DON

Defensive depth and Diaz'z play both seem underrated, there simply isn't another d-man on roster nor in Hamilton, who can play top 4 minutes as Diaz can if Markov-Subban ever get injured (without trading picks/prospects to fill that hole). And you know one of top-4 will miss time between now and April, with a shot off ankle/foot or some other random injury.

One PK Subban had defensive gaffs often when he broke in and is till working on that aspect of his game and I would wager that a 22-24 year old version of Beaulieu will be an impact player, if he can just hone his defensive decision making skills just a bit, he could be top notch offensive d-man.

Not worried about Bourque's contract, not that high/long to be an issue, for a bigger (softish) 20+ goal scorer. I simply think his injury history will keep him off the market, or be tradable for anything worthwhile. But he was one I think wouldn't be missed and would open up room for Bournival (and Leblanc or Holland), but not a pressing issue.

Detroit seems a weak version this year and if Habs roster key players can stay healthy, as they are now, they can contend. I don't think the return of Yemelin and winning streak are just coincidence and seem back to playing like the team was prior to #74 going down injured last year. Of course still a long time, an Olympics and many games till the real season begins in April, but got my rose-coloured glasses on and very encouraged by recent team play (and Hamilton also mirroring Habs recent success).

Just Dumont will be gone, sparepart for a sparepart at deadline. Simply will need all the d- depth they have, so none of those will be traded with the team headed to playoffs and up front I think will stay the course as well. And obviously a couple of current healthy players, will be out injured come deadline day and I think Hamilton's top couple forwards or d-men will simply be asked to fill-in and Bergevin wont need to deal.

But, what are you thinking! That stuff isn't important, is irrelevant and simply wrong; because it is incalculable to the biostatisticians among us. Don't you realize that it is cherry-picked stats that matter most (which we all use from time to time to support a point of view).

He seems to stand back from puck battles, or opposite of a Gallagher, and almost hope puck is freed for him to grab and go (Cammalleri-like). Lacking "assertiveness" seems bang-on. But, he was on a bad Blazer team and is showing signs of adjusting to new team, so I hope am premature and wrong in pigeon holing him and he is able to produce in Hamilton.

Ryan Ellis plays 30 seconds more/game than Murray, so that 30 seconds is dividing line between "garbage" and useful I suppose? Stress on other 5, really, come on, seems a weak argument? Markov is the only one to worry about (but that will not change till he retires), but Subban at 18th, Gorges 84th and Diaz at 88th for d-icetime and Yemelin will be 20+minutes down the road. So Pateryn (or some non-garbage 3rd pairing hab d-man) would take the 2nd best defending team, to the #1 spot?

Bozon had 5 points in 3 games this week. But, watched a few of his games this year and I just don't get a "good feeling" about how he may do at the pro level. I get the impression he will just be a Avtsin or that Alain Berger type? I thought Thrower also was trending in wrong direction, but seems to really have rebounded from a tough year and look forward to seeing what game he will bring to Hamilton in the spring. Fucale with shutout and 2nd star in another easy victory. (That Auger goalie for Saint John is seeing a ton more shots and leading the Q in #of saves and save%)

And Hal Gill was no ballerina o the ice and was a key role player for Habs. I see the same in Murray and have been impressed every game with his simple solid play. I would compare him to other lead-footed Hab d-men like Rick Green, Craig Ludwig who imitated pylons often, but were good Habs to have on roster. I imagine you will toss out some stats to prove his meets your 'Worst D-man" call, but ask Bergevin, Rick Dudley, Ray Shero, why they would recently trade for and recruit & sign him, they have all the information, statistical analysis, etc etc. And I would say you are in the minority who hasn't thought Murray should be playing. He has ben blocking shots, clearing the crease, tossing his weight around and not being a major liability out there. Beaulieu and Tinordi are exactly where they should be, till at least New Year or they start to dominate a bit more in Hamilton. I would love to see Paterym draw in, but another year in Hamilton wont hurt one bit and he seems to be thriving there. I don't like crapping on Boullion and think he is a capable 3rd pairing guy, but another sub-6 footer or smallish d-man vs the physical presence of Murray, I will take Murray for fewer shifts and I am sure the top 4 or 5 don't mind playing an extra shift or 2 anyways.

Beaulieu/Pateryn/Tinordi had 13 shots 3 PP goals And Thomas may be a nice boost to offense.

Beaulieu slapper and goal

The Swedish Tank.

Just means is a good challenge for team with all key players healthy and I think should be a good game. Habs arnt a big underdog at all.

What is the matter with Beaulieu and no offensive production? Is it mental, coaching or injury?

And Fucale's GAA and save % do improve in post season, whereas Price with Tri-city had .914 in both reg and post seasons, on much weaker team. Will Hudon be traded this year, with his team not doing so well?

sure

Vail still aint got a chance in making USA world junior team eh, after being one of first cuts in summer?

Reway now 11th in Q scoring, Gregoire 17th and with 5 point game yesterday Hudon up to 21st. And Vail with 1st star effort and 3 point game is 21st in OHL scoring. Fucale's save% nothing special; but if wins are important, he is now 61-13 in last 2 years.

What would that mean?

Coachs decisions have been OK and if he wants Parros to suit up and play 5minutes that is fine, he has last change.

Pateryn had a fight? And Ellis had 2 points, good game.

Blunden the sniper!

Of course.

.905 last year and .913 the year before that and same this year? Not bad sir, eh?