sarge

I have long ago realized that Toronto is the centre of the universe. All people who live there or aspire to do so are better than the rest us. They are smarter, better looking, more affluent, way cooler and better in the sack. It makes me wonder why they don't just pick up and take their precious hockey team back to the mother world. They can call it "Leaf World" and leave the rest of us the hell off it. As for the CBC they can go with them, so we won't have to pay for that crummy Crown Corporation any more.

Interesting point of view. I have to think that ethics are the key to this and every dilema. The team must allways stirve for success. They must give winning an honest attempt, consequences be damned.

The Habs aren't even a low scoring team. We are seeing some scoring by the defense and some garbage ending up behind opposition goalies occasionally. I suggest you try this for fun. Alex Kovalev 55 games played divided by 82 = .67 of the season. 4.5 mil (salary for a year) times .67 (current number of games played as a percentage) = 3,015,000 dollars earned so far. 3,015,000 divided by 52 points = 57,980.77 dollars per point If I scored one goal for the Habs this year at this rate I would earn the same as I do now.

The problem with the Habs right now is not goaltending. Like everything else it could improve but for now it is really pretty good. The big problem is the forwards are not scoring, nor are they helping out in the defensive zone enough. Look at who has been scoring in the past few games. Souray, Dandenault, Komasarik (#1), Streit. While these players do not account for all the goals, Ryder, Perezhogin if you subtract the goals scored by defencemen lately this team would not be only one point back of Atlanta.

Keep26 Have a look at the Ott sens thing I reffered to. He was an amazing playmaker. That's what I hoped to see from him here and why I believe he got that big fat payday. If he could play like that again I name a child Radek.

Bonk has played well. As a checking centre. He was drafted, used and paid to score goals. So far he has been a no show in that regard. Paying a guy to set up Marion Hossa and then converting him to be your third line pivot in my mind is a big waste of cash. NHL net does those top ten all time shows, Bonk was ranked number six. He looked fabulous setting up Hossa but now? Too much money, that's what bothers me. Zednick can probably be salvaged. Sunstrom is unnecessary if you pay Bonk for the same thing.

THN magazine, the one with Zetterberg on the cover, showed an interesting statistical breakdown of average points per game that teams will face after the Olympic break. The Habs are in really nice shape.

I am not going to get down on anyone who loves the way Huet is playing right now. I'm impressed with his poise. I may be reaching but, his posture reeks of composure and reminds me of Chris Pronger. A guy so confident he just never rattles. They both at first appear disinterested but after watching for a while you realize, these guys are just so cool with the pressure compared to everyone around them. I still think it may be too soon to hitch a wagon to Huet yet however I really like what he is doing for this team. If Theo can regain his old form I think it will make him tougher mentally and emotionally therfore less suseptable to the stress over periods of poor play and bad goals against. I wish him luck but he really needs to ask himself if this is the best place for him to play if so, just stop pucks.

I think the difference right now is expectation vs. desire. I don't expect the Habs to win the cup but, I sure would love them to. I think the organization has set itself some goals, not ones they will admit to in public mind you. Goal number 1 - Make the playoffs. It demonstrates a comitment to the fans and provides valuable revenue for the next season. Mr Gillette is far more likely to spend closer to the cap if his team earns some money by playing some post season home games. Goal number 2 - The three year plan. This team will continue to develop from within. A look at the potential the young players in this organization has is impressive and must be nurtured. Keep in mind these young players come far cheaper than a Doug Weight or Sandish Ozolinsh or Teemu Sellane. If this group stays together, they will be formidable in three years. With some of the veterans who will still be young enough to compete they will have an opportunity to contend. Goal number 3 - Make money. And so they should, this is a business after all. When the time is right they will have the cash necessary to make the odd playoff pickup like Carolina did last week. I really want to see another cup. I won't expect one for a little while yet though.

I don't have a problem with the defense at this point in time. They did hang Theo out to dry a few times but they are not solely responsible for the teams earlier woes. Instead, probably because I play D, I think the forwards could have come back to help more. This situation is also improving. We have a team with a good number of underachievers. Not just Zednick. For no other reason than to frighten the complacent, at trade, not a fantasy blockbuster as many have proposed, might wake up the collective conscious of the players who appear less than enthusiastic. To expect a cure all trade right now is ambitious beyond reason. I just hope he prospect up playing in Chicago or St.Louis opens some eyes in the dressing room.

Ottawa is easily disrupted by injuries to the top line, most teams are, but they were not impressive without their top scoring unit intact. If they played Montreal without Allfredson, over seven games, they are very vulnerable to an upset. Also, with a forty year old golie and Ray Emery as his replacement, one twisted ankle and they could become an average hockey club instantly. Still, the stars would have to line up pretty straight for a doomsday scenario like this

I could live with a matchup against Ottawa or even Philly. Scary teams to me right now? Carolina and Buffalo (Healthy).