Not sure Kovalev a cancer… but I think Halak was a confidence booster. We have a rejuvinated 1st line (which Kovalev did not play on) Our second line had not done squat until tonight without him. I do not think we need to point fingers at what was bad, when we have so many good things happening now. I think the whole team was energied by young hunger to win. Lapi started off that way and has come back from the stratusphere since, He’s played well do not get me wrong, but guys that stepped up tonight. We need to find a way to keep them up.

Long winded but….

Gazette Reports – Pitt showing interested in Rivet… Could we send him to a possible Eastern team with a possible playoff match-up? Do we take what we can get and free up some room for some youngsters?

Rivet and Higgins are projected to be back in the line-up Saturday and Kovalev, I am sure will want to get back into action soon. Carbo will once again be tested, but this time because players are doing well, instead of missing assignments.

The fact is I doubt he’ll sit Kovalev, nor would I want him too (unless he defies Carbo’s authority)! His talent and tempo control are an valuable asset in a grueling night after night playoff atmosphere. Many believe Nashvilles acquisition of Forsberg was to add this particular tempo setting dynamic to a talented but one dimensional team. Forsberg may still get feet wet but they’ll be better with him. I think now that Montreal players are getting in front of the Net the team’s production will benefit especially a Kovalev type player. He is also the teams’ best shoot-out player, which undoubtedly helps any team ask Forsberg… Anyway that is one rooster player to be removed.

Rivet return? No Question, a player that loves Montreal and the Fans. Not playing as well as players such as Streit which I believe better compliments Souray as his wing man, possess a better sense to when to jump into an offensive rush, faster, and has a more lethal shooting capability. But can we deal him or fit him into the system remains to be seen?

Higgins is probably a no brainer to most and will be back in the line-up!

Who goes? Who stays? Who Knows?

What would you do?

Milroy – he’ll probably be the 1st casualty and will go back to Hamilton with Higgins return. He’s got good nose for the net but has not shown the confidence needed to play at top level. I think he be on this team because Carbo openly said he likes him, but still a little timid to secure a roster spot.

Kosti will probably get another opportunity to prove his existence with Kovalev out and our need for another forward. His size and energy was a breath of fresh air we needed after giving up an early lead. Hopefully he can establish a scoring sense, to gain a much needed respect currently lacking on the second line.

Halak will remain in net until he plays bad. Hopefully til summer!

Murray with his work ethic has re-emerged from the press box, but probably does not have the talent to remain on full-time.

Laps probably remain on 4th line and develop into a Bonk type player, with an agitation role to add. He also needs to plant himself in front of the Net. A habit I have been noticing is that he likes his outside corner shot emerging into the offensive zone. His shot is not a high percentage shot and usually he’s leading the rush, so no possibilities for rebounds. Needs to learn to stop the rush, establish the zone, and wait for his wing men to join him, and then go to the Net!

Laten, has struggled as of late and may be feeling the pressure of his young Hamilton friends looking find a piece of the Hab pie. He does not use his size to his advantage and has begun playing like a small stick handling floater, and frustration has led him to damaging penalties. He is highly talented and is a future star. Needs work through this rut and keep in Carbos good graces! Best way is to show some grit and get to the net. Leave the stick handling to guys like Koivu, Kovalev, Higgins, hate to say it Sammy, Perez…

Good luck Carbo!
Go Habs Go

Rivet Rumor http://www.habsinsideout.com/