beliveau1

:?- :?- Talk about making a judgment that is ill-informed & not based on any facts/experience..... London is definitely not a farming centre - in fact it is just the opposite. Often known as the 'Forest City' because of the wonderful trees it has preserved within the city, it is a city of 'old money', and it is definitely not a farming community. Maybe you should actually see something before you pass some irrational & uninformed judgment on things in life you have yet to experience..... I'm in and out of London on a regular basis for my heart transplant checkups on a regular basis, and I can definitely attest to the fact that this is a top flight city - not a bunch of farmers! As for new cars - well I'm not sure if that is a big factor, however at the cost of a new vehicle in Canada today, the more a city seems to have must reflect a higher level of family incomes. Not a great factor though for judging overall quality. On the other hand property value is a definite factor - is a city full of depreciating/declining land values(i.e. Port Alberni) more desirable than one where buying a house is at the least a break even venture? The chance for a solid income to support a family is also important - one has to make a living unfortunately. Factors such as that are real and necessary - a great environment is wonderful and a definite bonus, but one has to weigh the cost of living. That's a reality we can't deny......

Nothing is impossible Pierre - nothing..... The problem with legislation is it's man made and that makes it riddled with flaws, but sadly enough that is a discussion most loathe to debate

Definitely glad I didn't type it in bold, or especially in caps..... shhhhhhhh - I don't want to be heard saying it isn't any different (or more special) to be whatever/whoever you are in Canada!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I believe in equality for one and all. No special rights are needed when all are treated with dignity & respect. Special rights groups unfortunately spread resentment and further the problems. As a result of pandering to far too many special rights groups we have in far too many instances stepped on the rights of the common people. Unfortunately we are leaning too far away from common sense today - and the more laws we pass the worse it will become..... Eventually just the simple aspect of disagreeing with someone's 'identity' will become bashing = a hate crime? That's a frightening concept. My 2 cents and I don't intend to slip into a spiraling debate over this one..... not given to political or religious debates as there is nothing to be gained by arguing with some people unfortunately.

Not from this corner - just the reality that most nations aren't sending their best, unfortunately. I'd prefer it was held less often - like soccer - and was scheduled accordingly to maximize talent. Fact is as you said, we are stuck with the realities and the flaws of the current format. So I intend to root for our flag no matter what others may think! :can: :can: :can:

I hope they can resign him - provided the cost is right? Good character veteran who actually wants to play in Montreal. :hlogo: Teams that are bringing young players in need this type of a player, especially during a transition period. The start of next year could be just that if they bring a few guys up? Not to compare the two, but why did Pittsburgh go out and get Gary Roberts...... experience & leadership! And Johnson would most likely be someone you could package at the deadline if necessary. A team looking for an edge would be interested in a guy like this. But the cost has to be right and the length of the contract suitable to make this option viable. Keep him on board as long as it takes to groom the young talent coming up! As for Bouillon vs Johnson - this one isn't even a fair comparison. The Habs need help much more desperately behind the blueline right now. Bouillon doesn't bring what they need - I love him, but last year he was nowhere near what he was the year before. Not to mention the fact that he lacks the size this team needs to find on defence. He has a ton of heart & he may play big - but when push comes to shove in front of the net he's still small.....

Definitely a good thing (if it's true?)

I'm not sure of the details, but I do remember something about a commitment Canada had to make several/many years back stipulating Canada had to continue to send a team to the World Championships. I can't remember all the details of it, but it was aimed at having a better team than the prior amatuer status teams Canada had been sending all along. I'm not sure if it had something to do with the Canada Cup concept or not at the time the arrangement was made? I may be wrong on that one - I'm getting old like 'shortcat'..... However I believe the current setup is pathetic - the timing is totally wrong and the whole format sucks. Right now it all can depend on: A/ which nation has the most/best players eliminated first from the NHL playoffs B/ which nation has the most of these willing to commit to the event C/ getting hot for one game in the elimination round D/ politics - always present at world events and it can be a factor But for the time being we have to live with it and I intend to root for the Maple leaf no matter who might be wearing it!!!!!! :can: :can: :can:

I would probably want to shower first or by myself. But if they can win the Habs a Cup then I don't give a flying__________ what they look like, or where they come from.....

I was simply referring to the complaints about Canada's team being second rate - had nothing to do with the fact other countries are in the same boat. I'm well aware of that. The world championships in hockey need to rethink their format & the time they schedule it as it no longer stands as the best tournament, unfortunately. My point is for people here to be proud of our team, regardless of who it is made up of.... :can:

Almost perfect - even better yet will be an NHL contract.... :contract: :ghg: :contract:

I stand firmly by my earlier quote from the Permanent Rumour thread..... "I'm experiencing nausea, headaches; I'm fevered and have the tremors doc - I'm really desperate. Can you please recommend a prescription, something... anything please???????? :puke: :puke: :puke:"

B) yep :hlogo: ONLY THE BEST & NOTHING BUT THE BEST :hlogo:

Unfortunately the reality of this tournament is the simple fact that Canada has never been able to send their very best team possible. It would be nice if we could, but that's how she goes? Unfortunately Canada has a commitment to this tournament, and is needed as we are viewed as the ultimate opponent to beat. As such we should be proud of our great Maple Leaf no matter who may wear it. Most of the time they find themselves in a no win situation, and they don't deserve to be dumped on constantly. Their commitment is for flag & country - nothing else! :can: :can: :can: :can: :can: (But definitely not of some of the stupid or dirty incidents that go on from time to time )

I just want the best damn players on the planet - I don't give a rats patootie if they are French, black, Irish, yellow, not a lifelong Habs fan, white, Mexican, spotted, Martian green, American, polka-dotted, European, from Timbuktu or covered with little frickin' red dots..... JUST THE BEST..... :hlogo: :hlogo: :hlogo:

Should have been a bit clearer but I was basically echoing your sentiments at the time.....

I'm experiencing nausea, headaches; I'm fevered and have the tremors doc - I'm really desperate. Can you please recommend a prescription, something... anything please???????? :puke: :puke: :puke:

I wasn't suggesting we should actually believe what Roy said and hope the Habs draft him - that is up to Gainey fortunately! However opinions from coaches who get to see prospects on a regular basis are worth noting - but always with 'a pinch of salt' as they used to say!

Yeah he always did love the attention..... a little too much for my liking! My favourite was always the English language interview he did on CBC one night several years ago, when he kept stumbling over the word 'focus', which had to say at the very least, some absolutely hilarious consequences..... (But I have to admit that I do like hearing opinions on young players from people who are coaching in the various leagues the prospects are playing in - they get to see them so it helps a bit when gauging/discussing talent? Even if it is St. Patty on his pedestal?)

I agree totally - there are few if any legitimate excuses for head shots. They don't just end careers.... they can change and ruin lives forever! :puke: :puke: :puke:

I'm sensing what i feel is the slightest bit of anger here.....

I always keep an eye on it - you know sort of like you might watch your dog out of the corner of your eye to see what he's up to? B) (but especially more so if there are some Habs prospects or roster players playing!!!! :hlogo: :hlogo: )

Yes - patience is always a virtue. Carbonneau had a rough year, but he was a rookie coach so there is a learning curve associated with this aspect that must be taken into consideration when evaluating his performance = plain & simple. This team cannot afford to axe a coach right now. Do do so based on the past season, well that would be plain stupidity. Common sense must prevail and thankfully Gainey is not in the habit of being easily swayed by either the media or the fans...... Time for a valium people!

One of the positives of being in the predicament of having to lose talent at some point is the reality that your farm system is full to capacity with NHL calibre players. There are some positives that can be put on that. Yes it is unfortunate that some talent gets shunted aside - we'd love to see all of them make the grade, but sometimes you lose players as a result of that wealth. It is the price an organization sometimes has to pay for good scouting & excellent drafting. That doesn't mean you should be happy to lose a player for nothing, but it happens once in a while. I'd rather the Habs were in a position of strength(risking the loss of some talent as a result) than operating from the weak sister position. As for Hainsey - he hasn't had a long enough career yet to prove Gainey wrong? But let's not digress into that hopelessly unproductive debate once again on this forum..... (a bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bushes B) ) Being a good faceoff man won't hurt his chances, but he'll be there for a lot more reasons than just that aspect of his game...... It's time for some new blood Bob!!!!!!!

No problem - as it stands most of us are trying to forget about the Devils and their oh so exciting trap in the first place..... :hlogo: :hlogo: