Chris

That was a very good effort and win. That was the best the played since beating Minnesota. All 4 lines had some quality chances, thge second line actually played in the other teams zone for a while. Ninimaa looked real solid again. The only problem i had with last night is some brain cramps in the last 5 minutes to try and let the Isles get cack into it. Huet looked a bit shakey in the first but came on strong. We'll find out satrurday on him.

I thought Komi looked good with Ninimaa last night. I think Komi will look good with any pairing. I think he has graduated to be a real solid stay at home D man. But i do agree with you about various players being paired with Markov. definitely inhances there performance.

Exactly, that is why in my post yesterday i said we need Downey or someone else to fill that spot on the 4th line wing.

It depends on what you mean by good. The 4th line had a few shifts of good forechecking. They didn't play bad in their own end. They didn't create anything in the way of offense. The 1 PP they had Streit played on the point. He is a good skater, but as a forward he gets knocked off way too easy. So overall he was fine, just like his linemates.

I'm pretty sure Carbo had to call out many peopel out again for there effort last night, The habs are brutal on back to back games. I hope someone can light a fire under there butts. If Huet gets a shutout, they'll atleast gets a point.

Well the good news is the Habs managed a point out of the game. I thought they played decent in the second period. It seemed to me that after Bonk scored 4 minutes in the Habs tried to win the game 1-0. That kind of game puts you on your heals and lets the other team build momentum. How does an NHL team not even get 20 shots? That is what drives me nuts about this team, if they open it up they can't or won't play defense, if they only play defense the zamboni doesn't even need to go to the Habs offensive zone. Overall another 20 minute collapse, people can blame however, coaching, etc. Good news: The third line outstanding again, in my book they are the #1 line and the only ones who come to play every night. I thought Komi, Dandy and Ninimaa played a solid game. Aebi stole them a point tonight. Great Pk again. Somehow with all the poor play, lack of effort they still have the 3rd most points in the east. Bad news: Another late collapse, when will it end? Stupid penalties. No ability to create any offense, 18 shots i think. Once again the second line is MIA.

I think that may have been true in the past, who wants to join a team as messed up as the Habs the last 10 years. with all the pressure. Now with Gainey stableizing things and with good prospects and skill coming up i think that will be changing. All the more reason to trade some D and get back D who already have a contract. Vishnevski from LA, players like that.

Yea, 1 assist and a minus 1. I wouldn't call that great. I get the point about the extra D in case someone is injured but i would rather have some muscle in there.

Yes, i actually wish they would stop dressing 7 D and put downey in the game. The 4th line should be able to give them 4 solid shifts per period, get the body checking going. It may get the top 6 more into the game.

Great news. I'll open a can of worms with this but who sits in his place? What may the lines be?

I don't have a problem with him punishing people, just do it before the whistle blows, he waits too long. I agree about being paired with Rivet, he should IMO be paired with Dandy who is fast enough to cover his mistakes. Brobin, i agree about about the plus minus, all the habs but the third line, Markov and Komi and i think Steit are in the minus, they all need to pick it up 5 on 5.

He is minus 5, 3 points even strength, I wouldn't say he is the first to step in but occaisionally he does. He normally waits until after the whistle and hits someone and gets a penalty. The real reason there are rumors and in my opinion will be moved is he is unrestricted, will require a big contract and so will Markov. Markov is a much more complete player, he is the one needing to be signed. Oh, he is really slow not very good in his own zone.

Isn't it only a 650k swing in salary. Ninimaa 2.5 mill and Ribiero was 1.9. It only took 650k off the cap which basically was taken care of by injuries to Dandy and Bouillon.

I thought Aebi was fine, both goals scored on him were deflections 5 feet in front of him, he had no chance on his goals allowed.

Exactly, the habs for the first time in many years will be ablw to make trades and younger more skilled players taking roster spots. I also agree about the roster looking different, i think it will be younger, more mobile on the D. Souray is UNRESTRICTED, he is not worth Morrison and another player.

Well shortcat, i hope people won't complain about the goaltending, that has been the 1 consistant position the Habs have had for years. No one from Pittsburgh really interests me, they obviously won't get rid of the big 3 centers or there 2 young D-men. Vancouver does have Morrison, but it will take more than Souray to make that trade.

Well the good news is the Habs only took off about 20 minutes of last nights game. The last 10 of the first and the first 10 in the second. Huet had an off night however better defensive zone play and TURNOVERS really cost them big tonight. The inability to get the puck out of the zone without icing it cost them on goal number 5. I think the Bruins changed 3 times before they finally scored with the 4th line out there. The good news is they played hard and fought back but i'm not really into moral victories, it doesn't get you 2 points. As for the start of the losing streak, it may be a long one, they can't beat the devils, the islanders will definitely out work them and Buffalo is the best in the east. I hope i'm wrong but i see a losing streak the rest of the week. I have confidence in the coaching staff but not the players. They take too many nights off. The second line is so bad, Kovy another minus 3, as well as Souray. Once higgins comes back i would consider moving Kovy down to play with Begin and Murray, maybe that would give his head a shake. Put Higgins with Koivu and Lats, put Ryder with samsonov and pleks. It couldn't be any worse then it is now. Plus those guys atleast hustle.

Hey CC, it's Huet and Aebi who make the defensive numbers look better then they are. You are comfortable watching the D not being able to get the puck out and playing in the D zone allnight? That's what's been happening for years and hasn'r really gooten the Habs anywhere.

The Habs D is very slow, lose too many battles, not good in the Defensive zone, ytake away PP points and they are awfull offensively, all but Komi and Markov are in the minus on a team 7 games over 500 and everyone wants to keep them and give them raises? I can't figure that one out. I think Markov will be the only UFA resigned. There will be a trade and a signing.

They do back off the line way too much in the offensive zone. I think this is do to a lack of speed on the Defense. It also drives me nuts that they just back in and let the other team set up and go to work. Unfortunately Komi is the only D to step up and throw the body. I think if they were more aggressive thewy could stay out of there end more. They passing is just horrid by everyone, not just the D.

Yes Dandy and Bouillon are a solid 5 and 6 on any team. If you read the post i said Markov and Komi are an above average 3 and 4 or average 1 or 2. The problem is unless Souray is shooting the puck he and Rivet are a 5 and 6. I'm sure i'll here about that but take away PP points and what have they done. Both in the minus and Souray has 3 more points then me. The D zone coverage for these 2 is just awefull. If Sundin goes around you and leaves you in the dust you are very SLOW.

Well first off the problem with Rivet being a #6 D man is other then Markov and Komi, they are all #6 D men. The Habs were very lucky to pick up a win last night. After the Leafs were up 3-1 they stopped skating. Koivu willed the team back for a win. I'm like Kozed, one bad game doesn't result in trade talks but a period of time something should be done to improve the team. There are trades out there to help the team. Fans out there praising the D must not have watched the game, they were in there own end most of the night, couldn't put 2 passes together, iced the puck numerous times, lost many 1 on 1 battles. I think Huet stole another 2 points for the Habs. Good news: 2 points and a win. Another comeback victory. Koivu again showed why he is the C played hard in the third, never gave up Huet and Koivu were awesome Bad news: Face offs were brutal Couldn't get ther puck out of the D zone most of the night again Passing was really bad Stupid penalties AGAIN They didn't show up in the first again. I would like to see a full 60 minute effort to see how could they could be. The Habs shouldn't need a Butt chewing between every period to get them going. About Souray, alot of posters said that Souray wants to stay, i have seen 3 interviews with him the last few weeks after games and he says they should sign Markov first, the team is much better in the dressing room now but never a mention of wanting to stay in Montreal. That's why i keep saying move him while he is at his highest trade value.

Yes, i agree about that, Ryder just seems to be trying too hard in offensive zone. Atleast he is hustling, hitting and playing D. I do think someone will be moved, but i don't know who.

Well i'm not sure what you were saying about the 4th line and getting rid of them, they are doing exactly what a 4th line is suppose to. The reason Kosty, Lapiere aren't up is because they are not ready or they would be up. You heard what Carbo said about Kosty. The line that isn't showing up is the SECOND line. I also highly doubt Higgins will move to center. Look for a move when Higgins comes back.

No kidding. I live in Arvada. I thought i was the only Habs fan here.