Bleacher Report - Articles by Tony DeSantis

Canadiens-Flyers: Habs Must Win Three To Avoid 'Fore!'

Tony DeSantis — Sat, 03 May 2008 10:03:27 -0400

With their backs against the wall, the Montreal Canadiens will look to one another to raise the bar tonight instead of hitting it.

After falling behind 3-1 in their series against the Flyers, the Habs have to rally and win the next three games if they want to stay in the hunt for Lord Stanley's Cup.

Frustrated by their lack of scoring and the stonewalling of another hot French- Canadian goalie, the Canadiens have to find new ways to put the puck in the net, hopefully early in the game.

Coach Guy Carbonneau has decided to go back to the lineup that proved victorious in Game 7 against Boston. After giving backup goalie Jaroslav Halak the nod for Game Four, Carbonneau has decided to go back to Carey Price for tonight's start.

Price will try and duplicate the performance of New York's Henrik Lundqvist, who helped his Rangers bounce back from the brink of elimination.

When asked about the importance of tonight's game, Price responded with, "I think we all need to play our best, or else we'll be playing golf".

Alex Kovalev, who has been kept off the score sheet since the first game of this series, hopes to rekindle the magic with his old linemates and kick-start a power play that's been crippled since the playoffs began.

Kovalev and the rest of the Habs' offense now realize that the time for pretty plays is over. They have to crowd Martin Biron's net and jump on rebounds because at the end of the day, a garbage goal is still a goal.

Today, Guy Carbonneau came out of the closet with his lucky tie, which he'll be sporting once again for tonight's crucial game. I wouldn't be surprised if some of his players even stuff rabbit feet, horse shoes or prayer beads down their pants, because they can always use a little help from "Lady Luck."

And although the Philadelphia fans will be hoping for the ghost of Kate Smith to sing the "Swan Song" tonight, the Canadiens will do their damndest to stifle the fat lady.

Pittsburgh Penguins: They Came, They Laughed, They Conquered!

Tony DeSantis — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:49:18 -0400

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Last night, the Ottawa Senators went to embarrassing measures that ultimately made their efforts ‘laughable’.

In a pre-game opening that was supposed to symbolize Captain Daniel Alfredsson’s return, a buffed wannabe Spartan warrior took to the ice and spewed clichés from the movie 300. Unfortunately, hampered by a microphone malfunction and a teetering helmet, the effect was lost on most. Somewhere in the world, Gerard Butler was having a good laugh while King Leonidas must’ve been turning in his grave.

Ottawa drew first blood on a goal by Nick Foligno early in the second period, giving the Senators the lead for the first time in this series. That goal did more to spark the Scotia Bank Place than the pre-game debacle a la ‘Cirque de So-lame’.

Maxime Talbot’s goal tied things up minutes later but the tide would turn in the third and a Tsunami by the name of Crosby gave the Pens the go-ahead marker.

The raucous buzz in the building was suddenly replaced by a wave of nervous nausea. Before the fans had a chance to sip their beer and digest that goal, Jordan Staal crashed the net, tipping one past Martin Gerber, making it 3-1. Scotia Bank Place was put on ‘suicide watch’ as the crowd sank into a deeper funk.

Panic was setting in on the Ottawa bench, as Brian Murray’s face was twitching more than a short-circuited Disney animatronics’. All was not looking good in our nation’s capitol.

Marian Hossa sealed the comeback for the Pens, with a power play goal late in the third, ending the game at 4-1. Pittsburgh now has a 3-0 series lead after last night's victory.

Many of the Ottawa fans attended the game in full warrior regalia but went home dragging their plastic swords and shields behind them.

Maybe it was dress-up night at Scotia Bank Place last night. Certainly the twenty odd men masquerading as Ottawa Senator players on the ice looked nothing like the team that held first place in their division, way back in the season.

So what’s next in Ottawa’s bag of tricks? Can they mount a comeback or will the Penguins go in for the kill, seeking revenge for last year’s elimination?

I for one hope they leave the showbiz to the pros, like Hollywood, and focus instead on what they used to be good at, hard playing hockey.

Last night someone dined in hell, but the main course wasn’t fried Penguin.

Vancouver Canucks: Pink Slip Trumps Dave Nonis

Tony DeSantis — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:39:51 -0400

Dave Nonis, general manager of the Vancouver Canucks, was fired this afternoon after three seasons with the club.

TSN broke the news earlier today. I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s probably because their very own Darren Dreger and Nonis just happen to be first cousins.

Under his tenure, Nonis led the Canucks to the playoffs only once in the last three years, a disappointing record that probably influenced the club’s decision. Canucks Chairman Franceso Aquilini thanked Nonis for his contribution to the team, with the customary pat on the back and polite handshake before giving him the traditional boot up the backside.

Prior to being GM for the Canucks, Nonis spent six years as Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations for the franchise.

In a strange case of irony, Nonis replaced GM Brian Burke in May 2004, and latest reports indicate that the Canucks are now looking at Burke to take over as GM once again.

So boys and girls, for all you budding GM's out there, it's important to listen to your parents when they say to play nice. It just might help you later on in life.

As a side note: Me thinks the Toronto Maple Leafs might have to sweeten their offer now if they want to stay in the hunt for a new GM. Perhaps they can hold a car wash or have a Bingo night at the ACC to raise money. After all, we all know how cash strapped they are.

Bruins-Canadiens: Claude Julien Blames OT Loss on "One Bad Call"

Tony DeSantis — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 03:33:45 -0400

Last night, the Boston Bruins came out grabbing and groping like pimple-faced boys at a high school dance.

They played hard, desperate hockey and dominated most of the 1st and 3rd periods. They out-shot and out-hit a tired-looking Montreal squad that seemed to have trouble keeping up.

The Bruins brought their "A" game (and then some) to the Bell Centre, fought tooth and nail for a "W" but... they still lost.

Playoff hockey can be cruel and unfair. Referees are required to make split-second calls at emotional times during a game. Which bench you're standing behind will determine whether you think those calls are good or bad. Sometimes the better team wins and sometimes it doesn't. Last night, the Boston Bruins were the better team.

I know this might sound strange coming from a Habs fan, but I've always prided myself on telling it like it is. If the Habs play a great game, I'll say so. Last night they slipped back into one of their regular season performances - undisciplined and sloppy.

The Habs gained some momentum in the 2nd period after a late 1st period goal by Roman Hamrlik, but the Bruins kept coming and even after being down by two in the third, tied it up to force overtime.

Alex Kovalev, who was not having a good night, finally found his game and potted the OT winner. He later admitted that last night's victory was due to "lucky bounces" and that the Habs have to play more disciplined hockey.

Claude Julien, in an emotionally controlled post-game press conference, claimed that the tripping penalty to Jeremy Reich robbed his team of a potential win. He wondered why Markov wasn't called for high sticking seconds before.

I say you can play the "blame game" till the cows come home but in the end, it's just that ugly monster called "Playoff Hockey", claiming yet another victim.

Canadiens-Bruins: Experts Do About-Face, Predict Habs Alive After 5

Tony DeSantis — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:57:29 -0400

At the start of the season, hockey analysts* far and wide, promised that dollars to donuts, the Montreal Canadiens would once again miss the playoffs.

The Hockey News, the foremost authority on all that is Hockey, confidently predicted that ‘Les Habitants’ would finish a dismal 13th in their conference. However, ever since the Montreal Canadiens were recently crowned Eastern Conference Champions, many of those so-called ‘experts’ are quickly changing their tune.

In yesterday’s edition of their Playoff Preview, The Hockey News predicted that Montreal would defeat Boston in 5 games.

Another outspoken Habs critic, and former Montreal player also went on record with his playoff prediction. Guy Lafleur, a five-time Stanley Cup winner, claimed the Habs would beat the Bruins in 5 or 6 games.

Many players were upset by Lafleur’s comments earlier this year, when he took them to task, scolding the team’s lack of effort, saying it had "4- fourth lines". His stinging remarks must’ve hit a nerve because the players collectively upped their game, perhaps in an effort to prove him wrong.

If that was his intention all along, I say bravo Guy, mission accomplished. I’m just grateful he didn’t publicly bad-mouth the Maple Leafs.

Today in a post-season press conference, a melancholic and reflective Paul Maurice was asked who he thought would be a Cup Contender in the east. Noncommittal as always, Maurice expressed that ‘goaltending’ would be the deciding factor as to who wins and moves on. Although his comment can be interpreted any number of ways, I’d rather not read between the lines.

There seems to be a unanimous feeling from fans and experts alike, that Montreal will win this series against Boston in 5 games.

Being the superstitious and jaded type, I’ve decided to adopt a Swiss perspective and remain on the fence with regards to calling the outcome of this series. I’m happy with Montreal’s performance to date and if I can steal a line from Connie Francis, “che sera, sera.” However if I was a betting man, my money would be on the team with the most goals for and fewest goals against. Statistically, they are the ones with the best chance, at the dance.

* excluding TSN's Maggie the Monkey

Montreal-Buffalo: Sabres "Game-Jacked' by Habs in OT

Tony DeSantis — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 03:37:25 -0400

Buffalo Police put out an APB on the Montreal Canadiens last night after they pulled off a clear case of Grand Theft Hockey. The Habs made a fast dash for their bus after a game that was mainly dominated by the hungry Sabres.

With the score tied after two periods, Buffalo turned up the heat in the third going ahead on a goal by Nathan Paetsch. Minutes later, Mark Streit coughed up the puck behind his net, setting up Daniel Paille for Buffalo's third goal. Buffalo fans could smell the W as the period was winding down... all seemed good in a city known for its wings.

At the 17:29 mark, with the Habs on the PP, Mark Streit must have been hit with a case of the guilts for his earlier boo-boo and decided to atone for his sins. His point shot was tipped in by Thomas Plekanec, narrowing the lead to one. In the dying seconds, Carey Price skated to the bench to give the Habs the extra attacker. After a scramble in front of the Buffalo net, Thomas Plekanec scooped the puck past a sprawling Ryan Miller to tie the game, sending it to OT.

Unhappy with his assists on the second and tieing goal, Mark Streit decided to make it three 'straight'. With just over a minute left in OT, Streit found Chris Higgins driving for the net, sending him a beauty pass that even my Nonna could net. After missing earlier on a breakaway, Higgins finally delivered this time, putting this surprise game in the books.

This was a game the Habs did NOT deserve to win. They were out-played, out- hustled and lacked focus through 57 of the 60 minutes. Sometimes you need a combination of skill and luck to win games. Last night they relied too heavily on the latter.

Guy Carbonneau's Playoff Credo: "You Can Lose the First, But Not the Last"

Tony DeSantis — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:12:12 -0400

In an NHL teleconference yesterday, Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau reflected on his team's rise to the top when many predicted they might barely make it into the playoffs.

He credited the blend of veterans and rookies with the Habs recent string of wins but also pointed out that his squad has been healthier this season compared to last. Even though Komisarek is out for a few weeks, his Habs have been lucky in the injury department which has definitely helped to advance them up the standings.

Prior to the trade deadline, he went on record saying he was happy with his team as is, and that there was great chemistry in the room. Although Cristobal Huet's departure came as a shock to many, Carbonneau knew it was Bob Gainey's plan all along and feels confident that Carey Price can handle the number 1 spot. Carbo doesn't expect the rookie goalie to shut down his opponents in every game but just wants Carey to play like Carey and not a miracle worker.

Carbo touched on the stellar play this season of Markov, Streit and of course the rejuvenated Alex Kovalev, to name a few. He admitted that his first year as a coach was marred by mistakes, poor judgement and decisions he later regretted. He felt many times, he reacted as Guy the player, instead of Guy the coach. This year, at the ripe young age of 48, he has matured as a coach and feels he approaches each game now from a new perspective. He has won the respect of his team and colleagues, and his confidence has seeped into his squad. But with the playoffs on the horizon, he says there's one lesson he learned as a player that he hopes to instill in his troops. "In a playoff series, you're allowed to lose the first game, but not the last."

Leafs Chances Don't Add Up

Tony DeSantis — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:06:38 -0400

Some say, mathematically, the Leafs still have a chance. I’m not sure if they’re using some form of ‘new math’, but on my abacus, things just don’t add up.

Four games remain, but two of those are against teams that are fighting over 8th spot like fat kids over a cruller. My hat goes off to the Leafs (make that my Habs cap) for their valiant eleventh hour run. Although I’m a frequent rider on the “Leafs Suck” bus, I do get off on the occasional stop to admire the work of some of their stand out players.
I’ve always been a big fan of Captain Mats. He’s proven time and again that he’s nothing but a class act in an organization that could learn a thing or two about integrity. Lately, in his absence, another Matt has risen to the challenge and has the hockey world buzzing about Mats future successor. Stajan has surprised many critics with his actions of late, displaying a more confident and well-rounded style of play.

Unfortunately he, Toskala and a few others do not a team make. Performances from Blake, Tucker and Kaberle have been below par for most of the season and McCabe is just living proof that even God has his off days.

As disappointed as Maurice and gang are, I feel badly for Leaf nation, the fans. I’m not trying to be cruel or sarcastic here, because as a Habs fan, I’ve experienced my share of dreadful seasons and missed playoffs. Win or lose, the players bounce back and can shrug it off. Maybe it’s the inflated salaries they take home to support their inflated egos. There’s always some golf tournament they can attend, sign some autographs and pump a few hands. In the back of their minds, they know that fans have short-term memories and in no time, all is forgiven.

Maybe that’s the problem. We as hockey fans take the game way more seriously than the players. Dare I say we are too ‘passionate’ about our national sport? The sad part is that in the weeks to come, after the dust settles and stinging pain goes away, the majority of Leaf fans will revert to the familiar, “Maybe next year”.