Prime Minister Koivu Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 21 minutes ago, Butterface said: I don’t mind that line up, but I think Dvorak stays in. (A trade would change it) I was not able to watch many games last few years… I was impressed by Heineman this preseason. Barron I wasn’t enamoured with in pre season, but he is a RHDman. Hope we draft a RHDman in 2025 draft with a first round pick. It’s hard to watch M Michkov playing this well and B. Tkachuk for that matter. I am really bummed out with the injuries. Hard for me to even get excited to post about the upcoming season. If there was talk about a Dmen playing wing, Xhekaj would be fun to watch for sure. Might be cool to see that and bring up Mailloux if we were down more forwards or playing a game we thought might include a donnybrook or two. We will need to get the special teams working quickly or a lot of teams will be willing to trade penalties with us or get us off our game by taking liberties on our players. If Anderson isn’t scoring, maybe he could take the heat off Xhekaj and lay down some law too. If we are thinking about trying a Dman on the wing then how about Barron? Barron is pretty slick with the puck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habs Fan in Edmonton Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 7 minutes ago, Prime Minister Koivu said: If we are thinking about trying a Dman on the wing then how about Barron? Barron is pretty slick with the puck Not a bad idea, he is good with the puck and a good skater. His weakness is defending so you might be on to something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habs Fan in Edmonton Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 I also have little doubt that Arber will be in the starting lineup against Toronto. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chicoutimi Cucumber Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 I know the Habs have a backlog, but FWIW I never liked the idea of moving a D to W, except maybe in the case of marginal guys of the Yves Racine variety, where they become the 12th or 13th FW. Leave guys to develop in their natural positions if at all possible. I’d rather we send a guy down, even if he’s NHL ready. No young player ever died of too much AHL time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habs Fan in Edmonton Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 27 minutes ago, The Chicoutimi Cucumber said: I know the Habs have a backlog, but FWIW I never liked the idea of moving a D to W, except maybe in the case of marginal guys of the Yves Racine variety, where they become the 12th or 13th FW. Leave guys to develop in their natural positions if at all possible. I’d rather we send a guy down, even if he’s NHL ready. No young player ever died of too much AHL time. I can't disagree with anything you said. I just think it might be fun to watch an opposing defensemen trying to handle Arber in front of the net. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterface Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 2 hours ago, The Chicoutimi Cucumber said: I know the Habs have a backlog, but FWIW I never liked the idea of moving a D to W, except maybe in the case of marginal guys of the Yves Racine variety, where they become the 12th or 13th FW. Leave guys to develop in their natural positions if at all possible. I’d rather we send a guy down, even if he’s NHL ready. No young player ever died of too much AHL time. 1 hour ago, Habs Fan in Edmonton said: I can't disagree with anything you said. I just think it might be fun to watch an opposing defensemen trying to handle Arber in front of the net Come on guys, Xhekaj has got to be better than John Scott up front. 🤣🤣 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCHabnut Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 12 hours ago, Commandant said: Caufield - Suzuki - Slafkovsky Roy - Dach - Newhook Armia - Dvorak - Anderson Kapanen - Evans - Gallagher scratch - Pezzetta, Barre-Boulet Matheson - Guhle Hutson - Savard Struble - Barron scratch xhekaj Montembault Primeau would be my roster to open the season.... Yep. Struble has earned the 6 spot at this point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IN THE HEARTS OF MEN Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 58 minutes ago, BCHabnut said: Yep. Struble has earned the 6 spot at this point. If we factor preseason ONLY, Struble is the 5 and not 6th, and is 4th on left handed depth behind Lane, Math and Guhle in a LD pecking order and ahead of Xhekaj and Engstrom. Struble definitely has stepped up to the plate in his last few preseason games, more specifically his last one. This has left Mailloux, Engstrom, Barron and Xhekaj behind him in preseason performances. However, I do believe the coaches make decisions on overall performance leading back to last year and practice as well including intra squad, not just a couple preseason games. I recall last season Struble putting together 10 solid games on the bottom pair. He was given an increased role on the top pair and flopped in that game and was never used again higher up in the line up. Arguably his worst game of the season. Does that get factored in? On that same note, Mailloux played 24 minutes in a DET must win game with everything on the line and looked like a seasoned vet. Does MSL factor in that game or a meaningless preseason game more so? Much like Roy, who some have penciled in on the 2nd line even though he has been quiet in preseason , while all of Kappy, Barre B and Heinemen have been better in preseason. We factor in the entire equation and thats why Roy might be the best answer. I for one did believe 3 games ago Mailloux would force his way in, helping to balance out a very left heavy D but, given his lack of performance in his last 2 preseason games, coupled with Reinbacher going down for the season in Laval... his spot might now be with Engstrom in Laval to start on the top pair playing +22 minutes a night in all situations. I do believe Barron is making this team ONLY due to waiver eligibility and Mailloux not having his best 2 games last time out to force the situation. However, if factoring in his progression including LY, you would be hard pressed to have him behind Barron, considering he was used ahead of him for almost 40 games when playing together. I also think Xhekaj gets the nod vs Leafs, but neither he or Struble was used on the R side in all of preseason. Even with Guhle out. So... its anyones guess who gets the left side on the 3rd pair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commandant Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 As ryan poehling showed there is a difference between Mailloux playing one strong NHL game and struble having one bad game and 40 good ones last year, or Roy having 20 good ones. Yes last season factors in but not to the minutae of single games. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DON Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 'Ghules'.... another beaut. Canadiens' Guhle ready to play, take pivotal next step in NHL career (sportsnet.ca) "So, I think that the finished product with Ghules, I don’t exactly know what it’s going to be in terms of is he going to be a shutdown D, is he going to be an offensive guy, too?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habs Fan in Edmonton Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 42 minutes ago, DON said: 'Ghules'.... another beaut. Canadiens' Guhle ready to play, take pivotal next step in NHL career (sportsnet.ca) "So, I think that the finished product with Ghules, I don’t exactly know what it’s going to be in terms of is he going to be a shutdown D, is he going to be an offensive guy, too?" Guhle is not a high end offensive talent from the back end, Hutson and Mailloux certainly have higher offensive ceilings but he is a very good skater and can move the puck. I think he tops out at 30-35 points which is not bad. I see him as a good all around defensemen but he still has to get stronger to handle the rigors of an 82 game schedule against stronger players. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habs Fan in Edmonton Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 There are a lot of factors that go into who starts and who plays where when the season starts (ie. performance last year, performance at training camp, contract/waiver status etc.) It's entirely possible Roy starts on the 2nd line, not because he lit it up last year or at training camp but because there are no obvious other 2nd line players and Roy did pay his dues in the AHL and does have the offensive smarts to play with talented players. I would not be surprised if Marty gives him a chance on the 2nd line. I know there are some Arber detractors here (with some valid reason) but I think Marty starts him in the top 6. Marty talks about building a home and part of that is players sticking up for each other and I think he really appreciates Arber being the 1st one to stick up for his teammates so I don't think he will penalize him for some undisciplined play in the pre season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prime Minister Koivu Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 32 minutes ago, Habs Fan in Edmonton said: Guhle is not a high end offensive talent from the back end, Hutson and Mailloux certainly have higher offensive ceilings but he is a very good skater and can move the puck. I think he tops out at 30-35 points which is not bad. I see him as a good all around defensemen but he still has to get stronger to handle the rigors of an 82 game schedule against stronger players. I was actually very disappointed that Guhle didn’t put on muscle this offseason - he weighs the same 😞 It is possible that Guhle dropped 5lbs of fat and added 5lbs of muscle but it’s doubtful considering how fit he was to begin with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commandant Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 24 minutes ago, Habs Fan in Edmonton said: There are a lot of factors that go into who starts and who plays where when the season starts (ie. performance last year, performance at training camp, contract/waiver status etc.) It's entirely possible Roy starts on the 2nd line, not because he lit it up last year or at training camp but because there are no obvious other 2nd line players and Roy did pay his dues in the AHL and does have the offensive smarts to play with talented players. I would not be surprised if Marty gives him a chance on the 2nd line. I know there are some Arber detractors here (with some valid reason) but I think Marty starts him in the top 6. Marty talks about building a home and part of that is players sticking up for each other and I think he really appreciates Arber being the 1st one to stick up for his teammates so I don't think he will penalize him for some undisciplined play in the pre season. I really think its one of either Roy or Armia, with an outside shot of Josh Anderson. I don't think Kapanen or Heineman have shown enough to start the season in the top 6. Also my putting Struble over Arber is not a detraction of Arber, its simply that Struble has been better on the ice in preseason. Struble is the clear #5 to me based on his play this preaseason and last year. He's been really good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habs Fan in Edmonton Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 4 minutes ago, Commandant said: Also my putting Struble over Arber is not a detraction of Arber, its simply that Struble has been better on the ice in preseason. Struble is the clear #5 to me based on his play this preaseason and last year. He's been really good. Struble has been very good, quietly efficient, focused, disciplined, plays the body when he can but doesn't run around looking for the big hit. He has definitely made his case for being in the starting lineup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habs Fan in Edmonton Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 11 minutes ago, Prime Minister Koivu said: I was actually very disappointed that Guhle didn’t put on muscle this offseason - he weighs the same 😞 I agree, some guys just aren't crazy about spending time in the weight room and he might be one of those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IN THE HEARTS OF MEN Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 2 hours ago, Commandant said: As ryan poehling showed there is a difference between Mailloux playing one strong NHL game and struble having one bad game and 40 good ones last year, or Roy having 20 good ones. Yes last season factors in but not to the minutae of single games. Lol, so you agree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DON Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 42 minutes ago, Habs Fan in Edmonton said: I agree, some guys just aren't crazy about spending time in the weight room and he might be one of those. Guhle specifically talked about his weight; got heavier, but felt worse so dropped weight or something like that, so staying at lighter weight is on purpose, is what i got from it. Struble, if he can defend better than Xhekaj, he has OK puck and skating skills also and should slot in, but likely will rotate with Xhekaj anyways and always will be injuries. Armia does seem a good 2nd line option, if he can pick up where he left off last season, might be good fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IN THE HEARTS OF MEN Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 No line up yet for tonight? Was there no morning skate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GHT120 Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 15 minutes ago, IN THE HEARTS OF MEN said: No line up yet for tonight? Was there no morning skate? From Habs website: LINEUP NEWS (Update: 11:45 a.m. ET) Saturday’s full lineup has yet to be announced, but head coach Martin St-Louis confirmed during his pregame media availability in Mont-Tremblant that forwards Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield and Kirby Dach will sit out against the Senators. The Canadiens bench boss also confirmed that defensemen Kaiden Guhle and Arber Xhekaj will be in uniform in Ottawa, with a few players being recalled from the Laval Rocket later in the day. Samuel Montembeault is set to start in goal. Follow the Canadiens on Instagram, X and Facebook to see the full roster for tonight’s game later today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IN THE HEARTS OF MEN Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 Sens starting their A team minus giroux Habs top 4 + Struble resting minus Guhle who has seen zero action. No top 4 forwards either. Not impressed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DON Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 8 minutes ago, IN THE HEARTS OF MEN said: Sens starting their A team minus giroux Habs top 4 + Struble resting minus Guhle who has seen zero action. No top 4 forwards either. Not impressed Unless have tickets to the game, what is the matter with lineup? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commandant Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 who cares, let them win by 10 as long as no one gets hurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prime Minister Koivu Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 56 minutes ago, DON said: Guhle specifically talked about his weight; got heavier, but felt worse so dropped weight or something like that, so staying at lighter weight is on purpose, is what i got from it. I didn’t know his weight was a conscious choice. Surely to aid in his mobility. I think he needs to figure out a way to stop getting thumped so badly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DON Posted October 5, 2024 Share Posted October 5, 2024 4 minutes ago, Prime Minister Koivu said: I didn’t know his weight was a conscious choice. Surely to aid in his mobility. https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/canadiens-guhle-ready-to-play-take-pivotal-next-step-in-nhl-career/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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