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Post by JohnnyVerdun on Dec 7, 2002 14:15:08 GMT -5
As each week passes, it becomes clearer and clearer that Theodore's just not bouncing back. Yeah you can say he had a good period here, or a good game there, but he's still not at the level where you can say "he gives us a better chance to win than Jeff Hackett". Part of that is because Hackett's been so good, but that's tough luck for Theo. The other part of it is that Theo hasn't really put it together two or three games in a row. Every time Theo has a good game (the 5-1 loss to dallas (!) or his shutout against the Isles), he comes back with a sub-par performance. Last night was another one. He was very sharp at times, no question, but in the end he didn't get it done and he allowed two and possibly three goals that he'd have to admit were very stoppable. If Hackett's in last night we probably have the extra point and a positive vibe going into Phoenix against a weaker opponent (where Theo has a better shot at getting some momentum and two more points). The decision to start Theodore was another carrot being thrown to fuel and feed his confidence, and it's about the third time it's backfired. It was an understandable enough strategy early in the season, where everybody thought it was just a matter of getting back on track, but we're heading towards the one third mark of the season and it still hasn't paid dividends. If Hackett stops 32 shots tonight and the Habs win 4-2, who do you play in Boston on Tuesday night? To me, the answer's obvious. Even if we lose tonight, but Hackett plays as well as he has (just like against Philly), I'd go with Hackett. We have to rid ourselves of the illusion that the playoff race won't start until February. We're in it now.
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Post by montreal on Dec 7, 2002 15:27:58 GMT -5
I listened to Rollie the goalie do an interview on the radio last week, and he was talking about how Theodore and Garon are the future, and that they will be going with them for a long time. (I don't believe that, but its what he said) He talked about how good Garon is, and that Theodore didn't camp to camp as sharp as they had hoped. I remember over the summer at HF, there was this guy saying a lot of smack on Theo, saying he had heard Theo was doing a lot of partying with coke, (says he knows an old teammate of Theo's) now the guy got slamned on the board, (and no I don't believe this) but my point is that something is clearly wrong. Yes our defence is bad, but it was bad last year too. He seemed really frustraded in himself last night (as he should be) so hopefully he climbs out of this, and the sooner the better. While a great draft pick this year would be good, I would really hate to miss the playoffs, and without Theo, no playoffs.
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Post by seventeen on Dec 7, 2002 15:39:06 GMT -5
Concerning Hackett not playing, there may be the remote chance a trade is close and who needs Jeff getting injured? He's proved he's back to excellent playing status. If Theo's on Coke, he should try 7-up instead.
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 7, 2002 15:39:30 GMT -5
coke?
the drug? as in cocaine?
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Post by jkr on Dec 7, 2002 18:08:16 GMT -5
Agree totally.
On any other etam, the coach would be riding the hot goalie. As an example, Toronto passed the Habs by going all the way with Belfour and letting Kidd ride the pine for over two weeks. He was that bad.
I know the situation is unique - Theodore is an MVP. But it is getting to the stage where it is costing the team points. I wonder when Therrien's instincts for self preservation kick in and he starts Hackett for more than one game in a row.
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Post by Viper on Dec 7, 2002 19:13:07 GMT -5
I still am of the firm belief that This whole problem is greater than Theo. His average play is a breath of fresh air to me and to be honest i wish hackett had been dealt over the summer that way the reality of how horrible this team has been most of the year would be more than obvious. THe record would be proof and the Coach would be toast by now. I also think hackett's presence is spooking him. I know that may sound stupid but when Theodore has been his absolutel best has been the times old Hack has been on the IR. Dealing hackett is the solution to Theodore's problem's IMO. Of course if i'm wrong then i don't know what to say accept FIRE THERRIEN AND GREEN OR BULIS ON TH EFIRST LINE. Actually i'd really like to see a more solid defensive team that can score. Last night we had six but gave up a jillion shots again losing in O/T and i'm sure Theo could have been more solid but he stopped more than twice as much rubber as his counterpart did sure our goalie wasn't gret but thier's was no better and he's a legend.
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Post by JohnnyVerdun on Dec 7, 2002 19:24:17 GMT -5
Color me unsympathetic to the "Hackett factor". There are just too many good goaltenders out there now and the role of the number 2 can be so significant (even just 20 starts) that a team should have a backup with real ability and number one aspirations. If Theo can't handle Hackett then what's to say that he won't get spooked if Garon takes the next step and puts together some solid starts if he's the backup? There's probably something in what you say, although it may be a coincidence, but either way Theo just has to seize and secure the number one job.
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Post by Viper on Dec 7, 2002 19:32:20 GMT -5
True enough JV true enough but i look at Garon differently. He'll be the up and coming guy versus the current situation where Theo has been the up and coming guy. HAck to me is like the big brother / mentor/ father figure to Theo. It's kind of like with a dad and his son after he moves out and has his own kids when the dad comes back the son tries his best to be at his best to show his dad he's doing a good job raising his own and inadvertently screws it up bcause he's either nervous or just trying to hard. Garon's element to Theo won't hold the same Mental fatigue IMO.
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Post by habwest on Dec 8, 2002 3:13:24 GMT -5
I agree JV. Play Hack until he needs a rest or has a really bad night. Theo the "Cakeman" needs to get his focus back and perhaps his confidence as well. We kept hearing last season how confident he was, that things didn't bother him. Well now's the time to find out. Maybe, just maybe, he's fallen prey to the bloated contract syndrom like so many other talented young players have. Or who knows. But there's no excuse for him not bearing down and getting his game together.
If I sound a bit harsh because he got a big fat contract, well, I am. He held the Habs to ransom, now he's not delivering. I don't take kindly to that. He owes the Habs and the fans, us, big time. No excuses.
In the meantime you play the guy that gives the team the best chance to win. You owe that to the other players, to the organization and to the fans. Big contract or no, francaphone or no, hero or no, Theo should sit until the team needs to play him and he shows he's ready to deliver.
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Post by JohnnyVerdun on Dec 8, 2002 4:14:01 GMT -5
If Hackett stops 32 shots tonight and the Habs win 4-2, who do you play in Boston on Tuesday night? To me, the answer's obvious. Jeez, I'm prescient. Anyway, here we are. Let's hope they do the right thing Tuesday. The team actually played with some force and enthusiasm two nights in a row. Goaltending was a big factor in getting the deuce tonight. Show the boys that winning is everything. Name Hackett the starter tomorrow and send the boys the message that we're gonna give the Bruins everything we got.
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Post by legaspesien on Dec 8, 2002 10:49:09 GMT -5
Mathieu Garon 10 572 2.09 7 2 0 0 2 20 240 0.923
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Post by MPLABBE on Dec 8, 2002 10:55:50 GMT -5
Gotta go with Hack against the Bruins.
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