Written by Habsterix, AllHabs.net
PENTICTON, BC. — This week, I thought of doing something totally different by sharing some thoughts on different topics surrounding the events of the week. If readers like it, I might use this format on a more regular basis in addition to my regular weekly articles. Don’t hesitate to post your comments as they are always welcome.
1- Hal Gill had some very nice things to say about Montreal, the fans and his stay with the Canadiens. Gill spoke about his friendship with different players on the team, his role as a mentor for PK Subban and how PK kept him young with his enthusiasm. But mostly, he opened up by talking about his kids and he was a real man by praising his wife Anne. Hat’s off Hal, you sir are a class act.
2- Blake Geoffrion seems to have appreciated the trade to Montreal from Nashville. While saying that he will be missing the boys, he stated that it is exciting for him to go where it all begun for his family… MONTREAL. It didn’t take long for Geoffrion to find his rhythm in Hamilton, contributing a goal and four assists in his first two games with the Bulldogs. As long as Habs’ fans aren’t expecting Boom-Boom, he should be fine. Expectations should be more like Bam-Bam, perhaps a new nickname for a potential third-liner with grit who can fill in on the top six from time to time.
3- Lots of talk already about the number Blake Geoffrion should wear with the Canadiens. Being related to the great Howie Morenz whose No. 7 is retired by the Canadiens, and grand-son of Bernard Geoffrion, who also has his No. 5 in the rafters, it was ironic to see that the Habs traded No. 75 Hal Gill to get his rights. Will he pick 75? 57? 55? Or will he chose a totally different number? If he keeps performing like this in the AHL, we should find out soon enough!
4- The Canadiens put on another great show, this time by honoring the late baseball legend Gary Carter prior to their game against the New Jersey Devils at the Bell Centre on Sunday. In addition to paying tribute to a man who has meant so much for the city, the highlight was, for many Expos’ fans, seeing Youppi! back with the Expos’ hat and uniform.
5- While it was touching to read about Martin Brodeur’s autographed photo with Gary Carter, there are many, myself included, who felt like Brodeur lacked a bit of respect by standing between the hash-marks during the on-ice video tribute to the Kid. He should have done like Carey Price and gone in front of his net and not in the picture… although it did make for a perfect photo op of himself.
6- It was sad to learn that Martin Brodeur’s father, long time photographer Denis Brodeur, had surgery a few days ago. The 81-year-old Brodeur had a tumour removed from his brain. Here’s hoping for a quick and full recovery.
7- The Canadiens say that they are not in a sell mode in spite of trading away Hal Gill. Yet, they still have wingers Andrei Kostitsyn, Mathieu Darche and Travis Moen, as well as defenseman Chris Campoli scheduled to become UFA’s this summer. Seeing the return the Habs received for Gill, one would think that Pierre Gauthier would be tempted to test the waters with at least some of them.
8- News came out that Travis Moen will not play this week, the last one before the February 27th trade deadline. Many seem to think that injured players cannot be traded. That is not true. The receiving team has to accept the trade without the required medical clearance. Depending on the severity of his injury, Moen would still be a good fit for a team in no hurry to get him back into the line-up. It might affect his trade value however.
9- After spending over a calendar year without scoring a goal, Scott Gomez has scored two in his last six games. Most importantly, both of his goals came on the power-play, which has been struggling this season. Also, Gomez has shown a lot more speed and determination since his first goal of the season.
10- In spite of having seen limited action in his rookie season, defenseman Alexei Emelin is 11th in the NHL in hits with 180 in 48 games. This places him fourth amongst defensemen behind Brooks Orpik, Luke Schenn and Matt Green.
11- Another rookie defenseman is making great strides this season. Few saw Rafael Diaz in their plans to start the season in Montreal but he not only spent the season with the big club, he is second amongst rookie defensemen in points, tied with Adam Larsson of New Jersey. Leafs’ Jake Gardiner is only two points ahead of Diaz and Larsson.
12- Not often have we witnessed the Canadiens not being in action on a Saturday night as it was the case this weekend, but two weekends in a row? Once again this week, the Habs play on Friday and Sunday, their last two games prior to the trade deadline.
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