hankhab

Its a bit quiet on the posting front, so why not throw out a few trade suggestions, while trying to remain realistic, here they are... Zednik and Ribero to Chicago for Arneson Theodore and a second round pick to Colorado for their first round pick Souray to Anahiem for Salei and a second round pick (Salei UFA after this season) Gainey likes Arneson, and Chicago would like a couple of forwards. If we can get anything for Theo, we're lucky, but Colorado might just take a chance, given their love of French Canadiens and hope of going somewhere in the playoffs. Salei is UFA after this year, and Anaheim might prefer a d-man who is sighned past this year. We draft heavy on d-men in upcoming draft, or maybe combine two 1st rounders for Eric Johnson, highly touted rearguard. This leaves us with... Kovalov Koivu Kostitsen Higgens Arneson Ryder (I love this second line) Bulis Plekanec Perezoigin Begin Bonk Sunstrom/Ferland Markov Rivet Salei Dandenault/Boullion Cote Komisarik (I'm liking this duo more and more each game) Streit Huet Danis So..there it is, I'm be perfectly happy riding out the season with those players, especially with the cap room we'd be left with for next year..if Salei plays well, we try to sign him again, if not, we lose Souray for a pick..I'd take that...any comments? Feel free to totally shoot this down, if you give good reasons.

Even the thought of getting rid of Gainey is ridiculous, come on, he's only been in charge for less than 2 seasons, really. I hate seeing the Habs lose, but you don't build a contender in a day. Rejean Houle made lots of changes in a short time, which lead us down the road to today. Dispite the struggles, this is a team loaded with young prospects and players, so its not the time to panic and start a fire sale. Everyone needs to relax, take a step back, and try to be reasonable. Gainey is calm and level headed, which is exactly whats needed during difficult times.

I have to laugh when people say we need to wait to get equal value for Theo..what is equal value for an over priced goaltender who's had one good season? Lets be honest, if we can get rid of Theo, and get any reasonable asset in return, it needs to be done. I've allways said that a team in this stage of developement doesn't need a big dollar goaltender anyway, we would be just as well going this season and next with Danis and Huet sharing the duties, and wait for Price to develop. In 3 years or so, with a few deft moves, Habs should be a contender. We're not winning a cup before that, so I say we go with a couple of second tier goaltenders.

After watching last nights games vs the laughs, I have to say that I thought Cote was probably the teams best defenceman. I just read the article posted on the main page (habs continue leafs losing streak) and I had to laugh when I read that Souray and Rivet played well...I thought they were terrible. Souray is still lost, totally out of place, and Rivet is still taking stupid penalties. That being said, I thought Cote and Komisarik played well together, were strong on the boards, and I think both were plus players. I'm liking this Cote guy more and more, here's hoping Gainey dumps Souray on some unsuspecting team very soon.

Actually, Tony, the truth is that anabolic steroids are hardly ever used in the medical world, and never for muscle healing. Corticosteroids, like prednisone, are used for these injuries sometimes, and are not banned by the NHL or IOC. In fact, anabolic, or muscle building, steroids don't really have a place in most medical practises. The truth is, its quite easy to get these substances from body builders, gyms, etc, through illegal drug trade.

Good point about Palffy, never thought of that. I'm tired of players blaming suppliments. I'm a pharmacist, and although some supplements in the US contain steroids, the fact is that the vast majority of these guys are getting injections, and they know what they are getting. Also, I believe that if the league is responsible for the testing and reporting, they will engage in a major coverup, so I really hope the tests are being conducted by independant labs. Lets not forget that there has been huge steroid coverups from the US olympic team for years, so if guys like Carl Lewis and Micheal Greene can get away with it, NHL players can as well.

Ok Trizzak, I'll play your silly game....the Calgary Flames are my favorite to win the cup..anyone else wanna give it a shot?

I agree with putting Ferland in there..he had a good couple of games, and has actually thrown his body around a fair bit, something sorely lacking this year with the habs. I'd like Begin with Higgens and Zednik, and Murray centering the 4th line.

That would be a great deal for Habs, and a terrible deal for the pens...lose Fleury and a pick for Ab? No way they ever do that..they'll probably finish last overall, and will end up with a great pick, so that deal will never happen. As for Habs, we're not going to win the cup this year, so even if Theo becomes a world beater and plays great, I personally would still trade him to improve the team...I've allways felt his salary of 4.5 million is way too much for almost any goaltender, let alone one who has really only had one great year. I'd spend that money on goalscoring over goaltending any day.

Actually, Bulis, I really didn't mean to make fun of your nickname, sorry bout that. There's a guy on here with Hobbit in his name, and I honestly got it mixed up. No disrespect intended.

A few days ago, just after the coaching change, I patted myself on the back for a suggestion earlier in the season that Gainey could get Carbo in as coach, for which I was poopooed by many here, and it happens. A few days ago, I started a thread called who will benefit from coaching changes. I suggested Higgens as one in particular, as his style would be familiar to both Gainey and Carbo. Bulis the Habbie, in particular, poopooed that one, as did a couple more members. But, lo and behold, who led the Habs forwards in ice time last game? Higgens! And today, I see an artical posted here talking about how Higgens has been given a larger role, and how Gainey sees him as the teams top prospect. Once again, therefore, I pat myself on the back. I'll get back to everyone as soon as my crystal ball clears up again.

I agree, habschris, Ryder is better with a cycling game, so he needs to be out there with maybe Bonk and Bulis, which might make a decent second line if Bonk can put a few good games together. Theo has to wonder if he's in a no win situation..if he finds his game, he might be easier to trade...or harder to trade? Only Gainey knows the answer to that one. Anyhow, who would be a better match for the first line? Maybe Kostitsyn or Perezoigen, perhaps? I can't help but think that Zednik is on his way out of Mtl, his play has been sub par, but other teams know what he can do. He didn't impress me last night, either. If the rumors about Chicago are true, he might be packaged with Ribs for Calder or Arneson, and a d-man.

Yeah, Bonk played well last night, the jury is still out on him..and I think Bulis has allready played as well as we can expect. But I think Higgens could be a very special player, thats why I singled him out, Bulis.

The big question for the Habs now is, who will respond to the coaching changes positivly? In his interview, Koivu seemed pleased about the changes, implying that its the coaches job to motivate the guys, and when thats not working, he has to go. Also, Koivu was chatting with Carbo during the game, and when given direction on the forcheck, replyed..someone better tell that to Ribs...I think Ribero got away with too much crap with Julien, and I think Koivu, in particular, is pleased that thats is over with. Back when Ribs blamed his lack of production on Ryder, he should have been reprimanded, for example, and we know he has clashed with Koivu in the past. So now, hopefully, its put up or shut up time for Ribs. Markov looked great last night, more like he did earlier on in the season, and I think he'll boost his play with Julien out. Putting Theo in the game shows me that Gainey wants him to play his way back to form (although I can't blame Julien for sitting him out after the last 2 stinkers he played in). Higgens, who plays a 2 way game in the mold of Gainey and Carbo, will flourish under the new coaches. Lets see what the next few weeks bring, as the Habs have one tough road trip ahead.

TSN commented on how usually, the GM will shake up the team with a trade before firing the coach, but Gainey's move makes more sence. Sometimes, a coaches handling of certain players can lead to poor play, so it makes sence to give everyone a few games under new direction before making any moves. Last night, for example, Ribero chose to make a play and take a big hit, rather than his usual style of shying away and coughing up the puck. Can we expect this from him in the future? Who knows? Also, there were actually some body checks thrown last night, Ferland in particular threw a few good ones. The team didn't lay back after going up a goal or 2, which was a refreshing change. Bonk actually played a good game, making a few excellent passes, and not coughing up the puck. The defense and forwards actually worked together to get the puck out of the defensive end, meaning the habs were'nt pinned in as much as usual...although they still need a lot of work in that department. Theodore didn't get a lot of work, but didn't let in any stinkers, either, and maybe with a few games like that, he'll have his confidence back. Mark Striet looked good overall, but I think his game has been improving for some time now. I don't know if the Habs can play this way consistantly, but at least now, the players will be held accountable for there play by the man who controlls their future with the team, and that may be just what guys like Theo and Ribero need.

I have to gloat for just a minute. Earlier this year, when everyone started calling for Juliens head, I said that Gainey would bring in Carbonneau, who was actually his choice for coach from the start, I believe. Then everyone shot me down, saying no way Carb comes back, he's assistant GM, etc etc..but hey, look whose back in town! Also, I agree with one of the earlier posts today which imply's that BG is just coaching untill he and Carb get a handle on things..next year, for sure, Carbo is head coach.

David Aebischer G 1 6-1 185 2/7/1978 Peter Budaj G 31 6-1 200 1/15/1975 DEFENSE Player Position Number Height Weight DOB Rob Blake D 4 6-4 225 12/10/1969 Bob Boughner D/RW 6 6-0 205 3/8/1971 Patrice Brisebois D 71 6-2 203 1/27/1971 Brett Clark D 5 6-0 195 12/23/1976 John-Michael Liles D 26 5-10 185 11/25/1980 Kurt Sauer D 34 6-4 220 1/16/1981 Karlis Skrastins D 3 6-1 210 7/9/1974 Ossi Vaananen D 27 6-4 215 8/18/1980 FORWARDS Player Position Number Height Weight DOB Andrew Brunette LW/RW 15 6-1 212 8/24/1973 Milan Hejduk RW 23 6-0 190 2/14/1976 Dan Hinote C/W 13 6-0 195 1/30/1977 Antti Laaksonen LW/RW 24 6-0 180 10/3/1973 Ian Laperriere C/RW 14 6-1 200 1/19/1974 Cody McCormick C/W 11 6-2 200 4/18/1983 Brett McLean C 53 5-11 185 8/14/1978 Brad Richardson C 12 6-0 202 4/26/1977 Joe Sakic C 19 5-11 180 7/7/1969 Marek Svatos RW 40 5-11 175 6/17/1982 Alex Tanguay LW 18 6-1 190 11/21/1979 Pierre Turgeon C 87 6-1 200 8/29/1969 Colorado's lineup....anyone else want to speculate?

Cool...maybe something will actually happen this time. I'm a big fan of trades in general, spices up the season, I find. Who is Gainey looking at in Colorado? I'm hoping there's something brewing for Tanguay, and maybe a defenceman (not Brisbois!). Also, I'm really hoping Koivu isn't involved!

Nobody wants to see Ribero outta here more than I do, but would Keenan really be interested in this guy? He;s soft, floats alot, poor defensivly...Keenan would eat this guy alive. I think the Washington rumor makes more sense.

I thinks Habs played a decent game..great in first period, then protected lead for other 2, which is fine when you have a 4 goal lead. What made this possible was dependable goaltending, which is what Huet gave the team last night. I have nothing against Theo, except his huge contract, and if he put together 3 or 4 solid games, I'd be defending him on here, but his games have been miserable lately! Habs should have easily won against Pens and Devils, but Theo was horrible, and the blame for those losses goes directly on his shoulders. In fact, Theo has been only ordinary in even his best games this year, and thats not good enough for a guy being paid like a superstar. I say keep him out untill he works his butt of to improve, and hopefully he can find some sort of form in the seasons second half. Either that, or trade him for some proven young player, and build for next year.

I like how Kostitsyn had been playing lately..seen him earlier this season in AHL, he looked lost. Now, he seems to be recapturing the form he displayed in his World Juniour appearances, where he was dominant. Good stuff, looks like he's still got a good chance to develop into a real NHL sniper. Looks like he's going to be playing on a line with Kovalov today, which I'm sure he's excited about. Lets hope Perezoigen gets another chance soon, I've liked what I've seen from him this year, when he's been given a real chance.

You Theo defenders are missing the point of my post. I'm not knocking his past achievements, I'm pointing out that 4.5mil is too much to pay any goaltender, in my opinion, and that since habs are not truely cup contenders this year, why wouldn't we trade Theo for a top power forward, which we havn't had for umpteen years now

Given Huets strong performance the last game and a half..(solid, no bad goals), how would everyone feel about a straight swap, Theodore for Bertuzzi? I'm not saying Huet is a superstar, but given the good development of Danis, and strong prospects on the way, how about trading golatending for offence? Theodore hasn't exactly been stealing wins for the habs lately anyhow, and Vancouver is in the market...Bertuzzi definatly could benefit from a change of scenery..might work out for everyone. I'm also of the opinion that in the new NHL, with the cap and all, 4.5 mil a year is way too much to pay a goaltender.

I think if habs score first, and Julien roles 4 lines most of the game, we'll be allright. Otherwise, an early collapse and 4-1 oilers...but I'm really hoping 4-2 habs...

I'm glad I was wrong in my prediction about last nights game...however, at least the majority of us were right about the rookie playing time issue....they get some ice time, habs win...maybe Julien has seen the light a little, or maybe Gainey forced him to play the rooks, but whatever the case, it worked.