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Post by canadien1313 on Apr 11, 2011 10:02:26 GMT -5
Is Conboy ready for NHL action ?
I'd like to see him on the 4th line against the Bruins.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 12, 2011 22:58:03 GMT -5
A playoff preview article on the pending AHL playoffs for the North Division champs, your very own Hamilton Bulldogs. Because of the cross-over rule, they play the fifth place team in the other Western Conference division, the Oklahoma City Barons who are the Baby Oilers. The Oil sent a number of key players back down to their farm team (weren't the NHL Oilers not much more than a glorified AHL for the last month anyway with those injuries and that lineup?), so this will be a really tough series and good test for the boys. They will not get any reinforcements from Montreal, as only Ryan White is on their clear day roster and he should be very busy in the Boston series. Anyway, interesting read. www.habsworld.net/article.php?id=2455The Oiler reinforcements being sent down. oilers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=559073Go Dogs Go!! |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 14, 2011 12:51:48 GMT -5
As the Dogs also are set to do battle and start their playoffs tonight, here is a very nice article on the goalie on whom their hopes lie. Later on in the article it talks about the team playing "playoff style defense" and "taking care of things in their own end". Sounds rather familiar, doesn't it? www.thespec.com/sports/article/516148--he-s-come-a-long-way-baby |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 16, 2011 21:42:03 GMT -5
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Post by duster on Apr 17, 2011 12:42:11 GMT -5
Got to hand it to Cunneyworth. What a job he's done so far with essentially a one line team and a defense by committee. I hope they manage to hang on to McIntyre next season. He's been a great replacement for Sanford.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 17, 2011 22:13:45 GMT -5
Got to hand it to Cunneyworth. What a job he's done so far with essentially a one line team and a defense by committee. I hope they manage to hang on to McIntyre next season. He's been a great replacement for Sanford. Fully agree. Boucher was great last season, but with the goalie tandem of Sanford and Desjardins he had two of the top three goalies in the league all season. He also had PK for almost the whole season as well. He also had a few more vets than this very young team this season. Cunneyworth has done it with one offensive line (it used to be Desharnais, Pacioretty and Palushaj) and he now has Dawes, Boyd and Palushaj putting up points. They have battled through injuries and call ups, in fact they have played without the maximum number of players allowed a few times as a result. OK City is a tough first round opponent. With a goalie tandem of Marty Gerber and Devin Dubnyk, and a lot of Oiler castoffs, this is a "tweener" team. They have the only guy who scored more AHL goals than Nigel Dawes - on Colin McDonald. They also have perennial AHL scoring leader Alex Giroux as well, to add veteran scoring depth and talent to the kids. The Dogs now go on the road for three straight. Against a tough opponent. Hope they keep it going!! |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 25, 2011 1:27:53 GMT -5
What a crazy first round series. You never like those cross over puppies to start with, and then with the Oilers getting a solid #30 spot in the NHL, a lot of recruits were sent to OK City to start this series. They also had Marty Gerber and some serious depth in firepower, including Alex Giroux (long time perennial AHL scoring leader and #2 this season - nice veteran signing Tambi, I was hoping he would become a Dog last summer) and Colin McDonald, the only guy to score more AHL goals this season than Nigel Dawes due to a phenominal finish stretch.
Dogs got off to a solid 2-0 start, with the next three switching to Oklahoma City.
The Dogs then saw the real Baby Oil show up at home, with Gerber taking over the reigns from JDD and the vets and good young guns showing up. Remember now that the Dogs rely on one scoring line, noname defence, and a league stud goalie (Sanford to start, Drew Mac to finish). The Barons totally outplayed the Dogs and won the next two 2-0 and 5-2, mainly because Drew Mac kept it close. Then, the top line started scoring again and the big Dog in net got another shutout, as the Dogs took the last OK game 2-0 and headed home with a series lead. Last two in Steeltown we go!!
Tonight, a tough battle on many fronts. Two really solid goaltenders and some tight hockey kept the game scoreless until 5:41 in the third, when the reliable vet Giroux broke the seal and gave the road team the lead. The Dogs then awoke, and played their best hockey of the afternoon. One minute and two clicks later, Dawes popped the first. They kept things going and had a huge late period PK, when they got a short PP of their own, and Greenfield Park's St. Denis blasted a PP shot from the point that ended up being the game winner with under three to play. OK pulled Gerber, and Dawes potted his second and Wyman nailed that final one home in a huge gutsy performance. What a third period!!
Next up, the winner of Manitoba and Lake Erie. The Moose won their second straight tonight to send this series to a seventh game (they were down 3-1). Wear each other out boys!!
How cool would a second round AHL playoff series all in Canada be? We shall see if that is what comes to pass. They represent the only two Canadian NHL teams still carrying the flag after all.
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Post by jkr on Apr 25, 2011 6:17:04 GMT -5
Also saw on the ticker that Palushaj had 3 assists. Is that right?
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 25, 2011 17:54:43 GMT -5
Also saw on the ticker that Palushaj had 3 assists. Is that right? Absolutely. He assisted on both of Dawes' goals (the Dawes-Boyd-Palushaj line came to play in the third) and they were also on during the PP when St Denis blasted the game winner home from the point. Only Aaron got an assist on that one as it went back to Carle and then he slid a pass across to St Denis. Dawes, Palushaj, Boyd, Carle and St Denis make up the usual first PP unit now that Carle is back from injury. |
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Post by canadien1313 on Apr 26, 2011 13:32:26 GMT -5
Also saw on the ticker that Palushaj had 3 assists. Is that right? I'd rather have d'Agostini than him in the Habs organization right now. |
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Post by jkr on Apr 26, 2011 15:30:11 GMT -5
Also saw on the ticker that Palushaj had 3 assists. Is that right? I'd rather have d'Agostini than him in the Habs organization right now. Have to agree. With the problems scoring goals, it would be nice to have hima round. He stalled in MTL but had a decent season with the Blues. Sound familiar? |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 26, 2011 22:35:30 GMT -5
Dogs-Moose next up. Series is a 2-3-2 one again due to travel between Hamilton and Winnipeg. First games in the Hammer on Thurs and Sunday, then the next three in the Peg (if game five is necessary of course). The Dogs played really well against the Moose all season...chuck that out the window. A battle between Montreal and Vancouver's AHL franchises. An all Canadian series to boot. Game on!! www.hamiltonbulldogs.com/article/bulldogs-battle-moose-in-north-division-final |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 28, 2011 23:26:55 GMT -5
Dogs school the Moose tonight 4-1 to take a 1-0 series lead at home in their divisional final (AHL quarter final) series. Dogs gave up the first goal early in the first, and then took over the game in every manner. Drew Mac did not have to stand on his head, but he was there when needed. Russell, Dawes, Palushaj and Wyman with the tallies (a couple on the PP and one shortie). The Dogs even won the scraps with the Moose trying to stir their team up in the third, big Alex Henry pounded his opponent. Schultz also dropped the mitts.
The Moose took lots of penalties in the third with the score already 4-1, and the Two Randy's "balanced" their guys on the PP. Guys like Conboy, Bonneau and Schultz all got PP ice time, as he did not have them run the score up and kept all guys in the game.
For those looking to tweak the Habs, look no further than the Dogs' model in many ways. Good team toughness (Henry, Bonneau, Conboy, Schultz and soon White), and some guys who can play hockey, log lots of minutes, and still drop the mitts as a deterent to running the smaller skilled guys on the team (Henry is a force). They forecheck hard, they have a really solid team defense and commitment to that aspect of the game, they have a super goalie (or two right now with injured Sanford and his able replacement MacIntyre) and they can score goals and make you pay with the PP and solid PK. Other than Henry, their D is mobile and can move the puck well.
Keep it going Dogs...Go Dogs Go!!
p.s. Ryan White is expected to join them in time to play the next game on Sunday. He then gets to travel on the road to play some playoff hockey in his home province (he is from Brandon).
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Post by NWTHabsFan on May 1, 2011 20:34:55 GMT -5
Dogs head off to Manitoba up 2-0 in their series after winning 4-2 today. Dumont had two goals, Carle and Russell with the others. Drew Mac, of course, was in net for the win. The team did not need to rely on its big line for scoring today, as it got depth scoring. White got into the lineup and had a helper.
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Post by seventeen on May 2, 2011 0:28:00 GMT -5
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Post by Yossarian on May 2, 2011 20:52:10 GMT -5
Conboy a +2, an assist with 3 shots on net. At his size, 6'4, 210ish, he may be just what the doctor ordered for this team on the 4th line next year.
I haven't seen him play. Can anyone comment on his hockey sense, and potential in the NHL?
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Post by 24in93 on May 2, 2011 21:40:15 GMT -5
IF there's a Game 6 I will be at Copps to take it in.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on May 2, 2011 23:11:27 GMT -5
IF there's a Game 6 I will be at Copps to take it in. I hope there isn't for all the good reasons!! |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on May 2, 2011 23:18:23 GMT -5
Conboy a +2, an assist with 3 shots on net. At his size, 6'4, 210ish, he may be just what the doctor ordered for this team on the 4th line next year. I haven't seen him play. Can anyone comment on his hockey sense, and potential in the NHL? He is getting better and closer, that's for sure. He is a big body who skates well and plays a big north-south game. He finishes his checks and likely will translate into a good energy, forecheck player in the NHL at some point. Not a big scrapper, and I definitely don't see him being asked to be a scrapper at the NHL level. But he is a guy who plays an honest physical and hard working style of game. He was a decent scorer in juniors in the USHL, and he put up about a point every three games this year in Hamilton. He has decent enough hockey sense, but just not the top end pro skill to expect much offensively at the AHL level, and definitely not at the NHL level. A projected fourth liner at some point...I would definitely expect so. He should get some NHL games next season as an audition for sure. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on May 2, 2011 23:22:21 GMT -5
They are playing well. Although they gave up the first goal in both games, they really woke up both times and really took the game to the Moose after both those goals. Strange strategy...lol. |
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Post by 24in93 on May 6, 2011 8:43:06 GMT -5
IF there's a Game 6 I will be at Copps to take it in. Well there will be a Game 6 as the Dogs lost in double OT and the series is tied at 2 now. Turns out my tickets are for Game 7 though on Monday night if there is one. Should be exciting to take in a Game 7 but it would be shades of the Habs blowing the 2-0 series lead to the B's. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on May 6, 2011 11:59:38 GMT -5
Yeah, they lost two straight in Winnipeg and play their last game there tonight...hopefully they can turn around things and come out of MB with a win.
The Moose goalie, Eddie Lack, has been the difference. He stole one in Winnipeg on that double OT win as the Dogs were all over the Moose all game. Seen that movie before. In game three, the Dogs had a lapse of under 40 seconds in which they gave up two goals after dominating a lot of that game too. In game four, they were 2:02 in regulation away from a 1-0 win, and could not score on lots of decent chances in the OT. It happens.
All in all, they are playing well and the Moose are a good and worthy opponent. The games in Winnipeg have been close and tight and both could have gone the other way. But, they didn't, and the Dogs need to bear down and win tonight. I feel pretty good about their chances too.
Go Dogs Go!!
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Post by NWTHabsFan on May 6, 2011 22:08:05 GMT -5
5-1 good guys with just over 2 minutes to go. Winnipeger Nigel Dawes with two, Brandon kid Ryan White with one. Henry just pummelled someone.
Game getting ugly. The Moose just speared and two handed some guys. This is crazy. The reffing is bad for game three in a row. Good thing we will get new zebras back in Hamilton.
Two Moose get the boot. Kyle Klubertanz struggling after getting pole axed to the back of his legs. Desbiens and Garth Murray get booted. Desbiens should be suspended for game six after this mess.
With all the tough guys on this team, they don't back down from anyone.
3-2 series lead coming home to the Hammer.
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Post by 24in93 on May 8, 2011 21:09:48 GMT -5
Well it's off to Game 7 tomorrow night as the Dogs lost 1-0 tonight. Outshot 34-25, neither team could score on 6 PPs apiece. Should be exciting at Copps tomorrow night.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on May 8, 2011 22:51:18 GMT -5
Well it's off to Game 7 tomorrow night as the Dogs lost 1-0 tonight. Outshot 34-25, neither team could score on 6 PPs apiece. Should be exciting at Copps tomorrow night. The Moose were the better team tonight. Dogs just seemed sluggish and were not mentally sharp. Let's hope you see a stronger Dogs' team tomorrow. I expect you will. Cheer loud!! |
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Post by CentreHice on May 9, 2011 20:45:37 GMT -5
Game 7.....1-1....going to OT.
Dogs outshooting the Moose 33-16. Manitoba scored early....Hamilton really came on...and Dawes scored to tie it in the third.
EDIT: About halfway through OT....shots are 11-4 Dogs.
EDIT: Going to Triple OT. Shots 56-30 for Hamilton. Eddie Lack in net for the Moose is getting the job done. A couple of posts and crossbars for each team in the two OTs.
Listening on 820 CHAM.
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Post by CentreHice on May 9, 2011 22:26:58 GMT -5
6 seconds into triple overtime....Boyd wins it for the Dogs!
Would've been a shame to lose that one...as the announcers said it was mostly Hamilton all night.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on May 9, 2011 23:37:30 GMT -5
Great gutsy win. Loads of shots, Eddie Lack was the man again this series. Van City has a good Swedish rookie goalie in that guy. He stole round one, and came within a hair of repeating it for round two. Our own Drew Mac survives the great goalie duel though.
Dawes gets his ninth in regulation (phew), as the guy can score. Boyd was way overdue and gets his first of the playoffs in triple OT (double phew).
After a really sloppy game last night, the boys came to play tonight. Game seven, triple OT...can you write a more interesting story line?
Off to round three, for the Cardiac Canines from the Down Town Dog Pound!!
The baby bleu-blanc-rouge live to play another round...ironically against the farm team of the last standing Canadian NHL team that also advanced tonight.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on May 10, 2011 0:13:11 GMT -5
Hey 24, looking forward to your first hand report. It was a good one by all radio reports. What a series!!
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Post by 24in93 on May 10, 2011 8:51:39 GMT -5
What a game guys. You have no idea how much Lack almost stole this game for the Moose. The Moose had no business being in the building were it not for Lack. He's a big goalie, probably has an inch or two on Price and is fundamentally sound. No scrambling, just takes up a lot of net. Pucks just seem to hit him effortlessly.
The Moose scored on a delay of game/puck over the glass in the 1st. Coincidentally, the gentleman sitting in front of me took the brunt of that puck or else it would have been in my forehead. We were 9 rows up just inside the Dogs blueline. We thought the puck was cursed as the 'Dogs did everything except score. The ice was definitely tilted in their favour. Ryan White had a great game. Battled through checks, dished checks and was a workhorse out there. Dawes finally tied it up. He was using the defenceman as a screen on a rush and the puck deflected off the Dman and floated up over Lack's shoulder who would have no doubt made the save if not for the deflection.
The 1st OT started with a 10 minute flurry of Dog chances. Everyone was expecting the winning goal that never came. The Moose settled hings down a bit and had a couple chances of their own.
Highlight of the 2nd OT was Conboy absolutely destroying Flood on the Moose. Just a clean open ice drilling. That woke the crowd up and Conboy got a huge ovation.
3rd OT thankfully didn't last long. Reminiscent of Skrudland in '86 but even faster. Dogs won the draw and dumped it to Lack's right where it caromed off the endboards. Lack went out to play it but as he did, Dustin Boyd outhustled the Moose D and chopped it up and over Lack's shoulder. Kind of a chip shot that worked out perfectly. Lack took a minute or two to get up off the ice. He was genuinely destroyed by the goal. His teammates rightfully surrounded him and basically thanked him. Rightfully so. He got the game's 1st star in a losing effort. 57-30 in shots. The Moose did block a lot of shots as well so it could have been worse. Think Halak in Game 6 last year.
Couldn't have asked to be at a better game. The ending was storybook worthy.
A couple of other points. Palushaj had a brutal game. Lazy play and two terrible penalties. One was a retaliatory roughing call after there was already a delayed call to the Moose. He could have skated away up ice on the attack but chose to punch the Moose player behind the play instead, negating a PP. The 2nd was an offensive zone tripping call. Had they lost, my post would have been a diatribe about him.
White had a great game as did JT Wyman. Both did all the small things it takes to win. Conboy was so-so but dished some bone-crushing hits. Dawes was our best forward. Had the bulk of the chances. Schultz played so little I barely noticed him.
The 'Dogs are a lunchpail crew, no fancy game-breakers (Palushaj would be the potential there but not last night) but have an effective and tenacious forecheck. They work hard and have a lot of grit, they play well defensively as well. A good style for the playoffs. I think they may have a shot.
Now I need a lot of coffee today. Great game!
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