Insecure Halak still trying to prove himself

Desperate Halak makes an unnecessary save on a Blackhawks breakaway.

Blair Charbonneau, Hockey Net

ST. LOUIS — After posting a 1.72 goals against average, a .932 save percentage, and two shut outs in eight games, St. Louis Blues goaltender Jaroslav Halak still wants people to know he can play at the NHL level.

“I know they [Montreal] traded me, but I can be a number one. I am just as good as Carey Price, you’ll see,” Halak said anxiously.

In a move last summer that shocked the city of Montreal into a Mad-Max-like, post-apocalyptic war-zone, the Canadiens dealt playoff hero Halak last to the Blues in favour of then back-up Price.

Since the trade, Halak has played with a chip on his shoulder and has arguably been the league’s best goaltender so far this season. Yet, Jaroslav still suffers from an inferiority complex and has given his teammates the impression he’s overcompensating.

“Frankly, it’s embarrassing. He doesn’t have try this hard, nobody tries this hard in St. Louis,” quipped forward Alexander Steen, “Christ, Kariya even took the entire year off.”

Blues captain Eric Brewer explained further, “We have to reassure Jaro after every goal he’s not going to be traded. I’ve asked him to tone it down. We know he’s good, he doesn’t have to rub it in.”

At the press conference following the Blues’ win against Atlanta, St. Louis media were baffled by Halak’s intensity and focus, prompting many to ask what exactly he’s trying to accomplish.

“I’ve explained to him that this isn’t Montreal, he’s a member of the Blues now and he has to start respecting our system," explained Blues coach Davis Payne, adding,

Halak will get another chance to fall in line Thursday at home against the San Jose Sharks.

Leafs’ MacArthur On Pace For 102 Goals, Zero Friends

Clarke MacArthur tries to chat with standoffish
teammates Mikhail Grabovski and Fredrick
Sjostrom during practice on Sept. 19, 2010

Blair Charbonneau, Hockey Net

TORONTO — With five goals and one assist after four games, Maple Leafs winger Clarke MacArthur is currently projected to reach 102 goals, while only setting up his teammates a paltry 20 times. A fact not unrecognized by his fellow players.

An only child from Lloydminster, Alberta, MacArthur is not accustomed to playing well with others — perhaps explaining why he’s already been traded three times in the span of four years.

“Oh he’s on pace alright...to be a selfish asshole.” quipped line-mate Mikhail Grabovski.

And the Belorussian centre isn’t the only one who has a bone to pick with MacArthur.

“The only pass I got from him was a blocked shot that came off a skate,” expressed winger Nikolai Kulemin, adding,

However, Leafs’ coach Ron Wilson sees the upside, “I’m thinking about just making him our entire second line, that way I can spread out the scoring.”

MacArthur will have his chance to make amends Monday as the Leafs host the Islanders.