All Habs Headlines: Monday January 30, 2012
On this day in hockey history… 1937 – New York Americans’ Nels Stewart became the NHL’s All-Time goal scoring leader, when he picked up his 270th career goal to surpass Howie Morenz, as the Americans beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-0. Alfie Moore got the shutout.
COUNTDOWN TO GAMEDAY: All Habs Headlines
►St-Denis ready for AHL All Star game: The Hamilton Bulldogs have one member of their squad representing them this season in Atlantic City for the 2012 AHL All-Star Classic, Frédéric St-Denis. The undrafted defenseman was “surprised” to get the nod this year, he who has taken the long way in accomplishing himself in the professional ranks. He has three goals and fifteen assists in 34 games this season, and let’s not forget his recent eight-game stint with the big club that saw him score his first NHL goal against the Vancouver Canucks.
St-Denis and Team West got the better of Team East on Sunday, coming away with the upper hand in the Skills’ Competition by a score of 18-10. For his part, the Bulldogs’ rearguard took a shot that registered at 92.3 MPH in the Reebok Hardest Shot contest. The Chicago Wolves’ Kevin Connauton won that event with a 99.4 MPH reading. For those interested in tonight’s broadcast of the 2012 AHL All-Star Classic, it is available for Canadian viewers on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.
Read more: St. Denis takes nothing for granted at AHL all-star game
►Price stars for his commentary: It was the third All-Star appearance for Canadiens goalie Carey Price — more than most, he seems to have it all figured out. As it is presently structured, All-Star weekend is for the casual fan, media, and NHL sponsors. To a lesser extent, top players in the league, or should we say shooters, are featured.
Price understands that goaltenders could easily be replaced by the Canadian Tire cutout variety used for driveway hockey. So rather than play his usual ultra-competitive style, he didn’t worry about the pucks that crossed the line instead focusing on entertaining the fans. Price was mic’ed up for Hockey Night in Canada during the skills event, and in the second period of the game by NBC Sports Network.
“I’ll stop those all day long.” — Price on his save against Sean Couturier
“I think I got a concussion on that play.” — Price on stopping Logan Couture
“I won’t lie, I was checking myself out on the big screen.” — Price after a big glove save.
During the breakaway challenge, Price was asked, “Who has the magic hands and gifted moves on Montreal? Carey’s answer came quickly and succinctly, “Lars Eller.”
► Under-appreciated Scott Gomez: The Canadiens highest-paid player has been the butt of most jokes by fans and media alike. He has been spared constant criticism only by injuries. There are even websites that celebrate Gomez’s scoring drought.
This, of course, ignores the fact that Gomez is paid to do what he excels at: win face-offs, act as a play-maker and be a defensively-responsible forward. Granted, he could be doing a much better job in all areas. But has Gomez been as bad as he critics would argue?
Using advanced statistics, Cam Charron makes the case in support of Gomez.
“It’s to easy to criticize a guy who lacks the “hockey card stats” of Scott Gomez, but he is a premier possession player in the NHL, who clearly has talents or, dare-I-say, intangibles that, for whatever reason, help Montreal control the puck and win hockey games.”
Read more: Is Scott Gomez Hockey’s Most Underrated? (Yes)
► New at All Habs Hockey Magazine:
Will the Habs Gamble or Fold the Season?
P.K. Subban: Will Habs Patience be Rewarded?
All Habs Team Visit New Molson Ex Zone
All Habs & McLean’s Pub — An Exciting New Chapter
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
