Tonight we may fall into the bottom 4. Anaheim's on a roll (13 wins and six losses in 2012) and the Bruins will be mad after their game against the Rangers.
Whether or not he's suited to our GM position, Pierre Mcguire's 7 player strategy to build a Cup contender makes sense. Yesterday he mentioned Pacioretty, PK and Price, and Desharnais as a powerplay specialist as 4 pieces, but that we need two elite centers. If we're able to draft one this year, that leaves 3. If Plekanec becomes our full-time second line center (and he competes with Kesler for the best #2 center in the league), that becomes 2. Add potentially Markov, Cole, Gorges and even Tinordi and Beaulieu coming up and we have something special in the next few years.
But it all depends on drafting that #1 center this year it may be our only opportunity to draft one.
The obsession with this "big #1 center" creature is getting almost comical.
I'm all for getting a big #1 center...IF the price makes sense or IF that player is the BPA. But to go ******* trying to make moves to get this proverbial player is a recipe for the 1990's style drafting we saw when big WHL palyers were the only guys we drafted in the 1st round(Wilkie Stevenson Vallis Bilodeau Ryan) and we all know how that turned out.
The obsession with this "big #1 center" creature is getting almost comical.
I'm all for getting a big #1 center...IF the price makes sense or IF that player is the BPA. But to go ******* trying to make moves to get this proverbial player is a recipe for the 1990's style drafting we saw when big WHL palyers were the only guys we drafted in the 1st round(Wilkie Stevenson Vallis Bilodeau Ryan) and we all know how that turned out.
You understand the difference between making those moves / drafting big bodies only and potentially drafting a center in the top 4?
When enough people are saying that's what we need, that's what we NEED. Plekanec and Desharnais won't beat the depth of centers in the league. They just won't.
The obsession with this "big #1 center" creature is getting almost comical.
I'm all for getting a big #1 center...IF the price makes sense or IF that player is the BPA. But to go ******* trying to make moves to get this proverbial player is a recipe for the 1990's style drafting we saw when big WHL palyers were the only guys we drafted in the 1st round(Wilkie Stevenson Vallis Bilodeau Ryan) and we all know how that turned out.
If we had a healthy Crosby and Datsyuk as our top two centres people would still complain that we need a big centre.
The obsession with this "big #1 center" creature is getting almost comical.
I'm all for getting a big #1 center...IF the price makes sense or IF that player is the BPA. But to go ******* trying to make moves to get this proverbial player is a recipe for the 1990's style drafting we saw when big WHL palyers were the only guys we drafted in the 1st round(Wilkie Stevenson Vallis Bilodeau Ryan) and we all know how that turned out.
what's comical is the failure to address the #1 centre issue for over a decade. I really don't see how bad decisions of the '90's have to do with current team needs.
The centre position is the most critical and pressing need this team has had for some time, it's time to get on board with the more knowledgable observers like McGuire.
BPA is optimal in theory, but when you have a GM that makes Boardwalk for Baltic trades you aren't going to ever get that coveted centre unless Timmins brings it to the team.
After the past few days and from the trade rumours, one can assume :
Gomez - out, no return
AK - traded before deadline for a second round pick and a mid level prospect
Moen - traded before deadline for a second round pick
Gill - ditto
Campoli - traded before deadline for a 5th round pick
It's fine to get a decent return (draft picks) for these players but they need to be replaced.
Basically, you're removing one line (Gomer, AK and Moen). The UFA market is limited and after the circus year in Montreal, it's not a prime destination for UFAs
Mathieu Darche is now playing 20 minutes a game. That can't happen all of next year.
Louis Leblanc has looked pretty good but will he hold up physically for a whole year.
Palushaj is a good AHLer.
Gallaguer? ready for prime ice on the 2nd line? probably not.
Kristo? needs AHL time.
On defense, a lot depends on Markov and what they decide with Kaberle. Is Diaz a true NHLer? Is Weber finally going to take his spot? Can the Habs win with Diaz and Weber as #5 and #6?
BPA is optimal in theory, but when you have a GM that makes Boardwalk for Baltic trades you aren't going to ever get that coveted centre unless Timmins brings it to the team.
That has to be the best description of our management I've read in a long time
what's comical is the failure to address the #1 centre issue for over a decade. I really don't see how bad decisions of the '90's have to do with current team needs.
The centre position is the most critical and pressing need this team has had for some time, it's time to get on board with the more knowledgable observers like McGuire.
BPA is optimal in theory, but when you have a GM that makes Boardwalk for Baltic trades you aren't going to ever get that coveted centre unless Timmins brings it to the team.
The most pressing team need is another top 4 defenseman and a 2nd line winger with Markov and Gionta out and AK playing 7 minutes a night.
The obsession with this "big #1 center" creature is getting almost comical.
I'm all for getting a big #1 center...IF the price makes sense or IF that player is the BPA. But to go ******* trying to make moves to get this proverbial player is a recipe for the 1990's style drafting we saw when big WHL palyers were the only guys we drafted in the 1st round(Wilkie Stevenson Vallis Bilodeau Ryan) and we all know how that turned out.
I do understand what you're saying in terms of people just jumping on the bandwagon and harping out something because it's the current thing to say / do. However, it's just so bloody obvious that our center position needs an upgrade if we're ever going to compete in the playoffs.
After the past few days and from the trade rumours, one can assume :
Gomez - out, no return
AK - traded before deadline for a second round pick and a mid level prospect
Moen - traded before deadline for a second round pick
Gill - ditto
Campoli - traded before deadline for a 5th round pick
It's fine to get a decent return (draft picks) for these players but they need to be replaced.
Basically, you're removing one line (Gomer, AK and Moen). The UFA market is limited and after the circus year in Montreal, it's not a prime destination for UFAs
Mathieu Darche is now playing 20 minutes a game. That can't happen all of next year.
Louis Leblanc has looked pretty good but will he hold up physically for a whole year.
Palushaj is a good AHLer.
Gallaguer? ready for prime ice on the 2nd line? probably not.
Kristo? needs AHL time.
On defense, a lot depends on Markov and what they decide with Kaberle. Is Diaz a true NHLer? Is Weber finally going to take his spot? Can the Habs win with Diaz and Weber as #5 and #6?
Well if you are strictly replacing those going out from within.
replace
Gill ===> Mitera/Stafford/Henry
Campoli ====> St-Denis (or more playing time for Weber)
Moen ======> Schultz/Enquvist/Fortier
AK ======>Willsie
and that is for the remainder of the season. If any of those players fair well, use them again....OR....sign some UFAs in the offseason.
Maybe trade: Moen (if price is right), Darche (if you can get a draft pick)
Even if we are like 5-6 points from 8th next week, I don't see the big deal from selling these players. They aren't in a key roles (except Gill on PK), old, and we really need to refill the prospect pool cupboard.
Maybe I am just a ridiculous pessimist (which I am outside of sports, as well) but I really cannot see this team doing anything until we retool. Sure, I enjoyed a few of those wins we just had not too long ago. But I truly feel like this team wins IN SPITE of our issues, and the few bright spots on this team are occasionally enough to shine even past all our glaring holes.
Every meaningless win we have this season is just getting us closer to more of the same. Either some mediocre 8th place finish IF WE ARE EXTREMELY LUCKY and getting knocked out, or a 9th or 10th place finish with an average draft pick and no real positives on the season.
Let's just say, I don't actively root for us to lose, but I am not nearly as mad as I normally am when we do. This team needs BIG changes, and every win gets us closer to not having any. I am only 20. I do not remember 1993 and I have not once had a real Stanley Cup winning Habs team to get behind. I want this team to be dominant again, but consistent mediocrity like we have had the past decade, with the occasional "winner" is not getting it done. Let's roll our sleeves up, get a GM we can all get behind, and BUILD.
I am not suggesting a market like Montreal is capable of dealing with a Pittsburgh or Chicago style rebuild where we blow for several years, but still, maybe just a couple of years will do it with the right staff in charge.
I do understand what you're saying in terms of people just jumping on the bandwagon and harping out something because it's the current thing to say / do. However, it's just so bloody obvious that our center position needs an upgrade if we're ever going to compete in the playoffs.
Boston had depth but no big time studs at center and they won the cup.
What I don't agree with is going to get a center at any cost. If you can draft one that maikes sense in round 1 or 2 or make a good trade then do it.
Our center position isn't among the top 10 teams, it's not in the bottom 6 either(Buffalo Calgary Columbus Florida Nashville Phoenix are doing worse). I don't think it's costing us games...but it could be better. I think we have lots of depth in the organisation on defense(except maybe a vetern stay at home on a short term contract) and on the wings, but we could use a goalie prospect and more center prospects and creative offensive players.
Draft Galchenyuk, put him back in the CHL to recoup after this season.
Trade Moen, Gill, Kostitsyn, and Campoli(for anything in this case)
Buy out Gomez in the offseason. Bury him if not
Our roster for 2012-2013 where the X's represent free agents, and personally I see one of Kristo or Gallagher(gallagher imo) cracking the roster this year and both by 2013-2014.
2013-2014 Eller and Desharnais ready to take over 1,2 duty, trade plekanec for a first rounder and a prospect Bring Galchenyuk up and let him play 3rd line along with 2nd pp time with/kristo/gallagher. or wait one more season if hes not ready
The year after that Galchenyuk takes over 2nd line duties and if not eller can still hold them. With Giontas contract up don't resign as he's likely to small at this point give the C to Pacioretty/Gorges
Draft Galchenyuk, put him back in the CHL to recoup after this season.
Trade Moen, Gill, Kostitsyn, and Campoli(for anything in this case)
Our roster for 2012-2013 where the X's represent free agents, and personally I see one of Kristo or Gallagher(gallagher imo) cracking the roster this year and both by 2013-2014.
2013-2014 Eller and Desharnais ready to take over 1,2 duty, trade plekanec for a first rounder and a prospect. Bring Galchenyuk up and let him play 3rd line along with 2nd pp time with/kristo/gallagher.
You understand the difference between making those moves / drafting big bodies only and potentially drafting a center in the top 4?
When enough people are saying that's what we need, that's what we NEED. Plekanec and Desharnais won't beat the depth of centers in the league. They just won't.
what's comical is the failure to address the #1 centre issue for over a decade. I really don't see how bad decisions of the '90's have to do with current team needs.
The centre position is the most critical and pressing need this team has had for some time, it's time to get on board with the more knowledgable observers like McGuire.
BPA is optimal in theory, but when you have a GM that makes Boardwalk for Baltic trades you aren't going to ever get that coveted centre unless Timmins brings it to the team.
The most pressing team need is another top 4 defenseman and a 2nd line winger with Markov and Gionta out and AK playing 7 minutes a night.
Huh? Bordwalk for Baltic?
1. Bold above: We need a center to replace what Gomer was supposed to give us, not a winger.
2. Boardwalk for Baltic is a reference to the extremely well known game of Monopoly, and it was one of the best metaphors I've ever read on this board.
it may be our only opportunity to draft one.
