Just maybe...

AB Habman · Guru

Just maybe...

JohnM · Guru

Ya, ya, like Sundin in TO.... Look how far they have got. Maybe you need to actually follow the game a little closer to see what it takes to win in this league. It seems you have no idea since you annoint players after 5 good games as first line centers. You blast players like Rivet one day and boast about him the next. You said Ribs would lead the team in points this year, once again a false statement.

Here is a fact which should enlighten you on hockey a little bit:

Currently there are 10 of the top 30 centers in points who are not in the playoffs. So it seems that points for your first line center aren't the only thing that counts when getting into the playoffs and going somewhere from there. You need a team, from a good top two lines, a number one dman and a good goalie. We are close but not there yet. We have a first line center, we now need players who give it their all like him in order to get better. Lose the floaters like Ribs on this team and we will be one step closer.

Just maybe, you will learn a thing or two about hockey before posting these types of remarks.

-- Edited by JohnM at 14:25, 2006-04-13

AB Habman · Guru

JohnM wrote:

Ya, ya, like Sundin in TO.... Look how far they have got. Maybe you need to actually follow the game a little closer to see what it takes to win in this league. It seems you have no idea since you annoint players after 5 good games as first line centers. You blast players like Rivet one day and boast about him the next. You said Ribs would lead the team in points this year, once again a false statement. Just maybe, you will learn a thing or two about hockey before posting such remarks. We have a first line center, we now need players who give it their all like him in order to get better. Lose the floaters like Ribs on this team and we will be one step closer.

I agree, we have a first line center but not in production. AB takes flack when comparing to Sundin because some jump to conclusions that I'm comparing to the Laffs. They suck but Sundin doesn't. He's talented and produces while always getting stronger as the season drags out. That's what we need...a player that's robust and can handle the grind.

If Sundin was in a Habs jersey, even you John would take off the blinders and see how good he is.

The scary thing is even our so called floater Ribs as you point out who was terrible at season's start isn't that far off from Sak's production again. That shouldn't happen.

I do follow the league rather than just one team like yourself ( sure Habs are my team but I'm a hockey fan also) and that's what motivated me to post the thread. We have gone way too long without first line center production and it shows over the last 10 years or so.

We have a big hole at first line center and many can actually notice it. I hope Gainey finally addresses this in the off season. Just wait and see. When we win a Cup, Saks will either not be here or a second line center. Frankly, I hope he's here. I don't want to wait that long.

Also John, me giving Rivet credit is because I tell it how it is. He's much better than his last season and deserves it. I wasn't wrong then because when I said he sucked, he did. Kudos to Rivet for working hard this season and being fairly consistent.

Saku11 · Senior Member

JohnM wrote:

Ya, ya, like Sundin in TO.... Look how far they have got. Maybe you need to actually follow the game a little closer to see what it takes to win in this league. It seems you have no idea since you annoint players after 5 good games as first line centers. You blast players like Rivet one day and boast about him the next. You said Ribs would lead the team in points this year, once again a false statement. Here is a fact which should enlighten you on hockey a little bit: Currently there are 10 of the top 30 centers in points who are not in the playoffs. So it seems that points for your first line center aren't the only thing that counts when getting into the playoffs and going somewhere from there. You need a team, from a good top two lines, a number one dman and a good goalie. We are close but not there yet. We have a first line center, we now need players who give it their all like him in order to get better. Lose the floaters like Ribs on this team and we will be one step closer. Just maybe, you will learn a thing or two about hockey before posting these types of remarks. -- Edited by JohnM at 14:25, 2006-04-13

This guy seems mad all the time! yikes. good luck trying to have argument with him. Like a puck hitting the post and comeback at ya! nothing ever is right, unless he says it!

-- Edited by Saku11 at 14:38, 2006-04-13

plouf · Guru

These two have a long-standing argument. That's the source of the sticks and stones.

Saku11 · Senior Member

plouf wrote:

These two have a long-standing argument. That's the source of the sticks and stones.

i know it just seems JohnM has a gripe with everyone who does not think Koivu had a great game every night. oh well

-- Edited by Saku11 at 14:46, 2006-04-13

JohnM · Guru

Not really, just trying to put things in perspective to fans who like to blast certain players after losing a game. The Habs have won 9 out of 11. That's not so bad if you ask me.

AB Habman · Guru

Saku11 wrote:

plouf wrote: These two have a long-standing argument. That's the source of the sticks and stones. i know it just seems JohnM has a gripe with everyone who does not think Koivu had a great game every night. oh well-- Edited by Saku11 at 14:46, 2006-04-13

Exactly, he's becoming a bitter and spiteful old man. He sees the name Saks and gets all excited.

If you actually get by the name Saks, the opening thread goes beyond last game. I'm speaking historically and for this off season.

Got to hand it to him though Saku 11. He's consistent with his mission of protecting his little buddy.

rwp2le · Guru

Hey John, I admire your loyalty to Koviu, as I myself am a very loyal fan of Kovy. I will defend him even after a game like last night. I think it is a very admirable quality to stick by your guns. I personally don't think Koviu is our long term answer as first line center, but he would be a great 2nd line center. Imagine being able to put out 2 lines like that?

Higgins - Insert #1 center here - Ryder

Insert decent left winger - Koviu - Kovalev

That would make our team a lot more dangerous. I really do believe that the left side is much worse off than our center position, we have 2 legitimate 2nd line centers, but no legitimate top 6 left winger. On the right side we are stacked.

AB Habman · Guru

rwp2le wrote:

Hey John, I admire your loyalty to Koviu, as I myself am a very loyal fan of Kovy. I will defend him even after a game like last night. I think it is a very admirable quality to stick by your guns. I personally don't think Koviu is our long term answer as first line center, but he would be a great 2nd line center. Imagine being able to put out 2 lines like that? Higgins - Insert #1 center here - Ryder Insert decent left winger - Koviu - Kovalev That would make our team a lot more dangerous. I really do believe that the left side is much worse off than our center position, we have 2 legitimate 2nd line centers, but no legitimate top 6 left winger. On the right side we are stacked.

Good post! John definately sticks to his guns. AB is hoping though that he doesn't own a gun.

When John is unhappy, he means war

rwp2le · Guru

AB Habman wrote:

John definately sticks to his guns. AB is hoping though that he doesn't own a gun. When John is unhappy, he means war

AB I have told you on more than once that I really, really like John right?

AB Habman · Guru

rwp2le wrote:

AB Habman wrote: John definately sticks to his guns. AB is hoping though that he doesn't own a gun. When John is unhappy, he means war AB I have told you on more than once that I really, really like John right?

Right, so do I! Even if he comes across as a meany sometimes.

JohnM · Guru

Too funny. Keep it up boys. Like I said the Habs will be ok. No need to push on the panic button.

AB Habman · Guru

JohnM wrote:

Too funny. Keep it up boys. Like I said the Habs will be ok. No need to push on the panic button.

Too funny as in you're laughing. That's better Johnny.

No one is pushing any buttons or pulling triggers....I hope.

doodie · Veteran Member

AB Habman wrote:

Just maybe our lack of a true first line centermen will barry us in the first round as opposed to the previous couple playoffs(thanks Boston) where we got away with it. Gainey will then, after three seasons finally bring in an elite guy. It was looking so bleak with the play of Saks before the Olympics that I was thinking that if Gainey didn't add a centermen in the off season that even Plecs would have a chance at first line center next season. Now I see some resemblance in the play of Plecs lately. He can skate and stick handle but when not on his game, totally not productive. He's a streaky player. Probably tired also because he's another smallish guy. I wonder why Gainey insists on playing the rookie every game when he's invisible. He was way better in the first half of the season. Even scoring some pretty goals. Again the 82 game grind taking a toll on our smurfs. Now I give credit when deserved. Saks had been better after about five post Olympic games especially with Higgins going full force. Now looking tired again. Starting to hook alot rather than use his legs. Giving the puck away. A minus player last night. Taking penalties. Not on the scale of before but will get there if Gainey doesn' find time to rest him. That's why it is so important to win tonight. That is also why it is so important to find an elite centermen that can handle the grind of 82 games. We are way too small down the middle on our top three lines presently. Saks 60 points in this new NHL doesn't equal first line center. I think 50-60 points is much more second line center points. Look at teams near us in the standings...Brad Richards 87 points/ Marc Savard 95 points/ Scott Gomez 78 points. When was the last time Habs had a 75 point plus producer in first line center position...maybe 15 years? Please Gainey... be assertive in the off season and fill this position! For now, we have to make the most of what we have. Also, we can say we have been fortunate that Saks didn't sustain a major injury due to tired legs..example...a knee strain as in previous seasons. Although this new NHL isn't as high contact. We'll see guys...what Gainey has up his sleaves this off season. -- Edited by AB Habman at 13:26, 2006-04-13

I think next year we're going to see some surprising changes to the habs,Gainey has alot of baggage he can get rid of ,the matching of lines this year,for next year, no need,because Gainey has plenty of players there to make a sweet deal.Yep
the-odour's gone it wouldn't surprise me to see kovy gone to,(and alot of others) maybe COLARADO ha ha. P.S Don't forget what he did in DALLAS !!!!!