beliveau1

That's sad to hear PTG - but I would say that people who express such extreme beliefs don't truly represent the truth. They have perverted for it their own reasons, whatever that may be? Falwell became an easy target - he was a self righteous and overly zealous bigot. Not a true image of what we should be..... it's not Christianity that is hateful itself, just misinformed individuals?

Unfortunately some things that may have started out with good intentions all too often go bad. Falwell probably falls into that category. In the end ego, vanity, politics and greed came into play far too much in this situation, which is nothing new though? And more damage than good is done in the long run! Unfortunately much of the face of real Christianity has unfairly become to be known and associated with religious zealots like Falwell - how sad that is because nothing should be further from the truth than that. His death is sad, but it will not change anything when it comes to the overly self-righteous.... no matter what their beliefs may be!

I haven't looked closely at what the NBA precedents are, so that was why I didn't say UFA's in my original post. I think Peterson is a UFA though- but not really sure? My main thought was that since the CBA and the present salary cap are an issue, then is it time for NHL managers to get more creative in how they mange their teams? However knowing the fact that this fraternity is nothing more than a narrow minded old boy's club, then this is highly unlikely.....

A bit of an insight into a rather 'unique' individual - like him or not it is an interesting read? Hasek Makes 'Cents'...

You sometimes hear in the NBA that teams with free agents will sign the player and trade to a team they already have a three way agreement with (i.e. player contract size, etc & a deal between the two clubs.) Currently it seems that the Raptors may be exploring that option with Mo Peterson? While I'm not an expert on the CBA I was just wondering if it is time for NHL managers to become more creative and make use of such an option..... :?- Just thought I'd toss this one out for debate? (obviously it's got pretty boring without the Habs playing....

People always seem to forget the hard and lean years that many teams go through in order to end up with a ton of talent - Pittsburgh is a prime example, as were the original Islanders teams. Buffalo is a great example of that today - there were a lot of lean and dismal years for Sabres fans that have culminated in what they have today. Patience is a virtue - the question is are Habs fans willing to wait?

For the most part we're pretty much on the same page here - stop the presses for a major announcement! I still have some doubts as to how viable the offers might have been on Souray - because they were never confirmed it just remains speculation either way unfortunately? I would say though that unless Gainey had some inside info on the possibility of resigning Souray, then obviously making a deal would have been of some benefit verses losing him for nothing. Question is, was what was being offered what Gainey wanted? I think in the long run though, that Gainey gambled on Souray's power play contributions more than he did on Rivet when it came to being able to push the team into the playoffs. The hope being that you get to the playoff and then who knows what? Either way it was definitely a gamble - one that some will like and others will hate.... so I'm glad I'm not in his shoes. As for dropping the ball - you are making that decision based on speculation that a good deal was available, and that it was beneficial to the team. I have to admit that while it is easy to jump to this conclusion, I would have to hedge my bet based on the lack of definitive proof that it was there to be made, but that's your opinion. We'll just have to part ways at that point.....

Gainey was faced with three potential UFA defenceman who form a part of their top 5. Sound reasoning says that he knows the team cannot afford to resign all three of them and still pursue a good defenceman to add to that mix. Financially that is not a viable option and everyone realizes that the current defensive corps is not good enough to compete seriously - few here will disagree with that assessment? As a result he made a choice to gain some return on at least one of those UFA's. In this case it was Rivet whom the Sharks were highly interested in from all indications. Hoping to still make the playoffs he then chose to run with Souray who was one of the few offensive upsides on this team, in spite of his defensive shortcomings. And who says a definite trade involving Souray was actually there to begin with? Remember it is only rumours if it doesn't come to fruition? He may have reasoned that a spot in the playoffs was more likely with Souray's power play contributions, than it would be with Rivet's assets? As a result he may have been willing to run that risk and try to resign Souray as well as Markov, whom the vast majority feel is their number one priority behind the blue line. And in the new NHL it is hard to deny the fact that power play specialist are important assets to have? Gainey may have felt that he has a good foundation to work off of with Komisarek and Markov(if signed), and by adding a good young defenceman by trade or free agency the actual groundwork would be set? At present Souray's departure is still unconfirmed and it won't be known for some time apparently if he will resign or not. Anything now is pure speculation, unless it comes from the mouth of Souray himself. Should he resign then it will not be as bad as if he were to simply walk with no return. Hindsight is always 20/20. And if he does then it will be easy to say he should have been traded for something in return. Unfortunately in a competitive market some losses are a part of doing business. Taking a risk is sometimes part of the cost involved? Was Gainey right = time will tell us that. Is Gainey infallible in my opinion = definitely not! But was Gainey panicking at the point when he dealt Rivet - absolutely not. How many here would have been bold enough to predict that he could ever have hoped to extract a decent young defensive prospect and a first rounder for an aging middle of the road defenceman like Rivet? No, Gainey was not in panic mode - he was just buying when he had a pretty good deal in front of him. As for the rest of your points on the deal - I'd have to say I agree. Rivet's blunder may have been a factor but it was not the sole cause of their elimination.....

I think Don Cherry is on this board - in disguise.....

I would have to say no - that's overpaying for this guy as far as I'm concerned? Personally I'm not a fan of Lecavalier to start with, and the fact is that the Habs's probably really can't afford his contract? Personal dislike aside though: Price - the Habs need to keep this guy. Halak has not proven beyond a doubt that he's a number one yet, and Huet is not exactly a spring chicken either. No, they need to keep this guy as he is most likely the future for this team. Kostitsyn has a lot of upside at this point so not all that fussy on them dealing him? Also a factor to be considered is, if you deal him how much effect does that have on his younger brother in Montreal. The situation with Russian players seems tenuous at best as it currently stands? Emelin (if he comes) has the gritty tough side that this team lacks behind the blueline at this time. And they need help behind the blueline badly so trading a possible cheap prospect right now doesn't make sense. With a big contract like Lecavalier's it will definitely put them in a bind when it comes to landing a good experienced veteran defenceman. Where will that cash come from? The first rounder this year - well who cares a lot if it's the lower of the 2 they have. I would have to say there has to be a better payout than that one - a little high for my likings. Now for the dogs to sic themselves on this opinion....

The NHLPA is a mess - a dysfunctional family.....

yeah - same here so I finally figured I would plant the designer K-D seed......

"If I had a million dollars - We wouldn't have to eat Kraft Dinner But we would eat Kraft Dinner. Of course we would, we'd just eat more. And buy really expensive ketchups with it. That's right, all the fanciest Dijon ketchups! Mmm. Mmm-hmm If I had a million dollars - I'd be rich....." B)

BINGO - a bang on comment..... (hey we agree and no need to block you )

I can't blame them either - but the bottom line is that it still is greed motivated..... gimme gimme! I would hate to see this guy go given his potential, but it still is just unconfirmed potential at this point? However one cannot simply lay the blame at Gainey's feet if this kid decides to sign in Russia - they look like they are offering some serious coin to play at home. That is going to be a hard signing inducement to beat..... It still comes down to the simple fact that the player has to want to sign here no matter what you might offer?

End of the second and it's 3-1 Canada - they have out shot Switzerland 30-13 so far. :can: :can:

it's now 3-1 Canada towards the end of period #2..... Nash just scored on the powerplay.

So, to get back on track The Russian teams seem to be getting very aggressive in signing players - Gainey indicated that there is interest in signing Serghei Kostitsyn now. The lack of an agreement and their apparent greed is becoming a problem for the NHL - rumours suggest they want a million per superstar as compared to the 200 thousand per player average in the new settlement. If they can afford to pay what reports suggest for this guy, then NHL managers are going to have their hands full in a salary cap hindered NHL..... I think it's going to get very interesting in the next while when it comes to Russian born players.....

My original post wasn't saying that I didn't necessarily believe the report. Unfortunately the early reports here were just the word of Sundin's agent = and one should never believe a salesman, right... However I do think the Leafs are playing with fire signing him for 2 years at close to 12 million as reports here are suggesting. Doing that will leave the Leafs tied up over the next 2 years with aging veterans taking up 25 million in cap space. That's more than half the budget! 'wow' Ferguson is demonstrating his sheer genius for all to see once more. As a Habs fan I say go for it Johnny....

Zubrus - hmmmmmm. Neither here nor there on him at this point as it is just rumours. No use wasting energy getting worked up over that one just yet? However he is having a pretty good playoff run, so I will give him dues for that. Lecavalier is not a favourite for me so I'll leave that alone no matter what! And yeah we kinda squashed this thread - a good hijack I'd have to say? Not sure if we were really arguing as much as ironing out some differences over the manner in which we were disagreeing.... Have a great evening and look forward to your next post whether we agree or not. :hlogo: :hlogo:

It comes at you from every corner of the media and the hockey centred population when you live here. especially for a life long Habs fan who was born well before the last Leaf's Cup and has seen most of the :hlogo: dynasty years.....

I block few unless they are an absolute ass- just one here actually. As I said I sometimes agree with you, so no sense in blocking someone in that case = that would be very narrow minded, and I hope I'm not that shallow. I just ignore most opinions that I disagree with, or am not overly bothered/intrigued by. In most cases I just pass on them As for caring what Gainey does then you have to care what he's thinking(the two go together as he usually does what he thinks?) But that's semantics I guess? Probably a lot of people that block me too = their prerogative, right! My problem was what I perceive to be the combative/antagonistic nature of your post that was accusing me of what/how I think. And I rarely take things personally - find that a waste of time more often than not? I was never saying you should not post your opinion, nor do I expect to agree with everyone. Life would be boring and unproductive if we all thought absolutely alike. Sometimes disagreement can be healthy..... but it is not when insults, etc get involved. If you made the analogy then you must have been thinking that - otherwise you wouldn't have gone there? I found the statement tasteless and unnecessary..... there was no need for it. Personally I just find that most of your post grind an axe against coach's and management, when the real problem with this team lies with a clique of veterans that are causing problems in Montreal. However that said I do not give management a free pass - they need to address the problems. And Carbonneau was a rookie coach who made rookie mistakes. Hopefully he'll grow and change this year so I'll give him a reasonable period of grace based on those factors. At least give him a chance to grow, and I will not claim that Gainey will react the way I'd say he should. And I will point out that you need to listen to your own advice about people differing with another's opinion.... I did not react in a hostile or antagonistic manner to your original post. Or at least was definitely not meaning to? You tend to do just what you said I am guilty of far more often than necessary it seems. I disagreed with you and implied that Gainey probably would too? You took exception to that and reacted accordingly. Do I always agree with you = no. Do I think this was a misunderstanding = no but then? Do I want to block you = no. Do I want you to insult my opinion = no. Do I want to insult your opinion = no. Will we always agree = no. Do I respect your right to an opinion = yes! I just expect some respect and no insults when I post mine, whether we agree or not. I have no hard feelings just because we don't see eye to eye - in fact there are times I am in total agreement with and value your input! We just don't see 100% eye to eye on this one? Olive branch offered.... hopefully you'll accept, as I meant absolutely no ill will in expressing my opinion (EDIT: just realized I need 100 more posts to hit the 1000 mark....) hockey: :hlogo:

Living in the heartland of Laff-Nation one is constantly exposed to their propaganda, whether you care or not...

It's that time of year I guess..... flowers are blooming & the birds are singing. You know, the time of year when we all stretch our legs and quarrel over nothing?

Sundin's Hip Won't Need Surgery Sundin's agent is saying that the doctor has said he won't need surgery - I'm not saying this isn't true, but I have trouble believing an agent for some reason?