All Habs Headlines: Friday January 18, 2013
On this day in hockey history… In 1958 at the Montreal Forum, Willie O’Ree became the first African American to play a NHL game for the Boston Bruins. The Bruins beat the Canadiens 3-0.
ALL HABS HEADLINES
► Day 5 at Camp: The Canadiens held an open scrimmage at the Bell Centre to acclimatize players in camp to game action. 17,000 fans were in attendance for the intra-squad game taking advantage of free snacks and 50 per cent savings at the Habs Zone shop. The two-period game was won by Team Red 4-3 in a shootout — Mike Blunden led scorers with two goals for Team White. The line of Lars Eller, Alex Galchenyuk and Brian Gionta was outstanding.
Carey Price seemed to tweak a pre-existing injury as he extended to make a pad save during the shootout. Price admitted to “soreness” after the game but added “you’ll see me on Saturday.” Price was injured during the final game of Tournee des Joueurs.
Brandon Prust ended the 20+ round shootout when he flipped the puck to goaltender Peter Budaj and then proceeded to knock Budaj and the puck across the goal line. The rosters of the two teams were filled out with call-ups from Hamilton including Michael Bournival, Mike Blunden, Patrick Holland, Louis Leblanc, and Frederic St. Denis.
► Coach’s Presser: When asked about the “We want P.K. chant” by Canadiens fans during Thursday’s scrimmage, coach Michel Therrien replied, ” “We know our fans love PK. It’s not a surprise at all.” On Alex Galchenyuk, Therrien said that if he remains in Montreal, the Habs prospect will probably play on the left wing, not center.
► Training Camp Axe Falls: The Canadiens announced that Patrick Holland, Michael Bournival, Gabriel Dumont, Louis Leblanc, Frederic St-Denis, Jarred Tinordi, and Mike Commodore have been returned to the Hamilton Bulldogs. Brendan Gallagher, Mike Blunden and Alex Galchenyuk remain in Habs training camp to start the season. Therrien confirmed that Galchenyuk would be in the lineup for Saturday’s game against the Leafs. Blunden and St. Denis were not claimed on waivers.
► Kovy Signs: The Florida Panthers have signed former Habs player Alex Kovalev to a one-year deal worth $1 million plus bonuses. Habs fans will get their chance to see Kovalev in a Panthers jersey next Tuesday January 22 as Florida visits the Bell Centre. For tickets, visit the All Habs Ticket Centre: http://www.allhabs.net/tickets/
► Therapy for Price: Carey Price was not on the ice Friday at the Bell Centre for Habs practise. Coach Michel Therrien said it was a maintenance day for Price and that he would start against the Leafs for the Saturday night opener. Price was nursing some soreness after Thursday night’s scrimmage.
► GTD for Plekanec: Tomas Plekanec has been nursing a rib injury in camp. Coach Therrien says that it “looks like” Plekanec will be in Saturday’s lineup with a final decision to be made after Saturday morning’s skate.
► Gomez is UFA: On Thursday, Scott Gomez cleared waivers and was officially bought out by the Montreal Canadiens. Gomez is now an unrestricted free agent. In related news, Ryan McDonagh continues to practise with Dan Girardi as the top defensive pair for the New York Rangers.
► Like Carey: Ever imagined that you were your favorite NHL player while playing road hockey? Then you will enjoy this video clip titled “I Want to be Like Carey.”
From the CBC:
“In this piece we meet little Noah, a young Wendat-Mohawk from Kanehsatake, who lives and breathes hockey. To him, Carey Price (born in 1987 in a small community called Anahim Lake in British Colombia) is a hero and living proof that you can accomplish anything with hard work and dedication. Filmed produced and edited by Sonia Bonspille Boileau.”
Watch: I Want to be Like Carey
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