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Updated: Maxwell up, D'Agostini, MaxPac down
posted by Kevin Mio at 7h26 EST on Jan 25
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About Kevin Mio
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Kevin Mio
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Kevin Mio is a Montreal Gazette editor who grew up playing hockey, watching the Canadiens every chance he could on television and reading articles about the team by some of the people he works with today. He still remembers going to the Forum with his father to watch the Canadiens and was even fortunate enough to skate on Forum ice with his minor hockey team.
From Mats Naslund to Saku Koivu, he has always enjoyed watching the small, speedy and skilled players, while also admiring the gritty players that are essential to any team’s success.
From his one-on-one interviews with members of the team to a look at other coverage of the Canadiens, he will keep fans posted on their favourite team and looks forward to sharing his love of hockey with other passionate fans.
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QMJHL just tossed the book at Cormier as much as they could anyway, out for the regular season and playoffs. Doesn't matter of course, Lamoriello in NJ already stood up for the little bastard and will probably have him in the ECHL or AHL next season anyway because the lower leagues won't honour suspensions between different levels.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
I don't think he should be thrown out of hockey altogether. What he did was stupid and reckless, but he is going to pay for it and then he should be given a chance to come back. He's young and I think he can be rehabilitaed from his stupidity.
Danton tried to have someone killed, did his time and is back. I think Cormier should be allowed to play in the NHL after his suspension.
Go Habs Go!! "I don't have a copy of Georges' code, I don't know what it is,". "I think the code is that you're here for your teammates. It's not your code, it's our code." - Bob Gainey
This is the minimum I expected to see but after seeing it again on TSN this morning, it still, somehow, doesn't seem to be enough.
I hope Tam returns to 100% soon and can resume playing and I hope Cormier gets his head screwed on right.
A-holes like Uncle Lou really don't help this issue of head hunting at all and is hurting the kid, not helping him.
Once a Habs fan, always a Habs fan
Tam may come back, but the guy Kassian hit in the OHL? He's considering retirement from hockey and he isn't even 20 years old, but unfortunately the poor guy has now had 5 concussions in his playing career and that's playing junior hockey. Chalk up another one to the positive influence of the NHL on the kids.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
Again, I hate defending these things, but Kassian's hit has been done a million times with no injuries. It was the way he hit the boards that was unfortunate. I bet if they tried to duplicate the hit 1000 times out of 1000, the kid doesn't get hurt.
Go Habs Go!!
"I don't have a copy of Georges' code, I don't know what it is,". "I think the code is that you're here for your teammates. It's not your code, it's our code." - Bob Gainey
You're talking about the Liambas hit I believe, the Kassian Hit was on Matt Kennedy a little while ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAcGSbrEi-c
That doesn't happen every day.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
You're right...sorry about that! I was referring to the hit on the defenseman behind the goal line. The Kassian hit was pretty brutal....looked worse than Cormier's elbow in some ways.
Go Habs Go!! "I don't have a copy of Georges' code, I don't know what it is,". "I think the code is that you're here for your teammates. It's not your code, it's our code." - Bob Gainey
Greetings fellow Habs fans,
I have been following this site for a little over a year, and figured it was time I finally began contributing to the conversations. I am 15 years old, and have never had the privilege of seeing our team win the cup. In fact, I have really only been a serious fan since about 2006. I currently live in Winnipeg, so I definitely don't have the knowledge some people have that can only be gained by watching games through your own eyes. I like to think of myself as a fairly optimistic fan, although I realize that this team has taken many ups and downs throughout the season.
I think that in order for this season to be considered a success, we need to win two playoff rounds. In other words reach the conference final. This would be a success for me because it is more than the "old" team ever accomplished. Obviously i never knew Gainey as a player, but I think he has made some good moves during his term. However, it has amounted to nothing other than a first in the east trophy. I think he should be allowed to stay until the end of next year, and if he still hasn't come closer to winning the cup, I say we can dump him.
I think that JM is currently the right coach for this team. He brings experience to the club, and has a system that gives us a very good chance to beat any team. (see rangers, devils, bruins), but unfortunately, our team is not able to do this every night yet.
I consider myself a Price fan, although I am fully aware that at the moment, Halak is without question hotter, and should receive the majority of playing time. I think that Price has a higher ceiling, but needs time to reach it. In the mean time, play the hot hand. I would be very hesitant to trade either keeper right now, even for a top 6 forward.
In regards to the offseason moves, I like them all except Mara. Mara seems consistently invisible, and is by far the worst minus player on the club. Gomez is a good player- yes he's overpriced, but thats not his fault. I believe BG could have acquired him for less, as the Rangers were in desperate need of cap space to make changes. I like what i've seen from him lately, and he should be a decent 1-2nd line centre. Don't forget that he's tradable the year after next, because his salary will be significantly lower than his cap hit, and therefore may be attractive to a team trying to reach the cap floor.
I think the community here is really good. We don't all share the same opinions, but in the end (aside from a few trolls) we're all cheering for the same club. Conversation is lively, and many different views are presented. The only problem is that lately, the number of personal attacks have risen, and this unfortunately leads to some very immature arguments. If you don't agree with someone, find some concrete stats or other evidence that support your point, and have a proper discussion. There's a reason sites like this are called "discussion forums". And, if someone makes a rude comment directed at you, don't respond. People like that just want the satisfaction of knowing they pissed you off, so deny this of them.
Thank you to everyone who's helped make this site an enjoyable place to visit. I am not the most knowledgeable fan on the planet, but I will try to contribute how I can.
Audere est Facere- To Dare Is To Do
Great post kid, I agree with a few of your points, although I don't care much for JM as coach, I have never been a fan of defensive hockey systems, they slow the game down too much. I'd rather see more a more wide open style of game that allows more scoring opportunities. Go with the "hot hand" for sure, the team is playing better with Halak in between the pipes, Mara, yep, he is a disappointment, but then, I never had high expectations for him anyway. As soon as Gomez is tradeable, unload him, even with the lower salary, he's not worth it in the end and as for the GM, well, I saw Bob Gainey play for the Habs when they were in their heyday and he was a teriffic player,sound in all aspects of the game, very valuable player in his days with the Habs.That said, I think the time has come to say goodbye to Bob and his management team, they've had their chance to bring a winner to Montreal and I really think the Molson boys will want to get their own group in there and put their stamp on the team for the future. They have to be smarter with the way the money is being spent, and get bigger at centre,sheesh, we've been saying this for years now it seems. We need to have a big centre to win, someone with some goal scoring prowess to compliment Cammalleri and Pouliot around the net.
Winnipeg....epic.
Welcome aboard. You're very articulate and your post is well thought out. That in itself is commendable, but to be able to do so at 15 years of age is even more impressive. Don't hesitate to post again.
Thanks Habit, it's always nice to know your writing is appreciated. I always enjoy reading your posts, and look forward to many more.
Audere est Facere- To Dare Is To Do
A Spurs fan! Wish I had more time to follow them this season. Cheers!
Welcome to the board, enjoy your stay.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
You didn't talk like a 15 years ago. Winnipeg must have very good English teachers. Your view of the Habs is shared by many posters here, although I am more an Arsenal fan. I like the club bringing up young players and I like their short passing style of play.
Unfortunately, bringing up youth is one area where the spurs leave much to be improved. Ar5ena1 seam to have this figured out, and it is disappointing to see Gibbs go out for the remainder of the season.
English Premier football aside, did anyone notice that our friend Matt Carle is out for the season? He's having shoulder surgery sometime in the near future, and it will very likely be the end of his season. On the positive, he should be ready to resume training in June, in time to prepare for training camp.
Audere est Facere- To Dare Is To Do
Unfortunately, Matt Carle has also missed his last two Canadiens pre-season rounds before the 09-10 pre-season due to injuries and missing the remainder of the AHL season and playoffs this year means it's another setback in his drive to make the NHL. I worry about Carle after this, he seems to be becoming something of a Havlat, good enough player but injured too often to make a long-term impact for anyone he plays with. I hope he can make the club, but if he's not durable enough and he plays D, it doesn't seem like he'll have a good chance of being a full-time NHL player.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
Apparently the same thing happened to him before, and now that it's happened again he's decided he needs to get it fixed. Hopefully there won't be a significant set-back in his development, as he could be a decent blue-liner for us one day, alongside Webber and PK. Now that McDonaugh is gone, we are seriously lacking in the shut-down variety of defenders
Audere est Facere- To Dare Is To Do
Surprised these demotions took so long, but nobody should ever say young guys don't get their chance. The team was really patient, but enough is enough. They better tear it up in the AHL or they might never be back.
Right now we have a winning team, and it will only get better when AK46 gets back!
Back2back wins in Florida, then we better take Ottawa out Saturday. Halak plays at least 2 out of 3, no matter the outcomes!
Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy (Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy
I think Max Lapierre, the last two games, has played the way he was expected to play all year. A little scoring & a whole lot of checking tenacity. The arrival of Matt Darche, I believe, has lit a fire under his arse.
Watching a 33 year old jouneyman doing your job & getting results may have been just what the doctor ordered for Max.
Maybe Darche can play the role of big brother to Max & push him to be the best he can be. I'd prefer Darche as an example for Max than Gui.
Well, Laps has played a couple good games so he bought some time. If he keeps it up, he'll stay. Mara was a victim of Markov's injury. He played way too much and has gotten tired. I still think he's a decent depth guy. As for SK, I think he has tremendous talent and is ready for the NHL. He'll either do well here or be part of a pretty big trade.
Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy (Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy
There should be one special area on this site where people, that is 'fans', can go and blast away at Price and Halak and keep it out of the other areas.
Good Lord it gets tiring to read the same old BS over and over and over.
While you're at it, make a "Fire Gainey" and "JM is an Idiot" area too.
Once a Habs fan, always a Habs fan
Excellent idea and we can add a "Gomez is a useless player who takes up too much cap space and has screwed up any chance of Habs success for the next 4 years" section
Let's not do this fine site a disservice by mentioning or discussing anything Jack Todd writes. He embodies everything that's wrong with the Montreal media. All crank, no insight.
Amen. Jack Fraud is an absolute whore. He flip flops like a fish. I think he gets his opinions every morning from a magic 8 ball.
Jacques Derriere
Hopeful Hannah
"When I was a baby I wish my first word had been "QUOTE", then right before I die I could say "UNQUOTE" - Stephen Wright
You know, this is still a good site, and there are some smart hockey watchers who post here. But the moment I see the word "fanboy" used even semi-seriously as an insult or a goad, I know I'm not reading one of the good posters. It means you are either trolling, or trying to look like you're 14.
2 Gazette reporters today TODD and STUBBS both agree what the obvious demonstrates,namely that Halak is the better goalie.Todd even steals my "quicker lateral movement" argument,which i have mentioned many times in this space(this actually relates to fast twitch muscle fibres which is a genetic trait-it may also explain why Todd notes that Prices hands move up slower)but i don't mind- its true. Remember to make the playoffs Halak must become like Brodeur and play EVERY game.At his age and gentic profile he will get BETTER not worse with more games played(I will explain the physiological reason latter).
nuff said
pun of the day for the Carey/ Jaro Saga....
Halak it alot more when Jaroslav gets the Start in goal
Oh hell, Captain Malcontent Jack Todd decided to toss his 'wisdom' in about the Canadiens.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/montreal-canadiens/Time+giv...
Excerpt: Price still gets a free ride from the organization, the media and most fans. Every time the opposition scores a goal, the broadcast crew (it doesn't seem to matter which crew it is, TSN, RDS or CBC) immediately declares that "you couldn't blame Price for that one."
- He's absolutely right, I've never heard The Toronto Sports Network, RDS or Hockey Night in Toronto ever knock Price when he has a bad goal, if you discount TSN announcers, Benoit Brunet doing cartwheels when Price does allow a soft goal or CBC's Bob Cole throwing a party in the broadcast booth when that happens.
Goes on to slag Trevor Timmins (again) citing David Perron in 2007 when I recall a bunch of other teams skipping over him as well. Dumps on P.K. Subban for not being ready for NHL hockey after playing half a year of AHL hockey when he just came up from junior which is funny because if we did have him up here, he'd be dumping on the Canadiens for rushing him in to action and underperforming in the process.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
He spouts a few facts that any regular watcher of the Canadiens knows are not true.
- Because Benoit Brunet of RDS does take the opportunity to slag Price on his suspect and bad goals and RDS viewers know that.
- CBC loves to take a shot at the Canadiens, Bob Cole of CBC is euphoric when the Canadiens are down and Price allowed a bad goal as are other members of the CBC sports 'journalism' team.
- TSN is often just as quick to enjoy the failures of the Canadiens as CBC is and will go after Price on his bad goals.
If he has forgotten more about hockey than I'll ever know that is probable, but I'd also say what good is his hockey knowledge if he forgets recent information so quickly?
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
Now you're avoiding the issue that I called the immortal Jack Todd's supposed facts in to question?
To answer your new question though, I don't like it when the Canadiens lose and that upsets me more than the general coverage of these games naturally, but I generally don't like hack reporting.
The Sports Network is the Toronto Sports Network, even on nights when we win and Toronto hasn't played, Toronto gets more attention in the media and when the Canadiens are played, the broadcast team is generally looking for anything they can use to defame the Canadiens. RDS is unapologetically pro-Montreal but even they can't be truly pro-Montreal part of the time, as Brunet is determined to destroy Price in his colour commentary and one member of L'Antichambre on any given day wants an ethnic cleansing of the Canadiens roster.
Then we get to the CBC, my personal favourite. CBC stands for Canadian Broadcasting Corporation which runs Hockey Night in Canada, Hockey Night in Canada not Hockey Night in Toronto with their staff being more Pro-Boston than Pro-Montreal. Bob Cole is drifting in to senility and looks forward to the Canadiens losing, so we have play-by-play 5 seconds behind the action that enjoys every moment of the Canadiens losing and will never give them their due when they're ahead. Then we go to Don Cherry, who is a bitter crank who never forgave Montreal for the 1970s when they knocked his Bruins around for 4 years straight. He does love Carey Price, but the rest of the Canadiens can rot in hell for being Canadiens and it won't even be because they wear visors, are from Europe or French Canadian.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
Paaaahahaha!!!
I'm afraid that you're in the wrong place to try to defend Jack "The Opinion" Todd.
He's a joke who is more interested in forwarding his "Opinions" than in thinking them through.
---Hope Springs Eternal---
LMAO. You must be Jack Todd.
Jacques Derriere
Hopeful Hannah
"When I was a baby I wish my first word had been "QUOTE", then right before I die I could say "UNQUOTE" - Stephen Wright
great post seriousfan, love the toronto sports network dig, hilarious, I wonder though if Bob or Timmns pay attention to some of the BS from the media, because I think it played a role in our decision not to draft Zach Parise, we had been unsuccesful drafting small french canadiens in the years prior to Parise's arrival so I think they felt they could not risk doing it again only to fail and get ripped by the moronic press, so we took AK46, who I still like, but he is NOT CLOSE to Parise, and then at last year's draft in Montreal, you had to KNOW that we would draft a French Canadian...Fair enough maybe,,,but after hearing how small we are, blablablabla, was Louis Leblanc at a staggering 170 pounds really the best pick for us??? Time will tell on that one, but I kind of wish Bob and Trevor would JUST pick the best players for once and quit worrying about satisfying the needs of hypocritical media members or offending either the French or English contingent of Habs Fans
PS- Halak for Vezina
Wow, I knew Halak was playing well lately, but the stats are great. The team is 4-4-2 in January. Halak is 3-1-1 in that time, with two shutouts and an OT loss to New Jersey. He's fourth in the league in save percentage too, which is one of the more telling stats about goalie performance. Good for him! It's great to have a young goalie playing so well when the team really needs it.
No Halak vs Price for me. I don't care. Whoever is hotter.
For most of this year, it's been Halak. Keep going with him.
I'm all for that too. But if we can't afford both next year I want to see one of them gone before the trade deadline. There's adequate backup on the farm to replace whoever leaves. Trade from our strength to make up for our shortcomings. A package deal whatever works.
Everyone keeps harping about these mysterious "scouts" who drool over Price and his "ceiling". Please find me one scout RIGHT NOW (as in THIS SEASON) who believes this, and show me documented evidence to prove it. Because I don't buy that crap at all. Do you know these scouts personally? Because the way people are taling about them, one would think so. So it should be easy for those of you who keep harping on this to get proof of this.
The scouting reports people are referring to were from when he was in juniors, and was first called up. I suspect these scouts have changed their tune by now, and are raving about Halak and his "ceiling". Note I said "suspect", as I admit to knowing exactly zero NHL scouts.
__________________ "All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else." Buddha
Ellliot Friedman said something like, if Halak were on the market there would be 14 teams interested. If Price were on the market there would be 29. They are the ones with the jobs in hockey , not us. Just sayin.
Go back to bed BJ, your diaper needs to be changed again....
Some of those teams would still have some interest, but I think Elliott was exagerrating to prove a point about Price's perceived value around the league.
Go Habs Go!! "I can't hear what Jeremy (Roenick) is saying because my Stanley Cup rings are in my ears" - Patrick Roy
Pray tell, which team is Elliot moonlighting as an NHL scout for?
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"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else." Buddha
Pretty sure he knows more scouts , talks to more scouts and hears stuff about more scouts than any poster on this site.
So you're "pretty sure"? Maybe while you're at it you could tell me what your sister's boyfriends uncle's barber said? Because it means the same to me...I am looking for verifiable statements by scouts (AKA "proof") as opposed to idle speculation.
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"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else." Buddha
You think Elliot just makes stuff up? Man your an idiot. Go to link on main page about elliot and the habs goalies. The guy works in the game, talks to people inside the game. Its just like if i asked you about being an ***. You would know all about it!
You asked for evidence, and now you're slagging him for it.
Listen it's media's job to report what they hear. What do you want, HIO members to call up scouts to ask why so many like Price?
I'm a huge Price fan, but I'm happy for Halak right now because he's playing well,and helping get Montreal wins but if he leaves brings in a draft pick or brings in a number two or three forward then I'll be just as happy. Price can play goal just as well as Jaro. In the end one of the two will be leaving. And either way I'll still be a Habs fan.
They call me Shane
Shane, with all due respect (more than you give me), taking the word of a talking head from the media as evidence is a little naive, don't you think? That's not evidence, it's opinion...I am not a "huge" Price fan, nor a "huge" Halak fan. I am, however, a "huge" Habs fan. Don't ever question that at the very least that I want what's best for the team.
__________________
"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else." Buddha
Just chiming in....
It sorta sounds like you're debating the values of Price & Halak. I think there is no doubt that Price's value is higher, and it'll take more than a few good games or even half a season in which Halak plays better to change the minds of virtually every GM & scout in the league.
I think they still believe that 2 years down the road Price will be better than Halak. If that's right or not, I don't know yet....but I'm not paid the big bucks to know either.
Go Habs Go!! "I don't have a copy of Georges' code, I don't know what it is,". "I think the code is that you're here for your teammates. It's not your code, it's our code." - Bob Gainey
But if you look at their overall stats, they are very, very close until recently...and Halak has 2 years on Price. I believe many gm's look at age and potential and see more in Price. A lot of it has to do with size also. Price is big and with the proper coaching and maturity, he'll be very good.
Right now, I personally would bet that in 2-3 years, Price will be far and away better than Halak....but right now, Halak is the better goalie.
Go Habs Go!!
"I don't have a copy of Georges' code, I don't know what it is,". "I think the code is that you're here for your teammates. It's not your code, it's our code." - Bob Gainey
no you dont you just want to rant. Your mind is made up and you will hear only what you want to .
Way to add substance to the discussion. In case you weren't aware it was allowed, you can feel free to just bypass my posts, instead of trying to flame me...just a thought.
But, as you say, my mind is made up. I have viewed the empirical evidence and came to a conclusion. That's what rational people do. How do you come to conclusions - by asking your Magic 8-Ball?
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"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else." Buddha
a little stinger got you going
Leave the Magic 8-ball out of this.
Hilarious!
The children on this site provide so much entertainment. Great way to start the day.
Come on now Clay, Elliott Freidman has great connections around the league, he's an honest reporter with no agenda whatsoever. What he said was that "if Halak was on the market (which tells me he isn't), about 10 NHL teams would be very interested. If Price was on the market, 29 teams would be banging on the door.".
He's basing this off talking to NHL general managers and pro scouts from teams around the league. I know you love Halak and how hard he battles (I do too actually), but he's not nearly as highly regarded as Carey Price around the league. There are reasons for this aside from a junior career as much as many people don't want to admit it on this site. Do you ever hear of any NHL scouts or GMs seeing Justin Pogge in a high regard? No, they both won WJC gold, but one is a far different goalie than the other.
don't know why it pains people so much to admit that Carey Price is a highly regarded prospect. Higher regarded than Halak, no matter what the current stats are.
__________________________________________
http://berkshireonthehabs.blogspot.com/
Fair enough, but Freedman's statement was made earlier in the season and might result from scouting data from even earlier.
There's no way Halak's stock hasn't risen and Price's fallen since October.
Was highly regarded, but is he still was my question, and still not answered. As I said, there are reporters here who must know scouts, and I would love for them to ask some. If they don't want to publicly weigh in though, I understand fully...I got all the price hype when he was drafted and came into the league, and I saw the gold medal performance 9all of the games). It seems, though, that he has taken a step back from those lofty heights. Now he is just an average goalie in the league - which is still quite good, if you ask me - but is he going to reach his "ceiling"? Why won't Halak reach this as well, or instead of, Price?
But yes, I love how Halak battles...and I think that if Price had the same fire in him, we might actually have a goaltending controversy. That boy needs to get his head together, really...
And I do like Elliot Freidman, and respect him (one of the few at the CBC). However, saying it don't make it so...and I want to see proof. Because I just can't see this "higher ceiling" stuff...Alexander Daigle had a "high ceiling" too, as I recall, and where is he now? (I am not suggesting that Price has been anywhere near a bust as Daigle, before I am torn apart for the comment - just pointing outa classic example where assuming someone will be great can get you).
BTW Andrew - don't you ever sleep? 3:30 am in MTL and here you are posting (about 45 minutes ago)...it's 5:15 here in Shanghai as I reply - in the evening though.
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"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else." Buddha
I have an odd sleeping schedule for sure.
To answer your question on whether Price is still highly regarded, well Freidman is basing what he said on conversations he's had in the last several weeks, so yet, I would say that there's still high regard for Price.
As to whether or not you see the talent and potential in Price, forgive me for sounding a bit like an ***, but maybe you just don't have a good eye for talent, or perhaps you don't understand the goaltending position very well. As a 22 year old who's "struggling" on a mediocre team, Price has a save% that ranks 16th best in the NHL. That's pretty damn impressive. Halak is even better, but who's suggesting he's struggling?
I understand that you feel like earlier draft busts can be a signifier of a consensus being wrong, but look at recent draft history, how many top 5 picks have been busts in the last 8 years or so? I count maybe Jack Johnson as a potential bust, and Pouliot was considered one before the trade. Top end drafting has become very reliable in the last decade.
P.S. Is it ever nice talking in this way instead of the constant this guy sucks or that guy sucks that you see so often around here. I liked what someone said earlier, if we don't have to make a choice between the two goalies this year, then we shouldn't.
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http://berkshireonthehabs.blogspot.com/
Yeah, I like talking this way too...
To quote myself..."now he is just an average goalie in the league - which is still quite good, if you ask me". So, as you can see, I think he is good. Average in this league is impressive for such a young man. So too is it impressive that our other young goalie is in the top of the league in some meaningful categories.
Look, we for sure agree that now Halak is the man, and Price needs some seasoning...as well as that there is no need to trade EITHER goalie. And believe me, I don't want to trade either of them - too much "ceiling" there... :)
Intresting question you posed, "how many top 5 picks have been busts in the last 8 years or so?", and I see your point. Equally interesting is "how many goalies have been taken in the top 5 over that same period?", and the answer I believe is 2 (Fleury and Price), so it's not like there is a big pool of evidence either way...
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"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else." Buddha
Guaranteed the Pro Scout that reccommended Niinama was one of the 29!
"The three stars as selected by Red Fisher of the Montreal Star: 1st star: Henri Richard 2nd Star: Doug Harvey 3rd Star: Jacques Plante Final score Detroit Red Wings 5 Montreal Canadiens 3"
You're contradicting yourself.
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Cheer for the crest on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.
Not at all, Chuck - give it another read.
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"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else." Buddha
You start your post by saying that we have no idea what the scouts are thinking regarding "ceilings". You then go on to say that you suppose that those same scouts believe that Halak now has the higher ceiling. And then you say that you really have no idea what the scouts are thinking.
In effect, you've contradicted yourself twice.
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Cheer for the crest on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.
Jeez...need that sarcasm mark I guess...my sarcasm of saying I knew what they were saying was followed by my admission that I have no idea what they are thinking, to spell it out for you. But you seem like an intelligent guy, Chuck, so I "suspect" you already knew that... ;)
*edit* I imagine Boone, Stubbs et. all know some scouts though, and if they wanted to weigh in, they could end this any time...
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"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else." Buddha
You actually think that Price isn't a good goalie?
Price is a good goalie below the neck.
Above the neck, he's a mess.
No, I actually do think he is a good goalie - just not as good as Halak...and not being a mystical prophet, I don't pretend to know the future. And don't confuse my comments with me saying Price should be traded either, because I don't think he should be - that is, unless we have to trade one of them. In that eventuality, keep Halak.
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"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else." Buddha
I don't see that anywhere in his post......
You Halak and Price fanboys/girls are pretty much as annoying as they get. Why don't I just post your arguments here, and that way you can just copy and paste when you want to argue.
Halak FB: "HALAK is DA MAN! Didn't you see how he's the only reason the Habs have won anything in the past 6 weeks? He's a top-5 superstar goalie FO SCHISM! Trade that useless prima-donna first-rounder!
Price FB: "Whatever. Price was great in November and has a ceiling as high has the Sistine Chapel. Every Hockey analyst who knows anything about anything says so."
Halak FB: "Yeah right, tell that to his glove hand."
Price FB: "Whatever, Rebound."
Halak FB: "You're an idiot. Don't you remember LAST FEBRUARY when Halak won 4-straight games?? HE SAVED THIS FRANCHISE!!!!!!!!!.
Price FB: "Yeah, I remember, weren't they all against sub .500 teams?"
Halak FB: "Shut up, you're stupid!"
Price FB: "Oh yeah, well you're immature. SO THERE!"
Really, has either of our goalies proven he will be a legit #1 in this league? NO. They are both RFAs. As an astute poster said below, why choose if you don't have to?
I think that you've pretty much summed it up.
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Cheer for the crest on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.
Came here to make friends, I see...
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"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else." Buddha
What, you don't agree?
I do, actually - I guess I should have ended the post with a smiley face...:)
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"All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions. Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else." Buddha
The key to our defense is the time each player is on the ice. If gorges is played 18 minutes a game he plays a better game, at 24 minutes he`s not so good. It`s the same for all of our defensemen. They all play better when given less minutes which in turn helps the goalie to play better because he`s not stopping as many shots to begin with and the rebounds are being cleared. You play a defenseman too long and he starts to make mistakes.
Our top 2 lines are fine and have plenty of fire power when they play their game.
The bottom 2 lines though good at times are just not scoring enough goals. Lappy got 1 the other night but that was his first in 25 games or so. That`s just not good enough, this is where improvement is needed.
I hope Bob can find that player that will get these bottom 2 lines going on a more consistent bases.
id love too see yanick weber play with markov at some point this year. hes been playing really well with hamilton for the last while and has really turned around a disaster year. his progression is very encouraging
I say we keep both goalies, no reason we should give up on either as far as i`m concerned. WE should fix the real problem with the team and that is scoring goals. We need our 3rd and 4th lines to pitch in with a goal here and there, take some of the pressure off of the Cammy and Bennys lines.
Price will get better in time as will Halak. Right now Halak is playing very well, but our defensive game has also improved. This better defense will help both goalies and will make both of them and the team as a whole look better.
I think what Bob is doing with the send downs and call ups is to try and find someone to spark the bottom lines to score more often. Once he has done that then we are set as a team.
Good defense will give us better goal tending, which will give us less goals against. If Bob can find that spark plug for the 3rd or 4th lines then we have all our lines playing good defense as well as scoring to one degree or the other.
This team is starting to come together, they fight for each other, when you listen to Cammalleri speak you get the feeling that he hates to lose and I think that is spreading throughout the team. I say make Cammalleri the Captain of the Montreal Canadiens and we will once again taste sweet victory, the cup will once again come home. It won`t happen this year, but if Bob can find a couple more pieces then within 3 years is my guess.
I still have hope for this team. I think with a tweak here and there this team could become a great team, we just need to have patience for a bit while longer.
Gorges really stepped it up this weekend. It was good to see him play like the the Gorges we know.
I honestly think our defence is our weak link. It's not that great... What helped us win this weekend is above-average play from Spacek on Saturday and Gorges finding his game. I say Spacek on Saturday because, even though he pretty much scored that Cammy credited goal, he was pretty average.
I think what was KEY to this weekend was our 3rd and 4th line stepping it up. We've had to depend on our scorers for too long. Guys like Lapierre, who is actually the key to the third line, woke up. It helped having Darche play with him, too!
Moen seemed to factor in quite a bit, too.
Halak played stellar hockey games.
Pouliot is scoring at a furious pace, Plekanec and Camms are getting out of their mini-rutt and Gionta-Gomez are enjoying their new teammate...it shows. Metropolit played like a demon-possessed hockey player last night; he was winning battles in the corners against 2, sometimes 3 players. He was being slashed and hooked, left and right and was battling. You love to see that from any player.
In a nutshell, the whole team played well and we looked invincible. That's the type of play these guys are capable of and THAT's the type of play we should expect from them every game. Anything less is simply packing it in.
Hey habsfanroy-what are you smoking?Our defensive game is not the reason we are winning.One word.HALAK.He's won 8 of his last 10 starts.Price has won 2 out of his last 10;Also stats don't lie.If Halak wasn't on this team we would be around the Toronto Maple leafs level.Get Real.
Did you see when he scored 6 goals against the Rangers last night, too? That was awesome!