Canadiens 07/08
-
Final thoughts on the Canadiens 2007/2008 Season and playoff run….
182 Comments
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.Subscribe
| Mar 16 |  |
0 |  |
0 | |
| Mar 20 | |
0 |  |
0 | |
| Mar 22 |  |
0 | |
0 | |
| Mar 24 | |
0 |  |
0 | |
| Mar25 |  |
0 | |
0 |
Loading ...
Advertisement
Archives
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
- March 2007
- February 2007
- January 2007
- December 2006
- November 2006
- October 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
- July 2006
- June 2006
- May 2006
- April 2006
- March 2006
- February 2006
- January 2006
- December 2005
- November 2005
- October 2005
- September 2005
- August 2005
- July 2005
May 4, 2008 am31 8:30 am
ok 100th annaversary let’s ahve a shot at lord stanley’s mug!
May 4, 2008 am31 8:31 am
0h streit’s gone so powerplay is finnaly dead…:(
May 4, 2008 am31 8:31 am
May 4, 2008 am31 10:19 am
Great regular season guys….my hat is off to you for that. Lots of high-flying, goals, excitement….first time in years a Montreal Canadiens team was a pleasure to watch and my appreciation is heartfelt.
I think most Habs fans like myself, although somewhat upset that our boys are gone, were really expecting it. Without wearing blinders, buried deep down inside we could see this was not a strong playoff team, and every game they played was a little extra entertainment. This is not a bad thing though….Gainey has a great blueprint now for next year and for years to follow. It was so easy and obvious to see what this squad was lacking in the way of playoff hockey, that it should make Gainey’s job easier next year. A few of the right lineup insertions, combined with a few severances should get us that much closer to the promised land.
Time to break with tradition…time to get a couple of strong, hungry, good old Canadian boys in that lineup that play a role much higher than 4th liners, and that come from some of the other 4 or 5 big provinces in our country. I think the new legions of Hab faithful that fill the Bell Centre every night really aren’t concerned any more with the primary language of the stars on the team, if it brings us to a shot or 2 at the mug.
Please don’t think this is biased or racist, it really could’nt be futher from the truth. It’s just the fact of the matter is, that with 30 teams snatching up players now, the amount of Quebec born stars that will be heading to Montreal are thinning out from past decades. We gotta catch up to the new NHL. Toughness, desire and grit is STILL what wins playoff series’. Thats where the Morrows, Getzlafs, Richards, and even Umbergers of the league play their biggest roles. We have the makings here Bob, and you’re the man to get us over that hump.
Once again, thanks so much for all you have given your loyal fans this season…it was very memorable. GO HABS GO !!!
May 4, 2008 am31 10:34 am
I rate this a successful season. First place in the Eastern conference (WOW). The powerplay was great, best in the league. We saw the start of a great goaltending career. Price is a keeper. The Kostitstin (sorry) brothers are a talented pair. Kovalev had a rebound year, he played to his potential. PLeckanec was good. There is a good base for a solid defensive core (Komaserik, Markov, Hammerlik, O’byrne, etc…). The season was unexpected, exciting and made me proud to be a Habs fan. It’s been a long time since the team played this good…
***Sorry about the spelling on the names.
The playoffs was a huge let down. I think the Habs were lucky to beat the Bruins. The powerplay failed, the big guns were shut down, Price was questionable (and yes there was too much pressure placed on him). Komaserik and Markov weren’t even a factor. I’ll say it again, I was very disappointed, seeing the season they just had. The size up front wasn’t a factor in the season but come playoffs, they didn’t seem to have the grit or desire to get in the lanes or in front of the net to get the job done.
It’s probably because I’m a Habs fan but I found that the majority of the goals the FLyers and Bruins got were screens, tip ins, and lucky. It seemed that the lucky bounces were going the other way.
With all this said, the HAbs can hold their heads up high. Use the experience from this playoff and build from it. Try to sign a few big guys, now they have a quality product to brag about.
Lastly, to the media and fans, don’t put too much pressure on the team next year. Don’t expect a first place finnish but make the playoffs, whatever happens, happens.
May 4, 2008 am31 10:42 am
Players I doubt will be back next year:
Smolinski
Ryder
Brisebois
Two free agents i’d love to see sign with the habs:
Langkow
Hainsey
May 4, 2008 am31 10:46 am
Ryder, even though I don’t like his overall play, can be exciting to watch. I would give it 0% chance of him being wanted in Montreal or wanting to remain in Montreal. I think he’s a perfect fit for Toronto.
Streit, I think, will stay. Montreal speaks his language and the city has a culture closer to what he is used to than anywhere else in North America. Having said that, if the money is too high he can be let go. With O’Byrne, possible free agent signings and players coming up from the farm there is going to be an excess of defencemen.
May 4, 2008 am31 11:00 am
It was a great year to be a Habs fan and the reason it was ,change. With last years new additions of up and commers and this year crop,things look brite for 100.If you listen to Coach Carbo’s press talk you’ll see he knows whats wrong and how to fix it.The Habs have learned this important lesson,the regular season and the playoffs are two shows and you have to show up for both with the proper attire.You will see a sharing of goal Price and Halak,increased size and grit up front and new defencive members “with size”…can’t wait.We all seen the size difference at last night’s hand shake,some thing I’ve drivin you all crazy with since I began posting on Habs Blog,sorry bout that,and that will be addressed for shure and I see lots of changed on the veterans core of players:Streit ?,Ryder?,Kovalev?,Brisbous?,Dandy?Smoke? Saku?trades ?it will be an exciting off season of changes ,can’t wait,And we gots new Habs ,Valentiko,Chipcura etc oohhh yeahh!!!!See I’m getting excited.So enjoy your off season Habs fans and get ready for 100 YEARS OF THE CANADIENS de MONTREAL.PEACE….GO HABS GO GO HABS GO GO HABS GO GO HABS GO GO HABS GO GO HABS GO……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
May 4, 2008 am31 11:43 am
Donnie,
I have enjoyed this blog site since I first visited it at the begining of the Habs/Flyers series,but one thing you wrote in your blog confused/surprised me. The fact that the habs prefer to have their players being of Quebec desent, or at the least, mandetory French speaking players? Is this true Hab fans?…and if so, why?…I find this really odd…is this a political thing in Canada?
May 4, 2008 am31 12:00 pm
Sorry for the typos,I’m typing from my Blackberry.
May 4, 2008 am31 12:09 pm
Donnie,have fun with Jack opening up Pandora’s box on the French and English history of Canada and the problems and causes on both sides,OYE VEY!!! LOL
May 4, 2008 am31 12:14 pm
Great year for our beloved Habs, I was proud to wear my BLEU BLANC ROUGE .. I think we have a solid year to build from, and I think #11 and #27 will stay right where they are, With more young players coming up from our farm team we really are in a good postion to make some solid trades and I hope Gainey can land a couple of big solid, hard hitting FR’s …
Congrats to the entire Habs Organization for a fantastic year ….
PS: Was great hanging out here on the Blog thanks to all you guys and of course Habs Blog for allowing us to express of joy’s and frustrations …
May 4, 2008 am31 12:26 pm
Oh and to those saying Carbo should be fired … You really think the Habs will fire a Jack Adam’s front runner ? Not a chance in hell .. I think he will be here for a while yet ….
May 4, 2008 am31 1:51 pm
Great year boys. I think it is safe to say we have an exciting team on our hands to watch for many years to come. I do however agree with adding size,grit,toughness and adding a goon wouldnt hurt either. There is still work to be done and i do agree with all of the above comments that after watching this series against philly it is plain to see what needs to be added to go deeper in the playoffs. Price will be that much better next year so i have no worries on goaltending at all. Next thing to do on gaineys list is figure out what to do with emmelin before july 1st or we lose his rights. I would hate to see this guy slip away. You know what to do gainey, add the final pieces and we are golden. GO HABS GO
May 4, 2008 am31 2:27 pm
Well Jack…if not predominantly French Candians, then European. This is NOT and I repeat NOT a biased comment, it’s true. The days of Guy Lafleur, Beliveau, and the Richards are long gone….so is the “backyard” rule.
)
I’m not dissing the French players, there are plenty of great ones in the league, but NONE in Montreal anymore. We don’t get first tabs on them anymore. Bisebois, Begin, Lapierre, and Latandresse…where would these 4 players rank among French born players…..very low, it can even be argued some of these are not even NHL calibre.
Now take a look at recent cup winners and their contingent.
I can’t assume I know how the Montreal Canadiens system of players go…but I can look at recent, unsuccessful teams over the last 15 years, and see what they don’t have. The days of the flying Frenchmen are over because we don’t get all the fantastic French players anymore…if we did….load us up. But having lowskilled French Canadian players on the team just for the sake of having some doesn’t make sense does it?
Bottom line, everyone saw this year what a team full of Euros can do in the playoffs. They have no heart, and the non-European we have there, have the heart but not enough skill to make a difference. This is where the Richards, Morrows and Getzlafs come into play as I mentioned before.
Not shitting on the French players, just the ones we have…you tell me there no one else in the league or our system that can contribute more than these guys did? Name 3 leaders of Montreal ever that were not European or French origin…name 1. Again, we do not get the cream of the crop from Quebec anymore, so we gotta start looking elsewhere in Canada for these hard-nosed skilled players. There were positions on this team this year that were wasted, and at least 3 of them were low end French born players…so why were they there at all? Is it politics? Is it bad drafting? Or is it bad luck that the Yzermans, Sakics, Modanos….etc, etc, etc. do not end up here? I don’t know the answer, but I see who’s in and who’s not in the lineup each and every year of cup impudence over the last 15 years. I also see the combo of players from ALL OVER that the cup winners have. If I’m wrong please tell me, but I know I’m not the only Habs fan who sees this. But they are still my boys
May 4, 2008 am31 3:55 pm
Last thoughts on a great year:
This series reminded me a lot of a series with the Oilers in the early 80’s,
I really believe the Habs were the better team, they had 0 puck luck.
Biron played outstanding, so did Moog, maybe Biron will prove me wrong, but
flash in the pan playoff performances by goalies are by no stretch uncommon.
(Richard Brodeur, Brian Boucher, Kirk McClean, John Davidson, Gilles Gilbert
Cam Ward)
None of these goalies would make my all time top 25.
So I tend to disagree in that this team IS a playoff team, if they add some parts, great, but only if the chemistry is right (Samsonov, cough cough)
In retrospect, did they shoot their wad in playing for first?
Maybe, but in the Philly series, they carried the majority of the play.
(Was I watching through rose colored glasses?)I saw a lot of lucky/unlucky bounces in every game including the last one, the series not only could
have gone the other way, it by all rights, should have gone the other way.
That’s why they play the games, luck is part of the equation.
I have a lot of confidence the core that has been assembled, Bob Gainey and the current coaching staff.
Here’s to a great season, and many exciting years to come!!
May 4, 2008 am31 9:10 pm
Wish I could have been with you guys last night, but no internet where I was. I did get to see the second and third periods. Obviously, I am disappointed it seemed with had the game under control then a lucky bounce of a shoulder and all hell broke loose. I never saw so many breaks go one teams way in a playoff series. A good example of it was the winning goal, not that it was not a great shot but it did hit the post and a quarter of an inch makes a big difference. On the other hand we it the cross bar again and a quarter of an inch lower and it is in the net. It seemed like it went that way the whole series. Hats off to the Flyers they played well and made their breaks and took advantage of them.
May 4, 2008 am31 9:30 pm
Now for next year.
Our young kids got to learn what it feels like to loose in the playoffs and should learn from this years playoffs and be better players for it.
Unlike some of you I do not blame for our losson
Carbo, Price, Gainey, anyone of our rookies or 2nd and 3rd year players who never were in the S.C. playoffs before.
Here are the players that I do blame. Kovalev, Markov, Streik, our defense in general.
Firstly, Kovalev was suppose to be our game breaker and our offensive leader and for the most part he did not lead nor did he provide the necessary offense when we needed it.
I thought Markov play well below his potential considering he was an allstar defenseman. Streik never did get back to his normal game, whether it was because he was still hurting from his hip injury or not only he knows for sure. He basically had the same injury that Komy had and Komy was out for three weeks whereas Striek only missed a couple of games. Komy, I did not feel he played up to his potential but he did not play bad either, I still think the Flyer took advantage of his hip injury and pounded it every chance they got.
Some of you thought that the players lacked heart, I guess I look at it the other way, we lacked leadership on the ice. Kiovu did his best but he is not a game breaking player, he is a very good second line centre. Our older more experence players who had been there before did not show any leadership.
We accomplished more than I thought we would accomplish this year, just making the playoff was an accomplishment let lone winning first play in our division and conference.
WE accomplished getting our young goaltenders some playoff experience and really when you get right down to it that was what the goaltending trade was all about especially when Huet was leaving as an UFA.
We accomplished getting the Kost. Bros, Plex, Obryne, Komy, and most of our other first, second and third year players the playoff experience they needed to take this team to the next level. Rome was not built in a day and neither was a Stanley Cup winning team. Most great teams take two to three years to develop that winning formula. With the advent of FA sometimes this can be excellerated. That is what Philly was able to do although I do not believe they will go any further.
Our coaching staff also got experience as well as they are all in the same learning curve as the players at their positions and I think overall they did an excellent job unlike some of you who would like to put it all on Carbo. He made some difficult decisions and had they worked he would have been a hero unfortunately they didn’t. Did he make some mistakes, of course he did, and so do most coaches, does that mean he should be fired, Hey he coached your team to first place in our conference, that in itself is an accomplishment. So I would suggest you quite being so hard on the coaching staff, he got a lot of input form his coaching staff as well, they are all first timers to the show as coaches.
So what do we need to go forward. Well we have to sign a couple of big strong forwards that can skate. That can play on the first or second lines. Personally I would make a couple of trades if the right player is out there then I am ready to trade the following players, Kovalev, Koivu, Markov,Smolinski and one of our bottom four defenseman. If we could get a big strong centreman who can score goals, win faceoffs and cabable of being our #1 centreman, then one or two of the above could be moved.
There are a few players on the bubble. Brisebois was signed for one year to give our young defenseman timem to develop, he is gone. Dandenault I like his utility to play both forward and defense but we have Streit so we do not need both of them. He also becomes trade bait. Smolinski, although he played well at times he is getting long in the tooth and he served his purpose in Montreal, I believe we have two or three players in the minors that can replace him.
Boulon I am afraid it is time for him to move on. To me he is too small to be effective as a defenseman and we already have Jorges who is a similar type player. We also have a couple of defenceman in the minors that should be given a good look next year. Bottom line we need to add more grit to our defence for next year because as much as I feel our forwards did not score, I feel that it was lack of solid defence that lead to Price’s downfall most of these games. If you analysis most of the goals he let in they were deflections, screens and bad breaks, yes he looked a little weak on some of the goals too but most goaltenders let in a weak goal from time to time and he sure looked strong on a number of breakaways when we needed him.
So if I had my choice, I would trade for a number one centremen who is at least 6′1″ and 200+ pounds.
I would also look to add a big strong power forward who likes to be in front of the net, something we were lacking this entire playoffs. I would also like to add one additional 6′2″ 225 pound defencemand who can handle the puck but can take the touch going when the game becomes physical. You see every team has its small players, even Philly ie. Biere, but they have the bigger guys who can protect them and play large in the corners. This is what we lacked was the players to play along side Plex, and A. Kost.
Two or three of the right players I feel could make this a championship team. So we either find them from within our organization, trade for them or try to signa FA or two. We have some good third and fourth line players what we need is a couple of first and second line players to be added replace our current players on those two lines. I am not saying to make wholesale changes but some players like Sergie or even Higgins could play a valuable roll as third line players that could be moved up to the first two lines when there are injuries or someone need to be given a night off etc.
This is how I see it anyway.
May 4, 2008 am31 9:40 pm
I hear people saying that we(the fans)need to support the Habs players. Who will support the heartbroken fans? Those players are Millonares. The rookies will soon be as well. They drive home in their expensive sports cars to the million $ home and take dream vacations. While the fans live in apartments or houses not good as the players garages, spending money on hockey tickets that some can’t afford cause they get **** pay at average jobs. It is the fans who provide these player with their posh life styles. What will comfort us, the fans. The millions of dollars will comfort the players……….
May 5, 2008 am31 1:05 am
It’s too bad the defense wasn’t up to shape. But lose Huet, and look what you get. Bad move Gainey, and even worse, Carbo. Huet got TWO teams into playoffs, and even if they didn’t get the CUP, you have to admit it was thickheaded to throw him away, especially so ungraciously.
May 5, 2008 am31 8:55 am
Hilarious Youppie mockumentary, for Habs fans needing a laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xMIsNSbRY4
May 5, 2008 am31 9:21 am
Donnie,
What is “the backyard rule”?…and why?
May 5, 2008 am31 9:53 am
Back in the 70’s and before, the Habs would pretty much get first crack at Quebec born players. As you can imagine this gave them powerhouse teams. All from getting the players from their own backyard.
May 5, 2008 am31 11:02 am
2 Pricefor#1job
Posted on May 4th, 2008 at 8:31 am. About ‘Canadiens 07/08′.
0h streit’s gone so powerplay is finnaly dead…:(
That “position” creates Hero. Last year, after Sheldon Sourey left some people were worried about Habs PP, but Habs still had super strong PP. SO, if Streit leaves, each and every existing Habs defenseman can take the role. Never worry this.
May 5, 2008 am31 11:38 am
Donnie,the Habs have not had a true superstar since Lafleur and have not had the luck of having a draft pick turn into a superstar.And when there is a chance a draft pick is gonna be a Habs superstar”Leclair,Riberio,Volcun etc “we FU@KIN trade them.We need a superstar with a blue collar attutide that can lead the Habs and show them what can be.We also need a Cris Neil type player”or two or three,lol”We also need a true big SUPERSTAR Dman with a mean streak AND A HOWITZER.A GREAT START WOULD BE LECAVALIER,make it so Bob & GUY……………………
May 5, 2008 am31 1:04 pm
Donnie,
You saying most talented players in hockey are Quebec born?
May 5, 2008 am31 1:44 pm
Like it or hate it, that’s capitalism, DTD.
History speaks for itself. When the Canadiens were fully stocked with French Canadian players, they dominated.
I always thought that Les Habitents meant Les Habitents, meaning a team comprised of local talent.
May 5, 2008 am31 2:53 pm
No….talented players come from all over. We don’t get the most talented French players anymore is what I’m saying.
May 5, 2008 am31 3:17 pm
and another thing, Montreal got kicked out on my birthday. AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!! Worst B-Day ever!!!!lol
May 5, 2008 am31 3:38 pm
Habs cannot have enough talented Canadian players, so more European players on Habs roster. No choice!
Don’t even need to think about other provinces, there are so many talented Quebec players in the league, but we couldn’t have one of them…
Can we expect more leadership from Koivu and Kovalev? the answer is NO, not at all. They are reaching the retiring age. They have NOT brought any leadership to the team so far, HOW CAN WE expect their leadership this game and next game???
Habs needs a REAL MOTIVATOR, no matter in the defense line or forward line.
Please remember my word: IF WE COULDN’T HAVE A REAL MOTIVATOR IN THE TEAM, WE WOULD SUFFER THE HEART BREAKING FEELING AGAIN AND AGAIN…
May 5, 2008 am31 3:45 pm
Brendan Morrow.
May 5, 2008 am31 4:05 pm
31 Joseph
Posted on May 5th, 2008 at 3:45 pm. About ‘Canadiens 07/08′.
Brendan Morrow.
That could be a No Deal just because of the son-in-law-in-father relationship.
May 5, 2008 am31 4:21 pm
I know. What a shame. What a player!
May 5, 2008 am31 4:53 pm
Joseph, alternative way, fire Carbonneau.
May 5, 2008 am31 5:49 pm
I never thought of that. Good solution!
May 5, 2008 am31 10:10 pm
You cannot fire Carbo just because he does not meet you ideas. Personally, I think he and his staff did a great job this year. He made some mistakes sure but we should not crusify him for a few mistakes. He is a rookie coach just like a lot of our rookie players. He took a team that had been written off by most and made them an exciting team. Now it is up to Gainey to get the two or three players that we need to go over the top. Big strong centreman, big strong power forward and one more big strong defenceman. To me we have the rest.
May 6, 2008 am31 9:40 am
guys the fact is our team was too young and the flyers got lucky. Our team pretty much went to the conference finals because philly was out skilled, the only good thing that they did and we didn’t was not getting to the net, but thats a rookie mistake. I think adding Jason Arnott to our team would be great. 1. Re-Sign Streit and Higgy let go Smolinski,ryder and trade away dandenault.
May 6, 2008 am31 9:47 am
Brisebois, Patrice 36 MTL D UFA 0.700
Gorges, Josh 22 MTL D RFA 0.495
Grabovski, Mikhail 23 MTL C RFA 0.700
Halak, Jaroslav 22 MTL G RFA 0.500
Kostitsyn, Andrei 22 MTL L RFA 0.612
Lapierre, Maxim 22 MTL C RFA 0.562
Locke, Corey 23 MTL C RFA 0.495
O‘Byrne, Ryan 22 MTL D RFA 0.590
Ryder, Michael 27 MTL R UFA 2.950
Smolinski, Bryan 35 MTL C UFA 2.000
Streit, Mark 29 MTL D UFA 0.600
MTL’S FREE AGENTS Guys this might be a dumb question, but what does restricted mean?
May 6, 2008 am31 10:15 am
My comment was meant as more of a joke, guys. Of course firing Carbonneau isn’t going to bring Brendan Morrow to Montreal.
Although I wouldn’t mind the trade…
May 6, 2008 am31 10:17 am
“Restricted Free Agents (RFA) are players who have completed three accrued seasons of service and whose contracts have expired. They have received qualifying offers from their old clubs and are free to negotiate with any club until April 21, at which time their rights revert to their original club. If a player accepts an offer from a new club, the old club will have the right to match the offer and retain the player. If the old club elects not to match the offer, it may receive draft-choice compensation depending on the level of the qualifying offer made to the player.” (Source: Wiki)
May 6, 2008 am31 10:23 am
andif u guys want to know some unrestricted free centermen, here u go.
Chris Gratton(6′4″ CANADIAN!)
Bobby Holik(european-NO!!!)
Brendan Morrison(6′2″ CANADIAN)
LECAVELIER IS A FREE AGENT NEXT SEASON!!! AND WE MIGHT LOSE KOIVU AND KOVALEV.=9 MILLION!
FOR D MEN
Jim Vandermeer(6′3″?? CANADIAN OR AMERICAN!!!
I would resign some players and just get Chris Gratton. he’ll get 35 pts or something but he drives to the net and he’s 6′4″! and he’s also a canadian!!!
May 6, 2008 am31 10:36 am
Does anyone know if Lecavalier has expressed interest in playing in Montreal? Legitimate interest.
May 6, 2008 am31 11:05 am
Canadian$ at Par US$
More advertising income in Montreal, in Quebec, in Canada.
Habs already 1st place of Eastern Conference.
If top players still didn’t want to come to play here, I will say the swear words to them.
May 6, 2008 am31 11:07 am
I’m looking foward to seeing more of that Stewart kid,I am sure he is going to suprise.
May 7, 2008 am31 2:42 pm
A petition demanding more french music at Habs home games? I may not be a regular contributor to this blog, but here is how I feel as a long time Habs fan from the east coast. With all due respect to francophones(by the way I am married to one), this is exactly the kind of thing that stops a lot of players from wanting to play in Montreal. There always seems to be stupid stories surrounding the team, that have nothing to do with hockey. Stop with petitions and politics and let the players entertain us on the ice. If not, it will only get tougher and tougher to attract talent to such a wonderful city, and the all-time greatest hockey team. I frequent the Bell Centre from time to time to take in a game, and I couldn’t tell you a single song I’ve heard at the rink. Why? Because I love the team and I am watching the game. People should not lose sight of that. Good luck attracting new talent in the off season!!!
May 7, 2008 am31 6:17 pm
I’m looking forward to next season. I think we’re on the right path. I believe in Gainey. I think he’ll make all the right moves this summer and give us an even better team to watch next season.
Cheers to ‘08/’09
May 7, 2008 am31 7:10 pm
hey guys gainey wants a forward with grit or goal scoring ability. I would not be surprised if sean avery or even marian hossa
May 7, 2008 am31 7:43 pm
I think Gainey might get Jarret Stoll from Edmonton or get Chris Gratton from Tampa. I’d like that or just get Avery and another defencemen.
May 7, 2008 am31 7:47 pm
I would like to see a bigger version of Sean Avery aqnd times it by 6.
May 7, 2008 am31 9:15 pm
Sean Avery is a punk!!!!!!!! He’d be a disgrace to the CH
May 8, 2008 am31 3:01 pm
Thats why I rather have Chris Gratton or Jarret Stoll
May 8, 2008 am31 6:49 pm
trade kovalev well his value is high….
May 8, 2008 am31 8:30 pm
Kovalev can be an integral part of a championship team. His offense would certainly be missed.
May 8, 2008 am31 9:28 pm
Hi Joseph, I realize if we traded Kovalev away we would be trading a large part of our offense. However, Kovalev is not going to be around forever and we have no guarantee that he will have another season like this one. I would use him as trade bait if we could move up in the draft, or make a trade for a top centreman or defenceman.
Koivu is a good second line centre but we already have one in Plex so if the right player is available again I would trade him while he still has value as well. I would offer him plus another player to Vinny or even expand the deal with more players if we could get Vinny. There is a good chance if TB has another year like this year he is going to want out and what better place to come than the habs.
May 8, 2008 am31 11:38 pm
Hey, Senet 1.
I agree that Kovalev is worth losing if we get something worthwhile in return. But I, personally, would not be willing to lose him for the likes of Sean Avery or Chris Gratton. I would like to see a few players like Jarret Stoll on this team, but I’m not so sure that I’d give up Kovalev just for him either.
Koivu is a different story. This team needs a Canadian captain, and Saku’s better days are behind him.
May 8, 2008 am31 11:39 pm
As to Lecavalier, I’d take him in a heartbeat.
May 8, 2008 am31 11:48 pm
I just realized that I never offered my thoughts on the Canadiens’ season and playoff run. But since others here have summed it up brilliantly, I’ll just supersummarize it…
The regular season was a smashing success, but the playoff run left something to be desired… which is good. Because now they know where they fell short and what is required to be a true contender.
May 9, 2008 am31 6:25 am
Jarret Stoll or Chris Gratton ,that’s all I’m saying. And look out next year’s trade deadline. Vincent Lecavelier is a free agent in 2010. Montreal should offer Dandenault,grabovski,pacioretty and a 1st rounder for him.
May 9, 2008 am31 2:25 pm
the russian nat. team pissed of kovalev yet once again/
look for him to be as good or better next season !!
May 9, 2008 am31 3:11 pm
don’t trade alex because it just shows, if u play good, your out of montreal. Montreal I don’t think needs any more offensive guys, we already have the best offence, we just need a big centremen and Chris Gratton and Stoll are in the top 10 for best face off men.(I don’t know about Stoll though.) Gratton is big and gets around 40 pts a season so he’s so much better than smolinski. Did u guys know that Kolzig isn’t playing for washington anymore and is an unrestricted free agent? Because just incase Price fails again next year in the playoffs, we would have a stalwart back up. But I’m confident with Price as he will get VEZINA next season.
May 9, 2008 am31 3:14 pm
but yeah, It was a great season and I’m glad everything all worked out. I’m not depressed at all that they didn’t win the cup because I know that they’ll win 3 cups in the next 10 years.
May 9, 2008 am31 10:15 pm
Good points, all, STUO11. This team just requires some sandpaper and some leadership. That’s the missing piece of the puzzle. And their lack of it is the only reason that they lost to the lowly Flyers in Round 2.
Evgeni Malkin is quickly becoming a hockey god.
The 4-2 score tonight was a flattering one for the Flyers as the Penguins owned them whenever they felt like it. Pittsburgh in 4. Any win by the Flyers in this series would be a complete accident.
May 10, 2008 am31 8:52 am
a bad thing is that brisebois and smolinski want to come back, I don’t mind Brisebois because he said hes ok if he only plays around 20 games but smolinski would take up space from the little guys. Stewart,chipchura, D’Agostini etc. Ryder is going bye bye ,but I’m pretty sure we all knew that.
May 10, 2008 am31 2:04 pm
I actually don’t mind Smolinski, but I do appreciate your point. My greatest concern, however, involves the possible movement of Kovalev. Has anyone considered how his absence might affect the play of Plekanec and the Kostitsins?
I wouldn’t be looking to move him.
May 10, 2008 am31 2:05 pm
Anyone see Malkin’s fourth goal last night? It was… orgasmic!
May 10, 2008 am31 2:48 pm
I think if Philly beat us in 5 and Pitts beats Philly in 4or 5,then big changes must be made on the Habs .Let it be so…go habs go…
May 10, 2008 am31 2:51 pm
Correction: The Penguins’ fourth goal, Malkin’s second.
Xtrahabsfan, I’m hoping that Gainey and Carbonneau are paying close attention to the Penguins, Detroit and Dallas right now.
May 10, 2008 am31 10:36 pm
Kovalev had a real good year in league play, but was dud in the playoffs,
yeah he did get a couple ok, but overall went into his disappearing act again,
because he played good this year he will be invisible again this coming year.
Fill the team with Canadians, Euro’s Scando’s and Ruskies all do not understand what the Stanley cup means, they don’t have the heart to step
it up in the playoffs, it’s a long season, why do all the long playoff grind, I’ll just take my millions and go back home—They don’t get the picture.
May 11, 2008 am31 12:33 pm
Well how can you say kovalev was a dud in the playoffs? He had the most points of any other player on the team and also got the most attention from boston/philly for shutting him down. Yeah it would be nice to see a little more north american players on the team but dont give me that **** about kovalev not stepping up. Where was higgens,komisarek,lapierre,latalentless the list goes on. Yeah thats what i thought. GO HABS GO
May 11, 2008 am31 5:05 pm
Kovalev wasn’t the problem. In fact, if just one other forward had stepped up in the clutch as much as he did, then we’d likely be talking about the Habs and Penguins right now.
As I stated earlier, moving Kovalev would mean more than losing his offense; it would also mean losing the mentor of Plekanec and the Kostitins. That offensive core is in place, at least for the time being, and the Habs need to add the missing pieces to that core. They need Canadian/American grit and leadership. And perhaps a veteran goaltender to mentor Price.
May 11, 2008 am31 5:08 pm
So tonight the Penguins shall continue to expose the ordinary Marty Biron and take a 2-0 series lead.
The Habs must be kicking themselves.
May 11, 2008 am31 5:25 pm
we dont need a old goaler now since price is in his SECOND year.
May 11, 2008 am31 6:21 pm
Yep,we’re good in the nets for a long time,Kolzig is avalible ,but we don’t need him.Iwould go after Hossa though.
May 11, 2008 am31 7:32 pm
Hossa is yet another skilled player that can backcheck. He won’t bring the leadership that this team requires. If the Habs can get both, great, but I wouldn’t invest everything in to just Hossa. That wouldn’t be progress, in my opinion.
May 11, 2008 am31 9:21 pm
Jagr is as well avalible.
May 11, 2008 am31 11:02 pm
Jagr might retire.
May 11, 2008 am31 11:07 pm
So, if the Penguins manage to win the Cup this year, does that mean that the Habs will win it next year? Pens last Cup – 1992; Habs last Cup – 1993. Anyone superstitious? Anyone believe in fatum?
May 12, 2008 am31 1:25 am
Jag’s only 36,and then there is Sundin
May 12, 2008 am31 6:03 am
kovalev wont be as good as he was this year but he will get at least 70 points. He won’t be bad because now the young kostitsyns and plekeanec are going to be amazing. We will be better next year boys, and u could see how none of the habs weren’t really that pissed off about the early exit, but It’s because they know they cup is coming in 2009.
May 12, 2008 am31 6:07 am
Gainey said that he’s pretty much just getting players for the playoffs, he won’t be getting hossa and that’s a good thing. ALL THE PLAYERS GOING AFTER HOSSA, would you really want to pay him 9 Million?
May 12, 2008 am31 9:55 am
The question is ,would you pay Streit 5 million?
May 12, 2008 am31 3:14 pm
Habs does NOT need Hossa kind of players.
We need inspiring player, not necessarily wearing “C” or “A”, like Milan Lucic, like S Crosby, like Ovechkin.
Before injury, KOMI did a lot of inspiring work, but after injury, we couldn’t expect more from him.
A “bla bla bla” big forward is what Hab needs.
May 12, 2008 am31 4:48 pm
Guys we don’t lack skill. We have the best hockey team in the NHL. The only reason why were not still standing is because Philly was lucky and also that we didn’t have enough expierience.
I think maybe 1 more defencemen and a big Center would be great. How about the free agents,: Chris Gratton and Redden or Stoll and Vandermmer. and I really think that Streit is gone guys, but don’t worry our PP will still be first!
May 12, 2008 am31 6:28 pm
Michael Landsberg just threw out a good question tonight. He asked Patrick Lalime if he’d accept a back-up role as a mentor to Price next season, if he was offered a contract. He said he’d take it in a heart-beat.
Discuss…
May 12, 2008 am31 7:45 pm
SIgning Lalime, would you or could you trade Halak?
Everyone is talking cup next year but they have to make the playoffs first. It will be that much harder next year…
Gainey needs to trade a big name (or a few) to get someone worthwhile. Do you trade Koivu or Higgins or even Markov?
Price will be good to great next year. The defense need to get bigger. They need a gritty forward, even two. The powerplay was great but did the Bruins figure it out for the rest of the league? Is the pp confidence shot? Like someone said, are you willing to pay 9 million a yr for Hossa? Would his presence upset the dressing room? Should we even care if they’re winning?
Too many questions!
May 12, 2008 am31 8:37 pm
No trading Higgins.
May 12, 2008 am31 10:01 pm
Going after players like Hossa, Jagr would fail to address the Habs’ needs. It’d just be more of the same.
The Habs need to let go of a Eurpoean talent, or two, in order to get a Morrow type player, or two. That will address their needs. If they accomplish this, they’ll be very difficult to beat.
May 12, 2008 am31 11:02 pm
Well after reading a number of entries, I have to reiterate what I said before, if the right player is available then I would trade Kovelev. The Right player would be someone who could replace him in offense yet bring some leadership to the table as well. Kovalev did not fight for his ice space in the playoff and someone said that Boston figured out our PP well Kovalev was a big part of that. So would I want to lose him no but if the right player was available in a trade or a top draft pick then yes. I think the young kids will do just fine without him.
Likewise Koivu did show some leadership but is offense has fallen off and without a game breaking forward on his line his offense will be worse next year. So again if the right player is available that can bring something to the table then yes I would trade him but not for a Gratton or Stole. The player we have to get is got to be in our top 3 in scoring and be a team leader offensively as well as in the dressing room. Yes we need a faceoff man, but we also need someone with a little more grit, or a game breaking foward/centreman.
May 12, 2008 am31 11:06 pm
Smolinski played well for us this year especially in the playoffs. However, we have to make room for Chipchura and Stewart so I am afraid he has got to go.
Brisebois also played failing well for us better than I expected but, we have two big young defenseman in the minors that have to be brought up next year so Brisebois is just going got take up salary cap room and space on the bench.
We have to trade one of our small defenceman as well, Bouillon or Jorges, we have too many small defenseman and the Flyers especially took advantage of them in the playoffs. Right now we have good quantity of defenseman so lets see if we can trade for some quality either back on the blueline or up front.
I was disappointed in our defense, and Markov to me was one of our problems, I am not sure if he was hurt or just gun shy but that problem needs to be addressed. Maybe it was because
Komy was not healthy and neither was Streit. So many of you are being hard on Striet but he had the same injury as Komy and only missed two games, Komy missed three weeks and still was not healthy when he came back. Striet is a valuable asset because it can play forward or defense. He gives the coach a lot of options. I would keep him as long as he does not want too much money. I would definetly not pay him 5M. Maybe 2.75 or 3M tops.
Higgins is another valuable asset that I agree we do not want to trade away, however, again if the right player is available then no body othe than Price on this team can not be considered as trade bait. The trades have to be good ones though. As someone else said, we have the team it just needs a little sandpaper. I agree.
Someone suggested Jagr and Hossa, unless we address the strength of this team then I would not want either of these two players, firstly Jagr is on the down side of his career, we already have two of those on the team. Hossa wants too much money, I cannot see why he will not want to stay in Pittsburg if he can play on a line with two of the top three players in the league as long as Pittsburg can afford to pay him?
I like out goaltending situation right now, but it is only a matter of time before Halak is going to want to be traded. He may get his wish sooner than we think as long as we can find a good back up that is cabable of playing 25-30 games.
May 12, 2008 am31 11:10 pm
Maybe we just found one piece to the puzzle see below.
Canadiens sign Ryan White Montreal Canadiens May 12, 2008, 4:12 PM EDT
White PRESS RELEASE
MONTREAL – Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced Monday that forward Ryan White agreed to a three-year contract (2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11). As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
White ended his four-year junior career with the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen with 237 points (91 goals, 146 assists) and 411 penalty minutes in 275 regular-season games. A native of Brandon, Manitoba, White led his team in scoring in each of the past three seasons. In 59 career playoff games with the Hitmen, White amassed 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) and 88 penalty minutes.
In 2007-08, the 20-year-old recorded 72 points (28 goals, 44 assists), 98 penalty minutes, eight power-play goals and had a plus-24 rating in 68 games.
White, 6-feet, 213 pounds, was named the CHL Player of the Week twice during the 2007-08 campaign. He scored 10 points (five goals, five assists) in a four-game span that ended on February 4 and registered 12 points (four goals, eight assists) and had a plus-6 rating in four playoff games last April, helping the Calgary Hitmen eliminate the Swift Current Broncos in six games.
Selected in the third round, 66th overall, by the Canadiens in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, White also had two assists in as many games for Team WHL at the 2007 Canada-Russia Challenge.
May 13, 2008 am31 3:04 pm
I would trade Markov after what he pulled in the playoffs, I like the guy but come on, Maybe a big D man. Maybe get some guy that played for the habs before like shneider or something.
May 13, 2008 am31 3:09 pm
I know It’s a dream but Lecavelier would be sooo nice! I would even want to have St.Louis. just on of the 2! I would trade:Chipchura,grabovski,Fischer and a 1st rounder for him! And getting in the playoffs should be a piece of cake.
May 13, 2008 am31 7:58 pm
I’d love to see Lecavalier on the roster, but personally, I’d pass on St. Louis. We need size. We have plenty of small & nimble players.
May 13, 2008 am31 9:19 pm
Nice to see the Flyers essentially playing for their playoff lives tonight, and losing.
All things in their rightful place.
Thumbs up to the White signing. Now, if Gainey could just get one or two experienced playoff warriors…
May 13, 2008 am31 9:22 pm
LeBeau, I believe that we should have consensus on that. I’m surprised at how many still think that more skill is what this team needs. The Bell Centre is overflowing with skill. What it needs is some weight.
May 13, 2008 am31 10:23 pm
The Silence of the Lambs
Hannibal Lecter: First principles, Troll. Simplicity. Read your NHL history. Of each particular thing ask: what is it in itself? What is its nature? What do they do, the Habs you worship?
Typical Flyer Troll: They get eliminated…
Hannibal Lecter: No. That is incidental. What is the first and principal thing they do? What needs do they serve by being eliminated?
Typical Flyer Troll: Anger, um, social rejection, and, huh, frustrations, sir…
Hannibal Lecter: No! They learn. That is their nature. And how do we begin to learn, Troll? Do we seek out things to improve upon? Make an effort to answer now.
Typical Flyer Troll: No. We just…
Hannibal Lecter: No. We begin by learning what we’re lacking. We begin by learning our weaknesses. And the Habs have learned which pieces are missing from their puzzle. They will acquire those pieces and win their 25th Stanley Cup in the next season. Their 100th season, Troll. Meanwhile, your Flyers are merely lambs sent to slaughter, year after year. Lambs being silenced. Much like you.
And… the big mouths of the Flyers have collectively shut. Resigned to silence for the remainder of the season.
My goodness! Am I ever relieved that Daniel Briere signed with Philadlphia and not Montreal. One less mistake to worry about.
May 14, 2008 am31 7:07 pm
Atta boy Bob, keep on signing them hard-nosed North American boys. As great a regular season we had, it became all to painfully obvious what a team like this can do in the playoffs. Need a good mix, with mostly Canucks…thats been the blueprint for playoff winners for decades now. A few Euros with guys not afraid to take a lickin…thats the ticket. In Bob we trust.
May 15, 2008 am31 3:20 pm
I would even do this: Plekanec,Chipchura and a 1st rounder for Lecavelier! We have the money obviously. I don’t think it’s about our size I just think we need more grit. Lecavelier isn’t a grinder but come on, He’s amazing!!! and if Tampa is 12 or something lecavelier will be going somewhere!
May 15, 2008 am31 8:17 pm
It will take more than that to get vinny in montreal trust me.
May 15, 2008 am31 8:56 pm
Don’t get me wrong I would love to have Vinny over here but the way I see if we need to get him here for the long term, therefore, as he becomes UFA next year and if Tampa is not in the playoffs, then that is when we go for him. With players to be named later if we sign him. We cannot afford to trade four or five of our good yound players away and find out Vinny is not committed to stay in Montreal.
Having said that I would trade both Markov and Kiovu and a first rounder if I thought I could get Vinny here for the entire year and if Bob could be assured he could sign him.
We definitely need to add some size to our line up but we also need to find someone to replace Kiovu as our number # centreman. I like Plex as our #2 guy and I like Andrea on his line, I would put a big winger on that line though not a skilled guy unless he is big and skilled. Stewart may be the answer, speed, size and skill.
I would send Latendresse down to the minors next year for about a month to wake him up, he has got to come back with an attitude and use his body more next year. He needs a wakeup call. Should never have stayed up last year all year, needed to either play one more year of Junior or in the minors for a year at least.
I like Chipchura to replace Smolinski on our checking line.
I like Byrnes to replace Brisebois.
I like to see this Stewart up with Lapierre and give him some stop time on the first line as well.
So now Bob need to go out and get another big defenseman, and another big forward with an attitude and some skill. Free agency is probably the only way we will get someone like that.
I not against adding some skill but the skill has to have some size. What I am afraid of is Bob may go after Hossa???? Not sure he fits out team.
May 16, 2008 am31 6:35 am
I wouldn’t trade Koivu, But I would trade Markov,Plekanec,Chipchura, Halak and a 1st rounder.
May 16, 2008 am31 6:37 am
Grabovski instead of Chipchura.
May 18, 2008 am31 5:22 pm
Vincent Lecavalier in Montreal = pipe dreams
How about focussing on what Gainey can actually accomplish in the off-season? For instance, Malone, Langkow, Laraque, Barnes (not big, but a real sparkplug), Ward, etc.
May 19, 2008 am31 11:12 am
I made a video for some of the possible players that could come to montreal. just go to STUO11 if u would like to see it. and they’re talking about Lecavelier for next years trade deadline. If Tampa is 14th or something, they’ll be looking for prospects and the habs have too many good ones!
May 19, 2008 am31 11:43 am
Stoll.
Hossa will likely remain in Pittsburgh after this season. And even if he was entertaining his options at the end of the season, I’m not so sure that he’s what the Habs need. Unless of course Gainey is willing to move some of his existing ’skill’ in exchange for someone like Stoll or Malone (although I think that Malone will also remain in Pittsburgh – his home town).
May 19, 2008 am31 11:51 am
As to Lecavalier, it’s being suggested that he might ask to be traded this summer… which is pure speculation of course. However, if he did ask, and his wish was granted, Montreal would have to compete with markets like New York and Detroit, which almost always seem to get what they’re after.
The way I see it: Lecavalier would have to want to be traded to Montreal and nowhere else, which he may.
May 19, 2008 am31 7:39 pm
Does vinny have a no trade clause?
May 20, 2008 am31 12:16 pm
Need to concentrate on players with grit, power, and scoring prowess.
Rolston, Gratton, and maybe an offer to an RFA.
May 20, 2008 am31 3:09 pm
My prediction is chris gratton. But if it was me I would love to have Rolston!
May 20, 2008 am31 3:29 pm
I hope the Red Wings kick Pittsburgh’s asses in the finals. As much as I would want a young, talented team like the Penguins to win the cup, I like the Original SIx teams and would love to see the Red Wings win their 4th Stanley Cup in 11 seasons. My prediction: Red Wings in 7!!
Ziman
May 21, 2008 am31 10:50 am
Lecavalier does not have a no-trade clause in his contract.
The Penguins will be in tough against the Red Wings, their biggest challenge by far in these playoffs. But then, this is sports, so who knows.
May 22, 2008 am31 6:21 am
Detroit in 5.
May 22, 2008 am31 4:20 pm
pitts in 6
May 22, 2008 am31 9:39 pm
Wings in 6.
May 23, 2008 am31 1:35 pm
96 Joseph
Posted on May 13th, 2008 at 10:23 pm. About ‘Canadiens 07/08′.
The Silence of the Lambs
Hannibal Lecter: First principles, Troll. Simplicity. Read your NHL history. Of each particular thing ask: what is it in itself? What is its nature? What do they do, the Habs you worship?
Typical Flyer Troll: They get eliminated…
Hannibal Lecter: No. That is incidental. What is the first and principal thing they do? What needs do they serve by being eliminated?
Typical Flyer Troll: Anger, um, social rejection, and, huh, frustrations, sir…
Hannibal Lecter: No! They learn. That is their nature. And how do we begin to learn, Troll? Do we seek out things to improve upon? Make an effort to answer now.
Typical Flyer Troll: No. We just…
Hannibal Lecter: No. We begin by learning what we’re lacking. We begin by learning our weaknesses. And the Habs have learned which pieces are missing from their puzzle. They will acquire those pieces and win their 25th Stanley Cup in the next season. Their 100th season, Troll. Meanwhile, your Flyers are merely lambs sent to slaughter, year after year. Lambs being silenced. Much like you.
And… the big mouths of the Flyers have collectively shut. Resigned to silence for the remainder of the season.
My goodness! Am I ever relieved that Daniel Briere signed with Philadlphia and not Montreal. One less mistake to worry about.
Joseph,
your thread is the sounds of a frustrated Habs fan who’s team was beat(badly) and could not compete with a better skilled team(Flyers) and could not come to grips with that fact…call it luck if you may, maybe one game or two games…but four games in a row?…any excuse to pasify yourself. However I do admit that the Penguins are a better team and took the series in 5 games without luck as did the Flyers with Montreal…and I still bleed Orange and Black with pride…and grin at the fact the Habs were slaughtered by mere lambs!
May 23, 2008 am31 4:46 pm
Malone would be awesome!
May 23, 2008 am31 7:20 pm
Jack, grow a brain.
I’d love to see Malone in Montreal, but I’m not sure of how realistic it would be.
May 24, 2008 am31 1:26 pm
Habs all the way!!
Next year!!
–
May 24, 2008 am31 5:50 pm
but I really think Gainey should go after Rolston.
May 25, 2008 am31 1:26 pm
Hab Faithful, I agree because Rolston is a big forward with grit and he can also put up good stats. And to the guy that said Malone would be nice, there is no way in hell he’s going anywhere but pittsburgh!
May 25, 2008 am31 6:10 pm
Does anyone honestly believe that Malone, with his great stats, will be let go by the Pens? c’mon, there’s no way he’s leaving Pitt, and I think there will be more trades by the habs, as that seems the only way this team will improve. I understand it’s not a deep UFA year, so Gainey better get on his horse, and not fall asleep at the wheel again.
May 25, 2008 am31 6:37 pm
The Pens have a huge bunch to worry about as far as signings go , plus M-AF and EM in 2 years ….
May 28, 2008 am31 3:35 pm
Montreal will do fine if they just got Rolston.
June 1, 2008 am31 9:22 pm
Well I expect most of you watched the Detroit / Pittsburgh games to date. Personally, I have never been a Detroit fan in hockey so I wanted Pitt. to win but without Malkin performing this team is going out in five. Back in the Winter there was a big discussion about who was the best player him or Crosby, well I guess we know now. Crobsby is only 20 and Malkin 22 yet Crosby has shown up every game to date Malkin is a great player but that is just it he has to learn how to win when the pressure is on and the checking gets tougher. Crosby might complain but in most cases he gets hooked more, grabbed more and checked more than any other player yet he still manages to produce goals. Malkin has not learned how to use his teammates yet and that is the difference between the two players.
June 2, 2008 am31 8:35 pm
Its not Malkin’s fault that they are getting beat, give some credit to a a very good Wings team, Malkin is not there I aggree, but he is a very important piece in their puzzle, not sure we need to try and say who is the better player, Malkin is a goal scorer Crosby is a playmaker …
June 3, 2008 am31 11:07 am
The Penguins pulled a miracle out of their arses last night.
Regardless of which player is better–Crosby or Malkin–watching them battle the Red Wings is like watching David battle Goliath. They seem ‘tiny’ in comparison.
I sometimes think the NHL ridiculous. Officials end up deciding the outcome of a Stanley Cup Final game? In overtime no less? Whatever happened to sport, to the players deciding the outcomes of games? Whatever happened to allowing the players to be physical in a physical sport?
My suggestion for a new name: The MHL (Metrosexual Hockey League)
June 4, 2008 am31 12:21 pm
Is this blog ever going to update? I’m tired of seeing 2007-8. It’s getting closer to draft time. Couldn’t we please concentrate on that?
June 4, 2008 am31 3:28 pm
I agree Hab faithful lol. This has been here for a month!
June 4, 2008 am31 3:29 pm
Im sure HB will update the site soon but give the guy a break, he puts alot of hard work into the site during the season i think he deserves a bit of a break. Its always slower here in the offseason anyays. Well since you did bring the draft up what would you like to see happen of draft day? Keep our pick? Trade up for a better pick? Trade it away for a player(s) Deep draft this year could make things interesting.
June 4, 2008 am31 6:04 pm
I think it will be a weak UFA season as not alot of quality UFA’s will be available. I would prefer Gainey to make a blockbuster trade, and also give some offer sheets to RFA’a. Gainey must stop his conservative mode, because this is a make it or break it year, with our centennial celebration and all.
June 5, 2008 am31 12:36 am
I wonder if Montreal can be compared to Pittsburgh after watching their unbelievable performance, great leadership, and never-give-up attitude. We are a great team, but Pittsburgh to my opinion is a force to reckon with. I believe we really need an impact player. I’m thinking of somebody like Rick Nash. I’m just wonderign how much it would cost us to land such a player…
June 5, 2008 am31 1:06 pm
The Swedish national team just won the cup !! The true force to reckon with is the Wings , they dominated the Pens all over the ice. We will see what players are left in Pittsburgh when the season starts ….
June 5, 2008 am31 3:07 pm
I don’t know if getting a eally big player would help because it could ruin chemistry. But getting a player like rolston could help.
June 5, 2008 am31 10:33 pm
Habs need grinders and leaders, not superstars.
June 9, 2008 am31 12:29 pm
Everyteam needs one bonified superstar , we might all ready have that in Price in the near enough future, but someone like Rolston can not hurt at all, I would not be upset to see #13 MS show up for 2 years or so.. Lets see what Bob has in mind ..
June 9, 2008 am31 12:36 pm
Yep to land a guy like MS for two years would be pretty sweet but not sure he would want tp play here. Who knows?????
June 9, 2008 am31 2:59 pm
Well everyone says the runner ups for ms is montreal, detroit and I think Calgary.
I don’t know about the flames though I forget.
June 9, 2008 am31 4:52 pm
Habs are always the bridesmaids. When other teams are also in the picture, we always lose out. ie, Briere, Hossa, etc.
June 9, 2008 am31 7:00 pm
Well Matts has played in Quebec before and he has invested loads in REER’s if he goes south he has to sell them and he stands to loose tons,the Wings don’t have the room under the cap for him ,We do.
We did not lose on Hossa,Bob did the right thing he did not trade the farm for a rental,Briere wanted to be with his bum buddy Biron …
June 10, 2008 am31 7:16 am
Mad Max Lapierre just inked a 2 year deal with The Habs good to see they are working on keeping the young core intact.
June 10, 2008 am31 5:34 pm
I said that the Habs don’t need a superstar because I believe that they already have a couple in the making. The only thing that those talents require is to be lead by heart and learn how to win when it counts.
June 10, 2008 am31 5:51 pm
Leafs might buy out tucker. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm i would’nt mind seeing him on our third line. Ony for cheap though. A little grit maybe????????
June 10, 2008 am31 7:54 pm
We have some good young players but next year is the 100th, we need a bonified superstar to help make a serious run at the cup.
June 10, 2008 am31 11:47 pm
Sundin?! Tucker?! What the hell! Why don’t we go get McCabe too! I don’t want those guys on the team!
June 11, 2008 am31 12:39 am
Perhaps Bettman has it all arranged.
Patrick, I concur. Why would we want older Leafs that have never won anything? Maybe they can bring the Ballard curse with them too?
June 12, 2008 am31 9:09 pm
Boudreau got the Jack Adams trophy for coach of the year. what a crock of sh***t. Habs finish 1st in the conference, Caps DIDN’T, yet Carbo is snubbed. Typical of the anti-habs NHL.
June 13, 2008 am31 6:27 am
I agree the only reason why the capitals made it anyways was because their division sucked ***! and the reason why they played better after the deadline was because with Huet they were 9-1-0!!! It wasn’t Boudreau!!! The caps got enough awards with OVE. The NHL just doesn’t like the habs. Most of the NHLPA guys are from Toronto, so that could explain it. If Kovalev had 65 goals and Ovechkin had 40, to Hart would go to Ovechkin. Thats how fucked up the NHL is right now. Who ever is more exciting and better should be recongnized. If no one agrees, Why was Kovalev not in the line up for the All-Stas?!?! And Price should have won Calder and he wasn’t even nominated. It’s just sad. Don Cherry even agrees that Carey is the Calder of the year.
June 13, 2008 am31 12:32 pm
LOL Don Cherry please I dont want to have to ever say he is right !
The Jack Adams should have gone to Carbo without a doubt,and for those comments about Matts Sundin please tell me who else there is on the market to fill the void we have in that postion?
June 13, 2008 am31 3:03 pm
If Mats Sundin came here I would just forget about all the leaf moments he had. Just like how we got Doug Gilmour! But I do not want Hossa on my team!!!(Trade Dandenault and bouillion to move up in the draft. We have to many young defencemen coming up that should get an opputunity to play. Francis Boullion is great but we don’t need him anymore. Or Trade Markov and get Brad Stuart because Markov was horrible in the playoffs.
June 14, 2008 am31 8:00 am
I am a Habs fan but realistically I think Mike Babcock desearved the Adams. Not only winning the Presidents Trophy but the Stanley Cup as well. Start to finish it had to be Babcock. Carboneau a close second. I think Boudreau won it on his personality not his track record.
June 14, 2008 am31 8:04 am
Trade Markov? Thats insane
Yes we have some young unproven guys coming up but they are unproven.
No need to panic and trade away guys like Markov, we need to add to the team not take away.
June 14, 2008 am31 2:18 pm
Markov has went to the playoffs a couple of times and hasn’t showed much. Brad Stuart Would be better in the playoffs. Markov would get us 1st in the conference but kicked out in the 2nd round again and brad stuart would take us 4th in the conference but win the cup. But I don’t care, I think that the habs are going to win the cup no matter what. I don’t think we need any one. But if we go up against a team like Anaheim or Dallas in next years finals were gonig to need tough defencemen and We need to make room for O’Byrne. Get rid of Boullion and were all set.
June 14, 2008 am31 3:11 pm
I do agree with you to a degree STU, but trade Markov I don’t agree with. Yes he was bad in the playoffs but wasn’t he injured as well? Let’s ged rid of Breezer and give his spot to O’Byrne. And let’s get rid of Bouillon(mighty but too small) and Dandenault, get Stuart.
June 16, 2008 am31 6:56 am
yeah maybe yor right anyways this is my prediction:
Kostitsyn-Plekanec-Kovalev Higgins-Koivu-Rolston Kostitsyn-Grabovski-Streit Begin-Lapierre-Kostopoulos Markov-Koimsarek Hamrlik-O’Bryne Georges-Bouillon
June 16, 2008 am31 6:58 am
O’Byrne is like a young Komisarek and guys don’t worry the cup will come soon enough. I think we have the team right now to get to the finals but to beat Anaheim or Dallas we will need another big D man.
June 16, 2008 am31 3:23 pm
We wont see Streit here I dont think, and Rolston well the word is they are trying to resign him high priority.
June 16, 2008 am31 4:52 pm
If we lose streit and can’t get Rolston Bob Gainey will get someone big. Someone like Hossa. I don’t want hossa here but hey, If they can pick up him and a tough D, that would be nice.
June 16, 2008 am31 7:00 pm
Seems Malkin might not be staying in Pitts, the word is its Hossa he is willing to take less to stay and play with Crosby. Sundin would be a great choice, he is big tough and his work ethic is next to none, and a true leader in the room.
We shall soon see
June 16, 2008 am31 9:57 pm
Well if Sundin was willing to sign a two year contract for 6-7M he would be worth it because he is the first line centre that we need. That would free Kiovu up to be trade with a couple of other players to get an impact player that we need. We also need to remain prepared to take a shot at Vinny at the trade deadline. Some of you are making the same suggestions that I made back in May, sorry I have not been on lately. It is hard to imagine that malkin will not be in Pittsburg, however, if Pittsburg signs Hossa, then the money situation will become difficult and they will be in the same postion as Tampa has been in no money for the supporting cast. So they may need to trade Malkin for some additional depth and draft picks. Now I would offer a couple of farms to get him because I think our coaching staff can actually make him into a team player and he is the breakout player we need.
June 16, 2008 am31 10:03 pm
As for some of you looking at Dallas and Anaheim for next year, I don’t know about the rest of you but I don’t think Detroit is going to roll over for anyone. This team is fairly young, tough with speed and I have not seem such an organized team in a long time. Babcock has them playing a very disciplined game. To me the only weakness they have is in net and they still won the cup because of a great defense and forwards who can play at both ends of the rink.
Pittsburg will find a way to keep Malkin but it was obvious to me that they need to strengthen their defence to compete with Detroit type teams. If we can strengthen out forward with a couple of additions and get bigger on defence then we can give Pittsburg a run for their money next year.
June 17, 2008 am31 12:26 pm
It won’t happen but It would be awesome if the habs got Malkin!
June 17, 2008 am31 5:13 pm
I think the team we have right now can kick pittsburgh out in 6. We have great veterans,better D, more balanced offence and either than carey’s rookie playoffs, better goaltending. I hate him but the best thing for us would be Chris Pronger.
June 17, 2008 am31 5:39 pm
don’t they ever update this blog? C’mon do it!
June 17, 2008 am31 7:50 pm
I am sure there will be an update come the draft. No worries
June 18, 2008 am31 12:23 am
It’s almost summer here on Vancouver Island and the weathers been absolute ****!!!The forecast for July is supposed to be Desert like with all the drought ,which is not the norm, hope the summer is great in every way for you all.Bob Gainey should relize you can still have speed and skill with a big athlete and in most cases you’ll toughen up the team by doing so.GO HABS GO…..
June 18, 2008 am31 10:47 am
Panthers’ captain Olli Jokinen has indicated to Florida’s general manager Jacques Martin that he would like a trade. The big centre will continue to lure tons of interest, although one team suggests the asking price is marked at two young NHL roster players and a first round draft pick.
June 18, 2008 am31 11:30 am
We can give S. Kostistyn, Georges and a #1 draft pick for Jokinen. We need him, and Gainey should make every possible attempt to lsnd him.
Look, Pitt gave away quite abit for Hossa, but he took them to the finals, and scored alot of goals in the playoffs, and they might be able to resign him, so why can’t the habs do the same? Gainey needs to make a big splash, especially with this being the habs anniversary year!
June 18, 2008 am31 2:12 pm
That trade look’s ok. But I’d hate to seee SK go. I really enjoy the game he plays.
June 18, 2008 am31 7:08 pm
they might take grabovski,georges and a 1st rounder.
but I think Bob will get a really good deal because after al these years of rejection the habs will be accepted and lots of players know the habs are one of the best!
June 19, 2008 am31 8:34 pm
If I am going to make a trade for Jokinen I would not trade away my youth up front. but I would trade Koivu straight up. Remember Jokinen wants out of Florida and he is not happy with the coach. It is an even trade and we eat some difference in salary. We do not need three offensive centreman.
Also don’t forget that Gainey is also interested in Sundin but I would take Jokinen before Sundin because of the salary difference.
Possible Malkin trade, this would be harder to swing because Pittsburg is looking for talent but also salary cap space. They need defense as well as they would like some additional offensive punch for the loss of Malkin. Here is my trade, Markov our first round pick and any two of our forward prospects in Hamilton. If we give up Markow we need to replace two defensive positions. OByrne has one and we also have two other defenseman in the US College and minors that may be ready. I would like to see us pick up a big strong defenceman but he has to be able to handle the puck.
June 19, 2008 am31 8:40 pm
Columbus is also looking to trade their #1 pick. Again I would trade Markov and Our #1 pick.
June 19, 2008 am31 8:52 pm
hab faithful, I would not exact say that Hossa took Pittsburg to the finals, He did play well and better than anyone expected but where would he have been without Crosby feeding him. Hossa was free because the other teams paid so much attention to Crosby. However, like Greszky before him Crosby could always find the open man. Not so sure Hossa would have produced nearly as well if he were the #1 man that got all the checking from the other teams.
June 20, 2008 am31 6:56 am
exactly, If Hossa comes here, he’s probably going to be our best player and in the playoffs he’ll fail under the pressure. There will be 2 players on him at all times. We need someone like Sundin or Jokinen. or more canadians with heart and grit!
June 20, 2008 am31 11:31 am
anyone who can score 12 goals in the playoffs, and get his team to the finals, I’d take in a flash. This year he showed the grit! you guys are too funny.
June 20, 2008 am31 2:13 pm
yet again, he did not get his team to the finals, It was all Crosby and Malkin until the finals. The habs have the best offence in the league, clearly we don’t need offensively small weak players that get take anyone out. We need some one big!!! Our defence is big with Komi 6′4″ and Ob’Bryne 6′7″ but we need some one big. Pierre Dagenais was ok. He had like 12 pts in 32 games,if he played 82 games he would have gotten about 30-40 pts and for a 4th line crusher that’s pretty good. If got Georges Laraque, no one would be calling us small anymore lol. But I don’t know where Dagenais is, but I liked the game he played. He’s 6′5″!!!
June 20, 2008 am31 2:31 pm
Why on earth would we want dagenais? Yikes that brings back bad memories
June 20, 2008 am31 3:33 pm
report: Habs have permission to talk to sundin’s agent!!! and It’s just the habs also. something tells me something wierd could happen! and Degenais wasn’t that bad. We made it to the playoffs when we used him. And I’m not saying get him back I’m saying get a big forward!
June 20, 2008 am31 3:38 pm
Sources tell TSN the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to encourage Mats Sundin to decide his playing future before July 1.
In the past 24 hours the Montreal Canadiens were granted persmission by the Maple Leafs to speak to Sundin’s agent about the possibility of the 37-year-old centre signing in Montreal.
The Leafs would have to trade Sundin’s negotiating rights to the Canadiens to facilitate an early signing.
It’s too early to say whether or not the two Canadian teams will make that move, as the Canadiens’ reluctance to give up any assets for the privilege to get to the Leafs’ captain may be based on his willingness to speed up his decision making.
At this point, Sundin remains uncertain as to whether he or not he will play at all, so the Canadiens’ attempt to get a head-start may turn out to be a fruitless exercise.
The Canadiens believed they were close to a deal to acquire Sundin at the trade deadline, but Sundin refused to waive his no-trade to accomodate that deal, or the potential for any other.
June 20, 2008 am31 3:42 pm
Trade Markov your nuts … he is one of the best puck movind D in the game
June 20, 2008 am31 7:48 pm
Alex Tanguay is now a HAB!!!!!!
June 20, 2008 am31 8:40 pm
Boo! We need size, he **** the bed in Calgary and couldn’t handle the pressure here, now imagine in MTL! Our team is built for the regular season, we need toughness or a big powerforward. Nonetheless he’ll do well and MTL just got another frenchmen, enjoy.
June 23, 2008 am31 9:34 pm
Well I was one of the guys who suggested if the right player ws available that we trade him. I have not heard but as far as I am concerned unless he was playing injuried he disappeared in the playoffs. Maybe it was because Komy was still hurt and therefore Markov took more of the beating from Philly and Boston. But Markov did not play up to his regular season abilities.