Game Thread: Habs Host Rangers in a Tale of Two Cities
by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 15, 2012 4:52 PM EST
in Habs Game Threads
Email
PrintNew York Rangers at Montreal Canadiens, Jan 15, 2012 7:00 PM EST
The visitors, the New York Rangers, are first in the Eastern Conference with 60 points and 8-2-0 in their last ten games follwing Saturday's 3-0 shutout of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Blueshirts are second in the league in goals against, and are fifth in five-on-five for/against. They are sixth in the penalty kill department, just four spots back of the Canadiens. Playing with the man advantage, they aren't overly spectacular, but compared to tonight's home team that's not likey a concern to them.
If the Canadiens have any hope of a win tonight, they better come out fast. New York is a league best 20-1-1 when getting the first goal, and are 7-1-1 when leading after 20 minutes. Any chance for a rally, if down after two periods is very unlikely as the visitors are 17-0-2 when ahead after 40.
Martin Biron picked up the whitewash Saturday night, and is 9-2-0 in the season, so expect Henrik Lundqvist to get the start tonight. A feature on Biron's roll with the club from NHL.com.
Ruslan Fedotenko left Saturday's game with back spasms, and will be replaced in the lineup by Kris Newbury.
The Canadiens? Well we're all aware of the situation in Montreal. With 40 points in 38 games, the Habs will need to seriously rack up the points for any chance of a playoff run. Three point games are unacceptable at this point.
The Canadiens won their last meeting, in a 4-0 decision.
Rene Bourque has two goals in five career games against the Rangers, and makes his Habs debut, starting on the left wing with Tomas Plekanec and presumably Mike Blunden. Olivier Bouchard gives his analysis of the newest Habs forward.
Scott Gomez will center Mathieu Darche and Petteri Nokelainen, but could rotate into the Plekanec line as coach Randy Cunneyworth did not give a final set up this afternoon.
Peter Budaj gets the call in goal and is 1-1 (4.82, .813) against New York.
For those wagering on the over/under for defencement dressing tonight, the number will be six.Cunneyworth met the media this afternoon and his d-pairings will likely be a game-time decision.
Oh and Pro Hockey Life must know something. Look who's jersey in on the clearance page.
MONTREAL CANADIENS PROJECTED LINEUP
Forwards
Max Pacioretty - David Desharnais - Erik Cole
Rene Bourque - Tomas Plekanec - Mike Blunden
Andrei Kostitsyn - Lars Eller - Travis Moen
Mathieu Darche - Scott Gomez - Petteri Nokelainen
Defense Pairings
Goalies
NEW YORK RANGERS PROJECTED LINEUP
Forwards
Carl Hagelin - Brad Richards - Ryan Callahan
Derek Stepan - John Mitchell - Marian Gaborik
Kris Newbury - Brian Boyle - Brandon Prust
Mike Rupp - Artem Anisimov - Wojtek Wolski
Defense Pairings
Michael Del Zotto - Anton Stralman
Goalies
Henrik Lundqvist - Martin Biron
SBN Rangers coverage from Blueshirt Banter
167 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Looks like Anisemov has fallen from grace.
I’ve hear Hagelin has been huge for them since coming up.
Writer for http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/
Hagelin is a hell of a skater.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 6:33 PM EST up reply actions
Anisimov has been ice cold of late.
Hagelin has great speed and is looking absolutely fantastic.
@DigDeepNYR
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
Blueshirt Banter
Seriously? Randy liked Gomez’s work on the third line so now he has him centering the fourth line? Plekanec on the third line? With Blunden?
How stupid can he get?
by MathMan on Jan 15, 2012 5:03 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Next thread
I’m just listing the whole roster and writing “Take your pick.”
Kevin van Steendelaar
http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar
but don't forget...
http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP
by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 15, 2012 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
At least Emelin is back in the lineup.
by MathMan on Jan 15, 2012 5:10 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I missed all of Cunneworth’s audio. He mentioned seven defencemen in the warmup, and go from there.
I just guessed the pairings.
Kevin van Steendelaar
http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar
but don't forget...
http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP
by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 15, 2012 5:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I thought Plekanec and Gomez would at least be getting Bourque today but no, Blunden has to stay on the third line or whatever that is.
Why not play:
Gomez – Plekanec – Cole
Pacioretty – Eller – Kostitsyn
Moen – Desharnais- Bourque
Darche – Nokelainen – Blunden
? Nothing against Moen but Eller almost never gets two decent wingers (20+ goal scorer), Desharnais always does and I hate it.
Pre-Game reading
Martin Leclerc (of lnh.com and radio-canada) looks at the whole disparity between Arpon Basu’s and François Gagnon’s recollection of their conversation with Cammalleri (in french):
http://blogues.radio-canada.ca/bloguesportif/2012/01/15/un-malaise-gros-comme-un-elephant/
Tyler Dellows hits another one out of the park concerning league revenues and player salaries:
Leclerc’s article is excellent. I can see how it would get awkward among colleagues after something like that.
I like how he comments on Basu’s thorughness. Gagnon’s not so much.
Writer for http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/
by Stephan Cooper on Jan 15, 2012 7:08 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
So what are the chances of a win tonight? I know the Rangers are at the top of the standings, but their micros are terrible so I see it as 50/50.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 6:38 PM EST reply actions
I’d say less than that. Talent-wise I think the Habs are ahead, but not with Randy’s usage. The Habs would need to use Pleks and Gomez as tough-minutes centers for it to work.
Yes this is true, Sometimes I manage to forget who’s coaching.
Two things today have made me very depressed:
1) Was Bruce posting a picture of Martin’s “notepad” which made me really appreciate his attention to detail.
2) Roke posting RC’s confirmation that he thinks Plekanec is a third liner. My jaw literally dropped.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 6:46 PM EST up reply actions
MathMan had been on the Plekanec = 3rd-liner thing because of the usage for the past while (few weeks?). Not having watched the games I guess I was giving Cunneyworth some benefit of doubt because that surprised me.
Pleks has been getting third icetime and third toughs. Once it was practically fourth icetime. At least Randy hasn’t taken him off the PP yet.
It’ll happen if Blunden scores again, gotta keep the offense going!
I’m surprised he hasn’t taken Pleks of the PK, since he’s just a shitty 3rd liner.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 6:59 PM EST up reply actions
I was hoping that MathMan was just being a little hyperbolic. Turns out he wasn’t. Now I’m depressed.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 6:57 PM EST up reply actions
The bright side is still pretty dark.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:01 PM EST up reply actions
Don’t scare me!
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:01 PM EST up reply actions
What you don’t want to be in the running for MacKinnon?
Writer for http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/
by Stephan Cooper on Jan 15, 2012 7:12 PM EST up reply actions
You mean Angelo Esposito?
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:13 PM EST up reply actions
Well if he’s another Angelo he probably won’t go first overall. Not that I disagree with your point or anything.
Writer for http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/
by Stephan Cooper on Jan 15, 2012 7:35 PM EST up reply actions
I’m just wary of 16 year old numbers is all.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:40 PM EST up reply actions
Apparently their micros have surged after a crappy start. They’re having the inverse of Montreal’s season.
Writer for http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/
by Stephan Cooper on Jan 15, 2012 7:05 PM EST up reply actions
Still not anywhere close to their record.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:14 PM EST up reply actions
Hope we have a great game tonight gang.
Hope the Bourque/Cammy trade works out in your favor.
@DigDeepNYR
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
Blueshirt Banter
Nice to see some opposing fans come in and comment! Good luck to you as well.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:15 PM EST up reply actions
What are your guys’ thoughts about the Cammalleri trade?
@DigDeepNYR
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
Blueshirt Banter
Brutal beyond words is my thought on it. I think there are a couple different opinions on the blog though.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:17 PM EST up reply actions
A step back but it could have been worse was my take.
Writer for http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/
by Stephan Cooper on Jan 15, 2012 7:18 PM EST up reply actions
A seller move, and an ill-conceived one. His comments may have played a part which is profoundly moronic especially since they were blown out of proportion by a journalist who’s well-known to not like him very much.
The “we need to get bigger” excuse offered by Gauthier is a smokescreen, hopefully. Bourque is not as good as Cammy, so the team got worse, but as Stephan said, it could’ve been worse; they got a hockey player, a draft pick, and some short-term cap space out of it.
Yeah
I take Cams over Bourque any day, I agree with your thoughts on it.
@DigDeepNYR
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
Blueshirt Banter
I didn’t like the return either, but I’m kinda glad Cammy’s gone. They never seemed to actually use him in a role that was good for him (massive OZone starts percentage, not with a shut-down center) and the fact that he’s slow and got injuries to his legs every single year really worried me. By my eyes only, I actually tought he had turned into a boat anchor this season, but the numbers were deceptive: Martin drowned him in dzone faceoffs and Cammy was still second best on the team for last touch on scoring chances, right behind Cole and in front of Pacioretty.
There was that brief period where Cammalleri was used with DD and Cole on the exploitation line that was promising.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:07 PM EST up reply actions
Pacioretty!
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:14 PM EST reply actions
My son’s name is Max and he just came running down the stairs to see why I was yelling at him…lol. Poor kid.
Sweet goal!
Bad trade off. Why is Moen bothering to take himself off the ice for this chump?
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:19 PM EST reply actions
Stu Pickles for Moen? I’ll take it.
@DigDeepNYR
"It's just pain." -Brandon Prust | "In Prust we Trust."
Blueshirt Banter
Hahaha exactly why it’s a bad trade off!
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:23 PM EST up reply actions
Do you think his coach feels the same way or do you think he likes that kind of energy?
I don’t even want to know.
I’m betting RC thought it helped the “momentum”.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:30 PM EST up reply actions
Weber laying the body, nice.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:24 PM EST reply actions
evenin, all. just swung by to see if anyone’s got a link to stream this game. in calgary and curious how your boy renny looks (other than trying to decapitate dudes, obv).
anyone ?
try the GDT on the Habs forum at HFBoards. If justin tv doesn’t have one someone there will likely have posted a link.
Writer for http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/
by Stephan Cooper on Jan 15, 2012 7:31 PM EST up reply actions
justin.tv usually has one. Not that I’ll admit to condoning (or condemning) filesharing in the public square. NHL Gamecenter being a legitimate product that I use.
Writer for http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/
by Stephan Cooper on Jan 15, 2012 7:28 PM EST up reply actions
jtv has nothing tonight. i like legit products too but usually i don’t want to watch outside of where i’m at. thx, tho !
by walkinvisible on Jan 15, 2012 7:30 PM EST up reply actions
Anyone else notice this stupidity?
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:32 PM EST reply actions
Yes, it really would. Especially now that I’m mostly set on losing.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
No one cares enough to lay the body in front of the net.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:34 PM EST reply actions
He and Budaj both gave up on the play.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think he gave up. I think he thought it went in.
If you want 30 tweets a day, don't follow me. @ChrisBoyle33
That’s basically what I meant. They both thought the play had ended.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
But he took one penalty so he obviously sucks and makes the team worse!
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:51 PM EST up reply actions
He doesn’t have a point in over a month!
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:57 PM EST up reply actions
Yesterday while the game was close Gomez was a +5.
5 shots for, 0 against. 1 miss for and 1 against.
If you want 30 tweets a day, don't follow me. @ChrisBoyle33
I missed the game last night but was wondering how he impacted the possession. Back to being a usual monster right away.
Friggin’ Gomez, he’s going to bring us out of lottery territory if he doesn’t get injured again.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:04 PM EST up reply actions
Well, putting Pleks and Gomez together against third toughs, even with Blunden riding wing, is really unfair possession-wise.
True enough. but still not a great use of any of those players.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:09 PM EST up reply actions
Whati is up...
With Bourque’s voice?
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:50 PM EST reply actions
Saying he’s not in game shape after missing just 5 games? Is that a joke?
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:50 PM EST reply actions
Scoring chances
+4/-5 at ES, +0/-2 ST
At ES, Eller/Moen are +0/-4, AKost is +1/-3
Pacioretty/DD/Cole +2/-0
Diaz/Emelin +1/-3
Is it me or was Bourque’s hit on Hagelin an elbow to the head?
If it wasn’t an elbow it was damn close. He might be suspended again before we have time to judge his play.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 7:59 PM EST up reply actions
What are the odds that Randy recognizes Eller is in trouble and uses a line centered by Plekanec or Gomez instead?
1/4000 or so I’m guessing.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:02 PM EST up reply actions
Benny Brunet is going after RC’s line combos again. I want to laugh but I also want to cry. I hate what this season has turned into…
Did you see Lacavelier sucker punch Malkin?
And this is the guy some Habs fans are still talking about wanting?
I didn’t see it. Was it after Malkin’s hat trick?
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:03 PM EST up reply actions
He’s a poor sport.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:21 PM EST up reply actions
Patches is on fire!
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:07 PM EST reply actions
Moen just got hurt.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:08 PM EST reply actions
He couldn’t even skate getting off the ice.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:09 PM EST up reply actions
Of course, one of our tradeable chips.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
Gomez is turning Blunden into a good player. Holy christ.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:13 PM EST reply actions
Eller and Kostitsyn
Given the tough matchups, can’t handle them, so RC benches them. What an idiot this guy is.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:18 PM EST reply actions
Not one shift in the second.
What. An Idiot.
And it’ll be hailed as brilliant because the Habs are pasting the Rangers.
Already I’ve seen people say “I love it, RC makes you earn your ice”.
Or he puts you in a situation you’re not likely to succeed and then punishes you for not succeeding.
It’s like putting a dyslexic kid in an advanced English Literature class and yelling at him when he fails.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:36 PM EST up reply actions
Can’t wait for his post-game
Kevin van Steendelaar
http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar
but don't forget...
http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP
by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 15, 2012 8:26 PM EST up reply actions
Just checking in guys
How has Bourque looked so far? I see he has 4 hits.
Kevin van Steendelaar
http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar
but don't forget...
http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP
by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 15, 2012 8:23 PM EST reply actions
Invisible aside from a headshot on Hagelin.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:24 PM EST up reply actions
Great so he’s off to Shannyland….again.
Kevin van Steendelaar
http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar
but don't forget...
http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP
by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 15, 2012 8:26 PM EST up reply actions
Erik Cole
Now leading the Habs in points.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:24 PM EST reply actions
Every once in awhile that line has a ridiculous game where they can do no wrong. Nice to see some hope anyway.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:33 PM EST up reply actions
Does this mean we are better than the Leafs?
If you want 30 tweets a day, don't follow me. @ChrisBoyle33
You think RC has the “maybe Budaj should play more games thought bubble” forming in his head?
If you want 30 tweets a day, don't follow me. @ChrisBoyle33
I don’t doubt it.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:30 PM EST up reply actions
Hope not!
Kevin van Steendelaar
http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar
but don't forget...
http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP
by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 15, 2012 8:40 PM EST up reply actions
It's amazing how many Habs are within a couple points of each other.
Cole – 33
Pacioretty – 32
Plekanec and Desharnais – 31
Imagine if our PP actually had some luck, or Pleks/Cammalleri/Subban had some shooting luck. We could actually have quite the impressive offensive team this season.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:33 PM EST reply actions
With our luck he’s done for the year and therefore we can’t sell him off for any return on deadline day.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:46 PM EST up reply actions
I’m confused as to why people on twitter are saying Bourque looks great, he’s accomplished nothing and thrown a couple dirty hits.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:42 PM EST reply actions
I’ll wait to see clear replays of those hits first. But my first impression is…wait for it…they were hockey plays.
Elbow to the head of Hagelin.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:53 PM EST up reply actions
Just saw Engblom’s bench interview with Torts…Too funny
Kevin van Steendelaar
http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar
but don't forget...
http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP
by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 15, 2012 8:48 PM EST reply actions
Scoring Chances
Crazy ass 2nd period.
+10/-11 at ES, +0/-0 ST
Pleks took two shifts on the chin, getting tagged with 3 and 2 scoring chances. He now sits at +3/-6 at ES.
Cole/DD +5/-3, MaxPac +7/-3, Gomez +6/-3 and so is Blunden (yeah, fuck me running…).
Kaberle now is up to +5/-1. Moen now sits at +0/-7 (you can tell buddy got hurt) and AKost made it back to +3/-6.
Benching both Akost and Eller is asinine, of course, but Desharnais is really owning (to my naked eye, they certainly have the possession to go with the scoring chances) and Moen’s injury means Randy is actually forced to play Kostitsyn. Coupled with the fact that his 3rd and 4th lines centers are, in fact, his two best centers, buddy simply has too many good players to fuck this up.
Francois Gagnon
This guy is driving me nuts right now. He’s obviously overjoyed that Cammalleri is gone, and instantly he starts beating the drum of getting Kostitsyn out of town.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:55 PM EST reply actions
He also says...
Benching players like Eller and AK is smart because he needs to use this time to show the rest of the NHL that he isn’t afraid to make big moves.
WHAT? How about making smart moves???
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:56 PM EST up reply actions
Randy’s benching the guys Gagnon doesn’t like. Being smart is utterly irrelevant.
by MathMan on Jan 15, 2012 9:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I said it earlier in the week in fewer words,but if the Oilers finish bottom-5 and Tambo isn’t fired I can see Randy ending up as their head coach.
Hahahaha awesome.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
Between the language thing and the revisionist history about the habs being a worthless team that couldn’t win anyway, no one in the MSM appears to have taken the time to notice that he’s an awful coach.
Eller didn’t get a single shift in the second period.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 8:57 PM EST reply actions
Well his first of the third he takes out Darche.
Kevin van Steendelaar
http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar
but don't forget...
http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP
by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 15, 2012 9:01 PM EST up reply actions
Trying to secure his spot in the lineup next game.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Jan 15, 2012 10:09 PM EST up reply actions
Bourque on Hagelin
Canadiens.com dubs it as “First Impression.”
Kevin van Steendelaar
http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar
but don't forget...
http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP
by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 15, 2012 9:13 PM EST reply actions
Can’t help but notice how he’s on the ice, keeping his teammates motivated after a whistle.
Kevin van Steendelaar
http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar
but don't forget...
http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP
by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 15, 2012 9:20 PM EST up reply actions
Didn’t need to.
Kevin van Steendelaar
http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar
but don't forget...
http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP
by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 15, 2012 9:32 PM EST up reply actions
Desharnais line
Gets all three stars
Kevin van Steendelaar
http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar
but don't forget...
http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP
by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 15, 2012 9:34 PM EST reply actions
Ok, so is Desharnais for real? Is he playing well because he’s being sheltered still (doesn’t hurt to have two big wingers) or has he upped his game?
Ok, a fair assessment. I know there often isn’t a conclusive answer. I’m pleased Desharnais has turned a corner. He amazes me and it helps me to know JM was on the right track with him. Let’s hope RC doesn’t screw him up (but wait, it was JM who ruined young players, no?).
Yeah, by benching them after they make mistakes, man, am I glad RC doesn’t do that.
by MathMan on Jan 15, 2012 9:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He’s a good, creative hockey player with some defensive warts.
Puck Worlds: Chasing Pucks from here to Turku.
For Twitter Updates on Puck Worlds, follow @puckworlds. For updates plus additional witty banter from yours truly, follow @saskhab.
If Randy sheltered him like Martin did with Gomez/Pleks sopping up all the d-zone assignments (those were the days of the DD/Max/AK line), I think he could be an absolute beast. He really took a step forward if you compare, say, his home/away splits before and after december. Still needs shelter, but much more efficient.
Yeah at the begining of the season he’d get pasted whenever he went up against real opposition. Now he just loses slowly and slightly. He’s making good progress. His offense is already top-six worthy if he brings up the defense some more then he’ll be a pretty quality guy to have.
Especially since undersized players usually get underpaid their worth.
Writer for http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/
by Stephan Cooper on Jan 16, 2012 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe we’re too harsh on Randy. We were surmising he wouldn’t recognize that Eller had gotten pasted in the first, but he did. ;)
The thing is did he realise WHY Eller was getting pasted and he will give him 3rd-2nd line matchups next game or did he simply think he wasn’t playing the “right way” and he will put him back in the exact same situation the very next game and be extremely confused that his benching didn’t work?
by Statsfanatic81 on Jan 15, 2012 11:34 PM EST up reply actions
Quite frankly?
I have no. freaking. idea. None. I cannot, for the life of me, figure what RC will do with his lines going forward. It make me nervous.
Me too, I mean not using Plekanec as your shutdown center is really really weird especially if you don’t give him the linemates to produce offensively while he gets the soft minutes so his line basically become filler. I mean you have one of the very best shutdown center on your roster and you play him against third liners?
Poor Eller, kid must be so confused. This is kind of scary, if there is one kid I don’t want to screw up it’s him. Got the feeling he could be something special.
by Statsfanatic81 on Jan 15, 2012 11:51 PM EST up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Habs Eyes On The Prize
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
