Who here thinks the Canadiens have a shot at the cup?

[synthpro]

As soon as Gainey took over this team as head coach... I felt that we were going to turn around and possibly surprise everyone in the playoffs.

1) Our top line... wow.. they are unstoppable right now.

2) We have our shutdown line now with Higgens, Lapierre and Latendresse. By far the best 3rd line in the NHL. Not only do they shutdown the other teams top line, but wow... these guys can score too.

3) We have our tough guy elements which was a major component we were missing last year. With the tandem Laraque and Stewart, I am reminded of our 86' team with Chris Naylan. The likes of Umberger (Philedelphia) or Witney (Carolina) wont be able to @#$! around with us anymore.

4) Our powerplay with Schneider on the point, is the top in the NHL now.

5) Goaltending descent, but I believe Price can step it up in the playoffs as long as he's mentally rested. He is much better than Tim Thomas and when he is on his game, is even better than Brodeur. We know if he does have a mental breakdown, Halek can always come in for a series and play descent for us until Price can pick it up again (like Gerber and Ward for Carolina a few years ago).

That being said, we really need to get our second line going. If we can... wow .. watch out, I think the Canadiens can do alot of damage if not win it all.

I think all the elements are in place, and the timing is looking perfect. We are catching fire at the right time, and I think... it is not a far off possibility we could win the cup this year.

What do you guys think? Hows Calgary lookn' for y'al out West? Noticed they havent been playing so good since getting Jokenin. Vancouver... I never liked their philosophy. They always have soft teams.. Canadiens have been like that too for the last 10 years... up until now with Stewart and Laraque.
S.

[Clark Kent]

How sweet an aviation related topic here

Cheers !

[Just another canuck]

Yes, they have a chance... more than a chance, they're gonna win fo' sho'... well, I'm a giant Habs fan, so I have to say all that. They definitely have some stiff competition, but if they keep up playing like they are they could do well. I think the biggest factor is going to be goaltending. Price HAS to step it up... I'm starting to think we should have left him behind with Hamilton for an extra year. But anyway, I do believe they can do it. I would like to see certain things happen so their chances are improved... for example, get 7th and play the Caps. They have a winning record against them. Jersey always kicks our ass... also it would be nice to see an upset in the Boston series, so we don't have to face them second round.

Anyway, I agree with pretty much everything you are saying... the lines are coming together, we have the toughness with big Laraque and Stewart. Speaking of which, did you see the fight two games ago... why even bother fighting Laraque? You will lose... even the ref was laughing at the other guy (can't remember who it was). And he was taking on two guys last night in Toronto... LOL. Okay, so, yeah, the biggest thing will be Price. If that boy can bring his A game, we could do well. A goalie alone can win a cup.

We'll just have to wait and see, but my faith is definitely been growing in the past double weeks and I'm really looking forward to the playoffs... she's gonna be a good one.

[Just another canuck]

How sweet an aviation related topic here

Cheers !

A mod will move it soon enough... just like the "Pilot of the Year" thread. They better anyway... I've had mine moved in the past when I first got here.

[SlumpBust]

These are all very true points but allow me to counter....

"Goaltending is decent" -- I wouldn't agree with this, the Habs' tenders have been very sub-par as of late, and besides, since when was "decent" enough to cut it in playoffs? I'm not saying they wont fair well, but this aspect of their game needs to impove a boat load for them to make a serious cup run.

Their top line is hands down the best in the league right now. As long as these three can score more goals than Price and Halak will likely let in, they will do fine, then again, that is the point.

As far as Price being better than Tim Thomas and Brodeur....come on are you serious? The most recent $20M man and the fella with the most wins in NHL history versus a kid that was at risk of being sent back to Hamilton a few months ago. Hes very good, dont get me wrong but I dont think he's even in the same ball park as those guys right now.

[Just another canuck]

As far as Price being better than Tim Thomas and Brodeur....come on are you serious? The most recent $20M man and the fella with the most wins in NHL history versus a kid that was at risk of being sent back to Hamilton a few months ago. Hes very good, dont get me wrong but I dont think he's even in the same ball park as those guys right now.

I agree that they need to step up the goaltending... I said that already in my post. But I will agree with synthpro about half of his tending statement. Price is not better than Brodeur... no one is. One can only compare themselves to Brodeur once you've accomplished 20 years in the league and have stats like his... Patrick is the only one that comes to mind. Luongo doesn't compare, neither does Kipper. None do.

Tim Thomas, however, is not a proven goaltender. Up until this season, he's been an embarrassment to the Bruins. I will give you that he's doing really well this year, but I think at any given moment he will fall apart and go back to his unpredictable, flop around the crease self. Only time will tell... oh and I'll also say, like before, I hope the Habs don't have to face this team in the playoffs. They've got more than just Thomas going for them.

['79K20driver]

I hope they fold up like a cheap lawn chair. I hate the Canadiens . I always have, and if they go out in four straight it wouldn't hurt my feelings one bit! Funny, they get on a bit of a roll and the bandwagoners come out in force. You should hope they make a quick and quiet exit, just so their crazy fans don't burn the city down!
Price is better than Thomas and Brodeur? .....please, he's good but come on. Nobody sees plays develop like Brodeur and nobody battles harder than Thomas. If Price has a couple of bad games, he'll be off the rails again.

[Just another canuck]

Price is better than Thomas and Brodeur? .....please, he's good but come on. Nobody sees plays develop like Brodeur and nobody battles harder than Thomas. If Price has a couple of bad games, he'll be off the rails again.

You hate the Habs so I can understand your hostility towards this thread... I am not a "bandwagoner." I've been a Habs fan my whole life... no need to attack me on that. I certainly hope the fans behave a little better this year... I'll be the first to admit that was just plain ridiculous.

But let's back up to this Tim Thomas thing... are you supporting simply because he plays for the Bruins, an all-time rival of the Habs or do you truly believe he is that good? Maybe he will perform and maybe he won't... the point is he has never played well until this year. He hasn't... he sucked total ass until now. And if you could go out and ask all the GM's and scouts, "Who would you rather have as a long-term tender?", most or all would say Price. Go look at Thomas' record... it ain't so hot.

['79K20driver]

And if you could go out and ask all the GM's and scouts, "Who would you rather have as a long-term tender?", most or all would say Price. Go look at Thomas' record... it ain't so hot.

Of course it would be Price. He's a good goalie with the potential to be great (and he's a good ol' northern BC boy too!) and he's only 21. Thomas is 34 and only has a few more years to play. Youth and potential make Price the obvious choice. That being said, Thomas is still a pretty good goalie. I think his percentage has been good for the past few years. He's a late bloomer that's for sure. I think age makes him mentally stronger than Price. I watched Thomas quite a bit this year. He's not much for style but he's exciting to watch, very quick and seems to pull saves out of nowhere. He never gives up, which really has been the story of his career. He's kind of an underdog who has faced aversity and really had to battle to get to where he is, that's why I'll cheer for him.

[MUSKEG]

Well the Pope has the potential to become a father to but that's not gonna happen either. When will we see it for what it is. Big business that makes it's money off of the need for people to affiliate with someone or something they want to be. Overpaid premadonas that happen to be good at a GAME. The game has little or no value to the fabric of society. I haven't watched a complete game in years.

[Just another canuck]

He's a late bloomer that's for sure. I think age makes him mentally stronger than Price.

Agreed.

I watched Thomas quite a bit this year. He's not much for style but he's exciting to watch, very quick and seems to pull saves out of nowhere.

He reminds of Hasek, flip flopping all over the crease and getting lucky more often than not. But still a good tender and has come a long way in the last few years.

He never gives up, which really has been the story of his career. He's kind of an underdog who has faced aversity and really had to battle to get to where he is, that's why I'll cheer for him.

Agreed. I think he has worked really hard to get where he is and it's been tough. So I give the guy props for sure. Of course, I can't cheer for him... I'm a Habs fan.

Cheers,

JAC

[Just another canuck]

Well the Pope has the potential to become a father to but that's not gonna happen either. When will we see it for what it is. Big business that makes it's money off of the need for people to affiliate with someone or something they want to be. Overpaid premadonas that happen to be good at a GAME. The game has little or no value to the fabric of society. I haven't watched a complete game in years.

Wow... bitter much. I wanted to be a hockey player in the NHL until I looked in the sky one day and thought "Whoa, cool"... something like that.

Anyway, it's a social event... it's a reason to get out. It's a tradition. It's entertainment. You want to abolish something... kick that WWE shit off TV. And most of all, it's fun. There's nothing like sitting around with good friends and family watching HNIC over a few beers.

Why such the resentment MUSKEG? I think there's more to the story than what you're telling us.

[mcconnell14]

they have a shot but, I still think the lack of size is going to hurt them, we saw it last year, they get ruined by the big teams, if they play Boston first round they are done. I'm pprobably one the only people who will say this but i dont see a "winning attitude" out of carey price. run and gun hockey isnt sucssesfull in the playoffs, you need grit, size.

I want to see Vancouver win the cup. to me they have the best chance..seems like the only team without a "question mark" in there lineup going into the playoffs.
-there playing really really well right now.
- great coaching
- top teir goaltending
- playoff built team, kesler, burrows can handle 20 plus mins a game, play at both ends,
plus being a leaf fan, i would like to see Mats win the cup, he deserves it.

BOZAK ! and hanson, here we go, the re-build begins.

Cup finals prediction: Vancouver vs Boston or NJ (its wideopen in the east anyone could win it. ) if tim thomas can be as good as he's been all season, then i fully beleive that team is destined for glory. the likes of Chara, savard,lucic, recchi, etc. plus julien is one of the best coaches in the leauge and knows how to get a team to win.

[Just another canuck]

They do lack size... BUT, Laraque isn't going to get pushed around like they did last year. I sort of agree with the Price thing... he doesn't seem to have the drive like you need. But that could just be his reserved style of play and mellow attitude.

Vancouver, IMHO, has a chance... if Luongo does it for them. I think their team is just too average. They're good, not great.

Jersey is always a contender... Calgary... a goalie can win a cup. Look at the 87 and 93 Habs.

Anyway, Boston sure has a good team and have been consistent all year, all around and added some good depth at the deadline. Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

GO HABS!!!!

['79K20driver]

Overpaid premadonas that happen to be good at a GAME.

They don't just "happen" to be good. Of course there is a talent they are born with, but it does take a tremendous amount of work to make it in the big leagues in any sport. People who have played know this.

The game has little or no value to the fabric of society.

Well, maybe in your version or view of what society is. Hockey was a huge part of my upbringing. It wasn't just a game for us. It brought us together as friends and family whether it was at the rink or at home watching the game on TV. It still does.

I haven't watched a complete game in years.

Good for you

[synthpro]

Well... for sure with Price... you never know what kind of athlete will show up.

The main conspiracy behind his dismal play of late.. and his rattled conscience.... are reports saying he fucked around with some 14 year old lolita. He was being threatened of perhaps getting charged.. or who knows... maybe even blackmaled... hence his words a few weeks ago "my father always told me my sins will always sort me out eventually". Anyways.. those are the underly reports. We'll know the full story this summer.

One thing about Boston that I disagree with from everyone here is.... we have their number. We can beat them in a playoff round. I am convinced...

But if we have any chance of going past them, it will be important to face a skating (less beefy team) like Washington first. Than we can go on to play Boston perhaps in the second round... If we face Boston first round, we'll be to worn down to skate against anyone else afterwards. Once you make it to the Semi's... well than anyones game.

I see Price play alot when he's on his game... and... he moves much better than any other goaltender in our conference (maybe not Brodeur). He's better then Fleury... He's sure as hell gonna beat Theodore no prob (he will get rattled here by the fans in Montreal big time!!). Canadiens have Thomas's number. Ward in Carolina... isn't all that good. Fleury is certainly not the same goaltender he was 2 years ago. So that leaves Brodeur with New Jersey as our toughest challenge. But I for one am noticing New Jersey isn't playing all that well either.

So should be an exciting playoff.

[taxiway_matthew]

There is nothing I would like to see more this year then the Habs shut everyone up and win the Cup. Douchebag Mazkenzie said they're going to do nothing, we'll make him eat his words.
Theres also nothing more I'd like to see then the Canucks ousted in the first four games...I've never hated a team as much as I hate the Canucks and their stupid, stupid fans.

[Just another canuck]

.I've never hated a team as much as I hate the Canucks and their stupid, stupid fans.

You can add Calgary and Edmonton to that as well... f'n West Coast teams.

Even Toronto fans aren't that bad... the three teams in the West's fans seem delusional. I think there are just too many that don't have a clue about hockey. Sure, it's good that they support their teams, but take your heads out of your asses... please.

Aaaaannnndddd, attacking commence.

['79K20driver]

You can add Calgary and Edmonton to that as well... f'n West Coast teams.

Just so you know, Calgary and Edmonton are not anywhere near the West Coast. They are in the province of Alberta, which is between BC and Saskatchewan

Even Toronto fans aren't that bad... the three teams in the West's fans seem delusional.

Examples?

I think there are just too many that don't have a clue about hockey.

...but at least we know Edmonton and Calgary are not on the coast!

Sorry, just being a smart-a$$. Looks like the Habs could be in trouble again.

[Just another canuck]

Just so you know, Calgary and Edmonton are not anywhere near the West Coast. They are in the province of Alberta, which is between BC and Saskatchewan

Man. and Sas. are the Prairies and everything West of that is West Coast... just like everything South of Sudbury is the GTA.

Examples?

I just think that a lot of them, not all, truly believe they have the BEST team... always. We have Iggy and Kipper... no one can beat us. We have Luongo, no one can beat us. Edmonton... well, the IQ is just too low.

..but at least we know Edmonton and Calgary are not on the coast!

Sorry, just being a smart-a$$. Looks like the Habs could be in trouble again.

LOL... yeah, you're right... from now I'll refer to the Flames and Oil as the Red Neck team and Oil Country.

OK, I'll stop being a smart ass as well... and yes, the Habs lost tonight... damn it. They played well, but Ottawa played hard. Trying to stop us from making the playoffs and now we have the NYR, Boston and Pittsburgh to play last... looks like we've entered playoff hockey.

[synthpro]

OK OK.. REMEBER MY OPTIMISME???

WELL YOU CAN REVERSE IT 180...

As much as I Love my Canadiens... we are finsihed. Honestly... and heres why?

MARKOV... SCHNEIDER... GONE!!!

Thats the end of our year! Honestly... you should see our record when Markov is in the line up versus when he's not. Completely one sided.

See that game today, we had no one feeding the puck to our forwards... our offence is greatly going to suffer. We are finished... might not even be able to get another point during the regular season. I really think we are done.

Too bad... cause I really thought we were on a role. But this team needs Markov.

Life sucks NOW!!!!

[Just another canuck]

Oh, I'm proud of you synthpro... like me, a typical Habs fan. Ole, ole when they're up and booing when they're down.

I'll go check on the injury status tomorrow... they aren't "out out" are they?

Meh... I'm going to bed.

['79K20driver]

from the NHL website:

"Markov will miss three weeks with what appears to be a knee injury while Schneider will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. RDS and TSN reported the news prior to the start of the game"

Bad news for Habs fans for sure.

[Just another canuck]

Very bad news indeed... we have rely on guys like Gorges and O'Byrne now... Gorges ain't bad (he ain't good either) and O'Byrne well...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afEB1mK_B6Q

What a loser.

Oh, well... can't give up on them yet I guess. Gotta have faith... actually, wait, I'm a Habs fan. Those bunch of loser shit heads are screwed!!!

[Just another canuck]

Rangers tonight and they're down 3-1 right now... the second is almost over. Ugh...

This is bad, bad, bad... guess I can cheer for Philly to beat Florida. If they lose, we still have a really good chance of making it. Just don't think it will be too good when we get there.