ch_nl

It is very believeable that I formulated myself poor. English is not my mother tounge you know. Hmmm... Well you figure.

I just gave my opinion of Anger. He a decent player but has never been NHL-candidate. He's 26 now and plays on a poor team. There's so many other interesting players in Sweden that I think Montreal should forgett about Anger. And I don't know if I agree about that he is soft and has a lack of work ethic. I think that his work ethic gave him a spot in Tre Kronor last year. And since you gave some info on the prospect in Europe and Sweden I felt free to coment since I live in Sweden.

Acording to TSN Koivu will not play at all. Not on the first line and not on the fourth. He will miss his seventh game.

I don't agree about Anger. Last year he played with Brynäs IF. Elitseriens worst team. He will never play in the NHL and I don't think that he has the ambition. Not now and not last year.

Acutally Kozlov played on the first line. Larionov was center and Fedorov played defence and winger... I don't say that Perreault could be compared with Fedorov. (Fedorov is the best player in the leauge in my opinion) I'm just saying that big muscles doesn't mean that you win. Look at our team right now. With "softies" like Perreault we are in the top. Right now the Canadiens only have one problem. We have to many NHL-caliber players. And... Since I don't live in Montreal nor Canada nor America I don't see things from the Quebec perspective. Some times that makes me unable to understand why some players doesn't click when they are put on a red, white and blue jersey. Like Sundström. Like Berezin. Like Czerkawski. I think that Sundström is one of the most underrated players in the NHL. But maybe Montreal isn't the right place for him. Like Berezin. Like Czerkawski. Maybe that's why Canadiens should stick to Quebec born players who understand and are WANTS to play for the Habs. To me it's a mystery that Super Mario doesn't end his career in Montreal... But that's my Swedish, European way of thinking. That's also the reason why I can live with soft players. (I think) And as I see it we have 1 third line center. Juneau. And we have 1 first line center. Koivu. But we also have 1 first/second line center in Ribs. We have one first line winger in Zednik and a lot of second and third line wingers. And I'm not in love with Saku Koivu. Actually I really hated him 95 when the Finns stole the World Championship before my eyes in Stockholm. And I wasn't to happy when Canadiens took him... But something has to be done and I really don't see why Canadiens shouldn't concidser trading Koivu. I don't think that anybody should be untouchable. Not Koivu. Not Perreault. But in a trade both parts need to win. And thats harder with Perreault than Koivu in my opinion.

I can understand your point. But there is one BIG example when soft players with skill took the cup from the biggest team in the leauge. Remember the finals between the Red Wings and Flyers. Flyers had Legion of Doom with Lindros, LeClair and Renberg. Alla over 100 kg. Red Wings had Fedorov, Kozlov and Larionov. I think Red Wings won the series cuz they had the best balance. They could afford to have Larionov on the first line cuz they had Maltby and McCarthy on the second. I don't think Niclas Lidström ever been tackled. But he's the Norris.... Balance is important. That's why i want Perreault to stay. We knows what he will give us and his salary is OK. So don't trade the winning horse.

Habssaku... Alway against me... 1. I said that Ribs and Koivu are the same type of players. I'm saying that Ribs could replace Koivu. We pleased with having Bulis, Kilger, Juneau and Perreault as back-up centres. 2. Last time when Habs raced for the cup in the playoffs Saku was in hospotal. Saku Koivu is a very good hockey-player and helps the team that he's on. But so would Gaborik. And yeah, I'd choose Gaborik. 3. I am aware of that. But Mikko is still in Åbo. Maybe it would be easier for him to move over the ocean if his brother was waiting? 4. ..... 5. We could use another high-scoring winger... 6. He was offered. He didn't take iw. Wild management says that there's no more money to offer. Gaborik says he won't play for less. 7. What's wrong? How can you say that Gaborik is like a toothpick? Saku is made of glass... 8. Errr... What? In what way were the Habs locker-room divided by nationalities last year?` 9. That's not a reason why the Wild would like to have Koivu. But I think it would be easier for Koivu to be traded to a team where I knows somebody. 10. Yup. 11. No but maybe Tremblay have some good things to say about Saku Koivu... 12. Think I've heard somewhere that Lemaire is a huge fan of Koivu.

He's no good to Minnesota as long as he won't play. Throw in a draft pick. We have talanted player. Let's develop them. Right now I wish that a thing like this could happen. I even start to think that Saku might like it.

I have tought about it... And I would love to see Gaborik in Montreal. Even if the price is Koivu. Imagine Gaborik - Ribeiro - Zednik. That's what I call a high octane line. But it would be a tough move to make. But Roy got traded... Here's reason why I think that this actually could happen. 1. Montreal needs to trim the roster. Ribs and Koivu are the same type of player. 2. The team is doing well without Koivu. 3. Saku Koivu younger brother Mikko Koivu belongs to Minnesota Wild. 4. Koivu isn't getting younger. He's 29 and Gaborik 21. That should fit Habs plan. 5. Wild are weak on the center. 6. The salary is about the same. 7. Many complaints about Habs size... Gaborik: 6'1 and 183 Koivu: 5'1 and 180 8. Zednik is Slovakian. So is Gaborik. Sometimes is means a lot to have a native in the locker-room. (Take a look at Markus Näslund) 9. Minnesota has Antti Laaksonen and Zholtok. They both know Saku. 10. It's not our division. It's not our conference. 11. Mario Tremblay is the assistant coach of the Wild. 12. Lemaire. Don't know about his realation with Koivu but I do think that they know each other.

I've never heard of it before. It's even uncommon for veteran NHL players to finnish their career in Sweden. Except for Swedes... Finland is a much more common adres in thoose cases. He says that he want to "calm down" (couldn't find another english word... In the lonley forest in the deepest Småland. There's not a single profesional i Växjö Lakers... Untill tomorrow when Podein will play his first game. Here's a link - http://www.vaxjolakers.nu The coach of Växjö Lakers Lasse Lindgren says that there was a personel reason why Podein choose Växjö. He had offers from Russians, german, finnish and Swedish Elitserie clubs. But Växjö it is. And by the way... Lasse Lindgren played for Minnesota North Stars. Is there a connection?

Here's a funny one... Shjon Podein has signed with Växjö Lakers. A team in the Swedish second division. I just can't believe it...

If Koivu is on the block I'd bet my shorts on that the Wild was intrested. 1. They could unite Big brother Koivu with Mikko. 2. Marion Gaborik doesn't play for them and don't wants to sign. 3. If Gaborik could sign with Montreal we could have Zednik and Gaborik (both Slovakians) on the wings centered by Mike Ribeiro. This would solve some problems... But Koivu is Koivu after all. There would be an enormous pressure on Gaborik if the trade come true. I can't make up my mind... Anybody else?

And yeah, Kilger is overrated by some. I am not saying that Kilger is a bad player but I think he belong on the fourt line. We traded him for Zholtok. Kilger has so far given us 64 points. Zholtok has managed 101 since he left Montreal. It wasn't an awfull deal but couldn't we had got something better if we would want a physical player? And about Bulis... The reason why I left Bulis out is because I think he might have some trading value. And I can't find I suitable spot on top two lines since I don't would like to see Perreault - Audette - Ryder splited. And I think that Ribs could play on the wing with Zednik and Koivu. And Bulis doesn't click with Dackell and Juneau.

I don't know which Perreault you're talking about. The one that I like so much is Yanic Perreault. A guy who had 46 points last year and 56 the year before that. And now he has 5. Only Ribs are ranked higher... And by the way, the year he had 56 he only played in 73 games. And the last time we was in the platoffs the same guy had 8 points in 11 games. I'd just wanna make sure that we are talking about the same guy...

5 goals so far. Another proof of how tough it can be to be a hockeyplayer in Montreal. Just hope that the Islanders have mannors to send us a christmas card when Czerkawski wins the Art Ross...

When you put it like that... I'm about to agree. On most of the parts. But I don't think that we can have a team with ALL thoose prospects on the lineup that soon. And I can't help that I like Perreault. But I do think that there's a hype on Kilger. I can't say that I have seen Begin more that a few minutes but right now I think Begin has been better than Kilger use to be.

Something tells me that it was tough luck for us that the pens beat the Wings. We have to play better than we did against Toronto. But I think we will see a tight even game. My prediction: (The crystall ball) 4-3 Wings. Montreal goals by Zednik, Juneau and Quintal.

Could have been the Bulldogs. I don't really buy the concept. Young players need veterans around them in order to develop. We can't just throw guys like Perreault, Sundström, Quintall and Audette away. Perreault... Just don't like the idea of having him on another team. Sundströms sallary might be to much but I have a feeling of that Sundström will surprise many people this year. Keep Perreault as long as he is producing. And why this talk about Kilger? Why the hype? He's big but I don't think that he has earned a spot on the first, second or third line... Yet. Hossa hasn't either showed that he's top line material. Talented player like Hossa has to earn their spot just like everybody else. And don't expect Perezhogin on the team next year. I think he needs at least a whole year in Hamilton to pick up the physical play.

1-0 to the Leafs. I can live with that... Only alowing 1 goal vs Sundin, Nolan and Roberts in two games. I can live with that... After 5 games we can draw some conclusions. 1. Theo is back. Stronger and better than ever. 2. Ribs, Ward and Ryder will help us. They are players on the team just like everybody else. 3. Juliens system will win many games for us. As long as we stick to the system we're not alowing many goals.

I think Colorado is exactly as good as many thinks. 1. Forsberg, Sakic, Hejduk, Selänne and Kariya. Most teams has ONE or maybe two Stars. Colorado has 5. 5 FORWARDS - All of them potiental Rocket winners. Rob Blake leading their defence. A dream. Big and strong and able to score. They lost Roy, but with the team they have they really don't have to worry. And when trading deadline in here I can garuantee that Colorado will make a move. And this years (if not Aebischer is Calder material) they will try to get a goaltender. That's why I think Ottawa and Colorado will play in the finals.

I don't dare to be optimistic. I can't remember the last time when we had such a good start. 1992? I became a fan of the Canadiens the same year as a got Blades Of Steel. The Nintendo videogame. Montreal was the only team that didn't have strange colors. 1992 Patrik Kjellberg (from my hometown, and my early idol) played his first year in Montreal. And I was a habs-fan. And as far as I can remember Canadiens haven't had a better starts since. BUT. It would be TO good to be true if we could beat Leafs again. Maybe Toronto learned their leasson and will adapt their play. I think we will see a more even game tonight. Therefore... Toronto will win tonight. I hope I'm wrong but dreams rarely comes true...

I like the idea of having Comrie on the team. Trade Hossa and Higgins.

And I don't think that we have used Sundströms potential yet. In my opinion Sundström is one of the leauges best defensive forwards. And I think that both Gainey and Julien is aware of that. Actually, a clicking Sundström should be Juliens dream... Thats a reason why I don't think they will give him up. We have to trim the roster as someone said but whom? I'd say Hossa. Keep the second line intact with Ryder, Audette and Perreault as long as they produce. Koivu is the capitain and belongs on the first line. Ribs and Zednik got things going and should be on the first line as well. Play Ribs on the wing. Juneau are the third line center and seems to like having Dackell on his side but I think Dackell could be replaced by Sundström or Bulis if the time was given. On the other side someone with a scoring touch should be placed. Bulis or Ward. Begin and Kilger on the fourth. With? So... Here's what I want to see the day when everyones healthy: Ribeiro - Koivu - Zednik Ryder - Perreault - Audette Sundström - Juneau - Ward Kilger - Begin - OPEN SPOT That means that Bulis and Hossa are out. Both should have some value. Dac

Hossa... Why untouchable? From what I've seen Perreault, Dackell and Juneau has been among the best players so far.

All the youngsters that we hoped could play NHL-hockey has done so. But that leavs us with a player to much. Koivu Zednik Bulis Audette Perreault Sundström Dackell Juneau Kilger Hossa Ribeiro Ward Ryder Begin Langdon Thats FIVE lines. Who's untouchable and who's not? Try to trade Dackell, Sundström or Kilger? Send Hossa to Hamilton?