For the second consecutive game, Montreal Canadiens net-minder,Jaroslav Halak made over 40 saves as the Habs handed the Boston Bruins it's ninth consecutive loss. Halak turned aside 45 of 47 shots as Brian Gionta's shootout winner gave the Canadiens a 3-2 win.
The Bruins were up 2-0 with the end of the second period winding down when Glen Metropolit and Roman Hamrlik scored 39 seconds apart. For Metropolit it was his first goal in 18 games and Hamrlik scored his 6th of the season.
Just like in the win against Vancouver, the Habs' got goals from unlikely sources and Halak was stellar, as Montreal leapfrogs, at least temporarily, into 6th spot in the Eastern Conference. Only four points separates 6th from 12th spot.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Montreal receives Max-imum effort
Backed by 45 saves by Jaroslav Halak, the Montreal Canadiens, the injury riddled Habs managed to snap the Vancouver Canucks seven game win streak The Habs’ net-minder improved his save percentage to .929, currently putting him at 3rd in the HNL and didn’t seem to have a problem admitting having some luck on his side.
“I had a little bit of luck tonight. (Ryan) Kesler shot a bomb and it hit the post. The post is usually on the goalie's side.”
- Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak.
Even still, The Habs’ net-minder made key saves and improved his save percentage to .929, currently putting him at 3rd in the HNL.
The Habs got goals from two unlikely sources in Maxim Lapierre and Sergei Kostitsyn.
Kostitsyn got just his second goal in 24 games this season while adding an assist, and Lapierre netted his fourth having played in every game this season; Thomas Plakanec added to his team lead in points with his 14th goal of the season.
With the teams’ leading goal scorer Michael Cammalleri expected out for 6 – 8 weeks and Andrei Kostisyn due back sometime in March, the offensively anemic blue, blanc and rouge will need supplementary offence.
A few more bounces going their way couldn’t hurt either. The Canadiens currently sits in seventh place in the ever increasingly congested Eastern Conference just one point above three other teams.
“I had a little bit of luck tonight. (Ryan) Kesler shot a bomb and it hit the post. The post is usually on the goalie's side.”
- Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak.
Even still, The Habs’ net-minder made key saves and improved his save percentage to .929, currently putting him at 3rd in the HNL.
The Habs got goals from two unlikely sources in Maxim Lapierre and Sergei Kostitsyn.
Kostitsyn got just his second goal in 24 games this season while adding an assist, and Lapierre netted his fourth having played in every game this season; Thomas Plakanec added to his team lead in points with his 14th goal of the season.
With the teams’ leading goal scorer Michael Cammalleri expected out for 6 – 8 weeks and Andrei Kostisyn due back sometime in March, the offensively anemic blue, blanc and rouge will need supplementary offence.
A few more bounces going their way couldn’t hurt either. The Canadiens currently sits in seventh place in the ever increasingly congested Eastern Conference just one point above three other teams.
Friday, September 18, 2009
District 9 review
District 9s’ opening is similar to a previous summer blockbuster, Independence Day, with only one difference, this movie is actually good. An alien spaceship arrives above Johannesburg, South Africa, with humans rescuing the malnourished creatures and setting them up in confinement like quarters. The aliens, referred to as Prawns, leaderless and living in less than ideal conditions, are seen as parasites by the local residents.
20 years later, tensions between those who want the aliens re-located and the aliens themselves is cause for action. This is where the movies’ lead gets himself in trouble. His alternative motives and disregard for proper procedure lead him to be an invaluable and expendable tool for the corporation for which he works.
District 9 is a thoughtful, creative and emotionally touching film that revolves around socio-political themes. Media, government and corporate exploitation along with pre-conceived notions, intolerance and fear help make this movie a must see. And for all you splatter fans, this film has no shortage of goo. District 9 leaves many questions unanswered, perhaps leaving room for a sequel. Maybe in oh, say, about 3 years?
4 secrets out of 5
20 years later, tensions between those who want the aliens re-located and the aliens themselves is cause for action. This is where the movies’ lead gets himself in trouble. His alternative motives and disregard for proper procedure lead him to be an invaluable and expendable tool for the corporation for which he works.
District 9 is a thoughtful, creative and emotionally touching film that revolves around socio-political themes. Media, government and corporate exploitation along with pre-conceived notions, intolerance and fear help make this movie a must see. And for all you splatter fans, this film has no shortage of goo. District 9 leaves many questions unanswered, perhaps leaving room for a sequel. Maybe in oh, say, about 3 years?
4 secrets out of 5
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Halloween 2 review
Halloween 2 is a gratuitously violent film absent of any genuine suspense. Not that I expected any less of a Rob Zombie film, but I was hoping he could maybe he could bring some legitimacy to this re-make.
In a pathetic attempt that seems like it took all but five minutes to conceive, Zombie psycho-analyzes Michael Myers’ motive for his relentless pursuit of his sister, Laurie. Both characters performances, Laurie and Myers’ doctor, Sam Loomis, pale in comparison to their predecessors Jamie Lee Curtis and the late Donald Pleasance. What contributed to Loomis’ less than stellar performance was his inconsistent attitude; the doctors’ insincere, greedy and selfish personality miraculously transforms near the films’ climax, with no foreshadowing.
Speaking of the climax, it was predictable and unoriginal, that is, if you pretend Halloween 4 doesn’t exist. Additionally, several parts of the movie were dream sequences, a great way of exploiting the viewers’ intelligence. Furthermore, the time references were inconsistent: black and white televisions, rotary phones, widescreen televisions and Weird Al. The dialogue didn’t help alleviate this confusion, either, which was horrible in its own right. Who uses the phrase “Slow your roll,” now or in the 1970s?
Another cringe-worthy note is that this film was way too long. This flick could have been easily knocked down to 90 minutes if the antagonist hacked and slashed his victims less than 84 times. And what was with the added sound effects? Michael Myers sounded like he was training to be a pro wrestler. You wrestling nerds know what I’m talking about. And for all of you Halloween diehards, I realize Michael has been known to breathe quite heavily, especially in the original Halloween, but this was outright grunting.
To my knowledge, this is the first re-make of a horror sequel. If this movie is indicative of any future horror sequel remakes, I urge you to save your money. For all of you mindless gore lovers, the only positive I can see with this movie is that it outdid the original Halloween 2 in the slasher department.
1 slowed roll out of 5
In a pathetic attempt that seems like it took all but five minutes to conceive, Zombie psycho-analyzes Michael Myers’ motive for his relentless pursuit of his sister, Laurie. Both characters performances, Laurie and Myers’ doctor, Sam Loomis, pale in comparison to their predecessors Jamie Lee Curtis and the late Donald Pleasance. What contributed to Loomis’ less than stellar performance was his inconsistent attitude; the doctors’ insincere, greedy and selfish personality miraculously transforms near the films’ climax, with no foreshadowing.
Speaking of the climax, it was predictable and unoriginal, that is, if you pretend Halloween 4 doesn’t exist. Additionally, several parts of the movie were dream sequences, a great way of exploiting the viewers’ intelligence. Furthermore, the time references were inconsistent: black and white televisions, rotary phones, widescreen televisions and Weird Al. The dialogue didn’t help alleviate this confusion, either, which was horrible in its own right. Who uses the phrase “Slow your roll,” now or in the 1970s?
Another cringe-worthy note is that this film was way too long. This flick could have been easily knocked down to 90 minutes if the antagonist hacked and slashed his victims less than 84 times. And what was with the added sound effects? Michael Myers sounded like he was training to be a pro wrestler. You wrestling nerds know what I’m talking about. And for all of you Halloween diehards, I realize Michael has been known to breathe quite heavily, especially in the original Halloween, but this was outright grunting.
To my knowledge, this is the first re-make of a horror sequel. If this movie is indicative of any future horror sequel remakes, I urge you to save your money. For all of you mindless gore lovers, the only positive I can see with this movie is that it outdid the original Halloween 2 in the slasher department.
1 slowed roll out of 5
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
"Who you gonna' call?" Hopefully, not Atari for a sequel
Ever since that Saturday afternoon at Dawson’s 10th birthday party when I, and many others in the theatre, left having watched what was soon to be a timeless classic, I have been waiting for a video game to capture, if not somehow recreate the charm, humor and all around enjoyment of the 1984 blockbuster Ghostbusters. Unfortunately, this game comes up a little short. This is mostly in part due to average gameplay graphics and a lack of game play time. However, you should keep in mind that I did not experience the online gameplay and I only played through the career mode once on easy. I think this game really would have benefited from having a mission where you get to operate Ecto-1. Additionally, the linear story line could have been made more interesting with some side missions or having the options of taking different routes. Despite these flaws, this game does have some things to offer. The cinematic clip visuals are very well done and the sound is equally as impressive. Several members of the original movie cast do the voices for the characters in the game including the ghostbusters, the vengegul Peck and the mayor of N.Y. City. I never get sick of hearing Venkman saying ‘he slimed me.’ From the sound of the proton pack charging to the eerie piano playing, this game emulates the sounds of the original movie to a tee. Despite the length of time it took me to finish, I did enjoy the story line. You are a recruit brought in to help the ghostbusters during an increase of ectoplasm activity in the big apple. The object of the game is simple: capture or eliminate as many ghosts as you encounter using your almost always trusty proton pack. The more ghosts you eliminate, the more money you earn to upgrade your paranormal disposing weapon, which is a good thing; your enemies get meaner. Don’t worry though, rookie, the trusty ghostbusters take turns being at your side.
Rating: 7 proton packs out of 10
Rating: 7 proton packs out of 10
Thursday, April 30, 2009
2008-09 NHL Playoffs Picks: Round 2
Although I didn't predict any series scores correctly in the first round, I think my 6-2 record warrants my second round picks, don't you?
Eastern Conference
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Boston Bruins
Boston will make Carolina feel like a gentle breeze
While the Canes shocked many, including the New Jersey Devils, it's time for the Bruins to give them a wake up call. No disrespect to Eric Stall and company, but Boston swept the season series 4-0 and have too much size and depth for Carolina to handle. The only way I can see an upset happening is if Cam Ward pulls a repeat which earned Carolina it's only Stanley Cup in 2006.
Bruins wins series 4 games to 1
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals
Don't blink for a second
This is the series that will have NHL drooling for more. Three of the league's top scorers, Evgeni Malkin, Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby will be trying to outdo each other in what should be the most exciting series this post-season. Aside form the three mentioned players, this series will feature a slew of offensively skilled and exciting players. Additionally, some bad blood between Crosby, Malkin, Ovechkin and Alexander Semin should make this series not just a spectacular display of offensive skills, but a physical series as well. On top of all the skillful players, this series boasts what looks to be a great goaltending match-up. Both netminders are playing exceptionally well thus far. Varmalov will have to continue his incredible rookie post-season if the Caps are to make it to the third round.
Capitals wins series 4 games to 3
Western Conference
Detroit Redwings vs. Anaheim Ducks
The Duck stops here.
The defending Stanley Cup Champs are too big and too deep for Anaheim to handle. I know I said pretty much the same thing about San Jose, but Detroit was the highest scoring team in the regular season, with a load of offense coming from the defense. Plus, the way Detroit handled Columbus in the first round, I don't see Anaheim making it to the third round.
Redwings wins series 4 games to 3
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver Canucks
Luongo will frustrate Hawks top guns
As the trite expression goes, offense sells tickets and defense wins championships. Chicago played really good hockey against the Flames, but Calgary didn't have Roberto Luongo in net. Mika Kiprousoff played below average, and I don't see Luongo having that same problem.
Canucks wins series 4 games to 3
Eastern Conference
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Boston Bruins
Boston will make Carolina feel like a gentle breeze
While the Canes shocked many, including the New Jersey Devils, it's time for the Bruins to give them a wake up call. No disrespect to Eric Stall and company, but Boston swept the season series 4-0 and have too much size and depth for Carolina to handle. The only way I can see an upset happening is if Cam Ward pulls a repeat which earned Carolina it's only Stanley Cup in 2006.
Bruins wins series 4 games to 1
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals
Don't blink for a second
This is the series that will have NHL drooling for more. Three of the league's top scorers, Evgeni Malkin, Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby will be trying to outdo each other in what should be the most exciting series this post-season. Aside form the three mentioned players, this series will feature a slew of offensively skilled and exciting players. Additionally, some bad blood between Crosby, Malkin, Ovechkin and Alexander Semin should make this series not just a spectacular display of offensive skills, but a physical series as well. On top of all the skillful players, this series boasts what looks to be a great goaltending match-up. Both netminders are playing exceptionally well thus far. Varmalov will have to continue his incredible rookie post-season if the Caps are to make it to the third round.
Capitals wins series 4 games to 3
Western Conference
Detroit Redwings vs. Anaheim Ducks
The Duck stops here.
The defending Stanley Cup Champs are too big and too deep for Anaheim to handle. I know I said pretty much the same thing about San Jose, but Detroit was the highest scoring team in the regular season, with a load of offense coming from the defense. Plus, the way Detroit handled Columbus in the first round, I don't see Anaheim making it to the third round.
Redwings wins series 4 games to 3
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vancouver Canucks
Luongo will frustrate Hawks top guns
As the trite expression goes, offense sells tickets and defense wins championships. Chicago played really good hockey against the Flames, but Calgary didn't have Roberto Luongo in net. Mika Kiprousoff played below average, and I don't see Luongo having that same problem.
Canucks wins series 4 games to 3
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
2008-09 Free NHL Playoffs Picks
NHL 2008-09 FREE PLAYOFFS PICKS
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Bruins Too Much For Habs, This Time
With a heavy heart, I believe the Boston Bruins are ready to exact revenge on the team I have cheered on since 1986. One of the things that differentiates this series from the last three times the Canadiens ousted the Bruins in the first round is the absence of Andrei Markov. The second highest point getting defenceman is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. The only way the blue, blanc and rougue will stand a chance of beating the team with the best plus minus goals differential is to get number 79 back in the lineup soon. The Bruins just have too much depth and size for the Habs. Boston was the only team this year to finish with seven 20+ goal scorers.
Bruins win series 4 games to 1
Caps Offense Will Mesmerize The Offensively Anemic Rangers
I’m familiar with the trite expression that a good defense will beat a good offense any day. Unfortunately for the New York Rangers, that will not be the case against the potent offense of the Washington Capitals. Although the Rangers had the leagues best penalty kill during the regular season, and Henrik Lundquist earned another 30plus wins, the Capitals become the first team since 1996 to boast four players who finished the regular season recording at least a point per game. If Jose Theodore can be even just average in this series, the league’s top goal scorer and the Capitals should have its way with New York. The only chance the Rangers have of winning this series is if Lundquist shines beyond belief.
Washington wins series 4 games to 0.
Eric Stall and Cam Ward Are Shining At The Right Time
I’m not making my first upset based on the Hurricanes winning the season series against New Jersey 3-1. I’m picking Carolina because its gone 13-5 since March. As well, Eric Stall and Cam Ward are playing the kind of inspired hockey that won the franchise its first ever Stanley Cup in 2004. Martin Brodeur has not been marginal since returning from an injury that kept him out of most of this past season. And although this Devils team boasts a potent offence, which the franchise is not known for, including the fourth leading scorer in Zack Parise, I don’t think the Jersey can get enough offense from its defense, whereas Anton Babchuck and Joe Corvo have been playing quite well for the Canes as of late.
Carolina wins series 4 games to 2
Philadelphia’s offense won’t be enough to topple the Penguins
Ever since making a coaching change, the Penguins have really turned this season around. Getting the veteran leadership of Bill Guerin and Chris Kunitz near the trading deadline didn’t hurt, either. I think this series will come down to goaltending. And although Philadelphia netminder, Martin Biron, got a monkey off his back last season, advancing to the third round of the playoffs, Fleury was the difference maker then, and he will be the same this series. Both teams have loads of offensive talent, but the Flyers can’t get it done defensively. I know Philadelphia allowed one fewer goal than the Penguins this year, but the Pens have been a different team since removing former coach Michelle Therien. Getting back one of the leagues’ best defenseman in Sergei Gonchan didn’t hurt much, either.
Pittsburgh wins series 4 games to 3
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Could This Be The Year The Sharks Finally Makes Some Waves?
Corny pun aside, San Jose is poised to make it deep in the playoffs this year. Many a Presidents’ Trophy winner has disappointed, San Jose looks to me like they can at least get past the first round. No disrespect to the Ducks who have a load of experience and talent, Anaheim just can’t seem to find its’ stride this year. Joe Thornton is another year older and experienced, Patrick Marleau has had a huge turnaround year and San Jose has an incredibly deep team. Additionally, the Sharks is solid on defence and can play a physical game, too.
San Jose wins series 4 games to 3
Detroit Squeaks By The Pesky Blue Jackets
I don’t think it will be easy for Detroit, but a load of depth and experience should advance the defending Stanley Cup champs into the second round. Rookie goaltender Steve Mason has had an outstanding year for Columbus and Rick Nash keeps growing into a top NHL star. However, Detroit had the most goals of any team this year and has 2 of the top centres in Pavel Datsyuk. Additionally, the defending champs has 169 points between its’ top 3 defencemen. I don’t know why Chris Osgood keeps getting mentioned as a key to Detroit repeating. Hasn’t he proven himself already?
The Blues’ Run Stops Here
Congratulations to St. Louis for making its’ first post season appearance since 2004. I’m not saying they don’t deserve to be here; quite the opposite. The Blues surprised everybody by playing well enough down the stretch to secure a playoff spot. But, the Vancouver Canucks has played exceptionally well having won 23 of its’ last 32 games after losing 8 straight in January. I think like in many series, this one will come down to goaltending with the Vancouver captain getting my nod.
Vancouver wins series 4 games to 1
Experience And Grit Too Much For Chicago To Handle
Although the Blackhawks swept the season series 4-0, have home ice and the leagues’ 4th most potent offence, I think the Flames, who have been inconsistent all season, will show up. On top of leadership, grit and offence, Flames captain Jerome Iginla has a supporting cast that includes a breakout year from Mike Cammalleri, I think the one key factor to the Flames success will be Ollie Jokinen. Jokinen is making his first post season appearance after playing 799 regular season games. I think his desire and enthusiasm in knowing that he finally made it to the playoffs will be contagious. It doesn’t hurt that he can score a goal or two. Chicago is loaded with talent and is fun to watch, but it’s not their time yet.
Calgary wins series 4 games to 2
My Early Stanley Cup Prediction:
Detroit over Boston 4 games to 2
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Bruins Too Much For Habs, This Time
With a heavy heart, I believe the Boston Bruins are ready to exact revenge on the team I have cheered on since 1986. One of the things that differentiates this series from the last three times the Canadiens ousted the Bruins in the first round is the absence of Andrei Markov. The second highest point getting defenceman is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. The only way the blue, blanc and rougue will stand a chance of beating the team with the best plus minus goals differential is to get number 79 back in the lineup soon. The Bruins just have too much depth and size for the Habs. Boston was the only team this year to finish with seven 20+ goal scorers.
Bruins win series 4 games to 1
Caps Offense Will Mesmerize The Offensively Anemic Rangers
I’m familiar with the trite expression that a good defense will beat a good offense any day. Unfortunately for the New York Rangers, that will not be the case against the potent offense of the Washington Capitals. Although the Rangers had the leagues best penalty kill during the regular season, and Henrik Lundquist earned another 30plus wins, the Capitals become the first team since 1996 to boast four players who finished the regular season recording at least a point per game. If Jose Theodore can be even just average in this series, the league’s top goal scorer and the Capitals should have its way with New York. The only chance the Rangers have of winning this series is if Lundquist shines beyond belief.
Washington wins series 4 games to 0.
Eric Stall and Cam Ward Are Shining At The Right Time
I’m not making my first upset based on the Hurricanes winning the season series against New Jersey 3-1. I’m picking Carolina because its gone 13-5 since March. As well, Eric Stall and Cam Ward are playing the kind of inspired hockey that won the franchise its first ever Stanley Cup in 2004. Martin Brodeur has not been marginal since returning from an injury that kept him out of most of this past season. And although this Devils team boasts a potent offence, which the franchise is not known for, including the fourth leading scorer in Zack Parise, I don’t think the Jersey can get enough offense from its defense, whereas Anton Babchuck and Joe Corvo have been playing quite well for the Canes as of late.
Carolina wins series 4 games to 2
Philadelphia’s offense won’t be enough to topple the Penguins
Ever since making a coaching change, the Penguins have really turned this season around. Getting the veteran leadership of Bill Guerin and Chris Kunitz near the trading deadline didn’t hurt, either. I think this series will come down to goaltending. And although Philadelphia netminder, Martin Biron, got a monkey off his back last season, advancing to the third round of the playoffs, Fleury was the difference maker then, and he will be the same this series. Both teams have loads of offensive talent, but the Flyers can’t get it done defensively. I know Philadelphia allowed one fewer goal than the Penguins this year, but the Pens have been a different team since removing former coach Michelle Therien. Getting back one of the leagues’ best defenseman in Sergei Gonchan didn’t hurt much, either.
Pittsburgh wins series 4 games to 3
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Could This Be The Year The Sharks Finally Makes Some Waves?
Corny pun aside, San Jose is poised to make it deep in the playoffs this year. Many a Presidents’ Trophy winner has disappointed, San Jose looks to me like they can at least get past the first round. No disrespect to the Ducks who have a load of experience and talent, Anaheim just can’t seem to find its’ stride this year. Joe Thornton is another year older and experienced, Patrick Marleau has had a huge turnaround year and San Jose has an incredibly deep team. Additionally, the Sharks is solid on defence and can play a physical game, too.
San Jose wins series 4 games to 3
Detroit Squeaks By The Pesky Blue Jackets
I don’t think it will be easy for Detroit, but a load of depth and experience should advance the defending Stanley Cup champs into the second round. Rookie goaltender Steve Mason has had an outstanding year for Columbus and Rick Nash keeps growing into a top NHL star. However, Detroit had the most goals of any team this year and has 2 of the top centres in Pavel Datsyuk. Additionally, the defending champs has 169 points between its’ top 3 defencemen. I don’t know why Chris Osgood keeps getting mentioned as a key to Detroit repeating. Hasn’t he proven himself already?
The Blues’ Run Stops Here
Congratulations to St. Louis for making its’ first post season appearance since 2004. I’m not saying they don’t deserve to be here; quite the opposite. The Blues surprised everybody by playing well enough down the stretch to secure a playoff spot. But, the Vancouver Canucks has played exceptionally well having won 23 of its’ last 32 games after losing 8 straight in January. I think like in many series, this one will come down to goaltending with the Vancouver captain getting my nod.
Vancouver wins series 4 games to 1
Experience And Grit Too Much For Chicago To Handle
Although the Blackhawks swept the season series 4-0, have home ice and the leagues’ 4th most potent offence, I think the Flames, who have been inconsistent all season, will show up. On top of leadership, grit and offence, Flames captain Jerome Iginla has a supporting cast that includes a breakout year from Mike Cammalleri, I think the one key factor to the Flames success will be Ollie Jokinen. Jokinen is making his first post season appearance after playing 799 regular season games. I think his desire and enthusiasm in knowing that he finally made it to the playoffs will be contagious. It doesn’t hurt that he can score a goal or two. Chicago is loaded with talent and is fun to watch, but it’s not their time yet.
Calgary wins series 4 games to 2
My Early Stanley Cup Prediction:
Detroit over Boston 4 games to 2
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)