Bleacher Report - Articles by Daniel Arouchian

Former NHL Enforcer Chris Nilan Arrested For Shoplifting

Daniel Arouchian — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:12:22 -0400

After 3,043 penalty minutes during 12 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers, Chris Nilan was, once again, in the penalty box.

This time the former Habs enforcer was arrested on shoplifting charges. He was arrested on Wednesday after stealing a bathing suit from the Lord & Taylor store in Quincy, Mass.

When he was confronted by the store security personnel outside the store, Nilan denied that he had stolen anything. He even tried to punch one of them. When the police arrived at the scene, Nilan was battling the security guards on the ground. The police eventually cuffed him. He was wearing the stolen merchandise under his shorts.

What was Nilan's excuse for stealing?

"I just wanted to save a few bucks," Nilan, 51, told police.

The judge dismissed the case. Nilan was ordered to pay $100 in court costs and to stay away from the store.

Montreal Canadiens: Some Fans Think They Know It All!

Daniel Arouchian — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:23:36 -0400

This article is for the fans who always complain about Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey.

These fans always complain. No matter what Gainey does, they complain.

Why do they complain? Do they actually think that they could've convinced Vincent Lecavalier, Francois Beauchemin, or Marian Hossa to play with the Habs?

If you ask them, Gainey didn't even try to get any of these superstars to sign with the Habs. For these fans, Montreal is the only team who can have top players and it's the only team allowed to sign free agents.

Have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, they don't want to play here?

Grow up!

What's going to change in your life that Beauchemin didn't sign with Montreal, or that Lecavalier won't be wearing the Bleu, Blanc, et Rouge?

Is it the end of the world that Gainey didn't give a contract to Saku Koivu and Alex Kovalev?

Stop acting like you know everything that's going on in the organization, and for God's sake stop complaining. The season hasn't even started!

I know that fans have a right to their opinion, but this article goes to the fans who go overboard and complain all the time.

Montreal Canadiens:Alexei Kovalev and Saku Koivu Won't Be Forgotten

Daniel Arouchian — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:38:04 -0400

A lot happened with the Montreal Canadiens since July 1st. New players came in the organization, while other players to who we cheered night after night in front of our television sets or at the Bell Centre went to other teams.

Here are two players that will be missed the most by the fans of the Montreal Canadiens.

Saku Koivu, our beloved former team captain became a Duck. But the fans won't be hunting him the next time the Ducks play in Montreal. Like one of my friends told me yesterday "I can't believe I'm gonna say this..but I'm gonna miss him. Someone will be missing on opening night at the Bell Center..."

I'm sure he'll be missed by many fans in Montreal. The media often criticized him for not speaking French, but Koivu held his head up high and gave it his best while playing in Montreal.

While with the Canadiens, Koivu suffered from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and many injuries, but he always came back.

"The Artist" Alexei Kovalev became a Senator. No, you won't see Kovalev at the Parliament in Ottawa in a heated debate with other politicians. But you'll see him with the Ottawa Senators.

Just like Koivu, fans in Montreal like him...Ok let me rephrase that. Some fans like him, but he won't be booed the next time he comes to the Bell Centre that I can tell you.

Kovalev's fans held a protest when Habs GM Bob Gainey refused to give Kovalev a new contract. There was even a petition going around online.

Gainey didn't change his mind. He stated that Kovalev was offered a contract, but never heard from him. Kovalev on the other hand stated that the Habs didn't give him enough time.

With a new head coach and new players on the team will the Montreal Canadiens be a better team?

We'll soon find out!

On a personal note,I want to say thanks to Saku Koivu and Alex Kovalev for their many years with the Montreal Canadiens.

Alexei Kovalev Signs with the Ottawa Senators

Daniel Arouchian — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:15:40 -0400

After spending five years with the Montreal Canadiens, Alex Kovalev signed a two-year contract for $5 million per year with the Ottawa Senators.

In 1151 career games, Kovalev has 394 goals and 547 assists. He played twice in the NHL All-Star game. He was named the game's MVP this past year in Montreal.

Alexei Kovalev Won't Be Back with the Montreal Canadiens

Daniel Arouchian — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:17:14 -0400

For all you Alexei Kovalev fans out there who wanted Habs General Manager Bob Gainey to make a new offer to "The Artist," this article is for you.

Even with the protest that was held by Kovalev fans outside the Bell Centre, Gainey is not changing his mind.

Monday morning he spoke to Montreal radio station, CJAD, where he restated the comments he made last week about Kovalev not coming back with the Montreal Canadiens. They made Kovalev an offer last week, but he took too long to consider the deal.

"We hadn't agreed on the amount, but another player was willing to come and join our team," Gainey told the radio station. "So the dollars that we had allotted there for a particular position were grabbed up by another player."

Kovalev spent five years in Montreal. He was traded from the NY Rangers for for Josef Balej and a second-round draft pick.

His best season with the Habs was in 2007-08 when he scored 35 goals and had 49 assists.

Thank you, Kovalev, for all the memories.

NHL Free Agency: Francois Beauchemin Asking for Too Much?

Daniel Arouchian — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:05:44 -0400

According to the Globe and Mail, Francois Beauchemin is asking for a five-year, $22.5 million U.S. contract. That would be $4.5 million U.S. per season. That's the same amount former Canadiens player Mike Komisarek got from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In my view, Beauchemin has waited too long, since most of the teams are close to the salary cap.

What will the Montreal Canadiens General Manager, Bob Gainey, do? The Canadiens still need a defenseman.

Will Beauchemin get the long term contract he's asking for?

Breaking News: Mike Komisarek Decides To Test The UFA Market

Daniel Arouchian — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:00:24 -0400

Defenceman Mike Komisarek finally decided to test the UFA market that starts tomorrow at noon.

Komisarek's agent Mike Keator confirmed the information to the media.

"After several discussions and reflections, Mike Komisarek decided to test the market. We want the Canadiens to remain in the process since he was very well treated by this organization. He remains interested to sign a new deal with the Canadiens", said Keator.

You Know You're a Montreal Canadiens Fan When: Part Four

Daniel Arouchian — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:03:05 -0400

You started a petition asking the NHL to move the Hockey Hall of Fame to Montreal.
You examine your family tree hoping one of your ancestors is a former member of the Montreal Canadiens.
If Vincent Lecavalier doesn't sign with Montreal,you'll probably boo him the next time the Tampa Bay Lightnings come to Montreal.

You can do a better job then current Habs GM Bob Gainey.
You celebrated in your own way when the Molson brothers are the ones who bought the team and not Quebecor.
When Rene Angelil mentioned that the Habs need to "reborn" you just rolled your eyes.
Your fantasy hockey team only contains Montreal Canadiens players.
You're hoping the 25th Stanley Cup will be in your lifetime.
The season hasn't started and you're already criticizing the team.

You booed Patrice Brisebois out of the team and cheered for him when he came back.

Part I

Part II

Part III

My Birthday Wish For The 2009 NHL Draft

Daniel Arouchian — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:19:12 -0400

Tonight it's the 2009 NHL draft from Montreal and it's also my birthday.

With the Montreal Canadiens drafting at number 18, I can't wait to see who Habs GM Bob Gainey will draft.

Also, there are a lot of rumors going around that Vincent LeCavalier will be traded to Montreal? Will it happen? Or, will Gainey surprise us with something else?

Mr. Gainey, all I'm asking from you on my birthday is a wise choice on the draft. Is it too much to ask for?

Don't make the mistake of the 1980 draft. Don't draft a Doug Wickenheiser when you could draft a Denis Savard.

Habs Fans know how that draft choice went.

Games Goals Assists Points

Savard 1196 476 864 1337

Wickenheiser 556 111 165 286

Charles Montgomery Burns New GM Of The Montreal Canadiens (Humor)

Daniel Arouchian — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:29:43 -0400

The Montreal Canadiens have a new general manager.

Charles Montgomery Burns, who already owns Springfield's Nuclear Power plant, is now the new GM of the Habs.

How will Mr.Burns' hiring help the Habs?

When asked during the press conference about his plans for the franchise, Burns simply replied, "Excellent."

When asked to be a little more specific, he looked at his assistant, Mr. Smithers, and ordered him to release the hounds. With dozens of dogs running towards the reporters, the conference abruptly ended.

Montreal Canadiens Will Not Re-Sign Francis Bouillon

Daniel Arouchian — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:54:39 -0400

Montreal Canadiens Defenceman Francis Bouillon won’t be back next season. The Habs have decided not to renew his contract.

He played nine seasons with Montreal. During his stay, he played 485 games, scoring 21 goals and 81 assists for a total of 102 points.

Joined on the phone by RDS, Bouillon declined to comment.

Sources say that a few teams are interested in his services, but is he interested in them?

We wish Francis Bouillon the best of luck.

Montreal Canadiens: Fans Happy, Quebecor Not New Owner

Daniel Arouchian — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:03:13 -0400

The Molson brothers are the new owners of the Montreal Canadiens. I speak for most of the fans when I say I’m glad that Quebecor’s owner Pierre Karl Péladeau didn’t get his paws on the team.

You might say I’m a little harsh, but think about it.

When Habs GM Bob Gainey hired new head coach Jacques Martin a few weeks ago, Péladeau publicly criticized him and said that Gainey should have waited until a new owner was chosen.

That comment proved that he doesn’t know how the world of hockey works.

Maybe Péladeau wanted to put himself behind the bench. Think about it: player performs poorly? Player goes on a lockout. I know that was a cheap shot.

And this guy wanted to buy the Habs?

And What about Youppi, the team mascot? We don’t have to see this bright orange loveable character change his fur color to black and gold to resemble the colors of Videotron.

With Péladeau not being able to buy the team, Canadiens fans avoided the following:

We won’t see Habs players in Quebecor’s horrible reality TV shows like Occupation Double or even worse, have their personal lives in the tabloid magazines.

No Canadiens de Montreal Academie where each week the TV audience vote by phone and decides who’ll be cut from the roster before the start of the season (50 cents per call)

We won’t see singers from Star Academie sing the National anthems before the game.

We won’t see Julie Snyder trying to speak English while interviewing the non francophone players.

We won’t have to listen the so called expert commentators between periods talking how much the Habs are better off with Péladeau as an owner instead of talking about the game itself.

I wonder what was the reaction of the Journal de Montreal employees who are currently in a lockout when they heard that Péladeau didn’t get to buy the Habs? Most of them probably did what I did. Drank a Molson beer.

Mr. Péladeau might think this is a bad dream and that he’ll wake up and his phone will ring announcing that he’s the new owner. Unfortunately for him that won’t be happening.

It’s time to go to bed, Mr. Péladeau, your phone won’t be ringing anytime soon.

We can sleep well now. La Sainte Flanelle is one business he won’t be putting his hands on.

Thank goodness for that.

An Open Letter to the Molson Brothers

Daniel Arouchian — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:45:45 -0400

Dear Geoff, Andrew, and Justin,

I want to start by congratulating you on your purchase of the Montreal Canadiens.

Habs fans everywhere can sleep better knowing the team is in good hands. We won't have to worry about having players in horrible reality shows or in a tabloid magazine on a weekly basis!

Also it would be nice to have another Stanley Cup added to the 11 ones the Habs won when Molson owned the team in the past.

All three of you know how demanding the fans in Montreal are. We're not asking you to promise us a Stanley Cup for the next season, but a better season and maybe a second or even third playoff round is most welcomed.

Sincerely yours,

Daniel Arouchian

Breaking News: Quebecor's Dream Sank...Like The Titanic

Daniel Arouchian — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:44:03 -0400

The Montreal Canadiens are back where they belong.

Brothers Geoff, Andrew, and Justin Molson are the new owners of the Montreal Canadiens.

It's not the first time the name Molson is associated with the Habs. Brothers Thomas and Hartland Molson first acquired the team from Senator Donat Raymond in 1957.

In 1978 the Molson brewery bought the team from the Bronfman Brothers. Under their ownership, the Canadiens won 11 of their 24 Stanley Cups.

On January 31st, 2001 George Gillett purchased 80.1 percent of the Montreal Canadiens and the Molson Centre (later called the Bell Centre) for $183 million. Molson (later became Molson-Coors) kept 19.9 percent of the team.

Today's announcement put the Molson brothers not only in charge of the Montreal Canadiens and the Bell Centre, but also the Gillett Entertainment Group. Reports say that the transaction is way above $500 million. If that's indeed the case, that would be the highest sale price for a franchise in NHL history.

The amounts are of course in U.S. currency.

Here's the Press Release from the Montreal Canadiens offcial website.

PRESS RELEASE

MONTREAL – George N. Gillett Jr and Geoff Molson announced today that they have reached an agreement in principle for the sale of the Gillett family’s interests in the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club, the Bell Centre and Gillett Entertainment Group. They will hold a news conference as soon as the agreement is finalized.

Mr. Gillett was very appreciative of the extraordinary interest shown by a number of parties in
the Montreal Canadiens, and acknowledged the fine work accomplished by the organization’s
management over the past eight years.

Congratulating and thanking Mr. Molson for the winning bid, Mr. Gillett said that he was pleased to return the ownership of the Canadiens to the Molson family, a family that has been
associated with the Club for over three generations and committed to the Montreal community
for seven generations over a 223 year period.

“Our family has been very proud to be associated with the Montreal Canadiens over the past
eight years and particularly to be a part of their Centennial Season. I am fully confident that the
Molson brothers, who have been a great part of the heritage of the Club, will ensure the
preservation and development of this great sports institution, ” said Mr. Gillett.

Geoff Molson said he was very happy with Mr. Gillett’s decision to accept his group’s proposal and that he hoped the Board of Governors of the National Hockey League would look favourably on the transaction.

Mr. Molson said he is conscious that the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club is a heritage asset for the Montreal community and that with his brothers Andrew and Justin he would endeavour to maintain the tradition of the prestigious club while working with management to build a strong team on the ice and aim to bring back the Stanley Cup to Montreal.

“This is a very exciting time for our family and we are grateful to the many people and
organizations who came forward to offer their collaboration in the development of our proposal,“ said Mr. Molson.

The price and other modalities of the agreement in principle were not disclosed. The next steps include finalizing the agreement and approval by the Board of Governors of the National Hockey League before the closing of the transaction which is expected in late August.

Quebecor

Quebecor President and CEO Pierre Karl Peladeau and his group that included Rene Angelil's Les Productions Feeling and the FTQ (The Fonds de solidarite) were also interested in buying the team.

A few weeks ago, when GM Bob Gainey announced that he had hired a new coach, Mr. Peladeau criticized him by saying that Gainey should have waited at least until a new owner was named. Telling a GM what to do when you're not even the owner, nice going Karl!

Quebecor didn't even have the support of his Journal de Montreal staff who are not working due to a lock-out! By the way,that's not something new in Quebecor!

I speak for myself and thousands of Habs fans when I say it's a good thing Quebecor didn't win the bid. I didn't want Habs players to be paraded in Quebecor owned shows like Le Banquier (French version of Deal Or No Deal), or have the players lives in their tabloid magazines.

The players didn't need the distractions Quebecor would have brought them. Most importantly, they didn't need an owner who doesn't know anything about hockey!

Just like on April 15th, 1912 when it sank during it's maiden voyage, Pierre Karl Peladeau's dream sank, like the Titanic.

Phoenix Coyotes: Jim Balsillie Struck Down Once More

Daniel Arouchian — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:52:58 -0400

The Phoenix Coyotes are not going anywhere.

Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie's dream to own an NHL franchise and move it to Hamilton, Ontario were shattered once more. This time, by a bankruptcy judge.

In his 21 page ruling, Judge Redfield T. Baum stated that the June 29th deadline set by Balsillie wasn't didn't allow enough time for such a difficult case to be properly resolved.

"Simply put, the court does not think there is sufficient time (14 days) for all of these issues to be fairly presented to the court given that deadline," the judge wrote.

This ruling is a major victory for the NHL. They argued that Balsillie was using the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to own a team instead of following the league's rules about owning and relocating a team.

Montreal Canadiens: Bronfman and Saputo Enter The Bidding Dance

Daniel Arouchian — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:27:45 -0400

The fun never stops for the Montréal Canadiens and their current owner George Gillett.

According to the Journal de Montréal, two of Montreal's wealthiest families, Stephen Bronfman and Joey Saputo, tabled a bid of $450 million. Also according to the article, it's the best offer to date to buy the team, the Bell Centre, and Gillett Entertainment Group.

Of course, this doesn't mean anything. Gillett is still studying the offers made by the other groups. Once that's over, the groups who are still interested can make counter offers.

One thing's for sure. Current Owner George Gillett will most probably make more than what he actually needs for his refinancing problems.

Also, the NHL will have to verify the new owner's credibility and their financial situation.

By mid-fall, everything should be finished.

Montreal Canadiens: Potential Buyers Close To The Finish Line

Daniel Arouchian — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:58:57 -0400

On January 31, 2001 George Gillett was announced as the majority owner of the Montreal Canadiens. This could change.

According to the Journal de Montreal there are six potential buyers who are interested to get their hands on the Montreal Canadiens.

Three of them are Canadians and last three are Americans.

The Canadian groups are Quebecor and the Molson family. The third buyer is not identified but it's a group of businessmen from Quebec.

The Americans buyers who are interested in purchasing the team include businessman Graeme Roustan.

Once Gillett has the offers in hand, he can study them with his team of financial advisers. Once that process starts you can expect the bids to get higher. You can also expect some potential buyers backing out as well.

Eventually if Gillett does decide to sell, the new owner will have to be patient. The NHL still has to approve the sale.

Will the Habs have a new owner? Or will Gillett remain the majority owner of the Montreal Canadiens? Only time will tell.

Lightning Strikes In Tampa Bay

Daniel Arouchian — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:40:59 -0400

Jacques Lemaire says "no thanks" to the Tampa Bay Lightning offer to be a senior consultant for the team.

He told Tampa Bay GM Brian Lawton that he had another offer, one that sparked his interest.

"Brian showed a lot of interest and I was pleased about that," Lemaire said. "He told me he really wanted me to be part of the organization. He was very patient."

Lemaire didn't specify what was the other offer, but reports from the New York Times suggest he might be hired as the assistant coach of the Montreal Canadiens.

Lemaire played for the Habs for 12 seasons, winning eight Stanley Cups. He also coached them for two seasons.

Lemaire also stated that he'll give Lawton a call if the other offer doesn't go through. But Lemaire said "I don't think Brian thinks I'm going to be there."

Montreal Canadiens: Serge Savard Is Out of the Bid

Daniel Arouchian — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:20:43 -0400

Former player and former GM of the Montreal Canadiens Hall of Famer Serge Savard is changing his mind about buying the Habs.

Earlier today he stated that he's not prepared to go against the Molson family and their financial might. Savard knows the Molsons pretty well and has a lot of respect for them.

According to Savard having the Molson family bid on the team is good news.

"For me it's a logical choice," said Savard.

Pierre Karl Péladeau

Quebecor boss M. Péladeau criticized current Habs GM Bob Gainey yesterday while talking to a Quebec business group for hiring a new coach before a new owner was chosen.

In his remarks, Péladeau stated Gainey could have waited another two weeks so both parties can make a common decision for a new coach.

He stated that it was "curious" that the Molsons announce that they want to bid on the team and a week later Bob Gainey announces a new coach for the franchise.

Did Péladeau think that he was going to own the team? Worse part is, he doesn't even own the team and is already second guessing the GM. Nice going Karl!

Gary Bettman: Montreal Canadiens Not Going Anywhere

Daniel Arouchian — Sun, 31 May 2009 13:04:55 -0400

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman held a press conference before the the start of the Stanley Cup Final between Detroit and Pittsburgh Saturday night. The potential sale of the Montreal Canadiens was mentioned during his press conference.

Here's what Bettman had to say about the potential sale of the Habs.

"The word on the street is that there are a number of interested parties. I think in the final analysis, George Gillett has to decide ultimately how he's going to arrange his affairs.

"And if, ultimately, he concludes that it's appropriate to sell the club, I know first-hand that there are no shortage of interested substantial bidders who are interested in owning the club.

"The club will either continue to be owned by George or will have another owner who will be somebody who will live up to George's standards and ensure that the Canadiens are healthy forever in Montreal.

"That club isn't going anywhere. The fans in Montreal shouldn't worry about it one bit."

Also, according to Le Journal de Montréal the sale of the team wouldn't be completed until the month of November.

Potential buyers have until June 10th to make an offer. The winning bid would then be announced at the end of June or early July, with the league making the transaction official in the fall.

Does Guy LaFleur Think He's the Habs Spokesman?

Daniel Arouchian — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:28:02 -0400

I think the Montreal Canadiens should hire Guy LaFleur as the official spokesman for the team.

Yesterday, LaFleur stated that it's time for current Habs captain Saku Koivu to leave the Montreal Canadiens and go to Minnesota to play with his brother. He went on to say that he wouldn't mind seeing Alex Kovalev continue playing with the Habs.

We already know that LaFleur enjoys giving his opinion and being in the spotlight.

Everybody has the right to their own opinion, but does he go too far sometimes? Is this his way of attracting attention ? He should worry about his personal problems instead of who the Habs should have under contract.

One thing's for sure, he's very opinionated.

Montreal Canadiens: Another Buyer Interested

Daniel Arouchian — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:15:40 -0400

Yet another twist in the saga of the sale of the Montreal Canadiens.

This time it's Geoffrey E. Molson and his immediate family members who are seriously considering making an offer to buy the famous hockey club.

Molson-Coors already own 19.9 percent of the team and the Gillett Entertainment Group.

The Molson family owned the Montreal Canadiens since 1957 when brothers Thomas et Hartland Molson bought the team from Senator Donat Raymond.

In 2001 they sold 80.1 percent of the Habs to American businessman George Gillett.

Is Patrick Roy the New GM and Head Coach of the Avalanche?

Daniel Arouchian — Sun, 24 May 2009 17:07:26 -0400

According to Ruefrontenac.com, Colorado Avalanche President Pierre Lacroix offered Patrick Roy both the coaching and GM position with the team.

Completing the former coaching department would be former teammate Sylvain Lefevre and current head coach Voltigeurs de Drummondville, both from the QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League), along with Guy Boucher.

Roy denied a few days ago the news that he was offered the head coaching job with the Avalanche by Pierre Lacroix.

He's still the coach and GM of the Remparts de Québec in the QMJHL.

What will the former Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche goaltender do? Only time will tell.

I've written about Roy and if he deserves a coaching job in the NHL.

Feel free to read and comment.

Mario Tremblay As Head Coach? What Were the Montreal Canadiens Thinking?

Daniel Arouchian — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:09:40 -0400

After playing all his NHL career from 1974 to 1986, Mario Tremblay made his start as the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens at the early start of the 1995-96 season.

He became the 23rd coach of the franchise when then-coach Jacques Demers was fired only five games into the season with a 0-5 record.

Habs fans were shocked with Tremblay coaching the team. He didn't have any experience coaching. Worse, his assistant Yvon Cournoyer—another former Habs player—didn't have experience coaching either.

It was a recipe for disaster.

December 2, 1995 is a date that will be long remembered by Habs fans. The Habs were playing in Montreal against the Detroit Red Wings.

Detroit scored nine goals on Roy. When Tremblay finally pulled Roy out of the nets, the first thing Roy did was tell team president Ronald Corey that it was his last match in Montreal.

Four days later, Roy was traded to the Colorado Avalanche.

These two had a long-running dispute. Before Tremblay coached the Habs, he and Roy almost came to blows in a coffee shop in Long Island. The second time came when Tremblay fired a shot at Roy's throat during practice.

Was Tremblay hardheaded? Almost a year after the Roy incident, Tremblay had a verbal argument with former Canadiens enforcer Donald Brashear during practice prior to a game. Brashear was later traded to the Vancouver Canucks.

Mario Tremblay coached 159 games, with 71 wins, 63 losses, and 25 ties during the two years he was with the team.

Here's what Patrick Roy said when reporters asked his thoughts about Tremblay and Cournoyer when they got hired by the Montreal Canadiens:

“I was watching the news on RDS (Québec Sports Network) and when I saw them appear, I went to the shower. I took a cold shower to make sure that I was really awake...”

Breaking News: Charles Montgomery Burns Buys The Montreal Canadiens (Humor)

Daniel Arouchian — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:31:00 -0400

The Montreal Canadiens have a new owner.

Charles Montgomery Burns, who already owns Springfield's Nuclear Power plant, finalized the deal early this morning.

The terms of the deal are not known. The only thing we know is that Waylon Smithers will have an important post in the organization.

At the press conference he was asked about his plans of the franchise, and simply replied, "Excellent."

When asked to be a little more specific, he looked at his assistant Mr. Smithers and ordered him to release the hounds. With dozens of dogs running towards the reporters the conference abruptly ended.

Marc Crawford Interested in Coaching the Montreal Canadiens

Daniel Arouchian — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:05:20 -0400

According to RDS, Marc Crawford contacted Canadiens GM Bob Gainey for the head coaching job for the Montreal Canadiens.

Crawford coached the Nordiques, the Avalanche, the Canucks, and the Kings. In 1996, he won both the Stanley Cup and the Jack Adams Trophy while coaching the Colorado Avalanche.

Gainey told Crawford he needs a little time before making a final decision.

Breaking News:Former Montreal Canadiens Star Guy Lafleur Found Guilty

Daniel Arouchian — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:09:53 -0400

This morning Guy Lafleur was found guilty of obstructing justice during in 2007 when he gave contradictory evidence at a bail hearing for his son.

During sentencing arguments crown prosecutor Lori Weitzman made it clear that Lafleur should be treated like anyone else.

"Justice has to be applied equally," she said.

His lawyer argues that Lafleur has suffered enough because of all the publicity and pleaded his client only be fined.

On the other hand the crown is asking for a conditional sentence to be served in the community.

The sentencing part of the trial is on June 18

Montreal Canadiens-Quebec Nordiques: Good Friday Brawl Of 1984

Daniel Arouchian — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:17:49 -0400

It happened 25 years ago today. The Quebec Nordiques where playing the Montreal Canadiens at the Montreal Forum.

It was game six of the playoffs between the two teams. That night the Habs eliminated the Nordiques, but the game wasn't remembered for that.

It all started when Dale Hunter of the Nordiques nailed Montreal goaltender Steve Penney, but things were still calm.

The excitment started at the end of the second period when both teams left their respective benches. It didn't take long for the players to drop the gloves and start a fight.

The fights continued at the start of the third period as well. For 30 minutes, players from both teams were fighting each other.

That night a total of 250 minutes of penalties were given.

Montreal Canadiens: All Good Things Must Come to an End

Daniel Arouchian — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 02:30:10 -0400

It was bound to happen eventually—the winning streak stopped at two games; the Montreal Canadiens lost, 4-3, against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday in a shootout.

The way the Habs played in their last three games is not something new.

Habs fans know: usually they start strong at the start of the season, start relaxing near the middle and when they're struggling for a spot in the playoffs they give everything they got.

True, it wasn't the case last year, but the year before, they needed a win in their last game of the season for a guaranteed spot in the playoffs but they lost that game and if I'm not mistaken, it was against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This being the centennial season, some fans still say that the 25th Stanley Cup will be won this season—I respect their opinions.

Don't get me wrong, I am a Habs fan, but I'm also realistic.

What A Shocker: Montreal Canadiens Win 2-In-A-Row

Daniel Arouchian — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:18:59 -0400

The Montreal Canadiens are on a roll…somehow.

Last night, they won their second game in a row.

That's something that Habs fans couldn't have imagined since the firing of head coach, Guy Carbonneau.

Did the Canadiens finally wake up?

If they did, it was about time!

A few days ago, I wrote an article about how the current roster is not playing with all their heart—that same day, the Habs exploded against the New York Rangers.

Did any of the players read my article before the game?

I doubt it, but with the way they've been playing for the last two games, like somebody threaten them.

Closing thoughts

In the old days, the players didn't make millions like the players, now.

Most of them even had jobs to pay bills and support their families.

They played for the love of the game, not for the money they were making.

Trust me: They weren't spoiled millionaires like the players are right now.