In support of “Mr. Gomez”

I thought I was the only one.  I’m still not convinced I’m not.  Allow me to stand up now and announce myself like a new member at an A.A. meeting.

I, Marcus Henderson, am a fan of Scott Gomez.

It all began on a cold, wintery evening in 2008.  Rookie goaltender Carey Price was having an off night against the Rangers.  He let in 3 goals in the first period.  It happens.  Then coach Guy Carbonneau pulled Carey in favour of Cristobal Huet.  The hurting didn’t stop.  The Rangers piled on 2 more goals in the second period, seemingly putting the game out of reach.  As the third period started, the Rangers seemed to be asleep.  2 goals from Michael Ryder, a goal from Kovalev, and another from Ryder to complete the hat trick.  Suddenly it was a one goal game!  At 15:38 of the 3rd period Alex Kovalev scored a PP goal to tie up the game.  The Habs would eventually win it in a shootout, ending one of the greatest comebacks in NHL history.

Now, you are probably wondering.  ”What the hell is he on about now?”  and “What on earth does this have to do with Scott Gomez?”  I will tell you.

While all this was going on, I was watching Gomez.  His incredible skating and puck handling skills were mind boggling.  While the rest of his team were sitting on their hands, Gomez was everywhere!  As the game wore on, and tempers flared, little Scotty Gomez was the first one in the pile, and was the mouthiest of the bunch.  Trying desperately to keep his team in it.

Even though the Rangers lost the game, and Gomez put a big fat zero on the scoreboard, he was the best player on the ice.  Bar none.  At that moment I thought, “Gainey’s gotta get this guy!”

It is well documented that the Habs had a broken locker room in their centennial season.  It cost Carbonneau his job, and was the reason for the massive rebuilding of the team in the off season.

Where did Gainey start?  Scott Gomez.  He was brought in to fix the broken locker room.  And fix it he did.  Money well spent.

I didn't see anyone else standing up to this giant goon, did you?

And so…here we sit.  1 year, no goals.  Limited points since his acquisition.  Every Hab fan on the planet calling for his head.  Calling for Gainey’s head.  Calling for “the Goat’s” head.

And me?  I still like him.  The team is better with him in the lineup, whether he’s putting up points or not.  Obviously, points would be better, but Scott has a large list of unquantifiable talents and benefits.  At this point, I’d say he’s more deserving of the “C” than Gionta.  Not more than Gorges, who clearly should have it, but deserving nonetheless.

What’s more?  While everyone else is counting the days until his contract is up, and he is erased from their memories and the team’s cap hit, I sit here hoping he is signed to an extension.  He would certainly be cheaper at that point wouldn’t he?

Here’s an intriguing option.  There are rumours that the new CBA will include a one time, penalty free, buyout on a single bad contract per team.  I  have an idea.  This happens, Molson buys out Scott’s contract taking him off the cap.  Scott gets the money he earned (that’s right, I said it) and everyone is happy.  No harm to the team.  This is where things get interesting.  Would the Habs be allowed to resign him?  If Gomez is allowed to sign, for say, $2.5 million per year?  Or does this defeat his buyout money?  Somehow it seems too good to be true.  The habs keep their locker room leader, and at a price that actually reflects his production, while he still gets the money he earned. (yep.  I said it again.)

I realize this is never going to happen.  I’m not that naive.  And the league is not that stupid.

What I ask at this point is this.  What are the Canadiens going to spend Gomez’ money on if they are allowed to buy him out penalty free?  Jeff Carter?  Rick Nash?  Don’t even try to tell me Getzlaf, Perry or Ryan.  Anaheim isn’t moving any of those guys.  And even if they did, it would cost the Habs something that they just can’t afford to part with right now. High draft picks and prospects.

Like it or not, Habs fans, this team is entering a rebuild stage.  What does this mean?  Money is not a problem.  Gomez’ contract means nothing.  The next few years should see the team obtaining and icing a young team comprised of entry level contracts.  It’s time to build some superstars.  Lars Eller and Max Pacioretty are your new ‘veterans’.

After 2 more season’s, Gomez’ contract is up.  At this point, the team has had a couple years to recuperate.  With 7.3 million in cap space suddenly available, the Canadiens can make a HUGE splash.  And they will be ready.

Now is NOT the time for panic.  Now is the time for clear thinking and a carefully laid out plan.  And this plan MUST include someone like Scott Gomez.

The guy is a leader. We need him.

Great win in Toronto!

That was a great night of hockey, wasn’t it?  Rene Bourque scored his first as a Hab.  Lars Eller got his 10th, reaching double digits for the first time as a pro.  Carey Price was…Carey Price.  Gomez was double shifted, and deserved it.

Bourque gets his first. A dirty one in front of the net. Awesome!

Let’s hear it folks!  We’re #11!  We’re #11!  We’re #11!!!

All kidding aside, it feels great to be a Habs fan today.  3 out of a possible 4 points on the weekend.  No controversies.  It’s nice to see everyone celebrating a win, instead of crunching playoff percentages, and calling for heads.

Lets just sit back and listen to a good song from a true Canadiens fan.

Peace!!

Perspectives…

I’ve been pretty quiet lately.  Perhaps a little too quiet?

While Habs fans have reached a panic mode rivaling the final scenes of Titanic, throwing everyone and anyone under the bus, I have remained calm.  I have tried to see things through my own, ever optimistic eyes.

So quick everyone has been to place blame on Gomez, Price, Gauthier, Gainey, Cammalleri, the list goes on and on.  I’m not so eager to do the same.

Every team hits a crossroads. There are ups and downs, peaks and valleys, highs and lows.  It’s unavoidable.  In a fan base as hungry and demanding as ours, these summits create a state of Euphoria.  An invincibility that we no longer feel is earned, but owed.  When we find ourselves spinning into the abyss that we are now in, we feel wronged.  We feel cheated.  Someone must be at fault for this, right?

I take us back a few short years.  To the summer of 2009.  This is where Bob Gainey, former GM of the Canadiens, found himself at this crossroads I speak of.  He had an aging group of veterans.  They had found marginal regular season success, but continually proved not to be contenders in the playoffs.  It was time to make a decision.

With players like Alex Kovalev, Mike Komasarik and long time captain Saku Koivu becoming UFA’s, Gainey had a chance to step back and take a look at what he had, and what direction the team was heading.  I have to tell you folks, he couldn’t have liked what he saw.  This team had passed it’s apex.  It was into the later years of it’s current lifespan and had begun its decent into the darkness that accompanies every GM’s biggest nightmare.  A rebuild.

No assets to move for picks.  No young studs under contract to build around.  Nothing.

Gainey saw an opportunity.  The free agent list that year showed something that could be magical.  What would a team look like that had a Gomez/Gionta reunion?  What would Cammalleri bring to this mix?  It was an interesting thought.  One that, if it worked, could put off that dreaded rebuild and give the team life again.

Most importantly, it could appease this rabid fanbase.

So this team was assembled.  It even had some success.  I think everyone can agree that playoff run was one of the more magical stories in this franchise’s bulging diary.  So everything was grand.  Even last year, the team showed improvement and looked to defeat the hated Bruins and maybe go on to another run.  It was not meant to be.

In the background to all this, the rebuild remained.  Forgotten, but growing in need.  The cupboards were still somewhat bare.  The Kostitsyn’s were failures.  David Fischer was, well, David Fischer.

Really want to blow things up? Think of the implications!

And so…the rebuild.

No one in this fan base is willing to sit through 5 – 10 years of bottom 5 finishes.  Don’t try and pretend.  You are lying.

We aren’t about to see a Gomez for Alex Ovechkin trade anytime soon either, so suck it up!

There are some quality pieces in this organization that need some time to grow.  The underachieving team we are icing will allow this to happen.

Does anyone actually think Nail Yakupov or Mikhail Grigorenko is Sidney Crosby or Alex  Ovechkin?  Get real!  This is a very deep draft and any 1st or 2nd round pick could end up being gold.

What do the Habs need right now?  How about a little patience and support from their fans?  How about a vote of confidence?  How about everyone takes a breath for a second, and sees the big picture?  We’ll be alright.  We have some very good pieces here now.  It is not the time to panic.

The future is already here. Well...almost.

Here is a gentle reminder.

• Carey Price
• PK Subban
• Eric Cole
• David Desharnais
• Max Pacioretty
• Louis LeBlanc
• Jarred Tinordi
• Nathan Beaulieu
• Lars Eller
• Tomas Plekanec
• Alexei Emelin
• Brendan Gallagher

Is this really a list worth panicking about?  Quietly, Gainey and Gauthier have stocked the cupboards.  We will be alright.  Just chill out.

The return of Roy?

There are rumblings that Derek Roy is on his way to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for….well…that hasn’t really been stated.

While Roy has had decent numbers over the years, scoring 20 – 30 goals consistently (other than last years injury shortened season, but he did have 35 points in 35 games), there are numbers on his stat sheet that tell me this acquisition doesn’t make a lot of sense.

5′-09″ and 188lbs.

Really?  A small centerman?  That’s what this team is in need of?

I suppose what the team is actually in need of, is some offense.  I suppose Roy does fulfill this need, so I suppose at the right price, this could be a good acquisition.  Who would it be though?

I’m not sure what expendable asset we have that would make this trade work.  I’m not buying it.

Cammalleri not happy with current situation. Ya think?

Yesterday news came out that Habs’ supposed “Super Sniper” Mike Cammalleri had some harsh words for his teammates and the organization as a whole in a semi private, locker room interview, with NHL.com correspondant Arpon Basu and Francois Gagnon of La Presse.

“I can’t accept that we will display a losing attitude as we’re doing this year. We prepare for our games like losers. We play like losers. So it’s no wonder why we lose,” Cammalleri said after asked about the teams recent efforts.

He also spoke of his ice time, which has been less in recent games, and less overall since the promotion of Randy Cunneyworth, stating ”I’m not playing as much, so I need to get a little work here in practice to stay in shape” and when asked about 2 glaring missed assignments, “On the Arnott goal, he was my guy, I wasn’t sharp there,” Cammalleri said. “But it was my fifth shift of the game and it was the second period. Usually I’ve made 15 good plays by that point.”

Wow.  Some harsh words from someone who isn’t living up to his contract, eh? Exactly what 15 good plays have you made this year, Mike?

The worst part?  He’s absolutely right!  About some of it anyways.

I can get on board with his comments about the team’s “losing attitude”.  A defeatists approach will never bear fruit.  I think this was a good veteran move, trying to get his teammates compete level up.  Anyone want to argue that that’s not a good thing?  I don’t think so.

It’s one thing to say these things, but Mr. Cammalleri needs to be a solution on the ice.  Not in quiet meetings with reporters off it.  I appreciate the passion, but for the love of all that is holy, SCORE SOME GOALS ALREADY!

Does Mike want out of Montreal?  That’s not something I’m willing to speculate on.  Here’s what I know.  We aren’t likely to get fair return on our investment if we move him now.  There’s not a lot of teams beating down Gauthier’s door for a “Sniper” with 9 goals in 37 games.  Even if he has been “money” in the playoffs in recent years.

My thoughts?  At this point, Cammalleri’s contract looks about on par with everyone’s favourite Hab to hate, Scott Gomez.  Difference is, everyone on the team likes Scott and he’s been great in the dressing room over the years.  Mike?  Not so much.  Maybe PK needs to have a scrap with him in practice to straighten him out?

Time to put up or shut up Mike.  We get it.  Hopefully the team gets it.  Do you?

Gameday! Habs vs Blues

Tuesday January 10, 2012

Montreal Canadiens vs. St. Louis Blues

Halak is coming!  Halak is coming!

Guess what?  I couldn’t care less.  It’s become painfully obvious that Gauthier made the right choice in these two goalies and there is one stat that explains why.

• Carey Price – Games played = 36
• Jaroslav Halak – Games played = 21

The big question with Mr. Halak during the great goalie debate was, could he handle a bigger workload.  It is clear now, that this workload was intended to be monstrous as shown by the amount of games played by Carey Price over the last two seasons.  Anyone questioning how he is handling it?  I don’t think so.

And so…that is the last I will speak of this supposed “goalie controversy”.  Wait.  One more point.  Brian Elliot has been better.  That’s right.  Brian Fricken’ Elliot.

Getting onto an actual topic, Scott Gomez has been cleared for play.  “So what?” is everyone’s response.  The real question is, “Where will he play?”  Will he dislodge one of the other top 3 centermen as he has in the past?  Will he slot in on the wing on one of the top two lines?  Will he sit in the press box?

If Martin was still at the helm, you can bet he would immediately be thrown back into a top line role.  It seems, since Randy Cunneyworth has been handed the reigns, things are different now.  Desharnais and Eller are seeing much more time in offensive situations, where their skill sets will allow them to succeed.  Plekanec has been used more defensively as of late, a situation where he has always excelled.  This makes Gomez the odd man out.  Even Nokalainen is better at faceoffs than Gomez, so putting him there isn’t the best idea either.

This means he should be on the wing then, right?  Maybe.  But where?  Pacioretty is sick so if he is unable to go, he could get plopped into his spot with Desharnais and Cole.  I’d be interested to see that.  On the other hand, you could move Cammalleri over there and have a Gomez, Plekanec and Gionta line.  If Pacioretty does play tonight, what then?  How about moving Moen to the 4^th line and putting him on Eller’s wing?

Or is Scott Gomez just destined to be thrown on the 4^th line wing, hoping some other team will feel sorry for him and offer a trade?  How about Rick Nash for Gomez straight up? (insert LOL here)

Here’s what I think.  Gomez will start in Pacioretty’s spot tonight, and Patches will get a rest.  From there, Cunneyworth will move him around seeing if he has developed a spark in his time off.  (Gomez hasn’t missed many games since he’s come to Montreal)  Two things can happen from this.  He can be rejuvenated and start playing like the 7 million dollar man his contract demands of him, earning him a permanent spot on the roster, or attracting a trade offer from a team looking to reach the cap floor next season.  On the other hand, he could continue to be ineffective.  This could force the hand of Gauthier or even Geoff Molson himself.  Will Gomez be the next Wade Reddon?  Sent down to Hamilton to fester, and talk about what could have been.

Only time will tell…..

Who’s out?

Montreal

• Andrei Markov
• Ryan White
• Max Pacioretty (illness)

Keys to the Game

Keep the ball rolling.  The Habs have started 2012 with a bang, winning both games they’ve played thus far in convincing fashions, but find themselves a LONG ways out of playoff contention.  Nothing a good winning streak couldn’t fix though, right?

My Prediction

Habs 6 – Blues 4

Gorges signs 6 year contract extension.

Breaking news!!!!  The Montreal Canadiens announced that Josh Gorges has been signed to a 6 year contract extension.  Details to follow.

Is this the move that turns the tide and saves a lot of peoples jobs?  We’ll see….

Gameday! Habs vs Blackhawks

Wednesday December 21, 2011

Montreal Canadiens vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Just a short month ago, the blogosphere was alive with stories about the impending return of Andrei Markov.  Finally the prodigal son would return!  Well, that didn’t really work out, did it?  Instead, Markov looks like he’ll probably take the rest of the year off, the coach has been fired (good riddance), Gauthier’s noose is perpetually tightening, and the Montreal media has switched to drinking Labbatt beer.

I seriously CANNOT believe the way these so called “fans” of the Canadiens are treating the interim coach.  Have any of them even watched a hockey game before?  Complaints have arisen that not hiring a Francophone coach for the Canadiens will result in the death of a dying language.  Are you serious?  Is your language really on such shaky ground that by one person not being able to speak it, the entire culture will die?  Get a grip!  Maybe if the French language was used for more than just griping and complaining, people would be more inclined to use it!

I am an English speaking Habs fan, in Southern Ontario.  I watch every Habs game, usually on RDS, even if it is broadcast on TSN and sometimes even if it is in HD on CBC.  Why?  So I can’t understand the drivel that is coming out of the commentators mouths!  I speak the language of hockey.  It goes like this…SWOOSH!!  SWOOSH!!!  BANG!!!  CRACK!!!  SWOOSH!!! BANG!!!  (HORN BLARING)  Le Buuuuuuuuuuuuut!!!!!!!  I couldn’t care less what language it’s spoken about in.

By the way, by watching RDS plus a limited amount of learning in school, I can now understand quite a bit of French.  How about giving the guy a chance to learn it?

As far as the coach being able to talk to the media, and answer “tough” questions, here are 5 phrases that Cunneyworth can learn to be sure to cover all angles.

1. Ils lui ont donné cent dix pour cent là-bas.
2. Nous ne jouions pas comme une équipe là-bas.
3. Jamais l’esprit mon plan de jeu, avez-vous vu ce que youppi n’a tout simplement?
4. Le fromage est vieux et moisi. Où sont les toilettes ?
5. Quelqu’un peut-il m’aider à construire un bon CV ? Cet emploi suce.

The way the media has responded to Cunneyworth’s appointment as interim head coach is disgraceful.  Is this why Muller is no longer in town?   Was he never going to be considered for the head coaching job?  Will we true Habs fans never be able to witness a championship team due to politics and the demands of selfish morons?

What? He doesn't speak French? Who cares! Look! He's actually talking to the players!!!!

Who’s out?

Montreal

• Andrei Markov
• Scott Gomez
• Ryan White
• Brian Gionta

Keys to the Game

The only “key” to this game, is how the team adheres to the changes Cunneyworth has finally had a chance to work on, having his first full team practice yesterday since his promotion on Saturday.  The new philosophy will incorporate speed and pressure.  Something that this team looks like it was not only built for, but also dying to try to use.  A good way to tell if the players are happy with the change will be in their demeanor on the bench.  There have been a lot of hanging heads and blank expressions on the bench this year.

Budaj will get the start in goal tonight.

My Prediction

Habs 4 – Hawks 3

Martin fired! …and there was much rejoicing

The Canadiens announced today that Jacques Martin, head coach has been relieved of his duties. Assistant coach Randy Cunneyworth will take over until the end of the season.

My only question is this. “What took you so long!?!?”. In hanging onto tho old dinosaur, they have missed out on the opportunity to have one of two of the smartest, most interesting young hockey minds in the league in either Kirk Muller or Guy Boucher. Both signed on has head coaches in the conference.

Martin, a defensive minded coach, had clearly lost this team. Players were listless, goals were few and far between and he failed to see and use his players for what they are. Quick offensive minded players that would definitely benefit from some longer leashes. Look out league! PK Subban is about to run wild!

It remains to be seen, but does this mean that Lars Eller might start to get some deserved ice time? When Louis Leblanc scores a goal again will he be rewarded with ice time and a shot with some quality players instead of spending the rest of the game on the bench?

This is an exciting move by Pierre Gauthier and while it may very well be a selfish move to save his own job, the results are much appreciated by this fan and, I’m sure, many more.

Cunneyworth will get his shot till the en of the season, but if things don’t turn around there will be a manhunt in Montreal that rivals that of Harrison Ford in “The Fugitive”. Possible replacements include Mark Crawford, Randy Carlisle and my personal favourite, even as assistant to one of the aforementioned, Patrick Roy. Wouldn’t that be a story?

Gameday! Habs vs Flyers

Thursday December 15, 2011

Montreal Canadiens vs. Philadelphia Flyers

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas?  Here in Southern Ontario, it’s raining.  Again.  My dog is a ball of mud, my wood shop is unreachable without hip waders, and my almost 2 year old son is getting stir crazy.  GIVE ME SNOW!!!!!!

Alright, on to hockey.  Everyone is excited about the Habs being on a December long, point streak.  They’ve  won 3 out of 6 games.  With the 3 losses coming in a shootout, the Habs were awarded the “you tried pretty hard, I guess, so here’s a sympathy, or loser” point.  Hardly a streak to get excited about.

If nothing else it has shown management that they can be content to sit with the players they have and not bolster their lineup.  At least not yet.

I find it pretty funny.  While reading my fellow bloggers articles over the course of this season, the general consensus has been, “Make a trade!  Make a trade!  Make a trade!”  Followed by “Spacek is useless and must be moved for anything!  A bag of pucks would do!”  So Gauthier makes a move, and acquires Tomas Kaberle, a player highly sought after in the summer AND last spring, to try to improve their painfully horrible power play, and everyone jumps all over him.  “Gauthier made a panic move and traded a dependable, veteran defenseman, for an ex-Leaf who is over paid and well past his prime!”  What?!?!?  You people are bipolar.  You need medication.

When news of the Kaberle trade was announced, I, for one, was ecstatic!  You mean, we’ll have a defenseman who can handle the puck at the point and will make tape to tape passes?  Awesome!

Needless to say, in the two games Kaberle has been with the team, he has 3 points, and 7 points in his last 4 games.

As for the notion that Kaberle’s 4.25 million per season will cost them resigning valuable pieces of the team, let me explain something to you.  Price, Subban and Gorges are NOT going anywhere.  Gill?  Campoli?  Bye bye.   Gill’s been great in Montreal, but given the option of Gill or Kaberle, who would you take.  Seriously?

Great move, Mr. Gauthier!  I commend you on your actions.

Next point.  I recently read an article by an Islanders blogger that suggested that Carey Price is having a “tough season”.  I only ask one thing.  Can you please actually watch a Habs game before commenting on their play?  This actually made me laugh out loud.  If not for Price, the Habs would be dead last in the league.  A place the Islanders should know a lot about.  Maybe if they had a goalie…..

Who’s out?

Montreal

• Andrei Markov
• Brian Gionta
• Travis Moen
• Scott Gomez
• Ryan White

Keys to the Game

Price looks to continue his great season against one of the better teams in the league.  The shots will come, it will be up to Price to stand on his head in this game, methinks.

Continued dominance from the Desharnais, Paccioretty, Cole line will go a long way to securing a victory in this one.

My Prediction

Habs 3 – Flyers 2 SO