Hall of Shame Game
-- by Justin Dahan
On Saturday November 11th marked the annual Hall of Fame game. Patrick Roy, Jean Beliveau, Johnny Bower, and many other Hall of Fame members were on hand to witness a game between two arch rivals: The Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
These two teams met twice previously this year, both swapping shootout wins. It was expected that this Hall of Fame game would exhibit another close game. Such was not the case; there must have been a typo in the memo, because the Montreal Canadiens played as if it were the Hall of Shame game. They played decent in the first period scoring one goal, which showcased a great passing play, with Saku Koivu getting the goal. After that it was all downhill for the Canadiens. They ended the game with 8 penalties, five of which came in the second period.
The Toronto Maple Leafs were at the opposite end of the spectrum. Many people didn’t think they had much of a chance; they were missing many key players. Captain Mats Sundin was out with a torn ligament in his elbow, Leafs starting goalie Andrew Raycroft missed the game due to a sore groin, and Leafs defenseman Pavel Kubina has been missing since October 10th with an injured knee and was on a plane to the Czech Republic to see the birth of his first child. The Leafs didn’t use their injuries as an excuse and pounced on the Habs team that made many mistakes. Their power play played well, they converted on 3 of their 8 chances, and had a goal right after one before Canadiens defensemen Andrei Markov was able to get back in the play.
Thomas Kaberle extended his point streak which now stands at 8 games. He had three points (1 goal 2 assists) and was named the Toronto Maple Leafs player of the game. Kabrele’s streak had started against Montreal on October 28. Before that he was struggling, much as Bryan McCabe was before this game. McCabe ended the game with two goals; perhaps it is his turn to have a point streak of his own. Both these defenseman were huge factors in the Leafs 5-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens.
Perezhogin
Alexander Perezhogin is a talented, young right winger from Kamenogorsk, Kazekhastan, who plays for the Montreal Canadiens. Perezhogin demonstrates blazing speed and great offensive talent. Alexander also demonstrates a surprising amount of strength; he tips the scales at 211 pounds. With his strength he is able to control the puck in the corners, which allows him to create scoring chances for him and his line mates.
Alexander describes himself as a hard working player who gives it all his effort every shift. Guy Carbonneau (Montreal Canadiens Head Coach) must agree because despite Alexander’s slow start (1 goal, 4 assists) he has been promoted to the second line playing with Alexei Kovalev, and Sergei Samsonov.
Perezhogin loves playing with Kovalev and Samsonov. He says it’s really good for him to play with Kovalev and Samsonov, he really thinks it’s a great step for his career. It also helps Perezhogin communicate while on the ice because both his line mates speak Russian.
Perezhogin also finds his role is much bigger this year. He says that he is more concentrated on hockey and on his game while last year was more of him adapting to the style and the different rules.
It is expected that Perezhogin will keep improving and develop into an elite talent for the Montreal Canadiens in the future. For now he’s just trying his hardest to contribute what he can.
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