illWill

Eller thus far has indeed been just a 30 point per year player. And he has also gone on cold streaks where nothing goes right and we question his existence. But he also tears it up during certain times, and some of those times happen to be during the playoffs. So what would you rather, Eller get 1 point every 2.7 games and show some "consistency", or would you rather him have the ability to change a game at any given time?

Thanks for guessing, try again next game. League average is 2.66, so it's not like every other team is lighting the lamp on fire either.

Yes, character is the word that comes to mind after that game. Anytime Gallagher drops the mitts you know the boys are playing with passion.They played sloppy and passive to start the game but it seemed like they were pissed off after getting behind the way that they did. It was pretty much an equal game and either team could have won. I wanted Pac to score on that breakaway so bad so he could redeem himself. As much as another loss against these guys sucks, I'm sure they got some confidence from the last two periods to use next time they meet.

Lol yes it has. Normally I would be asleep at this hour but I am banking on there being no work tomorrow haha. I just came back inside from a walk and there isn't a plow in sight, so it looks like I might be good to go. #Eastcoastproblems

You mean he may be right that AG will eventually become a point producing centerman? I don't need a crystal ball to see that. What I do see at this point in time is him contributing to a contender and accepting whatever role his superiors deem necessary for them to be said contender. Are we going for the cup or are we trying to stroke some egos? You literally say that fans like us put these high expectations on him, but since he hasn't reached them, it is a disappointment. Is that an organizational problem or a fan problem? He has been developing just fine through my eyes, it's too bad he hasn't been the superstar that others have wished at this point, but he is still very young. I feel like I am defending Price all over again. I fought tooth and nail with people saying that Price will be alright and this is all a normal learning curve. It's not realistic to expect AG to be the number 1 center on a contending team after turning 21 just a month ago. It's as simple as that. Is Tyler Seguin a prodigious talent? Was he brought along slowly on a contending team? Was he anointed the prestigious and coveted center position based on expectations? Is he a disappointment now at age 23? He wasn't just thrust into top line duty on a strong team. Heck, during their cup run they didn't even have him in the lineup until the second or third round. Once he was he started to contribute from a depth role and we all know how the Bruin story from that year ended. So again, my point is, it is not fair at all to expect a freshly turned 21 year old kid to be the go to guy on a cup contending team. What do we want from him? Aside from Pac he is arguably our most offensive threat at forward. And I would better believe opposing teams have him on their radar, why wouldn't they?

So it is his fault that you placed extremely high expectations on him that he is a failure in your eyes? All he has done is outscore everyone else in his draft class and sits 4th in points per game on his first place team. The kid just turned 21, and perhaps if he played on a poor team he would be just given that top line center spot you so desperately want him to have. Unfortunately for you, management and himself included feel it is best that he is on the wing at this point. And, because of the TEAM'S success they are having with this setup, there isn't any reason for them to change. So on behalf of everyone associated with the Habs, I apologize to you for him not playing center and putting up huge points all while the wins keep piling up, like you assume they will.

Well thank you sir. Jeez, it's awful quiet in here after a big win. I guess it's the losses that bring the fans out.

I read a stat yesterday that said something like Galchenyuk's next point will be his 100th. Next from his draft is Yakupov with 80 and then there isn't anyone over 60. So maybe that will put it into perspective for those who are expecting much more from him at this point in his career. He is doing fine.

Yipee, another coach thread

There's so much depth on this team that I don't think the players or the fans should take offense to anybody getting scratched for a particular game. They are going to need everybody going if they plan on making a deep run in the spring.

Love this post. It all goes back to some people's illogical mentality that the Habs are successful despite MT, but when they fail it is because of him. It's like saying a baseball team that has the least runs against is all the pitching staff, and they aren't defensive at all. Even pitchers use their teammates to pitch to their strengths. Team sports are team sports. Comparing the numbers of arguably the best goalie in the world to a borderline back up doesn't make any sense at all.

I must admit I missed 3 of the late games out west so I can't comment on that. But like I've stated, there is a whole lot of people being too short sighted in my opinion. This is a rough patch, it happens to each and every team. Would you be happy with being tied first overall in the league at this point in the year before the season started? Is the season over yet? Do they have to play better to win? Yes of course they do. It's a long ol' year for those guys and they know there is a tough grind ahead of them in the playoffs. They are focused on that and have stated how much they want to go deep. Personally I won't judge them on some meaningless games during the first week of March, but rather withhold judgement until they are done for the year, with or without the Cup in hand.

And I bet he gets his family there in record time and optimizes fuel consumption, all while building a great family atmosphere.

You're right, it's all Price. It's nothing to do with the D clearing rebounds from shitty shots from the outside, nothing to do with all their blocked shots, or nothing to do with QUALITY scoring chances. I'm not sure if you've watched a Habs game all season or just spend your time looking up stats to support your opinion. When was the last time there was a breakaway against? 2 on 1s are a rare sight. "Scoring chances" is a subjective stat and changes from each and every home rink. So here's my fancy stat backup: Habs have allowed 30.4 shots against per game, Chicago have allowed 29.7, Rangers 29.4, league average is 29.65. Chicago and NY are tied for second behind Habs for least amount of goals against, are they defensive teams? We are talking about less than one frigging measly shot against per game from being average and 3.4 from being the best. Too many people getting caught up in stats and not worrying about how to win a hockey game, in my opinion. Leafs sure have cut back shots against lately, that's working out well for them. So if they are not a defensive team like you've stated, and they can't seem to score at all, then what are they?

The record is actually the only way that matters how to measure a team. Every single thing that goes on in a game comes down to wins and losses. Powerplay sucks? Can't generate offense? Give up too many shots? Who cares as long as the team wins. It never ceases to amaze me how short sighted people can be. It's an 82 game season and that's how you have to look at it. It's not game 62-68 that matters, it's the whole thing. This team is tied for FIRST place in the league. So what that means is that every other team has gone through bad stretches just like this and worse. Of course it would be nice to blow every opponent out of the water but that isn't realistic. I mean, even during winning streaks some just find the negativity in it. Therrien has stated that defense is their first priority and guess what, they are the very best in the league at keeping the puck out of their net. Is Price the best goalie in the world? Probably, but the best goalie in the world doesn't do it all on his own. The team has an identity that everyone has bought into, and that is a defensive club that looks after their own end first and worries about the other end second. They have been playing playoff hockey all season, so you better believe they will be ready for it when the time comes.

It's a good thing that strong 5 on 5 play is more indicative of success than a strong power play. Habs just don't have the down low presence necessary to relieve the pressure from the points. Opposing teams just swarm the D and clog the shooting lanes. I'd like to see the forwards get possession and drive towards the net more often. Even if it doesn't result in more goals, it at least gets the other team thinking and may open up the points more.

Vegas is happy to see anybody make a wager of kind. And you obviously didn't read what I wrote.

Yes, logically the Habs are a favorite from an unbiased perspective. I was more so meaning Canadian media, from which a majority comes out of Toronto and the every day fan that just plain hates the Habs.

No matter what the Habs do, there will always be haters not giving them any credit. They made it to the Eastern Conference final, are currently leading the East, and yet all I hear is "the East is wide open". What does it take to be a favorite around here?

Habs beat the Bolts in every facet of the game last spring, hence the sweep. Had Bishop been healthy, there may have been one, maaaaaaybe two games he could have made the difference. Habs won the series fair and square. And I'm sure the sweep has provided the proverbial chip on their shoulder when the two teams meet now. It will be a good series if they meet again.

Regular season and playoffs are two completely different animals

But what have they done for us lately? I want the lines to stay the same every game, no matter if we are in 1st in the conference. Results? pffft, I want the same lines even though I have no knowledge of how to coach in the NHL. MT better whip these boys into shape, getting 3 out of 8 points on the hardest road trip is highly unacceptable! I demand perfection and am fully within my right to call the coach le genius because he isn't as smart as I am!

I had Rinne ahead of Price a couple months ago, but Price has pulled ahead of him. Getzlaf was my pick but he got injured and has been struggling ever since. You do realize that there are peaks and valleys for each player right? Price started slow out of the gate and has been gradually getting better all season. There are a number of forwards that can go on a hot streak to end the season and take down the Hart. And like I said, if nobody really stands out that much, and Price continues on the way he has been, it may be undeniable to keep it from him.

Don't forget about Tavares, he is currently leading the league in scoring and has like 24 more points than the next guy on his division leading team. I am putting my money on him, and I think alot of people would like to see him win it. Price is certainly worthy of winning, but him actually winning is a different story. There are just some that believe a goalie should not win it, and will not cast their vote for him. Although if he continues at this pace and the Habs still win games without scoring many goals, it may be undeniable for him not to win.

JDLR looked very good out there on both sides of the puck. It's hard to believe he is just 19 years old and is counted on in critical shutdown situations already. I guess we can put that theory of MT not giving rookies a chance to bed. If he likes what he sees out there, you get to play, simple as that.