A very disturbing fact about my beloved Montreal Canadiens: we have left 33 points on the table against non-playoff teams and the team currently sitting in 8th (Carolina). The list of losses to bottom-feeders: Anaheim, Atlanta twice, Buffalo twice, Carolina twice plus an OTL, Edmonton, Florida, Minnesota, 2 OTL's against the Islanders, Tampa twice, and the Leafs twice.

Great teams beat bad teams more often than not. When you look at some of those names of teams that have defeated the Habs, it is clear that we are not a great team this year. Even if we were just a very good team, and had taken half of those points, we'd be battling with the Bruins for Eastern supremacy. As it stands, we're focused more on staying ahead of teams 9, 10, and 11 than keeping pace with the Flyers for fourth.

I'm an optimist and I like to look up. With our remaining calendar, and the Flyers' remaining calendar, on paper it should be somewhat easy to get to 4th. But the game isn't played on paper, as our record sorely indicates. Of the remaining 13 games, only two are against teams in the Eastern Conference that are--as I write this--ahead of us in the standings, the last two games of the season against Boston and Pittsburgh. That means the next 11 games (and yes I include Chicago) are games that we can, and dare I say, should, win. Two with Toronto, two with Ottawa, and one more against each of Tampa, Atlanta, and the Islanders. Those are games that should be a walk.

But nothing is ever quite so easy with this team, leaving me to wonder what could have been . . .

I empathize with you totally (even though we are rivals). The Sabres had one of their worst games in franchise history tonight in terms of shots on goal. RIP 08-09 season. At least the Habs will probably make it in.

Ottawa , Atlanta and the Islanders are maybe out of the playoffs but they are all playing great hockey ! Islanders beat NJ , Chi and Mtl recently , while Ottawa and Atlanta just been through a 5 - 6 games winning streak.

There's no easy game in this league and to me , calendar means nothing

Richard, I understand what youre saying. It sucks to think about all the wins that "could" have been. The only thing I disagree on is the fact that you sound like youre saying the Habs are far superior to teams below them such as the Canes, Sabres Panthers when in reality they are only 2, 3, and 5 pts ahead of these teams. You can say "what could have been", but so can fans of these teams...like myself lol..The Habs are not far ahead of these teams in terms of wins/points so I dont think it exactly makes sense to call the them "bottom feeders" while comparing the Habs to the Bruins..Again, I do understand what youre saying, and am not attacking you in any way...just questioning youre logic slightly in relation to "bottom feeders" like the Sabres or even more so the Canes (who are currently 1 game behind the Habs) lol

Once again another 2 must win games coming. I wonder who plays in nets? I hope it's Carey.

I think he might go with Halak Shane...time will tell...

Richard, I understand what youre saying. It sucks to think about all the wins that "could" have been. The only thing I disagree on is the fact that you sound like youre saying the Habs are far superior to teams below them such as the Canes, Sabres Panthers when in reality they are only 2, 3, and 5 pts ahead of these teams. You can say "what could have been", but so can fans of these teams...like myself lol..The Habs are not far ahead of these teams in terms of wins/points so I dont think it exactly makes sense to call the them "bottom feeders" while comparing the Habs to the Bruins..Again, I do understand what youre saying, and am not attacking you in any way...just questioning youre logic slightly in relation to "bottom feeders" like the Sabres or even more so the Canes (who are currently 1 game behind the Habs) lol

That's exactly the point that I'm trying to make. The Canadiens are, top to bottom, a more talented and skilled team than the likes of Carolina, Buffalo, and Florida. They were forecasted by almost everybody to be the class of the East buttressed by the returning emerging core of last year and bolstered by new off-season acquisitions. Had they played to their potential, this discussion wouldn't be happening because they'd be right up there with Boston rather than being only a small handful of points ahead of the teams that are clawing and scratching their way into the playoffs. The logic is fundamentally sound: a very good team, which the Habs are when they play a full 60 minutes of Canadiens hockey, should beat lesser teams. We haven't done that, and that's why we're down there among them being set up be demolished by the real titans of the East.

Even though I'm disappointed with last night, and much of this season, I still found it in my heart this morning to grab the McFarlane Centennial 2-pack of Alex Kovalev and Saku Koivu. Even if they're not back next year (though there's a rumour floating that Saku's new contract is already signed & sealed) I've still got great memories of these two, particularly Saku.

That's exactly the point that I'm trying to make. The Canadiens are, top to bottom, a more talented and skilled team than the likes of Carolina, Buffalo, and Florida. They were forecasted by almost everybody to be the class of the East buttressed by the returning emerging core of last year and bolstered by new off-season acquisitions. Had they played to their potential, this discussion wouldn't be happening because they'd be right up there with Boston rather than being only a small handful of points ahead of the teams that are clawing and scratching their way into the playoffs. The logic is fundamentally sound: a very good team, which the Habs are when they play a full 60 minutes of Canadiens hockey, should beat lesser teams. We haven't done that, and that's why we're down there among them being set up be demolished by the real titans of the East.

Usually over a season if you have the talent it will even up as it a long season. Of course when The Cup playoffs start I think Talent is overrated as goalies can steal a series, snipers and get hot, D's can heat up, etc. It not always the best team that wins talent wise.

p.s. So don't despair as in a series the Hab's can beat any titan of the East on any given day or short series. That is just my opinion I do not care about regular season. If you make the playoffs you have a good as chance as anyone even if you have to play a juggernaut based on regular season record.

DON

The funny thing is that Montreal really tried to be the best this year but it seems the pressure of the 100 year anniversary got to them.

My team the Leafs (management not players) tried to tank the season and come in last but failed again. They also failed to make the playoffs and left over 10 million in cap space on the table. Good news is they have room to sign free agents. Bad news is they won't be getting a top draft choice.

At least for Montreal they will most likely make the playoffs and anything can happen in the playoffs. Also I don't get why any Montreal fan would want Gainey to start Price over Halak since Halak has played way better than Price recently.

Rumor is that Carey starts tonight. That's great news for Price fans.

Rumor is that Carey starts tonight. That's great news for Price fans.

They need more of a "go -to guy" in net. Price has been "off" after his injury. And I dont think they give Halak enough time in net as they should.

Give Halak a shot.

Those are the words of somebody that clearly hasn't watched the last five games. Price has been superb:
Last 5 Games
GameDecGA SA SvSv%
17 Mar '09 (http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?gameNumber=1041&gameType=2&page=Recap&season=20082009&service=page)NYR @ MTL O 3 42 39 .929
12 Mar '09 (http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?gameNumber=1009&gameType=2&page=Recap&season=20082009&service=page)NYI @ MTL O 3 39 36 .923
10 Mar '09 (http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?gameNumber=993&gameType=2&page=Recap&season=20082009&service=page)EDM @ MTL W 3 32 29 .906
08 Mar '09 (http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?gameNumber=984&gameType=2&page=Recap&season=20082009&service=page)MTL @ DAL W 1 31 30 .968
06 Mar '09 (http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?gameNumber=966&gameType=2&page=Recap&season=20082009&service=page)MTL @ ATL L 1 27 26 .963

11GA over 5 games, a SV% of .935, and many spectacular saves along the way.

It's easy to rely on cliches from the newspapers, but the facts speak otherwise.

They need more of a "go -to guy" in net. Price has been "off" after his injury. And I dont think they give Halak enough time in net as they should.

Give Halak a shot.

Thats why it is no surprise they continue to drop in the standings. When Price was injured the team held it's own. He comes back and they lose like 7 or 8 in a row, with his goaltending being one of the reasons why. Then Halak starts 8 games or so, and they go 7-1 with Jaroslav stopping 40+ shots in most of them, and single handedly winning about half. Then Halak gets the flu, Price plays terrible against Buffalo and alright against Atlanta, and all of a sudden the team forgets who got them back into the race. Their refusal to play their best goalie is probably going to be why they wont make the playoffs, or if they do, only last 4 games. Price has played decent his last few games, but still no where near the level Halak was playing. But it seems like just because Halak wasn't born in the right country, he wont get to play.

Besides, Montreal easily would have won tonight if Halak got the start, instead he gets tagged with the loss because of Price's play.

Those are the words of somebody that clearly hasn't watched the last five games. Price has been superb:
Last 5 Games
GameDecGA SA SvSv%
17 Mar '09 (http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?gameNumber=1041&gameType=2&page=Recap&season=20082009&service=page)NYR @ MTL O 3 42 39 .929
12 Mar '09 (http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?gameNumber=1009&gameType=2&page=Recap&season=20082009&service=page)NYI @ MTL O 3 39 36 .923
10 Mar '09 (http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?gameNumber=993&gameType=2&page=Recap&season=20082009&service=page)EDM @ MTL W 3 32 29 .906
08 Mar '09 (http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?gameNumber=984&gameType=2&page=Recap&season=20082009&service=page)MTL @ DAL W 1 31 30 .968
06 Mar '09 (http://canadiens.nhl.com/team/app?gameNumber=966&gameType=2&page=Recap&season=20082009&service=page)MTL @ ATL L 1 27 26 .963

11GA over 5 games, a SV% of .935, and many spectacular saves along the way.

It's easy to rely on cliches from the newspapers, but the facts speak otherwise.

I know what you're talking about Rich, but to say that he's been superb is a little bit of a stretch. He's letting in at least 1 or 2 weak goals a night at a time when we need our goalies to steal us games.

Thats why it is no surprise they continue to drop in the standings. When Price was injured the team held it's own. He comes back and they lose like 7 or 8 in a row, with his goaltending being one of the reasons why. Then Halak starts 8 games or so, and they go 7-1 with Jaroslav stopping 40+ shots in most of them, and single handedly winning about half. Then Halak gets the flu, Price plays terrible against Buffalo and alright against Atlanta, and all of a sudden the team forgets who got them back into the race. Their refusal to play their best goalie is probably going to be why they wont make the playoffs, or if they do, only last 4 games. Price has played decent his last few games, but still no where near the level Halak was playing. But it seems like just because Halak wasn't born in the right country, he wont get to play.

Besides, Montreal easily would have won tonight if Halak got the start, instead he gets tagged with the loss because of Price's play.

Would have won easily? Did you even watch the game? We still would have lost because half our team was floating out there. If I hadn't seen him turn the puck over 2 or 3 times I would have thought Andrei Kostitsyn went back to Russia.

I think my avatar pretty much sums up how I feel about this team right now.

I know what you're talking about Rich, but to say that he's been superb is a little bit of a stretch. He's letting in at least 1 or 2 weak goals a night at a time when we need our goalies to steal us games.



Would have won easily? Did you even watch the game? We still would have lost because half our team was floating out there. If I hadn't seen him turn the puck over 2 or 3 times I would have thought Andrei Kostitsyn went back to Russia.

I think my avatar pretty much sums up how I feel about this team right now.

Maybe easily is a bit of an exaggeration, but last time these teams played the game looked almost the same as last night, minus Ottawa winning. Halak faced like 45+ shots and pretty much won the game for them. Even last night, Price gives up 4 on 15, Halak stops 23/24. It is a no brainer who should be starting.

Maybe easily is a bit of an exaggeration, but last time these teams played the game looked almost the same as last night, minus Ottawa winning. Halak faced like 45+ shots and pretty much won the game for them. Even last night, Price gives up 4 on 15, Halak stops 23/24. It is a no brainer who should be starting.

100% Agreed

Every game Carey plays makes him a better goalie. It may cost the team a playoff series, but the way they are playing does it matter.

Carey let in one bad goal (4th) last night.

Bob pulled him to shake up the team and it almost worked.

The fol players did not show up last night.

Kovalev, Kostitsyn, Koivu, Higgins and the defense core.

These guys are making easy for Bob this summer. They aren't going to get a single dime over what they get now. At this rate, I could care less if he even signs them all. I'd rather rebuild again, at least you know that there won't be false hope. This as been one crazy season.

How are you supposed to win when your key players don't play hard game in and game out. The Answer. You don't win.

Give Ottawa some credit, they have played a good game.

I have no problems with people giving their opinion, but don't base it on reading the box score on NHL.com

Maybe easily is a bit of an exaggeration, but last time these teams played the game looked almost the same as last night, minus Ottawa winning. Halak faced like 45+ shots and pretty much won the game for them. Even last night, Price gives up 4 on 15, Halak stops 23/24. It is a no brainer who should be starting.

I 100% agree as well. Play the goalie who's playing the best. If it is the European goalie and not the Canadian goalie why should that matter? You should always go with the goalie who gives you the best shot at winning each night.

Every game Carey plays makes him a better goalie. It may cost the team a playoff series, but the way they are playing does it matter.

IMO, yeah it does matter actually, Price isn't the only guy on the team, other players could use the playoff experience as well.

Give Halak a chance. Carey Price has been clearly playing absolutely horrible since the all star break. Halak has been playing 100% better than Price. Just because Carey Price is made out to be the next Patrick Roy or whatever doesn't mean he should start night after night, even when he sucks. I'm sorry to all the people who collect him on here...but he is WAY overrated, it's ridiculous in my opinion. He's not as good as he's made out to be. He's a good goalie yes, but lately has been playing terrible. Let Halak play, give him some experience.

They Canadiens are like the Sabres lately, their star players and leaders have not been producing, and leads to losing 99% of the time.

Give Halak a chance. Carey Price has been clearly playing absolutely horrible since the all star break. Halak has been playing 100% better than Price. Just because Carey Price is made out to be the next Patrick Roy or whatever doesn't mean he should start night after night, even when he sucks. I'm sorry to all the people who collect him on here...but he is WAY overrated, it's ridiculous in my opinion. He's not as good as he's made out to be. He's a good goalie yes, but lately has been playing terrible. Let Halak play, give him some experience.

They Canadiens are like the Sabres lately, their star players and leaders have not been producing, and leads to losing 99% of the time.

Clearly, you've got your head in the sand (for lack of a better term). The fact that you think Price has been "absolutely horrible" and "Halak's a 100% better" really says a lot about the knowledge you have concerning the Canadiens. No offense, but that's not a compliment.

1. Price, while not stellar, has been anything but horrible. He's let in weak goals here and there, he's generally looked off his game but the defensive core can be blamed for a lot, make no mistake.

2. "Just because he's made out to be Patrick Roy blah blah"... While I do think Carey Price was rushed into the NHL a little early, the fact that YOU and the media create this illusion, it has absolutely no bearing on whether he starts games or not. The fact is, he's our number 1 goalie, I don't know about you but last time I checked starting goalies, start games. Ha! Go figure.

3. If you think he's overrated, well that's your opinion and I agree somewhat. However, it's WAY too early to start saying he's a bust or anything to that degree. Give him 2 or 3 season before you make up your mind about the kid, he was rushed into a starting role too young.

Having said that, I still think Price is and will be a franchise goalie. This is just a setback in my IMO, If I'm wrong, find me in 3 years and I'll pay you 1000 dollars in cash.

Clearly, you've got your head in the sand (for lack of a better term). The fact that you think Price has been "absolutely horrible" and "Halak's a 100% better" really says a lot about the knowledge you have concerning the Canadiens. No offense, but that's not a compliment.

1. Price, while not stellar, has been anything but horrible. He's let in weak goals here and there, he's generally looked off his game but the defensive core can be blamed for a lot, make no mistake.

2. "Just because he's made out to be Patrick Roy blah blah"... While I do think Carey Price was rushed into the NHL a little early, the fact that YOU and the media create this illusion, it has absolutely no bearing on whether he starts games or not. The fact is, he's our number 1 goalie, I don't know about you but last time I checked starting goalies, start games. Ha! Go figure.

3. If you think he's overrated, well that's your opinion and I agree somewhat. However, it's WAY too early to start saying he's a bust or anything to that degree. Give him 2 or 3 season before you make up your mind about the kid, he was rushed into a starting role too young.

Having said that, I still think Price is and will be a franchise goalie. This is just a setback in my IMO, If I'm wrong, find me in 3 years and I'll pay you 1000 dollars in cash.

I still do not think it can be argued though that based off the way Price has played vs the way Halak has played, that Halak should not be the starter. The main thing I, and I believe a few others are saying, is that Carey Price does not deserve to be starting, but because he is the Canadian wonder boy, he is.

You can point to stats, which are useful sometimes, but as you've said, you watch the games. Stopping 92% of shots is great, but if 2 of the goals you gave up are weak, and the team loses 3-2, or 2-1, then you arent playing well. Giving up 3/3 in the shootout, is not playing well.

You know my stance as we've been going back and forth on this since this summer lol. Halak is more NHL ready, IMO, both talent wise, and consistency wise. Even last year when Price was good, so was Halak. The only reason Price was the automatic starter, is because of the hype around him, and the fact that he is Canadian. Give Price 2-4 years and he'll be a solid goalie, but more so in the light of a Marc Andre Fleury (another hyped up kid from Canada), rather than the Patrick Roy type many expect.

I agree Price is over-rated , but he is way less than the defensive squad in front of him.

Mathieu Schneider physically CAN'T play 25 or 27 minutes like he's doing since his arrival. He should play mostly on the PP and/or PK , but again where was he on Spezza's goal last night ?

The «D» allowed again almost 40 shots against Ottawa ( 39 to be exact ) and that's partly because Ottawa played defensive hockey in the 3rd to protect the lead.

I won't even talk about Hamrlik watching Ruutu's move and then score...

I still do not think it can be argued though that based off the way Price has played vs the way Halak has played, that Halak should not be the starter. The main thing I, and I believe a few others are saying, is that Carey Price does not deserve to be starting, but because he is the Canadian wonder boy, he is.

You can point to stats, which are useful sometimes, but as you've said, you watch the games. Stopping 92% of shots is great, but if 2 of the goals you gave up are weak, and the team loses 3-2, or 2-1, then you arent playing well. Giving up 3/3 in the shootout, is not playing well.

You know my stance as we've been going back and forth on this since this summer lol. Halak is more NHL ready, IMO, both talent wise, and consistency wise. Even last year when Price was good, so was Halak. The only reason Price was the automatic starter, is because of the hype around him, and the fact that he is Canadian. Give Price 2-4 years and he'll be a solid goalie, but more so in the light of a Marc Andre Fleury (another hyped up kid from Canada), rather than the Patrick Roy type many expect.

I digress, I never implied that I think Price should start, I merely gave my explanation of why he does start. He was drafted for our future, to be our number 1 goalie, while it's sad that he was rushed in early, the fact remains the team has chosen him as the number 1 guy. The only problem I have with these "others" you speak of, is the fact that half of them have seen maybe one or two games, they look at a NHL boxscore and say oh wow, Price is playing so bad! When truly this is not the case.

As you said, you can point to stats, but statistics can be massaged anyway you like if you try hard enough. They only tell half the story, for example an outsider may think it's amazing how Halak always faces 40 shots while Carey typically sees anywhere from 20 to 35 but the truth is Halak creates these chances because he has inferior rebound control. Which brings me to my point, the stats don't show you how bad the defense really is right now. Btw, I don't blame Price for that shootout, to be fair he faced 40 shots during the game, the third period he absolutely stood on his head, ditto for OT. He was probably exhausted, can't blame him for that skills competition. But I get your point.

Yeah, me and you have been down this road several times so it's really a moot point, we just have different opinions. This time though, I believe Halak should get a few starts to see how far he can take us, give Carey a break because he looks mentally exhausted.

"..The only reason Price was the automatic starter, is because of the hype around him, and the fact that he is Canadian. "

I don't agree with this. The notion that the management makes decisions based upon "hype" and whatnot, is pretty ridiculous. The fans might have annointed him based purely off hype but to say that the scouts and management are that incompetent is a little over the top.

Clearly, you've got your head in the sand (for lack of a better term). The fact that you think Price has been "absolutely horrible" and "Halak's a 100% better" really says a lot about the knowledge you have concerning the Canadiens. No offense, but that's not a compliment.

1. Price, while not stellar, has been anything but horrible. He's let in weak goals here and there, he's generally looked off his game but the defensive core can be blamed for a lot, make no mistake.

2. "Just because he's made out to be Patrick Roy blah blah"... While I do think Carey Price was rushed into the NHL a little early, the fact that YOU and the media create this illusion, it has absolutely no bearing on whether he starts games or not. The fact is, he's our number 1 goalie, I don't know about you but last time I checked starting goalies, start games. Ha! Go figure.

3. If you think he's overrated, well that's your opinion and I agree somewhat. However, it's WAY too early to start saying he's a bust or anything to that degree. Give him 2 or 3 season before you make up your mind about the kid, he was rushed into a starting role too young.

Having said that, I still think Price is and will be a franchise goalie. This is just a setback in my IMO, If I'm wrong, find me in 3 years and I'll pay you 1000 dollars in cash.

I don't create the illusion that he's the next Patrick Roy, I'm simply quoting all the others that say this. I don't think he's going to be anywhere close to Patrick Roy or Marty Brodeur in the end. And if you read, I said he's a good goalie, just not lately. Don't insult me when there's positive in there.

Also last sentence of my post...Their star players and leaders haven't been producing...meaning I'm not just dissing Carey Price, I'm saying their whole team has been playing bad.

Don't say I have my "head in the sand" just because I simply pointed out that the Canadiens and Carey Price haven't been playing well.

My team the Buffalo Sabres have been playing terrible also, and I came out and said that. Just because your team is losing, and is about to fall out of the playoffs, and your "franchise goalie" isn't producing along with all your other "all-star's" on that team, it doesn't give you the right to insult people

I don't create the illusion that he's the next Patrick Roy, I'm simply quoting all the others that say this. I don't think he's going to be anywhere close to Patrick Roy or Marty Brodeur in the end. And if you read, I said he's a good goalie, just not lately. Don't insult me when there's positive in there.

Also last sentence of my post...Their star players and leaders haven't been producing...meaning I'm not just dissing Carey Price, I'm saying their whole team has been playing bad.

Don't say I have my "head in the sand" just because I simply pointed out that the Canadiens and Carey Price haven't been playing well.

My team the Buffalo Sabres have been playing terrible also, and I came out and said that. Just because your team is losing, and is about to fall out of the playoffs, and your "franchise goalie" isn't producing along with all your other "all-star's" on that team, it doesn't give you the right to insult people

I think the kid's just going through a rough time. He's in a slump and is struggling with his confidence. He was pretty good last year when Gainey traded away Huet and he had to step up immediately. Not an easy thing to do.

I don't create the illusion that he's the next Patrick Roy, I'm simply quoting all the others that say this. I don't think he's going to be anywhere close to Patrick Roy or Marty Brodeur in the end. And if you read, I said he's a good goalie, just not lately. Don't insult me when there's positive in there.

Also last sentence of my post...Their star players and leaders haven't been producing...meaning I'm not just dissing Carey Price, I'm saying their whole team has been playing bad.

Don't say I have my "head in the sand" just because I simply pointed out that the Canadiens and Carey Price haven't been playing well.

My team the Buffalo Sabres have been playing terrible also, and I came out and said that. Just because your team is losing, and is about to fall out of the playoffs, and your "franchise goalie" isn't producing along with all your other "all-star's" on that team, it doesn't give you the right to insult people

Well you never actually quoted anyone, I believe the correct term you were looking to use is paraphrase but that's besides the point. I've never heard any Habs fan say that Price would be the next Roy or Brodeur. The media has portrayed him that way in the past, ergo my comments were correct. Look, I've got nothing against you but I've heard this crappy argument before and I'm not buying it. I never actually seen a fan of the Canadiens outright say that he'd be as good as anyone of those greats. People might have hoped and dreamed that he'd take us to the promise land in his rookie season, but who actually put money on it?

Whats your point? I read it.

You didn't just simply state that they are playing bad, you also said "Price has been terrible", which is wrong. You said Halak is 100% better, you're wrong again. Sorry if you're that offended, but I stand by my comments. IMO, you have no idea what you're talking about (Head in the sand).

LOL You can't be serious, if it isn't the pot calling the kettle black. Get a grip.

I really have to lmao at some Montreal fans (not all though). Really Huet and Halak both are playing better than Price but Price gets the starting job each year. Huet gets traded away for a 2nd round pick which was crazy last year. This year Halak makes 40 stops when he plays and if Price/Halak combo was on any other team based on play and consistency Halak would be the #1 goalie and Price would be #2. Maybe the Leafs should trade a 2nd round pick for Halak.

I really have to lmao at some Montreal fans (not all though). Really Huet and Halak both are playing better than Price but Price gets the starting job each year. Huet gets traded away for a 2nd round pick which was crazy last year. This year Halak makes 40 stops when he plays and if Price/Halak combo was on any other team based on play and consistency Halak would be the #1 goalie and Price would be #2. Maybe the Leafs should trade a 2nd round pick for Halak.

It's nice to dream eh? This is another uninformed post about the Canadiens organization. Let's go with some facts here:

Cristobal Huet was an impending free agent and he was not going to be re-signed by the Canadiens at anywhere near the term and dollars that he got from Chicago. He simply wasn't in the organization's future plans as the #1 goaltender and for his part, he didn't want to be sharing games at a 60/40 or even 65/35 rate with Price--he wanted to be a #1 goaltender getting #1 ice time. I would say that his stats this season clearly demonstrate that Bob Gainey was right to get what he did out of him before he left as a free agent. Closing thought on Huet: he's never won a playoff series in his NHL career, the only time he's led his team anywhere in a tournament was during the lockout in the German league. Carey Price has World Junior Gold, a Calder Cup, and posted a Game 7 shutout as a rookie in the NHL.

Jaroslav Halak is a good goaltender who has on a couple of occasions made 40+ saves to win games this year. He played brilliantly down the stretch in 2006-07 and gave the Habs a chance to make the playoffs with a win in the final game of the season against the Leafs. Oh wait, I'm not done with Huet yet: with a 5-3 lead at the end of the second period, he melted down and the Leafs won 6-5 and the Habs missed the playoffs. When Price was struggling against the Flyers last year, Jaro was put in goal to turn the tide...and came up short. He's also had his share of bad games this season - he let in 4 goals on 12 shots against Anaheim, 6 against Calgary, 4 against Vancouver, and there have been a number of goals against he would love to have back. We can pick and choose at anything we want to either build a guy up or team him down. I'm not going to do the latter with our very capable backup goaltender, I'm merely illustrating that much like Montreal's other young goaltender--the one drafted in the first round, not the 9th--Halak has had his share of ups and downs as well.

I've got no problem with fans of other teams sharing their opinions about the Canadiens. It makes for good discussion. But the discussion is a lot better when people enter into the discussion with a few more facts and insights rather than relying on very surface-level elements, weak logic, and faulty conclusions.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/?hubname=nhl-canadiens (http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/?name=Carey+Price)

Ok your right. The problem isn't the goaltending with Montreal. It is the rest of the team. Boy they aren't that good. Giving up 35 shots a game is brutal. So is having a D-Man being your leading scorer. The best point getting forward has almost 20 points less than the amount of games he has played. Montreal just isn't that good of a team this year. I guess that is the bottom line. Between the pressure and just not having the right parts Montreal will be lucky to make the playoffs and if they do most likely they will get eliminated in the 1st round. I'll be so happy either way.

I still believe that we willmake the playoffs but there is no way the Habs can live up to the expectations placed on them at the start of the year...It's a shame but this year could be seen as a wake up call...last year was awesome, next to no injury with the help of lady luck but this year we didnt get that and well...it didnt go according to plan. It's the name of the game i'm afraid...

I'd start Halak in goal tonight and hope that it can put us back on the right track...

I still believe that we willmake the playoffs but there is no way the Habs can live up to the expectations placed on them at the start of the year...It's a shame but this year could be seen as a wake up call...last year was awesome, next to no injury with the help of lady luck but this year we didnt get that and well...it didnt go according to plan. It's the name of the game i'm afraid...

I'd start Halak in goal tonight and hope that it can put us back on the right track...

It seems as though one year older, and the defense shattered. Injuries are also a big part of the team that helped drag them down. The media spreading rumors that were out to lunch, and the then the drama between Koivu and Kovalev.

One thing is for sure. Bob will have no problems getting under the cap. He just won't sign the problem childs and or sign and trade at draft day.

I certainly wouldnt like to be Gainey...we'll be looking at a very different team next year...unless...they get back in gear and sort themselves out. Never know...stranger things have happened.

One thing is for sure. Bob will have no problems getting under the cap. He just won't sign the problem childs and or sign and trade at draft day.

Thats a positive. Now I wish that the Rangers had enough Cap room. :ashamed0001:

I would just love to see one Montreal fan admit Carey Price has played bad...that's all. Sure, he's your franchise goalie, but right now he's not playing good. Just face it. I'm sure he'll turn it around if he's as good of a goalie as he's made out to be. I'm just saying let Halak play a little, gain some more experience. Give Price a break, let him get his things together, so hopefully he can help your team down the stretch.

I would just love to see one Montreal fan admit Carey Price has played bad...that's all. Sure, he's your franchise goalie, but right now he's not playing good. Just face it. I'm sure he'll turn it around if he's as good of a goalie as he's made out to be. I'm just saying let Halak play a little, gain some more experience. Give Price a break, let him get his things together, so hopefully he can help your team down the stretch.

Hey! Montreal fan right here and look at post 32...i want Halak to play :winking0071:

Hey! Montreal fan right here and look at post 32...i want Halak to play :winking0071:

Thank you Karine :love0030::love0030::love0030:

If the defense is the issue then Montreal should seriously consider hiring Tom Renney this off season. Renney has a stellar defensive system has done wonders for average teams and goalies in the past. Not only was he successful wh the Rangers, but he had done some pretty impressive work in the minors as well. His style may be boring, but I'm sure Montreal fans, especially these Carey Price crazed fans, wouldnt mind seeing Montreal either win/lose 1-0, 2-1, or 3-2, every single night. At least, Price would have the numbers to be considered a decent goalie.

Thank you Karine :love0030::love0030::love0030:

I'll second your previous request seeing in person that he stunk out the joint at rexall let alone his bad attitude that night!

I've never heard any Habs fan say that Price would be the next Roy or Brodeur. The media has portrayed him that way in the past, ergo my comments were correct. Look, I've got nothing against you but I've heard this crappy argument before and I'm not buying it. I never actually seen a fan of the Canadiens outright say that he'd be as good as anyone of those greats. People might have hoped and dreamed that he'd take us to the promise land in his rookie season, but who actually put money on it?


LOL ,get your head outa da sand,alot of fans in the great city of montreal were praising this guy to be the next roy,it wasn't just the media buddy!

If the defense is the issue then Montreal should seriously consider hiring Tom Renney this off season. Renney has a stellar defensive system has done wonders for average teams and goalies in the past. Not only was he successful wh the Rangers, but he had done some pretty impressive work in the minors as well. His style may be boring, but I'm sure Montreal fans, especially these Carey Price crazed fans, wouldnt mind seeing Montreal either win/lose 1-0, 2-1, or 3-2, every single night. At least, Price would have the numbers to be considered a decent goalie.

Defense is just 1 of the problems on this team,price is another,kovalev's floating and "just me" style is another.
Komisarek has been nothing but a disappointment since lucic handed him a beating,something is definately wrong mentally with him as he's turned really soft since his return.

LOL ,get your head outa da sand,alot of fans in the great city of montreal were praising this guy to be the next roy,it wasn't just the media buddy!

My point has been proven.

Defense is just 1 of the problems on this team,price is another,kovalev's floating and "just me" style is another.
Komisarek has been nothing but a disappointment since lucic handed him a beating,something is definately wrong mentally with him as he's turned really soft since his return.

The team 990 has been reporting that Komisarek has been playing hurt all season long. That would explain his lack of hitting and blocked shots.

Inner dressing room issues will come out this summer. I hate drama, but this time I want to know what happened to this team.

Go Canadiens Go

Just my 2 cents:
Price TOTALLY OVER HYPED, not the next ROY OR DRYDEN OR PLANTE
Too many soft players, we know who they are, Kovy, Kotsy Bros and many more
Gonna loose there best D-Man agagin, come July 1/09, Bye Bye Komy
No Trades at the dead line
Blaming Carbo, maybe it was really BIG BOB THE GM
To many BAD ACTORS/PLAYERS
Too much stuff going on with the Russian Mafia, maybe the one Kostitsyn brother will never play with MTL again.
TOO MUCH INNER TURMOIL, Not addressed by MANAGEMENT, aka BIG BOB


The best part of this team, THERE NEWER ROOKS.

I still believe that we willmake the playoffs but there is no way the Habs can live up to the expectations placed on them at the start of the year...It's a shame but this year could be seen as a wake up call...last year was awesome, next to no injury with the help of lady luck but this year we didnt get that and well...it didnt go according to plan. It's the name of the game i'm afraid...

I'd start Halak in goal tonight and hope that it can put us back on the right track...

That's the thing though Karine, I think people made their expectations too high and now everyone's depressed because we're doing so bad. Personally I thought last year was fun and exciting, but in reality it was just players coming together at the right time and A LOT of luck. I went into this season with an open mind, I hoped we'd make it past the second round but I didn't expect it.

I would just love to see one Montreal fan admit Carey Price has played bad...that's all. Sure, he's your franchise goalie, but right now he's not playing good. Just face it. I'm sure he'll turn it around if he's as good of a goalie as he's made out to be. I'm just saying let Halak play a little, gain some more experience. Give Price a break, let him get his things together, so hopefully he can help your team down the stretch.

Here, I'll jump in as well. Carey Price has been playing bad. I have no problem admitting that fact, I do have a problem when you don't even watch the games and you're trying to say he's playing "horrible".

LOL ,get your head outa da sand,alot of fans in the great city of montreal were praising this guy to be the next roy,it wasn't just the media buddy!

Really? A lot of fans and I've never seen one of them? That's magical! I'm just going to disregard every post you make so please don't bother quoting me, it seems you can't get over the little grudge you have.

My point has been proven.

Your point has been proven because one guy came along and agreed with you, out of the 4-5 Habs fans in this thread? By this logic I can have RGM81 come in and say Justin Pogge is the greatest goaltender of all time and I'd be right, at least according to your standards.

The team 990 has been reporting that Komisarek has been playing hurt all season long. That would explain his lack of hitting and blocked shots.

Inner dressing room issues will come out this summer. I hate drama, but this time I want to know what happened to this team.

Go Canadiens Go

This is what a lot of people have been speculating for a while because Komisarek is the type of guy with too much pride to ride the pine over a little injury. Even still I'm a little disappointed because if he really was injured he should have told someone because he's really only hurting the team if he can't perform at 100%.

Just my 2 cents:
Price TOTALLY OVER HYPED, not the next ROY OR DRYDEN OR PLANTE
Too many soft players, we know who they are, Kovy, Kotsy Bros and many more
Gonna loose there best D-Man agagin, come July 1/09, Bye Bye Komy
No Trades at the dead line
Blaming Carbo, maybe it was really BIG BOB THE GM
To many BAD ACTORS/PLAYERS
Too much stuff going on with the Russian Mafia, maybe the one Kostitsyn brother will never play with MTL again.
TOO MUCH INNER TURMOIL, Not addressed by MANAGEMENT, aka BIG BOB


The best part of this team, THERE NEWER ROOKS.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that you've never even watched a Canadiens game, am I right?

1. Too many soft players? You sound like one of those idiots off RDS. I love the fact that you mentioned the Kostitsyn brothers when S.Kostitsyn was one of our most feisty players last year. Kovalev, I can't argue with that, but I'd like to hear these "other players" you have in mind.

2. Oh really? How are we magically going to lose our best dman when he's repeatedly said that he plans to work out a deal with the Canadiens at the end of the season?

3. No trades, I hate the fact that Bob made no moves, I agree that it's a problem this year.

4. Blaming Carbo? For what? He got what he deserved, he was a terrible coach. 1-2-2 system, 4th line getting 1st line minutes, showing favoritism, managing players badly, the inability to recognize small changes to be made/pays no attention to details etc. I can go and on.

5. Too many bad actors and players propelled us to first in the east last year, lots of weight your argument holds.

6. Russian Mafia? What ???This just goes to show how ignorant you really are.

7. I can't dispute the fact that there may be stuff going on in the dressingroom, but lets leave the speculation to the sensationalists in the media, ok?

8. The best part of the team? Have you even watched one of the games in the last 30? Those rookies you speak of have largely been some of our worst players int he last few months. They have been reduced to role players.

Really? A lot of fans and I've never seen one of them? That's magical! I'm just going to disregard every post you make so please don't bother quoting me, it seems you can't get over the little grudge you have.

:sign0020::sign0020::sign0020::bored::bored:

I don't have a grudge against anybody,and i certainly don't wear goggles like you,its you who can't seem to take anything thats said about the habs whether its good or bad!
Bring back sergei buddy,maybe he'll save us with his great attitude!!

The team 990 has been reporting that Komisarek has been playing hurt all season long. That would explain his lack of hitting and blocked shots.

Inner dressing room issues will come out this summer. I hate drama, but this time I want to know what happened to this team.

Go Canadiens Go

Well he's not helping the team out any by his consistant poor play game in and game out if he is indeed hurt,problem is if we make the playoffs,the other teams are gonna target him!
As for the dressing room stuff,i hope it finally gets settled as its been going on for too many years now!

This thread is getting really ridiculous and way out of hand...

SK74 - Quit insulting me and everyone else already, you don't know everything, nor do I or anyone else. So stop acting like you do.

I'm not going to lie: I really wish that Mike Komisarek watched the game from the pressbox tonight. He has not been good in months. I used to think of him as a poor man's Dion Phaneuf--same bad attitude & physical play minus the offensive upside. Now, he's more like a poor man's Janne Niinimaa: can't hit, can't fight, can't shoot, can't defend. There was a prime opportunity for him to just plaster someone into the boards tonight with a patended Komisarek explosion. The old Komi would have drilled him into next week. The post-Lucic Komi didn't even slow the guy down.

I really like Mike. He's a great competitor and an emerging locker room leader. But if he goes to July 1 looking for $5M-$6M per year, see ya.

I'm not going to lie: I really wish that Mike Komisarek watched the game from the pressbox tonight. He has not been good in months. I used to think of him as a poor man's Dion Phaneuf--same bad attitude & physical play minus the offensive upside. Now, he's more like a poor man's Janne Niinimaa: can't hit, can't fight, can't shoot, can't defend. There was a prime opportunity for him to just plaster someone into the boards tonight with a patended Komisarek explosion. The old Komi would have drilled him into next week. The post-Lucic Komi didn't even slow the guy down.

I really like Mike. He's a great competitor and an emerging locker room leader. But if he goes to July 1 looking for $5M-$6M per year, see ya.

Well said,he's definately not the same!

I'm a Leafs fan, so watching the game tonight made me happy and sad at the same time. I like seeing Toronto beat Montreal, obviously, but I don't want Toronto climbing any further up the standings. That being said, the game was really telling as to why Montreal has been on such a downward spiral. Toronto is basically eliminated from the playoffs, and Montreal is on the cusp of missing the playoffs and for some reason tonight, Toronto was the more desperate team. If you're a Habs fan, that makes you worried. How many odd man rushes did Toronto get, not only because the Montreal defense were pinching in, but because the forwards made no attempt at getting back in the play. Also, some of the goals were a bit weak. Halak had an off night, but these are saves he needs to make and games Montreal needs to win. Towards the end of the second, they were playing all over Toronto, but as soon as it was 5-2... back to the way it was in the 1st period. Montreal needs to wake up. Before they know it they'll be on the outside looking in, and if that happens, it won't be a pretty scene in Montreal.

My Prediction - Buffalo and Montreal both miss the playoffs. Don't want to see it happen for the Sabres (my home team) and for the Habs. I'm not a Habs fan but missing the playoffs in your 100th season? Not good.

This thread is getting really ridiculous and way out of hand...

SK74 - Quit insulting me and everyone else already, you don't know everything, nor do I or anyone else. So stop acting like you do.

I'm not insulting everyone, you just have an argument built on thin air. I don't need to know everything to recognize when someone has no idea what they're talking about. Case in point, you said Halak is 100% better than Price, if you watched the game tonight you would've seen that I was correct to tell you were wrong. 3/5 were soft goals and should have been stopped, this was his chance to steal the spotlight from Price and he failed, the team failed as well.

If we do make the playoffs, we don't even deserve it.

I'm not insulting everyone, you just have an argument built on thin air. I don't need to know everything to recognize when someone has no idea what they're talking about. Case in point, you said Halak is 100% better than Price, if you watched the game tonight you would've seen that I was correct to tell you were wrong. 3/5 were soft goals and should have been stopped, this was his chance to steal the spotlight from Price and he failed, the team failed as well.

If we do make the playoffs, we don't even deserve it.

Um you are insulting everyone who responds to your posts or who posts something negative about the Habs. Pretty much you've said everyone here have no hockey knowledge and haven't watched a Habs game all year which just silly since any real hockey fan living in Canada has seen several Habs games this season. My post wasn't based on fact or stats but my personal opinion however the stats CBC showed back me up. Since the All-Star break Montreal's win % is 27th in the league. Also Price's save % is below .900% since the All-Star break while Halak's is above .930% (before today's game).

Your last point it correct though. If Montreal makes the playoffs they don't deserve it.

Um you are insulting everyone who responds to your posts or who posts something negative about the Habs. Pretty much you've said everyone here have no hockey knowledge and haven't watched a Habs game all year which just silly since any real hockey fan living in Canada has seen several Habs games this season. My post wasn't based on fact or stats but my personal opinion however the stats CBC showed back me up. Since the All-Star break Montreal's win % is 27th in the league. Also Price's save % is below .900% since the All-Star break while Halak's is above .930% (before today's game).

Your last point it correct though. If Montreal makes the playoffs they don't deserve it.

Naturally SK47 is defending something his loves. The Habs. For some its normal to act like that. And you dont have to watch a Habs game to tell they are falling apart. Price is going to get the blame REGUARDLESS. Hes a goalie, and hes the one letting up the goals. Obiously there is more to it then just him. But thats how most people see it.

The Habs arent going to make the playoffs. There play as a team looks awful. And they kinda look like the Islanders. But hey I only saw a couple of games.

Not so much the Islanders as the 07-08 Senators. Benoit Brunet described the team last night with the phrase "talent sans travail" - talent without effort - and it's very difficult to disagree with that statement. Whereas the Islanders have a good work ethic, the talent level just isn't there. I watched a fair amount of Sens games last year because of the regional Sportsnet feed, and watching my Habs lately reminds me an awful lot of those games. A team that has a lot of talent, potential, and upside is simply mailing it in and checking out, and the result may well be the same: they may make the playoffs, but if the season is a week longer than it actually is, they may fall out; even if they do make the playoffs, however, it will likely be an early exit.

Taking off the Habs fan cap and putting on the staffer cap: as is often the case with Habs-related threads, we're getting pretty close to crossing the line when it comes to the personal statements that are being made. Let's keep the sticks on the ice and the elbows down.

I believe I made the post the Halak was playing better before last nights game. Check the stats, they don't lie. Listen to any NHL anaylist they'll tell you the same thing. The whole team is playing bad, including Carey Price. When you have a SV% under .900 since the all-star break, thats bad. And when Halak's was around .930, he's playing better. The numbers don't lie.

Carey Price is playing bad, along with their entire team, with the acception of a few players.

Same thing goes for the Sabres. They are my team, the team I support and you don't see me running from the truth. I'll be the first one to tell you how pathetic they are playing.

Just because I live in America doesn't mean I don't see Habs games. So lets not insult each other here, I don't want to see anyone getting in trouble on the site for a silly argument.

But finally I will agree with you on something - The Habs don't deserve to make the playoffs. Neither do my Buffalo Sabres.

Um you are insulting everyone who responds to your posts or who posts something negative about the Habs. Pretty much you've said everyone here have no hockey knowledge and haven't watched a Habs game all year which just silly since any real hockey fan living in Canada has seen several Habs games this season. My post wasn't based on fact or stats but my personal opinion however the stats CBC showed back me up. Since the All-Star break Montreal's win % is 27th in the league. Also Price's save % is below .900% since the All-Star break while Halak's is above .930% (before today's game).

Your last point it correct though. If Montreal makes the playoffs they don't deserve it.

Contrary to what you believe, I haven't insulted everyone. In fact, I have a great deal of respect for some of the people who've posted in this thread. Seriously, I don't have a problem when someone makes a logical argument based on stats or some sort of proof, yet I count at least two or three members here doing just the opposite. In which case, I will step in and say something 99.9% of the time, if you don't like me because I'm opinionated, well I could care less, this is a MESSAGE board where people state their OPINIONS and comment on others. If people are going to cry every time I pick holes in their logic, well get off the forums or simply grow thicker skin. The reason I said that some people probably don't watch the games is because they're making comments contradictory to the play on the ice, I've personally watched every single Habs game this season, I haven't missed one, so forgive me if I sound like I actually know what I'm talking about. To add to the stats that you mentioned, not only is Montreal 27th in the league but they are DEAD LAST in the east.

(Btw it's funny to note the comment about "Anyone who lives in Canada has seen Habs games etc.." when 2 of the people I apparently insulted are in fact American)

Naturally SK47 is defending something his loves. The Habs. For some its normal to act like that. And you dont have to watch a Habs game to tell they are falling apart. Price is going to get the blame REGUARDLESS. Hes a goalie, and hes the one letting up the goals. Obiously there is more to it then just him. But thats how most people see it.

The Habs arent going to make the playoffs. There play as a team looks awful. And they kinda look like the Islanders. But hey I only saw a couple of games.

Thank You! Finally someone who understands what's going on. You've just said what I've been trying to say all along, you can't simply point the finger at Price because it's not all his fault, just as Halak's numbers are a little inflated because the team plays better in front of him.

I wouldn't say we look like the Islanders though, the Islanders are playing some really good hockey, they are by far the better team at the moment.


I believe I made the post the Halak was playing better before last nights game. Check the stats, they don't lie. Listen to any NHL anaylist they'll tell you the same thing. The whole team is playing bad, including Carey Price. When you have a SV% under .900 since the all-star break, thats bad. And when Halak's was around .930, he's playing better. The numbers don't lie.

Carey Price is playing bad, along with their entire team, with the acception of a few players.

Same thing goes for the Sabres. They are my team, the team I support and you don't see me running from the truth. I'll be the first one to tell you how pathetic they are playing.

Just because I live in America doesn't mean I don't see Habs games. So lets not insult each other here, I don't want to see anyone getting in trouble on the site for a silly argument.

But finally I will agree with you on something - The Habs don't deserve to make the playoffs. Neither do my Buffalo Sabres.

I don't need to check the stats because I already know what they are, but you need to understand that stats are misleading, when pointing fingers you simply can't look at the stats and say so and so is responsible for the teams woes. You didn't just state your opinion, you added things like "Price is absolutely horrible" - "Price sucks" - "Halak is 100% better" when clearly this is not the case and can be seen as slanderous.

Where have I "ran from the truth"? You're just pulling things out of thin air now. Like I said before, Price has been playing below his potential but he hasn't been as bad as you make it sound, just as Halak isn't as good as his stats make him out to be. While he was solid over the stretch of 4 or 5 games before he caught the flu, he still let in weak goals just as Price did, the defense was arguably better in front of him than they were in front of Price (Not by much, but I digress). These are things you could never know unless you actually watched the games night in and night out.

You're putting words in my mouth, I never said anything about America etc. People usually do this when they have no valid rebuttal.

You are telling basically everyone here that you are almost positive we all haven't watched one Habs game all year. How do you know that at all? You don't. You have no idea who has watched what hockey game this season, so don't tell people what they have and haven't watched.

Carey Price has played bad, so has almost that entire team.

End of story.

Naturally SK47 is defending something his loves. The Habs. For some its normal to act like that. And you dont have to watch a Habs game to tell they are falling apart. Price is going to get the blame REGUARDLESS. Hes a goalie, and hes the one letting up the goals. Obiously there is more to it then just him. But thats how most people see it.

The Habs arent going to make the playoffs. There play as a team looks awful. And they kinda look like the Islanders. But hey I only saw a couple of games.

Its seems you, and maybe a few others see what so many do not. Branching off of what you said, I will go one step further and say almost any goalie is useless without a team playing well. Where would Brodeur's career be without those dominant Devils teams from the first 10 years of his career. Or how about Roy with equally strong Montreal or Colorado teams. Dryden without those legendary Habs teams from the 70's wouldn't be remembered as a great goalie. So it all goes hand in hand. I am taking nothing away from any of the guys mentioned, but the team helps the goalie before the goalie helps the team. They pretty much go hand in hand most of the time. Unfortunately too many people who follow the game fail to realize this, but rather get caught up only looking at statistics.

This thread is getting way too ridiculous, therefore I am just going to stay away from this thread from now on. Have fun everyone, debating with SK47 should be fun.

Interesting thread...but let's keep it to a low roar ok ? ...it's ok to agree to disagree..where have you been lately Patrick..haven't seen you posting in awhile

Interesting thread...but let's keep it to a low roar ok ? ...it's ok to agree to disagree..where have you been lately Patrick..haven't seen you posting in awhile

I'll admit some of my comments may have been a little harsh so I apologize to whoever may have been offended.

Hey Jeff, how have you been? I've just been taking a break from the hobby, naturally I had to stop doing anything card related so I stopped coming to the forums for a little while.

I hear ya...good to take a step back once in awhile..and get back just in time for the home stretch..