Dear Message Board:

i would like to clear some things up here.  first off...... did somebody actually pull out a "terms of use" rule on me? lol guys, i think it's kind of important we don't take this internet message board too too seriously.   also, my comment was not meant to "illicit" negative responses any more than any of a large number of other threads that contain a complaint about a member of the team have.  here are a list of things i have an issue with:

1) first, i am getting my point proven COMPLETELY.  everybody is now furious with me, while not one person has stopped to at least say "well redlight...... you ARE RIGHT about some weak goals, however we must look at the overall picture".  i also hear the arguments "hey, we wouldn't be in the playoffs without him".  that's true. but the sad fact of the matter is, we are now OUT of the playoffs.  One reason is that  DESPITE his ability to make huge and seemingly impossible saves, he has a very bad tendency to let in some really questionable ones (see mtl vs. anaheim). 

2)  there's no need to take everything i say 100% literally.  sure, on the grand scheme of things i think Huet did a more-than-satisfactory job this season. What troubles me is the constant barrage (both in REAL LIFE and on message boards) about how Huet is incredible, and how "oh my god, the habs could ride him to the cup".  I felt people were just overlooking his flaws, possibly due to false hope or the need for a new messiah in this troubled hockey city.   Perhaps another element of my bitterness is Theodore's (my former favourite Hab player, and the guy i thought would finally bring them the cup) tendency (especially this season, and also in the 4 four games vs. Boston 2 years ago) of letting in stinkers. 

3) if he was truly amazing, he would have stopped the first goal of these playoffs.  he would have stopped Brind'Amour's turning point goal (very weak) in game 3..... and he would have stopped both of them tonight.  I would have been much more satisfied if he stopped the weak ones, and let in 2 legitimate opportunities.  it's like a tease. 

4) I'm not just blaming Huet, like somebody accused me of.  I blame many factors and many players for the loss, and for Montreal's general lack of success.  And Huet is by far not at the top of the list of reasons.  I was getting a point across... he's no Brodeur, and i find the "Huet Hype" very trendy.   But you people that criticize my expression are the same people (i'm talking generally here, i hope that's not against the "terms of use") that will:

 bash Ryder (he had a great season, outscored the rest of the team, got our OT winner this series, and played a very intense game tonite),

bash KOVALEV.... i read on here he disappears sometimes, and overhandles the puck.... meanwhile, i feel the guy had a great season and playoffs, and i find it a PLEASURE to watch him work his magic with that puck..... he has done tons of great things for us, he has amazing moves, he has a pretty good point total, and some great goals.... and he's by far the best player on our team, yet i still hear criticism

and last but not least, our captain.... who does have his flaws, but also does have many positive aspects to him that get OVERLOOKED by many of you (for instance, notice where this series went as soon as that feminine-hygiene-product-bag high-sticked him in the eye?)

........................ so we can nit-pick some players, and can never say anything bad about other players?  has Howie Morenz ever granted any of you the right to make these distinctions?

I am a die-hard habs fan, and i didn't mean to wrinkle any of your panties.  I'm on your side and i want what's best for this team.  I was perhaps a tad aggressive in the "huet is disgusting" title, mainly because it meant you people would actually read what i have to say and respond to it instead of completely ignoring it.  This "message board" universe is a tough place, and as a business student i have miraculously become aware of the beauty of marketing. 

             In sum, sorry if i have questionably violated any "terms of use" (lol), i did not mean to.  and if any of you feel the need to continue to take personal shots at me, i say feel free..... no need for censorship.  and hey, it's not like i can't take it.  in the end, at least we're all passionate about the habs. 

GO HABS GO, it was a great season, and i look forward to the next one. 

Mike