Dear Toronto: Sorry to see you miss the playoffs - again. Love, Montreal

source : theglobeandmail.com

For a Montreal hockey fan, a perfect season includes beating the Boston Bruins in a seven-game playoff series – and seeing the Maple Leafs not qualify for the post-season.

This year, we won’t have the satisfaction of beating our preferred historic rival. But witnessing the meltdown of the NHL’s richest franchise in Canada’s most arrogant city fortunately remains as a source of fascination and pure joy.

When three men were charged under the “Trespass to Property Act” for having tossed their Maple Leafs jersey onto the ice of the Air Canada Center in January, a new level of comedy was reached.

So, just to be clear, does the law forbid you from ever dropping your Maple Leafs jersey in Ontario? 

That, most certainly, would explain why so many in the province continue to wear the blue and white, even when the team hasn’t managed to reach the playoffs nine times in the last 10 years – they’re just law-abiding citizens!

Some will argue that you can toss your jersey, but not on the ice during a game. But what about hats on the ice? Don’t they allow hat-throwing when a player scores three times? What is that, if not a clear violation of the Trespass to Property Act?

Freedom to toss apparel should not just be the domain of the happy. The disgruntled, humiliated and oppressed fan should also be protected under the Charter of Rights.

How a team so rich can be so consistently bad for so long is beyond understanding. Is it the nefarious impact of Don Cherry on the team philosophy? Who knows.

For a Montrealer, a much more mysterious observation, though, is the passiveness of the crowd. They cheer for a bunch of losers year after year, they come back to fill the arena, and they happily pay a big price to do so. This is not something I laugh at: There is something beautiful, almost tragic to this. Acceptance, forgiveness and love forever seems to be their philosophy.

Then a few dare. Ooooh! Jersey tossing! Enough violence, it has to stop, bring the police, send a strong message to the barbarians at the gates!

Don’t you understand, Torontonians? These people acted in despair to be banned from the Air Canada Center for one year – just like the compulsive gambler begs to be banned from the Casino. These fans are acting out to seek detox.

If the Canadiens were out of the playoffs nine times in 10 years, no jerseys would not be tossed; no law is needed to protect such a sacred piece of clothing. No, there would be riots, and mayor Denis Coderre would get involved,so long as it didn’t interrupt his tweeting about his favourite topic – the Canadiens!

Too many springtimes in Montreal without the Canadiens in the playoffs could easily become a matter of public health, if not of public security.

Fortunately, the Habs are in this year again. So, for a few weeks we will talk less about austerity, budget cuts, radicalization and pot holes. The level of crime will drop in the city. People of all origins will unite for a common cause. A shot of natural antidepressant has been injected to Montrealers.

How can Toronto live so well without it? Whatever the answer, let us be thankful for not being there again and again and mostly, for yet another exceptional year of entertainment, for us at the other end of the 401.

Merci Toronto.

What's a Leaf fan supposed to do during the Stanley Cup playoffs? A guide.

source : thestar.com

Everywhere you look, there are ex-Leafs in the playoffs. You can't watch Habs-Sens and feel good about yourself. Here's the Breakaway Guide to the Playoffs for a Leafs fan.

So you're a true blue Leafs fan and you want to watch the playoffs, but you need some guidance on who or what to root for.

Here's the Breakaway guide to the playoffs for a Leafs fan:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

MONTREAL CANADIENS vs OTTAWA SENATORS

Ex-Leafs involved: Clarke MacArthur, Ottawa Senators.

WHAT TO DO: Don't watch. Hopefully the Raptors are on. Or the Blue Jays. (Unlike Ottawa or Montreal, Toronto has more than one major league team. So there.)

NEW YORK RANGERS vs. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Ex-Leafs involved: Daniel Winnik, Penguins; Dominic Moore, Rangers.

WHAT TO DO: Cheer for the Penguins, and say things like "that Winnik can sure drive possession."

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING vs DETROIT RED WINGS

Ex-Leafs involved: None

WHAT TO DO: Root for the Lightning. They wear blue and white, so you can just imagine what it feels like. Besides, maybe if the Wings are eliminated, GM Ken Holland will be so mad he'll fire Mike Babcock and then..... and then..... Sigh.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS vs NEW YORK ISLANDERS

Ex-Leafs involved: Tim Gleason, Capitals; Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolay Kulemin, Islanders.

WHAT TO DO: Root for either team. Leafs are still paying Gleason and Grabovski, so it's almost like the Leafs are in the playoffs.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

VANCOUVER CANUCKS vs CALGARY FLAMES

Ex-Leafs involved: Joe Colborne, Matt Stajan, Flames.

WHAT TO DO: I know you hate the Canucks, but do you really want to see Brian Burke's quick rebuild in Calgary work (when the here didn't)?

ANAHEIM DUCKS vs WINNIPEG JETS

Ex-Leafs involved: Korbinian Holzer, Ducks; Lee Stempniak, Jiri Tlusty, Jay Harrison and coach Paul Maurice, Jets.

WHAT TO DO: A cornucopia of under-achieving ex-Leafs. The Jets are the only other team to wear a maple leaf on their jersey, so the answer is obvious: Anaheim. Just kidding: Jets.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS vs. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

Ex-Leafs involved: Mike Santorelli, Cody Franson, Victor Stalberg, Predators; Kris Versteeg, Blackhawks.

WHAT TO DO: Root for the Blackhawks. The earlier the Predators are eliminated, the better the first-round pick the Leafs get for sending Franson and Santorelli to Nashville.

ST. LOUIS BLUES vs MINNESOTA WILD

Ex-Leaf involved: Alexander Steen, Olli Jokinen, Carl Gunnarsson, St. Louis.

WHAT TO DO: Grimace every time you see Steen.

Habs vs Bruins : City on alert for mayhem as tense Montreal-Boston hockey war plays out on ice

Source : faceoff.com

With tensions already running high between the hometown Canadiens and their arch rival Boston Bruins, city officials say they're staying vigilant to ensure the passion doesn't morph into mayhem on Montreal streets.

The city has garnered a reputation during recent NHL playoff runs for its jubilant, spontaneous celebrations that occasionally deteriorate into rampages highlighted by vandalism, looting and violence.

In the only Canadian city hosting playoff hockey this year and with the team's biggest rivals in town, authorities say they're ready for anything with the series tied 1-1 heading back to Montreal.

Anie Samson, a member of the city's executive committee, said the administration is prepared ahead of Tuesday's Game 3 at the Bell Centre.

"We are concerned about (potential problems), but we are working with the police and we have a plan," said the city councillor in charge of public security. "We are ready and we hope it's going to work."

The city is expected to decide whether it will limit traffic on Ste-Catherine Street on game nights. The downtown core is always ground zero for both the celebration and the carnage.

Montreal's history of Stanley Cup riots is well documented, with the Canadiens' most recent Stanley Cup triumphs in 1986 and 1993 marred by hooliganism. What's more alarming is that in recent years, an early-round victory has been enough to set off rioting.

The worst came in April 2008 after the Canadiens' seventh-game playoff win against the Bruins. It culminated with police cars being burned and downtown businesses being looted.

At least 16 people were arrested and damages to police property was evaluated at $500,000.

The looting played out again in May 2010, with windows smashed amid clashes between rioters and police on Ste-Catherine Street following a defeat of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round.

There were more than 25 arrests and police were able to track down other vandals and looters using images and videos that were widely circulated on social media. Some citizens even sent police their own images, angry at the acts of mischief.

Montreal police Sgt. Laurent Gingras said he could not go into specific tactics on dealing with potential trouble.

"The message we're sending is that it's OK for you to celebrate, but we're here and we'll keep an eye out," Gingras said in an interview.

Those smashed windows and images of looting are still fresh for some downtown business owners. An association that represents them says there is always some trepidation.

"There's a certain level of worry because we've felt the negative effects during the playoffs," said Andre Poulin, who heads Destination Centre Ville. "But at the same time, we're confident the police will deploy necessary resources to protect our businesses."

Police are a lot better versed in dealing with massive crowds this time around. Student protests that were a near-nightly occurrence in 2012 allowed many officers to get hands-on experience as well as for the brain trust to put tactical theory into practice.

"We've improved the way certain (tactical) groups work (because of 2012) and the officers have all gained a tremendous amount of experience on the ground," said Gingras.

Gingras notes there is better communication — both with the public through Twitter and with businesses through a variety of tools to ensure everyone is prepared. There is also increased efficiency in moving around town, with bicycle units and horse cavalry having been added since 2008.

The plan is evolving, game-by-game, Gingras said.

"We're keeping a close eye, we know when the games are on and we change the plan accordingly," said Gingras. "That will obviously change if the team goes deeper into the playoffs."

Police were on the ready after the Canadiens engineered a four-game first round sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning. No one was arrested, although one person was cited for excessive use of a car horn.

But the Bruins series brings a different level of intensity. It was in Montreal in March 2011 when a hit to Max Pacioretty by Bruins captain Zdeno Chara led to the city's 911 service being inundated with criminal complaints.

The Canadiens hockey club will keep its focus on the ice.

Team spokesman Donald Beauchamp said the Habs will leave it to the city to follow the situation.

During previous incidents, police have said it wasn't Habs fans involved, rather people using the cover of tens of thousands of revellers to cause damage.

"It's not where the problem arises from, it's not people inside the Bell Centre," Beauchamp said from Boston. "It's more of a public situation and in this case, the authorities have taken the matter into their own hands, and very properly."

And at least one Habs legend believes cooler heads will prevail.

Guy Lafleur said he doesn't necessarily think the ingredients are there this time around. But he briefly joked with reporters there might be one thing that could trigger an outpouring: a second straight Canadiens sweep.

"Maybe if the Canadiens win in four," Lafleur said with a laugh, adding quickly he still didn't foresee any problems.

Funny vine : Moen destroy a fan

Habs : No shortage of opinion from dejected Habs fans

Source : Montrealgazette.com

 As dejected Canadiens fans grappled with the fact the Habs won’t play again until next season, many shared their thoughts about the team on The Gazette’s HockeyInside/Out website.
There was no shortage of opinion about what the Canadiens need to do to get better, after getting bounced from the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs Thursday. The Ottawa Senators won the best-of-seven series 4-1.

There was also appreciation for what the Canadiens accomplished this season, finishing second in the Eastern Conference after occupying the cellar last year.

Here are some excerpts of what fans had to say at hockeyinsideout.com:

joeybarrie: My mind says I’m happy with our team and its general direction … Happy with most of the season. I just have to give my heart and stomach time to catch up.

New: I really enjoyed watching the team this year. Rather than showcasing Galchenyuk they let him learn. The guys played really hard and the team played to win most games. Yes, a couple times they played not to lose and lost, but it was a refreshing difference from last year. The turnover in pro hockey is incredible, whole teams can change in a few years. Some of the guys won’t be there when
the season starts again. I will miss them. They really gave it their best this season.

HardHabits: Put Price behind the Sens defence and Anderson behind the Habs defence and the Sens still win. Sens bigger defence kept the Habs smaller forwards to the periphery and the Habs small and mobile defence could not contain the Sens forwards. Those are the facts. Size. Defence.

ihabto: Ottawa did not win this series because they were bigger and stronger. They won because they had a great goaltender who kept them in every game while being dominated through the first 40 minutes and they finally showed up in the third period. Not sure what Montreal has been doing during the second intermissions, but they need to do something different.

Shawn Carpenter: It’s that time of year again, line up the players and line up the buses. We don’t care if you were injured, get under that bus! We don’t care that hockey is a team game, get under that bus! We don’t care if you can or can’t carry the team on your back, get under that bus! We don’t care if you exceeded expectations, get under that bus! No wonder the best free agents don’t want to play in this town. And you probably thought it was the high taxes!

smiler2729: Let’s stop harping on the freaking goalie situation already!! Carey Price is good, not great, but better than average. But (it) seems like some of you expect him to score goals too, for Pete’s sake!! So Price gets dealt, who do you want in there to replace him??? Fleury? Miller? Jaro, Steve Penney, Halak??? Let’s worry about the team in front of the goalie for a change and quit beating this dead horse!!! Patrick Roy was a once in a lifetime goalie and we, the spoiled fans, booed him outta town over one bad game!! So yeah whoever the goalie is, Price or not, let’s quit expecting the unrealistic from the position!!

commandant: As for the size with skill argument ... Yes, we need players who combine that. But Rome wasn’t built in a day, and all 30 teams covet these players and make them go high in drafts, cost money in free agency, and cost assets in trades. You cannot take the team that (Marc Bergevin) inherited and convert it overnight. This is where I don’t see the season as a “problem” but as a step forward as there are a number of good things on the horizon in the continued development of P.K., Pacioretty, Galchenyuk, Gallagher, Tinordi, Beaulieu, etc …

Alex_425: The REALLY good thing among all this is management has, IMO, a pretty clear picture of what needs to be done in the off-season, as our woes during the Ottawa series were SO evident.

liberjon: In all, this was a great season. Although the outcome in the playoffs was not what we had hoped for, this team was fun to watch! They made it easy to forget about last year. Because they were so good and entertaining to watch, we forgot where they were last year and hoped for a long playoff run. It is great to hope, but in reality this was a great step in the right direction.

Dr. Rex: Great season, sad ending. This team is exciting to watch but to go through four rounds of the playoffs we need to protect our stars, especially Subban. At the rate this team was getting injuries in another week Blunden would be on the 1st line. NO team is afraid to knock us around and taking these type of hits leads to injuries.

The Chicoutimi Cucumber: Anyone looking *rationally* at this team would be fundamentally optimistic. Tons of good young talent — including truly elite talent in Subban, Galchenyuk and Gallagher. As for size, yes, we need to get bigger, but if Eller and Emelin played in this series, the size factor doesn’t get nearly the same amount of play. We had a team eviscerated with injuries and still outplayed the Sens for much of this series. This team is not far away from contending. The pessimists are in for a big surprise, either next year or the year after.

Price07: We need wingers! Our prospects: Kristo (5’11), Hudon (5’10), Collberg (5’11), Gallagher (5’9), Leblanc is hulking at 6’0 185 … wingers plz!

Dirtsteed: Go get (Chicago Blackhawks winger) Bryan Bickel. Give him the same contract as Prust: $10 million over 4 years (whatever it takes). He will not disappoint.

habs-fan-84: Great season!... I would love to see (New Jersey Devils’ forward David) Clarkson on the Habs!

habsfan0: It’s hard to believe the next meaningful game played by the Habs will be in mid-October. By that time, the Buffalo Bills will already be 0-5 on the season.

Habfan10912: I know how you feel. I now get to turn my undivided attention to the Mets. Sigh.