can they really blow it up more than it's already blown up? not sure they can get any worse really....
- dt99999

agree. you don't have to lace a mud hut with TNT.

it goes hand in hand. i think the 5 on 5 improvement is directly related to the PP struggles. we were never as bad a 5-on-5 team these past few years. we just didn't rely on even strength play as much because the PP generated so much of our offense. now that well is dry, and the goals, no matter how bad we are, still have to come from somewhere.
- DoubleDown

I don't think one has to do with the other, although the 5 on 5 scoring probably has had an effect on the defensive play, but I think they can keep scoring and play better D if they can switch up the composition of the group.

A bit less.
- hscesq

I would think if they offered 4/14 he would take it as opposed to risking going to market.

I don't think one has to do with the other, although the 5 on 5 scoring probably has had an effect on the defensive play, but I think they can keep scoring and play better D if they can switch up the composition of the group.
- habby

I agree. If they switch the composition of the group, to the composition of the group on the 1976-77 team, they will keep scoring and play better D for sure.

Matty Darche baby!!!!
- hscesq

Cole is spectacular when he drives the net like he does, but it's blue collar effort spectacular. Not a deke the 2 D pure skill spectacular.

agree. you don't have to lace a mud hut with TNT.
- DoubleDown

But it'd sure be fun!!!

lol @ Berger's blog getting shut down again.

I don't think one has to do with the other, although the 5 on 5 scoring probably has had an effect on the defensive play, but I think they can keep scoring and play better D if they can switch up the composition of the group.
- habby

i really havent seen too many games this year so it's hard for me to say. it's just a theory i had back when the PP was 1-2 in the league. i always felt that as soon as the PP slipped, 5-on-5 scoring would pick up, not matter the composition of the group.

Cole is spectacular when he drives the net like he does, but it's blue collar effort spectacular. Not a deke the 2 D pure skill spectacular.
- Fredobface

And that frickin' penalty call killed us. Not saying it shouldn't have been called based on the rules, but it's stupid and obviously inadvertent.

Cole is spectacular when he drives the net like he does, but it's blue collar effort spectacular. Not a deke the 2 D pure skill spectacular.
- Fredobface

His speed has surprised me more than anything.

His speed has surprised me more than anything.
- habby

I'm gladly eating a lot of crow becasue of him.


edit: and Desharnais.

And that frickin' penalty call killed us. Not saying it shouldn't have been called based on the rules, but it's stupid and obviously inadvertent.
- hscesq

the roughing?

can they really blow it up more than it's already blown up? not sure they can get any worse really....
- dt99999

By "blowing it up" I mean find a way to get rid of the dead weight.

1 of Desharnais or Eller is expendable (given that they decide to put Leblanc on the 3rd line next season). Find a real 4th line center (ie; a real grinder who can contribute).

Gill won't be back, Campoli won't be back, send Weber to God knows where, Emelin brings very little except for a few hits here and there.

Figure out a way to dump Gionta and Gomez.

I'm gladly eating a lot of crow becasue of him.
- dt99999

I never would have guessed he would have his best offensive year.

I'm gladly eating a lot of crow becasue of him.
- dt99999

gladly? it's coinciding with our worst season since... i can't remember us being this far out of the playoff race in my lifetime.

Habs are 2pts from the 29th place....

Great tanking job

And that frickin' penalty call killed us. Not saying it shouldn't have been called based on the rules, but it's stupid and obviously inadvertent.
- hscesq

The non-call and the fact Cole gave up on the play killed them.

That being said, we all know they would have lost in overtime/shootout anyway.

i really havent seen too many games this year so it's hard for me to say. it's just a theory i had back when the PP was 1-2 in the league. i always felt that as soon as the PP slipped, 5-on-5 scoring would pick up, not matter the composition of the group.
- DoubleDown

I am now at a point where I make a coffee, look at the NHL highlights, get amazed by the Sam Gagner performance and then realized Oh the Habs played last night Oh they Ooohh right, the Devils.

the roughing?
- habby

The high stick on Brodeur. The roughing was classic Chris Lee.

By "blowing it up" I mean find a way to get rid of the dead weight.

1 of Desharnais or Eller is expendable (given that they decide to put Leblanc on the 3rd line next season). Find a real 4th line center (ie; a real grinder who can contribute).

Gill won't be back, Campoli won't be back, send Weber to God knows where, Emelin brings very little except for a few hits here and there.

Figure out a way to dump Gionta and Gomez.
- Pecafan Fan

I move Plek considering he brings back a better return.

Emelin does more than just hit, especially considering he's a rookie. He drops in front of shots and he doesn't take penalties. he should definetly be part of the top 6 next year.

The high stick on Brodeur. The roughing was classic Chris Lee.
- hscesq

Oh and yes. Reffing didn't cost them the game, but it didn't help.

The non-call and the fact Cole gave up on the play killed them.

That being said, we all know they would have lost in overtime/shootout anyway.
- Pecafan Fan

Yeah, there could have been a call on that play, but I agree - he did appear to give up.

By "blowing it up" I mean find a way to get rid of the dead weight.

1 of Desharnais or Eller is expendable (given that they decide to put Leblanc on the 3rd line next season). Find a real 4th line center (ie; a real grinder who can contribute).

Gill won't be back, Campoli won't be back, send Weber to God knows where, Emelin brings very little except for a few hits here and there.

Figure out a way to dump Gionta and Gomez.
- Pecafan Fan

I disagree with much of this post...

I think Desharnais and Eller are some of the very few things that are right with this team and they are relatively young. Agreed with the 4th line center.

The defense can not show up and it's pretty much the same except for Emelin. I think you udnerestimate the effect 2-3 of those hits a night can have.



also they need to hang their GM by the thumbs.

I move Plek considering he brings back a better return.

Emelin does more than just hit, especially considering he's a rookie. He drops in front of shots and he doesn't take penalties. he should definetly be part of the top 6 next year.
- habby

Totally agree.

I am now at a point where I make a coffee, look at the NHL highlights, get amazed by the Sam Gagner performance and then realized Oh the Habs played last night Oh they Ooohh right, the Devils.
- Jayden

the last 2 Habs games i watched were the Red Wings game and the Rangers game. so i'm a bit confused.