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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 10, 2017 13:36:04 GMT -5
I'm almost, almost as pumped for this team to make the post-season as the big club, seems like decades since they've qualified. I want them to make the playoffs, and I also want new blood behind their bench next season. Can I dream big and get both?!?! Pretty good for Lindgren to get the shutout. He played in Detroit on Saturday night, flew back with the team to Montreal after the game, and then the team took him and Lernout to Utica, NY by car service on Sunday. He arrived with a few hours to spare, but quite a busy 24+ hours for him. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 13, 2017 14:22:01 GMT -5
So, it all comes down to the last weekend of the regular season for the IceCaps. All teams in the division have played an equal number of 74 games, so there is one spot left to be decided and that will either go to St. John's or Utica. The IceCaps are currently three points up with both teams having two games left to play. That is a pretty decent spot to be in considering Utica failed to close the gap and lost its game-in-hand this week.
The Caps host the division leading Marlies in both games this weekend. A tough task. Utica plays against second place Syracuse (one point behind the Marlies) which is their tough game because there other one is against league basement dweller Hartford.
The first tie breaker is regulation/OT win percentage. Both teams are tied right now with 32 ROWs in 74 games. The second tie breaker is points head to head. The IceCaps have this 12 pts to 7 pts in the 8 games they played against each other.
- If the IceCaps win one of their games, they are in.
- Ditto with a Utica regulation loss.
- If Utica wins one and gets a loser point in the second, then the IceCaps need a single point in one of their last two games.
- If Utica wins both games, then the IceCaps need to win one of theirs to get in, as they would lose out on the ROW % first tie breaker if they only got a loser point out of one game.
Just win, get some playoff action in, and then fire the entire coaching staff in the offseason.
Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 15, 2017 0:08:08 GMT -5
Utica won, IceCaps lost. Why make it easy? Hudon with two goals in a 5-3 loss. All comes down to Saturday night. Caps with one more point. Devils with one more ROW.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 16, 2017 2:33:06 GMT -5
It took the final game of the season, but the boys are playing in the playoffs!
Lindgren made 31 saves, Terry had a pair and Audette had a 1+1 night as the IceCaps prevailed 4-1 over the Marlies.
Juulsen and Bitten could join the team.
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Apr 16, 2017 7:14:33 GMT -5
It took the final game of the season, but the boys are playing in the playoffs! Lindgren made 30 saves, Terry had a pair and Audette had a 1+1 night as the IceCaps prevailed 4-1 over the Marlies. Juulsen and Bitten could join the team. Good to hear they're in and convincingly at that ... Cheers. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 16, 2017 9:30:25 GMT -5
The best of five series starts with two games in St. John's next Friday and Saturday. They play the Syracuse Crunch who ended up in first in the division thanks to the IceCaps winning against the Marlies and depriving them the division title. The Crunch had 90 points to St. John's 82 during the season, so not a big gap between first and fourth in the weak North Division.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 18, 2017 12:21:44 GMT -5
Still no word on whether or not the Habs will be adding any guys to the IceCaps roster for the playoffs. Noah Juulsen is the most likely candidate from juniors as his season is done and he will be joining the team on a full time basis in the fall anyway. McCarron is eligible, but the big club seems content keeping him around with the big boys during the Rangers series. There are also other possible try-outs such as the oft mentioned Bolland or Waked from the QMJHL, whose seasons are now over as well and who have been rumoured to have been well scouted by the Habs.
Conversely, with Tampa out of the playoffs, they have added a number of players to the Crunch lineup. I expect the IceCaps will be in quite tough in the series as a result, but that is why they play the game. The first two games of the best of five are at home for St. John's and the rest will be in Syracuse. The IceCaps could do themselves a huge favour winning one or both this weekend at home.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 19, 2017 14:00:24 GMT -5
Victor Mete did not sit idle for long, as he has been signed to an ATO and will join St. John's. Still no word on Juulsen.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 19, 2017 16:59:31 GMT -5
Here is an update this afternoon from a guy who covers the Silvertips for the Everett paper. Looks like Noah will be hanging with McCarron and others around the Habs for now. Even though his entry level deal does not kick in until next season, he could play for the IceCaps if signed to an ATO now that his junior season/career is over. Not sure if he can even practice with the big club without being under NHL contract for this season.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 20, 2017 16:35:31 GMT -5
Welcome to the IceCaps Noah!!
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 21, 2017 22:09:39 GMT -5
Well then. How about a 2-1 win? Scherbak and Terry potted the goals, with kid Hudon with a pair of apples. DLR with an assist. Lindgren had 28 saves. Boys up 1-0 in a best of five. Neither Mete nor Juulsen played. They stuck with the dance partners that got them there.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 22, 2017 21:13:32 GMT -5
Crunch even the series with a 4-3 win in 2OT. Caps lead 3-1 with under five to play. Lindgren with 46 saves, DLR, Hudon and Matteau with the goals.
Best of five now shifts to Syracuse for the rest of the series.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 24, 2017 18:08:42 GMT -5
Big Mac assigned to the IceCaps.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 26, 2017 18:19:35 GMT -5
Big game three on tonight as the series has moved to Syracuse. Juulsen making his pro debut as the 7th defender. Sly has gone with 7D and 11F. McCarron on the top line in the middle of Hudon and Terry.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 27, 2017 1:06:28 GMT -5
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 28, 2017 9:54:26 GMT -5
Do or die for the IceCaps tonight. All games have been really close, and have been settled by one goal. I don't expect anything to change tonight. If they win they get to do this all over again tomorrow night. If they lose, they no doubt will look back on that 3-1 lead with under five to play in game two that they let slip away. Enough of that negative retroactive thinking...just win tonight baby and see what happens tomorrow!!
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Post by duster on Apr 28, 2017 12:15:52 GMT -5
I really hope the kids win. The past two years have been mediocre for the organization as a whole and I suspect we could all use a shot of optimism.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 28, 2017 12:38:38 GMT -5
Just like the big team, the farm team needs new blood behind the bench.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 28, 2017 21:56:04 GMT -5
2-1, in OT. Done like dinner unfortunately. Matteau with the only goal. He has found his game again to maybe get a qualifying offer. I would. Two way.
DLR with an assist, as he keeps his recent consistent game going. Better than King. Just sayin.
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Post by seventeen on Apr 29, 2017 0:29:30 GMT -5
DLR with an assist, as he keeps his recent consistent game going. Better than King. Just sayin. At least DLR gets from Point A to Point B before his retirement age. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 29, 2017 8:24:21 GMT -5
DLR with an assist, as he keeps his recent consistent game going. Better than King. Just sayin. At least DLR gets from Point A to Point B before his retirement age. He is a lot faster than King, and has been really playing well at centre between Matteau and Friberg on the second line. He gives you speed and size and good hockey sense for your bottom line or two. He doesn't handle the puck in the offensive zone like a hand grenade anymore. I think he should get a serious look again this fall. He will require waivers next year too, so might as well give him a shot at a spot in camp. |
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Post by seventeen on Apr 29, 2017 10:40:03 GMT -5
Yes, he definitely deserves another chance. I don't think he's played at all under Julien.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Apr 29, 2017 12:54:49 GMT -5
**cough** Hudon too **cough**
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Post by oldhabsfan on Apr 30, 2017 0:06:20 GMT -5
He is a lot faster than King, and has been really playing well at centre between Matteau and Friberg on the second line. He gives you speed and size and good hockey sense for your bottom line or two. He doesn't handle the puck in the offensive zone like a hand grenade anymore. I think he should get a serious look again this fall. He will require waivers next year too, so might as well give him a shot at a spot in camp. DLR in the AHL regular season - First 38 games: 2 goals, 10 assists, minus 14. Last 24 games: 12 goals, 7 assists, plus 8. Let's hope that the positive trend continues. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on May 4, 2017 10:37:27 GMT -5
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Post by seventeen on May 4, 2017 11:29:29 GMT -5
Friberg also mentions Coach Ronnberg of Frolunda (Lehkonen's coach the previous year) as a factor in his decision. Duh. That's a compliment to Ronnberg and a slap on the wrist to Lefebvre. I'd certainly consider Ronnberg as a replacement for Lefebvre. The guy seems to have the respect of a lot of former players. Being Swedish, I also expect he speaks French.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on May 25, 2017 11:45:16 GMT -5
A good season-in-review piece on Charles Hudon. He does have a history of injuries, is undersized and could be quicker on his skates...but he puts up points and did not look out of place in the few minor call ups he had with the Habs. It is decision time on him next season due to waivers and quite honestly, what do they have to lose? The guy scores goals...and this team needs guys who score goals. www.habseyesontheprize.com/2017/5/25/15673688/icecaps-season-review-charles-hudon-nothing-left-to-prove-ahl-prospects-analysis-highlights-habsDLR is another one that likely should be fighting hard for a spot this fall. In the last third of the season, he was as consistent a player as the team had, all while centering a very solid two-way second line with Friberg and Matteau. He is big, skates well, and played a much more balanced game as his offense started to emerge a bit more. Right now he seems a much better choice than re-signing King and Martinsen. The former cannot skate any more and I did not see his clutch goal scoring of Stanley Cups past (in fact I saw no scoring at all). The latter is big and fast, but really lacks good hockey IQ and skill. DLR is a much better option. Flynn is another pending UFA and quite honestly is pretty vanilla and I am hopeful we can upgrade on what he brings. I think DLR is a better option as he brings more to the table and is much younger. |
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Post by blny on May 25, 2017 12:27:42 GMT -5
A good season-in-review piece on Charles Hudon. He does have a history of injuries, is undersized and could be quicker on his skates...but he puts up points and did not look out of place in the few minor call ups he had with the Habs. It is decision time on him next season due to waivers and quite honestly, what do they have to lose? The guy scores goals...and this team needs guys who score goals. www.habseyesontheprize.com/2017/5/25/15673688/icecaps-season-review-charles-hudon-nothing-left-to-prove-ahl-prospects-analysis-highlights-habsDLR is another one that likely should be fighting hard for a spot this fall. In the last third of the season, he was as consistent a player as the team had, all while centering a very solid two-way second line with Friberg and Matteau. He is big, skates well, and played a much more balanced game as his offense started to emerge a bit more. Right now he seems a much better choice than re-signing King and Martinsen. The former cannot skate any more and I did not see his clutch goal scoring of Stanley Cups past (in fact I saw no scoring at all). The latter is big and fast, but really lacks good hockey IQ and skill. DLR is a much better option. Flynn is another pending UFA and quite honestly is pretty vanilla and I am hopeful we can upgrade on what he brings. I think DLR is a better option as he brings more to the table and is much younger. More or less how I see it. I wouldn't be totally opposed to bringing Martinsen back. I don't think he'd be a bad 13th forward. In short stints, I think he can be effective. He skates well and hits like a truck. King's toast. It's unfortunate. The game is just too fast for him now. |
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Post by seventeen on May 25, 2017 14:13:32 GMT -5
We may regret that Martinsen trade, too.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on May 25, 2017 15:50:02 GMT -5
We may regret that Martinsen trade, too. Andrighetto drove/drives me nuts a bit. He really flourished with his short time in Colorado...akin to what DSP did in Jersey after his trade. Of course he got much more prime time ice time and that does not hurt. The big "however" for me is he also had a number of chances to cement his roster spot with the Habs and just could not pull off any degree of consistency. At the time of the trade, he was that classic guy that could skate around the rink like the wind and go back to the bench doing not much more than skating around like the wind for 45 seconds. He did get some time on the top six and just did not bump anyone down the depth chart with his play. Was it a long enough or fair audition? Clearly debatable, but you have to seize your chances when you are a bubble guy. Give the coach a reason to put someone else in the stands or the GM to send someone else down to the farm. Martinsen may have some value as a depth forward, but he sure is not going to help add much in terms of offense to the team. Martinsen strikes me as a guy who Berg could have had for a late round pick similar to Flynn and Mitchell, who were much better pickups when they were added. How Andrighetto fares longer term will determine my final ranking of this trade. Edge to the Avs so far though. |
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