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Post by blny on May 29, 2014 22:22:15 GMT -5
Realistically, I think we do have Pleks replaced. He wasn't leaps and bounds better in the face offs than the others. He took his fair share of penalties, and the other guys stepped up. Galchenyuk is ready to center. He's gonna make mistakes, but it's time.
Pacioretty-DD-Vanek Moulson/*-Galchenyuk-Gallagher Prust-Eller-** Moen-White-Weise Briere
If not Moulson, who'd help the PP and give a good shooter for Galch to set up, then someone acquired in trade for Plekanec. Wheeler from the Jets. That sort of player. A guy capable of 25-30. Dallas is on record looking to add another top 2 center.
** someone with Bourque size and a hard work ethic. Likely need to be found through pro scouting.
Gorges-Subban Markov-Emelin Tinordi/Beaulieu-Weaver
That can all realistically fit under the cap.
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Post by Tankdriver on May 29, 2014 22:42:55 GMT -5
I have to start with a big congrats to our Habs. The played hard, and never gave up. They were never really out of any game except maybe for the first game let down in this series and were one of the last 4 to make it this far and were thought for dead when Price went down. So hats off to them. I am sure we'll have a post mortem thread, so I'll save my thoughts for that later on.
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Post by habsorbed on May 29, 2014 23:40:48 GMT -5
Very proud of the Boys. Able to stand tall all summer. Thank you!
As much as it hurts now, i keep thinking it must really suck to be a Bruins, Pens, Sharks, Hawks (perhaps Kings) fan right now. As this is their time and they all came up short. Our time is coming. Great young nucleus who have gained a ton of experience and will only get better. The future is bright!
Was an amazing season! Chapeau!
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Post by zenseeker on May 30, 2014 0:31:27 GMT -5
Didn't post very much this year with a toddler running around the house but still managed to watch each and every game. I just want to say it was a hell of a run and the team competed until the very end. With a healthy Price and another year of experience for the young core we can look forward to more of the same in the years to come. Cheers to a great season!!
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Post by stoat on May 30, 2014 0:42:39 GMT -5
The Habs made a lot of money for the Molsons. They insulated the Lightning bolts so thoroughly that there wasn't enough energy left to turn on a flashlight and they goaded the Bruins fans into a form of entertainment they didn't enjoy: second guessing the coach, the team, and the players (particularly the goaltender and the spearnose).
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Post by habsorbed on May 30, 2014 0:49:44 GMT -5
i'd be remiss in not underlining how pathetic CBC has been with their Habs disrespect. Hard to believe that after the game not a word about the Habs great season. Ron and Don started talking about the Marlies! Can't tell you how happy i am to never have to watch another Habs or Leaf game on CBC. Good riddance! Couldn't have happened to a better bunch of homers!
Finally, wonder if Lucic was watching the handshakes tonight. Might have pick up some pointers on how to be classy.
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Post by Cranky on May 30, 2014 1:32:04 GMT -5
Other then highlites, I have not seen any game....but....butt given my handsomenessess..
We lost because of Price. The hidden advantage that Price gives us is his puckhandling. Take that away and we get pressured and exposed much easier. If PK, Markov and Gorges look beat, its because they can be physically worn down through constant battles instead of skating out. Plus given that i read that Tokes is a rebound machine, that is even more pressure on defence.
Credit Viggen for exploiting this.
Again, i have not seen any games, but from i know of our play and what i read, im pretty sure this was our major problem.
Thoughts?
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Post by PTH on May 30, 2014 2:05:47 GMT -5
We lost because of Price. The hidden advantage that Price gives us is his puckhandling. Take that away and we get pressured and exposed much easier. If PK, Markov and Gorges look beat, its because they can be physically worn down through constant battles instead of skating out. Plus given that i read that Tokes is a rebound machine, that is even more pressure on defence. I agree that losing Price's puckhandling might have been a key factor in making our D more vulnerable. I disagree about Tok's rebounds, they weren't all that bad, in general.
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Post by Cranky on May 30, 2014 6:02:00 GMT -5
We lost because of Price. The hidden advantage that Price gives us is his puckhandling. Take that away and we get pressured and exposed much easier. If PK, Markov and Gorges look beat, its because they can be physically worn down through constant battles instead of skating out. Plus given that i read that Tokes is a rebound machine, that is even more pressure on defence. I agree that losing Price's puckhandling might have been a key factor in making our D more vulnerable. I disagree about Tok's rebounds, they weren't all that bad, in general. As far as Toker, Im going by what that BC guy said....he's kind of a newbie at this..... my wife asked me if she should keep the rag series, no use re-living failure but it would be interesting to see how many times our defence was trapped on a shoot in.
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Post by blny on May 30, 2014 6:50:50 GMT -5
For all Price's prowess with the puck, I find he makes more bad plays than good. I don't think his play with the puck would have made much of a difference. Uninjured, we win at the very least game 2. That in itself makes it a different series. Not trying to take anything from Tokarski, cause he was fantastic.
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Post by BadCompany on May 30, 2014 7:11:33 GMT -5
The Rangers dominated. They played the perfect game against us. Shut down the neutral zone and stop our speed at the blue line. I don't think we played as bad as they were excellent. We all know the Cup goes west this year so it's on Bergevin now to build from this. Loss of Price, I bet an injured Vanek and Subban didn't help us. I agree. The Rangers played a perfect, smothering, defensive game. They were well coached, and they executed their game plan to perfection. I don't think it was from lack of effort on our part, nor do I think it was Therrien necessarily being outcoached. The Rangers were simply the better team last night. It happens. I thought Game 6 was going to be excruciatingly difficult to win, and it was. I agree that losing Price's puckhandling might have been a key factor in making our D more vulnerable. I disagree about Tok's rebounds, they weren't all that bad, in general. As far as Toker, Im going by what that BC guy said....he's kind of a newbie at this..... my wife asked me if she should keep the rag series, no use re-living failure but it would be interesting to see how many times our defence was trapped on a shoot in. I don't know if having Price in there would have made a difference or not. I tend to think it would have, as I believe he would have had that overtime winner, but I really can't blame this one on Tokarski. I won't even say he played well "for a rookie". He played well - great - period. This loss was not on him, in any shape or form. Having said that, I do think he gives up a lot of rebounds, and I found his post-to-post was a little slow. The Rangers almost score two wrap-arounds last night. Can he be coached up? Perhaps. Bergevin, in what was a head-scratcher move just a couple of weeks ago, signed him to a two-year contract with the second year being one-way, so he and his staff must have some faith they can work with him (justified now, and how!). An outstanding and unexpected playoff run. It's rare that the end of the season we can say this, but job well done boys!
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Post by duster on May 30, 2014 7:23:54 GMT -5
First thing I want to do is congratulate the Habs on a great season that far exceeded my expectations. I expected a terrible year with the team missing the playoffs. Instead, a 100 point season and a good playoff run. Wow!
How much of the success this year was due to Therrien? I don't think it was his tactical brilliance and coaching skills that made the team successful. To me, his strategy was basically a defensive shell and hoping that Price stops everything. Kind of how things were in the days of Jose Theodore. Using that strategy in the playoffs, you need a world class goaltender on top of his game. Tokarski was very good but not quite as good as Price and that was the difference against a more or less evenly matched team like the Rags, imo.
Hopefully, Bergevin doesn't convince himself he has a contender based on this year's performance. He definitely needs to start addressing the problems on defense and with scoring that have been masked by Price's exceptional play.
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Post by Skilly on May 30, 2014 7:39:48 GMT -5
Great season by the team ... but I still have this feeling of being let down. Ahhh, to be a fan, holding on to that eternal hope ...
We didn't lose this because of Price's injury. Price is good, and maybe (that's a huge maybe) he would have outplayed Tokarski, but I'm not sure how many goals Carey would have scored. When the Habs score 3 goals, we are a strong team; when we fail to score 3 goals, we tend to lose because we can't limit the mistakes in front of the goalie. In this series, we were 2-0 when scoring 3 goals or more and 0-4 when we failed to do so. That's why we lost. The putrid PP from the beginning of the series to the very end, with the exception of one glimmer in game 5, was our downfall. You aren't winning many games if your PP is clipping along at a 8.7% success rate.
Why did we do so good? Alot of character was one of the main reasons. Very seldom did this team lay two eggs in a row. Marc Bergevin was another reason. We finally had a GM that recognized that with some more scoring punch, the defense and the goalie could hold the fort. I sure hope he has the same attitude in free agency and off-season trading efforts.
So, now what do we do? We have Price, Budaj, Tokarshi and Fucale ... good position to be in, but a decision will have to be made on Tokarski and Fucale. Hopefully, a good return.
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Post by Gogie on May 30, 2014 8:23:04 GMT -5
Overall, a great year for Habs' fans. My only disappointment is that we couldn't get past the Rangers; I'm still convinced we are better than them, even without Price in net.
I think the future is very bright. Galchenyuk is going to be something very special. I think Beaulieu will be a solid D-man and an able PP replacement for Markov. He made a few mistakes in the playoffs but he played very well under a lot of pressure. Bournival will be a solid third-line player; even higher if he learns to put the puck in the net. Plug a few holes and we'll be Stanley Cup contenders for several years to come.
Now to last night. After the first 7 or 8 minutes I was resigned to the fact that it wasn't going to happen. Didn't have the legs to overcome the Rags' smothering defense. Was losing Weise the difference? In the end I don't think so. Kudos to all the guys for giving me so much enjoyment this spring. It's been a long time since I've been this passionate - I've always had hope but this year there was a little more than just hope in play. Really looking forward to next year.
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Post by habernac on May 30, 2014 8:32:17 GMT -5
So did we find out what was wrong with Emelin? Someone mentioned Subban was hurt, never heard that, either.
Proud of our guys. Subban was a beast. Played half of the last two games. Loved Gallagher and Desharnais' efforts. Price was amazing. Wish Galchenyuk was healthy for the whole run. Weaver earned my respect. Disappointed with Vanek, Pacioretty, Gionta, Briere. The third round loss also shows how important size is in the playoffs, the Canadiens were gassed yesterday after being run over for 3 rounds.
Lots of changes to be made. Hope this run makes them hungry for more next season.
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Post by Polarice on May 30, 2014 8:34:26 GMT -5
It was a great season, and we knocked out the big bad bruins in the playoffs....short of the cup what more could we ask for. I think we spent everything we had against the Bruins.....we had nothing left, next year we will be bigger, stronger....a cup contender!!
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on May 30, 2014 10:13:48 GMT -5
Feeling pretty good today ... haven't watched any sports TV ... I never said anything but it deflated me a bit when I learned that both Emelin and Weise were out of the lineup ... wonder if that was just one of the reasons why our club looked so looked kind of deflated last night ... you know, just one more friggin thing on top of everything else ... would liked to have evened up those injuries somehow ... looking over the Kings roster and they don't have a go-to goon ... they're all big and that, there, is a good deterrent ... very happy being a Habs fan today ... car flag is still up ...
Cheers.
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Post by seventeen on May 30, 2014 10:46:41 GMT -5
Lots of good comments above, guys. There's one area I'll add something to, and that is that I think Price's injury did play a sizeable role. Not so much on the defensive side as has been pointed out Tikker was pretty good, but on the offensive side. We were missing the effect a great goalie has on a team's offense. It's a subtle effect, but teams with great goalies take more chances than those without, and a team that has just lost a great goalie changes it's offensive attitude a lot. When I'm paired at midfield with a less than stellar fullback behind me, I play conservatively. I don't attack much and I do my best to cover for the inevitable errors that are going to occur, even when my teammate doesn't make those errors. When I've got a strong player behind me, I attack much more willingly and put additional pressure on the other team. That's what we may have missed with Price's absence. We had the 7 goal game, but the 4 games prior to that after Price was hurt, we had one goal, 3 goals (with the OT winner), 2 goals and zero goals. Average = 1.5 goals per game. I don't include the first game as that was a tosser, but even then we only had one goal until the game was essentially over, after Price was pulled. I don't know how much of an effect Price would have had offensively as the Rangers were disciplined and backchecked very hard. But.....
In any case, the Rags deserved the series more than we did. I can't stand the numerous times we couldn't clear the zone, and that's an area that has to be improved. Bergs has some grey cells, so I think we're going to be fine.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on May 30, 2014 15:41:44 GMT -5
As an aside ... Peter Budaj did what was asked of him ... just like PK did in the Olympics ... a big thanks to him for that ...
Cheers.
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Post by seventeen on May 30, 2014 15:49:09 GMT -5
Exactly, Dis. A very classy reaction by Budaj.
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Post by habernac on May 30, 2014 16:42:38 GMT -5
Total pro
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Post by jkr on May 30, 2014 17:41:59 GMT -5
I don't know if Subban was tired but between the regular season, the playoffs & the Olympics he played 100 games!! And a lot of those games with big minute ice time.
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Post by seventeen on May 30, 2014 18:45:23 GMT -5
The Olympics were a break for him.
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Post by stoat on May 30, 2014 19:24:10 GMT -5
I'm ok with the season they had, considering the make up of the team. To be honest, I'm happier that they lost in this round because losing in the final would really suck. Now for the criticisms. - Really crappy effort tonight. I will give them a pass because IMO, the effort happened not because of a lack of heart or desire, rather, this team looked gassed. Aren't the Habs supposed to be a fast team? - I for one did not get the wool pulled over my eyes. This team is still not built to survive the long playoff grind. The Borg MUST see that our midgets can only take the team so far. - Gionta must be let go, he looks unable to keep up any longer. - If Vanek isn't injured, then Buh-Byyyyyye. The team will probably miss his offence, but the Habs already have a couple of enigmatic and talented forwards. - In this Rangers series, I came to doubt my initial desire that signing Markov was a necessity. To me he looks done. When Markov starts to handle the puck, and skate like Douglas Murray, I think that he should be let go. I could go on, but I will make one last remark. I loved Gainey as a player of the Habs. He earned his place amongst the Gods in the Habs Pantheon. But as a GM of the team, I hate him a little more, (and whomever else was responsible) every time I see McDonnagh in a Rangers jersey. Losing in the SCF would definitely not suck. Aside from bringing in millions in additional revenue from at least two more home games it would make the Habs more attractive to UFAs. Being there would also lower the pH in the stomachs of rival fans (i.e., create more acid). The only downside would be drafting a bit lower than losing in the ECF.
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Post by stoat on May 30, 2014 19:33:14 GMT -5
Realistically, I think we do have Pleks replaced. He wasn't leaps and bounds better in the face offs than the others. He took his fair share of penalties, and the other guys stepped up. Galchenyuk is ready to center. He's gonna make mistakes, but it's time. Pacioretty-DD-Vanek Moulson/*-Galchenyuk-Gallagher Prust-Eller-** Moen-White-Weise Briere If not Moulson, who'd help the PP and give a good shooter for Galch to set up, then someone acquired in trade for Plekanec. Wheeler from the Jets. That sort of player. A guy capable of 25-30. Dallas is on record looking to add another top 2 center. ** someone with Bourque size and a hard work ethic. Likely need to be found through pro scouting. Gorges-Subban Markov-Emelin Tinordi/Beaulieu-Weaver That can all realistically fit under the cap. Sorry to disagree, but Bourque was unexpectedly valuable in the postseason. Eight playoff goals in seventeen games is good in my book, and his overall play wasn't bad. As for a Hab pro scout finding someone, why would he be successful? He wouldn't be the only one looking. Finally, there're the matter of salary, cap hit, and contract length. I'd prefer drafting and developing young players.
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Post by blny on May 30, 2014 19:38:13 GMT -5
Realistically, I think we do have Pleks replaced. He wasn't leaps and bounds better in the face offs than the others. He took his fair share of penalties, and the other guys stepped up. Galchenyuk is ready to center. He's gonna make mistakes, but it's time. Pacioretty-DD-Vanek Moulson/*-Galchenyuk-Gallagher Prust-Eller-** Moen-White-Weise Briere If not Moulson, who'd help the PP and give a good shooter for Galch to set up, then someone acquired in trade for Plekanec. Wheeler from the Jets. That sort of player. A guy capable of 25-30. Dallas is on record looking to add another top 2 center. ** someone with Bourque size and a hard work ethic. Likely need to be found through pro scouting. Gorges-Subban Markov-Emelin Tinordi/Beaulieu-Weaver That can all realistically fit under the cap. Sorry to disagree, but Bourque was unexpectedly valuable in the postseason. Eight playoff goals in seventeen games is good in my book, and his overall play wasn't bad. As for a Hab pro scout finding someone, why would he be successful? He wouldn't be the only one looking. Finally, there're the matter of salary, cap hit, and contract length. I'd prefer drafting and developing young players. I just don't trust Bourque to live up to the play he showed. Buy him out, trade him, and move on. A guy like Moulson or Wheeler is younger, but more spendy. Gio gone can free up some of that cash.
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Post by habsorbed on Jun 3, 2014 23:53:24 GMT -5
Anyone else have the sense that Kings may fall into same trap Habs did? Win hard fought 7 game series against rival and take it easy first game(s) at home for the next series. Fall behind and can't catch up. Was about to send a note to Quick to tell them to keep his head up (and knees protected form errant skates) even if he's in the blue crease but looks like his own players may have taken Quick out. If the Rags win this i'll be choked. This could have been #25!
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Post by CentreHice on Jun 4, 2014 9:09:05 GMT -5
i'd be remiss in not underlining how pathetic CBC has been with their Habs disrespect. Hard to believe that after the game not a word about the Habs great season. Ron and Don started talking about the Marlies! These pathetic Leaf suck-ups will also take the time tonight to praise the Marlies….after they were eliminated in Game 7 of the semi-finals. They had a 2-0 lead with under 3:00 to go in the second period. 2-2 to start the third….and a 6-2 Texas final. Marlies had a 4:00 PP in the third…empty. I really hope Ron and Don point out the similarities with the parent club's Game 7 collapse last year…and that they're right on track. We've set the bar! Be yours to keep it low!
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Post by habsorbed on Jun 4, 2014 10:18:26 GMT -5
As we suspected the leafs bar is lower than the gutter.
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Post by Skilly on Jun 5, 2014 18:24:58 GMT -5
i'd be remiss in not underlining how pathetic CBC has been with their Habs disrespect. Hard to believe that after the game not a word about the Habs great season. Ron and Don started talking about the Marlies! These pathetic Leaf suck-ups will also take the time tonight to praise the Marlies….after they were eliminated in Game 7 of the semi-finals. They had a 2-0 lead with under 3:00 to go in the second period. 2-2 to start the third….and a 6-2 Texas final. Marlies had a 4:00 PP in the third…empty. I really hope Ron and Don point out the similarities with the parent club's Game 7 collapse last year…and that they're right on track. We've set the bar! Be yours to keep it low!St. John's Ice Caps vs Texas Stars AHL Final .....yeah baby!!! Mile One was hopping on Tuesday night. We would have loved for the Marlies to win (the former St. John's Maple Leafs) , it would have been all about payback for leaving our fair city like they did. The irony of course is that Winnipeg is moving to Thunder Bay after next year for the same reasons (even though they have had an AHL record three year straight, 114 games sell out streak)
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