Mike Cammalleri must have picked up a few things in last season’s play-off season loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
In the one, or part of one season he played in a Habs uniform – Cammalleri did not give any indication that he would hurt a fly, let alone attempt to take off someone’s leg.Now, ‘Hextall’ Mike must watch from above as his teammates attempt to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in their season opener tomorrow night in the center of the universe.(the Air Canada Center for the uninitiated). Cammalleri must serve a one game suspension for his childish reaction to a supposed blindsided hit by Islander Rookie -Nino Niederreiter.
Cammallerri’s absence from the line up gives Lars Eller a chance to display his skills on a line with Plekanec and Konstitsyn. Sometimes things happen for a reason.Might as well get Eller’s debut out of the way and on the road it will be ideal rather than throw Eller to the wolves of Montreal and avoid a bashing of his self esteem.
Jacques Martin appears to have also decided on the players who will start the beginning of the season as Ryan White, Ben Maxwell, Curtis Sanford , Alex Henry and Yannik Webber have all been sent packing to Hamilton.
Golatender Curtis Sanford was given a look but with Price and Auld there was not much of a chance that he would have made the team.If Price or Auld falter – Martin knows that he will have a solid, albeit young and experienced goaltender to fall back on.Ben Maxwell finished last season in Montreal but with the additions of Eller and Boyd, Maxwell was a victim of circumstances. The Habs want to see what their two acquisitions can offer before either \ or is sent down to Hamilton.
Weber, a very dependable defenceman, will not be in Hamilton for long as he will be called up to replace O’Byrne or god forbid, P.K Subban.
Subban deserves the right to start in Montreal but he is a rookie and is not comfortable with an eighty – two game schedule in the NHL. That’s not to say that he can’t handle it but we will have to wait and see…O’Byrne has yet to convince anyone that he belongs but will be given a chance now that he has recovered from the death of his mother last season.
Price will start in goals and it will be up to him and the support he receives from his teammates as to what type of recation he will be recieving from the home crowd when the team returns to Montreal. Barring a 6.00 G.A avg – Price should be treated warmly even if he has lost all of his opening games. It is a new season people…and in the words of Carey ; “Chill Out”.
Puck drops tomorrow night at 7:00 pm.