With 2014 just wrapping up and the second half of the season looming, we here at A Winning Habit take a look back at the biggest Canadiens stories of 2014.
No Captain For The Habs
Dec 2, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Brian Gionta (12) shoots the puck up ice during the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
This story made the biggest waves when Brian Gionta was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, leaving the team captainless for the second time in their storied history. (For newer fans, the first time the Habs went without a captain was the 2009-2010 season after Saku Koivu retired and before Brian Gionta became captain.) The story of the summer for the Habs was centered around who would be tapped in the fall, with A Winning Habit covering the many possibilities over the summer and reporting on the final decision.
Finally, the Canadiens chose to rotate between four alternates: Subban, Pacioretty, rotating out and Markov and Plekanec wearing the A for every game. Neither Markov nor Plekanec are interested in a public leadership role, whereas both Subban and Pacioretty are considered somewhat young, at 25 and 26 years of age respectively. While this announcement originally drew criticism, it seems to be working just fine.
Price Injured, Tokarski Steps In For Price
Nov 16, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Montreal Canadiens goalie Dustin Tokarski (35) makes the save on Detroit Red Wings left wing Tomas Tatar (21) in the third period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
When Rangers forward Chris Kreider slid skate-first into Carey Price’s knee during the playoffs between the Canadiens and Rangers, not only did he solidify a place for himself in Montreal’s Hall of Shame by knocking Price out for at least a week’s worth of games, but he gave Dustin Tokarski a chance to step into the limelight.
A chance that paid off.
Tokarski stepped up to the plate (net?) and proved himself an NHL-caliber goalie, boasting a playoff-level .916 save percentage and making a name for himself, as well as winning over fans who were convinced this would be a disaster. He played some of the best games of his career thus far, keeping a cool head in the face of overwhelming pressure.
While the Rangers knocked the Habs out of the playoffs Tokarski’s performance earned him a permanent place on teh Canadiens roster as Price’s backup goalie.
It is likely Tokarski’s days in Montreal are numbered, with Price in great shape and with years to go on his contract, so we may as well enjoy him while we have him.
Pacioretty Sent To Hospital By Hit by Clayton Stoner
We all watched this hit by Ducks defenseman Stoner on Pacioretty and winced.
While it appeared to be a clean enough hit, Pacioretty’s inability to get back up and subsequent trip to the hospital made headlines on all major sports networks as well as right here at AWH.
This story will likely (and hopefully) end 2014 with good news, but for now we will have to wait and see.
Canadiens Star Jean Beliveau Dies; Viewing At Bell Centre
Dec 9, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; A general view of the Bell Center during the ceremony honoring the memory of former Montreal Canadiens player Jean Beliveau (4) before the game against Vancouver Canucks at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
When Jean Béliveau passed away in early December it seemed as though everyone the world over had something to say about it. He was seen not just as a great hockey player, but a great person. He was so beloved, in fact, that his family held a viewing at the Bell Centre and the Canadiens dedicated a seat in the ice arena to him.
Béliveau started with the Canadiens in the days when hockey players still worked a job in the offseason (and, indeed, often during the season as well) to make enough money to live. On and off the ice, Béliveau developed a reputation for never shirking.
In fact, Béliveau initially turned down a position with the Habs front office after retiring from the ice in favor of a position at the company he had been working at every summer for nearly two decades. “By then, I had 18 years seniority at Molson’s,” he later recounted to Gare Joyce of Sportsnet.
Eventually the Canadiens were able to convince him to take an executive position, and the longest-serving Habs captain was once again a part of the franchise.
His death reverberated around the sports world and his funeral drew crowds of approximately 1,500 mourners at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.
The Year of Galchenyuk?
Dec 16, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk (27) reacts after scoring his third goal of the game against Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward (30) during the third period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Last, but not least, we had to highlight the attention the 20 year-old center is getting in the media. This is less of a single story and more of a constant thread that has been popping up all year. Alex Galchenyuk seems to be finally coming into his own, posting points regularly and making moves towards becoming a permanent center for the Canadiens.
Which story did you follow most closely this year?