Ribiero Most Improved

barry33 · Guru

Ribiero Most Improved

beakermania · Senior Member

Seems he got the message, with 2 of the 3 amigos out of town, he knew it was time to shut up and step up. I'm glad he is playing well, and hustling at both ends of the ice now.

Nil d · Guru

beakermania wrote:

Seems he got the message, with 2 of the 3 amigos out of town, he knew it was time to shut up and step up. I'm glad he is playing well, and hustling at both ends of the ice now.

Well, the guy tries, I'll give him that. But every time he tries to hit someone, he just bounces off like a beach ball. He needs to put on wieght and pump some iron! I did like the way he was jamming the front of the net against Jersey - he was rewarded with a so-called "garbage" goal, but it was the result of being in the right place.

As for most improved since the start of the year, I would also like to nominate Komisarek, Dandenault, and Streit, as well as Higgins - he wasn't doing much at the start of the year.

Saku11 · Senior Member

sorry but Streit is equal to nothing...that give away he wrapped up to scott gomez had a nice pink ribbon with a note on it. He is useless on defense and has shown nothing on offence. Has a hard shot but what does it matter if most are blocked or 5 feet high and 3 feet wide? Streit is basically useless for the canadiens. I'd much rather see JP Cote back there. At least the guy can hit and Hustles.

-- Edited by Saku11 at 14:09, 2006-04-10

sarge · Member

Bonk has been playing completely differently than at the begining of the season.

That begining that lasted about sixty five games, that is.

Much happier with his play lately.

Muller93 · Guru

Saku11 wrote:

sorry but Streit is equal to nothing...that give away he wrapped up to scott gomez had a nice pink ribbon with a note on it. He is useless on defense and has shown nothing on offence. Has a hard shot but what does it matter if most are blocked or 5 feet high and 3 feet wide? Streit is basically useless for the canadiens. I'd much rather see JP Cote back there. At least the guy can hit and Hustles. -- Edited by Saku11 at 14:09, 2006-04-10

I actually thought Streit was playing pretty well. I don't imagine he will be there anyway once the cube comes back. My vote for most improved: Higgins.

As for Ribeiro...it's kinda like that student who goofs off all the time and never shows up for class...all he has to do is show up for class and he gets "most improved". I REALLY hate to say it...but the habs chances of any playoff sucess depends on Ribeiro.

Going into the playoffs without a somwhat decent second line center scoring threat is like a death sentence. The playoffs will bring defensive specialists out and they WILL shut down the Koivu line. Especially if they don't really have to worry to much about the so called second line...let's hope Ribby gets his grove back...if he ever had it...

Habs and Avs Fan · Veteran Member

Everybody goes on droughts unless they're a Forsberg or Jagr..... So don't hate on players too too much..... Cause all I see here is fans hating on a certain individual like Ribs. and then he plays good and you guys all apologize haha.

Muller93 · Guru

Habs and Avs Fan wrote:

Everybody goes on droughts unless they're a Forsberg or Jagr..... So don't hate on players too too much..... Cause all I see here is fans hating on a certain individual like Ribs. and then he plays good and you guys all apologize haha.

I have had nothing to apologize for...

Jonny G · Senior Member

I agree with Mulsy. If anyone should apologize, it's Ribs. If he's capable of playing the way he is now, then why didn't for the first 70 games of the season?

AB Habman · Guru

barry33 wrote:

Ok..in all fairness, we have ALL spent our share of time pooping on Mike Ribiero this season. But I have to admit that NO one has turned their game around like he has the last month and a half. He is working hard, taking shorter shifts, and going to the net. He, of ALL people, was the guy screening Brodeur on the Downey shot Saturday which went in off Mikey's pants. Who would have thunk that Ribs would stand in front of the net to screen the goalie?!?? I also see improvement in his defensive game and in face offs. My hat is off to him for turning it around. He has been a big part of the team's recent success.

I agree and to put in perspective, the guy costs very little compared to the players who are only producing a little more. His points were the reason we even made the playoffs last time. Sure he may of sucked in his very first playoff series but he helped get us there.

I think he'll be better this season. Also, I would like to see bigger guys like Ryder stand in the crease more often.

plouf · Guru

Habs and Avs Fan wrote:

Everybody goes on droughts unless they're a Forsberg or Jagr..... So don't hate on players too too much..... Cause all I see here is fans hating on a certain individual like Ribs. and then he plays good and you guys all apologize haha.

Hating...you mean things like "Komisarek is garbage"? Like that?

Habtastic · Guru

Ribs has the 3 strikes of small, slow, and soft (he so sofffffff!). Hopefully he keeps this harder work up so that he can help us now and then we can get something for him in the off-season. One of our centers have to go if we are going to upgrade that position and I think it is pretty clear that he is the weakest link of our 4 centers.

Habtastic

JohnM · Guru

Check out the move he tried to pull on Heatley tonight prior to the second goal being scored and you will see why he is not the kind of center we need at #2. He makes over 1 million and contributes about the same for the GA as the GF.

plouf · Guru

You'll appreciate this little sample stat from tonight, JohnM:

Faceoffs

Koivu: 80%

Plekanec: 41%

Murray: 29%

Ribeiro: 20%

JohnM · Guru

Ya, he's a great regular season player when the games don't mean much. Let's hope he can show that he wants to stay in Montreal come 2006/2007 and play well in the playoffs.

-- Edited by JohnM at 22:13, 2006-04-10

The Kahuna · Guru

Habs and Avs Fan wrote:

Everybody goes on droughts unless they're a Forsberg or Jagr..... So don't hate on players too too much..... Cause all I see here is fans hating on a certain individual like Ribs. and then he plays good and you guys all apologize haha.

Seriously, those may be the wisest words I've ever read on this board!

Pablo Honey · Veteran Member

Man, that's a lot of negativity for a guy who's actually playing well and with heart....

Ribs has always crashed the net. As far as I can remember, the guy has always tried to screen. I know this because it's been a running gag between me and my father that Ribs screening the net is about as effective as a pre-pubescent girl screening.

Either way, he's trying and he's producing. But his attitude and play of the past will always come back to haunt him, especially with fans who can't let things go.

He's a talented guy. I've always had a soft spot for the misunderstood, flashy players with attitude and Ribs is no different. Even though I don't really like the guy or believe he's the best fir for the team, he's what we have and we should at least support the guy when he's PLAYING WITH EFFORT FOR US.

It's one thing to **** on him when he's not producing, it's another to **** on him when he's playing with heart as of late.

Just my two cents.

plouf · Guru

"He's a talented guy. I've always had a soft spot for the misunderstood, flashy players with attitude and Ribs is no different. Even though I don't really like the guy or believe he's the best fir for the team, he's what we have and we should at least support the guy when he's PLAYING WITH EFFORT FOR US."

I'm with you there Pablo. I like the guy, and I don't even mind his attitude much (you need to have guys of all kinds on a good team). And no doubt Ribs has shown more heart since the break than he's ever shown before. But you have to admit it's hard not to get frustrated with Ribs every once in a while. I mean he really gets his butt kicked some nights.

Speaking of screening though, and to echo And-o, why the heck are Ribs and Saku the guys going to the net so often? (Especially Ribs, because at least Saks can zip in and out quickly. but why have Saks standing in front?) It really makes NO sense. Strikes me that, to take a random example, even Zednik would be more effective crashing. He is strong on his skates, surprisingly tough and has a quick stick.

-- Edited by plouf at 00:36, 2006-04-11

Habs and Avs Fan · Veteran Member

plouf wrote:

Habs and Avs Fan wrote:
Everybody goes on droughts unless they're a Forsberg or Jagr..... So don't hate on players too too much..... Cause all I see here is fans hating on a certain individual like Ribs. and then he plays good and you guys all apologize haha.

Hating...you mean things like "Komisarek is garbage"? Like that?

I think I'm justified with that statement though, lol..... Don't compare Ribs. to Komisarek, Komisarek is replaceable, very replaceable, and Ribs. isn't.
I really still don't like Komi when I do you'll be the first to know, took a bad penalty again, was hitting though.....

Habtastic · Guru

Ack! i nearly choked on my food! Ask any GM or scout in the league and they would take Komi over Ribs every time. Name me 5 right-handed young D who are huge, pass well, skate well and can play strong D with a mean streak. When a GM calls Montreal looking for a trade, two of the most popular players according to the rumours and journalists are Markov and Komisarek (I'm sure you could add Higgins and maybe Pleks and Perez now). There are a ton of small scoring centers in the league and minors; they may not bring Ribs vision, but they bring other intangibles. I would use Plekanec as my 2nd line center before Ribiero, except that we need Pleks to check and play D, because Ribs can't. I think Komi's pre-game snack is bigger than Ribiero and probably tougher and quicker, as well.

Habtastic

plouf · Guru

Habs and Avs Fan wrote:

plouf wrote:

Habs and Avs Fan wrote:
Everybody goes on droughts unless they're a Forsberg or Jagr..... So don't hate on players too too much..... Cause all I see here is fans hating on a certain individual like Ribs. and then he plays good and you guys all apologize haha.

Hating...you mean things like "Komisarek is garbage"? Like that?

I think I'm justified with that statement though, lol..... Don't compare Ribs. to Komisarek, Komisarek is replaceable, very replaceable, and Ribs. isn't.
I really still don't like Komi when I do you'll be the first to know, took a bad penalty again, was hitting though.....

Huh?

What Habtastic said.

AB Habman · Guru

OK guys, seriously think about what he brings and why Habs drafted him? He was a player with vision, great passer, scorer and very offensive minded before drafted. Habs had a need for that type player and drafted him. They also knew he was small but talented.

Are you all saying now that Habs should turn him into another two way type player. They do that too often in my opinion. Let the guy be creative and do his thing. He has been a plus player since Olympics and also does his job...contributes offensively. If he had 40 goals, you would all say..Wow! but the guy loves to pass. Is that so bad when you have those passing skills. Every team needs a play maker. Remember, he has only been on second line just prior to Olympics otherwise he would be leading in points again. If you look around the league, for a second or third line center, he isn't hurting us with lack of production or salery.

The reason he's a -6 is because he started out poorly and then demoted to lower lines at seasons start. the +/- will always hurt the pure offensive players when they are struggling.

If you put in perpective, almost every player has struggled this season. Also, he has one less goal and nine less assists than Saks who gets more ice and PP time. Also at the moment, Higgins has been great and helping Saks big time in the assists department. OK now, the huge difference....Ribs makes about 4 mil less than Saks.

You can argue that Ribs isn't a leader but who cares, we have enough of those type players.

I say, Gainey has given him a chance by re-signing him so he must be needed. He sucked his first playoff but hey, he was an inexperience immature kid. He will be better this season.

Again, just let the guy be creative and do his thing. He's improving in +/- while still producing. He's also showing signs of being more humble and fitting into a team concept. Remember, he's no veteran.

One more thing to add while I'm rambling...he is probably the best pure passer we have for putting the puck on the blade. If you don't appreciate vision, creativity and strong passing skills, you will never like Ribs.

-- Edited by AB Habman at 02:55, 2006-04-12

Habtastic · Guru

I don't have an issue with his offensive game, but don't tell me he has played most of the season on the 4th line and would be leading in points if he hadn't. He has played around 13 games more than Saks and he gets plenty of top-line and PP time, yet still produces less. And no, Higgins is not creating all of Saku's points. BTW, Kovalev is supposed to be a better player than Higgins and Ribs has been his center quite often this season, yet Koivu still produces more.
I don't like Ribiero because all he brings is his offensive play and it is just not enough to cover for all his shortcomings. he is a thrid -line player, but we need a second-liner and he just doesn't have what it takes to be that guy.

Habtastic

Muller93 · Guru

AB Habman wrote:

OK guys, seriously think about what he brings and why Habs drafted him? He was a player with vision, great passer, scorer and very offensive minded before drafted. Habs had a need for that type player and drafted him. They also knew he was small but talented. Are you all saying now that Habs should turn him into another two way type player. They do that too often in my opinion. Let the guy be creative and do his thing. He has been a plus player since Olympics and also does his job...contributes offensively. If he had 40 goals, you would all say..Wow! but the guy loves to pass. Is that so bad when you have those passing skills. Every team needs a play maker. Remember, he has only been on second line just prior to Olympics otherwise he would be leading in points again. If you look around the league, for a second or third line center, he isn't hurting us with lack of production or salery. The reason he's a -6 is because he started out poorly and then demoted to lower lines at seasons start. the +/- will always hurt the pure offensive players when they are struggling. If you put in perpective, almost every player has struggled this season. Also, he has one less goal and nine less assists than Saks who gets more ice and PP time. Also at the moment, Higgins has been great and helping Saks big time in the assists department. OK now, the huge difference....Ribs makes about 4 mil less than Saks. You can argue that Ribs isn't a leader but who cares, we have enough of those type players. I say, Gainey has given him a chance by re-signing him so he must be needed. He sucked his first playoff but hey, he was an inexperience immature kid. He will be better this season. Again, just let the guy be creative and do his thing. He's improving in +/- while still producing. He's also showing signs of being more humble and fitting into a team concept. Remember, he's no veteran. One more thing to add while I'm rambling...he is probably the best pure passer we have for putting the puck on the blade. If you don't appreciate vision, creativity and strong passing skills, you will never like Ribs. -- Edited by AB Habman at 02:55, 2006-04-12

Wait a second, wait a second....If he is so dam "creative" with such great "vison:, then why does he have a rancid 34 assists playing with the likes of Kovalev and Ryder all year???? Markov has that many and he is a defensman!

34 assists...less than an assist every other game. And this is his suppossed "talent"...putting the puck on the blade? Right.

And for those of you who have been knocking Kovalev's lack of leadership...think of how frustrated he must be playing on a line with such a "talent"+ Murray. He has kept his mouth shut and just makes do with what he is given for the good of the team. I like that.

Add to that Ribeiro is horrific defensively and plays like a ball room dancer.

Ludicrous!!!

-- Edited by Muller93 at 06:55, 2006-04-12

barry33 · Guru

Muller93 wrote:

AB Habman wrote: OK guys, seriously think about what he brings and why Habs drafted him? He was a player with vision, great passer, scorer and very offensive minded before drafted. Habs had a need for that type player and drafted him. They also knew he was small but talented. Are you all saying now that Habs should turn him into another two way type player. They do that too often in my opinion. Let the guy be creative and do his thing. He has been a plus player since Olympics and also does his job...contributes offensively. If he had 40 goals, you would all say..Wow! but the guy loves to pass. Is that so bad when you have those passing skills. Every team needs a play maker. Remember, he has only been on second line just prior to Olympics otherwise he would be leading in points again. If you look around the league, for a second or third line center, he isn't hurting us with lack of production or salery. The reason he's a -6 is because he started out poorly and then demoted to lower lines at seasons start. the +/- will always hurt the pure offensive players when they are struggling. If you put in perpective, almost every player has struggled this season. Also, he has one less goal and nine less assists than Saks who gets more ice and PP time. Also at the moment, Higgins has been great and helping Saks big time in the assists department. OK now, the huge difference....Ribs makes about 4 mil less than Saks. You can argue that Ribs isn't a leader but who cares, we have enough of those type players. I say, Gainey has given him a chance by re-signing him so he must be needed. He sucked his first playoff but hey, he was an inexperience immature kid. He will be better this season. Again, just let the guy be creative and do his thing. He's improving in +/- while still producing. He's also showing signs of being more humble and fitting into a team concept. Remember, he's no veteran. One more thing to add while I'm rambling...he is probably the best pure passer we have for putting the puck on the blade. If you don't appreciate vision, creativity and strong passing skills, you will never like Ribs. -- Edited by AB Habman at 02:55, 2006-04-12 Wait a second, wait a second....If he is so dam "creative" with such great "vison:, then why does he have a rancid 34 assists playing with the likes of Kovalev and Ryder all year???? Markov has that many and he is a defensman! 34 assists...less than an assist every other game. And this is his suppossed "talent"...putting the puck on the blade? Right. And for those of you who have been knocking Kovalev's lack of leadership...think of how frustrated he must be playing on a line with such a "talent"+ Murray. He has kept his mouth shut and just makes do with what he is given for the good of the team. I like that. Add to that Ribeiro is horrific defensively and plays like a ball room dancer. Ludicrous!!!-- Edited by Muller93 at 06:55, 2006-04-12

PUHHHHHHHLEAAAAAAAAAASE Muller!!! Kovalev keeping his mouth shut for the good of the team?!?? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Now That my friend is what is LUDICROUS!! He whined all year when his pal Perzhogan got sent down. This was one of the reasons he did not get along with Julien. So Gainey kisses the star's ass and gives him an "A" and calls up Perez again and puts him on Kovy's line...only to see that experiment fail miserably. Now Gainey is left scrambling with what to do with perez who has been non-existent and a bigger defensive liability than Ribiero. Are you sure you are not confusing Kovalev and Koivu?! Now Koivu is the type who keeps his mouth shut for the good of the team. Kovalev will NEVER be accused of being too quiet when it comes to running the team. Ask any coach who had him previous to Montreal and they will tell you the same thing. Lil Alex likes to get things his way. Did it ever occur to you Musley that maybe teh reason Ribs did not get many assists on Kovalev's line is that Kovalev hangs onto the puck for 40 seconds at a time? That is why Gainey took Ryder off that line and put him with Saks. Saks will pass the puck and Ryder is a shooter. Kovalev a leader?!?? Ya ok..lets go with that.

JohnM · Guru

Let Ribs prove himself in the playoffs before we hand him any awards. So far he deserves the salary he is making. By the way AB, Saks makes 2 million more than Ribs in 2005/2006, sorry to let facts get in the way of your statements again.

Jonny G · Senior Member

Ribs has had more than his fair shot at the team (see Theodore and Dagenais). More likely than not, BG unsuccessfully tried to offload him before the trade deadline. He can't be a third-liner in Mtl because he's too small, soft, and defensively weak. He's not good enough to be carry the load required of a second-liner in Mtl. He'd do well on a team like Columbus, which already has young and hungry offensive guys (like Nash, Zherdev, and Vyborny).

I hope that he plays well in the playoffs (as I do for every Mtl player), but I also hope that he's not in a CH uniform come the start of next pre-season.

barry33 · Guru

Jonny G wrote:

Ribs has had more than his fair shot at the team (see Theodore and Dagenais). More likely than not, BG unsuccessfully tried to offload him before the trade deadline. He can't be a third-liner in Mtl because he's too small, soft, and defensively weak. He's not good enough to be carry the load required of a second-liner in Mtl. He'd do well on a team like Columbus, which already has young and hungry offensive guys (like Nash, Zherdev, and Vyborny). I hope that he plays well in the playoffs (as I do for every Mtl player), but I also hope that he's not in a CH uniform come the start of next pre-season.

he is sofffffff...me I never see a player so soffffffffff.....I really do not care if he stays or goes. All I am pointing out was that the guy at least tried to elevate his game for awhile and went down swinging.

Jonny G · Senior Member

barry33 wrote:

he is sofffffff...me I never see a player so soffffffffff.....I really do not care if he stays or goes. All I am pointing out was that the guy at least tried to elevate his game for awhile and went down swinging.

Hey, I agree. Can't say that much bad stuff about the way Ribs has been playing of late.

But, dat guy ees sofff, pffut. Since he only show up for about 10% of games, should only make 10% of salary.

Muller93 · Guru

barry33 wrote:

PUHHHHHHHLEAAAAAAAAAASE Muller!!! Kovalev keeping his mouth shut for the good of the team?!?? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Now That my friend is what is LUDICROUS!! He whined all year when his pal Perzhogan got sent down. This was one of the reasons he did not get along with Julien. So Gainey kisses the star's ass and gives him an "A" and calls up Perez again and puts him on Kovy's line...only to see that experiment fail miserably. Now Gainey is left scrambling with what to do with perez who has been non-existent and a bigger defensive liability than Ribiero. Are you sure you are not confusing Kovalev and Koivu?! Now Koivu is the type who keeps his mouth shut for the good of the team. Kovalev will NEVER be accused of being too quiet when it comes to running the team. Ask any coach who had him previous to Montreal and they will tell you the same thing. Lil Alex likes to get things his way. Did it ever occur to you Musley that maybe teh reason Ribs did not get many assists on Kovalev's line is that Kovalev hangs onto the puck for 40 seconds at a time? That is why Gainey took Ryder off that line and put him with Saks. Saks will pass the puck and Ryder is a shooter. Kovalev a leader?!?? Ya ok..lets go with that.

Never said he WAS a leader if you read the post. Just stated that I have not heard any reports of him mouthing off about playing with a little boy and a grinder with rocks for hands.

Kovalev's history would not suggest he is much of a leader. But I think the fact that he has been putting up with Ribby as his center says that he has bought into the Gainey system.

AND...by the way, he hangs onto the puck for 40 seconds because what the heck else is he going to do??? Give it to Ribby for him to be pushed off the puck like a 12 year old girl? Or how about dump it in for Ribby to dig it out of the corner? Or how about pass it to Murray...he will cycle it around the boards...pass it to Ribby who will once again lose it because he is too slow and soffft.

The guy is a pure breed being fed table scraps...

-- Edited by Muller93 at 11:28, 2006-04-12