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Post by folatre on Jan 7, 2024 11:14:14 GMT -5
Time will say. For me Caufield's shooting percentage is so low that 2023-24 is beginning to take the shape of an outlier season.
Last night was sort of a microcosm of Montreal's current. They compete, but the team defense is just so porous that regulation wins are exceedingly rare.
Montembeault was immense. Lafreniere must not have slept well. The Rangers got goalied.
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Post by habsorbed on Jan 7, 2024 13:14:08 GMT -5
I’ll agree with you if Slaf is still not finishing at 24 years of age. Anderson hasn’t gotten any better than his 24 year old season in 2018/19 and it can be argued he’s regressed. When Anderson touches the puck, the play dies. When Slaf touches it a lot of good things happen. There’s a world of difference between the two. I agree with most of what you are saying. Slaf is better and Slaf makes good things happen, as evident in his xG% numbers. But games aren't won based on shot quality Another difference is expectations. What do people expect from a fourth round pick? What do people expect from a 1OA pick? People tend to forget that Josh Anderson was a 4th round draft pick. But I'm not trying to bash Slaf or pump Josh. I'm just tracking Slaf's progress based on all those comparable earlier in the year. Some (not all) bigger/power forwards do start slow, i conceded that point to people. But the names mentioned, all had one thing in common - they start to produce at a high clip around game 80 of their NHL careers. Slaf is on track if his current 7 point pace in 10 games continues. If it does not, those comparables die. I'm looking for Slaf to score 25-30 points in his last 40 games of this season. Now, if he does, then next year the training wheels come off and he has to score 60 points **EDIT - another concession would be that Habs management got it wright in regards to Shane. I'm thrilled with Slafs game. Loving watching him out there and always look forward to his next shift. He's doing amazing. I don't care about goals at this point or for the next year or so. Talk to me when he's 21 and can drink in every state. Right now he is showing he will be an elite player with his size, hands, skating ability and smarts. And I love his effort and determination which is another reason why he will be monster. I have little doubt he will get 30 goals , maybe 40, in a few years and certianly be a 100 point player. That works for me for a 1OA. |
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Post by habsorbed on Jan 7, 2024 13:20:37 GMT -5
Time will say. For me Caufield's shooting percentage is so low that 2023-24 is beginning to take the shape of an outlier season. Last night was sort of a microcosm of Montreal's current. They compete, but the team defense is just so porous that regulation wins are exceedingly rare. Montembeault was immense. Lafreniere must not have slept well. The Rangers got goalied. That may have been Monty's greatest game. He made some huge saves, particularly on Maths dumbass play (just another dumb shift for Maths. Somehow i wished Rags had scored with one second to go in regulation so it would hi-lite for everyone in particular Maths that he needs to smarten up). And for monty to close the door on all 3 Rags shooters in the shoot out was impressive particularly stopping the Forsberg attempt. This should be huge for his confidence. Conversely, losing that game would have been a dagger. As for Laffy, he certainly is improving. I thought for sure he was going to be the hero returning to his hometown, as often happens in Mtl but nada, thankfully. |
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Post by seventeen on Jan 7, 2024 14:24:50 GMT -5
Habs management got it wright in regards to Shane. Absolutely. Josh Roy (10-17-27 in 31 games) has more points than Wright (11-7-18 in 27 games) in the AHL and it can't be said Roy is on a better team. Did anyone see that zone exit by Slaf in last night's game? He was just to Montembeault's left and the puck came to him. The guy checking him had his stick tied up and managed to wrap it around his back. So Slaf is still holding his stick, but it's at his back. He switches hands and manages to slide the puck, which is near his feet, to our dman who has a clear path up the ice. That was really creative and brand new to me. Never seen something quite like that before. It probably ticked the hell out of the guy covering him who had to think he was going to steal the puck. |
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Post by Willie Dog on Jan 7, 2024 16:44:28 GMT -5
Time will say. For me Caufield's shooting percentage is so low that 2023-24 is beginning to take the shape of an outlier season. Last night was sort of a microcosm of Montreal's current. They compete, but the team defense is just so porous that regulation wins are exceedingly rare. Montembeault was immense. Lafreniere must not have slept well. The Rangers got goalied. That may have been Monty's greatest game. He made some huge saves, particularly on Maths dumbass play (just another dumb shift for Maths. Somehow i wished Rags had scored with one second to go in regulation so it would hi-lite for everyone in particular Maths that he needs to smarten up). And for monty to close the door on all 3 Rags shooters in the shoot out was impressive particularly stopping the Forsberg attempt. This should be huge for his confidence. Conversely, losing that game would have been a dagger. As for Laffy, he certainly is improving. I thought for sure he was going to be the hero returning to his hometown, as often happens in Mtl but nada, thankfully. Laffy will get about 20 goals this year, same as his 2nd year in the league... |
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Post by Andrew on Jan 7, 2024 16:47:47 GMT -5
Did anyone see that zone exit by Slaf in last night's game? He was just to Montembeault's left and the puck came to him. The guy checking him had his stick tied up and managed to wrap it around his back. So Slaf is still holding his stick, but it's at his back. He switches hands and manages to slide the puck, which is near his feet, to our dman who has a clear path up the ice. That was really creative and brand new to me. Never seen something quite like that before. It probably ticked the hell out of the guy covering him who had to think he was going to steal the puck. The second video in this tweet. |
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Jan 7, 2024 18:11:14 GMT -5
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Post by Skilly on Jan 8, 2024 15:57:27 GMT -5
I haven't done this in two weeks Caufield is now on pace for 23 goals Seeing him miss the net completely tonight from the slot with not a soul around him, i started to wonder if this is the real Cole Caufield. I know some are pointing to his surgery but the shot he took in the slot and the shot he took in the shootout had plenty of zip on it. Maybe he isn't a 40 goal scorer *edit - it the last 7 weeks, Caufield's pace has not been greater than 24 goals* I cant think of any other reason for the drop off. Last year he had 26 goals in 46 games- a mid 40s pace. And he was playing with a bad shoulder. And if my math is right, his career stats before this season began averaged out to a 35 goal season. ( 53 goals in 123 games). Unusual things I've noticed is that this season he has more assists than goals and is only a - 2. Is the team forcing him to be more responsible defensively? I'm not making excuses here because I share your concerns. The team went all in with him on his contract & now we all have to hold our breath. Is this just an off season or the real Caufield? I commented in one of the pre-season threads that I expected Caufield to have a lot more assists this year, which would lower his goals. I had him with 29 goals. My main reason for thinking that was I thought he'd finally have a productive other winger. I have read and heard an interview where Caufield stated he is actively trying to be more defensively aware. I would assume that is a team request |
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Post by IamCanadiens on Jan 8, 2024 16:14:02 GMT -5
That wingspan!
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Post by Willie Dog on Jan 8, 2024 20:44:10 GMT -5
I know he's like a pterodactyl... Slafdactyl |
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Post by IamCanadiens on Jan 8, 2024 21:13:52 GMT -5
I know he's like a pterodactyl... Slafdactyl Throws it to the wall. Patiently waiting to see if it sticks. It has my son's support if nothing else. |
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Post by Skilly on Jan 9, 2024 13:12:23 GMT -5
I agree with most of what you are saying. Slaf is better and Slaf makes good things happen, as evident in his xG% numbers. But games aren't won based on shot quality Another difference is expectations. What do people expect from a fourth round pick? What do people expect from a 1OA pick? People tend to forget that Josh Anderson was a 4th round draft pick. But I'm not trying to bash Slaf or pump Josh. I'm just tracking Slaf's progress based on all those comparable earlier in the year. Some (not all) bigger/power forwards do start slow, i conceded that point to people. But the names mentioned, all had one thing in common - they start to produce at a high clip around game 80 of their NHL careers. Slaf is on track if his current 7 point pace in 10 games continues. If it does not, those comparables die. I'm looking for Slaf to score 25-30 points in his last 40 games of this season. Now, if he does, then next year the training wheels come off and he has to score 60 points **EDIT - another concession would be that Habs management got it wright in regards to Shane. I'm thrilled with Slafs game. Loving watching him out there and always look forward to his next shift. He's doing amazing. I don't care about goals at this point or for the next year or so. Talk to me when he's 21 and can drink in every state. Right now he is showing he will be an elite player with his size, hands, skating ability and smarts. And I love his effort and determination which is another reason why he will be monster. I have little doubt he will get 30 goals , maybe 40, in a few years and certianly be a 100 point player. That works for me for a 1OA. Unfortunately the Habs can’t really wait until he is 21. His ELC will end next year, so it would be nice to see actual results before giving him an 8 year 5-6 million dollar deal. Now I know people will say the Habs don’t have to offer him that length or that amount. But really, to keep him beyond the age of 25, they do. Or we end up with another KK scenario, or worse, Slaf starts to think he is undervalued and wants out of Montreal |
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jan 9, 2024 14:52:40 GMT -5
I'm thrilled with Slafs game. Loving watching him out there and always look forward to his next shift. He's doing amazing. I don't care about goals at this point or for the next year or so. Talk to me when he's 21 and can drink in every state. Right now he is showing he will be an elite player with his size, hands, skating ability and smarts. And I love his effort and determination which is another reason why he will be monster. I have little doubt he will get 30 goals , maybe 40, in a few years and certianly be a 100 point player. That works for me for a 1OA. Unfortunately the Habs can’t really wait until he is 21. His ELC will end next year, so it would be nice to see actual results before giving him an 8 year 5-6 million dollar deal. Now I know people will say the Habs don’t have to offer him that length or that amount. But really, to keep him beyond the age of 25, they do. Or we end up with another KK scenario, or worse, Slaf starts to think he is undervalued and wants out of Montreal Since we replaced Bergevin with the new and improved GM and management team we have spent three years at the top of the standings. Of course I now follow tankathon instead of ESPN for the standings. We suffered through three of the worst seasons in franchise history and don’t have a single player in the top 80. Again and again we are told our future is bright but our high draft picks aren’t developing the way kids on other teams have. Lots of mediocre players but that’s all. |
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Post by Tankdriver on Jan 9, 2024 15:58:17 GMT -5
Well, to be fair, this management team has only had 2 drafts to work with. So far, there hasn't been anyone really dominating and overtaking our selections; at least points wise. I'm still not sold on Reinbacher, but I hope he is better than Michkov and now potentially Cutter Gauthier if the rumors are true. Also, I looked at the 2021 draft and I really hope Mailloux and Roy work out because I don't think anyone else from that year has much chance.
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Post by drkcloud on Jan 9, 2024 16:05:17 GMT -5
Unfortunately the Habs can’t really wait until he is 21. His ELC will end next year, so it would be nice to see actual results before giving him an 8 year 5-6 million dollar deal. Now I know people will say the Habs don’t have to offer him that length or that amount. But really, to keep him beyond the age of 25, they do. Or we end up with another KK scenario, or worse, Slaf starts to think he is undervalued and wants out of Montreal Since we replaced Bergevin with the new and improved GM and management team we have spent three years at the top of the standings. Of course I now follow tankathon instead of ESPN for the standings. We suffered through three of the worst seasons in franchise history and don’t have a single player in the top 80. Again and again we are told our future is bright but our high draft picks aren’t developing the way kids on other teams have. Lots of mediocre players but that’s all. I agree, still no #1 center, no elite scorers, no first line for that matter. And nothing in the pipeline. Hab fans overvalue their prospects as much or more than any team in the league. Lots of 3rd and 4th liners.. Hutson MAY be something but that's a big if. Elite players arrive elite or around 80 games. I look at the Canucks who drafted Petterson at 5 and Quinn at 9. Both elite within a year. Slaf has a ceiling of 2nd line 20 goal scorer IMO. He's simply never been an elite scorer, just a big body |
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Post by seventeen on Jan 9, 2024 17:43:25 GMT -5
Well, to be fair, this management team has only had 2 drafts to work with. So far, there hasn't been anyone really dominating and overtaking our selections; at least points wise. I'm still not sold on Reinbacher, but I hope he is better than Michkov and now potentially Cutter Gauthier if the rumors are true. Also, I looked at the 2021 draft and I really hope Mailloux and Roy work out because I don't think anyone else from that year has much chance. Their first pick, Mailloux, was at #31. Their decond and third picks came back to back at 62 and 63, Kidney and Kapanen. Those are not great spots to draft at when it's not a deep draft, which 2021 can, I think, be accurately described that way. The first 9 picks were of a good quality and then it falls off after that, with the typical occasional horseshoe pick (I call them that because a certain amount of luck comes into play. No one expected them to turn out as well as they are) such as Wyatt Johnston. Joshua Roy is progressing as well or better than some first round picks. Zach Bolduc at #17 and Tyler Boucher at #10 aren't setting the world on fire. |
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Post by Tankdriver on Jan 9, 2024 18:38:54 GMT -5
Since we replaced Bergevin with the new and improved GM and management team we have spent three years at the top of the standings. Of course I now follow tankathon instead of ESPN for the standings. We suffered through three of the worst seasons in franchise history and don’t have a single player in the top 80. Again and again we are told our future is bright but our high draft picks aren’t developing the way kids on other teams have. Lots of mediocre players but that’s all. I agree, still no #1 center, no elite scorers, no first line for that matter. And nothing in the pipeline. Hab fans overvalue their prospects as much or more than any team in the league. Lots of 3rd and 4th liners.. Hutson MAY be something but that's a big if. Elite players arrive elite or around 80 games. I look at the Canucks who drafted Petterson at 5 and Quinn at 9. Both elite within a year. Slaf has a ceiling of 2nd line 20 goal scorer IMO. He's simply never been an elite scorer, just a big body Agreed. Which is why I wanted us to draft topn3 last year and was willing to do 5 + + or draft Michkov who I think has superstar power. |
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