Just Another Day In Paradise...

To say that the circumstances surrounding the Canadiens today were "unusual" would be something of an understatement, as there were times when things seemed more reminiscent of a Jerry Springer episode than the day-to-day workings of an NHL franchise. While I won't belabour those discussions too much more here (adequate links have already been provided for your reading pleasure), I will raise the question of what exactly someone with mob connections could seek to gain with a reputed relationship to NHL players. In the immortal words of Homer Simpson:

"You mean the mob only did me a favor to get something in return?"

Given the uncertainty that still surrounds this whole situation there is much to be determined, so it will be interesting to see how things ultimately play out when everything is revealed.

Moving on to actual hockey matters, the Habs finally return home after their miserable road trip to face off with the Senators (who earlier today made a deal with the Islanders to acquire the services of Mike Comrie and Chris Campoli) in a Hockey Day in Canada matinee. Alex Kovalev returns to the lineup after his brief hiatus, and Jaroslav Halak is pegged for the start after a couple of pedestrian efforts from Carey Price (who seemed to struggle mightily with his rebound control last night). The team has clearly taken a beating both on and off the ice this week, and given the high expectations for the Centennial Season, it could very well be a cold reception from the home crowd if the team gets off to another slow start.

History has not been kind to the Canadiens in their Hockey Day forays, and in particular, the Sens have dealt them a couple of lopsided losses in recent years and look to rub further salt in the wounds tomorrow. With their playoff hopes fading faster by the day, the Canadiens need to find a way to rise above all of these recent controversies and come away with 2 points tomorrow to try and stop the bleeding (however temporary the relief might be).

What a crazy day...

Wow. Links to organized crime. Kovalev back in the fold. Halak back between the pipes. NHL investigations.

Quite the day in Habsland. As usual, we're trying to keep you up to date with news and commentary. Many media still say there is a lot more to come out, but let's be honest, this is Montreal: how could they keep anything jucier than this under wraps? So at this point, we here at The Drive for Twenty Five are looking forward to Hockey Day in Canada tomorrow, and the Canadiens annual thrashing at the hands of the Senators. Perhaps The Doc will touch on that later.

For now, we leave you with this: Bob Gainey held a press conference this afternoon to discuss the ongoing police investigation, and the return of Alexei Kovalev. 

Audio can be found on the HIO website, here:

http://habsinsideout.com/main/15923

Quite the 24 hours for the Canadiens.

Scandal Update

The NHL is sending security officials to meet with Montreal police as the investigation continues...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3921050

The Latest on 'Le Scandal'

So far, it doesn't seem that bad. However, various media personalities are saying this is the "tip of the iceberg." Essentially, three Canadiens (Kostitsyn, Kostitsyn Jr., and Hamrlik) have been implicated in the recent "Axe" crackdown of Quebec and Ontario police on gang activity. Specifically, the police have numerous phone calls between these players and an accused drug dealer/arms dealer/conspirer, the subject of which we can only speculate. However, players like Pierre Dagenais and Mike Ribeiro were shipped out for far less than this. Who knows how big this will get.

Francois Gangon elaborates on the story (in French), stating that this is only the beginning, and suggesting that many of the younger players have been partying all night and heading straight to practice from bars on game days. Perhaps this makes sense, as it would explain the Canadiens porous play over the past two months. 

http://blogues.cyberpresse.ca/gagnon/?p=70314194

In the meantime, Les Canadiens lost again last night. The shine is certainly coming off the 100th anniversary logo. They had better turn things around against Ottawa tomorrow or there could be serious changes. How low can they go? The Montreal Canadiens, January/February 2009: like a game of limbo involving 20 different guys. 

Oh, and Kovalev is back with the team today. Maybe that'll provide the spark that these guys need tomorrow against Ottawa. 

THE LATEST

Team 990 reports that La Presse had further articles to run on the Canadiens and legal issues/problems that have arisen in recent weeks. However, these articles were pulled on the advice of La Presse lawyers. It is likely that they will be re-written and run this weekend or next week. According to PJ Stock and Tony Marinaro of Team 990, there is much more to come. 

Rumours out of Quebec...

...of a big scandal that will break tomorrow...TEAM 990 and RDS discussing it currently, whispers of potential criminal charges and serious embarrassment for Les Glorieux...not good...we'll keep you posted.