Fans Expecting More Offense From Savage and Rucinsky
It is a done deal, folks! From now on, the Habs are playing at
full strength as the Montreal Canadiens signed financial deals
both with Brian Savage and Martin Rucinsky. But, those
millionaires have to deliver soon because their team is far from
being a major force in the NHL this season, judging from their
average performances thus far.
It's quite an understatement to say that Les Canadiens digged
deep into their pockets to convince those wingers to remain in
Montreal. A two year-contract worth $3.5 million for Savage and a
three-year deal aimed at making Martin Rucinsky wealthier by
almost $7 millions over the next three seasons. Wow! Needless to
say that Montreal went over budget. By the same token, the
message is clear: the Canadiens realized they had no depth
offensively despite the tremendous start they posted against the
NY Rangers for the season opener (7-1). In the wake of this
offensive feast, the Habs came back down to earth as they played
average games.
TBO! TBO! TBO! TBO!
To begin with, the win in Anaheim wasn't one to be proud of.
Jocelyn Thibault was the only good Canadien as he made 10 of his
30 stops in the last six minutes of the game. On the other hand,
Koivu & Co recorded only 12 shots in the first half of the game.
At this time, the Ducks were looking to avoid an 0-3-0 start...
It speaks volumes of the Montreal lack of offensive power.
Fortunately, Vladimir Malakhov scored the only goal as the
Montreal Canadiens beat the Ducks 1-0 while Tbo received a
standing ovation and recorded his seventh career shutout.
Finally, Tbo took his revenge on those fans who wanted him out
when he struggled in the last playoff.
Speaking of the 97-98 postseason, the Habs had not yet swallowed
the severe loss suffered against the Sabres as they met them for
the first time this season after being tied at Washington the day
before. In both occasions, Montreal surrendered the lead. Thus,
Buffalo handed Montreal its first loss of the season after being
led 3-0 in a game that was designed for tough guys. Stevenson got
a two-game suspension and was fined $1,000 by the NHL after
hitting Dixon Ward in the face - the poor guy had already
suffered a broken nose earlier this season! Well, those two teams
hate each other and to make things even worse, Barnaby had never
been so mean. Hockey wise, Damphousse, Recchi and Malakhov
contributed to the score while Koivu remained idle.
Stevenson Suspension
From one game to the other, the line made of
Brunet-Damphousse-Stevenson was becoming stronger but the
Stevenson two-game suspension turned out to be costly in Chicago,
two days later. Even tough Montreal outshot Chicago 27-20, the
Hawks defeated Montreal 2-1 and Jose Theodore was handed his
first defeat on his first appearance this season. Damphousse
scored his 4th goal of the season as Montreal was missing six
regulars - Defensemen Patrice Brisebois (back), Dave Manson (hip)
and winger Shayne Corson (rib), Stevenson (suspended) not to
mention Rucinsky and Savage who hadn't stroke a deal yet.
Brian Savage Scores
The third Habs win took place at the Molson Center against the
Ottawa Senators (3-2). Brian Savage scored the winner in the
third as he resumed play after being away due to contract
negotiations. Koivu and Malakhov contributed to the score while
Mark Recchi got one assist. Jocelyn Thibault held the fort,
stopping 26 shots.
It goes without saying that taking on the Stanley cup winners is
never a piece of cake. He! Montreal was given a lesson of
discipline and defense by the Detroit Red Wings who scored
(Yzerman) late in the third, taking advantage of a power play,
courtesy of captain Damphousse who took a silly penalty (nothing
new!). Well, the Habs posted a very disappointing performance
even though Brisebois, Manson and Rucinsky were back to work
(Rucinsky played on the 4th line along with Higgins and McLeary).
Hey, guys! the golf season is over, right?
ON MY NOTE PAD
Poor Thibault!
Despite Tbo's good performances thus far, the rumor mill cannot
be stopped as to whether or not the Habs' #1 goalie will be
traded to Toronto for Felix Potvin anytime soon. The deal would
involve three players - and Tbo would be sent to Toronto and then
be traded to Edmonton.
Rucinsky is Fair
Rucinsky, who signed a $7-million dollar deal for the next three
years with the Montreal Canadiens last week, didn't ask GM Reggie
Houle to be paid for the 13 days he missed as he was staying in
his native country waiting for a deal. In other words, Rucinsky
will have lost $135,000...
