Ryder, Brisebois, Gorges scratched tonight

posted by Dave Stubbs at 13h27 EST on Dec 6


0obyrne.jpg

Defenceman Ryan O'Byrne earned two assists in his impressive NHL debut tonight.
Bruce Bennett, Getty Images

Canadiens head coach Guy Carbonneau is making underachieving forward Michael Ryder and defencemen Patrice Brisebois and Josh Gorges healthy scratches for tonight's game in Boston against the Bruins.

The Bruins will start 20-year-old goalie Tuukka Rask against Canadiens' Carey Price, also 20; Rask fills in for No. 1 Tim Thomas, who was hurt in the final minute of last night's 4-3 overtime loss to the Devils in New Jersey and will be lost to the Bruins for a week, or longer, with the groin injury.

Rask will be backed up by Alex Auld, who was acquired today from the Phoenix Coyotes for forward Nate DiCasmirro and a 2009 fifth-round draft choice.

 




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Habsville's picture
Typo on Ryder 8th rounder

Habsville's picture
The club is above the experts predictions at this moment. The points have come with the power play clicking as the best in the league. We are still week 5 on 5. I do not believe we have a #1 centre. Nothing against Saku but he would not be a number one centre on most clubs in the playoff mix. The thought of trading Ryder is interesting to me. A third round pick that has a great shot but what can we trade him for. Another player who is under achieving and making the same amount of money to keep our cap in line perhaps. The trade deadline comes a little eary this year and if Ryder stays off the score sheets a change of scenery may be inevitable.

Have been giving some thought to all the negative comments of late about the Habs (including myself).But when one takes a close look at the standings, they are not doing too badly, tied for third in the conference, just 5 out of first and 8 from 1st overall in the league. I think theres more parity in the league now than ever before. Just look at the standings in each division. Do anyone feel the way that I do that there should have been a penalty when Begin on injured, sure looked like a hook to me. Good luck Habs on Sat.

habsguy's picture
TradeRyder!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you kidding me, after all the crap you've layed on Ryder, everything that you said about him...and now you don't agree with him being benched...you just answered a question for me !!!!!

Cant wait for the game to start and watch the Habs offense explode without Ryder. RIGHT!

gohabzzzz's picture
ok, I'm happy ryder's benched but what about smolinski??? it's not like he's any better and if I do remember well, he's playing on the first line..yeah I don't understand carbo...he confuses me gohabzzzz

WindsorHab-10's picture
May be sitting out a game will benefit Ryder but it had to be done. I still can't comprehend this slump that we're in. I mean we have a healthy team that played so well at the start and then all of a sudden they quit. In any professional sport, winning and losing is a team effort and unfortunately our team of professionals have not put any effort in any of their recent games. For the amount of money that these guys rake in, a solid effort is the least they can do. They owe it to every fan out there. I hope we see a good product on the ice tonight because I'm so desperate for a win.

24 Cups's picture
I'm still not convinced that Anaheim has to make a trade to free up cap space for Niedermayer. www.nhlnumbers.com states that they are presently more than $6 mil under the cap without his salary. His salary would be prorated to just over $4 mil since 1/3 of the season is over. Therefore, they are still under the cap. Even www.nhlscap.com has Anaheim under the cap (if you prorate Niedermayer's salary). Am I missing something here or is this just Brian Burke beating the bushes? Selanne is a unrestricted free agent so if he came back say with 20 games to go in the season they would only have to give him around $2-2.5 mil. As I said earlier in the day, something stinks here.

Anaheim will be over cap for *next year* with Niedermeyer in the lineup. They have to free someone who is under contract for next year.

24 Cups's picture
There are a ton of Ryder comments so I may be repeating what other guys have said. At the start of the year Ryder and the Habs agreed to a one year deal for around $3mil. It was mutually beneficial. Ryder assumed he would have a great scoring year due to the fact that Montreal has so few scorers and he would get plenty of ice time. This ice time would probably be with guys like Koivu and Higgins and Ryder would also be on the powerplay. He could then break the bank as a free agent with another team next summer. Montreal looked at it from the viewpoint that there's no way they are going to resign him long term (at an over inflated price) but he would help them shine this year by playing his butt off for free agency. Win-win situation. OK, Ryder has hit the skids but we're only 1/3 of the way through the season. The motivation on both parties' sides hasn't basically changed. The Habs should play Ryder on a regular shift until he breaks out and starts scoring again (it's not that he's a jerk like Samsonov). If he does we probably will make the playoffs. Then he can ride off into free agency and we can replace him next year with Sergei K. Win-win.

TradeRyder's picture
Obviously by my name I wanted Ryder gone... but I agree that he shouldn't be benched now. He has been working his butt off and getting shots and as you say isn't hurting us in plus-minus. But that's where I totally disagree with you about Ryder. The problem is this: you say we would make the playoffs if he starts scoring. That's the problem - when he starts scoring the other team starts scoring on us. He cancels himself out - or at least he has in the past. Souray was the same - lots of big goals from the blue line. A pilon on D. Not worth it. I think Ryder would do well on a team with a fantastic D. that really plays the trap where he could not think about the D and everythign would be fine. Which is why.... Trade Ryder. Though now he's not worth much. And yes, he's better than Samsanov so why they don't play him I don't know. ____________________________________________________ Thanks for the line changes I asked for Carbs! Now, do the defense!

ganderhab's picture
i agree completely...ryder is not hurting you +-wise and only takes up 16-18 minutes on a good night. what was it about 13 shots last time against the bruins that gets him a cheap seat?

24 Cups's picture
Ganderhab - Slightly off topic but I couldn't help but notice that your photo is a golf hole. Which one, on what course? Terra Nova? Hockey is obviously #1 in our hearts BUT when summer arrives golf takes over. Like hockey, it is a game of tradition, honour, and the pursuit of excellence. Once the hockey season ends we can turn Habsinsideout into a part time golf site. Maybe even have a website golf tournament. Of course, the defensemen would have to tee off with the forwards:-) It's a new Hab tradition.

ganderhab's picture
First hole on our only 18 hole course here in gander nl. - habs and pictures like that get me through winter

24 Cups's picture
I couldn't have said it better myself. We must be distant cousins! Hockey is about passion and golf is about one's soul.

Chuck V.'s picture
I love golf, but to be honest I'd rather the HIO posters be the one golfing in May and June rather than the Canadiens

24 Cups's picture
Perfect reply - that's the answer I was looking for! A Cup run in June has me bunkering in at a Montreal hotel. Go Price Go!

Gilles Poisson's picture
I think with all the talk about Monsieur Ryder we should not be forgetting something. His new position should be a boost for our powerplay. Thank you.

Revolution No. 9's picture
I can get behind these scratches but what Carbonneau has to prove and has not yet done in his short reign is that he can coach his way out of a slump. We don't have any serious injuries, we don't have a crazy schedule. This is the same team that played great hockey to start but either: - the other teams have figured us out which means other coaches are smarter than ours or - Carbo can't motivate his players in any effective manner. A measure of stability and calm without being inflexible while maintaining authority and confidence is the black magic of success. It's not easy to master but you either have the knack or you don't. I think this year will prove Carbo's ability in this aspect one way or another.

TradeRyder's picture
Wish I had said all that. Like I said previously... you have to carry a stick - you can't BE the stick or the players will just hate you. Carbo needs to read a book on motivation. Well, that or find a new job. ____________________________________________________ Thanks for the line changes I asked for Carbs! Now, do the defense!

I think the way things materialize in Montreals playing system, that if Crosby played here, he wouldnt prosper the way he has. If you dont have a proven system then no one is going to play to their abilities. Take Bonk for example, or maybe Briere seen something.

T-roy West's picture
CHUCK V. These comments seem all out of wack. I wish we went back to numbered comments. When you said "At the risk of starting a childish argument", were you talking to me or DTD. I couldn't tell but I think it was DTD, sorry!

Chuck V.'s picture
no worries T-roy it is kind of a messy format. i was talking to DTD and agreeing with you

T-roy West's picture
Thanks for clearing that up. Lets petition to get the format back to numbered comments. By the way nice all time favorite player!

I totally agree. I hate this backwards one way, forwards for replies format. It gives me a headache to rival the one I get whenever I watch Brisebois in his own end.

Well Guy if running Ryder out of town is your intention you're one step closer. In my humble opinion the issue with Ryder is his centermen.If anyone truly believes Saku is any where near where a first line centermen needs to be then I can only imagine what your second, third and fourth line guys are like. Nobody needs to tell me how terrific, courageous and dedicated that Saku is.He's a termendous individual.Did you see Higgins goal the other night set up by Saku? now how many other decent plays did he make.He's lost his speed and endurance for probably obvious reasons but remember wingers rely on the play making abilities of their centermen. Try sticking Chip with some goal scorers and you'll see what I mean.Instead Guy has decided to turn him into a copy of himself. A shot blocker stuck on a third or fourth lines with people like Begin or Smolinski or any other of our fourth liners who combined in total exceed the number of quality goal scorers on the team. Mr. Lafleur wasn't all that far off the mark is he. Not to worry though Habs fans we have a couple of rookies coming in from the AHL that ought to make us a far better NHL team. I saw Guys press conference yesterday.He has as much control and influence in the dressing room right now as he did when they tanked at the end of last year.Funny Guy can't seem to get 20 guys to play his system (whatever that is) so I guess we get 20 new guys eh Guy. This business of don't blame the coach blame the players suggests some need to better understand what leadership is and that's exactly what a coach has to instill.It's a matter of follow me boys I know the way there. Can you really tell me he does and if so based on what evidence.The fact that he played on a good team with a good coach that won stanley cups. Good players don't always make good coaches. The proof will be in the pudding tonight.I'm keeping my fingers crossed

cautiousoptimist's picture
Warning: long, considered post below: Kiprusoff's 0.886 save percentage just might scare Calgary into acquiring a proven Huet-type, and their current backup is some guy named Curtis McElhinny, whose 0.872% isn’t any better. If we could deal Huet, Ryder, Streit and Dandy for Phaneuf, a pick and change, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Hamrlik was like a father to Phaneuf, helping him grow and mature in Calgary. Phaneuf is francophone, albeit from Manitoba, and Calgary desperately needs the solid goaltending. Calgary is a Western team, and our old players won’t come back to hurt us since we hardly ever see the Flames. Calgary gets:
  • One of the best five or six goalies in the league, IMO, who carried the Habs on his back when no one else showed up to play, and whose good health would have dragged the lacklustre Habs kicking and screaming into the playoffs last year. How much more could he do for the fiery Flames, with Iginla at the helm and a better defence than we had last year in front of him? And if he really is hurt, it isn’t bad – even Huet says he’s fine.
  • Calgary is 13th in the West, even though they score a lot (5th in the West in goals for), because their D and Kipper’s weak goaltending are killing them. And this way they wouldn’t have to give up any scoring to improve between the pipes. A strong D man, even Phaneuf, isn’t as vital as a strong goalie. Good thing we’ve got at least two. :)
  • Ryder has proven for three years that he can score, and will do so in bunches with Iginla, Tanguay, Langkow and friends at his side.
  • An all-heart lightning quick d-man who can also play a solid defensive forward role, in Dandy. We won’t miss his speed, as we have loads.
  • A serviceable PP blueliner in Streit.
  • A fair bit of salary, but Huet, Streit and Ryder are UFAs, so no long-term commitments and they can renegotiate at their leisure.
On our side:
  • ALL OF OUR FORWARDS WOULD BE FORWARDS!
  • We get a large, excellent, hard-hitting, shot-blocking, defensively-solid D-man, and the missing piece of the defensive puzzle that we need to win. Last week we were 7th in the league in goals for – we can score. But when our D is lousy, our forwards take less chances, forecheck less, score less, and we all whine and bitch here…. Carbo knows this, which is why he’s gone through a dizzying array of D-men to try to round out our top 4. Phaneuf is the guy - and he's only 23.
  • We’d get one of the hardest-playing guys in the league. Only Ryan Smyth plays harder.
  • We’d gain a scary shot from the point.
  • We’d be decreasing our nightly press box payroll significantly, and we’d be down to two surplus d-men, which is a good number.
  • Hamrlik taught Phaneuf a lot, mentored him in Calgary, and played on his pairing. No chemistry growing pains there.
  • Il parle français, tabarouette! He (and his family?) might like to move to a French-speaking city.
  • Phaneuf makes just under $1-million, and we unload a fair bit of salary.
  • Price gets the playing time he needs and Halak backs him up, playing in the league where he belongs. After hauling our sorry butts around over 16 games last year, he’s at least earned his backup job.
  • We get one of the most feared D-corps in the league, and make room for the young guys we always say are languishing in the minors, so our lines look something like: Higgins-Koivu-Kovalev A. Kostitsyn-Plekanec-S. Kostitsyn (even Gainey says he’s ready) Latendresse-Chipchura-Begin Smolinski-Lapierre-Kostopoulos Extra: Grabovski Markov-Komi Hamrlik-Phaneuf O’Byrne-Bouillon Extra: Gorges, Brisebois Now tell me, who’s going to push these bad boy D-men around in front of our net?
    • What do you think?

Ed's picture
Have you considered changing your name to optimisticoptimist?

cunningdave's picture
Take me to your dealer.

24 Cups's picture
Calgary won't be trading for any goalies in the near future. Kipper has signed a six year contract extension that starts next year with a cap hit of $6 mil per season. They'll have to live or die with him.

cautiousoptimist's picture
I don't think their fans will let the Flames die with him, and he seems to have caught Theodoritis. Stopping just 87% of shots, with his team two squads away from the basement almost halfway into the season, I don't think Calgary will sacrifice years of success because of a goalie whose value was hugely overblown due to a strong, improbable playoff run three years ago. It's not like they aren't scoring - the problem is clear and urgent: lousy goaltending.

24 Cups's picture
All said and good but hockey today is all about the cap. What do you suggest that Calgary does about the $36 mil?

moser17's picture
Now do one for Vinnie Lecavalier!

cautiousoptimist's picture
Sorry Moser, I was trying to stay within the realm of the possible here. :)

Revolution No. 9's picture
I think you've been playing too much NHL '08.

cautiousoptimist's picture
Come on, the guy is a beast! And he will indeed be the next Pronger.

Revolution No. 9's picture
Calgary will trade Phaneuf about as quickly as we'd trade Price.

cautiousoptimist's picture
Not even Price is untouchable, nor should he be, for the right player(s).

Wops's picture
Exactly, so the Flames won't trade him for the little package you offered... Three UFAs, no logic whatsoever... + Streit = #5 D-man, Ryder strugglinh player, Huet will ask for too much money just to be a back up for Kiprusoff I would not even trade Phaneuf for Kovalev and Higgins if I was the Flames GM. _______________________________________ CH is for Chris Higgins

cautiousoptimist's picture
That's because they don't need Kovalev and Higgins. They score already - they need to stop getting scored on, and Kiprusoff isn't doing anything about that. Kiprusoff's past will not make him #1 if Huet stops pucks, for the same reason that Theodore is not Colorado's starter. Like I said, it's true that Huet, Ryder and Streit are UFAs, but when Ryder breaks out of his slump in Calgary, he and his 30 goals a year will stay in Calgary. And with offensive-minded forwards there, he will score. And when Huet finally gets the #1 starting job he wants and deserves, he'll stay too. As for Streit, he's just a bonus, but inexpensive either way. And don't forget, Phaneuf's only got one more year on his contract too.

Wops's picture
Snoopy, I don't know how to put it, but here is the best version I found: No way are the Flames trading Dion Phaneuf. This guy is their franchise. And only 22... _______________________________________ CH is for Chris Higgins

Habs_008's picture
Huet, Ryder and Streit are also UFA next year. I dont see calgary doing that. I would never do that trade if i were them. I will try the trade on my Xbox game and see if its "accepted", thats the only place where a trade like that would be....haha. how bout trade Huet and Ryder for a bag of pucks! jj, I like both of the players, Ryder just needs to snap outta it.

cautiousoptimist's picture
I like them too, because they're good! But Calgary needs a top-notch goalie more than a top-notch defenceman, as does everyone else. Good thing we have more than one. It's true that Huet, Ryder and Streit are UFAs, but when Ryder breaks out of his slump in Calgary, he'll stay in Calgary. And when Huet finally gets the #1 starting job he deserves, he'll stay too. As for Streit, he's just a bonus, but inexpensive either way. And Phaneuf's only got one more year on his contract too.

Hoegarden's picture
If Keenan ever mentions trade and Phaneuf in the same sentence, he'll get run out of town.

cautiousoptimist's picture
Maybe not if he gets the starting goalie in the all-star game in return, plus scoring help and a couple of serviceable D-men.

Hoegarden's picture
May be, but the link between Sutter and Phaneuf is as solid as you can find. Keenless traded Luongo, need we say more ?

Habs_008's picture
No Way in Hell Calgary is trading him, he is the next Pronger. But that would be something.

cautiousoptimist's picture
Well, Edmonton dealt Pronger for less than this. :)

Hoegarden's picture
Did Pronger give them a choice ???

cautiousoptimist's picture
They could have at least gotten more for him, and given their situation, they would have jumped if we'd offered Huet, Ryder, Dandy and Streit.

Wops's picture
You are just fooling with us right?? _______________________________________ CH is for Chris Higgins

Chuck V.'s picture
well i'd make the trade... but i doubt sutter would

cautiousoptimist's picture
I really think Calgary gets a lot in return, and I think both teams end up better.

Wops's picture
No. _______________________________________ CH is for Chris Higgins

cautiousoptimist's picture
Well, can't argue with that.

Hoegarden's picture
TommyB, I believe most of us would love to see Mike break out of this awful slump but I too totally agree with you. One fact that some folks may also refresh their memory with is that of the 30 goals he scored last year, 17 were on the PP. He therefore was getting a lot more "opportunities" with the extra duty on the PP and luckily for him and us all, it paid off. The magic touch has gone for now on our 1st line (Koivu has but one goal in the last 15) and Carbo, like the rest of us, never expected this unfortunate turnout. Ryder was also a fan favorite when he was playing in Hull for Claude Julien and Julien is the one who gave him a shot at the bigs. Drafted at #216, he obviously was a shot in the dark to make it and make it he did. In any case, points in the standings are more important than trying to figure out what is bothering Tom,*** or Harry... A stint in the pressbox is in order, for the benefit of the team and player concerned. If he's out of the picture for two or three games and the slump continues, then the pressure will disappear quickly for him and someone else will have to take it (sounds like Smokes for now).

I can tell you this TommyB and Hoegarden, About six or seven games into the season Ryder did have a ouple games where he disappeared and effort may have been a concern. The smart thing would have been to sit him out then. They could have called it an undisclosed injury and kept things in house. He could have then resumed at his normal position on the first line. Instead he has been under the gun and put in situations where he will not succeed and more time has been wasted. I do not like Ryder any more than I like any other Hab but I recognize talent and hard work when I see it. He has talent and has been working hard. I know you guys are relgious fans and aren't on here piping off but I do think you have to acknowlege that in order for our team to succeed we have to get the most of our players. To get the most out of Ryder you need him to play with top talent and get PP time and he is not getting what he should in those areas. you are right that he probably never would have made it if not for Claude Julien.....obviously he saw the talent why can't we. This is beyond a slump and that is evident but this slump could have been handled far differently and I would bet different results would have been the outcome(positive results). There are too many guys who should be sitting out before him and I respect both of your opinions but I know from debates past that none of us are going to sway too much in our opininos but this one is being mishandled by Carbo for sure.

Hoegarden's picture
The injury coverup sounds nice but Carbo learned his lesson last year when he benched Rivest (you don't sit a veteran player). He soon was on his way out West following that. Besides, shooting blanks for 6 or 7 can get you by. Carbo gambled with this and lost. The whole line is sputtering, Higs is missing tons of chances and Koivu is getting more frustrated. I sure would not want to be in Carbo's shoes....it catch22 in my book.

TommyB's picture
Understand this, though, krob I am not saying, anywhere, that Carbo handled this thing properly from the start. As much as I support Carbs, I also find some peculiarity in some of the things he does. I am saying, Ryder spending one game in the press box is not going to cause much more damage. Others have been sat. Koivu and Rivet last year, for example. Ryder is no better. We will never totally agree on this issue. I do not hold Ryder in such high esteem as maybe you do. But at least we have had a decent exchange of views on this......Go Habs Go.....Bruins are our bitches!

Someone just please give me one other example of a situation like this!!! Just one!!! Where you bench a guy for bad luck!! O.K. you can't use Grabovski after Saturday's game....it has to be from another NHL team.

Habs_008's picture
Ryder might want out on MTL, but he wouldnt play bad cause of it. IF he has another 30 goal season he will be able to get more money on the open market. Why would he play like crap on purpose? Makes no sense. Wouldnt you play your *** off if at the end of the year you can sign somewhere for 5m per? Instead of the 2 or 3 he is getting this year?

Has anyone considered that maybe, just maybe Ryder wants out of Montreal? Here are a few things to think about: 1) It took forever, and an arbitrator to get him to sign a 1 year contract. 2) He's a UFA at the end of the year. 3) Its easier to drive a bum out of town than a star. 4) He know that coaches will look at his past record (ala Theodore) and say "he'll regain his scoring touch with us". Ryder's performance this year is self-inflicted. He had his chances on the top line (like last season), but isn't doing anything with them. As much as I believe Carbo still has a lot to learn as a coach, you cannot blame him for Ryder's lack of production this year. I really believe that Ryder wants out, and this is a nice, subtle way of doing it.

TommyB's picture
Axeman, I have been thinking since way back early last year that Ryder wants out of Montreal. To my eye, it's almost obvious. I can take it a step further and suggest that Toronto is the place he would like to play. When he scored his "hat" in that last game vs the Leafs last year, I had the feeling he was saying "hey, Leafs brass, look at me! I'll be available soon!" Now, this is absurd in the way that it is not based on any fact. But it is an inner feeling that I get with this guy. It's not something that can be explained, or backed up with "underlying numbers" ;P

You guys have convinced my with your 'inner feelings'. They are spot on. Michael Ryder wants out of Montreal and he is doing his best to accomplish it. You should start a psychic hotline, people get paid big bucks for 'inner feelings' that are this accurate

Heaven forbid that Ryder ends up with the Laffs ... you KNOW that's gonna come back and haunt us....

habfan53's picture
Like I said earlier this year I would not be surprised to see him reunited with Claude Julien in Boston next year.

Hoegarden's picture
Exactly; back with his old coach and with tons of Maritimers in New-England. That's just perfect for him.

Hoegarden's picture
No, but according to Danny boy after the recent Prov.elections, he thinks that the Maritimes are now part of the Rock..........

Chuck V.'s picture
oh yes nice and subtle while we still pay his salary

Ryder is a Free Agent after this season. So there is no conspiracy to discover between him and Julien.

I sure hope we get to see the line that I've wanted to see all season: Begin, Lapierre and Kosty. That is a true energy line. Not likely to score any goals but they should be able to buzz around and pester Chara like black flies on a moose. So tonight we have Higgs, Komi, Plek, Kostistyn, Lapierre, Chipchura, Lats, O'Bryne and Price in the line-up with Halak on the bench. Sweet. Sure I'd like to see Gorges in there (if we aren't going to play him, please trade the kid for his own sake), but that's lots of young blood. At this point I don't really care if they win or lose, as long as these young guys are working hard and developing.

CH1909-2009's picture
I really like that attitude. This should be viewed as the lessons that these guys are learning that we can look back and point to, when they gel and progress, and get capped off by a big star forward and win it all! GO HABS GO

TommyB's picture
So much has been said on here in defense of poor Michael Ryder, and that he should not sit in the pressbox because he is our only 30 goal scorer. OK, let me list a couple of other names of some guys who scored 30 goals or less last year: Joe Thornton - 22 goals (92 assists) Marc Savard - 22 goals (74 assists) Daniel Briere - 32 goals (63 assists) and now our dear Ryder, the last 3 years: 30 goals (28 assists) 30 goals (25 assists) 25 goals (38 assists) Ryder's best point total just touches what one of the above-mentioned players gets in assists. Why treat Ryder like one of the top players in the league? Are you support Ryder all the way guys really that impressed with him? Ohhhhh....he's our top scorer the last 3 years. Big deal! Top scorer on a team that couldn't put the puck in the ocean. Am I as a Hab fan supposed to be impressed with a team-leading 30 goals but little else, notably his assist total? Ryder is not an upper-echelon kind of player, and he's been treated more than fairly. In fact he has been tried with everyone on the team. So at this point, with his 3 goals, the coach has decided to sit him for a game. And that's a major crime with so many of you guys? I hope Michael Ryder breaks out of this slump, and I hope it happens here in Montreal, but I really don't think it is going to happen. Certainly not this year, and therefore not likely it will happen for him next year... in Montreal..

HotHabs's picture
Very good point!!! People treat Ryder like he's a #1 forward in the league. Not even close!!! When surrounded by average players, better than average numbers look really good. But, reality sets in when you compare those slightly better than average numbers with the real NHL stars' points totals. Ryder has had middle of the pack numbers, but they look extra good next to his teammates'because we have been swimming in a sea of mediocrity, tossed about and going nowhere fast!!! Ryder is a one-trick pony. He has a great shot release which in the right conditions puts pucks in the net. And, I'll admit his two-way play has improved since last year. However, he is not a playmaker, he is not a fast skater, he is not creative with the puck, he does not see the ice well. I think Bob gave him his contract hoping his numbers would increase, that he would really blossom this season. Notice it was a one-year deal? That means "make or break" time. It could also be as mentioned above that Ryder is looking to move on but wanted to hang on for one more year in Mtl hoping his stats would make him really enticing to another team. It's not happening, so sit in the press box now and later sit on a bus to .... well, who knows where!

Now now Tommy.... Noone is calling Ryder a superstar but on our team he is oneof the best we have. All we care about is our beloved Habs and how they do. In order for our team to play come spring time every point is important (especially interconference). We need to dress the best possible players to provide the best results. I understood the juggling and experimental phase while it was affordable and we were top three or four in the league. Now it is back to the reality that we must battle game in and game out and to not dress our best goal scorer is insane (even more so when you realize that offense has been our problem). Next I would like you to include the stats of Smolinski, Kostopolous, Higgins, Plekanec, Kostitsyn, Begin, Dandenault, Latendresse,Lapierre Chipchura and even Kovalev and then look at those stats and see who we should have on the ice to stand the best chance of winning. Ryder may not be Marc Savard, Joe Thornton or Daniel Briere but he is far better than the guys who are dressing in his place......and that makes NO SENSE AT ALL. Ryder is being moulded into and then used as a scapegoat and it is foolish to not see this. Let's compare Montreal apples to Montreal apples and then see how the figures shake out.

TommyB's picture
With all due respect krob1000, That's your opinion that Ryder is better than the guys who are dressing in his place. Some of those guys are dressing to play other roles than what Ryder would be expected to play, and some of those who are dressing and are expected to score goals are definitely having better luck than Ryder so far this year.

sisu's picture
The crime is failing to recognize the difference between a lack of goals and poor on-ice performance. Sometimes the goals don't go, no matter how well you perform. And before anyone claims Ryder was not performing well, you'll have to provide numbers to back up your case. The underlying numbers - shot differential, GF/GA differential, penalties drawn, strength of opposition - are solid for Ryder's first 20+ games. It's like throwing away a silver dollar because it only turned up heads once in the last ten times you flipped it.

TommyB's picture
You'll have to enlighten me...please, tell me what those magical numbers are for Ryder, those "underlying numbers"? And then tell me, when have you ever heard "underlying numbers" mentioned in contract negotiations? Ryder gets paid to score goals, his underlying numbers will not get him a good-sized UFA contract. I watch Ryder play, and I don't see much from him. And further, I felt the same way about him last year. Go ahead, someone, make your dumb*ss comment that "you don't watch many games, do you"?

sisu's picture
"...tell me what those magical numbers are for Ryder... Here. If you don't look at things objectively and quantitatively, all you're left with is biased impressions. He said/she said. Ryder is not paid to score goals - he's paid to help the team win. To do that he has to outscore his opposition. To score goals he has to shoot, which he's been doing. He's also done well in preventing the other guys from scoring. "And then tell me, when have you ever heard "underlying numbers" mentioned in contract negotiations?" Check out player agent Rand Simon's blog. That's just one small example. There is a lot more to this game than the cliches (playing for 60 minutes, outworking your opponent, giving 110%) that the players spout.

Wow....that guy did his homework and it confirms what I have believed all along. Thank you for the great link. you should send a copy of that to Carbo.

Your analogy is a little off, unless you're thinking of Recchi and not Ryder. As some others have pointed out - he's only being sat for one game. He's not being "thrown away". Relax. Have a cream soda. Carbo has tried other options to snap him out of his funk. This is just one more. Enjoy the game, cuz tonight we're gonna beat our Bruin whipping boys, I expect. Cheers!

Chuck V.'s picture
Try the last hundred...

Corio's picture
Matrix Parody Alert! The other players have all been saying that Morpheus (Melancon, Carb, Gainey) believes he is the one... Trinity (Huet): "How did you do that?" Neo (price): "Do what?" Trinity (Huet): "Move that fast, you moved like them.." (Them being Great goalies of the past) Neo (Price): "Not fast enough apprently.." There is No spoon Price!

habfan53's picture
Hey People I was so discouraged after the last couple of games that I decided to stay away and try to regain some sanity. First question is Dandenault in the line up tonight after the best tackle by a Montreal player since LAST YEAR'S Grey Cup. or did he receive a 1 game suspension?? Don't take the Bruins lightly dispite our record over them. They want to get a win for Julien tonight. I also think it's time for Gainey AND Carbonneau to sit down with EACH player and do an evaluation of what is expected of them and what they expect. I'm truly a fan of Steve Begin but I'm wondering if Lapierre can now fulfill that role of energizer bunny and s**t disturber. Pair O'Byrne with Hamerlik and let Ryan grow the way Komisarek grew while making mistakes the last couple of years. We wonder why there is no scoring punch THERE ARE 2 DEFENCEMEN on the forward lines DAH!!!!. Streit is NO replacement for Ryder he had a career year last year and scored 32 points Ryder had 30 Goals. Tonight is a big game for Price after giving up 4 goals in each of his last 2 starts and 3 against Toronto last Tuesday he'll have to shut down the Bruins. And finally with a wealth of defencemen in the system: Streit, Dandenault, Gorges, Carle, Biron, Valentenko, Cote, Brisebois and well the youngsters at the U S Universities package a couple with Halak or Danis (Huet as a LAST resort) and bring in a goal scorer.

T-roy West's picture
Habfan53 I'm not attacking but I was just wondering what any of the defencemen that you have mentioned really done.

habfan53's picture
Absolutely nothing wrong Carle, Biron and Valetenko are still in Hamilton, Brisebois is getting long in the tooth probably should not be playing more than 14 minutes a game not the close to 20 he has been, Steit and Dandenault were using as forwards and Gorges has some NHL experience.

i'm experiencing 'Deja Vu'!

T-roy West's picture
DTD - I hardly ever miss a game. Are you trying to make a point?

T-roy West's picture
You still haven't stated your point, please tell me that you actually have one!

Chuck V.'s picture
At the risk of starting a childish argument, I'd say the same to you. While I appreciate your loyalty to Ryder, I question both your hockey knowledge and your tact. Surely you can get your point across better than by using cheezy retorts