Finger pointing, Lindsey and Quintal.

[Raven]

I dunno about you guys but I saw at least 2 different times during the game tonight where the boys seemed to be blaming eachother for defensive mistakes. That's pretty freakin' aweful to watch. We don't need any tension in the locker room at this point of the season 'specially when we're on the right track. It was disgusting to watch players on the same team both pointing a finger at eachother. We're a team for god's sake, even when a player makes a mistake you should be thinking about how you could have covered your man better earlier on the play and prevent the situation entirly or at least just take it as man and say 'f it, he made a mistake, life goes on' The last thing you do is point fingers at eachother, that really made me sick.

Quintal is a good defenceman. He has 1 flaw though and that's standing constantly infront of the net or rather in the crease. While that could be good at times, like swatting the puck away from the goal line on at least 2 occasions I remember when Theo got beat, I can also remember at least twice where the puck went in off him from simple passes in the crease. One also has to wonder on those occasions where he takes the puck outta the crease if infact it's his fault for being in Theo's line of vision when the shot is taken and that's why Theo didn't stop them. I love this guy and what he's done for us this season, never in a million years did I think he would be this good but he seriously needs to re-think this strategy.

Lindsey hehe, I like this guy and I knew that he would take penalties but tonight was just outta hand. It's nice to see a guy hitting other than Kilger but try to control yourself a little. I don't blame him for no winning the game tonight cause if Tampa didn't score on that powerplay I'm 100% sure it would have ended in a 2-2 tie instead of 3-3 but what he did to was practically give me a heart attack 'till about 6 seconds before the end of regulation. Penalties will always be a part of this guy's game but let's hope that tonight was the exception and not the rule.

[Gord]

Lindsay's play seemed to inspire the other boys to start hitting as well, which was great.  The calls won't be as frequent or for as marginal things in the playoffs (knock on wood), and his style of play will be absolutely invaluble.  

I truly believe that Sakics and Yzermans don't win you Stanley Cups, your Darren McCartys, Kris Drapers and Randy McKays do.  The grinders, the chippy guys, the ones who play with intensity.  You don't have guys like that (hi Ottawa), you don't go anywhere in the playoffs.

[seventeen]

Raven, I've got to disagree with your assessment of Quintal.  I questioned his signing from the beginning and outside of the fact he has a lot of desire to help out the team, his decision making, extremely slow brain responses to stimuli ("guy in front of the net...oh yeah, I gotta be there too")  and overall skill level places him as a 6th or 7th defenseman.  When Hainsey makes the team (or when Souray returns), Quintal should go.  You'll be able to tell the Habs defense is coming around when Quintal isn't part of it.  Examples:   You mentioned Quintal clearing the puck off the goal line and I remember that too.  I also remember (I think that was against the Leafs), Quintal falling on his butt seconds earlier when he couldn't turn fast enough to cover his winger, giving T-O the big chance to score.  Quintal's goal saving move was only making up for a terrible defensive play split seconds earlier.  Did you see Quintal's rather strange play on Tampa's (second?) goal last night.  He let Dingman (Dingman of all people, who has trouble keeping up with the Zamboni) waltz around him.  Then he chose to go toward Dingman when the danger was in front of the net.  Then he watched as Tampa scored when Dingman centred the puck and it was shot in.  When you get beat to the outside like that, you have to take the right angle.  You have to look to see who's covered and who isn't.  Dingman wasn't going to score from the corner, so why follow him there?  Go toward the net first, make sure that area is secured and then go after Dingman.  

If Lindsay is telling him to smarten up and play better defensively, more power to him.  It's about time someone did.  The coaches don't seem to care as Quintal consistently gets amongst the most ice time of our defencemen.  I get so frustrated watching bad decisions made on the ice and Quintal makes the most.  I agree with you that that sort of thing is best done in the dressing room or at the practice rink instead of in a game.  I've just been there too often with guys who don't make the obvious defensive play that I can sympathize with Lindsay.  Let's hope they deal with it together, in private.