Habs Finding Ways To Defy The Odds
by Robert L on Nov 25, 2009 10:38 AM EST
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It's insane somewhat to consider all the things that simply do not add up in looking at the Canadiens 5-3 win over the Blue Jackets Tuesday night. Some things make sense, other's don't, and certain things are quite revealing. For starters, I quoteth Mike Boone quoting CKAC's Dany Dube suggesting something along the lines of "44% of the Habs salary cap" being out of the lineup for this win. What is making sense is that the players in the lineup are all working their tails off and it is starting to show consistent dividends. They have won more of late than they have lost, which is inspiring on its own. A hot Carey Price has had a reassuring, calming effect on the group. There is less panic evident and the Canadiens are finding themselves in games that they might otherwise not be. The work ethic and confidence have taken root. What makes no sense at all, is that current roster filled with callups, spare parts and castaways is actually a .500 hockey team after 24 games. The Canadiens have already employed 34 different players this season, nearing last season's total of 37, and the shuffling back and forth between Hamilton and Montreal has been frenzied. Eight of those 34 have played in Hamilton this season. Kids such as Tom Pyatt and Ryan White have not looked out of place and Sergei Kostitsyn looked like his better self last night, in his return to Montreal. What may be revealing, is that after losing both Gionta and then Gomez, the team and it's lines seem more settled than ever. Having earned seven of eight points this past week and the emergence of what looks to finally be a number one line in Tomas Plekanec, Mike Cammalleri and Andrei Kostitsyn seem to suggest that the team is pointed in the right direction. Perhaps out all this insanity, the team is developing an identity. The leaders are those that should be leading. When that happens, support follows from unlikely sources. Cammalleri heads the group, a sniper who rises from nowhere to pot timely markers. He looks like he's on target for a 40 goal season - a weapon the Canadiens haven't had in ages. Plekanec especially, with 10 points in his last six games continues to be a revelation, as he's often pitted against other team's top pivots. A true test for his will come against the Penguins tonight. Carey Price has been playing up to his promise once again, and that's the best news of all. He has started the last six games now, beginning with the 4-2 win in Phoenix on November 12. Since then, Price has posted four wins, a 53 save loss, a shootout loss to Detroit, allowed only 13 goals in 370 minutes of play (2.05 GAA) and stopped 198 of 213 shots (.929 SV%). Price never verbally answered Allan Walsh, the agent for Jaroslav Halak, after he posted some unflattering stats about him on Twitter. The answer has come in his play.
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Man, we got lucky last night. Garon stunk, Price was great, and the Blue Jackets, who had played the night before, broke down and wore out in the final period.
I’m glad for the W, no doubt, but I can’t take too great of comfort for our current situation. The losses are just around the bend if we can’t get healthy soon.
Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.
much better
Howdy Robert!
I was going to wait until the date I set, in my Halloween posts, for pronouncing on this exciting new edition of the Habs. But, after the last few games, despite the burgeoning injuries list, I feel no need to wait and see how we fair vs. the Pens and Caps this week.
My one man jury is in: this IS the best team we have had in over a decade. I am pumped. Things will only continue to improve – the coaching, talent, work ethic, and consistent messaging to under-performers is all in place. When/if we are totally healthy, we may have a contender on our hands. Maybe. Let’s wait till Markov returns to judge that.
The variables are much the same as those I listed in my Oct 31st comment while trying to fight the tide of negativism that I was shocked you had given in to.
From my Oct 31 comment on your piece entitled “Habs Road Woes Continue In Chicago”:
it is still too early to pronounce on this chemistry experiment.
you were patient through the five game slide, when other less analytical souls started freaking. and you should be patient now. but perhaps i am in the wrong here, as tobalev also seems ready to call this "not a very good team" that will try hard.
i disagree.
why is this habs teams better than any i’ve seen since the mid-1990s?
in order of importance:
1. Martin is a very good coach, who is just beginning to work his magic
2. Said magic will be worked for the next few months without Markov, which will turn this team into a force when he returns
3. Price is getting older, and better. he is going to come into his own this season.
4. Cammalleri is a gifted goal scorer who comes to play every night, and will get points on most of them – it has been over a decade since we’ve had that
5. The Brothers K are two top six forwards yet to arrive this season. if they do, watch out. if they don’t, we should be able to get at least one top sixer out of a trade for them.
6. Pleks is back. for real. that is absolutely huge.
7. Halak is also playing great. he will be traded for something juicy, or he will be the number two man in one of the leagues best goaltending duos.
8. Gionta + Gomez = work as hard, show as much leadership, and get more points than Koivu + Kovalev. which makes Cammalleri like a bonus in terms of improvement over last season, when you consider that Pleks is picking up where the surprising Lang left off.
9. three young players are improving and proving themselves: Gorges, Chips, Max Pac (O’Bryne too?)
10. Metro is shaping up to be one of the best 4th line centres in the league this year
11. Moen rocks the house
by patience is a virtue on Nov 25, 2009 12:16 PM EST reply actions
Andrei Kostitsyn is on crutches. Desharnais has been recalled.
Looks like the Habs may go against the defending Cup champions with almost 50% of the cap out.
Seriously, what is it this year? They’re getting absolutely battered with the injuries. It’s gotten to be a joke. It’s almost at the point where the rabid Montreal media will have to consider tempering their expectations of the team. ;)
You tell me...
With AKost out and Laraque suspended, Cammalleri and Pleks have, between themselves, a 8.75 cap hit. The 10 other guys? 8.3.
Same thing on D; Hamrlik has a 5.5 cap hit, the other 6 combined 4.75.
Sheesh.
@Patience is a virtue: You're the man
I’m thinking along the same lines. I’ll go one step father though. They will get into the third round this year!!!
Robert you are bang on. The players are working harder then I have seen in the last few years. And of course Price is being the goalie the Habs need him to be in order to compete.
I really like the line of Pleks, AK46 and Cami. I think they should keep that together even when Gomez and Gionta come back. Would of loved to have seen Lats with these guys, but that is not going to happen. But some size with a little skill could create two great lines…maybe Pouliot?
By they way I referred to your post in my Habs Weekly Mashup http://thehipcheck.thehockeyzen.com/habs-weekly-mashup-week-9
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