JCPetit

Talking about Hammond, José Théodore analyzed his play on the three goals the other night and it was very interesting. On Pax's goal, he stayed low in his crease and obviously hesitated between going butterfly and staying up. Théo said that you can't hesitate like he did because you give too many good openings to the shooter. He also observed that Hammond had the opportunity to freeze the puck and failed to do it. Inexperience, according to him. On Subban's slapshot, Hammond should have gone out of this crease. He stayed too low once again. It was a good shot, but it was also the only play available to Subban. Hammond played it too defensively. On Chucky's goal, Hammond too low in his crease again. All in all, three shots that could be stopped.

He was not that bad. We only gave two goals in the last game. The defense played all right. I would not blame anybody. Maybe Emelin for his penalty.

Anderson will be in the net for the Sens tonight.

I like the three guys you are talking about. And I sure hope that they will make it.The best prospect is probably Scherbak. Some guys doubt his hockey sense, think he can't play his role defensively, but I am not worried about that. The kid has a passion for the game and great skills. Every scorer has to learn the defensive part of the game. I don't see why he would not be able to do that. Reway is more enigmatic. First of all, he quit the Quebec League where he was doing very well to play in Europe. His decision was a disappointment for the Habs management, IMO. Only time will tell if it was a good move. He has great skills and is very fast. The «big» problem with him is obviously his size. «Trop petite» would say Scotty Bowman in French. I would rather say that it would be hard for him to find a spot in the line-up right now, with the likes of Galagher, DD and Plekanec filling important roles. We also have Andrighetto and Hudon in the minors; both of them are probably a bit ahead of him in their readiness to play in the NHL, but they are also small offensive players. Where do we play them if they make the team? Being less talented than Scherbak and Reway, Grégoire will be probably easier to integrate in the currrent team. He is a dependable, disciplined player who already shows great qualities as a leader. He has size and excellent hockey sense. I see him play one or two years with the Dogs before moving with the big team. He might have a few recalls before that due to injuries, but I feel that he will need some time to be NHL-ready. Now McCarron. It is absolutely true that Big Mike doesn't show the same level of skills than Reway, Scherbak, Hudon or Andrighetto. Even Grégoire might have a bit more ability. But the American has an asset that neither of them has, which is obviously incredible size. Of course, his career won't amount to anything if he can't skate, pivot, make a pass, a good shot or a solid check. We already know that he is a project. But a fine one IMO. Like I wrote numerous times, I have seen him play and I believe that his skating and hockey sense are good. He sure needs time to fill in his enormous body, to work on his agility and coordination. But the Habs are not on a hurry. He might take a year or two before being recalled (a bit like Grégoire), but he will make it. It's all a question of perception. I just feel good about him.

Don, the youngsters you talk about are all legitime future NHLers. I hope so anyway. But Big Mike should count as a legitimate prospect too. You need different kinds of players to make a team. McMarron has the potential to play a role that nobody (except Brandon Prust) is able to play currently. That's important too.

When you look at the replay, it's true that P.K. doesn't even look at Stone while he is slashing Stone. He probably wanted to hit the forearm but the stick hit at the very precise point where there is no protection, just a bit over the glove. A bad luck IMO.

Be a sport Don. Give Big Mike some credit when he deserves it. It's like me. I am not a fan of Plekanec, but I have to admit that he had a very good season, particularly in the 2nd half. I doubt that he will be a big contributor in the series, but if he does I will stop complaining about him (not sure about that!). Trade DD instead! LOL

Not too shabby Don...

You're definitely not a McCarron fan. LOL I don't know if he is the best Hab prospect. I sure wish there would be a better one. Maybe Hudon, or Scherback... But at least he is a prospect, an a respectable one. Let's just hope the best for the kid. After all, it's his career, not ours which is at stake.

I don't recall a player tossed for a slash either. And I have been following hockey for 50 years.

They just said at l'Antichambre that there won't be a suspension.

Unbelievable game tonight. The first period was awful. We were outplayed IMO. But the 4th line (yes the 4th line!) turned it around. Who would have guessed that guys like Flinn and Mitchell would have make the difference tonight? Even Eller scored a big goal, the best shot of the night in fact. And what about Plekanec? Will he raise to the occasion for once, and play his best hockey in the playoffs? He was not playing very well in the first period, but I really liked his play at the end of the game. And you know that I am not a Plekanec fan. But if he plays with this intensity, I will be routing for him. On the minus side, DD and Parenteau were non entities. I expect more from them. Smith-Pelly was the best player on that line; that should not be possible. I expect some improvement on that line Friday night. P.K. had a good game before his penalty. MT will have some coaching to do, just to make sure that everybody stays dsiciplined. It was not always the case tonight. In the absence of P.K., our defense played a great game. We have been tough with Gilbert and Emelin, but tonight they deserve our praise. All in all, what a game! There is nothing like the series. Really.

I agree that size without ability doesn't add up to anything. But McCarron has ability and good hockey sense. He will be all right.

Chiarelli fired. Julien will be next.

The reason why McCarron will get more than a game or two next year is, IMO, quite obvious. The CH needs his size. And he has already shown, I strongly believe, that he belongs with better players. Next fall will tell us more, of course. But I feel very comfortable with my prediction. He will play in the NHL. If not in Montreal, somewhere else. But he will play, and probably make it a career.

Too bad we can't have a bet. I sure would take one with you. IMO McCarron will make it before Lehkonen, Reway and Bozon. I am quite sure that he will play his first game in the NHL next season.

It sure would be a big surprise if he made the team next fall, and I don't expect that at all. What I meant is that we should have a better idea of where he stands in the organization. IMO he figures very high, as one of the very best prospects, close to the big league. Why do I think that? I have seen him play a couple exhibition games, seen him at Brossard too, and got the feeling that he has what it takes to reach the next level. Next summer should also help him get in better shape to face bigger, more experienced players. I am very confident that once he will be playing with better teamates it won't be long before he will look even better. He is the kind of athlete who might benefit from performing at the highest level.

Practicing today with the team in full gear. No doubt in my mind that Pax will be dressed and play Wednesday night against the Sens. Good, because we will need all we have got to win against the hottest team in the NHL. It won't be easy.

We should have a good idea of where he stands in the organization next fall, at training camp.

Don't worry. He is probably recovering very well.

The Jennings is more of a team trophy than the Vézina. The trophy was theirs all along, but the Habs lost a little bit of their focus lately. No shame in sharing it however. The Hawks deserve it too.

I like Oveshkin a lot, but our gentle giant really deserves the honour this year. The best of luck to Ovy next year!

He has made good progress already. Obviously it looks like a concussion. Hopefully not too serious.

Pax won't play the next two games. He will be ready for the playoffs.

Pax won't be playing against the Wings. Whatever the seriousness of his injury, this is the sensible thing to do. It would make no sense at this point to let him play, even if he had the green light from the doctors.