Chris

Yep, i love the optimism, unfortunately i don't share in it, it's all over but the crying. I also picked them out of the playoffs so i am wrong alot too. So let's hope i am again. The bottom line is they already had 2 chances to close them out and as the old saying goes "when the going gets tough, the habs fold like a cheap lawn chair". The problems the Habs face is simple, the Bruins are bigger, tougher and want it more then the habs. The last 2 games in the third period pretty much sums that up. For the habs to win they need to do alor of things much better. Kovalev, the playoffs have started, are you aware of that. Defensive zone coverage has been pathetic, turnovers, losing all the the battles, they are standing around like deer caught in headlights. Get the puck deep, stop the blue line turnovers. Streit? I have no idea why he is in the linup, lazy penalties, gives up breakaways on the point and is a complete non factor. Put Lats back in. Character and leadership issues have once again become a big issue. If it wasn't for the smoke line and Price it might be over now for the Bruins. So everyone should enjoy game 7, and i really hope i'm wrong.

Why does GC share the blame? they all do. Do you really think he said "he guys, once you get a lead, i want you to sit back, stop skating and hang your goalie out to dry in the third". I doubt it. I am reasonably sure he has said things, done things but the team hasn't responded. Simple as that.

Price? The habs have scored 3 goals in 3 games, Price isn't going to fix that.

The trap didn't seem to bother them most of the year, they are 11-2 against them this year. The problem is effort, not playing through checks. Boston players are simply winning all the battles. It seems to me everyone is scared to make a play, eveyone looking to someone else (Price). Well Price isn't going to score you any goals. I don't even think they had a quality scoring chance last night.

They need to wake up and give there head a shake. That wasn't even an effort. They should be well rested for Staurday. This looks very familiar, the amazing Theo year, this team seems to want to win 1-0 now. As soon as something bad happens they fold like a lawn chair. I beleive the team has caught "littlegirlitis", after the firsat 5 minutes i can't even remember a body check. Well the good news is during the year when they were embarrassed they normally bounced back with a solid performance. They need to play to win, playing not to lose never works.

Yes, Streit was pathetic again. He needs a benching. People wonder all year why i say we shouldn't re sign him, well this is the reason. He isn't tough enough to play in big games. I beleive he was torched twice on the PP and didn't pick up his man several times. Put in #70. What's the worst that could happen.

That was a pretty exciting game. Good work ethic and very solid defensive play. They matched Boston's intensity most of the night. Goaltending by Price was perfect. The habs really need to go all out for the next game so they can get a few extra days rest. They don't need this going any more games. They need to come out with more intensity the next game and finish the job. The top 2 lines NEED to wake up, or atleast get some good scoring chances. The little girl line was pathetic offensively again. The second line wasn't much better. Funny how people are bashing the Bruins boards for saying things about the refs and cheapshots, since alot of posters here do the same thing. Oh, well what can you do.

I forgot one, SHOOT THE PUCK.

Streit has been awful defensively, rusty is a nice way to say it., He is taking stupid penalties, 4 already if i'm not mistaken. This is the problem with him, who are you going to take out of the line up out of the forwards. The 3rd and 4th line are trhe best going right now. Switching O'Byrne for Brisbois has plusses and minuses, tougher in 1 end, hurts the O on the other end. My solution is simple, GC needs to start calling out and challenging the go to guys not pulling there weight. The team would do beeter if they skated and grew some balls in the corners.

It's not a new strategy, this is how Boston plays every game. Throw the habs games out of the scenario and B's had a better record. This is what they have done all year. The Habs for the last 2 games simply didn't skate, stopped moving on The PP and haven't done anything to create there own turnovers to have a transition game. Everyone seems to be waiting for someone else to step up instead of taking charge. Playoff games (it will sound dumb) are won by who wants it more. Blocking shots, playing physical, etc. The habs haven't done anything much the last 2 games.

They will definitely need a better effort. 21 shots on goal before overttime? That is redicolous. Atleast the Smoke line and Price has showed up every game. The reason the PP doesn't work is simple, the playoffs are tighter, more players willing to block shots and stand in the lanes. The Habs refusal to move there feet is killing them, they just stand around wait for someone to do something, but knowone has yet. Streit missing the net 4 out every 5 shots doesn't help either. They are lucky to be up 2-1. They could be down 2-1. If someone could tell the top 2 lines the playoffs have started that would be nice. SK has been pretty good, Kovy had an ok game. The top 6 need to start skating and driving the net. They need to STOP flopping around and waiting for calls, fight through it. Is it just me or do the D men now look scared to go get the puck in the corners? GC normally gets this team playing well after a loss, so let's see what happens, this is a pretty critical game.

It's one of those club remixes. I doubt you could buy it on a U2 cd.

I like him, i think he's funny. I especially like it when he calls out soft players and ones who won't drop there gloves. With all the media Bias the other other way, especially in America, i don't mind him praising the military. Freedom isn't free. He's alot better then Mclean almost crying when someone gets hit or isn't wearing a visor.

That was a great game. Very good forecheck, physical play, using there speed very well. Both teams looked nervous in the first. Hopefully that's all the nerves the habs show in the series. All 4 lines looked good. Thye just need to keep rolling. A minor negative, a little shakey getting the puck out of the zone at times. Why do people bash Cherry? I don't get it, he has done more for hockey in your country then just about anyone else. So he's not a habs fan, atleast he tells it how it is. I get the CBC feed, it's fine with me. Better then the Boston guys that's for sure. If they come out with a win in game 2 they can sit Begin and Brisbois for the back to back and get Stewart and O'Byrne a playoff game.

Well the Habs also need to stay out of the box, the annoying hooking and holding has been creeping back lately. It needs to stop, a PP or Pk hot in the playoffs can win or lose you a series. The Habs just need to continue what they have been doing, working hard all game, checking well and finishing opportunities. Only being cocky, reading the press about how great they are and taking Boston lightly will prevent a first round win. Kovalev needs to be Koalev of this year. Playing well without Koivu has been a great bonus, i hope it continues.

Yes, he is a spare part currently. It wouldn't surprise me to see him next year. As everyone else mentioned, good size, great speed, hits, fights and works hard. Gc mentioned he liked him back in training camp. With begin being often injured, it may see some NHL time sooner then later.

Gorges has been good all year. He was good with the Sharks as well. He is a good bottom pair D man and has stepped in to Komi's spot and Markov hasn't suffered at all. The reason Bouillon will be gone isn't Gorges, Gorges is a RD, Bouillon is a LD. I think signing Emelin is a top priority in the off season. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but Emelin is a LD. Streit i think takes the money and runs. The interesting question to me right now is where does Komi come back in? Gorges and Markov have been great, Hamrlik with anyone is solid. Streit and O'Byrne has been solid as well. How many groups do you break up. Not to mention Bouillon may be back. If Streit moves up front who sits? The third and 4th lines have been very good at checking and playing physical. It will be interesting to see what GC does.

I though Stewart was great in his game. Showed alot more then D'Agastini did. I don't watch Hamilton obviously, i assume Stewart is a 4th line grind guy with great speed? He impressed me more then the other callups including Grabovski. Atleast you noticed Stewart on every shift.

Well that was a great TEAM effort last night. Great forechecking, hitting, solid D and the top line was dangerous although sometimes they pass too much. Still some dumb hooking and holding (Sk). Maybe since he is taking Koivu's spot he should take a dumb penalty per game. It may be a good idea to rest Kovy and either Markov or Hamrlik. It will be interesting to see who they match up with in the first round. I don't think anyone wants the caps, rangers are tough for the habs (second round) and boston has been playing very well of late. Plus the law of averages should have people worried.

Yep, it's been a long 10 years. Even though i have seen the x by the the habs that they made the playoffs it's still hard for some to beleive in them. But that's what losing does. I think they are 1 year ahead of schedule, i thought they would do something like this next year. As many people have said, the future is bright with alot of talent. This is just the beginning. The playoffs no matter how long they last will be a great experience for the youth. Did i see Lats outskate someone last night? Anything is now possible

Yes, very impressive game. That was the best they looked in 10 games. Very solid in all the zones, no running around, giving up bodies to make plays, winning battles and standing up for themselves. If they paly like that thye can go far. Now they can certainly rest Kovalev a game, same with Markov and Hamrlik, the last thing the team needs is one of those guysd getting hurt in a meaningless game. Good news for the playoffs: They showed up without Koivu Great PP, Pk getting better Hot Goalie Solid team effort GC team does not lose many games in a row, great for the playoffs Kovalev, will he be more motivated A couple of concerns: Dumb penalties, too many hooking and holding for no reason Youth, can they step up Injuries, will Komi and Koivu be back

Yes Wamsley, good points. Even just going 7 games in the first series will be very valuable for all the youth. If Kovalev can bring it every night and lead the team they may get out of the first round. Grabovski stepping up is critical. I am in the minority on him, i just don't think he is an NHL talent. Komi and Lats will obviously help, I am looking forward to see who will step up. I doubt goaltending will be an issue.

Yes i saw them. The frozen 4 is on espn 2 i beleive starting next weekend. The championship is also espn 2. Espn college channels show the games as well. If you have a dish or cable service that carries all the espn channels you'll be fine. During the regular season all the fox sports net channels show there local teams, or espnu shoes friday and saturday games. Pacioretti is #39 McDonagh is #17 Fisher #20 They don't call out the names as much as NHL telecasts

Just som college updates. Pacioretty made it to the final 4 here in Denver. He looked good over the weekend. McDonagh was eliminated last night in overtime against N Dakota. He was decent, on the ice for 1 goal for and 1 against, made some good passes and was physical. Fisher wa eliminated as well. He played very well defensively, pretty physical too. I don't think he has much offensive ability other then a good first pass. He's agreat skater. I wasn't sure who else was the Habs drefted still in college.

This will sound weird, but getting blown out again may be the best thing for them. They have been floating around the last 5-10 games, getting points when they don't deserve them So a sound beating by the Sens will bring them back to reality and hard work. Obviously they are now short handed with injuries so some people are going to have to step up. They need to get that point for the second seed. If the Rags lose again and Washington wins, they will be tied for 8th i beleive. The habs don't want the Rangers or caps. They really need komi back for the playoffs, the D is too small and soft. I think they will get the point in the last 2. GC needs to get his playoff line up together, get Grabovski with some one who can produce points.