Bench Talk: Week 11

Some comments have been edited for length.

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SK-74: earning his spot. (THE GAZETTE/John Kenney)We're in the second round. The series is tied at one. We just lost a tough one after outplaying the Flyers. Expect it will go seven. The team is playing some excellent hockey on any given night. So much so that the critics are picking at minor points to figure out why we lost. Hmmmm. Now think back to the start of the year when Habs fans were upset that most experts expected them to finish out of the playoffs. We were pissed, because we *knew* they would take that last playoff spot, or maybe even finish as high as sixth. This is a beautiful ride we're on folks. Take it from me. I've been watching hockey for over 45 years. This is pretty close to as good as it gets, and a hell of a lot better than we've seen for at least a decade. Relax, have fun, and enjoy the ride. We've built the foundation. With a little nurturing we're about to become that most elusive of all things...perennial contenders. Go Habs!

-Submitted by gumper

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I thought the Habs came out skating well, once again. They had offensive zone pressure for a few minutes, but the Fleyrs cycled the puck for 15 seconds ,took a screened shot and scored. The goal was somewhat lucky, but the Habs kept pressure down low when Dandy took the tripping penalty. Flyers did nothing on the PP until the final few seconds of it. By then it was 2-0; and the Habs play a different style trailing, especially when it's two goals.

-Submitted by filincal

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OK Habs fans,
One loss and I see some of you are ready to jump ship.
This game should of be won by the Habs 3-1 or 4-1. WHY???

The Habs outplayed the Flyers in Game 2.
Cary Price had some misfortunate bounces.
1st goal he was screened by Koivu
2nd goal was of the stick of a Habs player
4th goal was actually kick in by Price on a blind play.

Martin Biron also made some huge saves in the 2nd period that really he got lucky on some. Like to see him save some of those in Game 3
Give this game to the Flyers and lets move on.
If Habs keep playing like they did today, they should win on Monday in Philly.

Let no one jump ship yet, the fun is just beginning.

-Submitted by Rocket Richard

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Saku Koivu is listed at "5'10" Carey Price is 6'3.

I'm 5'10 and I have great difficulty in screening anyone over the age of 14.

Price needs to get out to the top of the blue paint, it seems as if he's worried about getting run into. When he's out high, he's unbeatable.

-Submitted by craz11

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My few cents from the peanut gallery:

(1) Carey Price had an off night. He bailed us out of numerous games this season so he is entitled to one. He'll bounce back. Besides, he's 20 years old and has a long career ahead.

(2) We'll go into Philly and win at least one game if we play like we did tonight (exception being Carey).

(3) I'd like to see Michael Ryder get some ice time. I think if we put him on a line with Streit and Lapierre they would work well together. Remember the game against the Rangers on Feb.19? That line was magic together.

(4) Glad Kostopolous stood up for Price. Give the Flyers a message. They run our goalie we go after them. As the line in the Untouchables goes, "They draw a knife, you pull a gun."

-Submitted by Big Bird

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So what will Carbo do next game? Put on his lucky tie? Cause I mean, what else can he do?

-Submitted by Timo

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I agree O' Byrne should get some play. i think Ryder needs a chance to play because Dandenault has been invisible - maybe give Lats a shot too? These ideas don't mean we dislike Carbonneau. I think the coach just has his own set of "superstitious" strategies/philosophies that fans don't always agree with (eg., don't change the lines after a win).

No biggie!!! While there are some obvious weaknesses, overall the team is playing well. Whether Carbo changes his lineup or not, I just want another "W", don't you? It comes down to the guys who are on the ice for the game giving 100% every shift.

-Submitted by Gr8stFranchizEvr

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Ryder's days have been numbered since the end of 2007. It's too bad though. He was one of our best players before that and instead of trying to help him and make him play out of his slump, we simply benched him. Guys like Glen Murray, Patrick Marleau and Johnathan Cheechoo were struggling just as badly during the early portion of the season at the time but they weren't constantly benched.

Ryder was/is a victim of his own play and the numbers game. He simply didn't get out of his slump before some guy named Sergei Kostitsyn came up and played a prank on his older bro by lighting a fire up his butt turning him into a scoring machine. Sergei himself didn't fair too shabby either. Ryder is not a 3rd line type of player. We have no space on the top two lines.

I'm happy with our top two lines now although it's not a big deal, I wish we had at least one right hand shot on those top two lines.

I hope Ryder does well next season wherever he ends up.

-Submitted by Vid

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The gist of my point is that Brisebois is the whipping boy on this site. I can't believe he is playing in every game right now - but the guy has stepped up to the plate when we needed him. All I ask is that people consider one thing - this guy is our 6th or 7th defenseman, he wouldn't even play if Streit could handle being on the defense full time or if O'Byrne had just a bit more experience. Do posters really feel that the Habs' fortunes rise and fall on the play of a 7th defenseman? Or a 12th forward? Come on everyone. I did a very quick sample of who might be considered the 6th or 7th on the other 7 teams that are still in the playoffs. The only name that really stood out and would catch your eye is Matt Carle in SJ. He's still a great young prospect but for whatever reason has fallen out of favour (aka Michael Ryder!). Who are the rest of the guys? Brisebois' - that's who.

I don't expect people to agree with each other (or me) on this site but I am asking that they be fair with their comments concerning all the players who are on the Habs. It just seems that Brisebois takes way more than his share of abuse - whether he deserves it or not. Day after day after day. For me, there just seems to be so much more we could all say.

-Submitted by 24 Cups

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Okay, I know this is a bit off topic but..... where the hell is Mikhail Grabovski? He could really help the team out now with his speed and scoring ability.

-Submitted by Sammy

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Wow. We have a bunch of posters here that sound extremely overconfident. I hope the players are not in the same mindset.

We just squeeked by the Bruins, getting outplayed in at least 3, maybe 4 games. Our PP has gone completely disfunctional and is now the worst of the playoff teams. Our top lines are not scoring consistently. We are getting outskated and outhustled by much slower teams. We came within 60 seconds and a lucky break with a PP of dropping the first game against a team that must have been running on an empty tank due to playing what, 3 games in 4 nights? And here we have people posting which team they would like the Habs to play in the conference final.

Sorry, I don't want to piss in anybody's cornflakes here, but everything is not going great in hockey land for the Habs. I am happy that we disposed of the Bruins and are now a game up on the Flyers, of course. But the team is going to have to pick it up at least a couple of notches to make it out of the conference final, not to mention going up against a team in the final that will likely be much tougher to beat than anything we face in the east. What I am saying is that I am worried about our team, not blubbering over with confidence and enthusiasm because we have gotten a few breaks and made it this far. And I am surprised that so many are apparently euphoric over the play of the team. Well, enjoy it. I hope we go all the way. But I don't think we will unless we change a few things. Just my humble opinion. I hope I am wrong.

-Submitted by Bill H

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I never understood why penalty killers and centers on crucial face offs don't have wood sticks made up for use in those situations. After all do you really need the flex for the harder shot in those situations?? Barely. I would rather have a stick that I could trust in those situations.

-Submitted by drecha

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I had an idea. Let us Habs I/O fans put together some money and buy about three dozen soothers for the Flyers. Perhaps that will stop the the whining.

By my calculation $1 per person should be enough, given how many regulars are on this site.

-Submitted by Big Bird

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If you're into stats history, you'll be encouraged that there is a 70% success rate of taking the second round of the playoffs if you've won game 1.

Hopefully Montreal fans will remain true to the team, the game, and the dignity & honor that goes with those two elements by acting in a civilized manner before, during, and after the game tonight.

-Submitted by Gr8stFranchizEvr

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why Guy never consults with us on HIO, I'll never knowNeed a hand? We can help.(THE GAZETTE/John Mahoney)

-Submitted by tony d

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I'd really like to start a thread that deal with all of our weird and wonderfull pre-game rituals. From things we wear, to our superstitious habits.
I for one dress from head to toe in Montreal regalia, and I do mean head to toe. I have over a dozen Habs hats(some are very lucky, others have a single loss on them and have never gotten another chance), last year my fantastic wife bought me silk boxers with the Habs logo all over them. I've got the socks, official T-shirt for under my home or away jersey's. I even found a great pair of trainers which have the perfect Bleu, Blanche, Rouge ratio!
I only drink out of my Habs mug (expertly chilled for whatever beverage might come it's way), and there's a chinese food place down the street owned by a huge Habs fan...I only eat chinese in the playoffs!
So just curious, but am I the only nut out there? Care to share?

-Submitted by Lee Hayes

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Ok, set-in-stone Game Day traditions:
1) Canadiens t-shirt or Habs hoodie, depending on the weather. Unlike you, Lee, I can only wear one piece of Habswear at a time.
2) Drink out of my charmed Nalgene if I'm at home. This is hilariously "classy" when I decide to nix my usual water for something with a little more kick.
3) My hair, which I usually wear down, must be tied up before the puck drops.

-Submitted by Persis

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I never wear Habs colors on game day, only if go to a game. But I will not wear a Habs jersey to watch game on TV - if I do they are guaranteed to lose.

-Submitted by Timo

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Speaking of food-related rituals, I always have a smoked meat sandwich on gameday, regular season included! Needless to say, the owner of my local deli has become a huge Hab fan and hopes that they make a deep run in the playoffs. :)

-Submitted by Chuck

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CHEESIEST LINE

Everyone bring your MONTREAL bagels, cause we're gonna make some Philly CREAM CHEESE on Monday night!!!!
GO HABS GO!!!!

-Submitted by Josie

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BEST PRAYER

Our father, who art at the Bell Centre
Hockey be thy name
The Flyers come
The Cup be won
On ice, as well as in the stands
And Forgive us our penalties
As we Forgive those who cross check against us
Lead us not into elimination
But deliver us to victory
In the name of our fans
Lord Stanley and our Holy Habs
Amen

-Submitted by Ian Cobb

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BEST LINKS

On an unrelated note, came across this today

-Submitted by Big Bird

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Habs Girls 1; Habs Girls 2; Destined to Write a Stanely Cup Storyline?

I came upon this piece at Philly.com in which Daily News sports scribe Ed Barkowitz gives his opinion on which team has the edge in 6 crucial categories. It's an interesting piece, but I don't really agree with most of his assessments. I added thoughts - where I agree and disagree with him.

Philadelphia Scouting Report Gives Habs Slight Edge

-Submitted by Robert L

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Top 10 Hockey Women

-Submitted by GHG33

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Well I'm off to the recliner, thanks for the excellent give and take everyone...no hard feelings, enjoy the game. I'll be back on after the game. Salut!

-Submitted by Lee Hayes

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