Koivu

AB Habman · Guru

Koivu

plouf · Guru

AB Habman wrote:

Week game for him. Starts off with a stupid penalty. Poor job in key areas on the faceoffs. -1 and one shot on net. He is looking more ineffective as the games wear on. Saks is looking sacked already.

Also, please Carb, don't let the smurf participate in any shoot outs unless there is just no one else on the bench to use.

I agree. Not a good game for Koivu.

If there is any question about his importance to the team...as he plays, this year, so the team plays.

But I'm not too worried yet. If the second line picks up the slack then Koivu will have less responsibility and things will be fine. So far so good.

JohnM · Guru

The whole team played like s**t so it's hard to pinpoint one guy. AB, I think you were also blasting Abby in another post even though he stopped 47 shots...

Anyways, what I don't like is that 5/6 of our top scorers are (-) players. One of the things this shows is that alot of our goals are coming on the PP and we aren't a very effective 5 on 5 team.

So the coaching staff has done wonders for our special teams but our even strength play is hurting.

-- Edited by mperra (Admin) at 10:08, 2006-10-29

Ando · Guru

AB Habman wrote:

Week game for him. Starts off with a stupid penalty. Poor job in key areas on the faceoffs. -1 and one shot on net. He is looking more ineffective as the games wear on.

Honestly, what has happened to Saku in the faceoff circle because he is simply getting flogged on all draws that don't take place at centre ice!?

...and when Matt Stajan shuts down y'er number one guy much of the evening...don't you think that it is time to re-evaluate!?

macneil · Guru

i agree and-o , we should trade saks because he didnt get 5 points last night when the whole team took a night off , like you said in another post toronto couldnt have played better and montreal couldnt have played worse , so out of that you and ab. slag on koivu , the more things change , the more they stay the same for you 2 .

Key Lime · Guru

macneil wrote:

i agree and-o , we should trade saks because he didnt get 5 points last night when the whole team took a night off , like you said in another post toronto couldnt have played better and montreal couldnt have played worse , so out of that you and ab. slag on koivu , the more things change , the more they stay the same for you 2 .

Mac, don't get miffed...they were just waiting for Saks to have a BAD game. This blog was imminent...

I can name you 7/8 other players who played worse than Saks last night but it's like when you get a new car and you just want to get the first scratch out of the way.

I bet they feel much better now after scratching that itch...scratch...scratch...scratch...feels great don't it?

BTW no offense guys, you are who you are. It's all good; eventhough, it's so damn predictible.

Muller93 · Guru

Not an impressive game by ANY hab( maybe samsonov...).

Agreed Koivu was a non factor last night. But And-o and AB just sit in the bushes and wait for an opportunity to post these things.

Rest assurred...Koivu will be the habs top forward the majority of nights guys. Try to reign in your drool factor for these games...knuckle heads.

AB Habman · Guru

JohnM wrote:

The whole team played like s**t so it's hard to pinpoint one guy. AB, I think you were also blasting Abby in another post even though he stopped 47 shots...

Anyways, what I don't like is that 5/6 of our top scorers are (-) players. One of the things this shows is that alot of our goals are coming on the PP and we aren't a very effective 5 on 5 team.

So the coaching staff has done wonders for our special teams but our even strength play is hurting.

-- Edited by mperra (Admin) at 10:08, 2006-10-29

Actually not blasting Abby...just telling it how I see it. He gave up weak rebounds in the first 2 shots and looked silly on the one that went off his skate and in. At that point the Habs had to open things up hence the shots on goal. Also Johhny, Abby always takes lots of shots against because he historically has poor rebound control.

My posting on the subject was to create an open forum on what Carb should do. Stick with one goalie or have both playing a couple games here or there? Abby pulled it together enough to earn us a point. What did Saks do that was positive last night?

Good chemistry on line one means that Saks has to be a part of it. I note that as the games wear on, so does that lines effectiveness. I can see that Ryder and Higgins continue to do their thing and Saks is getting tired. Yes, it's a concern when the season just started and your best centerman is burning out already. We need that line to pick it up again and not be a minus line at the end of the game.

Anyways, this is Gainey's problem that he has yet to fix. Along with us sharp posters, I'm sure he knows that little Saks gets sacked and he needed to address it in the off season but failed. It's been 4 years now and he has yet to get us a centerman. Hopefully he has a solution.

Personally I would rest Saks every ten games for a couple. He's going to miss 16 games anyway with some sort of injury from the grind of a whole season. Call it preventative maintenance! This way we have a better chance of keeping that line effective without a burned out centerman.

AB Habman · Guru

JohnM wrote:

Wow, I think we should have AB for coach and GM... You sure know your hockey.

Thanks Johnny boy!

I know by now that when little Johnny answers with his little personal digs that it means he senses AB is on to something and can't defend against it.

-- Edited by AB Habman at 15:06, 2006-10-29

Figaro · Guru

Does anyone else find it offensive using the term "smurf" to describe someone? Post all you want to Saku stinks but drop the derogatory comments about his height.

Now what? Sit Koivu every 10 games for 2 games? That would be a fairly poor move by a coach. Maybe fewer shifts if you think he's tired. The rest is nonsense.

Muller93 · Guru

AB Habman wrote:

Good chemistry on line one means that Saks has to be a part of it. I note that as the games wear on, so does that lines effectiveness. I can see that Ryder and Higgins continue to do their thing and Saks is getting tired. Yes, it's a concern when the season just started and your best centerman is burning out already. We need that line to pick it up again and not be a minus line at the end of the game.

Personally I would rest Saks every ten games for a couple. He's going to miss 16 games anyway with some sort of injury from the grind of a whole season. Call it preventative maintenance! This way we have a better chance of keeping that line effective without a burned out centerman.

This may be the most nonsense I have ever read on this board...

Nothing personal AB, but we fail to see eye to eye on that one.

Diehardhabsfan · Veteran Member

JohnM wrote:

AB Habman wrote:

Thanks Johnny boy!
I know by now that when little Johnny answers with his little personal digs that it means he senses AB is on to something and can't defend against it.

More like I realize that you have little hockey sense and I laugh about it.

I didn't agree with the Koivu thing either, but what is with the personal attacks?

barry33 · Guru

Ab I respect your opinion and as much as I have jumped on Saks in the past when I felt he was not performing, this is not one of those times. The last 2 games the team has looked listless and disinterested. To be honest, as much as any of us has bitched about the reffing, they saved us against Boston with the non call on Komo and the chincy call to give the habs the PP with time winding down. The lack of discipline shown by so called leaders such as Rivet and Kovalev has been appalling to say the least. If I were the coach, neither one of those players would have been in the lineup against Toronto to send a message. Koivu is working hard and the problem continues to be with Gainey's inability to get him center ice support.

AB Habman · Guru

barry33 wrote:

Ab I respect your opinion and as much as I have jumped on Saks in the past when I felt he was not performing, this is not one of those times. The last 2 games the team has looked listless and disinterested. To be honest, as much as any of us has bitched about the reffing, they saved us against Boston with the non call on Komo and the chincy call to give the habs the PP with time winding down. The lack of discipline shown by so called leaders such as Rivet and Kovalev has been appalling to say the least. If I were the coach, neither one of those players would have been in the lineup against Toronto to send a message. Koivu is working hard and the problem continues to be with Gainey's inability to get him center ice support.

Exactly what I'm saying. The whole team stunk. Gainey needs to find a center. Our first line has been hitting the negatives lately. Our little number one center is having his energy sapped lately. Just think Carb should be resting him periodically to limit the injuries that Saks sustains because of burn out. Also to keep him fresh.

Trust me, Saks won't make the season playing those kind of minutes. I guarentee that if he does, there will be many more games that are ineffective like last night. Frankly I would prefer to have him resting a couple games here and there rather than see him play like last night. If he's going to be ineffective and a minus player than resting will benefit that line and the team in the long run.

We all know that we need a number one center that can handle the grind despite Saks wanting big league pay and a no trade clause.

Saks has to have the most responsibility of any other player because of his contract and the big C on his jersey. He can't and won't do that over the entire season without being rested.

How many times have you seen Laffs suck but still watch Sundin be their best player? Conversely it's OK that Saks doesn't play well because the whole team didn't??? There shouldn't be any excuses.

-- Edited by AB Habman at 17:48, 2006-10-29

-- Edited by AB Habman at 17:49, 2006-10-29

Habtastic · Guru

I am sure the wonderkind Sundin has had many an off-night in his career. To say Saks will burn out at this rate does not follow the course of history. Even the years after he had cancer he was playing a lot of minutes and he played the whole season. And if you are going to dump, or rest for two games, every player who has a minus right now... wellllll, we might as well forfeit the game, because almost all of them do. Our top-line though has been a plus for most of the season.

Aside from that, there is some personal stuff creeping into this thread about posters and about Saku. Let's keep it tough, but friendly, please.

Habtastic

Muller93 · Guru

AB Habman wrote:

.

We all know that we need a number one center that can handle the grind despite Saks wanting big league pay and a no trade clause.

Saks has to have the most responsibility of any other player because of his contract and the big C on his jersey. He can't and won't do that over the entire season without being rested.

How many times have you seen Laffs suck but still watch Sundin be their best player? Conversely it's OK that Saks doesn't play well because the whole team didn't??? There shouldn't be any excuses.

-- Edited by AB Habman at 17:48, 2006-10-29

-- Edited by AB Habman at 17:49, 2006-10-29

Oh AB. I will say that I agree with both yourself and barry about the need for help at center. Koivu WILL wear down without support.

However....This quote above AB is what is both irritating and IMO uninformed(sorry). Koivu is actually paid middle of the road really in terms of most "top" players around. The guy is earning every dollar he makes. PK/PP/on ice leadership...you name it. And he will be the best hab the majority of nights.

I also find the "smurf" term offensive. I'm okay with calling someone lazy or lacking heart...whatever. But it is a tad bit classless to label a guy a "smurf" knowing full well he is relatively small. I wonder...do you refer to Chara as acromeglia boy?...see, it is a bit much.

Barry...Why would you have sat Rivet? Granted I thought he stunk last night( especially on that third goal). However I think that guy gives all he has most nights. I was shocked at how he let up on that incoming hit last night because it was pretty out of character for him. Are you suggesting he is not playing hard?

-- Edited by Muller93 at 18:53, 2006-10-29

-- Edited by Muller93 at 18:54, 2006-10-29

plouf · Guru

The idea of sitting someone who's one of the key players for a game here and there is pure fantasy. Who exactly would take his place while he rests? Especially at centre.

However, reducing Koivu's load by getting more out of the centre position? No argument there. I don't think any of us disagree on that.

Key Lime · Guru

AB Habman wrote:

Exactly what I'm saying. The whole team stunk. Gainey needs to find a center. Our first line has been hitting the negatives lately. Our little number one center is having his energy sapped lately. Just think Carb should be resting him periodically to limit the injuries that Saks sustains because of burn out. Also to keep him fresh.
Trust me, Saks won't make the season playing those kind of minutes. I guarentee that if he does, there will be many more games that are ineffective like last night. Frankly I would prefer to have him resting a couple games here and there rather than see him play like last night. If he's going to be ineffective and a minus player than resting will benefit that line and the team in the long run.

We all know that we need a number one center that can handle the grind despite Saks wanting big league pay and a no trade clause.

Saks has to have the most responsibility of any other player because of his contract and the big C on his jersey. He can't and won't do that over the entire season without being rested.

How many times have you seen Laffs suck but still watch Sundin be their best player? Conversely it's OK that Saks doesn't play well because the whole team didn't??? There shouldn't be any excuses.

-- Edited by AB Habman at 17:48, 2006-10-29

-- Edited by AB Habman at 17:49, 2006-10-29

Maybe you have the sports mixed up...give a key player a night off? Is this baseball?

The only time off Saks should get time off is at practices...skip a few, I agree.

Not sure if anyone noticed but it's going to be fight to make the playoffs again this year and for years to come. The Conference has become just so competitive. Oh and what happens when Ottawa, Carolina, and maybe the Rangers get in cruise control? Just look at the teams and look at the standings...we can't afford to give ANYONE time off...like some said in another post: have him drink some freakin Red Bull or suck on some Sudafed.

Oh and I almost forgot...many of you complained that Saks was/is getting overpaid and now some of you want to give him some R & R WITH PAY....whatevs

Habtastic · Guru

Yup yup. I remember the first time Koivu, Petrov, and Bure got together, I thought "Smurf Line", but it was more of an affectionate thing, as I liked the Smurfs as a kid (alright, I admitted it!) and I liked those three players. If the term 'Smurf' is being used as derogatory and some people are offended by the term, then it should be at least limited, if not abolished.

We need to respect each other.

Habtastic

30_NILAN · Member

I love Koivu, i always have but i just keep thinking about the eye. Berard kept playing but was never the same. Im not going to say that Koivu is a different player, but i get worried when hes not that noticable on the ice. All in all i was at the game and it make me sick to lose to those pieces of garbage but it shows how bad the leafs really are that are team could play like a pee wee team for 50 minutes and get out shot 51-22 and still get a point. Lets keep the faith boys and girls. We are a force this season, theyre are always going to be bumps in the road but we are solid. You have to love Carbo though. He said what we all thought after that game.

Im confident Koivu and the boys will san diego super charge and be a solid club for the whole season. GO HABS GO!

thehabit · Member

Koivu is still Captain..he will turn it around soon he's a great skater and quite gritty on the puck if guys like Tucker can continue to find the net Koivi can do the same so keep the faith

barry33 · Guru

Mulsey- my reference to sitting Rivet was in response to his childish outburst and subsequent unsportsmanlike penalty he received in Boston. Both he and Kovalev know better. As assistant captains they need to show leadership and restraint. Rivet took a stupid penalty against Boston (for the 20000000000 time Craig you cannot take a hand off your stick to grab a guy) then compunded it by mouthing at the ref. To me, as a coach, you send a message by benching the guy the next game. Trust me..I have done it many times..then again Bantam AAA ain't the NHL

MC Girl · Guru

K, I just thought I'd point out to those who keep getting it wrong ....

Kovy has not worn an "A" since the start of the season. I'm suprised with all the bashing going on, no one has figured that out yet. (not that it's important or anything.... I just thought I'd correct ya Barry )

barry33 · Guru

MC Girl wrote:

K, I just thought I'd point out to those who keep getting it wrong ....

Kovy has not worn an "A" since the start of the season. I'm suprised with all the bashing going on, no one has figured that out yet. (not that it's important or anything.... I just thought I'd correct ya Barry )

I stand..err..sit corrected MC

ScottishHAB · Veteran Member

MC Girl wrote:

K, I just thought I'd point out to those who keep getting it wrong ....

Kovy has not worn an "A" since the start of the season. I'm suprised with all the bashing going on, no one has figured that out yet. (not that it's important or anything.... I just thought I'd correct ya Barry )

Welcome back MC!

MC Girl · Guru

Thanks guys.... good to be back

& about Kovy & the "A".... we haven't gotten the "A" stitched to rwp's vintage jersey yet because of this... that's why I know.

Muller93 · Guru

barry33 wrote:

Mulsey- my reference to sitting Rivet was in response to his childish outburst and subsequent unsportsmanlike penalty he received in Boston. Both he and Kovalev know better. As assistant captains they need to show leadership and restraint. Rivet took a stupid penalty against Boston (for the 20000000000 time Craig you cannot take a hand off your stick to grab a guy) then compunded it by mouthing at the ref. To me, as a coach, you send a message by benching the guy the next game. Trust me..I have done it many times..then again Bantam AAA ain't the NHL

Okay. I see.

I noticed Don Cherry defended Kovalev and I think Rivet by suggesting that showed passion. Hmmm. Maybe.

plouf · Guru

Don Cherry is also a huge fan of Tie Domi.

Ando · Guru

As was first speculated upon by AB and And-o just the other day, Saku is nursing along an ailment!

You whoooooo...Bob?!?!? How are those phone calls going??? Tick-tock Bob...tick-tock!

Figaro · Guru

Ando wrote:

As was first speculated upon by AB and And-o just the other day, Saku is nursing along an ailment!

You whoooooo...Bob?!?!? How are those phone calls going??? Tick-tock Bob...tick-tock!

Forget already the off season? NO ONE WANTS TO COME TO MONTREAL!!! Give it up. No one is going to trade a top flight centre any time soon.

It's like you think you can use will power to get a deal made.