The Luck of the Habs: It seems that luck has struck the Habs, both bad and good. While there is still no word on the conditions of forwards Tomas Plekanec and Jeff Halpern, the Canadiens called up forwards Aaron Palushaj and Nigel Dawes to potentially fill in for them should the others not be health enough to play. Dawes, in 8 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs, has 10 points (6 Goals – 4 assists). His aggressive style will be beneficial in an attempt to fill the void left by Pacioretty’s injury. Aaron Palushaj has been one of the best offensive forwards in Hamilton, posting 17 goals and 27 assists in 57 games.
UPDATE: In a press release from the Montreal Canadiens, it was announced that forward Max Pacioretty, who is currently suffering from a broken vertebra and Grade III concussion, is expected to return to the ice within 2-5 weeks. Wonderful news, considering most thought Patches came within inches of death, at the hands of Zdeno Chara.
Crickets on the Ice: While practice was closed to the public yesterday at the Bell Centre, only Brent Sopel, Mathieu Darche, Alex Auld and Alexandre Picard actually took part in practice on Wednesday. Habs’ veteran D-man Hal Gill also stayed home, fighting off a cold.
Campbell’s Foot In His Mouth: NHL Vice-President and Director of Hockey Operations, Colin Campbell, decided to put his two cents in regarding the non-suspension of Bruins’ Zdeno Chara. Campbell called Canadiens’ forward Max Pacioretty “a cocky kid”, and made reference to Pacioretty’s hit from behind on Islanders’ defenseman Mark Eaton last December. Number 67 received a five minute major and game misconduct for the incident, but no supplementary discipline from Mr. Campbell. Great example, Colin. And calling “Patches” cocky is like calling your son, Gregory, a saint!
OT for Habs’ Graphic Artist: With the Canadiens’ roster depleted, they decided to take their second team picture on Wednesday. This one is considered the team’s official portrait. Injured players Andrei Markov, Josh Gorges and Max Pacioretty were not available for the pose, so they will need to be added via the magic of Photoshop later. Jaroslav Spacek showed up to take the picture, wearing his jersey over his civvies, and Tomas Plekanec was the first on the ice for the photo. Talk about priorities being screwy. I would have loved for him to be evaluated by the team doctor instead.
A Lightning Strike: Tampa Bay is Montreal’s opponent tonight. While they have had their share of issues as of late, they pale in comparison to the injury woes of the Habs. Look for the Lightning to attempt to take advantage of the Canadiens (AHL version) and attack with speed. Carey Price will have to again be the saving grace in this one, if the Habs intend on keeping pace with the Boston Bruins (no pun intended.)
Et Cetera: Wednesday was the final day of the NHL General Managers’ meetings in Boca Raton, Florida. They didn’t discuss concussions, but moved onto other business like the spin-o-rama in the shootout, Instant Replay and the proposed “Coach’s Challenge.” Imagine, of all the rules changes adopted in the National Football League, they discussed the latter.
The Western Quebec / Eastern Ontarion areas were hit by an earthquake Wednesday, that measured 4.7 on the Richter scale. This is the second quake in the area in two years. What gives?
If Team Canada wore green in Saskatchewan for the World Junior Championships, should the Canadiens wear a special green sweater, considering it’s St. Patrick’s Day?
I find myself thinking of the late Pat Burns and his family today. It is well known that the family is of Irish decent, and Pat’s cousin, and former president of Itech Canada, Robin Burns, is very active in the Irish Community in Montreal. I’ll drink a pint of Guinness in your honor tonight, Pat.
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY !!