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The injuries are piling up. Makes you wonder how Doug Jarvis and Steve Larmer stayed healthy all those years.
http://gushuecards.webs.com/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRRiyN3A0pg
Upper body injury ??? More specifics please .
Maybe Benny is a bit ' brittle " ....
this is a new time for the montreal canadiens. I dont know enough about gauthier, but I hope he is a new force to be reckoned with in the NHL. I am optimistic. I am a believer. Year after year. If we need to replace him then that is that. But we should ride him until we have a better option. Sign plek if you can, but realize that doing so will leave you without a sizable center top six forward that we have all wished for for years. Engqvist is the brightest prospect for this position considering size. if we choose to make smart trade decisions, then maybe we can opt for depth. plek will always need stud wingers to be a top five contender top line. we can do it if we fill his line, and plek/ak46 will do. if pouliot stays healthy we could have a serious top six on the front. but considering size and depth we need more shooter/scorer types in our depth to fill in for our injured mini men. i love em all, gomez is a rip but he could be great with some poul/gio consistent time on ice without injuries.
dish: spacek, mara, hammer, bring in some stay at home D's but look at a solid plug for fill in top six role and know that we have at least 1.5 solid D's to bring in from the minors. dish the rest of the useless ones (fill in blank)
sign: MAB for less - if he is unreasonable then goodbye, XXXX (fill in later with proper possibilities)
- pouliot OBV and try and get a low price
- SK for cheap too
- pyatt for cheaper
- darche because he is having an effect
sell: lapierre now for whatever we can get / package him with the dish category. now. we will not win this year
new poster. let me know what you think
I just got my laptop back from HP after having it repaired and now I'm gonna throw it out the window. Why you ask? Because of that stupid Julie who loves hockey. OMG that was horrible. Hadn't heard it in a good 2 months and pouff.....and she wouldn't mute either. Eric Engels seriously needs to move. Sorry guys...It's been a tough day and I had to get it out before my poor HP pays the price.
"I gotta a feeling...that tonight's gonna be a good night!"
oh i cussed
sorry
you know HIO there are filters that will rectify this problem
imdb uses them
hell my own website uses them
absolute deletion of good points will only deter people from posting
anywhoo
more anglos than francos on the team was what i initially said
with nuances (not the cussing) that are now lost
Throw enough controversial crap against a wall Jeff and some of it's bound to stick. Earlier it was small and soft as the reason for all the injuries. Now it's blame the French-Canadian "sector" for all our woes. Do you have any data or facts to back up either?
Slicker than snot on a doorknob. Just how were we to interpret that Franch-Canadian comment anyways? Certainly not that you were in any way slagging French-Canadian involvement in the Habs organization, right. So just why did you use that phrase then Jeff? Please tell us.
Forget the PC crap Jeff. You started it with that comment. However, you're finally you're making an interesting point to discuss. "The dominant French involvement has led to no more than 3 or 4 good to very good teams the last 20 years." How does 3 or 4 good/very good teams over 20 years compare to all the other 30 teams in the league over that timeframe.There have been a few dominant teams over that time but very few.
You see I believe that because of our history we expect winning teams here each and every year (good to very good). We have much higher expectations than any other fan base and when we have to go through years and years of suckage we tend to be grumpy, demanding, overly critical and downright nasty, even to eachother. Also the NHL today isn't what it used to be and forced parity is murder on teams with a proud history of winning. Look at the Leafs (oh, God will get me for that comment). No, we're not likely to see an ex-Hab saviour walk through the door and I don't expect saviours of any type, whether they be French, English or Martian. What I expect from this honourable franchise is sound management intent on building a good to very good winning team and maintaining a profitable business...with no hidden agendas. I expect a Cup or two along the way too, though given the way the league is operating I do not expect one now, or next year...but within my life would be nice.
Jeff, I don't think we're that far apart on our desire to see this team succeed. We may just view the road to success from different angles. It's all good.
Tough times indeed when we're down to comparing ourselves and the organization to anything Leaf related. But I remain a fan and try to keep alive in myself the hope, faint as it may be, that things will improve. Call it rose-coloured glasses, call it delusional, whatever. This is pro sports. It's not real life and it ain't worth getting my blood pressure up (until playoff time that is).
why is it constantly necessary to bring in language/culture issues.
The french are no good, Europeans are too lazy and soft ...
it's really annoying because it does not matter where you are from, it all depends on the person.
according to your post if we hired some anglosaxon protestant gentelman all our problems would be solved.
well guess what.. look at calgary and edmonton.
------------------- For trolls: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Friends
it just seems that people constantly bring up the hole french thing and european thing over and over again.
sorry if i misunderstood your post
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I'd settle for a Mongolian GM if he knew his hockey. I think we'll see more shakeup in the organization this summer though, I still am not confident that this is the end of the management changes, especially depending upon what happens for post-season and trade results.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
Boivin? How is boivin problematic? He is pretty much hands off in regards to day to day goings on with the team that isnt business/marketing related... and he has done an amazing job selling this product... product on the ice neither here nor there
Under Gilette Boivin was in charge of everything except hockey matters, that was totally under Gaineys control.
The Molson Bros. changed all that and might be one of the reasons Bob left at this time. Boivin is in charge of ALL operations and any move Gauthier makes has to be approved by Boivin. Boivin is in fact the true GM when it comes to who wields the power.
source?
"Price is not the problem and Halak is not the solution, neither one of them can score goals."
Listen to the puckcast.
well if this is the case then this puts biovins stamp of approval post july 1st at the earliest so lets say august/september ish when the molsons officially became owners
which of the moves do you question that warrants termination
aquiring MAB?
trading lats for pouliot?
or firing BGL?
if im missing anything forgive me...
The point is that Boivin a guy whose expertise is in marketing and appeasing share holders is now tacitly in charge of hockey operations. Decisions will be based on satisfying those parameters rather than in icing a team that will realistically contend for the Cup.
The bottom line is Job 1. To consider missing possible playoff dollars as part of a longer range strategy to improve the team is off the board. This group will do anything possible to make the playoffs. If that means dumping assets so be it.
alright that i wont argue with if there was a pattern of bad moves with boivin's endorsement
so far there havent been any
which is my point
well if thats the case thats odd that they would throw that onto him
you sure about this?
i must have missed something somewhere
After all the money he helped rake in with the prolonged Centennial celebrations? I doubt Boivin is facing the axe anytime soon, the Molsons would like to see some return on their investment and firing a guy who managed a very successful Centennial celebration is probably not first on their list.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
"I don't think these fans are that big of suckers to keep throwing big money at a mediocre product" Really? What do you think they've been paying for all these years since the last cup in '93.
Boivin spills the beans on Gainey's Superbowl scandal.
Radically yet unassumingly your
L.B. Potter, esq. Vice-Chairman of the Horde of Butterers at Flannelcom's Accountability Office and Senior Exponent of Relative Theory at Habsbros Investigative Services: http://habsbros.blogspot.com/
There is no way anyone, and I mean ANYONE, can make a true assessment of this season. So many injuries on a brand new squad. These guys don't even know what chemistry means anymore!! FML!!!
GO HABS GO!!!!!!
Management is definitely going to have their work cut out for them in trying to determine which moves (if any) are to be made before or at the trade deadline, then during the offseason. At least they'll have the Olympic break at their disposal.
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Cheer for the crest on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.
when you have constant injuries to main players (ak46, gionta, markov, cammy, pouliot) it becomes very hard to compete, especially when you are playing against teams who have a full healthy roster.
other then the red wings, i can't think of a single team that has lost so many key players for such an extended period of time.
Oh and btw, the red wings are sitting out of a play off position right now.
i am amazed that we are still in a playoff position even with all the injuries.
People here complain that the players don't compete, but it's not even a question of compete anymore.
It's a question of horse power, and unfortunately all our horses are at the vet
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Is Benoit Pouliot small, soft or old? What about AK46? I understand that people are trying to rationalize all the injuries, but it's just not true. Did Gionta's foot break blocking a shot because he's small? No, it's because he blocked a shot. Did Markov's tendon get cut because he's not 6'7???? NO. The only guy who got injured possibly because he's small is Cammalleri, who may not have taken the hit so hard if he was 6 inches taller.
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http://berkshireonthehabs.blogspot.com/
AK46 does not play soft in my opinion. He hits as well as any other forward - and hits pretty hard too.
when a puck hits you in the foot or the knee it has nothing to do with your size and age.
btw ak46 and pouliot are hardly what i consider "small and old" players.
as for cammy, crosby, lucic and jack johnson have also suffered freak injuries of the sort.
this whole "soft and small" mantra is getting to everyones head
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ak46 is soft?!?!? what games do you watch exactly.
that guy hits like a bull and fore checks like no tomorrow. he is freaking solid...
all the injuries that have occured have nothing to do with size or softness.
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You're right, of course, but he won't listen.
avoids a hit to and gives away the puck?
alright i guess we are talking about different kostitsyn.
Sergei always gets it out of our zone and doesn't back down from the d-man trying to steam roll him, and AK46 doesn't even care about the opposing team because they bounce of him.
also AK is very streaky but it's not because he is "soft".
dude your arguments are completly wrong, and you still didn't even address my point.
My point was that the injuries have nothing to do with being soft and small... they are freak accidents.
wether you are a 6"6 255 lbs begemoth or 5"6 175 lbs, if you get a slapshot to the knee... it will hurt
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Weren't you a VGL apologist? He certainly stood up for the team while he was here. Andrei getting a concussion last season wasn't him being soft, unless you found a player who doesn't get adversely affected by having his head scrambled and knee problems can happen to a lot of people, O'Byrne was out the 2nd game of this season because a puck caught him on the wrong part of the knee and he sprained it.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
When is Boucher coming?
The Habs are a lot like McGill University in a way. A great past. A more recent history that is mostly mediocre with a few somewhat bright spots (and even those aren't that good). A future that looks downright depressing.
Patience, let's see what he does in the AHL Playoffs. a Calder Cup Final appearance and possible win could be very significant.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
Dude, are you ever happy...seriously. I have never heard one positive remark from you.
Boucher has the Bulldogs on track for a 56-win season, eclipsing Don Lever's best mark in the AHL by 11 games and he only needs to win 12 of the team's remaining 27 games to simply surpass his best as well. Boucher is not Don Lever, he's a younger coach with a new approach that has produced excellent results in his rookie season as an AHL coach.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
...and got fired over the phone by "Mr. Class" himself.
“Of course I'm crazy, but that doesn't mean I'm wrong.” - Robert Anton Wilson
Out til after the Olympic break, that aint too bad though is it? Thats not too many games.
I've been lurking for most of the afternoon. Sometimes I find it entertaining to watch the kids kick sand at each other in the sandbox. :)
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Cheer for the crest on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.
congatulations Chuck.....real insightful post....keep up the good work
Thanks for validating it by taking the time to reply.
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Cheer for the crest on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.
I swear this place is like a daycare. The children on here detract from what can often be some interesting discussion points through the use of insults and baiting. How do they ever pass their grade 10 exams with all the time they spend here?
you guy's have any hockey to talk about or you're just here to act like you're better than the rest of us...? typical summiter clique attitude.....
Wait, I think I head something. Was it... the wind?
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Cheer for the crest on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.
good job Up-Chuck....keep up the good work dumb-dumb!
Hold on... there it is again!
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Cheer for the crest on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.
Take it from me, they aren't passing their grade ten exams.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Hmmm...I see what you mean.
Good one Bill. And don't let them get away with spelling and grammer errors please.
Grade six, tops.
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Cheer for the crest on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.
I give up. If we make the playoffs this year it will be a bonus, and if we don't then it's expected. Too many injuries. Thank god the rest of the conference sucks!
They call me Shane
Well on the plus side, starting in March we get AK and Pouliot back, that's two great weapons to throw at the opposition when the team gets together again for the final drive.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
Ya but the down side is when everybody comes back from injury...they will need a week or so to regain chemistry -----and by that time it will most likely be too late
I don't know about that, a lot of guys who came back from injury across the NHL this season started lighting it up on their return, some did not but I'm confident Cammy/Pleks/AK reconstituted would definitely put a punch back in the lineup.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
ya thats great....problem is if we don't win games now we could be out of playoff contention by March....
I know, but I'm trying to be optimistic for the team's final push.
- I shall always remember Captain Koivu. http://habsandhockey.blogspot.com/
The next three games will not dictate our season.
There may be other teams, but only ONE Club De Hockey...
a bunch of teams behind us have 1to 3 games in hand. granted they still have to win those games but teh philly series is going to be huge. lose those 2 and you're in trouble
depends on when those guy's come back in March I guess.....either way the odds are against us...
Everyone seems to be saying the same thing in different ways. "we're too small, give up too many shots, everyone keeps getting hurt." The only reason it looks like we're too small is because the game plan this yr has been that of being strong on the boards, winning the battles down low, finishing checks. Thats how big guys wear down teams, and guess what... that's just ONE way to wear on a team. Seems to me that the intelligent thing to do would be to maybe, juuuuust maybe, develope a game plan that emphasizes our talent and style. Push the pace at every turn, be agressive on the forcheck so our points don't have to pinch in as much (the odd man rushes and break aways are getting rediculous). This team has the skill and speed to force the pace in every game. I don't have a problem with JM or his coaching. It just seems like our personel doesn't compliment the style of play he's expecting to see out there. We play every team the same way. It doesn't even look like we're matching lines or coming in with any preconcieved plan as to how to deal with certain threats on the opposing team. That's why our record is so spuratic. It works against some teams, not against others. Our game plan for each game is either not thought out well enough, non-existant, or not flexible. The best possible example of this is actually very recent. Habs vs. Pens. We pushed a pace that caused problems, tenatious on the forcheck and in our defensive zone staying tight on the points, quality shots and a swarming attack with SPEED. The very next day against the Bruins, who had lost 10 in a row despite playing better in the later games, we were lack-luster. Collapsed at any sign of control, loose on the point coverage, and the breakout was awful. The offense stems from exiting ur own zone with control and well we'll stop there because that was a rarity. Collapsing in ur own zone is effective in keeping the puck out of the slot and stoping cross ice passes. But when the puck circulates to the point there has to be a transfer of pressure (rotate from a passive box to diamond) to keep a shot from coming thru the gut into 8 pairs of legs plus sticks. Two different teams played this weekend (the difference in play with the rookie line was almost unbelievable) and I hope someone in an athouritative roll notices. Or it's gonna be a looooong game against the caps. I'm just saying there is more to be worked on than just the coaching, signing top 10 forwards, or gm duties. First post haha thought I'd make it a good one.
"How would you like a job where, every time you make a mistake, a big red light goes on and 18,000 people boo?" - Jacques Plante
"I don't have a problem with JM or his coaching. It just seems like our personel doesn't compliment the style of play he's expecting to see out there"
You're kidding, right? If the personnel doesn't compliment the style of play he wants, a good coach will change the style of play to match the personnel he does have. It makes no sense at all to try to get a team of small, fast skaters to play like a big banging team. JM has to change, or he needs to go.
I like what you say but isn't there a basic contradiction in your post: "I don't have a problem with JM or his coaching"? Huh?
"We play every team the same way", see below
out of every 5 games:
- show up for one complete game--->1 games
- rely completely on goaltending--->3 games
- forget that they're playing a game-->1 game
Best breakdown of this season so far, but you forgot to mention that in the one game we show up one of our best players gets injured.
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http://berkshireonthehabs.blogspot.com/
Thats about right lol
wall of text
ya got a little carried away with my first post. less next time.
"How would you like a job where, every time you make a mistake, a big red light goes on and 18,000 people boo?" - Jacques Plante
Bah! Guess which 2 Habs players I have on my fantasy team. Unbelievable. Ratzinfratzin' luck...
J.T. weighs in on the new Montreal GM appointment.
Another great read from one of the best writers in the business.
J.T. says it exactly how I felt. PG...Meh... Then i needed to look into him to even know what he has done. Nothing. Nothing against him, but he has no real accomplishments. Then I started to get worried. Worried like i was everytime I heard someone on here say Gainey needs to go. Worried like it is right now, 'Is the next one better?' As I heard on here also...The next one will make you miss the old one... Doesnt seem to have FIRE to get our team into contention. We will probably keep both goalie's, and we are interested in keeping Plekanec... Both obvious and boring statements.
Yes Bob was not a big talker, but his action for this club and his actions and RESULTS spoke for themselves in Dallas. His actions and regard for this team previous to his being GM told us he bleeds for the Club.
I do not have a good feeling. Not like when we picked up Cammalleri, not like when we signed Pleks to an extension, and not like when i hear Mesdames et Monsieurs Accueillons nos Canadiens.
There may be other teams, but only ONE Club De Hockey...
I'm just seeing this now and I feel nothing.
For the comments about Toronto somehow passing Montreal in the standings, with both having only 22 games left and 13 points separating them, look at how impossible that is. Even if Montreal absolutely implodes over the next 22, going say, 6-12-4, we'd end up with 78 points. Toronto would have to win 15 games, to get 30 points in 22 games in order to pass us. It's not going to happen, they would have to transition from being the second worst team in the NHL to an elite team overnight. It's foolish to even entertain the thought of Toronto passing Montreal this year.
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http://berkshireonthehabs.blogspot.com/
Why does anyone give a crap about where Toronto finishes? Both teams suck this year. Montrealers seem to be carbon copies of Bostonians when it comes to their inferiority complexes. Bostonians have to attack anything New York because they feel Boston is inferior to New York. Seems like a lot of Montreal posters feel the same way about Toronto.
Let the dust settle after Game #82 THEN take the bait...
"Even Roy can be run out of town after 2 Stanley Cups."