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Taking notice of the Habs

  • The Canadiens are on the front page of TSN and there is a feature article on Cristobal Huet and the Habs success this season.

    The hockey world is all over the Canadiens right now.

    So the secret is out. The Canadiens are a good team.

    How good?

    No one expected much out of them at the beginning of the year and now they are catching the eyes of everyone with their strong start.

    Can they keep it up after moving from under the radar to an Eastern Conference threat?

    Is Cristobal Huet ready for the pressure of being the league’s best goaltender?

    The Habs return to Carolina for their second game this month, the first a blowout 4-0 win.

    Carolina are playing more like Candycanes than Hurricanes and seem to be suffering from the typical Stanley Cup hangover. But every team is a threat as Philadelphia recently proved.

    Carolina still possess great speed and it should be a fast paced game which the Canadiens excel at.

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27 Comments
  1. #1 Ziyad says:
    November 30, 2006 at 5:10 pm

    Although I would like to admit they are a contender, they are not there yet. Still one or two years away! However, they are a dangerous team and will be tough to beat if they make the playoffs. They are still 1 or 2 players away. What do you guys think?

    Z-man

  2. #2 PACTUM SERVA says:
    November 30, 2006 at 5:54 pm

    yes 1 or 2 players away and this team will be deadly i agree

  3. #3 J-Nic says:
    November 30, 2006 at 6:07 pm

    1 or 2 guys away if we don’t lose any guy in the off-season.

    I know playoff is far far away. (I won’t even be able to watch any games, leaving 8 for intership in Neatherland) But if they get a long run in playoff, the guys might want to stay in Montreal. They know that the chemistry is good, everything is good and there might be a bigger chance to win the Stanley Cup. At the same time, some free agency (Good one that play and score not like Samsonov right now) might want to come to montreal.

    Hope everything goes well :)

    BTW : Anyone know a place in Delft or Amsterdam where it would be possible to watch a Hockey Game ? :D !?

  4. #4 ROFL1967 says:
    November 30, 2006 at 6:11 pm

    Probably via NASN (American Sport Cable Company – http://www.nasn.com/content/nasn/portal.nsf/systemcontent/howtogeteu – check here)

    Thats the only way i can think seeing as how it does wonders for me in the little old UK.

  5. #5 Jack says:
    November 30, 2006 at 6:29 pm

    Yeah, J-Nic, it might be tough in Holland. I got NASN in the UK (during the strike it was a total waste of money LOL) — you might be able to find it. Otherwise, call the Embassy.

    As for the ingredients for a Cup, I agree they’re 1-2 players away, and also that they might lose other key ingredients before next year. So… get the 1-2 players now, but preserve the chemistry and the key members of the team.

    In that vein, I heard about a report coming out of Boston that a deal involving Samsonov and Chicago was in the works. Though we all know the futility of rumours, especially in Montreal, there’s no question Sammy’s having a tough time and his early comments regarding the demotion that never really happened surely ruffled feathers.

    Whatever happens, the team is going far this year as long as the second period lapses don’t become a trend and a few players (who know who they are) find their scoring touches (we know they got it). I can’t wait for Higgins to be back!!

  6. #6 ESPN says:
    November 30, 2006 at 6:52 pm

    I have watched most of the games thusfar, and I believe all of the November games. I have also, because of my job, had a chance to see most of the other teams, though not as closely. The Canadiens ARE one of the Top5 teams in the league for sure. They are moving together nicely, with and without the puck,have a strong presence (finally) and have a determination (team game)that has been lacking from years prior. This team started to take shape late last year, and with Guy behind the bench, and a lack of injuries (knock on wood) I do think they have a chance to win it all.

  7. #7 Habs#1 says:
    November 30, 2006 at 7:02 pm

    I was listening to the team 990 today during the Pierre McGuire segment and he STILL isn’t sold on Huet, He wants to see Huet go through 60 games with the same numbers. This guy has the top save%, GAA, he held Buffalo to one goal and he dosen’t boast about himself and he takes the blame and dosen’t blame his team mates if he has a bad game(Aebischer!).

    The Habs need to take advantage of these games. The Canes’ are realing having lost 3 of 4. Like every game if they come out fast and get 1-2 quick goals the Hurricanes might fold like a cheap suit.

    And the Habs are only a 2nd line centre away from being a perennial cup contendre.

  8. #8 HabsInBlood says:
    November 30, 2006 at 7:39 pm

    I believe most would agree that the Habs are a better team than they were last year. I think many would also agree that we would have eliminated Carolina had Justin “ice pick” Williams not taken out our captain with an “accidental” high stick. I would say we are definitely a contender, barring injuries.

  9. #9 Michael Morgan says:
    November 30, 2006 at 8:08 pm

    Can you believe it. There isn’t anythong to complain about or analyze or criticize..just enjoy!!

    MM

  10. #10 joshtm says:
    November 30, 2006 at 8:25 pm

    Part of the Habs success has been when the rookies have come up to replace the injured players, like Kosty, or the rookie that stuck around Gui…..hmmm…I wonder how well the team will be when Price is finally up? Or some of the prospects if Gainey doesn’t trade them away like some well know prospects that went on to be superstars.

    I have to agree the Habs are worth watching this year for sure.

  11. #11 Mike says:
    November 30, 2006 at 8:46 pm

    First period in the bank. Habs are looking good. Huet in particular has been sharp. No chance for him on the Cole goal, very nice move on the rebound to score.
    The Ryder goal was sweet, perfect pass from Latendresse.
    Go habs!

  12. #12 Habs#1 says:
    November 30, 2006 at 9:20 pm

    COLE! That guy has been a Habs killer for years! Eer since they lost to Carolina five years ago in the playoffs. What does he have against the Habs? Did he grow up a Leafs or Bruins fan or something?

  13. #13 Xhabsfan says:
    November 30, 2006 at 9:26 pm

    Cole is a HAB BUSTER. I’ve aways felt he should play for montreal,its as if he elevates his game to impress hab managment.

  14. #14 Mike says:
    November 30, 2006 at 9:36 pm

    Cole is an animal out there tonight. Shooting, hitting, scoring…he’s doing it all.
    MTL is lucky Huet is on his game. They are getting vastly outshot by the Canes.

  15. #15 fanatic1 says:
    November 30, 2006 at 10:28 pm

    When you snooze, you lose! and guess what? we lost! AGAIN WE DIDN’T SHOW UP FOR THE THIRD PERIOD!!!!!!!!! WHY CAN”T WE PLAY 60 MINUTES OF HOCKEY???????Those penalties, AGAIN! Huet wasn’t sharp on the 4th goal! So, until we decide to play 60 MINUTES, we’re on thin ice. Oh, by the way, Ottawa scored 6 times against Florida; This is the Florida we couldn’t score a goal against!

  16. #16 ROFL1967 says:
    November 30, 2006 at 10:38 pm

    And here comes the fanatic.

    Yes we lost. At least we score. Yes, the third was bad, but apart from that – where are the faults? Not everyteam can play 60 mins. everygame as players are not made of stamina and endurance. Just be glad that we did not get shut out.

    What annoyed me the most about the game was the attendance. It disgusts me that the Stanley Cup champions have such a pitiful attendance. Shameful.

  17. #17 fanatic1 says:
    November 30, 2006 at 10:47 pm

    I could care less about the attendance. Those SOURAY penalties!does that guy have a brain or what? he hurts the team more than he helps us. I would rather have good defence from him, and no offence, than lousy defence and penalties that cost his team. I say trade him before his stock goes down.(taking penalties and giving away the puck won’t help his cause!

  18. #18 stevejur says:
    November 30, 2006 at 11:16 pm

    WTF! Why is it that we allow over 35 shots a game?
    We are out shot every single game.
    Samsonov sucks! He has done nothing for this team, nothing.
    Time to start fixing the little things Bobby to put this team over the top.

    This team really needs a pure sniper, a real goalscorer
    (please don’t say Ryder, you have to be able to hit the net to score)

  19. #19 Habs4life says:
    November 30, 2006 at 11:37 pm

    Well I didn’t watch the whole game, just the 3rd peroid lol good timing..anywaysit seems to me that souray his either a habs hero, or a habs zero. Hes either scoring important powerplay goals, or scoring with 1 sec left in OT, or hes taking brainless penalties or bad turnovers, iam not to sure about souray right now. Even though huet had one of his worest performance of the year you really cant play this guy, 48 shot against is not acceptable. Also i think were turing into the flames from last year a bit. We dont score as many goals as other teams in the league, but we have a great goalie who doesn’t allow a lot. Plus samsonov got a point so i dont think this the game to blame him either.

    P.S. that save by koviu in the 3rd was nuts, you can tell why he wears the “C”

  20. #20 Habs#1 says:
    November 30, 2006 at 11:42 pm

    stevejur’s got the Ryder thing right.

    Haven’t Cole and Williams done enough to the Habs already? Did Cole really have to dominate the Habs tonight? Did Williams have to scroe the winning goal?I mean, shouldn’t he have made it up to Saku by giving him the puck to go in on a breakaway and score in the third? Oh if only we lived in a perfect world.

    But you just don’t give up 48 shots and expect to win. Huet was really good again till the Belanger goal, but I’m guessing that may have been fatigue from all the shots he faced. The Habs will need to put up a way better defensive effort to beat the Leafs which seams almost impossible for them to do for some reason. But the game wasn’t all bad, they can take positives out of the first 2 periods. But once again taking way to many penalties cost’s them a game.If there’s one critizisim I have of Souray it’s that his temper can get the best of him at times or he just takes some bad penalties. He’s gooten way better at it compared to last season though which is good.

    But fanatic, why are you bringing up a game that already happened. And why are you comparing them to Ottawa? They beat Florida which is what counts. Would you prefer it if the Habs had gone on an all out offensive blitz, scored 4 goals but given up 6? The Habs don’t have the same offensive horses the Sens do. That’s why they play more of a defensive game.

    And the Samsonov singing is looking worse and worse with each passing game. If Gainey can unload this guy on someone AND get something back for him at the deadline then he’ll have corrected his major mistake.(Hey if we somehow are in a perfect world, and since Rutherford was dumb enough to trade Jack Johnson, maybe he’ll trade Cole for Samsonov. Ah what a dream that would be.)

    And to show just how dominent Cole was he registered 11 SHOTS ON GOAL! WHO DOES THAT?

    Just please don’t lose to the Leafs again, I’m not I’d survive it.

  21. #21 fanatic1 says:
    December 1, 2006 at 12:29 am

    hey guys,all I want for Xmas, IS TO BEAT THE LEAFS,PLEASE!!!They’re playing crappy, so maybe, for once, we’re going to beat them. We need to shut up their commentators, and moronic fans. A shutout would be nice. You know, I think I would rather have Zednik than Samsonov. Agree?

  22. #22 stevejur says:
    December 1, 2006 at 1:33 am

    Sorry fanatic1 their both ****, I’ll take the zamboni

  23. #23 Mike says:
    December 1, 2006 at 2:35 am

    I’d rather have a player who cares than either Sammy or Zednik.

  24. #24 HabsInBlood says:
    December 1, 2006 at 12:49 pm

    fanatic1: I don’t mean to personally attack you, but can you use effective english instead of capitalized letters when you are trying to make a point. It is an eyesore.

  25. #25 Snake says:
    December 1, 2006 at 3:07 pm

    I really think Justin Willaims is a *****.

  26. #26 Snake says:
    December 1, 2006 at 3:09 pm

    OH and Habs 1 I went to a game in 2002 and Zednik registered 14 shotsin that game and had 2 goals. SO it does happen. Especially when you have teams like Carolina who just throw the puck at the net from every which angle and distance. 48 shots but only about 20 decent shots.

  27. #27 stevejur says:
    December 2, 2006 at 3:19 am

    No matter at what angel shots = goals.

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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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