Bleu, Blanc, Et Rouge

Should Andrei Markov Be Captain?

2009-09-01T21:23:00.008-04:00

Now that Koivu has left and training camp is only a few weeks away, the question of who should be the Canadiens' captain is still being bandied about.

There have been varying opinions, from Markov to Gomez to Gorges and so on. In today's edition of Habs Inside Out comes a story from long time Montreal Gazette columnist Red Fisher suggesting that Andrei Markov take the reins of this team. And for once, I agree with him.

The Habs have lost so much leadership this summer that it's hard to come up with someone who can fill the void left by the departed. Do you go with a new guy, who hasn't even played a single game for the team yet? Do you go with a younger, one or two year guy who might not have it in him yet to lead? Do you go with a role player like Moen or Metropolit, who might not see enough ice time to justify it?

As Fisher states, Markov isn't exactly known for his reputation for being wordy. Since I don't get to see many post game interviews as native Montrealers might, I can only go with what I hear and understand that Andrei isn't going to be the guy to jump down your throat if you screw up. Which begs the question... does he have to be? Can he not lead by example and let his play show who is in charge? His native tongue doesn't need to hold him back. A simple acknowledgment of a rule or call is all that is needed.

There wasn't a good sense of "team" in this organization this past year. That needs to be established immediately if a good season is to ensue. I am not a fan of a rotating captain or three alternates, or whatever some teams choose to do. You need a focal point... someone who you can count on in the time of need, to listen when there is strife, and to count on when it matters most. Whether it's the coach's decision or a group nomination by the players, a commitment needs to be made and soon.

Unless Markov absolutely refuses, you make him the captain. There's a reason the Habs threw major cash at him when it seemed apparent they should retain Souray. There's a reason this year's team failed to win after Markov went out late in the season. There's a reason a man with the distinction of Fisher comes out and endorses Markov.

He deserves it.

Kovalev Wants To Retire A Canadien!

2009-08-28T19:57:00.013-04:00

At a charity golf tournament yesterday, Alexei Kovalev told reporters that ideally he'd like to retire as a member of the Montreal Canadiens. This, of course, comes after he signed a two year deal with the Ottawa Senators.

I really can't figure him out on this one. He is easily one of the best players in the last 15 years, and without a doubt has THE best shot I have ever seen. His skills are legend. His heart on the other hand, is not. In the spring of '04, when Bob Gainey traded Jozef Balej to the New York Rangers for him, I was ecstatic. He had a great playoff that year in the first round against the Bruins, but was hit and miss for the next five years after that. His best season of late was 2007-2008, where he racked up 35 goals and 84 points on a team that finished first in the East. Last year was a let down, but he still put up respectable numbers.

I think you either have to love this guy and have no problems defending him, or can't stand him and figure the Habs are better off without him. I went from the former two years ago, to the latter this past year. It's a cliché to call him an enigma, but he really is indeed just that. He can blow your mind one minute by skating past an entire team, yet make you scream 30 seconds later when he coughs up the puck by trying to be too pretty.

There have been rumors in the last few years that he didn't get along with Guy Carbonneau, rumors that he spoke to the Russian media claiming he was unhappy in Montreal, and even was benched by Gainey for two games back in February to regroup. His time had come, and the Habs needed to move on. Whether getting Brian Gionta in return for about the same money was an equal trade is debatable, rumors persist that either Kovalev or his agent dropped the ball when Gainey gave them a chance to sign on July 1.

I wish him luck in Ottawa. I don't doubt he'll do well, especially with Spezza and Alfredsson... not to mention the return Ottawa will get in the upcoming Heatley trade. But one thing is certain, the 2008-2009 Habs were not getting it done nor were a quality representation of what this organization strives to be, thus major changes had to be made. There's no time to look back. Let's give the new guys a chance.

Sorry, Alex. There's no room for you here anymore.

No Canadiens Game At Olympic Stadium

2009-08-26T17:22:00.026-04:00

On Monday, the Canadiens announced that they would not be playing a game this year at Olympic Stadium, as was originally rumored. And that is a shame.

On January 1, 2008 I attended the first "Winter Classic" in Buffalo between the Sabres and Penguins. It was a magical event that will be remembered for life by everyone who was there. Although the much anticipated game at Olympic Stadium would have not been outdoors, the great fans of Montreal are missing out on seeing an NHL game on a much grander scale. To be part of such an historical day is something not all of us will ever get to enjoy.

Granted, the "Heritage Classic" between Montreal and Edmonton in 2003 is and was THE first regular season NHL sponsored outdoor game (and it WAS amazing), but having seen the Sabres/Pens in person was remarkable... and I'm sure the Heritage Classic fans would say the same on their own behalf.

Check out some of the pics I took that day. There are many more, but this gives a sampling of what it was like to be there. Click on each for a bigger version...

There's a first for everything...

2009-08-23T17:23:00.011-04:00

OK, so this is my first blog ever. I mean, ever. I really don't care much for the word "blog." I prefer "post," so we'll see where this goes. Time will tell.

I can't say this will solely be a Montreal Canadiens dedicated blog. I'm sure I will, from time to time, stray and post things that not many people other than myself will care about. However, my plan is to update this as often as I can, and after each Habs' game this year. NHL Center Ice is quite possibly the greatest thing ever invented (especially to a Habs' fan living in Buffalo), so I will again have the great fortune of watching every game for the '09-'10 season.

I expect good things from the team this year... The much needed overhaul was done, and a fresh start awaits this organization. The pickups they made this year were terrific. Monotony isn't something I like, hence the extreme aggravation in watching last year's team fail miserably. I'm even hoping to get up to that beautiful city again this year... maybe make it an annual "last Habs/Sabres home game of the year" tradition.

Thanks for reading... feel free to post.