as well).
4. Philadelphia 92 pts.
5. Carolina 91
6. Pittsburgh 90
7. NY Rangers 87
8. Montreal 86
9. Florida 85
10. Buffalo 82
The Flyers, Canadiens and Sabres have a game or two in hand on the others.
If the current West standings hold up there's going to be quite a turnover. Anaheim, Edmonton, Minnesota, Dallas, Colorado -- all sitting home in two weeks while Chicago, Columbus, Nashville and St. Louis will all be in (yeah, Chicago has a long history and Nashville has some playoff history as well).
The West will be interesting. I don't think St. Louis makes it. 5 of 6 games are on the road (ouch). Anaheim has a tough schdule. 4 road games. Edmonton and Vancouver, then SJ twice. But they finish it off with Dallas and Phoenix. Allas, I think MN is too far out considering their schedule. Edomonton is sitting pretty. 5 home games, but admittedly, only the Kings will be relatively easy. The rest are Anaheim, SJ, Vancouver and ending with Calgary twice. (ought to be good games to watch if the Oilers are still on the edge). Nashville has it tough with two game each against Columbus and Chicago and ending with Detroit and the Wild. Columbus, while still relatively high still has reason to worry. Their schedule is similar to Nashville's. Two each against Nashville and Chicago, ending with St. Louis and Wild. It certainly will be interesting. Part of me hopes that Columbus will pull it off and make it to the post-season for the first time.
The Devils seem to be collapsing. They're 1-6-1 in their last 8 after being routed by Pittsburgh 6-1 tonight. Unfortunately, the Flyers aren't taking advantage, losing again tonight, this time 3-2 at Toronto, a team that's not making the playoffs. The Flyers aren't playing with nearly enough urgency, which is just shocking considering how they barely made the playoffs last year and still haven't clinched a spot this year.
The 2010 Winter Classic might be held at Fenway Park. A source tells the Boston Globe that the opponent could be the Capitals or Flyers, but is not likely to be the Canadiens, as previously speculated.
Only two playoff spots in each conference are still up for grabs. All the contenders have 2 games left...
East:
7. Montreal 92 pts.
8. NY Rangers 91
9. Florida 89
10. Buffalo 87 (not officially eliminated but needs a miracle: they must win twice, the Rangers must lose twice in regulation against the Flyers and Florida can't get more than 2 points out of their last 2 games.)
West:
7. Anaheim 88
8. St. Louis 88
9. Nashville 86
10. Minnesota 85
Congrats to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who clinched a playoff spot for the first time in the team's history.
And was this one of the worst games in NHL history? On Tuesday Carolina scored a goal in the last 31 seconds of the first period to take a 3-0 lead over the visiting Islanders. The Hurricanes then scored 3 more in each of the final two periods, outshooting NY 23-2 and 24-4 in those periods, for a total of 57-12 in shots and 9-0 on the scoreboard.
Only two playoff spots in each conference are still up for grabs. All the contenders have 2 games left...
East:
7. Montreal 92 pts.
8. NY Rangers 91
9. Florida 89
10. Buffalo 87 (not officially eliminated but needs a miracle: they must win twice, the Rangers must lose twice in regulation against the Flyers and Florida can't get more than 2 points out of their last 2 games.)
West:
7. Anaheim 88
8. St. Louis 88
9. Nashville 86
10. Minnesota 85
Congrats to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who clinched a playoff spot for the first time in the team's history.
And was this one of the worst games in NHL history? On Tuesday Carolina scored a goal in the last 31 seconds of the first period to take a 3-0 lead over the visiting Islanders. The Hurricanes then scored 3 more in each of the final two periods, outshooting NY 23-2 and 24-4 in those periods, for a total of 57-12 in shots and 9-0 on the scoreboard.
The Rangers and Canadiens are both in the playoffs now. The pairings are still up in the air -- the Flyers, Hurricanes and Penguins are all tied for 4th with 97 points but the Flyers have 2 games left to 1 for the others. The top 3 seeds will be Boston, Washington and New Jersey. Both Carolina and Pittsburgh have been strong lately, and the team that finishes 6th will face Martin Brodeur and the Devils, so any way you look at it the Flyers will have a tough first round matchup. The best thing they can do is finish 4th and have home ice for that round. The Rangers and Canadiens can only finish 7th or 8th.
JiP, are you participating in the Beard-A-Thon?
Happy with the Panther's performance this year, (93 points), but dissapointed they missed the playoffs yet again....If they had been in the West, they would have had a 6 seed...
Very excited to see what the Blackhawks can do, tho....
Very excited to see what the Blackhawks can do, tho....
QUOTE(canmark @ Apr 10 2009, 06:33 PM) 
That's interesting. I actually started growing my playoff beard about a week ago. The only problem is I can't upload photos because the last time I tried taking pictures with my digital camera they all came out red-tinted and blurry, and I don't know why.
Playoff matchups are now set, thanks to the Flyers coughing up a 3-2 third-period lead and losing to the Rangers, who were stuck in 7th in the East and thus had nothing to play for, therefore giving Pittsburgh 4th place and home ice in the first round.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.