Pittsburgh goalie Marc-André Fleury (left) and his Philadelphia Flyers counterpart, Ilya Bryzgalov, meet in the ceremonial handshake line after Sunday’s game.
Len Redkoles, NHLI via Getty Images
Everyone wondered how good a healthy Pittsburgh Penguins club would be.
The Philadelphia Flyers showed their Pennsylvania rival was good for six games in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, but no more.
The Flyers sent Sid’s Penguins packing Sunday afternoon, Philly’s 5-2 victory in Game 5 ending any chance of Pittsburgh enjoying a lengthy run through the postseason.
A good many thought that last year’s Stanley Cup finalist, the Vancouver Canucks, would be the Western Conference’s representative at the end this season.
No one bothered to tell the Los Angeles Kings.
Sunday night, Jarret Stoll’s goal 4:27 into OT sent the Canucks into summertime, the Green Men now free to do their gardening. The Kings’ 2-1 win over Vancouver ended that series in a brisk five games.
• In Washington, Tyler Seguin scored early in overtime as the Boston Bruins defeated the Capitals 4-3, sending that series to a seventh game.
• TONIGHT: A look at Monday’s NHL playoff action.
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@TomNickle: Would be sweet to pick up a chance at Nathan MacKinnon, or depending on how the habs finish next year, a second chance at Nathan MacKinnon, in exchange for Plek.
It isn’t just Mackinnon.
Seth Jones, Jordan Subban, Kirby Rychel, Jonathan Drouin, Alexander Barkov, Hunter Shinkaruk, Max Domi.
It’s going to be an unreal draft.
Okay please don’t take this the wrong way Tom. But I can read your excitement over next years draft. For whatever reason when I reread your post, i did so with Pierre McGuire’s voice speaking it and I started to laugh.
You just needed to include their home towns and it would have been perfect! And oh yah call at least one of them a monster.
I only say this, because I do respect your hockey opinions and your passion shows through so much.
Cheers bud!
These draft rankings are as good as any other ones out there.
http://futureconsiderations.ca/top-rankings/
Hab fans are concerned about the two centres but the real issue is how all the Dmen will shake out once Murray is selected. Toronto’s pick may also be of interest, especially if it turns out to be the centre that the Habs didn’t select.
Rumour on the street is that Timmins is in Sweden right now conducting a personal interview with Filip Forsberg.
A 2013-14 line of Forsberg/Pleks/Leblanc could be very interesting.
Question to the Junior Hockey fanatics. How does team Canada choose its under 18 team? Is it similar to the World Championships, where Junior teams not making playoffs are picked over by Hockey Canada and the coach?
Yep.
I find it strange that a D man would have so little PIMs. Just the physical nature of the position would cause a few minor penalties a year, no?
———————————–
His speed and lateral movement allow him to avoid penalties that just about every other defenseman in the NHL HAVE to take.
I assume that the more important a player is to the team’s penalty kill, the more important it is for said player to avoid committing penalties.
Penalty minutes are weird statistic. Rarely does a player take a penalty and everyone says, “What a great play.” However, when taken in aggregate, a large quantity of penalty minutes is often considered virtuous. It appears to be an odd double-standard. But I suppose in the latter instances, “penalty minutes” is a euphemism for “fighting majors,” which has to be the only reason someone would praise a player for collecting a large number of PIMs.
Lady Byng nominate Brian Campbell took 2,354 shifts this season, he took 3 penalties. Tweet from Jermaine Franklin at TSN. Pretty incredible for a defenceman.
If he doesn’t win the Byng it’ll be robbery.
Doesn’t Pleks have a no trade clause?
Five words usually fix that problem
We do not want you.
That did not work with about a dozen or more clubs trying to move players this and last year.
Like?
Dallas-Brad Richards. Look at Columbus, Remember The Leafs and Sundin. Come on there are lots of problems with no trade clauses.
Richards is one case. And he was a pending UFA.
Nash did waive and Columbus didn’t pull the trigger.
The Muskoka 5 as they’re called came together to screw Leaf management. Much different situation.
Nash did waive his NTC but the selection of teams were limited!!
Habs – Gomez (to NYI)
ALWAYS Habs -
D Mex
Ha ha!
Mick walks into the room and turns the lights on.
You really think that’s an insurmountable obstacle?
With all the talk on here about trading Pleks , I am just saying it is not a sure thing. I like it when the lights are on “OZMODIAR”.
Read below. 12 players with NTC in their contracts who were indeed, traded in the last three years.
It could. It depends on the conditions of the NTC.
Let’s say he can choose 8 teams that he will accept a trade to. What if 4 already have a #1 and #2 center in place, and 3 more don’t have the cap space or budget. Then you’re down to 1, and the bargaining gets really tough.
It’s just something that has to be considered, as Mick has pointed out.
Ok Tom, you win?
It isn’t a competition. A no trade clause could easily become an obstacle, but it rarely does become one.
Haha, yea …it didn’t work for Gomez!
“Step off George”
Thornton, Campbell, Regehr, Bouwmeester, Heatley, Rolston, Zidlicky, Gomez, Guerin, Langenbrunner, Kaberle and Brewer.
Just a few no trade clauses that have meant SFA in recent years.
I like Pleks!
For those asking about Halak’s health. He will miss first two games of St. Louis vs. L.A. Series.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=394012
St Louis might want to be more concerned about the LA goalie situation!
ha, yeah. although they can beat LA. SJ was just unable to handle the Blues for the most part. it’ll be a great series. i’ll definitely watch it and i don’t care who wins
Burlington, thanks for the update.
I tried to ask about Halak’s injury situation yesterday ( I had been away on vacation and didn’t know what happened to him) and while one or two people replied with a civil answer I also got some very snarky replies. It seems that some Price supporters cannot stand to hear any discussion what-so-ever about Halak. By the way, Elliott is doing a fine job for the Blues so they certainly are in no rush to get Halak back.
Well many myths have been *ahem, cough, fixed today. We should now move onto more important things like Chicken or the Egg.
Saw a great T-shirt in Mexico, under the heading of What came first Chicken or the egg, is a picture of a rooster just giving it to an egg hatching a chicken, yelling I came first!
Myth #2 for the day(Plekanec being elite is #1)
Eller may not develop into a second line centre.
A year earlier than Plekanec had his second go in Hamilton, Eller in his first full season of AHL hockey scored 57 points in 70 games while playing with mononucleosis. Scored an underwhelming 17 points in 77 games with the Habs last season as their 4th line centreman while Jeff Halpern was promoted to the wing or third line centre when the team dealt with injuries.
This season he scored sixteen goals and 28 points a year younger than Plekanec had his first full season with the Habs where he tallied 29 points.
Eller was a 13th overall pick of the St. Louis Blues and was 5th on the draft board of Jarmo Kekalainen. Also known as the guy who built the St. Louis Blues through the draft.
Eller’s career progression is a year ahead of Plekanec’s. This season Plekanec scored a point for every thirty-two minutes played and Eller scored a point for every 43 minutes played.
Eller’s best linemate all year was Andrei Kostitsyn and from the beginning of the season through the All-star break Eller drew the opposing team’s top lines contrary to popular belief.
It isn’t even close to far fetched to believe Eller will be capable of becoming a second line centreman next year. Big difference between Gionta and Bourque and Moen, Kostitsyn, Darche, Leblanc and White.
Tom, are you also the Exec. Producer of the TV show Mythbusters?
Haha. No but their piece on fixing a cell phone that’s been dropped in water by placing it in a ziploc bag or bowl full of rice works.
YES…it does.
Been there, done that!
I would not recommend their live tour though, unless you bring the kids, and then it’s 70$ a ticket…
Eller is still a work in progress and is very young. Right now he is playing as a number 3 centre and it is suiting him. I think he may end up being a number 2 but he isn’t ready yet.
From the games I watched last year he is not ready for number 2 duty. He is still really raw and has some brain cramps out there.
I think he was rushed a bit cause of the Halak trade and another year in the AHL would have done him wonders.
Hopefully they didn’t screw up his development
“Like Canadian Hip hop..check us out http://www.groovecontrolmusic.com“
His development thus far suggests he will be ready for the role next season.
we will see. if he IS put in a big role next season, hopefully this pressure-cooker of a town won’t crush him and his confidence when he makes a mistake or two.
Time will tell but I hope they don’t rush him. The habs have a problem with doing that
“Like Canadian Hip hop..check us out http://www.groovecontrolmusic.com“
Highly unlikely.
He should be in Hamilton playing more and developing his skills.
The only reason he is in Montreal is to make former Pierre Gauthier and Bob Gainey look good in the Jaroslav Halak deal. We could have gotten more in the Halak deal IMO and I was not a fan when we traded him.
Eller is a work in progress and next season is make it or break it for Eller and time to shine in his third full year with the club! No excuses!
If not, it will be another bust for our club in terms of rating prospects.
Personally, I don’t see Eller doing anything for our club in terms of offensive production.
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
Eller could indeed be better than both DD and Pleks. Patience is key with him for now.
For one thing, I don’t know who said he was an elite player. Not I.
But a top #2 centre man is how I view him.
I’m not saying don’t trade him. But as I mentioned to you earlier, I think you’re a year off with Eller. He still needs another year of developing and mentoring.
And when you send a player like Pleks out, who covers all the ice, does in fact play against other team’s top lines (often) and hustles his derrière off, that should encourage Eller to work even harder and hopefully become the elite player we all want him to be.
This team is sorely lacking in leadership, and I don’t think we should move the few who show it.
Development is NOT a linear progression
Go Habs Go!
Visit Your NHL Draft Headquarters
http://lastwordonsports.com/category/lastwordblog/nhldraft/
I only hope that L.A. or Nashville will keep the CUP away from Philly and Boston, please!
When Philly and Boston meet, (MEAT) I hope for hamburger!!!
I’d like to see two teams that have yet to win a Cup meet in the final. Tough to root against either team in that circumstance.
___________________________________________________
Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.
that’d be really really nice, but i don’t see a team that hasn’t won it coming out of the east: Ottawa? Washington? Florida? they’re not performing at a high enough level yet, although you never know…
the west should be interesting though with Nashville, St. Louis and LA in the mix. i’ll cheer against the coyotes (if they make it past CHI) simply because of the NHL’s stubborn refusal to move them
Like to see the Blues win.
Really, how many fans know their roster besides Halak on the team?
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
AMEN to that!
Pleks is a solid 2-way center who on any other team would be 2nd or 3rd in depth. I like the player, but PG was dumb enough to give him top $$$ ($5MM for another 4 years) and pretend him to be a #1 centerman. I say time to trade Pleks, get some decent value for him now, free cap space, and assign the role to Eller. I say Eller will grow into that role nicely and likely exceed his predecessor.
Can’t believe hamrlik was so badly out of position on the winning goal against last night. He plays left defence and was on the right boards when seguin was walking in all alone to score the winner,talk about brutal.
And if he hadn’t made that incredible tip-in in front of his own goalie, the Bruins would already be on the golf course. Trade the bum!
___________________________________________________
Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.
I saw that too. I was saying to myself, WTF is he was doing??? Not only was he on the wrong side of the ice,he was up around where the right winger normally is.
Actually Hamrlik did not look too bad during the game. I specifically kept a close eye on him and thought he was solid (I would guess he was top 3 in minutes on the team for defense). Think about it, he is better than Campoli, Kaberle, Weber, Diaz, etc….
I’m tired of having to scroll all the way up the page.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
Because when you refresh it takes you back to your last post?
Just reopen your browser, should do the trick.
CTRL-Home doesn’t work for you?
Just learned something new, thanks Oz!!!
I find all this talk of trading Pleks to be a bit premature.
Let’s assume the Habs are getting ready to to part ways with Gomez. If they trade Pelks, that leaves them with just two bonafide NHL centres heading into traing camp. That’s bad enough, but what happens if DD or Eller gets hurt, or Eller can’t make the jump to 2nd line status? That makes us Columbus.
Even if Gomez stays, how do you justify trading Pleks and keeping a guy who is a huge disappointment (and liability) to the team?
I think Hab fans need to accept the fact that next year may not be a great rebound season. Lots of factors point to waiting it out and keeping our powder dry.
You could say the same thing of just about every team in the NHL if one of their top two centremen get hurt.
Boston, San Jose, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia are probably the only teams that could withstand the loss of a top 2 centreman.
Tom – That really wasn’t my main point, just an add-on thought.
My point is that without Pleks, Montreal only HAS two centres for next season. Period.
This team needs pleks currently. No doubt there. Unless they can trade for another centremen that is better or a great winger this team is weaker without him.
IMO we need a scoring winger for the second line more than a centre.
“Like Canadian Hip hop..check us out http://www.groovecontrolmusic.com“
Also between Plekanec and Desharnais….if they continue putting up 50-60 points each a season, that is just as good as having a number one center putting up 80+ point seasons, and having your number two center putting up 40.
Not every team has two centers putting up 60 points(give or take)
Personally, I think your dislike for Pleks, is a little unfounded.
Look at a team like Boston….they don’t have any top point producers…but have depth. That’s what we have to realistic hope for from our 3 Centerman. And give him some wingers for crying out loud……that’s the much bigger problem here.
“Step off George”
Your assumption that it’s a dislike is unfounded my friend.
I don’t know Plekanec or of any situation where he was a selfish player. And because of that I have no dislike for him.
But it’s my opinion that he should not be kept on this team in a role that delays or hinders of the development of Eller, Desharnais and the player this team will be selecting in June.
we are also assuming that we are drafting a centre. Who knows we could end up trading our pick or trying to move up for Nail…
“Like Canadian Hip hop..check us out http://www.groovecontrolmusic.com“
True but I would move Plekanec out regardless.
Eller and Desharnais should be given the top six if for no other reason than potential.
fair enough.
“Step off George”
+1
Steve, I am not specifically advocating trading Plex, but I do think the new GM will make some changes. And in order to get you have to give. I just think there will be a trade or two done by the new GM which may surprise us.
There will be change. The new GM will want to put his stamp on the team for sure.
“Like Canadian Hip hop..check us out http://www.groovecontrolmusic.com“
I think talk trading Pleks is premature also. He can play way better than he has. A couple years ago Crosby (after getting his tail handed to him by the Habs) remarked that a team can’t win playing that way. It is probable he was correct. If Pleks feels the same way he needs a chance under another system to show if his sulk is all about him, or about the direction the team was heading.
Plus, we’re drafting a #1 big center, no?
Is it wise to give DD a big raise, then give him 2nd line talent to play with when our #1 is ready to play?
DD is a keeper IMO. He is up for a raise but has only played one season so they should be able to get him at a reasonable contract.
“Like Canadian Hip hop..check us out http://www.groovecontrolmusic.com“
He’s already signed for next season.
Even better. I have no doubt he can put up similar numbers but the proof will be in the pudding
“Like Canadian Hip hop..check us out http://www.groovecontrolmusic.com“
I hope he can too, but it’s also possible he over-achieved this year. And while it’s a possibility that Plekanec is moved, it’s also quite possible that either of Patches or Cole gets moved from DD’s wing as well.
I also don’t expect this team to to turn around or rebound next year or for seasons to come. We have a weak farm team and really we are praying that our prospects will step it up to the next level like Kristo, Gallagher, Tinordi, etc.. to name a few but only time will tell but I’m not looking forward to next season and at least 2 or 3 more of non-playoff hockey will come to haunt us.
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
I wonder if Crosby, Staal, Neal or Letang will go play for Team Canada?
As long as they don’t brink Fleury along with them.
___________________________________________________
Being a Hab fan is like buying real estate: only over the long-haul will you appreciate the true value of your investment.
Hey, Chuck. I thought of including his name just to set off a shitstorm on a boring HI/O day:-)
Ottawa has announced Alfredsson back in lineup tonight.
Excellent!
The Sens aren’t in my pool, ….but who cares!
It is time to stop comparing Tomas Plekanec to the game’s elite players.
He has topped the 60 point mark only twice in seven full NHL seasons and coincidentally has only topped the 40 assist mark twice over that time as well. Line combinations and penalty killing time are a crutch for his admirers. His wingers have included but weren’t limited to Andrei Kostitsyn, Alex Kovalev, Alex Tanguay, Mike Cammalleri, Brian Gionta, Guillamme Latendresse, Sergei Kostitsyn, Matt D’Agostini, Max Pacioretty, Chris Higgins and Michael Ryder.
His defensive abilities while close to elite aren’t quite there. His takeaway, faceoff percentage and plus/minus totals have been.
43 – 49% – -15
43 – 50% – +8
46- 49% – +5
42 – 50.6% – -9
51 – 49% – +15
65- 48% – +10
50 – 50% – +4
2, 7, 12, 11, 15, 13 and 21. Those are the teams penalty kill rankings since Plekanec became an integral part of the special teams unit. Funny that the jump from average to elite coincides with Price’s taking over as a full-time starter and Hal Gill’s arrival.
So as one of the best penalty killers in the league his team didn’t rank in the top 10 for his first five years on the penalty killing unit.
The notion that he’s an elite player at anything is ridiculous. He’s had to take the bulk of the time on the penalty kill as a Hab because there weren’t any other options.
Good penalty killer? Yeah. Good defensively? Sure. Elite? Not a chance in hell.
So, DD is not elite either.
Nope.
So answer me this.
How do you think he would have performed between Max and Cole all year, and not assigned any PK minutes? Just 5-5 and PP.
The same way he always has. Hovering somewhere in between 50 and 60 points, just like Desharnais did. He brings good defensive play, which is not worth an additional $4 million annually and not worth the investment as a 1st line centreman.
Tom I think the reason many people here don’t like the idea of trading Plex, is because he has in some ways been the consistent poster boy for forwards/centers on this team for the past 5+ seasons.
He has generally provided good hustle, has been accountable for his play and most importantly he was a product of the Habs drafting and developing him. Given how many players the Habs have done a poor job of retaining and perhaps trading away for too little, there is a great deal of intrepidation for fans to have faith in the organization trading one of its “Stars” and getting full value.
Hopefully with the new GM, comes new credibility. However, in order for this team to take steps forward there will have to come change. In order for this change to be beneficial long term we as fans will have to accept that sometimes a fan favourite will be traded in order to get something really good back.
I can live with Plex being traded, BUT! for damn sure it better be a good trade. Because while his point totals don’t put him in the elite center bracket, he certainly is a complete 2way player who does provide good effort for the most part.
Cheers Tom!
Exactly. And my point here is that good two way players who are overpaid, overused and relied on for too much shouldn’t hinder the development of more promising players.
He might have been overpaid before, but with the way salaries are given right now, I’d say he is on decent deal, at the very least.
You could compare him to second line centres around the league and say he’s in the right ballpark. But at this point in time with the state of the franchise, it makes no sense to continue paying him that salary and giving him that role when Eller and Desharnais are both capable of being second line centremen and in addition having a blue chip centreman coming in for the 2013-2014 season at the latest. Grigorenko plays from day one, Galchenyuk needs another year in junior.
Well if you think the team needs to continue to finish at the bottom, that will be a worthwhile scenario, where the team could compete only in a few years.
While I think keeping Pleks and improving the wings could have them competing next year.
There’s nothing to indicate that Plekanec being traded would cause the Habs to finish outside of the playoff picture again.
I don’t think Eller is a 2nd line center.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
I think you under value just how much Pleks has been doing for the Habs this season, and this in a season where the majority would agree he under-performed.
They could still make the PO’s without him, but serious improvement would need to be made on the lineup, and a veteran/solid 4th line C would be needed to alleviate the lack of experience of the other C’s.
Matty,
Eller is a full season ahead of where Plekanec was at the same age and has looked light years ahead of where Plekanec was at the same time.
Having him centre a top six line would yield a tremendous inflation in offensive production in the opinion of many. And at this point, there’s nothing to lose by finding out.
Tom, I think you’re putting too much trust in Eller’s development.
I’m not saying he won’t turn out, but he still needs a lot of work.
I would trust the Habs would keep Pleks at least another year, hopefully with more competent and CONSISTENT wingers.
Perhaps then, if Eller has become a top #2, then you can consider it.
But the team still lacks too much depth.
And I agree with Shiram, his money is no longer considered top $ for what he offers. I think he brings more than fair market value.
5 mill is not overpaid when you look at all the other recent contracts for UFA centres.
Leino, Laich, Connolly, Grabovski, Ruutu,
Its going rate for a second line C
Go Habs Go!
Visit Your NHL Draft Headquarters
http://lastwordonsports.com/category/lastwordblog/nhldraft/
Great post.
May I add that in order for a GM to properly evaluate the benefits of trading a Plekanec or not he must do the following:
Set up a game plan for the next 3 years minimum.
Determine Plekanec’s niche and contribution in it.
Determine how Plekanec’s effectiveness is affected by the current roster.
Determine how Plekanec’ effectiveness would be affected by applicable changes to the current roster.
Determine how any changes to the current roster enlarges or diminishes Plekanec’s importance.
Then with such an evaluation in mind… a GM can decide one of the following:
Keep Plekanec while changing the roster and fit him into a lesser or ‘revised’ role.
Trade Plekanec as part of revising his roster.
It is no coincidence that Plekanec’s name comes up in many trade discussions among fans and analysts. He is one of those players who on his own will never be ‘the face’ of the franchise… but also one of those players you can neither trade away for simple equal value or hang on to if all that does is maintain a staus-quo re your team’s performance.
Habs need true team-construction GM’ing now.. and that will include a decision on a player like Plekanec… regardless of loyalty etc.
Just the fact that he is being compared to elite players says something, doesn’t it?
Should we compare Kesler, M Richards, Backes to elite players?
No, but that doesn’t make them expendable either.
I could have easily made the argument that Kesler was expendable prior to Hodgson being moved.
Backes is his team’s captain, a selke nominee and he contributes offense, defense and leadership alike. But in the grand scheme of things without his great leadership, yeah he is expendable for the Blues with all of their talent.
Mike Richards isn’t expendable to the Kings because he brings more to the Kings than Jarret Stoll at a similar salary and career length.
This is a case where Eller and Desharnais can play #1 and #2 centre on this team and it probably doesn’t miss much if anything offensively and misses little defensively with the improvement in Eller’s two way game being what it’s been. In addition, as I’ve said and most others have concurred on that the team is poised to add Grigorenko or Galchenyuk in the draft. Galchenyuk will be back in Sarnia next year, Grigorenko will make the jump immediately.
Grigo himself expects to be back in the Q next year.
So are you advocating trading Plek?
I think Plek at his best can do 60+ points with a solid positive plus/minus. I think the habs need to be sure DD is the real deal offensively AND can stand up to the additional defensive punishment he’s going to garner next season before considering trading Plek. The only reason to trade him is that he can bring back some strong prospects who can play in Hamilton with Beaulieu, Tinordi, Ellis, Holland and Gallagher next season. I’d love to see the habs pick up Emerson Etem and another Anaheim prospect for Plek.
Yes I’m advocating trading Plekanec. But I’d prefer a 2013 first round pick than a prospect.
I dont think the HABS need be sure if DD is the real deal or not. Because if DD is NOT the real deal, then based on track record Plekanec has not demonstrated the he is anymore likely to be the real deal…. if by real deal you do mean a true prototype (production and leadership wise) number 1 or number 2 centre.
Exactly. Plekanec has proven between Carbonneau, Gainey and now Martin that he will not do better than he has. He’s peaked. So why not give the opportunity to Eller and Desharnais to run with this team in conjunction with the new addition coming from the draft?
So Vancouver and Detroit played 5 more games than the Habs. Pittsburgh 6.
We get 3rd pick.
I’ll take that.
Tre
DD has not proven to be a better center than Plekanec, DD’s upside right now is mostly about his excellent cap hit, they are both good centers.
I’d keep both untill Eller matures a bit more, and the Habs have another center that can eat PK minutes.
If you want to see why the Canucks will never win the Stanley Cup with their cash locked up with teh Sedin sisters, watch the highlights of the Kings’ tying goal, and focus on H. Sedin. He makes a lazy givaway exiting his zone; he floats back vaguley toward his won goal, and co-incidentally arrives at the same time as the Kings player who scores the goal, and fails to try anythng to tie him and prevent the goal.
Weak, pathetic, and, it must be said, European. No Cup with the Sedins.
Must be said, hehe, oh yah must be. Should L.A. get Kopitar off their roster before the next series starts?
Edit: I have no issue with taking H.Sedin to task for his play, it is just the generalizations. So following your logic, Kesler played like a bag of crap, so American like, Lapierre was useless, so typically Quebec, Higgins was crap, another crap American, etc, etc, etc,….
Don’t forget Burrows! Pass me the Pepsi and a box of May Wests…
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
Yeah — agreed. That was a cheap & unhelpful shot about theire European-ness. I take it back :–)
Duplicate.
The Habs don’t have one.
http://habsloyalist.blogspot.ca/2012/04/growing-hope.html
Interesting read, Steve do you have any thoughts of a former Hab perhaps whom you think would be good for that job?
If the Habs were to select Brisebois as GM, given his pedigree, I believe he would hire one. It’s a definite positive.
Gerald – No need to pick a former Hab for this job. And French would certainly not be a requirement.
I see it as a three step process. Provide mentorship and guidance for drafted players, keep training them as they move to the pro level and have a vastly improved scouting system in terms of evaluating NHL players, both our own and those on other NHL teams.
It’s a perfect opportunity to bring in fresh blood from outside the traditional Hab culture.
Agreed.
Good Point Steve. Outside the box, I like that idea.
We do have one. In fact we have two of them but none carry the official title. Gainey and Timmins both perform in that role. Well, Gainey did.
Tom do you think Gainey and Timmins would have been as accessible as the two examples in the article would have been? And if I am a rookie player or 2nd year player with team, it would be quite intimidating to approach BOb Gainey with my day to day concerns.
This Montreal team is a rich team, they can afford to hire someone full time to do this I think. Timmins should be more than busy with his scouting than to have to worry about food diets and players girlfriend problems. Obviously I am overgeneralizing the players issues, but I think a small position like this should be done properly and professionaly by the habs, not by committee and part time.
I don’t know how often players can reach out to people in that defined role.
I do know that our draftees are reached out to monthly at the very least.
It’s a good question though. I doubt that the people in these roles make themselves THAT available to the players. It could wind up being a problem being seen as circumventing the player’s coaching staff.
It shows doesn’t it. You read about Brisson grooming his clients with the pros, or JT’s as usual great blog, and you begin to look at what happened to Montreal picks. From 2004 8 of 9 are not with the organization. 2005 6 of 7 gone. 2006 5 of 6 gone. The under 22′s are better, largely because many are in college.
Then you vaguely remember management quotes over the years about how they’re mature and professional and able to look after themselves. Then you read stories from the old days about how this or that player mentored this or that guy into the league. Took care of them and made sure they didn’t steal purses even if it was to protect a team mate’s reputation.
Sometimes as Habs fans we cut the team too much slack and let the players wear it all. Or it could be they just can’t draft worth a hoot. Either way the fickle finger of responsibility may need to be pointed to the folks wasting assets.
I hope Timmy Thomas gets a Semin shot right between his two big square holes in his stupid looking cage Wednesday (Wednesday, 2 1/2 days off, WTF???).
Shouldn’t Semin’s nickname be Deep Throat since he is more or less an enigma in Washington?
Just sayin’…
_______________________________________
Calling it like it is:
Jack Edwards is a clam.
The Bruins and their fans are gutless weasel pukes.
A semin shot btw Thomas’s big holes…??
Deep throat??
oh my…
Such love-in this morning. Add-nauseum.
I can tell there’s no playoff emotions going on here.
It almost worries me.
But I’m too frustrated by my playoff pool.
Good thing I’m not an odds-maker.
My predicted Stanley Cup winner is already out!
It’s a new world with Peace at the top of the list Brian!
Is that what it is Gerry?
So we’re back to the flower power 60s?
That’s wonderful!
Your pacifist advice is finally paying off.
Sex drugs and rock and roll. I can do that!
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Yipper!
Reading about Vancouver, I honestly think that their Presidents Trophies are because of, much like Washington, playing in an incredibly weak division. No other Northwest team made the playoffs this year or last year. It’s easy to pile up on the points when the rest of your division are bottom-feeders.
Maybe it’s just me but Western Conference hockey for the most part zzzzzzzzzzzz
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Calling it like it is:
Jack Edwards is a clam.
The Bruins and their fans are gutless weasel pukes.
While there is some truth to your statement, here are Vancouver’s records this season per division:
Northwest (their own): 12-5-3
Pacific: 13-6-1
Central: 10-9-5
Northeast: 3-1-1
Atlantic: 5-0-1
Southeast: 6-1-0
So, aside from the incredibly strong Central division (St. Louis, Detroit, Nashville Chicago all making the playoffs), Vancouver was consistently good against the entire league, especially the East.
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
Build your team around this for next year if you’re the new GM.
Pacioretty – Desharnais – Cole
Bourque – Eller – Gionta
Gallagher – Grigorenko/Galchenyuk – Leblanc
Moen – White – Staubitz
Gorges – Subban
Markov – Emelin
Tinordi
Price
Budaj
Trade Plekanec, Diaz, Weber, Kaberle and bury Gomez or buy him out.
Wow…Trade Pleks but keep Bourque.
Keep your day job, Tom.
Damn right, trade Plekzzzz
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Calling it like it is:
Jack Edwards is a clam.
The Bruins and their fans are gutless weasel pukes.
As history with this franchise has shown, it’s a bad decision to trade players when their value is low.
It’s very likely that we’re about to add a centreman either ready to play right away or one year away from ready through the draft. Plekanec has been underwhelming and inconsistent. Bourque fits the mandate of what this team needs on the wing.
Eller is light years ahead of where Plekanec was at the same age, so you certainly don’t move him out and Desharnais is steadily improving while playing the centrepiece on the best line on this team and one of the better lines in the league.
If you want to see if Eller is going to reach a higher ceiling than Plekanec he needs a more prominent role and not even considering that thought it’s highly likely if not a sliver short of certain that the newly drafted centreman will enjoy a more productive career offensively than Plekanec.
My day job treats me well so I don’t have plans on leaving it but I’ll be surprise if Plekanec is still a Hab beyond June of next year.
“underwhelming and inconsistent”.
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that he’s a top-5 penalty killer in the NHL, and had 23 (yes…twenty three) different line combinations this year.
Do you think maybe that had something to do with it?
Personally, I think Bourque might have some value on the trade market (perhaps not much, but some may think the way you do), so offer him along with a 2nd rounder, and go get the other beast centre man we need.
Without Pleks, there’s no way our PK would have finished 2nd. He contributed big minutes to the only thing that worked this year.
Plekanec has topped 60 points only twice in his career with seven full NHL seasons.
I don’t want an average offensive player as my #1 centreman anymore.
What then is the excuse for 57 points last season? Or 30 points two seasons prior to that?
He’s been on a three year decline in offensive production while others are improving.
Rick Nash 59 points
Daniel Alfredson 59 points
Bobby Ryan 57 points
Jonathan Toews 57 points
Ryan Getzlaf 57 points
Ryan Callahan 57 points
Alexander Semin 54 points
Dany Heatley 53 points
etc. etc. etc.
Kesler – 49 pts
Richards – 44 pts
Ryan has topped 60 points twice in four seasons.
Getzlaf four times in six seasons.
Toews three times in four seasons.
Alfredsson eleven times in 16 seasons.
Nash four times in nine seasons.
Semin three times in six seasons.
Heatley eight times in nine seasons.
Callahan has never been counted on for offense, unlike Plekanec.
Your examples are unbelievably unrealistic.
Twice in seven seasons for Plekanec. Not even close.
My point is most of the players I’ve named are big money players, with little or no PK time.
Every player has up and down seasons, but I believe that Pleks has conditioned himself as a team player without a selfish bone in his body. I don’t know of a better PK specialist in the NHL. There might be 3 or 4 out there as good, but none better. That is worth a chunk of points, IMO.
Doug Jarvis, Bob Gainey and Guy Carbonneau were PK specialists who didn’t necessarily rack up big points, but during their primes, no one would have thought of trading any of them.
EDIT: My player selections are unrealistic to you in your view of what a top forward should be.
In my view, a top #2 centre man who plays PK and shut-down vs. the other team’s no. 1 line is not a top-point specialist.
Bourque can do alot better than he did this season, he has done so before, but it would be important for someone to sit him down and see where he is at before the season starts.
As for Pleks, I’d keep him, but everyone sees him as expendable and a valuable trade asset, though usually they won’t post about what to expect in return.
I would ask for a 2013 first round pick and maybe a 2nd rounder in either this or next year’s draft.
Mike Fisher return.
Pleks > Mike Fisher
Next years draft is said to be quite deep, so piling the picks could be a good idea, but it’s long term improvement.
I’d like to see Eller take on a larger role, but I don’t see him filling Plek’s shoes just yet.
Pleks covers alot of responsibilities for the 2 other young centers, and with White not being so great, I would not feel too comfortable going into next season with DD/Eller/White + whomever.
I would doubt Tinordi jumps the AHL, but if he could he would bring the type of D the Habs need.
I also doubt White’s role as 4th line C, it might have been an off year for him, but he was not good at that role, and the has still desperately need someone to take those important/tough faceoffs.
He wouldn’t be the first Hunter player to do it and he won’t be the last.
Hehe, maybe Habs will have another clusterf### of a training camp to see if he is ready! As I said, he fits the bill for the kind of D the Habs need, but I always prefer to temper my expectations.
Tinordi not in Hamilton for a year?
iam assuming your getting a 1st round pic for pleks in 2013.
That’s what I would be asking.
If you trade Pleks, then you are getting something back – something that fits in that line-up…
Also – From what I understand – I’d take Forsberg over either of the G’s at the draft,
No answers, just opinions. Bite me. Och.
Forsberg is reportedly going to Columbus second overall.
But if I’m GM, I don’t take him at #3 anyway.
awwwwwwww crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! worst news i heard all day
What! No Darche on the top six? What’s to become of the power play?
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I wouldn’t trade Pleks. He’s one of the top 2nd line centers in the league, and IMO, a big reason they don’t get blown out by teams that have a lot more talent up front.
I’d make 2 acquisitions:
1. Big money 4th line center to take tough minutes away from Pleks.
2. Big bodied, tough, d-man to take tough minutes away from PK, and help out Price.
Both moves will protect the young core of players.
Gallagher – AHL
Tinordi – AHL
G/G – Junior
Reconsider trading Pleks (or DD) when the ’12 pick is ready.
I know what you’re saying. But I’m talking about a shrewd move to acquire picks for next years’ amazingly deep first round. I mean my goodness.
Seth Jones, Nathan Mackinnon, Nick Ritchie, Jordan Subban, Kirby Rychel, Hunter Shinkaruk, Aaron Ekblad, Jonothan Drouin, Max Domi, Stephen Nosad and many more.
If you know the pick is top 10 then maybe you consider it. If it’s outside the top 10, then the pick will likely project to a 2nd line player. Sure, there’s some upside, but there’s also bust potential and time value to consider. In short, we take a 2nd line sure thing, and turn in into a 2nd line ‘maybe’.
Don’t forget he had more point than M Richards, Kesler, Laich, and was pretty close to Backes, Getzlaf and others. This with getting way more PK time than any centers above him in scoring.
The offensive production isn’t there to justify him being a number one centreman. None of this is personal. It’s just a desire to have an offensively gifted number one centreman and I believe it’s reasonable to conclude that the defense wouldn’t suffer to the point where it wouldn’t justify the move with Eller and Desharnais behind him.
from my post above:
“He’s one of the top 2nd line centers in the league …blah blah blah….”
Pleks (like Gainey and Carbonneau before him) is a two-way player, Desharnais is not.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Please feel free to put this under the “stupid things Jim has posted” pile but is Timmins’ job as safe as Molsons? Given the fact that most scouting has been complete and the importance of this draft to the Habs future isn’t it too late to replace him if a new GM so desires?
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This draft is Timmins’ baby.
Even if the new GM is handling amateur scouting duties all of his scouting reports with his current organization are property of the team he was working for.
Haha, I thought I was a self deprecating fool, Jim you are far too hard on yourself!
I think that Timmins is pretty safe. Other than the brain fart of taking Fischer instead of Giroux, Timmins’ draft record in the high rounds is very solid. While nobody is as safe as the guy that signs all the cheques, I’ll say that he’s more secure in his position than Pierre Gauthier was on March 15th.
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GO HABS GO! 2011-12 is probably not our year!
“Scott Gomez is an elite NHL player” – VancouverHab
Chat with me on Twitter @TheRealRGM81
Can people please tell WTF is going today? All I am reading here are respectful exchanges and good ideas being bandied about. I thought we were Habs fans!! I thought we devour our young!!! I thought we were divided and perpetually at each others throats!!!
C’mon Geoff!!! Do something crazy like hire Pierre McGuire as GM and Patrick Roy as coach so we can start the HIO games again!!
HR1. No need to comment because I know you’d love to see that scenario happen.
I guess you didn’t stir the pot appropriately this morning. It is nice when a good hockey conversation happens here though isn’t it.
Wake me when poutine is improved at the Bell Center.
That could be one long deep sleep my friend.
there is apparently a decent poutine place near the Bell Center, Smoke’s Poutinerie, it could do in the meantime, but I have not tried them yet.
Thanks for making me crave Smoke’s Poutinierie, Shiram!
My favourite that they sell is simply a heart attack in a box. Great fries topped with italian meat sauce, sliced sausages, caramelized onions and jalapenos.
Commence drooling sequence in 5, 4, 3…
Go to La Banquise on Rachel near La Fontaine Park.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Thank you, I am well aware of La Banquise.
It’s just not close to Bell center.
Okay, let’s see…. How about a trade proposal?
Our #3 overall + Pleks + Beaulieu for Getzlaf.
How’s that?
You’re only grossly overpaying by a #1 draft pick.
Keep in mind that Getzlaf is going to be a UFA next summer. Giving up 3 huge pieces of the team’s present and short-term future for a guy that could just as easily walk next summer would be ridiculously short-sighted.
———————–
GO HABS GO! 2011-12 is probably not our year!
“Scott Gomez is an elite NHL player” – VancouverHab
Chat with me on Twitter @TheRealRGM81
somebody’s sarcasm detector is in the shop for repairs
When there is absolutely nothing in the post to suggest sarcarm, i.e. a blinky face, and it’s a post that is sadly not too far removed from other trade proposals involving Plekanec and/or Getzlaf, I simply assume that a person is being forthright in their comments. Shame on me for such an Internet crime, I guess.
———————–
GO HABS GO! 2011-12 is probably not our year!
“Scott Gomez is an elite NHL player” – VancouverHab
Chat with me on Twitter @TheRealRGM81
HH wanted some action, so, mission accomplished.
You’re right, though. It is a tad close to some idiotic proposals tossed about. My bad.
I knew I should have added Subban to the proposal!
What a joke.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Something tells me it won’t last but its Bern pleasant here today. And it certainly helps when folks agree with you HH.
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Trade Plekanec cuz he can’t win a faceoff when most needed, wears a turtleneck and is overpaid for too many years to come.
Any takers?
Oh yeah, Jaroslav Penney is injured in St. Louis.
_______________________________________
Calling it like it is:
Jack Edwards is a clam.
The Bruins and their fans are gutless weasel pukes.
I am a Pleks fan, but his shortcomings in the faceoff department are glaring. You hit the nail on the head, in my opinion, regarding his inability to win one when when it most counts.
The turtleneck issue is simply the icing on the cake.
Watching Philly the other night and realized they are nto a big team by any stretch….6 forwards under 6 feet (giroux, briere, read, talbot, rinaldo and wellwood and one d at 5’10″ in Timmonen). They have a big d corps and some very tough and skilled players but they have plenty of “smurfs” or at least that is what they would be called if they had lost the series.
Every one of the forwards under 6 feet that you mentioned save for Briere plays as if they’re 6’6.
And by the way I have to take this opportunity to rub it in that I predicted the Flyers to win and said the Pens would be lucky if it went six games. I believe you had a different opinion of how that series would go down.
Yup, guilty as charged…thougth the PEns were on a path to the finals…not sure what happened to Fleury and their composure but a team that was so rock solid the last couple of seasons was giving up numbers straight out of the 1980′s….did not see that coming for sure.
not many people did.
So is it really true that Pierre MaGuire is still in the running for GM of the Montreal Canadiens? And if it is true, why?
Because the media won’t let this die down until the Habs come out and say he is not getting the job. Just my opinion.
I really hope this is just a media perpetrated falsehood. I can just hear the razzing I’ll be getting from some of my friends who are fans of other teams.
The media is just supporting self interest in pushing him for the job.
Go Habs Go!
Visit Your NHL Draft Headquarters
http://lastwordonsports.com/category/lastwordblog/nhldraft/
Sports networks want to make money.
The only way they make money is through getting readers/viewers. The only way to get readers/viewers is to have material someone would like to read/view.
Nobody knows who Bergevin, Brisebois, Loiselle, Lacroix , Giguere etc. are, so nobody reads those stories.
Everybody knows who Roy and Mcguire are, so people naturally will read those stories.
The media is just trying to manufacture candidates so that they will be able to make a couple bucks off a situation where they know people want news, when there really isn’t much news to give. Unfortunately, this can have a negative effect because they make people believe that these unlikely, under-qualified people are the best choice, and when they’re not chosen, the ignorant fans get angry.
Pierre McGuire and Geoff Molson are good friends.
Other than that, media desire has validated his candidacy.
That’s what worries me, his friendship leads me to believe that this is a possibility.
Cool they can hammer back the cases of Export and trade away all le bois morte.
_______________________________________
Calling it like it is:
Jack Edwards is a clam.
The Bruins and their fans are gutless weasel pukes.
Cuz he’s a shiny bald cutie pie, I dunno… maybe cuz he knows his stuff even if he is a shameless name-dropper.
_______________________________________
Calling it like it is:
Jack Edwards is a clam.
The Bruins and their fans are gutless weasel pukes.
“knows his stuff”
You mean like when he wanted to draft Brule instead of Price? I’m not sure thats the “stuff” the Habs need.
That was not exactly an uncommon opinion in the year 2005. We had Jose Theodore, Yann Danis, and Cristobal Huet, after all! Obviously in the year 2012 the idea of picking Brule instead of Price is absurd, but hindsight’s 20/20.
———————–
GO HABS GO! 2011-12 is probably not our year!
“Scott Gomez is an elite NHL player” – VancouverHab
Chat with me on Twitter @TheRealRGM81
@ HardHabits and anyone else who’s interested.
Dave, you’ve often cited the placement in the standings as a standard by which to conclude where a team should be to determine their probability of winning the Cup. You pointed out a couple of flaws or the odd anomaly to the system of rating 1 through 5 or 1 through 8.
I looked back since the lockout shortened season and saw that only three teams have had less than 45 regular season wins and gone on to win the Cup. All three(Detroit twice and Carolina once) occurred when ties were awarded and none have since the lockout obviously.
I think 45 regular season wins is a good standard to have here.
I am down with that.
And with that, barring the incredibly unlikely. The Rangers, Bruins, Flyers, Devils, Blues, Preds or Blackhawks will win the Stanley Cup.
I think this system opens up the field a bit more but it’s no less accurate and accounts for tight races in the standings where a potentially elite team might be a couple of points out of the top 5 or top 8.
I think parity will allow for more opportunities for the lesser lights to shine, but given the play-off structure the odds still favour one of the better teams to go all the way. Even if it is true that only top 5 teams win the Cup (which it isn’t as there are examples of top 10 teams winning) it still leaves only a 1 in 5 chance to do so. In my opinion though, teams finishing outside this sweet spot (or 45 wins) makes the odds much more stacked against them.
I think my major point of contention in all this as has been noted by HiB is that I’d like to see the Habs be considered a power house in the future. Something they haven’t been since the 70′s, barring possibly the 1989 team, and even then they were a defensive powerhouse and not known for putting the puck in the net.
I’m picking the Panthers as my darkhorse to win the cup.
With their lack of playoff experience and questionable goaltending they would be the ultimate darkhorse.
I did pick them to beat New Jersey because they’re hard to play against and New Jersey isn’t deep at any position but expecting them to beat the Flyers, Rangers or Bruins is a pipedream.
No offense.
Call me crazy but I think they can pull it off if they get the goaltending.
You’re crazy.
Youre not crazy. My wife also picked the panthers to win (after I took a pretty sweet 20-1 bet -at the time- on NJ that looks like its going to the crapper now), she knows nothing about hockey, doesnt watch it, but each year I name the teams in the playoffs and she has a knack for picking a team that’ll go deep, even picking the Stars to win the cup a couple years back.
[Disclaimer]: I’m a hockey fan. I care about the habs, but probably not as much as you.
I think everyone agrees that the better the regular season, the better your chances in the playoffs. Essentially, it is a simple and accurate theory. However, there are exceptions when a team may have a significant injury or injuries which prevent team from attaining the 45 wins or the high seeding but get healthy in time for the team to gel and have a good run in the playoffs.
I think the main point you and HH and others are making is valid, in that we want the Habs organization to become an elite team again, and not just be a team satisfied to be good enough to make the playoffs.
I think we all want that, but along the way to the top there will be 6th, 7th and possibly 8th place finishes, and you can never rule out how good of a run the team can get on.
That much I can also agree with. If a team finishes 8th in the conference and then 6th the next season one can hope it is a sign the team will finish 4th or perhaps win the division.
As it stands the Habs went to 15th. Which is why the Habs are hard to figure out. Are they a team that over-achieved in the past two years and showed their true colours this season, or are they a team that showed that it has some decent pieces in place but was poorly constructed in the off season and ill prepared for the regular season once it started. I tend to see that a little of both points of view are valid.
What can clearly be ascertained is that the Habs are not elite by any stretch of the imagination.
I don’t think it was reasonable for this organization to have expected the playoffs with Weber, Diaz and Emelin seeing important roles on defense and Plekanec, Cammalleri and Gionta on one line.
Having said that, Gauthier’s work might not be as poor as it’s believed to be right now. Adding Bourque could still prove to be a piece that pays huge dividends and the forward group as constructed is not in any worse shape than many dangerous or elite teams in the East. For example, I’d far rather have our forward group than the Devils, Rangers, Panthers, Senators, Capitals and many other non-playoff teams in the East.
Our defense group seriously needs help right now.
Bob McKenzie said last night that he doesn’t expect Vigneault to get the boot, and I tend to agree. Goaltending issues and superstar injuries aside, he’s coach this team to back-to-back President trophies, not a small feat. Coaching was not why the Canucks lost the series.
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
It will be interesting what happens in Vancouver. Tony Gallagher a long time columnist in Vancouver is already printing stories asking for Vigneaults head.
I suspect Gillis either makes big trade/s or he fires the coach. He has to do something to appease the media and fans out there.
I agree with Tom below where more blame is on Gillis, but GM’s tend to outlive the coach.
Also, Dave Nonis was GM in Vancouver who traded for Luongo, wonder if he will convince Burkie his boss, that Luongo is the answer for Toronto.
I sense a trade more than anything. Don’t be surprised if it’s Schneider shipped instead of Luongo. Easier contract to move, younger with more upside means a better return.
As for Vigneault, he got a raw deal here and probably gonna get another raw deal. The thing is, Luongo didn’t have an epic collapse on a Fleury-esque level, although Schneider put up much better numbers. Vancouver only put up 8 goals in 5 games. Burrows blew hard as did their entire defensive corps with the exception of Edler.
“There’s genius everywhere, but until they turn pro, it’s like popcorn in the pan. Some pop… some don’t.”
- Jerry Maguire
I think the Luongo situation is one where the fans have given up on Luongo. Even though the team would get more for Schneider, I am not sure Gillis can sell to the fans that Luongo is the future.
This is the way I see it too, but his contract is so ridiculous… Hopefully the Leafs screw themselves by getting Lu.
Although Vancouver is a much more talented team than Montreal “in every dept” their management made the same mistakes about not getting enough big scoring tough guy’s who can and will dish it right back at you “something Ottawa did right!” and being the game’s about winning it all ,it’s a joke to me that any management that don’t understand this reality even got their job to begin with!
If they would have lost 4-0 then the chances may have been higher. If they would have been blown out once or twice chances would have been higher. If he would have made a big coaching gaff chances would have been higher. None of these things happened and his team played a somewhat competitive series against a decent team and lost. He’s not going anywhere
Gillis did not hire Vigneault.
The Canucks’, the media and the fans can no longer blame Luongo.
They can’t blame the long road schedules surrounding Olympic Games.
They can’t blame officiating.
It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if Vigneault were fired. Gillis is going to need a scapegoat for an embarrassing and quick first round exit. The scores weren’t lopsided, but the difference in the standings going in was.
Agree again, Gillis will make Vigneault the scapegoat if he has to, and then get his chance to bring in “his” guy. All GM’s tend to do this and owners usually give the GM a chance to hire their coach. Just as in Toronto this year, Technically Burke didn’t hire Wilson, so now he has been given his chance to bring in his guy. If this fails for another year, then the GM is next for chopping.
Hey there everyone!
Watching the Pens and the ‘Nucks (#3 and #1 overall this season) get knocked out, does anyone else think that the regular season is too long?
Play 82 games to finish at the top, then… out?
This is also an eye-opener for those who disagree that ‘just getting into the playoffs is not good enough’. Kings = #8, Ott = #8.
Where you finish at the end of the season means absolutely nothing. As we proved in 2010, as the Oilers proved in 2006, etc.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
The biggest problem with the playoff format is that it is an advantage to start on the road. If you split your opening road games you’re in a position of tremendous advantage to win the series.
Hence why it’s called “stealing home ice advantage.”
———————–
GO HABS GO! 2011-12 is probably not our year!
“Scott Gomez is an elite NHL player” – VancouverHab
Chat with me on Twitter @TheRealRGM81
Maybe a 3 home, 3 road and 1 home is in order.
That may conceptually make sense as a reward, but owners will never go for it, they need that playoff revenue and a team getting swept would only get 1 home revenue gate (if the lower seed is swept), that wouldn’t cut the mustard with many owners.
or how about 2 away, 3 home, 1 away, 1 home (for higher-seeded team)
Based on only one season? Nah, it was a different story last season.
In the East last season it was #3 vs. #5 in the Conf. Finals, and went to 7 games.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
So it varies some, I’m glad the playoffs mean any team can win, and that it is diversified as to which ranked team gets to the final dance.
I’m not sure what Mattyleg is suggesting by asking if the regular season is too long, but he’s right that it’s not just one season. In the past 7 years, the president’s cup winner has lost in the first round 4 times. Number 1 overall has lost more often in the first round than they’ve won. There’s no doubt that anything can happen in the playoffs.
Since 1994 when the Conference format was introduced every Cup winner was top 5 (over-all) save 3 that were top 10. Those 3 cases:
1995 Devils at 9th in a shortened lock-out season.
2008 Pens at 8th a year after they finished 3rd and were Stanley Cup finalists.
2011 Bruins at 7th in a year when the difference between 2nd and 8th was 4 points.
I never said an 16th place team can’t win the Cup. What I said is that if it happens, because it hasn’t happened yet, it will be an anomaly and an exception. What I have always maintained is that teams that are best in the regular season are contenders and not those that back into the play-offs. Parity is changing things to a certain degree but home ice advantage means a lot. One only need look to the Mighty Duck – Devils series.
Yes the Oilers made it to the finals. What happened to them after? Same for the Flames. Both teams fizzled out.
The only proof of strength is excess of strength.
BTW. The Pens were 4th over-all.
It isn’t exactly fair to include the Flames considering they were robbed of a Cup on a good goal disallowed.
I agree with your point though. I would instead of going by points set the bench mark at 45 regular season wins
Edit: Detroit(twice) and Carolina are the only teams who’ve won the Cup with less than 45 regular season wins and they all occurred when ties were awarded. During that same time period of course(Didn’t include the lockout shortened season)
So what your saying is if the team is better and finishes higher in the standings, they then would be a better team and have a better chance of winning the cup?
That flies in the face of the once you make the play-offs anything can happen theory.
hehe, but anything can happen
Not really,half the eastern conference favourites either have been or are on the brink of elimination. Now the nucks are gone,the hawks and wings though both lower seeds were the favoured to win,now the wings are out and the the hawks may follow tonight. Habs in burlington is actually right,the difference between 1 and 8 in this era of hockey over a 7 game series is very little.
You’re right.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Hi Matty. The 82 game season is here to stay for one big reason. Money. Owners and league officials gave limited interest in the good of the game its about profit and how much of it they can squeeze from Matty and Jim.
The flip side to your thought is that too many teams qualify for the playoffs and the number should be decreased. The same argument for a shorter season holds true for this option also. Greed. I still love the game though.
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Agree Jim, the season will never be shortened. Promises to Cable Carriers to give them that many games, gate revenue and the fact the league is still primarily a gate driven league.
It is what it is, and will stay that way. Changes are only made for the greater good of the owners pockets, not the greater good of the game.
Make it 80 games, start October 1 and hand out the Cup by the end of May.
_______________________________________
Calling it like it is:
Jack Edwards is a clam.
The Bruins and their fans are gutless weasel pukes.
Is it just me or does Ovi look a lot like Gomez out there
- skating the puck in to the offencive zone, giving it away and finding himself out of position on the backcheck
- the passes to no one
- always out of position
- staying out too long on his shifts
- they are bipeds who wear skates on their feet an a helmet on their head.
The similarity ends there.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
ovi does definitely seem a little out of it, despite his tying goal… but yeah he ain’t exactly at gomez’ level.
I wished Gomez was Ovie.
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Mr Stubbs,
Philly beat Pittsburgh 5-1!
=================================================
The cerebral insight of PJ Stock:
“Le problem est Markov n’a pas jouer un seul game cette annee”
“Louis Leblanc est un kid locale”
Revised GM & Head Coach Wish List
GM
1. Bobby Smith
2. Dale Tallon
3. Larry Carriere
Coach
1. Marc Crawford
2. Alain Vigneault
3. Patrick Roy
iam just not sold on crow…he has experience but just can’t quite get my head there.
yes to vigneault…do u now when his contract is up.
When he gets fired. It’s incredibly rare that a coach makes it through the duration of his contract. Can’t remember the last time it happened.
he has been there for 5 years..time maybe up. it will be interesting to see what happens.
How about Trotz?
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Trotz’s contract has never expired without renewal.
Intrigued by Bobby Smith.
What has he been up to lately?
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Owner of the Halifax Mooseheads.
Was their GM for a while too and if you don’t remember he was the GM of the Phoenix Coyotes in their first three seasons.
Just love the Kings!
The underdogs beat the highly overrated Canucks! lol!
Bye bye Vancouver, you guys choked big time!
“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “
We have quite a few Americans on our team…would be nice if they were able to persuade both Parise and Suter….to add to that number.
Not to mention Galchenyuk also ;P
“Step off George”
Gionta is The UFA Whisperer
the force is strong in that one!!
“Step off George”
I thought Gomez was
It will be a cold day in hell before a Suter plays for the Habs organization.
Parise wouldn’t surprise me though.
indeed. either would be a great addition though
I believe that Alain Vigneault has made his share of mistakes as coach of the Canucks.
He named his goalie captain, he’s allowed the Sedin’s to hold him hostage(not that others haven’t allowed it), he hasn’t been very good with acquisitions and young players(Tanev was among the Canucks’ best defensemen, as was Ballard but both see scarce icetime in limited roles) and he didn’t have a good relationship with Hodgson which essentially lead to him being traded.
Now having said that. Their playoff losses fall on Mike Gillis. From day one he’s been a whiner and complainer and it’s trickled down through the organization. They complain at the hint of being slighted instead of focusing on hockey.
- Gillis also stripped the goalie of the captaincy.
- He traded Hodgson for a dog’s breakfast return.
- He gave up a 2nd round pick for Lapierre(many here thought Gauthier got a bad return, how about Gillis vastly overpaid?)
- He put Michael Grabner on waivers two seasons ago, betcha he woulda helped in the last two post-seasons.
Gillis got himself a GM or executive of the year award last season based on his team overcoming the Blackhawks. Nothing more. The players and Vigneault did that, not him.
All coaches make mistakes. The question is do the mistakes outnumber the good decisions.
Another way to look at Vigneault’s record is that he has taken a team that, on paper, is not the best in the league – not even close – to the top spot in the regular reason two years in a row.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
I said last week that if Vigneault could convince me in an interview that he wouldn’t allow a whiner mentality to infiltrate his locker room again that I would hire him.
If he couldn’t give me that assurance with confidence, I wouldn’t.
We need a GM first and Vigneault and Gillis have fail with a very good team ,kind of like the Goat and Martin no thanks
That doesn’t make any sense.
Who is responsible for the good team?
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Damien Cox of Toronto Star speculating Vigneault getting fired and ending up in Montreal.
http://thestar.blogs.com/thespin/
Made the mistake of tuning in to Team990 this morning. Tony not on the AV bandwagon. I’m listening to music now.
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He’s still pushing Macguire for any role!
=================================================
The cerebral insight of PJ Stock:
“Le problem est Markov n’a pas jouer un seul game cette annee”
“Louis Leblanc est un kid locale”
Tony just desperately wants his friend to get the role, so he will have easier access to quotes, and inside info.
His agenda is so transparent.
Go Habs Go!
Visit Your NHL Draft Headquarters
http://lastwordonsports.com/category/lastwordblog/nhldraft/
Melnick appears to have the same agenda.
The whole damn station does.
After years of no access to Gauthier, and little access to Gainey, they are pushing for a guy who will make their jobs as easy as possible. Its so self serving.
Go Habs Go!
Visit Your NHL Draft Headquarters
http://lastwordonsports.com/category/lastwordblog/nhldraft/
Hmmm… I just hope we get a Boston-Philly series. Don’t me wrong I hate both teams with a passion. I just want to see them beat the living crap out of each other and then for Philly to come out on top and then lose to a Western team… preferably the Kings.
Mind you if Washington wants to eliminate the Bruins, then by all means…
YES! i am cheering for NJ solely for this reason.
@snowmanhab85 – Patrick Marleau like Rene Bourque is a western kid who doesn’t speak a word of French. He has a NTC and when Gainey tried to get him earlier said NYET to Montreal. Thought all had got him out of their system. Not happening…
So does this mean we are getting Marleau?
I thought he retired
“man, I love winnin’; you know, it’s like better than losin’?”-
Ebby Calvin “Nuke” Laloosh
That is what the Shark fans claim
Lol. Not saying Habs should try to get him but that I’m just saying that I have a sick feeling that’ll he be in a Habs uni when season starts. Besides, Marleau’s contract ends 2 seasons after this. Marleau does have a NMC.
“Responding to the media , or playing to the media, or listening to the fans is the quickest way to start losing” – Sam Pollock
I am gonna be enforcing an HABS embargo on ‘big names’. No more opiate seeking refuge in big-name hires/acquisitions only because it’s a big name.
Cinderella did not really acquire class and gentrification from the opiatic wand of her fairy Godmother.
She had to find a frog and heal his warts before he turned into a Prince and gave her Princess status.
The Canadiens must hire people who would first heal their warts through hard work. Enough of the big names with silvery magical wands.
But I really think we should sign Parise this summer….. hehe, just kidding Trin!
To be honest I think that was the logic behind the Bourque acquisition.
He was an undrafted player who had earned everything. I still don’t have a problem with Gauthier acquiring Bourque.
Let’s trade for Bryan Little, that’s not a ‘big name’
_______________________________________
Calling it like it is:
Jack Edwards is a clam.
The Bruins and their fans are gutless weasel pukes.
Well played smiler.
Touche! But at least it is not Patrick Marleau… the big name suggestion which got me started in the first place.
Or francophone names who can’t speak a word of French…one of my pet peeves along your line of thought.
Agree. Build from bottom up.
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Is it at all possible that somehow it could be arranged for Obama to drop the puck before the Bruins game. This would send Thomas into a complete tizzy and would render him useless.
Come on Obama do it for Washington, in fact why didn’t you drop ceremonial puck before game 6 in Washington. Get off your ass Barack and piss off Thomas!
You bring up an intriguing topic. Given that at the conclusion of hard-fought playoff series, honor and tact have the opposing players shake hands with what are often bitter rivals (unless you are Martin F. Brodeur and Sean F. Avery). So if Thomas despises some of his hockey opponents, why is he such a phony in shaking hands with these folks in the aftermath of a series. On top of that, an invitation to be commerorated by the leader of the nation is a huge honor. Honor is too complex a concept for Thomas.
“May you live in interesting times.”
That’s a helluva point. I like it.
Speaking truthfully, I could care less what Thomas thinks of the President or what his political motivations are, he is a good goalie and I just want to see him get rattled and have Semin in his face all night!
Nice to be able to say also, that in this playoff year, Quick, Elliot, and maybe Rinne, and Anderson are making bigger saves, and altogether better goalies this time around than Thomas.
“May you live in interesting times.”
If you could care less, it means you care. Do you mean I could NOT care less? Because then the post would make sense. Especially since I agree with the Semin remark;)
Poorly worded, grammar ain’t my strong point. I could Not care less is indeed what I meant. THanks Lafrich.
“Semin in his face”… oh man.
Yah, I think went a little overboard there. Just hope he plays really hard and gets everything he can on net is all.
I think Mexico was a poor influence to you Gerald. Funny though.
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i guess he sees it as being different in some way. because hockey is (presumably?) something he’s been playing from a very young age and you always shake hands with the other team. whereas his political opinions would have been formed later and his respect or lack thereof for the administration and its policies aren’t necessarily related to his conduct on the ice.
/end tangent
Just reading the paper this morning and the Red Wings say they are in the same spot they were in 10 years ago. They went after free agents then and that’s what their goal is now. Suter and Parise want to play together and that’s what Detroit wants to accomplish.
Except for a blip when they had Marian Hossa for a non-championship season, the Red Wings have mostly retained their stars for below market value. They may change strategies, but it could cause a backlash from their current players who had signed for below open-market value, a sacrifice made for the chance to be part of a dynastic championship team, that now may not deserve the descriptor “dynastic.”
“May you live in interesting times.”
Their model won’t change until Nicklas Lidstrom retires.
He has been their highest paid player by mandate from Mike Illitch and they won’t deviate from that while he’s active.
If Suter and Parise want to play for Detroit they’ll have to take less.
It’s sort of like Michael not killing Fredo while their mother was still alive.
Capitals are giving the Gooins a run for their money. Winning yesterday kind of gives Boston momentum/edge in game 7. I hope not, but if Caps fail Wednesday night then GO Flyers.
I just hope it’s not a repeat of Habs giving them a run for their money all the way to the cup.
for philly to play boston next round, the panthers would have to get knocked out too. if they don’t, boston will play Florida or Ottawa.
Safe to say that the L.A.Kings underachieved during the regular season. They look good.
They’re deep and dangerous. Quick will keep them in most games. If they can find some scoring they’ll be a tough out.
Sutter has them playing a grinding mistake free hockey with a real good goalie. I am really looking forward to watching Hitch versus Sutter. That will be a battling series between St. Louis and L.A.
So did they burn down the city of Vancouver?
Go Habs Go!
Visit Your NHL Draft Headquarters
http://lastwordonsports.com/category/lastwordblog/nhldraft/
TUrns out it was a false alarm, someone just let there Chimenia burn out instead of extinguishing the flame.
The soft European guys who can’t get it done in the playoffs like Martin Hanzal, Marian Hossa, Zdeno Chara, Dennis Seidenberg, David Krejci, Alex Edler, Tomas Holmstrom, Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen.
And then you’ve got those good hard nosed North American players who always get it done in the playoffs like Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton, Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, Sidney Crosby, James Neal, Kris Letang, Jason Spezza, Mike Fisher, Shea Weber, Ryan Suter and Jarome Iginla.
Ah. Shooting holes in theory with facts again, huh Tom? Its not the country or race its the individual. True in sports and otherwise my friend.
The “soft European” deal has always been Cherry’s baby and always will be.
When people forget how to actually evaluate a player or team and come up with a reasonable argument as to why they haven’t been successful they fall back on it. Drives me nuts.
And the funny thing is that until this year Patrick Marleau, perhaps the most criticized playoff performer now that Hossa has a ring, had actually done quite well in previous playoff appearances.
I think it has to do with percentages. 4 of those guys you name were on the same team.
[Disclaimer]: I’m a hockey fan. I care about the habs, but probably not as much as you.
Ok then how about Douglas Murray, Evgeni Malkin, Nicklas Hjalmarsson, Toni Lydman and Henrik Tallinder?
All excellent playoff performers.
I think what irks Cherry most -and I agree with him- is the media insinuates that europeans have more skill than canadians, and thats because you cant attribute other hockey qualities to them usually. The same way they assume d-men from Quebec arent worth as much as others. Theres stereotypes everywhere. Euro goalies got to be very much superior than N.A goalies to have any respect etc
[Disclaimer]: I’m a hockey fan. I care about the habs, but probably not as much as you.
Cherry can be pissy if he wants but it stems from a time when Teemu Selanne, Pavel Bure, Marian Hossa, Sergei Federov and Alex Kovalev came into the league.
No need to hold a grudge because five of the most skilled players of the era came into the league from Europe.
You forgot Malkin with his Conn Smythe Trophy…
__________________________
☞ Wow, that’s a nice lookin’ pair of Crocs!” Said no one ever.☜
Wait, what’s your argument here? You use Zetterberg and Datsyuk as an example of Euros who get it done – presumably because they’ve won the cup.
But then you use Crosby and Letang as examples of North Americans who don’t get it done – presumably because they’ve been eliminated in the first round?
It’s a response to the generalized opinion that North American players have “grit” and thus perform better in the playoffs than their European counterparts who are allegedly lazy.
I agree with your position. But don’t see how your logic adds up.
If you’d like I could go into another long winded rant about the “what have you done for me lately” mentality of fans.
Come on man Iginla? I understand the spirit of the post and I could let go the other examples but not Iginla: The guy shows up in big games.
[Disclaimer]: I’m a hockey fan. I care about the habs, but probably not as much as you.
Only using the name to drive the point home.
Jarome Iginla resembles Mats Sundin of old. Their drive to the net, with second tier shooting ability were inspiring (the power move to the net, not the so-so shooting). Some of the laser snipes to the top corners like Kyle Turris in OT, and even the King’s OT goal is a skill all players want but only a few have. Iginla is more capable of “dirty goals.” We have a lower tier of this kind of player in Eric Cole.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Neat comment. Not sure why you included Alex Edler, ’cause the other European-born players are all past Stanley cup champions. And I learned from the post that Seidenberg and Krecji aren’t North American. Poor Joe Thornton. Good player, but odds are long that he will have Yzerman-like late-career success, unless a team’s management pulled a Raymond Bourque type trade for Joe.
“May you live in interesting times.”
I included Edler because he’s been good in the playoffs for quite a while in my opinion.
Like Douglas Murray in San Jose(another European)
You’re right but to get blood boiling on this site and create cyber-traffic with a million responses, “soft European” is a real starter eh.
Maybe I work for The Montreal Gazette, hmmm…
_______________________________________
Calling it like it is:
Jack Edwards is a clam.
The Bruins and their fans are gutless weasel pukes.
Halak seems to be a much simpler approach.
Yeah that too… and state anything anti-Plekanec
_______________________________________
Calling it like it is:
Jack Edwards is a clam.
The Bruins and their fans are gutless weasel pukes.
What would you think if Habs and Sharks did a forward swap like they did with Heatley and Havlat? Because I have a sick feeling Marleau will be a Hab next season and Plekanec will be a Shark.
My feelings are never wrong, last playoff run the Habs had, I had sick feeling Bs were going to win the cup and I REALLY hoped I was wrong, and at the beginning of this season, I had a sick feeling Habs will in the crapper this season when they lost Cammy and if anyone cares, Campoli game 2 of this season.
“Responding to the media , or playing to the media, or listening to the fans is the quickest way to start losing” – Sam Pollock
I’d rather Marleau than Plekanec.
_______________________________________
Calling it like it is:
Jack Edwards is a clam.
The Bruins and their fans are gutless weasel pukes.
Marleau had no points in 5 playoff games despite playing 20 minutes per game.
He is signed for another two years at $6.9M
I wouldn’t take him for a 5th round draft pick.
–
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
Thats why I think a Plekanec Marleau swap is possible with Marleau’s disappearing act in the playoffs.
“Responding to the media , or playing to the media, or listening to the fans is the quickest way to start losing” – Sam Pollock
I agree. We have enough of under performing high salaried players under contract. I’d pass also.
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Marleau had 30 goals last season, how is that under performing? If it should help Habs in standings, I say make the trade. Aren’t we have been saying Habs should trade to get bigger in front?
“Responding to the media , or playing to the media, or listening to the fans is the quickest way to start losing” – Sam Pollock
@ Snowman All right I’ll give you that he scored 30 goals and at 6.9 mil he’s expensive. Nice player, high salary. The Habs are not one player away from being a cup contender. IMHO any assets that are moved should be traded for young players and draft picks. The rebuild need to be done right. I didn’t mean to dis-purge Marleau. My argument, although poorly presented was more in terms of a long term goal. Sorry to upset you.
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Habs have lost way too many 1 goal games this season, If those games were to be score 1 more goal at least 30 of them games, who knows where the Habs would be in the standings right about now.
Long-term is Plekanec is signed long term and Marleau has 2 more years of 6.9m cap hit. Who knows, he might re-sign with us in a Plekanec salary cap hit.
I’m saying probably just player swap, Sharks need some space and Habs need some size and goal scorer.
“Responding to the media , or playing to the media, or listening to the fans is the quickest way to start losing” – Sam Pollock
So he’s a lot like Plekanec except he probably doesn’t lose as many important faceoffs…
Both players need a change of scenery.
_______________________________________
Calling it like it is:
Jack Edwards is a clam.
The Bruins and their fans are gutless weasel pukes.
No Thank you.
Last playoff run the Habs had, the Chicago Black Hawks won the Stanley Cup.
They didn’t “lose” Cammalleri this year, Gauthier traded him. In the middle of a game.
tony-mclean.blogspot.com
He was cut during the game in Winnipeg’s home opener, Habs got beaten by B’s last post season.
“Responding to the media , or playing to the media, or listening to the fans is the quickest way to start losing” – Sam Pollock
Do you even bother to read the posts?
_______________________________________
Calling it like it is:
Jack Edwards is a clam.
The Bruins and their fans are gutless weasel pukes.
Habs should pull the trigger on a big image changing trade, it takes balls though, especially in Montreal where everybody is a second-guesser.
[Disclaimer]: I’m a hockey fan. I care about the habs, but probably not as much as you.
I tend to agree that a “new” look Habs team is on the way. Depending on the new GM/Coach tandem. which will indicate how the new look will look. I am looking forward to this off season sooooooo much. Going to be fun.
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I’m think they’ll trade for Marleau too. After AK46 left, the Habs are short one playoff non-performer. Although Bourque may be that guy, we won’t know until the next time they squeak into the playoffs.
If Habs draft a center, Marleau can also play wing and center too, would a line like Marleau/Grigs – Grigs/Gal/Marleau – Gionta would look good on the second line?
“Responding to the media , or playing to the media, or listening to the fans is the quickest way to start losing” – Sam Pollock
I dunno, he doesn’t seem to have that extra playoff gear for 7m
Look at the whole roster of San Jose, even Pavelski doesn’t have a point, Blues played a complete shut down game, just look at Elliot’s GAA Save %
“Responding to the media , or playing to the media, or listening to the fans is the quickest way to start losing” – Sam Pollock
Was Marleau’s best year better than Gomez’s? When is Marleau’s expiry date? Has Marleau recovered from a major concussion, and is he less vulnerable now than Pat Lafontaine, who was 34 when he retired?
“May you live in interesting times.”
Montreal has $45.837 mil spent on next season’s cap. They should be looking to tie up Price and Subban to 5 year deals equaling a hit of about $9 to $10 mil putting cap hit to $55.837mil (or thereabouts).
Gomez must be dropped to Hamilton. There are too many players to sign and not enough room to waste any cap space on him. That means no buyout, just demotion. Business is business and he hasn’t produced enough to remain on the team. His contract is his albatross.
With cap back to $55.837mil minus $7.357mil = $48.48mil, that gives room to sign role players.
Unless Kaberle (4.2m) and Bourque (3.3m) get dumped then they’d have room for REAL players
Don’ think they’ll demote all 3 to Hamilton, but you never know.
I don’t think they’re ready to give up on Bourque. He was TERRIBLE here, but he’s played really well in Calgary. Worst case, don’t you think Calgary would gladly have him back for a 3rd round pick?
Calgary didn’t trade him because he played “really well.” He’s in dreamland.
tony-mclean.blogspot.com
I’m not certain how you figure $9-10 mil on 2 players coming off average seasons who are RFA’s. Too much money. 6-7 mil is good for both of them this time. More money on the UFA contract when it happens.
__________________________
☞ Wow, that’s a nice lookin’ pair of Crocs!” Said no one ever.☜
No. No. No. Didn’t you hear. $9-10 million is for Price alone.
Here’s hoping the new GM knows how to negotiate a contract.
__________________________
☞ Wow, that’s a nice lookin’ pair of Crocs!” Said no one ever.☜
Nasty. Must be Monday.
I was away on vacation 2 weeks ago when Halak got hurt during the second period of the Blue’s 2nd playoff game. I have looked but I have not been able to find out what happend to him. Was he seriously hurt? Is he out until next year or will he be back in the next round? Elliot has been great so it is easy to understand that they keep playing him but I was just wondering about Halak’s status.
I dont know either, but St-Louis – LA should be a great series!
[Disclaimer]: I’m a hockey fan. I care about the habs, but probably not as much as you.
There is no reason to play any other goalie in the league ahead of Elliot at this time.
Elliot had the best numbers of any goalie all season.
The Blues are winning with Elliot in the nets.
Unless Elliot begins to crap his pants, its Elliot’s job.
St Louis plays a terrific “team defence” and has the full attention and commitment of every player on the ice at all times, every shift.
Hitchcock is runaway selection for coach of the year.
Halak got hurt in Game 2 when Barret Jackman collided with him at the side of the net while Jaro was on his knees.
St. Louis hasn’t missed a beat since inserting Carey Elliott (who was injured for Game 1) in his place.
They call it “lower body” and he was seen wearing a boot, whatever they’ve called up some AHLer to backup Elliott.
At the time of his injury, Halak was leading the playoffs with 20 shutouts, a perfect save pct. and had 50 goals (all game winners) and 55 assists…
________________________________________________________
Jack Edwards is a clam, the Bruins & their fans are gutless weasel pukes
You forgot the baby he delivered and when he lifted the zamboni off those 2 flag kids
Oh yeah, sorry and he cured cancer after walking across the water…
_______________________________________
Calling it like it is:
Jack Edwards is a clam.
The Bruins and their fans are gutless weasel pukes.
Retards.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Carey Elliott LOL
tony-mclean.blogspot.com
It’s an ankle/foot injury. No word on when he will return. He’s been spotted wearing a walking boot.
Malreg, Thank you for the answer. That is all I wanted to know.
To the rest of you, why the nasty atitude? I was not comparing Halak to Price, I was simply asking a straight forward question. It seems to me that some people here have rather thin skin.
Pittsburgh showed that as on-ice players, Evgeni Malkin flat out goes into 2nd gear when Sid Crosby is there. Malkin gets coddled with flattering wingers where Sid gets plumbers like Pascal Dupuis and Tyler Kennedy and still puts up the numbers. I’d say it’s time they deal Geno…
Vancouver has a team full of high profile pretenders and an ugly goalie situation with a world class stopper who can’t play in high profile situations. I’m betting Bobbo gets dealt back to Florida so he can bask in obscurity…
As for the Boston BasTURDS, they are their pathetic selves, whining and cheating and they can hardly handle the soft Capitals. And Washington, holy sheep sh*t, if a team is supposed to take on the personality of their coach and the Caps play NOTHING like Dale Hunter.
Too many European softies, yes, European softies, jump all over me with all your PC BS but it’s true, the North American style player sets the tone for the playoffs and OV, Backstrom, Semin, Johanson etc. ain’t following the path the foot soldiers lay (Chimera, Laich, Brouwer, etc.)
*Jack Edwards is a clam, Bruins are gutless weasel pukes*
If you’ve watched the series at all, how can you say that Semin is playing soft? He isn’t shying away from contact and has been sacrificing his body for his team by blocking shots.
That doesn’t sound too soft to me.
Seems like you’re taking an easy out on this one.
Yeah, Semen’s all over the ice… here we go again with the jokes. COME on!
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Jack Edwards is a clam, the Bruins & their fans are gutless weasel pukes
Too much stickwork. Players whacking each other right in front of the refs. Worst place is in front of the crease where Semin has been found more often this playoff year.
“May you live in interesting times.”
Caps arent that soft, who honestly thought theyd go against Boston in a game 7?
[Disclaimer]: I’m a hockey fan. I care about the habs, but probably not as much as you.
That’s cuz Boston’s not as great as they think they are.
________________________________________________________
Jack Edwards is a clam, the Bruins & their fans are gutless weasel pukes
too bad pretty much everything you said is wrong. Crosby got flattened by Giroux and was invisible the rest of the game yesterday, other than when he turned the puck over for a breakaway to Couturier.
And the softest Capital might be the North American Mike Green, while Ovechkin is leading the Caps in hits. And who scored the tying goal to send it to OT?
For discussion sake;
Theres an Aussie named Nathan Walker that is ranked #6 in European skaters (plays in the Czech Rep.) who looks like he’ll be going in the second round.
How ’bout that, an Aussie playing in the big leagues on the other side of the world.
Pretty cool if you ask me
pretty cool brother!
You and Habzie would have an excuse to lose more sleep. Cheers Mate!
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I’ll sleep when I die. or when midterms are over.
I’d say any Aussie bloke who is that good in hockey must be a fair dinkum.
you know it mon frere, he sounds to be true blue too
OK enough is enough time to pick your GM, and get this ship on the right track. I am sure Gary ( the crook Bettman ) don’t want you taking any shine of this so exciting playoffs. It’s time to get the peices in place before the draft. Also the coach needs time to figure out a game plan . It is now time, so Tell Gary to kiss off and get ready for next year.
Today we profile Matt Finn of the Guelph Storm
http://lastwordonsports.com/2012/04/23/nhl-draft-prospect-profile-18-matt-finn/
A solid, smart two way defenceman.
Go Habs Go!
Hearing that Ryan Suter and Zach Parise want to go somewhere and play together next year. Apparantly they played quite a bit together with USA hockey.
So who will have 14-16million in capspace for these two?
Hey Gerald. That sure narrows the field some. First team that comes to mind is the Islanders.
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That would be a good fit and really catapult the Isles back into the playoff mix.
People forget that players really like playing there (who wouldn’t want to live on Long Island, close to NYC), now if they can only get that new arena crap settled, they’d be a destination of choice.
*Jack Edwards is a clam, Bruins are gutless weasel pukes*
Pierre McGuire just said that Detroit was a spot where the two may end up. And that Roberto Luongo might end up back in Florida. So there you go…
That’s EXACTLY how much the Habs will have after they deep 6 Gomez to Hamilton, trade Kaberle to the NYR and Bourque to… whoever!
According to capgeek, Islanders have $39 mill spent on next season’s cap. That’s a lot of room for improvement.
Minnesota is going to make a huge pitch for them. And Parise is from there.
Im really happy Pittsburgh and Vancouver are out, this way some members here will maybe think twice before saying others are crazy cause they differ from the supposed superior hockey analysts on tv.
[Disclaimer]: I’m a hockey fan. I care about the habs, but probably not as much as you.
Good morning Cat. I was more surprised that the Flyers won then with the Kings winning but I was happy for you yesterday. In my expert opinion I felt goaltending would be the difference in the Pens favor. Shows you how much I know. I should learn to just keep my mouth shut and enjoy the games.
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Good morning Jim, youre a class act! Dont ever change.
[Disclaimer]: I’m a hockey fan. I care about the habs, but probably not as much as you.
Prognosticating is a crap shoot. Anyone’s guess is as good as anyone else’s. But that’s all it is: a guess.
Like Toe Blake said: Predictions are for gypsies.
Maybe Toe Blake didnt know how to gamble…Its like poker, its a crapshoot in a way, but theres still some that manage to stick out above the fray with their consistency. Too many members here make the opinion of TV people the be all end all; just saying we here at HIO are just as good ^_^.
[Disclaimer]: I’m a hockey fan. I care about the habs, but probably not as much as you.
Yup, when it comes to predicting, I believe we are just as good.
Or as bad, for that matter.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
And economists.
Richard R
Price is an oyster. Unfortunately not all oysters produce pearls.
Assuming that the poll question requires a password to change it and someone lost the password.
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☞ Wow, that’s a nice lookin’ pair of Crocs!” Said no one ever.☜