Chris

The other thought on the line ups at practice is GC knows what Lapierre does in NHL situations, this may be getting a better look at those 3 to narrow it down to 2 during the last 2 pre season games. If they move down another gritty player for a smurf i'll be disappointed yet again. You can't have a soft team and expecting them to compete, the last 10 years have proven that.

That would be really bad if this is true, Lapierre has proven to be a great 4th line player, agitator and penalty killer. Where i do like Murray, my bet would be Grabovski would be the one sent down. IMO it would be a big mistake not having Lapierre in the starting line up.

Last year Roy didn't take many "stupid" penalties. He played well and under control. I beleive Ryder, Koivu and Kovalev had more "stupid" penalties then Roy. Halak is on the cusp of being a good to great goalie. The Habs IF they trade need to get a young NHL ready player with upside like Halak. That isn't unreasonable. If they had to throw ina extra player to do that, that's fine with me. Palyers like Johnson in La, Bernier in SanJose aren't that unreasonable to ask for. I'm not saying a team will do it, but it would be fair.

What is an idot. Did you mean idiot? Anyway, i read this morning Dandenault possibly to Tampa who is looking for a Dman. I may mention i saw a Tampa game 2 nights ago the Habs should ask for Tarnaski (spelling) or Roy. They both had fights in the first 5 minutes. The Halak out West rumor continues to stay out there. This does make sense if Price stays with the big club. No sense in keeping Halak if Price is the answer. Johnson From La would be a nice return.

Well obviously know one else thinks he (Rivers) can play in the league because they could have him for nothing. That rings a bell, didn't another habs D man go throught he same thing, know one wants him but the habs.

The "collapse" as you put it, had very little to do with Halak. More the Habs as tradition would have stop skating after they have a lead. That is the problem, not Halak.

Atleast Garth Murray hustles and fights. Where he may not be the best, he is a acceptable extra / grinding fourth liner when injuries arrive.

Well i think first of all everyone is giving Bouillon too much credit again, not sure what he or Dandy has done to deserve to start. Gorges and O'Byrne have played great this pre season and would much rather have them then either Bouillon or Dandy. Someone also mentioned Chipchura maybe not making it, he'll be the fourth line center. The line up reported in the news paper sounds pretty solid. I got to listen to a habs game on the internet so i am basing Gorges and Chipchura play by the announcers. I don't like Koivu and Ryder together, they are a nightmare defensively even if they play with Higgins. I might flip flop him and Kovalev. I don't know that solves anything but you can't have your top 2 scorers at minus 60 again. I'll be little more interested in the next 2 pre season games to see how they fair and the line combos. The real question is will the likes of Ryder, Kovalev and Koivu step up and make a difference this year. Especially 5 on 5.

I think if your talking line ups for the year on the front page it lists what Carbo is thinking for the forward lines atleast Higgins Koivu Ryder Kosty Pleks Kovalev Lats Smoke Kostopolous Begin Chipchura Lapierre Murray My D would be Markov Komi Hammer O'Byrne Gorges Streit Brisby Boillon and Dandy doing something else

If Carbo daid he didn't need a fighter i must disagree with him on that one. The Habs players keep getting drilled and there is never a response. Some habs will get hurt by a borderline or cheap shot and there won't be a response. That is a big problem in my book.

He does have to clear waivers. I don't think there is any chance he stays with the big club, Price and Halak both need ice time and having them both in Hamilton isn't the way to do it. They will trade or Danis will get picked up on waivers. He is a good goalie but he has 2 young goalies ahead of him. It's an unfortunate numbers game. Maybe he'll get a better shot with another team.

Did he? I read in the summer that he was a UFA, and had know idea he re signed with the Rangers. Then it may have to be a trade.

The habs don't have anyone who is scary to fight. That is the problem. Currently i would sign Colton Orr. The Habs arer fine under the cap and there is no reason he can't be the last roster spot. He will be needed in 30-40 games a year. I would even trade Bouillon and Dandy for one.

How is Komi the Habs best fighter? He has been in like 5 fights in his career

Evidently the Sharks want Halak, the Habs want a young forward and a prospect for him. Or that's what's reported anyway.

Where did Kovalev go? I'm sure we won't see him again until late October. That game sounded alot like last years, totally dominated in the first, then skating around until time winds down. Will these guys ever learn it's a 60 minute game? I have clients on the psych unit who can learn faster then these guys.

Yes, based on early results i like what i am hearing on O'byrne. Unfortunately i have dial up at home so any internet access games televised i'll never see. So i have to rely on various posters for info. I'll have to wait for opening night when my regular nhl package kicks in. Markov Komi Hamerlik O'Byrne Gorges Streit

Thanks

Sorry, Carbo isn't going anywhere. The days of the lazy slug players running coaches out of town is over. There is a reason Rivet, Souray and others were moved. It will continue. Any trades will depend on how the season progresses. 2 pre season games doesn't maen anything.

With the 2 injuries to the D, does anyone know who is subbing in? Valentenko? I don't even know if he played last night. I'm looking for this group to repeat the effort of the first game.

BTH, I think people think he is lazy because when he gets the puck taken away from him he complains to the ref. stands around or doesn't hustle back to the play. Not his calm attitude or smooth skating style.

Bouillon was Dandy's partner, and from reports he was equally bad. Many posters said Lapierre was the only person who showed up last night.

Wow, how the mighty have fallen. As i said yesterday these are pre season games, people shouldn't get too worked up about them. What you can get worked up about is once again they were outworked, too many penalties, getting crushed 5 on 5. Will this ever change? Not until a few more vets his the road in my opinion. I would have Gorges and Streit as 5 and 6. Find some one to play with Hamer and call it a day.

Thank you. With 2 injuries to D men i would guess that means the fringe D will get a ggod long look.

What does that mean on Valentenko? Injured, scratched, playing tomorrow. Sorry i don't speak ffench. I would like to see that first line click tonight.