HabsWorld.net --
It may not be the big trade many of you are hoping for, and there is no victory to report, but, as always, there were a few pieces of news squeaking out of Montreal. News from the Habs’ camp today included a goaltending announcement, the word on a pair of injuries, and the return of a familiar face.
In what went from the feel-good story of the year, to the complete opposite, Sheldon Souray’s season had been a great one. Unfortunately, his knee injury last week has sent the Habs spiralling down the standings, and fans into constant grumbling. Big Sheldon announced today that he hopes to return in time for the playoffs; not only expressing his desire to play, but his faith in his teammates abilities. Souray took part in some off-ice work outs today, prooving you just can’t say enough about his commitment to the team.
It was also noted, this time by Coach Claude, that Richard Zednik has not been feeling 100%. Zednik, goal-less in his past seven games and without a point in four,is battling more than one minor injury his coach explained, even though he feels he can still bring his game at a higher level. One things for sure, when ever the Habs top sniper decides to deliver a Zednifying performance, the chances are good that our boys have a shot at winning. Let’s hope his fairly long break between Saturday’s loss and Tuesday’s contest in Atlanta is enough to help him heal a few of the things bothering him. Getting this guy going will be a key to success tomorrow night.
Speaking of tomorrow night, in somewhat of a surprise move, it will indeed be Jose Theodore between the pipes vs. the Thrashers. Theodore has owned superstar Ilya Kovalchuk all year long, perhaps the main reason the coaching staff went to their number one man. Mathieu Garon looked far better than Theodore during his short, third-period stint in Ottawa, and should Theo proove that he needs a little more rest in order to recouperate, than Garon should get the start against Calgary on Thursday.
Lastly, Karl Dykhuis is rejoining the Habs. A veteran of the left side of the ice, the once-steady Dykhuis is unlikely to see action, but it was perhaps a move to allow Francois Beauchemin the oppurtunity to rejoin the Bulldogs, giving the younger player the oppurtunity to play, no matter the level the play is at. Beauchemin did not play during his brief stint in Montreal (which should, regardless, proove to be just another valuable learning experience for the prospect) but will join a streaking Hamilton team. Led by Ron Hainsey, who has two goals in his past two games, and the strong play of many players upfront; including Josef Balej, Marcel Hossa, Tomas Plekanec, Duncan Milroy, Alex Perezhogin, and Chris Higgins, the Dogs were victorious in their last game, knocking off the Manitoba Moose. The next Hamilton Bulldogs action takes place Friday, when they take on Jiri Hudler and the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s minor-league affiliate.
