A heart felt message to Hab fans everywhere.

[FirstStar]

Afternoon everyone. I spent yesterday reliving past Hab (cup and playoff) victories. I re watched Roy's speech the night his number was retired at the bell. I'm not an emotional person, keep my emotions close to the chest, I'm not one to cry at sappy dramas. But seeing a guy who gave his life to hockey, who revolutionizes goaltending, coming back to his first NHL team (who had banished him), reliving his fondest memory of winning the cup at the old forum, then seeing a tear roll down his cheek as his number was raised rafters, had me a tad choked up.

That was yesterday.

I had another moment during the T-Bay series. The fire I saw in Carey's eyes caused me to shed a small tear of joy. Some may remember me saying during the T-Bay series, "this teams has something special...". All the love to Halak for our Cinderella run in 2010, but he doesn't have that killer instinct that so many elite tenders possess. Carey sure has it, I haven't seen a Habs tender this dialed in and this focused in over 20 years. Yes, huet gave us some hope, so did tibo and theo, but none have reached the level that Price has this post season. I also never said, "this team has something special...", when referring to those teams.

Now, the reason for my emotions. The younger generation of Hab fans who have never seen a cup in Montreal, can't understand the magic and the emotions that a cup victory can have on our great hockey city. I shed a tear in the first round because (I'm sure some of our older generation fans like myself will agree with me) I haven't seen our Habs team this dialed in, in a very long time. I truly believe we're about to see true Habs playoff magic and it all starts with Carey in nets. From our 1st line to our 4th, everyone is 100% on the bandwagon and when you have a tender as dialed in and as confident as Carey is right now, it becomes contagious. This is the first time in over 20 years that I have felt these types of emotions in the playoffs. I'll say it again, believe me fellow Hab fans, this team who is about to face off against another original 6 in the best of 7 ECF, has something special.

Winning gold at Sochi was simply an entrée for Price, the main course is close, he can smell it and now he's ready to devoir it.

Even as I type I am overcome with emotion, forcing to see the screen through these tear soaked eyes.

So c'mon Hab fans, put those flags on your cars, wear your Habs jerseys and t-shirts with pride. This team isn't done, they've only just begun.

... This team has something special.

I thought we could bridge the generational gap, by having some of us older fans, sharing some of our fondest Habs playoff memories with the younger generation.

And for the younger generation, feel free to share the emotions you have felt during these and previous playoff memories.

[kinot-1]

" This team has something special."

I very much agree with your statement, FS. I will post a memory or 2 of my special moments later.

Most of us older fans have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of our Habs throughout the years. For some reason "everything" was not there at the same time. We had some of the pieces,,,,,,,,,,,some of the character,,,,,,,,,,,,,,some of the goaltending,,,,,,,,,,,, some of the scoring,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, some of the coaching,,,,and some of the health,,,,,,,, at different times, but not altogether at the same time over the last 20 years or so, to go all the way, with the caveat that Patrick was the sole reason we won in '93.

Like you FS, I've seen it all, and THIS year, I TRULY believe that we DO have all of the parts necessary to go all of the way. You can see it in the way Carey is so calm ( Patrick?). You can see the "drive" that all of the players have (shades of the late '70's?). You can see it in the way MT is managing the bench, by moving the right players in and out of the line-up depending on the opposition and situation. You can see it in the way all of the players are on the same page, and that they too, believe they can do it.

Everyone on our team has bought into the "goal" concept. The goal is the Cup. It goes right down the line, from MB (thank you for the right acquisitions) to MT,,,,down to the grinders. Everyone is contributing big-time, within their own capabilities, and beyond that.

That's why I feel that this year belongs to us.

[FirstStar]

Well said Kinot, well said.

Also, just to add.

MT has taken a lot of heat this time around, fans have questioned him relentlessly.

But he has playoff and even cup final experience.

Like the old saying goes, you first have to lose in the playoffs before you can win.

Well he lost while behind the pens bench to the wings.

It's time for MT to win now.

What better place to win, than with our beloved Habs.

[powerplay2009]

Just about the only thing I remember very well is Koivu's comeback from cancer. What a moment that was. First Habs jersey with a name that I ever got, and probably the only modern one I ever will get.

I think the argument for Koivu's jersey retirement is one that is really led by my younger generation. I've grown up in probably the most miserable era for a Habs fan to grow up in (born in 1994), and Koivu was the only bright spot. He is the only hockey player that I think really inspired me to be honest.

If you put Koivu from 10 years ago on this team right now, no doubt in my mind he's the Conn Smythe frontrunner. It's a matter of wrong place wrong time for him, and it's unfortunate also because if he did what he's done for Montreal with any other franchise, his jersey is in the rafters within 3 years of his retirement. I have no doubt of that either.

But he was in Montreal, so jersey retirement is different, as it should be. When I look at other jersey retirees though, the only difference I see between Saku and ones like Moore, Gainey, Geoffrion, and Cournoyer is that Saku didn't have the fortune of being on a successful, competently managed team. Should that make a difference? I don't think so, even though I've never seen a Hab lift the Cup, so maybe my judgement is clouded.

[Guest]

I see something special in this group to. It's different then past Cup wins. I'm lucky enough that the Habs have won 17 in my lifetime and i remember the last 10 vividly and have faint recollections of the 2 before that. Those 60's and 70 teams were something special. True powerhouses that make the modern day ones look pee wee in nature. The 86 win, i like to refer to as the working mans team. A young Roy and a ton of hard working boys with no real superstar. That was a team with heart. The 93 Cup team was also a hard working group but easily can be summed up in one word,,,,ROY.

Lots of similarities with this current edition. A lot of teams with superior players ahead of us but a case of coming of age at the right time. Can they win it all?? No doubt in my mind.

[Woodenhhead]

My heartfelt message is: quit talking about the Cup - this is only the 3rd round. You're jumping the gun. Remember 2010? Memories are short & easy; the playoffs are long & gruelling. Too many Habs fans are sounding like Leafs fans who always plan the Cup parade route after a 4 game win steak early in the season.

My playoffs emotions? They've changed a lot since the early 90s. Used to be optimistic and hopeful; now I'm constantly bracing myself for letdowns. I've rarely been "disappointed". (the feeling when the letdown doesn't happen [which is rare] means it's an even bigger high, let me tell you!)

Signed, someone old enough to have been watching the Habs all through the 70s.

[PAPPAPUMPED]

After reading your comments I sat back & went into a nostalgic dream of the so-many too many to mention moments.My heart was pumping joy & sadness the fact that the Habs have not tasted victory from Lord Stanley for way too long & stirred up the whirlwind of emotions sad ones.The great moments & memories are hard too swallow @ times as well that the Habs organization has sunk far too low in the ranks of the NHL high-archy.

The younger generations that follow the Habs have not felt the feelings that come by great-ness the Cup being skated around the now Bell Centre the team photo being snapped on the ice too embed this moment for a lifetime in the different generations.

I hope that I get too enjoy & part take in the feelings that come from our Habs winning one of many Cups as this moment is as rare as it gets 1993 too be exact.

I have all the confidence in the Molson family in restoring the team too great-ness once again & Marc Bergevin & staff are in my opinion headed in the right direction.

Too all my fellow Habs fans the older generations we will experience victory before we pass & too the younger ones like I stated there is no greater feeling than too watch & feel & cherish the moment of your Habs clinching the ultimate prize.

Go Habs Go !!!

[musicalhab]

Born in 93 and in Montreal Canadiens crested house's, I have watched the 1993 Montreal stanley cup run VHS many times, and have felt the magic you describe firststar. The magic was certainly felt with the Batman and Robin esque duo of Koivu and Kovalev as well , even when that team's slated roster only went as far as the second round. Heck, even the Cammalleri infested 2010 team and Jaro Halak's miracle created bouts of excitement in the air. Even Scott Gomez had 14 points in 19 games that post season and Andrei Kostitsyn, no longer in the NHL , contributed.

This team, while I think is close, is still an element or two away from winning and re-creating that magic. One of those elements is Galchenyuk returning, but I also feel the defense is one step away from being an elite level defense. Weather that is in the plans of the teams future is up to the likes of Bealieu and Tinordi's progression and also on Mark Bergevins ability to fill in depth charting. Personally, I think Weaver is a third round tops depth position fill in, but the Rangers also have a few holes on defense. Vanek was a huge addition clearly.

To summarize, I think this team is a player or two away from becoming a true powerhouse, but since those players are waiting in the wings, the magic is rising.

[Hydrostatic]

Wonderfully said FirstStar. I wasn't around with the powerhouse teams of old, and I was too young to remember 1993 on my own, but I agree that there's just a positive vibe around this team now, in these playoffs and for the future. Something does feel different from the amazing 2010 run, or even when we got in the playoffs last year. With the start of the playoffs this year I truly believe we have a team that can make a run for the cup, and the best part is I feel this is just the beginning of many great years to come.

[MergenTatara]

Don't count the chickens before they hatch . After the Tampa series, I posted in one of the threads my prediction that the Conference Finals is the maximum this team will go. Of course, I would love to see them progress all the way .

But if you watch Sat's game, you could tell the players were tired. For a speed team, I was shocked they were just blown away and couldn't catch up in skating. Even PK, arguably the best skater, was being left chasing by the forwards he marked. I believe this team had played its best in the Boston series and there's nothing more to give. Somehow, the underdogs tag and the league-wide 'disrespect snub' had motivated this team to reach this stage. But there's nothing left in the tank. No hatred, anger, determination to prove anything. Unless of course NY says/does something stupid to heat things up.

Price getting injured at this stage is a telling omen. Even if he plays, the aggravating injury will affect his reflexes and movements. He will not be his best. But what choice does the team have? Put Budaj or the other backup in, the series will end faster.

[BigTed3]

Don't count the chickens before they hatch . After the Tampa series, I posted in one of the threads my prediction that the Conference Finals is the maximum this team will go. Of course, I would love to see them progress all the way .

But if you watch Sat's game, you could tell the players were tired. For a speed team, I was shocked they were just blown away and couldn't catch up in skating. Even PK, arguably the best skater, was being left chasing by the forwards he marked. I believe this team had played its best in the Boston series and there's nothing more to give. Somehow, the underdogs tag and the league-wide 'disrespect snub' had motivated this team to reach this stage. But there's nothing left in the tank. No hatred, anger, determination to prove anything. Unless of course NY says/does something stupid to heat things up.

Price getting injured at this stage is a telling omen. Even if he plays, the aggravating injury will affect his reflexes and movements. He will not be his best. But what choice does the team have? Put Budaj or the other backup in, the series will end faster.

1. But you also picked the Habs to win the series in our poll, so a part of you must believe it could happen!

2. Yes, we just got through an emotionally-charged rivalry series. So did the Rangers. In fact, they just got through two, both of which took 7 games to win. We had home ice advantage going in, we're the better-rested team, and we have had the Rangers number as much as we've had the Bruins number in the past years. You're right that we could be pushed out the way we were against Philly a few years back, but we could just as easily push out the Rangers too. This is still a winnable series despite Game 1.

[Guest Regis2]

I guess we'll she how special this team really is - Price gone for the rest of the Rangers series

[HabsAlways]

We're done ... a promising run cut short by a dirty cheap shot by the other team. There's no way Budaj wins 4 games for us, not with how badly the team played in Game 1 and how shaken they're now going to be not only from losing so badly, but losing the rock solid Price

[HabsAlways]

Having said the above ....

I watched this team as a kid sporadically through the 70's ... my father being a true bleu-blanc et rouge fan.

But my love affair with Les Habitants started in the spring of 86 ... and Patrick Roy standing on his head to win the cup despite being under dogs. We had a moment of anxiety that playoff run as well, when Stephane Richer was injured.

My love affair turned into an obsession in 93 however ... with a string of OT wins that in memory, seemed magical. A roster that was a good as it gets ... Damphouse, Desjardins, Roy, Muller, Keane, LeClair to name a few ... the boys defied the odds and kept winning in OT, every win another nail biting wait ... to the memorable final against LA where we dominated.

My heart however was broken on Dec 2, 1995 ... when an arrogant coach left Roy in net to be humiliated and the Forum fans added fuel to the fire. Seeing Roy walk over to Corey I knew it was an end of an era. 4 days later we traded him and Keane to the Avalanche and the spiral of mediocrity had begun. By the early part of the new millenium I was so disgusted with the Habs organization I barely watched them play, only regaining a spark of interest after the 2005 lockout.

[kinot-1]

Ya know,,,,some of you haven't seen a cup win yet. Some of you have seen the last 1 or 2 cup wins or possibly the '70s wins or the earlier years.

My fascination (fanaticism ? ) with the Habs started in '59. I remember sitting in front of our 17' cabinet tv, the kind where you had to turn the aerial around to get the best signal. The playoffs were on and the Habs were playing. I'm not sure which game it was, but I do remember the Rocket, afterall, it was hard to miss him. He is what got me hooked on the Habs.

From 1959 on, (for me),, it just seemed like it was the natural order of things, Habs in the POs,,Habs win the Cup, Habs parades. With the exception of the '69-70 season (IMO, the infamous too few goals to qualify for the POs.). In the '70s we just kept rolling along, back to the natural order again.

Then came the '80s, with the Oilers, and Isles, and our 1 lonely Cup win. I also remember almost crying when the Flames won the cup on our ice in '89. The first time in Habs history is was ever done.

Then came our majical '93 run, and those 10 OT wins in a row. I remember reading in the papers after an OT win, with some of the Habs players saying (paraphrasing), "we didn't care about going into OT, because we knew we would win", and they did.

During that '93 run, I was showing Boxers. There was a show in St. Catharines, and I had a dog to show. I had a 10" B&W tv, and 150 feet of extension cord, I had to borrow another 50' to get to the trailer. Buffalo TV was showing the game of course, and there was NO WAY I would miss it. I know that I yelled and screamed all through the game. My neighbours must have really wondered about me.

Sometime in the mid-nineties, my youngest daughter asked if I would take her and 2 of her friends to a concert in Toronto, that was coming up in 2-3 weeks. "sure" I said. As the day grew closer, i realized that the concert (for New Kids On The Block ) was the same day as the Habs were playing the ruins. Now,,,imagine yourself with 20,000 screaming teenagers, while you are trying to listen to the game on a small radio, in French . It's funny now,,,,but then I was .

Sometimes we have higher expectations for our Habs (maybe too much), and sometimes like 2 years ago, a disappointing season, where we knew the outcome long before the season was over. That's tough to swallow.

Players change,, management changes,,,ownership changes, and even venues change, but they're still the Habs.

I've been fortunate enough to have "seen it all", and each and every year I will love and cheer for my Habs.