Dull Sabres

Last season some of the most entertaining Habs games to watch were the ones between the Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres.

Of course the Sabres are a different team than last year’s President Trophy winning group. This Sabres team is one that struggled badly to keep up with the visiting Maple Leafs, only to finally beat them in overtime because Bryan McCabe put the puck in his own net.

A team that was was shut out by the Columbus Blue Jackets on home ice last night. Virtually unthinkable last year.

After dropping their last game in Ottawa, the Habs face the Sabres tonight followed by the Bruins on Monday. Continued losing will begin digging their Divisional hole early, only to be followed up by games against the Hurricanes and Penguins once again.

The Canadiens have not been badly out shot recently, like they usually are. But their even strength scoring is still a major issue that doesn’t seem to have an easy answer or quick fix.

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9 Comments

#1 habs4ever says:
October 20, 2007 at 1:03 pm

I like the Habs efforts, in most games they work just as hard..or even harder than the other team, it’s just they have no finish, watching that Florida game, they had a couple 2 on 1s and ended up without a shot on goal. That is what is ends up in the L column instead of the W column.

Their effort is there in most games we get to watch here on the west coast,
I believe in Bob Gainey and I think he is headed in the right direction, and I also think both golaies will not be happy playing partial back up roles to each other, and Bob might end up trading one off for a valuable scorer, which this teamd badly needs.

#2 habs fan 4 life1212 says:
October 20, 2007 at 6:00 pm

Pierre Mcguire hit the hail on the head yesterday on the team 990 when he said that this was the first time in a long time that there has been hope for this franchise. The youth movement is not just something optimistic habs fans try to brainwash themselves into thinking. It’s actually happening. Carey Price is as blue-chip as a prospect can get. Did you notice how many fights there was for jobs this year? That is testament to how well of a job gainey and timmins have done in such a short period of time. We are only starting to see the fruits of their work at the draft table.Players like Higgins, Plekanec, Komisarek, Kostitsyn, latendresse, grabovski and Price are already playing for the habs and are all a good 2-7 years away from hitting their prime. Then you throw in names like halak, D’agostini, Lapierre, O’byrne and sergei kostitsyn who are all between 22 and 20 years old and could all play for the big club today. I’m not even done yet, then you have players such as Mathieu Carle, David fisher, Pk Subban and Ryan Mcdonagh on defense as well as Max pacioretty, Ben Maxwell and Ryan White on offense. These are al players who could realisticly play in the nhl in a couple of years. In the coming season, the leash is only going to get shorter for the veterans on this team. UNlike the leafs, we wont be stuck in medicrity forever and will be a good team for a very long time. we will be competitive while not stinking completely like the pens and sens while wre waiting.

#3 groundworking says:
October 20, 2007 at 10:21 pm

I completely agree Habsfan. This is the second round of “ground-up re-building” that this team has done since winning the cup in 1993. The main difference between this time and last time is that they got it right this time: no Terry Ryans so far. Plus, the way the new NHL works makes it very difficult to build a solid team through free agency–it’s healthier to get them young, get them loyal and settled, and then just have to match known offers rather than beat unknown ones. Plus, the hockey gods, who went into exile when the team left the Forum, might be making their way back–imagine if we had millions tied into an injured, non-goal scoring Souray this year!

I still have the old-school view about building your team with North Americans, but I hope I’m proven wrong. It’s nothing Don Cherry-like, but it’s just that North American hockey players dream for the chance to win a Stanley Cup, and I think it shows in the playoffs. Koivu, Sundin and Alfredson, as well as many other Europeans, are obvious exceptions to this “rule”.

#4 Smiler2729 says:
October 21, 2007 at 8:18 am

Good effort against the slumping Sabres… I agree with the great promise our young rising players can bring us and if I’m Bob Gainey, I’m not trading one of them no matter how tempting the offer. I think his only trade bait are veterans and/or players who are being pushed or will soon be pushed out by an up-and-comer (Kovalev, Ryder, Smolinski, Kostopoulous, Hamrlik, Brisebois, Bouillon, Dandeneault, Huet, Murray, maybe even Koivu if he waives his no-trade). I doubt Gainey will do anything to harm the team like trading Higgins and picks for someone like Marleau, he’s not JFJ.

#5 jessef says:
October 21, 2007 at 2:00 pm

get rid of koivu are you out of your mind! he is the captain the leader of this team.And if you get rid of Huet who knows what will happen this year because you can’t always trust goalies 1,2 years into the league.

#6 habs4ever says:
October 21, 2007 at 2:28 pm

I like the comment of Groundworking and also Smiler, I truly believe–with a couple of notable exceptions- that the non-north american players just do not have the passion for the stanley cup that NA players have. Remember how kovalev could not play in a game 7 because he had a sore pinky finger ! a NA player in that case would have been on the ice if his whole arm had been chopped off. I do like Koivu, but like Naslund in Vanc, I do not think he is a
dressing room leader, soft spoken, but does try to lead by example–a great
characteristic of a leader, but I also think it requires someone who can call other players out and tell them to get butt in gear. I did not get to see the Habs/Sabres because of course the maple leaf *** kissers at CBC only show leafs games, but highlights look good, Higgins having a real good start.

#7 Habs#1 says:
October 21, 2007 at 5:19 pm

I said I wouldn’t cry if Souray left and I was slammed for it on this site last year. Now he’s a 5.5 million dollar, one goal, on the IR with another seperated shoulder bust in Edmonton(and his play in his own end hasn’t improved let me tell ya) and Hamerlik has been lights out in his own end this year. He’s been a physical presence and has moved the puck very sufficiently out of his own end. Why do you think Breezer hasn’t looked completely terrible this year? Cause he’s playing with Hamerlik. And that pairing is taking pressure off Markov/Komisarek.

When Ryder and Higgins figure out how to finish again the top line along with the suprisingly good Kovalev lead 2nd line the Habs will have an interesting offence.

Although I’m making the pred. that Ryder will be gone at the deadline if the Habs are struggling to make the playoffs again cause Gainey won’t make the same mistake he made with Souray(and I think D’Agostini may be able to take his place by that point) and if Kovy has a pretty good year(25+goals and 65+ points) Gainey will find someone to take him and the remaining year on his contract(Pittsburgh anyone?)

And then with all that cap room the Habs can make some ridiculous offer to Hossa in the summer. lol

#8 SaskHab says:
October 21, 2007 at 10:31 pm

Although the shot totals this season have been much better than last year’s standard 20-shot games, I still think our forwards are passing up a lot of good shooting opportunities. We always seem to want to try that extra move or pass when we’re in prime position to get a quality shot off to start with. It’s hard to harp on a team that’s been getting 30 shots a game, but that’s what I’m seeing night in, night out on RDS.
On another note, Hamrlik has been pure sweetness while Brisebois is a 1974 Pinto in a 2007 world. I can’t believe how much ice time this guy gets when it looks like a midget-aged d-man could do better out there. At the very least he should be demoted to the third pairing. It’s embarrassing.

#9 Stuart-SB77 says:
October 22, 2007 at 3:22 pm

If we keep our effort like we did against Buffalo were going to the playoffs.

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Avatar37 : pressure playing in Montreal, since he has problems with the expectations in Washington and Montreal isn't any easier. Then again, the media were very easy on Kovalev, so maybe it's a Russian thing? No idea. Anyway, yeah, it would have to be an established star that gives us an immediate drastic upgrade at forward, that's the only way I'd trade PK, because we'd be giving up a potential QB on our blueline for the next decade.
Avatar37 : Goalie - Sure, the only player I'd say who is untradeable (meaning I wouldn't trade no matter what) is Carey Price. You build a winning team from the net out, and I don't think there's a better goalie for his age in the NHL than Price, so I wouldn't trade him. Otherwise, every player would be open for offers, but for PK Subban, it would take (for me) an already established star, like Carter or Crosby or Ovechkin. As much as I like Ovechkin, I'm not sure he could handle all the media pre
goalie : I'm not suggesting at all that we judst dump or get rid of PK. I do however believe that he is a very valued commodity in the NHL adn that the Habs will receive offers for his services. If someone ffers us young, strong, puck handling forwards who can score, I think the Habs have to look at that possible trade.
Avatar37 : Agreed. It would be a big mistake to trade PK just to move up 2 spots in the draft. PK, Emelin, and Gorges are the bright future of our defense.
Senet1 : I am with you Avatar, Subban stays, it is not often that you get a stud defenceman who can play 25+ minutes. The mistakes he makes are for the most part not that serious and people forget he is only 23 and been in the league 2 years. He has come a long way in those two years. He has offense, defence and he hits. You cannot bet much better than that. Two more years experience and he has a shot at the Norris. If Markov does anything I hope he teaches PK how to work the PP.
Avatar37 : «link»
Avatar37 : go.
Avatar37 : round exit. Heck, even the year they won the cup we almost took them out in round 1. I believe in the corps of this team, I really think we just need a few tweaks. Adding Larry Robinson to run the defense would be a BIG help, keep Cunneyworth as offensive coach, and get a head coach who can get these guys back on the right path. We need to establish an identity again, a team that won't let itself be pushed around like it was under Martin. A few scrappers on this team and we'll be good to
Avatar37 : Yeah, the only way I'd trade PK is if we were getting an established star in return, like Carter or Crosby. I don't think we're miles away from competing deep into the playoffs, the NHL has become so competitive because of the salary cap that really there aren't huge differences between the teams. Add into the equation the stupid scoring system (some games worth 2 points, some 3) that the standings don't truly reflect where teams should really be. Look at Boston, cup winners to first rou
Senet1 : It would have to be something pretty special before I would trade PK. To me he is the #1 building block of our defence. I would trade any other defenceman we have before I would trade PK.
Senet1 : An improvement in our offense and strengthening our defence. Personally, I do not think we are that far off, five players at best could get us there. One thing that has always been true about the playoffs, Defence wins and you need a strong 3rd and 4th line.
goalie : I'm more optimistic now about the Habs than I have been for the past three dreadfully long seasons!
goalie : 2: I think GM Bergevin will make somewhat of a 'blockbuster't rade either before or on the day of the draft adn I believe PK Subban will be in that package. WE have t rememebr we have to give away some talent to get back other talent. No one wants players like Moen to move up in the draft etc.
goalie : Some thoughts:The more I see the playoffs it becomes even more obvious that we're miles away from being able to 'compete' dep into the playoffs
Avatar37 : «link»
Senet1 : Young Subban might also be an option if the Russian goalie is not available. However, to me I would wait another year and attempt to use my draft 2nd round draft picks to improve out forward situation.
Senet1 : Although Rinne contact is another example of long term at the wrong time. He is 29 years old. A case could be made with Price that double his money now with bonuses if we win the cup, I think that is still allowed in contracts?
Senet1 : Problem is he is going to want Pekka Rinne money and term. That is closer to 7M. On the other hand, the contract could have step up clauses in it over the 7 years.
Avatar37 : With Price, I wouldn't blink twice about offering him a 7 year contract now, especially if he'd be willing to give up dollar value for length. 7 years at $5.5 million a year would be just fine in my book.
Avatar37 : I think the goaltending void in our current system would push me to draft Vasilevski with our second pick, if he was available. He's young and has lots of potential, but is at least 5-6 years away from starting to be ready to play on an NHL roster.
Senet1 : Long tern contracts are a risk, but if you have a super star not as much. Luongo's contract was long term but signed too late in his career.
Avatar37 : Senet - Yes, you were clear in your post, my question was directed at goalie. I'm with you in that I'd be willing to sign him to a 7 year contract. I'd be nervous about anything longer, because every single long term goalie contract I can think of turned out to be a disaster for the team signing it.
Senet1 : I think that Budaj is a better goalie than many give him credit for, is he a Price no but with a tight defence he could be a good goalie. Many teams have average goalies but have great defence and still win. Look at Detroit, for years they have had average goaltending, but won cups. Goalies can get on a roll in the playoffs, look at Huet as an example, he was not really a good goalie but played great in the playoffs, next year he was a wash. Defence makes the goalie a winner, just ask Price.
Senet1 : Having a young equivalent goalie in the system right now is not important, three years from now it will be, so we have three years to make that kind of move in the draft. I think we have more pressing needs aat the moment.
Senet1 : Personally, I do not see this as a negative because of Price's age, you wait to draft a goalie of a Patrick Roy or Brodeur some teams wait a life time. To me we have on so why would we want to not play that out for as long as we can. Bottom line is this, regardless, right now you have a stud goalie, you are either going to pay him the money he deserves for not sign him and lose him. There is no middle of the road here.
goalie : Avatar made a great point. We don't have an NHL or up adn coming NHL goalies in our system. Another great move by Gauthier. Price is sitting very pretty.
goalie : WEll Price has us by the nads. I guess I'd have to go as far as a 7 year contract due to his play adn his age.
Senet1 : Luongo is now 33, he has been a good goaltender for a number of years. I would sign Price for 7 years and at age 31 then we deal with UFA at that time. Hopefully, we could provide him with another 5 years at that time. That is my opinion anyway, I would never risk losing him as a UFA at this point in his career to me that would be a very poor management decision. Even a 10 year contract would put him only at 34 years old. If you are going to sign him to long term now is the time.
Senet1 : If you have a young stud you have to gamble a little and give him a contract that is worthy of his abilities and his potential. It can have escalation clauses or reducing clauses like Kovalchuk's contract.
Senet1 : Avatar, I thought I was clear Yes I would sign him long term. My previous post said. The problem is if you have a out in the contract after 5 years then the player also has an out after 5 years. So no self respected lawyer would accept a contract that did not have equal escape clauses. So no I would not sign only for 5 years, if Price was 28 years old yes but not a 24. Seven years still only makes him 31 when the contract is over. If you have a young stud you have to gamble a little and give him
Avatar37 : Cammalleri trade. Given the fact that we have no NHL starting quality goaltenders in the system currently, aren't we held hostage to having to sign Price?
Avatar37 : There are many bad goalie contracts, just look at Huet. However, your post didn't answer my question as to what you'd do with Price. He's an RFA now, but for argument sake, if he were a UFA, what would you do? If he wanted a 7+ year contract, you know some other team would give him one. Would you risk losing him for nothing because you didn't want to sign a contract over 5 years? And if we lose Price, our goalies are Budaj and Robert Mayer, as we sent Karri Ramo to the Flames in the Cam
goalie : .. a 5 years contract again based upon the experience he has had AND he likes Bobby Lou!
goalie : Ditto for Philly, Ther goaltender 'situations' have both become the number 1 story line for both teams, and in Vancouver one could see the exaspiration on Gillis' adn to some extent Vigneault's faces when continously being bombarded by the loooong term contract that the Canucks are stuct with. (Gillis even said last February or so, thank goodness it looks like more than few other teams will be looking for a starting goaltender for 2012-13. He said he would never again do more than a 5 year c
goalie : I've spent the past four winters in BC thus I am very aware of the Canucks situations. I'd first say I give Gillis adn Vigneault 100% credit for being VERY supportive of Roberto L. even when Corey Schenider has vastly out played him. (I too like Bobby Lou but facts are facts).