Habs Eyes On The Prize: FanShots

Thrashers Add Chelios

2010-03-02T20:01:21Z

Thrashers Add Chelios

It couldn't be that Atlanta Thrashers GM Don Waddell reads SB Nation, could it?

Only yesterday on these pages, Francis Bouchard had an interesting flashback to the time when Chelios joined the Habs straight out of the 1984 Olympics. Now Chelios, an all-time fave here, has signed to play with Atlanta at 48 years old. The NHL's Everyready Bunny joined the Habs back in '84 with a whole lot of fanfare. To take a look back at the "Coming of Chris", click here.

A New Era at Eyes On The Prize Begins...

2010-02-10T15:42:24Z

A New Era at Eyes On The Prize Begins...

No worries folks, unlike the Canadiens we cover, no managers have stepped down.

Little did I know last week when I put out a call for contributors, that a new time at this site would coincide with a new era in Montreal Canadiens management. Happily, I am proud to announce that Chris Boyle, Francis Bouchard and I have been joined by a quator of new contributors, making EOTP now the effort of a Group Of Seven.

Joining us and adding to the published content here will Kevin van Steendelar, Bruce Peter, Myles Dolphin and Andrew Schildroth.

Kevin of course, is well known from his excellent site Ya! The Habs Rule!, and he will be popping in here on occasion with a variety of things, some being game day related. I've encouraged Kevin to link us back to his site whenever new content is posted there.

Bruce is likely one of the most astute and proficient commenters at EOTP and across SB Nation in general. Known as "saskhab" to many of us, Bruce's reputation as a hockey writer recently got him a gig at Puck Daddy covering the 2010 WJC.

Andrew Schildroth posts on site as "westcoasthabs" and has also been a long term reader here. Currently in the process of working towards his teachers certificate, Andrew will be chipping in with game day previews and an assortment of other posts. His first preview of the Habs / Philly doubleheader should hit these pages by week's end.

Myles describes himself as a die hard Canadiens fan born and raised in Montreal, who has been a reader of this site for a few years now. Currently, he writes movie reviews for Sound On Sight, and I urge you to check out some of his recent takes. Myles first contribution to EOTP, on the Gainey era, can be read directly below this entry.

Francis continues to work in compliance with me, somewhat in the background, sharing his expertise on Habs video and print, as well as other articles. Francis and I always have several pieces coming down the pipe (four, I think, at the moment!) and will continue to work in the area of Canadiens history. Chris' past work at EOTP, the extremely popular Price vs Halak series continues and is set for a fourth installment soon. Rather than simply encompassing January this time out, Chris will be including a February segment into the usual analysis. Mr. Boyle may be also branching out in different ways in the near future and I am anxious to see just what he will put his skills to.

While it is still to be determined and sorted out who will be doing exactly what and when, I am thrilled to have everyone aboard and anxious for readers to see what we all bring forth together. I am also pleased to offer readers new opinions and fresh points of view. I hope that everyone enjoys this evolution to a more rounded site.

On a final note, to readers, as there will surely be more content on a daily basis to be viewed here, I would remind everyone to scroll the page and check things out. We would want some of this work to pass you by.

Now like Pierre Gauthier said on Monday, "It's time to roll up the sleeves...."

EOTP on Rink Side Radio Tonight 9:45

2010-02-09T00:11:01Z

EOTP on Rink Side Radio Tonight 9:45

For anyone interested, I will be a guest on Rink Side Radio tonight at 9:45 answering about the Bob Gainey resignation. The hosts are Joe Fortunato (Blueshirt Banter) and Brandon Worley (Defending Big D) and they have kindly asked me to come on. Should be fun!

The show has now been archived and can be listened to here.

I come in late...with about an inch left on the progress bar if you want to skip ahead.

Watch Canadiens Press Conference LIve

2010-02-08T20:37:53Z

Watch Canadiens Press Conference LIve

The Montreal Canadiens press conference this afternoon will be streaming live on the team's official site. You can see it here.

Montreal Teen suffers severe injury

2009-12-15T15:57:26Z

Montreal Teen suffers severe injury

He's paralyzed from the neck down after suffering two cracked vertebrae in his neck after being accidentally shoved into the boards. This isn't Habs related, but helping a hockey player out would be great

Elmer Lach's Surprise

2009-12-07T16:44:51Z

Elmer Lach's Surprise

Excellent Dave Stubbs article on the Canadiens catching Elmer Lach off guard this past Friday. Interesting to learn that they had been asked and decline to join forces with those backing a campaign to have Emile Bouchard's number retired. "You don't beg for something like this," his wife has stated.

Habs Vs Leafs, In 698 Previous Meetings.....

2009-12-01T11:33:49Z

Habs Vs Leafs, In 698 Previous Meetings.....

....the Canadiens have a won loss record of 331-274-88-5 and have outscored Toronto by 200 goals, 2143 to 1943. The head to head so far this season reads 2-0 Habs. Just saying...

Always an interesting read is the "Jersey Shared" listing of players who have worn the sweaters of both teams since 1927. Check it out.

Sage Advice In The Gainey / Kostitsyn Showdown

2009-10-24T05:00:07Z

Sage Advice In The Gainey / Kostitsyn Showdown

I've long felt that the Lions In Winter site is the smartest and best written Habs blog on the net, barring HIO. It's concise and pointed, and backs what it says with ace pieces such as the one linked here.

Covering all angles of opinion and debate, the "Kostitsyn vs Gainey: Habs Won't Win The Way They've Been Going" article is a must read. A sample quote to kick start:

"Sergei's beef, which several people see eye to eye with, is that the player has been wrongly overlooked. Anyone with a modicum of hockey watching experience can see he brings much more to the table than Greg Stewart, Matt D'Agostini, Kyle Chipchura or Georges Laraque, and probably more than Pacioretty, Latendresse and Maxim Lapierre. To put it succinctly, Sergei believes as do some others that he is the 6th most talented forward in the whole organization. He believes Gainey is cutting off his nose to spite his face."

Underrated Summer Signings

2009-07-28T14:55:06Z

Underrated Summer Signings

Few articles on the Canadiens newer players in recent weeks have been as insightful or have gotten me as excited for the upcoming season as Lions In Winter's "Underrated Summer Signings". In it, Topham discusses the contributions brought to the team by the likes of Paul Mara and Jaroslav Spacek, and brings up several interesting angles.

Great Interview With Canadiens Prospect Alexander Avtsin

2009-07-21T23:28:51Z

Great Interview With Canadiens Prospect Alexander Avtsin

Russian NHL Prospects has a very interesting Q & A with the Canadiens recently drafted Alexander Avtsin. Here's a snippet:

"I like Montreal and it's a better choice than one could have imagined. There work a lot of good people who's ready to help. When I went to Canada I talked with their scouts director Trevor Timmins, who told me: Don't be shy, if you have problems hockey or non-hockey related just call and we'll help you. It was pleasant to hear such words."

Re-Hab: The Gettin' To Know Ya Version

2009-07-20T21:40:38Z

Re-Hab: The Gettin' To Know Ya Version

J.T. at "The H Does Not Stand For Habs" has done a great service to all Canadiens fans, particularly those of us initially not so enamored with the teams recent signings, by delving below the surface assessments of Gomez, Gionta, Spacek, Cammalleri and Gill to come up with a closer look at the people inside the jerseys. Her post will familiarize you with who these newest Canadiens are, and likely enable you to cheer them on. The post is must read stuff, and you'll want to thank her for it, I'm sure!

Funny look ahead

2009-07-20T15:09:25Z

Funny look ahead

Just read this and wanted to make sure that it doesn't fall through the cracks. Funny but insiteful look at our new players.

ESPN Predicts Habs Miss Playoffs

2009-07-13T18:44:29Z

ESPN Predicts Habs Miss Playoffs

You gotta love these bozo July hockey predictions by dimwits with no other on ice stories to write about. Placing the Canadiens outside brings in readers - bottom line. This time, ESPN's Terry Frei has the Habs out of the loop. Never heard of him, but he thinks he has his pulse on stuff. Good on him. Nothing deeply analytical here, but worth a pffft!

Canadiens sign Kyle Chipchura for one season

2009-07-11T17:09:52Z

Canadiens sign Kyle Chipchura for one season

The Montreal Canadiens summer spending splurge continued Saturday as general manager Bob Gainey announced the signing of forward Kyle Chipchura to a one year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Saku Koivu Farewell Tribute

2009-07-10T17:05:19Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iVZzM49GOI

Saku Koivu Farewell Tribute

Did the Montreal Canadiens need to be overhauled?

2009-07-05T18:17:48Z

Did the Montreal Canadiens need to be overhauled?

For fans still getting over the Canadiens massive overhaul this past week, Topham at Lions in Winter, examines the question in his usual "no stone unturned" manner. It's an interesting read / therapy session and his readers are weighing in with equally intelligent responses.

Listen and watch Day 1 of 2009 Free Agent Season

2009-07-01T17:52:02Z

Listen and watch Day 1 of 2009 Free Agent Season

The U.S. stream of TSN can be seen online here, and you can also listen in on Habs FA news at Team 990 and CKAC.

Here's a video I took of Louis LeBlanc pulling on his jersey after he was selected 18th. He better...

2009-06-30T05:11:04Z

Here's a video I took of Louis LeBlanc pulling on his jersey after he was selected 18th. He better be ready to handle the pressure of being a French-Canadian Canadien.

3rd Round Pick Mac Bennett

2009-06-27T15:05:33Z

3rd Round Pick Mac Bennett

A profile of Canadiens' thrid round pick Mac Bennett

Strachan Sorts Through The Balsillie Coyote Ugly Mess

2009-05-07T19:50:46Z

Strachan Sorts Through The Balsillie Coyote Ugly Mess

Al Strachan, who I never much liked, has written likely the most balanced take on the Phoenix Coyotes - Jim Balsillie mess. Defending Gary Bettman, in the eyes of many, isn't often easy, but Strachan's insightful and revealing explanation is must read stuff for all those curious about how the Coyotes situation will play out.

"Whether you like or dislike Bettman, you have to concede that he's no fool. He works for the NHL owners and there is no way in the world that he would be taking this stance if he thought it would cost him his job. He is the point man for the governors. This is not Bettman against Balsillie. It is the NHL against Balsillie."