Post Game Thoughts

Habs fans, today is a great day. And why you may ask? Because today, March 29th 2012, is the day that general manager Pierre Gauthier was fired. After a brutal season that included many questionable trades (see Mike Cammalleri, Andrei Kostitsyn) the city of Montreal has been crying for his firing since at least mid-season, and it's only fitting that he was fired before season's-end. I have so much against Gauthier that I won't even get into it. For now, let's just celebrate that he no longer going to be allowed to ruin this franchise. Let us just say, au revoir, Mr. Gauthier, thanks for nothing. CHeers Follow me on Twitter: @YourCanadiens

Before I begin, I would just to inform all of you that because of the circumstances (missing the playoffs) this blog has become more of an NHL blog than a Habs blog for the rest of the season. I hope you all stick around and we'll be back talking Habs next season.  Which brings me to today's piece. There has been a lot of talk over the past couple years/ weeks about the Phoenix Coyotes potentially relocating. Here are a list of cities that could end up with an NHL team and why they are a good or bad fit for an NHL team. Kansas City Although there has already been a NHL team in Kansas City, I personally don't like the fit. When I think Kansas City, the last thing that comes to mind is hockey. While the city could probably bring in a solid amount of fans, as far as I know, there is no arena in the city that could seat 15,000+ people. Las Vegas I like Vegas more than I like Kansas City, but still, common, it's Vegas. The one main problem I have is that Vegas is ...

I know It's early and I know this is a Habs blog, but with the season basically finished, I needed something to write about. Here are the two teams that I think will reach the Cup Final, who will win and why. Enjoy Western Conference: Nashville Predators Two words: Pekka. Rinne. Then in front of Rinne you have defencemen Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, and Hal Gill. The bottom line is that this team is not going to let up a lot of goals. The Predators forwards are a bit suspect at times however with the addition of Andrei Kostitsyn at the deadline and Alexander Radulov returning from the KHL, this team suddenly has some talent to put the rubber in the net. Plus with a great checking line centered by Paul Gaustad, opposing team's top forwards will be shut down. Last but not least, Barry Trotz, one of the NHL's best coaches, will surely find a way to game-plan against any team the Preds face. Eastern Conference: Pittsburgh Penguins When you have the offensive talent that ...

March 12, 2012. The night Saku Koivu played his 1000th career game, but it's with the wrong team. Drafted in the first round in 1993 by the Montreal Canadiens, Koivu played 782 out of his 1000 games as a member of the organization, captaining them for a number of years. As great of a player as Koivu was on the ice, he was an even better person off of it. He founded the Saku Koivu foundation and was always involved with the community. After battling so many times with different injuries and long battle with cancer, Koivu somehow managed to always stay positive. He was such a great representative of the team and was the heart and soul of the organization ever since he arrived here. While Koivu is no longer a Hab, he always will be, in my heart, in the hearts of all Montrealers and hopefully in his heart. Congratulations to my childhood hero Saku Koivu, here's to 1000 more. CHeers Follow me on Twitter: @YourCanadiens

Ladies and gentleman, the time has come. Andrei Markov has officially been removed from the injured reserve list and has been placed on the Canadiens active roster. He will make his 2011-2012 season debut tonight against the Vancouver Canucks. Markov has missed the better part of the past 2 seasons due to knee/leg injuries. The 6'0, 204lbs defenseman has missed 68 games this season and will play for the first time since re-injuring his knee last year against Carolina. **Edited (Post-game) As most of you know, Andrei Markov, who missed the first 68 games of the season with a knee injury, returned to the lineup Saturday night against the Canucks. While Markov's skating and conditioning did seem a bit off, his vision and passing haven't lost a step. Markov showed why he is such an important part of the team and how the they is much better with him in the lineup. He ended last night's game with 1 assist, 2 shots and 17:09 TOI. CHeers Follow me on Twitter: @ Yo...

5. Patrick Roy As I mentioned in my previous article, Montreal would be better off with Roy behind the bench rather than sitting in the press box. However, if Roy doesn't get the gig as head coach it would be wise to add him into the management group. Roy is the GM of the Quebec Remparts at the moment so there should not be any worry that he has no experience at the job. 4. Julien Brisebois Brisebois is now the assistant GM in Tampa Bay and Steve Yzerman has repeated it many times that he does not want to let him go. However, Brisebois, who used to be the GM of the Hamliton Bulldogs, has ties to Montreal ownership and could return as soon as next season as the GM of the team. 3. Serge Savard Savard has already been the general manager of the Canadiens, and he was a good one at that. He is also an ex-player, he speaks French and is from Montreal. He is a great hockey mind and could seriously help to rebuild this franchise. 2. Scotty Bowman This one right he...

When Pierre Gauthier gave Randy Cunneyworth the "interim" tag as the head coach after Jacques Martin was fired, we all new that he wouldn't be returning to the Canadiens next season. Here is a list of the top five candidates for bench boss duties in Montreal come 2012-2013. 5. Larry Robinson Big Bird, as they call him, would be an amazing coach for the Canadiens. Robinson was an incredible defenseman for the Habs back in the days and in my opinion a return to Montreal is necessary. While I do think Robinson is better suited for a defensive coaching gig, I would have no objection to him being the main man behind the bench in Montreal. Having him behind the bench, in any way, would be essential for the development of players like P.K. Subban, Jarred Tinordi and Nathan Beaulieu. 4. Pierre Gauthier PSYCH!!!!!!!!  4.  Guy Carbonneau As most of you know, Carbonneau was the coach of the Canadiens only a few years back. Most of you should also remember that ...