Slump
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We all knew the Canadiens would eventually hit a slump, and they have.
The Habs have dropped 4 out of 5 and looked pretty awful at times over that stretch.
Will it get worse before it gets better?
Flashback to last year, the Canadiens had a strong start followed by a late December collapse. Lost all confidence and played mediocre hockey until the very last game. A loss that left them out of the playoffs.
All things considered, the Coach and staff and players should all be more experienced this year. Now is the time to step it up and do something to not repeat the past.
Are the Canadiens as a whole ever going to improve? Or fall back to their normal rummaging for points at the end of the season ways?
Confidence is low, the #1 goalie is injured and it won’t get easier as the Canadiens face the league leading Red Wings tonight.
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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).
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December 4, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Who said Huet is our #1 goalie? he’s not. PRICE IS!
December 4, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Omg. This game is telling. I heard Gaigney before the game re: not wanting to make any trades, but the real problem isn’t just effort, it’s skill. Mark Streit is on the first line. Nothing against the guy, but he is not a first line player. Then again, neither is Ryder, even at his best. Frustrating. It’s been decades since Montreal has had a good team–enough with the incest!
December 4, 2007 at 10:21 pm
well guys It looks like were loosing this one. hey the leafs will be only 2 pts behind eh. It’s too bad we don’t have a good team anymore like the 80′s and early 90′s. Either than Price coming up what good has gainey done?
December 4, 2007 at 10:55 pm
To be honest, I stopped watching this game at the end of the 2nd period. What’s the point? they had no energy, just going thru the motions. It really loked like the wings were toying with the habs. I feel sorry for Price. He has no D in front of him. Too bad what this franchise has become. I think we should try and get some high draft picks and rebuild like Chicago did. That’s the only solution. Also, trade Koivu go a contender. he deserves that much.
the rest-Bouillon, Brisebois,Smolinski, Ryder,Begin, WAIVE!
December 4, 2007 at 10:59 pm
I agree with you but mtl has the young guys coming up. Trade Ryder Now!!!! I know that since he’s not doing great It might be hard but, we have to do something.Trade Huet and Ryder for Tanguay!!! I’ll do anything, just to see the habs winnig again!!!
December 4, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Yike’s ,we got killed tonite,only positives …Dandy’s flying tackle…I loves it! We need a trade badly BOB…S.O.S..S.O.S..S.O.S..S.O.S…L.O.L.And bring UP some SIZE,LETS ATLEAST WIN A FIGHT,DAM!
December 4, 2007 at 11:08 pm
It’s last December all over again. Please Mr Gainey do something now. I cant handle another year like last season with no moves to improve the team when it needed help dont let another season pass by!
December 4, 2007 at 11:11 pm
by far the worse game seen them play this year. it looked like a peewee team playing Detroit..at least Dandy was showing some heart near the end. other then that it was a waste of a good sheet of ice..”A TRADE IS WHAT WE NEED”
December 4, 2007 at 11:38 pm
All you Huet/Bashers aka ignorant fans who think Price is our answer are in for a big wake up call….You guys are right…Huet is NOT our #1 goalies.He was supposed to be..he was called our #1, he has #1 stats maybe even allstar stats but #1 goalies don’t split starts with their back-ups….how was huet supposed to gain his confidence? How is he supposed to get in a groove? He can’t//Look at Lunogo….he lets 5-6 goals all the time the first 2 months but the coaches are smart enough to recognize it’s not his fault and he gets great every year….we did the same thing last year to Huet….
I love Price.he is ourfuture but he’sgonna find out how truly badly this team sucks from the Gm/coach on down….
Are we gonna make some trades…waive some people? pick up someone? how about recchi? he’s available and don’t tell me we don’t have room…he couldn’t be worse than our other moves cause we don’t have any
this is the same as last year….wasting our time fighting for a playoff spot we don’t deserve…..Poor Huet only guy I feel sorry for..and now Price too
December 4, 2007 at 11:41 pm
If this team continues to lose, I’m going to stop watching their games. It hurts too much to lose, and I’m just so tired of losing, without changes!
December 5, 2007 at 12:18 am
If the Habs are in the division cellar by the deadline(early febuary I believe or is it late febuary? Anybody know?)The I think Carbo will have been fired already and Koivu will have demanded a trade out of town. Kovalev will be a commodity to be dealt along with Ryder(who got booed whenever the puck touched his stick in the third), Huet and some team may even take a flyer on Smolinski. There has to be a major problem in the dressing room of some kind cause this is three years(yes three. First year out of the lockout they collapsed to but they barely made the playoffs thanks to Huet and Gainey taking over as coach) in a row they’ve collapsed. I love Saku as much as the next guy, but it’s plainly obvious his days as a #1 centre and the leader of the canadiens are over. That marriage needs to end for both sides.
With the cap room generated by this(13.5 million extra) and hopefully some first round draft picks in return(this years first round is being compared to that of 2003 where most of the young up and coming superstars (ie. Perry, Getzlaf, Phaneuf, Staal, Horton, Vanek, Michalek, Bernier, Suter, Carter, Richards, Dustin Brown, Seabrook, Parise, were all drafted). People will probably say this is premature cause it’s only December 4th, but unlike past years I see no light at the end of the tunnel here. It’s time to cut of the head of this rotting corps that is the roster.
December 5, 2007 at 12:27 am
I see my comments have been deleted………….
December 5, 2007 at 1:24 am
i think the anger of montrealers are being under estimated ,and our love for the game over estimated , all i can say to the team manger , remember the expos
long losing streak , better and new sports attract the fans
and before you know it
the canadiens will be bankrupt and sold ( can you imagine Quebec without a team )
may be i am going nuts ,or i am just a student of history
all we have left to be proud of in this damn city is the soccer impact
December 5, 2007 at 1:37 am
Price did **** every goal he let in was weak!!!!!!!!!
December 5, 2007 at 11:36 am
O’Byrne and Lapierre have been recalled. Grabovski has been sent to Hamilton.
what took so long?
December 6, 2007 at 1:29 am
Hey,coach Carbo ,got yourballs back eh!Good onyou man!KEEP IT UP,LET THEM KNOW WHO IS BOSS AND MORE CHANGES WILL BE MADE IF THIS HORSESHIT CONTINUES!!! yOU ARE BACK IN MY GOOD BOOKS GUY!!!
December 6, 2007 at 10:12 am
I would like to point out a post last year I made CONSERNING Burtuzzi,when I, WHO SAW THEGAME and kNEW THE vANCOVER COACH HAD DIRECTeD HIM TO AN ATTACT ON MOORE,and for all those people that tryed to lamblast me,BLOW ME!!!!!!!lol.I know my Hockey real good!!!!Yo , and I still say we need Bertuzzi,fool!!!!lol……
December 6, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Well Carbo has done it again. Now he’s putting Smolinski on the 1st line with Koivu and Higgins. Unbelievable! And get this: Brisebois and Bouillon will be paired. Either Carbo has mush for brains, or he just wants to see lots of goals scored on Briseby and Bouillon, and how slowinski can be half a step behind Koivu and Higgins. Panic and stupidity have overcome Carbo.
December 6, 2007 at 12:59 pm
I think Ryder should be scratched tonight. Latendresse has been scratched. I think Carbo is just way to eager to see Ryder return to his play. I bought a ersey last year and I had a decision to make(Higgins or Ryder.) my dad said Ryder is really consistent and Higgins isn’t very.I ended up choosing Higgy over Ryder-thank god!!!lol
December 6, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Guy Lafleur was right.
December 8, 2007 at 5:30 pm
No one on this team is really playing good offensive hockey. Maybe Kovy. So why is Ryder the only one being disciplined?? Whats Koivu doing?? He’s the captain, he’s the leader, and once again, as like every year he’s been there, severley low output. I’ve seen every game this year, and the last 10 or 12 games for sure, the guy is invisible. So wheres the great leadership qualities?? Bottom line is, the team is offensively null…theres not enough skill there to be anything else…and it seems Carbo is trying to mold a team full of himself. Any team only want 2 or 3 defensive forwards…not 2 or 3 lines…who’s gonna score Guy?? Rolling 4 lines is hurting also. Every time you look, Begin, Chipchura, Kostopolous, guys like this are on there. Should be 3 or 4 shifts a period and almost exclusively on the PK, just like the sucessful teams in the league (with the exception of the top 2 teams whose 3rd and 4th lines can actually score somewhat regularly. If theres not enough skill there Bob…trade man !!!!! Ryder is obvoiusly not welcomed with open arms. Easy to tell by the singling out of him for punishment this year, and the pitiful contract the teams top goal producer recieved. Hows about at least trying for Marleau? Might sound crazy but word is he’s not getting along very well with the powers that be in San Jose. Hows about these 2 in a trade…straight up. Someone who can score when coached right like Ryder would probably be welcomed in San Jose with there recent struggles. Throw him out with Thornton, let him become a good player again. And Marleau can do it…he’s proved this…except this year…maybe a change of pace would work out for him also. Put him with Koivu, see if this can bump up the output for both of them. Gotta try something Bob, we all know where a team that can’t score ends up at years end. Remember last year? I sure do. Let offensive players be offensive Guy…would a team full of “you” won either Cup in 86 or 93 ??? Limit the 3rd and 4th lines ice time, and try sniffing out a good trade. Come on guys, lets get this team back on top where they belong. Enough of the frustrations. GO HABS GO !!!!