If it was up to me, We woudn't have signed Samsonov, put Kovalev at center and have 2 open spots for Latendresse and Kostitsyn. To me Ryder is still the weakest link, Remember last year how he coudn't deke and cost us the end of our playoffs. The others will catch up to Ryder with the only difference being thate would have a bette team at the end of the day cause Higgins, Kostitsyn, Perezhogin and Latendresse are tougher, faster, better defensively or will be, have better hands, better at going coast to coast with the puck( if only Perez woudn't fall all the time).
And you can keep your comments about Kovy and Richard to yourself, cause if you were trying to be funny, you failed
Please. Ryder played all season hurt last year and still produced 30 goals.
Kovalev a superstar???? Please. I watched him in the playoffs last year, stickhandling until he lost the puck. Kovalev is NOT a superstar....and, his best years are way behind him. He doesn't even regularly show up to play. As for Ryder costing the Habs the playoffs last year, that is just wrong. How about the year before - can we recall who looked like a fool then?
Remember last year how he coudn't deke and cost us the end of our playoffs.
It's statements like this that make me shake my head in disbelief that there are people out there that actually think this way. One play does NOT cost a team the playoffs. If there is one play that can remotely be considered being our downfall last year, it was the high stick on Koivu. One player losing the puck does not constitute costing a team the playoffs. One play does not lose 4 games. Please guys, stand back at look at the big picture for once.
How about we wait until he actually earns a spot on the team before we replace our most consistent goal scorer. Ryder isn't a perfect player but when you can score with a herniated disc all year, you get to keep your first line spot.
As for Latendresse, all I see is raw potential with alot of hype, he'll have to round out his game before he gets the call.
agree totally , that means he finishes his stint in junior , then moves to the AHL for a year or two , then i expect we will see him in the NHL within two , three maybe four years . it's the gainey way .
Wow, that's what I call a constructive comment! How about watching the games? I'm sure you'd like it!
Quote:
Originally Posted by P1x44r
I think that the most effective line for Lantendresse can be a Johnson-Bonk-Latendresse as our 3rd line.
I like the idea of Latendresse with Bonk, but why not try him with Johnson and Plekanec? Perezhogin is far from a lock there! I talked to some habs people at Pierrefonds and his spot is clearly up for grabs. We could then keep Murray in the lineup on the fourth line with Bonk and Begin.. Just a thought..
I didn't read the whole thread, so maybe I'll say things that already have been mentionned but here's my two cents.
I would play Latendresse with Koivu and Ryder. Tuesday night, in the third period, they were good together and I think that they would be a perfect fit together. Ryder and Lats can both score, dig the puck in the corners and lay big bodychecks. They would be perfect wingers for Saku. That line would bring a lot of energy to the team, plus it would score a lot of goals.
People may think it is dumb to break up Saku and Higgins, but I think that Chris could be as effective playing with Johnson and Plekanec. With them, Saks line and Ribeiro, Kovalev and Samsonov, that would give us three pretty good scoring lines. And in the new NHL, that's what we need. IMO, Perezoghin will get the boot.
I have a feeling Ryder will be better this year and will be more well rounded. You know what, if there`s a player that pays the price if Latendresse makes the team it may well be Ribs.
hey guys remember this thread! from last night's we have the proof that: rookie with potnetial + Koivu's line= impact and results! Last year it was Pere zhogin at first and Higgins at the end, the year before it was Micheal Ryder, he's the one who made a career out of Brian Savage... I think that Latendresse brings that needed toughness, size and physical aspect that Koivu has never had on his line before, yesterday was proof, except for Higgins the last 5 games Koivu has never had anyone to just sit in front of the net or finish his checks regurarely like Latendresse, of course i think alot more of Ryder then i did at the end of last year( 2x faster and finishes his dekes) but Koivu and Latendresse are match made in heaven imo if he continues to check and goes threw trafic using his body, not nesseceraly scoring every game like he did though!
THe reason the Higgins/Koivu/Ryder line is successful is because together they are the complete package. Aggressor/puck handler/shooter. Latendresse and Higgins play the same role. Although HIggins does a much better job of it.
If (and it's a big if) Lats excells on the 1st, I wonder how Ryder would be with Kovalev as a centre, in 6 weeks time.
Higgins - Koivu - Lats
Sammy - Kovy - Ryder
Worth a try if Lats excells, if not, back to the 3rd!
Imo Lats would be better on the 2nd line. Perez hasn't been so hot since being on the 2nd, and I think he was looking far better with Bonk and Johnson (even if he didn't show up on the scoresheet).
Imo Lats would be better on the 2nd line. Perez hasn't been so hot since being on the 2nd, and I think he was looking far better with Bonk and Johnson (even if he didn't show up on the scoresheet).
Yeah I only put him on the first because he seems to click with Koivu(who doesn't?) and looked out of plce with the speedy Sammy and Kovy. Maybe he was still adjusting at that time.
THe reason the Higgins/Koivu/Ryder line is successful is because together they are the complete package. Aggressor/puck handler/shooter. Latendresse and Higgins play the same role. Although HIggins does a much better job of it.
So very true! Another insult to Higgins to even consider comparing him to Lats.
8-3-3. No need to change things up except to adjust for injuries. The only change I would consider is asking Koivu to shoot a little more rather than try the perfect pass and for Ryder to pass a little more.
Guapo gave me an idea
