Naslund

Could not agree with you more simonus. By the way, when are you going to pay for the damage you did to my car?

No doubt O'Byrne would be in Hamilton if Komi wasn't hurt. But given the situation, the best route is to throw O'Byrne back into the fire.

Here's my take... O'Byrne's mistake was clearly a sign of a defenseman being pressured, panicking, and making a play with his head down. One of the toughest things for a young defenseman is learning to be patient, and to not panic in situations where the plays you can make are limited. With patience, you are aware of everything that is going on out there, and make plays with your head up. In this situation, the sign of a good coaching staff is when they don't send him down to "learn". The send him right back out there and see how he responds. There's no better learning experience than learning from a mistake in the same environment you made the mistake in, backed by your teammates and coaching staff. If he continues to struggle? Then you send him to Hamilton. My two cents...

Great PK.

Just watched it in super slow motion, Lats lifted Volchenkov's stick, and his own stick hit him in the face. Of course, the refs don't have the luxury of a PVR on the ice...

I know, its very Toronto like to react like this when the current streak of mediocore hockey is only approx. 2 weeks old. But right now, this team is playing around the level that was expected of them. "They will fight for the final playoff spot". Isn't that the quote we heard for most of September? I think their quick start can be chalked up to an unpredicatable group of youngsters that can now be beat as long as you stay out of the box. Is the sky falling? Based on how hard I punched the arm rest after Koivu didn't score in the shootout tonight, I guess so. But in reality, we are a young team with a bright future, but a team that has some major flaws (like finding a pure goal scorer, not 4 lines of grinders and guys who can set up the goal scorers we don't have). Relax folks, brighter days are ahead (I hope).

The 4 on 3 was pathetic. A 4 on 3 power play is very similar to a 5 on 3, you have your 2 D up on the point, and you have a forward on the hash mark, one in front. Tonight they played it as if they had a 5 on 4, always fighting for the puck on the boards, Kovalev blasting shots from wherever, no setup to the PP at all, just a cluster*!$%.

Tonight was another example of how the Habs are playing at the level of their opponents. They played down to Atlanta, they played down to the Leafs tonight. Yeah, they hit a couple of posts, and Huet looked a little bit like Patrick Lalime from a certain Sens-Leafs Game 7 a few years ago, but the bottom line is, they lost to a hapless team that is going nowhere. And you know what, I hate to say it because one day he may be a heck of a hockey player, but Latendresse is useless out there. I've never seen a player not able to receive a crisp pass, or have so many loose pucks roll off his stick than this guy. He's just not there yet. And just so i don't sound like a negative fan who is jumping ship after one tough loss, I am really impressed with how well this team breaks the puck out of their own end. The CBC did a nice montage of their breakouts, very well done. That has been a point of frustration for me over the years, the Habs have struggled with it. If you don't get that puck out cleanly, you're done.

Actually JMMR, he said "and now the game ISN'T being blacked out". "And now" implying that the game was blacked out at one point. RDS is not subject to blackouts, never has been. ExpressVu has never applied a blackout to RDS.

I am also in Mississauga, and was not blacked out. RDS is never blacked out. Are you sure you received the "blackout" message on your set top box? Or was it "signal not authorized"?

Good morning folks, According to the Red Line Report on Sportsnet.ca, the Habs had a fantastic draft this year. We finished 2nd behind the Blackhawks in terms of best picks. Here's the blurb: "2. Montreal Canadiens Give them a solid "A." With only six picks they managed to nab five of RLR's top 66 ranked prospects. They only had one of the first 48 picks, yet managed to bag four of our top 42. Montreal really loaded up on fleet, agile defenders who can play in the "New NHL." David Fischer and Mathieu Carle both have premiere offensive talent with great vision and passing skills. Sleeper Cameron Cepek is an aggressive blue-liner who was just coming into his own before a wrist injury put him on the shelf for most of the year. Of the two WHL forwards, Ben Maxwell brings lots of skill and Ryan White adds plenty of grit. And the Habs themselves think Pavel Valentenko was the real hidden gem of their draft day efforts." Their short term prospects look awesome, now it looks like their long term future looks even brighter.

Just reading a couple of blogs this morning, one by Leaf Lover Howard Berger (for all Habs fans NOT living in T.O., this guy is a Leaf idiot). He says that he expects Montreal to take a drop this year, and that the Leafs will catapult into the playoff picture. Another blogger says that the Habs lack of offense will hurt them, and if Huet does not stand on his head, they will not be in the Top 8. Reading this kind of stuff makes me wonder if my bias is at work, because I believe the team is on the right track. I don't consider them heavy contenders, not yet anyway, but they are definitely making the playoffs, how far they go, well, that's hard to judge in mid-July. Anyone else get a read on this roster? I know, the season hasn't started yet, but give it a whirl. And try to put your Habs bias aside....

According to TSN, the Eagle is in Florida today working out for the Panthers. If he passes his physical, they are going to sign him. This leaves the Red Wings still without a number one goalie. Anyone think that Bob will be getting a call from Mr. Holland soon to ask about Abbie?

Thanks for the welcome Simonus, love the forum. I have to agree with the posters that say there will be room for younger players despite the fact that the lines everyone here expects Carbo to go with seem pretty solid. So many things happen over the course of a season; injuries, hot/cold streaks, lines that just don't gel, etc. I mean, Murray/Begin were fantastic last year in their roles, but whose to say they are assured to perform that way again this year, especially with the added pressure of coming off a good season? I'm also not necessarily sold on Perezhogin (yet), plenty of talent there, but still plenty to prove. He fits into that youngster category that can be moved around or sit in the press box. Personally, I don't think any of the newbies will make the opening rosters, but they will get their chance very quickly. And not being a pro scout or having watched much of the rookies in their junior years, I don't know who would be ready to come up right away. Guess we'll have to wait until training camp.

Not saying I agree with it, just a thought. I think the roster is set, barring something happening with Abbie. And that may not happen until the deadline, if at all. Which youngster would you guys like to see up? Chips? Latendresse?