why experts see Habs as Habnots

wright · Veteran Member

why experts see Habs as Habnots

barry33 · Guru

As unrealistic as some habs fans predictions have been (3rd place in the east etc), I do feel we are a much better team than 18th or 19th. I have said all along that we will be fighting for the last playoff spot and I stick by that. Is higher possible? Absolutely! Of Plekanecs turns into a legit 2nd liner, if Huet is the real deal, if our defence improves..anything is possible. Lets not forget, we finished a whopping 3 points ahead of Toronto last year. Why would anyone think that given the minor changes we have made that we will improve to a STanley Cup contender?

In the end, the truth lies somewhere between the overly pessimistic predictions of the "experts" and the overly optomistic views of rabid habs fans.

Ando · Guru

Great post Wright...really well put!

And-o is trying to look at it from the oppositions point of view! As in, what would you do to beat the Habs??? (which often reveals weaknesses)

And-o would match-up his top line against the Koivu line and instruct them to hit like crazy and force the play down-low as much as possible! In other words, wear them down because Higgins is still a kid...Ryder has a history of being the last man back...and Saku has more miles on him than most taxi-cabs!!!

Next, And-o would ice his top checkers versus the Kovy line (obvious reasons) and play very chippy and inspired hockey.

Third...take the body on the Habs 'd' as much as possible (especially Markov)!!!

Then...just hope that lines 3 and 4 can/will outwork the opposition! Oh...one more thing...if playing in Montreal...put as many shots on goal as possible and hope that the goalies (and hence the fans) self-destruct!

In fact...if a team could play the Habs hard...and be very physical, yet disciplined...that would be a good strategy for winning!

...the question then becomes...what are the Habs weaknesses...and how can they overcome this???

Traveling Hab · Veteran Member

wright wrote:

Most pre season analysts see the Habs not making the playoffs. The concerns at least on paper are justified: smallish forwards, particularly down the middle where the teams top two centermen are under 6 feet. Inconsistent production from Kovalev and Samsanov. On defence only Markov is highly regarded in terms of a high skill set offensively. Goaltending still questionable as Huet still has to prove whether last season was a true reflection of his abilities.A key injury to Koviu,Markov or Kovalev could undermine the whole season. Non playoff teams frmo last season, Boston and Atlanta look like they could make the playoffs, making it tougher for Habs to make it in.

Of course the experts don't take into account that a number of the teams younger players could make a much bigger impact this season and the Habs appear to have a balanced lineup that resembles the Sabres from last season, a team that got no respect going into the season. Hab supporters probably lose some objectivity analyzing the Habs, and the so called experts may not give the team enough respect, it will be interesting to see who is right by the end of the year.

It's true, there are so many what ifs around the habs that we could finish anywhere from the callar (Koivu's eye is bad, 2nd line has no real chemistry, Bonk isn't good enough for the 3rd, Lats can't handle the pressure, Huet can't possible repeat and Aebischer is only average, the D are as weak as some fear they are...) or near the top (top two lines have as much chemistry as they appear to, 3rd line does the job as well as it always has, Huet rocks our world again, Lats is as good as he thinks he is, defense plays by committe like Carolina's did last year...).

Don't put much faith in the preseason predictions. If you want any to follow, I suggest look at Las Vegas oddsmakers. They have a lot invested in getting the chances right, and what do you know, they have us tied for 7th in the East with Tampa Bay at 20-1 to win the cup. Doesn't that just somehow seem more accurate than TSN saying 10th or some hockey insider for The Hockey News saying 2nd? sure, we could win, and we could also be drafting first overall, but both are unlikely.

AB Habman · Guru

All good points!

Also want to add that this board mostly has it together by realizing we're probably a 7/8 place team. We're being rational at least.

In saying that, it means maybe a marginal increment of improvement.

It's up to Gainey now to sink or swim. His next move quite possibly will be the most important yet. I can see him patiently analizing till trade deadline then basing it on the performance and where we're in the standings.

We all know we're thin down the middle and on defense. The big answer under Gainey will take some time. Easier said than done!

-- Edited by AB Habman at 13:24, 2006-10-04

doodie · Veteran Member

Ando wrote:

Great post Wright...really well put!

And-o is trying to look at it from the oppositions point of view! As in, what would you do to beat the Habs??? (which often reveals weaknesses)

And-o would match-up his top line against the Koivu line and instruct them to hit like crazy and force the play down-low as much as possible! In other words, wear them down because Higgins is still a kid...Ryder has a history of being the last man back...and Saku has more miles on him than most taxi-cabs!!!

Next, And-o would ice his top checkers versus the Kovy line (obvious reasons) and play very chippy and inspired hockey.

Third...take the body on the Habs 'd' as much as possible (especially Markov)!!!

Then...just hope that lines 3 and 4 can/will outwork the opposition! Oh...one more thing...if playing in Montreal...put as many shots on goal as possible and hope that the goalies (and hence the fans) self-destruct!

In fact...if a team could play the Habs hard...and be very physical, yet disciplined...that would be a good strategy for winning!

...the question then becomes...what are the Habs weaknesses...and how can they overcome this???

And-o if the habs done all this to other teams would they be successful?

You were being sarcastic "RIGHT" ?