Nothing is wrong with the makeup of the team, they might need another defensemen later in the season, but the team is fine. They are in a slump and getting some bad bounces, this will change and they will start winning some games. There is no need for drastic change, there will either be a big move to bring in a defensemen at the deadline or Gainey will just tinker throughout the season.
Be patient, it will come..we are only a 1/4 through the season.
i know that, and i have road this show before for 38 years, but would be nice to have a solid season, and 1/4 sometimes is enough time for a team to gel
One issue here, as I mentioned on the other thread is the gap between our #1 dman and 6 (Breezer, O'Byrne), we have to close that gap to win more games. In my opinion Bouillon is what we need as #5, 6. We need Komisarek back and another top 4 dman to play with Roman.
One issue here, as I mentioned on the other thread is the gap between our #1 dman and 6 (Breezer, O'Byrne), we have to close that gap to win more games. In my opinion Bouillon is what we need as #5, 6. We need Komisarek back and another top 4 dman to play with Roman.
once again.. in the other thread u didnt read the drifter plan...
the shoot out losses could cost us down the road...
any way, any thoughts on how to get out of this funk?
Work harder
Quote:
Originally Posted by VAN-HAB
One issue here, as I mentioned on the other thread is the gap between our #1 dman and 6 (Breezer, O'Byrne), we have to close that gap to win more games. In my opinion Bouillon is what we need as #5, 6. We need Komisarek back and another top 4 dman to play with Roman.
I would think that at some point Gainey will address the defense but imo the teams struggles are on offense. They need to get the PP going and guys like Pleks, Higgins, Kostitsyn's, and Kovalev need to find the back of the net more.
I'm confident the team is a good one and that they'll "re-start" to click soon, winning more games than losing.
That said, I don't think the makeup is the one needed for playoffs and stanley cup, and I'm not talking about obvious holes like a #3-4 d-man that can play power play or a true sniper.
That team needs a lot more grit and sandpaper, and I'm pretty sure Gainey will eventually sacrifice some skills on the wings to bring in a "15-20 goals kosto-like".
I like the talent and imagination of the Habs' players. But I can't forget that players like Tremblay, Risebrough, Lambert, Nilan, Gainey, Skudland, McPhee, Lemieux, etc, were instrumental in any of the past successes that franchise had. Right now, that team is lacking that sort of player and as a result, I don't like the balance of the actual lineup. And I'm not talking about 4th line players. I'm actually talking about players who can play on a second or third line, the same way 4th line players are playing.
Sigh.... they are slowly regaining their composure. Its just a matter of time. They are quite unlucky lately, not getting the good bounces, but are playing much better. You can put in all the effort in the world, but if you're on a sequence of bad luck, there's not much you can do about it, it just takes time. Patience, maturity, understanding. As if everything would always be perfect. They are 8th in the league for crying out loud.
I'm confident the team is a good one and that they'll "re-start" to click soon, winning more games than losing.
That said, I don't think the makeup is the one needed for playoffs and stanley cup, and I'm not talking about obvious holes like a #3-4 d-man that can play power play or a true sniper.
That team needs a lot more grit and sandpaper, and I'm pretty sure Gainey will eventually sacrifice some skills on the wings to bring in a "15-20 goals kosto-like".
I like the talent and imagination of the Habs' players. But I can't forget that players like Tremblay, Risebrough, Lambert, Nilan, Gainey, Skudland, McPhee, Lemieux, etc, were instrumental in any of the past successes that franchise had. Right now, that team is lacking that sort of player and as a result, I don't like the balance of the actual lineup. And I'm not talking about 4th line players. I'm actually talking about players who can play on a second or third line, the same way 4th line players are playing.
yeah, and the Wings had so much grit and sandpaper last year
Did you at least watch the last game against the Ruins? The Habs dominated physically. Sigh.
From an outsider's perspective, I was surprised to see that you guys are doing poorly in the shootout. One would think with the amount of skilled guys you have + Price it wouldn't be an issue.
yeah, and the Wings had so much grit and sandpaper last year
Did you at least watch the last game against the Ruins? The Habs dominated physically. Sigh.
Yes the wings had much grit and sandpaper, but maybe not in the sense I was refering to (my bad), therefore our divergence.
To me, grit and sandpaper is not always related to physicality the way you seem to suggest. The wings were awsome at accepting hits to make a play, blocking shots, no nonsense plays, crashing the net, etc, all those type of plays players like Kosto does, but with more talent than Kosto himself (that's what I was refering to when writing about players like Tremblay, Risebrough, etc.)
Proof is, yeah, Habs dominated the Bruins physically, but how? To me, it looked like they did it only by hits given. But what about the hits taken to make a play, the sacrifice needed to make the right pass or to take out of the d-zone? The puck taken to the ankle because crashing the net? etc. In those area, I'm not sure they dominated the Bruins that much. And even if they did dominate, maybe the fact that those type of plays are not their real talent make that it's not enough to win.
I'm not asking Hab's players to change. I do think they can play with enough grit given the type of player they are. I'm saying we lack "good" player for whom that type of game IS their talent.
1- Kovi doesn't pass the puck in the neutral zone
2- Plek has to skate in from a dead stop 9/10 times
3- Andrei has to skate in from a dead stop 9/10 times
1. Too many forwards on our top 2 lines not willing to pay the price and drive to the net. Need more blood n guts desire up front. Too many of our forwards skating large circles around the perimeter of the offensive zone looking for a fancy pass (AK, SK especially) rather than taking the puck to the net.
2. PP IMO not lacking D man...but is now too stationary...last year quicker touch passes and movement was reason for success. Have to get back to it.
3. Finish is lacking. Need to bury more quality chances.
