JGC21

Winning faceoffs was again an issue, am I right?

Debate will rage on if every time Budaj plays, Habs lose.

I still think the biggest problem is faceoff's. Habs spend too much time losing draws, chasing the play, losing the puck battles which lead to goals. They need to address this concern and fast. When you look at our centremen, Plekanec is probably our best faceoff guy followed by Eller. Galchenyuk is still learning so that leaves Desharnais. His lack of size, defensive awareness, and faceoff ability makes you wonder how he can be considered our #1 center.

Perhaps we're looking at a DeBoer vs. Tortorella copycat: Therrien vs. Carlyle. I could see a Prust, White, Blunden starting lineup against Orr, McLaren and co. on Feb. 27 in Toronto. There's no doubt that the Habs will be looking for payback and revenge will certainly be sweeter in Toronto.

Tim Thomas?

I don't buy any of it. Sorry guys. Price should be playing 40-45 games this year. How many games do you think Brodeur, Rask, Miller, Anderson and other bonafide #1's will play? Being tired, burnt out, etc are just excuses. Price is 24 and should play every night.

I agree wholeheartedly. This year will be a learning curve for the young players and as long as MB sticks to his plan, the team will be ready to really compete in 2015. I would seriously unload Gionta and Cole at the deadline if the team is too far out of it. Better to get something in return for these players since they don't fit long term on the team and cost a ton of cap space. I would keep Markov and Plex - to me, they're still the backbone of this team. And for those who say that Montreal needs to get bigger, I agree - on defence. They need Tinordi now.

Why must a team always play their backup in back-to-back games? If the rest of the team is playing, and skating, for two nights in a row - then why not your starting goalie who just stands in net? I've never understood this mentality especially during a shortened season like this year where every point is crucial. Price is young and should be playing every game. He gives the Habs a chance to win every night, and the defence plays better in front of him. Forget Budaj. Use him only if you have to. Which is never.

This post scared me... I have tickets for Saturday night and I thought maybe I pucked up!Taking my Dad to the game, he's only been to the Bell Centre once - back in the late 90's. He's excited, even though the Habs today are far from the one's he watched in the 50's, 60's and 70's. I hope the Habs win - I really, really hate Toronto. It's Hockey Day in Canada on CBC, so glad I won't be watching PJ Stock making up stories about both teams. Still don't understand why that guy is on English and French TV...?

WTF?! Okay seriously, this guy isn't human. If he does play then he will score AND that will be incredible!

I love when people compare the life of pro athletes to their mundane jobs. Hint: it's not the same thing. Pro Sports shouldn't be compared to anything but pro sports. It's like apples and oranges.

Packaging Eller and Kaberle could get you a better pick than Weber. But, as many posted - do we give up on Eller this early? Can his spot easily be replaced by someone in Hamilton (Leblanc, Palushaj)? Once Pacioretty and Nokie are healthy - Eller is probably gone anyways.

This is great news for the Gals. I went to the Habs/Devils game on Sunday and the store was sold out of Galchenyuk and Gallagher t-shirts. Only smalls were left. Fans love these guys...

Yup, I'm loving the D right now. Lots to be excited about.But... I still get a little upset everytime I see McDonagh play in New York. I can't let that go...

Didn't know that. He wasn't the same player ever since he lost his fro.

So with Subban signed and 8 defensemen on the roster could MB make a trade? Habs have Commodore in Hamilton so perhaps a smaller, offensive d-man like Kaberle or Weber could be expendable? What do Habs need if you're MB? Package Weber with say Bourque for an upgrade at forward? Or, hang on to all the chips since injuries will no doubt happen?

It's an informed guess No way anybody sits except Kaberle and Weber.

Fantastic news! Can finally get my girl that women's Subban tee now. Defense pairings will be: Markov Emelin Gorges Subban Bouillon Diaz Looks like Kaberle and Weber will be watching from above. I highly doubt both of them will even be with the Canadiens next season.

Wow, never thought anybody would want to play hockey in Dallas for 5 years... hopefully the Stars have money to actually pay this contract.

Because Bergevin wants to see how PK develops over the next 2 years before handing him the keys to the safe. There's nothing wrong with that logic.

I agree. Contract length means nothing in terms of winning a cup. Because Doughty is signed for 7 years does that mean LA will win 7 more cups? After coming off last year's managerial gong show - I think caution is the way to go. There's still time to negotiate a decent bridge contract worth $6-$7M. I'm confident it will be done this week.

Over on Habs I/O, somebody posted a rumour that Subban is going to sign a 6 year/$6.2 million offer sheet. If say an offer sheet did come from another team, do you think that's what's needed to break this stalemate?

My gut tells me the Habs will start the season without Subban, and Bergevin is fine with that. It'll be interesting see how the team does without him. Maybe if the team does well, Bergevin entertains trade offers?

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Actually no. I live in Montreal and my paycheck comes from Ontario. I pay Quebec taxes.