Blackhawks Downed

I know, corny title. But great game by the Habs, as they hold the NHL's 3rd highest scoring team to one goal. Carey Price looked brilliant, and the Canadiens played as a team, putting forth their best effort, arguably, of 2009. Unbelievably, that was the Habs first win against a playoff contender since February.

Montreal must now hit the road to face the Islanders and Toronto. However, they're in better shape than they were a week ago, with one point separating them and Florida, a game in hand, and a game in hand on the one point ahead Rangers. 

Oh, and Bob Gainey did it: he got the team to .500 since he took over. Way to go, Bob. Now keep it going. And win the Cup. 

Bring on the Bruins? 

A great read on Bob Gainey

From the Globe and Mail's Roy MacGregor...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090323.MACGREGOR23/TPStory/

Kostitsyn benched for tomorrow

No Andrei Kostitsyn tomorrow against the Maple Leafs.

Oh good. Finally. I'm glad coach Bob has the good sense to bench our leading scorer when we can't score.

...

*sigh* 

These Habs need work

What an embarrassment Saturday. Outshot 48-23. Outplayed, like men against boys. And what happens? The team gets Sunday off. And Monday morning. Practice this afternoon.

Now, I'm not one to question Bob Gainey, but this team needs work. They need conditioning. Now. Clearly, something is wrong. It looks like Tomas Plekanec, Tom Kostopolous, Glen Metropolit and a goalie vs. the league. That's awful. Come on guys, let's get this going.

One can only hope that Alex Kovalev comes back Tuesday and things start flying again. The post-Guy era is quickly souring for many. But there is still time.

Question of the day: What happened to Mike Komisarek? How has he gone from dominant #1 to invisible #4? 

(cue Carmen Sandiego music)

Where in the world is Michael Komisarek? 

New Coach, Same Old Habs

It didn't take long for the luster of the Bob Gainey era behind the bench to wear off, with the Habs falling 3-2 in OT to the lowly Islanders last night. Were it not for another outstanding performance in goal from Carey Price there wouldn't have even been 1 point to show for things though, as the Canadiens were again hopelessly outworked for large portions of the game (a disturbing trend). Interestingly, rather than being rewarded for his solid play Price will instead be riding the bench on Saturday night, with Jaroslav Halak drawing back in to face the visiting Devils.

This trend of sitting the hottest goalie is a bit confusing, since this is the second time in a couple of weeks that it has happened (Halak lost his starting position after 4 consecutive wins even after recovering from the flu). With Carbonneau behind the bench you could at least chalk it up to his lineup roulette, but with the much more calculating Gainey in charge it just seems a bit out of character.

In other lineup news Patrice Brisebois will play career game #1,ooo on Saturday night, replacing Ryan O'Byrne. The bigger story with respect to milestones will invariably come from the visiting Martin Brodeur though, who looks for victory #551 to tie Patrick Roy atop the all-time list.

Game time is 7 PM from the Bell Center.

Habs v. Oil

A big game tonight under a new coach, or is that an old coach? Bob Gainey takes the helm for his second stint as interim head coach, overseeing his troops at home against the Oilers. Is it a coincidence this coaching change came as the Habs started a homestand, where they have a much better record than on the road? I think not. Look for the Habs to start strong, and win at least six of the next ten. I think even eight of ten is possible.

Of note, the Oilers had their rookie dinner on Sunday, an NHL tradition that every team has. Why this late? Because the Oilers had three days off in the city that loves to party, Montreal. However, word is the Oilers veterans are a tad groggy after staying out all night on the rookies' paycheques. Perhaps this gives Les Canadiens an advantage?

Carey Price starts in goal. He was drubbed last time he faced the Oilers, only three weeks ago.

Should be good. 

NOTES

• Sergio Momesso, everyone's favourite ex-Hab, has been named an assistant coach in Hamilton
• The Canadiens will now practice every day out of their Brossard facility, and no longer at the Bell Centre
• The Canadiens now has three assistant coaches: Jarvis, Muller, Lever. Who heads up top on a headset, and who stays behind the bench? 

124 Victories in 230 Games

And with that, the Guy Carbonneau era is over. Wow. 

Bob Gainey takes over, assisted by Don Lever and perhaps Pierre Gauthier, perhaps Kirk Muller, no announcement yet.

unconventional      adj 1: not conforming to accepted rules or standards; "her             unconventional dress and hair style" [ant: conventional]      2: not conventional or conformist; "unconventional life styles"         [ant: conventional, conventional]      3: not conforming to legality, moral law, or social convention;         "an unconventional marriage"; "improper banking practices"         [syn: improper, unlawful]

     4: Bob Gainey