JM requires his forwards to all play defense. He says so unabashedly in interviews. This is not an opinion.
- chpucapabb

So would every team that wants to succeed.

Montreal just has to play more defense becuase the forwards would get murdered if they tried to maintian the puck down low for extended periods of time.
Due to the forwards that Montreal has, they need to play a counterattck offense.
And a counterattack offense will always lack the time of possesion in the offensive end which results in less quality scoring chances.

It's not the defensive system that results in less goals, it's the offensive system that they have in place that does.

How the hell should I know? On the other hand Ric's totals appear relatively the same regardless of who he plays with.
- trash

Well we do not really know for sure but if i were a GM the Sid, Nash combo sounds like a sure fire hit to me.

Okay... let's play this game.

Crosby.... Malone and kunitz, as mentioned above.

Markov, with Streit and Souray.
- prock

I'll play after you answer the question as to the players the habs got due to the "rules" We're still waiting on that.

- drexel

ummm, hey Drex.

Ummmm....are you waiting to see which team has the most points after the pre-season to choose your new team?
The ummmm, the Thrashers moved, FYI.

Well Prock, i am done with this and you can believe what you want.
Just do not try to tell me Kessel will have a better season with Connolly then Bozak.
- thebigbird

I don't expect a massive increase in production from Kessel. I expect the line overall to be more productive, because Connolly will put up more points than Bozak would, in the games he isn't on the IR.

but like I also said, there are exceptions, where sometimes lines just click.

Crosby.... with Stoll and Nash?
- prock

Stills, not stoll.

Stills, not stoll.
- trash

Jarret Stills?

Well we do not really know for sure but if i were a GM the Sid, Nash combo sounds like a sure fire hit to me.
- thebigbird

I think actual chemistry trumps talent.

Well Prock, i am done with this and you can believe what you want.
Just do not try to tell me Kessel will have a better season with Connolly then Bozak.
- thebigbird

Kessel will put up his 36 goals like he does every year.

So would every team that wants to succeed.

Montreal just has to play more defense becuase the forwards would get murdered if they tried to maintian the puck down low for extended periods of time.
Due to the forwards that Montreal has, they need to play a counterattck offense.
And a counterattack offense will always lack the time of possesion in the offensive end which results in less quality scoring chances.

It's not the defensive system that results in less goals, it's the offensive system that they have in place that does.
- Guimania

well said...

However, I think/hope, this years roster will have more offence.

( as long as everyone remains healthy of course )

Jarret Stills?
- prock

I don't know wtf you're talking about. I thought you were answer Crosby, Stills and Nash to the Sharon, Lois and Bram.

ummm, hey Drex.

Ummmm....are you waiting to see which team has the most points after the pre-season to choose your new team?
The ummmm, the Thrashers move, FYI.

- Habssuperfan77

Oh the irony.

I don't expect a massive increase in production from Kessel. I expect the line overall to be more productive, because Connolly will put up more points than Bozak would, in the games he isn't on the IR.

but like I also said, there are exceptions, where sometimes lines just click.
- prock

So you expect the same from Kessel with Tim as he did with Tyler?
Why the hell even bother signing the guy then.
Burke must be off his rocker.

well said...

However, I think/hope, this years roster will have more offence.

( as long as everyone remains healthy of course )
- Habssuperfan77

A healthy Markov moves the puck out of the zone very quickly, it helps to improve the offense and creates speed going across centre ice.

Kessel will put up his 36 goals like he does every year.
- Guimania

That's actually where abouts I think he'll be. Anything more, for whatever reason, is a bonus.

well said...

However, I think/hope, this years roster will have more offence.

( as long as everyone remains healthy of course )
- Habssuperfan77

There is hope, becuase we have a couple forwards that might be able to play in the corners this year.

But if after a awhile Pax and Cole are not winning those battles JMs focus will go back to the tried and true counterattack and wait for a PP.

I don't know wtf you're talking about. I thought you were answer Crosby, Stills and Nash to the Sharon, Lois and Bram.
- trash

Sorry, just making stupid jokes. Yes, I was making a joke about the Sharon, Lois and Brahm thing, with Crosby, Stills and Nash, except, if Stills becomes Stoll, then you actually have 3 hockey players.

This article is more of a Habs season best case scenario than plausible predictions

Pure homerism...but its just a blog on hb so its fun

There is hope, becuase we have a couple forwards that might be able to play in the corners this year.

But if after a awhile Pax and Cole are not winning those battles JMs focus will go back to the tried and true counterattack and wait for a PP.
- Guimania

i heard JM hasn't spoken to Gauthier since he let Pyatt go to Tampa...

So you expect the same from Kessel with Tim as he did with Tyler?
Why the hell even bother signing the guy then.
Burke must be off his rocker.
- thebigbird

Nope. I expect a modest increase, that's all.

You sign Connolly because he produces more than Bozak.

If you can look past the 50s decor (by which I mean, it's been there since the 50s, not that it's retro) and the old lady waitress that smells like an ashtray, it's got great chicken.
- chpucapabb

She's also been there since the 50s.

I think actual chemistry trumps talent.
- trash

This.

Oh the irony.
- trash

I don;t get it?

So you expect the same from Kessel with Tim as he did with Tyler?
Why the hell even bother signing the guy then.
Burke must be off his rocker.
- thebigbird

What do you expect Kessel to score playing with Tim?

A healthy Markov moves the puck out of the zone very quickly, it helps to improve the offense and creates speed going across centre ice.
- RENATO6

mmmkay. Go on.