Meller93

I have a feeling Hughes is gonna make a very big swing for one of em. Larkin, Thomas, Petterson all have their names circulating (not sure the validity of the rumours) …can you imagine McDavid on the CH?

Well, we’re here. Two gruelling rounds both needing 7 games, but two very different series. Tampa was a tighter, shutdown style series. Buffalo was a run-and-gun roller coaster. The pessimist would say Montreal didn’t win the series, Buffalo lost it. Both teams spent stretches being their own worst enemy. The optimist would give Montreal credit for capitalizing on those mistakes when it mattered. One thing I feel confident in: Montreal will need to bring more to get past the Canes. More consistency, more production from the first line, and my biggest gripe over the last few games — getting pucks on net. Possession has been strong for a lot of these playoffs, but it feels like Montreal keeps looking for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th pass instead of just getting something simple through. Too many missed shots turning into rushes the other way. Put pucks on net. Build momentum from there. Bright spots: Dobes - we don’t win the second round without him. He has the ability to completely lock in and keep games alive. He’s done everything you can ask from a goalie. Hutson - sure, a few lapses later in the series, but he’s elite. The offense is obvious, but honestly I’m even more impressed by his defensive stick work. His mobility and angles break up plays before they even become dangerous. Suzuki - maybe not flashy every night, but he’s consistent. That’s what you need from the captain. Huge minutes, reliable, steady. Newhook - clutch depth production, blazing speed, infectious energy. He’s playing some of his best hockey as a Hab. Good signs: Caufield - getting looks and finally burying a few. If he gets fully going again, Montreal has a legit shot. Demidov - the production will come if he keeps playing like this. Lots of good touches, just not getting the finish yet. Goal scoring - Montreal is still getting production throughout the lineup. You’re not winning playoff games without that. Question marks: Slafkovsky - maybe he’s injured. But the truth is he hasn’t looked the same since game 1 of the playoffs. Top of the lineup production - yes, Suzuki has been good. Yes, Caufield and Demidov are showing signs. But we need more. The best players need to be the best players. Defensive breakdowns - the last 2 games against Buffalo, Montreal didn’t shut Buffalo down. Montreal shut down as a team. Entire periods with nothing going. We can’t afford those collapses against Carolina. Shots ON NET - how many shots have missed wide and turned into rushes the other way? How many extra passes have turned strong possession into nothing? Put the puck on net. Good things happen when you do. A common word I heard in interviews after last night’s win was “reset”. Absolutely. Time to reset and put the best foot forward. GO HABS GO

Skater who’s impressed me the most is Hutson. He just plays his game and nothing gets in his way.

Yea, small sample size. I’m a little worried but agree it’s mostly Tampa has figured out how to shut it down. Well played by them. But hey if our secondary scoring can capitalize because of it, excellent. Cirelli is a beast honestly

How concerned are we about Mr Saturday night?

Slaf had one of my all time favourite games from a Hab last night. On the biggest stage he just stepped up and he proved he’s a leader. Can’t wait to see him with a letter on the jersey. When the Habs drafted him 1 OA I didn’t now what to think. This season he surpassed what I hoped he’d become. go Habs go

I assume we all think Marco Rossi isn't a good fit because he lacks size? I like the player. If he were 6'0 he wouldn't be available though

Man that top has the potential to be so good. More progression from Guhle/Hutson and dare I say an elite top 4 we add a second line centre and we’re a scary team

Interesting assessments from elite prospects

mrtka and bear would be awesome picks imo

mailloux is reminding me of Sheldon Souray. I was only a young whippersnapper when souray was in his prime, but I recall him being poor defensively as well. With a cannon of a shot and snarl to him game

How does Dach fit in to the future for us? Have we reached the conclusion that he isn’t the answer for 2nd line C? Is he a middle 6 winger? The Barzal idea seems like a good fit to me with Dach not there, and I think using 16/17 picks to get him could make sense. I feel trading Laine would take full 50% retention. 16+17 + Laine (50%) for Barzal Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovsky Dach - Barzal - Demidov Newhook - Evans - Armia Anderson - Dvorak - Gallagher Heineman/Kapanen that feels like a good forward group to me

Carbonneau or Kindel might be somewhat comparable to Hage? I really like Kashawn Aitcheson (unsure on spelling) with one of those picks, and then a skilled forward with a solid floor with the other. Idea is that we have high offensive ceiling youth like Hutson, Demidov, Caufield etc at both ends. Add a ton of physicality on the back end in Aitcheson, and middle 6 support up front. We always hear those cheap contracts are gold when forming a deep playoff team.

I think last nights game might be an instant classic. Regardless of how the Habs do in the rest of the series, it just feels like a game I’ll look back on for years. From scoring 6, to a bench brawl, to both starting goalies going down, seeing that emergency backup goalie geared up. It was just an absolute roller coaster That Hutson to caufield goal was so sweet too. Also really started seeing flashes from Demidov too. I think he’s finding his game. All around just crazy entertainment, and reminded me of why playoff hockey is so good