Theo back in Montreal

It will be interesting to see how the Montreal crowd reacts to Jose Theodore when he makes his return to Montreal tonight. Theodore was one of the most-loved Habs players in recent years when he was at his peak - winning both the Hart and Vezina trophies in 1992. Back then Theo could do no wrong, even scoring a goal and posting a shutout in the same game.

Unfortunately for Habs fans and for Theodore, he was unable to replicate the success of his 02 season after signing a huge contract. Not only did his play tail off but he began to garner more headlines off the ice then on it - first when his father and half-brother were charged with and later pleaded guilty to charges of loansharking and weapon possession, and then when he was photographed with members of Hell's Angels. Jose then failed a drug test prior to the Olympics, caused by Propecia (a hair growth supplement) and ended up falling at home during the Olympics and suffering heel injury.

In March of last season Theodore was traded to Colorado for Aebischer. In order to regain his status as a #1 goalie in this league Theodore will have to play more consistent. He started off the year with two good games against Vancouver and Dallas but followed that up with two less than stellar performances. He played very well this week in Ottawa and a great game in Montreal would be huge for his confidence.

I hope that for Theodore's sake he is able to stay off the gossip pages and get back to playing at a level that we've seen he is capable of. I think the issue with Jose has been with his confidence and tonight will be a huge indicator as to whether he can step up in a huge game as all eyes will be on his at the Bell Centre.