It is time for the second line to pick it up!! without this line producing it will be a long 6 weeks for the habs and then for the topline to reunite to get their timing back. Begin will be on the #1 line before the game is over.
Guillaume just needs more time to adjust
go habs go

I hope no one flame Latendresse if he don,t score or get a point in his first game.

If higgins is out for 6 weeks, I am sure we will see him there. Who else can play with Saku and Ryder ? Kovalev or Samsonov, not sure Carbo will do this, but we never know.

We will probably see a mix of Latendresse and Begin on the first line.

Unless there is a trade coming….. Lecavalier….. forget it

So who is out there, that we can pick up?If you think Latendresse will fill the void, think again!We should moce Samsonov to the 1st line, and put Johnson on the 2nd line. either way, we’re in trouble! Too paper thin in talent! you can’t go through the season hoping players aren’t going to get hurt. it’s a part of the game. Unfortunately, Gainey was wishing on a star, or dreaming in technicolor. Why didn’t he make more moves in the offseason to shore up our defence, or bring depth in the scoring department? If we go through a long stretch without winning,(in Higgins absence) then everyone will realize just how valuable Higgins is to our team. He can’t be replaced! The next month could determine if we make the playoffs.

Well, the Higgins injury is a big loss. But in negative things there is always an opportunity for something positive. In this case, to test the character of the team, to bring up and assess another few rookies (give them a few games each — Kostitsyn, Grabovsky, LaPerriere, D’Agostini, Chipchura, etc, plenty to chose from), and when things get back rolling we will have an extra boost when Higgins and Boullion return.

Ive invested a heart-pounding 2 bucks on the game tonight. If the Canadiens manage to win and both San Jose and Colorado win their home games tonight, then im up for a whooping 8,20$.

There are three resons why Higgins injurie benefits to this team. First of all, most of the team depended on him. While he’s gonna be out, many players will wake up such as Johnson, Begin, and all those sleeping players. Secondly, A serious injury such as this one gives the team a goal to achieve. In this case, the team will try to get its players score more often and expect more from them. Last but no least, LATENDRESSE(period)! Latendresse has a life time chance to prove his true identity to both the staff and the fans. After all, we don’t have to worry much about Higgins injury which would 6 weeks.

Nedved would be interesting, but maybe in a package deal. Carbo has been saying that he plans on settling on a true #1 soon, and both Abby and Huet have been impressive. Philly is not strong in the goaltending department. Given the fact that Souray will probably not re-sign after this year, what about Souray and Abby (or Huet) for Nedved and Joni Pitkanen? Philly would get a goaltending upgrade, and Souray’s booming point shot (and his defensive foibles). The Habs would get a true #1 d-man, and some offensive depth. But would the Habs trade a top goalie to another team within their conference? Not sure how the cap numbers work out either.

the problem with a trade involving Souray, is the fact that he wants to go to LA, to be closer to his daughter. he doesn’t want to go to the east coast, and would probably veto the trade. otherwise, yes getting Nedved would be a good idea. In fact, I stated that comment last week on this blog,when Philly sent him to the minors, and he cleared waivers. Now, we would have to give up a player to get him. When he was on waivers, that was the time to grab him.perhaps a trade involving LA or Anaheim, or maybe Phoenix, as the coyotes are really struggling.Either way, we have to make some kind of move. Putting Begin on the 1st or 2nd line would be ridiculous. He’s not a scorer; he’s a defensive specialist. no matter who we put, it just won’t fill the void. Don’t you think, if we had talent in the minors, they would be with the habs now? the talent in the minors is lacking, or just not ready to make the jump to the NHL.Gainey, do something!

in case anyone saw sports on CFCF Tv at 6pm, Latendresse was interviewed. he said:”Koivu and Ryder are real nice to me, and they talk to me.” Is this guy in kindergarten or what? He sounds like a total moron, and looks like one on the ice! there is no way he belongs on this team, or in the NHL! I can’ believe Carbo is putting him on the 1st line! Where is his head? Samsonov should be moved to the 1st line, not Latendresse! Latendresse acts more like a big goon than anything else. Maybe he could land a job as the mascot for the Phoenix Suns(NBA); oh, by the way, their mascot is a GORILLA! I think he could be an enforcer, or goon, like George Laraque, or what Downey is.

1st star: David Aebischer
2nd star: Guillaume Latendresse
3rd star: Saku Koivu

Guillaume, aside from the shootout, was absolutely fantastic tonight. He was great in his own end, fantastic in the offensive end, just great overall. I can’t believe that I just wrote that. But he was great.

Latendress fantastic? You must have been watching the game with rose color glasses on. Sounds like the eternal optimist! Or better still, maybe you NEED GLASSES!

Despite the win, the habs looked lacklustre and always a step behind themselves. One other thing i can see,.. they miss Higgins and his hustle (obvious). Carbo was experimenting with others (Streit and Nini) on the PP and shuffled things up near the end by putting Souray up front… and Bonk on D. I’ll say it again, Bonk rocks this year. He’s become reliable and solid both ways… a complete 180* from last year. Looks like abby thrives here too and is showing that he won’t lie down for the #2 spot either. All in all, I’d really like to see more gelling on the lines.

There’s a reason why the Oilers and Mc”T” think they’re over penalised. It’s because they are struggling with a less talented and slightly slower team this year and,… they’re actually making the infractions. Every year, the refs get sick of one or two teams because they’re chronic complainers. Remember Vancouver? I hope Don-(I’m wearing Vito’s curtains)-Cherry caught both fights tonight and makes mention of the old “pull the jersey over the eyes ’cause i’m too much of a ***** to fight yeah” routine.

What does it mean when a poster’s name is in red? Are they all admins on this site? And where did you read that rumour, stevieboy?

Razz that rumour is different I think it would be a great deal for the Habs
(so where did you get this tid-bit)?

I wouldn’t break out the Calder just yet, but at least, Latendresse showed something last night. I am not sure that he was really the number one star; I would think that Aebischer (who stopped four straight shots in the shootout) was. Latendresse was wise to poke in Koivu’s shot before it got all the way into the net by itself. He is now tied with Mike Komisarek and one behind Rivet in goals scored. Oh well, if everyone wants to wear rose coloured glasses about this guy, what the heck…

I think the habs do need an impact player, someone the likes of Shane Doan. he really reminds me of Higgins. Someone who gives 100% on every play. Do you notice that when Kovalev is tired he just cuts the play short, and shoots the puck in? Higgins, on the other hand, tired or not, follows the puck into the opposing end. Now that’s what it’s all about. a player with heart and soul. Too many european players are lazy, and can’t be bothered. look at Yashin with the islanders,or Zednik; nothing like a good old Canadian player!

I think the team motto should be “Get Higgy with it”