2010-2011 Montreal Canadiens

[hamstercaster 2]

From a reporter that was actually there: http://montreal.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110209/mtl_habshub_habit_110208/20110209/?hub=MontrealSports

Thanks and funny enough it links back to the article I just posted and just kinda proves me right lol

[RadioGaGa 162]

All I've heard this past week is how well Gill and Subban have gotten along. How he is being mentored by him. Gill has commented that PK's flash isn't his style...but this is the first I heard about any problem (between them).

[Hidious 0]

Only one reporter interpreted this as a problem between them, it sounds like the other guys there all knew it was nothing serious. This piece buy John Lu, posted in the CTV article, was an interesting watch: http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/#clip414788

[hamstercaster 2]

And it just turns out that there are no problems between them both according to the CTV article and the Jon Ju video in the article.

[hamstercaster 2]

Following last nights game, and I will not start a discussion on that game specifically as I've said what I had to say in the Bruins thread for the most part.

My question is as follows: Do you think that the Habs should add more grit from here to the trade deadline and if so, in what form?

Seeing how far they've gone last spring one could say that this is proof that they don't need it. However, seeing on how quick it ended against, arguably a less talented team (Flyers as compared to Pittsburgh and Washington) one could say that they need some grit if they want to at least repeat what was done last spring.

I'm not sure the addition of a goon, a Boogard for exemple would be what the doctor ordered. I'm thinking more of a David Backes type of player which obviously is not to be trade out of St-Louis but perhaps someone like Carkner or Andy Sutton, big rugged defensemen who can hit and drop the gloves? Mike Fisher could have fitted the bill to an extent but he's just been snagged by Nashville. Neil, who knows what he could bring to a team headed for the playoffs although he is way past his prime, perhaps he still has a round or two left in him?

What do you think?

[RadioGaGa 162]

Following last nights game...Do you think that the Habs should add more grit from here to the trade deadline and if so, in what form?

Seeing how far they've gone last spring one could say that this is proof that they don't need it. However, seeing on how quick it ended against, arguably a less talented team (Flyers as compared

What do you think?

Yes, in the form of Zach Stortini.

[althoma1 575]

Following last nights game, and I will not start a discussion on that game specifically as I've said what I had to say in the Bruins thread for the most part.

My question is as follows: Do you think that the Habs should add more grit from here to the trade deadline and if so, in what form?

I'd also look to Edmonton, but to Theo Peckham. He's a D-man with some size and toughness and more of the long term Habs injuries are on the blue line.

If the Habs could also pick up a guy like Penner that'd be great. Penner isn't a fighter, but he does have some size and can provide some offence. Of course, they'd have to unload some salary to take on Penner...Kostitsyn and Gomez certainly come to mind after last nights game. Gomez has been overpaid for quite some time and it'll be hard to move him anywhere. Kostitsyn does have a great shot, OK size and a lot of skill, but he's very inconsistent. From a points perspective Kostitsyn and Penner aren't far off from each other this year and Kostitsyn is a couple years younger so perhaps that trade would fly, although I think Penner's salary is higher so the Canadiens would have to include someone else in that trade or make another salary dump.

[hamstercaster 2]

Stortini, perhaps, Pecham, maybe. As for Penner who had a decent season last year I believe, I think that with the injury bug in Montreal they could probably fit him in without dumping much salary if any. I'm still on the fence when it comes to trading AK46. You'd think that with the size and talent he has he would have better stats but he's so inconsistent like many players in the NHL for that matter. So what do you do? Ship against another inconsistent player? Picks? Prospects?

As for Gomez, I defended him all season long on other boards, even here I believe but now I'm running out of arguments. He looks like he doesn't want to be in Montreal or playing hockey period. He's not only inconsistent but on top of that he's starting to look as though he doesn't give two shits. A friend of mind who knows a fourth line Habs player was told by that player himself that Gomez is becoming a rotten apple in the room and that he dislikes rookies, specially those who have the potentiel to take his spot on the top lines. I know it may be hard to believe but my friend has yet to bullshit me and he's told me things before about another player he knows, now in TB before any media broke the news of a trade/signing so I until proven otherwise, I trust him.

But like I told him, with 23 players or so in a room, your bound to not get along with everybody so who knows how deep this goes.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Thoughts on Subban/Lupul the other night.

Lupul is upset that PK starting punching while he was pausing the remove his helmet...

Now, As I saw it: JL was moving toward PK as he tried to undo the helemt. Subban said he didn't know what he was doing and thought it was on.

Wouldn't it be less open to interpretation, and confusiton if JL (or anyone who wants to remove the helemt/visor before fighting) had done what Iginla does. He takes a noticable move backwards...gestures to the helmet takes it off...then engages in fisticuffs. Don't lunge toward a guy fumbling with your bucket then bitch when you get punched.

Just the way I see it (as a noted Hab fan, I feel obligated to remind you all).

Thoughts?

[IniNew 53]

I'm inclined to agree. Lupul was already lunging towards him with his hands up buy his chinstrap. I'd have started going at it as well.

[hamstercaster 2]

I watched the replays a couple of times and I honnestly can't blame Subban. Subban's helmet came off rather quickly into the fight anyway so to me it's a non-issue and it seems to me that Lupul has just jumped on the Subban hate wagon and felt like he needed to say something bad about him or something. Don't get me wrong, Subban although having a lot of potential still gets on my "nerves" so to speak. I think that his game has matured a bit and doesn't make as many mistakes as he used too, however, he still needs to stand up for all that yapping that goes on on the ice. The fight with Lupul is a good start but I'd still like him to answer the call on a more frequent basis because as it stands now, there seems to be a great deal of players out there who want a piece of him and sooner rather than later, someone will get him good.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Interesting call up by Montreal. Brendon Nash (D). 50GP - 3G/20A in Hamilton. He's having a great rookie season...but he's coming from NCAA...so he's getting late into the longest season he's played in a long time. Be interesting to see how they use him.

[chippa13 1844]

I watched the replays a couple of times and I honnestly can't blame Subban. Subban's helmet came off rather quickly into the fight anyway so to me it's a non-issue and it seems to me that Lupul has just jumped on the Subban hate wagon and felt like he needed to say something bad about him or something. Don't get me wrong, Subban although having a lot of potential still gets on my "nerves" so to speak. I think that his game has matured a bit and doesn't make as many mistakes as he used too, however, he still needs to stand up for all that yapping that goes on on the ice. The fight with Lupul is a good start but I'd still like him to answer the call on a more frequent basis because as it stands now, there seems to be a great deal of players out there who want a piece of him and sooner rather than later, someone will get him good.

The first issue that I have with Subban is that he declined about 1/2 of the Bruins roster and then accepts from noted tough guy Lupul. He doesn't have to oblige Thornton or Lucic but there were plenty of offers from like players that he turned down. Second, Subban can obviously see that Lupul is removing his helmet when he tries to get the jump on him in the fight. Looked like the coward's way into the fight to me.

[hamstercaster 2]

The first issue that I have with Subban is that he declined about 1/2 of the Bruins roster and then accepts from noted tough guy Lupul. He doesn't have to oblige Thornton or Lucic but there were plenty of offers from like players that he turned down. Second, Subban can obviously see that Lupul is removing his helmet when he tries to get the jump on him in the fight. Looked like the coward's way into the fight to me.

I agree with the first part about the Bruins but I think that for Lupul it was as clear cut as that. Lupul seemed to be stepping into the fight while removing his helmet so I'll give the benefit of the doubt to Subban on this one. Its hard to tell IMO. If he doesn't engage Lupul, I think that there is a legitimate chance that Lupul jumps him before he is able to take his own helmet off. If Lupul really wanted Subban to take his helmet off, he should have done what others, notably Iginla, do which is to back off a bit and start taking his helmet off. This is usually a clear sign for both players to take the buckets off before engaging in the fight. Lupul just skated towards Subban from what I saw so I think that Lupul is as much in the wrong as Subban on that one.

[Larry54 243]

And it's not like Lupul just glided toward Subban. Lupul even did a crossover to approach him. If that wasn't deliberate, it wasn't very smart.

[RadioGaGa 162]

The Habs have to start putting these games away. Up 2-0 and controlling the game totally...then they let the Sabres back in.

But (and I hate to say it)...Glad to see the Leafs win tonight. Habs do leap to 3rd with the OTL point, unless what I saw on TSN's site was already updated, in which case they are tied with Boston.

[ibeck 38]

The Habs have to start putting these games away. Up 2-0 and controlling the game totally...then they let the Sabres back in.

But (and I hate to say it)...Glad to see the Leafs win tonight. Habs do leap to 3rd with the OTL point, unless what I saw on TSN's site was already updated, in which case they are tied with Boston.

Like you said they can't keep letting teams back in the game. I honestly thought at 2-0 they would win and stopped watching. Interesting shoot out though, 3 goals blocker side on Carey.

[hampshirepuck 2]

just saw PK Subban's little brother play.. looks like he's got potential for the show!

[RadioGaGa 162]

just saw PK Subban's little brother play.. looks like he's got potential for the show!

Which one....the 15 year old playing at the Canadian Winter Games in Halifax or the Goalie in Bellville?

[hampshirepuck 2]

the 15 year old playing in the canada games, kind of a dirty player, saw him take a pretty unnecessary penalty.

[ibeck 38]

the 15 year old playing in the canada games, kind of a dirty player, saw him take a pretty unnecessary penalty.

Him and PK look so much a like. I know they are brothers but sometimes brothers don't look anything a like!

Mara back to MTL.

[hamstercaster 2]

Yep Mara back to Montreal. That's a strange one and am wondering what Mara's feelings are on that. Also agree that Montreal needs to win those games they are up by 2 goals. They need that killer's instinct which they seem to lack. As for the goals blocker side on Price I found that strange too. Either they found something there or like Price said, they all decided to go blocker side which kinda confused him a bit as you usually don't see that happening. Either way, I'm sure they will address that in practice.

[hamstercaster 2]

This is getting ridiculous.

Markov Gorges, Spacek, Gill, now the Wiz... Apparantly he suffered a broken cheek bone so that should more than likely sideline him for at least a couple of weeks, probably more. I don't mind Mara but if the Habs are to go anywhere in the playoffs or even get there, Gauthier will have to pull the trigger on some sort of trade to solidify the Defense core. A top six forward would also be welcomed but that may prove to be harder to achieve. Apparantly the rumours have intensified regarding Eric Brewer.

[ibeck 38]

This is getting ridiculous.

Markov Gorges, Spacek, Gill, now the Wiz... Apparantly he suffered a broken cheek bone so that should more than likely sideline him for at least a couple of weeks, probably more. I don't mind Mara but if the Habs are to go anywhere in the playoffs or even get there, Gauthier will have to pull the trigger on some sort of trade to solidify the Defense core. A top six forward would also be welcomed but that may prove to be harder to achieve. Apparantly the rumours have intensified regarding Eric Brewer.

He may even come back soon. Tons of guys get facial injuries, miss 2,3 gamed and wear a bowl or cage. The latest guys to do this are Hodgson and Kampfer.....MTL blueline is a dipleaded as the canucks!

[Hidious 0]

Still no details on Wiz's injury but a picture was posted: http://www.lepool.com/chronique/billet.aspx?billet=16697

It was indeed the cheek...