THE MONTREAL CANADIENS

The Montreal Canadiens are the only Canadian team and one of the Original Six (Chicago Blackhawks are the other) still standing tall in the Stanley Cup playoffs - Go Habs!

VANCOUVER 2010

HAPPY CANADA DAY

AND THEN ONLY THREE STILL STANDING

If you are hockey fanatics like me, you would know what I am about to write with this title "And then only three still standing". It, of course, was about the three of the Original Six teams, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks are (were) still fighting for their advance in the playoffs. (I started this post on May 4th but could not finish it, for two reasons, I was in NYC spending quality time with my family and also because I did not want to be blamed for making any predictions or writing about my cheering for certain teams.)

Toronto Maple Leafs - It was almost a lost cause that the Leafs did not even make it into the Playoffs, again.

Round 1 - Both my Hometown New York Rangers (lost in Game 7 against Washington Capitals) and the Montreal Canadiens (Swept by Boston Bruins) were eliminated.

Only three Original Six Teams were still standing - my beloved Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks.

After the Hawks eliminated the Flames, I secretly cheered for the Canucks as it was the only Canadian team advanced to Round 2 of the Playoffs. I must admit, of all the Original Six Teams, I don't care much for the Hawks. Sadly, the Canucks did not make it past Game 6.

Currently, it is all old news as the Bruins lost to Carolina Hurricanes in Game 7 on Thursday (May 14th). It was an exciting game with Eric Staal scoring the winning goal.

My Red Wings kicked the "little Duckies" butts at the Joe in a heart-stopping, breath-holding Game 7 and now ready for a great match-up against the Hawks.

And then, only TWO still standing - - - GO WINGS!!!!!!!

MONTREAL CANADIENS

I was heart-broken when the Montreal Canadiens was eliminated in the First Round, being swept in 4 games by the Boston Bruins. It was an exciting Series between two Original Six Teams. I cheered for the Canadiens because rightfully the Stanley Cup playoffs should include Canadian Teams. I also feel bad because the elimination was the worst being that in 2009 the Canadiens celebrated their Centennial Season in the NHL. To be swept in the first round is painful but for Montreal fans and for Canadians, watching your team being eliminated would have to be the worst sinking feelings. I take comfort that at least the Calgary Flames are still in the running.

Here are best wishes to the Montreal Canadiens for next season. Bottom photo of Robert Lang #20 is just for old time shake as I remember when Lang was with the Detroit Red Wings. These photos were taken when the Canadiens visited the Blues on Sunday, November 16, 2008.

VANCOUVER CANUCKS SWEPT ST. LOUIS BLUES

Congratulations to the Vancouver Canucks for a great series against the St. Louis Blues. I was actually cheering for the Blues to come back and win Game 4 because I did not want the Blues to be humiliated on home ice being swept in the First Round by the Canucks. These photos were taken when we went to Game 3 on Sunday, April 19th. I was looking forward to seeing Mats Sundin - #13 - (former captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs) but he was not in the line up, must not feeling too good with the black eye from the hit in Game 1.

2009 NHL ALL STAR IN MONTREAL

The 2009 NHL All Star is taking place in Montreal, Quebec, Canada this weekend. Today, Saturday, January 24th is the Superskills at 7:00 p.m. when the best of the best show off their moves on the ice, the speed and the bone-breaking slapshots. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 25th at 6:00 p.m. is the All Star Game between the Western and Eastern Conferences. Since I could not be there, I thought posting photos of the Canadiens when they were in St. Louis on November 16, 2008 would be appropriate. Only Keith Tkachuk, St. Louis Blues (photo above) is on the All Star Roster. Nicklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk from my beloved Red Wings are on the Team. My husband said that if it was up to me, the entire Detroit Red Wings would be the All Star Team :)

Montreal Canadiens vs. St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri - Sunday, November 16, 2008