NHL 2008-2009 Season

[Boffa Jones Veteran]

Despite uninspired play in much of November I feel like Montreal is on the verge of a bunch of high scoring games (This time for not against). They are just missing a lot of goals right now. Especially if kovy-plecks-###### pick it up. Also Lang is missing a tonne of goals that he should have.

The other option is further collapse, but if they don't give up I think they are just about to come together.

[Matrix XII]

I think Montreal's problem this year is expectations that are too high. No one expected them to take the East last year, and this year they were projected to win the East and after that quick start, goals aren't going in like they should, they get on a bit of a losing streak and now the team isn't where they should be. Another huge problem is special teams. When you have a power play that is ranked #1 in the NHL, you will be at least top 3 in your conference, but I believe their PP is somewhere around 25th right now, which isn't going to get it done. Montreal is a good team, but I just don't think they are as good as everyone thinks.

I'm not trying to go on about them, I'm just trying to break down why they are going through a bit of trouble, nothing drastic, but it just seemed like everyone thought it would be a cakewalk for them and they would make it to the Stanley Cup finals this year. Anyways, the last reason for their troubles is that they lost Mark Streit and Sheldon Souray (I know he was not with them last year) who were monster D men for them, and thus the major reason why their PP is struggling.

They lived and died on special teams last year, and so far looks more like they are dying on specials teams this year. That doesn't mean they can't break out of it though, they have some serious potential, I just don't think they have enough size to win playoff series again. They got beat up a little bit by Boston last year and when they had to play Philly, the same thing happened.

I'm sure someone will debate my comments with me hehe :p

[rajputwarrior]

I think Montreal's problem this year is expectations that are too high. No one expected them to take the East last year, and this year they were projected to win the East and after that quick start, goals aren't going in like they should, they get on a bit of a losing streak and now the team isn't where they should be. Another huge problem is special teams. When you have a power play that is ranked #1 in the NHL, you will be at least top 3 in your conference, but I believe their PP is somewhere around 25th right now, which isn't going to get it done. Montreal is a good team, but I just don't think they are as good as everyone thinks.

I'm not trying to go on about them, I'm just trying to break down why they are going through a bit of trouble, nothing drastic, but it just seemed like everyone thought it would be a cakewalk for them and they would make it to the Stanley Cup finals this year. Anyways, the last reason for their troubles is that they lost Mark Streit and Sheldon Souray (I know he was not with them last year) who were monster D men for them, and thus the major reason why their PP is struggling.

They lived and died on special teams last year, and so far looks more like they are dying on specials teams this year. That doesn't mean they can't break out of it though, they have some serious potential, I just don't think they have enough size to win playoff series again. They got beat up a little bit by Boston last year and when they had to play Philly, the same thing happened.

I'm sure someone will debate my comments with me hehe :p

montreal PP was first two years ago and they didn't make the playoffs. So far they are EXACTLY were they at last year in terms of the standings. We just hammered detroit last night so things are lookging good. I can't disagree about Souray or Streit, we need another guy to step it up on the PP. But this year their PK is MILES better.

Size wise i think they are fine, Laraque is a huge factor in that department, but we are hurting right now without komisarek who is our number one shot blocker and hitter. We are still looking for a fourth d-man (which could be ohlund if you guys don't resign him :) ) We are just one player away from having a Stanley Cup team, but right now i think the habs are fine. It also doesn't help that the Kovalev line hasn't really woken up yet, especially Kovalev, who hasn't scored in ten games :(.

We had two weeks straight we the team at 5 straight days off. That doesn't help anyone and that is where the slum begun. They are digging themselfs out of it now and yesterday and the game against the Islanders were good (other then O'Byrne).

You do make some credible points, but i think overall the team should be okay.

[Dem]

Sens didn't deserve the win over the Leafs last night at all. Still can't believe Alfredson wasn't called for that shot on Schenn, showing great class :rolleyes:

[Matrix XII]

montreal PP was first two years ago and they didn't make the playoffs. So far they are EXACTLY were they at last year in terms of the standings. We just hammered detroit last night so things are lookging good. I can't disagree about Souray or Streit, we need another guy to step it up on the PP. But this year their PK is MILES better.

Size wise i think they are fine, Laraque is a huge factor in that department, but we are hurting right now without komisarek who is our number one shot blocker and hitter. We are still looking for a fourth d-man (which could be ohlund if you guys don't resign him :) ) We are just one player away from having a Stanley Cup team, but right now i think the habs are fine. It also doesn't help that the Kovalev line hasn't really woken up yet, especially Kovalev, who hasn't scored in ten games :(.

We had two weeks straight we the team at 5 straight days off. That doesn't help anyone and that is where the slum begun. They are digging themselfs out of it now and yesterday and the game against the Islanders were good (other then O'Byrne).

You do make some credible points, but i think overall the team should be okay.

I think once you guys get Komi back that will help a LOT.

[gigapixels Veteran]

So I've got Premier tickets for the Kings game today! I'm excited! Even though neither team is the Avs, it'll still be fun to watch.

[Boffa Jones Veteran]

So I've got Premier tickets for the Kings game today! I'm excited! Even though neither team is the Avs, it'll still be fun to watch.

What a good game to have been at 5-2. But that was against Chicago. Either way, I am jealous due to having not been at an NHL game in about 12 years. Damn you Pheonix.

[rajputwarrior]

you know what would be awesome, if kovalev knew how to score again...

[Boffa Jones Veteran]

Definitely happy that I picked up koivu instead this time around.

[Matrix XII]

you know what would be awesome, if kovalev knew how to score again...

Maybe he can tonight, aren't they playing the Thrashers tonight? I might be mistaken..

[Matrix XII]

Montreal is beating up on the Thrashers, and with a goal waved off too lol

NHL Centre Ice package ftw

Anyone else have it?

[Fred Derf Veteran]

Montreal is beating up on the Thrashers, and with a goal waved off too lol

NHL Centre Ice package ftw

Anyone else have it?

It is also on TSN.

[Matrix XII]

Yeah, that's true, I'm actually watching it on TSN :unsure:

But I WILL be watching Centre Ice for the Calgary Dallas game, too bad Avery got suspended. I wanted to see someone knock his block off.

[Matrix XII]

What has happened to Montreal?? 3 goals against in hardly no time at all!

Anyone else watching this game?

[rajputwarrior]

^ that was a little scary, but we got the win :D

[Matrix XII]

Man, that was a good game, classic Eastern Conference game hehe :p

[+shift. MVC]

LOL @ Avery getting suspended, about freaking time.

[Matrix XII]

haha yeah, I laughed so hard. What an idiot to get suspended for something like that.

[rajputwarrior]

i am glad he got suspended, hopefully for a LONG time too, i doubt he'll be in dallas much longer

[gigapixels Veteran]

What a good game to have been at 5-2. But that was against Chicago. Either way, I am jealous due to having not been at an NHL game in about 12 years. Damn you Pheonix.

Yeah, it was pretty sweet, and the seats were perfect; not too high and not too low. Good game too.

[Fred Derf Veteran]

I wonder if Avery purposely got himself suspended because he was afraid to face Phaneuf and Bertuzzi. He's a train wreck. I'd hate to hold his contract.

[gregb0b]

The leafs did a fantastic job against the sharks last night :ermm:

[Fred Derf Veteran]

The leafs did a fantastic job against the sharks last night :ermm:

The Leafs have been offering fairly entertaining quickly-paced hockey this year, at least when Toskala plays well, but they are nowhere near the same talent level of San Jose.

[Joel]

NHL Centre Ice package ftw

No no no, RDS-HD for the win, 82 times a year, plus playoffs. ;)

[gregb0b]

I had Centre Ice last year and nothing was in HD yet. Wonder how it is this year.