Montreal Canadiens

When Andrei Markov went down with a lacerated tendon during the Montreal Canadiens’ first game of the season in Toronto, many observers believed his absence and the lack of defensive depth on the blue line would erase any playoffs hope for the 2009-10 season. Andrei Markov’s presence has proven to be invaluable for the Canadiens in the last few seasons as their record indicates: Prior to this year without Markov: 7-14-3 This year without Markov: 14-14-2 However, this season a silent leader emerged among the Habs’ defensive corps of Jaroslav Spacek, Paul Mara, Josh Gorges, Hal Gill, Ryan O’Byrne, Roman Hamrllik and M-A Bergeron, to compensate the long-term loss of Andrei M...

I know when to eat my words. Admiteddly, last week's Centennial Game Blog was very negative. While I was certain that the ceremony before the game would be something to remember, I didn't have too great a feeling going into Friday's game against the Bruins. History has shown us that the Habs don't play too well on nights of ceremonies or jersey retirements. Maybe it's the added pressure of playing under the watchful eye of Habs legends, maybe it's the delay of the ceremonies itself, I don't know, but ever since these centennial celebrations began several years ago, the Canadiens have been constantly embarrassed by opposing teams. I didn't expect Friday night to be any different...

The Habs are in Buffalo tonight, as they prepare to face the league's best goaltender, Ryan Miller, and his troupe of Sabres. We'll get to the game in a second, but first a few notes about the site and some upcoming blogs. I'll admit that my game preview won't be as comprehensive as it normally is today. I'm saving myself for a fairly lengthy and in depth feature before tomorrow's centennial game, and I don't want to get too much into it today. Also, expect at least one other blog from me today, as the Chicago Blackhawns are set to announce the contract extentions of several players, and that's obviously something that's going to need some analysis once the contract numbers are...

Drafted 22nd overall in the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens (a pick they had acquired along with Josh Gorges in exchange for veteran defenseman, and Saku Koivu's best friend, Craig Rivet), Max Pacioretty is finally making an impact offensively for the injury-riddled Habs. Commonly known as Max Pac by his friends and teammates, Pacioretty made his NHL debut last season on January 2nd, 2009 against the New Jersey Devils. That night, he scored his first NHL goal on his first NHL shift beating Scott Clemmensen with an accurate shot in a 4-1 loss. After starting his first professional season in the AHL with the Bulldogs, the New Canaan, Connecticut-native...