Peepin' Foes: Montreal Canadiens

The Ranger run of desperation continues on Tuesday night with a Original Six tilt against the Habs. Montreal comes to town for a 7:30 face off on Versus. That network will have Hockey Central on at 7, but I think that the late drop is more a symptom of RDS, the French network that covers the Canadiens.

Where We Are: For the fourth straight season the Rangers are trying to finish the season strong and make the playoffs. Just looked over old schedules and this is what I saw for the last 25 games of each campaign since the lockout:

2005-06: 10-11-4 (2-0-0 pre-Olympics).
2006-07: 14-6-5.
2007-08: 14-3-8.
2008-09: 12-9-4.
2009-10: 6-4-2 with 13 to go including tonight (3-2-0 pre-Olympics).

Where They Are: Having played one more game than the Rangers (70), the Habs sit in seventh with 76 points. They are even with sixth place Philly but the Flyers have two games in hand. Montreal is on fi-ya, having won five straight and six of seven since the Olympics.

Who To Watch For: Our old friend the MexiCan't was scoreless in the last two games for the Canadiens but put up 10 points over the four before that. Another former Ranger, 'Forget Aboot It' Dominic Moore has seven points in nine games since the Habs added him at the deadline. Sergei Kostitsyn is one of the players who got a boost from playing in Vancouver - he had five points in four games with Belarus and has looked quite good of late. I watched the last two Montreal games (against Edmonton and Boston) and he moved himself to good scoring positions and capitalized on them. Michael Cammalleri is out with injury but the oompa loompa Brian Gionta has six points in his last six games. Leading scorer Tomas Plekanec hurt himself in practice today.

What To Watch For: How the refs handle Sean Avery. They gave him some leeway against Philly and he drew two penalties; last time we played Montreal, he was called for an early penalty and disappeared the rest of the night. Jaroslav Halak shutting down the Ranger offense. Like Kostitsyn, Jaro has been red hot since starring in the Olympics - 5-0. Hal Gill hammering Marian Gaborik the way he used to destroy Jagr. Andrei Markov making magic the way he does. Markov is amazingly underrated; he moves the puck well, has a good slapshot and isn't afraid of going deep to make a play.

What We'll (Hopefully) See: Avery infuriating the Habs. Rozy scoring again (hahaha). A strong contingent of Ranger fans drowning out what has been a loud, annoying French presence in the Garden. Few dumb penalties for the Rangers as the Habs PP is pretty good - lookin' at you Olli Jokinen. How about Olli showing up and potting a few points? The MexiCan't playing like he did as a Ranger: endlessly circling, putting his teammates offside and laughing all the way to defeat.

Also Check Out: All Habs, the fun Four Habs Fans, SBN's Eyes on the Prize and a thorough MSM blog from the Gazette called Habs Inside/Out.

 "Peepin' Foes: Montreal Canadiens - A Hockey Legacy"

The Montreal Canadiens, often referred to as the "Habs," are one of the most storied and iconic franchises in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL). Founded in 1909, the team has a rich and illustrious history, filled with championships, legendary players, and a passionate fan base. In this edition of "Peepin' Foes," we'll take a deep dive into the Montreal Canadiens, exploring their history, notable players, and their impact on the world of hockey.

Chapter 1: A Century-Old Legacy

The Montreal Canadiens are one of the "Original Six" NHL teams, having been a part of the league since its inception. Over their more than a century-long history, the team has won an astounding 24 Stanley Cups, the most by any franchise in NHL history. Their championship success has cemented their status as a hockey dynasty.

Chapter 2: The Legends of the Habs

The Canadiens' rich history is punctuated by the presence of legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the game. Names like Maurice Richard, Jean Beliveau, Guy Lafleur, and Patrick Roy are synonymous with greatness in the world of hockey. These players not only brought multiple championships to Montreal but also helped shape the sport's identity in Canada and beyond.

Chapter 3: The Montreal Forum and Bell Centre

For decades, the Montreal Forum served as the Canadiens' hallowed home ice. It was a venue where countless historic moments unfolded and where the roar of the crowd was deafening. In 1996, the Canadiens moved to the state-of-the-art Bell Centre, but the memories of the Forum remain an integral part of the team's legacy.

Chapter 4: The Passionate Fan Base

Montreal Canadiens fans, often called the "Les Habitants," are known for their unwavering loyalty and passion. Hockey is not just a sport in Montreal; it's a way of life. The team's fans are a key part of what makes the Canadiens so special, and their presence at games and celebrations can turn even the most casual observer into a fervent supporter.

Chapter 5: Rivalries and Iconic Moments

The Canadiens have had intense rivalries with other Original Six teams, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins. These rivalries have produced some of the most iconic moments in NHL history, including the infamous Richard Riot of 1955 and the historic playoff battles with the Bruins.

Chapter 6: Modern Era Success

While the Canadiens' most recent Stanley Cup win came in 1993, the team has remained competitive in the modern era. They have consistently made playoff appearances and have a talented roster that includes players like Carey Price, Shea Weber, and Brendan Gallagher. Canadiens fans are hopeful for another championship in the near future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why are they called the "Canadiens"?

A1: The team's name reflects the rich French-Canadian heritage of Montreal. "Canadiens" is the French word for Canadians, and it symbolizes the team's connection to the city and its culture.

Q2: What is the significance of the "CH" logo?

A2: The iconic "CH" logo on the Canadiens' jerseys stands for "Club de hockey Canadien." It is one of the most recognizable logos in sports.

Q3: How has the team's success impacted hockey in Canada?

A3: The Canadiens' success has played a significant role in popularizing hockey in Canada and inspiring generations of players. They are a symbol of Canadian excellence in the sport.

The Montreal Canadiens are more than just a hockey team; they are a living legend in the world of sports. With their unparalleled history, legendary players, and passionate fan base, the Canadiens have left an indelible mark on the NHL and the sport of hockey as a whole. Their legacy continues to thrive, and their story serves as a testament to the enduring power of the game. Whether you love them or root against them, the Montreal Canadiens are an essential part of the fabric of hockey, and they will forever be celebrated as one of the greatest teams in sports history.