Buffalo and the Islanders lost.
But Tampa Bay and Winnipeg won.
And the Canadiens, who play the Sabres Friday night, are in 13th place in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia, which has been suggested as a possible destination if Hal Gill is traded, made a move to shore up its defence, acquiring hulking Nicklas Gross man from the Dallas Stars.
And Dominic Moore is on the way to his ninth NHL team. He’s been traded to San Jose, which was thought to be in the market for Travis Moen.
• Dave Stubbs on Max Pacioretty’s amazing season
• Is Ovechkin a victim of his own fame?
• Will the Hawks trade Patrick Kane?
RIP, Gary Carter
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I admire Hal Gill, his profesionalism, and his contributions here, especially during our run a couple of years ago.
Tickled pink this GM actually got something for him and glad to see him go now. That screen on Price the other night just sent me off the deep end and his time has come to help a contender and retire.
2nd round pick, geoffrion and slaney for gill and conditional 5th.
Anyone has info on slaney?
Regardless, it is more than I expected for Hal.
Thanks Hal for your time in Mtl, I sure enjoyed watching you rock those 5 on 3 PKs!
Starting to get a glut of wingers. Kostitsyn might be next….
Good trade! We got a 2nd round pick and a decent prospect in exchange for a rental Dman on his last legs.
I will miss Hall! An often unappreciated dman who wore the CH with pride. He was a huge part of our play-off success and had a big impact on the development of Gorges and Subban. I really hope he returns as our D coach someday.
Thank-u Skillsy!!!
j.p. murray
P.S. Can Geoffrion speak french? ^^
You know what I hate?
Thank you’s and condolences written to players on this website. Does anyone here actually think the players read this stuff?
Sorry, just one of my pet peeves. Also, I didn’t single you out on purpose. There are always a billion of these posts when a player leaves.
To me, it is the same thing as those folks that are seen balling at make shift memorials for Whitney Houston or Micheal Jackson (for example). Like the celebrities had some profound impact on their personal lives (other than giving them something to listen to while they make out in the back of the car in highschool).
I was at my aunt’s with my sister and her friend watching the Toronto game when the Whitney news broke. They were on the verge of tears and saying what a tragedy it was for two hours. When they asked what I thought I replied,
“I don’t mean to sound cold, but I don’t really care. I’m not happy about it, but it’s definitely not a tragedy.”
I was then berated as an insensitive Ahole for the rest of the game. Fun times.
you should watch hockey with boys
This is one of those examples in which the use of a synonym, “guys” to replace “boys,” technically means the same thing but would have sounded wayyyyyy less creepy.
It is a tragedy for some people you insensitive a hole
“I figure PG has one or 2 moves left to bring the Habs that extra step closer to perhaps being the best in the league.” – Einstein
I should have emphasized that upon giving my opinion, I refrained from brutally kicking everyone in the face while mocking their grief.
I feel like maybe you think I did from your response.
Listen bleeding a hole people get the opportunity to express how they feel about somethng on this web site amongst people of a similar mind set where otherwise they may not be able to express those feelings. Like sure Hal Gill is gonna be reading HIO . Get real dufus like we expect that he does.
Go read the Globe & Mail.
“I figure PG has one or 2 moves left to bring the Habs that extra step closer to perhaps being the best in the league.” – Einstein
Let’s fly this kid to buffalo and suit him up…
I agree, I think this is a good deal for the Habs. Who’s next, I wonder if Moen is staying or going. I think it’s safe to say AK is probably gone considering the drama earlier in the week!
Twitter is my source. Lol
Gill traded to Nashville
I love it cause we got a 2nd and Geoffrion!
–| Brad Marchand | Starley Cup Chanpiar 2011 |–
I like that deal…. sneaky sneaky…..now they will have Gill and will drop in the standings and the pick will be better than it is as of today!
Just read. Gill to Nashville let the fire sale begin …
care to include a source? Maybe a hotlink?
Nevermind, I will do it
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=388101
I think the thing to do with Gomez is this:
Put Markov on LTIR and spend the cap off season.
If Markov actually comes back kill Gomez for the cap space.
In hind site this is probably what management should have done this year. Either they actually believed Markov was going to come back or they didn’t want to spend the money.
.
They tried to get Blair Betts for the 4th, but Philly were hiding his injury.
Otherwise I pretty much agree.
I appreciate that Rick Nash is a fine hockey player, but the mania is a bit hard to understand, especially given his contract.
Folks, Rick Nash would be FIFTH in scoring on this team, behind Pleks, DD, Cole and Pacioretty. He’s broken 70 points ONCE in his career (just like Plekanec).
I recognize that these numbers came while playing for a pretty crappy team, but c’mon. This ain’t Ilya Kovalchuk.
Reminds me a bit of Mats Sundin mania. Nash is not what this team needs.
Already plenty of g-nashing going on on this site already!
Eh?
Eh?
…
…
…is this thing on…?
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Isn’t a little early to be into the Chivas?
Gnosh for Gnash?
Look at what Kovulchuk’s agreement is doing to New Jersey. They may lose Zach because of it
Nash has more goals in the last 7 seasons than everyone except Ovechkin. This year he’s sucking but he can definitely turn it around. I don’t think he’ll end up here though.
Every year there must be a mania. It’s just how it is… GMs go crazy. At this time of year the value of top players is crazy high.
I feel that Nash will be gone from CLB, just might not happen in the next 2 weeks. It may be a draft or July 1st deal when more teams can drive up the price (and when everyone has a fair shot at the cup).
I do believe that once Nash is moved CLB is a prime spot for Gomez. His salary will help them reach the floor and he’s a good locker room guy. He can’t hurt them.
I think Nash would be up there in scoring on our team, especially if he was given Darche’s minutes beside Pleks and Bourque.
Yeah, you said it. What is it about this guy that has all these posters gushing??? And how the heck do we think he would want to play here, and who do we have to give up that doesn’t gut our franchise for years?
Only Ovechkin has scored more points in his first 7 years in the NHL (although Ovie did it in 6).
Of active players who have played 8 seasons, only Zetterberg has scored as many points as Nash.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Darren Dreger gets played by Burke:
“Offer for Grabovski is for a 2nd rnd pick and prospect. Could get more. [Burke] still hopes to re-sign him.”
” Dreger also hinted that the deal could grow and the 2nd be upgraded to a first, for example.”
Sure – a first round pick for UFA Mikhail Grabovski.
HA HA.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Heh.
TSN is desperately playing the homer card in saying that TO are in with a shout for Nash.
I looked at that and laughed. It’s so blatantly a ploy to attract an audience, because what hope in hell do TO have of scoring Nash?
I also like the fact that TSN has it figured that it’s a done deal between CLB and LA. LeBrun said last night, “I don’t think that LA was on Nash’s list, but it is by now!” Why? Because TSN have been talking about it a lot? Because their ‘insiders’ will look like a bunch of overhyped talking heads if he doesn’t go to LA?
Gotta wonder…
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Grabovski has 97 points since the beginning of last year…that is the exact same amount as Pleks who leads the Habs over that same amount of time.
But when comparing the 2 just by point production, I think you are wrong. Plex’s defensive upside of being one of the best shutdown and 2 way centers in the NHL puts him head and shoulders above Grabs.
“They don’t hang Conference Championship Banners from the rafters here”
Carey Price
I am not comparing the two as players just making the point that Grabs is a very good player despite the ex hab hate that happens on this site…I would expect far more than a first for Pleks…but a 1st for Grabovski is not that unreasonable considering Nicklas Grossman netted a 2nd and a 3rd and Moore got a 2nd..
Just trying to help his team out.
we don’t need other team players. develop our own for once. the only good one we’ve brought in the last few years is cole and who knows he could be a flop next year.
If you want to understand the Bruins and their fans, watch Mystic River. If you’ve seen it, watch it again. It’s all there
I would have thought is was more like “Deliverance”
One more Boston comment…
Peverley is now out.. it will be interesting to see how Boston copes without two pieces of their offense. They have been amazingly healthy for the past season and a half (minus Horton’s concussion in the Finals). They have not had to go any length of time without any of their top players until now. I wonder if they will begin to slide backwards even more?
Boston goes as TT goes. I think they will really miss Peverley, quality player with a laser wrister. Bruins will limp into the playoffs. That’s my fearless prediction, because there really is no consequence.
savard?
Nash has an NTC. Why waste time thinking that Nash would approve a deal that sends him to a team that is only a few points out of last in their conference? He is not coming to Montreal.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
Thank you! Way too much dreaming on this site about this Nash guy. We have a GM that dabbles and is incapable of making any deals for a talent like him. Not to mention we would have to gut what little we have for one guy. An I’m not even going into whether or not this guy would want to come to this hapless team with poor leadership and pay these taxes.
Is never going to happen…
The Habs will get no favors or handouts from anyone in the league, we must build from within and having our draft picks pan out would be a good start.
Apparently the asking price for Nash is a top 6, a NHL ready goalie, a prospect and a #1.
For example, Boston might have to offer Kejci, Rask, Dougie Hamilton and their #1 pick this year.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
if true, they are asking alot, and I dont think it would be in the Habs best interest to make a matching offer.
I don’t see how we can – we don’t have a keeper to trade.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Yeah Budaj would not be a very interesting keeper for them, but compared to the Bs our first will be better.
I still think thats asking alot, and the Boston deal you posted, I would say the Jackets come out on top.
Only in the long run. In the short run Boston becomes the clear favorite to retain the cup.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
That’s steep for sure.Pretty much it is 4 impact players for 1. I hope Burke does the deal.
That IS a lot… Also, I don’t see Nash coming to the East. He’s the type of player that will profit better in the Western Conference.
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
is way to high for his cap hit and point totals. I highly doubt a deal is done by the deadline. It will be an off season move.
Grabovski, Gustavsson, Kadri and a 1st.
Yep. And if I were Burke I’d do it.
Why would Columbus do that?
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
seriously. pending UFA, unproven goalie, questionable prospect at this point (a bust in my opinion) and a middle of the pack first rounder as of now.
I am sure that this comment will get deleted or people will start to freak out at me because of my signature but this is the honest truth and I am so sick and tired of hearing about how good carey price is! he lets the team down on a nightly basis by letting in soft goals at the worst possible moment! Anytime we go ahead the next shot is a goal on a nightly basis. Please please please give the back up a chance! to me bernier and price are compareable. Decent goalies but definitely not starters at this point!
Halak, White and Muller for life!
Wow. I don’t know what to tell you except Price does not let this team down.
Price not a starter?? You clearly don’t watch the games then. Cause regardless of the bad games, he is still one of the best goalies in the league right now.
I won’t comment on another team’s goalie. Cause ours is better.
The thing is, you put Bernier on THIS team, he ain’t gonna do much better…
You put Price on St. Louis, he’d win too. Hitchcock still is a very good coach. Hell, how good did he makes Pascal Leclair and Steve Mason look?
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
Oh and Jacques Martin’s style didnt make Price look good? How about Hal Gill, when Gill leaves, Price’s avg will suffer for it.
[Disclaimer]: I’m a hockey fan. I care about the habs, but probably not as much as you.
Really? Serious? I like Hal Gill as he seems like a nice guy and was at one time quite the defenceman but his season has been awful and last year wasn’t that much better. In fact i would imagine Price’s numbers will be better when they get a younger and more mobile replacement for Gill.
On the PK? maybe… Someone posted his stats on the PK and he hasn’t been all that good in comparison to Subban or Gorges this season.
5-on-5? Quite the opposite… Gill is next to useless during 5-on-5. He’s slow, he’s bad handling the puck, and he’s in the twilight of his career.
As for JM, you are delusional. Price maturated as a player and has embraced his role as a #1 goalie. He is almost always one of the stars in every Habs win and a REAL all-star for the all the reasons why Jimmy Howard being an all-star this year was a complete joke.
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
re: Price.
During the 4 game winning streak he played as well as any goalie can play in this league – world class – off the charts.
The last 2, vs Carolina and Boston, not at all the same level of confidence, not at all the same level of consistency,
not at all the same results for Price.
not at all the same results for the team.
read into this whatever you like – but when Price is not playing world class, we usually ( almost always) lose.
and you know what?
nothing has changed in this regard for years, going back to the first days when Price came up.
When Price or Huet or Halak played off the charts amazing we have won.
Otherwise, we have not been able to win consistently.
Habs hockey is “smart” hockey – we play 5 man defence, not just 2 – we move up the ice as a 5 man unit, we back check with 5.
Put Price up for a trade and you will see his worth.
Halak got himself a nice raise by helping Montreal get to the ECF, yet is still labeled as the no.2 tender on the Blue’s roster.
Halak would have done diddly squat on this current team, in fact, I bet the Habs would be worse off than they already are.
_____________________________
Don’t let the wultures getcha.
Baloney.
Richard R
Really! Get a grip.
Oh no, not on a Friday. You can’t delete drivel like this. I got a great laugh, THX!
…on the issue of Habs’ Fans ‘lack of class’ cheering when Chara was hit in the chin by Pleks’ puck
…Chara was disappointed by Our Fans’ reaction; ‘It’s nothing to do with sport’ Chara commented after the game
…hmmm, 999,999 times out of 1,000,000 I would never cheer for any opposing player to be hurt …it IS/was absolutely classless
…and, I did not ‘cheer’ when I saw Chara fold to the ice in this game …But for some strange reason I did not have My usual sympathy for a fallen player
…I, like most, do not know if Chara ‘knew’ what would be the consequence when he drove Pacioretti’s head into that post last season, or not
…but, I am convinced he was intent on ‘some retribution’ to Patches for his earlier ‘disrespect’ …which he did, and got away with completely Scot-free
…it’s true, the same Habs’ Fans that boo the US or Canadian anthems are classless, boorish and obnoxious …embarrassing, and often have made Me question Myself over the years whether I wish to continue being a Montreal Canadiens’ Fan because of Them
…well, obviously I decided to continue being a Canadiens’ Fan in-spite of ‘Them’
…yet, though I may not have cheered when Chara received a puck in the chops, …in this case, I didn’t cry either
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
I cannot fathom how anyone can actually think Chara was not trying to pay MaxPac back and more when he ran him into the most dangerous place on the ice AFTER the whistle. Well after. That’s not sporting. That’s utterly classless and to be quite honest ABSOLUTELY deserved to have fans cheer when he got smashed in the face with the puck. He did a ridiculously stupid and incredibly dangerous thing for absolutely no reason other than spite and revenge.
In my opinion he deserves more. Not actually injury, but a few more temporary bruises would continue to make me smile.
How about when Bruins fans booed and chanted “Flopper” as Mason Raymond was being helped off the ice with a broken back?
Pathetic.
Doesn’t mean we have to be just as bad.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Agreed, but Chara and Marchand need to look at their own fans before they criticize Canadiens’ fans.
I’m sure they do. Privately.
They sure as heck aren’t going to say to the press “yeah, it’s pretty bad, but our fans are just as bad or worse.”
Marchand was the biggest clown in the affair, yapping like a step-on-able dog, but Chara was pretty good about it.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
holy crap did you guys see Riberio’s goal from last night?!?! what an awesome play
——————
The 2010-11 Stanley Cup was not won, but given
All this Rick Nash talk is getting me down, this is exactly the type of player the Habs need, however in a salary cap era there is no way we can get him – UNLESS……
To Columbus:
Gomez, Kostitsyn, Weber, 1st Rnd Pick 2012, 1st Rnd Pick 2013
To Montreal:
Rick Nash
The thinking here is that Columbus takes on Gomez who (although will provide nothing on the ice) can mentor some of the young players on the Jackets, help them maintain the cap floor, and will be gone in 2 years. There has been a lot of positive things said from young guys like Desharnais and Eller as to how much Gomez has helped them out. For taking on this salary for us, we offer up a 1st Round Pick.
They then get Kostitsyn, Weber, and a 1st Rnd pick for Nash. If they want more, we can afford to offer up a legitimate prospect (Kristo?, Gallagher?).
You have to think of what NJD gave up to get Kovalchuk in a situation like this – not a heck of a lot.
I don’t think either sides would make that deal. Montreal giving up picks like that would be nuts and Columbus picking up our spare parts would be nuts. They’d never win a game again:(
Nash isn’t exactly the piece we need. We already have Max Pacioretty and Eric Cole on the wings. Maybe not quite the same package but big wingers are now a strong point for Montreal.
We need a center 1st line center so badly … and Markov!
Ya, except you need Markov 5 years ago, what you would get now would look more like Chris Campoli.
“Is the little dog going to yap, or is he going to bite?”
And Dr. Dulljerk weighs in. He has the same credentials as Dr. Recchi.
Oy… Do you really think Columbus will give up their captain, franchise player, 40 goal power forward, for Scott Gomez, Andrei Kostitsyn(a UFA to be), a mediocre defenseman, and two 1st round picks?
It is not at all comparable to Kovalchuk. Kovalchuk was a pending UFA, Nash isn’t.
If Subban or Price aren’t part of the deal, then Columbus hangs up the phone.
I think Montreal should be looking at Brassard. Most teams will be talking to Columbs about either Nash or Carter. Brassard has had an off year, is still only 24 years old, and has tones of potential. What do you think it would take to get Brassard out of Columbus?
In 2006-7 Montreal needed one win in their final two games to make the playoffs. They lost 3-1 and 6-5. At the deadline, Gainey was a surprise seller. He traded veteran defenseman Craig Rivet for Josh Gorges and a pick that become Max Paciorietty.
With Rivet on the ice, Montreal maybe does not give up six goals in their final game. But without that trade, think about where Montreal would be this season. Imagine this team without its top defenseman and top forward.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
29th instead of the 26th?
In the week prior to the 2007 trade deadline there were 43 trades, Mtl was involved in one. That does not make them “surprise sellers”. Rivet was traded because MTL had Souray and his 64 pts, Markov and his 49 pts, and Streit and his 36 pts, and Rivet was the oldest of the four.
Nice revisionist history, NYC.
You are right, the team only needed three defenseman. PG used that exact same logic this year. Why have six NHL level defensemen when three will do?
They were a surprise seller because they were not out of the playoff hunt as evidenced by their needed one victory in the final two games to make the post season.
Look at the transactions that involved receiving a first round pick in return for a starting veteran. The teamas that traded a starting player for a first round pick were: Phoenix, St. Louis, Washington, LA, Edmonton and Montreal. Washington finished with 70 points, St. Louis 81, Edmonton 71, Kings 68 and Phoenix 67 points. Montreal with 90 points was the outlier.
Montreal was a surprise seller. They were the only team that had a chance to make the playoff, that traded a meaningful current asset for substantial future consideration.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
But that doesn’t make them a “seller” that is asset mangement. Almost everyone who says “be a seller at the deadline” is avocating trading multiple assets like Gill and Campoli and Weber and Kaberle. BG traded one player at the deadline that is not being a seller.
But you’re missing my point Rivet was the fourth offensive defenseman, he was redundant. And the Habs also had Komisarek, Bouillion, Ninnimaa and Dandenault playing as a winger. The Habs had 8 NHL-ready defenseman, 6 of which were seasoned veterans. The Habs were in a position of strength and moved the oldest of the 8.
And you’re really, repeatedly, skewing history in your twisted attempts to justify yourself. PG didn’t have “three defensemen” as you claim (or more correctly misinterpret my argument). The defense corp on Sept 1, 2011 was Markov, Spacek, Gill, Gorges and PK (as veterans), Weber with a half saeson of experience
Holy crap Gill was traded for Blake Geoffrion
Hm!
New HI/O error message:
“Service Unavailable: Zero Size Object”
…sounds like the Habs’s top six til we got rid of Cammy…
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Haaaa!
_____________________________
Don’t let the wultures getcha.
That is one rude error message.
Yeah, I considered that too, but then I realized that my girlfriend loves me just the way I am, and that no error message could make me feel like less of a man.
(proudly lifts head, fights back single salty tear)
—Hope Springs Eternal—
According to Ty Anderson on hockey buzz, shanny is twittering that he didn’t like marchands hit.
“… check by Marchand was delivered to the upper thigh/hip and not the knee area. We don’t like it, but not SD.”
What bothers me is that if Marchand could have hit him lower, he would have. Everyone knows there was intent to injure, isn’t that alone worthy of supplementary discipline?
I bumped into Youppi after the game and even though he was wearing a costume, he looked depressed.
Richard R
I know the Gazette needs to monetize this site, but the giant ads that take over your screen for 10 seconds are pretty cringe-worthy…
Mike Boone: “With Gainey at my side, I’d walk into any dark alley in the world.”
FireFox with AdBlock plus. There, all fixed.
Can’t use a computer if it isnt installed on it. Thank God my work lets me use Firefox.
I can’t imagine not using firefox. Must be 3 or 4 years now.
Shane Oliver
http://www.Sholi2000.com Inc.
Custom Sports Figures
Brandon, MB,Canada
R7B 2R7
hockey@sholi2000.com
Ph- 204 724 8418
Me, too. I am stuck at work with Explorer. That expression about beggars comes to mind.
Alas, Chrome has me in its spell.
Mike Boone: “With Gainey at my side, I’d walk into any dark alley in the world.”
Hey, Chrome has Adblock too! Woo!
Mike Boone: “With Gainey at my side, I’d walk into any dark alley in the world.”
***Mods have deleted above content as it affects the business practices of HIO.***
Great read for the Mr. Stubbs and all those anti-chara-puck-in-face-cheering crowd.
http://blogs.thescore.com/nhl/2012/02/17/and-the-madness-of-crowds/
actually, great read in general.
“So yeah, up in Montreal, at le Centre Bell, we’re not classy. We’re not laid-back, we’re not nice. We have no sense of perspective or proportion. We boo visiting players, we boo our own players, we boo the refs; hell, we’ll boo icings if we don’t like them. We weep over our own misfortunes and cheer those of our enemies. We scream and bray and heckle, we taunt opponents, we rattle the girders with our joy, our rage, and our endless recursions of ole ole ole. We behave badly, and we should not and will not apologize for it. Because hockey players and opposing fans are not (usually) children who need to have their tender, tender feelings wrapped up in gauze and flattery lest they be wounded by our jeering. Because Zdeno Chara isn’t just a big boy, he’s an enormous All-Star defenseman with more money than God and more ugly actions in his storied past than we’d care to count, and if he can’t take it, then he should stay the hell out of our barn. Because hockey games are for community first and victory second, and class doesn’t even enter into it until we pass out of those doors into the cold February night. Because this is one of the last places in the world we have to be wild and wrong, and we damn well better make the most of it.
We aren’t classy, and because we aren’t classy, our building rocks in October with an intensity most NHL arenas can’t even manage in the playoffs. Screw class. This is better.”
Damn straight! Hab fans are insanely passionate, especially in our House. Only other place I see this year coming close is Winnipeg fans at their MTS Center.
There is loud. There is damned loud. Then, there are Hab fans.
At the beginning I was disgusted with his article, then I panned down to that last paragraph.
Yeah, this guy gets it.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiss my hAbSS!!!
Bunk. Sorry but the building always rocked long before the low brow fan came to dominate the seats and cheer for injuries or boo Gomez. Bunk. And classless fans will eventually lead to a classless organization and yet so many are upset with the bumbling PR nightmare moves that have punctuated this past season. Loud and proud has never depended on bloodthirsty, stupid and boorish. Maybe those days are gone. They certainly seem to be with fan-based bad behaviour rampant everywhere but I for one will miss the time when Habs fans were smarter and classier than most other NHL fans.
Yep. I agree wholeheartedly.
We used to be loud and awesome.
Now we’re loud and a large proportion of fans revel in imitating the worst-behaved fans in the league.
Way to go, us.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
This is Warrior!
“Right up until it does happen, we’re going to fight right to the end here. That’s just the mentality you must have at this point of the season.” Carey Price
The above quote is a man who wants to WIN.
If you don’t want to WIN, what kind of man are you?
You’re the man we all leave behind.
You’re the last one picked!
You’re the first one traded.
You’re the guy no one wants to be around.
You’re not a winner, you give up, and you have no fight in you. Weak, timid, slack, lazy, and incompetent are all words that describe your personalty.
GO HABS GO
GO HABS GO
GO HABS GO
Shane Oliver
http://www.Sholi2000.com Inc.
Custom Sports Figures
Brandon, MB,Canada
R7B 2R7
hockey@sholi2000.com
Ph- 204 724 8418
How about the Kings Jack Johnson folks?
Richard R
IN answering the question above about our MVP I sat for about 10 secs trying to decide between 3 of the names. Then I shook my head and realized the answer is quite obvious. ITs the one guy who shows up every night and plays his butt off for teh team and the fans. ITs clearly ERIK COLE……..ALthough my 2nd choice woulf be our true Captain MR.GOrges.
Alexei Emelin? has this guy had a bad night? honestly i have no idea why JM wanted to sit him no matter what
——————
The 2010-11 Stanley Cup was not won, but given
Emelin is a God isn’t he? Wow, next season this guy will be potting them in. Or next PP pivot me thinks…
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiss my hAbSS!!!
i remeber last season where Boone would mention stats like the habs d have 0 hits… 0 freakin hits.
Emelin alone takes care of that problem
——————
The 2010-11 Stanley Cup was not won, but given
Oh man. Just in response to Habsfan4life’s rant below….I never understand people who use their hockey “resume” as proof of their expertise. Why would your 20 years of “competitive” hockey make you an expert if Randy Cunneyworth’s 20 years of PROFESSIONAL hockey haven’t taught him enough about the game to coach, as you claim? I don’t follow the logic
The Montreal Canadiens: sporting the best AND worst fans since 1909!
But Rob, he’s an expert!
Do you think he would make those things up, and just write them online in an attempt to impress people?
—Hope Springs Eternal—
…Yup, those Expos years were damn wonderful …R.I.P. Kid
…sad, though, both Our Expos and Our Habs were ran into the ground by witless management over time
…Expos’ Fans could not save the Expos, but Habs’ Fans have persevered
…and, there is finally ‘light’ at the end of Our Habs’ tunnel
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
Today you hear senseless arguments about who is Canada’s team blah blah blah………
Talking to realtives and older sports fans its was clear that in teh 80′s teh Expos were Canada’s team. Everyone cheered for them and you will be surprised by the amount of people across the country that are now in their 40′s and 50′s that still feel the pain of BLue Monday. HOwever, everyone that followed that dynasty loved Gary Carter and he became not only an icon but a role model for all fans of the game.
…whatever the Expos were …They were Capital ‘P’ PERSONALITY
…lots of great characters made up Our lineups over those years …compared with the Jays
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
The expos… God I miss them. RIP Gary Carter. RIP.
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
… the pain of Blue Monday.
I was there, along the right field line. Had a great view of Dawson jumping up and almost catching that lazy fly ball. Better timing and he might have caught it.
Richard R
It was a really cold day. The ball was not carrying. It barely got out of the park. You really think Dawson could have caught it? I remember the two out walks to Carter and Parrish and thinking they were going to tie it.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
A cold, mid October day. Brrr. Also thought that the manager should have left our starter in. Forgot his name. Steve Rodgers was not a relief pitcher. And Rodney Scott should have ignored the third base coach and kept on going for home plate. He might have made it. We were all screaming at him to keep going.
Richard R
I realize I am about to walk into the lions den here, but I disagree that the Expo’s were “Canada’s” team in the 80′s.
The Blue Jays were a force in the AL east starting in the mid 80′s and were a fixture in the pennant races at this time.
Early 80′s, maybe, late 80′s, definitely not “Canada’s Team”… at least not in Ontario (and BC from what I understand). To be honest, I think I was only able to watch one or two Expo’s games per year… they just were not televised in Ontario
What the Habs need is a Jim Popp type GM.
I love his quote on free agency, “We do not believe in free agency a whole lot. We don’t believe in buying a team.”
Love this guy.
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“Wins? We don’t need no stinkin’ wins!”
I heard that interview… he said he likes to – gasp! – develop players.
Insanity, insanity I tell you!
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
Develop players? Wow, what a concept. I think Popp may be on to something.
Maybe one day the Habs will look into this way of thinking….again!
Insanity indeed!
Le sigh
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“Wins? We don’t need no stinkin’ wins!”
Isn’t that kinda what their doing now? Price, Subban, Pacioretty, Desharnais, Emelin, Diaz, White, Eller, etc. Not to mention long-timers like Plekanec, Kostitsyn, and Markov?
In my opinion, the key is putting guys in a position to succeed. This hasn’t always been done, with Kostitsyn being an example, but the Habs have been reasonably good at developing hockey players over the last few years. Not Detroit good, but not terrible either.
THe Als are in the enviable position of finishing near the top, and can afford to develop players because they already have the winning core on the field.
Like the Red Wings.
Not all teams have that luxury.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
@ Forum Dog
True, that they are. My worries are that we develop them then toss them away.
@ Matty
That’s also true. My point is, the Habs were once in that situation, I hope they can get back there.
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“Wins? We don’t need no stinkin’ wins!”
@Zep
I cannot disagree with that. Management has shipped a few players out, only to watch them succeed elsewhere. Some of those trades were questionable, but moving one player can allow another to develop (i.e. Lapierre out, White in). This is not meant to be an unqualified endorsement of Gainey, but prior to his arrival, the cupboard was pretty bare in Montreal. Plekanec was there, Markov was there, but the prospect pool did not have much talent or depth, at any position. The people Gainey put in place did a decent job of growing that pool. Wasn’t perfect (see David Fischer), but a good number of the picks have found there way into the system.
I honestly think that the group of players the Habs have now are starting to demonstrate the proper mix of skating, skill and size required by a top-tier team. There are still some holes for sure, and some excess baggage as well, but if guys like Pacioretty, Subban, Price, Emelin, White, Leblanc, Tinordi and Beaulieu stick around long enough, and are surrounded by quality veterans like Cole, Gorges and Plekanec, this team will become very, very good. Sorry, long post in a reply.
Excuses are for losers and that’s why the Habs are so far outta contention. The Habs have some good athlete’s but so does every other team in the N.H.L. BUT DO WE HAVE A CUP WINNER ?heck-no… The Goat’s got to go and trades must happen like getting Rick Nash,whom wants to play in Montreal and we need a real back-up for Price for when he goes into his deer in the headlights mode.Two more big crushing Dmen much needed as well…..player to go are as follows : Moen,Darch,Plecs,Craperlay, Gionta,Nomez,Crapthebedoli,Markov,Gill,Gorges and AK .Failure is not to be rewarded!
Would you mind explaining why Gorges is included in your “failure” list?
4 million for a shot blocker whom is a big voice in the locker room of a failed season.
…Moen ? …Darche ? …Plecky ??? …Gorges ????? …hmmm Steven …what Ya smokin’ this mornin’
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
Same sh*t as HaHa?
…Steven is a great Guy if You know Him G-Man …just don’t agree with Him on a few of these names
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
Craperlay line made me giggle quite hard.
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
Yeah, I am sure Montreal is on Rick Nash’s list.
Get off the pipe brother!
PS I’m going to Vegas so who do you think I should put my hard earned$$$ on to win the cup this year?
And on the 8th day the Lord said…..let there be the Canadiens
As Bourque taken AK’s place and role on the Habs? They score at about the same pace, both can deliver big hits and play physical, both are tagged as inconsistent, and they are in the same pay-range. Neither are clear cut for top line duties either.
Getting Bourque might be the reason the Habs trade or do not re-sign AK.
I see what you are saying but then we have a big hole as we still lost Cammy as well.
We need to pick up some more scoring punch with Cammy gone
Yup I agree, Cammy was (supposed) to be a top line winger, but it did not pan out, Bourque is ok and the reduced cap hit is great, but a strong top line winger to play with Pleks is needed.
Perhaps getting Bourke means the Habs think they need more players like AK (and not just move laterally by exchanging one part for a similar part)?
I see the commander of the Tank Patrol is out in full dress uniform again today expounding on his theories of losing as winning.
Hey, it’s a free country (for the most part), everyone is entitled to their own opinion (unless it goes against his), and we’re all just fans who want to see our team win (but delusional and insane if you don’t see things his way).
It’s certainly your prerogative to spout wildly unsubstantiated claims of how getting the number one draft pick this season will guarantee us glory in the future.
We can spout similar crap to make things look all rosy…such as:
We’re 4-1-1 in our last 6 games, outscoring the opposition 21-13 and with 23 games left on pace for 15-4-4 (roughly) for a total of 90 points.
Realistic, delusional…who the hell knows, but damn close enough for the Habs to play, and fans to cheer, for wins.
***Subbang Baby!!!***
Hear hear… that’s what I say.
I like to see the habs win. I don’t like tank talk. There are no Lemieux or Lafleur in this draft. No sure thing. Nail is the size of a thumb tac anyway and we need size so…
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
Those guys have more opinions than Brains.
Imagine a Team run by the Tank Commanders,
Mission Statement to the Fans.
Dear Paying Customers.
For the following 5 years, we will not win, we want last place overall so we can get 5 straight years of number one picks, then we hope those number one picks are the key to winning the cup and at the same time find a way to keep those 5 first round picks at 4 million each. Hey we’re Montreal you know they’ll stay for 4 million each. Right? I mean look at the Blackhawks, they were able to keep their entire team after they won, right?
Just make sure you fans show up for the those 5 years, we need the money to pay these guys.
Message to Carey Price, Josh Gorges, PK Subban, Lars Eller, etc… even though you guys are going to get booed every single night because I have built a losing team, even though the media is hounding you day after day asking you question like “how do you feel, what’s it like to be a Canadien right now, and do you want out of Montreal? Just be professional, smile and wave, and say I love this.
You all see how bad it is right now? Well wait for it. You just can’t lose in Montreal to Win.
You have to play year after year. You have to compete and keep the fans entertained. You have to make the playoffs, and if you don’t you take your position in the draft and pick the best available player and make him better. You look at where things went wrong, and fix it. Then try again the next season. If things become worse, then someone failed and …oh and get this…. you try again. Lather, Rinse, Repeat.
Shane Oliver
http://www.Sholi2000.com Inc.
Custom Sports Figures
Brandon, MB,Canada
R7B 2R7
hockey@sholi2000.com
Ph- 204 724 8418
By your logic, if Montreal goes 6-4-0 in their next 10 games, they would need to go 11-0-3 or undefeated to make the playoffs?
There are 24 games left. Montreal is 5-4-1 in their last 10.
As a fan, sure, it is worth rooting for it. But, if I was a GM, and I know I am not, I would consider the odds daunting and would look to get a return on departing assets.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
“how getting the number one draft pick this season will guarantee us glory in the future.”
In fairness he never said that.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
If we resign moen and ak46 than management had made the decision that we are basically coming back with the same forward line up we have on the roster…..the odds that gomez is picked up by another team would be slim and salary write off by ownership of gomez is an unknown factor…if these 3 players are back there is no room to add any major forward outside of the organization and even room for a prospect from training camp would not exist.
top 9 forwards…..dd/cole/max/plecks/gion/borque/eller/ak46/gomez
4th line ….moen/white/darche/blunden/nokia
prospects….leblanc/palu/
where would there be room for other prospects?
Most people would agree that this lineup is better than 26th in the league but are they any better than 15th…management and fans of their own players have a tendency to fall in love with their players and think they are better than they are,,,cole should be an eye opener showing that there are better players out there than we have…a lot of posters would not have exchanged ak46 for cole last year…
When the habs picked up Gomez my countdown started…When they will finally be able to unload his shiiate. Next season is very plausible. God I hope.
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
Where is Juha Lindt these days? THAT was a player.
Perhaps sitting back on the laurels of his chocolate empire?
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Juha Lind seems to be retired, he last played for the SM-liiga in 2010.
What would it take to bring him out of his retirement and into #1 center position with the Habs?
Worst management than what is already in place for the Habs.
PG still has time to come on top of being the worst. It’s getting pretty darn close.
Garth Snow.
John Ferguson Jr.
Mike Milbury.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Wadell and Sather..Sather has made more poor decisions in the last 12 years than Milbury
Sather unloaded Gomez to Gainey AND got McDonaugh, he’s off the hook.
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
Bob Gainey
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“We know that hockey is where we live, where we can best meet and overcome pain and wrong and death. Life is just a place where we spend time between games.”
—Fred “The Fog” Shero
I think he and Robert Dirk opened a Felix and Norton’s over in Helsinki…
Kane to Buffalo for Miller, Roy and a pick or prospect.
Or something like that. Buff has the depth at G and an elite goalie that Chicago wants/needs.
You heard it here first.
FYI, it has been a rumour for a while now, heck even Eklund is running with it, so you now it is a sure thing.
I did not know that — I never read Eklund. It just makes sense (Buffalo would win that one big).
I think it was Roenick the other day who said Chicago can afford to trade Kane, and Kane is a local Buffalo kid. Chicago still is a team ready to win now, so the would be more prone to trade for immediate help. Would be interesting to see if it happens.
Was it Kane who had a problem with a Buffalo cabbie?
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
It’s an interesting moment to be a Habs fan. Worst season in years, yet we appear to have the most talented team and most hope for the future in years as well.
It’s been a very long time since we’ve have two 30-plus goal scorers, a mature star goalie, an up-and-coming franchise dman plus the hardest hitting dman in the NHL, and enough size on the team to bounce the Bruins around like ping pong balls. Man that was sweet to watch, despite the loss.
In terms of what PG should do right now – sell, or, heaven forbid, buy, I’d say only the players can decide that on the ice. If they win 4 of the next 5, I’d be going for it. If not, it’s time to sell some assets, garner some picks, and be thankful that we have such an exciting young team to cheer for in seasons to come…
Good Post. Even if we win 4 out of the next 5 I dont think the habs should be trading any assets for immediate help. Considering the fact that AK46 has lost favor with the coaching staff, I would certainly trade him no matter what the habs do over the next few games. I cant see him staying here in the off-season. Gill I would certainly trade as well as I do not see where he fits in our long-term plans. Moen I really like, and would definitely try to sign him to an extension rather than trade him.
If montreal continued to falter, a top 5 pick would have certainly helped our cause, but as nice as that would be, it doesnt look like its going to be in the cards. The habs have too much pride and talent to pack it in, and I have no issues with that.
totally agree with letting gill go and keeping moen. Ak is tough – we all know he has it in him to be a consistent 20+ goal scorer. if the habs will try to build 3 scoring line AK can easily fit on the third line and be bumped up to the second line as needed….BUT… he gives the puck away a couple times a game.
I think Cary Price goes down too often like for example on Bruins power play goal in the 2nd period of that game. He should have stayed up on his feet, but he always is on his knees, most of the time. Also the goaltender coach should work on his weekness to the blocker and blocker side, like the Tyler Seguin goal in the skills competion. He consistantly is week going down and week to the blocker side high. Fix those 2 problems and he would be much better. Even if he fixed going down too often that would help. Go down on low shots, but stay on feet on high shots…..
I agree. The guy is ALWAYS on his knees. I think that accounts for a lot of goals he lets in.
“To disbelieve is easy; to scoff is simple; to have faith is harder”
~ Louis L’Amour
I’ve got the faith!
It is the new NHL as it relates to Goalies I think. That is why we are seeing so many new goalies with tremendous height. They all seem like getting in the butterfly when the play becomes scrambled. It does allow them to shut down the bottom half of the net, but does increase the opportunities for top corners. There are few if any goalies left in the league playing like Martin F. Brodeur who remain standing as long as possible.
Price trusts technique too much. Positioning has to be absolutely perfect for his butterfly to work all the time. Brodeur’s success came during a time where holding and hooking were more or less allowed, but his hybrid style benefits him. Brodeur will contort his body any way he can to stop the puck. Price does this, too, but only rarely.
Reposted from below in response to HH:
It’s interesting how we can mostly agree on the basic issues facing this team, yet respond in a completely different way. Yes, the Habs don’t have a classic, big #1 centre. Yes, the D is pretty thin and largely inexperienced beyond the first pairing. And yes, the fourth line has been weak all year.
Why would any Habs fan want them to make the playoffs this year? Because we’re fracking hockey fans! This is what we do! I don’t want to engage in the whole tanking debate, because I think it’s ludicrous. No self-respecting hockey professional plays half-way and loses deliberately. The reality is that if they go all out and squeak in, only to be eliminated in the first round, they will wind up with a 15th or 16th selection in the first round. If they stay where they are, they wind up with a 5th-12th pick in that round (impossible to predict). Do you seriously think one such move up is going to change this team’s fortunes? Alternatively, how many seasons of suckitude would you devote to this project?
I have no argument with your point that the Habs lack a classic #1 centre. They do, however, have a bonafide first line. That this first line works with spectacular chemistry, using two big, fast scoring wingers and a small, crafty, playmaking centre is a little unusual. But it works, period. So, no #1 centre for us. So what?
Our #2 centre is an amazing two-way player (suffering defensively this year, but still holding tons of cred in that department). You couldn’t ask for better. At least you would have a hell of a time finding better, so why bother? We also have a strong, developing 3rd line centre with loads of promise in that role, or even top-six potential down the line. You wanna give that up?
Gomez. It’s all been said. I have nothing to add.
As for the fourth line, with White back and Moen hopefully returning to that role, I think it will be fine. Whether the third guy is Darche, Gomez or whatever.
Bottom line, I think the Habs have an improving offense which, with the return of Gionta, should be significantly better than anything since the 07/08 squad. If the development of Eller and Leblanc continues strongly, there is reason to be very confident on that front.
The Habs’ weakness on D has been undeniable. After Gorges and Subban, we have a combination of guys with some strengths, but glaring weaknesses (Gill and Kaberle), developing prospects (Emelin, Diaz and Weber) and, well, filler (Campoli). We also have Markov. Speculate all you will. If he comes back, that’s three solid top four guys. Emelin is a keeper, a difference-maker. I don’t think he’s far from top four material. In fact I’m convinced he will get there and, in doing so, utterly change how teams have to play the Canadiens. There’ll be no more cruising laterally into our zone with that dude waiting for you. I also think Diaz has the potential to become a top four offensive Dman, with pretty solid defensive skills. No, neither is there yet, but do you really want to send them somewhere else to rise to their potential?
Gill and Campoli are goners. As for Kaberle, he has to be seen as a partially failed response to the Markov setbacks. A defensive liability without question, but he does put up the points. I agree he should go, but that’s going to be a tough row to hoe. Bottom line? With a little luck (i.e., Markov), the Habs are in a poisition to see defense become a strength within a season or two.
So basically, the situation looks similar to both of us, but the responses differ. In my view, calling for a rebuild is a cop-out, because it assumes that the pieces can be magically found amidst all of the competition for the same types of players. I say, yes, keep an eye out for the odd promising piece, but first and foremost, develop what you have. I think the pieces are largely already under contract.
Nice post Gerry.
If at the end of the season we’re in a lottery position, fine, I’ll be happy with it. If we can trade our expiring contracts for assets, great. In the meantime though, let’s play all out as a team to win. I will not rue wins.
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How about it NHL? No fighting, just hockey?
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
I certainly understand the tanking mentality. But there are Huge problems with that idea. First, getting ONE top 5 is not going to catapult us into elitism. The only way is to tank for 4-5 years. Get 3-4 top draft picks. But right when you are ready to challenge for the cup you have to sign all these superstars under the cap. Look at the Caps. Having to make moves to keep star players who don’t put the Cup first anyways.
Yes the teams that have done it are the exception.
We have a very good base and a lot of talent. We either need our superstar back from injury or we need another one. That is where we lie, no Markov, our D is not great. Our forwards have to play a certain disciplined way so we don’t let in more goals than we score. So their production lacks. We then rely on Price to save us, and he is GREAT and young and will be in my opinion the best in the league in due time, he is not Roy, and he makes mistakes and isn’t perfect.
We also shoot ourselves in the foot with the criticism we relish in. I don’t care how much someone makes, when you boo him, and are constantly on him, as a HUMAN, its in his head and can ONLY create negative results. Maybe one day someone will learn that this is one of the biggest reasons why everyone seems to do better when they leave Montreal. And we blame EVERY SINGLE COACH WE HAVE. The only ones good enough are the ones who are not here.
Completely agree about Markov. Our two greatest weaknesses this year (5-on-5 D and PP) would be greatly enhanced with him back. Without him, we are at least a season or two away from a solution, unless PG can work a miracle.
Also agree on the old bugaboo of fan pressure in Montreal. I especially squirmed at the clearly sarcastic cheering for Gomez a couple of weeks back. Those are the kinds of things that keep the Nash’s and LeCavalier’s out of this town (for better or worse). That it would also lead guys to hold their sticks a little too tightly also goes without saying. I guess, like the assinine cheering of Z’s puck to the face, it’s just the inevitable flipside of the passion that makes the Bell Centre a favourite for so many visiting players.
Excellent stuff, Ger.
I agree completely.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Good post. I agree with everything you say, but I think you’re misunderstanding HH’s tank concept. It does not mean throwing games or trying to finish at the bottom. It means making your goal winning the cup, and doing everything possible to build a cup contender. It means using your assets well – developing the ones you have, not trading picks or prospects for over-priced veterans. and not over-paying for aging free agents. It means taking the long-term rather than the short-term view; if by trading a prospect or pick for a bandaid solution, you might claw your way into eighth place, don’t do it. Instead, deal players who won’t form part of the team next season, and look for ways to add the pieces you’re missing. For the Habs, those ways will include a high draft pick – the higher the better, which does not mean losing on purpose.
Very nicely put. Although I do understand people who want to tank, and think we shouldn’t move players for short-term solutions, I believe in developping the assets we already have. And if we end up with a good draft pick, I’ll take it, for sure, but I’ll never hope for losses.
Gerry, when the inevitable West Side Story Fight/ Dance off happens on HIO, I got your back.
Hell, the Jets are in Winnipeg and the Sharks are in San Jose. Ain’t gonna happen.
It’ll be the first brawl to occur via Skype.
LMAO!
LOL (literally)
Yes I see all that, but still needs to work on blocker side big time, and too much going down when no need of it. Doesn’t any one else see this? Or am i wrong. Blocker is weak I believe…
Excellent post. Agree with most if not all of it. I would add coaching in the situation regarding the future. It needs to be changed. Period. I like Cunny as a man but the moves he’s made lately has left me perplexed at best. I’m gonna stop mid thought a la Fisher style. Cheers.
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Kiss my hAbSS!!!
Going to the game tonight in Buffalo, pretty damn excited. Hoping for a big win and strong southern ontario habs support with me
Nice, grabs some Rolling Rocks and some wings at the Anchor
you know. . . .. . . i’d offer you some western NY support if you had a ticket for me!!
have fun man – sabres were embarrassed last night…. they will come out strong
Big game tonight. If Florida beats Washington and Boston beats Winnipeg, this win tonight (hopefully) will be very important to our chances.
Regardless how much of a climb it is I want to see good hockey and that only happens if we got a shot.
One more streak and we are almost back in it.
Plus I really don’t want to see Washington or Toronto in the playoffs.
How wonderful it would be to be playing the Laffs on the last day of the season for the last spot. That’s my hope, cause I got tix to that game.
65% of fans on here feel that Eric Cole has been our most valuable player and leader in the side poll so far!
I agree with that assessment.
Tonight is a real ‘Blow for Grigorenko’ game tonight. Betcha Budaj plays.
What a dreary comment.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Some random thoughts…..
I’ve been a Habs’ fan since the mid to late 1960’s. I’ve been lucky, I can remember my team hoisting about a dozen cups.
I’d never cheer for my team to lose. When the game has started, I still cheer when they score.
Given a choice of them finishing 9th in the conference just out of the playoffs, or 29th in the entire league and having an earlier draft choice, I think I prefer the latter.
Squeaking into 8th place and losing in 4 straight games in the first round doesn’t really do it for me. But if the Habs’ team that shows up is the one that never gave up against Boston the other night, or the one that beat the Leafs 5-0……well who knows what can happen.
That being said, it’s not easy being a fan of this team.
Being pulled on one hand to the darkside by the Tanquers™ ; or being enticed to the Enchanted Kingdom of the RCG™ (Rose Coloured Glasses)……
I guess I will be cheering for a win tonight…unless they fall behind!
There is a middle ground you know.
The Tankers™ are a funny old bunch.
They call fans ‘delusional’ for wanting their team to win, but refuse to see delusion in their own concept that a good draft pick will solve all our problems.
They rattle on about ‘player development’ and ‘good scouting’ and ‘building a solid young core’ or whatever, but the cornerstone of their castle-in-the-sky is the team losing. They often forget that many things that they propose can be done regardless of where the team finishes, but they have their addled minds set on a top draft-pick, and cheering against the team they claim to support is a symptom of this fixation, causing paranoia and persecution fantasies.
It’s a sad state of affairs, it’s true.
Especially when that’s all they post about.
All. Day. Long.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Never mind…The team is perfect the way it is..
Lets carry on for another 2 decades business as usual.
Who wants to win the Stanley Cup anyway. Being mediocre is so much easier.
Fan’s should just buy tickets and shut up!
(Don’t forget to DRINK beer too).
This message was sponsored by “Molson’s Brewery.
“Where the beer may suck..But people still buy it anyway”.
I don’t think the team is perfect at all.
I think some changes need to be made, for sure.
Just like I said. These things can all come about without finishing in the bottom of the table.
We had enough issues this year to know that things need to change, but for the fans to wish losses on their own team for some magical draft-pick fantasy is pretty sad.
I only buy Molson’s at the game, btw. I used to sneak beers in, but I kinda outgrew that.
And yes, it does suck.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
I agree with you…
The most important change to be made?
Replace the captain of the ship before he hits
an iceberg.
Mike Ribero stars in Dallas win!
Who did we get for Ribero?
Absolutely nothing..0000000000000000
Thanks B.G!
A great man…A lousy G.M
Crazy thing is…What we have now is worse.
Janne Enema
ALWAYS Habs -
D Mex
Don’t worry, Habs can get Ribeiro back in the dispersal draft when the league contracts.
all these polls show how lil hockey most people on this website know.
Price is not about flash, he reads plays extremely well and has perfect positioning, also the reason why PS are not his forte…
Yet despite not “being flashy about it” he’s the reason we win most of our games.
As for last year, during the playoffs, the best goalie stats are Thomas AND PRICE… check it out.
Halak is more agile and probably better 1on1, but in TEAM plays, Price is pretty much flawless. Simply put, he reads plays very well and positions himself in the right spots.
Not to mention his puck control is great and will likely only get better.
totally agree on price – he makes some difficult saves look easy because of his style – he is certainly not thomas or hasek by style.
RIP Gary Carter.
We can still make the playoffs, peeps!
I wanna see more intensity!
MORE INTENSITY!!!!!
(hmmm, is there any way to un-drink coffee…?)
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Breaking News….P.G has come up with a shockingly, brilliant idea.
To extract more effort from Gomez, Kaberle & Campoli, he has decided, they will be tasered before tonights game.
His reasoning?
No only will this cure their drowsiness, it could lead to an electrifying performance and blown fuses.
This message has been sponsored by Hydro-Québec.
Et qu’ils pêtent le feu…
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Hmmm, I seem to recall the Cattle Prod my Grandfather used on the farm with the Dairy Cattle, i will make some calls to the family back in the old country and see if the Prod still works. Ship it off to RC fedex (ground of course, i am thrifty)
Let’s milk this for all it’s worth!
Moo!
Richard R
Anybody interested in buying 4 tickets from me for tonights game Level 100 (includes access to theHarbour Club with a buffett), drop me a quick e-mail.
First come first serve.
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
How much?
—Hope Springs Eternal—
$185 each
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
The NHL head office reminds me of the great SCTV skit where the station was hosting the Emmy Awards and had rigged the results so that it was winning in all categories. Of course, the other networks like NBC and CBS started to smell a rat and unleashed a Price Waterhouse goon, played by a bespectacled Rick Moranis, to poke his nose into the voting methodology and how the ballots were tallied, and he’s seen berating the organizers: “Who’s in charge of security? Where are the accounting representatives?…” To throw the investigator off the scent, SCTV president Guy Caballero and station manager Edith Prickley meet in a dark room and frantically switch the card in the envelope declaring the winning show in the ‘Best Dramatic Series’ category from ‘Vikings and Beekeepers’, the relentlessly promoted SCTV series, to ‘Hill Street Blues’. The payoff was seeing a freakishly tall Betty Thomas lead the cast in a charge to the stage to accept the award, and in the ensuing mayhem award presenter Hervé Villechaise is trampled to death.
Why am I reminded of this? In deciding to not suspend Brad Marchand for two instances of lowbridging Canadiens players on Wednesday, the league has shown that their earlier decision to suspend him for five games for his similar act against Sami Salo was not a condemnation of the act as much as an admission that they needed to bleed off a little pressure before resuming crooked business as usual.
In the Sami Salo case, the background included the fact that Canuck Aaron Rome was previously suspended for the rest of the playoffs for a borderline late hit on Bruin Nathan Horton, while in the same series Bruin Johnny Boychuk skated away without a penalty for a hit that broke Vancouver forward Mason Raymond’s back when they were nowhere near the puck. Brad Marchand had also been not penalized for repeatedly punching Daniel Sedin in the head, in full view of the referees, during a stoppage in play. Add in various other Bruin playoff transgressions which were not penalized, like Brad Ference giving the finger to the Montreal fans during a previous series, and other notorious instances of violent actions that inexplicably escaped punishment, such as the Zdeno Chara mugging of Max Pacioretty, and Milan Lucic’s charge at Ryan Miller, and there resulted a pervasive impression that the Bruins were getting the kid glove treatment from the NHL.
So when Brad Marchand lowbridged Sami Salo, during the highly mediatized rematch of the baleful 2011 Stanley Cup Final, the NHL felt obliged, by the act itself and by the sum of its atrocious previous non-calls against the Boston team, to impose a significant suspension. Some felt it was too harsh, some felt it didn’t go far enough, since Mr. Salo ended missing as many games himself, so the feeling was that the league had probably hit the right number. Much pathos emanated from the Bruins camp about Mr. Marchand needing to ‘protect’ himself, the media responded by strongly condemning his actions and admonishing him to not perpetrate such a dangerous play again.
In any logically coherent organization, two subsequent instances of a repeat offence would have drawn a harsher sentence. Not in the NHL. Because Mr. Subban and Mr. Emelin didn’t pop an ACL or Bo Jackson their hip, it was declared that these instances of clipping didn’t deserve any further attention.
Let’s think about this. Let’s say that I’m a rowdy ten-year old boy and while throwing rocks I break Madame Piotte’s living room window. I’m going to catch hell from my dad, probably get the strap and no dessert for a week and no TV for a week or so. Unfair, but fair enough. Message is clear from mom and dad: don’t throw rocks. Period. They’ll tell me when they’ve calmed down that I can hurt someone and it’s not something you do around people or cars or houses. So let’s say a month later my mom and dad see me throwing rocks again. When I come home, they sit me down and say: “Well, since you didn’t break any windows this time, no harm done. Go watch Bobino while we get dinner ready. There’s blueberry pie for dessert!”
This is the theatre of the absurd that is the NHL. Somehow Mr. Marchand is caught doing the same thing twice more that he has been previously punished for, yet this time the behaviour is not corrected. This would be like if Todd Bertuzzi again assaulted players he had issued threats against, sucker punching them from behind, but this time the players didn’t receive life-altering injuries like Steve Moore did, so Mr. Bertuzzi would escape discipline. Replay this example with Wilf Paiement and Dennis Polonich, or Marty McSorley and Donald Brashear, and you get the idea.
I don’t know why I’m still surprised at the inanity of the NHL, I’m so naive, like Charlie Brown trusting that this time Lucy will hold the football for him when he goes to kick it. Maybe I think that shrugging off the status quo and not decrying the hypocrisy will further enable the people who are slowly throttling the sport.
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How about it NHL? No fighting, just hockey?
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the good read, the only thing missing was a youtube link of that great SCTV moment. Thanks Normand! Oh yah, agree on all fronts.
Enjoyed your SCTV analogy. Can’t buy the rest, but good read.
One thing about SCTV is the memorable names they came up with, Guy Cabarrello and what not, makes you wonder if they made up the Chara name.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kiss my hAbSS!!!
Gary, I hope you and your family feel the love of all you touched. You were part of the history of Montreal and we all love you and will never forget you
Ooh Aah Expos the war path
Nothing new to read here today! Hockey (Habs) Inside Out my a$$. No news, no insight, same old arguments by the same people. So predictable it’s boring. Enjoy wasting your time. Some of us need to work so some of you can get your gov’t cheques and complain about your hockey team. Lol.
How original of you.
You got a point.
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
Have a good day at work PT!
It’s post like this that keep me coming back.
Shouldn’t you be at work? Come on nothing to see here!
LOL
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
Hey, do some work for me, will you?
(punch my card while you’re at it. It’s diagonally to the right of yours.)
—Hope Springs Eternal—
30 GM’s in the NHL would love to have him.
He is our MVP like it or not
He is only going ot get better.
yet there are people on here who like to think the habs would be better with Jaro. Fawk these people are stupid. If you LOVE a player like Jaro so much start cheering for the Blues. They have a great team so you wont be disappointed. Jaro did us well while he was here but NEWS FLASH HE IS NO LONGER HERE GET OVER IT YOU MORONS. Support who we have or stop posting your team bashing bullsh*t. You bash one player your bashing our team. Unless that player is Gomez who has 7.5 million reasons to bash.
Price is having an average season. He is not playing to his abilities, if he was, the team would be closer to the playoffs.
Only a fool would bash Gomez. I mean what did you expect of him? Have you watched him play for the past three years. He was not going to score 25 goals and have 60 points this season. Bash the management that puts him on the ice each night.
When a team fails, the responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of the most talented players in their prime, not on the overpaid veterans past their prime. Gomez won his trophies. Time for Price to win his.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
Price’s mistakes are also MAGNIFIED cause we can’t score and our defense tends to make huge gaffs at the wrong time.
Price could be a little better this season but he is not the reason why this team is on the outside looking in. The vets have all sucked it up hard this year minus Cole, Jorges.
This team is better than their record, no doubt in my mind. You can’t blame this season squarely on the goalie.
Price is a strong asset. Don’t underestimate what he does for this team
The offense is ranked higher than last year. Price is worse this year than last. Possibly, he is unable to overcome the inexperienced defense. But that is subjective. Objectively, last year he was elite in the shootout and this year he is near league bottom.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
Our shootout goal scoring hasn’t been there either. Price hasn’t been good in the shootouts I will agree but we can’t score either.
Our 5 on 5 scoring has improved but our PP has been bottom of the league. With some tweaks this team will be fine
Our shootout goal scoring has been consistently poor for at least two seasons. But that is to expected from a poor offense. In other words, the offense is ranked similarly overall and shootout. Price is worse shootout than overall and worse this year overall than last year.
The underpeformance has to be allocated to Price.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
Yeah, people keep going back to “we can’t score in the shootout”. No one seems to think that maybe the goalie on the other team is better in the shootout, thus we can’t score. The other teams CAN score on us, cuz Pricey is just sucky in the SO. I dunno why peeps just can’t admit that he sucks in the SO. Even if we were scoring, then the SO would just go on and on cuz Price couldn’t stop the opposition. Just sayin….
“To disbelieve is easy; to scoff is simple; to have faith is harder”
~ Louis L’Amour
I’ve got the faith!
A goalie is only as good as the team in front of him. Yah some nights he can steal a win or keep you in a game. But end of day, he has a Defence Core in front of him that was not NHL calibre. PK, Gorges are wonderful, Emelin is becoming a stud. Diaz has nice skillsets but is physically built for a European League which he came from. Perhaps with a healthy Markov and another stud back there we have room for him, otherwise I think he can afford to be packaged for something. Weber unfortunately, I don’t know. Not sure how much of a genuine chance he has been given to develop, I suspect it will happen in another organization.
Who was bashing Price? I looked and didn’t see any negative comments about him. Personally I think that he has been playing very well this season. I think that most people would agree that he has a tentency to let in a soft goal at a bad time (most goaltenders let in soft goals at some point so this is no big deal) and he could certainly be better in the %$#@^& shootouts. However, I also think that Cole has been the MVP this season.
Habs are not getting ready for a rebuild, they believe they only need a few tweaks™.
As per Tony Marinaro, so take it with a grain of salt.
I can already hear the furor!
Well I agree with this, I don’t think they need to blow the team up to be competitive.
There are some moves to be made to improve the team, but a complete overhaul, I just don’t feel good about that.
I am with you Shiram. Some patented HIO tweaking to the D and some classic HIO N.A.G. up front and I think the squad is in pretty good shape. Throw in a nice draft pick courtesy of the Habs listening to the Swelling sounds of the Panzers on this site and all should be happy!
I 100% agree. This team is better than their record and with some tweaking can be a playoff team next season. D needs to be shored up a bit and some more gritt back there would help. We need another hitter back there as well.
If Markov is done we will need to sign a high end D man. IMHO, we can’t have Diaz, Weber, Kabrele on the same D core.
Gorges is awesome -really stepping up this year, Emelin is a keeper, PK – So much talent needs more coaching, Gill is going to be gone, Markov…..who knows
So right now our D would be
Gorges- PK
Emelin – Markov (huge question mark but here cause of contract)
Diaz/Weber – Kabrele (one of these three needs to go)
Put a hitter on the the last set and we will have a decent D core.
Up front
Gio-Pleks -Bourque
Cole-DD-Pac
LL- Eller- Ak (or someone else)
White- ???- Moen (4th line needs a hard hitter good face off guy)
Agree Kooch, except I think 2 of those final 3 need to go replaced with a dman that can clear the puck a stay at home guy. And agree on Markov, I guess we continue to assume he will be okay. Which I can see happening, but want to see the proof of it before the year is out.
The habs don’t need a full rebuild and to blow up this team. Just like players have off years, teams can have off years as well, which is exactly what this is. Take a look at NJ last year..had a horrible year, got a top pick in the draft, and are now back in the fold in the eastern conference…Philly a few years ago — same thing. Instead of debating whether the team is a few pieces away, or in need of a complete blow up, be thankful towards the opportunity to acquire a top asset in the draft, regroup, get healthy and get ready for the next season. Plus, if management and fans truly believe this team is only a few pieces away from being a top team, realize that a top pick in the draft can easily and quickly become one of these cornerstone pieces.
ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian with this thoughts on Gary Carter. My only issue with this article is he lists his Top 8 Catchers all time and has Carter 8th with Piazza ahead of him. No doubt Piazza could hit, but he was a defensive liability and a meathead. Otherwise a nice read.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7520886/hall-fame-catcher-gary-carter-was-ferocious-competitor
Agree, no way you put Piazza ahead of Carter. Piazza’s numbers might be better than Carters, but Carter played in an era where 27 homeruns and 95 rbi meant something. Piazza played in an era where everyone’s numbers were inflated. Also, defensively, Carter hands down.
When you talk about winning, Hall of Fame leaders who won many Cups, the Olympics, the Conn Smythe, you include Joe Nieuwendyk and Steve Yzerman in the discussion. They are the first two GM’s to trade veterans for picks. Both of their teams have better records than the Habs. They are sellers. Last season Tampa advanced to the conference finals. This season they are sellers.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
Moore for a second-round pick and Grossman for a second and third.
Do you think it sets the bar for what we can/will get for Gill and Moen (if he gets heathly)? If that’s the case, what can we get for AK? A first-rounder?
It’s time for a fire sale and if PG doesn’t unload this guys and we loss them to free agency for nothing, I’m gonna be pissed.
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
Moen had to get healthy if we want to get something for him
Gill I don’t know. if scouts have been following him lately its not a good thing. The only thing on our side is his playoff success. If you were another teams GM and you know as much as you do about Gill would you give up much or even want him? Just Curious, what would you give up.
AK’s situation is a little more delicate. We know what he can bring to the table and we know that management and coaching staff will probably not be there next season. I say lets make him an offer that meets our expectations and if he doesn’t bite we trade him hopefully for a first
Repost from last night. Dad wrote a great piece on Gary Carter. Please check it out. Thanks to @lyndasavoie for posting it on her blog.
http://www.lystproject.com/2012/02/16/gary-carter-on-opening-day-1985-new-york/
Chrisadiens and HabFan10912, one of the few father son tandems on HIO.
That was a nice story from Pops Chris. Great memories indeed. Thank your dad in person for me will ya Chris?
Hey you getting caught up in the LinSanity around your Knicks?
Will do.
Yea. I can actually watch the Knicks now. I never thought Id watch the NBA but Lin is making it fun. Everyone in the area has “Linsanity”. NY is riding high right now, Giants, NYR, Knicks. Its pretty neat.
Chrisadiens and HabFan10912, one of the few father son tandems on HIO.
Great piece. Thx
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
Great story. I too remember that Monday night football game when Cosell announced the Expos traded my idol Carter. I was stunned, followed by anger and then despare. I was 13 years old and cried like a little baby. I couldn’t believe the best catcher in Baseball was traded to the hated NY Mets.
Excellent piece on a great man. I too remember going to Parc Jarry, way better then the big O. Part of my childhood died with Gary as well. RIP Gary “UP UP and Away!!!!”
R.I.P. Gary “Kid” Carter. Thank you for the great memories.
JUST TWO QUESTIONS:
1. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE HABS WINNING GAMES:
Nod’s as good as a wink to a blind bat!
A. I want them to win every f-n game they can right until the season’s over.
B. I want them to win every game they can unless they are mathematically eliminated, then they should focus more on testing lines, trying young guys, etc. – if they win, great, if not, meh…
C. I want them to win every game they can unless they are mathematically eliminated, then they should sit Price for half the games, and give more ice time to Gomez and Kaberle.
D. Just tank already! Get that early pick! It’s our best hope for the coming years to find a star center and a strategic opportunity that hopefully won’t come along again for a long, long time!
2. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE HABS FUTURE (i.e. the next few years):
A. If you look at the positives (Cole, Emelin, Patches, etc.) plus the adversity of this year – injuries, coach changes, losing games late – with better coaching and a few smart GM moves to get rid of the wasted cap spend (Gomez, Markov if he can’t play), we could be a serious contender next year.
B. We have the strongest core of young talent and prospects we’ve had in 20 years. The future is very bright over the next few years, or at least in 2 years when some bad contracts die and some of our guys develop more.
C. The Habs need major changes to be a contender. The team has no real first line, and even our strong points (goaltending for example) aren’t as strong as most people think.
D. The Habs need major changes and with some of the deals they’ve made the last couple of years I have lost faith in the team and in management’s ability to put a winner on the ice. They may be good enough to sell more beer, but are not a contender in the next few years.
SD
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
1. Just tank already! We’re as good as mathematically eliminated, and teams still living that fantasy might bite on some of our players to get over the hump. Just look forward to next year, and give the kids like Leblanc and Eller more playing time, in fact, play them on the same line to GROW the chemistry.
2. The future looks OK. We still need a couple more young pieces, namely another D prospect, and a top line winger.
Tanking is for losers. I am not one of them. If you thing that the hypothetical high ranked pick will help you win next year you are wrong cause face it you want to win now. Not in two three years. Then the tank idea is not honest.
I don’t agree. Tanking is certainly a strategic move that can pay off. Whether it brings more negatives than positives to me is the only question… there are risks for sure. Ultimately it’s all about winning the cup, and a high draft pick is an asset. If it’s not going to happen this year, you do what you can – ANYTHING you can – to make the team stronger next year(s).
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
bingo! Plus, look at the Bruins with Seguin, he bloomed in the playoffs, scored some big goals, and now he’s a stud 1 year later. Id say that payed off, and hey they didnt even have to tank!
I think it’s the word TANK, it insinuates that our team will not go all out, if they did that I would be done with them.
Now if they were sellers and dumped a bunch of vets for draft picks, and in turn brought up some of our future, that would be a different story, they would give 110%, but just not be good enough.
I dont want to see “THE HABS” tanking !!!!! it just wouldnt be the habs anymore!
1. a
2. e- Habs need 1 experienced stay-at-home Dman- move Diaz, Weber and Campoli to get one. Habs need 1 more 20+ goalscoring winger like Bourque.
Too many of you actually believe you can do a better job as GM and/or coach. That’s why you’re so funny yet infuriating to read.
My answers:
C. I think it’s good for the players to fight for wins now. But sell everything non-essential before the deadline and then play to ‘learn’ and welcome that early pick – a rare opportunity.
A. I actually am very positive. I think with the right moves, we ARE a contender. Though D. is tempting… I can’t let myself go there.
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
Plany hard and win – how long ago was it that NJ, Florida and Ottawa SUCKED? just a year…. a major overhaul is NOT needed. A Few key upgrades/deletions will go a long way.
I agree. The right mix is really important. Too much shuffling this year is part of what’s hurt the team (and I think part of why we’re winning more now is stability).
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
I look on how they win and how they lose. I would like to win every game but 30 teams/82 games/injuries makes it impossible. Knowing what we know now and what we are facing ,the way they approach every game every minute is even more important if not for this season ,at least for years to come.
Everybody needs to make a list of the keepers to realize that the situation is not as bad as all the Francois Gagnons of this world make it to be. It is ok to hate to lose but it is wrong to be blind and think that the puck stops here.
I agree in that I think we’re close to being a winner. But the reluctance of the coaches/management to deal with soft veterans has hurt the team bigtime. I think the potential is there, I do.
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
The deadline trade for a second round pick is a Dominic Moore specialty.
In fact it should be called a “Dominic Moore”.
It would be interesting to make a list of all the players who ended up drafted with those Moore picks.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Good point. And smart to sign this kid in the off-season when you can for nothing (like the Bolts did when we let him go) because he’s a decent 4th liner with the bonus of being a coin that can be spent later.
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Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!
So there are two ways of looking at this, either alot of teams want Dominic Moore or alot of teams don’t mind letting him go. He played well for the Habs, and I am thankful to him for his efforts that special playoff run he was a part of. But I do have to wonder why this guy can’t stick with a team for more than a season or two.
He is more of a depth guy but a decent one and because of that he gets bounced for second round picks. In other words he is a nice complimentary player but will never be the reason you won the cup. I would have liked to see Montreal keep him of cause we struggle in the face off dot and Moore is quick and responsible defensively.
I personally think he is underrated as well
Moore is a mercenary. Goes where the money is and does not attach himself with a group of guy. Not my type of player although he does an honest job. Maybe a bit above average players but knowing that the guy in not in for the team makes his value decrease a lot.
Just about 100% of pro athletes go where the money is. It is truely a rare situation where a player sticks with a team because he likes the team and is willing to play for much less than he can get elsewhere. Fans have much more affiliation to their team than the players do.
He has tried to stay on Most teams. He tried to stay on with the Leafs and they wouldn’t pony up cash, he wanted to stay in Montreal but didn’t get a contract offer. Tampa gave him a two year deal and it paid off for them last year in their playoff run.
I think he is a tad underrated. I would keep him around for under 2 mill a season
Very sad about Gary Carter. Great player and great guy. I miss the ‘Spos. Haven’t really watched MLB since Lauria and baseball screwed us fans.
Go Habs!
Let boreball rot. With only a few teams able to pay INSANE salaries, MLB is a complete time waster.
And Brochu. And Bronfman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG1GZE0kwZw
Yes Lauria and Selig screwed us, but I can’t help but feel a part of my Childhood died along with Carter. Living in Montreal going to Jarry Park as a young child sitting in the bleachers. Listening to those late night games from LA on the parents old style console stereo on CJAD. So many memories of the spos to bad they are gone. RIP Gary Carter….
Amen.
Jeffrey Loria.
Richard R
It is time we give the players a break. The effort has been there. It is not their fault that the moves made by the frone office have backfired. Carey, PK, Max, Eric, Josh, Hal, Plek, and the rest of them want to win as badly as we want them to win. We haven’t had a #1 centre since the days of Pierre Turgeon.
Geoff Molson, please end this mess by getting rid of Pierre Gauthier and bring in a fresh face like Pierre McGuire. We do not need to rebuild, we need to retool this team. I am very afraid that if Gauthier is still here, he will mess this up big time.
McGuire, with no GM experience and out of the NHL for 15 years, isn’t the man for the job.
With all PG’s so-called horrible moves, the Habs are not that far away. One more solid hitting stay-at-home Dman and 1 more power forward with 20 to 30 goals production. For now, the team has to be all effort all the time with no letting up.
Someone shove a donut in the Fat lady’s mouth
and LET’S DO THIS!
Wednesday night was a great game…the boys didn’t quit and with better coaching (horrible choices during the shootout) and quality officiating we’re back on a win streak.
Go Habs Go
The Pacioretty story posted is heart warming. I got a little teary eyed reading it. Patches has really become a great role model. I think we could all take some of his advice. There is all more important then points or Habs winning or losing.
I guess Price is as delusional as I am.
Count me in with you lot.
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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
Same here.
I’m supporting this team through thick and thin.
_____________________________
Don’t let the wultures getcha.
” And this team is still talking like it has a chance to make the play-offs.”
Would you prefer the team say “Well we probably can’t make the playoffs, so to all you fans out there, know that we are planning on losing every game from here on out. We realize many of you have paid alot of money to watch the games, but enjoy the cheap food and drink, CHeers everyone and Happy Tanking!”
And if we win, we’re 6 points behind Toronto.
I agree with you 100%. Personally, I don’t think we should (or can) make the playoffs. I think we need to trade for some picks, get better drafts and build from within with youth. It will be better for us in the long run rather than living for the “right now”.
ONCE A HAB, FOREVER A HAB!!!
HardHabits: a Great post. everything you said is right on. until we can roll 4-lines with a decent defence in place and steady goaltending this team will never win another cup. PG the Rebuilding is on and mr. molson if he can’t do the job get someone in there that can. that’s what the fans want. we want the real Montreal Canadiens back we don’t like being 2nd class.
I would love to see Gomez and Kaberle gone but I get this really bad feeling that there are 29 GMs out there that think the 2 of them should stay in Montreal. Both are being paid way more than they are worth.
I have mixed feelings about Markov and whether or not he should try to play a few games this season. On one hand it would be great for management to get a chance to evaluate his performance while on the other hand he could get hurt again by not staying away long enough. If he waits until next season, he will be as strong as he can possibly get but of course, he may never be the same again.
That’s a loser mentality. Can we trade you to another team’s fan board?
Here’s the thing – if this team does make it into the playoffs it will be because they go on a significant hot streak and will have been in “playoff mode” mentality for the six weeks leading up to the post-season. Think of the 2005-06 Edmonton Oilers and their run to the Cup Finals. Once you make it to the post-season ANYTHING can happen and those teams that have been fighting for their lives for weeks often have a mental advantage over the division winners that have been on cruise control for the last couple months of the regular season.
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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
agree with most of what you said
however if Markov is healthy next season we need only 2 d-men and we can probably live with Diaz and Webber as 6/7 . So basically we need 1 Big stay at home bruising mean D. ( a stop gap) cause Tinordi is probably 2 seasons away and so is Beaulieu
I agree we need a Big Centerman, therefore if we get 1, one of DD, Plekanek and Eller has to go. Desharnais has become the hometown hero but I think getting rid of Pleks or Eller might be a mistake. Unless we put DD on the wing
I have grown away from Gionta and wouldn’t mind him traded
could use his cap space
Gomez is a goner
We might get a bite for kaberle, hopefully
With White back I think we have the core piece to making a 4th line
It’s interesting how we can mostly agree on the basic issues facing this team, yet respond in a completely different way. Yes, the Habs don’t have a classic, big #1 centre. Yes, the D is pretty thin and largely inexperienced beyond the first pairing. And yes, the fourth line has been weak all year.
Why would any Habs fan want them to make the playoffs this year? Because we’re fracking hockey fans! This is what we do! I don’t want to engage in the whole tqanking debate, because I think it’s ludicrous. No self-respecting hockey professional plays half-way and loses deliberately. The reality is that if they go all out and squeak in, only to be eliminated in the first round, they will wind up with a 15th or 16th selection in the first round. If they stay where they are, they wind up with a 5th-12th pick in that round (impossible to predict). Do you seriously one such move up is going to change this team’s fortunes? Alternatively, how many seasons of suckitude would you devote to this project?
I have no argument with your point that the Habs lack a classic #1 centre. They do, however, have a bonafide first line. That this first line works with spectacular chemistry, using two big, fast scoring wingers and a small, crafty, playmaking centre is a little unusual. But it works, period. So, no #1 centre for us. So what?
Our #2 centre is an amazing two-way player (suffering defensively this year, but still holding tons of cred in that department). You couldn’t ask for better. At least you would have a hell of a time finding better, so why bother? We also have a strong, developing 3rd line centre with loads of promise in that role, or even top-six potential down the line. You wanna give that up?
Gomez. It’s all been said. I have nothing to add.
As for the fourth line, with White back and Moen hopefully returning to that role, I think it will be fine. Whether the third guy is Darche, Gomez or whatever.
Bottom line, I think the Habs have an improving offense which, with the return of Gionta should be significantly better than anything since the 07/08 squad. If the development of Eller and Leblanc continues strongly, there is reason to be very confident on that front.
The Habs’ weakness on D has been undeniable. After Gorges and Subban, we have a combination of guys with some strengths, but glaring weaknesses (Gill and Kaberle), developing prospects (Emelin, Diaz and Weber) and, well, filler (Campoli). We also have Markov. Speculate all you will. If he comes back, that’s three solid top four guys. Emelin is a keeper, a difference-maker. I don’t think he’s far from top four material. In fact I’m convinced he will get there and, in doing so, utterly change how teams have to play the Canadiens. There’ll be no more cruising laterally into our zone with that dude waiting for you. I also think Diaz has the potential to become a top four offensive Dman, with pretty solid defensive skills. No, neither is there yet, but do you really want to send them somewhere else to rise to their potential?
Gill and Campoli are goners. As for Kaberle, he has to be seen as a partially failed response to the Markov setbacks. A defensive liability without question, but he does put up the points. I agree he should go, but that’s going to be a tough row to hoe. Bottom line? With a little luck (i.e., Markov), the Habs are in a poisition to see defense become a strength within a season or two.
So basically, the situation looks similar to both of us, but the responses differ. In my view, calling for a rebuild is a cop-out, because it assumes that the pieces can be magically found amidst all of the competition for the same types of players. I say, yes, keep an eye out for the odd promising piece, but first and foremost, develop what you have. I think the pieces are largely already under contract.
The problem here is the word tanking..it’s unseemly, that’s all, so soom people use it for effect…we are out of it and we can only hope we can make a few trades in the next week or two that can help. We can only hope the juniors go to Hamilton for a while develope and make the big club in the near future. If we are really lucky, get a great player in the draft. My concern is as always our scouting.We always come up with role players but we could use a little flash.
84 is right. F*** losing.
It’s comments like this which make the distinction between a professional athlete and a “fan” so crystal clear. You may not have an ounce of pride in the team you profess to cheer, but you can bet your bottom dollar that every member of that locker room has the pride and intestinal fortitude to give their 100% every night the rest of the regular season.
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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
Or in the next week we watch as PG completes his trades. Is it PG’s fault if Philadelphia preferred a 27 year old physical forward over the finely aged Hal Gill? Perhaps PG should have properly detailed Gill in order to make him more appealing. I prefer the new car scent over the Lemon spray so perhaps he could have started with that. I am not even sure if the Carmats on Gill were cleaned with shampooo. Damn that PG, get to work on detailing our Showcased Merchandise!
How long is the waiting list for season tickets? Five years? Molson doesn’t have to do anything but ensure there is enough $11 beers to go around during the games…
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
Maybe they are waiting, hoping prices rise up? We have no clue what’s going on behind the Habs doors…
Gill, Kaberle, Campoli and AK to the Kings for Jack Johnson.
Richard R
I just love the fact that the fans’ fair-weather-ness is hurting the scalpers.
It was soooooo easy to buy tickets on the 15th because the scalping companies are already trying to cut their losses.
Hahahahha!!! Scumbags.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
haha.. cheap food and drinks….
Nice one Burly.
All right by popular demand, here is the clip, bad picture quality and sound and all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTL1NfBSx4Q
The action starts at about the 4:30 minute mark, but the entire “THE PEOPLE’S GLOBAL GOLDEN CHOICE AWARDS” are available on YouTube.
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How about it NHL? No fighting, just hockey?
http://relentlessineptitude.blogspot.com/
I did not reference Halak in my post. I have posted several times that trading Halak was the correct move. When the team traded for Gomez, I wrote that Gainey made one of the worst trades in hockey history. But Gomez, like Gionta, Gil and Spacek got older this season. At the beginning of the year, I wrote that Gomez would be lucky to get 25 points and Gionta would not score 20 goals because that is the typical age based decline.
So Gomez is worse, big deal. His ceiling was so low that underperformance is meaningless. Now, why management continues to give him ice time is only as baffling as the reasons for acquiring him in the first place. He has always been the problem, but incrementally, he is no worse the problem than last year.
Price his having an off year. The offense is better than last year. These are statistical facts. Perception and reality differ. I try to limit my statements to those that can be supported with statistics.
Blue, blanc et rouge. Red and White for Canada. Blue for Smurfs.
Got to figure whoever they are talking to, would say, pull the trigger or we are going in another direction. Heard on Sportsnet they are waiting til after the weekend.
Well, we still have no clue what’s going on.
Those CHANGES can be made without wishing losses on the team.
Am I right?
For someone who throws stones about understanding the league, your glass house of hockey knowledge seems to be made of pretty thin panes. How does RC coach like PM? I see our team forechecking much more aggressively, I don’t see us playing the trap to hang on to one-goal leads, and I don’t see Darche on the PP.
I generally don’t read the Tanking™ posts, because they just repeat the same thing over and over again, but I see them. And thanks for your advice on what I should do. I’ll take that into very, very serious consideration every time I check the site.
And I think it’s pretty childish of you (or anybody else on this site) to call people names. Kinda schoolyardish, don’t you think? Is that how you would talk to people face to face? “You’re DELUSIONAL!!” I doubt it.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Eller? I am sorry, what has Eller done to be most valuable… or any valuable for that matter.
Okay, where to start.
Calling people ‘delusional’ is name-calling. Not fact. Saying that someone ‘is’ something is attributing a name to their behaviour, and is, therefore, name-calling. And I’m not your pal.
Sorry about the P instead of the J, missed keystroke, but I can understand that you would point it out thinking that it supports some specious argument of yours. It doesn’t, by the way.
Thank you for your CV, I will place it on the pile, and if, at any point I need to hire someone who claims to know what they’re doing, I’ll be sure to look over your application with more than a cursory glance.
As for my ‘experience’, I’ll keep that to myself. I’m not interested in having an online dick-measuring competition.
Stats? Hmm. I’m not one for stats, myself. Never good with number-crunching.
I’m glad that you want the team to win (even if it is deep down). So do I. I don’t agree that a higher pick will usher out management and coaching. I also think that if we finish well, it is because of the coaching, and the un-learning of the JM period. If we finish low, so be it. If we come within a game of making the playoffs, so be it. If we make it in, so be it.
I’m not going to go any further into this with you.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Yeah, no bandaids please. I agree that that sucks.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Oh tell me, magical prognosticator what will be the final score tonight such that I may make my Pro-Line bets accordingly. Clown.
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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