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Post by Viper on Oct 22, 2002 21:18:24 GMT -5
well i'm not happy as expected. Hainsey had a solid night not too flashy as can be expected the zednik koivu combination looked great again i want Jan Bulis on this line as a winger. Rivet and Briser had beauty nights briser is earning his money big time. Petrov taped his stick backwards he forgot how to pass the puck tonight. Markov was phenominal again quickly becoming all we expected. Theodore looked shaky all night still hasn't found his groove yet but he was better. The power play is pathetic shoot the damn puck already scoring chances we're there but see above. The call at the end on bulis was bull and the reffing in general was a joke Koivu gets slufooted behind the net no call 3 minutes later we get a call for the same thing Bulis never even touched Mario and i never saw any stick even make contact with him can anyone correct that if i'm wrong dissapointing finish again that's 2 points thrown out in the last 2 night's
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Post by habernac on Oct 22, 2002 21:20:43 GMT -5
It was Dackell's stick that hit Mario. Legitimate call, I'm afraid.
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Post by MPLABBE on Oct 22, 2002 21:24:07 GMT -5
Markov has really improved and his confidence is just exploding right now. He's always on the attack these days
Theo looked better but not great at all.
Hainsey like you said solid but not flashy
PP sucks
Audette-Gilmour-Chow-Petrov-Perreault all need to wake up and soon
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Post by Viper on Oct 22, 2002 21:24:36 GMT -5
Tks Habernac i heard the announcer's say it but never saw it on the replay even though i was lookin for it.
Anyone else notice the call on the interference when bulis was about to break. The call was on dackell i think for interference the penguin player was holding dacks stick and dack was trying to free it up that was a horrible call.
I wonder why the guy's haven't figured out to just let go of the stick how much more obvious would that be when an opponent is skating around with 2 of em all of a sudden.
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Post by GARB08 on Oct 22, 2002 21:32:14 GMT -5
That game had a good flow, good game. We played well but we lack the specail teams now. We can't score on the power play or kill the penalties all that well. Thats the only real problem I noticed. Brisebois played well gaurding Mario. For a guy not known for defence played well. Markov is turning into a great 2 way defenceman. He can score and play denfence. Overall a good game to watch if you were not a habs fan because of the result.
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Post by jkr on Oct 22, 2002 21:32:44 GMT -5
They were strong five on five - Juneau's line was terrific.
The power play is horrendous. Maybe they should adopt the football rule and decline the penalties. The other team is as likely to score as they are.
Was Hainsey on the ice during overtime. I didn't notice him
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Post by MPLABBE on Oct 22, 2002 21:34:11 GMT -5
Markov is turning into a great 2 way defenceman. He can score and play denfence. . Yes! thank you Reggie for drafting this guy!
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Post by MPLABBE on Oct 22, 2002 21:35:55 GMT -5
Was Hainsey on the ice during overtime. I didn't notice him Nope.
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Post by Doc Holliday on Oct 22, 2002 21:41:32 GMT -5
If Hack would have been in goal, we might have gotten a win tonight. Theo had a pretty easy night and let in a soft one. A very ordinary performance. Given the level of play that Jeff Hackett has come up with this season, if Therrien wants to do everything he can to win, he has to come back with Hack.
Gilmour, Audette, Petrov and Chow are absolutely, positively awfull...
Koivu looks very good but McKay is of very little use on that line, anyone notice him? He's suppose to provide some kind of physical presence but so far hasn't.
Markov is really, really impressive on both ends of the rink. Bulis got back his spot with Juneau and got back his groove. It's quite incredible how this player who's usually totally lost becomes focus and efficient when paired with Juneau... Then again the same could be said about Dackell...
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Post by jkr on Oct 22, 2002 21:53:01 GMT -5
If Hack would have been in goal, we might have gotten a win tonight. Theo had a pretty easy night and let in a soft one. A very ordinary performance. Given the level of play that Jeff Hackett has come up with this season, if Therrien wants to do everything he can to win, he has to come back with Hack. Gilmour, Audette, Petrov and Chow are absolutely, positively awfull... I agree re: Hackett & that's why I don't think he will be traded any time soon. The Habs cannot afford to give points away like they did tonight while Theodore struggles to find his groove. I understood Gilmour's slow start last year - no training camp. But I find his play this season mystifying. He is not generating offence & isn't playing with much fire.
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Post by MPLABBE on Oct 22, 2002 21:58:57 GMT -5
Markov is really, really impressive on both ends of the rink. Bulis got back his spot with Juneau and got back his groove. It's quite incredible how this player who's usually totally lost becomes focus and efficient when paired with Juneau... Then again the same could be said about Dackell... I agree...both of them were the best Habs on the ice tonight.
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Post by larek on Oct 22, 2002 22:50:37 GMT -5
I dont know where Mckay has been?Where is his gritty play?Didnt he use to play a tough gritty game with a little offense mixed in?Well he isnt playing like that now.
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Post by Vichab on Oct 23, 2002 1:20:55 GMT -5
I really liked the boys tonight. i thought they played great 5 on 5. The pp is horrendous and cost us another point. gotta blame the coaches for the special teams.
What i reaaly liked is seeing the great play of Markov and bulis. these guys have all kinds of potential. markov is our best dman at both ends of the ice. Another hilite reel goal on the give and go with Saku. Remember his goal in the playoffs last year. This guy is the real deal. Bulis was phenomenal. he was on the checking line but with his skill and talent Mario's line was often in their zone and when they got it out Bulis and his linemates were checking wonderfully. Bulis and Zednik are looking like a steal right now.
Saku was simply marvelous.
I thought mackay was suppose to be both tough and a bit of a sniper when he got a chance. I saw none of that tonight. Perhaps they should put him with kilger and Gilmour and grind and hit with a playmaker.
CZ had some chances but is incapable of scoring. So much for the pre-season.
Hainsey played well and certainly within himself as MT wants. I would still like to see more of him on the pp. We can't do any worse than 0 for .... As i said it cost us the game. Not only did we not score on the 4 min in the 3rd we couldn't score 4 on 3 in OT. That was it.
But i was really pleased with what i saw tonight. the boys deserved better.
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Post by Andrew on Oct 23, 2002 4:51:06 GMT -5
I thought that Koivu, Zednik, Bulis, Juneau, Dackell, Kilger, Rivet, Markov and Brisebois all looked good out there. The rest were average to invisible.
Coaching is still the downfall of this team. The Habs are trying to use a rush oriented offense, and failing miserably. Watching tonight, it was extremely rare that a Habs rush would successfully gain the zone, at even strength. Most attempts resulted in offsides, icing, or neutral zone giveaways. With so many teams employing trap style defensive systems, only teams with elite talent, on their top lines, can make a rush style offense work; the rest rely on dump and chase.
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Post by MPLABBE on Oct 23, 2002 7:37:21 GMT -5
What i reaaly liked is seeing the great play of Markov and bulis. these guys have all kinds of potential. markov is our best dman at both ends of the ice. Another hilite reel goal on the give and go with Saku. Remember his goal in the playoffs last year. This guy is the real deal. Bulis was phenomenal. he was on the checking line but with his skill and talent Mario's line was often in their zone and when they got it out Bulis and his linemates were checking wonderfully. Bulis and Zednik are looking like a steal right now. Since BC likes to play this game... Zednik:5 games, 2 goals, 2 assist, 4 points Zubrus:5 games, 0 goals, 1 assist Bulis:1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points Linden:2 games, no points Nothing more to say about Markov....wow.. Yes...he'll be a point per game player this year. I agree time to put someone else on that line. He can't skate with Koivu and Zednik. Wouldn't be surprised if Audette gets that spot Amen. If Hainsey gets scratched against Philly it will be an injustice.
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Post by BadCompany on Oct 23, 2002 7:46:49 GMT -5
Actually, I disagree on McKay (go figure). While he hasn't been the intimidating, bone-crushing hitter maybe some people thought he would be, when was the last time Montreal had a big butt who plants himself in front of opposing team's nets and takes the abuse that comes with that territory? Remember the Belfour hack?
Last night, on the Markov-Koivu passing play, I actually thought Mckay was the guy who made that work. That may sound strange, given that he never touched the puck, and didn't get an assist, but if you watch the replay, McKay was planted in front of the net, tying up the defenceman who was trying to push him out of the way. If McKay isn't there, or is trying to get free for a pass, the defenceman can concentrate on getting his stick into a passing lane (as you are supposed to do on a two on one) and maybe he cuts off that second pass to Markov. Markov was free because McKay was making a mess in front of the net.
That's what we need him to do. He doesn't fight anymore, and he isn't a banger, but he will take abuse, and we need that in front of the net. None of our other forwards can do that...
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Post by Doc Holliday on Oct 23, 2002 8:10:31 GMT -5
Good point BC, I did not notice that indeed. Guys like him can be pretty efficient while not being "noticable". The Zed/Koivu duo works much better with McKay there then it did with Dackell.
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Post by Chopper on Oct 23, 2002 8:58:43 GMT -5
Did anyone listen to the pre game show on ckac?? Pierre Rinfret the play by play man, said he knows that AS is working on a big piece of the teams puzzle. He said AS is looking for a big 6'2", 6'3" 220lbs, forward who can score goals and go in the corners. He didn't say any names, but he said to expect someone who didn't live up to expectations.
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Post by Doc Holliday on Oct 23, 2002 9:40:13 GMT -5
Thanks for the info Chopper. Pierre Rinfret kinda states the obvious though... I wonder if he really knows something or if he's just stating a rumor vague enough so that he has a high chance of being right. Kinda like: "...I know for a fact that if Savard can have his way, in a near future, HABS will acquire a player that hey need in exchange of player(s) that they don't wanna keep..." And yes, you can quote me on that Seriously though, with the Audette hanky-panky, the 3 goalie beast, the slow start, the very high payroll and the overload of NHL depth up front that blocks roster spot from youngsters, something has got to be brewing. I just hope that this time Savard goes for a building block and a core player, rather then patching up with some castaway vets...
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Post by BadCompany on Oct 23, 2002 9:48:09 GMT -5
Thanks for the info Chopper. Pierre Rinfret kinda states the obvious though... I wonder if he really knows something or if he's just stating a rumor vague enough so that he has a high chance of being right. Kinda like: "...I know for a fact that if Savard can have his way, in a near future, HABS will acquire a player that hey need in exchange of player(s) that they don't wanna keep..." And yes, you can quote me on that Seriously though, with the Audette hanky-panky, the 3 goalie beast, the slow start, the very high payroll and the overload of NHL depth up front that blocks roster spot from youngsters, something has got to be brewing. I just hope that this time Savard goes for a building block and a core player, rather then patching up with some castaway vets... True enough. I mean, who isn't looking for a big player, who can score and fight in the corners? I keep thinking Patrik Stefan, to be honest with you, though that is probably wishful thinking. I just feel that the basis for a trade with Atlanta is there - they are off to a terrible start, their attendance is slipping, they need some wins, their goaltending is sub-par, they could use some scoring and/or defensive depth... All the elements seem there. Hackett (sorry Jeff), Audette (who had his best year there), Dykhuis, they would all look good in Atlanta. Unfortunately for us, the Thrashers would be foolish to give up a young guy like Stefan (who is hot right now) for a bunch of overpaid vets, no matter how helpful they might be in the short term. So I don't think we could pry Stefan away from them. I could see Shawn McEachern though - veteran left winger, fast, not particularily physical, declining but still has 25 goal "potential," former Ottawa Senator... Seems exactly like Andre Savard's man...
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Post by MPLABBE on Oct 23, 2002 10:40:54 GMT -5
Did anyone listen to the pre game show on ckac?? Pierre Rinfret the play by play man, said he knows that AS is working on a big piece of the teams puzzle. He said AS is looking for a big 6'2", 6'3" 220lbs, forward who can score goals and go in the corners. He didn't say any names, but he said to expect someone who didn't live up to expectations. hmmm... ...someone who didn't live up to expectations... ...Islanders are struggling... Could this player be coming to the Habs... At least AS has realised this is our biggest need
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Post by MPLABBE on Oct 23, 2002 10:43:45 GMT -5
I keep thinking Patrik Stefan, to be honest with you, though that is probably wishful thinking. I just feel that the basis for a trade with Atlanta is there - they are off to a terrible start, their attendance is slipping, they need some wins, their goaltending is sub-par, they could use some scoring and/or defensive depth... All the elements seem there. Hackett (sorry Jeff), Audette (who had his best year there), Dykhuis, they would all look good in Atlanta. Unfortunately for us, the Thrashers would be foolish to give up a young guy like Stefan (who is hot right now) for a bunch of overpaid vets, no matter how helpful they might be in the short term. So I don't think we could pry Stefan away from them. Yup. Last year was the time to get him I think I am going to barf if he picks him up...
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Post by Doc Holliday on Oct 23, 2002 11:16:19 GMT -5
Isbister... Stefan...
You guy's are setting the bar a bit high for Andre...
McEachern... ***shudders*** I'd rather not think we'd go that way...(though it does have a Savardesque twist...)
Actually me thinks our GM is trying to get forward extraordinaire: Magnus Arvedsson.
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Post by MPLABBE on Oct 23, 2002 11:20:52 GMT -5
oh please no...not Arvie...a UFA to be who has done squat when it matters.
and injury prone..
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Post by Psycorp on Oct 23, 2002 11:39:32 GMT -5
I think like MP, AS his looking Islander's way
But not for Isbister, for someone much more affordable
Jason Wiemer
6'3" 220 Can chip up to 15 goals while being robust
like a younger left wing version of Mckay
I do like Isbister a lot better but the price would be very heavy indeed...
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Post by MPLABBE on Oct 23, 2002 11:42:02 GMT -5
Wiemer would be fine. He would be exactly what we need.
Isles may need more natural skill after dealing Chow. They have had some trouble scoring goals.
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Post by JohnnyVerdun on Oct 23, 2002 11:50:46 GMT -5
Just to add my two drachmas, or whatever they are:
1. Theo did not look on his game. The second Kovalev goal was a screen shot, but if anybody caught the replay from inside the net you'd have noticed that Theo's heels were on the goal line while the shooter was in the circle. Too deep in his net. On the tying goal, the pass from the corner went by Theo about two and a half feet from the goal line. No way that should get through the crease. Then there was the opeining softy, not to mention the long shot that he squeezed, lost and then almost kicked into his net. Had we given up many more chances than we did, we'd have lost for sure.
2. Bulis can play.
3. Audette is just snake bit. Ripping one off the crossbar in OT is a drag but he looked much more involved last night and his passing is actually really crisp.
4. The "cross-checking" call on Petrov was laughable. He only had one hand on his stick.
5. Hainsey on the PP. He has the quickest release and he has balls.
6. I think Czerk is going to be fine. It's not his fault that we have only one Koivu.
7. This team will struggle until we get the pp going. We had the double minor when we were up 2-1 (just like against the Leafs, I think) and not being able to get it done changed the game in a big way.
8. Does anybody want to take back the things they said about Chris Gratton last year, when he was on the 4th line and could've been had for jack? The guy is cleaning up in the faceoff circle, he's doing the work in front of the net, and he's racking up the points. How good would he look centering our second line (Bulis/Gratton/Czerk) ?
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Post by MPLABBE on Oct 23, 2002 11:54:39 GMT -5
Just to add my two drachmas, or whatever they are: 1. Theo did not look on his game. The second Kovalev goal was a screen shot, but if anybody caught the replay from inside the net you'd have noticed that Theo's heels were on the goal line while the shooter was in the circle. Too deep in his net. On the tying goal, the pass from the corner went by Theo about two and a half feet from the goal line. No way that should get through the crease. Then there was the opeining softy, not to mention the long shot that he squeezed, lost and then almost kicked into his net. Had we given up many more chances than we did, we'd have lost for sure. 6'7' Steve McKenna was in front of him. Theo didn't see it(he even said it). Plus Kovalev made a great shot. The only goal he was weak one was the first Kovy goal.. Of course Gratton would have looked good here...big guy with talent who can win draws...no Hab fan can deny this
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Post by JohnnyVerdun on Oct 23, 2002 12:08:18 GMT -5
On Theo, I know he didn't see it. But the puck grazed his torso as it went by him on the short side and the puck would've been stopped had he not been so deep in his net. Hackett, who is playing with confidence, is out on top of the shooters. Theo is backing in and down, and that was the problem on that goal as much or more than the screen. Screens and deflections are a fact of life, and all that a goalie can do (and must do) is be in the best possible position to have the puck hit him. Theo was not in good position. I doubt Rollie Melancon is dismissing it as a screen shot on which wonder boy had no chance. If he didn't have a chance it's because he was scrunched up on the goaline like a caterpillar.
As for Gratton, there were many voices here who called him a bum and a headcase who we'd be better off without.
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Post by Doc Holliday on Oct 23, 2002 12:53:20 GMT -5
On Theo, I know he didn't see it. But the puck grazed his torso as it went by him on the short side and the puck would've been stopped had he not been so deep in his net. Hackett, who is playing with confidence, is out on top of the shooters. Theo is backing in and down, and that was the problem on that goal as much or more than the screen. Screens and deflections are a fact of life, and all that a goalie can do (and must do) is be in the best possible position to have the puck hit him. Theo was not in good position. I doubt Rollie Melancon is dismissing it as a screen shot on which wonder boy had no chance. If he didn't have a chance it's because he was scrunched up on the goaline like a caterpillar. As for Gratton, there were many voices here who called him a bum and a headcase who we'd be better off without. Agreed on Theo. He's shaky. Obviously he's NHL material so not everything will go by him but he's off his game and doesn't keep us in the game... for a 3rd time in a row. Dunno what the problem is but frankly I don't care since the good news is that we have a red hot Hackett on the payroll that is on his game. I don't see why we're risking our competiteness here. Play Hackett until we meet a team like Atlanta where we can test if Theo got back his game. Simple. As for Gratton, I'm not sold yet as 6 games won't erase a carreeer.
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