who will win the cup in 2006-2007?

doodie · Veteran Member

who will win the cup in 2006-2007?

AB Habman · Guru

doodie wrote:

who will win the cup? My predictiuon is THE HABS will take it all. this will be interesting ,i would like to know how many girls and guys picked the CAROLINA hurricanes to win it all,and to play off with the "just making it into the playoffs," OILERS".How many? If somebody right now can pick what team is going to win the cup in this "NEW NHL" they are the ultimate hockey fan. lol

The Ducks will make it interesting!

Johab · Guru

doodie wrote:

who will win the cup? My predictiuon is THE HABS will take it all. this will be interesting ,i would like to know how many girls and guys picked the CAROLINA hurricanes to win it all,and to play off with the "just making it into the playoffs," OILERS".How many? If somebody right now can pick what team is going to win the cup in this "NEW NHL" they are the ultimate hockey fan. lol

Please, lets get rid of the leaf fan predicting method. Sure it would be great if Montreal won the cup. But for what reason do you think they will win it? No, we never expected a Edmonton vs Carolina final, but what does montreal have that makes them over the top. We have improved, buit we still are not a top 4 team in the east. There is no way we are a number 1 team in the league. Sorry, but i cant stand hearing people say the habs will win the cup. Unless they really do have a good chance at it because if the habs dont win, we look just as stupid as the leafs....

Jedah · Guru

AB, I was thinking the same thing. Brian Burke has put together a very strong team that a lot of people probably don't realize are real contenders. So my money is on Anaheim.

Diehardhabsfan · Veteran Member

I say Pheonix

Zulrath · Senior Member

It's so hard to make a call like this so early on. Because there are so many little stories that go into an NHL season that cause things to go astray. If you just look at last year, how many of us thought Brett Hull would retire within the first six games for Pheonix? How many of us thought Mario Lemieux would retire mid season? How many of us SERIOUSLY expected to see Jose Theodore sporting a different jersey before seasons end? Or Joe Thornton being traded to San Jose? There are so many wild cards that pickinh a team now is just like picking a name out of a hat.

Johab · Guru

I guess thats just a much nicer way of saying what i was trying to say Zulrath, i just get tired of hearing the same thing EVERY summer from those few fans who really believe the habs are going to win the cup. ...EVERY YEAR!

Habsfan4life · Member

Um i sayy..toronto haha dont kill me im jus jkn u crazy toronto

i say the ducks have a pretty good team but i like the habs i think the habs will make a great run

barry33 · Guru

Jedah wrote:

AB, I was thinking the same thing. Brian Burke has put together a very strong team that a lot of people probably don't realize are real contenders. So my money is on Anaheim.

I like Anaheim as well but I also think that Calgary may make some noise this year..Habs? Nope. A few years away yet.

NEWFIEHABSFAN · Senior Member

Johab wrote:

I guess thats just a much nicer way of saying what i was trying to say Zulrath, i just get tired of hearing the same thing EVERY summer from those few fans who really believe the habs are going to win the cup. ...EVERY YEAR!

why not the habs? nobody picked the oilers to go to the cup final and almost win it all! 8/10 chances the habs will not win the cup, BUT, a person can dream and who are you to shoot down their dream of MONTREAL winning the cup!

Habsfan4life · Member

you just go to believe just like the oilers did

gfeaver · Veteran Member

of course I want the Habs to win. Florida could be a dark horse, as could San Jose...

doodie · Veteran Member

Johab wrote:

doodie wrote: who will win the cup? My predictiuon is THE HABS will take it all. this will be interesting ,i would like to know how many girls and guys picked the CAROLINA hurricanes to win it all,and to play off with the "just making it into the playoffs," OILERS".How many? If somebody right now can pick what team is going to win the cup in this "NEW NHL" they are the ultimate hockey fan. lol Please, lets get rid of the leaf fan predicting method. Sure it would be great if Montreal won the cup. But for what reason do you think they will win it? No, we never expected a Edmonton vs Carolina final, but what does montreal have that makes them over the top. We have improved, buit we still are not a top 4 team in the east. There is no way we are a number 1 team in the league. Sorry, but i cant stand hearing people say the habs will win the cup. Unless they really do have a good chance at it because if the habs dont win, we look just as stupid as the leafs....

Johab wrote No, we never expected a Edmonton vs Carolina final........yes and that's just the point i was making,nobody can predict who is going to win the cup.Before the NEW NHL yes because of all the grabbing, clutching,and stick work,etc.But you need SPEED( we have that) finesse players (we have that) gritty defence(we have that) and a top goalie (we have that).And smart coach's (that have made the "mold" on playing stingy defence.So yes i'm still picking the HABS to win-er all

Diehardhabsfan · Veteran Member

Johab wrote:

I guess thats just a much nicer way of saying what i was trying to say Zulrath, i just get tired of hearing the same thing EVERY summer from those few fans who really believe the habs are going to win the cup. ...EVERY YEAR!

If you don't have faith in your team ,switch teams.

plouf · Guru

Hard work is everything. Calgary vs. Buffalo

Zulrath · Senior Member

Diehardhabsfan wrote:

Johab wrote:
I guess thats just a much nicer way of saying what i was trying to say Zulrath, i just get tired of hearing the same thing EVERY summer from those few fans who really believe the habs are going to win the cup. ...EVERY YEAR!
If you don't have faith in your team ,switch teams.

I have to defend Johab on this one. I don't know about him, but when I look at the current habs roster, I don't think we look like the favourites in the NHL to take the cup this year. It does not mean i don't think we COULD do it. Get players like Kovy producing at a constant pace, Saku stays healthy, the team plays just like that, a team, you never know what could happen. But to pick the habs as a favourite is a little farfetched right now.

Jay1982 · Guru

Diehardhabsfan wrote:

Johab wrote:
I guess thats just a much nicer way of saying what i was trying to say Zulrath, i just get tired of hearing the same thing EVERY summer from those few fans who really believe the habs are going to win the cup. ...EVERY YEAR!
If you don't have faith in your team ,switch teams.

BEST POST ON THIS BOARD EVER!!!!

seriously, don't have faith in the habs? I hear Atlanta needs a few fans

Power · Veteran Member

Zulrath wrote:

I have to defend Johab on this one. I don't know about him, but when I look at the current habs roster, I don't think we look like the favourites in the NHL to take the cup this year. It does not mean i don't think we COULD do it. Get players like Kovy producing at a constant pace, Saku stays healthy, the team plays just like that, a team, you never know what could happen. But to pick the habs as a favourite is a little farfetched right now.

This is the sentence that contains little magic and it´s team play. Habs haven´t had that in last few years and that is the thing what players and Garbos grew have to work with.

Little quote from Peter Laviolette"if you let players create these little groups in locker room you have lost the team spirit, there is nothing that you can do to fix that."

If Garbo and boys can fix these problems what there has been, then only sky will be the limit but if not 1st round will be the limit. I can´t say Habs (don´t want to upset Johab) I say Calgary or Buffalo.

Johab · Guru

Ok first off, let me just say if a few of you here have a problem with hearing the Habs wont be winning the cup EVERY year, you're eventually going to have to wake up into reality. Second of all, i never said i dont have faith in the habs, but i do not think they will win this year. Is it mandetory for ALL habs fans to think their team will win the cup every year?! I was simply expressing my views on how i dont think the habs will win it this year and that if they do, i dont want them to be a 1 year team. Id much rather have a team that could defend the cup for 2 years than have a edmonton, carolina or anahiem who makes it to the finals and doesnt make it to the playoffs the next year ( by the way edmonton will not make the playoffs this year )

Some of you guys have to seriously ease up a bit and to answer a few of your questions

a person can dream and who are you to shoot down their dream of MONTREAL winning the cup!

I never once said no one here cant pick montreal to win. I just said it is unrealistic. And considering i like to look at all other teams and if i see a team in a better position than our team, why would i not pick them over the habs. Really, when this year is over and montreal hasnt won the cup, and they wont ( NOT THAT I DONT WANT THEM TO!!!) I wont feel like an idiot after predicting the habs to win all year. And i wont have to put up with other idiot fans rubbing it in as much. You see,it is completely reasonable to route for your team 100% but at the same time know what they are capable of and accept it. Anything more is a bonus, anything less is unacceptable. You want to think Montreal will win, your allowed, and you have your reasons why. I personally dont think they will, and i have my reasons why. And im sorry but im sure 8/10 hockey fans will agree with me.

If you don't have faith in your team ,switch teams.

who ever said i didnt have faith in the habs. Im not sure why this comment is directed at me. Sorry for not picking the habs to win. And i guess me and thousands of other hab fans will have to find a new team. Seriously, is it mandetory to think the habs will win EVERY year. NO But we can HOPE they do. There is a difference and i just chose to be one of the fans who doesnt look, no offense, but dumb when they run around yelling the habs are going to win the cup year after year when really, there are better teams with better chances. Instead i say it would be nice if the habs win, BUT chances are _________ will win. And then i dont have to go into that same stupid arguement with other fans and then come up with really stupid arguements.

I have to defend Johab on this one. I don't know about him, but when I look at the current habs roster, I don't think we look like the favourites in the NHL to take the cup this year. It does not mean i don't think we COULD do it. Get players like Kovy producing at a constant pace, Saku stays healthy, the team plays just like that, a team, you never know what could happen. But to pick the habs as a favourite is a little farfetched right now.

Kudos Zulrath, you get it!

BEST POST ON THIS BOARD EVER!!!!

seriously, don't have faith in the habs? I hear Atlanta needs a few fans

Same goes to you for the post that is " The best post on this board...ever"........

I can´t say Habs (don´t want to upset Johab) I say Calgary or Buffalo.

Say habs if you want Power, We all share the same WANT for them to win. But most dont expect them to win. Thats all.

Anyone else???

-- Edited by Johab at 15:54, 2006-07-27

Diehardhabsfan · Veteran Member

down boy!!!! lol

doodie · Veteran Member

But for what reason do you think they will win it? I think you said that didn't you JOHAB?
So here's my reason they are going to win the cup...Before the NEW NHL they probably wouldn't win the cup, because of all the grabbing, clutching,and stick work,etc."BUT" you need

SPEED( we have that) finesse players (we have that) gritty defence(we have that) and a top goalie (we have that).And smart coach's (that have made the "mold" on playing stingy defence.So yes i'm still picking the HABS to win-er all

. Don't get upset but that's my reasoning.....So what would your reasons be why they will NOT win the cup?

sarge · Member

Johab is absolutely correct.

If Montreal won the cup every year, how long would it take for hockey to become boring? I would enjoy the play, but, would be denied the anticipation and the anxiety. There would be no rivalry between myself and the dirty rotten scumbags I occasionally call friends who cheer for T.O..

To debase another poster because that person does not feel HIS and YOUR team can in any real likelyhood win the cup is assinine. "Go cheer for ________" comments tell me one thing. You have run out of intelligent things to say.

There are posters on this site I nearly allways agree with and those I allmost never agree with, but, all have legitimate reasons for forming an opinion. A differing opinion is not a sign of intellectual inferiority nor a lack of desire to see Montreal win the cup. It is simply different.

MC Girl · Guru

WOW.... I just popped in to see what was goin' on today ... & holy crap I'm dizzy!!!! LOL I know there is a lot of back & forth re: Who will win the cup in 06/07....

try to realize some people have decided to answer with who they HOPE will win the cup... while others researched & decided to post who they think WILL win the cup (which is what was actually asked) ..... but there is no need to make it a battle because in the end it's just opinions, not a reality making statements.

Don't take all this to heart guys, we are all cheering for the same team.

**** Note****

I'm sure there were a lot of fans in Carolina & Edmonton saying "we'll win the cup in 05/06"..... & others who thought they were crazy dreamers. With the New NHL.... it could be any teams year.

My choice..... Montreal all the way!!!! Bring it on Johab!!!! (lol... you know I'm just kiddin' funny boy )

-- Edited by MC Girl at 17:05, 2006-07-27

doodie · Veteran Member

MC girl you always know how to put things into perspective lol, my toughts too so I picked THE Habs to win .Who do you think?

Johab · Guru

For the sake of wanting the Habs to win Doodie, i hope your right. But for the sake of what i like to think is pretty damn good hockey knowledged brain i hope your wrong. you said

Before the NEW NHL they probably wouldn't win the cup, because of all the grabbing, clutching,and stick work,etc."BUT" you need

SPEED( we have that) finesse players (we have that) gritty defence(we have that) and a top goalie (we have that).And smart coach's (that have made the "mold" on playing stingy defence.So yes i'm still picking the HABS to win-er all . Don't get upset but that's my reasoning.....So what would your reasons be why they will NOT win the cup?

OK, my point obviously hasnt been made...heres a few more reasons...

-Not having a Top line that would be a top line on another team

-No top 20 scorer

-Lack of a bonified 1 or 2 defenseman ( Markov is closest but still not a #1 or #2 on contending teams )

- Lack of a PROVEN elite goalie. Huet is good, but he played what...40 games last year? Im not pulling another Theo and saying we have an elite YET. He is good, but in MY books is still unproven.

- NO NORTH AMERICAN MUSCLE! After Souray Komisarek and Rivet, who do we have ...ok and boullion...sorta.....that will make other teams think twice about bashing up our top guys. Id much rather have top line guys who can take care of themselves. Koivu can, but it will eventually wear him down and contribute to another 60-70 game season. We do not have a Thornton, Lecavalier, Brind-Amour, Iginla, Bertuzzi, Modano, Even Crosby i rank higher than Saku in that category.

-lack of CONSISTANCY! Good teams beat teams they are suppose to win against! How many times did we drop games to teams like pittsburg, washington, florida ect. Good teams beat those teams.

-Too many 1 goal games. Look at the stats if you have to, Montreal had WAY too many close games and are not considered a power house or capable of blowing a team out of the areana. And therefor are not a favorite for the cup, or even a conferernce final.

-UNPROVEN COACHING! Whos to say these guys are gonna get it done. Just because they are ex-habs and loved in hab land wont mean they will be successful. God knows i hope they prove me wrong!

-Teams like Ottawa ( Alfie, Heatley, Spezza, Redden,), New Jersey( Brodeur, Gionta, Gomez, Elias, Madden, ), San Jose( Thornton, Cheechoo, Mareau,Toskala) , Calgary ( Kiprusoff, Iginla, Phaneuf,Amonte, Tanguay, Huselius , Detroit( Lang, Zetterberg, Lindstrom,datsyuk, Draper, Williams , New York( Jagr, Shanahan,sykora straka Lundqvist) , Ducks( Selanne, Neidermayer, Neidermayer, Perry, Bryzgalov, Pronger ) WHO ALL ARE BETTER STATISTICALLY AND TALENT WISE than the habs! According to last year stats and on paper to me right now.

Montreal has a GREAT future ahead of them, no doubt, with a good core group of players in Koivu, Kovalev, Markov, Higgins, Komisarek, Ryder, Ribeiro ( if he gets smarter ) Perezhogin, Plecanek, huet if consistant and a few more up and coming. A few trades and or signings and montreal will be in that top 10 part of the league. But until they are up there, i will not be saying the cup is montreals this year. But i will be there rooting and hoping they can pull it off till the end of the year, every year!

There is NO DOUBT i feel Montreal can play with the big boys. They are one of the grittiest and hardest working teams in the league and when they play together they are a very tough team to beat. EVERY TEAM knows that when montreal is in town or they are in montreal, it will NOT be a roll over. BUT not until we can beat these teams without having to scratch and claw through the 3 periods will i think we can seriously contend for the cup. Montreal is a good team, but not a cup team...yet!

Johab · Guru

...in shorter words

Who do i HOPE wins the cup- Montreal!

Who do i think will actually win it- New Jersey or Ottawa in the East, Anahiem or Nashville in the West. ( Nashville is my Dark horse team this year ) Either way...the Eastern conference will keep the cup.

rwp2le · Guru

Johab wrote:

-Not having a Top line that would be a top line on another team

-No top 20 scorer

-How many times did we drop games to teams like pittsburg, washington, florida ect.

Johab, forgive me for totally disagreeing with you. Do you consider Buffalo a contendor? We are just as fast as them now with our 2 new additions, and we have a more talented team. As for the points I have quoted you on, I have to disagree with them. No top line? How many teams in the NHL would kill to have Kovalev and Samsonov on their top line? As for no top 20 scorer, Kovalev had 65 points in 69 games, over 82 games that would have been 78 points. Lets not forget who he played with last year, Ribs, and every left winger in the system. This year there is a top 3 forward along side him. 20th in the league in scoring was 85 points. With our new top line Kovalev could easily be a top 20 scorer. And finally as for losing games to non playoff teams, how many games were we down 4 nothing before the puck was dropped with Jose Threeorfour in the net? You do make valid points, but if our team has some chemistry we could be a serious contendor. If we give up Ribs and Bonk somehow, we could easily be the fastest team in the league. So my choice is the Habs, for many reasons. But there are also many if's in my choice. If Huet is as good as last year. If Koviu stays healthy and show up. If Kovy stays healthy and shows up. If Samsonov puts up some big numbers. If........... If........ If......... Ask this question again 30 games into the season and my answer may change, but I hope not.

NEWFIEHABSFAN · Senior Member

you know, after reading JOHAB long posting of defending himself about wanting the habs to win every year, he did say something that struck with me. he don't want the habs to win the cup due to a good play-off run, or lucky breaks for one year only, he wants the habs to win the cup and be able to defend it with a solid team and i agree with him 100%. JOHAB, i apolgize for my remarks and believe that not only are you a habs fan, but a smart one too.

Johab · Guru

THANK YOU!!!!!! I do admit sometimes my point isnt exactly the clearest but thats because i think faster than i type so it gets jumbled up before it hits the key pad. Dont get me wrong, if the habs won the cup every year...it would be nice ( it eventually would get old ) but i mean...whats better, a team that can repeat....or a team that fails to make the playoffs the following year?

Nil d · Guru

Johab wrote:

THANK YOU!!!!!! I do admit sometimes my point isnt exactly the clearest but thats because i think faster than i type so it gets jumbled up before it hits the key pad. Dont get me wrong, if the habs won the cup every year...it would be nice ( it eventually would get old ) but i mean...whats better, a team that can repeat....or a team that fails to make the playoffs the following year?

Speaking as an old-timer who has seen many Hab Cups, I can attest that the unexpected ones in 1986 and 1993 were much more fulfilling than the 'automatic' ones in the late 60's and 70's.

One this year would just about top them all!