They've been Montreal's most effective through 3 games and you want to sit Begin?
For that matter, why would you sit Patrice Brisebois, who's playing very well and consistently sparking the Habs transition game with excellent outlet passes?
For that matter, why would you sit Patrice Brisebois, who's playing very well and consistently sparking the Habs transition game with excellent outlet passes?
Because defensively when he has pressure he can't get the puck out of the zone and often shy's away from being hit thus giving up the puck deep in his zone. True he makes a good first pass but only when he's not under pressure.
I personally feel more comfortable with O'Byrne defending the blueline and in front of Price's net.
Even if Koivu only plays PPs and takes key faceoffs, he's more valuable than Dandenault.... we can double shift guys like Kovalev if Koivu can only play about 8 minutes.
Because defensively when he has pressure he can't get the puck out of the zone and often shy's away from being hit thus giving up the puck deep in his zone. True he makes a good first pass but only when he's not under pressure.
I personally feel more comfortable with O'Byrne defending the blueline and in front of Price's net.
And yet, despite logging over 18 minutes a game, Brisebois is a +2 with two points in three games.
Brisebois, historically, has had the issues you cite. But they've not reared their head in the playoffs (or for the last few weeks of the season for that matter.)
Brisebois, at +2 and 2 points would be a very stupid choice to scratch. He's a veteran guy, he's won a Cup, and he's playing quite well.
You want to scratch him to put a rookie in his place. For no reason.
And yet, despite logging over 18 minutes a game, Brisebois is a +2 with two points in three games.
Brisebois, historically, has had the issues you cite. But they've not reared their head in the playoffs (or for the last few weeks of the season for that matter.)
Brisebois, at +2 and 2 points would be a very stupid choice to scratch. He's a veteran guy, he's won a Cup, and he's playing quite well.
You want to scratch him to put a rookie in his place. For no reason.
Because it's a contact game and it's necessary to hold onto the puck when someone comes at you.
Brisebois is playing well. Putting O'Byrne on that spot would be a mistake. Yes he is a "bid body presence", but we already have problem with our transition game and O'Byrne generally dumps the puck along the boards to get it out of the zone. He also tends to panic under pressure. Plus Brisebois is helping the PP right now.
And yet, despite logging over 18 minutes a game, Brisebois is a +2 with two points in three games.
Brisebois, historically, has had the issues you cite. But they've not reared their head in the playoffs (or for the last few weeks of the season for that matter.)
Brisebois, at +2 and 2 points would be a very stupid choice to scratch. He's a veteran guy, he's won a Cup, and he's playing quite well.
You want to scratch him to put a rookie in his place. For no reason.
Brisebois has definately shown an unwillingness to engage in physical contact in this series. He will often look to tie up the opposing bruins player going into the corner instead of taking a hit to make the play. Brisebois has historically been afraid of contact, and due to his old age he's slower now and will often be put in positions where he will get hit.
His timid and borderline gutless play may have not cost us on the score sheet directly, but he has caused a significant amount of turnovers down low which have allowed the Bruins to impose their forecheck on us alot more...this has forced Hamrlik to expend alot more energy than necessary to ensure that the puck gets out. He should NOT be playing as much as he has, if at all.
With that said, I wouldn't put OByrne in just yet, he's shown some great physicality during the regular season, but is still a little hesitant with the puck. I think we would be better off with Brisebois until Bouillon is ready to go.
Brisebois is playing well. Putting O'Byrne on that spot would be a mistake. Yes he is a "bid body presence", but we already have problem with our transition game and O'Byrne generally dumps the puck along the boards to get it out of the zone. He also tends to panic under pressure. Plus Brisebois is helping the PP right now.
Brisebois playing well ? You kidding right ? Julien is putting all the pressure on his side... The guy can't touch anyone. Okey now that we've lost, they will make the changes.. even if game 2 wasn't that convincing... Why only making changes after losses, it's absurd, specially when you play 2 playoffs games in 24 hours...
Brisebois is playing well. Putting O'Byrne on that spot would be a mistake. Yes he is a "bid body presence", but we already have problem with our transition game and O'Byrne generally dumps the puck along the boards to get it out of the zone. He also tends to panic under pressure. Plus Brisebois is helping the PP right now.
Really? Because to me the PP looks like one of the worst in the league right now. Brisebois is getting outmuscled out there, O'Byrne needs to replace him.
I find his skating helps a bit in breakouts, when he's on his game. He isn't creative but he joins the rush and adds an option. For all the crap we're read here, they're better with him than without him.
Meh, he's just the flavor of the week. The cynics can't bash Smolinski or Kostopoulos...so they're back to their old loves Ryder & Brisebois. Although both are playing decently
