The Canadiens had to win.
They didn’t.
It’s almost over, compadres.
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I love Youppi..he sure beats that A hole Sparticat
yeah baby!
I swear that goal horn has changed the Habs’ fortune!
You rarely see that . Getting your own rebound on breakaway. Max p with 18 now . Very nice
Wolverine! Atta boy Max Pac
E is for Effort!
***Subbang Baby!!!***
Payback for the cheap shot hit.
MAXXX PACIORETTTYYYY
hahahaha take that…
Nice second effort
PATCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Don’t let the wultures getcha.
Good forecheck gets the icing. Love having a forecheck!
@MacDougall…
Québec City first and then Seattle should have teams.
Why Seattle? First they have deep hockey roots, as the Seattle Metropolitans were the first US-based team to win the Stanley Cup… of course that was nearly 100 years ago, but hockey fanhood is still alive.
Second, they are good supporters of pro-sports, and the departure of the Sonics has left a winter gap in sports entertainment.
Third, they have a population with a reasonable amount of expendable income.
Finally, a built in rivalry with the Canucks could start, and yes I know the cities are two hours apart (and if a Portland team sprouted up later, even better).
QC, Seattle/Portland, and Toronto are all viable options.
I’ve always thought Milwaukee is could do well as well.
Fuck QC. Peladeau is a Pig! Never! Never!
Mr. Bad Example!
The organ! Just like the old days!
Now if they can only get rid of the dumb ass Horn + Youppi then they can go back to be the mighty Habs
I just had this visual of Youppi in the UI line…..
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Don’t let the wultures getcha.
If the Habs win 8 of the next 10 they might make the play-offs. 7 of 10 and maybe. 6 of 10 they’re toying with us. 5 of 10 and they might as well pack it in early. Anything worse and it’s Yakupov time.
So as the camera pans across the Habs bench, I see Hal Gill (seemingly, anyway) signing along with the anthem en Francais. Does anyone know if he actually speaks French, or has he just heard it so many times now he has it memorized.
yeah I noticed that too….I guess he wants to be a coach… :O)
Come on boys!!! I still believe!!!!
Guuh, lousy VH song :/
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Don’t let the wultures getcha.
Can you believe Kool and the gang are opening up for them ??????
Jeez Roth lay off the weed…..
I know! I was thinking really? Kool and the gang? Camahhn!
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Don’t let the wultures getcha.
Roth was thinking.. ”Ladies night oooo what a night….”
Yeah I’m with you on that. That was about as much of a miss as I can remember for a hockey intro.
Habs = Evenko = tickets to sell for the mighty VH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzTFFuEOJj4
MSG feed reporting it is Miller.
He is one win behind Hasek for most wins in Sabre history.
Ah, so nice to finally enter The Forbidden HIO City
Anyhoo, I was just thinking that with what the Sabres spent and what they are getting, maybe BG didn’t do so very badly after all. At least we got into two playoffs and went a long way in one before we imploded. And maybe the implosion hasn’t been so bad after all, all things (eg injuries) considered.
Bon anniversaire Louis!
Boone, you gotta put this up, its important!
https://theallstarevent.c8.ixwebhosting.com/
Pacioretty is teaming up with Ovechkin and Tretiak, for a charity dinner and stuff. Proceeds go to funding for a Brain MRI machine in Montreal. It’s a big deal, so please advertise it!
Happy birthday to LL…oh to be 29 again!
***Subbang Baby!!!***
26 P-ster, I started counting backwards a few years ago!!
29!! Seems like it was another century.
Hey LL, happy birthday!
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Don’t let the wultures getcha.
Winnipeg is top 10 in the NHL for revenue and profit.. which of the following cities do you think could also succeed (say top 16 in the NHL)
a) Quebec City
b) 2nd Toronto franchise
c) 2nd Chicago franchise
d) Halifax
Mr. Bad Example!
How does this sound for a line? Pleks with Bourque and Pominville? Like a mini-sized, watered down Gretzky Messier Kurri line
MR BOONE! THE TUQUE!
If Columbus got Grabovski, Komisarek, Schenn and Kadri for Nash and Huselius, I’d call them the hands down winner.
Nash is, in my opinion, one of the more over-rated players in the NHL. He’s good, but his teams have accomplished squat. He can’t do it on his own. Huselius is pretty much near the end of the road.
In return, you get a good #2 center, a good young defenceman (Schenn), a defenceman that I could easlily foresee doing well in a less pressured market (Komisarek) and a prospect that should become a 3rd liner, with potential for top-6.
Plecanek or DD + Kaberle + Weber + Gionta for Nash.
Good pts. Khadri needs someone to be patient with him. Schenn – never knew what anyone saw in him, and Komi with the right partner can be effective but salary is clearly out of whack!!
Nash with some nice wingerss though can do something and Hueselius is getting up there…..
@ HabsFanSince72
You know the only reason AK 46 cooled off in the ’10 playoffs was becuase the count decided to go after SK 74 and throw him in the doghouse for whatever stupid reason.
Guarenteed that’s what threw him off at that time. And now look, donkey JM is still bad mouthing after he gets canned. If it wasn’t for that idiot we would have still had SK or at least good return for the trade. That’s all JM and his selfishness. And now he’s gone and left behind a little bit of a mess. Chirp SK all ya want for mabey not following protocol and being a little cockey but the bottom line was he was an asset and AK’s brother and that affected his play.
Last year AK was good and he was playing with an injury against the Broonz after he blocked that Chara shot in game one. He also rocked Chara a couple of times in the series and embarassed him along with floppy with that amazing goal.
I’m not saying AK is a saviour, but he deserves some ‘spect around here, which he rarely gets as a Euro scapegoat. As well, nothing is ever said about how he would take a cut to stay here and that’s HUGE !
He’s ours and he’s a keeper IMO.
Habs, OLE !
Happy B-day LL
“featuring a real musician, the great Jimmy Page”
Hmm, that name sounds familiar.
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Welcome to the newer NHL: The National Headshot League.
Never heard of him! Who did he play with?
Some garage band I think. Maybe Pearl Jam?
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Welcome to the newer NHL: The National Headshot League.
anyone have links yet?
This site usually has them pretty quickly once the game starts.
http://habsonlinetv.blogspot.com/
I usually watch on exnordic’s channel (RDS feet):
http://www.justin.tv/exou11#/w/2544475248
Buffalo feed……
http://www.firstrow.tv/watch/105152/1/watch-montreal-canadiens-vs-buffalo-sabres.html
Good for Blunden. The guy has been doing nothing but working hard and giving it his best effort. Too bad some of the others can’t follow his example.
+1
me too.
+1
Habs, OLE !
id pick up Drew Stafford, he has some ability and would fit in well on the 2nd/3rd line, and he’s no wimp at 6 foot 2 and some grit. Oh, and he shoots right. A hot commodity!
Since it’s my birthday today, I expect a win. Think Gomez will score just to make it more memorable?
Only if he grabs the back of your head while blowing the candle…
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
I’m sorry…so sorry
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
.
Let’s see if the mod is on duty… perhaps he has the same sarcastic sense of humor I and many share. It was and will remain a harmless joke to me. If LL takes offense? I’ll be glad to delete…
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
You didn’t have to do that. Cheers!
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
It was a Mission Impossible message.
He might have to stand on a stool to reach my neck sly
Boone into the act also. Priceless!!
EDIT; What am I saying? Meant to say Halakless! So sorry, my bad…
Boone’s mom was also born on this day, or at least that’s what he said.
Also Tyler Seguin, but who cares.
I knew you were a sport. Happy birthday LL.
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
Happy birthday LL from Patti and I, hopefully Gomez delivers tonight!
Yes yes, that’s what I meant, Happy birthday LL! Ditto
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
Thanks for the wishes HIO friends!
Happy birthday to LL! Happy birthday to you!
That trade is a major win for Toronto. Dump the overrated Schenn. Dump the Komi albatross and frees up cap space. Khadri may never amount to anything …. and Grabs I actually like and hated to see him go from the Habs. Especially the type of player he has become.
What’s the story with Moen’s injury? CJAD says he’s out for a while due to some test. Anyone know anything?
“Let’s be clear on the facts…”
Nothing like Boone’s play by play and singing before the game..lol
What is that bs with Sid the kid`s injury ? What about Letang`s head injury ? See a common factor here.
I`m afraid the 87 `s future is in jeopardy….
This is turning into a joke…
4 games in 6 nights. I deserve it for all it`s worth….go Habs go !
Dr. Recchi, paging Dr. Recchi…
http://ourhistory.canadiens.com/player/John-Ferguson
I like the posts so far. It’s a must win, but we have no disillusions, keep it light kids. Let’s have fun. The habs are playing…
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
I know it’s annoying when people do this so sorry in advance. But it should be “we have no illusions.”
“Scouting contingent tonight includes Leafs’ Claude Loiselle, mooted by some as next Canadiens GM”
What qualifications would Claude Loiselle bring to the position?
Oh yeah…silly me..
Loiselle is actually one of the better options out there. Many feel he will be an excellent GM, and he has logged a lot of time in the trenches in different roles.
Hey it appears Boone is following your lead on Gomez scoring tonight, does that make Boone honorary Stooge for the night?
Ex NHLer who after his career went back to University and got his Law degree. Has since been working his way up the Hockey Management ladder.
1 – ex player
2 – smart enough to get a Law degree
3 – experienced in all aspects of Hockey Team Management
4 – fairly young for the long haul
5 – speaks French with Francophone name.
6. Learned how to tie his tie from Burke?
Gerald, the question was what qualifications? Leaving that name out.
I know, I apologize, actually working with Dudley, Burke, Nonis he is learning much I am sure.
he likes his fries with gravy and cheese curds?
The poutine signal has been sounded!
Shiram makes an appearence in 5… 4… 3…
So, who’s in the hotdog shift tonight?
http://media.turku.fi/kamera1.html
Based on the players we have on d can they survive 4 rounds of physical playoff hockey?..
Over the next 4 years?
http://ourhistory.canadiens.com/player/John-Ferguson
Boone can’t start too early or they have to pay overtime.
C’mon drop the puck… I can’t drink more coffee.
http://media.turku.fi/kamera1.html
Don’t know how you do it my friend, but my toque comes off for ya!
Heh… Thanks. That little All Stars-break did good to me. Now I should be in shape again.
http://media.turku.fi/kamera1.html
Pace yourself or you won’t remember the third period tomorrow.
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
Hey JJ do you ever come over to Canada on business or pleasure? If it ever worked out would be cool to meet you at our Summit. Time for an espresso yet?
I have promised to me (and my wife) that someday We have to see Montreal and Canada. Don’t know when, but when it happens, I’m posting here a hundred times a day to make sure I’ll meet some H/IO-people.
http://media.turku.fi/kamera1.html
Hab fan since 5:30 am… classic.
I have to meet this guy!!!!!!!!
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
Price and Diaz at the All Star Game showing off their French.
Hopefully has not been posted;
http://video.canadiens.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=66&id=153973
That’s pretty neat. Nice to see the players give it a try.
All around the mulberry bush
The Hab fans look for reason
To think their team can make a run –
Pop! Goes the season!
They fear Pierre will make a deal
The kind that’s none too pleasin’:
A draft pick for a UFA –
Pop! Goes the season!
Ha! Nice.
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Don’t let the wultures getcha.
LOL
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
I love bush by the way…
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
You know somehow I am not surprised to hear that Sly.
I’ll pop around bush anytime….
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
No more politics Sly!!!!! : )
Ugggg…not that bush.
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
John is it a doubleheader tonight? Nice rhyme, but no Gomez in it?
All the tankers are having a fit,
the Habs may save their season.
But just one more loss and
Pop! One more reason.
~I bow to the master.~
ha ha, listening to Pitt conference.
Reporter; how come you didn’t find this before.
(obviously the neck injury)
Pitt whoever; Find what…
??????? Is he serious?
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
What time is puck drop? I can hardly wait!!!!
Tremendous cleavage to be sporting at a funeral. Leave it to Christina. She sure can sing though.
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
Nothing like have your Kostitsyns™ hanging out in what should be a sombre occasion. But whoever said any of these pop or R&B singers had class?
Damn those big Kostitsyns™!
Tom Petty reference?
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
But can she do this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m666zx1lVMk&feature=related
that’s a bit scary actually!
Seen her before… isn’t she fantastic?
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
So the Habs website says Markov skates for 15 mins and that is all we know? No update etc? Hmmmmm
Gerald, was that 15 minutes in one workout or was it 15 minutes over the last month. You know 30 seconds of skating a day. We’re not going to see him this year are we?
20 minutes tomorrow, keep the faith my brothers and to hold you over!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcMNr6-UUjQ
Thanks Frank. I think we outta celebrate tonight in case he has a setback tomorrow. Seriously, I hope this time he comes back. Team could use him.
At that rate he might be skating for an entire hour before seasons end!
By the time he is ready we will have a seamless 9 dman rotation going so 15 mins is all we’ll need out of him each night.
trades with the lousiest GM in the league? Makes sense, yes lets risk talent for some other half-rate player.
trade AK? that’s just idiotic. AK is a contributor and he’s playing well. Moen, fine, he’s average at best and White is better anyhow.
playoff run? now people are smoking something. I see no point fighting to get into playoffs to get knocked out in the first round with this team. Ohh wow, ya there’s excitement.
There’s a few priorities this year.
1 get rid of Gauthier.
2 get rid of Gomez and
3 in off-season after #1 and #2 are complete, get some big effective/impact player(s)
Ill add to your astute observation, dont overpay for Price as the number one priority. And get some Defenceman. Ones that can move this team back to a respectable powerplay.
What’s wrong with making the playoffs? The potential to lose in the first round is something faced by all sixteen teams that make it. Should all of them tank because they might not win the Stanley Cup? Why bother competing then? Id rather watch them lose 4 straight in the first round and fight tooth and nail to get there, then watch them give up in February.
I would rather they had a plan. No stop gaps which the smurf plan clearly was. The Habs haven’t drafted high( save for Price) for many years because of this mentality of the Cup if necessary but not necessarily the Cup.
Molsons mandate was always to sell beer. They have been notoriously cheap and because in general free agents did not want to come here up until recent memory. In fact numerous high profile names snubbed them when they were courted.
They have to decide if they want to be a perennial middling team or shoot for greatness. Look at Detroit, look at Vancouver, Philly, Jersey. Always super competitive.
The Habs should never ever be amongst the also-rans. They should be targeting the Cup every year. Not just shooting for 8th place. Sure the final drive to make the playoffs is exciting. But to have that and to never truly have a chance to proceed to the next round is tough to take. From time to time you will get upsets and that is what is great about sports. But if the Habs get in as a top 4 seed you would have a much better feeling about the season even if it meant an upset at their expense and being put out early.
Manage assets. Try and win trades by getting the best player and change the team year over year( tweak) .This is what one of the most successful GM’s and sports executives believed. Maybe you have heard of him. Sam Pollock. His name is on the World series trophy. The Stanley Cup. And the Grey Cup!!
greatness?
Detroit. … OK
Vancouver and Philly … what have they won?
Jersey … didn’t make playoffs last year … maybe not this year either
hmmm … try some facts next time
Membership since 1970
I was going to mention that out of any of the teams mentioned only one was great. Also Sam Pollock had some pretty common sense GM beliefs. I think they cover those things in grade school, do your best, get better.
Not them . The habs should be ! These teams have been on top for a few years….
And if as you say they are commonn sense things GMs should know. How come the one the Habs have employed for the last 20 yrs havent practiced them? And so many GM’s dont practice them. As for top teams those teams have been amongst the top for a few years. Nitpic? Jersey has fallen off but have been there for many years. You get my point!
Interesting how people dont read posts! Never said they were all great. READ!- supercompetitive.
Yeah READ… I said only one of them was great. My post begins with “I was” the word I indicates ME not YOU. Why would I use your weird “super competitive”.
“Moen, fine, he’s average at best.”
Are you being ironic here? Strange, because the preceding statement that AK is a keeper is good sense, while this is completely moronic.
So, kudos for the clever irony!
Scott Gomez will score a goal tonight.
Remember where you read it first.
Too soon. He should wait til Febuary 5th for the no-goal anniversary.
Just kidding. If he sees a wide open net tonight, I hope he’s not thinking of passing to a startled teammate not expecting a pass.
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❝ I can’t really hear what Jeremy says, because I’ve got my two Stanley Cup rings plugging my ears.❞
I saw some posters talking about trading Gomez in NHL 12. In the last 4 games I’ve played, Gomer has two goals, one assist and one shootout winner. Pretty sweet eh? I think EA sports programmed his skill level based on his salary.
Size does matter! The Habs are a living example of that.
This coming from a stooge… I’ll take it, what are the odds?
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
Few questions regarding the worth of players going into trade deadline.
1) Considering some want to deal AK, what would he fetch us on Feb 27th. ANy chance he gets us a late 1st rounder? Heck Penner got a 1st and decent prospect.
2) What would we have to give up to get a top 10 pick this year?
3) What is Moen worth if a bidding war starts between rivals like Chicago and Vancouver?
4) What would we have to throw in to get a Gomez or Kaberle taker?
5) What is Weber worth?
I think a team with a hole at wing and strong pretentions to the Cup will overpay for Andrei. Imagine if Alex Burrows cools off, what the Canucks would give to have him sniping home Henrik’s passes.
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How about it NHL? No fighting, just hockey?
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
Remember AK46 in 2009? Scored three goals in one game and went to sleep thereafter. AK46 is one of the worst big game performers on our team.
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Shhhhh, don’t tell anybody else that. It’s time to sell, sell, sell AK, not bury him.
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How about it NHL? No fighting, just hockey?
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
1) Realistically?- At best 2nd rounder
2) Depends on too many factors
3) Moen is worth a 2nd rounder at best even in a bidding war. Maybe they throw in considerations . Teams are just not going to overpay for this guy. He is what he is and that is a journey man. He is having a nice season but really he has been middling in Montreal.
4) You would have to pay part of the Salary- which i am not even sure you can do in the NHL.
5) Weber is not really worth much unless he is part of a package. The guy is in and out of the lineup and mostly to get a different look or because of injuries. He is a useful player just none of these guys are going to command much either because of salary constraints or they are just nothing special. I mean lets be realistic here.
You’re trying to say that AK and Moen will fetch the same?
To boot, you would add a consideration for Moen (again) over AK?
Sorry, but I find your evaluation of Kostytsin is way off.
Come trade deadline, for a team with a serious push, he could fetch a first-round pick.
But then next year, who do you get to replace his 20 goals/year?
And at what price? For me, even if he’s streaky, he’s still a keeper.
Its an opinion. He is a 20 goal steaky scorer. Frustrates the *&^ out of fans. If he garners a first – wonderful. I think he gets a second rounder. Same for Moen. Each fulfils a need for a contending team.
Just responding to the question. Never said he should be cut loose……
1. His playoff performances tend to be somewhere between somnambulistic and shameful.
2. Give up on trying to win.
3. 3rd round pick
4. Rohypnol.
5. All humans are priceless. What a question!
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
OK, that answer to #4 trumps all!
I prefer soporific but your word works too and it is much harder to spell.
1) Kostitsyn could probably fetch a 1st and a 2nd, in my opinion. But that would come from a team (Vancouver, San Jose, Detroit) that thinks they might have a strong shot at going deep. He’s not getting dealt in the East. If it is a lower ranked team, then just a 1st.
If he HAD to be traded, I would be pretty stoked if they could get Nicklas Jensen out of Vancouver. The idea of Jensen and Eller, two Danes, linking up is intriguing.
2) We’d have to trade Kostitsyn for a 1st rounder, and then package our first rounder and that 1st rounder for the top-10 pick.
3) A 2nd round pick. He’s a UFA that can kill penalties. Vancouver doesn’t need him, as they already have a stable of excellent penalty killers. Chicago (28th), San Jose (27th) and Detroit (22nd) are your best bets, as all three struggle in that department. And Montreal has a good history with Doug Wilson in San Jose, so they are my most likely candidate.
4) Nobody is taking Gomez off our hands this season, and I doubt Kaberle goes either. We would have to throw **THEM** in on a Price or Subban or Pacioretty deal.
5) Weber is worth keeping.
1st and 2nd? – When can we do this? I doubt it but where does PG have to fax the papers. In fact I’ll do it for him.
In fact persuade him its his chance to go for the cup and bring him back in the summer .
Don’t believe AK would get a 1st from Detroit, Van. or SH. Maybe a 2nd and 4th or 2nd and prospect
Much more realistic. There is an article on the Globe that Detroit is reticent to now part with first and seconds because they used them for Lang, Chelios, Shanahan and Schneider to chase cups in previous years.
People really tend to overestimate the value of players at the deadline. Rarely do teams overpay. So for AK46 to garner a 1 adn 2. You have to be dreaming in technicolor.
Part of that is that Detroit knows they are done very soon. The Lidstrom era is almost over, and the rest of their core is getting very long in the tooth. They have a rebuild staring at them soon.
I think AK can get a 1st…the market for available scoring wingers is going to be pretty thin with so many teams thinking they still have a chance. Of course, Montreal is one of those teams, so why trade him unless they get at least the 1st?
The 2nd is probably a stretch. As a UFA, he won’t carry that value. My bad.
Hey if they can dump him and then re-sign him win-win! Get some team to ante up for a rent a player.
When was the last time you saw a traded player re-sign with the team that traded him? I’m afraid that when you send somebody away, it’s for good. That scenario almost never comes true, despite being frequently thrown out there.
Good post.
And yes MORE DANES!
“Et le but!”
1) Considering some want to deal AK, what would he fetch us on Feb 27th. ANy chance he gets us a late 1st rounder?
UNLIKELY BUT POSSIBLE. AND HE SHOULDn’T BE TRADED FOR ANYTHING LESS.
2) What would we have to give up to get a top 10 pick this year?
WINNING.
3) What is Moen worth if a bidding war starts between rivals like Chicago and Vancouver?
A LOT. AT LEAST A SIX PACK AND SOME DORITOS.
4) What would we have to throw in to get a Gomez or Kaberle taker?
A REPLICA OF THE STANLEY CUP. CAUSE IT’S THE CLOSEST THEY’RE GONNA GET WITH THOSE GUYS ON THE ROSTER.
5) What is Weber worth?
A LOW 2ND OR HIGH 3RD ROUNDER… TO THE RIGHT TEAM.
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
Good questions
I’ll take a stab…
1) AK value
Resign if you can but don’t overpay. Give him Cole type money at the most. Otherwise, he will land a first rounder from about 8 teams I would think. He’s a big power forward with an unbelievable shot and would be awesome on the wing of a true first line center. That’s easily a first rounder.
2) What would we have to give up to get a top 10 pick this year?
Nothing. Just lose with reckless abandon. I don’t know that there are Boston-like teams out there with Kessel picks to trade.
3) What is Moen worth if a bidding war starts between rivals like Chicago and Vancouver?
I would think a second rounder or some kid from the AHL with a big frame and 3rd line ceiling. That’s if Moen is back and healthy before the deadline of course…
4) What would we have to throw in to get a Gomez or Kaberle taker?
I think Kabs can go if the PP picks up steam and the team keeps winning. But you’ll only get a very late pick for him. 5th round? Or prospect with a low NHL ceiling who has blown his chance.
Gomez would have to return to form and absolutely kill it with the likes of Bourque. Say the Habs win every game from here to the deadline on the back of his line, then there are teams out there who will want Scotty G. Especially if he ignites the PP… But I’m not holding my breath. That’s a dream scenario.
5) What is Weber worth?
2nd or 3rd rounder or an AHL player with a 3rd line ceiling or D equivalent. He’s too small and soft, but he has potential as a PP specialist with his shot and skating ability.
Chris had some of the best detailed responses so I will try to avoid being too redundant.
1) Considering some want to deal AK, what would he fetch us on Feb 27th. ANy chance he gets us a late 1st rounder? Heck Penner got a 1st and decent prospect.
The first statement I would make it that I would want to re-sign pending UFA players like AK46 and probably Moen, if the price is right. But if they are going to walk in July I would rather try to get something for them. Hey nothing to stop you from selling them as a rental and then signing them on July 1 after the hit UFA.
I think the best case is something like a prospect from the 2010 draft with some upside plus a mid to low 2nd round pick (likely to be be low since the teams interested are going to be better playoff teams looking to fill gaps.)
2) What would we have to give up to get a top 10 pick this year?
Depends on how high you want to go. Top 5 or 6 probably gets you an impact player this year. If the Habs end up with a 10th -15th slot pick then not much to move up to 7-10.
3) What is Moen worth if a bidding war starts between rivals like Chicago and Vancouver?
Probably a 2nd round pick. Better a prospect.
4) What would we have to throw in to get a Gomez or Kaberle taker?
Gomez? Only way Gomez moves is if a team with a better but similarly overpaid player who is signed for longer than Gomer just needs to clear cap space past 2014 and takes the plunge. Only would happen if a constellation of factors of the new CBA aligned right to make it attractive or necessary.
Kaberle? Much more realistic. A team looking for a PP specialist and not expecting top 4 minutes or actual defensive play from a guy making 2nd D money could overlook the money theu would be burning in out years and/or hope they could move him like Carolina and the Habs did.
5) What is Weber worth?
A lot more to the Habs than they are likely to get. The kid has skills and is young. He is paid next to nothing. His weaknesses are overstated. His scoring (4 goals, 9 assists playing minimal minutes in 39 games) is unappreciated. If someone is willing to give up a similar forward prospect, fine but otherwise hold on to the kid.
“Et le but!”
Just for interest’s sake, here were the Eastern Conference standings on the morning of February 14, 2009:
1. Boston – 56 GP, 39-10-7, 85 PTS
2. New Jersey – 56 GP, 36-17-3, 75 PTS
3. Washington – 55 GP, 34-16-5, 73 PTS
4. NY Rangers – 56 GP, 30-20-6, 66 PTS
5. Montreal – 56 GP, 30-20-6, 66 PTS
6. Philadelphia – 53 GP, 28-16-9, 65 PTS
7. Florida – 55 GP, 28-19-8, 64 PTS
8. Buffalo – 56 GP, 29-21-6, 64 PTS
9. Carolina – 55 GP, 27-23-5, 59 PTS
10. Pittsburgh – 56 GP, 27-24-5, 59 PTS
11. Toronto – 55 GP, 20-25-10, 50 PTS
12. Tampa Bay – 55 GP, 19-25-11, 49 PTS
13. Ottawa – 53 GP, 20-25-8, 48 PTS
14. Atlanta – 56 GP, 19-32-5, 43 PTS
15. NY Islanders – 54 GP, 16-32-6, 38 PTS
Interestingly, both Carolina and Pittsburgh, who were 5 points out of the playoffs with 27 games to play, would go on to make the playoffs and ended up meeting in the conference finals after going on sustained hot streaks to finish the season. Pittsburgh would go on to win the Stanley Cup.
Montreal is 8 points out with 33 games to go…anything can happen. But if they do make the playoffs, it will mean they are playing great hockey and should have a good chance of doing some damage. Looking at the East, the only team I absolutely would dread as a matchup is Boston. The rest of the teams have enough holes that a hot Montreal team could easily win a round or two.
Will it happen? I don’t know. I’m not betting anything on it. But I follow sports BECAUSE I don’t know what will happen, not to prove to myself that my prophecies come true.
You’re right. The most intriguing aspect of sports is the unpredicatbility that on occasion happens. I hope it happens every year in every sport. It’s what makes it so great and enjoyable. Teams that are supposed to win don’t always and those are supposed to lose sometimes win. But most don’t count on the unpredictable to happen.
If everything happened in sports like it was supposed to, there wouldn’t be a City of neon lights in the desert in Nevada.
“They don’t hang Conference Championship Banners from the rafters here”
Carey Price
And nobody in any stadium/arena. Who watches airplanes/trains arrive on time as entertainment? (I know some must do though…)
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❝ I can’t really hear what Jeremy says, because I’ve got my two Stanley Cup rings plugging my ears.❞
I like your logic.. I kinda have to though.. heading to Montreal this weekend for both games (traveling from PEI) Wsh = WIN Wpg = WIN
Lets go on a PLAYOFF RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It starts tonight!
If Montreal rattled off 6 straight they could be at the 59 point in 55 games pace Pittsburgh was…and it would mean they are playing great hockey and could realisitcally be expected to make a run at that point. They need a long run….thoguh and with this next stretch almost all being against teams ahead of them and in the conference …we will know where things are at. I too would love it but I am prepared either way …I am not as depressed as many at this season…there have been positives on d up front and I cuold go either way….my only fear is that we hang on close enough to not trade our UFA’s and then get a middle pick,etc. I am a big believer in any playoff spot is a shot….but…..a finish like the year the LEafs beat us on the last day is heartbreking and would be costly next year from an asset perspective as I mentioned below. That is interesting though and if we won the next 6 I think we would be somewhere around that exact spot…4 or so points out iMO. We need to run the table this week.
Rob: It is important to note that being on the 59 point in 55 game pace that Pittsburgh was on that year probably isn’t necessary. The Eastern Conference is much more bunched up this season than in previous years, with parity really rearing its (ugly?) head.
Boston was the runaway best team in the league that year. 5 teams were already well and truly out of the race by that point.
That isn’t likely to happen this year. I agree that the Habs need a sustained run if they are to have any shot at it, but I don’t know that it needs to be quite as ludicrous as the one the Penguins went on.
But I’m also different from others in that I think a stretch drive where you try to make the playoffs is good for a young team. Guys like Eller, Desharnais, Subban, Diaz, Emelin, Pacioretty and Weber are getting first-hand looks at what it takes to make the playoffs, an experience that should pay dividends down the road. The difference between a #7 and a #15 pick in a draft like this summer’s isn’t necessarily as huge as it is made out to be.
Yakupov and Grigorenko are most likely going 1/2. After that, it becomes muddied. The best of the remaining forwards is probably Filip Forsberg and he may or may not be available after the top-5. After that, the forward pool is good, but there is no consensus that I have seen on who the best available players might be. Brendan Gaunce is highly ranked, and while I think he will become a very good NHL player it is going to take a few years, if ever. Similar statements could be said about the rest of the forwards.
This year’s draft is deep, but not filled with elite talents. It is filled with good players that, in the right environment, can help their teams. Giving up, and the message that sends to the younger guys on the team, on this season to secure a few higher rungs on the ladder isn’t really worth the risk, to me.
Like I said, I would consider trading guys for prospects, because there you have a better idea of knowing where the player is in his development. But draft picks are too risky and I see no compelling player that Montreal MUST get to make me really excited if they trade players for draft picks.
Good job on your post!
One thing’s for certain. If the team does go on enough of a run to make the playoffs, they will have had to defeat most teams in their own division in order to do so.
If that happens, IMO, there is no question they will be one of the hottest teams by the end of year, and I wouldn’t even be concerned if they met the Bruins. They know how to handle them better than most teams.
Big difference:
In 2009 there were 5 catchable teams ahead of Pittsburgh and Carolina. In other words they only had to do a lot better than one of 5 teams. And they were only competing with each other (The rest of the pack was far back).
There are only two catchable teams for us (Florida and NJ) and every other team in the conference is in the hunt. So we have to catch both FLorida and NJ and fend off every other team in the conference in the process.
Another way to look at it is that Pittsburgh and Carolina were 21 points off the bottom. We are two points off the bottom.
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Yeeeeepppp. And that too.
I would actually consider Ottawa catchable, as they have 3 extra games played to be 5 points clear of the two teams you deem catchable.
And you are right that the pool will be muddied by fewer teams throwing in the towel this year as everybody thinks (justifiably) that they are still in the hunt.
What is most interesting to me is that IF they made it, they would have to be playing outstanding hockey. And thus, if they were playing as such it is not arrant nonsense to think that anything could happen.
Teams that get destroyed in the first round are usually the teams, like the 2008-09 Montreal Canadiens, that are falling hard through the standings from February onwards. That would certainly not be the case this season.
“What is most interesting to me is that IF they made it, they would have to be playing outstanding hockey.”
True.
It is the “playing outstanding hockey” part that is problematic.
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
No question.
Okay im gonna be the negative Nancy here. Ya ya, they could win 6 in row, and they could win 10/14 and be right in there around the trade deadline.
BUUUUUUT, and not et le but…
They need to win TONIGHT. OR at the very LEAST get a consolation point, they need to show up, to many times they havent in this exact situation. And they need to be motivated to play hard for every remaining game of there schedule.
Frankly im not sure, they have the confidence necessary, for that discipline.
Do not neglect the fact that they also fired Therrien and brought in Bylsma on Febuary 15.
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❝ I can’t really hear what Jeremy says, because I’ve got my two Stanley Cup rings plugging my ears.❞
More importantly, by far, was that their hot streak coincided with the return from a season long injury to their defenceman quarterback, Sergei Gonchar. 6 goals and 19 points and a whopping average of 25 minutes of ice time in 25 games was critical, taking some of the pressure off a young Kris Letang and a relatively inexperienced Alex Goligoski, who had been logging signifcant minutes in Gonchar’s absence.
I really hoped that Markov would have returned by now, as even a diminished Markov would allow the Canadiens’ depth chart to be re-sorted to more accurately reflect the abilities of the younger players. Alas, it was not to be.
Thus ending the infamous Therrien’s “worst defensive squad in the league (in thick joual accent)”.
(Apology for the the anachronism as this happened in 2006)
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❝ I can’t really hear what Jeremy says, because I’ve got my two Stanley Cup rings plugging my ears.❞
I never liked Therrien as a coach, but I did appreciate that he was actually candid and honest. What a refreshing change from some coaches in the past.
It’s true..
Anything can happen..
JM could become a great Indian Scout.
PG could get a job working as a bouncer in a Strip Club.
B.G could have made at least one decent trade in his tenure.
Scott Gomez could score at least one goal in the next decade.
Jeff Molson could decide to replace our top six forwards with
skating bears from the Moscow Circus.
The rest of the league could stop laughing at us…
So yes it’s true…
Anything can happen..
Which is why I’m stupid enough to buy lottery tickets.
Meh. Not gonna happen. My barber told me.
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
good post … awesome last paragraph
I would disagree on one point though … the Bruins are up 3-2 on the season series but the goal differential is even which is a great stat for the habs considering what the Bruins have done to other teams and the fact that they are +69 … I bet if you asked the Bruins who they wouldn’t want to play in the first round they would say Montreal
Membership since 1970
Important to note that Montreal caught Boston just before Boston found their groove. The two wins were in back-to-back games at the start of the season.
On the other hand, the Bruins would then go on to win something like 10 straight, so perhaps they were already in form when Montreal took those games.
I’m off to Vancouver to catch the Canucks game against the Blackhawks tonight. Good tickets in the reds, good rivalry, should be a good one. I’ll give you guys a full report.
I’ll PVR the Canadiens game, but I’ll probably be too tired to watch it when I get home, especially since I’ll already know the score. I’ll just read Mr. Boone’s recap and the comments on About Last Night, and then fast forward through the game tomorrow.
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How about it NHL? No fighting, just hockey?
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
Enjoy the game, you are right about a great rivalry.
Cheers UCE!
Thanks HiB. Somehow I usually end up with tickets for the Predators or Minnesota, good that I can see a good game for once. Two years ago I saw the Montreal game, that was fun.
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How about it NHL? No fighting, just hockey?
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
By the way Norm, I read the profile on you in the Habs Inside Out Gazette hard copy edition. Very cool stuff.
Nice to see how strong your family’s the allegiances are. Good for you!
Thanks Bripro. Growing up I thought everyone learned how to skate and played hockey as soon as they could walk. Then in Grade 2 or something it dawned on me that a lot of my classmates in Charlemagne weren’t in the league I played in.
I also had uncles who had ‘des chalets d’été’ in the Lac St-Jean area, so I’d spend my summers at the lake, and assumed that everyone also knew how to swim.
I kind of thought cheering for the Canadiens was the same thing, you were born and raised that way and had no real choice in the matter, nor would you want it any other way.
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How about it NHL? No fighting, just hockey?
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
You’re a few years younger than me, but experiencing hockey outdoors in the winter and swimming in the summer in the same water source was a right of passage.
Ours was the Chateauguay River, south of Montreal.
Today, around here anyhow, they have to trek to the nearest rink.
And they’re dying breeds because of budget cuts.
I’m envious of those who can still live and play in an outdoor environment, like we used to.
And the Canadiens were the second right of passage.
Nice cleavage Christina. Very appropriate funeral attire. I guess it is toned down for her.
I agree … with your first sentence.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Ya she looks like a whore. Super blonde, super long eyebrows, and super tight tits.
Probably the only reason CNN aired it.
I promise to buy another case of Molson’s if the Canadiens win tonite.
http://www.faceoff.com/hockey/columnists/story.html?id=9534e510-71c8-4526-95b2-f0904a995997&p=1
Hey Boone, remember this story?
I have another one for you, I am in Montreal for the game tonight and I guarantee a win, because my little habs fan is with me and has never watched the boys lose!
You heard it here first!
GO HABS GO!!!!
Why is this a must win, Boone? Surely you know this team is not making the playoffs. Players are saying “one game at a time”. Do you know what that means? They will do their best to win every game but have no delusions. They are managing expectations. Any fan who thinks this teams winning percentage will be much different than the first 49 games is off their rocker. I hope they win as many games as they can. I want to see good solid hockey and not a freakin circus. They have 33 games to regain some respectability.
The fans deserve it. But hoping for a run for the playoffs is just setting yourself up for disappoinment.
Oh Yeah – HIO.. please fix these server errors once and for all guys?
Forbidden
You don’t have permission to access /wp-content/cache/supercache/www.hockeyinsideout.com/boone/liveblog-sabres-at-the-bell-centre/index.html on this server.
I agree! It is a large pain!
FORBIDDEN ??????????????
This has been posted alot of times before, no word or any followup from HIO.
It’s annoying, but I just do shift-reload to get access.
Darche-Enqvist-Weber
What a non-line… RC might as well just roll 3 lines tonight..
Would that even be Hamilton’s top line?
8 posts below I said about the same thing.
Sorry – lost in the shuffle…
It is no problem sir.
They won’t have much ice time except for injuries or we have a decent lead. Where is Nokalainen and White?????
Nok and White are scratched due to injury
This is going to be a great second half boys and girls! because our play offs start tonight. We are in tough for the next 33 games, we can drop only 8 games out of the 33 and finish in the play offs.
So every single shift and play, needs to be play off effort. I think Cunnyworth can have the boys ready to tackle this mountain. We will soon see. I have liked what he has put into place since taking over. To bad they took so long in dumping Martin.!
If Cunny gets us there, he will be coach of the year!!
They wouldn’t win 25 of 33 games if they were in the AHL. Get real Ian. I say they compete hard to win as many as they can but I have zero illusions they can win at 3 of every 4 games.
I was counted out before, but I came back to be top dog my friend.
If the will, Team work and brother hood is there with the talent we have, anything can happen. But I do realize there is very little time to get it right.
Too many other teams with the same will, team work, and brotherhood, Ian. Nobody wants to miss the playoffs but this team’s hole was dug to deep.
&&&&& it had nothing to do with riding Martin to late, in fact id argue had he remained at the helm, the four or five game loosing streak they went on after his canning wouldnt of occurred. Theyd be around 500, were Martin had them to begin with.
So I’m looking at the many shootout loses we’ve had this season and the points that could have been…
Oct. 15 vs. Colorado – Could have went either way (-)
Nov. 14 vs. Buffalo – Two goal lead blown, loss in shootout (+)
Dec. 1 vs. San Jose – Blown lead with less than two minutes left in the game (+)
Dec. 6 vs. Columbus – Loss to the worst team in the league who had an AHL goaltender in nets that night… should have won (+)
Dec. 8 vs. Vancouver – Two goal lead blown, loss in shootout (+)
Jan. 14 vs. Ottawa – Alfie smoked us in the shootout (-)
Jan. 20 vs. Pittsburgh – Two goal lead blown..again, loss in shootout (+)
That makes 5 points by my count. And I didn’t even bother including the other blown leads or overtime losses but let’s say 2 to 3 more points. There is your eight points boys and girls! We would be a playoff team, or at least a bubble team.
Which brings me to next question? Based on the stats I provided above, what do you think this team needs more? A top line center or winger as most on here would want to believe? Or do we need a better defensive core starting with more Emelins and Gorges and less Campolis and Kaberles?
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
They need more wins.
More goals would be nice too.
The thing about this is I don’t think it’s a one player problem, nor is it only a weakness at one position.
What do they need to get more wins and goals?
A healthy Markov, an average PP, instead of deadlast this teams record is entirely different.
Just imagine a Boston, without Chara. Not even close.
More Offence and Defence.
How about a good two-way defenseman like Mar- … nevermind!
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
French coach.
Maybe you can add the game we were up 4-3 on Toronto with less than 5 minutes left and a shot went off of Carey’s shoulder, hung up in the meshing for a sec or two ( which for some reason 4 zebras missed), the puck drops on a Leaf’s stick when everyone thought the play was dead and 2 passes later it’s in the Hab’s net followed by another OT loss. That’s definitely one of my favorite events of the season so far. NOT.
“They don’t hang Conference Championship Banners from the rafters here”
Carey Price
Pardon the less than serious post the follows:
Part of the discussion surrounding increased concussions in hockey is the “armor” that players now wear as equipment.
The increased protection on the shoulders could be a direct cause to increased concussions when shoulder armor contacts another players head.
I guess you guys can weigh in on the discussion after viewing the picture below – it appears to me we would all be happier without the shoulder pads.
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/icegirls/ania_k/pg6.html
…..and the tats!
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What does the Commissioner of the NHL do?
In short, a league commissioner is the action man for the Board of Governors.
They tell him what they want done and he works to make it happen through his subordinates while making sure that individual franchises play by the rules.
******** Translated if you haven’t won the Stanley Cup in 40 years your NHL team is becoming irrelevant in a sports mad city long behind MLB, NFL and NBA teams, you just tell the commissioner(who you gave a new contract at 7 plus million per) to make it happen and the rules are bent sufficiently to action the command.
When I see the tank or trade talk, I always wonder what the bother is about. I can understand trading Gill, who is seeing his role reduced, but don’t see the point in trading anybody else.
Moen might fetch a second rounder from a strong Cup contender, meaning that pick would likely be in the 50-60 range. Campoli, Darche, etc. carry little trade value. So trade or not, it isn’t especialy likely to make a big difference.
The only player on the roster who might fetch a low 1st round pick would be Andrei Kostitsyn, but I would much rather see the Habs keep Kostitsyn than deal him. The only way I’d like to see him traded is if a good young prospect was coming back. Getting an equivalent player back picking lower in the first round or in the second round is **very** long odds, and that player wouldn’t be with the team for 2-4 seasons from now.
I would look at it differently though…..as we all know picks are just that..picks..rap shoots and future offerings. However, with the parity that exists and the cap constraints …every deadline many teams go into selling mode…others who are on the bubble, in the thick of things and in contention…go to the market to stack up for a run. It is a double edged sword…good teams to keep pace often have to mortgage a bit of their “future” to keep up with the Jones’ at the deadline (look at how Boston solidified their team last year). To do this without ruining your own future (asset stock)can be best accomplished by trading UFA’s and whatever other assets you have when the oportunity presents itself (which is hardly ever as a Hab fan as we are usually in buying or stand pat mode)…so that when the time arrives where we are in a buying position we have a stockpile of picks to parlay into players…either in a hockey trade package or from the slew of sellers next deadline…might just be the difference. Last year Boston had depth and the Canucks were worn down, injured and ran out of manpower. I know examples exist of teams that mrotgaged for nothing…many of these examples are out there…BUT …in the long run depth is very important…in a quarter season after a full season bodies are worn and injuries will happen…
I think it is safe to say that without such unfortunate luck this year and disappointing performances the team SHOULD have been a playoff team…they aren’t but I am quite confident next year they will be. A couple of 2nd rounders and a couple of 4th or 5th rounders can be very valuable next year (or sooner at the draft) if we do perform up to snuff next year and could help catapult the team into higher contention…that is why I want the picks….not to roll the dice…we can use our own picks for that. The fact hat we should also be able to get a close to blue chipper is even more appealing and it means the picks for this year are that much higher every round…still a crapshoot but slightly better odds anyway.
We have lost many players over the years for nothing and I liken the new NHL to a kind of Keeper League Monopoly if you will…where the amount of assets is limited and the seasons and positions of the teams change but you need something in the bank sometimes and other times you need to sell off to be competitve the following year.
I just heard on Hockey Central at Noon today that Vancouver entered last years playoffs with 9 D men.
Also, who would you give up for picks? I’d trade Gill, Campoli, and Weber. Not much value for them.
I think both AK and Moen should be signed. The team would look much better with those two in the line-up moving forward. But, Habs management should make decisions on those two before the Trade Deadline, if they can’t be signed, move them for picks or prospects.
I would trade those same three. I would try and sign Ak but I think I would let Moen go…last season he was brutal…this season he has palyed great and his value is as high as it will be. It is a tough call but if you look at it that White, Blunden and another guy in the Darche salary range can all be signed for aroundwhat Moen will command…factor in you could probably get a 2nd or 3rd pick….tough to keep him. I know BLunden and White can’t play the minutes Moen can and aren’t as responsible defensively (or pk worthy)…but the cap strikes again. If they do sign Moen I wouldn’t be very disappointed but to me it would signify someone else leaving. I’d rather sign Ak since he has indicated he would like to stay and the devil you know….
We have to unload Gomez and one of those picks might help make that possible too….I don’t see Weber being dealt for a pick…he ouwld be part of a hockey trade package IMO
If The Habs can hang on to Weber they should since he is one of the few dmen signed for next season cause if they have to go free agent route to sign his replacement it will cost more most likely…….
Should onyl trade Weber in a hockey trade IMO….I don’t dislike Weber the player at all….I think he gets a bum rap…he is young. I just think he will not get a fair shake here as we have too many guys like him…if he is willing to play the same role he is now fine…but I think in fairness to him he should explore the idea of seeking a trade. Who knows maybe he is happy but I just see him as needing serious NHL experience and don;t see where he will get it here with what the Habs D is made up of…they need a tough guy to round out the top six and perhaps even another tougher guy in the 7 spot as that role would be pretty important since we do not employ a heavyweight and I am guessing Moen goes.
I sometimes think that when talking about trading our players for draft picks to contenders that you are one of the few on here that realize we won’t be getting a top 10 pick.
Agree with everything you said.
“They don’t hang Conference Championship Banners from the rafters here”
Carey Price
Don’t worry Chris, all the tanking terds are having their accounts at HIO suspended once the Habs begin round one of the playoffs this year…
It is better to get something in return for players you know will not be back next year, instead of losing them for nothing to FA, but only if the Habs are 8-10 points out at the deadline. As for Kostitsyn, he will probably looking in the 4-5 million range on a multi year deal, not sure I would want to commit that kind money to him. So again, instead of losing these players for nothing, trade them at the deadline. Again, this is only if the Habs are way out of a playoff spot.
Let’s say we trade AK for a #1 and that team loses in the first round. We get – say – a #16 choice.
Let’s say furthermore we finish 7th from bottom.
Now maybe we can trade our two first round picks (7 and 16) for – say a #4 pick if Grigorenko is still available.
That’s not a bad deal.
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
NEVER happen, what would you say if PG traded the 4th overall for the 7th and 16th?
Two words:
Garth.
Snow.
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
No question…that, realistically, is the only way the Habs are getting a top 5 pick this season.
But the reality this year is that there isn’t anybody in the draft that strikes me as a can’t miss prospect after the first couple of guys, and we’re not getting those picks.
The rest of the elite prospects are defencemen, where the Habs are pretty well-stocked. So why not just keep Kostitsyn, a very valuable player, and draft the best available forward with that hypothetical #7 pick? The drop off is not going to be particularly large, in my opinion.
I would love to see kostitsyn sent packing for a young solid pro who shows up to play every game ,,this guy has had enough chances,,time to move on, if there is a deal to be had.
Is our 4th line tonight: Mathieu Darche, Andreas Engqvist, Yannick Weber. Oh dear!
They’ll barely play anyways, why have 4 lines? More money to spend on less players.
I believe NewJersey this year and quite a bit last year played with 2 players less dressed to save payroll/capspace.
Way to defuse my totally sarcastic comment with your valued and proper info Burly.
Calgary also played short handed a few years back when Sutter was GM & fighting for a playoff berth but was due to incompetence & unseen injuries……
its the same 4th line that played against Detroit, why would it be a concern tonight?
or.. “The desperation line” as it will hereforth be known.
Combined total ice time (as a unit) 38 seconds.
Used in the offensive end of the last 3 seconds of a penalty kill.
Anyone else think PK would make a good forward?
No
The Weber/Engqvist/Blunden line did a fine job, in my opinion, in the Detroit game when they were on the ice. Not sure why hockey people get so wrapped up in 4th line make-ups…most teams in the league have a 4th line that is little more than filler.
That forth line is complete garbage….
Having read HH’s LeTanque theory, I have to say that it makes eminent sense.
But more importantly I want to commend him for patiently and calmly defending his views in the face of straw man arguments (“Columbus had a #1 pick once and they didn’t win the cup”), gross misunderstanding (“Winners don’t lose on purpose”), arrant nonsense (“We’re one player away from contending”), not to mention occasional rudeness.
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Interesting. I agree with your strong statements about straw men, misunderstanding team building strategy, and arrant non-sense, yet I totally disagree with your pro-tank position.
This team is actually very good. More than a player away from contention, but no tanking or massive rebuild is required in Montreal.
The key variable is time used wisely: time a new coach (perhaps Cunney himself) to grow into the role; time for young studs such as PK, Patches and Eller to grow up some more; time for wiley pick ups Diaz and Emelin to grow into the NHL game; time for DD to keep on proving that he is a legit #2 C; time for LeBlanc and Gallagher to join the party; and most importantly – time for Markov to either return or be replaced (if only such a thing were possible).
Above all, Gauthier should stay. From Price over Halak, to trading for the Wiz, to keeping Markov over the Wiz, to signing Cole, Diaz and Emelin, to turning sour grapes $6M Cammy into big nose for the net Bourque + $3M in cap space, I love PG.
I’m not pro-tank by the way. I hope we win every game. I also believe that we should not be trading assets or picks for rentals this year (I suspect everyone agrees).
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Gotcha. I misunderstood.
Not sure on the approach to the deadline yet. If they win most (like 10/14) games between now and then and Markov is on the verge of returning, I’d say buy. If we are not in a playoff spot by then, I’d say sell (i.e. Gill, maybe Kabs, perhaps Moen, perhaps AK if a decent deal can’t be done with him).
I am not sure what the “LeTanque Theory” consists of, but if it consists of astute asset management then I am all for it.
If this includes evaluating potential UFAs and dealing those not in the teams future plans before the 2012 trade deadline, I can handle that.
Personally, i do not think the Habs need a “high end stud lottery pick” to get to the top of the Eastern Conference.
Management of the teams “high end contract” money is what seems to be holding the team back. Specifically Gomez, Gionta, Markov and Kaberle.. a whopping 22.5 mill. all with at least 2 more years remaining on their deals!
interesting tidbit
seems like things are not rosey between Bruins and Thomas.
According to unknown sources he was offered in a trade to the Flyers, hower because he has a NTC he was advised and blocked it. Since then he has supposedly to do things his way and play for himself first. Hence the reason he no longer wears the bruins colors on his mask . take it for what it’s worth
According to unknown sources I slept with Beyonce last night. Take it for what it’s worth.
According to unknown sources Daniel Briere is actually a 14 year old girl.
Wait a minute Dr. Rex. The point of this thread is to be sarcastic about the idea that the Bruins would trade Thomas… Your last comment is actually true!
“Let’s be clear on the facts…”
I should have been a little clearer, I should said by a Bruins source who wishes to be un-named
Thomas to Philly would have been amusing.
Just imagine you’ve been a member of the Bruins AND Flyers, and they are still only number 2 and 3 on the list of “most despicable organizations you’ve belonged to”.
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Thomas had the white mask last year didn’t he? So I sincerely doubt this
Eventually the Bruins would be wise to attempt to gain some assets while Thomas is still playing well. HE also seems like th etype who will retire suddenly without any advanced notice. Rask is clearly the quy they are moving forward with.
Actually he is correct, Chiarelli admitted shopping Thomas 2 summers ago, it was before they won the Cup.
Last year is when it is alleged to have happened – when Rask was briefly the number one.
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Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
If Thomas is becoming a d-bag they *should* trade him. Rask is more than capable and Thomas has nowhere to go but south luck-wise. They could get quite a bit for him
According to known sources–Boston Bruins General Manager Pete Chiarelli–“Not trading him.”
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GO HABS GO! 2011-12 is probably not our year!
“Scott Gomez, a potential Hall of Fame player, has two Stanley Cup rings and a Calder Trophy that says ‘I’m a player whom any authentic NHL coach will rely on to fix a game problem.’” – VancouverHab
Chat with me on Twitter @TheRealRGM81
RE: Boone’s “pre-game reading” assignment: Worth every minute! For example: 41 Cups in Montreal?! I didn’t know that. Did YOU (the average HI/O member) know that?!
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If Eller were pronounced “Ell-ay”, Larry would be #2 with a bullet!
Only one way to approach this game:
Go in NASTY!
Go in MEAN!
Score UGLY goals.
and shower Enroth/Miller every chance you get…
I wanna see the LEGENDARY HALL GILL STAREDOWN!
no way Buffalo takes this one. No damn way.
Miller is confirmed for tonight. He stood on his head the first game they beat the Habs this season, but has had a below par season since. Let’s hope he doesn’t pick tonight to right his ship this season.
“They don’t hang Conference Championship Banners from the rafters here”
Carey Price
With the way the Habs’ season has been going, I wouldn’t be surprised if he did rebound this game…
We were building some confident prior to the ASB (bad timing for that to show up), so hopefully we can keep it going… Seems like no matter what we do this season the chips are stacked against us.. Reminds me of the centennial season, so and all we need now is for Pacs and Eller to be hanging out with a drug dealer…
ONCE A HAB, FOREVER A HAB!!!
I’m personally glad the team has had 5 days to enjoy the feeling of the Detroit game. I expect them to have fire in their bellies tonight. Too many times in the recent past, this team has followed a great effort with a stinker. I don’t see that happening tonight. I especially remember what happened after the 8 goal game @ Minnie last year.
“They don’t hang Conference Championship Banners from the rafters here”
Carey Price
Yeah, it seems the more we tighten our grips, the more games slip through our fingers.
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
LOL.. Great reference!!!
ONCE A HAB, FOREVER A HAB!!!
Beating Buffalo is too remote for an effective demonstration, but don’t worry, we will deal with the Devils and Capitals soon enough.
———————–
GO HABS GO! 2011-12 is probably not our year!
“Scott Gomez, a potential Hall of Fame player, has two Stanley Cup rings and a Calder Trophy that says ‘I’m a player whom any authentic NHL coach will rely on to fix a game problem.’” – VancouverHab
Chat with me on Twitter @TheRealRGM81
Word out of Buffalo is that this team is a ¨comfy bunch ¨ riding on the multi year deals that the new way of seeing things brought…
Obviously this team has never recovered after the Lucic/Miller crash. Darn Lucic…
My two cents on the Markov saga is that we should shut him down and hope for the best for next year. He has been out of the game for the longest time and something tells me a major malfunction is in place. I am a die hard Habs fan ,naive at time, but i just do not have a good feeling about him returning now. I think that we are forcing things and that we should be left to get out of this mess alone if there is anything to salvage for this season.
I believe that we could not let this guy go cause he is within the best of the league but the reality is that we played without him for 2 seasons now and that he will not make a difference before he gets to be 100 %.
Go Habs go ! Finaly real hockey games tonight !
I’m hoping Markov will play this season, enough for the team to know that he either can contribute or cannot. If we go into next season “hoping for the best,” as you put it, we could find ourselves replaying this season – Markov will miss the first few games, he’ll play in November, in December, after the All-Star break, etc. I think the team has to know one way or the other before next season begins so they’ll have time to take the necessary steps to replace him, and not be reduced to emergency stop-gap measures like Campoli and Kaberle.
The problem is that the longer we wait, the longer it will take for Markov to get to 100%. If he can play one month before the season ends and maybe score a goal or two, there’s a better chance he will start next season completely ready, or at least not completely cold.
completely agree.. He hasn’t played in a long time. Any time that he can get in this season will help him tremendously for next year – even if its just to test out his knee in a game situation. I’d rather he sucked this year than next, because if this team is going to succeed, we’ll need Markov at as close to game shape as he can be.
One last non-hockey related post. It’s for the spellers out there… actually, more for the non-spellers.
http://www.youryoure.com/
To Mike Boone:
Instead of putting Christina Aguilera’s tribute to Etta James Funeral, you could have placed instead the her own version of the Star Spangled Banner as your Pre-game viewing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b94aBPC5T-E
I’m hoping they win tonight and Thursday so that they have the right frame of mind for the weekend games. I have tix to both games and I want to see them thrash the Caps and Jets. Whatever got them going for the game against the Wings had better be in the water bottles this week as well.
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Nothing would be written at all if a man waited until he could write it so well that no one could find fault with it.
***Habs Forever***
Me and my brother have tickets to those games too, my first trip to the Bell Center. I think the place will be crazy if they win tonight and Thursday.
“They don’t hang Conference Championship Banners from the rafters here”
Carey Price
I’ve been to quite a few NHL arenas and there is no comparison to the Bell Centre / Forum. Enjoy your trip and the games.
******************************************
Nothing would be written at all if a man waited until he could write it so well that no one could find fault with it.
***Habs Forever***
Best HIO sig I’ve seen
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
…could be written better.
Needs tweaking is all that sig.
APPLAUSE
I wish I were there with you.
Shane Oliver
http://www.Sholi2000.com Inc.
Custom Sports Figures
Brandon, MB,Canada
R7B 2R7
hockey@sholi2000.com
Ph- 204 724 8418
Marcel Dionne would have been a decent consolation prize.
but…
The Habs benefitted from another team tanking (and that’s subject to interpretation, given that Charlie Finley seems not to have been a master strategist by trading away his potential #1 pick)
So the story ain’t so much about tanking as it is about Pollocks master negotiating skills.
Lesson?
Don’t tank.
Aid someone else to do it.
You’re welcome.
I remember exactly how The Habs got Lafleur, I also remember at that time the GM’s of California based hockey teams to be dumber than a stump.
To compare the hockeytrades of a 12 team leaguein the early 70′s to a 30 team league in 2012 is not apples and oranges.
This doesn’t diminish Pollack’s brilliance, but the ability to pull the wool over GM’s eyes then I think was greater.
That’s all well and good but there are no Lafleur quality players in this draft. Tank for a Crosby or (arguably) an Ovi but not for a Yakupov or a Grigorenko.
Its not 1971. We have 30 teams in the league. Along with a cap system, and no more French Canadien players who want to play in Montreal over everyone else.
There may be other teams, but only ONE Club De Hockey…
So is PG going to give RC a 3 year contract extension, because he’ll have to be part of this tanking thing and I don’t think a complete bust in his first NHL head coaching gig is going to look too good on his resume.
I also doubt the Habs tanked in 70-71 considering they won the Stanley Cup that year.
“They don’t hang Conference Championship Banners from the rafters here”
Carey Price
AGREED.
LaFleur? Unreal comparison.
Shane Oliver
http://www.Sholi2000.com Inc.
Custom Sports Figures
Brandon, MB,Canada
R7B 2R7
hockey@sholi2000.com
Ph- 204 724 8418
why-e-i-e-i-e-i wo-ould you-hoo-hoo sa-aaay that?
Relevant?
after watching the show the Voice I can’t stand her. She is an idiot.
I kept laughing when she heard someone else sing the song “you’re Beautiful” and how it touched her cause the song is so personal to her…she just sang the song the same as the person who was doing it as a cover, she didn’t write it. I have more respect for musicians who write their own music.
She can sing but that is about it
I have not watched the video, I can’t say I really care to hear her sing.
Hmmmm, interesting Shiram, supposedly spray tan, but curious only the inside of her legs…..
And so abundant too.
You guys are grossing me out!!!
Weird distinction: why are musicians who “write” their own music more respectable than amazing instrumentalists? You don’t have to be a genius to write a pop song, btw. “She can sing but that is about it”?? You could say the same about Billie Holiday, Maria Callas, or Aretha Franklin.
I have a lot of respect for someone with her talent: it’s special.
Full Breezer 4 Life
Yeah-but we’re playing the 14th place team. (in the conference) Can’t imagine what it would be like against the 13th place team.
He burnt it all off before Gainey acquired him.
Too bad…best hockey of the year!
TSN said The Pens and Philly are ready to deal for him
Too late to help the Habs……he should have been gone in November.
Or money on his mind…
‘Cause if he doesn’t stay for money, then you’re spot on, he must have rocks in his head to stay here!