Primary Sidebar
BlogsThe 100 Seasons Series
An ongoing series following the Canadiens 100 seasons from 1909 to the present.
1910-11 Georges Vezina Arrives On The Scene
1913-14 Rising Canadiens Miss Cannonball
1914-15 A Hard Fall To Last Place
1915-16 The First Of Many Stanleys
1917-18 Malone Paces Canadiens In NHL Launch
1918-19 The Cup That Almost Was
1919-20 Newsy And Joe Malone Battle It Out
1920-21 Aging Canadiens Fall Short
1921-22 Three Musketeers, Two Cleghorns, And One Bad News Newsy
1922-23 The Newsy Era Ends, A New One Begins
1923-24 With Morenz Comes A Second Cup
1924-25 The Forum And Two New Rivalries
1925-26 All That Could Stop Georges Vezina
1926-27 Hainsworth Revives Canadiens
1928-29 Hainsworth The Human Wall
1930-31 Back To Back Cups Start The Canadiens Decade Off In Roaring Style
1931-32 Morenz Has Hart, But Three - peat Falls Short
1932-33 Newsy Replaces Hart, And Finds Slowing Habs Hearts
From Vezina To Price - 100 Years Of Habs Goalies
From the first brave maskless men to strap on the pads, to todays modern stoppers, follow the evolution of goaltending through the history of the Canadiens. Read all about those who made it, those who missed, and those who became legends that defined their times.
Georges Vezina 1910-1926Mickey Murray And Roy Worters 1929-30
Canadiens Goalies Of The 1930's
Habs Goalies Of The Early To Mid 1940's
Canadiens Goalies In The System 1944-1955
Jacques Plante And The Legend Of The Mask
Habs Goalies: Murphy, Evans, And Binette
Habs Goalies: Charlie Hodge - Yesterday And Today
John Aiken: Pulled from The Crowd To Be A Habs Goalie
Habs Goalies Of The 1950's Farm System
Canadiens Goalies Of The Late 1950's
Former Hab Goalie Claude Pronovost's One Day Of Glory
12 Canadiens Goalies In The System From 1960 to 1965
Lorne "Gump" Worsley 1963-1969
The Rogie Vachon Exposition In Palmarolle
Making A Case For Rogie In The Hall
The Current Canadiens Goaltending Prospects - 2008
"Jacques Plante: The Man Who Changed The Face Of Hockey" - by Todd Denault
The Gainey Foundation
Make a donation to this great cause today!
About me. Who the heck does this guy think he is anyway?
I'm Robert Lefebvre, and for over two years now my Eyes On The Prize site has grown to become fairly well known among Canadiens fans and their blogging community. The site's content tends to apply the title as it's motto - to follow the Canadiens on their pursuit towards a Stanley Cup win.
I became a fan of the game in 1969. At seven years old, I wanted to be Bobby Orr. Oddly enough, I became a Habs fan at a Cornwall Royals game, by watching the Quebec Remparts Guy Lafleur destroy my hometown heroes. I vowed then and there, after witnessing first hand a most beautiful player, that wherever Lafleur went in the NHL, I would follow.
I barely recall watching the Canadiens win the Cup in 1969, but I saw every faceoff when they did in 1971. In all I have watched the Canadiens hoist nine Lord Stanley's. It's hard to translate to someone exactly what that means in terms of knowledge and insight, but what I often attempt to do is pass some of that on to readers. New readers will catch on fairly quickly that sharing what I've learned is a big thing with me. To the uninitiated, that tends to make me come off as arrogant and sometimes pompous, and I apologize for that. I hardly know everything there is to know about hockey and the Canadiens - but I want to! I've always considered myself a student of the game, as much as a fan. I seek to learn as much as I can about hockey, from every point of view possible. I've played the game to less than stellar achievements. From 1988 to 1996 I coached boys house league hockey in the CMHA, and it was an eye opener in many respects. For a brief stint, I did some junior hockey scouting on a volunteer basis. Today I have a 13 year old daughter who is her ninth season in the game. There isn't a person in the world I envy more than her! Since beginning the Eyes On The Prize site in July of 2006, I have posted close to a thousand entries. The most rewarding aspect of it all has been my involvment in the Canadiens fans online community. Through the Montreal Gazette's Habs Inside Out blog, I have been able to meet with fans of my site on two occasions. Most recently, I was involved in helping to raise $1,250 for the Gainey Foundation. It is something I hope to continue with over the coming years. Moving my site to Sports Blog Nation was an easy hurdle to make. SBN has been very accomodating in many ways. As soon as I was informed that my site name and archives would follow me over, I was thrilled. As I am sure new readers will now be reached, bringing the archives along felt essential to me in allowing new friends to find out what this site is all about. I cannot even estimate how happy I am that I could do this. To the new readers of Eyes On The Prize, I welcome you to dig deep into past posts. I believe there are many rewarding reads in the backlogs, and they will be brought forth from time to time, when the perspective calls for it. For my old friends from the site's previous incarnation, I hope you quickly get comfortable in these new digs. You will have to sign up for a login to comment on the posts, and once that is achieved I hope to witness much lively banter in that section, and take part in it as often as I am able.
Cammalleri To Steer, While Gionta Works The Pedals
by Robert L
on Jul 3, 2009 4:05 AM EDT
7 comments
Late Wednesday night, after the Canada Day fireworks, I met up with a friend around 11 p.m. and I asked what he thought of what the Canadiens had done vis a vis free agent signings. Laurier hadn't heard. Once I informed him he was stunned speechless for a good few seconds. The he looked at me and went, "You're kidding me, right?" After the news had sunk in a little, he wondered whether Gainey was trying to make the team shorter or was just trying to stick it to fans that had demanded change. I told him that I felt like I had either been suckerpunched or winded. All we could do was joke about it, and about how we take it too seriously. In lamenting Koivu's likely departure, my friend suggested that Gainey may choose another non french speaking captain. He noted that it would be hilarious if they returned "Breezer" and gave him the "C". There's not alot of captain material on this club - french or english - either way. I added that if Gainey truly wanted to mesmerize, he'd name Andrei Kostitsyn the new captain. AK46 can't speak either language much - it would be perfect! Laurier noted that the local boys crew of Tanguay, Brisebois, Dandenault and Bouillon were history. Cue the next french media scandal. I added that the team was more French Foreign Legion than Flying Frenchmen in recent times, and I had to laugh reading a quote at Habs Inside Out yesterday morning having to do with the new top line. "A Mexican - Alaskan, and two Italiens!" Wish I'd read that on Canada day! In my e-mails yesterday, I received an funnier jibe regarding the size of those new Habs acquisitions. Forwarded to me was a simple comment by a reader at www.insidesocal/kings named Trant who stated "Cammalleri could steer while Gionta works the pedals." I laughed at that one all day long! There are lots of questions about this new Habs team. All of them cannot be answered until they hit the ice come October. By then, I just might have found my optimism.
7 comments | 0 recs
Reconstituted Canadiens Hard To Get A Handle On
by Robert L
on Jul 3, 2009 3:07 AM EDT
23 comments
There is an old adage in NHL hockey, that more mistakes are made on July 1 than any other day of the year.
Although it is a long standing theory that needs little testing, what Bob Gainey acomplished in regards to overhauling the Canadiens lineup on July 1, 2009, will become fodder for future examinations into what is good or bad management.
"Overhaul", in fact, is the kindest term folks are using. I've heard words such as "pummelled, salvaged, ripped up" on the downside, and "reconstituted and streamlined" on the upside.
One day later, the aquisition of Scott Gomez, and the signings of Jaroslav Spacek, Hal Gill, Mike Cammalleri and Brian Gionta are no less mystifying. While these players, with the exception of Gill, are highly skilled, this just doesn't strike me as looking like a team to go forward with.
23 comments
| 0 recs
|
The End of The Koivu Era: A Look Back At A Proud Habs Warrior's Greatest Moment
by Robert L
on Jul 2, 2009 2:16 PM EDT
25 comments
By all accounts, from yesterday's gutting of the Canadiens team, captain Saku Koivu's days in Montreal have come to an end. Suffice to say I do not agree with this particular alteration. If there were ever a player deserving of finishing his career in a Canadiens sweater, it was Saku. In all his years, he gave to the team from every measure of himself, in a way that perhaps only Maurice Richard and Jean Beliveau have. While Koivu's achievement's fail to rank with the Habs two largest legends, his heart, his pride willingness to battle desperately till the end, are hallmarks of his character that allow him to stand tall alongside other worthy Canadiens' captains and leaders. A great many Canadiens' fans will dearly miss him.
That evening, Koivu conquered the biggest battle of them all. The piece that follows was first published here on June 2 and recaps the entire evening of April 9, 2002. The following day, Le Journal de Montreal ran eight pages on Koivu's return. I have translated each article from that day's paper here. It is being run here again, one month later, as it is the most fitting tribute I can give Koivu.
Koivu in 2002: The Night A Cold Molson Centre Found Its Heart
In 2002, when Canadiens captain Saku Koivu battled a stomach cancer that not only threatened his career, but his life, the hockey world was captivated by his courageous fight and eventual return to the game.
I'd guess that if you are reading this, you recall the events leading up to April 9, 2002, and remember even more vividly, the game the Canadiens played that night upon Saku's return. If you did not live through that swell of emotions, chances are, as a Habs, you have heard or read about that legendary night, and game, at the rink that was then known as the Molson Centre.
The night Koivu returned that season, is known in Canadiens' lore as the evening the Molson (Bell) Centre found its heart. What you will read below, will explain in great detail, why that is.
25 comments
| 0 recs
|
Canadiens Sign Forward Brian Gionta
by Robert L
on Jul 1, 2009 9:38 PM EDT
29 comments
The insanity continues in Montreal, with the Canadiens adding former Devils winger Brian Gionta at an inflated $25M over five season. You could say 20 goal scorers never had it so good!
Gionta of course, rode shotgun to newly acquired Canadiens center Scott Gomez for a few season in the Jersey swamps, notching 48 goals in 2005-06. GM Gainey is obviously hoping their chemistry is rekindled in Montreal.
The Canadiens fourth free agent acquisition of the day is a smurf at 5'7', 175 lbs. In 473 career games, he has notched 152-160-312 totals, adding another 19-21-40 in 67 playoff games.
It will be interesting to watch this Canadiens new soup to nuts lineup gel. Hopefully some familiar faces will be returning, but with each signing it is looking less and less unlikely.
Here are Gionta's stats from Hockey Database, and his bio from Legends of Hockey.
Brian Gionta was born January 18, 1979 in Rochester, N.Y. The 3rd round choice, 82nd overall selection of the New Jersey Devils in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, Gionta is a graduate of the Boston College Screaming Eagles.
The diminutive forward from Rochester, N.Y. spent two seasons in the Ontario Junior Hockey League with the Niagra Scenics capturing Metro Junior Player of the Year honours in 1996 before joining Boston College in 1997-98.
In his four seasons at BC, Gionta finished with 232 points (123 goals, 109 assists) in 164 games and was the recipient of numerous individual honours.
As a freshman with the Screaming Eagles, Gionta captured Hockey East Rookie of the Year honours, was a Hockey East Second Team All-Star and NCAA East Second Team All-American after finishing his spectacular rookie campaign as the nation's top-scoring freshman with 62 points (30 goals, 32 assists). In his sophomore season Gionta was an NCAA East First Team All-American, Hockey East First Team All-Star, and was one of the ten finalists for the Hobey Baker Award.
Coming off back to back seasons of 60-plus points, Gionta entered his junior year at BC and continued where he had left off finishing second in the nation in goals with 33 and earning Hockey East First Team All-Star honours and NCAA East First Team All-American honours and was a finalist once again for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award.
In his senior year with the Screaming Eagles, Gionta recorded his third 30-plus goal season and for the third consecutive year was Hockey East First Team All-Star, NCAA East First Team All-American and was the Hockey East Player of the Year.
On the international stage, Gionta is a two-time member of the US World Junior Team (1998-1999) and a three-time member of the US World Championship Team (2000-2001, 2005), and has represented the US at the 2006 Winter Olympics. The recipient of the Bob Johnson Award in 1999 in recognition of excellence in international ice hockey competition during a specific season, Gionta made his professional hockey debut in 2001-02, splitting his season with the Devils and their AHL affiliate in Albany. Despite a lack of size, Gionta became a regular with the New Jersey Devils in 2002-03 and played a key role in the team's successful quest of the Stanley Cup, contributing 9 playoff points.
29 comments
| 0 recs
|
2009 NHL Free Agent Tracker: Four Habs Signings and Big Hossa Deal Highlight Day 1
by Robert L
on Jul 1, 2009 7:54 PM EDT
7 comments
It has been a busy afternoon for the 30 NHL GM's as close to 40 players have now been resigned or changed addresse.
The Canadiens were quite busy, signing Mike Cammalleri, Jaroslav Spacek and Hal Gill to contracts. Former Canadiens blueliner Mike Komisarek is now a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Here are today's signing since 12 noon.
Erik Christensen resigns with Anaheim, terms not yet announced.
Daniel and Henrik Sedin re-up with the Vancouver Canucks for five seasons at $6.1M per.
The Canucks have lost defenseman Matias Ohlund to the Tampa Bay Lightning for 7 years at $3.75M per.
Radek Dvorak and David Booth will stay with the Florida Panthers. Dvorak has signed for two seasons at $1.7M, and Booth is contracted at $25.5M over six years.
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed forward Colton Orr at $1M per over four years.
Marian Hossa has just signed with Chicago for 12 years at approximately $5.2M per year.
New Jersey have signed Andy Greene, terms not yet announced.
Goaltender Craig Anderson has moved from the Panthers to the Colorado Avalanche for 2 years, no money announced at present.
Goalie Ty Conklin is now a member of the St. Louis Blues. His contract is $1.3M over two.
Matt Walker has moved from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Tampa Bay Lightning for $6.8M over four years.
UPDATE 2:30 - Kovalev is now rumoured to be discussing with the Kings. Sickening thought!
The Boston Bruins have lost defenseman Steve Montador to the Buffalo Sabres. No terms yet.
Goalie Dwayne Roloson is now a New York Islander, for $5M over two seasons.
Tomas Kopecky has followed Hossa from the Detroit Red Wings to Chicago for $1.2M for each of two seasons.
UPDATE 2:45
Donald Brashear is no longer a Washington Capital. He is off to the New York Rangers. No terms yet announced.
Washington has signed forward Mike Knuble, formerly of the Philadelphia Flyers, for $5.6 over two.
In the speculation and rumours department, a journalist in Tampa this morning stated that Lightning co - owner Len Barrie blocked the trading of Vincent Lecavalier to the Canadiens last Friday. The writer noted that the Lecavalier case is closed for at least one year.
Chris Neil and Martin Havlat are said to be on the Canadiens radar at the moment. Connections to coach Jacques Martin are evident here.
Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke has flown overseas in order to talk contract with FA goalie Jonas Gustavsson.
UPDATE 3:00
Scott Niedermayer has resigned with the Anaheim Ducks for one season at $6M.
There are rumblings that the Maple Leafs have traded defendeman Pavel Kubina to the Atlanta Thrashers. Rumours that Colby Armstrong going the other way have proven to be false.
Still going strong are reports that ten teams are interested in the Canadiens Mike Komisarek and that defenseman Francois Beauchemin is discussing with three clubs.
UPDATE 3:30 Three minor signings to report. Lukas Krajicek and Joel Ward have re - upped with Tampa Bay and the Nashville Predators respectively. Krajicek's deal is for one year, with no money reported as of yet. Ward gets $3M over two seasons. The Canucks have signed Aaron Rome away from the Columbus Blue Jackets for one season at $550.000.
UPDATE 4:30 I knew if I left for a coffee, the Canadiens would sign a player! Montreal has signed former Buffalo Sabres defenseman Jaroslav Spacek for $11.5M over three season. Blackhawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin took a large paycut, signing with the Edmonton Oilers for 4 years at $15M. Brian Boucher has left the San Jose Sharks and returned with the Philadelphia Flyers for two years at $925,000 each.
UPDATE 5:30 Canadiens have added a defenseman with a Stanley Cup ring. Hal Gill is the newest Hab, signing on for two years at $2.25M per. Goalie Scott Clemmenson has moved from the New Jersey Devils and is now a member of Florida Panthers. Clemmenson has been signed for three years at $1.2M per. David Koci is now a member of the Colorado Avalanche. The former Lightning forward had agreed to a one year deal paying $575,000. Michael Rupp has moved from New Jersey to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He will be paid $825,000 in each of the next two seasons. Kent Huskins will remain with the San Jose Sharks. He has resigned for $3.4M over two seasons. Erik Cole has come to terms with the Carolina Hurricanes. A two year deal will see him paid $2.9M per annun. Ian Laperriere is now a member of the Philadelphia Flyers. The former Avalanche forward gets $3.5M over three seasons. Forward Adam Pardy remains with the Calgary Flames. Terms yet to be announced. UPDATE 5:45 Canadiens have signed center Mike Cammalleri, no terms yet. It is confirmed that Pavel Kubina is gone to Atlanta for Garnet Exelby.
UPDATE 7:30 Three more free agents have resigned with their respective clubs in the last hour. They are Jason Strudwick in Edmonton ($700K - 1 year), Steve Sullivan in Nashville ($7.5 over two) and Byron Bits with the Boston Bruins, for as yet unavailable terms. Boston also added former Canadien Steve Begin to the mix, at $850K for one year. Goaltender Mathieu Garon is gone to the Blue Jackets - two seasons at $1.2M per. Columbus also added checking center Samuel Pahlsson for three season at a total of $7.95M. Nashville loses a "Fiddler"! Two players have moved on from the Nashville Predators, and they are Greg Zanon and Vernon Fiddler. Zanon is off to the Minnesota Wild and will receive $1.93M in each of the next three seasons. Fiddler will now fiddle in Phoenix for two years at $1.1M for each.
UPDATE 9:30 Canadiens have signed Scott Gomez's New Jersey linemate to a five year contract at $5M per season. For Minnesota Wild forward Marian Gaborik has found a new home with the New York Rangers. The often injured Gaborik breaks the bank with a five year contract, paying him $7.5M per season. Rugged forward Chris Neil gets his wish and remains an Ottawa Senator for four more seasons at $2M per. The exile of New Jersey Devils continues with defensive specialist John Madden joining a solid core in Chicago. Madden is aboard for one year at $2.75M. Frederik Sjostrom is now a Calgary Flame. He will be paid $750K for the next two seasons.
7 comments
| 0 recs
|
Losing Komisarek, Another Gainey Riddler!
by Robert L
on Jul 1, 2009 7:25 PM EDT
28 comments
I don't get this at all!
The Canadiens draft a defensemen in the first round eight seasons ago, and he matures into a top performer. Two summers ago, they sign him kinda cheap - at $1.9M - and he becomes a key member of the team, even playing in this season's All Star Game in Montreal. For two seasons now, he has been a top pairing defenseman on the club, near the top of the league in blocked shots and hits.
His date with free agent destiny comes, and the Canadiens just let him walk.....to their longest standing rivals for a reasonable price.
The Canadiens could have easily matched the offer Mike Komisarek received from the Maple Leafs today. Gainey in fact made allusions last week that Komisarek was his priority.
I'm starting to not believe, and not believe in Bob Gainey very much anymore.
With Komisarek's money, the Canadiens added Jaroslav Spacek at $3.5M per year. He'll be 38 when that contract ends. They also took on lumbering Hal Gill, who doesn't quite make up in reach, what he lacks in speed. Add in his $1.2, and you have Komisarek salary but little of his attributes.
Everyone's been down on Komisarek since the night he became Milan Lucic's punching bag. He was hardly the same player after, but I've always believed he was playing hurt. He sure looked it. All his on ice gestures became tentative. His passing went from safe and calculated to reckless and wild. He attempted hits when he should have remained poised. He lost his instinct for playing the man instead of the puck.
Perhaps it was just another case of a player trying to do too much in a contract season. In attempting to become a leader, he started lacking leadership by not concentrating on his own work. In the final quarter season, he became almost pitiful to watch.
The 2007-08 Komisarek is worth $4.5M, not so for the 2009 version.
In 2009-10, Komisarek could well rebound to his old self, and at the salary he signed for, it would have been more than worth the risk for Montreal. There were up to ten teams - it is told - negotiating with Komisarek today. Had he not panned out as a newly signed Hab, he could surely have fetched a good return.
It's solid management to parlay first rounders into first rounders when they depart. Sign and trade is a better option than signing off. A GM that can better evaluate on the fly would have gotten something for Komisarek.
The Canadiens get squat for their "priority" player, and have turned to "bouche - trous" costing the same to fill his spot.
Had the Canadiens signed Spacek and Gill as a reaction to losing Komisarek, such a reaction would almost seem plausible.
Why Gainey signed them first, and then signed off ofn Komisarek is a riddle of vaste proportions!
28 comments
| 0 recs
|
Mike Cammalleri The Newest Hab
by Robert L
on Jul 1, 2009 5:57 PM EDT
8 comments
The Canadiens have landed a top line goal scoring center. While Mike Cammalleri is but 5' 9'' tall and 180 lbs, he packs some punch. A player in constant progression, Cammalleri scored 39 goals with Calgary last season. One of the younger free agents available at age 27, Cammalleri has signed on for five seasons at $6M per year. Below are the player's statistics from Hockey Database and his bio from Legends of Hockey.
Mike Cammalleri was born June 8, 1982 in Richmond Hill, Ontario. The second round choice, 49th overall selection of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Cammalleri played collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan.
The speedy centreman from Richmond Hill spent three seasons at Michigan, where he captured numerous honours including; First Team CCHA All-Star (2001), NCAA West Second Team All-American (2001), Second Team CCHA All-Star (2002), NCAA West First Team All-American (2002) and was a two-time silver medalist with Canada's World Junior Team (2001-2002).
Following three stellar years at Michigan, Cammalleri decided to forgo his Senior year and sign with the Kings. In his first professional season the former Wolverine played in only 41 games, 28 of those games with Los Angeles and 13 with the team's AHL affiliate in Manchester. After tallying 20 points in 13 games in the AHL Cammalleri joined the Kings and saw his season come to an end after suffering a concussion.
Cammalleri would return from his injury to split the next few seasons with the Kings and the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL. In 2005-06 he became a regular in the Los Angeles Kings line-up appearing in 80 games. Cammalleri would return from his injury to split the next few seasons with the Kings and the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL. In 2005-06 he became a regular in the Los Angeles Kings line-up appearing in 80 games. The following season Cammalleri set career highs in goals (34), assists (46) and points (80) but found himself on the move after the Kings failed to reach the post-season once again. The move sent the Richmond Hill native to the Calgary Flames in exchange for Calgary's 1st round choice in the 2008 Entry Draft and the club's 2nd round choice in the 2009 Entry Draft.
On the international stage, Cammalleri captured a gold-medal representing his homeland at the 2007 World Championships.
8 comments
| 0 recs
|
Canadiens Sign Defenseman Hal Gill For Two Years
by Robert L
on Jul 1, 2009 5:18 PM EDT
4 comments
Montreal have signed a second defenseman within an hour today, adding the towering Hal Gill from the Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Gill is signed at $4.5 for the next two seasons. The signing of Gill pretty much rules out the return of Mike Komisarek to Montreal.
Gill is a 6'7'', 250 lb lumberjack of a defenseman, who has over 800 career games under his belt with the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Penguins. Here are Gill's statistics courtesy of Hockey Database and his bio from Legends of Hockey.
Born in Concord, Massachusetts, Hal Gill was drafted 207th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft after a fine career at Nashoba High School where he was also a highly regarded football quarterback. Gill then spent four years at Providence College and won an NCAA title in 1996 before making his NHL debut in 1997.
The hulking defenceman split his first professional season with the Bruins and their AHL affiliate in Providence. Since entering the league, Gill has been a work horse on the Bruins blueline and is one of the most reliable and durable defensive players on the club.
Following Gill's eight seasons with the Bruins the defenceman was signed as a free agent by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the summer of 2006. As a Maple Leaf, the stay at home defenseman competed in all 82 games of his first season with the club and led the team's penalty killers in ice time. He proved to be one of the most durable players the following year on a club that was full of injuries throughout the 2007-08 season. The Leafs struggled during Gill's second season and opted to trade the hulking defenseman at the NHL trading deadline on February 26, 2008. The trade sent Hall Gill to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a second-round pick in the 2008 and a fifth-round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft.
In 2009, in a 7-game epic Stanley Cup Final, the Penguins would dethrone the Red Wings and earn the franchise's third Stanley Cup title.
Gill's strong defensive play was a key contributor to the Penguins success. His plus 8 rating was tops among Pittsburgh defensemen and he was frequently used to shut down opponent's top scorers.
On the international scene, Gill helped the U.S capture a bronze medal at the 2004 World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic and overall has represented his homeland four times at the Worlds'(2000, 2001, 2004 and 2005).
4 comments
| 0 recs
|
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
New FanPost
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
Featured Stories
1993
Patrick Roy's heroics, 10 straight OT wins, Eric Desjardins hat trick, and McSorley's illegal curve. A Cup win for the ages! It took an NHL record 10 overtime wins but the Montreal Canadiens prevailed winning their 24th Stanley Cup. This win gave the city of Montreal a Stanley Cup in every decade going back to the late 19th century when the Cup was first awarded. Goaltender Roy became the third player in history to capture the Conn Smythe Trophy twice, also having won it in 1986. He played very well, losing but four games over four full series. After defeating Quebec, Buffalo, and the New York Islanders, Montreal came up against Wayne Gretzky and the Los Angeles Kings. Hockey was hitting a feverish pitch in the west and Gretzky, as in the past, was the playoff scoring leader. Los Angeles opened the series with a 4-1 win at the Montreal Forum. But the Canadiens bounced back winning three straight overtime games and then taking home the Stanley Cup with a 4-1 win of their own at home. This would be the last Stanley Cup appearance for Wayne Gretzky.
1986
In the first all Canadian final since 1967, the Montreal Canadiens won their 23rd Stanley Cup, an NHL record. Rookie goaltender Patrick Roy was sensational posting a 1.92 goals against average in 20 games. He became the youngest winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy at the tender age of 20. Roy's playoff run made a name for himself and reminded fans of former Montreal goaltender Ken Dryden who also won the Cup as a rookie, back in 1971. The Habs offensive sparkplug was Swedish winger Mats Naslund, who recorded seven points in the final. After the Flames won the first game of the final, the Canadiens Brian Skrudland doused Calgary's hopes by scoring 9 seconds into overtime in game two. Montreal took the next three to win their 23rd Cup, but Calgary would revenge this defeat three years later, defeating the Habs in the 1989 rematch.
1979
Yet another Montreal Canadiens dynasty was capped off with this, their fourth straight Stanley Cup victory. What was more remarkable, perhaps, was that this was the second time Montreal had won four straight dating back to 1960 when they won five straight. The final series against the Rangers was perhaps anticlimactic, coming off the heels of a legendary battle with the Bruins. This was the Canadiens sixth cup of the 1970's decade. Bob Gainey won the Conn Smythe Trophy, scoring 16 points in 6 games. Ken Dryden, Yvan Cournoyer, and Jaques Lemaire retired after the season, having combined for an amazing 24 Cup rings together. This would also be coach Scotty Bowman's last year behind the Canadiens bench having coached his fifth Stanley Cup title.
1978
Finishing only one win shy of another 60 win regular season, Montreal only needed nine games to reach the Stanley Cup Finals. Montreal's hard line defenseman and Conn Smythe winner Larry Robinson tied Guy Lafleur for the overall points lead in the playoffs. Vezina winner Ken Dryden was stellar in the finals, surrendering a league low 1.89 goals against average. Montreal defeated Boston in six games to win their third straight, and 21st Stanley Cup in total. The silverware spree for the Habs continued at season's end. Lafleur claimed the Hart, Art Ross and Pearson awards, captain Bob Gainey won the first ever Selke Trophy, and Dryden, as mentioned, won the Vezina, sharing the honour with Michel Larocque.
1977
Montreal proved to be unstoppable in their quest for a second straight Stanley Cup. They won a record 60 games in the regular season, including an incredible 33-1 home record! The playoffs were no different. Montreal rolled over the Bruins in the finals, taking the Cup in a four game sweep. Guy Lafleur led the playoff scoring race tallying 26 points in 14 games. Come season end he was awarded the Conn Smythe, Hart, Art Ross and Pearson trophies. Defenseman Larry Robinson won the Norris Trophy, Ken Dryden and Michel Larocque shared the Vezina and coach Scotty Bowman won his first Jack Adams Award.
1976
For the third year in a row, the Philadelphia Flyers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. Unlike the previous two years, however, Philadelphia came up against a much stronger team. The Montreal Canadiens had won a regular season record 58 games and cruised past Chicago and the New York Islanders, losing only one game in the process. The Flyers could not defeat the powerhouse Canadiens and were swept in four games. Montreal's Guy Lafleur led all skaters with seven points in the final series. One bright spot for Philadelphia was Reggie Leach who scored a record 19 post season goals and took home the Conn Smythe Trophy. Canadiens defenseman Serge Savard summed up the feelings of the hockey world, stating, "This is not only a victory for the Canadiens; it is a victory for hockey. I hope that this era of intimidation and violence that is hurting our national sport is coming to an end. Young people have seen that a team can play electrifying, fascinating hockey while still behaving like gentlemen."
1973
In what was a rematch of the 1971 Stanley Cup Finals, the Montreal Canadiens met the Chicago Black Hawks in the final for the second time in three years. The series pitted the league's top two netminders, Ken Dryden of Montreal and Tony Esposito of Chicago. However this series was far from a defensive battle. In fact, in four of the six games, the teams combined for ten or more goals. Montreal prevailed winning the Cup in Chicago. This would be Henri Richard's 11th Cup win, a record, and coach Scotty Bowman's first. Yvan Cournoyer scored 15 goals to capture the Conn Smythe Trophy.
1971
After missing the playoffs in 1970 for the first time since 1948, the Montreal Canadiens entered the 1970-71 season on a mission. Starting the post season against the heavily favored Bruins, the Canadiens surprised their rivals in stunning fashion. The late season additions of goaltender Ken Dryden and Frank Mahovlich made the Habs a stronger foe, and the Canadiens upset Boston in seven games. The Habs cruised past Minnesota and went on to defeat the Chicago Black Hawks in a thrilling seven game final. Henri Richard was the hero of game seven, scoring two goals in Montreal's come from behind 3-2 win. Rookie netminder Dryden stole the playoff limelight by posting a 3.00 goals-against average in 20 playoff games. Dryden was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy in the process. Montreal collected their 17th Stanley Cup win, and said goodbye to captain Jean Beliveau, who retired at the conclusion of the season.
1969
Montreal coach Claude Ruel became the 11th coach in NHL history to win a Cup in his rookie season. The Canadiens lost only two playoff games en route to defeating the St. Louis Blues in the finals for the second straight season. Montreal goaltender Rogie Vachon held St. Louis at bay, allowing only three goals in the four games. The Habs Serge Savard became the first defenseman to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP with a strong two way performance.
1968
This was the first season for the NHL's six new teams. Expansion introduced a longer regular season and playoff schedule. The Montreal Canadiens, after losing in 1967 to Toronto, were able to sweep the first expansion team to reach the finals, the St. Louis Blues. The Canadiens lost only one game in the playoffs, and handed the Blues a ticket back to St. Louis with a 3-2 win in Montreal in game four. This would be the eighth and last Stanley Cup for legendary coach Hector "Toe" Blake. The Conn Smythe Trophy was awarded to a player on the losing team for the second time in history. St. Louis goaltender Glenn Hall captured the prize, playing in 18 games and posting a 2.43 goals against average.
1966
The Montreal Canadiens, fresh off a Stanley Cup celebration, went into the 1965-66 season with a strong team and desire to repeat, and finished the season in first place. They met the Toronto Maple Leafs in the semi finals, and made short work of the Leafs, eliminating them in four straight games. Meanwhile, Detroit and Chicago met to decide who would challenge Montreal for the Stanley Cup. The Red Wings won the series four games to two, to enter the fray for the Stanley Cup. Detroit won the first two games of the final, with Roger Crozier at his acrobatic best in goal. But Montreal persevered to win the next four straight, and took the series four games to two to win their second straight Stanley Cup. Henri Richard scored the overtime Cup-winning goal in game six. Although his team lost the final, Detroit goaltender Roger Crozier posted a 2.17 goals-against average in 12 games and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy.
1965
First place Detroit was challenged by the Chicago Black Hawks in one semi-final series, while the two Canadian teams, Montreal and Toronto, battled in the other. It took seven games, but the Black Hawks eliminated the Red Wings, and the Habs pushed the Leafs aside four games to two, ending Toronto's three-year Cup run. Montreal's Gump Worsley played in his first Stanley Cup final after 12 seasons in the NHL. The Canadiens won the series against Chicago four games to three, but three of those four victories came by shutout. Charlie Hodge recorded one shutout, while the veteran Worsley played four games, recording two shutouts, most notably shutting out Chicago in game seven to lift Montreal to the Stanley Cup title. Captain Jean Beliveau won the first-ever Conn Smythe Trophy for Most Valuable Player in the playoffs, scoring 16 points in 13 games.
1960
On April 14, 1960, the Montreal Canadiens set a record that still stands. They won their fifth straight Stanley Cup championship. Montreal did not lose a single game in the playoffs. This season featured Jacques Plante donning a mask for the first time in the playoffs. He was able to hold Toronto to just five goals in four games, including a 4-0 shutout in game four, the Stanley Cup winner. Maurice "Rocket" Richard played in the final four games of his marvellous career, scoring the 34th goal of his playoff career during these finals.
1959
Breaking the previous record of three consecutive Stanley Cup wins, the Montreal Canadiens won their fourth Cup with a four to one series win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto, undefeated in playoff overtime games that season, was unable to beat the star-laden Canadiens. For the first time in his brilliant career, Maurice Richard was held pointless in the post-season. Unfortunately, the Rocket's injuries limited him to only four out of the 11 games Montreal played. The Habs' Bernie Geoffrion and Ralph Backstrom paced all scorers with seven points apiece in the Final series.
1958
For a second consecutive year, the Montreal Canadiens met the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup final. Boston was coming off a high scoring series in which they defeated the New York Rangers, outscoring them 28 to 16. Maurice Richard led the playoffs in scoring with 11 goals. It took Montreal six games to defeat the Bruins, completing the series win with a 5-3 victory at the Boston Garden. This third straight Stanley Cup win equalled the previous record set by Toronto, who won Stanley Cups in 1947, 1948 and 1949.
1957
Many did not expect Boston to defeat Detroit in the semi-finals. They did, however, and were matched up against the Montreal Canadiens in a battle for the Stanley Cup. Montreal, coming off a 4-1 series win against New York, defeated the Bruins by the same series score. Maurice Richard scored four goals in game four, tying Ted Lindsay's record for most goals in a Stanley Cup game. The Canadiens won their second straight Stanley Cup as netminder Jacques Plante allowed but five goals in five games in the finals.
1956
With a 4-1 series win over Detroit in 1956, Montreal started a consecutive championship streak that would reach five?a record to this day. Rookie coach Toe Blake replaced Dick Irvin, and Henri Richard, brother of Maurice, started his playing career. Henri would go on to win an unprecedented 11 Stanley Cup rings. Jean Beliveau scored seven goals to set the all time record for goals in the finals, including one in each game. Montreal won the Stanley Cup at home with a 3-1 triumph in game five.
1953
Montreal netminder Gerry McNeil replaced Jacques Plante after the first two games of the final between the Canadiens and Boston. Plante had won the first game of the series, but lost the second. McNeil won three straight to help Montreal win the Stanley Cup. And he did it in all-star fashion as well, earning two shutouts and a 7-3 win in game four. Maurice Richard led the Habs offensively with four goals in the final. This was Montreal's first Stanley Cup win in seven years. This Cup win was incidentally the first for Plante and Doug Harvey, as well as the last for veteran Elmer Lach.
1946
World War II had come to a conclusion, and the influx of 40 NHL players returning from military service changed the complexion of the National Hockey League considerably. The Montreal Canadiens finished first for a third straight season, and were going to face the third place Black Hawks in the first round of the playoffs. The other round found Boston being challenged by the fourth place Red Wings. Montreal blanked the Black Hawks in four games to progress to the final, while Boston eliminated Detroit four games to one to earn entrance to the championship series. Montreal and the Bruins battled hard, with three of the games needing overtime to decide a winner. But when all was said and done, the Canadiens were presented with the Stanley Cup for a sixth time. Elmer Lach and Maurice Richard, the former accounting for a series-high seven points, led Montreal in the finals.
1944
First place Montreal was facing the third place Leafs in round one, while second place Detroit was challenged by Boston, the fourth place finishers during the regular season. The Leafs were using Paul Bibeault in goal. Bibeault had been borrowed from the Canadiens partway through the season to replace Turk Broda. Maurice Richard scored five goals in the second game of the series. In game five, the Canadiens trounced Toronto 11-0 to win the series four games to one. In the other series, the Black Hawks knocked Detroit out of playoff competition, four games to one as well. That set the showdown for a Canadiens-Chicago final. But Montreal wasn't to be denied. They won the Stanley Cup in four straight games to win their first championship since 1930-31. The Canadiens' potent Punch Line of Toe Blake, Maurice Richard and Elmer Lach led the charge, accounting for 10 of Montreal's 15 goals in the final series.
1931
After winning their respective divisions, the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins met in a best of five series to decide who would advance to the Stanley Cup final. It took all five games, but the Canadiens won the series, winning each of their three games in overtime. Elsewhere, the New York Rangers beat the Maroons of Montreal in a two game total goal series, while Chicago earned a victory over the Maple Leafs with an overtime goal in the second of their two games. Facing the Rangers in the semi-final, Chicago shut out New York in both games of their two game total goal series to win entrance to the Stanley Cup final. Game one between the Canadiens and Black Hawks was won by Montreal in overtime. The second game of the best of five series went to Chicago?again, in overtime. Game three also went into overtime, with Chicago emerging with the victory. Montreal fought back and won the next two contests (in regulation time) to earn the Stanley Cup. It was the second straight Cup celebration for the Canadiens.
1930
The Montreal Maroons were the class of the Canadian Division, finishing first. In the American Division, Boston catapulted by the competition finishing with 77 points?30 more than the second place Chicago Black Hawks. The two division winners met in the semi-final to decide which team would win a berth in the Stanley Cup final. Boston prevailed with a three game to one victory in the best of five series. In the quarterfinals, the Montreal Canadiens outscored Chicago, while the Rangers outscored Ottawa. The semi-final, therefore, saw New York pitted against the Canadiens. In a best of three series, Montreal won two games to advance to the Cup final against Boston. The Bruins, defending the Stanley Cup, were confident that they could defeat the Canadiens in the best of three series, but were astonished when Montreal blanked them 3-0 in game one with George Hainsworth posting the shutout. The Habs again surprised the Bruins, defeating them by a 4-3 score to win the Stanley Cup. It was the only time all season that the Boston Bruins would lose two games in a row.
1924
In order to claim the Stanley Cup, the Montreal Canadiens needed to defeat both the WCHL Champion Vancouver Maroons and the PCHA Champion Calgary Tigers. Billy Boucher scored three of the Canadiens' five goals, including both game winners, to eliminate Vancouver. And versus Calgary, Montreal's 21-year-old rookie Howie Morenz registered a hat-trick in games one and two as the Habs completed the sweep. Game two of the final series was played in Ottawa to take advantage of the artificial ice surface.
1916
In 1916, the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey Association won their first of 24 Stanley Cups. The Canadiens, winners of the NHA, faced the Rosebuds from Portland in a best of five competition. For the first time, a best of five Stanley Cup championship went the distance. After the Rosebuds won game one, 2-0, Montreal captured games two and three to gain the advantage. Portland came back to even the series in game four to set up the deciding fifth game. In the final match, the Canadiens bounced back from an early 1-0 deficit to score two unanswered goals, with seldom-used Goldie Prodgers netting the Cup winner.
1 - Jacques Plante
Won the Hart Trophy (1964), the Vezina six times (1956 through 1960 & 1962) and was elected to six NHL All-Star teams. Popularized the goalie mask. Member of the Hall of Fame.
2 - Doug Harvey
Won the Norris Trophy for four consecutive years and was elected to ten NHl All-Star teams. A 6 time Stanley Cup winner. Member of the Hall of Fame.
4 - Jean Beliveau
The Canadiens all time leader in points has won the Hart, Art Ross and Conn Smythe trophies. Winner of ten Stanley Cups as a player, his excellence on the ice is surpassed by his class and dignity away from the rink. Beliveau's name is engraved on the Stanley Cup a total of 17 times. Memeber of the Hall Of Fame.
5 - Bernie Geoffrion
Won the Calder Trophy (1952), the Art Ross (1955, 1961), the Hart Memorial (1961). Nicknamed "Boom Boom" after helping popularize the slap shot. Son in law of Habs great, Howie Morenz. Passed away the day his sweater was retired. Member of Hall of Fame.
7 - Howie Morenz
Hockeys first superstar. Won the Hart Trophy three times (1928, 1931, and 1932), was the scoring leader twice (1928 & 1931) and was elected to three NHL All-Star teams. Died following an injury sustained during a game. Member of Hall of Fame.
9 - Maurice Richard
Won the Hart Trophy in 1947 and was selected to 14 NHL All-Star teams. First player to score 50 goals, a feat accomplished in 50 games in 1944-45. Best goal scorer in Canadiens history with 544 regular season goals and 82 playoff goals. Richard is the fire in the Habs long burning torch. Member of Hall of Fame.
10 - Guy Lafleur
Won Hart Trophy (1977 and 1978) the Art Ross (1976, 1977, 1978), the Conn Smythe (1977) and was elected to five NHL All Star teams. First player to score 50 or more goals during six consecutive seasons. Member of the Hall Of Fame.
12 - Dickie Moore
Won Art Ross Trophy in 1958 and 1959, the second while playing with a broken wrist for half a season. Was selected to three NHL All-Star teams. Won Stanley Cup 6 times. Member of the Hall of Fame.
12 - Yvan Cournoyer
Won Conn Smythe Trophy in 1973 with a record setting 15 playoff goals in 17 games. A second All Star team member four times between 1969 and 1973, the Roadrunner was nicknamed so for blazing speed and exhilerating rushes with the puck. Won Stanley Cup 10 times between 1965 and 1979. Member of the Hall Of Fame.
16 - Henri Richard
Selected to four NHL All Star teams, and a winner of the Bill Masterton Trophy in 1974. Won Stanley Cup 11 times, an NHL record that will never be broken. The Pocket Rocket was the consumate team player, often sacrificing himself both physically and defensively for the good of the team. Member of Hall of Fame.
18 - Serge Savard
Winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy (1969), and Bill Masterton Trophy (1979). Won Stanley Cup 8 times, an NHL record for defenseman. Later became the General Manager for the last two Canadiens Cup championships. Member of Hall of Fame.
19 - Larry Robinson
Winner of Conn Smythe Trophy in 1978. First All Star Team defenseman in 1977, 1979, and 1980. Winner of James Norris Memorial Trophy in 1977and 1980. Second All Star Team member in 1978, 1981, and 1986. Robinson was perhaps a hybrid of Bobby Orr and Eddie Shore, as he could be both sleek and fierce in his determination. Winner of 6 Stanley Cups. Member of Hall of Fame.
23 - Bob Gainey
Winner of Conn Smythe Trophy in 1979 and the Frank J. Selke Trophy four years running from 1978 to 1981. Gainey was so proficient in his role as a defensive player, that an award was created for the type of forward he embodied. Winner of 5 Stanley Cups. Member of Hall Of Fame.
29 - Ken Dryden
Selected to five NHL All Star teams. Winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy in 1972 after winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1971. Winner of 5 Vezina trophies. Won Stanley Cup 6 times, a record shared for NHL goaltenders with Jacques Plante. Dryden was nothing like the typical hockey player, later writing the best selling hockey memoir "The Game", before moving into federal politics. Member of the Hockey Hall Of Fame.
33 - Patrick Roy
Six time All Star team member has won 3 Vezina Trophies and 5 Jennings Trophies. The member of the 1986 All Rookie team revolutionized goaltening by popularizing the butterfly style. Won two of four Stanley Cups with Montreal and was named Conn Smythe Trophy winner three times in his career - a benchmark. A member of the Hockey Hall Of Fame.
About this site.
I've always envisioned that my site would both read as a book historically, and an online magazine currently. I want this space to be a site that would be returned to by visitors even on non game days, and in the summertime, simply for reading pleasure.
Of course it will detail the daily goings on of the club, but along with trying to capture the essense of the present, it will also be backwards gazing and forward glancing at all times. As an empassioned Habs fan myself, I feel that doing things in any other way would be to shortchange the intelligence of the reader.
If you are here, it is because you are cheering for a team that is over 100 years old. You and I, and the Canadiens, weren't born yesterday!
There is tons to learn from in the history of the team that is applicable to it going forward towards its next Stanley Cup. Players, coaches, and managers are all human beings in the bottom line. They are as infallable and just as imperfect as we non participant fan onlookers are in real life. With that notion in mind, I often try to scope that human dimension in understanding the workings inside the game when it comes to running a hockey club.
We have all been young once. We age, gain from experience, and grow as people. Hockey teams are no different. At certain times in our lives, we will require patience, understanding, experience and vision. Again, hockey is no different.
If you have read this far, perhaps you have grasped the notion that we are not all that far removed from the heroes we worship on a hockey rink. If you have gotten the gist of that idea, you should warm to this site quite easily.
Welcome to the Montreal Canadiens encyclopedia of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Put on your seatbelt and enjoy this long ride!
For more about me, who I am and where I come from, read the "About me" sidebar directly below.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
