But Allen battled every night. The Canadiens announced Wednesday that Allen is this year’s recipient of the trophy, which goes to a member of the team who played a dominant role during the regular season without earning any particular honour. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. However, there are some parallels in that the 2015-16 season beforehand, after which Subban was effectively scapegoated, the Canadiens similarly shot out of a cannon with a historic 9-0 start, only to miss the playoffs due in large part to the injuries to Gallagher and Price. Allen got my first-place vote because the Canadiens would not have made the playoffs without him, earning the fourth and final spot in the all-Canadian North Division to set up a first-round series with the Toronto Maple Leafs. While backup Jake Allen sustained a mediocre .900 save percentage in the five games he played in Price’s absence, the general consensus is he’s been better than the stats say. After all, Pacioretty and the Habs suffered through similar issues following the departure of Andrei Markov in 2017. True, at the end of the day, he wasn’t able to get the job done, but, as has been the case since the start of the season, his goal support was severely lacking in those games. Montreal Canadiens goalie great Jacques Plante – (THW Archives) Overall, with exception to Hodge, Backstrom and Johnson, each of the above players went on to … Even the injuries are the same for crying out loud, with Gallagher currently out with a broken thumb. Back then it was a broken finger. Dustin Michael Tokarski (born September 16, 1989) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL). With Price returning against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, the Habs listlessly lost 4-0 to the last-place team in the North Division, making it crystal clear they need Gallagher back to a greater extent.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thehockeywriters_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; The Canadiens had coincidentally been missing both players since April 5, when the Habs pulled out an emotional 3-2 overtime, comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers. GM Marc Bergevin acquired the 30-year-old Allen from the St. Louis Blues last September and signed him to a two-year contract extension worth US$5.75 million that runs through the 2022-23 season because he wanted an experienced, proven backup goalie for Carey Price. An … The next issue of Montreal Gazette Headline News will soon be in your inbox. Just trying to give the boys a chance every night.”. Montreal Canadiens' Jake Allen makes a trapper save during second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Montreal on May 3, 2021. Over 3 million monthly readers now come to THW for their hockey fix. “It definitely was difficult at the beginning, no question,” Allen said. The fact that the Canadiens are without a top-end, left-handed puck-moving defenseman to play with Shea Weber is arguably a larger factor. So, his presence is not necessarily a cure-all. He has become a great spokesperson for the team. The defeat sparked somewhat of an identity crisis, especially since it came the season after the infamous P.K. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. After 10 years of writing hockey, Ryan decided it was as good a time as any to actually join The Hockey Writers for the 2014-15 season. However, Chiarot also hit the nail on the head in one other way, speaking to how the depth the Canadiens now have up front that they arguably didn’t back in 2015-16. During the 2015-16 season, both goalie Carey Price and forward Brendan Gallagher were … I always said all year that the transition off the ice was probably harder than it was on the ice for me.”. 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4. Please try again. He currently covers the Habs for THW as a columnist. Now, thankfully, this piece isn’t going to be another analysis of that trade. Price will probably get the call but, unlike in previous seasons, the Canadiens’ fortunes won’t ride only on Price. Marc Bergevin sure picked the right season to have finally brought in his best backup goalie in his tenure as general manager. For some additional background, the Habs also coincidentally managed just 11 goals in their embarrassing six-game, first-round loss to the New York Rangers in 2017. One would have hoped the Canadiens would have been able to find some way to adapt without Gallagher, survival of the fittest and all that, especially after five seasons, but here we are. “You don’t get the whole, full Montreal experience. Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. We encountered an issue signing you up. He was like Brendan Gallagher in goalie pads during this crazy, condensed 56-game schedule. To be clear, Gallagher was in the lineup for that 2017 first-round loss. Allen has proven he can do the job if needed. Instead, Allen became the Canadiens’ No. The problem is they’re not performing as expected.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thehockeywriters_com-banner-1-0')};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thehockeywriters_com-banner-1-0_1')}; .banner-1-multi-805{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:7px !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Allen’s wife and their two young daughters were with him in Montreal at the start of the season, but went back to their home province of New Brunswick in March because they are moving into a new house there. That’s exactly what Allen did — without a lot of help from “the boys.” In 19 of the games Allen played, the Canadiens scored two or fewer goals. For example, following the latest loss to the Sens, forward Paul Byron told the media it’s on everybody to replace Gallagher by committee. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. Nothing really changed whether we were with Carey or without Carey. Allen said his life since arriving in Montreal last December has basically been eat, sleep, hockey and travel. 2020-21 Winnipeg Jets depth chart for all positions. If they don’t, you’ll know why: a systemic inability to learn from past mistakes. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thehockeywriters_com-box-3-0')};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thehockeywriters_com-box-3-0_1')}; .box-3-multi-801{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:7px !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}Nothing at all has changed for the Montreal Canadiens. Montreal Canadiens' Jake Allen makes a trapper save during second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Montreal on May 3, 2021. © 2021 Montreal Gazette, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. To get going, you need an engine though, which is how Gallagher’s been described, by his very own teammates, as the heart of this team.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thehockeywriters_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thehockeywriters_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1')}; .large-leaderboard-2-multi-806{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:7px !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Having appeared as a guest on such programs as CBC Radio One’s Daybreak, Ryan has written for such publications as the Montreal Gazette and Bleacher Report and worked for the NHL itself and his hometown Montreal Canadiens. However, considering how the Canadiens opened up the season with 33 goals in their first seven games when healthy, the potential (and talent) is there. I think first of all going to that area… There’s usually some punishment doled out when you want to stand in front of the net or in the slot,” he said. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Liveblog: Habs tied 2-2 in season finale vs. Oilers after first period, Canadiens Game Day: Key players given night off for season finale, Canadiens Notebook: Habs, Leafs will meet in first round of playoffs, Stu Cowan: Jeff Petry has become an ironman on Canadiens' blue line, tap here to see other videos from our team. Get a complete list of current starters and backup players from your favorite team and league on CBSSports.com. Sign up for our regular 'Habs Newsletter' for all the latest. “But, you know, that’s just the way hockey is. The Montreal Canadiens are the last NHL team to clinch a playoff berth by picking up a point in an OT loss to the Edmonton Oilers. “Without the fans it’s been unfortunate,” he said. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings. The Ducks, to help fill the void after an injury to backup goalie Jonathan Bernier, recalled Dustin Tokarski from their AHL affiliate. Meanwhile, Price has returned from a nagging lower-body injury (just like in 2015). But envisioning the best, I can (get that experience) when the Bell Centre’s packed (and) wear the red jersey at home. As a result, Allen ended up playing in 29 games — four more than Price — while posting an 11-12-5 record with a 2.68 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage. To illustrate just how bad it is following their impromptu lay-off due to the NHL COVID-19 protocol, the Canadiens are set to play their third game in four nights on Monday against the Edmonton Oilers, followed immediately thereafter by another set of three games in four nights. In his first full season with the Wranglers, he served as backup to a soon-to-be local legend. 31 Comments. Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens (12-7-5, 2.64, .901) Total points: 60 Price hasn't played since sustaining a concussion against the Oilers on April 19 but is skating with the Canadiens. “We’ve got to be better at that.”, If that’s not Gallagher to a tee, nothing is. Brian Wilde has more. Bruins are comfortable with 22-year-old Jeremy Swayman as backup playoff goalie By Kevin Paul Dupont Globe Staff, Updated May 12, 2021, 4:38 p.m. Email to a Friend There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Beyond Gallagher, Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk, putting up the only 30-goal season of his career, the Habs didn’t have much in the way of offensive talent. Before that, Price missed six games with a lower-body injury, suffering the concussion in only his second game back. My job is to come in here and play a role that, whether he was healthy or not, was to support him and to support the team and fill his void when either he was having a rest or, in this case, he was injured. The Habs scored just 11 goals in the six games he played in that span, less than two per game. Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Montreal Gazette, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. Introducing 5 FP Newsletters: Energy, Economy, Investor, Work and Finance, Financial Post: Introducing 5 Newsletters, Stu Cowan: Canadiens fortunate to have Allen in nets for playoff push. Part of issue stems from the condensed schedule. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. [sendtonews key=”e3fZa1vE61-1264820-3020″ type=”single”]. Apart from his play on the ice, Allen has become a media favourite for his thoughtful and honest answers about himself and the team in video conferences during a season when journalists haven’t been allowed in the locker rooms. ... proven backup goalie for … 1 when Carey Price went down with injuries. Price had a 12-7-5 record with a 2.64 GAA and a .901 save percentage. Subban-Shea Weber trade, with the Nashville Predators reaching the third round and then the Stanley Cup Final for the first time ever with Subban on the back end.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thehockeywriters_com-box-4-0')};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thehockeywriters_com-box-4-0_1')}; .box-4-multi-827{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:7px !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Throw in a pandemic and this season has been a real challenge for Allen, who has taken everything in stride. During the 2015-16 season, both goalie Carey Price and forward Brendan Gallagher were injured, and, just like then, the Habs still need their forward back to a larger degree. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. Allen played in 17 of 20 games during a 34-day span before being given the night off Wednesday with Cayden Primeau getting the start for the regular-season finale against the Edmonton Oilers and Charlie Lindgren dressing as the backup. Price has been sidelined since suffering a concussion on April 19, missing the final 13 games of the regular season. They now do, with arguably three lines that can score on paper, even without Gallagher in the lineup. We’re a better team with Carey in our lineup … that’s just the way it is. Statistics of Jake Allen, a hockey player from Fredericton, NB born Aug 7 1990 who was active from 2007 to 2021. Allen narrowly beat out Joel Edmundson for the trophy this season (both received nine first-place votes) with Corey Perry finishing a distant third with three first-place votes. Now, because every other North Division team has had the chance to adapt following a shortened training camp, the Habs obviously won’t regain the same offensive form up front, but it’s not unrealistic to believe they should be able to put the puck in the net with some regularity when everyone is going, yet another main talking point on the part of the Canadiens, how that’s what it takes for them to be successful. Biologically speaking, there is only one heart. The 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League (NHL) began on April 30, 2013, following the conclusion of the 2012–13 NHL regular season.The regular season was shortened to 48 games, and the playoffs pushed to a later date, due to a lockout.The playoffs ended on June 24, 2013, with the Chicago Blackhawks defeating the Boston Bruins in six games to win the Stanley Cup. It’s unfortunate that he’s had a couple of injuries and he’s working his way back. Without someone to adequately move the puck up ice and transition to the offensive zone, Pacioretty scored just 17 goals in 2017-18, effectively half his normal output. He’s since regained his knack for scoring goals with the Vegas Golden Knights. “We have lots of guys up front and on the back end who can create offense. Price is expected to be ready to play when the playoffs start next week, so head coach Dominique Ducharme will have a decision to make on his starting goalie. “So that was my objective all year long. However, if you listen to what the Canadiens themselves are saying, they sorely miss what Gallagher brings to the lineup. “Just to be able to figure things out around the town, just little things away from the rink. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. If you don't see it please check your junk folder. Adjusting to a new team and a new city can be difficult during the best of times for an NHL player. Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens Ottawa Senators ... Bruins Name Jeremy Swayman As Backup Goalie For Stanley Cup Playoffs. Taking on the Oilers at the Bell Centre, Montreal needed only an overtime loss to lock up a playoff berth, and that's exactly what they got with a 4-3 loss. Updated hourly with news and features from over 150 writers worldwide. 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Previous rules (dating to 2015-16) mandated there be one emergency backup goalie with no prior professional playing experience in every arena for every NHL game. Habs backup goalie, who was named Beauchamp Trophy winner on Wednesday, played like a No. If the Canadiens didn’t already have a Jacques Beauchamp Trophy they would have had to invent a similar award this season for goalie Jake Allen. Read more about cookies here. Thankfully, Gallagher is poised to return for the playoffs and, despite their struggles, there’s very good reason to believe the Canadiens will still make them. 1 of 8 Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) is stopped by Montreal Canadiens' goalie Jake Allen (34) during second-period NHL hockey game … Furthermore, defenseman Ben Chiarot, who himself has just returned from a fractured hand, said the Habs need to create more chances around the net. “At the start of the year, if you would have told me that, I would have probably laughed a little bit,” Allen said about playing more games than Price. But it’s been a fun first year.”. The Montreal Canadiens lost their final game of the regular season in overtime 4-3 against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday at the Bell Centre. Since then, they’ve gone 2-5.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thehockeywriters_com-medrectangle-4-0')};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thehockeywriters_com-medrectangle-4-0_1')}; .medrectangle-4-multi-803{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:7px !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Nothing at all has changed for the Montreal Canadiens. Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Doug Jarvis was the first winner of the trophy following the 1981-82 season. 1 goalie because of Price’s inconsistent play and injuries. The award is voted on by members of the media who cover the Canadiens and the trophy is named in honour of the legendary Montreal sportswriter who died in 1988 at age 61. And it’s not over yet — thanks in large part to the backup goalie who really deserved an award. When Mike Vernon turned pro, embarking on a career that was highlighted by a Stanley Cup triumph with the Flames in 1989 and culminated with his jersey being raised to the rafters at the Saddledome, Ross became the go-to goalie for the WHL squad.