Total Pro Sports » Patrick Roy

The Bruins Are Hungry! Who’s Next??

AnthonyP — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:17:34 +0000

Total Pro Sports - There’s a good feeling in the Boston Bruins locker room these days. That’s because they all have one goal in mind, to win the Stanley Cup, and they are now one round closer to achieving that after bouncing the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the 2009 playoffs. In fact, their championship aspirations have become so serious that Bruins forward Marco Sturm got his friend to make team hats stating “STAY HUNGRY” on the side, and a picture of a piece of meat displayed on the front. The lengths motivational hats have gone to these days.

The Bruins came into their opening round series with the Habs as big betting favorites, but many still had last years first round loss in mind, raising questions in the eyes of some as to whether they were in store for a repeat of the 2008 playoffs season. They answered their critics quickly with two decisive wins at home and two more in Montreal to wrap the series up in 4 straight. The victory not only gives them a nice rest heading into their second round (which as of right now looks like it will see them face the NY Rangers), but it also proved that their young guns have matured a lot in one year and are ready for a long ride to the Cup Finals.

The Canadiens tried just about everything to keep up with the harder and faster Bruins, including the use of instigator George Laraque, but Boston was up for the task and dished out their own punishment in the form of Milan Lucic and Zedeno Chara. When it was all said and done, Montreal ran out of answers for the Bruins, and even Carey Pirce had seen enough. After making an easy save in yesterdays game, fans cheered Price for finally stopping a puck. He then saluted the crowd as did Patrick Roy back in 1995.

If there was any doubt that the Boston Bruins were not for real, this series says it all. Look for the Black and Gold to continue on their wining ways and make their push for Lord Stanley a long one.

Carey Price Waves Goodbye To Canadiens Fans

AnthonyP — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:49:01 +0000

Total Pro Sports – If you missed the game last night, the Montreal Canadiens were swept by the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2009 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

In the second period after the Bruins took a 4-1, Canadiens goaltender Carey Price had a Patrick Roy moment and waved to his hometown fans as they cheered sarcastically that he made a save.

“Oh, Patrick Roy moment for Carey Price!!!!!!” Said the announcer

Back in 1995 in his final game as a Hab, Patrick Roy allowed 9 goals in an 11-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings and waved to the crowd as the fans cheered when he finally stopping a puck. After he was pulled he walked over to Team President Ronald Corey who was sitting behind the bench and told him he was done as a Canadien. Patrick Roy was then traded to the Colorado Avalanche and that same year went on to win the Stanley Cup.

So where does this leave Carey Price and and his future with the Canadiens? They have another good goalie in Jaroslav Halak who many think should have been in since game three in this series. Is Carey Price done in Montreal? He showed he can act like Roy, but will he ever be able to play like him?

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Poggemon: Gotta Save’em All

CoreyS — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 23:20:48 +0000

Total Pro Sports – Back when Tuukka Rask was traded to the Boston Bruins during the 2006 draft for Andrew Raycroft it made most people shake their heads and wonder why the Leafs gave up so much for a one year wonder. It then turned the spotlight onto the Leafs 3rd round pick in the 2004 draft Justin Pogge. Justin had a disappointing first season in the AHL and it started to fuel a lot of differing opinions on the net minder. Some still say he’s the future #1 for the Leafs while others say he’ll be nothing more than a backup in the NHL. I say he still is the future #1 for the Leafs and suggest to the people that think otherwise to take a look back at Pogge’s history.

Justin Pogge was just a young backup with the Prince George Cougars when he first joined the WHL. However, over time he became more familiar with the game and started to earn more and more starts. He eventually took over the #1 spot and flew up the draft rankings when the Leafs selected him 90th overall. He continued his excellent play into the next season and was traded to the Calgary Hitmen at the trade deadline which lead to his breakout season. In the 2005-06 season Justin posted an impressive 1.72 GAA, 11 shutouts and 38 wins to go along with his WJHC Gold, Tournament MVP and WHL & CHL Goaltender of the Year awards.

After his impressive last season in the WHL Pogge jumped over to the AHL and struggled to adjust to playing with men as the Marlies backup. However, just like he did in the WHL, he worked hard and improved the next season in a split role with Scott Clemmensen posting a 2.34 GAA, 4 shutouts and 26 wins. He’s now heading into this season as the Marlies #1 and will be watched closely by the Leafs management.

Now I’m not saying Justin Pogge will be the next Ed Belfour, Patrick Roy, or Martin Brodeur but as his history shows, now is too early to write him off and the career backup talk is premature at this point.