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Carbonneau keeps 'em guessing

TIM WHARNSBY

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 9:57 PM EDT 30/04/08

Canadiens head coach refuses to reveal his Game 4 goalie ...Read the full article

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  1. Andrew Perry from halifax, Canada writes: It doesn't matter who is in nets as long as the Hab's continue to fail to protect him and clear the crease, the officials keep an open season on the Hab's goaltender and they fail to take the "play" to the Philly net. This season the Hab's beat the 'Goons by out-hitting them, drawing them into the type of stupid retaliations the Flyers have never learned to avoid. Hatcher style moronic actions can be drawn out of the Flyers almost at will by any team that hits them at every turn, and in the end that is the best way to defeat them. Never let one touch the puck without getting hit, finish the check, use team speed to get there to hit and sooner or later Downie or someone else will do something stupid.
    They can't help it, it.s in the water.
  2. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Speaking of stupid, I hadn't realized Hatcher had later said that if he had known that he was going to get tossed from the game for hitting Bouillion from behind, he would have hit him harder...

    All Class...

    Cheers.
  3. Matt O from Canada writes: I'm thinking Carbo's leaning towards Halak...he seemed to be saying, "We all like Carey, but..." It makes sense, Price has dropped two games, and you don't want to lose another with him and think "what if?" Who knows if it will work, but these are desperate times right now.

    Good analysis of the series, Andrew, here's hoping the Habs return to form tomorror night.
  4. Fuzzy Bare from Ontario (Not Toronto), Canada writes: Price needs to be able to forget the bad goals, the shots that deflect off a defender's equipment and beat him. The important thing is to be concentrating on the next shot, not getting upset with the one that got by him.
  5. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Found this for you hab fans complaining about the referees... and those that want a good laugh....

    There is also an active thread at the bottom.... fun read.

    http://www.philly.com/dailynews/sports/20080429SamDonnellon_AretheFlyersplayingCanadasteam.html

    Enjoy

    Cheers
  6. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Andrew Perry is absolutely correct.

    The Habs need to take the play to the Philly net and the way to beat Hatcher is to simply skate around him like the pylon that he is.

    I also don't see the Price vs. Halak question as a big question here.

    Cheers.

    BTW. No Habs fans are complaining about the referrees on this thread, Scot.
  7. John Stanton from Canada writes: Habs fans complain about everything. Coming soon will be complaints about the ice, the boards are too tight, nets are wrong size, whah whah
  8. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Robert.... there will be.... but I highly recommend you read the article anyway. :)

    Cheers
  9. Juan Valasquez from Canada writes: I'm pretty sure Carboneau's strategy is to lose Game 4. It has been working well so far.

    Let the Mike Richards show continue.
  10. Juan Valasquez from Canada writes: That article was hilarious Scot. It just goes to show you that there are idiots everywhere, and not just Montreal.
    However they do export their fair share.
  11. steve allan from Canada writes: You'll know you will win this series before the puck even drops. If Price is back in net, the series is over before the game has even started.
  12. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Scot Loucks:

    That article is absolutely hilarious...

    Normally those whacko conspiracy theories relating to the referees being biased are carried out by the losing players/teams like Shanahan speaking about Crosby a few days ago...

    Philly managed to barely win game #3 and then have one of their pundits claim that their win was tainted by biased referreeing...

    Amazing ! Philly has taken whinning to a whole new level.

    By the way, the Flyers are playing Canada's team !

    Cheers.
  13. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: Loucks.

    The Flyers have been whining like that for as long as they've had a hockey team. They don't realize that the Broad St Bully-type of game they like to see generates more penalties than on built on speed, finesse and skills. It really makes you question whether or not they no the game.

    Of all the hockey hotbeds in the U.S. that has embraced the NHL (Boston, Chicago, Michigan, Minny..etc) this is the southernmost and one where the hockey participation rate is very low. Most of those dressed in orange have never played the game and wouldn't know a left stick from a right handed stick. It's simply blind loyalty to their local team.
  14. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Pat Billings from CDN, Canada:

    I always worry when I see a bunch of fans that don't even recognize the problems of their own team like the Flyers fans seem to...

    It's never a good sign when pundits/fans of a team are looking to blame referees or attribute their short-comings to some other conspiracy. The Flyers won't go far playing a mugg's game like that.

    I suppose that the Flyers leading the league in suspensions was also the Habs' fault too...

    PS... Scott Loucks.... I was going to register to go on that thread of the Philadelphia Daily News, but I was worried that the stupidity might be contagious.... All the commentors on that thread are convinced that there is a conspiracy in the Great White North against them... lol

    Cheers.
  15. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: I almost did the same thing Robert.... I was worried they could trace my IP address :)

    I couldn't believe the posts.... worse than senidiots vs LeafIdiots at their best.

    Think I am going to check out the papers in some of the other cities still in.... doubt I'll find anything funnier than that one.

    btw; found it from Sportsnet.

    Cheers
  16. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Billings;

    You said in another thread that you had lived there.... never been myself so I will take your word for it.

    Hated the Flyers since 72.... and their fans.

    Cheers
  17. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada:

    There are actually reasonable and unreasonable hockey fans everywhere, but Philly seems to be worse than most places to me.

    I don't know, but maybe, the Philadelphia Daily News isn't an accurate reflection of the level of intellect of the typical Philly hockey fan, but....

    Gulp! What if it is?

    BTW Going to keep checking that thread for a post saying:

    CCCCCCCCCCCCCUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!

    Maybe, we will find the MIA Super Troll too...

    Cheers.
  18. Matt O from Canada writes: Scot, that column was hilarious...surreal, even. Hard to believe something so ridiculous would ever get published.

    I have to admit I've never been to Philly. But from what I've heard and seen, their sports fans are absolute goons. I remember seeing a photo years back of a bunch of guys at a Flyers game pummeling some poor schmoe in a Devils jersey. Mind you, the guy might have been a drunken jerk, but where I come from 5 against 1 isn't a fair fight.

    I also remember years back that things were getting so bad at Eagles game that they actually built a mini-courtroom in the basement of the arena to mete out immediate punishments for obnoxious behaviour. Fans would be arrested, tried, and convicted on the spot.

    Not trying to impune the whole city here, but with regards to their sports fans (and newspaper columnists), the evidence speaks for itself.
  19. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Robert..... Martel is long gone too....as is Arron D..... certainly don't miss the Troll.

    Matt O; Did you comment? I was so tempted..... gotta keep track of it and share with some of the other regulars on these threads.

    As I mentioned before.... found the initial link on Sportsnet.

    Cheers
  20. Matt O from Canada writes: Scot...yes, I took the plunge and posted. Looks like a lot of sensible folks beat me to it with regards to setting this clown straight, but I threw in my 2 cents.

    I keep a phantom yahoo e-mail address just for this sort of thing...
  21. R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: There seemed to be about a 60%-40% lunatic to sensible ratio on reviewing those posts on that article in the Daily News, Scott...

    Some of the posts were quite entertaining .... I now understand why a mini-courtroom at a sporting event is a good idea in Philadelphia ... Maybe, even a padded room too ....

    Cheers.
  22. Nicholas Betsky from Moscow, writes: Hope Carbo doesnt listen top Don Cherry and Company. The HNIC crew have been pumping Price as of course he is Canadian and not Quebecois or European.
    The facts are he has been the worst goalie in the playoffs and the Habs wold have beat Boston in 5 or max 6 with Halak or Huet.
    Price is young and he COULD be a good one, so far I have seen a choker.
    The Habs are an excellent young team, with highly skilled European and American players, as well as some tough French Canadians namely Bouillon and Begin, so the HNIC Canada is always against them.
    Im originally from Montreal, by far the most dynamic and interesting city in Canada, and the city with the best Canadian hockey team!
    HALAK starts tonight and stays in to wrap upo the series.
  23. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Nicolas... you and steve allan are going to get along famously.

    Prost.
  24. Earl Anthony from Canada writes: Win lose or draw Les Canadiens have given their fans more than they hoped for this season. And as Yogi Berra says "It ain't over 'til its over".

    As for Huet he's out of the playoffs. Price is still in. I have no problems with either Carey Price or Halak in nets. I'd say Price in tonight and if he loses Halak gets the pick for the next game. Nice to have two solid choices.

    The scoring touch has been missing and an effective power play would help to keep the Flyers honest.

    Go Habs go!
  25. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Earl Anthony .... a sane synopsis of the series... nice.

    as I have said many times on many threads... Gaineys plan was to get his core players some serious playoff experience this year... not to win the cup.

    I think he has achieved his goal.

    With over 20 million in cap space and only one UFA of consequence (Streit) and one RFA (one of the brothers).... he has his sights set on next year.

    Cheers
  26. Jude Hannaford from Canada writes: Scot, thanks for the link it doesn't work anymore but if you type in Donnellon's name in the search field one can find it. I can't agree that there is a conspiracy, but the officiating in the playoffs has been terrible. How many times has a goal been disallowed because the ref is in a poor position, or because the way the rules are set up? Brett Hull's cup winning goal, Gelinas' non goal that would have won the cup in game 6 for the Flames, an early whistle when the puck was clearly not frozen last night against the Sharks, the non call when the Flyers score an an obvious goalie interference play. And the worst of all is "letting them go" it removes all the skill from the game and allows teams like the Bruins, and the Flyers to keep things close. Terribly frustrating to watch.

    Vive Les Canadiens
  27. Jude Hannaford from Canada writes: Oh, they don't think much of our coach do they.
  28. Mitka D from Canada writes: Wasn't it Tug McGraw who once made the observation of Phillies' fan: "when the game is cancelled by rain, they go to the airport and boo safe landings"?
  29. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Agreed Jude.... not only terrible. Inconsistent and influential in the outcome of playoff games.... totally unacceptable.

    The amusing thing for me about the article (other than the Canadian conspiracy theory) was how the Flyer fans thought the Refs were pro habs... and the hab fans were complaining about the Refs being anti habs. Just goes to show that even officiating is in the eye of the beholder.

    Cheers
  30. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: LOL Mitka.... not sure if it was Tug.... but I remember the comment.

    Too funny.

    Cheers
  31. Jude Hannaford from Canada writes: Scot, is it just me or it there more complaining about officiating in the NHL than any other sport. I mean it is getting to the point of figure skating. Are we complainers? Or are we on to something? I know we Canadians are used to complaining about the Feds or the weather, but when the uninformed, I know nothing about hockey, cheers for the Flyers cause the're from Philly fan seems to think something is up, it gives me pause. I wonder if NHL Brass is listening, or even cares about the continual questioning of the Zebras. I would venture not, because I have seen nothing done of consequence to change things.
  32. Ryan M from Ottawa, Canada writes: Scot, cannot get the link to work, do you know if they've removed the article? I can only imagine what the comments must have been like, judging by the reviews of posters here...

    By the way, how are you liking that SJ pick now? ;)

    I'm thinking Dallas is taking the cup this year...Richards is going to prove to be a clutch pickup.
  33. Jude Hannaford from Canada writes: Hey Scot, I looked at the Habs contract situation at the start of the year and was very, very pleased with what I saw. Ryder is toast, another smart move by Gainey, not signing him to a multi year deal. I can only imagine what JFJ would have signed him to if he played for your beloved leafs. (Sorry the best comparison I could come up with). Brisebois could return but unlikely, I had bandied the idea about with a buddy the Huet would go, in November, but then Price when back to Hamilton and I changed my tune. And Smolinsky could return as a depth guy. The only worry I have is who is out there to spend the money on, I see a need for a top line centre, and a power forward, and last I checked, neither of those were found growing on the tree in my backyard. Could you check yours, we have little hardwood trees here in Calgary, and I expect that if they indeed do grow on trees that is where you would find them.
  34. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Hi Ryan... go to www.Philly.com and look for Sam Donnellon... you will find it... you will love it.

    Three years in a row picking SJ for final 4.... they are forever toast in my eyes.... course I have always hated their American coach... so if they fire him.... :)

    Question... can Dallas grit beat Detroit finesse?

    Cheers
  35. Jude Hannaford from Canada writes: Ryan, if you type in Donnellon's name in the search field on the site, one can find it, it is certainly worth the read.
  36. graham g from Canada writes: Montreals game plan---- have the referees keep calling as many penalities as possible. The refs have stripped shirts today because in the old days all referees for Montreal games were blind.
  37. Ryan M from Ottawa, Canada writes: Scot and Jude, thanks for the help - quite the article. Loved it I did. That, my friends, is objective reporting at its finest. Reminds me of a Jim Kelley blog this year when he ripped Eugene Melnyk for his decisions as an owner. Poor Jim sounded like he'd been dumped by Melnyk's sister or something and never recovered from it.

    Dallas grit vs. Detroit finesse -very tough call. Zetterberg and Datsyuk were playing keepaway last night. Dallas has a very balanced team, though. And if last year's Western final is any indication of grit vs. finesse, the Wings might not make it through. I know this year is a different story, but still...I like the Stars, especially with Zubov's return, he's a pillar back there. Turco has been brilliant thus far as well.
  38. Trilly B from Canada writes: Great link, Scot, thanks. Seems odd for a Flyers article to whine about their team getting beaten up by someone else!

    It seems it's the hockey fan's right to complain about the refereeing these days. I guess it was easier for the zebras to disappear in a game when they didn't have too call every sweater tug or hard hit.
  39. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Jude .... you are correct that the pickings are slim as far as UFA's go... nhlnumbers.com

    Just heard on the radio that Avery has been rushed to hospital in NY. Believed to be spleen. wow... was about to type that Avery is possibly the best one available as a UFA.

    Cheers
  40. Neil no more last name from Mississauga, Canada writes: If MTL is serious about winning this year I would suggest starting Halak until he faulters. Any other team in the playoffs would be starting their backup by now, IF, they had as capable a back up as MTL does in Halak.

    I think MTL is more concerned with player development than the Cup this year. To each their own.

    PS.Comments are closed for the Avery article. too bad - I wanted to post some classless, disrespectful chit.
  41. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Trilly B;

    The worst part about "the new NHL" are all the supposed fans that look for a penalty every time somebody falls down.

    I find that sad.

    Cheers
  42. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: I wonder how many get-well cards Avery will get from his fellow NHL players.

    Somewhere, Marty Brodeur's cold beer is tasting even better this afternoon....
  43. Jude Hannaford from Canada writes: At the risk of being unpopular, I believe Avery would be a fantastic addition to the current Habs roster. Imagine Kosto, Begin, and Avery on the same line. Altough a bit of a meathead Avery can play the game. He can score, fight, agitiate, just look at NYR's record when he's in and when he's out.
  44. Jude Hannaford from Canada writes: Scot I used the link you gave me and my fears were confirmed. I do see one thing I like however, certainly under current circumstances. Jeff Carter, a big young Canadian centre is and RFA. If I were Mr Gainey an offer sheet would be coming down the pipe. Briere 8mil, Timmonen 8, Gagne 5.25, Hartnell 4.7, Richards 5.4, if my calculations are correct those 5 players make up close to all of MTL salaries next year, never mind Hatcher and Biron. Also current history would suggest that the picks we would have to give up wouldn't exactly be of the lottery type. Any thoughts Gentlemen?
  45. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: LOL Billings... hell has frozen over .... we agree. :)

    Jude.... I'll take him on the Leafs too... he is a top 6 forward and pest extraordinaire.

    Cheers
  46. chris dangelo from United States writes: All, just want to let you know we enjoy reading your comments down here in philly. I must say though I am disappointed at how soft your team seems to be. We actually expected a more physical series, but there is no doubt your team just avoids contact at any cost. I agree, for you to get back in this series you need to pick up your physical game some and get in front of Biron. I wouldn't trash our fans much though, since you guys rioted after winning the first round, pretty pathetic. I do enjoy a good series though, and you guys have been playing really well. And I agree, Price is really rattled right now, but I would come back with him. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
  47. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Hi Chris dangelo.... interested in your thoughts re: www.philly.com and the latest from Sam Donnellon.

    I found it a most amusing read.

    Cheers
  48. chris dangelo from United States writes: My apologies Scott, I don't see anything from him on there right now. Let me know if it was posted today.
  49. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Chris... yesterday I believe.... something about "Canada's team".

    Cheers
  50. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Chris... if you use the search feature on his last name it should show up... or so I am told.

    Cheers
  51. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: Chris.....look at the boxscore of every Habs/Flyers game this season and the Habs have outhit your team every single game. You're not as big or or tough as you would like to think.

    Trust me, the Bruins were bigger, tougher and meaner than the Flyers. Both Lucic and Chara are bigger than any guy on your roster. The Flyers toughness appears only when the whistle has been blown and through cheapshots.

    The only difference thus far is goaltending.
  52. chris dangelo from United States writes: Pat, I would say the only difference is the fact that you are down 2-1 to the 6 seed, which is really all that matters at the end of the day. You guys certainly have a really good team, but as you should well know, everything changes in the playoffs. You would have lost 5-0 last game if Hatcher didn't take that penalty. And speaking of toughness, not sure how tough it is to sucker punch Timmonen from behind. He certainly is not someone who deserves a sucker punch, and is purely a classy player. Now if you would have sucker punched Downie, then we could understand and say that he ultimately deserved it. But to go after Timmonen just illustrates the cowardness. This goes back to the same reason why we hate Sydney Crosy - great player, but what a baby.

    Scott, I did read that article. Can't really say I agree with it. The only potential bias I see in the series is the announcers on Vs, which is maybe the worst network to ever call a hockey game. I actually think the games have been called pretty evenly.
  53. Neil no more last name from Mississauga, Canada writes: chris dangelo - Gotta say I agree, all that matters right now is the series is 2-1 in favour of Philly. And from what I've seen the officiating has been pretty even.

    But the real reason i posted is to applaud you for not getting into a chit throwing match with Pat Billings. Fine response.
  54. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: I was pretty sure you wouldn't agree with it Chris.... I found it amusing..... actually I found it funny as in LOL.

    On the one side we have hab fans complaining about the refs letting the Flyers get away with murder... on the other side we have that article out of Philidelphia.

    I am not a fan of either team.... have hated the Flyers since 72 and have hated the habs since birth.... but at least we have a series (as apposed to the other 3 to zip series.).

    The other part I found amusing was how many time the Leafs were mentioned in both the article and in the thread that followed.... some things know no borders.

    Picking the Flyers to win this one... but hoping for more good games.

    Cheers
  55. chris dangelo from United States writes: Scott, I wouldn't even consider commenting on the Leafs. I only enjoy commenting on teams that are good. They have serious problems.

    Tonight should be real interesting though. We can't continue to give the canadiens that many chances, eventually they are going to start putting pucks in the net. I still can't figure kovalev out though for the life of me. He looks like he doesn't feel like playing. And Price is just killing them. If he doesn't turn it around, they have no shot.
  56. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: I just posted facts....nothing about my opinion.

    I find it funny that Flyers fans are convinced they are running teams out of their building, when in fact they are getting outhit every night. Are they watching the games or just eating up whatever the Flyer's marketing team(i.e. "Vengeance Now") is telling them to believe....
  57. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Ouch Chris..... Leaf season ticket holder here.... I'm hurt :)

    Nuff leaf talk..

    I am looking forward to the game tonight as well.... I think the winner tonight may well take the series.

    Cheers
  58. chris dangelo from United States writes: Pat, the only team we may run out is the CHumps. We didn't run Washington out, because they played a very physical series. But if you are going to sit there and try to convince me, and everyone else on this list, that the CHumps are playing physical this series, you obviously have no idea what being physical means. And just to note, I think Philly teams have been beating the chit out of canadiens teams all the way back to the 70's. And don't try to sit here and convince us that Gainey planned for next year. You were the number one seed in the conference this year, and you are telling us that you guys are looking forward to next year? You sound about as frustrated and rattled as Price right now, but I would be if I were you, since you are down to the 6 seed. The best part about this is we have nothing to lose. If we lose the series to you, no shame on our end, since we would have lost to the first seed, which we are expected to do. But if you guys end up CHoking and losing this series, how do you explain that? What are you going to do, riot again?
  59. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: well said Chris Dangelo.....dont mind Pat, he is whiney and grumpy the habs are getting beat and are going to lose. They barely beat an injured and weak Bruin team. Somehow people convince themselves the glory days of Montreal are back but that is going up in the smoke of burned police cars in downtown Montreal!
  60. Pat Billings from CDN, Canada writes: Take the orange and black blinders off....

    This isn't my opinion, just stats. Washington outhit you badly and now the Habs are outhitting you even more badly. Even if you know nothing about the game, you can still read the boxscore...it's listed under "hits".

    The Bruins were bigger, tougher and meaner. The Flyers are wannabe tough-guys....much like their orange fans.
  61. Tom Sawyer from Canada writes: Billings....you are blind to the only stat that matters WINS. Hope you enjoyed the last one Montreal had.
  62. chris dangelo from United States writes: Nothing better than a frustrated Habs fan. But Tom said it very well, check out the box score that states wins. Do me a favor and explain to me, if you guys are so tough, and so good, why are you down 2-1? Again, you don't seem to want to answer my question. How does it feel to be down to the six seed? It's not like we are the two seed, we are the six seed, and you guys are losing. And you barely got through the boston series, so what's the story Pat? Are you waiting for next year, with that big salary cap room coming? If you guys lose tonight (and let me go on the record I think the CHumps will win tonight, assuming Price doesn't have a meltdown), then it is over, you have no shot in the series, because from what I have seen, you are way too soft to compete. Kovalev looks like he wants this thing to end yesterday. Everything changes in the playoffs cuz, it's a whole new game on another level. You haven't been there for a long time, so I understand if you need some teaching on playoff hockey.
  63. Andrew Perry from Canada writes: It's not the fans of any one team complaining about the officiating: it's just about every fan of every team and those watching who don't have a team left but still love the game.
    The level of incompetence this year, since October, has been terrifying. We are fools if we expect that to improve in the playoffs. We see goals disallowed in the West while in the East, Avery and some others are allowed to bother or run goalies with impunity. We also see this change from game to game, and TSN's nightly panel has turned into a Ref bashing sessions as much as a sane analysis of the nights events. Krusty the Coach is becoming a voice of reason, and the two coaches with the most lost to the fiasco, Carbonneau and Wilson are the only ones defending them.
    Where is Gary ( Da Weasel ) Bettman , where is Soupy Campbell while their officials are hung out to dry?
    We can be pretty sure Soupy is working on his Ample Fleas job application, but where in the hole is ButtHead.
  64. Scot Loucks from Pickering, Canada writes: Good Comment Andrew Perry.
  65. John Stanton from Canada writes: whining is for kids, winning is for men. The Flyers are men. Well done. Montreal going to lose next game - series over.

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