Canadiens Putting Hopes With Rookie Goalie: Part 3 & Hossa Hurts His Knee

Everyone knows that Canadien’s GM, Bob Gainey dropped a bomb on the hockey world they other day when he traded his Number 1 All-Star goalie, and therefore putting the teams season on the shoulders of rookie, Carey Price. Gainey has a serious love affair with Price. He drafted him way high than he was expected to go, and now this. Gainey is a smart hockey man, and I am sure he knows what he is doing.

Carey Price, who I think is making a solid case for the Calder so far this season, says he is ready to step in and be “that guy” for the Habs. He is insanely cool under pressure, and he has the skills to back it up, that was evident when he helped Canada win the World Juniors. But we have to honest, everyone was shocked when Huet (pronounced Whuo-ette or something like that now,) was traded.

If there is one team that can ride a rookie to a championship though, it is the Habs. They did with Ken Dryden back in the day, and then proceeded to do it again with Patrick Roy.

Can they do it again though? I would highly doubt it. Granted the Canadiens are making a solid push in the East right now, I just find it hard to believe that any Eastern team can knock off the powerhouse teams of the West.

If there is one thing that is for sure, it is going to be interesting to see how the rest of the season works out for Les Habitants. I know I’ll be keeping an eye on it, and the other thing that I’ll be watching, is who that 2nd draft pick turns out to be. I personally thought a guy like Huet could have garnered more than a 2nd rounder, but then again, the Ducks gave Bryzgalov away for free.

//update//

Marian Hossa sprained his MCL tonight in a 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. Wow, that deal is looking greater by the minute. This does suck for the Penguins though, but I kind of find myself not feeling bad for them. Hopefully he isn’t out too long, and then Sid the Kid can come back too, and we can see just how potent the Penguins will be, and if they have a legitimate shot at taking the East and getting their hands on the Holy Grail.

Av’s to Play Theodore Into Play-offs

I know, if you’re an Avalanche fan that could be a scary thought, or if you are a fan of any other Western Conference team thats music to your ears. At least it used to be. Since being traded from Montreal after the lock-out, Jose “The-open-door” Theodore had been far less than stellar posting a 3.29 GAA, and and save percentage of well below .890, not something you would expect from a $5.5 million goalie.

This season though, the avalanche can thank Theodore for leaving them in contention for the Northwest Division title, and are currently sitting in the final spot for play-offs. With major injuries to key players, (Smyth, Stastny, and Sakic) that is pretty impressive. Theodore has posted a 2.49 GAA and a .906 save percentage, while earning 15 wins thus far, his most since 05-06.

Of course this is a far cry from his 01-02 Hart, Vezina, Roger Crozier, All-star season. But let’s face it, as soon as the NHL restricted the goaltender’s equipment, Theodore was screwed.

So hopefully for the Avalanche, Theodore can continue his ways this season, and carry this team until they see the return of some familiar faces, and can carry that momentum into play-offs.