BROSSARD, Qc. - Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty is day-to-day after sustaining an upper body injury in Thursday night's game against Anaheim.
He left the contest after receiving a hard check from Ducks defenseman Clayton Stoner.
A split second after releasing a pass, Pacioretty was struck from behind and propelled into the glass, with his head and neck area appearing to strike first.
He was taken to the Canadiens dressing room at 15:40 in the third period and did not return to the game, a 2-1 defeat for Montreal.
"He's back with us, he's day to day, we'll see for tomorrow," head coach Michel Therrien said Friday. "But the good news is, he was with us this morning."
Pacioretty leads the Canadiens with 25 points on 13 goals and 12 assists, 3 of which set up Alex Galchenyuk's hat trick against Carolina on Tuesday.
Showing posts with label Montreal Canadiens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Montreal Canadiens. Show all posts
Friday, December 19, 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Ducks sink Habs 2-1 as Koivu honored
MONTREAL, Qc. - Hampus Lindholm and Matt Beleskey lit the lamp as the Anaheim Ducks down the Montreal Canadiens 2-1 on Thursday night, putting the axe to the Habs' three-game winning habit.
Lindholm's goal at 8:16 in the first would give the Ducks a 1-0 advantage for the next 37 minutes as Anaheim raced out to an 8-1 shooting lead.
Ryan Getzlaf added his club-best 35th point with the assist, dishing to Lindholm after taking a faceoff in the Habs zone for the one-timer over Carey Price's right shoulder.
Three minutes after letting the Canadiens (20-11-2) produce the tie in the third session, left-winger Beleskey fired his 15th on the season seconds after a Ducks power-play expired.
Lindholm nearly struck on the advantage five seconds earlier with a wrister inches in front of Price in the crease, but his chance bounced away near the boards.
Rickard Rickell was on the ready, chasing down the puck and putting it on Belekskey's stick. The ricochet had Price looking late behind him at what became the game-winner.
Montreal would have chances in the middle frame to level the score, eventually rallying for a 12-11 shots lead, though Frederik Anderson would blockade the Ducks net, and hand the Canadiens their first defeat in four outings.
Michael Bournival and Tomas Plekanec teamed up on a would-be blast near the crease and Andersen's left pad was a step faster than Max Pacioretty. Brandon Prust fired a wrister that flew wide and Brendan Gallagher suffered the other pad with two minutes left after causing a turnover at the Ducks goal line.
"We had good scoring chances," Canadiens coach Michel Therrien said. "I liked our work ethic against a first place team. But we just didn't score on the chances we had."
Andersen would stuff 23-of-24 shots in net for Anaheim (22-7-5) after allowing 4 goals on 20 shots in what became a 6-2 loss to Toronto on Tuesday that killed a seven game winning streak.
His only mistake Thursday came at 5:27 in the third when he let David Desharnais fire a wrist shot past him to give both sides a goal apiece.
Andrei Markov and Alex Galenchyuk teamed up on the assist, the latter's fourth in his last two appearances for Montreal. His three set up Max Pacioretty's hat-trick against Carolina on Tuesday.
But the visitors would take their 49th point after sixty minutes for the best mark in hockey and a victory in their fourth of five contests in Canada.
The Canadiens honored former captain Saku Koivu before the contest. Koivu skated 13 seasons in Montreal starting in 1998 and five more with Anaheim. A video tribute played before he dropped the puck at center ice.
"I will always be a Hab at my heart," the Finn said. "Every NHL player should have the opportunity to play in Montreal in front of the best fans in the world."
Koivu retired in September of this year with 255 goals and 577 assists for 832 points. He fought a successful battle with non-hodgkin's lymphoma in the Canadiens' 2001-02 season.
"He taught us what the word 'courage' really meant," Michel Therrien said of Koivu. "He made us better people."
Lindholm's goal at 8:16 in the first would give the Ducks a 1-0 advantage for the next 37 minutes as Anaheim raced out to an 8-1 shooting lead.
Ryan Getzlaf added his club-best 35th point with the assist, dishing to Lindholm after taking a faceoff in the Habs zone for the one-timer over Carey Price's right shoulder.
Three minutes after letting the Canadiens (20-11-2) produce the tie in the third session, left-winger Beleskey fired his 15th on the season seconds after a Ducks power-play expired.
Lindholm nearly struck on the advantage five seconds earlier with a wrister inches in front of Price in the crease, but his chance bounced away near the boards.
Rickard Rickell was on the ready, chasing down the puck and putting it on Belekskey's stick. The ricochet had Price looking late behind him at what became the game-winner.
Montreal would have chances in the middle frame to level the score, eventually rallying for a 12-11 shots lead, though Frederik Anderson would blockade the Ducks net, and hand the Canadiens their first defeat in four outings.
Michael Bournival and Tomas Plekanec teamed up on a would-be blast near the crease and Andersen's left pad was a step faster than Max Pacioretty. Brandon Prust fired a wrister that flew wide and Brendan Gallagher suffered the other pad with two minutes left after causing a turnover at the Ducks goal line.
"We had good scoring chances," Canadiens coach Michel Therrien said. "I liked our work ethic against a first place team. But we just didn't score on the chances we had."
Andersen would stuff 23-of-24 shots in net for Anaheim (22-7-5) after allowing 4 goals on 20 shots in what became a 6-2 loss to Toronto on Tuesday that killed a seven game winning streak.
His only mistake Thursday came at 5:27 in the third when he let David Desharnais fire a wrist shot past him to give both sides a goal apiece.
Andrei Markov and Alex Galenchyuk teamed up on the assist, the latter's fourth in his last two appearances for Montreal. His three set up Max Pacioretty's hat-trick against Carolina on Tuesday.
But the visitors would take their 49th point after sixty minutes for the best mark in hockey and a victory in their fourth of five contests in Canada.
The Canadiens honored former captain Saku Koivu before the contest. Koivu skated 13 seasons in Montreal starting in 1998 and five more with Anaheim. A video tribute played before he dropped the puck at center ice.
"I will always be a Hab at my heart," the Finn said. "Every NHL player should have the opportunity to play in Montreal in front of the best fans in the world."
Koivu retired in September of this year with 255 goals and 577 assists for 832 points. He fought a successful battle with non-hodgkin's lymphoma in the Canadiens' 2001-02 season.
"He taught us what the word 'courage' really meant," Michel Therrien said of Koivu. "He made us better people."
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Hurricanes-Canadiens preview
MONTREAL, Qc. - Enjoying the third of a five-game homestand, the Montreal Canadiens will seek a third straight victory when they host the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night.
That streak comes on the heals of a 3-game skid and a meager 1-5-1 road trip. A return to the Bell Centre was the winning prescription, downing Vancouver and Cup-defending Los Angeles in succession by a score of 9-3 in those two outings.
Montreal (19-10-2) was outshot in ten of its victories this season, and lagged behind the Kings 46-20 as Carey Price made 44 saves, a season-best, and shutout the visitors until Jake Muzzin's strike three minutes into the third.
Price has 16 wins this season and holds a 1.67 goals-against average. His .922 save percentage ranks 10th in hockey.
"He's a great goaltender and he has the ability to make great saves," said Habs blue-liner P.K. Subban. "It's not a surprise to us seeing him do that but to be able to see him do it against one of the best teams in the league, that's what we need."
The Canadiens notched two power-play goals on the Kings, their first two strikes coming on their first five shots on goal. The Kings were held to nothing after their first 28 shots.
Though Nick Bonino nearly had one 90 seconds into the game were it not for the gymnastics of Carey Price, leaping over the crease to his right and extending his glove onto the chance.
"Price is priceless," Jiri Sekac told the Canadiens website. "You don't see a goaltender like him every day. I've been around. I've played in the Finals in the KHL. I've played in World Championships. But I've never seen a goalie like that. He's amazing. He's good every game. He's consistent."
Consistency that is likely to continue when Carolina (8-18-3) come into the Centre.
They fell 5-1 at Philadelphia on Saturday despite posting three more shots and have found the net only once in each of their last five outings, all defeats.
Tied with Edmonton for the fewest points in hockey (19), they began their 2014 campaign 0-6-2 before rattling off four straight victories. A win against Dallas was bookended by three straight losses, though, and they are yet to win since Dec. 2 against Nashville.
"We have to compete, have to be better defensively, have to manage the puck, have to move the puck better and that'll give us a better chance," coach Bill Peters said.
Despite blanking opponents on 15 straight power-play chances, they allowed three goals a man down on five chances in their last five contests, ranking 14th in both penalty-killing and power-play chances.
After an 0-for-14 slump with the advantage, Eric Staal sliced one past Steve Mason in Philadelphia in the second period, the Hurricanes' only goal that day.
"I don't think our execution was very good," he said after that game. "Obviously, it's been frustrating. We've played some good hockey before tonight, but tonight not good enough all around everywhere."
After pulling within 2-1 to the Flyers, they allowed three-straight goals in six minutes.
The Hurricanes will be without goals-leader Jiri Tlusty as he suffers an upper body injury and Elias Lindholm, second-best on goals (7), is yet to score a point in his last five appearances.
That streak comes on the heals of a 3-game skid and a meager 1-5-1 road trip. A return to the Bell Centre was the winning prescription, downing Vancouver and Cup-defending Los Angeles in succession by a score of 9-3 in those two outings.
Montreal (19-10-2) was outshot in ten of its victories this season, and lagged behind the Kings 46-20 as Carey Price made 44 saves, a season-best, and shutout the visitors until Jake Muzzin's strike three minutes into the third.
Price has 16 wins this season and holds a 1.67 goals-against average. His .922 save percentage ranks 10th in hockey.
"He's a great goaltender and he has the ability to make great saves," said Habs blue-liner P.K. Subban. "It's not a surprise to us seeing him do that but to be able to see him do it against one of the best teams in the league, that's what we need."
The Canadiens notched two power-play goals on the Kings, their first two strikes coming on their first five shots on goal. The Kings were held to nothing after their first 28 shots.
Though Nick Bonino nearly had one 90 seconds into the game were it not for the gymnastics of Carey Price, leaping over the crease to his right and extending his glove onto the chance.
"Price is priceless," Jiri Sekac told the Canadiens website. "You don't see a goaltender like him every day. I've been around. I've played in the Finals in the KHL. I've played in World Championships. But I've never seen a goalie like that. He's amazing. He's good every game. He's consistent."
Consistency that is likely to continue when Carolina (8-18-3) come into the Centre.
They fell 5-1 at Philadelphia on Saturday despite posting three more shots and have found the net only once in each of their last five outings, all defeats.
Tied with Edmonton for the fewest points in hockey (19), they began their 2014 campaign 0-6-2 before rattling off four straight victories. A win against Dallas was bookended by three straight losses, though, and they are yet to win since Dec. 2 against Nashville.
"We have to compete, have to be better defensively, have to manage the puck, have to move the puck better and that'll give us a better chance," coach Bill Peters said.
Despite blanking opponents on 15 straight power-play chances, they allowed three goals a man down on five chances in their last five contests, ranking 14th in both penalty-killing and power-play chances.
After an 0-for-14 slump with the advantage, Eric Staal sliced one past Steve Mason in Philadelphia in the second period, the Hurricanes' only goal that day.
"I don't think our execution was very good," he said after that game. "Obviously, it's been frustrating. We've played some good hockey before tonight, but tonight not good enough all around everywhere."
After pulling within 2-1 to the Flyers, they allowed three-straight goals in six minutes.
The Hurricanes will be without goals-leader Jiri Tlusty as he suffers an upper body injury and Elias Lindholm, second-best on goals (7), is yet to score a point in his last five appearances.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Canadiens trounce Kings 6-2
MONTREAL, Qc. - Though badly outshot, the Canadiens took early chances and a late scoring burst to secure a 6-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings Friday night.
That, despite being outshot 46-20 by the visitors. But what few chances the Canadiens had, they took.
Five shots into the their offensive attack, they had two goals. And three into their first eleven.
Los Angeles had none into their first 28.
"We had a lot of really good chances," Kings boss Darryl Sutter said. "We totally dominated the first period. I think Carey Price was really, really good, wasn't he?"
Yes, he was.
Carey Price stopped 44 shots in net for the Canadiens (19-10-2) as they take the first two in a four-game homestand, defeating Vancouver three days ago.
"He's a great goaltender and he has the ability to make great saves," P.K. Subban said of Price. "There's only a few goaltenders in the league that can do that and he's definitely one of them."
Jiri Sekac struck first for Montreal on only their third shot against Martin Jones, a power-play chance at 8:16, four seconds after LA's Drew Doughty sat for interfering with Max Pacioretty.
Tomas Plekanec and P.K. Subban exchanged passes after winning a faceoff in the left circle and Subban fired a one-timer from near the blue line, redirected near the crease by Sekac, who stick was the last to touch before crossing the line.
"I felt it hit my stick," Sekac said, whose goal was originally credited to Subban before a review changed it. "The first one was given to [Subban], but it was still a goal no matter what."
"I'm more comfortable with [Plekanec] in each game," he added. Plekanec shared in the assist. "There's a bit of chemistry there."
Sekac gave the Habs their sixth and final goal at 15:46 in the third, unassisted.
As the middle frame opened, LA enjoyed a 14-4 shots advantage before Andrei Markov shot the Habs' 5th, a power-play goal past Jones.
Montreal would take the 3-0 lead into the second intermission thanks to P.K. Subban's 8th goal on the year, a strike that found his stick after some passing in the the neutral zone that set up the defenseman's slap shot.
David Desharnais and Manny Malhotra assisted on the latter's first point this year.
The Kings (15-10-5) got on the board in the final session when Jake Muzzin fired a wrister over Carey Price's right shoulder.
The goal gave Muzzin his fourth point in two games, after notching a career-best three assists in the Kings' win over Ottawa Thursday.
Muzzin's strike came on the Kings' 34th shot against Price to Montreal's 12 on Jones.
Drew Doughty slapped a one-timer to Price's left from the circle to complete the visitors' scoresheet, the defenseman's third this season, at 10:48.
Los Angeles outshot Montreal 18-9 in the third period, though the Canadiens would convert 3 of those 9 to secure the convincing decision.
David Desharnais gave the Habs a 4-1 lead at 9:47. P.A. Parenteau and Brandon Prust shared the assist after some passing from behind the net.
"I got a perfect pass from P.A. and when you get a chance like that, you're expected to bury it," Desharnais said afterwards.
Second-year man Sven Andrighetto would give Montreal the three-goal lead at 13:59 off a cross-ice pass from Michael Bournival. The Swiss-born right-winger scored his first goal on the year Dec. 6th against Dallas.
The Kings' 46 shots were the most attempted by the team this season. They travel to Toronto to tangle with the Maple Leafs on Sunday.
That, despite being outshot 46-20 by the visitors. But what few chances the Canadiens had, they took.
Five shots into the their offensive attack, they had two goals. And three into their first eleven.
Los Angeles had none into their first 28.
"We had a lot of really good chances," Kings boss Darryl Sutter said. "We totally dominated the first period. I think Carey Price was really, really good, wasn't he?"
Yes, he was.
Carey Price stopped 44 shots in net for the Canadiens (19-10-2) as they take the first two in a four-game homestand, defeating Vancouver three days ago.
"He's a great goaltender and he has the ability to make great saves," P.K. Subban said of Price. "There's only a few goaltenders in the league that can do that and he's definitely one of them."
Jiri Sekac struck first for Montreal on only their third shot against Martin Jones, a power-play chance at 8:16, four seconds after LA's Drew Doughty sat for interfering with Max Pacioretty.
Tomas Plekanec and P.K. Subban exchanged passes after winning a faceoff in the left circle and Subban fired a one-timer from near the blue line, redirected near the crease by Sekac, who stick was the last to touch before crossing the line.
"I felt it hit my stick," Sekac said, whose goal was originally credited to Subban before a review changed it. "The first one was given to [Subban], but it was still a goal no matter what."
"I'm more comfortable with [Plekanec] in each game," he added. Plekanec shared in the assist. "There's a bit of chemistry there."
Sekac gave the Habs their sixth and final goal at 15:46 in the third, unassisted.
As the middle frame opened, LA enjoyed a 14-4 shots advantage before Andrei Markov shot the Habs' 5th, a power-play goal past Jones.
Montreal would take the 3-0 lead into the second intermission thanks to P.K. Subban's 8th goal on the year, a strike that found his stick after some passing in the the neutral zone that set up the defenseman's slap shot.
David Desharnais and Manny Malhotra assisted on the latter's first point this year.
The Kings (15-10-5) got on the board in the final session when Jake Muzzin fired a wrister over Carey Price's right shoulder.
The goal gave Muzzin his fourth point in two games, after notching a career-best three assists in the Kings' win over Ottawa Thursday.
Muzzin's strike came on the Kings' 34th shot against Price to Montreal's 12 on Jones.
Drew Doughty slapped a one-timer to Price's left from the circle to complete the visitors' scoresheet, the defenseman's third this season, at 10:48.
Los Angeles outshot Montreal 18-9 in the third period, though the Canadiens would convert 3 of those 9 to secure the convincing decision.
David Desharnais gave the Habs a 4-1 lead at 9:47. P.A. Parenteau and Brandon Prust shared the assist after some passing from behind the net.
"I got a perfect pass from P.A. and when you get a chance like that, you're expected to bury it," Desharnais said afterwards.
Second-year man Sven Andrighetto would give Montreal the three-goal lead at 13:59 off a cross-ice pass from Michael Bournival. The Swiss-born right-winger scored his first goal on the year Dec. 6th against Dallas.
The Kings' 46 shots were the most attempted by the team this season. They travel to Toronto to tangle with the Maple Leafs on Sunday.
Kings-Canadiens preview
MONTREAL, Qc. - Three days after burying Jean Beliveau, a 10-time winner of the Stanley Cup and former Canadiens captain, Montreal seeks a second straight victory Friday night when the Los Angeles Kings visit the Bell Centre.
Montreal (18-10-2) returned home Tuesday to down Vancouver 3-1 as the Habs kicked off a five-game homestand.
Brendan Gallagher and Tomas Plekanec lit the lamp in a game preceded by a fifteen-minute tribute to Beliveau and a two-minute standing ovation for his widow, Elise, who sat next to the seat her husband occupied during his years as a team executive.
The chair was left open, with his number 4 emblazed into it.
Max Pacioretty leads Montreal with 22 points, notching his 9th goal this season with an empty-netter and an assist in Tuesday's win. He gave the winning puck to Mme Beliveau following the game.
"It was a little bit emotional before the game," Pacioretty said. "But I'm glad we got her a victory."
The Canadiens are 10-3-1 at home, to which they return after suffering their longest losing skid of the season, dropping three in a row to Minnesota, Chicago, and Dallas, all on the road.
"We all knew we needed to do more offensively," Gallagher said, whose strike opened scoring in the second period. "We generated a lot of chances. Every line contributed."
They average 3.1 goals at the Centre against 1.8 on the road, and have scored only 9 first period goals, the worst mark in hockey, outscored 8-2 in opening periods.
Los Angeles (15-9-5) visits the Habs for their third game in five away from home. After dropping two straight, they rebounded with a 5-3 decision over Ottawa Thursday night, after finding only 8 goals in their previous five games.
Jake Muzzin recorded three assists in Canada's capitol, setting up two goals in the third period to lift the Kings to a 4-5-1 record on the road.
His goal came 36 seconds after the Senators produced a 2-2 tie.
"That was big," Muzzin said afterwards. "They [Ottawa] had momentum going their way and we kind of shifted it back into our hands. To come back with a goal right away was huge."
Tyler Toffoli leads the Kings with 21 points (10 G, 11 A), a team that allows the third-fewest goals (2.1) against the Canadiens' 2.4 allowed-average.
The two sides played one another to decide the 1993 Stanley Cup Final. Montreal took the series in five games, the last time the Cup was awarded to a team north of the border.
LA won their previous two meetings with Montreal after losing their last seven.
Montreal (18-10-2) returned home Tuesday to down Vancouver 3-1 as the Habs kicked off a five-game homestand.
Brendan Gallagher and Tomas Plekanec lit the lamp in a game preceded by a fifteen-minute tribute to Beliveau and a two-minute standing ovation for his widow, Elise, who sat next to the seat her husband occupied during his years as a team executive.
The chair was left open, with his number 4 emblazed into it.
Max Pacioretty leads Montreal with 22 points, notching his 9th goal this season with an empty-netter and an assist in Tuesday's win. He gave the winning puck to Mme Beliveau following the game.
"It was a little bit emotional before the game," Pacioretty said. "But I'm glad we got her a victory."
The Canadiens are 10-3-1 at home, to which they return after suffering their longest losing skid of the season, dropping three in a row to Minnesota, Chicago, and Dallas, all on the road.
"We all knew we needed to do more offensively," Gallagher said, whose strike opened scoring in the second period. "We generated a lot of chances. Every line contributed."
They average 3.1 goals at the Centre against 1.8 on the road, and have scored only 9 first period goals, the worst mark in hockey, outscored 8-2 in opening periods.
Los Angeles (15-9-5) visits the Habs for their third game in five away from home. After dropping two straight, they rebounded with a 5-3 decision over Ottawa Thursday night, after finding only 8 goals in their previous five games.
Jake Muzzin recorded three assists in Canada's capitol, setting up two goals in the third period to lift the Kings to a 4-5-1 record on the road.
His goal came 36 seconds after the Senators produced a 2-2 tie.
"That was big," Muzzin said afterwards. "They [Ottawa] had momentum going their way and we kind of shifted it back into our hands. To come back with a goal right away was huge."
Tyler Toffoli leads the Kings with 21 points (10 G, 11 A), a team that allows the third-fewest goals (2.1) against the Canadiens' 2.4 allowed-average.
The two sides played one another to decide the 1993 Stanley Cup Final. Montreal took the series in five games, the last time the Cup was awarded to a team north of the border.
LA won their previous two meetings with Montreal after losing their last seven.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Jean Beliveau laid to rest in Montreal
MONTREAL, Qc. - Former Canadiens great Jean Beliveau was given a public funeral mass Wednesday at Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral in Montreal.
Beliveau arrived at the cathedral before hundreds of fans assembled outside in a driving snow- and ice storm. Two large television screens outside the basilica broadcast the proceedings to those on the street.
Elise and Helene Beliveau, his wife and daughter, entered the church alongside Canadiens alumni, current players, and staff.
His casket was draped in a red, white, and blue Canadiens flag with the team's emblem embroidered into the middle, and carried into the procession by six pallbearers, all former Habs; Guy Lafleur, Serge Savard, Yvan Cournoyer, Jean-Guy Talbot, Phil Goyette, and Bobby Rousseau.
The mass was presided over by Christian Lepine, Archbishop of Montreal, and four eulogies were delivered, by former teammates and friends of Beliveau.
"This time of remembrance also has become a time of presence," the Archbishop said. "Jean's family is present, and we are present for his family."
"We present Jean, husband, father, friend, to God that he may welcome him to his kingdom, a kingdom of eternal love."
Dickie Moore skated left-wing for the Canadiens from 1952-1964, winning six Cups with Beliveau.
"I was lucky to have been with Jean for many glorious years with the Canadiens," he said, "lucky to share amazing moments together, lucky to have him as a friend."
He added, "Would you rather be good or lucky? I was lucky. He was good."
Yves Cournoyer matched Beliveau's 10 Cup-winning mark as the Habs' right-winger from 1964-1979, bidding farewell to his friend, "Oh captain, my captain. Bon voyage."
Serge Savard watched Beliveau skate on television as a 6-year-old boy before joining his hero on the ice in a Canadiens sweater from 1967-1981. He won 8 Stanley Cups, his first three alongside "Le Gros Bill," adding five more during the remainder of the 1970s.
"He treated everyone with respect," said Ken Dryden, who won the 1971 Stanley Cup with Beliveau in the latter's final year as a player. "He said the right things and in the right way, in French and in English, because that's what he believed and that's what he was."
"This is not a time to say goodbye," Dryden said. "This is a time to say 'thank you'. Merci."
"For six decades, he carried the torch for us, now we must carry it for him," Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said to the congregation.
Selections from the Bible were read following the eulogies and benediction:
"But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?"
Beliveau was renowned for his charitable work, adding to his reputation as a gentleman as well as sportsman, establishing the foundation that would bear his name in 1971. Its charity would be transferred to the Society for Disabled Children in 1993.
Following Holy Communion, he was led from the cathedral as the Hallelujah Chorus was sung.
Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper and Quebec premier Phillipe Couillard, Montreal mayor Denis Coderre, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman all attended.
"We lost a great citizen," Prime Minister Harper said, "somebody who was admired and respected by everybody in the country. I have admired Mr. Beliveau since I was a little boy. He was already a part of the Hockey Hall of Fame and now he's become part of the history of our country."
"Just being in his presence was special," Bettman said on arrival. "He is revered. He was the epitome of elegance and class. He believed so much not just in the game but in the community. He will be sorely missed."
Beliveau is a 10-time Stanley Cup champion as the Canadiens center, and led the beloved program to seven more Cups as an executive. The 17 Cups that adorn his name are the most of any man in the history of the game.
Montreal defeated Vancouver 3-1 at the Bell Centre Tuesday night after a fifteen minute tribute to their star center and shone a spotlight on the seat he occupied for so many years as a team executive, draped over with his number 4. His wife Elise sat in the next seat and wept during the honor.
Beliveau arrived at the cathedral before hundreds of fans assembled outside in a driving snow- and ice storm. Two large television screens outside the basilica broadcast the proceedings to those on the street.
Elise and Helene Beliveau, his wife and daughter, entered the church alongside Canadiens alumni, current players, and staff.
His casket was draped in a red, white, and blue Canadiens flag with the team's emblem embroidered into the middle, and carried into the procession by six pallbearers, all former Habs; Guy Lafleur, Serge Savard, Yvan Cournoyer, Jean-Guy Talbot, Phil Goyette, and Bobby Rousseau.
The mass was presided over by Christian Lepine, Archbishop of Montreal, and four eulogies were delivered, by former teammates and friends of Beliveau.
"This time of remembrance also has become a time of presence," the Archbishop said. "Jean's family is present, and we are present for his family."
"We present Jean, husband, father, friend, to God that he may welcome him to his kingdom, a kingdom of eternal love."
Dickie Moore skated left-wing for the Canadiens from 1952-1964, winning six Cups with Beliveau.
"I was lucky to have been with Jean for many glorious years with the Canadiens," he said, "lucky to share amazing moments together, lucky to have him as a friend."
He added, "Would you rather be good or lucky? I was lucky. He was good."
Yves Cournoyer matched Beliveau's 10 Cup-winning mark as the Habs' right-winger from 1964-1979, bidding farewell to his friend, "Oh captain, my captain. Bon voyage."
Serge Savard watched Beliveau skate on television as a 6-year-old boy before joining his hero on the ice in a Canadiens sweater from 1967-1981. He won 8 Stanley Cups, his first three alongside "Le Gros Bill," adding five more during the remainder of the 1970s.
"He treated everyone with respect," said Ken Dryden, who won the 1971 Stanley Cup with Beliveau in the latter's final year as a player. "He said the right things and in the right way, in French and in English, because that's what he believed and that's what he was."
"This is not a time to say goodbye," Dryden said. "This is a time to say 'thank you'. Merci."
"For six decades, he carried the torch for us, now we must carry it for him," Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said to the congregation.
Selections from the Bible were read following the eulogies and benediction:
"But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?"
Beliveau was renowned for his charitable work, adding to his reputation as a gentleman as well as sportsman, establishing the foundation that would bear his name in 1971. Its charity would be transferred to the Society for Disabled Children in 1993.
Following Holy Communion, he was led from the cathedral as the Hallelujah Chorus was sung.
Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper and Quebec premier Phillipe Couillard, Montreal mayor Denis Coderre, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman all attended.
"We lost a great citizen," Prime Minister Harper said, "somebody who was admired and respected by everybody in the country. I have admired Mr. Beliveau since I was a little boy. He was already a part of the Hockey Hall of Fame and now he's become part of the history of our country."
"Just being in his presence was special," Bettman said on arrival. "He is revered. He was the epitome of elegance and class. He believed so much not just in the game but in the community. He will be sorely missed."
Beliveau is a 10-time Stanley Cup champion as the Canadiens center, and led the beloved program to seven more Cups as an executive. The 17 Cups that adorn his name are the most of any man in the history of the game.
Montreal defeated Vancouver 3-1 at the Bell Centre Tuesday night after a fifteen minute tribute to their star center and shone a spotlight on the seat he occupied for so many years as a team executive, draped over with his number 4. His wife Elise sat in the next seat and wept during the honor.
Habs' Lars Eller out 1-2 weeks
MONTREAL, Qc. - Montreal Canadiens center Lars Eller will sit out of team activities for the next one- to two weeks with an upper body injury, according to the team.
Eller will likely sit out at least one week for rest before resuming on-ice activities the following week, and will return near the end of the month.
The 25-year-old Dane was injured in the Canadiens' defeat to the Chicago Blackhawks last week and missed the team's games at Dallas and against Vancouver as a result.
He has seven goals and 11 points in 28 appearances for Montreal this season. His four game-winning goals are the best mark of any man in hockey.
Sven Andrighetto, a rookie, has replaced Eller, and has two points in two contests, including an assist on Tomas Plekanec's game-clinching score against Vancouver Tuesday night.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Canadiens honor Beliveau, down Canucks 3-1
MONTREAL, Qc. - Tomas Plekanec lit the lamp late for the Canadiens, who took and held a 3-1 decision over the Vancouver Canucks Tuesday night.
It was an occasion first somber, then joyous, as the team paid tribute to their former captain, Jean Beliveau, who died this week at the age of 83.
Plekanec would give the game-winning puck to Madame Elise Beliveau, the great center's widow, who was in attendance as her husband was honored.
A puck that, minutes before, Plekanec would fire top shelf on Vancouver's Ryan Miller after a development in the neutral zone.
Jiri Sekac and would dart a quick pass in that space to Sven Andrighetto along the far boards in the Canucks zone as the right-winger skated towards Miller.
He would flick a pass over to Plekanec in stride, who streaked through the attacking zone after splitting two defenders and shot good from close range.
It would break a stubborn 1-1 tie that held for most of the final session.
Montreal (18-10-2) returned to the Bell Centre after a wobbly four-game road trip, coming up with a 1-3 record in that time. The Canucks concluded a seven-game road campaign in defeat, returning to Canada's west coast with a 3-3-1 record in that stretch.
After a scoreless opening session, Brendan Gallagher would put the Canadiens on the board, assisted by Max Pacioretty and Tom Gilbert.
Gilbert brought the puck up the boards and dished across the ice to Gallagher, who flung a snap shot over Miller's right shoulder at 6:56.
Montreal had outshot Vancouver 7-0 up to that time in the second, and still held an 8-1 advantage halfway through that period.
But Derek Dorsett would answer for Vancouver (18-9-2) with a man down, cashing in on the Canucks' 6th-best penalty killing group, the only positive mark for the visitors on the evening.
Brad Richardson was sitting two minutes after giving a high stick to Brendan Gallagher, but it would be Dorsett, taking a puck that deflected off the skate of Plekanec deep in the Montreal zone, and firing from the left circle past Carey Price to produce the 1-1 stalemate.
Carey Price saved 15-of-16 shots he faced in net for the Canadiens. He kept the home side from an early deficit, launching himself post-to-post 90 seconds into the contest to stop a quick shot from Canucks center Nick Bonino.
The Habs fired 13 shots on Miller to the Canucks' 5 against Price in the second, and finished the night with a 25-16 shooting advantage. Ryan Miller stopped 22-of-24 for Vancouver.
Max Pacioretty nearly gave the Habs a lead in the middle frame when a sudden 2-on-1 chance developed the right circle, but his wrister clanged off the right post.
He added an empty-netter for his 13th goal this season with 1 second left.
Former Canadiens captain Jean Beliveau was honored in a fifteen minute ceremony before the puck drop Tuesday night.
"It was a little bit emotional before the game," Pacioretty said afterwards. "But I'm glad to be part of this night, and I'm glad we got her (Mrs. Beliveau) a victory."
Beliveau starred for the Habs from 1950 to 1971, winning 10 Stanley Cups, including a stretch from 1956-1960 of five straight titles. He added seven more as an executive, notching 17 Cups to his name, the most of any man in hockey.
Images of his life and hockey career were projected onto the ice for several minutes, followed by a moment of silence. A video tribute was shown as both teams took the ice.
A spotlight was shone on his wife, Elise, and daughter, Helene, to a long standing ovation as they both wept.
The seat beside Madame Beliveau was left open, with Beliveau's number 4 draped over it. The seat, three rows behind the Canadiens bench, was occupied by Beliveau nearly every home game when he served as the team's vice president and public relations director following his retirement as player.
The Canadiens honored their legend and friend the way he had for so many years, in convincing victory.
"We played one of our best games tonight," Habs coach Michel Therrien said of the occasion. "It gave me great satisfaction ending this slump after the commemoration."
Beliveau will be given a public funeral mass Wednesday at Montreal's Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, seat of that city's Archdiocese, two blocks from the Canadiens' home arena.
It was an occasion first somber, then joyous, as the team paid tribute to their former captain, Jean Beliveau, who died this week at the age of 83.
Plekanec would give the game-winning puck to Madame Elise Beliveau, the great center's widow, who was in attendance as her husband was honored.
A puck that, minutes before, Plekanec would fire top shelf on Vancouver's Ryan Miller after a development in the neutral zone.
Jiri Sekac and would dart a quick pass in that space to Sven Andrighetto along the far boards in the Canucks zone as the right-winger skated towards Miller.
He would flick a pass over to Plekanec in stride, who streaked through the attacking zone after splitting two defenders and shot good from close range.
It would break a stubborn 1-1 tie that held for most of the final session.
Montreal (18-10-2) returned to the Bell Centre after a wobbly four-game road trip, coming up with a 1-3 record in that time. The Canucks concluded a seven-game road campaign in defeat, returning to Canada's west coast with a 3-3-1 record in that stretch.
After a scoreless opening session, Brendan Gallagher would put the Canadiens on the board, assisted by Max Pacioretty and Tom Gilbert.
Gilbert brought the puck up the boards and dished across the ice to Gallagher, who flung a snap shot over Miller's right shoulder at 6:56.
Montreal had outshot Vancouver 7-0 up to that time in the second, and still held an 8-1 advantage halfway through that period.
But Derek Dorsett would answer for Vancouver (18-9-2) with a man down, cashing in on the Canucks' 6th-best penalty killing group, the only positive mark for the visitors on the evening.
Brad Richardson was sitting two minutes after giving a high stick to Brendan Gallagher, but it would be Dorsett, taking a puck that deflected off the skate of Plekanec deep in the Montreal zone, and firing from the left circle past Carey Price to produce the 1-1 stalemate.
Carey Price saved 15-of-16 shots he faced in net for the Canadiens. He kept the home side from an early deficit, launching himself post-to-post 90 seconds into the contest to stop a quick shot from Canucks center Nick Bonino.
The Habs fired 13 shots on Miller to the Canucks' 5 against Price in the second, and finished the night with a 25-16 shooting advantage. Ryan Miller stopped 22-of-24 for Vancouver.
Max Pacioretty nearly gave the Habs a lead in the middle frame when a sudden 2-on-1 chance developed the right circle, but his wrister clanged off the right post.
He added an empty-netter for his 13th goal this season with 1 second left.
Former Canadiens captain Jean Beliveau was honored in a fifteen minute ceremony before the puck drop Tuesday night.
"It was a little bit emotional before the game," Pacioretty said afterwards. "But I'm glad to be part of this night, and I'm glad we got her (Mrs. Beliveau) a victory."
Beliveau starred for the Habs from 1950 to 1971, winning 10 Stanley Cups, including a stretch from 1956-1960 of five straight titles. He added seven more as an executive, notching 17 Cups to his name, the most of any man in hockey.
Images of his life and hockey career were projected onto the ice for several minutes, followed by a moment of silence. A video tribute was shown as both teams took the ice.
A spotlight was shone on his wife, Elise, and daughter, Helene, to a long standing ovation as they both wept.
The seat beside Madame Beliveau was left open, with Beliveau's number 4 draped over it. The seat, three rows behind the Canadiens bench, was occupied by Beliveau nearly every home game when he served as the team's vice president and public relations director following his retirement as player.
The Canadiens honored their legend and friend the way he had for so many years, in convincing victory.
"We played one of our best games tonight," Habs coach Michel Therrien said of the occasion. "It gave me great satisfaction ending this slump after the commemoration."
Beliveau will be given a public funeral mass Wednesday at Montreal's Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, seat of that city's Archdiocese, two blocks from the Canadiens' home arena.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
NHL Capsules (Dec. 5th)
A review of this evening's NHL action:
Blackhawks 4, Canadiens 3
CHICAGO, Ill. - Brandon Saad broke a 3-3 tie with 27 seconds left in regulation to sneak the Chicago Blackhawks past the struggling Montreal Canadiens 4-3 Friday night.
"It got deflected and ended up right on my stick, so I'm thankful for that," Saad said afterwards of his shot.
Chicago (17-8-1) secured their fifth-straight victory as the Canadiens drop the fifth of their last six outings.
The Blackhawks' 1st-ranked penalty-kill was on duty for eight minutes of the second period, eventually allowing P.K. Subban's goal on the advantage and the brief 3-2 Montreal lead.
But captain Jonathan Toews would help secure the win, adding two more points on the night, including his 11th goal this season that evened it at 3 per side.
His assist, alongside Patrick Kane, preceded Saad's game-winner.
Carey Price allowed 4-of-36 shots in net for the Canadiens (17-9-2), who travel to Dallas tomorrow.
/
Anaheim 5, Minnesota 4
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Ducks center Ryan Kesler left the ice Friday night with three points, scoring two goals and assisting a third as Anaheim skated past Minnesota 5-4.
Kesler needed all of 1:31 to strike for the visitors, and Jakob Silfverberg gave the Ducks a 2-0 lead after the first period.
Kesler added again at 2:28 of the second, flinging one past Darcy Kuemper for the three-goal advantage.
But the Wild weren't through, and their comeback bid began from an unlikely source: their 29th-ranked power-play.
Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise both found the net within 11 seconds of each other in two 5-on-4 sessions, bringing the home side within a goal.
Jonas Brodin scored his first this season and Justin Fontaine gave the Wild a 4-3 lead near the start of the third period, but Tim Jackman and Matt Beleskey would finish the frame, and the Wild.
Anaheim downed the Wild in their last contest, and the two teams will meet again on March 13th in St. Paul.
/
Jets 6, Avalanche 2
WINNIPEG, Mb. - Bryan Little's hat-trick swept the Winnipeg Jets to a 6-2 decision over the Colorado Avalanche Friday night.
He scored halfway through the first period and twice within a 32 second span in the third, all assisted by Blake Wheeler.
Little would assist on Andrew Ladd's strike 45 seconds into the middle frame for the 3-1 Jets lead.
Host Winnipeg outshot Colorado 16-4 in the first period, and 26-9 through the second, finishing with 37 shots to Colorado's 22 on goal.
Michael Hutchinson saved 20 shots for Winnipeg (14-9-4) in victory.
Jerome Iginla gave the Avalanche (9-12-6) their two goals, his 5th and 6th on the season, assisted each time by Gabriel Landeskog.
Blackhawks 4, Canadiens 3
CHICAGO, Ill. - Brandon Saad broke a 3-3 tie with 27 seconds left in regulation to sneak the Chicago Blackhawks past the struggling Montreal Canadiens 4-3 Friday night.
"It got deflected and ended up right on my stick, so I'm thankful for that," Saad said afterwards of his shot.
Chicago (17-8-1) secured their fifth-straight victory as the Canadiens drop the fifth of their last six outings.
The Blackhawks' 1st-ranked penalty-kill was on duty for eight minutes of the second period, eventually allowing P.K. Subban's goal on the advantage and the brief 3-2 Montreal lead.
But captain Jonathan Toews would help secure the win, adding two more points on the night, including his 11th goal this season that evened it at 3 per side.
His assist, alongside Patrick Kane, preceded Saad's game-winner.
Carey Price allowed 4-of-36 shots in net for the Canadiens (17-9-2), who travel to Dallas tomorrow.
/
Anaheim 5, Minnesota 4
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Ducks center Ryan Kesler left the ice Friday night with three points, scoring two goals and assisting a third as Anaheim skated past Minnesota 5-4.
Kesler needed all of 1:31 to strike for the visitors, and Jakob Silfverberg gave the Ducks a 2-0 lead after the first period.
Kesler added again at 2:28 of the second, flinging one past Darcy Kuemper for the three-goal advantage.
But the Wild weren't through, and their comeback bid began from an unlikely source: their 29th-ranked power-play.
Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise both found the net within 11 seconds of each other in two 5-on-4 sessions, bringing the home side within a goal.
Jonas Brodin scored his first this season and Justin Fontaine gave the Wild a 4-3 lead near the start of the third period, but Tim Jackman and Matt Beleskey would finish the frame, and the Wild.
Anaheim downed the Wild in their last contest, and the two teams will meet again on March 13th in St. Paul.
/
Jets 6, Avalanche 2
WINNIPEG, Mb. - Bryan Little's hat-trick swept the Winnipeg Jets to a 6-2 decision over the Colorado Avalanche Friday night.
He scored halfway through the first period and twice within a 32 second span in the third, all assisted by Blake Wheeler.
Little would assist on Andrew Ladd's strike 45 seconds into the middle frame for the 3-1 Jets lead.
Host Winnipeg outshot Colorado 16-4 in the first period, and 26-9 through the second, finishing with 37 shots to Colorado's 22 on goal.
Michael Hutchinson saved 20 shots for Winnipeg (14-9-4) in victory.
Jerome Iginla gave the Avalanche (9-12-6) their two goals, his 5th and 6th on the season, assisted each time by Gabriel Landeskog.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Canadiens-Blackhawks preview
CHICAGO, Ill. - United Center will host the Chicago Blackhawks' bid for a fifth-straight victory Friday night when they host the slumping Montreal Canadiens in a battle of Original Six programs.
Chicago (16-8-1) went 4-1 on a recent road trip while the circus invaded their arena, and their winning ways continued Wednesday night when they returned home, handing a 4-1 decision to their rival St. Louis Blues.
It would be a flurry of scoring in the third period of that game that decided the outcome, a three-goal final session for the Blackhawks, including two scores from Patrick Kane.
The first of those three came 59 seconds into the period, from Kris Versteeg, before Kane struck twice within five minutes.
Kane has eight goals and seven assists over his last nine appearances for Chicago, and his 12 goals and 25 points lead the team.
The Blackhawks have outscored opponents 15-5 during their four-game winning streak, all against top teams in the Western Conference.
"We've been playing the right way, particularly lately," head coach Joel Quenneville said. "Eventually, you get your turn."
A turn that includes the best penalty-kill in hockey (92 pct), and which held St. Louis to a 0-for-6 mark when skating a man down Wednesday.
Antti Raanta (2-2-0) will sit in net for the Blackhawks after starter Corey Crawford hurt his foot at a recent concert and will miss at least two weeks.
He stopped 40-of-41 shots he faced against the Blues in his first start since falling to that team Oct. 25th.
"I like how he challenged," Quenneville said of Raanta. "I think he was comfortable meeting pucks. I thought he was good finding pucks."
Montreal (17-8-2) will be seeking revenge after falling to the Blackhawks 5-0 at the Bell Centre Nov. 4th, and have lost three of their last four meetings.
They recorded six-straight victories since that shutout loss, though have gone 1-3-1 in their last five and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Minnesota Wednesday, a game in which they were outshot 35-19.
Max Pacioretty holds the Canadiens' most points (20) and goals (12).
"When we have success, it's for a reason," Pacioretty said Thursday. "We're all on the same page, and we all play a certain way."
Montreal would have been shutout by the Wild were it not for Alex Galenchuyk, putting the Canadiens on the board with 58 seconds left in the game.
Tomas Plekanec is second for the Canadiens with 18 points, though has none in his last five games, and Montreal as a team has averaged only 1.88 goals per game in their last eight, after scoring 2.68 before then.
"When we get away from that," Pacioretty said, "we're just another team. When we play the way we're capable of, that's when we have success and that's when we're a great team."
Chicago (16-8-1) went 4-1 on a recent road trip while the circus invaded their arena, and their winning ways continued Wednesday night when they returned home, handing a 4-1 decision to their rival St. Louis Blues.
It would be a flurry of scoring in the third period of that game that decided the outcome, a three-goal final session for the Blackhawks, including two scores from Patrick Kane.
The first of those three came 59 seconds into the period, from Kris Versteeg, before Kane struck twice within five minutes.
Kane has eight goals and seven assists over his last nine appearances for Chicago, and his 12 goals and 25 points lead the team.
The Blackhawks have outscored opponents 15-5 during their four-game winning streak, all against top teams in the Western Conference.
"We've been playing the right way, particularly lately," head coach Joel Quenneville said. "Eventually, you get your turn."
A turn that includes the best penalty-kill in hockey (92 pct), and which held St. Louis to a 0-for-6 mark when skating a man down Wednesday.
Antti Raanta (2-2-0) will sit in net for the Blackhawks after starter Corey Crawford hurt his foot at a recent concert and will miss at least two weeks.
He stopped 40-of-41 shots he faced against the Blues in his first start since falling to that team Oct. 25th.
"I like how he challenged," Quenneville said of Raanta. "I think he was comfortable meeting pucks. I thought he was good finding pucks."
Montreal (17-8-2) will be seeking revenge after falling to the Blackhawks 5-0 at the Bell Centre Nov. 4th, and have lost three of their last four meetings.
They recorded six-straight victories since that shutout loss, though have gone 1-3-1 in their last five and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Minnesota Wednesday, a game in which they were outshot 35-19.
Max Pacioretty holds the Canadiens' most points (20) and goals (12).
"When we have success, it's for a reason," Pacioretty said Thursday. "We're all on the same page, and we all play a certain way."
Montreal would have been shutout by the Wild were it not for Alex Galenchuyk, putting the Canadiens on the board with 58 seconds left in the game.
Tomas Plekanec is second for the Canadiens with 18 points, though has none in his last five games, and Montreal as a team has averaged only 1.88 goals per game in their last eight, after scoring 2.68 before then.
"When we get away from that," Pacioretty said, "we're just another team. When we play the way we're capable of, that's when we have success and that's when we're a great team."
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Jean Beliveau dies at 83
Longueuil, Qc. - Jean Beliveau was given 83 years of life. They ended Tuesday.
Beliveau starred at center for the Montreal Canadiens from 1950 to 1971, winning 10 Stanley Cups as one of the finest hockey players to ever live.
His craft inspired Habs fans to nickname him "Le Gros Bill," after the strongman of Quebec folklore.
He featured in the Habs' middle as the team won five-straight Cups, a standing record of successive victory, from 1956-1960.
Beliveau added seven more Cups as a front office executive for the team, serving as vice president and public relations director, adding his name to seventeen Stanley Cups, the most of any man in hockey, a record that stands today.
The Quebec native was one of the most skilled players in the history of the game, scoring 507 goals and 712 assists in 1,125 games.
He retired in 1971 as the all-time playoff scorer in goals (79) and points (176) in 162 playoff appearances for the Canadiens.
His achievements were so great, his play so efficient, so graceful, his gift so supreme that the league made an exception to its three-year waiting period, nominating Beliveau for their Hall of Fame a year following his retirement.
"No record book can capture, no image can depict, no statue can convey the grandeur of the remarkable Jean Beliveau, whose elegance and skill on the ice earned the admiration of the hockey world while his humility and humanity away from the rink earned the love of fans everywhere," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.
His talent on the ice was suceeded only by his reputation as a gentleman and sportsman.
His Jean Beliveau Foundation was founded in the year he retired though transferred its charitable activities to the Society for Disabled Children in 1993.
Canadiens owner Geoff Molson released a statement:
"Jean Beliveau was a great leader, a gentleman, and arguable the greatest ambassador our game has ever known."
In 1998, Beliveau was named as a Companion of the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian honor, and in 1994 was offered the office of Governor General of Canada, the representative of the British Crown to that nation, but declined the position.
He wed the former Elise Couture in 1953 in Quebec City, with whom he had a daughter, Helene.
Beliveau starred at center for the Montreal Canadiens from 1950 to 1971, winning 10 Stanley Cups as one of the finest hockey players to ever live.
His craft inspired Habs fans to nickname him "Le Gros Bill," after the strongman of Quebec folklore.
He featured in the Habs' middle as the team won five-straight Cups, a standing record of successive victory, from 1956-1960.
Beliveau added seven more Cups as a front office executive for the team, serving as vice president and public relations director, adding his name to seventeen Stanley Cups, the most of any man in hockey, a record that stands today.
The Quebec native was one of the most skilled players in the history of the game, scoring 507 goals and 712 assists in 1,125 games.
He retired in 1971 as the all-time playoff scorer in goals (79) and points (176) in 162 playoff appearances for the Canadiens.
His achievements were so great, his play so efficient, so graceful, his gift so supreme that the league made an exception to its three-year waiting period, nominating Beliveau for their Hall of Fame a year following his retirement.
"No record book can capture, no image can depict, no statue can convey the grandeur of the remarkable Jean Beliveau, whose elegance and skill on the ice earned the admiration of the hockey world while his humility and humanity away from the rink earned the love of fans everywhere," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement.
His talent on the ice was suceeded only by his reputation as a gentleman and sportsman.
His Jean Beliveau Foundation was founded in the year he retired though transferred its charitable activities to the Society for Disabled Children in 1993.
Canadiens owner Geoff Molson released a statement:
"Jean Beliveau was a great leader, a gentleman, and arguable the greatest ambassador our game has ever known."
In 1998, Beliveau was named as a Companion of the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian honor, and in 1994 was offered the office of Governor General of Canada, the representative of the British Crown to that nation, but declined the position.
He wed the former Elise Couture in 1953 in Quebec City, with whom he had a daughter, Helene.
Jean Believeau
10-time Stanley Cup Champion
Montreal Canadiens
1931-2014
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Fresh off the wire: Gridiron and Hockey Briefs
December 2, 2014
Tuesday's football and hockey news off the wire:
East Rutherford, N.J. - Monday night found the Miami Dolphins win only their first contest out of 49 previous attempts when leading in the fourth quarter.
Miami (7-5) defeated the Jets 16-13 despite being outgained 277-74 on the ground by a New York side that dominated the line of scrimmage through three quarters.
Trailing 13-6 in the fourth quarter, however, Ryan Tannehill led a drive 39 yards after a Jets punt was pushed back on penalties.
Lamar Miller rushed for a 4 yard touchdown, the only time the Dolphins struck paydirt.
Caleb Sturgis booted the go-ahead field goal from 26 yards with 1:57 left, knocking the Jets to a 2-10 record and a very fragile future for Rex Ryan.
"I feel sick," Ryan said afterwards, adding after a long pause, "What a joke."
/
Cleveland, Ohio - Browns head coach Mike Pettine is expected to make a decision by Wednesday as to who will start under center when Cleveland hosts the Colts Sunday.
"The door is definitely open for a change at the quarterback position," Pettine told ESPN. "We'll evaluate both quarterbacks and have a decision soon."
Starter Brian Hoyer, a Cleveland native, was benched in the fourth quarter of the Browns' 26-10 defeat at Buffalo last Sunday. In relief, Johnny Manziel led the team on a scoring drive including his 10 yard rushing touchdown, the rookie's first-career score in the professional ranks.
Hoyer threw 5 interceptions in his last two outings against no touchdown passes for Cleveland (7-5), including two picks against the Bills.
/
Denver, Colo. - Max Pacioretty notched the game-winning goal for the Canadiens as they down the Colorado Avalanche 4-3 Monday night.
The game was tied 3-3 into the third period, but Pacioretty would not be stopped on a breakaway down the left side, firing from the circle past rookie Calvin Pickard.
Pacioretty leads the Canadiens with 20 points (12 goals, 8 assists).
Andrei Markov lit the lamp on a power-play for Montreal (17-7-2) in the middle frame on a cross-ice pass that left Pickard open to his right side. He also assisted P.K. Subban for the defenseman's 6th goal this season.
Tuesday's football and hockey news off the wire:
East Rutherford, N.J. - Monday night found the Miami Dolphins win only their first contest out of 49 previous attempts when leading in the fourth quarter.
Miami (7-5) defeated the Jets 16-13 despite being outgained 277-74 on the ground by a New York side that dominated the line of scrimmage through three quarters.
Trailing 13-6 in the fourth quarter, however, Ryan Tannehill led a drive 39 yards after a Jets punt was pushed back on penalties.
Lamar Miller rushed for a 4 yard touchdown, the only time the Dolphins struck paydirt.
Caleb Sturgis booted the go-ahead field goal from 26 yards with 1:57 left, knocking the Jets to a 2-10 record and a very fragile future for Rex Ryan.
"I feel sick," Ryan said afterwards, adding after a long pause, "What a joke."
/
Cleveland, Ohio - Browns head coach Mike Pettine is expected to make a decision by Wednesday as to who will start under center when Cleveland hosts the Colts Sunday.
"The door is definitely open for a change at the quarterback position," Pettine told ESPN. "We'll evaluate both quarterbacks and have a decision soon."
Starter Brian Hoyer, a Cleveland native, was benched in the fourth quarter of the Browns' 26-10 defeat at Buffalo last Sunday. In relief, Johnny Manziel led the team on a scoring drive including his 10 yard rushing touchdown, the rookie's first-career score in the professional ranks.
Hoyer threw 5 interceptions in his last two outings against no touchdown passes for Cleveland (7-5), including two picks against the Bills.
/
Denver, Colo. - Max Pacioretty notched the game-winning goal for the Canadiens as they down the Colorado Avalanche 4-3 Monday night.
The game was tied 3-3 into the third period, but Pacioretty would not be stopped on a breakaway down the left side, firing from the circle past rookie Calvin Pickard.
Pacioretty leads the Canadiens with 20 points (12 goals, 8 assists).
Andrei Markov lit the lamp on a power-play for Montreal (17-7-2) in the middle frame on a cross-ice pass that left Pickard open to his right side. He also assisted P.K. Subban for the defenseman's 6th goal this season.
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