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Fireworks defused

Email|Link|Comments (12) Posted by Fluto Shinzawa, Globe Staff October 15, 2008 12:54 PM

When asked whether he expected Georges Laraque to seek retaliation against Shawn Thornton for the Bruin's preseason-opening beatdown of Steve Begin, Claude Julien shrugged off the query.

Shawn Thornton might have to answer to Georges Laraque. (AP Photo)

"That's not going to be a question mark for us," said Julien. "We're here to win a hockey game. Georges is Georges. We've played Georges before in Edmonton and Pittsburgh. There's never been an issue. Good for him if he's back. We're just going to go out there and play our game."

Milan Lucic gave a stick salute to Laraque, acknowledging that he's earned the reputation of being one of the NHL's toughest heavyweights and has the respect of other players.

* Because of the pre-game ceremony to honor the Canadiens' centennial, puck drop is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. "This is pretty unique," Julien said. "It's great for this organization. We'll be part of the presentation tonight, watching some of it. When they asked us if we wanted to participate in it, I wanted our team to be part of it. It's a great occasion, not just for the Montreal Canadiens but for hockey. One hundred years is unbelievable. It's a big night for them and we respect that. We'll be part of it as well. I'll be glad to be part of it and be here for the occasion."

* Julien was asked about Patrice Bergeron (0-3--3 in two games) and whether he's back to his old self. "There's no question in my mind that he's back to where he was last year," Julien said. "No hesitation about going in the corners to hit. No hesitation for him being involved in any part of the play. That's one question mark that's been answered by a very positive result."

* Because of tonight's presidential debate, the game can be heard on 103.3 WODS-FM, with Dave Goucher and Bob Beers bringing you the action.

Tonight's expected lineup:

P.J. Axelsson	Marc Savard	Michael Ryder
Marco Sturm	Patrice Bergeron	Phil Kessel
Milan Lucic	David Krejci	Blake Wheeler
Vladimir Sobotka	Stephane Yelle	Shawn Thornton

Zdeno Chara	Aaron Ward
Andrew Ference	Dennis Wideman
Mark Stuart	Shane Hnidy

Tim Thomas

Manny Fernandez

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12 comments so far...

"* Because of tonight's presidential debate, the game can be heard on 103.3 WODS-FM, with Dave Goucher and Bob Beers bringing you the action."

This is hopefully just for radio listeners, right?
It will still be televised on NESN right?

Posted by Pete October 15, 08 01:18 PM

Yes...Obama and McCain will be taking over NESN to broadcast their debate. No hockey for you tonight!

Posted by Opie October 15, 08 01:32 PM

No, really? I dont know if this is a stupid question or not, but really?!

Posted by Pete October 15, 08 01:45 PM

The game is still on NESN...come on now....

I don't think the fireworks are diffused...you can still win a game and have a fight or two or six for that matter.......

Posted by Bob_ECH October 15, 08 02:01 PM

It's only for....the radio becasue Wbz will air the debate on the radio.....

Posted by John October 15, 08 02:02 PM

OK I am an idiot.....
Thanks for the clarification..Bob...and...John...
Opie, thanks for messing with me dog. I am feeble minded and fragile and go a little berzerker if my hockey is unjustly taken away from me. You EXPLOITED my weaknesses :-D

Posted by Pete October 15, 08 02:21 PM

I agree Bob - besides, are we really going to miss Thorts if he's in the box for 5 minutes instead of on the bench? I agree the B's should be focused on winning the game and not the scraps, but nothing wrong with a little dust up.

Posted by rockstareh October 15, 08 03:12 PM

Its funny how the Habs picked up Laraque...they pick up a fighter when the rest of the team is a bunch of diving softies...Laraque can't take on our whole team.

Posted by yanksstillsck October 15, 08 04:46 PM

The Habs should be pumped up in the 1st after the ceremony. Not sure anyone on the B's can take Laraque ... the guy is Mike Tyson on skates not to mention Thornton gives up A LOT of size. I wouldn't mind seeing Lucic go at him ... Milan seems to find his game when he plays real physical. They'll be booing Ryder along with Chara ... would love to see Ryder put a few in the net!

Posted by drahcir61 October 15, 08 05:24 PM

Chara is the only one who can match up with him size/strength wise. Thorts I'm sure would give it a go, but let's face it, he's not the best scrapper in the world. Don't know if I can see Lucic dropping em with big Georges just yet but honestly I think he'd have the best shot out of anyone at taking him down. I agree Looch needs to get a little more aggressive, lets see if playing against Komisarek again gets him fired up.

Posted by rockstareh October 15, 08 05:57 PM

Stuart could hurt Laraque if he decides to drop the gloves.

Posted by b&gbleeder October 15, 08 08:23 PM

Julien was asked about Patrice Bergeron (0-3--3 in two games)

You want Patrice to score? Swap out one of his diminutive wings for body that can create some room

Posted by Medford Mickey October 15, 08 10:40 PM