some good things so far

wright · Veteran Member

some good things so far

habscsi · Member

Wright i think you're right(sorry couldnt resist)!Our third line play has been our key, it hasnt been the other teams big names scoring on us at even strength and very few PP goals. First line is top line quality. D has been solid but not outstanding, with a few better finishes they'd have a few more goals on D.2nd line not up to par but if they start to click watch out this team could get exciting and anyone wanna bet now Higgins isnt the breakthrough player of the year for this team, heres hoping Markov and Komi give him a run for it!!!Oh yeah im gonna say it again Bonk is still impressing me!!With a little finishing luck he should have had a goal and a helper but Emery always does that to the Habs!

AB Habman · Guru

wright wrote:

Six of a possible 8 points, thus far, and yet a fair amount of negativity with regard to the habs on this board. The concerns from the impotence of the second line, to the lack of mobility on defence, i.e. Souray, the perceived misuse of Lats, Carbo's selection of shooters in the shoot out, all criticisms somewhat justified. Still some positives so far: the continued development of Komisarek, vastly improved penalty killing (at present first in the league) and the centers are winning close to 60 percent of faceoffs. Koviu showing no ill effects from last seasons eye injury, the great play from the first line. The Habs third line has been effective in containing the oppositions top line in games so far.

No question everything is not perfect, far from it, a key injury and the Habs are in trouble, the second line has to contribute etc etc. The reality is there is so much parity in the new salary cap era, all teams are going to have their weaknesses, including the Habs. The lineup at present has more players underacheiving than overacheiving, if those players off to slow starts, start coming round then the Habs should be in decent shape.

Throw in the negative comments about some Habs not moving their feet

barry33 · Guru

No question you can't argue with 6 out of 8 points. But as you recall we started like that last year and went downhill. Wright makes a good point. It is DEPTH that we worry about. Lack of depth at key positions did us in last year as the season wore on and players wore down. This was not addressed in the off season so you tend to wonder if it will happen again? Having said that there are some real bright spots. The Koivu line looks great. Higgins will be the heart and soul of that team in a few years. Komisarek is a legitimate NHL dman now. Goaltending looks decent. And Carbo has made a few mistakes (what coach besides barry33 does not?) but looks like he has the boys playing hockey. It will be an interesting year.