I know its early in the year but Kaberle has showed me nothing at all. At this point IMO when Subban comes back Kabs should be our 7th dman if Diaz continues to be great and Frankie stays solid. And I see why Kaberle never shoots cause its so horrible that someone could stop it with their balls and it wouldn't even hurt.
Bourque looked solid tonight and is using his speed and size to his advantage. Him and Pleks look good lets hope they can be consistent.
Paches and Cole looked way better than the Toronto game but still they aren't close to their potential. DD is still good on the PP but other than that hes always on his ass. He's battling though and playing a decent 2 way game.
Loved the move by MT to have Prust with the Gally's. As soon as I heard about it this morning I've been buzzing inside in excitement to see how the kids would do with Prust. gave them room and slack out there and it paid off.
Gallagher impressed me. Despite his small frame, he didn't seem all that scared to jump right in front of the keeper at every chance and annoy the opponents. Kudos to Ferraro he called it today on TSN 690.
I'm sure having Prust next to him made him feel a little better.
One thing I didn't like. MaxPac on the wing by the ashmark on the PP, nor did I like that we always went to this trio first, even when leading 4-1. Plekanec played just over a minute and a half there. I don't agree with this at all.
I will also never stop thinking that having two PFs that aren't great passers or even one timers on the 1st unit together is retarded.
I was happy for Galchenyuk and Gallagher getting some PP time, you need to give young talented forwards who play on a 3rd line some offensive opportunities on the PP. It helps them develop their offensive skills. Unfortunately, they never understood that Eller would likely benefit from this as well.
For Markov, God I missed him. I really hope he can stay healthy. Such a great player.
All in all, pretty good game, but Panthers played with 5 Dmen, were tired and are missing key players. Often times in the past, we let games like that slide, so it's good we didn't.
Funny part is that if Therrien would have played Eller at center with Prust and Gallagher as his wingers, some would have said that, again, Therrien isn't doing a proper job with him 'cause he doesn't give him the best wingers of the team. Somehow, this Galchenyuk rookie made the best of it with the same 2 guys on his line.
I love Gally, but I thought he was practically invisible all game until his goal, where he took a check and then went in front of the net. But you remember when they scored? The PP had just finished a few seconds ago, but essentially, they were on the PP. How often did Eller get that chance??
The talent is undeniable, and he will be a great player, I'm sure of it. However I didn't find he was that great. Didn't make any mistakes, didn't create much either.
I was impressed by Gallagher though. I think him and Prust are the ones that drove this line, not Galchenyuk.
Brandon Prust is our new Chris Nilan. Not the biggest guy outhere, but awesome fighter (they even have the same fighting style), can play a very good 2-way game and good presence in the lockeroom.
Couldn't believe the team I was watching. Incredible. It's been a long time since I've seen the habs like that. Loved every minute of it. I know it's just one game, but god damn it I'm going to be excited
Brandon Prust is our new Chris Nilan. Not the biggest guy outhere, but awesome fighter (they even have the same fighting style), can play a very good 2-way game and good presence in the lockeroom.
I love him.
He's growing on me as quickly as Wisniewski did.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kjell Dahlin
lol
How can I forget the Tequila/Heineken guy!
Well in fairness, the Tequila/Heineken guy probably forgets the Tequila/Heineken guy, so...
The good part is that this team still have Eller and Subban not playing. We could actualy have depth if Gallagher and Galchenyuk keep on playing good and stay with the team.
Though playing an average opponent with 3 games in 4 nights is not indicative of this team potential.
Ok, they outplayed a team that had played 3 games in 3 cities in 4 nights. Good first step. Need confirmation on Thursday that this might be something real.
reading the comments, it's amazing how much push back was out there the last few years in questioning the emotional impact of Martin's approach to running his team.
Therrien has a lot to prove, and certainly has his weaknesses (which I'm sure will be on full display in no time), but he does seem to have a better feeling for the emotional/psychological side of things.
I don't like that eller is out, but if you are going to put your prized rookies in the lineup, better having them on a 3rd line, and with the toughest SOB you have on the roster, and give them some opportunities in easier/appropriate roles (i.e PP or just after PP's), than to have them sit on a barely used 4th line and put out there randomly only to rest the other 3 lines...
Martin knew exactly how to kill confidence in young players (or, more fairly, didn't view his role/responsibility in building up confidence in young players), whereas Therrien seems to "get" that part of the game a bit better...
at least in this very small sample of his approach to managing the roster.
interested to see how this plays out once the 5-game trial period is done.
LOL, NHL.com is showing Yakupov's goal as "Must see" while Chucky's goal isn't even mentioned.
Good job NHL!
I kinda like that. Less pressure.
With hype comes pressure to live up to that hype. I will be content to see Galchenyuk just quietly play good hockey and chip in a few goals than to be under the microscope like Yakupov.
Need confirmation on Thursday that this might be something real.
Pretty much this.
Washington has simply owned us in the last 7 meetings, often with shutouts. They are 0-2 and in desperate need for a win after 2 subpar losses against non-playoff teams from a year ago. That game is going to tell us a lot about who are the real Habs are.
Ok, they outplayed a team that had played 3 games in 3 cities in 4 nights. Good first step. Need confirmation on Thursday that this might be something real.
I read somewhere on this forum that we've got the easiest schedule in the league this year. Not sure if that's true but if it is, it helps.
Washington has simply owned us in the last 7 meetings, often with shutouts. They are 0-2 and in desperate need for a win after 2 subpar losses against non-playoff teams from a year ago. That game is going to tell us a lot about who are the real Habs are.
Yes it will. But I wouldn't give up on the hopes of making the playoffs if we lose it. The important thing will be for us to play a solid game and force the issue. PP produced last night and this will have to be the story of the year if we want to have any chance of making the playoffs.
Gallagher impressed me. Despite his small frame, he didn't seem all that scared to jump right in front of the keeper at every chance and annoy the opponents. Kudos to Ferraro he called it today on TSN 690.
I'm sure having Prust next to him made him feel a little better.
One thing I didn't like. MaxPac on the wing by the ashmark on the PP, nor did I like that we always went to this trio first, even when leading 4-1. Plekanec played just over a minute and a half there. I don't agree with this at all.
I will also never stop thinking that having two PFs that aren't great passers or even one timers on the 1st unit together is retarded.
I was happy for Galchenyuk and Gallagher getting some PP time, you need to give young talented forwards who play on a 3rd line some offensive opportunities on the PP. It helps them develop their offensive skills. Unfortunately, they never understood that Eller would likely benefit from this as well.
For Markov, God I missed him. I really hope he can stay healthy. Such a great player.
All in all, pretty good game, but Panthers played with 5 Dmen, were tired and are missing key players. Often times in the past, we let games like that slide, so it's good we didn't.
I agree about having 2 PFs on the same PP unit but I thought Pacioretty was passing the puck really good out there and is generally a good passer. The PP's working now but if it doesn't I think we should separate the two.
