MFT77

Unfortunately for Garth Murray, it seems to look like his days in a Habs uniform may be numbered. As strong teams get better their weaker players get replaced by better players. On a weaker team, Murray may find a limited role as fourth liner and penalty killer. But our depth seems to be too strong to have a player like Murray. He was not in the lineup last nite, and once Begin comes back, someone else will have to sit. Hard to say who at this point. Last year, Murray seemed to embrace the role of a sparkplug, but this year he a much more of a liability. When his line has been out there, they hardly create anything, whereas the opponent are much more of a threat to score, as seen by his terrible +/- considering his limited icetime. Either Gainey will dump him for a draft pick, or send him to Hamilton to be a depth guy if we get some injuries. Good luck to Garth, but no need for him in Montreal anymore.

Komi has been a very strong force all year. Big hits, physical play, and a little offense. Slowly becoming our #1 right-handed d-man.

My lines: Higgins - Koivu - Ryder Samsonov - Plekanec - Kovalev Perezhogin - Bonk - Johnson Begin - Lapierre - Latendresse Downey Markov - Komisarek Souray - Dandenault Bouillion - Rivet Streit, Niniimaa Murray sent down.

Good game tonite. Samsonov was all over the ice. Looked great out there. Lapierre also looked strong out there in his first game, playing very physical. If he keeps up his play like tonite, it'll be hard to send him back to Hamilton. Murray's spot could definitely be in trouble, especially with Higgins returning soon.

Thanks, just my initials and favorite number.

Agreed! Would be a very big mistake to trade Souray at this time unless we received plenty in return, which is unlikely. Need his offence from the blueline, as well as his physical presence. Who would replace his minutes? As much as Boullion is a fan fave, you saw what happened when he played too much tonite in the absence of Markov. He got pushed around and constantly lost his man, creating many chances. Ninnimaa, no. Streit, could handle some minutes, but all three are borderline 5th and 6th d-men, in my opinion. Also, no one could match Souray's production on the PP. It's sad that Rivet plays any amount of time on the PP. Rather try Niinimaa back there. Definitely keep Souray, unless it's a steal. Hopefully he can be resigned!

Go habs go!!!!!! :hlogo: Making my first posts!