To the outside world:

Stop confusing actual hockey fans with people who have nothing better to do with their time.

After Vancouvers game seven loss to the Boston Bruins (for which I say, begrudingly, congratulations) – riots broke out in the city. Not just ‘OMG WE LOST’ riots – but violent, destructive riots.

Those aren’t fans.

They shouldn’t even be considered fans.

These are people who came downtown KNOWING that if the end result was a Vancouver Canucks loss, that it would give them opportunity to do the things that they’ve done. Do you think that Canucks fans went downtown last night, armed with spray-cans and fire-crackers or weapons, just in case their team lost? Do you think they brought ski masks with them? If you really do think that way, then you’re doing this wrong.

Lets take a look at an example: the G20 summit this past summer in Toronto saw a whole bunch of demonstrations that were aimed at the biggest heads in the political world. Most, if not all of them, were peaceful. There was, however – a group of people, knowing full well tht the city had been sectioned off, that there was TONS of opportunity to get violent, and they did. They had taken what had been a perfect opportunity, and used it to their advantage. Destroyed shops and cars and personal property…they weren’t protesting anything- they were simply out to vandalise. Say what you want about how the police handled the situation, but the fact remains: not all protesters there were out to be violent- some wanted their voices ACTUALLY heard. It was jerks and lowlifes who ruined that for the rest of them.

It’s the same thing now. These are not Canucks fans. Do you know how easy it is to go out and purchase a Vancouver Canucks jersey or t-shirt or piece of paraphanalia, to blend in? Do you know how easy it is for these people to simply be part of the crowds? And while I do bet that a few ‘fans’ did end up getting into the melee, this wasn’t started by them.

To the assholes (and I mean that with no respect for these people whatsoever) that took what had been an interesting Stanley Cup Final and tarnished it with your stupidity: well done. Bravo. You’ve managed to not only make yourselves look like idiots, but you’ve destroyed your city. You probably injured a few hundred people, and you’ve also managed to make the world look at you and think ‘this is not a place I ever want to visit.’ You don’t seem to realise the HUGE error of your ways, and the ripple effect that it has on the rest of your city.

To those of you who were there amist the complete meltdown: I hope you stayed safe. If you happened to take video/photo from last night, PLEASE keep it. There are a whole bunch of places to send your footage to, and the Vancouver Police Department is going to need all the help they can get. Lots of people on Twitter giving out numbers/emails to get the ball rolling, and here are a few of them. Please, PLEASE do not let the people responsible for all of this, slip away.

@VancouverPD asking for anyone with photo/video/witness evidence to call 604.717.2541 or email robbery@vpd.ca

@hosea24hours Let’s do this. If you have pics or videos of an idiot, send them to van24news@sunmedia.ca #identifythisidiot #riot

@bruce_arthur Take back your city, Vancouver. ID the people giving you a bad name. Put ‘em on Facebook, or send ‘em to @VancouverPD.

Vancouver Post-Riot Clean-up on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=219286898091948

Yeah, yeah. Two people told me to do it, and I am a pushover.

So while I am not the official writer for the As-yet-unnamed Winnipeg hockey team – I do want to talk about a few things. I am a Canadian girl, I was born in the eighties, so yes – I do remember the Jets- so before you ask, yeah- I know the Jets. Who doesn’t remember the Jets? They still come out with Winnipeg Jets merchandise for goodness sakes. And HELLO? They actually had awesome merch.

So why is it, that there is actually a debate – nay, not just a debate – but a plethora of news coverage – on what to call a former NHL team?

Really, people?

You all have to see the silliness of it. You HAVE to. Unless the NHL (who yes, own the Jets nickname) decides to get snooty and says that no, there’s no way that the new Winnipeg NHL team can’t be called the Jets, because they were already called that and can’t be called that again – then I don’t see why they can’t be called the Jets again.

Moose is already taken. By the AHL team – Manitoba Moose. And then if you take it from the AHL team, well- what do you call them? Manitoba we-got-screwed-over-by-the-NHL-agains?

On top of that – there are rumblings that the team wouldn’t be branded the Winnipeg Anythings anyway – they’re considering using Manitoba instead. This is another move I don’t understand. It’s like Gary Bettman is trying really hard to not make it seem like all these expansion teams in places that really didn’t need expansion teams was a really, really bad idea in the first place, and doesn’t want to admit defeat by bringing back Winnipeg at all. I hate to say it [read: I am happy to say it] – but many of the expansion teams that the market wasn’t there for? They were bad ideas. Colorado was a good idea- they’re a cold-weather climate that understands that hockey is actually played from October-June, and know what snow and ice is.

Phoenix? Bad idea.
Atlanta? Had the right idea, but turned out to not be such a good idea.
Gary Bettman having his own radio show? Supremely bad idea.

I’m getting off topic. The fact of the matter is – there shouldn’t BE a debate on what to call the team in Winnipeg. There was a team there before, and in using that name – that brand that is ALREADY in place? You do not have to worry about creating and marketing an entirely new brand, wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars. Maybe Winnipegians would actually warm up to a new name – but it’s kind of like here in Toronto with the Sky Dome. It may be Rogers Centre now, but it’s always going to be the damn Sky Dome to the 8 million plus people that live in this city.

Or the artist formerly known as Prince who then turned into a symbol, then became the artist who formerly was a symbol who then changed their name to just the Artist who probably should just go by John Doe at this point but don’t quote me on it…will still be called Prince.

How about this? Why not call the NHL team that goes to Winnipeg…the Winnipeg Jets.

Let’s save time and space and money and maybe even some brain cells here. When you have a perfectly good NHL hockey team name in the Jets, and a perfectly good city that – HEY! happened to actually be home to said perfectly good NHL team name. Why not actually use it?

Or maybe this is a boy thing. Is this a boy thing? Boys always tell me that girls are complicated. But if this is actually a debate and people are actually concerned about what to name the Winnipeg Jets, then there are some WAY bigger issues at hand, other than naming this team.

Though there are some interesting alternatives. I leave it up to the readers of Aerys Sports and my blog to leave me some of the better ones. Who knows, maybe yours will get posted and seen by my billions of adoring fans and then the NHL will go OH MY GOD WHAT AN AMAZING NAME! WE SHALL TAKE IT! – however. If you send me the ‘Winnipeg Weiners’ – you and I can no longer be friends. Besides, someone already came up with it. Me. Trademark impending.

Safe to say that if and when Winnipeg gets a team- no matter what the outcome, I’m still calling them the Jets.

Well hi!

I can’t believe it’s already May. Isn’t that crazy? I think that this is going to be one of those years that feels as though it wasn’t actually 365 days. Where does the time go?

Now that the Habs have been out for a while, I have been able to really relax and watch hockey without the added stress of whether or not I am going to be able to go to bed without having a major heart attack, knowing that my team may or may not make it. I think the sense of sadness that had come over me after the game seven loss has finally disappeared (I know for some, they’re still sore about it- but that’s okay, you can wallow)- so I can talk openly and freely about hockey, without choking up.

Staying in the hockey realm for a moment – the Habs AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, won a stunner of a game last night. Picture this, yeah? Game 7 in the Calder Cup semi-finals against the Manitoba Moose. Moose are up 1-0 in the 3rd when the Bulldogs score (Manitoba native Nigel Dawes) to tie it up. The rest of the period saw the goalies tighten up to the point where it became a clinic. Eddie Lack (who was literally standing on his head) saw 57 shots by the end of the game!

First OT – nothing happened.

Second OT – nothing still…

Third OT – six seconds in, Dustin Boyd (another Manitoba native) scores after dumping the puck in off the boards, catching his own rebound, chipping the puck up and over Lack’s shoulder. This stuff just writes itself. It’s a Disney movie in the making: “The Amazing Bulldogs” – starring Joshua Jackson as the pompous, yet lovable coach that after his time with the Mighty Ducks, came back to Canada to get his career back on track and coach a bunch of wayfaring young men….

Okay, enough of that.

But seriously- it was a pretty amazing game to listen to (I wish I could have seen it played out) – because three overtimes? We haven’t seen three overtimes in this years NHL playoffs! And since they are the Habs affiliate, you know I’m cheering for them. It will be interesting to see how far they can get – and I think if they DO go further in, it would be safe to say that Montreal’s farming isn’t so bad after all.

If you happen to be in/around the Hamilton area at any point in time over the next few weeks – go and see a playoff game. It’s an electric crowd, tickets are less than 25$, and you get to see great hockey, NHL prospects, and be part of an awesome atmosphere. On top of that, you’re supporting hockey, on all its levels. Sometimes the AHL doesn’t get the credit it deserves, on being an awesome market.

Go Bulldogs!

A bunch of the Habs have ventured on to the world of Twitter – so those of you living under rocks – here is a list of those who are indeed in the twitterverse:

Brian Gionta: @Giostyle21
Mathieu Darche: @matdarche52
Max Pacioretty:  @MaxPacioretty67
Yannick Weber: @yanweber68
Brent Sopel: @BrentSopel
Michael Cammalleri: @MCammalleri13

They’re all pretty amusing in their own rights – some tweet more than others, but hopefully they will get some of their peers to join up and add their hilarity to the interwebs. I have them in a list on Twitter that is aptly titled:  @bailsebeth/canadiens – because I am so original that way. And on top of that, it’s a good way to keep up with the boys while they chill out and prepare for next season! (Whatevs, I know it’s May and hockey doesn’t start up again until October, but I have always been an over-achiever.)

Some of the big things that will be going on with the Habs over the next few months will be all the free-agent signings, contract extensions, etc, that will be coming up. Biggest one will more than likely be Andrei Markov. If he’s healthy (and hell, even if he’s not) – I think the Habs need to sign him up, and fast. Top 6 defensemen are hard to come by, and there would be 29 other teams that would be happy to take him off our hands. Some positives, however- are that Markov got his Canadian citizenship last year, and he’s always talked about how much he loves living and being in Montreal. I doubt he wants to go anywhere, and he’s a workhorse – the Canadiens organization knows it – so I am looking to see a 2 or 3 year deal (again, a girl can hope) worked out before free agency strikes on July 1st. I know there are a few more players up for free agency (or at the very least, near the end of their contracts) so it will be interesting to see what kind of moves, if any, they make.

I think I had more to say, but my brain has been fried for the past few days. I will be updating regularly during the summer months- keeping people up to date with what is going on in Montreal and injury reports and the like – so please don’t think I’ve fallen off the face of the earth!

Happy summer!

Dear Montreal Canadiens:

Thank you.

Since the beginning of the season, all I have heard was: the Montreal Canadiens can’t pull off the Cinderella season they had last year. They’ll finish out of the playoff race. They just don’t have the power. You made some off season changes, including the biggest one: putting your trust into Carey Price, and trading away the goalie of the playoffs for us last year.

To be honest, I had never been more relieved to know that Carey was going to be our go-to guy. I have been a supporter of Price since he came into the league, and I knew you had made the right decision. Even when things were a little hairy in the pre-season, I still stood by the decision, and may have loved Carey a little more, when he told everyone to just chill out.  I remember so many people being absolutely perplexed by his nonchalance and his attitude, that they didn’t really know what to make of it- but I saw something different in him- he had a better attitude than he’d had in a long while.

I will admit that I am still a little miffed that Carey didn’t get a Vezina nod. Considering the year he had last year, and the run he had this year? There was not only a huge change in his attitude, but he gave the team a chance to win, every night. Some games, I don’t even think they deserved him. On the other hand, however- Carey IS only in his early twenties, and one day, his chance will come. That I do not doubt.

Hockey seasons have this way of going up and down. For a while you can be coasting, and then before you know it: you’re picking yourself back up again. For me, it started when we lost Markov. That one hurt, seeing him come back from those injuries last season, only to get hurt only a few games back into this season, re-injuring the same knee he had before. Then came light of Georges knee injury: finding out he essentially wasn’t playing with any structure in his knee, at all. But even without two of our top defensemen, we were finding ways to win, finding ways to push through and make positives out of negatives.

In light of injuries, we also got to see some amazing kids step up and really take their place in the Habs lineup.

Ryan White- after an amazing pre-season camp, had been sent back to the Bulldogs- and he was devastated. He thought he’d earned a spot with the big boys, and to be honest, I thought he had, too. This kid plays with heart, he’s quick, he’s strong, and he’s got that prairie-boy personality that just can’t be beat. When he was brought up during some key games in the season, I kept saying to myself ‘he is going to be a difference maker one day.’ And you know what? You were, Ryan. You were tough, you were strong, you played more like a veteran than a rookie, and that means SO much in this market, you have no idea. I think you proved your worth, ten times over.

David Desharnais – the little engine that could. Yannick Weber, the kid we could use as both a forward AND a defensive clutch. Hell…Bringing in Wisniewski had been a breath of fresh air. Having Sopel to carry some of the load had been such a relief to the depleted blue line…

And then there is PK.

I don’t know what I can say about PK, that isn’t going to set me off into tears. I don’t know if people realize, who AREN’T Habs fans – just exactly what he did for this team down the stretch. When we lost a whole bunch of defensemen, they turned to him and said ‘we need you to step up’. Not just in regards to play – and we all knew he could do that – but also in regards to ice time. He was seeing more ice time than ANY rookie this year. He was playing the role of a veteran defenseman, at the age of 22. He was subject of good press and bad press, and yet still managed to keep a smile on his face and a demeanor that screamed ‘I really don’t care what you think of me, I am going to BE me’.

This was a kid that in the playoffs last year, showed so much potential, that Habs fans were cheering him as if he were the answer to our prayers. He was the kid that, despite all the negativity, all the hate [and there has been a lot of hate, on and OFF the ice in regards to him - and no one, I mean no one, should ever have to go through that, ever]. Played hard, worked hard, and really benefited from being Hal Gill’s defensive partner. Gill really did settle him down, without taking away PK’s spark.

Patches. Is it dorky that I get a little emotional when I talk about him? Maybe.

Patches had a whirlwind of a season this year. He put his foot down at the beginning of the season, and essentially told the media, AND the Montreal Canadiens, that not only did he deserve a spot on the team, but that he’d earned it. And…you know, he had been on the way to having an amazing season. He was not only a physical presence, he was a strong skater, hard on the puck, not afraid to get into the corners and fight the battles- and what preached, he definitely practiced.

I don’t want to get into the Chara hit. It was a big part, albeit a very sad part, of the Habs season this year. Nothing will bleach the visual of him lying on the ice like a ragdoll from my brain, and part of me never wants to forget it. It was a bad hit, something that should have been dealt with, and was instead looked over as something that was unfortunate, but not worthy of punishment. At the same time- I am convinced this kid is made of steel. Or whatever it is, that Wolverine is made out of. When he comes back next year, along with all the other injured players we had this year, he will be a force to be reckoned with. And as bad as all of this was, I really do hope that he takes a positive outlook on all of this.

As I said before, the Habs had an up and down season. I’m not going to make excuses, because I am sure that they aren’t making excuses, either. Injuries aside, there were some games (off the top of my head, I can name a few] where I really wanted to throw things at the television and scream until my throat was raw. There were other games- with sparks of brilliance – that made me realize that this team actually does HAVE what it takes to be a contender.

It wasn’t this year.

I will admit, that losing to the Bruins was a big blow. We battled hard- I think harder in this series, than in our series with either Washington or Pittsburgh – not just because this is a historic rivalry, or because of what happened during the regular season, but because they had something to prove. Not just to us and hockey fans, but to themselves.

I could go into some long winded thing about stats and advantages and disadvantages, and how one team was better than the other, but really, it would just give me heartburn, and all the ifs, ands and buts, are not going to change the outcome of last night.

There is no one to blame, either. And before you go off on me and start pointing fingers, there really isn’t. Don’t go blaming players, or the coaching staff, or the other team, or even the officiating, it’s just not worth the time or effort, because chances are- they’re not giving it the time or effort, either.  I’ve listened to my mum argue on the phone this morning with my grandmother, about this, that and the other thing, and right now, I can’t bring myself to do it. They lost, that is what it comes down to. The Canadiens, in one second, lost what would have been an amazing comeback in a game seven series. They wanted to win, just as much as we, the fans did. They were the ones that put their blood, sweat and tears into the game, and we should respect that.

So, to my Canadiens – thank you. Thank you for making this season as entertaining and stressful and full of  ups and downs as you possibly could. You may not feel this way today, but you really DID make a lot of us very proud. In more ways than one. So come home, with your heads held high. Besides, before you know it, summer will be over, and you will have 82 more games to prove your worth all over again, and I, for one- can’t wait.

Awwwwww yeah.

Do or die tonight, folks. I don’t think that there is anything better out there right now (with maybe the exception of the fact that it was lovely here in Toronto today, even with the rain.) than game seven between Boston and Montreal. I think the only thing that would make this better? Would be a win. But we’re not calling it a comeback, okay? No, seriously. We’re not.

Les boys have already forgotten about game six. Yes, they won- but they have bigger fish to fry. Or bears. I can’t imagine fried bear to be good at all, but then again, I don’t really eat meat. [sarcastic joke was sarcastic, please don't hurt me]. I am expecting a lot of what happened last night: attacking the net. Long shots on Thomas and big rebounds. The only things they NEED to do are to capitalize on those rebounds, and not sit back. 2-1 is all fine and dandy in the regular season- but you’re going to need to win by a far bigger margin than that in these playoffs, and Boston isn’t going to go down without a fight.

As I pointed out last night: Cammy has a pretty awesome record when it comes to game sevens in bleu, blanc et rouge – so I am expecting him to come out and play like a house on fire. And for the love of Richard, can we buy Plekanecs a goal? Please?

No matter the outcome tonight, I think I will be proud of the Habs. For a team that was toted as not even making the playoffs last year, we did something that no one said we could. If we win, it means I have 4 (or more) games to which I can cheer for them. If we don’t, I may curl up in a ball in the shower tonight and cry [in the shower, no one can see my tears], then take a deep breath, and continue to watch the playoffs. I know many people who…once their team is out, that’s it. They are off hockey until October- but to any and all fans of this game? Or heck- even if you’re not a fan: watch a game or two. You’d be surprised at just how awesome this years playoffs have been.

Go Habs go!

No joke.

There was a point between 12 mins left and 10 mins left in the third period that my heart stopped beating during the game. It was in a moment where Habs fans started singing Ole Ole Ole- and I was going….shutupshutupshutup. Because really? WHO SINGS THAT SONG WITH THAT LONG TO GO IN THE GAME?!

Okay. I’m calm. Whoo-saahhh.

The Habs played desperate, intense hockey. There were times where they fell back and kind of defended, which- I don’t know if it works. Yes, they won, but it still doesn’t get rid of that uneasy feeling in my stomach when they play that way. I have a few points that I wanted to make about the game tonight- and I haven’t done bullet points yet, so…yay for bullet points!

• The big hit at the beginning of the game on Lars Eller, should have been at LEAST a penalty. I don’t care if it makes me sound like a homer- but there were at least three penalties on the initial play. And then when the Habs can’t get into the zone because he’s still writhing all over the ice? Maybe you should blow the play dead. Just saying.
• If I was McCreary, I’d be losing.my.marbles. Officiating was brutal on both sides tonight. I’m all for calling penalties if they are deserved, but when you’re calling make-up calls, it takes away from the game.
• OMGWEAREGOINGTOGAMESEVEN
• Lucic will not get additional discipline for his hit on Spacek. Argue it all you want: but there are major factors that can and will be argued. The biggest one for me? They didn’t discipline Richards on his hit on Connolly.  5 minutes and a game was discipline enough.
• Habs need, need, NEED to capitalize on the rebounds that Thomas is letting out. They did it on the 2nd goal (I am saying it is a second goal, because the first one should have counted, just saying.) because the rebounds are bouncing out on him at weird angles. He is not great, side-to-side, and it’s something to expose.
• They need to roll all lines. I was watching peoples ice times- and I know we’re trying to preserve energy, but I really DO think that the cycle they had going in games one and two, were quite ingenious.
• I love seeing Cammy score. It makes me squee. Speaking of- Cammy is a BEAST in game sevens. With the Habs, he has 10 points in game 7 matches, in the bleu, blanc, et rouge.
• Kevin Pollock and Chris Lee should never officiate together, ever again. Ever.
• If this is what we do with Patches, Gorges, Markov, Desharnais etc – out with injuries? Holy toledos.
• OMGWEAREGOINGTOGAMESEVEN

I am going to go off on a little tangent now, and talk about something that is quite serious.

I talked the other day, about respect. Respect between fans, between players and fans, and between players/teams themselves. Apparently, some people need to learn about respect, all over again. I’m all over twitter- it’s a great way to communicate and speak your mind- and I know that things get heated and excited and when things don’t go your way, or your teams way? That shouldn’t mean that you start to personally attack anyone. I’m talking about racial attacks, sexual preference attacks, even wishing death or injury upon a city is going a little bit over the edge.

I get sick, physically, when I see that fans feel the need to stoop so low as to say the things that they do, because their team lost. Saying that PK Subban needs to get beat up because of his race? Really?

Race has nothing to do with ability. I have said this, a million times over, in a million different ways. Ability has to do with patience, with strength, with your drive and determination. Ability is what gets you places, not your race. And so to make your issue with a player, about his race? That’s low. And I know it’s not all Bruins fans – I know that there are many of you out there that would never say something like that- but to those who HAVE said something? I say this: grow up. Your derogatory comments are comments that are spurred on by hate, and ignorance. If there was any time to remind you, that this is JUST a game- it would be that time.

We all get intense. We all want to cheer for our teams and hope that they win- but seriously, remember that this is a game. When you start on the personal attacks, it’s not just you who looks like an idiot, but you make the fans of the game look pretty silly, too.

Anyway, I don’t want to bog this entry down with negativity and the ignorance of a few select fans, so I DO want to say that I am extremely proud of the Montreal Canadiens. Whatever the outcome of tomorrows game, they did something that no one (and I mean no one) in the media believed they were going to do. TSN had them finishing out of the playoff race this year. The fact that we’ve gotten to dance with the Bruins for 7 games so far, is a huge accomplishment in my eyes. A bigger accomplishment? Making it to the next round. Anything is possible, you just have to have faith.

Oh yeah! The three stars of the game:

1. Cammalleri
2. Price
3. Gionta

Habs win, 2-1, series is tied 3-3, and tomorrow night, I may be dead.

I’m sorry, friends – I’ve just started a new job and it’s been kicking my butt. But don’t fret- I am still thinking and writing things in my head, and hopefully this will be as insightful and amusing to the rest of you, as it was to me at 4 am when I thought about it.

So, game six, huh?

I will admit that this first round has been more intense and stressful than any other playoff run I’ve seen in a long while. And I’m not just talking about the Bruins/Habs series, I’m talking about them all. It’s actually been a playoff run that I’ve really enjoyed watching more than two teams compete.

What a rush, right?

I have to admit, I was really disappointed by the game on Saturday. I thought the Habs played with heart, and despite the goalies not believing that it was, indeed, a goalie battle- they were the reasons why that game went into double  overtime. I had hoped for a better outcome, but- the good news? We get to play another day. And if we’re lucky, the Habs get to prove to the rest of the hockey world that this isn’t just a fluke- that they really do deserve the recognition for the season they’ve had.

I’m looking to see an intense game. For the Habs: it’s about keeping their heads on straight, playing 60 minutes, not 20. Boston as proved their worth in this series, it’s time for the Canadiens to do the same.

I’m not really one for like…epic-pre-game-blogging, but maybe an epic pre-game-montage will make everyone happy?

I’m not going to talk about the game…Or the one before that.

Not because I’m being a sore loser, or because of the fact that the Habs blew a 3-1 lead to lose in OT. That’s not what I am going to dissect. Any and all Habs fans will come out and blog about the same things, about what they believe they should have done and should do. Shoulda woulda couldas get people nowhere- and I am pretty sure the Habs know what they need to do. This isn’t the peewees.

What I want to talk about, is respect.

Listen: I don’t care if you’re a Habs fan, or a Bruins fan. I don’t care if you prefer the Jets over the Coyotes. When it comes to hockey, and its fans- you have to…HAVE to remember that this is just a game. There are a lot of fans out there- and it seems like the only ones who ever get showcased, are the bad ones. The ones who give the rest of us fans a bad name. And sometimes it’s hard for the rest of us, to actually make people realize that we aren’t ALL painted with the same brush.

I’ve been listening to a lot of after-game shows on the radio as of late (it’s my preferred way to take in the games. If I watch it, I just get frustrated. My gran thinks I should have been born in the early 1900s) and I have been getting this uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach when I hear folks call in and tell the radio hosts that while sitting in their seats at the opposing teams building, they were met with verbal and sometimes physical abuse, had things thrown on them (WHY, for the love of god, WHY- would you throw your beer? Seriously? Wasting 10 bucks? Not the brightest idea.) – and then threatened when you leave the game…

That’s not sport. That’s violence. And it’s not right.

I have lived in Toronto since I was two. I have been a Habs fan all my life. I’ve been to games where Toronto fans around us will sneer and jeer and make rude comments- and while you WANT to stand up for yourself, you think better of it. It doesn’t make it right, not by a long shot, but an eye for an eye doesn’t solve anything. All it does is incite a riot. And even in Montreal, when I’ve been to Habs games…I have seen some of our fans, do it too. And you sit there and you stare at this person thinking: shut up, shut up, SHUT UP! What is the point? Why would you verbally – or heaven forbid – physically abuse someone for being a fan?

And I see it, a lot. Being one of the only Habs fans in my group of friends, I am usually the subject of GOOD natured taunting. I take it, just like anyone would- but my friends also know that if they cross a line with me? I will take them down. Not by violence, or slurs, but by simply saying ‘okay, now you’re just being stupid.’ Because, contrary to popular belief – not all Habs fans are boasters. Not all of us will point fingers in the faces of others and give a resounding ‘ha-ha’. Many of us actually appreciate what our team does, and also realize that they have faults and kinks in the armour as well.

My grandmother, who has been a Habs fan for 68 years – went on a Toronto sports radio station, FAN 590 – to tell the on-air host off, for essentially inciting a riot. He had been telling callers after the Habs had grabbed a 2-0 lead over the Bruins that the series was over, and where were all the boasting Habs fans, and that he knew they were out there. She called him and said to him that the series was far from over, that it takes four wins to move on to the next round, and that he should be ashamed of himself for saying the things he was saying. After her phone call- the station received  plenty more phone calls – from Leafs fans – verbally slagging off what an 80 year old woman had said.

I mean…really?

It doesn’t just happen in hockey, either.

Earlier this year, during a Dodgers/Giants game, a man was viciously attacked outside of the stadium, and is currently still in critical condition, after some Dodgers ‘fans’ (I’m using the term loosely- there’s no way these men could be called fans.) beat him to the ground and left him pretty much for dead. All for what? The fact that he and his friends came to watch the Giants play in LA? To have a nice weekend and support their team? Because he was wearing a Giants jersey?

There are so many instances that it makes my head hurt. Being a fan of hockey, or any other sport for that matter- should not mean that we turn into Neanderthals and get angry and violent when our teams don’t play the way we wanted them to. Players know what they need to do, and that they’re getting paid to do it- they don’t need violence or verbal attacks to remind them. And we as fans need to be responsible. It is one thing to be disappointed when your team loses: it happens, even I get grumpy and don’t want to write about the things they did wrong – but you have to look at it objectively, intelligently- and more than that- you just have to realize that it is just a game. More games will follow. It’s not like this is the last game you’ll ever see, or that they will ever play.

And I know I will get a lot of people coming up to me and asking me what I think they should do about it. I’ve had this conversation numerous times – I’ve had one friend say to me ‘what, you want to take alcohol out of the equation?’ no, that’s not it at all. While alcohol does give people less of a reaction time- I really don’t think that removing alcohol from stadiums and arenas is the answer. I’ve been to many places, where I’ve sat next to some REALLY nice fans, and we were all drinking. I think it is more the mentality of the people – and just how unbalanced they are. And it’s THOSE fans who are far more recognized, than the rest of us, and that makes me sad.

Sport…is passionate. It’s deep and it is intense and it can evoke some amazing emotions, and some not so amazing ones, either. But to have this dark, looming cloud over it- by having a few select ‘fans’ come out and tarnish the good name of the sport? That’s not passion. That’s stupidity.  I may love hockey, I may write about it, but it isn’t my life. And if I am honest, I really wouldn’t want it to be my death, either.

So I guess what I am getting at is: respect one another. You like the Bruins, you like the Bruins. I like the Habs. I will cheer for them and support them, no matter what. You like the Penguins? Power to you. Don’t judge a sports fan by the colour of their jersey. On top of that: be smart. Realize that not everyone around you- is going to react in the same way. But also realize- that there might be those one or two ‘fans’, that are looking for any good reason to start a riot. I wish it didn’t happen that way- and I hate that it’s a sign of our times, when you DO have to be careful…but until we all start respecting one another….

I have really kind of went off on a tangent today. The Habs lost, I am not going to dwell on it. I think that’s me growing up a little! They play another game tomorrow, and then again after that. Series isn’t over until one team has four wins. And while I am hoping that the Habs come out and play in Boston like they’ve never played before – I also know that no matter what? They’re still my team.

Alright, even I have to admit…I didn’t expect us to come away from Boston with a 2-0 lead.

And it isn’t because of the fact that I don’t think our team could do it. Montreal is capable of a lot of things. I have respect for Boston and the way they play (as long as they don’t get stupid – then I will take issue), but after watching both games, watching the highlights, AND watching post-game interviews done by the Habs? I am thinking to myself: they’re an all new breed out there.

Seeing Jacques Martin last night, his hand on Ryan White’s shoulder, talking into his ear, while Ryan nodded and asked him questions, was a HUGE highlight for me. I know it seems silly, but to see the communication, the determination on the players face, along with the encouragement from a coach who is not always known for that sort of pep-talk, made me realize that this isn’t just a regular season game- this is the playoffs, and these guys really ARE in beast mode.

Speaking of Ryan White – is there anything this kid doesn’t do? Him, Pyatt, Eller, they all had fantastic games last night. They were hustling the puck, using their speed and strength against a much bigger team, and they didn’t take costly penalties. I will admit also, that when Wiz decided to fight, I had my hands over my eyes and I was praying to Lord Stanley that he didn’t end up breaking his face again. [For those who don't know - Wiz spent a good chunk of the season wearing a full cage because he got hit in the face by a Taylor Hall shot. He took a billion stitches- inside and out.] Travis Moen played like someone had lit a fire under his butt. 4 lines rolled and everyone participated, and this was my face the entire game [when I wasn't screaming obscenities at the TV]: 8D

They played as a team. And it was fun to watch.

So, what does it all mean? Does it mean that we, as Habs fans, can get cocky and start cleaning up the streets, in preparation for the parade? Does it mean we should write off the Bruins and start looking forward to the next round? Does it mean that I can sleep better at night?

No.

If you watched any of the interviews from the post game last night, every single Habs player had their poker face on. Every single one of them was calm, composed, and they talked…not about the future, but what they have to do, to get ready for the next game. And that is what sealed the deal for me last night, too- was hearing them talk like a team, and actually walk like a team, instead of buying into the hype and actually realizing that there is a lot of work to do, before they can say that they’ve accomplished anything. To them, accomplishment means 16 wins.

With the series coming back to Montreal, AND the Habs being up two games to none, it does give them a pretty good advantage. A few days ago on the Aerys Sports facebook page, we asked the question about which place has the most electric atmosphere. I’ve been to a few NHL arenas, and really- there is nothing like the Bell Centre. Granted it doesn’t hold the history or even the power that the Forum did (yet), but it has an ambiance and an energy that just can’t be described. (I don’t know any other arena that would give an 8 minute standing ovation to a player who no longer played for their team) Expect Habs fans to be riled up, and loud – and if Montreal can keep to their game plan, feed off that energy, and play as a team? They could get far.

After what was a solid performance in their opening game against the Boston Bruins- the Habs look to keep it up with another equally stellar effort tonight at TD Garden. There are a few things, though- that every Habs fan should keep in mind:

• It was only the first game.
• One win does not a series make.

I know what you’re thinking – because I definitely thought it too when we first won on Thursday night: that if the Habs could play that well, meaning with a good defensive eye, and attacking the puck, instead of waiting for the puck to come to them, and being physical, and using that god-given speed, then they should have no issue with winning a couple more games. But another part of my brain – the logical one where I stop and actually think about the bigger picture – says that the Montreal Canadiens need to not just play the way they did in game one, but they need to play smart.

A big indication of this was at the end of the third period, where Chara’s obvious frustration about the way the game was going, finally broke through. The penalty at the end of the game – and Cam Neely’s reaction to it – means that the Bruins are more than likely not going to come out and play the way they did in the first game. Boston doesn’t just rely on goals – they rely on strength: hitting, being physical, and knocking other teams off their game.

Does that mean that the game is going to be a violent brawl?

I wish I could say no- but, anything is possible, especially when it comes to these two teams. I don’t expect Boston to come out and have the same lackluster performance. (Although – their second period game on Thursday was a glimpse into how they should have been playing all game – especially with an 18-6 shot advantage.)

Given the history of these two teams – and if you look closely at the season series between them this year – a big, hard, physical game might be in the cards. Montreal had been winning the season battles three games to none when the game where the melee of fights broke out – and Boston won that game 8-6. Montreal came back the next game and played a solid, North-South game, and were up 4-0, when the hit on Pacioretty happened. The next game? Boston won it, 7-0.

It isn’t just about the physical, either. This is also a very mentally stimulating game. If you can get into the heads of your opponents [kind of like Chicago had over Vancouver for a while], then it gives you an advantage you didn’t have before: a mental one.

History has told us that these two teams simply do not like each other. They have played one another 33 times in the history of the NHL – and to be honest, if I had to play one team 33 times (times 4 games) – I wouldn’t like them either. History has also told us that they will eventually throw down in fisticuffs. What history can’t predict, however- is the outcome of this game. Montreal does have that 1-0 advantage on Boston’s home ice, but Boston can and more than likely will come back- with force.

Players to watch for tonight:
Look for Carey Price to once again stand on his head in net tonight. If he can keep calm and collected as he was in the first game, Price will be nothing short of spectacular. It does help when you have your team taking pucks for you, as well. I’m also going to go out on a limb and mention Ryan White today as well. Not only was he a physical force on Thursday night, but he can skate, and he doesn’t take no for an answer.  Scott Gomez is also coming off an impressive game 1 – with two assists – so I am hoping he keeps it going. As long as Gionta (or Darche) is potting those pretty passes into the net, then I expect HUGE things from that line.

Injuries?: Well, ten bucks says that a good amount of them have some aches and pains today [case in point: Kostisyn blocked a Chara shot- off the foot. He took a therapy day today, and was not at practice]- but there aren’t any new ones to really slow the Habs down. Halpern skated this AM, but I doubt he’s back tonight.

Edit: I did just hear that both Kostisyn and Halpern are game-time decisions, according to Jacques Martin.

Speaking of Chara – he was hospitalized for dehydration last night – and it is unclear his status for the game tonight. The decision isn’t up to Julien, OR Chara for that matter – but Bruins Medical Staff. I think at this point, however – he’s a game time decision, and if anyone knows anything about playoffs: Chara is more than likely sucking back water and electrolytes as if they’re going out of style.

You can watch the Montreal Canadiens take on the Boston Bruins tonight at 7pm EST on CBC, RDS, Versus, and NESN