huzer Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 Smoke wasn't exactly a strong shutdown centre last season, so at least this year the Habs are fielding a third line with at least something of an identity. If I were to play the fan for a second, I'd say that it is evidence of their willingness and ability to modify their approach to the game as the times change. I didn't mean to imply that either Smoke, Bonk, or Junuea were ever "shut down" centers. They were all brought here and were basically assigned that role, which had a varied degree of success. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonus Posted September 17, 2008 Share Posted September 17, 2008 I didn't mean to imply that either Smoke, Bonk, or Junuea were ever "shut down" centers. They were all brought here and were basically assigned that role, which had a varied degree of success. absolutely, and now it seems that Carbo + Gainey have abandoned even the facade of a shutdown line. I'd rather have an effective tertiary attack line than an ineffectual shutdown line (as we basically had last season). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTH Posted September 18, 2008 Share Posted September 18, 2008 Geez, I just gave a list of "young up and coming teams" and gave theoretical examples. There was nothing concrete in that statement. For the record, I don't think Columbus or Edmonton will make the playoffs. Columbus has some kind of weird curse against them and Edmonton were only close last year due to a late season surge when the pressure was off, fueled by a ridiculous shootout record that won't be repeated. Phoenix I think could make it, however, but they have a tough division to get points in. I didn't respond to this until now because it was completely irrelevant to the point I was making. An upstart team in the early rounds is more likely to take down Detroit than us in the Final, because Detroit will have tons of confidence in their game if they have already won 3 rounds. hehe, you're jumping right to the conclusions - I never said I disagreed with any of that. All I said was that Columbus is an extremely odd example seeing as they're a bottom 3 team in the league on paper and are being run by idiots, and that's all I meant. It would be like saying "I don't think Detroit will win the Cup this year. It'll more likely be an underdog team like Colorado, Vancouver or Toronto." Two actual underdog teams and one that may very well be gunning for Tavares. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 Islanders. Toronto! Nah.. seriously, the Kings strike me as the obvious candidate. Phoenix got a lot stronger so they have 4 strong teams in their division now, the season will be very long for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAKS-AVENUE Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 I'd say they're trying to compensate for a career spent shutting down opponents and want to finally play all out of offense by proxy. Someone said it best here I think, or maybe it was on a broadcast, anyways it was something along the lines of having Jarvis, Gainey, Carbo all selke winners, knew the shutdown game so well that using their expertise of defense allows them to breakdown all the tactics. If anyone knows where a defensive game plan has holes it's these guys. Or you could look at it more simply like a mechanic always drives a piece of shit, the shoemakers kids all have bare feet, A hockey team with a coaching staff of all defensive specialists lead the league in offense. I don't know but it kind of makes sense to me. Thank the lord! I hate it when the habs used to play shut down hockey, this is much more fun to watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMMR Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 Toronto! Nah.. seriously, the Kings strike me as the obvious candidate. Phoenix got a lot stronger so they have 4 strong teams in their division now, the season will be very long for them. I think the Kings will surprise you if they can get some decent net minding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saskhab Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 I think the Kings will surprise you if they can get some decent net minding. Wayne Campbell: Yeah, and monkeys will fly out my butt! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KoZed Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 I think the Kings will surprise you if they can get some decent net minding. Jacques "Le Coq" Grandé! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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