I'm just happy I called it from the beginning lol screw anyone who ever doubted me.

Plus, we've got players like smolinski who will for sure flourish during playoffs... Despite statistics, I feel like he'ss gonna explode...

I'm just excited to see everything, from A-Z, come true just as certain people have predicted... you guys know who you are. You've been bashed a billion times but now's your chance to laugh at everyone now cuz here's your glory. You're the smartest ones. You've been laughed and mocked so show yourselves now.

I wanna hear the voices of people who called all this happening from the beginning and being silenced. Say something. Say anything. Say HEY PLEKSTER!!! hahaha

Guys... I'm gonna say one more thing... The amount of momentum we're gonna have going into the playoffs is ridiculous. Think about how long the veterans have been waiting for a chance to compete at a cup... truly be a contender...
And think about the youth who are starting to think that their dreams are finally coming true... that they're so close and that working hard is exactly what they're gonna do because they might never get this chance to win again... think about a 20 year old's mentality... think about how between ages 20-X, you thought YOU could make the biggest difference...

for hockey players, who eat, breathe and live this sport, this is their big chance.

I thought we would finish 4th or 5th, actually... there are still a few games left but so far, my optimism and that of people like Ian seems to have paid off for now...

1. No, I thought we might be tooth and nail just to make the playoffs.
2. Sure. Whoever he thinks needs a rest.
3. Ideal...duh! The Bruins would be ruined. Philly could be OK also.
4. Worst would be Ottawa or Jersey. The sens play us hard, and Brodeur is a playoff master.
5. No, I wouldn't think so. The Laffs likely won't have too much to play for after tonite, and maybe we'll even get to crush Raysoft a game or two--if they're already out, they mat decide to try and showcase their 2 game winner in a vain attempt to garner interest trade-wise.

6. Of course Roy should have his # retired! He pretty near single-handedly stole two Stanley Cups for us. Whatever anger issues he has, these issues are a huge factor in his success. The fire, that drive to win, the power to rip doors off of hinges. Seems his boy has some of that same fire. Not likely that he'll ever come close to Patrick in terms of skill or success, but I'd take him as a goon if his 'tending falls short--he seems to be able to throw punches, in any event.

Habs rule, Leafs drool...

We are overachievers.

We have a very good and very young team, a credit to all levels of scouting, coaching and management.

Still, no one expected this level of play in 2008. Several developments are worth noting:

Josh Gorge's improvement.

Sergei Kosti's readiness to contribute.

A full healthy roster which has players burning to play and at least six realizing they could sit out any time.

Kovalev's emergence as an MVP candidate.

And finally, the fruit of much line tinkering ... multiple options and at this point some vital chemistry.

Can we continue this growth curve into the playoffs?

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5hAWNK-amfISoDDzw9iA36plQ9a...

Pat Hickey sorry buddy but according to Guy Carbs. They still talk, play golf, and go to the draft together.

I dont know why everybody keeps pointing out the Habs less than stellar home record without making a the point that they have excelled at home for most of the year. I may be slightly off here, but their record at home earlier this year was something like 6-8-3, which means theyre somewhere around 14-5-3 since then, not too shabby at all...

I think that Kovalev and Markov should be given the night off during the last game against Toronto. It might end up being a meaningless game so why not rest them and make sure they don't get injured before the playoffs?

I thought I would verify Mr. Hickey's (top 4) claim I heard in the Puckcast, through the archieves to see if he made such a prediction... and to my surprise he did, *although he did add a little disclaimer to cover all basis to the extent of what the majority was predicting, that they MORE REALISTICLY would be battling for one of the lower playoff spots... but at least he had playing in the Playoffs.
Hickeys prediction in print...continued

Red Fisher had them landing in 6th but dropped the ball with having Altanta as the #2 in the east...can't pick'em all!
Reds Prediction in print...continued

"Bill Head gives great physiotherapy."

Groan... :)

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"All bow down before the Komisaurus Rex!"

It was great to see that the Gazette writers acknowledged the contributions of Carbo and Gainey to the overall success of the Habs this year. Dave mentioned that Carbo didn't allow the wheels to fall off which led to consistency throughout the season. Mike Boone made reference to the moves Bob Gainey made and didn't make (I think he was referring to the free agent market and the trade deadline).

There seemed to be a consensus that it would be great to match up against Philly or Boston in the opening round instead of the Rangers (I think most posters would see it that way too). And no one wanted to contemplate having to possibly face Washington in the first round. When it's all said and done, it might be just as well to finish second in the conference instead of first.

Great Puckcast if you have the time.

Footnote: Olivier Fortier, a Habs' pick from last year, was chosen the best defensive player of the year in the Quebec Jr League for the 2007-08 season. The trophy is named after - Guy Carbonneau.

The Original 24 Cups

IM SORRY ... MAYBE MONTREAL STILL DOESNT GET IT ... WE'RE NOT OVERACHIEVERS WE ARE AS GOOD AS WE THINK WE ARE ... 3RD BEST IN THE LEAGUE (TELL THESE SPORTS WRITERS THAT LAST SEASON ENDED ALMOST A YEAR AGO)

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OFFICIAL ESPN CUP PREDICTION: Montreal vs San Jose

No comments yet? I guess everyone is still down in the other thread arguing about the Roy scandal. LOL