I like how they continue the play right away when there's a penalty shot during the intra-squad scrimmages, not a bad idea.

it's weird how the bus is crying but also trying to flex with the arms protruding from its face.
- Pat1993

i'm a strong bus, but i can be sensitive too.

hat trick for Davidson, good for him.

i'm a strong bus, but i can be sensitive too.
- kicksave856

strong enough for a man, but made for a woman.

strong enough for a man, but made for a woman.
- Pat1993

hat trick for Davidson, good for him.
- Pat1993

- AGalchenyuk27

"my 5-hole brings all the boys to the yard..."

"but they're like, my butt is filled"

"but they're like, my butt is filled"
- Pat1993

"but they're like, my butt is filled"
- Pat1993

- Mashadar

hey, it beats you falling short with your jokes...

hey, it beats you falling short with your jokes...

- Pat1993

Even short jokes go over your head....

I know, I still find it's depressing reading people here talking about another bottom 10 or even bottom 5 but it is what it is. last year was a poop season in terms of wins but they weren't that bad throughout all those games lost all things considered, so I'll surely be entertained this year as well despite the pessimism.
- Pat1993

I consider myself a cautious optimist. However, when I look at the team on paper with a projected lineup, I just don't see the playoffs. If I am throwing caution to the wind, and go with my heart, they will battle for a playoff spot. If I take emotions out, on paper, I see another bottom 10, yes perhaps even bottom 5 finish. They will be better than last year, no doubt. As long as they play hard every night, I will be just as happy, for different reasons.

I consider myself a cautious optimist. However, when I look at the team on paper with a projected lineup, I just don't see the playoffs. If I am throwing caution to the wind, and go with my heart, they will battle for a playoff spot. If I take emotions out, on paper, I see another bottom 10, yes perhaps even bottom 5 finish. They will be better than last year, no doubt. As long as they play hard every night, I will be just as happy, for different reasons.
- The Judge

oh I get it, 100%. I call it "pessimism" but I'm aware it's also being realistic lol. and I understand those who say it's naive to even think they could make the playoffs but I'd rather start the season with an "anything is possible" mentality, without really having any expectations.

Even short jokes go over your head....
- Mashadar

oh I get it, 100%. I call it "pessimism" but I'm aware it's also being realistic lol. and I understand those who say it's naive to even think they could make the playoffs but I'd rather start the season with an "anything is possible" mentality, without really having any expectations.
- Pat1993

Sensible.

Sensible.
- The Judge

as you mentioned, team effort will be key, and I think most fans will be happy if they see players working hard and showing they want to win, even if they might lose a bunch of those games.

oh I get it, 100%. I call it "pessimism" but I'm aware it's also being realistic lol. and I understand those who say it's naive to even think they could make the playoffs but I'd rather start the season with an "anything is possible" mentality, without really having any expectations.
- Pat1993

Like I said, I am not going to be excited or disappointed by wins or losses.

The threshold for me is compete level every game, see progression and opportunity for the kids, look for how coaching and management make changes and support the product on the ice during the season, and a lack of preventable re-injuries (ie: how they handle players that have been injured).

A year or two down the line, I will worry about wins and loses.

Like I said, I am not going to be excited or disappointed by wins or losses.

The threshold for me is compete level every game, see progression and opportunity for the kids, look for how coaching and management make changes and support the product on the ice during the season, and a lack of preventable re-injuries (ie: how they handle players that have been injured).

A year or two down the line, I will worry about wins and loses.
- Mashadar

I totally agree, since it isn't expected yet from them to be competitive and make the playoffs. still, when I watch a habs game I want them to win every time, otherwise I wouldn't be watching at all.

I totally agree, since it isn't expected yet from them to be competitive and make the playoffs. still, when I watch a habs game I want them to win every time, otherwise I wouldn't be watching at all.
- Pat1993

If they get 35 wins / 75+ Pts, will be a decent season.

Still think they finish somewhere 23-26th.

If they get 35 wins / 75+ Pts, will be a decent season.

Still think they finish somewhere 23-26th.
- Mashadar

- Pat1993

They were -75 in GF/GA last year, if that gap is not improved significantly - either by scoring a poop ton more goals or playing a lot better defensively (or some combination of both) - don't expect big movement in the win/loss column.

That is almost 1 more goal against per game allowed than scored.

They were -75 in GF/GA last year, if that gap is not improved significantly - either by scoring a poop ton more goals or playing a lot better defensively (or some combination of both) - don't expect big movement in the win/loss column.

That is almost 1 more goal against per game allowed than scored.
- Mashadar

meh, they finished with 68pts last year while breaking an NHL record for injuries, if they stay healthy it isn't unreasonable to think they could do better than 75pts.

we don't see it the same way, it's fine

meh, they finished with 68pts last year while breaking an NHL record for injuries, if they stay healthy it isn't unreasonable to think they could do better than 75pts.

we don't see it the same way, it's fine
- Pat1993

I would agree, they could reach 82 points, play for .500.
not much more than that though imo. 85 max

I would agree, they could reach 82 points, play for .500.
not much more than that though imo. 85 max
- fidopro

we'll see!!