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Colin

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Everything posted by Colin

  1. In reality, BTH isn't that far from the truth. The Habs played better than the score indicated, though Kovalev and Zednik failed to show. Goal one against us saw a poor pinch by Rivet turn into a Crosby goal. Goal two was another defensive blunder, can't remember who (might have been Rivet again) which allowed Endicott to break and score a terribly weak goal on Theo. The second Crosby goal took an inoffensive shot and banked it off Crosby's foot then Theo's foot. Those were the three against the Koivu line and, while Crosby's line was better on this night, the reality is that, with competent defence and a little better luck (the third goal) our first line ends the game even and we win. I wouldn't say we dominated 50 minutes, but we were the better team for more time than Pittsburgh.
  2. Theodore was scrambly all night, he was oversliding all over the place. The gap between the forwards and the defence was monstrous leading to dozens of turnovers. There was no concerted offensive effort amongst the lines for most of the game. Where were Kovalev and Zednik? Bulis is a real second line centre. Other than that, I just bought Half Life 2, so I'm going to kill things to feel better.
  3. I will never, ever understand this attitude. What makes anyone think Gainey didn't try very hard to get every single sniper and superior talent available? Selanne already said that Montreal approached him, but he decided to go elsewhere. There is one very, VERY major fact that gets overlooked by a large number of fans way too often. Players do not like coming to play in Montreal. The situation is improving because Gainey has brought back some of the class to the organization, yes. However, this is a cold locale, a highly political locale, and the toughest place to play hockey on the PLANET. All you have to do is look at the first post in this thread to see why. Gainey is getting bashed for not lasooing talent and forcing them by gunpoint to play here. I mean, come on. Brisebois had a good year last season, and he was STILL booed. Turgeon practically begged to be sent away. You think Patrick Roy left the Habs ONLY because of Tremblay? Remember what happened during the game? He was embarassed - sure by the coach - but also by the fans. Anyone recall the mocking cheers and how Roy raised his hands in mock salute right back. You can bet your bottom dollar he was pretty damn pissed at the fans that night. Montreal is not a destination city because the fans and the media are horrible to play in front of. Sure, when things are going well you're a hero, but make a mistake.... God forbid. Selanne was asked. He said no. I'm sure there were many others asked as well. Remember Lapointe a couple of years back when he chose Boston over Montreal? Wanna guess why? We can never know for certain, but I'll put pretty good money on what I've mentioned so far as the reason he chose Boston. You want people to play in Montreal? Get rid of the nonsense from the fans. Get rid of the nonsense from the media. Get rid of, PLEASE get rid of the politics - it has no place in hockey, and yet when you talk about the Canadiens, it seems it goes hand in hand. Hockey should be a place where your language means nothing because it's what you put on the ice that counts. Only in Montreal does it matter to anyone. Our captain still gets flack for not speaking French, and yet he performs at a very high level on the ice. Isn't the language of hockey goals, assists and saves, not, "Merci pour votre question, M. Le Media?" I'm not saying it's impossible to attract big-name talent, but even with Bob Classy Gainey as the GM, it's a very tough task. I've said it before, I'm sure I'll say it again - we want the high-priced talent? Well it all starts with us first. We have to help make Montreal a place where people want to play. Ask yourself this: if you make a mistake at work, do you like fifty reporters sitting around you at the end of a long day picking apart your every move? How long would you stay in that position?
  4. On behalf of Habs fans everywhere, I hope we see very little of you - none at all would be preferable - in the first and third. In the second, however, I hope you're both featured. I also ask that, when Crosby is close to you during a lull in the game, you shout, "Sydney, demand a trade to the Canadiens! We'll treat you like royalty!!!" Some things to look for tonight: 1. Theo's back. If he comes out and challenges the shooters with a straight back, it will cause him to have his shoulders square and wide and will mean his positioning is solid. He's a far more imposing goalie like that, and he therefore has the proper position to fire out arms and legs to make the saves necessary to win the game. 2. A sprawling Penguin. Either early in the game (likely), or later on if the team starts to struggle (unfortunately also likely), watch for Koivu to go out and do everything he can to motivate the team, and that means some poor Pen will feel his wrath in the form of a huge and well-timed body check. 3. One or more quasi-breakaways. This is going to be a quicker game and I think one of the things Julien is going to look for is the quick transition game or even the breakaway pass, particularly from Markov. When he gets the puck deep in his zone, watch for him to spin on a dime and fire a tape-to-tape pass to a breaking teammate thereby splitting a fairly weak Penguin defence. 4. The forward-defence gap. If the space between the forwards and defence is large, we're going to struggle badly. Only when we work as a team, and give the defence options as we turn the puck up the ice, will we find success. A small gap means a successful transition game, and a backpeddling Pen defence. A large gap means intercepted passes, and dump outs: both turnovers and a fast return to defence. 5. Smelling Salts. For Kostitsyn on the bench. After his first shift or two he should be relegated and may need the trainer to pass the salts under his schnoz to wake him up.
  5. Thanks Fanpuck! I didn't even know I'd hit it until today (Christmas Day) when I was taking a break on the computer waiting to head to my parents to eat the third turkey dinner in three days. I think this is the first time I've looked at this congratulatory thread. LOL
  6. Colin

    Online Gaming

    Team Fortress Classic. The Half Life one. I was a 70-1 kill ratio sniper. Haven't done that for years and years, though. I was in one of those online clans. Kicked butt constantly. Lotsa fun. I'm going to get HL2 now that I have a slightly better g-card and see if I can't get back into the swing of things. Maybe, just maybe, I'll get a couple of these other online shooters as well. If you get killed by a sniper and you can't get him? It's probably me.
  7. It's not that we're losing with Koivu and Kovalev out of the lineup, it's the *way* we're losing those games. Conversely, it's not enough that we won all those games early on, remember the *way* we won those games - we backed into half the wins, didn't deserve them at all. There are too many passengers on this team, and I think most people would agree with that statement. My question is this: when a player is coasting through his games and not making a lick of difference - a la Zednik lately - then why isn't he replaced on the top lines with a kid who has talent and the drive to use it, or even better, why isn't Zed watching the game with a bag of popcorn in one hand and a pink slip in the other? At the end of the Edmonton game, Julien put him on the ice rather than Perezhogin, Higgins, and even Kostitsyn. Hell, I'd have gone with Murray before Zed because at least you can tell Murray to get to the net and stand on the goalie and he'll DO HIS JOB. If a team has struggles two or three games in a row, well that's pretty normal. Every team has that kind of problem over the course of a season. But when you can't motivate guys to play hard for basically the bulk of the season, I have to question your bench abilities. Let's not even get into his mishandling of the kids - and I don't want to hear that they don't belong hear, because Higgins and Plekanec at the very least have proven they belong. What about Julien's continual use of the Dags - Ribs - Ryder line? I mean come on, it's completely and totally useless five-on-five. Anyone who actually watches the game cannot help but agree, even if you're the most diehard Ribeiro fan on the planet, he's been awful five-on-five. Why is that combination continually used? If you want to spark Ribs, why not TRY something different. And by try, I don't mean three shifts in a row. I mean give it a couple of games - I hate this line juggling garbage when things aren't working for him during a game. Unless he's going to stick with something and let it develop, he's never going to get anywhere. Peewee coaches know this. Look, there's no doubt that he's done a fine job getting the team to at least buy into a more responsible defensive system - because even if they don't execute night in and night out, you can see they're in basically the right places. I mean, Zednik is almost always positionally correct, he just doesn't break a sweat while he's there. Julien has put this team on the right track. But I think the players have stopped listening. Of COURSE they have, they aren't competing night in and night out at all. Jarvis, in my opinion, is not the answer either, though he probably is next in line. I believe this team needs a complete revamp of the bench bosses - which sucks for Jarvis, actually. Green has done a fine job getting the defence to this point. Jarvis is going to be a fine coach after a few more years of apprenticing. But we need to strike out in a completely new direction and, as others have said, inject some life into the on-ice part of the organization. It's evident with Gainey's moves that he's trying to build a certain type of team. Everyone he's acquired works. Everyone that's left? Bu-bye Hossa and Hainsey. Now he needs to find the coach that complements that position and *demands* effort and then holds the players *responsible* when they fail to bring everything to the table. I've heard recently that Julien was planning on benching a few players when Koivu and Kovalev get back, just to show them that he doesn't forget. What is that? Was the team really better while Zednik was out there on the ice doing nothing, rather than sitting in the press box while a rookie worked his butt off in his place and created oh so much more? It's time for a change here. Yeah, when the two injury buddies come back there will most certainly be a change in things on the ice. People WILL be more accountable because Koivu demands that himself. But if the players start performing better when Koivu comes back, then maybe HE should be the coach. I mean, why would his return make players be accountable when Julien is there to make people accountable now? (On the other hand, that goes a *long* way in showing just what kind of leader Koivu is. Look at the team's effort with him in and out of the lineup.)
  8. *laughs* And last night they were insistent that both players would assuredly be back on Saturday night.
  9. If only everyone in the world had this kind of open mind we wouldn't have half the problems we do. Ever since I started taking more liberties in "bashing" Ribeiro I've learned a great deal more about the people around, the interesting ideas that people have, and the Canadiens in general. Some may not believe it, but I take the time to read every little thing said to me because, in my opinion, you don't grow unless you're willing to learn and accept what others have to say. I'm not necessarily going to change my mind because someone has an argument with what I say, but I will consider it, and re-affirm in my own mind my point of view. On the other hand, if an argument has a lot of merit, I have absolutely no problem in saying I was wrong and accepting a new point of view. I've done it many times in the past, and I'll do it many more times. I think it's the easygoing atmosphere that Sakicq and company have created that makes it possible for me, and hopefully others, to learn more about the team we have - and the fans that support it. Because of this site I had an excellent debate with Bulis_the_Habbie, and I have to say, I modified a few of my beliefs, if ever so slightly, because of it. It was an intelligent and well-thought out debate, and it wouldn't have happened if not for this site.
  10. Interesting. The goal that Bulis scored counts because the net was taken off by the Kings own players, and the player who interfered with Garon's goaltending was his own defender. Was that essentially what we saw last week with Markov? Some guy hooks him, falls into Belfour, then the puck hits Markov and goes in. Please someone, explain the difference to me. Oh wait, I know what it is. We were in the Centre of the Universe. :eyes:
  11. I'm sorry, Ribeiro is not hurting the team? He was a -1 last night despite the gifts of points from the opposition. That's not particularly impressive. And Bonk has been playing hurt for a long time apparently, so I think I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and see what he can do when healthy. I really don't understand why people watch the pond hockey ballerina and think he's a stellar player. Sure, he has great moves, and occasionally great vision, but he's a perimeter player, albeit with good skills, who gives half-efforts. Is this the kind of guy you want on the second line? He was buried in the playoffs and has been relatively ineffectual so far this season in comparison with his so-called good year. Yes, when he tries, he can look good, but we don't see enough of it. All we have on our hands right now is a big ego who can't deliver. My hope is that he was played like he was so he gets some trade value. This team has virtually zero Cup potential with him in the lineup.
  12. Ahem. Colin is a goon. I believe I actually edited sakicq and not quoted him. However I did NOT erase a single word he wrote. Which he will surely agree with. You can read my reply again here: I don't think it's all the French media, so I shouldn't be so quick to lump everyone together, you're right. There are quite a few out there who are extremely good writers and very objective in what they do. I've no experience with Foy as I don't get the Journal myself but it does seem like he was trying to provoke something there. However, I do stand by what I said regarding the RDS crew. I think, at times, they try to be the anti-CBC crew and go entirely the opposite direction from the Leaf love-in that happens there.
  13. Well, everyone's thinking it, but I'll voice it, so to speak. Ribeiro is the French media darling and there's no way they'd say anything about it. They want this buried so they keep their darling. Now, if it was an Anglophone or a foreigner, he'd be run out of town. If it was a French player that was critical about the media; run out of town. But Ribeiro? Short of killing someone there is zero way that RDS would EVER say anything bad about him. Hell, Pednault has the toughest time saying even minor bad things about him. He's on a bad scoring drought? Bain, Ribeiro a ses difficultes, mais au moins il competitionne. Basically, Ribeiro and Theodore have free passes. In fact, if either is traded you can bet the media will villify Gainey and call for his head even if we get Brodeur and 5 first rounders for Theo and Jagr and 5 first rounders for Ribeiro.
  14. LOL I just ruined my wife's dinner I'm so steamed. Talk about a pass-the-buck guy, eh? Won't accept any responsibility himself, but blames it on the leading scorer of the team. Un-frikkin-believable. If that comment isn't his ticket out of Montreal, then I might just start to lose interest in the Canadiens. I've absolutely had it with pricks like this ruining things I enjoy.
  15. «Si Michael Ryder avait complété la moitié des chances de marquer que je lui ai procurées, le problème ne se poserait pas», a-t-il laissé tomber hier. Le ton n'était pas agressif, mais reste que ça sonnait dur à l'oreille. Ce genre de commentaire est inhabituel dans une entrevue et il est aussi rare qu'un joueur s'échappe de la sorte en privé. NOT mis-quoted. Time to get the little ###### out of Montreal. http://www2.canoe.com/sports/nouvelles/arc...201-100200.html [Edited on 2005/12/3 by Colin]
  16. Apparently from the Journal de Montreal: "Si Micheal Ryder avait complété la moitier des chances de marquer que je lui ai procurées, le problème ne se poserait pas." If Ryder had scored on half of the chances I gave him, there wouldn't be a problem. Arrogant little prick. To EVER say something like that about a teammate whether it be true or not is outrageous. If this is true, and not taken out of context or misquoted, then if I see his skinny little ass on the ice, I'm firing off an email to the Canadiens DEMANDING his trade. Last year it was Koivu, and this year it's Ryder? I mean, COME ON. Why don't you go join your arrogant friend Hainsey in Columbus you little (censored and lemme tell you that when I say it, it's a LONG line of cussing). I have had it up to here with his attitude, with his LACK of effort and with his useless play. I don't want to see him disgracing the jersey anymore and I don't want to see his face in Montreal anymore. He was a sham when he dove against Boston in the playoffs, he's utterly useless in the new NHL, and now he's CREATING problems in the dressing room. Lemme tell ya, this had BETTER be a mis-quote...
  17. Two things: 1. You are partially correct. The refs are letting a lot more go and it's dragging the game down quite significantly. 2. The coaching and the goalies. In the first case, they've done a solid job adapting to the new rules. Players are instructed to skate towards their own zone in the attacking skating lanes. Defender skate together towards the puck when there's a dump in so the attacker has to go the long way around. There are little things that coaches have picked up that are improving the defences. The other thing is that the goalies are getting used to the new equipment and rules and have adapted their games to suit. I wouldn't give up yet. I think this is exactly where the "competition" committee wants the games. I remember hearing an interview with Gainey early in the season saying there were too many penalties called. I think this is the happy medium they were looking for. However, if it continues to get worse, then you're right, back to the 90's.
  18. Hm. I missed all this. I knew Maca had a girlfriend (I assumed he kept her chained in the basement - it will wash with soap now), but I didn't realize she was on here. AND was banned. What was the thread? I need a good laugh... And what's her user name? I have to send her a few U2U's (unless I get payment from you, in full, in the next 24 hours, Maca). [Edited on 2005/12/1 by Colin]
  19. I believe that 70 some-odd percent of the residents of Quebec said, after the last referendum, that they wanted to stay in Canada and that the question that was given by the Bloc was misleading which led to the very close actual vote. I'm not sure that the people of Quebec realize that they will NOT be allowed to use the Canadian dollar, they WILL have to take a percentage of the Canadian debt, and they WILL have to have passports to enter Canada. As I understand it, they were consistently told by the Bloc that they would separate but still get all the benefits of being in Canada. Sure, have your cake and eat it too. ~~ As to Quebec having its own team, here are my thoughts: ABSO-frikkin-lutely... if they agree to sign the Constitution and stop talking about leaving the country. If that's a part of what it takes to ensure they have their distinct society while remaining in Canada, that's something I'd be 100% for. On the other hand, let's be honest here, that's a very low political tactic employed by the Bloc. They're now appealing to the hockey fans in the Province and that will actually have hockey fans who are ignorant of politics voting for the Bloc just to see a Quebec team. It's a cheap buying of votes and another deliberate attempt by that political party to mislead voters in order to get what the party wants.
  20. Ribeiro will surely be given the first line role. Plekanec will keep the second line. Though by the numbers, I'm sure you'll see that the two lines will be fairly even in 5v5 ice time. I honestly can't see Bonk given a first-line role after the way he's played lately. Perhaps the new NHL has passed Ribeiro by, but he's still putting in more effort that Bonk - and that's saying something. This will be Ribs' opportunity to break out of his long slump and prove that he really does belong. Either that, or maybe he'll be showcased for a trade. I wish.
  21. Ribeiro will surely be given the first line role. Plekanec will keep the second line. Though by the numbers, I'm sure you'll see that the two lines will be fairly even in 5v5 ice time. I honestly can't see Bonk given a first-line role after the way he's played lately. Perhaps the new NHL has passed Ribeiro by, but he's still putting in more effort that Bonk - and that's saying something.
  22. For Kosty to succeed he needs to be given confidence, pure and simple. If he goes out on his first shift and makes a boo-boo, he can't be shoved to the middle of the bench to admire the rest of the play all night. This is true for any rookie, and is the reason our rookies aren't making more of a spash. Sure, on occasion you need to take them aside and get them to watch and think about what they're doing, but the kids on Montreal have to be afraid of making even the slightest error. If his errors are consistent and he doesn't seem to be learning, then by all means, sit him, but if he makes a gaffe a la Plex - sending a pass directly on to the stick of an opponent resulting in a goal (and we won't comment on how many vets do this) - he shouldn't be sat. He should be put out on his next shift and shown that mistakes don't get you benched, only a failure to learn does. I see absolutely zero reason why a player with the calibre of talent such as Kosty has cannot stick with the club even after all the injury boys get back. He's been improving in Hamilton consistently, and from what I hear, he even has some defensive awareness. Already he seems a step ahead of the one-trick pony Dagenais (great shot, but seriously, there's more to the game). In a season where we are NOT Cup contenders, I fail to understand why Kosty isn't given a real shot in the NHL over a Dagenais-type player. If we can manager to give Dags 9 minutes or so at five-on-five on some nights, why can't we give it to Kosty? Add in PP time, and he's got a 15+ minute night - and that's not hampering his development at all. Now, perhaps Gainey has a grander scheme to things that we don't know about, and if that's the case, then I guess I can understand some of the decisions. But I'm really not convinced with the way we've treated our kids. I see absolutely no reason, when we have so few talented offensive players tonight, why Kosty should not be placed on one of the top two lines and told to just have at it. Enjoy the experience and let's see what you can do. If he's having trouble, skip a shift or two, fine, but let's see a coach over his shoulder on those shifts to point things out and see if he can incorporate what he's learned for his next shift. But if you're going to call Kosty up to play 2:00 minutes, then I don't see the point. Bring up someone else and let this kid stay and play on the farm. Just some thoughts.
  23. Just what we need, an attitude problem in the dressing room. El perfecto. Thanks but no thanks. Mr. I'm-Too-Good-Too-Improve-In-The-Minors can sit and rot down there as far as I'm concerned. It's jerks like him that made me want to run from the game and never look back before the new CBA, and it's jerks like him who'll kill my enjoyment of it now. If he's so frikkin good, then why didn't ONE of the other 29 teams claim him in the waiver draft for the gosh darn wonderful price of FREE. Terry Ryan the 2nd, I say. Overrated; especially in his own mind.
  24. A slow player on Ribeiro and Ryder's line. Um, not what I call a great idea. And can we please stop trying to include Hainsey in trade negotiations? Every team in hockey had a chance to get him for the wonderful price of FREE and they all passed.
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