Habs and Sabres: 4 games left

The Habs play the Sabres tonight at the Bell Center in another crucial game.
8 possible points left up for grabs for the Canadiens.
Finshing anywhere from 6th-11th is possible, every point more important than the last.

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73 Comments

#1 Habs#1 says:
April 1, 2007 at 10:53 pm

ha ha ha ha. The leafs can jump ahead of the Habs and all they can muster up is a pathetic 7-2 loss to NYR. Terrible. Just goes to show that the Habs and even the Canes want it more then T.O. does. And you want to know why Mats Sundin always dissapears at crunch time? Because he doesn’t care about winning. Why else would he want to stick around in Toronto?

Two goals. and assist and beating up Darcy Tucker. I’m actually starting to like Sean Avery. That was the best move Glenn Sather has made at the deadline since his Oilers days. Did you know he had the choice between Balej, Hainsey, Hossa and Pleks in the Kovalev deal in 2004? And he took Balej.

#2 R habs 4 real says:
April 1, 2007 at 11:07 pm

Yeah, I kind of wished we had picked up Avery. But I think Lapierre could end up being that type of player, except he’s a bit smaller than Avery.
anyone out there worried about our game vs NYR? Rangers looked real good, and skating hard. What are our chances against them? You know we have to come out of that game with at least 1 point, otherwise leafs could end our season on Thursday. All these stressful games are causing my vertigo to come back. Yeah, I’m feeling dizzy again. Can’t we have an easy game. I’m tired of these nail biters. At least we know, 1 way or another, it will be over by Saturday.

#3 Tricolour says:
April 1, 2007 at 11:45 pm

I’m more worried about the last game vs the Laff’s, cause if it goes down to the wire,all those Laff comments about that **** team and there zombie fans mite come back to nip us,lol

#4 Joseph says:
April 1, 2007 at 11:54 pm

Sundin forgot how to score goals.

#5 Tricolour says:
April 2, 2007 at 1:13 am

R habs,Sean Avery is only 5′ 9″,he plays big though,but is toast if he brings it to the game Thursday ,the Habs aren’t intimidated by him ,they know to keep him in check .He is quite the spark plug ,I’ll give him that !

#6 Joseph says:
April 2, 2007 at 2:16 am

McCabe was a -5 against the Rangers. Holy hell.

#7 nigelski says:
April 2, 2007 at 6:23 am

Hey Habs#1…(post 51) he’s not the only Ranger who took ballet. Nylander, Straka, Prucha, Hossa—they all can dance out there, but are about as physical as figure skaters…

2 wins coupled with one loss in the next 2 for the leafs, and that last game’ll mean nothing: to the leafs at least. Boston game is very winnable, and we can beat the NYR as well. In recent seasons, we’ve owned them. Let’s hope that trend continues…

#8 Joshtm says:
April 2, 2007 at 10:22 am

I loved the way the national media took TO’s win, like as if they had a chance, and then the way they all but did not report that Montreal had the last spot.

Of course what happened to the Laffs could also happen to the habs. If Koivu and the vets decide to play lazy we could easily end up being overtaken either by the laff or the rangers, however mathematically and in morale, it seems impossible for not even little Koivu and maybe even Johnson not to be swept up by the emotion and play like their salary depends on it.

#9 Joshtm says:
April 2, 2007 at 10:26 am

The icing on the cake was the tone of voice and disbelief at TSN when the laffs lost by so much yesterday!

#10 CANADIENS-DAWG says:
April 2, 2007 at 10:27 am

Why did Koivu & Ryder’s line only play 13 shifts for 11:06 of ice time against Buffalo. They scored two goals between them. “There was no particular message I was sending with this decision,” head coach Guy Carbonneau said. “The Sabres decided to play with three lines and I was able to get the matchups I wanted.”

What in the hell was that. What is Carbo up to now. Why bench his one of his top lines. Does he really know what he is doing? I don’t know……

As far as I am concerned that was a very stupid move. There are players on that team that should be benched. Those two were not two of them.

#11 Joshtm says:
April 2, 2007 at 10:42 am

I agree, but I think it was to punish them for the lacklustre play of the other night more like. I think the message was loud and clear. Especially to the agents of Koivu and Ryder, if you want to keep getting the big bucks score.

#12 Joshtm says:
April 2, 2007 at 10:58 am

After all it is largely Koivu and Ryder on top of Huet and Dandenault’s lacklustre play that got us where we are, oh yes we can’t forget Rivet’s flu and Kovalev’s elbow, and the whole other retinue of excuses for the habs lacklustre play, LaPresse, the taxman, overdemanding fans and of course, because Celine Dion was not there to sing the national anthem, did I forget any more excuses? Oh yes, the anglo bigots who complain about every other little thing, like Bettman’s conspiracy to destroy the habs…etc…

#13 CANADIENS-DAWG says:
April 2, 2007 at 11:13 am

If it is because of their not so good play. Why were they not benched before, They have been on a roll as of late.

#14 Joshtm says:
April 2, 2007 at 11:25 am

Leave it to Guy Carboneau to be like the old French Army of old, blame after the game, arbitary though it may be. He did the same to the rookies early in the year and got us into a slump. It is sad when the coach is totally out of touch of reality. It is true what one blogger early this year had to say. Gainey and Carboneau see a totally different game than we do, they are out to lunch, never have returned from that Helicopter Charter over Montreal…when will they get down to earth and realize, hey you need the rookies?

#15 Joshtm says:
April 2, 2007 at 11:47 am

Earth calling Bob Gainey, Earth calling Bob Gainey, over……bench Dandenault…bench Dandenault and Ninnima….over…

#16 Joshtm says:
April 2, 2007 at 11:52 am

Anyone know of any psychic who can reach into that other netherworld where Gainey and Carboneau live in, so we can beam them real actual play by plays from previous games showing Bouillon or Dandenault working against the habs? You know where they give away the puck and help screen the habs goalie?

#17 R habs 4 real says:
April 2, 2007 at 12:23 pm

I don’t understand why Dandenault plays when Georges is available. Isn’t that the reason we obtained Georges? And please get Bouillon out of the lineup. Dandenault and Bouillon are absolutely horrible! And their minus rating proves it. The reason why Koivu’s ice time was limited, was because he has a very bad minus rating, and on Friday vs Ottawa, he was on the ice for 4 Ottawa goals! He is lousy defensively this year! He really should be on the 4th line. Was anyone aware that Koivu has never scored more than 21 goals in a season? That’s pathetic! And he’s on our 1st line? During the offseason we need to address that problem, and get a bonafide 1st line, with real snipers, because our 1st line is a joke. Koivu-20 goals, Higgins-20 goals, Ryder-27 goals.
Only 1 good goal scorer on the line, just won’t cut it!
And please revamp the D!

#18 smiler2729 says:
April 2, 2007 at 12:59 pm

Breaking news! Canadiens fire coach guy Carbonneau!!!
Just kidding josh, the Devils fired Claude Julien cuz they’re stupid.

#19 Joshtm says:
April 2, 2007 at 1:22 pm

Carboneau just loves the heck outta Dandenault and Bouillon, honestly! I don’t know why. But never mind Koivu being bad defensively, if Dandenault or Bouillon could get assists in all of the Canadian’s losses, they would beat Koivu’s assist record! Honestly. By assists I mean where Dandenault or Bouillon basically stop the play, pass the puck to the other team and they score! How many times do we see that? Or how Dandenault or Bouillon screen our goalie! And Carbo loves them?

#20 Joshtm says:
April 2, 2007 at 1:32 pm

Never mind them for now, what we could use is better D-men like Chippy and Grabby and even D’Agostini, these rookies are great with Milroy and Lapierre and Lats. The whole gang of them had the media wondering if Carbo was a great coach, then Carbo had to go and ship them down. For all you hall monitors out there, the principal has called you into detention cause you are all too busy brown nosing Gainey and making excuses as to why we can’t use our rookies! Look to the other teams who have exclusively used rookies!

#21 R habs 4 real says:
April 2, 2007 at 3:38 pm

I think Carbo loves Dandenault and Bouillon because they’re french canadien. If they were european, they’re gone! Yeah, I believe the Kovalev story to the russian paper, saying carbo loves his own frenchies, and hates Euros.

#22 Mark loves the Habs says:
April 2, 2007 at 4:48 pm

Guys-food for thought. If the Rangers beat the Isles tomorrow night than the Rangers are in. Which would make it easier for the Habs to beat the Rangers Thursday night.

#23 R habs 4 real says:
April 2, 2007 at 5:33 pm

It would make it easier for the habs, provided they decide to play their backup goalie, Valiquette, not play as hard. Here’s another scenario: NYR wins tomorrow, lose to habs, and lose to Pitt, combined with a habs win vs Boston and the leafs, leaves NYR 1 point behind the habs. I doubt NYR will win their final game in Pitt, but we MUST WIN IN BOTH NY AND TORONTO. Tough task for us. We need NYI to beat the leafs on Thursday, tho chances of that happening, are slim due to NYI bad goaltending, and pretty much being out of the playoff chase.

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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).