With the Montreal Canadiens desperately needing a win, the Habs gave their “#1” goaltender a rest and started Jaroslav Halak against the Thrashers Tuesday night. Halak, not disappointing, came through allowing 1 goal on 23 shots sending both teams into shootouts, he continues his brilliant play by stopping both of Atlanta’s breakaway shots. Now let the debate begin… Should Carey keep his #1 status or should the Habs give Halak a shot at that title??? Here’s my dilemma, I truly believe that Price is a #1 goalie; the 22 year old has proven he can be but at times he looses focus and has minor breakdowns. Now that I cleared that… I can finally talk about HALAK! Last year I sent an email to 110% (a hockey analyst show on TV) about what I’m about to tell you; it was the subject of the day but they never got back to me… Anyways, this is basically what I said… Halak, whose scout report states that his downfall is his size because he wouldn’t last a full season as a starter. I say BULL S%*T! Again I don’t mean to cry “conspiracy” again but I think that’s all to protect Bob Gaines (Habs GM) “protégé” Carey Price. They say: “give Price a chance he’s only 22 years old”… Last time I checked Halak was only 24! This Controversy all started when, 3 years ago, Halak was called up from the minors to fill in for the injured, at the time, starter Cristobal Huet. What had happened was that the Canadiens were not suppose to make the playoffs that year but when Halak came in (near the end of the season) he goaled his ass of and single handily brought the Habs into the post season. Now, the Habs had a problem on their hands because in back of Bob Gainey’s head he knew that the following year he was going to have his rising star, Carey Price, on the team. So what did the Habs do? They benched Halak once the playoffs started and played a half injured Huet… SMH! That way, had Halak played and played well, they didn’t have a tough decision to make… Halak or Price?! The next year, without that controversy surrounding the team, Carey happily started the year along side Cristobal finishing first in their division, Bob Gainey is a genius right? The year after (last year) the team had a chance to trade Huet and they did, Halak was called up, splitting duties with Carey but always as his back-up. During the last season, Carey got injured or was not playing well (either way he was not there) Halak stepped in Won some many crucial games for the team (and I mean HE won those games) then comes along Carey on his white horse and cowboy hat and snatches the job away from Halak. Carey disappoints in the playoffs. So what I’m saying is that for some odd reason the Habs have never given the Czech Halak a fair chance at being #1. Again, I’m not saying that Carey is not a #1 goaltender, what I’m saying is that Halak needs his chance and if it’s not with the Canadiens, it should be with someone else. The Habs need to let him play a bit, make a decision and if that decision is to trade him at least they will get their moneys worth in a trade.

My suggestions to the Habs… Do it soon cuz his contract is up next year, you KNOW he CAN play so show him off a little; I’m tired of loosing players for a bag of peanuts and you know he’s not coming back if you don’t do as I say.

Btw, I really want to specify that Halak has not once complained about his situation, he’s professional and talented. Don’t slip up Habs…

Question of the day…

Who do you think the Canadiens will start against the Lonely Islanders Thursday night???

Halak Highlights

and in fairness

Price highlights