by Chantal, Managing Editor, All Habs Hockey Magazine
MONTREAL, QC — We are 12 days away from the NHL Draft, 17 days away from free agency, and in the middle of a very hard fought Stanley Cup Final. Because we’re all insane, we’re still all hockey all the time past mid-June. You like to talk about the game, so do we, so let’s go!
Do you have a question or a topic you would like us to discuss? Okay, here’s what you can do.
Let us know:
- who you are
- where you’re from
- if you wish, send us a photo of you in your favourite Habs gear
- who’s your favorite player, present or past
- and of course, your question
You can contact us via Twitter, our Facebook page or email at info (at) allhabs (dot) net
We’ll feature you, and your question, in the All Habs Mailbag!
Here’s what you wanted to discuss this week:
Why did Paul MacLean win the Jack Adams? It should have gone to Michel Therrien!
Nick
Hi biased Nick! I can’t answer that question with absolute certainty; you would have to ask the NHL Broadcaster’ Association. This award is given to “the NHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team’s success” and that’s what Paul MacLean did.
MacLean did manage to lead his team to the playoffs, despite losing four of his top guys (including his goaltender) in the span of a few weeks at the beginning of this shortened season. In a conference call with reporters on Friday, he said: “It was important that I continue to set the expectations of the team at a high level, but also be realistic about those expectations, not try to do things that we can’t do, not try to play ways we can’t play.” He won his players over with his leadership and ultimately, the voters, too.
Explain the interference penalty, because I don’t get it.
David, Montreal
Hey David. I assume you mean “explain how this rule is applied, because it’s inconsistent and all over the place.” An interference minor penalty (rule 56.1) “shall be imposed on a player who interferes with or impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck”, “shall be imposed on a player who restrains an opponent who is attempting to ‘fore-check,’” “shall be imposed on an attacking player who deliberately checks a defensive player, including the goalkeeper, who is not in possession of the puck”, the list goes on and on.
Like many other rules, it’s mostly left up to the official’s judgment, so there lies your inconsistency. We all see the game differently, officials included. Although they follow basic guidelines, and league directives, just about every penalty will vary from one game to the other. Not to mention the entirely different playoff rulebook… WHICH NO ONE MUST SPEAK OF.
Unless the NHL turns the officiating over to robots or cyborgs, expect this to be the standard for eternity.
Montreal has some of the best looking women on the planet. Why don’t we have ladies skating and cleaning the ice between whistles?
Daniel Arnold
First of all, Daniel, thank you!
Although I’m not against the idea, it’s mostly a gimmick used in non-traditional hockey markets (with some exceptions such as Edmonton for instance) to attract fans to the games, or so they think. As pleasant as it must be to gawk at a hot women’s derrière while she shovels hockey player spit, that’s not really why you’re there is it?
I’m inclined to think that the reason they don’t have them in Montreal is simply because the Canadiens are a conservative, traditional organisation that somewhat fears change. This is the team that has had the same arena playlist for about six years. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? They believe your in-house experience doesn’t require half-naked women, or they’re still under the impression that their season ticket holders are older gentlemen wearing top hats and monocles who would be offended by it.
Right now, they have a skating advertisement for Clorox cleaning the ice, how clever is that concept?! Someone had their thinking cap on there. We all know how strapped for cash this league is *cough*, so don’t expect any change on that front in Montreal anytime soon.
Who’s the most fascinating player in the NHL?
Marie-Ève, Québec
Hi Marie-Ève. I’ve been thinking about this for two days, and it’s really hard. Players can be fascinating by their style of play, stories, personalities, accomplishments, and so on. But I’ve narrowed it down to two:
- Carey Price, the Mysterious Creature.
I say Carey because even after all these years, he still intrigues me. He’s been praised, knocked down, celebrated, vilified, applauded, booed, and yet, he moves seamlessly through the currents, cool as a cucumber. Or so he appears.
Some of us have been following his career since he was about 14 years old. Even at that time, he was already expected to be “The Next Patrick Roy”. Aside from a few growing pains a few years ago, he’s been a constant force, finding a way to stay grounded, witty, and very laid back despite the circus around him. To me, that’s fascinating.
- Jonathan Toews, the Expressionless Wonder.
I’ll be honest, I’m mostly fascinated by the fact that he never seems to blink.
Possible draft targets in the 2nd round?
Rob Waddington, Sudbury
Hi Rob!
I’m no expert on prospects. My colleague Simon wrote a very good 2013 NHL Mock Draft: Montreal Canadiens Edition recently, and if you haven’t already, I suggest you take a look. I believe this will answer your question.
Which NHL team has the best anthem singer?
François, Montreal
Hello François. I’ll admit that Kate Smith and Lauren Hart’s God Bless America is one of my favourites. I also love the energy in the United Center (Chicago) when Jim Cornelison sings the American National Anthem, but that’s mostly because of the crowd. Earlier in these playoffs, I also liked Scotty Newlands at the Toronto Maple Leafs home games.
I know a lot of people like René Rancourt, but I can’t stand him. Oy, the fist pumps. Pia Toscano (Los Angeles Kings) would get my biased vote. She’s a good looking girl, too. I think we have one the best right here in Montreal in Charles Prévost Linton. He always delivers a sober, timely performance.
Maybe next time we can discuss who has the worst anthem singer. There are some doozies out there!