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Post by jkr on Apr 24, 2015 10:17:06 GMT -5
...strange article. I don't quite see what is supposed to be so shocking or incredibly hard to understand in the fact of using your top6 players in offensive zone faceoffs and using your bottom 6 in defensive zone faceoffs. I find it kind of strange too, though Berkshire clearly writes with an agenda. But who has been ripping De La Rose? He's maybe gotten some mild criticism because his play has slowed down, but I don't think ANYBODY was expecting him to contribute offensively. He never has, why would he all of a sudden do so in the playoffs?? It would be a nice bonus, but I don't think anybody is expecting it, or criticizing him for not contributing. De La Rose, to me, has appeared a little less poised than he did during the regular season. That's all. I wouldn't say he's playing bad, but that as a 19 year old playing in the NHL playoffs for the first time he's been a LITTLE overwhelmed at times. Not to the point of playing bad, but in my opinion he has not been playing AS WELL as he did during the regular season. The only reason I think anybody would suggest that he be taken out is because the team wants offense, Parenteau is an offensive guy, and De La Rose is NOT expected to contribute any goals in the way that guys like Smith-Pelly, Desharnais, Eller and so on are expected to. So if you want an increase in offense it only stands to reason that of ALL the guys who are not contributing offensively you would consider taking out the one guy who you never really expected or hoped to contribute offensively. The fact that he is only 19 surely factors in as well. At any rate, I don't think anybody is really ripping De La Rose (certainly not the coaching staff) so I'm not really sure what the point of that article is other than to continue Berkshire's quest to prove Therrien and Bergevin are incompetent fools that should never have gotten rid of Diaz and Sekac. I mean, in an article about De La Rose he goes far out of his way (again) to downplay Smith-Pelly's assist? Really? Why? Oh yeah, because it was a terrible trade and Berkshire has to prove it to us again. Did you happen to read the comments after the Smith-Pelly deal? One person got sidetracked & began talking about the Weise / Diaz deal. He claimed it was a loss because of Diaz's good possesion numbers. He didn't talk about the key goals Weise has scored. He didn't talk about the fact the Diaz has now played for 4 teams in two years. They love to quote stats but it seems some facts are conveniently omitted. If Berkshire wants to defend Sekac he should turn his attention to Ducks management & question why he isn't being used.
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Post by Willie Dog on Apr 24, 2015 10:19:03 GMT -5
...strange article. I don't quite see what is supposed to be so shocking or incredibly hard to understand in the fact of using your top6 players in offensive zone faceoffs and using your bottom 6 in defensive zone faceoffs. I find it kind of strange too, though Berkshire clearly writes with an agenda. But who has been ripping De La Rose? He's maybe gotten some mild criticism because his play has slowed down, but I don't think ANYBODY was expecting him to contribute offensively. He never has, why would he all of a sudden do so in the playoffs?? It would be a nice bonus, but I don't think anybody is expecting it, or criticizing him for not contributing. De La Rose, to me, has appeared a little less poised than he did during the regular season. That's all. I wouldn't say he's playing bad, but that as a 19 year old playing in the NHL playoffs for the first time he's been a LITTLE overwhelmed at times. Not to the point of playing bad, but in my opinion he has not been playing AS WELL as he did during the regular season. The only reason I think anybody would suggest that he be taken out is because the team wants offense, Parenteau is an offensive guy, and De La Rose is NOT expected to contribute any goals in the way that guys like Smith-Pelly, Desharnais, Eller and so on are expected to. So if you want an increase in offense it only stands to reason that of ALL the guys who are not contributing offensively you would consider taking out the one guy who you never really expected or hoped to contribute offensively. The fact that he is only 19 surely factors in as well. At any rate, I don't think anybody is really ripping De La Rose (certainly not the coaching staff) so I'm not really sure what the point of that article is other than to continue Berkshire's quest to prove Therrien and Bergevin are incompetent fools that should never have gotten rid of Diaz and Sekac. I mean, in an article about De La Rose he goes far out of his way (again) to downplay Smith-Pelly's assist? Really? Why? Oh yeah, because it was a terrible trade and Berkshire has to prove it to us again. I agree with both of you that the writer has been very critical of the coaching staff in almost every article of his I have read. I'm not a stats guy but from what I read (and maybe I'm not getting it), I found it interesting that, in this playoff series, DLR is is close to DSP statistically but DSP has had much better offensive opportunities. Also the writer is concerned with our lack of offense, as we all are... he blames Therrien, on HabsRus we blame Therrien and the players... and MB
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Post by HabSolute on Apr 24, 2015 10:36:21 GMT -5
I sidetrack a little bit, but I am curious...
is it just me or the broadcast is a constant love fest for the Sens, for Karlsson, for poor Stone that cannot shoot as usual or else this is a goal, what can the Sens do, how good is Anderson, what a great story, bla bla bla. It seem the only guy on the Habs that the media is willing to love and give credit to is Carey Price. They ALLLLL love Carey.
Anyone else feels the same ? or I am going paranoid !
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Post by jkr on Apr 24, 2015 10:48:39 GMT -5
I sidetrack a little bit, but I am curious... is it just me or the broadcast is a constant love fest for the Sens, for Karlsson, for poor Stone that cannot shoot as usual or else this is a goal, what can the Sens do, how good is Anderson, what a great story, bla bla bla. It seem the only guy on the Habs that the media is willing to love and give credit to is Carey Price. They ALLLLL love Carey. Anyone else feels the same ? or I am going paranoid ! You're not sidetracked , we are. Yeah, I find it that way but I don't know if it's because I'm a Habs fan.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 24, 2015 10:58:48 GMT -5
WOOT....Something to watch Friday night!! I know, I am actually pumped about a Friday night game...especially one of the elimination variety. Go Habs Go.
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Post by HabSolute on Apr 24, 2015 10:59:05 GMT -5
I sidetrack a little bit, but I am curious... is it just me or the broadcast is a constant love fest for the Sens, for Karlsson, for poor Stone that cannot shoot as usual or else this is a goal, what can the Sens do, how good is Anderson, what a great story, bla bla bla. It seem the only guy on the Habs that the media is willing to love and give credit to is Carey Price. They ALLLLL love Carey. Anyone else feels the same ? or I am going paranoid ! You're not sidetracked , we are. Yeah, I find it that way but I don't know if it's because I'm a Habs fan. Living in Mississauga, you have no idea how much I miss RDS ....... Rogers be damned
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 24, 2015 11:02:11 GMT -5
I sidetrack a little bit, but I am curious... is it just me or the broadcast is a constant love fest for the Sens, for Karlsson, for poor Stone that cannot shoot as usual or else this is a goal, what can the Sens do, how good is Anderson, what a great story, bla bla bla. It seem the only guy on the Habs that the media is willing to love and give credit to is Carey Price. They ALLLLL love Carey. Anyone else feels the same ? or I am going paranoid ! It is not just you. I guess I have just built enough tolerance for it that it is just background noise. I also think I am meeting friends to watch the game out tonight on a big screen, so likely won't hear the announcers over the regular din anyway.
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Post by habsorbed on Apr 24, 2015 11:06:15 GMT -5
I sidetrack a little bit, but I am curious... is it just me or the broadcast is a constant love fest for the Sens, for Karlsson, for poor Stone that cannot shoot as usual or else this is a goal, what can the Sens do, how good is Anderson, what a great story, bla bla bla. It seem the only guy on the Habs that the media is willing to love and give credit to is Carey Price. They ALLLLL love Carey. Anyone else feels the same ? or I am going paranoid ! That was my take the last game. I thought they were pretty fair, even in favour of Habs, the first 3 games. But the 4th game was all Sens all the time - and i wish they would drop the Stone micro fracture which has now been upgraded to extremely sore. Stone has given way more cheap shots than he's received this series. Too bad he was mildly injured and missed all told a couple of shifts. Get over it. We've lost beau and Parenteau.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 24, 2015 11:33:03 GMT -5
Every player plays through injuries in the playoffs. No need to make one a martyr when it has been done since the birth of this sport.
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Post by Tankdriver on Apr 24, 2015 11:45:55 GMT -5
I sidetrack a little bit, but I am curious... is it just me or the broadcast is a constant love fest for the Sens, for Karlsson, for poor Stone that cannot shoot as usual or else this is a goal, what can the Sens do, how good is Anderson, what a great story, bla bla bla. It seem the only guy on the Habs that the media is willing to love and give credit to is Carey Price. They ALLLLL love Carey. Anyone else feels the same ? or I am going paranoid ! I find the commentary pretty even this year. It wasn't as bas as previous years. But honestly though, Outside of Price, Subban, Gallagher, who has actually showed up every game so far and deserves praise?
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Post by Willie Dog on Apr 24, 2015 12:16:15 GMT -5
I sidetrack a little bit, but I am curious... is it just me or the broadcast is a constant love fest for the Sens, for Karlsson, for poor Stone that cannot shoot as usual or else this is a goal, what can the Sens do, how good is Anderson, what a great story, bla bla bla. It seem the only guy on the Habs that the media is willing to love and give credit to is Carey Price. They ALLLLL love Carey. Anyone else feels the same ? or I am going paranoid ! The media in Ottawa (TSN1200) has complained the broadcasts are pro habs. Of the games I've seen. I find them pro Hens, much like Habsolute does. They love Carey because they have no justification for criticizing him and they can't ignore him because of what he has accomplished, also it gives them an opportunity to say the Habs would be nothing without him, this way they can slam the Habs in a backhanded manner. Have I mentioned how much I hate the League, refs and national media lately?
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Post by seventeen on Apr 24, 2015 12:22:39 GMT -5
I am thinking we win 5-2 tonight... Power play clicks for 2.... Max finally gets out of his coma..... ?? What's with the itchy butts?
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Post by Willie Dog on Apr 24, 2015 12:31:25 GMT -5
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Post by Willie Dog on Apr 24, 2015 12:35:59 GMT -5
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Post by seventeen on Apr 24, 2015 12:45:22 GMT -5
...strange article. I don't quite see what is supposed to be so shocking or incredibly hard to understand in the fact of using your top6 players in offensive zone faceoffs and using your bottom 6 in defensive zone faceoffs. I find it kind of strange too, though Berkshire clearly writes with an agenda. But who has been ripping De La Rose? He's maybe gotten some mild criticism because his play has slowed down, but I don't think ANYBODY was expecting him to contribute offensively. He never has, why would he all of a sudden do so in the playoffs?? It would be a nice bonus, but I don't think anybody is expecting it, or criticizing him for not contributing. De La Rose, to me, has appeared a little less poised than he did during the regular season. That's all. I wouldn't say he's playing bad, but that as a 19 year old playing in the NHL playoffs for the first time he's been a LITTLE overwhelmed at times. Not to the point of playing bad, but in my opinion he has not been playing AS WELL as he did during the regular season. The only reason I think anybody would suggest that he be taken out is because the team wants offense, Parenteau is an offensive guy, and De La Rose is NOT expected to contribute any goals in the way that guys like Smith-Pelly, Desharnais, Eller and so on are expected to. So if you want an increase in offense it only stands to reason that of ALL the guys who are not contributing offensively you would consider taking out the one guy who you never really expected or hoped to contribute offensively. The fact that he is only 19 surely factors in as well. At any rate, I don't think anybody is really ripping De La Rose (certainly not the coaching staff) so I'm not really sure what the point of that article is other than to continue Berkshire's quest to prove Therrien and Bergevin are incompetent fools that should never have gotten rid of Diaz and Sekac. I mean, in an article about De La Rose he goes far out of his way (again) to downplay Smith-Pelly's assist? Really? Why? Oh yeah, because it was a terrible trade and Berkshire has to prove it to us again. A concern I've had since the playoffs started is that I don't think Spelly is a top 6 guy. I appreciate his hitting and that it plays a role on the team, but I think we abuse a number of scoring opportunities when he gets the puck. Let's use that assist on PK's goal as an example. A lot of people are looking at it and saying "great pass". I looked at it a few times and said, "Whew, sure glad it worked out." You can see PK slapping the ice with his stick, expecting (as most of us would think), a pass about 4 feet ahead of him that he can trap and slap. Instead, it's 15 feet ahead of him, comes off the boards and PK makes a great play out of it anyway. You can see PK's surprised, but adapts. I don't think that's a set play. No one sets up a guy by bouncing a pass off the boards when they can just get the puck to him on a clear path. I can also point out other situations (which I can't remember specifically, but know he's done them on a regular basis) where he just isn't able to make a good pass, or doesn't see the better play. I don't care about Sekac. If he never plays another NHL game, it won't affect us or the Ducks. I'm just gauging Spelly as a top 6 winger and to me he doesn't fit. Perhaps Bergevin and Co. see something that makes them think he can develop into a top 6 player. Otherwise, he'd have to be up there to supplement the other guys on his line. That doesn't mean he should be benched because I don't think we have an obvious replacement. DLR is green and not a great scorer himself. Thomas and Carr are absolutely green. PaP? Maybe, but Therrien doesn't seem to want to go that route. I think we need another top line RW, like Eberle for example, so Gallagher can drop down to #2 where he's a better fit. No Eberle's are at hand, so what's the solution? I don't have one, but I know that Spelly is definitely not it. In a couple of years, Scherbak may be the answer, but he's way too green now, much like Kermit.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 24, 2015 12:46:30 GMT -5
There was a quote on Twitter by Therrien that they talk to the players about the PP, every day.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 24, 2015 12:47:21 GMT -5
You mean a macro-fracture?
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Post by Willie Dog on Apr 24, 2015 12:53:35 GMT -5
There was a quote on Twitter by Therrien that they talk to the players about the PP, every day. That does not appear to be working... maybe it's time they try something else.
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Post by habsorbed on Apr 24, 2015 13:36:07 GMT -5
There was a quote on Twitter by Therrien that they talk to the players about the PP, every day. That does not appear to be working... maybe it's time they try something else. Perhaps the problem is who is talking to the players and what they're telling them. I had a moronic teacher in grade 7; never learned a thing from then guy and he talked at us every day
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Post by seventeen on Apr 24, 2015 13:49:10 GMT -5
A clip from Habs website yesterday on the power play. Reader alert - Much like anything you read from Andrew Berkshire is probably going to have some slant against Therrien, being this is from the official Habs site, there won't be anything remotely critical. All's well. Don't worry.
Playoff Notebook - April 23
BROSSARD – In Thursday’s playoff notebook, the Canadiens talk power play efficiency, home ice advantage and physical hockey.
Lacking that finishing touch: To say that the Canadiens’ power play has been struggling as of late would be an understatement. The man advantage hasn’t clicked, managing to light the lamp just once in 16 tries through the first four games of the series. That’s a 6.2 percent success rate, which has the Canadiens ranked 15th in the League out of 16 teams in that department. The last time the Habs’ power play units found the back of the net was in Game 2 when Max Pacioretty scored his first goal of the postseason in his triumphant return to the lineup. That inconsistency, however, simply isn’t good enough in a highly competitive series like this one.
“You take it game by game, but obviously we need to be better than we were last game. I think in a game where goals are tough to come by, a power play can be huge. We weren’t good enough on Wednesday night. We know that. We’ll look at the video, and we’re going to be better for next game,” offered Brendan Gallagher, referencing the Canadiens’ inability to capitalize on three more power play opportunities in Game 4, which ultimately proved costly in a 1-0 loss in Ottawa. “Right now, we just have to match their desperation level. For us, the power play is a part of it. I think we just have to bear down and execute, like we do in all facets of the game. All the games in this series have been very close. They’ve been one-goal games. It’s been a mistake here and there that’s been the difference. If we can play sharp hockey, execute our game plan and play a full 60 minutes, we feel like we give ourselves a good chance.”
Clearly, something needs to change in order for the Canadiens to get the results they’re looking for while up a man. Devante Smith-Pelly insists the answer isn’t necessarily making any drastic alterations, but small adjustments here and there.
“I think we just need to simplify it. To start, maybe get some more shots and get them running around a little bit and work our plays,” explained Smith-Pelly, who described the Senators’ penalty kill as “super aggressive”, affording the Canadiens precious little time to set up and establish some momentum. “Aside from last game, we were getting a lot of pretty good chances. They weren’t going in, though. As long as we get back to that, eventually we’re going to pot one.”
Knowing full well just how important the power play will likely prove to be going forward, Therrien has made it a key topic of discussion amongst his leadership group, which is also receiving some key veteran insight from a certain No. 55.
“We’ve discussed it a lot. Communication is really important. We’ve had a lot of meetings. Even if a guy like Sergei Gonchar doesn’t play, he’s a part of those meetings. He made a living on the power play. He’s sharing his thoughts,” mentioned Therrien. “Regarding communication, it’s important just to make sure that we're all on the same page.”
I agree with Smith Pelly in that the PP last game was really bad and not as much so in the previous games. It generated some chances in the first 3 games (just only one goal, though). I also very much agree that if Ottawa is being super aggressive, it's more important than ever to really move the puck quickly. Make them move 10-15 feet each time, stop, go, stop, go. Within 15 seconds, they're going to be a tired group from the racing around, and that's where you can really make hay. Keep moving the puck and they'll be a second slower getting to a blocking lane, or a tiny bit slower covering an open man. Don't hold onto the puck and give them a breather. Moving the puck, though, is not that natural to the players, as witnessed by the two on one's when we get them and the PP, where one guy can hold onto it for a few seconds, trying to get the defense to lose its shape. Wrong approach. Pass the puck, it moves faster and further than an individual player.
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Post by Skilly on Apr 24, 2015 13:50:10 GMT -5
Our PP reminds me of an old sports movie ... I can't remember the name of it, I think it was a basketball movie with kids (I want to say Hoosiers, but I dont think that was it). Anyway, the coach told the entire team to get the ball to Jimmy. In every huddle, he'd say get the ball to Jimmy. He'd ask every player, when you got the ball what do you do with it? They'd frown and say, get the ball to Jimmy. One day, going over drills, one kid shot, the coach stopped the practice, chewed the kid out, asked him what do you do with the ball, and the kid said, "get the ball to Jimmy". He was benched until the coach sees the light, eases up on the kids, and in all feel good stories, Jimmy doesn't take the winning shot ... Therrien just hasn't had that divine moment.
Sure they talk about the PP ... Get the puck to PK ... but this PP needs more than talk, they need to see how easy "get the puck to PK" is to defend, especially when PK takes all day to make a decision to shoot.
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Post by Skilly on Apr 24, 2015 13:57:02 GMT -5
I agree with Smith Pelly in that the PP last game was really bad and not as much so in the previous games. It generated some chances in the first 3 games (just only one goal, though). I also very much agree that if Ottawa is being super aggressive, it's more important than ever to really move the puck quickly. Make them move 10-15 feet each time, stop, go, stop, go. Within 15 seconds, they're going to be a tired group from the racing around, and that's where you can really make hay. Keep moving the puck and they'll be a second slower getting to a blocking lane, or a tiny bit slower covering an open man. Don't hold onto the puck and give them a breather. Moving the puck, though, is not that natural to the players, as witnessed by the two on one's when we get them and the PP, where one guy can hold onto it for a few seconds, trying to get the defense to lose its shape. Wrong approach. Pass the puck, it moves faster and further than an individual player. This in spades. The biggest issue I have is not that PK shoots way too much, is that when he shoots it is off a leg or around the boards and out. He fires that way too quickly too, first chance he gets, and everyone sees he his stick in the air waiting, so they cheat to him. Have PK and Markov, closer together along the blueline, passing it down low and back and forth, tire them out ... get it to the net every 20 seconds or so, and have our fresh legs crashing for the rebound, loose pucks against their tired legs. What we do now, only tires US out, cause we have to retrieve it ...
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 24, 2015 15:27:51 GMT -5
So, MT talks to the players about the PP every day. It was terrible during the regular season and it has been even worse in the playoffs.
Maybe time to stop talking, MT.
Come on Berg, get a real assistant coach that can run a good PP...oh yeah, and get rid of Lefebvre before you set up shop in St. John's next fall.
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Post by HFTO on Apr 24, 2015 15:31:02 GMT -5
CH I agree the Mount Tremblant trip made them sluggish I feared it would....your right Gogie there should not be so much doom and gloom after one loss nbut being leader of that club it's not a stretch to be worried. I believe Ottawa can't play much better and we have seen the Canadiens can but we have also seen them play those complacent games like Wednesday.
I expect a big game but if they continue to struggle too score and the PP keeps putting up zeros Ottawa may only need one or two max to make this a series.
Hope the boys finish it so I have a week to worry about the next opponent.
Go. Habs
HFTO
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Post by CentreHice on Apr 24, 2015 17:04:33 GMT -5
The Sens played cautiously in Game 4, trying to lull us into a mid-January mindset…
It worked.
Will we bite again tonight?
Or release the hounds…at least in the first period…..??
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Post by Disp on Apr 24, 2015 17:23:32 GMT -5
I'd like to notice Galch out there tonight. He's been kind of invisible for the most part. I think he borrowed Pleks' dress.
Max has been noticeable for the wrong reasons, hopefully we see the real one.
Lose this one and it gets dicey.
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Post by del on Apr 24, 2015 17:24:40 GMT -5
I don't get it... the PP sucks and MT holds an optional practice Thursday. They didn't work on the PP at all. Willie....! There is absolutely no reason to continuously practice the PP. They have it down pat already, I tell ya. It's pass the puck peripherally around the boards ad nauseam for the entire 2 minutes with the occasional point slapper (with no one in front of the net of course) or the back door (sorry, no Kovalev - he's long gone, coaches haven't noticed yet but they will more likely later than sooner). High slot shot? no way, doesn't exist cuz MT thinks we are doing just fine the way it is designed, thank you very much. And he's right - nobody does our PP better than us....it's the PP template to which all aspiring young coaches should embrace, I mean, we did finish first in our division with it .... non?
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Post by HFTO on Apr 24, 2015 17:45:21 GMT -5
Disp ... I am a huge Galchenyuk fan but he is invisible more often than not ....at some point he has to say to himself he is the man and be more aggressive and certainly more selfish....He is only 21 but he has to be told over and over to take the puck and run....is it fear of MT's wrath or is he just a passive player or still being too respectfull? I think it's a combination and maybe when he gets older and certainly stronger it will come but I hope the team and coaching staff is encouraging him to go out and just play.... This team needs him to be at another level.
HFTO
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Post by Bones on Apr 24, 2015 18:05:58 GMT -5
Drop the damn puck and the Sens, let's go!!
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Post by Gogie on Apr 24, 2015 18:10:16 GMT -5
You heard it here first. The puck stops here, the series is over tonight, the Habs win going away. Not even close.
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