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Feb. 6, Bruins vs Habs, 7:30 PM


dlbalr

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Some thoughts:

*The Habs played a great game. Julien out foxed Therrien by putting Seguin on the first line, and it paid dividends.

*The Bruins are still the better team, and we have a hard time against a big physical team. We we're clogged up in the neutral zone, and we we're forced to the perimeter in the second half of the game. This year's Habs have been solved; look for other teams to adopt this style of play.

*DD. Looks lost. It's been nine games, and he's had 8 bad games. This line needs to be broken up. We can't have our two best wingers tied up with an ineffective center.

*Emelin. Favorite player on the Habs, really let me down last night.

*Players who need their roles expanded: Gally x2, Subban, Eller

*Players who need their roles contracted: Bouillon, Armstrong, Diaz

*Armstrong-Meh. Guess I was hard on him, he missed an empty net, but he doesn't help or hurt us. He's a wash.

*Penalty kill is still looking very shaky. Why is Markov on the PK? Why is Diaz on the PK?

*We don't need to blow the lines up, but we need a wake up call for DD. He should sit out for a game. A good team should always be getting better, trying new things to shake it up, and keep players on their toes. I think DD is very comfortable right now. That's not a good thing after 8 bad games.
Roll these lines:

Pac-Galchenyuk-Gionta

Bourque-Plekanec-Cole

Prust-Eller-Gallagher

Moen-White-Armstrong

*Galchenyuk is below a ppg pace, with Prust and Gallagher. We didn't draft him number three to give David "Frenchbeard" Desharnais the number one center role. He should be traded with a second and a prospect (Pateryn?) for a mid round 1st.

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They did go back to Markov-Diaz later in the game which was good.

Yeah they did, but especially in a game against Boston the should fo stuck with what was working instead of trying something different at that stage in the game. If it's not working, change it up after.

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Yeah they did, but especially in a game against Boston the should fo stuck with what was working instead of trying something different at that stage in the game. If it's not working, change it up after.

The funny thing was, they changed it back after it worked (Markov had the primary assist on Subban's PPG).

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Some thoughts:

**The Bruins are still the better team, and we have a hard time against a big physical team. We we're clogged up in the neutral zone, and we we're forced to the perimeter in the second half of the game. This year's Habs have been solved; look for other teams to adopt this style of play.

Seriously ?

*Penalty kill is still looking very shaky. Why is Markov on the PK? Why is Diaz on the PK?

SERIOUSLY ?

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Bummed by the lack of finish in that game. Montreal really coulda/shoulda won had they been able to bury any of the multiple opportunities they had. I didn't see last night as the Habs being "handled" by the Bruins, physically. They just didn't score even though they had sooo many chances. Oh well, we'll get em next time.

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Seriously ?

SERIOUSLY ?

Why are two power play specialists on a PK that's dropped from 2nd in the league to the bottom third in the league? I think this is a legitimate question. The Habs HAVE been solved. Gum up the neutral zone, the Boston D was cheating all night to take out the stretch pass, and we played dump and chase all night. Seriously? What game were you watching?

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Why are two power play specialists on a PK that's dropped from 2nd in the league to the bottom third in the league? I think this is a legitimate question. The Habs HAVE been solved. Gum up the neutral zone, the Boston D was cheating all night to take out the stretch pass, and we played dump and chase all night. Seriously? What game were you watching?

Markov is one of our best defensemen in his own zone.

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Why are two power play specialists on a PK that's dropped from 2nd in the league to the bottom third in the league? I think this is a legitimate question.

With the exception of last season where his minutes were guarded (and even then he saw some time), Markov has always taken a regular shift on the penalty kill (usually the 2nd unit). Heck, a few years ago he regularly played on the top unit. I can understand why he's seeing PK time. As for Diaz, he's ranked 6th in terms of SHTOI per game by a d-man, only ahead of Kaberle and Weber, the scratches. He actually is playing less time shorthanded than he did last year. With the Habs still trying to employ 3 or 4 different units during a penalty kill, it's understandable that all 6 blueliners see some time on the PK. As Subban builds up to his workload from last year, I suspect both Markov and Diaz will see their TOI drop a bit though.

I also want to note that the Habs are not in the bottom third of the league in PK%, they actually sit 14th.

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I think the lesson from last night can be just as easily read as positive. Not only can we play with the Bruins, we can outplay them (which we did for substantial stretches of that game). It often happens that a newly good team will outplay a seasoned Champion or a highly-talented club and still lose - it's part of the learning process. They have to develop the confidence to know that they can beat those guys, the merciless killer instinct that puts away chances when you get 'em, and the ruthless knowledge that ANY letdown against a top team can kill them.

The game actually reminded me a bit of Game Two against Washington in 2010. We were the better team on balance but still lost due to a brief outburst by the Caps. The 'easy' takeaway was that we were hopelessly overmatched; the truth of the matter was just the opposite.

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I think the lesson from last night can be just as easily read as positive. Not only can we play with the Bruins, we can outplay them (which we did for substantial stretches of that game). It often happens that a newly good team will outplay a seasoned Champion or a highly-talented club and still lose - it's part of the learning process. They have to develop the confidence to know that they can beat those guys, the merciless killer instinct that puts away chances when you get 'em, and the ruthless knowledge that ANY letdown against a top team can kill them.

The game actually reminded me a bit of Game Two against Washington in 2010. We were the better team on balance but still lost due to a brief outburst by the Caps. The 'easy' takeaway was that we were hopelessly overmatched; the truth of the matter was just the opposite.

The game could of easily been 6-0 after the first. I'm with you, I didn't see a team losing to an overmatched Boston Bruins, I saw a Boston Bruins team that was outplayed and managed to squeek out the win. Anyone who thinks we didn't ahve much of a chance of winning, didn't see the first period.

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The game could of easily been 6-0 after the first. I'm with you, I didn't see a team losing to an overmatched Boston Bruins, I saw a Boston Bruins team that was outplayed and managed to squeek out the win. Anyone who thinks we didn't ahve much of a chance of winning, didn't see the first period.

Yeah. Nothing is guaranteed, but this team still reminds me - in a good way - of the 2008 squad, where we get dangerous contributions from all over the roster. Look at Eller last night, the first game where he made me think that, just maybe, he's 'getting it.' It is no fun preparing a game plan against a team when even their fourth line C is dangerous, or where rookies like the Gallys are coming out of nowhere to get major chances. A team like that isn't going to win all the time, but it's gonna win more than it loses.

As for us being 'figured out,' maybe, but this game isn't evidence of it. Not only did we carry the play for much of the game, but let's face it, the Bruins are arguably the best team in all of hockey. At 7-1, they've got a whole lot of teams 'figured out.'

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Yeah. Nothing is guaranteed, but this team still reminds me - in a good way - of the 2008 squad, where we get dangerous contributions from all over the roster. Look at Eller last night, the first game where he made me think that, just maybe, he's 'getting it.' It is no fun preparing a game plan against a team when even their fourth line C is dangerous, or where rookies like the Gallys are coming out of nowhere to get major chances. A team like that isn't going to win all the time, but it's gonna win more than it loses.

As for us being 'figured out,' maybe, but this game isn't evidence of it. Not only did we carry the play for much of the game, but let's face it, the Bruins are arguably the best team in all of hockey. At 7-1, they've got a whole lot of teams 'figured out.'

If Eller continues to play like this I may have to retract my statement that he's a possible bust.

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Yeah. Nothing is guaranteed, but this team still reminds me - in a good way - of the 2008 squad, where we get dangerous contributions from all over the roster. Look at Eller last night, the first game where he made me think that, just maybe, he's 'getting it.' It is no fun preparing a game plan against a team when even their fourth line C is dangerous, or where rookies like the Gallys are coming out of nowhere to get major chances. A team like that isn't going to win all the time, but it's gonna win more than it loses.

As for us being 'figured out,' maybe, but this game isn't evidence of it. Not only did we carry the play for much of the game, but let's face it, the Bruins are arguably the best team in all of hockey. At 7-1, they've got a whole lot of teams 'figured out.'

I really think Eller deserves a shot with real players. At this point, I'd either put him with Galy squared or take DD's spot.

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I really think Eller deserves a shot with real players. At this point, I'd either put him with Galy squared or take DD's spot.

Exactly. Why do Eller, White and Subban get put in the dog house for every little thing, when DD walks on water? He had a good season, surrounded by 35 goal scorers. Steve Rucchin anyone? Why is his spot set in stone. I know we can get more production out of those wings. DD was a nice idea, but he's small, which is fine, and slow, which is fine, but not together.

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Exactly. Why do Eller, White and Subban get put in the dog house for every little thing, when DD walks on water? He had a good season, surrounded by 35 goal scorers. Steve Rucchin anyone? Why is his spot set in stone. I know we can get more production out of those wings. DD was a nice idea, but he's small, which is fine, and slow, which is fine, but not together.

DD was more than a 'nice idea,' he was a highly effective playmaking centre. That said, I agree that he's running out of rope. Guys who have actually accomplished something get more leeway than rookies or erratic young players like Eller; that's how it works on every team and how it should work here. But if Desharnais doesn't crank it up soon, he will indeed lose his spot to either Eller or Galy - and should.

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Why are two power play specialists on a PK that's dropped from 2nd in the league to the bottom third in the league? I think this is a legitimate question. The Habs HAVE been solved. Gum up the neutral zone, the Boston D was cheating all night to take out the stretch pass, and we played dump and chase all night. Seriously? What game were you watching?

And if we beat Boston 2-1 next game, we'd solve them ?

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I'm not trying to get into an argument, but as his age, I don't know why Markov plays on the PK. Hopefully going forward, PK is elevated to first PK and the first pairing as well with Gorges or Emelin. Markov should be out with the DD line, playing soft minutes, and lots of PP time. The days of him being a shutdown, first pairing defender are over.

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I really think Eller deserves a shot with real players. At this point, I'd either put him with Galy squared or take DD's spot.

The way DD has been playing lately I'd slot Eller in between Wolvie and Cole, sit DD for a couple of games. I'll stand by my previous statements that I would not split Prust - Chucky - Galy. Prust isn't in the lineup to put up points, he's there to protect players and fight. He can do that with the rookies and make them feel secure. Last night it was a great defensive play away from Prust having a tip in on an open net. They are getting chances, so no need to split that line.

I'm not trying to get into an argument, but as his age, I don't know why Markov plays on the PK. Hopefully going forward, PK is elevated to first PK and the first pairing as well with Gorges or Emelin. Markov should be out with the DD line, playing soft minutes, and lots of PP time. The days of him being a shutdown, first pairing defender are over.

Whats with the Markov hate?

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Exactly. Why do Eller, White and Subban get put in the dog house for every little thing, when DD walks on water? He had a good season, surrounded by 35 goal scorers. Steve Rucchin anyone? Why is his spot set in stone. I know we can get more production out of those wings. DD was a nice idea, but he's small, which is fine, and slow, which is fine, but not together.

I don't think DD "was a nice idea". He just hasn't performed on a regular basis this year. He is a young player, with a short track record for success and at best isn't as hungry as he was last year, or is just going through growing pains to take the next step. Worst case scenerio is that he is a steve Rucchin.

However, just because of his size or inconsistency I'm not ready to write him off - habs have done that with too many players. What I want to see is some healthy competition. For this reason, I want him to feel he still needs to earn his keep, since he doesn't have a long enough track record yet not to be sat out or demoted. What I don't want to see is Eller and DD change spots. That just will setup DD for failure.

I really think we can have three very solid scoring lines that could easily be seen as 1a, 1b, 1c lines given the personal we have and the unexpected success of Galy squared. I know almost every here disagrees with me, but I'd like Moen, Prust, Armstrong, White all fight it out for the 4th line position and have skilled guys play with skilled guys. I don't think Galy squared need Prust to protect them and would rather have them playing with Cole, Max-Pac or Eller.

I really would like to see some of the following line combos:

MaxPac-DD-Cole

Bourque-Pleks-GIonta

Eller-Galenychuk-Gallagher

Armstrong-Prust-White Moen

or

MaxPac-Galenychuck-Gallagher

Bourque-Pleks-Gionta

Eller-DD-Cole

Armstrong-Purst-White Moen

I also really want Bourque get on a hot seat and then trade him - I have zero confidence that he will consistently show up. That's different from consistently produce. All players will go through spells where they aren't producing. The issue with Bourque during his entire time in Calgary and his stint last year in Montreal, is that he goes through prolonged stints where it seems he just doesn't care. If Dallas drops out of the playoff picture and Bourque is hot, I wonder if we could package Bourque and someone for Jagr. He already has great chemistry with Pleks and could also be the ideal babysitter for Galy squared.

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I'm not trying to get into an argument, but as his age, I don't know why Markov plays on the PK. Hopefully going forward, PK is elevated to first PK and the first pairing as well with Gorges or Emelin. Markov should be out with the DD line, playing soft minutes, and lots of PP time. The days of him being a shutdown, first pairing defender are over.

HOw old was Lidstrom last year? He was playing regular shift, PK and PP. Markov on the PP and PK is a good idea. Markov with Diaz on the PK is a bad idea. PK unit as well as the regular pairind for the defense should either be:

Subban-Gorges

Markov-Emelin.

or

Subban-Emelin

Markov-Gorges

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I keep hearing that Therrien got outcoached by Julien putting Seguin on the top line.

HOW?

Therrien had his #1 Centre and his #1 defence pair on the ice when both goals were scored.

Plekanec lost his man on one goal and Emelin on the other.

I blame the players who didn't execute, not a coach who got outfoxed.

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I don't think DD "was a nice idea". He just hasn't performed on a regular basis this year. He is a young player, with a short track record for success and at best isn't as hungry as he was last year, or is just going through growing pains to take the next step. Worst case scenerio is that he is a steve Rucchin.

However, just because of his size or inconsistency I'm not ready to write him off - habs have done that with too many players. What I want to see is some healthy competition. For this reason, I want him to feel he still needs to earn his keep, since he doesn't have a long enough track record yet not to be sat out or demoted. What I don't want to see is Eller and DD change spots. That just will setup DD for failure.

I really think we can have three very solid scoring lines that could easily be seen as 1a, 1b, 1c lines given the personal we have and the unexpected success of Galy squared. I know almost every here disagrees with me, but I'd like Moen, Prust, Armstrong, White all fight it out for the 4th line position and have skilled guys play with skilled guys. I don't think Galy squared need Prust to protect them and would rather have them playing with Cole, Max-Pac or Eller.

I really would like to see some of the following line combos:

MaxPac-DD-Cole

Bourque-Pleks-GIonta

Eller-Galenychuk-Gallagher

Armstrong-Prust-White Moen

or

MaxPac-Galenychuck-Gallagher

Bourque-Pleks-Gionta

Eller-DD-Cole

Armstrong-Purst-White Moen

I also really want Bourque get on a hot seat and then trade him - I have zero confidence that he will consistently show up. That's different from consistently produce. All players will go through spells where they aren't producing. The issue with Bourque during his entire time in Calgary and his stint last year in Montreal, is that he goes through prolonged stints where it seems he just doesn't care. If Dallas drops out of the playoff picture and Bourque is hot, I wonder if we could package Bourque and someone for Jagr. He already has great chemistry with Pleks and could also be the ideal babysitter for Galy squared.

Lots to like in this post, especially the very balanced reflections on Desharnais. For the record, I'm not saying we must never break up the Gally-Galy-Prust line. I just feel that it's too early in the development of the Gal(l)ys to start mucking around with a formula that is working splendidly for them. Only after several weeks would I (personally) feel comfortable asking them to take 'another step' and work with new linemates. Perhaps this is babying them...but it's been so long since we've seen Habs rookies come in like lions, you can see where some of us would be gunshy about messing with their success. All the same, if the team really begins to struggle, all bets may be off at that point.

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