cfposi

Did you consider the annual salary cap raising? I would not count on Souray staying next season so I would sign one defenceman and play one of the rookies. All in all, the habs should be playing at least 2 rookies (AK46 and one of the D prospects. I would also consider letting Pleks go and bringing up Grabs. Finally, despite his strong start to this season, 2 mill is a bit much for a checking center. I would go after a YOUNG strong checking center for around 1-1.5 mill to replace the aging (and frequently ailing) Bonk.

Screw the Ontario hockey media...we don't need them or their support. It will make it all the sweeter when we win the cup before any of the Ontario teams...AGAIN! I live in Ottawa now (Kingston for 4 years b4 that) and I honestly think the sports media here are a bunch of friggin idiots. Just once I wish they would call a game based on stats and observations instead of what the fans want to hear. I am NOT french (though I speak it when I have to), but I find the RDS crew to be FAR superior when calling games and much more even handed in their reporting. The same goes for the CJAD crew when I listen to the habs games on the radio. GO HABS GO, SCREW THE DON AND ALL HIS CRONIES!!

I guess we just strive for excellence (jk ). I think you are right, but I think there is a sense on this board that we have been pretty lucky as of late. I think that if we don't get line#2 rolling equal to line#1, then we will be shut down rather shortly. Other than that, I am excited at their play!

http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins...ne_in_montreal/ Look, I am pretty excited at the prospect of Sammy tearing it up in a Habs uniform. I truly felt that his speed and skill made him a natural choice for the habs. This being said, the above article shows me a side to him that I hate. As a proffessional I would expect this guy have a bit more patience. If he is place on the fourth line for more than 3 games, then I would complain, but he should understand (by this time in his career) that experiments are normal when you only have 1 offensive line working well!

There is a difference between passion and bitching IMO. The hit he dolled out to tucker last year was passion. Last night was just unsportsmanlike bullsh*t. I really appreciate this guy's talent, but if it is always on his terms, than he should be dealt. The Habs need a team player more than an individual talent. Look at Saku, he is not the biggest talent on the ice, but his personality and team attitude makes him a priceless asset. Just a thought...

Hey all, I was wondering if trading Kovalev for a GREAT center would be a wise choice this year. Reasons: 1) Kovalev seems to be losing patience with this team and it is coming out in his effort. 2) Having a leader who thinks his Sh*t doesn't stink. (regardless of what people think, he is a leader). 3) Not really a team player to begin with, better suited for a team like Boston and Peonix who rely on individual talent. 4) We have the depth on the wings, what we really need to a strong playmaking center who can help Sammy and the 2nd line explode. Just a thought, I actually like Kovalev, but am trying to think of the overall team benefit. What do you think? Who would your first choice be for a Kovalev Trade?

Yep, I went to Military College and I stayed a habs fan . Even through the crap years, GHG :hlogo:

Agreed, play Abby, the win (in principle) will give him further confidence and will hopefully develop his hot hand, which the habs can ride for some time GHG :hlogo:

Good lord...I understand the need to try out Lats on a more offensive line, but moving Sammy down is just plain ridiculous. He is right to be pissed, he knows he can do better, just needs a better combo. Pleks should be the one moved down, since he is supposed to be the playmaker and isnt doing much (for now). Why not try Lats - Kovy - Sammy on line 2 and begin - pleks - murray on line 4. Am I the only one who sees this as the logical move....not moving your marquee 3+ million player tot he 4th line...especially when he really doesn't deserve it!

Same sentiment as many others here, I don't understand why demote Sammy. He has at least been putting in the effort. I would (for one game at least) try him on the first line with Saku (who makes others play well) and move Ryder (transplantable) to the second with Kovy at centre and Lats on second. While this experiment is going on Pleks can hang on the 4th line and beef up their defensive capacity. Just a thought...

I just don't see the point in picking up anyone from Waivers or through a trade unless it is a marquee player. I hated the trade for Niinimaa because we could have picked up a draft pick instead and save room for a bigger name later-on. We SHOULD be doing what Buffalo has been doing for some time, developing from within. We are deep on offence within the organization, but not on D. We should be playing our reserve D's not signing has-beens.

Glad you said it first... GHG :hlogo:

To reiterrate my comment from another thread...They should put Ninny on an 8 second delay like Don CHerry!

My god! I would feel better if it was Souray (7pts) or Higgs (pt leader) who said that. But this is friggin Niinima! This guy has done NOTHING on this team. Granted it is still early, but this is one of the reasons he got dealt from Dallas, he can't keep his trap shut. personally I'm not worried about the comment firing up Buffalo, I'm just worried about the Habs looking stupid if they lose big tonight. Lesson learned, put Ninny on an 8 second delay like the Don.

Phaneuf on D FOR SURE! Center would be Crosby or Thornton

Habs have the better PP and PK, so lets hope the Sabres get sloppy and take some penalties. I'm not holding my breath here, but it would be SOOO good if it was our Habs that kill that Buffalo winning streak. That would help the confidence even more and maybe....just maybe, might make us the top story on TSN over the leafs or the sens. Fingers crossed! GHG!!

When he comes back, he should replace Ninnima and they should keep Streit on as #6 until he proves them wrong.

HAHAHA!! AWESOME!

um, if the Habs know Theo's weak spots....might one assume that the Avs know Abby's weak spots as well? I think it will be a high scoring affair...on both ends. Avs coming off a strong performance yesterday, Habs coming off a weak on on Wednesday, I think the outcome is up in the air. The only thing is the habs have more rest and are at home.

HA!

Wow...I retreact my previous comment...THAT is a good idea, I've wanted to see those two back together for a while! Lets bring back the Koivu - Kovy scoring machine . I think Ryder might go well with Sammy and Pleks. Good call BTH!

I know it is tough to think about screwing with our top line, but honestly, you know Higgs will do well on that line too. I would like to see the Sammy - Koivu - Ryder line tried...if the goal is to get the max potential out of all the players, I think moving Sammy next to Koivu might work. And if it doesn't, then try something else. I can see the hesitation there tho...

Sammy - Koivu - Ryder Higgins - Pleks - Kovy Perez - Bonk - Johnson LAtts - Begin - Murray/AK46 D stays the same Abby in nets

Good God...please carbo, don't touch the third line...they are doing so well...Johnson and Bonk are working really well together and Perez REALLY impressed me last night when the habs seemed to be a bit tired. I guess if the third line HAD to be shuffled, I would put Sammy in place of Perez and move Perez up to the LW with Kovy and Pleks. That being said, I am not discounting the possiblity of the second line lightint it up in the future (yet).

You are right...it is early. I think line tinkering should be left for the post 15-20 game mark, and only if the team is not scoring, so far we have seen a goal from line #2 in each of the last 2 games. I think this line will explode soon...at lease I hope. If nothing hapens after a time, I would agree with your suggestion, but would prefer to see Sammy move to the first line.