Bleacher Report - Articles by Matt Woodman

Month In Review: Montreal Canadiens Still Searching for That Spark

Matt Woodman — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:21:23 -0500

The Montreal Canadiens had an impressive month of October—points-wise, that is.

The Canadiens went 7-1-1 in just nine games this past month, but something seems to be missing from the Canadiens game. It’s that spark that got them the Eastern Conference regular-season title last season.

It just doesn’t seem like the Canadiens are as exciting to watch this season thus far. Maybe that’s because of the high expectations this season, and the low expectations set on the Habs last season.

So far, stud players from last season have been somewhat struggling offensively. Last season's top trio of Tomas Plekanec, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Alex Kovalev have yet to really get things going, as they combined for just six goals in the month of October.

But there have been plenty of bright spots for the Canadiens. New comers like Alex Tanguay and Robert Lang have been contributing consistently every night.

Lang notched six points in nine games—and that was playing on the third line with Tom Kostopoulos and Sergei Kostitsyn, although he has played on the first power-play line with the Captain Saku Koivu.

Kostitsyn has yet to prove Keith Jones of the TSN panel correct. Jones stated that Kostitsyn was in fact as talented as former linemates Sam Gagner and Patrick Kane on the OHL’s London Knights.

Tanguay has been wicked so far, scoring 11 points in nine October games. He also put Saku Koivu’s anticipated scoring depression on hold. The captain also has 11 points in ten regular-season games. Even Guillaume Latendresse has looked good along the pair’s side, putting Christopher Higgins' return to the top line on hold.

Georges Laraque finally made his Canadiens debut and hasn’t disappointed. He fought Sean Thornton seven seconds into his first game.

On the back end, Andrei Markov has exploded for thirteen points in ten games, and leads the team in points and assists.

Mike Komisarek and Josh Gorges have also been good, but there is definitely room to improve.

Francis Bouillon made his return to the lineup after a knee injury kept him out of play until October 20—a game against the Panthers that saw him score the game winner. He now has two goals in five games.

Ryan O’Byrne and Patrice Brisebois have been splitting time since Bouillon’s return. Early on, O’Byrne was one of Montreal’s most efficient defencemen, while Brisebois...well, has been Brisebois.

Roman Hamrlik has picked up a bit of the scoring slack left by Mark Streit with five points, and has been solid in front of Carey Price.

Speaking of Carey Price, he has been one of the most spectacular goalies so far in the NHL. Early on this season he has had a number of highlight-reel saves, and even one in the preseason that may snag him save of the year honors. His play recalls that of Pierre McGuire, although Price has given up a couple of highlight-reel weak goals in previous weeks.

Jaroslav Halak hasn’t been too shabby himself—until his last game versus the Anaheim Ducks, in which he allowed four goals on 12 shots.

The Canadiens have been good this past month, but even with Halloween come and gone, the Habs still have the potential to be scary good.

Georges Laraque: Just a BIG Tease...So Far

Matt Woodman — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:51:20 -0400

I’m not sure what other Montreal Canadien fans are thinking just three games into the young but long season, but so far the Habs have been keeping up with the other physical teams in the league. Monday night they came into the City of Brotherly Love, and matched the physical Philadelphia Flyers, despite missing a huge element of the Canadiens' physical side. The beast’s name, Georges Laraque.

Ever since the 6’3” machine signed a three year contract with the Canadiens on July 3rd, he has so far just seemed like a big tease. All summer I craved to see him take on some of the toughest fighters in the upcoming season. Well, that season has come and began, and still no Laraque.

The big man’s season has been put on hold thanks to a straining groin injury that has kept him out of Montreal’s first three regular season games and all nine of the Canadiens preseason games. While Laraque has suffered through the injury, Canadiens' fans have suffered through not being able to see Laraque hit the ice and to force a few of his opponents to drop and hit the ice as well.

Wednesday night would make the perfect return date for Georges, as the Canadiens are hosting the long time rival Boston Bruins at the Bell Centre in their home opener. I want to see Laraque on my television screen on RDS, just as much as the lucky 21,273 who will get the privilege of being seated at the game instead of on their couch at home.

Head Coach Guy Carbonneau has said that he would be surprised to see Georges Laraque and other injured players, forward Chris Higgins and defensemen Francis Bouillon, out of the line up Wednesday night. If Carbonneau’s prediction is correct, Habs' fans could be getting a big surprise come Wednesday night. How big? About 240 pounds big.

Michael Ryder Clearly Moving On

Matt Woodman — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:30:42 -0400

On the night of September 22 2008, I had the privilege of attending the Canadiens' first preseason game of the 2008-09 season, against the rival Boston Bruins at Halifax’s Metro Centre, 20 minutes from my home in Lower Sackville.

This was a big treat for a long-time Canadiens fan like me, who has been lucky enough to watch every game on TV. Unfortunately, I was in for the thumping of a life time, as the Habs were pounded 8-3.

But after the game, the score was hardly on my mind.

Late in the game, I had spotted a large group of men in expensive suits seated in the upper bowl, one section away from where I was seated. Some were watching the game, others were typing vigorously away on their blackberries, and some were just staring off blankly or joking around with friends. This is the first sign of healthy scratches for a sports team.

Knowing that the Canadiens scratches had stayed in Montreal for the night, I looked for the first sign of Bruins, and I found one. A 6’9” Zdeno Chara had his massive legs sprawled across the row of seats in front of him.

I quickly became excited by the fact that the entire Boston squad was just a section away from me. Then I spotted Michael Ryder, who was somewhat off by himself against the far wall. I figured “Hey what the hell?” and armed with my sharpie and wearing my red Canadiens jersey, I headed off to the other section.

Now yes I realize that Ryder is no longer a part of the Canadiens roster and has long since joined the Bruins—but when you live in Nova Scotia, your chances of run-ins with NHL-caliber players are slim to none.

As I approached him, I waited for a couple of Bruins fans whose backs he was signing. When they verged off, I asked if he indeed was Michael Ryder—despite the fact that I clearly knew he was. He said he was, and I introduced myself and asked if he would sign my Canadiens jersey.

He laughed and asked why I would want him to sign that. I explained myself as I sat next to him. Eventually, he said he would not sign the Canadiens jersey, unless it was his name and number, or a Bruins jersey. I never did get a reason from him other than that he didn’t play for them anymore, but I clearly assumed it was because he wanted to put the Habs behind him—way behind him.

Upon leaving, I shook his hand and wished him a good season, and he thanked me. I fully understood his reason for not autographing the jersey. As I walked away, I forgot all about the brutal score, and instead thought about how cool it was to have my first conversation with a NHL player.

I will always remember that moment, despite that it probably left his mind 10 minutes after I left. I’ll always be keeping an eye on how he does this upcoming season, as I always do with past Canadiens players, and when I wished him luck I truly meant it.

But as I watch him in the Bruins line up against the Habs this up coming season, there will always be a tiny part of me who just wants to see him getting flattened by one of the Canadiens.

Good luck this season Mike—you and the Bruins are going to need it! : ) : P

NHL Scheduling: Love It, Hate It, Your Perspective

Matt Woodman — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 07:25:34 -0400

Earlier this past season there was speculation that the NHL would investigate into making the NHL regular season longer, a whole two games longer. But is this what the NHL really needs to look into changing when it comes to its scheduling?

Over the past few years the NHL schedule has been criticized heavily, and why shouldn’t it be?

These days NHL teams don’t play enough out of conference teams. If you’re lucky you’ll get to see your team battle against every single team from the opposite conference once.

For example, last season the Montreal Canadiens played only 10 of a possible 15 teams from the Western conference. The five teams they didn’t play were all from the Northwest division, which just happens to be the division that houses the three western Canadian teams. Being a Habs fan I wasn’t too excited about that.

Another problem with the NHL schedule is the fact that a team plays each team in its division eight times! Despite the fact that it does build some great rivalries, it’s simply unfair for some teams.

Look at the Central division for example. Detroit has basically had its way with their division for quite some time, as they get to battle the likes of the Blues, Blackhawks, Predators, and Blue Jackets each eight times.

So basically “a walk in the park,” or a “walk into first place” while the other four teams are left to scramble for out of division points to attempt to make the playoffs (mind you though that the Wings would do well playing in any division).

Another example is the Boston Bruins against the Montreal Canadiens. Last season the Canadiens won all eight games, while the Bruins picked up one point of a possible 16. Next season should be a little more evenly matched.

One thing I do enjoy though about the schedule is the great rivalries that are created and continued. Hockey night in Toronto…sorry I mean Canada, gets to feature the continuing feud between the Canadiens and Leafs, Canadiens and Bruins, and the Battle of Ontario, eight times a piece.

On the other side of the country we are treated to Calgary against Vancouver, the Oilers and Vancouver and the battle of Alberta.

In the Atlantic division, well everyone hates everyone in the Atlantic division so I won’t list the rivalries there as the list is endless. Hey we even get to see the Aves and Wings battle four times a season.

Another thing I am tired of is the NHL preseason. I wouldn’t mind it if they played maybe four or five games, but it seems they prefer to play seven to eight games. To be honest, that’s just way too much. If they want to play that many then start the preseason sooner.

And by starting the preseason earlier it should also cause NHL games to begin earlier. I would prefer the NHL to start in mid or late September rather than in early October. Sure this may sound like just a week or two in advance difference, but to us hockey fans, we like to get our hockey started ASAP!

So what would I like to see happen to this “schedule”? Personally I would like to see less preseason games, for teams to play more out of conference opponents, and for the regular season to start earlier.

But what am I saying? I must be dreaming for that to happen…

NHL: Is Too Much Depth and Talent Possible?

Matt Woodman — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 05:39:23 -0400

The “new” NHL is coming up on its fourth season, and teams are starting to discover the pros and cons of it. One of those cons is a problem every NHL general manager would like to have—having too much talent.

This problem can usually be traced back to the salary cap and not having enough space to fit your talented players under, because their salary demands are too high.

The Ottawa Senators have had this problem since the league finished its lockout and started back up in the 2005-2006 season. Back when the cap limit was only $39 million, the club had to pick between two different defencemen, Wade Redden or Zdeno Chara.

The club was expected to challenge for the Stanley Cup multiple seasons and they did, but after failing to win, they were force to lose some key players, and are now forced to gear up for another Cup run.

The Buffalo Sabres are another prime example.

Much like the Sens, the Sabres were expected to compete for the Cup for a while, and of course they did, but years after they were forced to lose the likes of Daniel Briere, Brian Campbell, and Chris Drury. They now must also re-charge their lineup.

This year it's Montréal’s turn. But unlike past teams, they aren’t losing talent because of salary cap reasons. They are losing talent simply because they have no room on their starting roster for skilled players who could easily be playing, or at least challenging for a roster spot on a different team.

The Canadiens have two examples of that this season. Bob Gainey recently had to trade away talented, but small, forward Corey Locke to the Minnesota Wild for defencemen Shawn Belle. I expect Locke to play at least 20 games for the Wild this season, as they have lost some talent via free agency this summer.

Locke had previously played only one game for the Canadiens since being drafted back in 2003, and despite being the Hamilton Bulldogs' all-time leading scorer.

Mikhail Grabovski is another example. He was also recently traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a pick and a prospect. Grabovski had a bit more success in the NHL than Locke did, though. He played 24 games this past season and notched three goals and six assists.

Another small center, it looked as if the talented Grabovski had no place on the Habs roster, especially with the development of Tomas Plekanec and the need for a BIG, talented center. Locke and Grabovski just couldn’t successfully fill that void.

I assume that it was the players' decisions to leave the club and not Bob Gainey’s, as both players were most likely tired of not making the club permanently out of training camp. Gainey had offered them both new contracts, as both were restricted free agents this summer. Both players should have great success with their new clubs.

This offseason, the Montreal Canadiens are showing us, straight up, how you can have too much depth, without passing the cap limit.

Thanks for reading.

Habs Defence Missing One More Piece?

Matt Woodman — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:42:11 -0400

The Canadiens recently locked up affordable defensemen Josh Gorges to a three year contract, but I’ve really got to wonder, will the Canadiens have a strong enough defensive corps to launch them to the Cup finals for their 100^th year anniversary?

Defensively I think the Canadiens have a fairly strong group. Their top three consists of Mike Komisarek, Andrei Markov and Roman Hamrlik. They have plenty to choose from in Francis Bouillon, Josh Gorges, Ryan O’Byrne (assuming he re-signs) and even Mathieu Dandenault for there latter three.

This list does not even take into account the endless amount of talent they have been stock piling on in recent drafts, and of course their top two defensemen in Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak, if you know what I mean.

But does this group really have what it takes to make it to the Cup finals?

The Canadiens defensive group looks physical enough, especially with the acquisition of Roman Hamrlik last season along with the development of Mike Komisarek and Ryan O’Byrne and of course the presence of Francis Bouillon. But to me it feels the Canadiens are missing one vital part of their defense, a scoring defensemen.

Of course you would think the defensive unit shouldn’t have to worry about scoring goals, especially with all the talent and speed the Canadiens boast up front. But scoring defensemen are a crucial part of scoring goals, making plays and the power play.

This season the Canadiens look to add to their surprising last season voyage which saw them lead the league in goals for. To repeat the Canadiens should look to add a scoring defensemen, who can also hold his own in the zone.

The departure of Mark Streit certainly won’t help the Habs power play, which was number one in the league for a second straight year, yet seemed to vanish once the playoffs hit.

Offensively the Canadiens don’t have much to pick from on their blue line besides the likes of Markov and even he was some what of a “no show” in the playoffs. Roman Hamrlik isn’t as much as a threat as he use to be either, as he has traded in his risky puck moves for a solid defensive vibe over the past few years.

Bringing back veteran Patrice Brisebois would be an okay move, but basically is like slapping a piece of duck tape on a ripped plastic boat. Bob Gainey missed out on trades like Dan Boyle, although I’m not sure if he would have been a good fit. He also missed out on UFA’s like Ron Hainsey.

Now unlike when Sheldon Souray left the Canadiens I am worried about what may happen to the Canadiens lethal offence on the blue line. But of course like most Habs fans, I believe “In Bob we trust.”

Despite everyone saying Mats Sundin would be perfect to help bring Montreal its 25^thcup home, I also strongly believe they require one more proven, scoring defensemen.

In my opinion Gainey needs to add one more piece to his already impressive puzzle.

Thanks for Reading,

Matt Woodman

Canadiens, Gorges Agree on Three Year Deal

Matt Woodman — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:40:11 -0400

Canadiens general manger Bob Gainey can scratch another player of his restricted free agents list. Wednesday, July 9^thBob Gainey resigned 23 year old defensemen Josh Gorges to a three year, $3.3 million dollar deal which will pay him $1.1 million a season.

“Josh established himself as a key member of our defensive squad last season. His reliability and solid play made him one of our most improved players. He is a young defenseman with a very good work ethic,’’ said Bob Gainey.

Last season, Gorges played in 62 games for the Canadiens and notched 9 assists and had an even +/- rating. He also played in all 12 Canadiens playoff games recording 3 assists.

A native of Kelowna, British Columbia, Gorges was acquired by the Canadiens from the San Jose Sharks on February 25, 2007 along with a first-round selection in 2007 (Max Pacioretty), in return for Craig Rivet and a fifth-round selection in 2008. He has played 165 career games in the NHL, scoring 19 points (one goal, 18 assists), and serving 89 penalty minutes.

Gorges is the third restricted free agent to resign with the Canadiens, the other two being forward Andrei Kostitsyn and goaltender Jaroslav Halak.

Guy Carbonneau Believes Mats Sundin is Coming

Matt Woodman — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:38:03 -0400

All eyes right now are on Mats Sundin and his playing decision for next season in the NHL. But if any of them think the way Guy Carbonneau does, they’ll all give up hope.

The Montreal bench boss believes that Sundin will eventually decide to sign with the Habs. His reasoning; very logical.

"The Rangers and the Maple Leafs have signed players and don't have any cap room," he said.

If Carbonneau is right than the only other competition would be from the Vancouver Canucks, who reportedly offered Sundin a two year, $20 million deal, which would pay him an annual salary of $10 million.

Meanwhile, the Canadiens offer is believed to be around two years, but only $7 million. Guy Carbonneau doesn’t believe that should be a problem.

"It's not all about money with Mats," Carbonneau told the paper. "I'm sure he has plenty put away over the years."

Thanks for Reading

Matt Woodman

Canadiens Free Agent Frenzy: Day Three

Matt Woodman — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 04:43:34 -0400

Bob Gainey began his conquest on day three of the free agency frenzy by signing a big name forward after a silent day two. No, it wasn’t Mats Sundin or Marian Hossa. I can’t emphasize the word "big" enough for this article actually.

The Canadiens signed the enforcer they have always been looking for. Gainey signed Montreal native Georges Laraque to a three-year $4.5 million contract, which will pay him $1.5 million a season.

"It’s been a few years now that I’ve been imagining what it would be like to play for the Canadiens," admitted Laraque. "I was born in Montreal. My whole family lives in Montreal. I knew that I wanted to play here not at the tail-end of my career, but in my prime."

Laraque clearly knows why the Canadiens were interested in signing the 6'3", 240-pound 31-year-old.

"I know my role and I hope to make the jobs of certain teammates easier," explained Laraque, who boasts over 1,000 career penalty minutes.

"Having played against him, I know that a guy like Mike Komisarek is much more useful when he’s on the ice and that he shouldn’t really feel the need to drop his gloves out there.

"I want to take that pressure off Mike’s shoulders and give players like Max Lapierre and Steve Begin the chance to play their physical game without worrying about someone going after them."

This signing should finally strike some fear in Montreal's opponents and complement their quick speed and fire power.

“Since there hasn’t been a true heavyweight here in a while, a player like me knew that facing Montreal meant it would be an easy night," said the rugged winger. "I knew that I could get away with doing whatever I wanted against a small team like the Canadiens and I took advantage of that fact."

Gainey added another Montreal native in under-achieving goaltender Marc Denis. Thankfully, Gainey made it a two-way contract. This should add a stable back-up for Price if Halak does not return, or we could even have a steady goalie for the Bulldogs if Halak does opt to return to the Canadiens next season.

The contract is a one-year deal and financial terms are unknown.

Thanks for reading!

The Problem with the NHL Standings

Matt Woodman — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 04:13:01 -0400

It seems these days all anyone talks about when it comes to rule changes in the NHL is smaller goalie equipment, larger nets, and touch or no touch icing.

Well, here’s an issue that needs to be changed and affects every player on the ice and on the bench. (Drum role please) The way the NHL standings work when it comes to making and not making and the playoffs.

Year after year in the NHL, teams make the playoffs that really maybe shouldn’t be making the playoffs because of two different statistical aspects. The first one being divisional leaders being placed first to third in their conference. The second being that overtime losses and shootout losses get a point.

Divisional leaders being placed first through third is the one that really gets me. This year for example, the Washington Capitals were placed at the top of their division and were appointed third place…ahead of four other teams who had more points then their club.

And why? Because they were ahead of every other team in their joke division called the Southeast. In 2006-2007, the same thing occurred. The Atlanta Thrashers managed 97 points and were awarded third place. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins racked up 105 points a piece and were placed fourth and fifth place respectively.

Now I’m not here to rip up Southeast teams. (How could I, in the past four years the Cup has been awarded to two different Southeast teams) It just drives me nuts watching undeserving teams being ranked higher than teams who have worked hard for their higher amount of points.

That leads me to my next topic, points being awarded during a loss.

When should you ever be awarded for a loss…this is not elementary school where the gym teacher gives you a motivational award for placing last. It’s just another statistic to give mediocre teams an opportunity to make the playoffs. The new saying of the NHL seems to be “Oh well at least we get the point” after an OT loss.

Just this past year, the Carolina Hurricanes missed the playoffs by two points with a record of 43-33-6 for a total of 92 points, meanwhile the eighth place Boston Bruins who snagged the last playoff spot, had a record of 41-29-12 for a total of 94 points.

Notice the difference. The team with more losses and less wins made the playoffs, does that make sense?

Also this past season, the Montreal Canadiens came back from a 5-0 deficit during a game against the Rangers and stormed back to win 6-5 in a shootout. Why should the Rangers get a point for that?

“Oh well good try boys, we lost a game we clearly should have had, at least we get the point.” It’s ridiculous!

Hockey is the only sport (to my knowledge) that gives you a point for a loss. The NHL did the right thing in getting rid of the tie, now its time to do the same to overtime losses.

Thanks for reading,

Matt Woodman

Sundin and the Waiting Game

Matt Woodman — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:46:32 -0400

The next few days for me are almost going to be like reading Mats Sundin’s horoscope.

It’s unsurprising that Sundin hasn’t made up his mind yet, and he has deserved that right to take his time and weigh out his options, just as long as he doesn’t take, what I like to call, “Scott Niedermayer time.”

After we finally see his decision, we may actually know what kind of guy Mats is.

Let’s have a gander at his options:

Signing with a team like the Canadiens or Rangers means he has the taste of success on his appetite for the up and coming season and isn’t worried at this point in his career about collecting top dollars.

He is almost 38 and his chances at winning a cup, and getting his name engraved on Stanley are on a huge decline and have been ever since he started playing for the Leafs.

Resigning with the Leafs means he wants to help develop the younger players that the Leafs are sure to bring up, and try and help bring the Leafs to a playoff berth for the first time in what will be four seasons.

More importantly he might want to finish his career off as a Maple Leaf with pride and have the support of all Leafs fans behind him when he hangs them up in a couple years.

Signing with the Canucks and their $20 million dollar offer means one thing—Sundin is only in it this year to make a bit of dough.

The Canucks have no chance next season, in my opinion, of winning the cup.

Yes, they have a No. one goalie and a tough defense, but they’ll need more firepower than Sundin to make their way to the Cup, let alone the playoffs.

If Sundin decides to “hang em’ up” this year, he will have my full respect.

He had a great NHL career and his goal to retire, as Leaf will be fulfilled.

Being the guy Mats Sundin is, he will only retire if he truly believes he has accomplished everything he has wanted too throughout his career.

In the future we will truly figure out what Mats is, after this season.