He's done nothing to earn his way there. The top line was okay with Kulemin early but eventually stopped producing. Adding Bailey to the mix is odd considering his habit of disappearing for long stretches at a time. There has to be better options...
- keaner17

The top line has looked better with bailey, doesnt matter if he didnt earn it or deserve it. theyve looked better since he's been put there. But bailey isn't a good fit long term in my opinion he makes a lot of small mistakes that are very frustrating to watch. And there are better options but its not worth breaking up the kid line

Failing to find a better back up may be the difference of reaching the playoffs or not.....

So... Of the few Montreal shots tonight, name one difficult save Johnson made.

Failing to find a better back up may be the difference of reaching the playoffs or not.....
- Nolanders

And you see my concern.

And you see my concern.
- Isles_since_6

100% my friend.....don't look now but the Rags are 6 pts behind us too....

Good game fellas.

Failing to find a better back up may be the difference of reaching the playoffs or not.....
- Nolanders

I agree...but in general you probably need to score more than one goal to win with your backup in net no matter who it is.

Edit...check that, I don't agree...I think they make the playoffs as long as Halak stays healthy...but I do think they'll need a backup that's better than Johnson's been.

had to work and missed the game. did we put up quality shots and get stopped by a hot goalie? Also, how was JT tonight?

The top line has looked better with bailey, doesnt matter if he didnt earn it or deserve it. theyve looked better since he's been put there. But bailey isn't a good fit long term in my opinion he makes a lot of small mistakes that are very frustrating to watch. And there are better options but its not worth breaking up the kid line
- chriscmc

I don't agree with the idea that it's not worth breaking up the second line to make the first one better. While I'd prefer to keep the kid line intact, I'd much rather throw Lee, Nelson or Strome on that top line than a passive turnover machine like Bailey. Kulemin was never the answer for that line but Bailey is no upgrade

I don't agree with the idea that it's not worth breaking up the second line to make the first one better. While I'd prefer to keep the kid line intact, I'd much rather throw Lee, Nelson or Strome on that top line than a passive turnover machine like Bailey. Kulemin was never the answer for that line but Bailey is no upgrade
- keaner17

Strome got a couple looks. I think he should get a few games up there. Defensively sound has good hands. Why not we will play him on the fourth line

I think the top line has looked the best it has in a while since they put Bailey up there.
- NewYawkIslandez

I think looking at the trade dead line that's the position that will be filled so why not have him play there let the other lines gain chemistry so they don't get disrupted. It's basically his last chance but I think he's the odd man out. At the dead line get TJ Oshie or Iggy or what's available that makes sense and Bailey's out imho.

So... Of the few Montreal shots tonight, name one difficult save Johnson made.
- Isles_since_6

You need your goalie to make the TIMELY save and I don't think he did that or made a GAME SAVING SAVE. I was excited about the goalie tandem before the season and thought Johnson would push Halak, which is not the case and obvi am disappointed in his play.

Good game fellas.
- BingoLady

I like your avatar. I don't know if you noticed, but the lady has a mustache.

Tonight is another example where the opposing coaching staff makes adjustments in between periods, match lines and change there strategy and makes a huge difference in the out come of the game.

Let me get this started.. Fire Cappy!!



XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

I was actually thinking about that today- I still think this team would be better with a better coach...but on the other hand....if they can truly figure it out by themselves, and play consistently the way they have lately (should have had a point tonight; they played well enough to have a tie at 60 minutes), they'll eventually be good enough that they won't need coaching...and if they really like the man personally, he may become the best option. His only job will be to make sure they stay in shape (and don't strangle each other in the locker room). The Joe Torre of hockey.

That said, the GM has work to do- when you get 7 guys in Free Agency, the chance is pretty good that a couple will be duds. We can't have this goalie if we're serious about making a run. If Halak gets hurt, we're screwed. Snow needs to get on that, quickly.

Failing to find a better back up may be the difference of reaching the playoffs or not.....
- Nolanders

Only if Halak gets hurt...then we will nosedive. If Halak can play 60, we're in. But I agree....get rid of Strait, and at least open a spot for Poulin, for starters. Poulin isn't good, but he's better than this guy, guaranteed.

Tonight is another example where the opposing coaching staff makes adjustments in between periods, match lines and change there strategy and makes a huge difference in the out come of the game.
- nyisles7

Not disagreeing...but our backup goalie is crap....that was at least.....99% of the problem.

Not disagreeing...but our backup goalie is crap....that was at least.....99% of the problem.
- dcb1

Isles taking the second period off wasn't the backup goalies fault. However he didn't come up with any great saves and the second goal against was bad. Close the f'n pads when you are down and that doesn't go in. Can't fault Johnson on the first goal, that was a laser that Halak wasn't stopping either.

Isles taking the second period off wasn't the backup goalies fault. However he didn't come up with any great saves and the second goal against was bad. Close the f'n pads when you are down and that doesn't go in. Can't fault Johnson on the first goal, that was a laser that Halak wasn't stopping either.
- NewYawkIslandez

I agree they stopped skating in the second but you cant let in three goals on less then 20 shots. If halak is injured (total speculation on my part)I give poulin a shot.

You need your goalie to make the TIMELY save and I don't think he did that or made a GAME SAVING SAVE. I was excited about the goalie tandem before the season and thought Johnson would push Halak, which is not the case and obvi am disappointed in his play.
- nyisles7

Yup, that second goal seemed to deflate the team a bit. Johnson wasn't awful, but he also wasn't really tested. There were very few legit scoring chances for the Habs.

I agree they stopped skating in the second but you cant let in three goals on less then 20 shots. If halak is injured (total speculation on my part)I give poulin a shot.
- Cptmjl

Poulin was sent back down right after the game so I expect we'll see Halak Saturday.

Yup, that second goal seemed to deflate the team a bit. Johnson wasn't awful, but he also wasn't really tested. There were very few legit scoring chances for the Habs.
- Isles_since_6

Spot on. I think Price was the difference maker in this game. He made clutch saves, Johnson did not. That second goal he let in pissed me off.

had to work and missed the game. did we put up quality shots and get stopped by a hot goalie? Also, how was JT tonight?
- islesrbettr

I thought JT looked good tonight, lot of jump and not much frustration.

Spot on. I think Price was the difference maker in this game. He made clutch saves, Johnson did not. That second goal he let in pissed me off.
- NewYawkIslandez

Still not sure how it even went in. Looked like five hole which is pathetic from where the shot came from.

I thought JT looked good tonight, lot of jump and not much frustration.
- Isles_since_6

thats good news...........lets hope the rest helps everyone mentally and they come back and continue to win 4 out of five.