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brobin

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Posts posted by brobin

    Game Thread | Habs vs. Hurricanes | 11/02/06

    in Habs & Hockey Talk

    Posted

    They still need more work clearing the zone under pressure, they don't seem to support each other. That said, I noticed it was better then the last few games, so perhaps Carbo is adjusting things a bit.

    They had some nice chances, but they are just not connecting. The only decent shot was Koivu, and he shot low again. Sure which he would get it up some more. I swear it is his stick....

    What needs improvement?

    in Habs & Hockey Talk

    Posted

    The defense seem vulnerable to a fast foecheck. They know what to do generally, but when pressured, they make mistakes. This is not unusual, but the habs Defense seem to collapse a more then they should.

    I think this comes from the fact that they have a lot of plays to help the offense, which are great in fairly balanced games where the defense has time to enact them. When the other team is out skating them and coming in hard and fast, you have to revert to a more "defensive play". You just need to get it out of the zone, don't worry about the offense. Frustrate the other team but keeping it out.

    I think the defense needs to practice some plays (and the forward to), that are set plays for dealing with the forecheck. For example, the defense has to know where the winger is. The winger needs to be there to support getting the puck out. Ie... protect the point, do not allow the opposing defenceman the time and space to keep it in.

    Once they work on some simple pressure relieving plays, I think they will improve overall and we won't see a repeat of the Toronto game.

    Game Thread | Senators vs. Habs | 10/31/06

    in Habs & Hockey Talk

    Posted

    My friend who is a Dallas fan and also watches the Habs, keeps telling me that what I am seeing in Niinimaa, is what I am going to get. Perhaps being on the wrong side is hurting him (although many of the bad clears I see don't seem to be relevant to that issue), but my friend is not convinced.

    Let's face it, Niinimaa is a "project". The project is not going so well right now. I am sure Gainey and Carbo are expecting better then this for the money they are paying.

    Next Canadiens captain?

    in Habs & Hockey Talk

    Posted

    That time is so far away, who knows who will even be on the team in 4 years or so. With salary caps and free agency changes, Higgins could be long gone, or perhaps a new guy will come in a trade who becomes Captain.

    I have no idea if Higgins has captain potential, since scoring does not equal leadership. I certainly don't see anything from Ryder to indicate that he is a leader.

    If Koivu was gone today, I think the Captain would either be Souray or Rivet.

    Game Thread | Senators vs. Habs | 10/31/06

    in Habs & Hockey Talk

    Posted

    Exactly. And for those complaining about Niinimaa, did you even see the Spezza goal? Neither Johnson or Rivet tried to check him, and by the time Rivet moved towards him, he fired it at the net. That had nothing to do with Niinimaa. Was he supposed to abandon his man and fly across the ice to play someone else's man on the far boards? I think not.

    I wasn't really complaining, just pointing out the stats.

    That said, the last goal was partially his fault. He was standing there watching when that goal went in. Given there were a few seconds left, it is a rather moot point.

    As for Niinimaa's performance, I don't need stats. Watching the game, I was not impressed. He fails to clear the puck, he usually fails to keep it in the offensive zone, and he is generally mediocre. I don't see any upside to this guy, at least not yet. I will keep hoping he improves, but once Dandy or Boo boo are back, I would rather keep Streit in the lineup over Niinimaa.

    I mean, Markov and Souray have struggled defensively this season, but they are putting up the points at least.

    Game Thread | Senators vs. Habs | 10/31/06

    in Habs & Hockey Talk

    Posted

    Couple final stats...

    Bonk had the most ice time among centers, more the Koivu or Kovalev.

    Lats had the longest shifts (still needs work on that, but at least he averaged less them a minute this time.

    Niinimma was minus 2.

    Oh, and face offs.. Bonk was number one, Kovy number 2, then Koivu, and finally Pleks.

    None of them broke 50 percent tonight.

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