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Post by clear observer on Dec 10, 2002 11:15:15 GMT -5
Pierre Brodeur taking a hard look at our D as well as goatender issues...fine work as usual Pierre...thank you! Really...what the heck? Are our defensemen Saints or something? They never get blamed! Everywhere in the media: Goalie controversy - Theo this and Hackett that.
... MORE
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 10, 2002 11:34:10 GMT -5
Nice. well said. ''Patrick Traverse: What can you say; on some nights he's decent while on others he's plain horrible. This is no surprise; Traverse is like a relief pitcher. He can look good short term to fill for an injury but when you draw your regular lineup around this guy you're in trouble. In any case, unless you're in a garage league, you should never, never, never see this guy as your #2 dmen with over 20 minutes of ice time; that is just plain insanity no matter how you spin it. '' I have nightmares of Anthony Telford when I see Patrick Traverse
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Post by montreal on Dec 10, 2002 12:15:57 GMT -5
Very good article. I agree, and also think that Green should go. I think you sumed it up well, sayin both Brisebois and Markov are playing well, I think Rivet and Traverse are both up and down performers. Some nights they are good, other nights they are bad. I still dont understand how Traverse is the +/- leader on defense. Quintal has been better of late, but still bad overall, and should consider retirement in the near future. Dykhuis has been horrid, IMO. His bank it off the glass and down the boards is frustrating for sure, but his lack of physical play, and any offence ability, makes he truly worthless. I dream everyday that he is traded and Hainsey called up to take over, but I guess Savard either wants Karl around, or can't find any sucker GM's.
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 10, 2002 12:21:40 GMT -5
How much dos Dykhuis make again? is it 2 million per season?
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Post by PTH on Dec 10, 2002 12:52:53 GMT -5
Arrg, lost a message, got logged out.
Essentially, I agree with Doc, but wonder if Green has the personnel to get the job done. These are all Houle-acquired spare parts after all....
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Dec 10, 2002 13:13:37 GMT -5
Well, Pierre, it was a long time coming, but it was worth just the same. It's nice to read something to the point for sure.
It's amazing isn't it? I mean, one or two years ago, Brisebois couldn't get out of Dodge fast enough (a la Mario Tremblay, et al). But, there's been a complete 180-degree about-turn on the preception most people have of him. And I'll jump on that bandwagon too thank you very much! He has been our best defenseman this year. He still makes mistakes but as the rest of your piece subtly points out, look who he has to play with. And, I never thought of it before, but you're right ... he never shys away from the media.
Craig Rivet was one tough cookie when he first entered the league. He was only one of several defensemen who would drop the gloves if needed be. Stéphane Quintal, Igor Ulanov, and Jason Cullimore made for a very tough defensive corps. However, Rivet hasn't show the pugilistic side of his game in quite a while. I know he went for a second opinion on his injured arm, but the injury hasn't been mentioned in quite a while. I wonder if he's still hurting from it actually. But, slamming his teammates isn't on. I didn't like the fact he did it earlier this year and was actually expecting some sort of rebuttal. It's hard to say, but I think the rebuttal may have been behind the scenes if it took place at all.
Markov is looking like the defensive prospect the Habs expected when they drafted him. As Bad Company pointed out, Le club can thank Rivet for much of his development. I guess he and Rivet the only pair not to have been broken up. They're our most stable duo at this point. Anyway, he's a gem and he's only going to get better.
As for the rest, well, what can we say. I'd have to hang onto Souray. There's just too many positives with him. But, Traverse, Dykhuis and Quintal are, as we say, the rest.
I guess there's little to figure out why our goaltenders have been our best players over the past few years.
Oh well.
Thanks for the article. Cheers.
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Post by JacquesInFL on Dec 10, 2002 16:18:22 GMT -5
Well said, Doc. I strongly agree with your personnel evaluations. And I also strongly agree with your assessment of Rick Green.
People are correct to say Habs stuck with too many #5, 6, 7 d-men and too little physical presence. But my sympathy for Therrien and Green only go so far. I watch d-corps on Penguins (ravaged by injuries and no robust play) or Islanders with few quality guys and there is generally a semblance of transition game going on -- passing and providing support. For the Canadiens, no. Savard has to notice too.
For me, I do not buy argument that there is not point ridding the organisation of MT and Green unless Lemaire type coach is available. This is runs counter to how most competitive endeavors operate. You mean, if you cannot be treated at Mayo Clinic you would just as well settle for doctor who watched a couple videos about open heart surgery?
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Post by Viper on Dec 10, 2002 17:32:43 GMT -5
Excellent work Doc
I have to admit that as i was reading along and came to the words Rick Green i started to chuckle as i wasn't expecting it (even though as the defensive coach i should've seen it coming. ) I couldn't agree more with basically everything especially the part about Rivet and his "nagging injury" excellent review.
Cheer's
Viper
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 10, 2002 17:47:11 GMT -5
People are correct to say Habs stuck with too many #5, 6, 7 d-men and too little physical presence. But my sympathy for Therrien and Green only go so far. I watch d-corps on Penguins (ravaged by injuries and no robust play) or Islanders with few quality guys and there is generally a semblance of transition game going on -- passing and providing support. For the Canadiens, no. Savard has to notice too. The Pens would kill to have a Briser and Markov on their blueline. Their D is brutal with all their injuries and if they can still look decent then there really is a problem with our d-man/system But the Islanders? what about Hamrlik, Jonnson, Aucoin. 3 horses.
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Post by montreal on Dec 10, 2002 18:33:52 GMT -5
How much dos Dykhuis make again? is it 2 million per season? No, he makes 1.5M this year. Check nhlpa.com for the actual stats, but I pretty sure its 1.5M.
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Post by UberCranky on Dec 10, 2002 18:50:02 GMT -5
Good read Doc.
I look at our defence and cringe. On the other hand, three yerars from now we should have one of the best defense in the league. *cross fingers*
With Hainsey, Markov and Komi leading the way, we may have the best transition defenseman. Period. Certainly a million miles from the Dykhius and the Q-ball fill ins.
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 10, 2002 18:58:57 GMT -5
No, he makes 1.5M this year. Check nhlpa.com for the actual stats, but I pretty sure its 1.5M. ok what about next and the year after? HA, I hope you are right. The transition game is just so huge when you build a team the way AS is building it.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Dec 10, 2002 20:52:00 GMT -5
Good read Doc. I look at our defence and cringe. On the other hand, three yerars from now we should have one of the best defense in the league. *cross fingers* With Hainsey, Markov and Komi leading the way, we may have the best transition defenseman. Period. Certainly a million miles from the Dykhius and the Q-ball fill ins. But who do we have to bring them along? It's pretty limited I'd say. This is the painful part. Cheers.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Dec 12, 2002 11:11:22 GMT -5
Arrg, lost a message, got logged out. Essentially, I agree with Doc, but wonder if Green has the personnel to get the job done. These are all Houle-acquired spare parts after all.... Oh my gosh! We agree again. Maybe you have to rethink your position PT109. I don't think that Breezeby is more than a number three or four D-man. He has some offensive moves, but his defense is even more offensive. Some good moves and many horrible mistakes. With Komisarek, Markov and Hainsey he could fill a role as the number 4 D. Then we only need two more guys to step up and become mediocre. Great goaltending has always been a hallmark of Flying Frenchmen teams, Plante, Worsley, Vachon, Dryden, Roy and now thru Theo and Hackett. Speed up front and get a couple of Shutt/Lemaire snipers to finish what the Finish Captain starts. The lineup has room for a John Ferguson banger. Adding size is what Martha Stewart calls "A good thing!"
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 12, 2002 11:45:28 GMT -5
LA, IMO, right now Brisebois is definitely a top 3 NHL d-man...even on Detroit he would be their 3rd d-man right now
Let's hope in the future the kids push him down to 4th ;D
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