Habs an average team without Kovy

JohnM · Guru

Habs an average team without Kovy

heet_150 · Guru

While the , game results seem to agree with your opinion John, I, respectfully disagree. Have you noticed that it seems like everynight the Habs run into a goaltender that spins on his head and spits nickles? Or, one of the opposing goals always makes it onto the highlight real. Right now, and it started before Kovalev went out, the Habs are creating scoring opportunities, but are not finishing or they hit the post or their goalie makes an outstanding save. This team is definately a better team with Kovalev in the lineup, but they are not dead in the water without him.

brooklynhabfan · Guru

I hate to say it, but on paper at least, even with Kovalev, the habs are just an average team.

That's why it's so fun to see them keep winning games when they pull together, and that's why it's good to be a habs fan.

Rangers figured that one out after all the expensive "cup-winning" teams they stuck together and charged $175 to see ("Why's Fleury looking so angry in the corner of the locker room?" Lindros said to Bure, "I think Malakhov didn't invite him skiing this April" he replied) Look at them now with the "nothings" they have.

barry33 · Guru

I agree with you 100%. In spite of our record we are just a very average team. However, what is exciting is that we are finding wasy to maximize that and win hockey games. The other exciting thing is our age. Kids like Perez, Komisarek, Plekanec, Ryder all have very ,ong and bright futures in the NHL. And the goaltending is in great hands for years down the road between Danis and Price. I believe that as Habs fans we tend to be blinded by our bias and are unrealistic as to our team's talent level. Guys, at this moment, we just are not that talented of a team. But we are a team with huge upside and potential. The fact that we are able to pull out wins and put us in a playoff position is a testimant to the work ethic of this team.

brooklynhabfan · Guru

And to add to that - part of the fun of winning is watching the team develop, and this is definitely a team which is planting seeds, not just trying to pick unreachable fruit. Winning all the time is lame too, which is why Yankees fans are so obnoxious

BTW, is it bad I still seethe over Malakhov?

-- Edited by brooklynhabfan at 17:54, 2005-11-23

plouf · Guru

I'm getting a little worried that what was keeping us so competitive was those young players - their quickness, desire, enthusiasm, skills. Not just Kovalev.

Now we are back to a safety-first veteran three lines. Fine for the short term, but what about the long term? And by long term, I mean the playoffs, because I still think we can do something in the playoffs. Especially if Theo starts to get his consistency back.

Ando · Guru

Hey JohnM...I think Kovy makes the #1 line far better (and hence the team as a while)...but the record of this team lately has more to do with general poor play than the absence of one guy.

Having said that.....I think that the #1 unit's effectiveness has pretty much reverted back to the pre-Kovalev era!!! No insult...it just happens when you lose a player like Kovy!

JohnM · Guru

Ando wrote:

Hey JohnM...I think Kovy makes the #1 line far better (and hence the team as a while)...but the record of this team lately has more to do with general poor play than the absence of one guy. Having said that.....I think that the #1 unit's effectiveness has pretty much reverted back to the pre-Kovalev era!!! No insult...it just happens when you lose a player like Kovy!

Have to agree with you about the fact the #1 line isn't looking so #1'ish. I think it has a lot to do with their being very little of a #2 line. It's pretty easy if other teams only have to shut down one line. Also they really have no winger to take Kovy's place. Saku can only do so much, he's not a magician.

NorthwindNS · Veteran Member

JohnM wrote:

Ando wrote:
Hey JohnM...I think Kovy makes the #1 line far better (and hence the team as a while)...but the record of this team lately has more to do with general poor play than the absence of one guy. Having said that.....I think that the #1 unit's effectiveness has pretty much reverted back to the pre-Kovalev era!!! No insult...it just happens when you lose a player like Kovy!
Have to agree with you about the fact the #1 line isn't looking so #1'ish. I think it has a lot to do with their being very little of a #2 line. It's pretty easy if other teams only have to shut down one line. Also they really have no winger to take Kovy's place. Saku can only do so much, he's not a magician.

Bulis should not be playing on the #1 line, as he did tonite against the Sabres. He should be playing on the second, and Ryder should be on the first.