Montreal @ New Jersey Saturday Feb 24 @ 2 PM EST

[Skilly]

I’d like to know how many times a year does MTL usually play on the road on Saturday vs how many times they’ve played on the road on Saturday this year

[jkr]

Anderson in alone and it's still 3-2 Devils. His last goal is a distant memory,

[Skilly]

Josh Anderson has no move on a breakaway. All he has is his shot which is not that great. But at the very least when you are 1 on 1 with the goalie from 10 feet, you’d think an NHLer would put a shot on net. But not our Joshy. And this is the second time this game

[Skilly]

We have no players that can make a play like Bratt just did .. our guys would have been looking to pass even though there was no one to pass to

[jkr]

Matheson beaten to the outside by Bratt. 4-2 Devils.

[Skilly]

Suzuki fans and scores #22

Nice play at blueline by Matheson

[Skilly]

Matheson can’t contain a slow rolling puck and cost us 25 secs

[jkr]

Bratt gets greedy going for the EN goal & gives up the puck - Suzuki makes it 4-3.

[Skilly]

Newhook had two good chances to tie it up, and missed the net on both

[jkr]

I wish this team could play with a lead. In each of the last 3 games they were ahead at some point in the game. Against Buffalo it was Armia with a bad play on a PK.

Today, Gallagher with a late backcheck on Palat, Matheson being Matheson and Anderson missing chances. IMO blowing a golden offensive chance is as big a mistake as giving the puck away in your own zone. As Skilly said, the least we should expect from Anderson on a clean break is a shot on goal.

I expect more from the vets but they are usually the ones making the poor plays. Now 5 straight losses.

[jkr]

Feb 23, 2024 1:16:30 GMT -5 drkcloud said:

I see that again there is no national broadcast of a Saturday Habs game, just tsn2.(blacked out outside Montreal area)

I find that very annoying as here in Vancouver they have moved up the start time of the Canucks/Bruins so eastern fans of the Bruins can watch?

BRUTAL

They're doing the same thing in Denver so that the Avs - Leaf game will start at 7.

[Willie Dog]

Feb 24, 2024 16:30:26 GMT -5 Skilly said:

Newhook had two good chances to tie it up, and missed the net on both

Newhook should not be on the 1PP, he doesn't have the hands... he's russ courtnall

[Skilly]

Feb 24, 2024 17:16:49 GMT -5 Willie Dog said:

Feb 24, 2024 16:30:26 GMT -5 Skilly said:

Newhook had two good chances to tie it up, and missed the net on both

Newhook should not be on the 1PP, he doesn't have the hands... he's russ courtnall

What 4 forwards would you use?

Suzuki-Caufield-Slaf-and??

The next best forward is Newhook. And it’s not even close

[folatre]

The kids hockey season is still grinding on, so the afternoon start time ensured that I would miss it. On the drive back home my wife gave me one those looks when I said that may watch some of the game later anyway.

[jkr]

We all know that look.😀

[Willie Dog]

Feb 24, 2024 17:37:45 GMT -5 Skilly said:

Feb 24, 2024 17:16:49 GMT -5 Willie Dog said:

Newhook should not be on the 1PP, he doesn't have the hands... he's russ courtnall

What 4 forwards would you use?

Suzuki-Caufield-Slaf-and??

The next best forward is Newhook. And it’s not even close

I would give Roy a chance and maybe ylonen

[folatre]

Slafkovsky only got a few scraps last season with the second power play unit. So the reality is that Roy is probably not even under serious consideration for the PP1. Such is life, it is the 'rookie progression plan' and everything that entails.

I will give the players and coaches credit for improving the power play this season. But it needs to take the next step. And, in general special teams are still a major contributing factor in Montreal's dismal on-ice results. According to the stats I see on NHL.com, Montreal has given up 52 power play goals and 9 shorties; meanwhile the Habs have 35 power play tallies and another 4 short-handed. That is a 22 goal differential, which is actually quite massive.

If management is serious about being competitive as soon as next season, then not only do they need more talent on the roster, they also need to pull the team out of the special teams ditch. I think it is a little premature to pile the pressure on St. Louis, but clearly part of what ails the Habs special teams is attributable to guys simply not playing fundamentally sound hockey.

[Boston_Habs]

It’s a telling stat. Overall the Habs have a -46 goal differential so half of that comes from the disparity on special teams. Hard to move up in the standings with that kind of gap. Outplaying teams 5v5 is too hard to make up the difference.

[habsorbed]

Feb 25, 2024 11:39:05 GMT -5 Boston_Habs said:

It’s a telling stat. Overall the Habs have a -46 goal differential so half of that comes from the disparity on special teams. Hard to move up in the standings with that kind of gap. Outplaying teams 5v5 is too hard to make up the difference.

And we lost this game which was very winnable due a NJ PP goal, and their PP has been terrible. Of course it wasn't our PK system that gave up the goal but another bonehead play by Matheson.

I'll also note we didn't get a PP yesterday. So while being one of the most penalized teams we are, i believe, among the teams that draws the fewest penalties. Is that th reffing or the style of play?

While our #1 PP unit has become a threat, the #2 is perhaps the most anemic in the league. I wonder what the stats are for that unit? Until we get more scoring depth down the line-up we will be a cellar dweller, both due to PP and 5v5. And i think we need more than Dach. Not that impressed with Roy or Newhook. I'll give Roy some slack as a rookie although seems to be behind most of the play. Newhook looks like a fancy skater but not much on the results front.

Ho hum!

[Skilly]

Feb 24, 2024 20:01:00 GMT -5 Willie Dog said:

Feb 24, 2024 17:37:45 GMT -5 Skilly said:

What 4 forwards would you use?

Suzuki-Caufield-Slaf-and??

The next best forward is Newhook. And it’s not even close

I would give Roy a chance and maybe ylonen

The idea on the PP or late in the game when the goalie is pulled, is to score

Roy has 1 goal in 13 games, or 3 in 39 game pace

Ylonen has 3 goals in 46 games

Newhook has 8 goals in 31 games.

He has the third highest goals per game rate on the team. It actually is also worthwhile to invest time into developing Newhook. He is 23 years old.

[seventeen]

Feb 25, 2024 9:46:44 GMT -5 folatre said:

Slafkovsky only got a few scraps last season with the second power play unit. So the reality is that Roy is probably not even under serious consideration for the PP1. Such is life, it is the 'rookie progression plan' and everything that entails.

I will give the players and coaches credit for improving the power play this season. But it needs to take the next step. And, in general special teams are still a major contributing factor in Montreal's dismal on-ice results. According to the stats I see on NHL.com, Montreal has given up 52 power play goals and 9 shorties; meanwhile the Habs have 35 power play tallies and another 4 short-handed. That is a 22 goal differential, which is actually quite massive.

If management is serious about being competitive as soon as next season, then not only do they need more talent on the roster, they also need to pull the team out of the special teams ditch. I think it is a little premature to pile the pressure on St. Louis, but clearly part of what ails the Habs special teams is attributable to guys simply not playing fundamentally sound hockey.

Arpon Basu addressed that in a podcast. During a recent break in the schedule, the Habs spent two days practicing the basics of taking the stick, boxing out opponents, etc. All defensive tactics designed to address the same, obvious weakness. It was better the next game, (against a weak opponent, I think), but now you're seeing the same things all over again. Gallagher sees the Devil forward ahead of him, has to realize he's wide open and heading for the net, and just glides on his skates instead of putting his head down and catching up. In my soccer games, I tracked back hard and when I was able to make a good defensive play, it's all because it started 30 yards up the field. It's not just recognition, because sometimes it's really obvious you're going outnumbered and the D needs help, but more so the desire. That was Gallagher's issue and it's one that the GM has to correct because the coach can't.

My feeling is that if the vets like Gallagher and Anderson can't get the message, waive them and send them to Laval. No one's picking them up and at least we get $2MM of CAP relief and those two guys get a very serious message that their careers are down the tank unless their attitudes change. Or, if Laval is too comfortable a stop, demote them to the Lions. A stint in the ECHL might help them come to some life decisions.

Signed

A fan of Natural Consequences.

[Skilly]

Feb 25, 2024 13:10:42 GMT -5 habsorbed said:

Feb 25, 2024 11:39:05 GMT -5 Boston_Habs said:

It’s a telling stat. Overall the Habs have a -46 goal differential so half of that comes from the disparity on special teams. Hard to move up in the standings with that kind of gap. Outplaying teams 5v5 is too hard to make up the difference.

And we lost this game which was very winnable due a NJ PP goal, and their PP has been terrible. Of course it wasn't our PK system that gave up the goal but another bonehead play by Matheson.

I'll also note we didn't get a PP yesterday. So while being one of the most penalized teams we are, i believe, among the teams that draws the fewest penalties. Is that th reffing or the style of play?

While our #1 PP unit has become a threat, the #2 is perhaps the most anemic in the league. I wonder what the stats are for that unit? Until we get more scoring depth down the line-up we will be a cellar dweller, both due to PP and 5v5. And i think we need more than Dach. Not that impressed with Roy or Newhook. I'll give Roy some slack as a rookie although seems to be behind most of the play. Newhook looks like a fancy skater but not much on the results front.

Ho hum!

Not much on the results front... ok

I won't even get into how EVERY other player seems to get a 20 game pass from this board when returning from injury

But. Newhook has the third most goals per game on this team. And the fifth most points per game on this team. (He is actually tied with Slaf on that, but Newhook's 21 goal pace over 82 games would surpass Slaf ... Slaf has 0.517ppg and Newhook has 0.516ppg, both would end with 42 points, but Newhook with more goals)

This is also Newhook's first year with this team.

I don't know guys. If you were expecting 40-60 points from Newhook while only playing 55 games and without Dach, then there is more going on I think

[Willie Dog]

Feb 25, 2024 17:24:48 GMT -5 Skilly said:

Feb 24, 2024 20:01:00 GMT -5 Willie Dog said:

I would give Roy a chance and maybe ylonen

The idea on the PP or late in the game when the goalie is pulled, is to score

Roy has 1 goal in 13 games, or 3 in 39 game pace

Ylonen has 3 goals in 46 games

Newhook has 8 goals in 31 games.

He has the third highest goals per game rate on the team. It actually is also worthwhile to invest time into developing Newhook. He is 23 years old.

I think Roy has a better hockey IQ, he just needs to adjust to the NHL speed...The bumper position is not for newhook, maybe somewhere else (2nd pp unit), I would have the following 1st pp unit

Cole-nick-slaf
Matheson Xhekaj

Arber with a 107 mph slapshot... he'll break bones

[jkr]

People may be forgetting that Newhook was on pace for 25 goals & 50 points before he got injured.

I'm not surprised now. When you've been out for a while it must feel like training camp.

I'm more PO'd at vets like Gallagher & Anderson who make fundamental mistakes over an over.

[Willie Dog]

Feb 25, 2024 17:35:28 GMT -5 Skilly said:

Feb 25, 2024 13:10:42 GMT -5 habsorbed said:

And we lost this game which was very winnable due a NJ PP goal, and their PP has been terrible. Of course it wasn't our PK system that gave up the goal but another bonehead play by Matheson.

I'll also note we didn't get a PP yesterday. So while being one of the most penalized teams we are, i believe, among the teams that draws the fewest penalties. Is that th reffing or the style of play?

While our #1 PP unit has become a threat, the #2 is perhaps the most anemic in the league. I wonder what the stats are for that unit? Until we get more scoring depth down the line-up we will be a cellar dweller, both due to PP and 5v5. And i think we need more than Dach. Not that impressed with Roy or Newhook. I'll give Roy some slack as a rookie although seems to be behind most of the play. Newhook looks like a fancy skater but not much on the results front.

Ho hum!

Not much on the results front... ok

I won't even get into how EVERY other player seems to get a 20 game pass from this board when returning from injury

But. Newhook has the third most goals per game on this team. And the fifth most points per game on this team. (He is actually tied with Slaf on that, but Newhook's 21 goal pace over 82 games would surpass Slaf ... Slaf has 0.517ppg and Newhook has 0.516ppg, both would end with 42 points, but Newhook with more goals)

This is also Newhook's first year with this team.

I don't know guys. If you were expecting 40-60 points from Newhook while only playing 55 games and without Dach, then there is more going on I think

He's OK... but he's a 16th overall pick and he's 23 years old... I expect him to do aaay better than tugboat David Savard, 36GP, 4G, 3A

Next year we will see what he can do with a healthy Dach for the full season

[Willie Dog]

Feb 25, 2024 17:55:59 GMT -5 jkr said:

People may be forgetting that Newhook was on pace for 25 goals & 50 points before he got injured.

I'm not surprised now. When you've been out for a while it must feel like training camp.

I'm more PO'd at vets like Gallagher & Anderson who make fundamental mistakes over an over.

I agree, it's maddening...

[habsorbed]

Feb 25, 2024 17:35:28 GMT -5 Skilly said:

Feb 25, 2024 13:10:42 GMT -5 habsorbed said:

And we lost this game which was very winnable due a NJ PP goal, and their PP has been terrible. Of course it wasn't our PK system that gave up the goal but another bonehead play by Matheson.

I'll also note we didn't get a PP yesterday. So while being one of the most penalized teams we are, i believe, among the teams that draws the fewest penalties. Is that th reffing or the style of play?

While our #1 PP unit has become a threat, the #2 is perhaps the most anemic in the league. I wonder what the stats are for that unit? Until we get more scoring depth down the line-up we will be a cellar dweller, both due to PP and 5v5. And i think we need more than Dach. Not that impressed with Roy or Newhook. I'll give Roy some slack as a rookie although seems to be behind most of the play. Newhook looks like a fancy skater but not much on the results front.

Ho hum!

Not much on the results front... ok

I won't even get into how EVERY other player seems to get a 20 game pass from this board when returning from injury

But. Newhook has the third most goals per game on this team. And the fifth most points per game on this team. (He is actually tied with Slaf on that, but Newhook's 21 goal pace over 82 games would surpass Slaf ... Slaf has 0.517ppg and Newhook has 0.516ppg, both would end with 42 points, but Newhook with more goals)

This is also Newhook's first year with this team.

I don't know guys. If you were expecting 40-60 points from Newhook while only playing 55 games and without Dach, then there is more going on I think

And you confirmed my point. If Newhook is 3rd most goal per pgame than you need more talent. It may be Newhook will become a legit top 6 but I'm not all that hopeful based on what I'm seeing.

[folatre]

I think Newhook can be a regular 25 goal scorer on a line with a big smooth center like Dach. It is nice that he can fill in down the middle, but for me he is a winger.

[seventeen]

Feb 25, 2024 17:35:28 GMT -5 Skilly said:

Not much on the results front... ok

I won't even get into how EVERY other player seems to get a 20 game pass from this board when returning from injury

But. Newhook has the third most goals per game on this team. And the fifth most points per game on this team. (He is actually tied with Slaf on that, but Newhook's 21 goal pace over 82 games would surpass Slaf ... Slaf has 0.517ppg and Newhook has 0.516ppg, both would end with 42 points, but Newhook with more goals)

This is also Newhook's first year with this team.

I don't know guys. If you were expecting 40-60 points from Newhook while only playing 55 games and without Dach, then there is more going on I think

He definnitely needs patience from fans. His scoring in juniour was really good, so I don't think it's a problem. The main problem is that he's playing out of position. He's a pretty good winger, but because of the team's needs has had to play centre far more than we'd like. He was starting to produce quite well on the wing before his injury. Also, we need to round out the Canadian diversification, and being from Newfoundland and Labrador, he fills that part of the equation. Never had problems with Newfie kids. We should have kept Ryder, so he couldn't block that shot in game 7 if nothing else. Damn.

[Willie Dog]

Feb 25, 2024 19:44:30 GMT -5 seventeen said:

Feb 25, 2024 17:35:28 GMT -5 Skilly said:

Not much on the results front... ok

I won't even get into how EVERY other player seems to get a 20 game pass from this board when returning from injury

But. Newhook has the third most goals per game on this team. And the fifth most points per game on this team. (He is actually tied with Slaf on that, but Newhook's 21 goal pace over 82 games would surpass Slaf ... Slaf has 0.517ppg and Newhook has 0.516ppg, both would end with 42 points, but Newhook with more goals)

This is also Newhook's first year with this team.

I don't know guys. If you were expecting 40-60 points from Newhook while only playing 55 games and without Dach, then there is more going on I think

He definnitely needs patience from fans. His scoring in juniour was really good, so I don't think it's a problem. The main problem is that he's playing out of position. He's a pretty good winger, but because of the team's needs has had to play centre far more than we'd like. He was starting to produce quite well on the wing before his injury. Also, we need to round out the Canadian diversification, and being from Newfoundland and Labrador, he fills that part of the equation. Never had problems with Newfie kids. We should have kept Ryder, so he couldn't block that shot in game 7 if nothing else. Damn.

Lol... line ups by geography... do we get an award for that...