The Death of the Bandwagon

[BTH]

A new season is just around the corner and I, for one, eagerly await the chance to roll my eyes at other Habs fans that change their minds over key issues every other night. Here is the thread where you put your money where your mouth is.

The deal is that you state your "beliefs" of any kind over here, in the form of some sort of personal Habs fan bio, and then people have the ability to check this thread later on.

For one thing, this will allow us to remember who believes what and should cut down on all of the "Now everyone says Y, but 3 months ago all of you guys said X!" [Henceforth known as Accusing of Bandwagoning Without Justification]

This also forces people to remain consistent throughout the season. Make a suspicious call, and we'll come and come check your file, exposing you for the evil phony that you are!!! It also makes claims like "I've been saying it since Day 1: blah blah blah blah blah blah blah" [henceforth known as Attempting to Conceal Bandwagoning] more credible.

It will also prevent this scenario:

Sunday: "Sweet win tonight! We're a pretty solid team. I like all of our players."

Monday: "AAAAAAAArrrgh! We lost to the Leafs! All of our players suck! They all play like little girls. You're kidding yourself if you think we'll make the playoffs."

[henceforth known as Bandwagoning in the First Degree]

And even this scenario:

Tuesday: "Gainey is the best. He'd never trade Chipchura, he's too smart."

Wednesday: "Yes! I love the trade. Chips is a bust. Gainey is great!"

[henceforth known as Bandwagoning in the Second Degree - look out, fellas; in some states this one's punishable by death]

If we keep all these posts in the same place, it'll be that much easier for you to get busted. So - if you dare - post your opinions/predictions and prepare to stand your ground!

Formal predictions in my bio will be underlined.

And so:

Habs Fan Bio:

Name: BTH

Habs Cups witnessed: 0

Which Habs will improve?:Plekanec, Andrei Kostitsyn, Price, Hamrlik, Latendresse, Gionta.

Which Habs will regress?: Spacek, D'Agostini, Lapierre, Sergei Kostitsyn, Cammalleri

How will Martin do?: Martin's a great coach. He'll implement a system, not necessarily the neutral zone trap, and get a less talented team to do better than they did last season. He'll shore up the team's defensive play, and I bet Price's stats will skyrocket this season because of this. The team will be more disciplined and more organized. I can't say whether or not the players will like him but I think they will once they start realizing that his system works.

How do I think the team will place?: 5th-10th in the East. Officially: 6th.

Who will be the next Captain?: Markov.

General chat about the coming season:

Montreal will have a solid team. We'll make the playoffs and stand a chance of evading an early exit. Are we Cup contenders? No, although our team is better in nearly every way than it was two seasons ago when it won the East, so you never know. Are we better on paper than we were last season? Nope. We'll have to do with a little less talent.

We may find out that Gionta and Gomez are horrible rip offs at their salaries, that Gionta is really a second line forward that'll pot 25 goals and 55 points. But I don't think so. One thing that Gainey will need to improve is secondary scoring. With unpredictable players like Plekanec and Gionta in roles that may or may not prove to be over their heads, we have a definite lack of replacements on the bottom lines. Pacioretty? He'll be in Hamilton. Sergei? Possibly also in Hamilton. D'Agostini? He's barely an NHL player at the moment. Latendresse? Looks like it'll have to be him.

I think that Gainey has realized this and that that's why he's (allegedly) targeted players like Cheechoo, Prospal and Sykora. He wants another scoring winger. Like myself, he doesn't seem to trust Dags or Sergei in the top 9. I'm going to go on the record as saying that Gainey will pick up another top 9 forward (probably a LW) ASAP.

The team's powerplay will finish in the top 10. Markov, Spacek, Mara and Hamrlik are a solid bunch of pointmen, and I believe Cammalleri can play there as well. I'd say that there's no shortage of forwards that we can use on the PP but that may not be true. Cammalleri, Gomez, Gionta, Plekanec, Kostitsyn and Latendresse. We need scoring depth! If C + G + G = T + K + K, then we're still down two offensive forwards from last year: Lang and Higgins.

I think we'll see one or two moves by Gainey in the next couple of months. Then he'll be done and we'll have to wait until the deadline for Gainey to make any changes.

The team's lack of size among its offensive forwards is unsettling and will hold the team back against physical teams like Boston. Our big defence, however, is well-built for physical hockey. Despite the way we're being hyped as a small, speedy team do to our new first liners, we're a defensive team by nature: one without the necessary firepower to blow by opposition, but one with a defensive unit (and possibly system) effective enough to stifle opposing attacks. We'll see a lot of low-scoring games. Special teams will give us the edge in these games and prevent us from being mediocre.

Unlike some, I don't think chemistry problems will hold us back at first. Cammalleri-Plekanec-Kostitsyn sounds like a great second line to me, and the first line is based on a proven combination. Gomez and Gionta will either work well together (as they did in the past), or they won't. I don't think they'll start off the slow and then suddenly "re-find" their old chemistry. I'm more concerned with us having trouble adapting to the new coach (even though so many of the players were never here for the old coach.) It may take us a while to perfect Martin's system. We'll be relying solely on the old Price/PP combo for the first ten games of the season.

Laraque will be a gentleman. Mara, Gill and Moen won't.

Gainey will be fired if the team misses the playoffs. I don't think he will be fired, and I don't want him to be fired. I will stand up for every pre-Carbo firing move he's made.

-------

*Feel free to make your bios using whatever criteria you want.

*Bios can range from one sentence to 68.3 pages.

*If new issues come up during the season, you can add info to this thread stating how you feel, what you want to happen and what you think will happen.

*This isn't really the place to be discussing issues. This is about stating where you stand, not defending yourself. (That's for after we catch you and hang you from the Bell Centre rafters for 24 hours by your ever-growing nose.)

[BCHabnut]

Name:BCHabnut

Habs Cups witnessed: 4. That i clearly remember. I was too young before that.

Which Habs will improve?: Latendresse, Lapierre, Price, Hamrlik, (please AK and Plek???)

Which Habs will regress?: Cammalleri, D'Agostini,

How will Martin do?: Martin will keep his emotion bottled up and he will actually explode during a game in 2011. It will be really messy. He has a big challenge, but I think he has the background to really help this club. I specifically recall old Sens interviews after the game. The entire team was working out directly after the game. We will take less penalties. We will allow less great shots on net. That defensive style will really help Price.

How do I think the team will place?: Anywhere from 16th to 1st. There have been too many changes to even guess.

Who will be the next Captain?: Markov. (if he wants it) If not, Markov, Gomez and Lapierre where the A.

General chat about the coming season:

I am very worried about Price. He needs to get back his mojo. If Price looks good, we will look good. It is key. I have supported keeping Price in net, and letting him take his lumps. See if he can rebound. Some say he is broken. I do not.

Regarding the captain, I wish Lapierre was one or two season further in his developement. I actually expect him to get better under Martin. My hopes are high because I see on ice leadership qualities in him. He is not ready this year for the C.

I am very concerned about playing Cammalleri with AK and Plek. Unless they can pick up their socks, I see Camm becoming disgruntled. His production will go down playing with AK and Plek. He had Frolov feeding him, but specifically Iggy. If he doesn't play with Gomez, I am very concerned about his production. Plek has shown his flare in the past, and never stopped working. If he can find chemistry with Cam, that is the best scenario.

I like Lattendresse. I know he is slow, but he is working very hard for his top 6 appointment. Give it to him. His numbers are good especcially when you consider who he plays with most of the time. I keep hearing how Max should be top 6. I think Max should get some more time in the AHL. Lats is a good hockey player, and will get better under Martin. He is our only hope for a full time top 6 power forward. Give this kid top 6 minutes. He deserves it. I would support having Max on the team, but his pro time is low and will allow him to come up and down without waivers.

Andrei Kostitsyn. If he doesn't come out of his shell, I will be very concerned. We need him to wake up! wake up! Guys are going to hit you really hard. Don't let that stop you from using your talent. Be great.

Edited September 4, 2009 by BCHabnut

[JoeLassister]

Best thread of 2009 !!!!!

Habs Fan Bio:

Name: JoeLassister

Habs Cups witnessed: 1 (was way to young in 86)

Which Habs will improve?:Plekanec, Andrei Kostitsyn, Sergei Kostitsyn (if not playing in Hamilton), Price, Hamrlik (damn I hope), Latendresse, Max Pac (if not playing in Hamilton).

Which Habs will regress?: D'Agostini, Gill.

How will Martin do? : Jacques Martin will bring something the Habs needed all season long last year : a CONSISTENT GAME SYSTEM ! I don't think he will juggle with his lines like Carbo did. I can see the top 2 lines and PP lines change from time to time, but not the kind of "Moen playing with Gomez and Gionta to shake things up" stuff. I think Martin is strong enough and has leadership enough to bring a team of new faces together by Christmas.

How do I think the team will place?: 6th-10th in the East. Officially: 7th.

Who will be the next Captain? : I think we'll see a kind of Buffallo's rotation system or a 3 assistants system until players will vote at their annual Christmas party. I think Gomez will finnish the season as the team captain.

General chat about the coming season:

A brand new team identity. That's what we got. There may not be a clear and legit captain right now, but, IMO, bringing veterans players like Mara, Gill and Gomez will be enough to compensate for Koivu and Kovy.

There is no way Martin will allow fighting and little gangs in the locker room. I think the players we acquired are all easy fit with our youngsters.

As for the statistics, I am one of those who think that we will be around 8th to 10th all season long and will make a push for a fight for 6th seed in the last 8 games.

I will put my hand in the fire here and go with a bold statement : Andrei Kostitsyn, Mike Cammalleri AND Brian Gionta will all score 30+ goals this season. I'm calling the breakout season of Andrei Kostitsyn with 70+ points.

As for any moves Gainey could do, I still can see Plekanek, O'Byrne + Halak be traded if Curtis Sanford is awesome in the AHL. The main target would be a top 4 winger.

Edited September 5, 2009 by JoeLassister

[JLP]

Habs Fan Bio

Name: JLP

Habs Cups witnessed: A few in my youth, too few lately.

Which Habs will improve?: Latendresse, Plekanec, Price.

Which Habs will regress?: (I'll edit my post in November to answer this one.)

How will Martin do?: His tie collection will pale in comparison to his predecessor's. Players will appreciate his professional communication skills. The media will trumpet him if the Habs win, and shit all over him if they lose. The lines won't change so often as last year, I hope. Also hope to see more skating and more forwards going to the net.

How do I think the team will place?: 4th in the East

Who will be the next Captain?: Rotating, team vote round Christmas.

General chat about the coming season: Hope they finally offer RDS to online fans in Japan this year!

[Natural Mystic]

Name: Kalu

Most exciting Habs season since their last cup.

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

Great thread.

There's an old saw to the effect that 'consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.' Part of the process (at least for me) of refining my opinion is posting my views and hearing responses; and also opinions shift over time, and with context. E.g., I might have said two months ago, 're-sign Tanguay.' But then Bob gets Gomez and makes Tanguay redundant. So you change your mind. That's not 'inconsistency.' Similarly, sometimes you can see two, or several sides, to an argument. E.g., had Gainey followed Wamsely's advice and waited out the 2010 season by re-signing the old core to short term deals in the hope of pouncing on teams shedding salary, I'd have supported that. But I also support what he did instead (while crossing my fingers that the cap won't collapse). That's not 'inconsistent' either; it's just not being dogmatic. More than one way to skin a cat, more than one way to build a team.

Having said all that:

-I've lived through many Habs Cups but have clear memories of only 2, the 86 and 93 runs. I was in the Forum in 1993 both for Game 2 (the McSorely stick, greatest game of my life) and Game 5 (the Cup). I have fairly clear memories of every team from the Pat Burns era onward.

-I predict a 6th-place showing, but of course prediction is crazy with a bunch this unknown. BTH makes good points about the 'slow start' being possibly a myth. I still think it's the most logical thing to expect given all the changes; I would anticipate a quick start, motivated by the excitement of a new team, etc.; followed by a drop off as chemistry issues and adjustment to new coaching, etc., start to kick in; media hysteria and fans howling for Gainey's head; followed by a gradual turnaround sometime December/January. A strong second half, with serious playoff upset potential, is my guess.

-Price will be fine. Not amazing, but probably will re-establish himself as an upper-echelon goalie. Martin is not a Lemaire-style defensive specialist and so Carey will not post *insane* numbers. But look for him to be a lot steadier, because the team will play with so much more structure.

-BTH is right that the real key to the season is...Martin. That, and not having Markov injured.

-Gainey will give Lats/Pacioretty or whoever, some chance to establish themselves as top-line wingers, just like he will give Pleks some rope. If these 'solutions' seem to be failing, Bob will not sit on his hands and will be shopping by Christmas.

-Andrei Kostitsyn is my candidate for a 'breakout' season. Lats is a more remote possibility. I don't see any other breakouts.

-No prediction on Pleks. He could recover fine, he could be out of the league within two years. More likely he will blow hot and cold and be gone as a UFA by 2011.

-Higgins will thrive in New York (30 goals, 60-ish points - barring injury) and Tanguay will excel in Tampa. These, especially the latter, will be trotted out by irate fans every time one of our new guys struggle or the team loses two games or more.

-Kovalev will kill us at least once.

-Komisarek and Grabovski will drive us nuts. But Komi will be burned to the outside by our speed more than once.

Edited September 5, 2009 by The Chicoutimi Cucumber

[Psycing]

Saku Koivu will score two goals against the Habs... with at least one coming off a goal-mouth scramble where his hard work/determination is rewarded.

That, or he misses the game due to injury.

[ch_nl]

Name:ch_nl

Habs Cups witnessed: 1. 1993.

Which Habs will improve?: Chipchura, Latendresse, Lappierre, Price, The Kostitsyn and Gill.

Which Habs will regress?: Cammalleri, Gionta, Gomez

How will Martin do?: Great. Martin is a experienced coach.

How do I think the team will place?: 3rd in the East. The North East looks a bit weak. Boston won't get anything for free this year and I expect Toronto to be as bad as they ware last year. If the Habs don't win the North East I predict them to fall to 8th or 7th.

General chat about the coming season:

Koivu won't make any noise in Anaheim.

Markov should get the C. He may not be the most talkative, but he leads by example. Maxim Lappierre should get an A.

Concerned by Kovalev. One of few players I would pay money to even see practice. He loved the city of Marie and they seemed to love him. Yet he's gone. To the Sens. A shame if you ask me. Kovalev will come back to haunt us. Im also a bit surprised that Tanguay is gone. Now the Bolts have the first line most Habs fans only could dream about.

Im not totaly overjoyed by the signing of Cammalleri, Gionta and Gomez. Like the Cammalleri signing the most. The other two seems to have got here on old merits.

Saw a re run from the Stanley Cup today. Game 4. Hall Gill is a big guy. I like his position play and how he uses his long stick. Maybe Komisarek is the top shot blocker in the NHL but on the other hand it's even better if the other team don't even get the chance to shot.

Other bold prediction: Victor Hedman will win the calder and Plekanec will be traded before the deadline.

[Prime Minister Koivu]

Cool thread BTH.

Habs Fan Bio:

Name: PMK

Habs Cups witnessed: 2 (86, 93)

Which Habs will improve? Price, Gorges, Latendresse, Gomez

Which Habs will regress?: S. Kostitsyn, Hamrlik, O'Byrne (if it is possible to regress even further!)

How will Martin do?: He has a lot to do so it will take some time but by the 20 game mark we will see an identity to this team which includes the forwards supporting our defense. All around responsible play with real speed on the counter attack.

Who will be the next Captain?: It will be voted on and I expect it to be resolved by January. Possibly Gorges.

General chat about the coming season:

We will be a tougher team to play against. Partly because of Martin's system but due in large to character and general "truckulence" from guys like Gill, Moen, Mara and Stuart.

Laraque will work himself out of a job or be on the injury list by November.

Chipchura will either take Metropolit's spot or he will be traded.

Markov will have his highest point season yet.

The effect of ex-habs coming back to kill us will end. A new core has broken that curse.

Komisarek will be booed worse than Chara or Briere. He will put himself out of position looking for the big hit leading to a goal.

Habs will finish 5th and make it to game 6 of the second round. Riots in Montreal.

[ForumGhost]

Habs Fan Bio:

Name: ForumGhost

Habs Cups witnessed: 0

Which Habs will improve?: Plekanec, Andrei Kostitsyn, Price, Hamrlik.

Which Habs will regress?: I have no reason to believe any habs will regress at this point.

How the free agents will do: Gill and Moen are the obvious choices for me. Gill will do his work quietly and will go largely under-appreciated but will protect the crease and give the opposition very little space to move in the defending zone. Moen will make an instant impression by banging bodies and going to the corners. Spacek will play well and put up enough points to justify his cheap price tag. Cammy will score about 30 goals. Gionta and Gomez will find chemistry and put up 25 goals and 70 points respectively, Mara, like Gill, will probably go under-appreciated but will help stabilize the defense.

How will Martin do?: Martin will implement a system the will protect Price while still giving the flashy forwards enough freedom to do their job. Of course he will bear the brunt of much criticism whenever the puck is turned over but that's to be expected of Habs fans.

How do I think the team will place?: 5th

Who will be the next Captain?: Gomez

General chat about the coming season:

The big story is not how each individual player will do but how the new team identity takes hold. Gone will be the free-wheeling pseudo-puck possession play and a new, more structured north/south system will be implemented. More important than putting up major points, it will be up to the likes of Gomez and Gionta to instill this system and mindset into the younger players by leading by example. This is a team that should be scoring by committee. Even if Cammy doesn't make it to the 30 goal mark, it should fall to guys like Lapierre and Latendresse to pick up the slack and chip in with important goals here and there. I don't expect Martin to give guys like Cammy or Gionta the total freedom and ice time to score a large amount of goals like they would if they were playing on a team like Atlanta, but it's definitely better that way. The system should, and hopefully will, come first.

Laraque will have an all around better season. Naturally, Habs fans will be pissing and moaning whenever he's not diving into the opposing team's bench and ripping their faces off with his teeth. Laraque will be doing his job as a deterrent and of course pummeling anyone who will challenge him. With that being said, it will be up to him, Moen and Gill to establish that they won't be bullied around in a division (and conference) that got a whole lot tougher.

The powerplay will be among the best in the league. This is where the choice of building a team that is skill>size will pay off. There are enough goal-scorers on the team that putting physical pressure on one particular player will bite the other team in the ass.

I expect a fierce struggle at training camp between the guys trying to make the team. Pacioretty will excel in Martin's system but probably not as a scorer. The real fight will be for Sergei as both Pacioretty and D'Agostini out-shone him last season. He will probably start the season in camp but if any injuries come up, he will make the best of it. Being mentored by someone like Gomez would go a long for him.

[Habsfan]

Habs Fan Bio:

Name: Habsfan

Habs Cups witnessed: That I remember: 2 Where I was alive: 6

Which Habs will improve?: Latendresse, Lapierre, Price, Andrei K, MaxPac, Gomez

Which Habs will regress?: Sergei K., Gill, Spacek

How will Martin do?: I think Martin should do well. He will bring some much needed dicipline and a good work ethic, especially for the youngsters.

How do I think the team will place?: Between 5th and 9th. officially: 6th EDIT: Now that I know Markov will be out for 4 months,I say the habs will finish 8th.

Who will be the next Captain?: Probably Gomez

General chat about the coming season:

I love the acquisition of Cammalleri. I think he is dynamite. I really Hope Gionta and Gomez can find their magic, like in their good old N-J days! At 13 million $, I hope we can get at least 50 goals out of them! Mara and gill will help to add sopme much needed size to this team, hopefully Gill won't be like a pylon out there!

Moen should be a nice improvement over Tommy K. Even though I like Tommy K, we have to agree that he didn't win too many fights!

This season will depend on Carey Price. If we see the Carey Price that we saw last year from Oct to January, the Habs should be fine, BUt if not...we could be in trouble. One thing is certain, Carey will not have to face as many shots as he did lat year, and that should help!

Edited October 14, 2009 by Habsfan

[saskhab]

Habs Fan Bio:

Name: saskhab

Habs Cups witnessed: That I remember: 1 Where I was alive: 2

Which Habs will improve?: Plekanec, A Kostitsyn, Hamrlik, Latendresse, Gorges, Chipchura, Gomez, Price

Which Habs will regress?: Spacek, Cammalleri*, D'Agostini, Metropolit, Lapierre

How will Martin do?: He'll face some challenge he never anticipated just because this is Montreal, and it happens. I have no idea what that will be, but even if he comes out of it with a huge winning streak, people will still put said incident in their memory banks and use it against him when things eventually turn for the worse.

How do I think the team will place?: Between 1st and 15th. I'll be conservative and say 7th.

Who will be the next Captain?: If they choose one immediately, it'll be Markov. If they wait, I'll say Gorges.

General chat about the coming season:

Carey Price will have an average season, but I put him in the "improve" category because at least he'll be more consistent. His downs won't be so drastically low and he'll still have some highs, but overall he won't be a top tier goalie this season. Martin's system is a bit overrated in terms of it's ability to play a suffocating defence that inflates goalies stats, but it is similarly underrated in terms of producing offence. I'm putting Cammalleri in the regression category more because I have a hard time penciling in any habs for 80 points and 35+ goals. I still think he'll be our best offensive player, though. I expect our special teams to improve, particularily the PP. I think our PK has been progressing nicely and guys like Gill will help in that regard.

I think Ben Maxwell will rip it up in the AHL this year and fool us all into thinking that he's better than Plekanec already. I think after every win Halak gets, half the fanbase will think he should be our #1 goalie.

No Habs will win any hardware at the end of the year.

[Dalhabs]

Id rather not say anything, its more fun being able to act on the feeling you have at that moment. When we have a bad period I will be angry and show it and when we are good I will be happy. Last time I did something like this was when I said I wouldnt cheer for sweden in the olympics 2006. Of course we won the gold and I couldnt brag about it even though it was a lie not cheering for them. Same thing now, im not saying something now that I will regret later on

[PMAC]

Name: PMac

Habs Cups witnessed: 7.

Which Habs will improve?: both Kostisyn’s, Latendresse, Price, Hamrlik,

Which Habs will regress?: Cammalleri—I hope that I am wrong; Max Pac because I’m not sure he s going to make the big club to start the season

How will Martin do?: Lead the Habs to a surprising—to some—4th place finish and then eliminate his reputation for post-season failure.

How do I think the team will place?: 4-5 There have been a lot of changes but Gomez and Gionata have chemistry and the new defense and Price’s new found consistency will cover a lot of holes in the early going while the team forges its identity

Who will be the next Captain?: I think this season there won’t be a Captain. I think it will rotate among the players. Next season, I think either Markov or Gorges

General chat about the coming season: I love this thread, because the extreme high and lows of some of our esteemed board members--and the intense negativity when we lose-- drives me nuts. However, I don’t think it will eliminate the bandwagon jumping. This season I promise not to get annoyed when people complain when we don’t win prettily enough or aren’t dominating. As long as we win, I’ll be happy. I am more excited by this season than I have been for a while.

[blaze53]

Habs Fan Bio:

Name: Blaze53

Habs Cups witnessed: 0

Which Habs will improve?: I hope they all will.

Which Habs will regress?: I hope none of them will regress or ill violate em.

How will Martin do?: Martin is pretty hot n sexy so im sure he'll do a heck of a job behind the bench this season, I look at him as Carbo ++.

How do I think the team will place?: The Habs will finish 3rd or 4th

Who will be the next Captain?: I hope it'll be Markov but I have a feeling it'll be one of the forwards hehe, I'm pretty precise eh?

General chat about the coming season:

GO HABS GOOOO!

[Habsfan]

Habs Fan Bio:

How will Martin do?: Martin is pretty hot n sexy so im sure he'll do a heck of a job behind the bench this season, I look at him as Carbo ++.

Really????

[Colin]

Jacques Martin is actually Hercule Poirot. He can solve any mystery.

[simonus]

Name:Simonus

Habs Cups witnessed: I vaguely remember '86. Also saw '93, obviously.

Which Habs will improve?: Latendresse, Plekanec, Gomez, Price, Gorges, A Kostitsyn, Pacioretty, maybe Mara

Which Habs will regress?: Spacek, Metro, Moen, Stewart

How will Martin do?: Get a solid system in place. Make sure the players know where they stand on any given day. He will get career year performances from some guys that need to get it together (see] Plekanec, Tomas) and put aging vets in the position to use what's left of their skill set (see Mara, Paul).

How do I think the team will place?: Obviously this is a rube's game, but I'll say 5th.

Who will be the next Captain?: No captain until December at least. Gorges, Gomez, Moen, and Cammalleri will be the team's public face to the media. If Martin gives out 3 A's, my guess is Gomez, Markov, and Gorges.

General chat about the coming season:

Like any other team, Montreal is screwed unless their no.1 goalie plays like a no.1 goalie. Since I always choose to be an optimist whenever possible, I'll say that Price gets himself somewhere around 5th in major tending categories. Martin has shown that he has no problem riding a good goaltender 60+ games... but given Price's age, past injuries, missteps, and the quality of his backup, I'd say that Halak is given a generous look over the first 2 months of the season. If Price is able to handle the load, don't be surprised to see Halak used in a package deal to address another weakness.

The defense will be good, but don't get too excited by our current lineup. BG brought in 3 older d-men (who are all natural LDs). Hamrlik also has a lot of miles on him. I think BG is well aware that it is quite likely that at least one of these guys suffers a significant injury by the end of the calendar year. Hopefully it is not Spacek. I guess Weber is the first call-up, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Carle get a look this year.

If Maxwell plays this year, it will mean we are ravaged by injuries or that Plekanec is in pigtails (which I optimistically doubt).

Nothing I've said is particularly earth shattering, so let me put myself to the fire:

Pleks will net 25+ goals.

Latendresse will find a place on the top 2 lines, break 20 goals.

Lapierre will play well, but will disappoint those who think he is going to take the next step.

Laraque will not lead the team in fights.

Mara will be a fan favourite.

Spacek will get boo'ed at the Bell Centre.

Gomez will keep the french media in stitches with his attempts at french... until Lapierre sees <10 minutes of ice time in a loss.

[JoeLassister]

ouch, my bold statement took a shot this morning with Sergei asking to be traded...

[BTH]

Here's my new prediction:

With Gainey's job on the line, I will not be surprised at all if he betrays us and trades away a lot of our picks and prospects for veterans.

[Wamsley01]

Great thread.

There's an old saw to the effect that 'consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.' Part of the process (at least for me) of refining my opinion is posting my views and hearing responses; and also opinions shift over time, and with context. E.g., I might have said two months ago, 're-sign Tanguay.' But then Bob gets Gomez and makes Tanguay redundant. So you change your mind. That's not 'inconsistency.' Similarly, sometimes you can see two, or several sides, to an argument. E.g., had Gainey followed Wamsely's advice and waited out the 2010 season by re-signing the old core to short term deals in the hope of pouncing on teams shedding salary, I'd have supported that. But I also support what he did instead (while crossing my fingers that the cap won't collapse). That's not 'inconsistent' either; it's just not being dogmatic. More than one way to skin a cat, more than one way to build a team.

Having said all that:

-I've lived through many Habs Cups but have clear memories of only 2, the 86 and 93 runs. I was in the Forum in 1993 both for Game 2 (the McSorely stick, greatest game of my life) and Game 5 (the Cup). I have fairly clear memories of every team from the Pat Burns era onward.

-I predict a 6th-place showing, but of course prediction is crazy with a bunch this unknown. BTH makes good points about the 'slow start' being possibly a myth. I still think it's the most logical thing to expect given all the changes; I would anticipate a quick start, motivated by the excitement of a new team, etc.; followed by a drop off as chemistry issues and adjustment to new coaching, etc., start to kick in; media hysteria and fans howling for Gainey's head; followed by a gradual turnaround sometime December/January. A strong second half, with serious playoff upset potential, is my guess.

-Price will be fine. Not amazing, but probably will re-establish himself as an upper-echelon goalie. Martin is not a Lemaire-style defensive specialist and so Carey will not post *insane* numbers. But look for him to be a lot steadier, because the team will play with so much more structure.

-BTH is right that the real key to the season is...Martin. That, and not having Markov injured.

-Gainey will give Lats/Pacioretty or whoever, some chance to establish themselves as top-line wingers, just like he will give Pleks some rope. If these 'solutions' seem to be failing, Bob will not sit on his hands and will be shopping by Christmas.

-Andrei Kostitsyn is my candidate for a 'breakout' season. Lats is a more remote possibility. I don't see any other breakouts.

-No prediction on Pleks. He could recover fine, he could be out of the league within two years. More likely he will blow hot and cold and be gone as a UFA by 2011.

-Higgins will thrive in New York (30 goals, 60-ish points - barring injury) and Tanguay will excel in Tampa. These, especially the latter, will be trotted out by irate fans every time one of our new guys struggle or the team loses two games or more.

-Kovalev will kill us at least once.

-Komisarek and Grabovski will drive us nuts. But Komi will be burned to the outside by our speed more than once.

We now have somebody to blame. This is one you CC!

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

We now have somebody to blame. This is one you CC!

:puke: :puke: :puke:

And BTH, I just don't see Bob being *that* desperate to keep his job. He strikes me more as the type who pursues his course and lets the chips fall where they may.

[BTH]

:puke: :puke: :puke:

And BTH, I just don't see Bob being *that* desperate to keep his job. He strikes me more as the type who pursues his course and lets the chips fall where they may.

He traded Higgins, McDonagh and Valentenko for the move from Koivu to Gomez. If we struggle, I see him pulling a Waddell.

[lazy26]

He traded Higgins, McDonagh and Valentenko for the move from Koivu to Gomez. If we struggle, I see him pulling a Waddell.

That just sounds dirty.

[The Chicoutimi Cucumber]

He traded Higgins, McDonagh and Valentenko for the move from Koivu to Gomez. If we struggle, I see him pulling a Waddell.

Hey, you may be right. But the Gomez deal was made to address a catastrophic organizational weakness that he had not been able to address through the draft, i.e., the need to replace a declining Koivu. I don't see that as short-term thinking. I'm sure Bob made the move because he thought it would solve our problem at C for years to come. (We can argue whether Gomez is good enough to do that, but I believe this was Gainey's motivation).

That's a bit different from dumping youth to 'win now' - or at least make the playoffs