Hey, Habs friends! I'm back from a long season of playing mediocre golf -- including a great golf trip up to Canada -- and I've only read the board once in a blue moon this summer. So aside from what I've read here in the last couple days, I'm way behind on what the temperature is up there in Montreal. How would you all like to clue me in on the bottom line as you see it -- what you've seen from Les Boys in the preseason, what you expect to see when the puck is dropped opening night, and give a prediction on where the Habs will be at the end of the 2007 season?
I do know that Boston is a much improved team. And I get the impression that the Sens aren't what they were last year, while the Leaves are about as inconsequential as always. But what do you think?
I, for one, am glad that the organization has seemingly awoken to the fact that our defense has more holes in it than Dryden's old mask. Whether those holes have been plugged or not remains to be seen. And while I understand why Ribs was sent packing, I do have the feeling that his best years are still ahead of him. So it goes...
I see the team getting a lot stronger defensively under Carbs (with a lot of that work coming from forwards rather than the solid play of our D-men). I also see the offense gelling in a way that it didn't last year -- assuming that the roster can stay relatively injury-free. A big question in my mind is goaltending. I love Huet, am not big on Aebisher, and worry that if Cristo isn't magic again this year we could be in for a long season. But hopefully I'm worrying for nothing.
Anyway, my prediction (based on nothing more than a few days of getting reacquainted with the team and this year's NHL) is that the Habs will finish 6th in the conference behind Carolina, Buffalo, New Jersey, New York Rangers and (though it pains me beyond belief to say it) Boston.
What do you, experts all, think about the season to come? It's time to go on the record!
If you count that correctly Desi, that would be a 7th place finish. Do you think that Boston has improved to the point that they can better their record by 20 points(74 last season) more than they got last year to beat out the Habs who finished with 93 points?
Fatherhab wrote: If you count that correctly Desi, that would be a 7th place finish. Do you think that Boston has improved to the point that they can better their record by 20 points(74 last season) more than they got last year to beat out the Habs who finished with 93 points?
I'm no accountant like Nil, but I see 5 teams: Carolina, Buffalo, New Jersey, New York Rangers and (though it pains me beyond belief to say it) Boston.
__________________
I walked past a restaurant yesterday that had a sign in the window that said, "Lobster Tail and Beer." I went in, since I enjoy all three.
Yeah, Father, I hate to say it but I think the B's are going to be a much better team next year. I saw them play a lot in '05-'06 and as bad as they were, there were always moments when you wondered why they weren't doing better in the standings. Now that they've got new blood in management and have gotten rid of the idiots that were runnning things there, they're going to be a factor, just as they were in the pre-season when it didn't really matter.
I really, really hope I'm wrong. But I think Boston will end the year with 92 points to the Habs' 91. How's that for a precise (and hopefully off-base) prediction?
Yeah, Father, I hate to say it but I think the B's are going to be a much better team next year. I saw them play a lot in '05-'06 and as bad as they were, there were always moments when you wondered why they weren't doing better in the standings. Now that they've got new blood in management and have gotten rid of the idiots that were runnning things there, they're going to be a factor, just as they were in the pre-season when it didn't really matter.
Les Canadiens sont la
I don't think you are too far off base by thinking that the Bruins will be a better team. Boyes, Bergeron, Murray, Sturm and don't forget Marc Savard was in the top ten for in scoring last season. I just wonder about their ability to keep the puck out of their own net.
__________________
I walked past a restaurant yesterday that had a sign in the window that said, "Lobster Tail and Beer." I went in, since I enjoy all three.
I think our boys will be 6th. We have excellent depth in almost every position and lots of hungry youngsters which will help us to overcome the injuries that always occur. Not many teams can say the same.
Ottawa, Buffalo, New Jersey, the Rangers, and Carolina are better than us, Philedelphia, Atlanta, and Boston are near our equal. I predict we finish 6th, but if we have bad luck, 9th is not out of the question. Everyone's luck being equal though, we do better than last year.
Write this down. Habs will struggle with Toronto (yes Toronto) for the 8th and final spot. Both those teams will have a hard time scoring 5 on 5 this year. Both are improved defensively. The intangibles will be goaltending and specialty units. I give Montreal the edge in both departments which puts them in the 8th spot.
Ottawa, Buffalo, NY Rangers, Jersey, Carolina, will get the top 5 spots. I do not see much of a difference between Tampa, the habs, Atlanta, Boston and Toronto. Leaving 5 teams to fight for 3 spots. I feel that if Boston gets goaltending (and I think they will), they will grab 6th spot. I really do not see much difference in tampa and Montreal. If Tampa gets a goalie then watch out. I see Atlanta on the outside looking in. Toronto will be much improved for one reason. Coaching and attitude.
__________________
________________
I'm as confused as a starving baby in a topless bar!