Observations from Tampa
Jan 23, 2003 17:36:16 GMT -5
Post by JacquesInFL on Jan 23, 2003 17:36:16 GMT -5
Not a satisfying ending in Tampa, but so nor was it a good performance for much of 60 minutes. Here are some things I noticed:
1. So this is no longer the Ice Palace?? Like it makes a difference – still is same half empty arena suffering equally of lack of charged atmosphere and futile ploys (rave music, moron tricks etc.) to create atmosphere. $300 for two…Bettmanomics…<br>
2. Tortorella opts early and rather often for Taylor’s line against Saku. Dumb, I think. And nothing that happens after changes my opinion of this strategy. Good for Habs. – I’m curious to see how Julien approaches last change Saturday (roll hot lines regardless or give special attention on Jagr). By the way, I see Tortorella fired if Lightning miss playoffs after excellent start, then they try break bank for Bowman.
3. Yanic. You know, it is almost immediately apparent (initial 3 or 4 shifts) when Perreault have one of these nights where he lacks jump.
4. Ribeiro. I remain convinced 4th line requires hitting and energy. But as a more general comment about Mike’s game, I saw him avoiding contact and that disappoints me – once he could have walked out in front of net (with physical consequences no doubt) and improve odds of making a play but instead he tries pass without first opening passing lane. If he attacks Kubina, the coverage shifts and probably an opportunity for McKay. How does Ribs think Killer got to be 13th on all-time scoring list?? He never avoided traffic and physical consequences of going where plays are made. Is Mike thinking about the bone breaking hit Ottawa’s Russian tank laid on him? If so, the safest place is hang out with Donald the Floating Dog in pressbox.
5. Period 2. The weaker army was retreating this period. Battles lost along boards, in front of Theo and in the slot. José made numerous quality saves and I find myself relaxed with the expectation Habs elite goalie play will continue for playoff drive.
6. Petrov. I still wonder when Savard will make final decision on Petrov? For me, Oleg work ethic and speed are worth $1.7M per for 3 years (this gives him security and Habs something less than piano tied to organisation’s back if he loses ground to better, younger players). One thing I still disagree on is Petrov taking regular shift on PP. I estimate those minutes would be better spent on Hossa and Bulis. Oleg has some nice attributes but precision passing and a heavy shot are not among those.
7. Claude Julien. His influence visible in many ways (short high tempo shifts, defining coverage for high slot, etc.). My favourite is watching five guys skating to offensive zone and skating back to d-zone in tight formation – that’s basic stuff, right? Well, it was generally missing for two years and quality transition game depends on it.
8. Koivu and Gilmour. The club’s two best passers were a pleasure to see. I still see this 1st line combination as temporary. Maybe Killer at centre can feed Hossa’s good, quick shot and then Habs have two dangerous playmaker-sniper combinations available.
1. So this is no longer the Ice Palace?? Like it makes a difference – still is same half empty arena suffering equally of lack of charged atmosphere and futile ploys (rave music, moron tricks etc.) to create atmosphere. $300 for two…Bettmanomics…<br>
2. Tortorella opts early and rather often for Taylor’s line against Saku. Dumb, I think. And nothing that happens after changes my opinion of this strategy. Good for Habs. – I’m curious to see how Julien approaches last change Saturday (roll hot lines regardless or give special attention on Jagr). By the way, I see Tortorella fired if Lightning miss playoffs after excellent start, then they try break bank for Bowman.
3. Yanic. You know, it is almost immediately apparent (initial 3 or 4 shifts) when Perreault have one of these nights where he lacks jump.
4. Ribeiro. I remain convinced 4th line requires hitting and energy. But as a more general comment about Mike’s game, I saw him avoiding contact and that disappoints me – once he could have walked out in front of net (with physical consequences no doubt) and improve odds of making a play but instead he tries pass without first opening passing lane. If he attacks Kubina, the coverage shifts and probably an opportunity for McKay. How does Ribs think Killer got to be 13th on all-time scoring list?? He never avoided traffic and physical consequences of going where plays are made. Is Mike thinking about the bone breaking hit Ottawa’s Russian tank laid on him? If so, the safest place is hang out with Donald the Floating Dog in pressbox.
5. Period 2. The weaker army was retreating this period. Battles lost along boards, in front of Theo and in the slot. José made numerous quality saves and I find myself relaxed with the expectation Habs elite goalie play will continue for playoff drive.
6. Petrov. I still wonder when Savard will make final decision on Petrov? For me, Oleg work ethic and speed are worth $1.7M per for 3 years (this gives him security and Habs something less than piano tied to organisation’s back if he loses ground to better, younger players). One thing I still disagree on is Petrov taking regular shift on PP. I estimate those minutes would be better spent on Hossa and Bulis. Oleg has some nice attributes but precision passing and a heavy shot are not among those.
7. Claude Julien. His influence visible in many ways (short high tempo shifts, defining coverage for high slot, etc.). My favourite is watching five guys skating to offensive zone and skating back to d-zone in tight formation – that’s basic stuff, right? Well, it was generally missing for two years and quality transition game depends on it.
8. Koivu and Gilmour. The club’s two best passers were a pleasure to see. I still see this 1st line combination as temporary. Maybe Killer at centre can feed Hossa’s good, quick shot and then Habs have two dangerous playmaker-sniper combinations available.