The more new faces a team gets, the longer it takes to build chemistry, Habs FOUND that chemistry after the olympic break. All those teams you mentioned have lost a vital part of their team, Atlanta lost Savard, Savard lost Hossa and Kovolchuk, Ottawa lost Chara, Chara lost Redden. you notice something? all these players had something special going on with their previous teams, does that mean going to a new team they will have better seasons? i don't think so.
Habs had 93 points, with 5 rookies, a fired head coach, traded it's franchise goaltender, and it's defenceman learning how to play in the new NHL, PLUS injuries to their top players and you think the Habs will have a tougher time than last year? All i can say is, IF the Habs stay healthy, you will see a fast, disciplined, well coached team, firing on all cylinders seeing how close they were to giving the stanley cup champs a scare, they will prove that they can win big games.
**Waits for Barry to say he's sick and tired of something in my post
Jay- I have said my piece and will pray for a trade or 2 now. I stand by my thoughts that we do NOT have the team to make any noise as is. Cmon Jay..Koivu, who may or may not play 80 games this year as your number one center, and Ribs as your number 2..and we will be "better"?!??? Name me one team, besides Washington and maybe St Louis, where those two guys would be the top 2 centers on the team?!???
In my other post I submitted that Montreal will fight for ONE playoff spot with Boston, Toronto and Atlanta. I stand by that. The other teams I listed WILL make the playoffs.,
-- Edited by barry33 at 16:35, 2006-07-09
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I'm as confused as a starving baby in a topless bar!
Barry, look at the Rangers from a few years ago, or the Penguins from last year, they had all that talent, they didn't even make the playoffs. Its not about what big names you have on your team, its about how your team comes together, and plays well. Did Buffalo have any real big stars this year? Not really. I have confidence in the Habs for this upcoming season. I was even considering purchasing season tickets...
Barry, look at the Rangers from a few years ago, or the Penguins from last year, they had all that talent, they didn't even make the playoffs. Its not about what big names you have on your team, its about how your team comes together, and plays well. Did Buffalo have any real big stars this year? Not really. I have confidence in the Habs for this upcoming season. I was even considering purchasing season tickets...
Jay I hope you are right. Gainey needs to pull a center out of the trade market, I am just not sure who he will trade to do so. But for anyone to say that Boston, Toronto, the Islanders are not better than they were last year is ignoring the obvious. They are.
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I'm as confused as a starving baby in a topless bar!