Come on boys and girls, admit it...

norskipaul · Senior Member

Come on boys and girls, admit it...

Pablo Honey · Veteran Member

To be perfectly honest: not this year.

I did believe that it might be our year when we beat Boston in 7. But looking at how the Habs have played, I don't believe we'd be up 2-0 if it wasn't for Gerber's extremely poor play.

I really hate to be pessimistic (since the optimist-police are out in full force) but as great as these two games have been from a fan's perspective, the Habs have not played that great overall.

Before this series started I thought the Habs would need to play their best hockey of the season to even steal one game on the road. They have not even come close to playing their best, and they've won two... That tells me more about the Canes than anything else.

But there are positives... They didn't fold last night, and they're getting better efforts from their second line this year.

brooklynhabfan · Guru

If only Chelsea loses the next three and we win all... sorry, wrong sport

Saku11 · Senior Member

brooklynhabfan wrote:

If only Chelsea loses the next three and we win all... sorry, wrong sport

LOL...there is no way Man U is beating out chelsea....and they wont lose their last three either

barry33 · Guru

norskipaul wrote:

That after these first two playoff games, that deep down in side, most likely against your better judgement you're thinking: "could this be the year...could this just be the year...?" I'd just like to say when I'm here, that sometimes I'm glad I don't actually see the games. Otherwise I might get sucked into the Koivu debate, something I can do without. Right now I'm just happy... When it comes to the finer points I put my trust in Barry's analytical skills.

Paul- not this year but I LOVE YOUR OPTOMISM!!! As criticcal as I have been of some of Gainey's moves, I fully feel we are heading in the right direction as an organization.

brooklynhabfan · Guru

And look at the stable of young un's!

Figaro · Guru

It's hard to not get excited right now. We are rolling along wonderfully. But Itihkn that we have to get the right matchups all the way to the finals to win. We can't play NJ, for starters. But, you know what, with the youth enthusiam, great goaltending and the solid veteran core (maybe a little more disipline), we have a better shot than some teams out there.

norskipaul · Senior Member

Well, Brooklyn to tell you the truth I really thought we were going to catch Chelsea...anyway some times the breaks just keep going your way, for some inexplicable reason...when thay do, you never know what can happen. If the Canadiens do manage to bump off Carolina, they can knock out anyone. I can tell by the pool that most of us look at Detroit as the favorite, they sure would be hard to beat, no matter what. Buffalo and New Jersey seem to be getting stronger by the game, tho' nobody really had any faith in the Rangers and Flyers. Then, of course, there's Ottawa, though I've got a feeling that Tampa might do them...On top of all that I'm worried the Canadiens might run into a mine field at the Bell Centre on wednesday. God, I hope I'm wrong again...

brooklynhabfan · Guru

norskipaul wrote:

Well, Brooklyn to tell you the truth I really thought we were going to catch Chelsea..

But if you've got so much money that a guy like Wright-Phillips sits more than he plays, there needs to be some sort of salary cap issues brought up... afraid that would hurt your United and my Arsenal, but hey, Wigan's doing all right for a pittance...

And to keep this hockey related, it would be like the payroll of our 70's teams if we had them today, $250 million at least...

norskipaul · Senior Member

Some fans have been talking about a cap, but it would have to be implemented throughout Europe and we don't see that happening. The Arse hung on tonight and are now in the final...hopefully against Barca.

Desi · Senior Member

You're right, Norski, you can't help but think about the possibilities if you're a true Habs fan. 1993 wasn't that long ago, after all!

But -- when you look at things objectively, it's clear that both Buffalo and NJ are just stronger teams than the Canadiens this year. When NJ gets a 3-goal lead, they keep it. When Buffalo gets a 3-goal lead, they expand on it.

We can beat Philly, Rangers, Lightning and maybe even Ottawa in a 7-game series, but I wouldn't say that about the Devils or Swords.

It sure is nice to dream, though. And who knows, if we hang on to take the Canes down and our future competitors get a little beat up in the other matchups, the fickle finger of fate may point in our direction.

Then all we'd have to do is beat the Western Conference's nominee!

Les Canadiens sont la

Jay1982 · Guru

Its not just gerber's bad goaltending that is helping the Habs win. There are still 5 other players on the ice that the Habs have to get through. Every team is beatable, in every sport.

davidb · Guru

It will be Habs and Avs

Jay1982 · Guru

davidb wrote:

It will be Habs and Avs

Actually, when we traded theo. I called an Av and Hab showdown...but even though i called it, I don't think it'll go through. I think dallas will rebound

plouf · Guru

norskipaul wrote:

Some fans have been talking about a cap, but it would have to be implemented throughout Europe and we don't see that happening. The Arse hung on tonight and are now in the final...hopefully against Barca.

Boy these ManU fans are something. They dominate with the biggest budget for a decade and suddenly someone comes along with more money than them and kicks them in the pants for once and they start talking cap. Sad sad sad.

thompstar · Veteran Member

may i remind you guys that most of us on this board had the canes as the last team we wanted to play goin into the playoffs and look what is happening....the playoffs are all about runs and momentum.

if the habs keep rolling over carolina who knows what can happen. i'm not saying they can win the cup but lets just support them in their run. even if we just take out carolina, it will be a valuable experience for our youngsters in the future when we are ready to make a serious run at lord stanley.....enjoy it and think about how bright our future is looking.

proud to be a habs fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

heet_150 · Guru

thompstar wrote:

may i remind you guys that most of us on this board had the canes as the last team we wanted to play goin into the playoffs and look what is happening

I believe the most vocal comment was ABC... Anyboby But Carolina. I was in that camp as well, just, I can't bring myself to not believe in them. I'm a realist before the games (or playoff rounds) and a rabid fan during the game. As, I'm sure, most of you are.

norskipaul · Senior Member

plouf wrote:

norskipaul wrote: Some fans have been talking about a cap, but it would have to be implemented throughout Europe and we don't see that happening. The Arse hung on tonight and are now in the final...hopefully against Barca. Boy these ManU fans are something. They dominate with the biggest budget for a decade and suddenly someone comes along with more money than them and kicks them in the pants for once and they start talking cap. Sad sad sad.

I said "some fans" and as for being kicked in the pants "for once"

I remember being relegated, promoted, and wallowing in mediocrity for decades. I also have to say United built there there way up slowly but surely from scratch (we didn't even have a stadium in '45) over the course of 50 years. No russian blood money, as is the case of Chelsea or facsist dictator, as in the case of Real Madrid put us in the position we're in today

plouf · Guru

A big tear is shed by this Bolton supporter. Let me tell you , the STRUGGLES of ManUre. Truly touching.

brooklynhabfan · Guru

plouf wrote:

A big tear is shed by this Bolton supporter. Let me tell you , the STRUGGLES of ManUre. Truly touching.

Pass me a hanky so I can wipe my Arsenal tears away....