The Ultimate Canadiens Team

Everybody is getting in on the Montreal Canadiens Centennial Celebration. On Friday the CBC will air a documentary on the all-time greatest Habs. The Hockey News and Sports Illustrated have both released special edition Canadiens retrospectives, and now you can through TSN into the fray as they have just released their "Ultimate Canadiens Team."

When you think of an all time, ultimate team, you immediately think of names like Lafleur, Richard, Roy, and Beliveau. But those guys have honoured so much and everybody will remember them anyhow. They don't all need TSN's respect too.

What TSN did was build an all-time lineup along the lines of a real team, featuring starting and backup goalies, three defence pairs, plus first and second scoring lines, a checking line and an energy line. On top of that, a couple of stipulations were put in place. No more than eight Hall of Famers (one goaltender, three defencemen and four forwards) could be on this team and players had to be in the natural position they actually played.

By this time tomorrow, everybody on the interwebs will be giving their two cents on this list. Even people who have no business doing so. People who have never watched a Habs game unless they happened to be playing against their favourite team. So I thought I'd beat them to the punch and give my expert and well respected around the hockey community opinion. Stop laughing. Plus I've happened to have been watching Montreal Canadiens games since my mom popped me out. I think there was even a Habs game in on the hospital room while she was giving birth.

So without further adieu, here is TSN's "Ultimate Canadiens Team." My analysis which is the real reason why you stopped by (let's be honest), is right underneath. Also, the years beside each player's name is not when they were born and died, but rather the years the played for the Canadiens. If it was the other way, then all these guys would be around 12 years old. Which would maybe make them even more legendary. Playing for the Habs at the tender age of 12? What an inspiration.

Goalies

Starter: Jacques Plante (1952-63)
Backup: Michel "Bunny" Larocque (1973-81)

Analysis: Oh hell no! They did not just choose Jacques Plante over Patrick Roy! I've had this argument with Habs fans all the time on who's the better goalie, and let's face it, they've both got some pretty great stats. But Roy played in a much harder time, revolutionized a whole new way of goaltending which is still used to this day, and has more career wins. Plante came up with the goalie mask. Conversation over. As for "Bunny" Larocque as the backup, sure why not. He backed up Ken Dryden over four straight Stanley Cups in the 70's. And with a nickname like "Bunny", how can you go wrong?

Defense

First Pair: Doug Harvey (1947-61) and Mike Komisarek (2002-Present)

Analysis: Doug Harvey's a no brainer, he was rock solid on defense. He even won seven consecutive Norris trophies! Definitely the best defenseman in Montreal Canadiens history. Though Patrice Brisebois is a close second. As for Komisarek, hopefully this will now put to rest the position that some have that Komi is the most overrated defenseman in history. Actually this will probably only add to their argument.

Second Pair: Larry Robinson (1972-89) and Serge Savard (1966-81)

Analysis: This tandem could easily be the first pair, they were that great. Strong defensively and both had a great knowledge of hockey which led to post playing careers. Savard was the long time GM of the Habs in the late 90's to the mid-2000's, and Robinson won a Stanley Cup as head coach of the New Jersey Devils in the 1999-00 season.

Third Pair: Ted Harris (1963-70) and Craig Ludwig (1982-90)

Analysis: TSN really should've had Guy Lapointe on this line. The only way I understand him not being named is due to their ridiculous rule about only allowing a certain number of Hall of Famers. Because you know, that's how real teams are. I can just imagine a GM meeting with the Owner when they're trying to decide who to sign or trade, and the Owner telling the general manager that they can't have too many Hall of Famers on the team. Oh wait, no I can't imagine that, because that would never happen.

Forwards

First Line: LW Dickie Moore (1951-63), C Jean Beliveau (1950-71), RW Maurice "Rocket" Richard (1942-60)

Analysis: No complaints here. You could even make the argument that this might be the ultimate first line in hockey history. And it would definitely be an argument, as somebody would surely bring up the names Gretzky or Lemieux.

Second Line: LW John Ferguson (1963-71), C Saku Koivu (1995-Present), RW Bobby Rousseau (1960-70)

Analysis: This should be a line of Yvan Cournoyer, Henri "The Pocket Rocket" Richard, and Guy Lafleur, no question. But the TSN HoF/Actual Lines rule strikes again! I will say that I'm happy to see Captain Koivu named to the team. Even if "The Pocket Rocket" technically is the better second line centre with 10 Stanley Cups compared to Koivu's no Stanley Cups. I've always thought that Koivu doesn't get enough credit, and history will look back on him as one of the all-time greatest Habs. And I'm sure he appreciates me saying so. I've even heard it helps him sleep better at night.

Checking Line: LW Bob Gainey (1973-89), C Guy Carbonneau (1980-94), RW Claude Provost (1955-70)

Analysis: I wonder if the current GM (Gainey) and coach (Carbonneau) made TSN name them to this line, or else they would cut off all access to the team. Probably not as they are definitely deserving of these spots anyhow. And when you throw in Provost, imagine what an amazing shutdown line this would be in today's game. This is the reason why I wish cloning and time machines were actually possible.

Energy Line: Andre Pronovost (1956-61), Brian Skrudland (1985-93), Jimmy Roberts (1963-67, 72-77)

Analysis: They really dug deep for this one didn't they? As fourth lines go, this is a pretty good fourth line. Still to this day, the Brian Skrudland cover of Les Canadiens magazine from 1989 remains one of my all-time favourites...

It honestly looks like a cheesy profile picture from a terrible dating site for golden retriever lovers. And look at those monsterous glasses! Though to be fair, everybody in the 80's was rocking the extra large frames.

So there you have it. That is TSN's "Ultimate Canadiens Team" and my thoughts on the matter. There are some glaring omissions from the great teams of the 70's as I've pointed out above, and the snubbing of Patrick Roy is unforgiveable. Quite frankly TSN, I don't know if you and I can be friends anymore after that. Oh, who am I kidding? I can't stay mad at you! Come here, and let's hug it out!


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