Martin Thinks of His Players
On Friday night, most of us covering the Canadiens were stunned when it was announced that Coach Jacques Martin scheduled a practice for noon Saturday at the University of Minnesota. Early Saturday morning, he changed his mind. One could assume that his assistants and the medical staff may have had a huge hand in this decision. After all, they had just come off back-to-back games, and had multiple players nursing minor bumps and bruises.
Instead of the practice, Coach Martin, ever productive, decided to attend the game between the Minnesota Wild and the Columbus Blue Jackets in Minneapolis. A little advanced scouting may be just what the doctor ordered for the road weary Habs.
No More Buckley’s For You, Hal
The Canadiens’ defense core will get a much needed boost with the return of Hal Gill to the lineup. The 6′ 5″ defenseman missed the team’s last two game versus the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers with the flu. Considering the injury trouble this team faces, and the overuse of Roman Hamrlik in the last couple of games, his addition to the lineup is a welcome one.
Have A Seat, Buddy
With the aforementioned return of Hal Gill, someone will have to be left of the roster against the Minnesota Wild. Coach Martin’s logic, which is usually something no one understands or agrees with, would dictate that D Alexandre Picard would be the odd man out.  Most people in the hockey world, including myself, would love for Scott Gomez to finally get a view from the press box, but that won’t happen. Might I suggest that Benoit Pouliot, who has done nothing but make selfish plays and take dumb penalties, sit out? The only time he has hit the net in the past few weeks is when he was pushed into it on Friday night against the Blue Shirts.
Auld Gets His Due?
After a solid performance in relief of Carey Price on Friday, suggestions have been made that Alex Auld will get the start against Minnesota. In my opinion, it’s the wrong move. With his teammates leaving him out to dry, this move of reminiscent of what was done to Price early last season, when he came out of the gates red hot and was sat out after one bad start versus the Calgary Flames. It all went downhill for there. I would go back to Price, for sure. Given that this is the last 10 game stretch of the season, and the Canadiens are in a dog fight for the division with the Boston Bruins. Price should play through to the March 29th game versus the Atlanta Thrashers.
Theodore Gets Another Shot
Look for Jose Theodore to start against his former team this evening. In his four other starts against Montreal, he hasn’t been able to register a victory.
Et Cetera
93 year old Canadiens’ legend was discharged from the hospital yesterday, and has been admitted to a rehab facility to help mend his surgically repaired hip. Habs Nation wishes him a speedy, and pain-free recovery.
GQ Magazine named Canadiens’ fans the worst in the NHL. Get my take on Adam Winer’s article at All Habs.
Check out this cute posting by The Active Stick, in regards to the renaming of Habs Inside Out to Hockey Inside Out.
Take a look at Habs Chick, and her PMS-inspired look at everything Red-White and Blue. It’s a riot.
Always consult Too Many Men On The Site for the latest happenings in the NHL.