TheAussiePosse

Quoted for emphasis. good play on words. Actually, I think that still belongs to Rivet. Even Brisebois's improved. And it's not like Juneau has been earning all his money, but he's still doing better than 'Craigy' [Edited on 2003/12/14 by TheAussiePosse]

Less than a minute in, and we're down 1-0 It's gonna be a looooooooooooong game

I will reserve my judgement on Kilger until Ward returns. They seemed to play well together, and it would be better to see Kilger's innefectiveness with the player with whom he's played his best hockey with. If he can't be pumped by Ward, I recommend he is traded. Begin could adequately replace Kilger, and help mentor Ward. Hossa I can see as a good 1st liner, or a good 3rd liner, depending on which path he follows, and our management chooses. Right now, there isn't enough room for him as an offensive role, but with Juneau leaving, and Begin cementing his role as a 4th line forward, it could be his to lose. IMO next year's lineup Bulis-Koivu-Ryder Higgins-Ribeiro-Zednik Sundstrom-Begin-Dackell Langdon-Kilger-Ward Gone are Perreault, Audette, Juneau. Sundstrom and Dackell will go when we get better 3rd line wingers. Dagenais will help Gratton in mentoring our AHLers.

The Panthers are more 'European' than big. Their defense (apart from Van Ryn and Bouwmeester) are slower than Quintal and Traverse. As long as we can break up their passing in the neutral zone, and cycle well behind their net (ala Dackell), we should hopefully do well today. :ghg:

I'm hoping this isn't a regression in his hypnosis. He was really beginning to play the habs's system as an effective $3 million defensemen (not $4 million). Obviously BG had invested some money into hypnosis. And who can complain? It worked. Anyway, hopefully these next 2 days won't garner a trip to the Bahamas for a cruise to rest his groin... [Edited on 2003/12/12 by TheAussiePosse]

One could even go so far as to say he is our gamebreaker (well, until Kastitsyn gets here). Jan "Bubu" Bulis v 2.1 The Czech version of Drury "Now he comes with defense!"

haha, yeah, i deleted my post because it was too much of an embarassment to bear. but yeah, back to the topic... :ghg:

Ever wondered what a coach really means when he uses the same 'code' words every week? Copied from the THF: Here's a list of the most common "code" phrases used by coaches, and what they really mean!: Code: He's a role player. Translation: We think he can play a role, we just haven't figure out what that role is yet. Code: He's a "character" guy. Translation: He makes us laugh, tells jokes and does impressions. Code: He's good in the room. Translation: We should leave him in the room because he's useless on the ice. Code: He brings intangibles. Translation: We're not sure what he brings to the team. Code: He's a competitor. Translation: He competes every night, he just doesn't win very often. Code: He's gritty. Translation: He needs a bath. Code: He's hard-nosed. Translation: He's dumb enough to lead with his face. Code: He's good in the corners. Translation: He belongs in the corner -- with a dunce cap on. Code: He gives us physical presence. Translation: He takes up space. Code: He's a technically-sound goalie. Translation: His reflexes are lousy. Code: He's a reflex goalie. Translation: He hasn't got a clue how to play the angles. Code: He's a power-play specialist. Translation: I like having an extra man out there to cover up for his screw-ups. Code: He's a stay-at-home defenseman. Translation: He can't skate and carry the puck at the same time. Code: He's an offensive defenseman. Translation: He can't play defense. Code: He adds toughness. Translation: He's here for two shifts a night and start fights on both of them. Code: He's an all-round player. Translation: He doesn't do anything particularly well. Code: He's feisty. Translation: He chirps at the opposition and takes dumb penalties at crucial times. Code: He's got experience. Translation: He's lost with better teams. Code: He has tremendous upside. Translation: He can't get any worse. Code: He's a "project". Translation: This guy was abandoned in the jungle as a small boy and taught to play hockey by the family of gorillas who adopted him. And I'm supposed to coach this? Code: He's a grinder. Translation: It's 50-50 he'll miss an empty net from three feet. Code: He's got good work ethic. Translation: He works hard but accomplishes little. Code: He's a playmaker. Translation: He had better pass because he shoots like my grandmother......... Code: We've got good chemistry. Translation: We may be lousy but we all get along. Code: We're rebuilding. Translation: We stink this year and we probably will the year after that too Code: We're shaking up the lines to add offense Translation: I'm pulling names out of a hat and hoping it works. Code: We're letting him see the game from above so he can learn. Translation: He pissed me off so much the last game I want him as far away from me as possible Code: We only had a few bright spots tonight Translation: I watched my career as a coach go down the crapper Code: Things are turning around for us now Translation: We don't suck as much as before and I can keep my dinner down watching these losers Code: He's our star Translation: He can actually play hockey Code: We don't want to rush him Translation: He sucks Code: We played undisciplined hockey Translation: The ref sucked Code: We were not as good as we should be Translation: How can these high school dropouts get paid millions for that crap they spewed on the ice tonight? Code: We need to work harder Translation: No all night benders the night before the next game. Code: I am in the best shape of my career Translation: I have a no trade clause in my contract

BALEETED!!!!1!

True, I will be pissed to see him play, as it will ruin all the chemistry we've had so far. But think about it this way: Would you rather Audette be on a scoring line... ...or a defensive line :o *insert Psycho soundtrack here*

One of the problems is that Ward was less-than-impressive until he played with Kilger, and that brought a feistiness out in both players. If you notice, there are many duos that present themselves in the habs's forwards. Koivu-Zednik Koivu-Ryder Koivu-Bulis Juneau-Dackell Begin-Sundstrom Kilger-Ward Langdon-Begin Dagenais-Ribeiro I guess you could say Perreault-Audette, but we try not to put slow, soft, defensively inept forwards together (not that we have many others to choose from). The challenge will be for Julien to use these duos, and try to have as many of them in the lineup as possible, to ensure chemistry in the lines. Sure, injuries will change things, and so will trades. And with this many players, we'd have to trade to ensure chemistry. However, until then, Julien's main problem will be enforcing the chemistry, and keeping the ball rolling

Just to acknowledge that Yahoo doesn't hate us (anymore). "... And yet they [the Flyers] prevailed despite playing their fifth game in eight days against a tough Eastern Conference opponent. " Emphasis on the tough. Emphasis on the TOUGH. Emphasis on the Eastern Conference Opponent. But yeah, looking forward to the Rags game. I hope we play this well against them. I hope that Juneau doesn't play. I hope that, if Quintal plays, he does an adequate job, and that Komisarek can still play too. He's developing well. Oh yeah, and I hope that BG makes a trade

With the way Dackell's played of late, I'm surprised you scratched him. But fair enough, your decision. IMO, the lines would look like this: Bulis-Koivu-Ryder Zednik-Ribeiro-Audette Begin-Juneau-Dackell Langdon-Kilger-Ward Bench: Kilger (play him on the 4th line until he has a good game, then bench him for 5 games, playing Perreault until we can trade him. Continue that way, it'll make Kilger hungry, and maybe effective? dare I say it?); Perreault (with the play of Begin and Ribeiro, he's been voted off the island; Wait for a trade, sorry to say this, but he's gone); Dagenais (back to the minors, Ward and Audette own you, and so does Dackell) I believe that at the end of this year, our lineup will look much better, even if they're all playing in Europe until the strike lifts. Once we start playing again next season, our lines will hopefully look something like this: Bulis-Koivu-Ryder Dagenais-Ribeiro-Zednik Begin-Hossa-Ward Langdon-Kilger(alt. w/ Gratton)-Dackell (or Plekanec, if Dackell leaves with Juneau) It really will be a Brave New World. But until our Great Expectations of this Good Earth come In From The Cold, we'll have to Count on Monte Cristo (BG) to be the Catcher in the Rye. OK, library ran out of books, I'm done

Look no further than HabsWorld (not the forum part). http://www.habsworld.net/players/73_ryder.php Not the best pic, but adequate until there are more taken

Yeah, I've seen the rumors too, with both the 'inside informer' and an airport employee, who overheard BG. However, names are not named, both by the informer of possible tradees, and by myself of the informer and board. I can convey his comments that, while nothing is definite, he can say that there is a trade brewing. While that isn't much to go on, it can provide insight that it is most likely The airplane attendant reported that he overheard BG talking trade with Dallas. Bob was talking about conditions set by the Dallas GM, but refused to name names, only saying "Dallas player...Dallas GM...Dallas Player..Montreal Player". With Bob Gainey's recent comments, on how we need more scoring, I am inclined to believe that it will be a large player, not necessarily a large points producer (although that would kill 2 birds with one stone). I have seen forums where they propose sending Garon+D for a player. However, Dallas is loaded with goaltending prospects, With Marty Turco, Jason Bacashihua, Dan Ellis and Mike Smith. Garon would not do anything over there, and Tugnutt would have to be moved, which is easier said than done. The weaknesses on Dallas include their defense (without Hatcher and Sydor, they have Zubov, Numminen, Boucher, Matvichuk, Sweeney, Klemm and Erskine). While they aren't all superstars, they get solid defensive coverage from Klemm and Boucher, offensive production form Numminen and Zubov, and physical play from Matvichuk and Erskine. According to Hockeys Future, Dallas is lacking in offensive defensmen prospects, and offensive wingers, both of which the Habs have. I doubt we can give any of Junea/Sundstrom/Audette to Dallas, with their depth in centre, and their need for NHL wingers is low (and they had Audette once before). Now I'm not sure how people will take this, but Ron Hainsey would be great trade bait. An offensive defenseman who's young and talented. While he does have attitude problems, I'm sure Dallas could overlook that fact. However, we would most likely ask for something in return. And that something is the almost 4 million-dollar man, Jason Arnott. Looking to cut salary, Dallas has confessed to attempting to trade Arnott. However, no-one has had the right formula to pry Jason off Dallas. Of course, others include Stu Barnes (agitator), or Scott Young (scorer, although expensive failure right now). Anyway, more news will be reported when there is more news

Glad we're still streaking, not sure how long it'll last though. Couple of pointers for the next game: - Juneau is doubtful to return (not sure if he's been placed on IR or not, maybe it's just Yahoo being idiots). Anyway, the 3rd line of Sundstrom-Begin-Dackell seems to be doing well, I doubt we should tamper with it until Ward returns. Or Audette, although it would only be tampered to make room for players from the first 2 lines being demoted. - Not sure if Perreault will be in either. If I were coach, I wouldn't allow him to play, due to his lack of speed and physicality, and his overall lacklustre play. If he does play, I'd keep him on the 4th line, just because he will be shut down by Philadelphia, and the ice time could be used by forwards who actually do bust their ass - Watch for a Langdon/Brashaer battle early in the game. Hopefully we can have a "gathering of the clans" (thanks CJAD!) where Rivet and Quintal can show that yes, their mommy didn't dress them today, and they're all grown up now! I'm not asking for too much, just to match Philadelphia blow for blow. Ok, maybe I am asking a bit much, but after Carolina, we shold be in the mood to shove. IMO, the lines shold be like this: Bulis-Koivu-Ryder (like last game, I love what they're doing, keep the line together, put Zednik on the slumping line - see below) Dagenais-Ribeiro-Zednik (Ribeiro's got a lot to prove, his benching hasn't really done anything about his shift length. Dagenais needs to show some grit, I would love to see him level Chouinard; if that's all he does the whole game, I'd be a happy man. And Zednik should get a hat-trick for his daughter, as every father should) Sundstrom-Begin-Dackell (Doing well together, not too physical, and against the Philly forwards they might get outplayed, but hell, if they can control Primeau's line, I'll be happy. Assuming they're matched against Primeau's line {we have the final change}) Kilger-Perreault-Langdon (It's like putting Alice with Dweedle-Dum and Tweedle Dee, but with Audette, Juneau and Ward out, it's the best we can do. Ideally I'd bench Perreault, but we're losing the man-games, so no can do) Markov-Brisebois (Time for Breezy to get another point {to equal 10 on the season}, and Markov to show he still knows how to score. I'm going to bench him in every fantasy league I have for the game, hoping that it works) Souray-Rivet Big boys play big against Leclair and Primeau, and we can hold them. If we lose, look for a 2-goal game from Souray. Rivet was feisty last game, here's to him keeping up the flailing arms as he runs into random forwards. Or defensemen. Or a goalie even {"Take that Jeff!"}) Quintal-Komisarek (Maybe Quintal will be looking to finish what he started last game with Boughner. I nominate... Chouinard :-^ haha, nah, maybe Ragnarsson, because he looked funny at Koivu last game. And Komisarek did the hard yards up on RW, maybe he can keep the physical side, and add it to our defensive core. In goal, I'd play Theodore, who's 6-6 against Philadelphia with a 3.22 GAA. Garon is 0-1 with a 5.00 GAA, which isn't what we need. He gets his own bobblehead on the 22nd, I'm sure another game on the bench won't hurt him. There are a lot of people who would kill for those seats. Although it's not like Jose's stellar against Philly either - his GAA against them this year is 5.00 too. Hopefully he can remain in his Vezina calibre for just one more game (at least) Anyway, plenty can change between now and then. Like BG aquiring Lecavalier... [Edited on 2003/12/7 by TheAussiePosse]

I think for all the draft picks in 2005 we'd have to trade Theodore, Markov, Komisarek, Kastitsin, Perezhogin, Hainsey, Higgins, etc. And even then we wouldn't get Crosby. Also, Blouin is awful. He was replaced by Dwyer (which is a sad thing), who was then replaced by Langdon. Langdon>Dwyer>Blouin>Odjick -Don't trade Traverse and Dykhuis yet, they're providing leadership on the farm, helping teach the guys like Archer and Hainsey what NOT to do. -Dwyer is our safety backup in case Langdon falls. -Langdon is our 1st heavyweight since Brashaer, he has to stay. He makes sure that Begin can go out and check the opponents. If there was no Langdon, the enforcers on the other team would target Koivu, and Begin, at 5'11", couldn't do a thing to stop them. -Sundstrom still has trade value, don't trade him without getting a prospect/pick/cheap physical forward in return. -Dackell will go with Juneau, IMO Begin and Ward could take over from Juneau and Dackell next season. Or even Hossa at C where he should be. -Kilger will be traded eventually, I think over the offseason or in the waiver draft. Remember, he is cheap NHL talent, and he'll be here until Higgins and Plekanec can take over After this season, with the CBA strike looming, we'll officially welcome the youth movement. Higgins, Hossa, Perezhogin, Plekanec, Hainsey, Balej, Beauchemin, Gratton, and later on Archer, Korneev, Urquhart, Ferland, Lambert, and the star, Kastitsyn. It's a bright future, I'm just hoping the Habs can make their mind up early whether to push for playoffs or picks. If we fail, and get 13th overall or something, I'm going to be very, very pissed off

1.) Buy a sniper rifle, an M-16 assault rifle, a Colt Magnum, and a butcher knife (you never know...) 2.) Hold Jay Feaster (TB's GM) ransom for Lecavalier 3.) Lecavalier and Kubina (why not?) get traded to Montreal for Joe Juneau, Nicklas Sundstrom and Stephane Quintal. And Rick Green. Because I don't like him. 4.) Disappear from the face of the earth for the next 5 years, as Lightning fans will shoot on sight. The 2nd most lopsided trade in history (to the Lindros one), and the 2nd most famous trade in history (to Gretzky's one). If you can pull that off, I'll personally buy you a beer, and you can come stay in Australia with the Witness Protection Program

I'd love to be able to get rid of Dykhuis. Really, I would. But Tucker? He wouldn't help the Bulldogs out much. I think I'll keep Dykhuis

I was sure someone had done that already, but if not, fair enough. Welcome to the board DJ, look forward to your posts too. Glad to see another fan of the NHL computer games. I'd love to play a game or two, but in Australia, our internet service is less than acceptable. But at least I can listen to the Habs on the internet.

Ribeiro's benched because of a few different reasons: a.) He had a 100-second long shift in overtime (which is a third of the entire period). While he wasn't the only one, BG and CJ wouldn't want him to think that he can just do that every and any game b.) He looked tired (as noted by the CJAD commentators and other members of the audience). A rest will do him good. c.) Being benched gives players extra fuel/fire - just ask Perreault or Ryder. Maybe this will help too Anyway, expect to see him playing in a few days

Glad to see more people joining the forum. Welcome to the board, Mooch. Feel free to jump on a topic, let your views be heard. :ghg:

On the PP, we forget Komisarek, who will have a shot similar to Souray's genetically enhanced wrist in 2 years time. He is an almost complete defenceman, he just needs experience and maturity, and that comes with time. However, our PK would be very slow with Souray and Komisarek as our two Ds. I dont' really have a better option, but I discourage the use of both those guys. Maybe Souray-Bouillion (Souray take the front of the net, Bouillion take the corners) and Markov - Komisarek. btu then they'll be tired. I wish we had the Isle's defense... or Detroit's... or Colorado's... or St.Louis's... or even Anaheim's... [Edited on 2003/12/2 by TheAussiePosse]

Agreed - if Hossa can't play centre, trade him. Here's my idea lineup next season. This coutns on Dagenais scoring 10+ goals (20 preferably, but can't get greedy), Audette/Perreault/Juneau/Dackell/Sundstrom/Rivet/Quintal getting traded/released Zednik-Koivu-Ryder Higgins-Ribeiro-Dagenais Kilger-Hossa-Ward Langdon-Gratton-Begin Markov-Komisarek Souray-Brisebois Beauchemin-Hainsey Theodore Garon Sure, i'm expecting big things from Dagenais and Higgins. Hell, a 20 goal season from Dagenais, a good jump to the NHL from Higgins and solid 2-way play from Gratton would be a godsend (IMO). Maybe even Hainsey can pick up the play. Or we can keep Bouillion on there. But we can't live on hopes. And surely those players could afford to aquire a RW of decent physical and scoring potential. Ah, BG, why do you tempt us so much?

While I agree that Hainsey is talented, I also agree that he has been less than spectacular as of late. Not that we were expecting him to be spectacular in the first place, but still... IMO, Markov and Komisarek are the only definites on the Montreal blueline for the next 5 years. Souray is making a strong case for himself, but there's a good chance he'll get an injury and be out for the whole season. Bouillion is a good sparkplug, but doesn't have the size to shoot like Souray, or clear the slot like Komisarek. Beauchemin probably has an equal or greater chance than Bouillion, but I doubt he'll ever be more than a 4th or 5th D. Rivet and Quintal will both hopefully be gone in the next 5 years, just to make room for Korneev and Archer and Traverse. :nono: not funny Hainsey could be a great player, but I doubt on our team. I agree with Habs77 in that he and Hossa will probably be traded to improve our offense. Hossa could improve our offence if he played centre with quality linemates, but we're struggling to get Koivu quality linemates, and with Ribeiro and Juneau around, he'll be hard pressed. I actually would like to see Hossa tried as 3rd line centre. He's big enough, and playing with Bulis and Ward could probably stall the competition, and pot 40 points each a season. Ah, but to dream... :eyes: