Yesterday I heard there was a rumour that Scott Gomez was available for teams to trade for him. If this is news, I must blast Gauthier and his team. This should have been the case from the minute they took on the salary albatross.
I understand the media's undying faith in terrible GMs, but really, I'm not hanging much hope on a Gomez trade.
Instead, I turn to more productive lines of thinking, like who could be a better winger for Gomez than Travis Moen?
A look down the free agent list for wingers that shoot first, pass later doesn't yield much. Selanne is there, but what moment of madness would have to overcome him to choose Montreal now? Jagr is lurking, but again, why would a guy on a discount offer most of his lower salary to Revenu Quebec?
In May, we had the hope of Mike Knuble, Milan Hejduk, Brooks Laich, but as with most years, the solid choices just get resigned by their own outfits.
When I look down the list I don't see much in terms of volume, but there is one goalscorer who I think would benefit from a change of scene and someone who passes first, passes more later.
That guy is Simon Gagne.
Despite the memories of far-off 40-goal seasons and the familiarity of his name in the injury reports, Simon is still only 31 years old.
The thing I like most about Gagne is that he is a goalscorer first and foremost. Once a perennial 30-goal man, he even chipped in 17 in a curtailed season that one would call below average. May not sound like much, but considering that we're trying to upgrade on Pouliot here, it's not irrelevant.
Gagne has also shown the ability to play with many different players and take on many different roles (something vital on a Jacques Martin team) and was at his most productive with solid set up man (Forsberg or Briere, take your pick).
I don't know why Tampa didn't work out for him that well, but it may simply have been a bad fit. I'm willing to bet a reduced salary on it.
Put Gagne with Gomez and you'd have the SG line, I think it would be pretty productive, don't you?
1st period, 12:28 - Simon Gagne (28) (Scott Gomez, Some Guy)
Showing posts with label Selanne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Selanne. Show all posts
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, July 20, 2009
Ducks Happy To Have Saku
Perhaps it's only to do with his name (remember the old cheer from the movies?). Perhaps it's because they're just happy that their franchise isn't in full liquidation mode. But it appears to me that members of the Anaheim fandom are relatively chuffed at the acquisition of Saku Koivu.
Take this line from a recent newspaper column in SoCal:
Executive of the Year! It stands in sharp contrast to those Koivu detractors who would nominate Gainey for the same award for letting the Finnish captain fly.
The sense of excitement and approval seems consistent throughout the article. The same ecstatic writer from the OC seems to take Koivu's acquisition as a minor coup for the Ducks – final proof that Anaheim was the only team able to unite two players that Montreal has been talking about uniting for years. He says as much in his header: "Selanne, Koivu take Anaheim over Montreal".
And consider this line:
The Anaheim writer put down those words without a hint of irony or disappointment. Almost as if consistent seasons of 50 or more points was a good thing in this league. It's taking the very statistic we would use to bash Saku to lift him up with.
Then you move on to blogs. I found this one on the Battle of California.
Not exactly reserved in its praise. It seems an awful lot of people around the league have seen Koivu and think that maybe he's done a good job, as opposed to being the reason Montreal hasn't won a Cup.
Finding both articles came only a few days after one of oldest and best friends – banished to the hockey hinterland of Southern California – had forwarded me the promotional packs the Ducks had sent him for the upcoming season. Those were also plastered with pics of Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne – something of a surprise to those of us in Montreal who assume all hockey fans are drawn to the Getzlafs and Perrys of the world.
The grass is greener
Why am I harping on about Saku Koivu?
Well for one thing, I think the slow news and the emotional wound have combined to keep it top of mind for me. For another, I can't click 5 links without reading what a relief it is to have let him go. Then there's the talk of the leadership vacuum that he left behind. And all this while I get reminders sent from Anaheim on how exiting it will be to have a new scoring centre of Koivu's ilk.
I'm not sure if the grass is greener in Anaheim now they have Koivu or not. I have a sense that it won't be too much greener for losing him at $3.25 million it would have taken to secure his services here in Montreal. I do know I'll watch on with interest as Koivu and Selanne reunite one of the most exciting duos I've ever had the pleasure of watching.
And, if I have to put money on anyone making a good life after Montreal, it'll be Saku.
Take this line from a recent newspaper column in SoCal:
Teemu Selanne for NHL Executive of the Year!
Executive of the Year! It stands in sharp contrast to those Koivu detractors who would nominate Gainey for the same award for letting the Finnish captain fly.
The sense of excitement and approval seems consistent throughout the article. The same ecstatic writer from the OC seems to take Koivu's acquisition as a minor coup for the Ducks – final proof that Anaheim was the only team able to unite two players that Montreal has been talking about uniting for years. He says as much in his header: "Selanne, Koivu take Anaheim over Montreal".
And consider this line:
scoring ability – he racked up at least 50 points in his past six seasons
The Anaheim writer put down those words without a hint of irony or disappointment. Almost as if consistent seasons of 50 or more points was a good thing in this league. It's taking the very statistic we would use to bash Saku to lift him up with.
Then you move on to blogs. I found this one on the Battle of California.
On Koivu:
Sheer awesomeness. I have been a Team Finland fan since Nagano -- basically because of the charismatic pull of Teemu's nationalism -- and I cannot wait for these two to join forces for Team Anaheim. With Koivu, there is simply too much to talk about -- the cancer battle, the Montreal captaincy, the little-man production, the selfless passing -- Saku oozes heroism and class.
Not exactly reserved in its praise. It seems an awful lot of people around the league have seen Koivu and think that maybe he's done a good job, as opposed to being the reason Montreal hasn't won a Cup.
Finding both articles came only a few days after one of oldest and best friends – banished to the hockey hinterland of Southern California – had forwarded me the promotional packs the Ducks had sent him for the upcoming season. Those were also plastered with pics of Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne – something of a surprise to those of us in Montreal who assume all hockey fans are drawn to the Getzlafs and Perrys of the world.
The grass is greener
Why am I harping on about Saku Koivu?
Well for one thing, I think the slow news and the emotional wound have combined to keep it top of mind for me. For another, I can't click 5 links without reading what a relief it is to have let him go. Then there's the talk of the leadership vacuum that he left behind. And all this while I get reminders sent from Anaheim on how exiting it will be to have a new scoring centre of Koivu's ilk.
I'm not sure if the grass is greener in Anaheim now they have Koivu or not. I have a sense that it won't be too much greener for losing him at $3.25 million it would have taken to secure his services here in Montreal. I do know I'll watch on with interest as Koivu and Selanne reunite one of the most exciting duos I've ever had the pleasure of watching.
And, if I have to put money on anyone making a good life after Montreal, it'll be Saku.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Sundin, the Media and Me
As you know (if you've been reading this site over the summer), I don't think the Sundin story is the story of the NHL summer – that would be KHL signings. However, it is impossible to deny its importance altogether.
Take the media for example. Every day since July 2nd, we've had an article like this one (When will the Sundin story go away?). Every other day, Mike Boone on the Habs Inside/Out has done his funnier-than-thou take on the story.
The question being asked every time is "When will he decide?", but I think the real question (everyone's doing their best to hide) is: "How did we get so lucky?".
The story doesn't get old because there is legitimate interest and hope from all the key places when it comes to hockey: New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal. The media (I would be wrong to exclude myself from this tag, though I'm decidedly more amateur than most) love this story exactly because it lends itself to jokeyness, mocking and satire. It can be retooled and recycled day after day, and people will still read it because the writers have the knack for expressing some of the angst and frustration the fans are feeling. I think they'll all miss it when it's gone – despite having us believe the opposite. The rumour hack is eating it up too, as it means he doesn't have to do as much work making up false trades and imagining plausible stories to explain their contacts.
While, it is without doubt an important item for the media, I wonder how important it is for the NHL and hockey.
I mean, how many GMs are really on hold? How many players are really left out in the cold until Sundin decides? My feeling on both counts is that there aren't many.
I'll take what I am most familiar with – the Canadiens. They happen to have cobbled a roster together with a $7 million dollar hole in it. But to say they are waiting for Sundin is wrong. Several members of the organisation have made it clear that offers have been made to the (former) Leafs captain, and others have cited how great it could be to have him in the squad; but the Canadiens did not hold up the operation for him. They have signed all their free agents. They have picked up the offensive winger for Koivu. They have grabbed other defencemen.
I acknowledge the "plight" of the unsigned third- and fourth-liners, but if most of us can only dream of an anxious summer before finding out where we can play 10 minutes of hockey every third day for $700,000. I'm not shedding tears for them yet. If they wanted certainty and security, they could do worse than settling for a life in the beautiful Swiss Alps for a few hundred thousand tax-free francs. Again, not an option to people without their hockey skills.
But, really, apart from these unsigned guys, what are the implications for a hockey team?
The main consequence of this summer may be a change in the way things are done in the future. In waiting, Sundin, Sakic, Selanne, Shanahan, the Canadiens, Canucks and Avalanche (to name but a few) have let the air out of the free agent season. They have shown it up for what it is – hype. Maybe teams will also wait in the future – wait for salary demands to settle down, as patience hasn't proven to be too disastrous a strategy.
Sundin and the Habs
Leaving the money for Sundin has been a sensible approach for two reasons:
1. It would be good to have him
2. There are few willing alternatives worth signing that can't wait until September
It is the latter that has been the success story for the Canadiens. Instead of looking to spend for the sake of it to placate restless fans and bloggers (I still want them to spend to cap eventually, as well), they have seen that there is no rush. Generally speaking, I am not anxious about Sundin. On one hand, I can see the great attributes he could bring to the team. But on the other hand, I still find myself aligning myself with my earlier feeling that getting Sundin is a move too far.
I think the chances of his signing are as good now as they ever were. i don't think time has done anything to hurt our bid or Mats' impression of our commitment. I honestly just think that neither side is in that much of a rush. Anyway, even if doesn't sign for us, we still win as Toronto won't be the constant comeback threats they always were without him.
One final Sundin question that has been kicking around a bit under the radar has been the possibility of a Nordic league to compete with the fledgling KHL and the dismissive NHL.
Obviously, these teams would need some infusion of wealth and some star attractions to get off on the right foot. I wonder if a certain three Nordic millionaire superstars aren't following this story more closely from their summer homes back in Scandinavia than we all are, and whether it might be one more option for them all to consider for prolonging their hockey careers.
And how about all of you? Are you waiting and hoping for Sundin? Did you stop caring long before we did? Are you happy with the Habs as they are (or just resigned to them)?
Take the media for example. Every day since July 2nd, we've had an article like this one (When will the Sundin story go away?). Every other day, Mike Boone on the Habs Inside/Out has done his funnier-than-thou take on the story.
The question being asked every time is "When will he decide?", but I think the real question (everyone's doing their best to hide) is: "How did we get so lucky?".
The story doesn't get old because there is legitimate interest and hope from all the key places when it comes to hockey: New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal. The media (I would be wrong to exclude myself from this tag, though I'm decidedly more amateur than most) love this story exactly because it lends itself to jokeyness, mocking and satire. It can be retooled and recycled day after day, and people will still read it because the writers have the knack for expressing some of the angst and frustration the fans are feeling. I think they'll all miss it when it's gone – despite having us believe the opposite. The rumour hack is eating it up too, as it means he doesn't have to do as much work making up false trades and imagining plausible stories to explain their contacts.
While, it is without doubt an important item for the media, I wonder how important it is for the NHL and hockey.
I mean, how many GMs are really on hold? How many players are really left out in the cold until Sundin decides? My feeling on both counts is that there aren't many.
I'll take what I am most familiar with – the Canadiens. They happen to have cobbled a roster together with a $7 million dollar hole in it. But to say they are waiting for Sundin is wrong. Several members of the organisation have made it clear that offers have been made to the (former) Leafs captain, and others have cited how great it could be to have him in the squad; but the Canadiens did not hold up the operation for him. They have signed all their free agents. They have picked up the offensive winger for Koivu. They have grabbed other defencemen.
I acknowledge the "plight" of the unsigned third- and fourth-liners, but if most of us can only dream of an anxious summer before finding out where we can play 10 minutes of hockey every third day for $700,000. I'm not shedding tears for them yet. If they wanted certainty and security, they could do worse than settling for a life in the beautiful Swiss Alps for a few hundred thousand tax-free francs. Again, not an option to people without their hockey skills.
But, really, apart from these unsigned guys, what are the implications for a hockey team?
The main consequence of this summer may be a change in the way things are done in the future. In waiting, Sundin, Sakic, Selanne, Shanahan, the Canadiens, Canucks and Avalanche (to name but a few) have let the air out of the free agent season. They have shown it up for what it is – hype. Maybe teams will also wait in the future – wait for salary demands to settle down, as patience hasn't proven to be too disastrous a strategy.
Sundin and the Habs
Leaving the money for Sundin has been a sensible approach for two reasons:
1. It would be good to have him
2. There are few willing alternatives worth signing that can't wait until September
It is the latter that has been the success story for the Canadiens. Instead of looking to spend for the sake of it to placate restless fans and bloggers (I still want them to spend to cap eventually, as well), they have seen that there is no rush. Generally speaking, I am not anxious about Sundin. On one hand, I can see the great attributes he could bring to the team. But on the other hand, I still find myself aligning myself with my earlier feeling that getting Sundin is a move too far.
I think the chances of his signing are as good now as they ever were. i don't think time has done anything to hurt our bid or Mats' impression of our commitment. I honestly just think that neither side is in that much of a rush. Anyway, even if doesn't sign for us, we still win as Toronto won't be the constant comeback threats they always were without him.
One final Sundin question that has been kicking around a bit under the radar has been the possibility of a Nordic league to compete with the fledgling KHL and the dismissive NHL.
Obviously, these teams would need some infusion of wealth and some star attractions to get off on the right foot. I wonder if a certain three Nordic millionaire superstars aren't following this story more closely from their summer homes back in Scandinavia than we all are, and whether it might be one more option for them all to consider for prolonging their hockey careers.
And how about all of you? Are you waiting and hoping for Sundin? Did you stop caring long before we did? Are you happy with the Habs as they are (or just resigned to them)?
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
The Reshuffle: A Look At Recent NHL Moves
July is the time for player movement in the NHL. Just ask Tampa.
Bad teams make loads of manoeuvres to try and dig themselves out of the whole, Philly and the Rangers can't help themselves and other teams get involved when players that interest them come up. From a Canadiens point of view, things could have gone better, but let's not forget, things could have gone a whole lot worse as well.
Last week, I declared some winners and losers for moves made up to July 1. I had Phoenix , New Jersey, Chicago and Edmonton at the top of the heap. At the bottom, struggling for air, I put Atlanta, Ottawa, Nashville and LA. Well, another week and not too much has changed, the winners have not done so much damage as to fall from grace, nor have the losers done enough to dig themselves out from the bottom of the heap. It would be negligent not to tip the hat to Detroit, who once again took the best player available to bolster their champion roster and to note new loser addition, Philadelphia, whose GM is beginning to show he has absolutely no grasp on what it takes to build a team beyond moving players in and out.
Funny, though isn't it? There are only two teams in the NHL who one can truly look to and think dynasty – the Red Wings and the Devils. Both, despite not making 53 signings like Tampa, come out winners this off season. Both present the perfect example for any aspiring team to follow. New Jersey swooped in and added Holik and Rolston. Second line scoring and big centre checked off their list. Detroit, with few glaring holes, did correspondingly, very little – only moving to pick up the only scoring star with years ahead of him from the entire group. No bad signings, no changes for the sake of it.
Big stories
While looking at players in and out is interesting and fun, most teams make like for like changes and hope for the best. As such, the stories around the moves are few. This year was unique in some ways though, as free agency has offered up some very interesting stories and trends for comment:
1) Jagr signing in Russia
By far the most significant signing of the off-season was Jagr's move to Russia. Funny then that this move has been treated as a footnote in most accounts.
The reason I think it is so notable is because of the precedent it sets. Jagr is the first bona fide NHL star to sign in a different league. Forsberg and Naslund often threatened, but could never ignore the call of the greenback. Aleksey Morozov blazed a trail, but one would hardly class him among the stars of the league. Jaromir, on the other hand, was reasonably close to becoming the second leading scorer of all time, a perennial all-star and Art Ross threat and the core of his NHL team.
While Siberian winters don't meet with everyone's tastes, multi-million dollar contracts do. I think from here on, the threat of players moving to the rival Russian league is real. It is a worry for young prospects to full-fledged stars. What's more, the longer the NHL allows the festering wound of the partial IIHF agreement (without Russia) to linger, the greater this problem will likely become. It may not be within the decade, but at some point, it is reasonable to assume that the NHL and the Russian league will duke it out for players like the Premiership, la Liga and Serie A do in football.
2) Retirement decisions
Admittedly, the retirement precedent was set prior to this season. However, this free agent season is the first in memory where 3 of the top 10 catches would be considering retirement from the league.
By prolonging their indecision, Sundin, Selanne and Sakic have created a force in the market. The force is patient money. There are teams sitting on money at the moment that they are saving to spring on Sundin in particular, while making bit parters wait for their turn.
I am not 100% behind the opinion that Sundin has disrupted the whole league (like this guy), but you have to admit, the poor guys waiting to buy/rent their houses for the season (4th liners, minor leaguers and down) are being put through a stressful period. That being said, I don't think it is Sundin's fault team's are shaping their whole strategy around him. Besides, how sorry can I feel for a guy who is slightly disrupted in finding a house (while I live in a small apartment) ahead of playing hockey for a living for another year.
No, for me, the more interesting thing to come out of this has been the reaction of the GMs. Sather, rumoured to be in the running for Sundin, has gone ahead with what could be called makeshift moves, even in the wake of losing Jagr. Gillis in Vancouver has sat pat, dangerous considering who he's lost. Fletcher is trying desperately to fill cap space with anyone and anything to be sure there's no room for Sundin. And, Gainey has signed his RFAs and made minor deals. Fans may be frustrated with the patience their GM is showing (or not), but ultimately only patience will leave a team with enough space to sign Sundin. Nothing less.
In the future, players teetering on the edge of retirement could shape the free agent game significantly. Imagine for example that Sundin does sign, his team does well and even wins. In future years, the lesson to good GMs will be that waiting for the best player available is the best move there is. It could make free agency less of a one-day (laughably televised) extravaganza and more of a prolonged and patient game. From the money thrown in desperation at players like Malone and Finger, I wouldn't see it as a bad thing.
3) Questions about the salary floor
When I look at the Columbus Blue Jackets, I see a team with little or no plan. How could anyone rational explain the Commodore signing to me. How could signing a 14-goalscorer at first line money be spun positively. But you see, Columbus has their backs up against it. They have never drafted a great player (arguments could be made for Nash...) and rarely ever draft anyone good.
How can this team possibly be expected to pay $40+M to a team of players. It is an unreasonable request. Stack that next to the fact that the team has no history, no plan, no immediate hope for greatness and you can see why the Hossas of the world elude them. As such, the Blue Jackets are forced to throw money at subpar performers just to reach that lower limit.
In and of itself, this is not a problem, but consider that that Rick Nash contract has influenced money for 21 year-olds years on, and you can see the ripples a signing in an NHL backwater can make. Any reasonably intelligent agent will be toting Mike Commodore's contract status and statistics in his negotiations next spring. 20-goal men across the continent will want to see Umberger dough (hey Ryder got it!).
Besides forcing real talents to play in outposts, what can the NHL do to avoid this market force from creating imbalance of pay/talent ratios?
Remove the floor? Impossible, watch Nashville owners pile up the cash if they do...
I don't have the answer, I can only see the problem at the moment. I feel there must be a solution at some point though, otherwise this may create another catalyst for players to Europe.
And the Canadiens?
All that is very interesting. From an academic point of view. But, let's be honest, how does it affect the Habs?
I've mentioned the Sundin affair, and I think the Habs are doing the right thing in keeping some money for him should he become available, although he wouldn't be my first choice (Selanne, ahem). Basically, what's the rush to spend: there are no great players left, and the team is mostly in place. Gainey can finish the roster off in August or September if he really needs to.
The Jagr debacle has not affected the Canadiens yet, but it will be interesting to see where the deeply patriotic Kovalev ends after his contract expires. In 5 years, this could be an issue for Markov, too. I have voiced my opinion on creating a special team of scouts/negotiators to deal with Russia before, and it still stands. Even without the threat of player flight, the pickings from Russian draft years alone warrant this approach.
Like Jagr, small market disproportionate spending has not thrown a wrench into the works yet. But when Plekanec, Kostitsyn and Higgins are all up for their third contract, will they take less than Columbus' plumbers?
The Canadiens moves themselves have been middle of the road. The Tanguay trade was excellent, but ultimately they relieved Calgary of a headache, who has yet to prove he won't be one here (I actually think he'll be great, but am keeping my feet on the ground just now). The Grabovski trade was poor indeed – losing a potential scorer for a non-entity. The signings of RFAs have been outstanding, but the UFA activity has been lacklustre to depressing (where the balance shows Streit, Danis and Ryder in the red for Laraque and Denis in the black). The player math shows Tanguay has to replace Ryder at even strength and Streit on the PP, while we hope that the youngsters will step up to take even more responsibility.
Frankly, at this point, barring a Sundin/Selanne/Sakic signing, I'd almost hope Gainey would call it a day. I am with him and his staff about the quality of our young players. Andrei Kostitsyn in particular will be a real force to be reckoned with if he plays a full season at his post-December clip. At the back, the deletion of Brisebois almost makes up for the loss of Streit, simply by inducing the addition by subtraction trick (fingers crossed, that particular element of today's status quo is with us come October).
Looking down the list, is there anyone any of you would make a legitimate case for? Even after Samsonov?
Bad teams make loads of manoeuvres to try and dig themselves out of the whole, Philly and the Rangers can't help themselves and other teams get involved when players that interest them come up. From a Canadiens point of view, things could have gone better, but let's not forget, things could have gone a whole lot worse as well.
Last week, I declared some winners and losers for moves made up to July 1. I had Phoenix , New Jersey, Chicago and Edmonton at the top of the heap. At the bottom, struggling for air, I put Atlanta, Ottawa, Nashville and LA. Well, another week and not too much has changed, the winners have not done so much damage as to fall from grace, nor have the losers done enough to dig themselves out from the bottom of the heap. It would be negligent not to tip the hat to Detroit, who once again took the best player available to bolster their champion roster and to note new loser addition, Philadelphia, whose GM is beginning to show he has absolutely no grasp on what it takes to build a team beyond moving players in and out.
Funny, though isn't it? There are only two teams in the NHL who one can truly look to and think dynasty – the Red Wings and the Devils. Both, despite not making 53 signings like Tampa, come out winners this off season. Both present the perfect example for any aspiring team to follow. New Jersey swooped in and added Holik and Rolston. Second line scoring and big centre checked off their list. Detroit, with few glaring holes, did correspondingly, very little – only moving to pick up the only scoring star with years ahead of him from the entire group. No bad signings, no changes for the sake of it.
Big stories
While looking at players in and out is interesting and fun, most teams make like for like changes and hope for the best. As such, the stories around the moves are few. This year was unique in some ways though, as free agency has offered up some very interesting stories and trends for comment:
1) Jagr signing in Russia
By far the most significant signing of the off-season was Jagr's move to Russia. Funny then that this move has been treated as a footnote in most accounts.
The reason I think it is so notable is because of the precedent it sets. Jagr is the first bona fide NHL star to sign in a different league. Forsberg and Naslund often threatened, but could never ignore the call of the greenback. Aleksey Morozov blazed a trail, but one would hardly class him among the stars of the league. Jaromir, on the other hand, was reasonably close to becoming the second leading scorer of all time, a perennial all-star and Art Ross threat and the core of his NHL team.
While Siberian winters don't meet with everyone's tastes, multi-million dollar contracts do. I think from here on, the threat of players moving to the rival Russian league is real. It is a worry for young prospects to full-fledged stars. What's more, the longer the NHL allows the festering wound of the partial IIHF agreement (without Russia) to linger, the greater this problem will likely become. It may not be within the decade, but at some point, it is reasonable to assume that the NHL and the Russian league will duke it out for players like the Premiership, la Liga and Serie A do in football.
2) Retirement decisions
Admittedly, the retirement precedent was set prior to this season. However, this free agent season is the first in memory where 3 of the top 10 catches would be considering retirement from the league.
By prolonging their indecision, Sundin, Selanne and Sakic have created a force in the market. The force is patient money. There are teams sitting on money at the moment that they are saving to spring on Sundin in particular, while making bit parters wait for their turn.
I am not 100% behind the opinion that Sundin has disrupted the whole league (like this guy), but you have to admit, the poor guys waiting to buy/rent their houses for the season (4th liners, minor leaguers and down) are being put through a stressful period. That being said, I don't think it is Sundin's fault team's are shaping their whole strategy around him. Besides, how sorry can I feel for a guy who is slightly disrupted in finding a house (while I live in a small apartment) ahead of playing hockey for a living for another year.
No, for me, the more interesting thing to come out of this has been the reaction of the GMs. Sather, rumoured to be in the running for Sundin, has gone ahead with what could be called makeshift moves, even in the wake of losing Jagr. Gillis in Vancouver has sat pat, dangerous considering who he's lost. Fletcher is trying desperately to fill cap space with anyone and anything to be sure there's no room for Sundin. And, Gainey has signed his RFAs and made minor deals. Fans may be frustrated with the patience their GM is showing (or not), but ultimately only patience will leave a team with enough space to sign Sundin. Nothing less.
In the future, players teetering on the edge of retirement could shape the free agent game significantly. Imagine for example that Sundin does sign, his team does well and even wins. In future years, the lesson to good GMs will be that waiting for the best player available is the best move there is. It could make free agency less of a one-day (laughably televised) extravaganza and more of a prolonged and patient game. From the money thrown in desperation at players like Malone and Finger, I wouldn't see it as a bad thing.
3) Questions about the salary floor
When I look at the Columbus Blue Jackets, I see a team with little or no plan. How could anyone rational explain the Commodore signing to me. How could signing a 14-goalscorer at first line money be spun positively. But you see, Columbus has their backs up against it. They have never drafted a great player (arguments could be made for Nash...) and rarely ever draft anyone good.
How can this team possibly be expected to pay $40+M to a team of players. It is an unreasonable request. Stack that next to the fact that the team has no history, no plan, no immediate hope for greatness and you can see why the Hossas of the world elude them. As such, the Blue Jackets are forced to throw money at subpar performers just to reach that lower limit.
In and of itself, this is not a problem, but consider that that Rick Nash contract has influenced money for 21 year-olds years on, and you can see the ripples a signing in an NHL backwater can make. Any reasonably intelligent agent will be toting Mike Commodore's contract status and statistics in his negotiations next spring. 20-goal men across the continent will want to see Umberger dough (hey Ryder got it!).
Besides forcing real talents to play in outposts, what can the NHL do to avoid this market force from creating imbalance of pay/talent ratios?
Remove the floor? Impossible, watch Nashville owners pile up the cash if they do...
I don't have the answer, I can only see the problem at the moment. I feel there must be a solution at some point though, otherwise this may create another catalyst for players to Europe.
And the Canadiens?
All that is very interesting. From an academic point of view. But, let's be honest, how does it affect the Habs?
I've mentioned the Sundin affair, and I think the Habs are doing the right thing in keeping some money for him should he become available, although he wouldn't be my first choice (Selanne, ahem). Basically, what's the rush to spend: there are no great players left, and the team is mostly in place. Gainey can finish the roster off in August or September if he really needs to.
The Jagr debacle has not affected the Canadiens yet, but it will be interesting to see where the deeply patriotic Kovalev ends after his contract expires. In 5 years, this could be an issue for Markov, too. I have voiced my opinion on creating a special team of scouts/negotiators to deal with Russia before, and it still stands. Even without the threat of player flight, the pickings from Russian draft years alone warrant this approach.
Like Jagr, small market disproportionate spending has not thrown a wrench into the works yet. But when Plekanec, Kostitsyn and Higgins are all up for their third contract, will they take less than Columbus' plumbers?
The Canadiens moves themselves have been middle of the road. The Tanguay trade was excellent, but ultimately they relieved Calgary of a headache, who has yet to prove he won't be one here (I actually think he'll be great, but am keeping my feet on the ground just now). The Grabovski trade was poor indeed – losing a potential scorer for a non-entity. The signings of RFAs have been outstanding, but the UFA activity has been lacklustre to depressing (where the balance shows Streit, Danis and Ryder in the red for Laraque and Denis in the black). The player math shows Tanguay has to replace Ryder at even strength and Streit on the PP, while we hope that the youngsters will step up to take even more responsibility.
Frankly, at this point, barring a Sundin/Selanne/Sakic signing, I'd almost hope Gainey would call it a day. I am with him and his staff about the quality of our young players. Andrei Kostitsyn in particular will be a real force to be reckoned with if he plays a full season at his post-December clip. At the back, the deletion of Brisebois almost makes up for the loss of Streit, simply by inducing the addition by subtraction trick (fingers crossed, that particular element of today's status quo is with us come October).
Looking down the list, is there anyone any of you would make a legitimate case for? Even after Samsonov?
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Needs And Wants
In the build-up to the ever-disappointing watershed that is 12:00 noon on July 1st in NHL circles, I have been reading more and more rumours. More and more speculation.
Not wishing to be the one blogger to shy away from putting forth my lopsided opinion, I wanted to weigh in on the issues of Canadiens needs.
A commonly held notion is that the Canadiens will lose Brisebois, Streit, Smolinski and Ryder and therefore need to find replacements for all of these players (JT said as much in his article on the topic a couple of days ago). While this notion is not altogether wrong – obviously someone will have to play those empty positions – replacing them with outsiders may be an unnecessary leap, at least in my humble opinion.
Brisebois – signed (for some reason) as a 5th-6th defenceman, he gradually slipped to 8th on the depth chart over the season. His place as 4th Dman was due to Carbonneau's folly and had little to do with merit. Replacing him is a matter of calling Hamilton. Any number of rookies could fit at number 8 for us.
Streit – a unique commodity, it would be nice to replace him, but also virtually impossible. If we need to replace him as a forward (I don't think we do) then it is a 4th liner now that we carry Tanguay. No need to get excited about signing a 4th liner today. If we replace him as a defenceman, then we could be stuck. Anyone who will offer as much offense (Campbell) will be far too costly, anyone who fits into the 2nd pairing as the 5th best D will be challenged to get even half those totals. Ron Hainsey is the only real match here, and signing him would beg the question: "Why didn't Gainey just sign Streit?" If he is to be replaced on the PP, finding the right free agent here is difficult. You might think Sergei Fedorov or Brian Rolston, but neither is an out and out Streit replacement. My thinking is basically that Streit cannot be directly replaced, so Gainey should not trouble himself trying to fit a round peg into a Streit-shaped hole.
Smolinski – call him insurance or veteran presence or whatever, but he was hardly a third line centre. I don't think Bryan Smolinski would need to be directly replaced at all. I think Lapierre has earned his stripes and Chipchura will have learned what it takes to stick this time around.
Ryder – if we accept he had a bad season and played little part in getting the Habs to top in the East, and remember that he didn't even set foot on the ice when we were getting outscored by Philly, then a case could be made that Michael Ryder doesn't need to be replaced. I, however, would beg to differ. I think Michael Ryder (at least the one from rookie to year 3) is the player we most need to replace. A scorer with scoring on his mind.
Needs/wants
I hear it bandied about every few minutes (or seconds these days): What Montreal really needs is a number one centre.
I think there needs to be some clarification here. Montreal does not need a number one centre in the way that Columbus, Vancouver or Atlanta do. With a bit of analysis, in fact, there could be 10 or more teams in the NHL that would be glad to have either Koivu or Plekanec as their number one pivot.
No, Montreal would really really like a "number one/two/three" centre who's bigger than Koivu – that's all.
While signing Sundin would unquestionably be an improvement for the team, it would be silly to break up Kostitsyn and Plekanec, for example, just to make him the de facto number one. Would Sundin still be the number one with Latendresse and Sergei? Would it matter?
Furthermore, how much evidence do we need that Koivu can hold his own anyway as an offensive force in tough situations?
At the end of the day, a big centre would be nice – possibly even great for the team – but I don't think it falls under the heading of need.
Apparently, we are also in dire need of a veteran back-up goalie.
Even more ludicrous than the aforementioned, any team would be thrilled to have two good young goalies. Why should we be looking for someone on the downside of their career. I laugh when I read about Toronto signing (ahem) future hall-of-famer (ahem) Cujo. We should all be...
So what is it the Canadiens need, then?
At the risk of becoming very repetitive: A scorer who can shoot. That which makes Andrei Kostitsyn the biggest priority bar none this July.
As for a new guy, what we need is Higgins with hands, Ryder with drive, Tanguay with lower propensity for sharing.
Hossa, were it not for his looming multi-year 9 million+ deal, might be worth a look. Committing that kind of money to Hossa would mean committing the future to Hossa. Something which, we should note, neither of the two previous Stanley Cup contenders from the East, and even a team who looked like they would have nothing to lose in doing so, would do. Obvious alarm bells ring. Loud as those that were buzzing through this blog at Briere time last seaosn.
Yesterday, I think I suggested Miroslav Satan as a possible option (an obvious risk). Niklas Hagman is another, as is Rolston. And Teemu Selanne continues to scream out in the way he so obviously fits the position we need to fill. These are the next tier, the possible bargains.
If it's not one of those, what Gainey needs to look for anyone who can shoot over 10% with more than 200 shots (sorry Ribeiro). Check out the guys who meet that criteria on this list, and you'll see why. Getting a big centre who passes golden chances to others will not help while Higgins is shooting for crossbars all season. A sly point-man to feed pucks around the goalmouth on the PP will add nothing if Latendresse is expected to be the one to punctuate the plays.
I hope Gainey doesn't confuse needs with wants once the frenzy begins. Needs lead to desperation and desperation contracts (see Samsonov, Sergei). Fulfilling wants creates great feeling around the team, may even allow the team to progress that much quicker, but may just not be worth mortgaging the future (contracts beyond this year) for.
Not wishing to be the one blogger to shy away from putting forth my lopsided opinion, I wanted to weigh in on the issues of Canadiens needs.
A commonly held notion is that the Canadiens will lose Brisebois, Streit, Smolinski and Ryder and therefore need to find replacements for all of these players (JT said as much in his article on the topic a couple of days ago). While this notion is not altogether wrong – obviously someone will have to play those empty positions – replacing them with outsiders may be an unnecessary leap, at least in my humble opinion.
Brisebois – signed (for some reason) as a 5th-6th defenceman, he gradually slipped to 8th on the depth chart over the season. His place as 4th Dman was due to Carbonneau's folly and had little to do with merit. Replacing him is a matter of calling Hamilton. Any number of rookies could fit at number 8 for us.
Streit – a unique commodity, it would be nice to replace him, but also virtually impossible. If we need to replace him as a forward (I don't think we do) then it is a 4th liner now that we carry Tanguay. No need to get excited about signing a 4th liner today. If we replace him as a defenceman, then we could be stuck. Anyone who will offer as much offense (Campbell) will be far too costly, anyone who fits into the 2nd pairing as the 5th best D will be challenged to get even half those totals. Ron Hainsey is the only real match here, and signing him would beg the question: "Why didn't Gainey just sign Streit?" If he is to be replaced on the PP, finding the right free agent here is difficult. You might think Sergei Fedorov or Brian Rolston, but neither is an out and out Streit replacement. My thinking is basically that Streit cannot be directly replaced, so Gainey should not trouble himself trying to fit a round peg into a Streit-shaped hole.
Smolinski – call him insurance or veteran presence or whatever, but he was hardly a third line centre. I don't think Bryan Smolinski would need to be directly replaced at all. I think Lapierre has earned his stripes and Chipchura will have learned what it takes to stick this time around.
Ryder – if we accept he had a bad season and played little part in getting the Habs to top in the East, and remember that he didn't even set foot on the ice when we were getting outscored by Philly, then a case could be made that Michael Ryder doesn't need to be replaced. I, however, would beg to differ. I think Michael Ryder (at least the one from rookie to year 3) is the player we most need to replace. A scorer with scoring on his mind.
Needs/wants
I hear it bandied about every few minutes (or seconds these days): What Montreal really needs is a number one centre.
I think there needs to be some clarification here. Montreal does not need a number one centre in the way that Columbus, Vancouver or Atlanta do. With a bit of analysis, in fact, there could be 10 or more teams in the NHL that would be glad to have either Koivu or Plekanec as their number one pivot.
No, Montreal would really really like a "number one/two/three" centre who's bigger than Koivu – that's all.
While signing Sundin would unquestionably be an improvement for the team, it would be silly to break up Kostitsyn and Plekanec, for example, just to make him the de facto number one. Would Sundin still be the number one with Latendresse and Sergei? Would it matter?
Furthermore, how much evidence do we need that Koivu can hold his own anyway as an offensive force in tough situations?
At the end of the day, a big centre would be nice – possibly even great for the team – but I don't think it falls under the heading of need.
Apparently, we are also in dire need of a veteran back-up goalie.
Even more ludicrous than the aforementioned, any team would be thrilled to have two good young goalies. Why should we be looking for someone on the downside of their career. I laugh when I read about Toronto signing (ahem) future hall-of-famer (ahem) Cujo. We should all be...
So what is it the Canadiens need, then?
At the risk of becoming very repetitive: A scorer who can shoot. That which makes Andrei Kostitsyn the biggest priority bar none this July.
As for a new guy, what we need is Higgins with hands, Ryder with drive, Tanguay with lower propensity for sharing.
Hossa, were it not for his looming multi-year 9 million+ deal, might be worth a look. Committing that kind of money to Hossa would mean committing the future to Hossa. Something which, we should note, neither of the two previous Stanley Cup contenders from the East, and even a team who looked like they would have nothing to lose in doing so, would do. Obvious alarm bells ring. Loud as those that were buzzing through this blog at Briere time last seaosn.
Yesterday, I think I suggested Miroslav Satan as a possible option (an obvious risk). Niklas Hagman is another, as is Rolston. And Teemu Selanne continues to scream out in the way he so obviously fits the position we need to fill. These are the next tier, the possible bargains.
If it's not one of those, what Gainey needs to look for anyone who can shoot over 10% with more than 200 shots (sorry Ribeiro). Check out the guys who meet that criteria on this list, and you'll see why. Getting a big centre who passes golden chances to others will not help while Higgins is shooting for crossbars all season. A sly point-man to feed pucks around the goalmouth on the PP will add nothing if Latendresse is expected to be the one to punctuate the plays.
I hope Gainey doesn't confuse needs with wants once the frenzy begins. Needs lead to desperation and desperation contracts (see Samsonov, Sergei). Fulfilling wants creates great feeling around the team, may even allow the team to progress that much quicker, but may just not be worth mortgaging the future (contracts beyond this year) for.
Friday, February 01, 2008
Some Thoughts on Loyalty
The NHL trade deadline is approaching and talk of waiving no-trade clauses is popping up all over the league again. The situation with Mats Sundin, in particular, got me thinking about the value of (as well as general lack of) loyalty to NHL teams from players around the league.
More and more, players at the end of their careers waive no-trade clauses or request trades to teams they view as Stanley Cup contenders. It is a strange thing. I'm sure the tradition goes back a long way, but for me all this one last throw of the dice for the Cup came to a head after Ray Bourque was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2000. It was Ray Bourque, the heart and soul of the Boston franchise for 20 years, who requested the trade. And it wasn't just to get out, it was to a limited number of teams who he thought had a chance of winning.
This has led to a boatload of trades every year to teams like Detroit and Colorado (formerly). The teams that players will gladly waive their no-trade clauses for.
Aside from the trend of asking for trades, there has also been an annoying trend in the media to pick a player who is thought to be so deserving of the Cup, that all others should roll over and clear the way.
The press loved the Bourque win. They ate it up. It was a Cup for Ray Bourque, though it took a year, courtesy of a team who probably would have won it anyway as they had the best 2 centres in the league and the best goalie. Since 2001, there have been a number of players with long to intermediate length careers who became the feel-good heroes of the playoffs. Players who should win the Cup, just by virtue of being in the league so long:
2002: Dominik Hasek and Luc Robitaille, who found ways to miss by a couple of years in NYR and Pittsbrugh
2003: Adam Oates, who still hasn't won...
2004: Dave Andreychuk, who strangely was traded to make way for the "more deserving" Ray Bourque
2006: Rod Brind'amour
2007: Teemu Selanne
Looking at this list, there's no question that all the players had great careers (well you could question Brind'amour there...), but since when does that equate with a Cup.
So many players toiled in the league without the reward of a Cup for many years before Brind'amour came along. Many many more deserving than he. I'm picking on Rod, but really I would say that no one is outright deserving of a Cup, and it gets my back up when the media turn it into a story like that.
Apart from Selanne (who I identify with the Ducks and the Jets), the last time I was truly happy for an aging, tireless star to win a Cup was Steve Yzerman. Both players did thing the right way and won with the teams they were associated, even synonymous, with. Ray Bourque on the other hand may as well have just bought the Cup for all I'm concernned. he should have been trying to win with Boston for those last years of his career and not jumping ship.
Players like Todd Bertuzzi last year who make special requests to be on "Cup contenders" should be banished to first round upsets as far as I am concerned...
This brings me to the current Mats Sundin scenario.
I guess, first things first. No one owes Mats Sundin a Cup.
He has had a good career. he is the best player the Leafs have probably ever had. He has had some playoff success. But all that equates to nothing. the only thing that makes you deserving of the Cup is an unquenchable desire to win it. And, the only person who can give a player that is the player himself.
But you have to give the guy loads of credit. He knows that. He is still 100% focused on making the playoffs, on winning the Cup. But, he wants to win for his fans, his friends, his neighbours of more than a decade.
When you talk about a captain, isn't that exactly what you want? This kind of loyalty has to be recognised and applauded, I think. Fans of teams around the league should envy players like Sundin and his commitment to the cause.
If you're a Habs fan you don't have to look any further than Saku Koivu to see the same type of class. I'd hazard a guess that Daniel Alfredsson is the same with Ottawa. To win a Stanley Cup you need Mats Sundins and Saku Koivus. Players who play for pride in the sweater they wear.
Sure you can carry a Ray Bourque or two, but too many and you threaten to make that sweater meaningless, and take away the very fuel that fires those long Cup runs. Look to Joe Sakic in Colorado, Steve Yzerman in Detroit, Martin Brodeur in New Jersey to play big when Cups are on the line. These are one franchise players – with very good reason.
I hope the Maple Leafs can find a way to honour Mats Sundin's wishes and hold onto him. As a Habs fan, I certainly hope they don't win the Cup, but will be sure to applaud Mats if he manages to retire with the team he loves.
As for the Habs, I hope we can find ways to hang to players who want to play and win in Montreal. Ultimately, that will be where success will come from. And success will be so much the sweeter if it does come.
More and more, players at the end of their careers waive no-trade clauses or request trades to teams they view as Stanley Cup contenders. It is a strange thing. I'm sure the tradition goes back a long way, but for me all this one last throw of the dice for the Cup came to a head after Ray Bourque was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 2000. It was Ray Bourque, the heart and soul of the Boston franchise for 20 years, who requested the trade. And it wasn't just to get out, it was to a limited number of teams who he thought had a chance of winning.
This has led to a boatload of trades every year to teams like Detroit and Colorado (formerly). The teams that players will gladly waive their no-trade clauses for.
Aside from the trend of asking for trades, there has also been an annoying trend in the media to pick a player who is thought to be so deserving of the Cup, that all others should roll over and clear the way.
The press loved the Bourque win. They ate it up. It was a Cup for Ray Bourque, though it took a year, courtesy of a team who probably would have won it anyway as they had the best 2 centres in the league and the best goalie. Since 2001, there have been a number of players with long to intermediate length careers who became the feel-good heroes of the playoffs. Players who should win the Cup, just by virtue of being in the league so long:
2002: Dominik Hasek and Luc Robitaille, who found ways to miss by a couple of years in NYR and Pittsbrugh
2003: Adam Oates, who still hasn't won...
2004: Dave Andreychuk, who strangely was traded to make way for the "more deserving" Ray Bourque
2006: Rod Brind'amour
2007: Teemu Selanne
Looking at this list, there's no question that all the players had great careers (well you could question Brind'amour there...), but since when does that equate with a Cup.
So many players toiled in the league without the reward of a Cup for many years before Brind'amour came along. Many many more deserving than he. I'm picking on Rod, but really I would say that no one is outright deserving of a Cup, and it gets my back up when the media turn it into a story like that.
Apart from Selanne (who I identify with the Ducks and the Jets), the last time I was truly happy for an aging, tireless star to win a Cup was Steve Yzerman. Both players did thing the right way and won with the teams they were associated, even synonymous, with. Ray Bourque on the other hand may as well have just bought the Cup for all I'm concernned. he should have been trying to win with Boston for those last years of his career and not jumping ship.
Players like Todd Bertuzzi last year who make special requests to be on "Cup contenders" should be banished to first round upsets as far as I am concerned...
This brings me to the current Mats Sundin scenario.
I guess, first things first. No one owes Mats Sundin a Cup.
He has had a good career. he is the best player the Leafs have probably ever had. He has had some playoff success. But all that equates to nothing. the only thing that makes you deserving of the Cup is an unquenchable desire to win it. And, the only person who can give a player that is the player himself.
But you have to give the guy loads of credit. He knows that. He is still 100% focused on making the playoffs, on winning the Cup. But, he wants to win for his fans, his friends, his neighbours of more than a decade.
When you talk about a captain, isn't that exactly what you want? This kind of loyalty has to be recognised and applauded, I think. Fans of teams around the league should envy players like Sundin and his commitment to the cause.
If you're a Habs fan you don't have to look any further than Saku Koivu to see the same type of class. I'd hazard a guess that Daniel Alfredsson is the same with Ottawa. To win a Stanley Cup you need Mats Sundins and Saku Koivus. Players who play for pride in the sweater they wear.
Sure you can carry a Ray Bourque or two, but too many and you threaten to make that sweater meaningless, and take away the very fuel that fires those long Cup runs. Look to Joe Sakic in Colorado, Steve Yzerman in Detroit, Martin Brodeur in New Jersey to play big when Cups are on the line. These are one franchise players – with very good reason.
I hope the Maple Leafs can find a way to honour Mats Sundin's wishes and hold onto him. As a Habs fan, I certainly hope they don't win the Cup, but will be sure to applaud Mats if he manages to retire with the team he loves.
As for the Habs, I hope we can find ways to hang to players who want to play and win in Montreal. Ultimately, that will be where success will come from. And success will be so much the sweeter if it does come.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Game #44
Rangers Too Much For Habs on the Slush in New York
Game #44
Rangers Too Much For Habs on the Slush in New York
The Canadiens Game in Review
Date: Saturday January 12th, 2008
Opponent: New York Rangers
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Team Stripes
Final Score: 1-4 - Loss
Habs starting goalie: Cristobal Huet (L), Jaroslav Halak
Opposition starting goalie: Henrik Lunqvist (W)
Habs goalscorers: Sergei Kostitsyn
Opposition goalscorers: Chris Drury, Martin Straka, Petr Prucha, Nigel Dawes
2007/08 first
There's a first time for everything, so they say. What they didn't tell you is that every game, something happens for the first time, you just have to look harder in March...
1st Kostitsyn to Kostitsyn Goal
1st Road Appearance for Halak since last April in the same building
Play of the game
The play you're straining to see on the press catwalk monitor...
The play of the game could simply be called the play tonight because it was the only good moment for the Habs all game. It was during a third period power-play, the score was 0-4 and we managed to score a goal
Markov, working the point on the PP and gave a pass to the half-boards on the right (Kovy's office). Andrei Kostitsyn was playing this position and was out there with Pleks and his bro as Carbo was experimenting. Andrei waited and the then fired a perfect pass right to his brother at the far post. The puck was just out of Lunqvist's reach and all Sergei had to do was tap it in.
Game puck
Trophies are for the end of the year, play well in the game, you get a lovely puck...
Tomas Plekanec
Pleks played better in the 2nd and 3rd when Sergei Kostitsyn replaced Kovalev on his line. Plekanec didn't really play well at all, but of all the Habs I'll say that he played the least bad. He was on the ice for our goal and none of New York's, he played almost 19 minutes, took 2 shots and was an impressive 7/10 in the face-off circle.
Dome hockey team
We're going into the last minute with these 6 (and they're attached to the ice, so they're not coming off)...
Forwards
Sergei Kostitsyn
- He scored a goal and that is about it. He didn't do too much to hurt the Habs tonight and considering he netted his 3rd career goal he gets in the dome
Andrei Kostitsyn
- Great assist on his brother's goal. Showed some good speed and shooting tonight, but I felt he was used in a lot of the wrong circumstances. Proved he can play well when out of Kovalev's shadow
Tomas Plekanec
- Don't look for this trio of domers to be a line for the Habs in their next game. Plekanec played a decent game and showed, like Kostitsyn, he doesn't need Kovalev to play well. If Koivu won't be given the gift of a Finnish winger (Selanne) he may just get a Russian one. Koivu has a hard time getting a slow and unskilled Latendresse to score so maybe the best solution is the first one they ever tried 4 years ago; Koivu-Kovalev. Plekanec will be able to carry a line himself now and I am sure he will stick with Andrei Kostitsyn for some time
Defencemen
Mike Komisarek
- He was the only defenceman tonight that didn't look like he was playing defence for the first time. The other 5 were absolutely atrocious, but Mike had a decent game. He hit when he had to and got rough when no one else would. Unfortunately 1 stay-at-home defenceman couldn't win us the game
Andrei Markov
- Defensively he was bad, but as he happened to be the guy to pass it to the guy who passed it to the guy who scored I'll put him in here. On an ordinary night he would not deserve this honour, but thanks to 4 very lazy other guys he sneaks in
Goaltender
Jaroslav Halak
- Came into the game and stopped all 13 shots he faced. It is probably about time he got a shot to start a game. His last start (last year in NY) may have cost us the playoffs, but then again so did a 2 month stretch where we actually let Aebischer play. Looked alright in his 20 minutes and will hopefully be ready to start one this week
Eyes on Kovalev
Did he flit and float? Someone ought to keep track...
Like his last stint with the Rangers, Kovalev didn't play great at MSG tonight. He looked sub-par on the PP failing to put one in when he had to. He was on the ice for 7 1/2 minutes worth of PP time and couldn't make anything happen. His PK time was well spent though as he continues to be the Habs best penalty-killing forward. This won't be a game that the Habs or Kovalev will look back fondly on.
Kovalev's Assessment - Average
Overall Comments
The Habs played their worst game in at least a month, but I will give the Rangers credit as they played a decent game. New York's penalty-killing was better than anything we have seen of late as they did not allow Kovalev a half-second with the puck. The ice was an absolute joke and it is every time we play at MSG (the boxing, basketball, music, circus, hockey, indoor football, soccer, wrestling centre of New York). Sure other teams play in multi-purpose buildings, but few host 2 other events on the same day as an NHL game. I have never seen more Habs fall, miss passes, skate slow or mishandle the puck in my life. Everyone knows that MSG is the league's worst ice and that they all just have to live with it. The problem is that the Rangers get 39 more games/year to get used to the melted-lake conditions.
The Habs had two 5 on 3s tonight and failed to score on either. I couldn't help but wonder what was going on during the second of the two when I saw Smolinski and Brisebois out there for well over a minute with some of the usuals. First of all Smolinski just isn't a good hockey player or at least not the way he is being used with Habs. Montreal is unable to offer him the wingers he got to play with in places like Ottawa and Pittsburgh and instead asks him to play on the 4th line. Naturally this will mean a huge drop in points from what we hoped, but I am not surprised one bit. He has been reduced to a 'defensive' forward, but unlike his current coach or GM Smolinski doesn't possess very many good defensive qualities. It is sad that the Canadiens just assume bad forwards will make good defensive forwards. Anyway, he was the wrong guy to have on a must-score 5 on 3 and, big surprise, we of course didn't score. Having Brisebois out on the point instead of Streit or Hamrlik when we need a goal is utter stupidity. I guarantee he won't be scoring another 40 mph 'slapper' anytime soon and seeing as he can't shoot much harder I would say he is maxed out offensively for the season (keeping in mind that he was maxed out defensively in 1984). These 2 players turned a 1:41 5 on 3 into a very painful 3 on 3.
This loss is just that, a loss, a single loss. We are bound to lose games and we were actually due for a road loss anyway. The good news is we certainly didn't waste any energy tonight, so we should be ready to go on Tuesday. Of course I am assuming that the Habs have a certain amount of energy to use all season - the sad thing is I think most players believe this too. With 2 games left on this 4 game trip I still think we have a chance to make it a good one. The Islanders and Thrashers are both teams that we can beat and we have had moderate success against both of them over the past few years. Our goal at this point on the trip should be 2-3 more points - very doable as long as we don't play anything like we did tonight.
Date: Saturday January 12th, 2008
Opponent: New York Rangers
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Team Stripes
Final Score: 1-4 - Loss
Habs starting goalie: Cristobal Huet (L), Jaroslav Halak
Opposition starting goalie: Henrik Lunqvist (W)
Habs goalscorers: Sergei Kostitsyn
Opposition goalscorers: Chris Drury, Martin Straka, Petr Prucha, Nigel Dawes
2007/08 first
There's a first time for everything, so they say. What they didn't tell you is that every game, something happens for the first time, you just have to look harder in March...
1st Kostitsyn to Kostitsyn Goal
1st Road Appearance for Halak since last April in the same building
Play of the game
The play you're straining to see on the press catwalk monitor...
The play of the game could simply be called the play tonight because it was the only good moment for the Habs all game. It was during a third period power-play, the score was 0-4 and we managed to score a goal
Markov, working the point on the PP and gave a pass to the half-boards on the right (Kovy's office). Andrei Kostitsyn was playing this position and was out there with Pleks and his bro as Carbo was experimenting. Andrei waited and the then fired a perfect pass right to his brother at the far post. The puck was just out of Lunqvist's reach and all Sergei had to do was tap it in.
Game puck
Trophies are for the end of the year, play well in the game, you get a lovely puck...
Tomas Plekanec
Pleks played better in the 2nd and 3rd when Sergei Kostitsyn replaced Kovalev on his line. Plekanec didn't really play well at all, but of all the Habs I'll say that he played the least bad. He was on the ice for our goal and none of New York's, he played almost 19 minutes, took 2 shots and was an impressive 7/10 in the face-off circle.
Dome hockey team
We're going into the last minute with these 6 (and they're attached to the ice, so they're not coming off)...
Forwards
Sergei Kostitsyn
- He scored a goal and that is about it. He didn't do too much to hurt the Habs tonight and considering he netted his 3rd career goal he gets in the dome
Andrei Kostitsyn
- Great assist on his brother's goal. Showed some good speed and shooting tonight, but I felt he was used in a lot of the wrong circumstances. Proved he can play well when out of Kovalev's shadow
Tomas Plekanec
- Don't look for this trio of domers to be a line for the Habs in their next game. Plekanec played a decent game and showed, like Kostitsyn, he doesn't need Kovalev to play well. If Koivu won't be given the gift of a Finnish winger (Selanne) he may just get a Russian one. Koivu has a hard time getting a slow and unskilled Latendresse to score so maybe the best solution is the first one they ever tried 4 years ago; Koivu-Kovalev. Plekanec will be able to carry a line himself now and I am sure he will stick with Andrei Kostitsyn for some time
Defencemen
Mike Komisarek
- He was the only defenceman tonight that didn't look like he was playing defence for the first time. The other 5 were absolutely atrocious, but Mike had a decent game. He hit when he had to and got rough when no one else would. Unfortunately 1 stay-at-home defenceman couldn't win us the game
Andrei Markov
- Defensively he was bad, but as he happened to be the guy to pass it to the guy who passed it to the guy who scored I'll put him in here. On an ordinary night he would not deserve this honour, but thanks to 4 very lazy other guys he sneaks in
Goaltender
Jaroslav Halak
- Came into the game and stopped all 13 shots he faced. It is probably about time he got a shot to start a game. His last start (last year in NY) may have cost us the playoffs, but then again so did a 2 month stretch where we actually let Aebischer play. Looked alright in his 20 minutes and will hopefully be ready to start one this week
Eyes on Kovalev
Did he flit and float? Someone ought to keep track...
Like his last stint with the Rangers, Kovalev didn't play great at MSG tonight. He looked sub-par on the PP failing to put one in when he had to. He was on the ice for 7 1/2 minutes worth of PP time and couldn't make anything happen. His PK time was well spent though as he continues to be the Habs best penalty-killing forward. This won't be a game that the Habs or Kovalev will look back fondly on.
Kovalev's Assessment - Average
Overall Comments
The Habs played their worst game in at least a month, but I will give the Rangers credit as they played a decent game. New York's penalty-killing was better than anything we have seen of late as they did not allow Kovalev a half-second with the puck. The ice was an absolute joke and it is every time we play at MSG (the boxing, basketball, music, circus, hockey, indoor football, soccer, wrestling centre of New York). Sure other teams play in multi-purpose buildings, but few host 2 other events on the same day as an NHL game. I have never seen more Habs fall, miss passes, skate slow or mishandle the puck in my life. Everyone knows that MSG is the league's worst ice and that they all just have to live with it. The problem is that the Rangers get 39 more games/year to get used to the melted-lake conditions.
The Habs had two 5 on 3s tonight and failed to score on either. I couldn't help but wonder what was going on during the second of the two when I saw Smolinski and Brisebois out there for well over a minute with some of the usuals. First of all Smolinski just isn't a good hockey player or at least not the way he is being used with Habs. Montreal is unable to offer him the wingers he got to play with in places like Ottawa and Pittsburgh and instead asks him to play on the 4th line. Naturally this will mean a huge drop in points from what we hoped, but I am not surprised one bit. He has been reduced to a 'defensive' forward, but unlike his current coach or GM Smolinski doesn't possess very many good defensive qualities. It is sad that the Canadiens just assume bad forwards will make good defensive forwards. Anyway, he was the wrong guy to have on a must-score 5 on 3 and, big surprise, we of course didn't score. Having Brisebois out on the point instead of Streit or Hamrlik when we need a goal is utter stupidity. I guarantee he won't be scoring another 40 mph 'slapper' anytime soon and seeing as he can't shoot much harder I would say he is maxed out offensively for the season (keeping in mind that he was maxed out defensively in 1984). These 2 players turned a 1:41 5 on 3 into a very painful 3 on 3.
This loss is just that, a loss, a single loss. We are bound to lose games and we were actually due for a road loss anyway. The good news is we certainly didn't waste any energy tonight, so we should be ready to go on Tuesday. Of course I am assuming that the Habs have a certain amount of energy to use all season - the sad thing is I think most players believe this too. With 2 games left on this 4 game trip I still think we have a chance to make it a good one. The Islanders and Thrashers are both teams that we can beat and we have had moderate success against both of them over the past few years. Our goal at this point on the trip should be 2-3 more points - very doable as long as we don't play anything like we did tonight.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Canadiens Changes: Part 2 of 2
So Carbonneau completed Gainey's play. It looked like a good breakout move and it was...
The players added in Part 1, Lapierre and O'Byrne both brought something positive to the mix. O'Byrne may have just played himself into a ten-game tryout (fingers crossed).
And though Part 2 didn't go exactly as it would have in my dreams – Dandenault played instead of Ryder. I think the finishing move was effective. Benching Brisebois was necessary if not overdue. Re-uniting Komisarek and Markov made all the sense in the world to get the all-star back. And Streit back to defense made me a very happy blogger indeed.
Assuming Ryder is being sat to attempt to stir some emotion in him (from his comments it may take a few games for the level-headed Easterner), I may yet get my line-up on the ice.
Now, I'll throw this out for comment. Is there a third part to the changes coming?
With some of Koivu's best friends languishing in the minors and playing with their rally cars (I assume), respectively, does anyone think he hasn't had a chat with Gainey about what he thinks could help complete his 2-man line?
I submit this from Francois Gagnon as something to pin my flimsy theory to:
Koivu would probably be happier with one of Recchi or Selanne. Would Kovalev? Would Carbonneau?
Would you?
The players added in Part 1, Lapierre and O'Byrne both brought something positive to the mix. O'Byrne may have just played himself into a ten-game tryout (fingers crossed).
And though Part 2 didn't go exactly as it would have in my dreams – Dandenault played instead of Ryder. I think the finishing move was effective. Benching Brisebois was necessary if not overdue. Re-uniting Komisarek and Markov made all the sense in the world to get the all-star back. And Streit back to defense made me a very happy blogger indeed.Assuming Ryder is being sat to attempt to stir some emotion in him (from his comments it may take a few games for the level-headed Easterner), I may yet get my line-up on the ice.
Now, I'll throw this out for comment. Is there a third part to the changes coming?
With some of Koivu's best friends languishing in the minors and playing with their rally cars (I assume), respectively, does anyone think he hasn't had a chat with Gainey about what he thinks could help complete his 2-man line?
I submit this from Francois Gagnon as something to pin my flimsy theory to:
Aurait-il aimé revoir son ami au sein du vestiaire du Canadien. « Bob (Gainey) est du voyage, c’est à lui que tu dois poser la question », a lancé Koivu en quittant son casier le sourire aux lèvres.
Would he like to see his friend in the Habs lockerroom? "Bob Gainey's the one you should be asking", said Koivu while leaving his locker with a smile on his face.
Koivu would probably be happier with one of Recchi or Selanne. Would Kovalev? Would Carbonneau?
Would you?
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Bizarro Week: Montreal Canadiens October 29 - November 4
[Montreal Canadiens Week takes a look at the week that was and the week ahead from a subjective standpoint, and is supplemented by the objective analysis following every fifth game]
The week that was
Remember Bizarro Jerry, George and Kramer. They were nice, courteous, they liked everyone, they did things. Bizarre.
Canadiens meet Bizarro Canadiens.
You'll do the opposite of what everyone expects at every turn. You'll end a 4 game winning streak by laying an egg against what up until now was the worst team in the league. You'll make Johan Hedberg look like an NHL goalie. You're captain will speak French. Don Cherry will take your side. You'll score shorthanded.
You'll let the Leafs win in your building. Oh wait, that must be the return to normality...
At the risk of ruining my theme here (it was fun while it lasted). I will go on record as not being the least bit surprised by what happened. The Canadiens, not being a top team yet, were bound to slip against a team who was starting to get it together. I just thought there would be more goals in Atlanta. They have owned the Flyers since the curse of John Leclair was lifted. And, those Leafs games are always a coin toss no matter where they are played.
Taking a look at individual performances, I'd say I'm pleased on the whole:
Carey Price is a capable NHLer, but not even close to being a star (let alone a superstar) yet - entirely normal considering he is only 3 games in. I'd wait till 3 years in with him to pass judgment. Patience.
Saku Koivu had an interesting week. Criticised for his unwillingness to address certain people in their own language (ahem, pot calling kettle black). He came back, played a cracking game against Philly and addressed 21,273 + catwalk denizens en francais. The blemish was a loss against the Leafs. But they know him well, so he can be forgiven for losing to Sundin's Leafs.
Finally Michael Ryder. He can't do anything right. His line's doing well. We're near the top of the East. We're winning. But, alas, Ryder only has 2 goals. But you know Ryder. Goals in bunches, 6 goals in the next 8 games and he's on pace for 30. When I consider that he'll only score in 20 games this year. I'm glad he's thinking about how to improve his play in the other 62 games. Why isn't everyone else??? I would rather win the Cup than have a 40-goal man from Newfoundland anyway.
The standings are looking quite nice these days too. Sitting in the top half is great. Top half of playoff teams. Oh, heady days. Threat teams like Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay are tanking it a bit at the moment, so they'll be climbers to watch for. But, apart from Pittsburgh, the teams better than us (Ottawa and Carolina) are already ahead of us. If the Habs can approach each game with a bit more zest, then I think 4th is attainable in the end. I said heady days didn't I?
Anyway, it's 17 down. 79 to go.
Quote of the week
On enjoying your teammates appreciating what you can and can't do:
Coming off a week with enough points, but ending on a sour note...
... what might Rejean Houle do?
Play coach and insist that Michael Ryder be replaced by Latendresse on the top line.
... what might Sam Pollock do?
Ask Captain Koivu to use his Finnish language skills for the team this time... to speak to Teemu Selanne.
The week upcoming
Monday night: Buffalo Sabres at the Bell Centre.
Ah, Buffalo. Last time I said they may or may not be finished as conference lead contenders. I think it's too early to tell. If you remember two years ago they started relatively well, but finished with panache to rocket up the standings. The same could yet happen here. It's fairly clear they are adjusting to losing their two top centres, and that Vanek has not yet adjusted to all the increased attention from defenders.
We are well matched with Buffalo, and we each play about the same way the others would like to. But as Buffalo has lost their last 2 to Ottawa and Florida, we could do ourselves a favour by kicking them while they're down. If the Habs want to cruise into the playoffs instead of fighting tooth and nail, this is a game to win.
Sabres to watch: Jaroslav Spacek and Maxim Afinogenov – Spacek has been putting up points for Buffalo even as Campbell looks to usurp the No. 1 role. Afinogenov in the meantime has been the Sabres' very own Michael Ryder (this scares me, as he is probably not going to finish the season with
half as many points as Jason Pominville).
Thursday night: Boston Bruins at the TD Banknorth Garden.
To Boston and, in my opinion, our best, if not oldest, rivalry. Too bad we're now battling it out at TD Banknorth and Bell instead of the Forum and Garden days. Boston after a rocket start have slowly been coming to earth. Playing the Senators twice in two nights isn't much fun. But as good as the Sens are a contender for top 4 in the conference would have won once. They didn't. The Bruins are neither as good as their start, or as bad as their game against us. I would call them a middle of the pack team, in it right to the last days of the season. Since we are now aspiring for more, they could be inferiors. On the form we showed last week, they are our peers. Even so, the way they are built, they shouldn't beat us if we play our own game.
Bruins to watch: Chuck Kobasew and Tim Thomas – Kobasew is shooting 27.3% with 6 goals. Higgins take note, you too Mike. Thomas's stats are unbelievable again (wonder if the management will ever trust him enough to stop signing other goalies).
Saturday afternoon: Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place.
My goodness. Just when you think Ottawa might slip, they keep rolling. Does it matter who plays goal? who coaches? Ottawa got their taste for the Cup and now they're going to do their best to get their paws on it. The timing for a game against them couldn't be much better from our point of view. Games they should win against Toronto and Washington will put them at 14-1. Built better for the playoffs, the Sens are not an 8-loss kind of team, they're due a few hiccups. I honestly think we'll beat the Sens, it's the most confident I am for all games this week.
Senators to watch: Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Fisher – Alfredsson has been drinking water from the same Swedish spring as Zetterberg and Sundin and is proving again that he Ottawa's main man, Fisher (who we tried to trade for loads of times when he was young) has been playing some great offensive hockey of late.
Overheard on the Habs train
"Hey M. Gagnon. I thought you didn't need a ticket this year..."
The week that was
Remember Bizarro Jerry, George and Kramer. They were nice, courteous, they liked everyone, they did things. Bizarre.
Canadiens meet Bizarro Canadiens.
You'll do the opposite of what everyone expects at every turn. You'll end a 4 game winning streak by laying an egg against what up until now was the worst team in the league. You'll make Johan Hedberg look like an NHL goalie. You're captain will speak French. Don Cherry will take your side. You'll score shorthanded.
You'll let the Leafs win in your building. Oh wait, that must be the return to normality...
At the risk of ruining my theme here (it was fun while it lasted). I will go on record as not being the least bit surprised by what happened. The Canadiens, not being a top team yet, were bound to slip against a team who was starting to get it together. I just thought there would be more goals in Atlanta. They have owned the Flyers since the curse of John Leclair was lifted. And, those Leafs games are always a coin toss no matter where they are played.
Taking a look at individual performances, I'd say I'm pleased on the whole:
Carey Price is a capable NHLer, but not even close to being a star (let alone a superstar) yet - entirely normal considering he is only 3 games in. I'd wait till 3 years in with him to pass judgment. Patience.
Saku Koivu had an interesting week. Criticised for his unwillingness to address certain people in their own language (ahem, pot calling kettle black). He came back, played a cracking game against Philly and addressed 21,273 + catwalk denizens en francais. The blemish was a loss against the Leafs. But they know him well, so he can be forgiven for losing to Sundin's Leafs.
Finally Michael Ryder. He can't do anything right. His line's doing well. We're near the top of the East. We're winning. But, alas, Ryder only has 2 goals. But you know Ryder. Goals in bunches, 6 goals in the next 8 games and he's on pace for 30. When I consider that he'll only score in 20 games this year. I'm glad he's thinking about how to improve his play in the other 62 games. Why isn't everyone else??? I would rather win the Cup than have a 40-goal man from Newfoundland anyway.
The standings are looking quite nice these days too. Sitting in the top half is great. Top half of playoff teams. Oh, heady days. Threat teams like Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Tampa Bay are tanking it a bit at the moment, so they'll be climbers to watch for. But, apart from Pittsburgh, the teams better than us (Ottawa and Carolina) are already ahead of us. If the Habs can approach each game with a bit more zest, then I think 4th is attainable in the end. I said heady days didn't I?
Anyway, it's 17 down. 79 to go.
Quote of the weekOn enjoying your teammates appreciating what you can and can't do:
“The guys had a pretty good laugh there just before it was time for me to shoot. What a bunch of jerks,” said Hamrlik with a smile, shaking his head.
Coming off a week with enough points, but ending on a sour note...
... what might Rejean Houle do?Play coach and insist that Michael Ryder be replaced by Latendresse on the top line.
... what might Sam Pollock do?Ask Captain Koivu to use his Finnish language skills for the team this time... to speak to Teemu Selanne.
The week upcoming
Monday night: Buffalo Sabres at the Bell Centre.
Ah, Buffalo. Last time I said they may or may not be finished as conference lead contenders. I think it's too early to tell. If you remember two years ago they started relatively well, but finished with panache to rocket up the standings. The same could yet happen here. It's fairly clear they are adjusting to losing their two top centres, and that Vanek has not yet adjusted to all the increased attention from defenders.
We are well matched with Buffalo, and we each play about the same way the others would like to. But as Buffalo has lost their last 2 to Ottawa and Florida, we could do ourselves a favour by kicking them while they're down. If the Habs want to cruise into the playoffs instead of fighting tooth and nail, this is a game to win.
Sabres to watch: Jaroslav Spacek and Maxim Afinogenov – Spacek has been putting up points for Buffalo even as Campbell looks to usurp the No. 1 role. Afinogenov in the meantime has been the Sabres' very own Michael Ryder (this scares me, as he is probably not going to finish the season with
half as many points as Jason Pominville).
Thursday night: Boston Bruins at the TD Banknorth Garden.
To Boston and, in my opinion, our best, if not oldest, rivalry. Too bad we're now battling it out at TD Banknorth and Bell instead of the Forum and Garden days. Boston after a rocket start have slowly been coming to earth. Playing the Senators twice in two nights isn't much fun. But as good as the Sens are a contender for top 4 in the conference would have won once. They didn't. The Bruins are neither as good as their start, or as bad as their game against us. I would call them a middle of the pack team, in it right to the last days of the season. Since we are now aspiring for more, they could be inferiors. On the form we showed last week, they are our peers. Even so, the way they are built, they shouldn't beat us if we play our own game.
Bruins to watch: Chuck Kobasew and Tim Thomas – Kobasew is shooting 27.3% with 6 goals. Higgins take note, you too Mike. Thomas's stats are unbelievable again (wonder if the management will ever trust him enough to stop signing other goalies).
Saturday afternoon: Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place.
My goodness. Just when you think Ottawa might slip, they keep rolling. Does it matter who plays goal? who coaches? Ottawa got their taste for the Cup and now they're going to do their best to get their paws on it. The timing for a game against them couldn't be much better from our point of view. Games they should win against Toronto and Washington will put them at 14-1. Built better for the playoffs, the Sens are not an 8-loss kind of team, they're due a few hiccups. I honestly think we'll beat the Sens, it's the most confident I am for all games this week.
Senators to watch: Daniel Alfredsson and Mike Fisher – Alfredsson has been drinking water from the same Swedish spring as Zetterberg and Sundin and is proving again that he Ottawa's main man, Fisher (who we tried to trade for loads of times when he was young) has been playing some great offensive hockey of late.
Overheard on the Habs train"Hey M. Gagnon. I thought you didn't need a ticket this year..."
Friday, July 20, 2007
Kovalev Koivu Selanne
Wow, that would have been a great first line anytime from 1996-2004. Could it be a great line in 2007? I'd love to find out.
I just signed on to a petition to bring Selanne to Montreal. I did it mainly for fun, obviously. No one cares about an online survey. No one signing or trading NHLers anyway. Actually, it was a bit of a change of heart for me. I was pretty pleased to go with the young guys, and already thought they were getting a bit crowded out on the current roster. But, I thought Selanne was worth making an exception. There are 5 good reasons in my mind:
1) He is a goal scorer. Beyond Michael Ryder, and possibly Latendresse, no one gets that tag on our team. We have a lot of playmakers, all-rounders, defensive-minded guys and of course Kovalev (who I think of as a puck controller, space maker, and mix of shooter/passer). Selanne can pass, but he's always scored goals.
2) He won a cup. Not singlehandedly, but he played a big part. His experience is recent and would bring a positive vibe to any dressing room.
3) He and Koivu together dominate. Koivu is good with a lot of players, but with Selanne he wins championship scoring titles. He and Selanne are friends and know how to play together. A nice combination.
4) He's a star. He has a nickname. He could take the pressure off some of the young guys allowing them to learn and progress in his shadow.
5) He's a short-term contract. Already thinking of retiring. He could sign for one or two years and then make way for the players coming through. They'd be two years further along and will have benefited from the tutelage of a hall of fame winger.
As a bonus, I might be able to make my Recchi shirt into a Selanne shirt without changing the number. Sorry Komi, I'm not a big fan of stay-at-home defensemen for the shirts I wear.
Here the first line then (in my dreams):
Kovalev lost a little steam last year, but I believe he will be back as good as ever. And you won't be able to tell by checking the stats at the end of the year, either. You'll have to watch the game, properly, to know for sure. He will dominate 8-10 games and be the most noticeable player in another 15, I think. Points? Who knows. Goals he creates by scoring, assisting or making space for others: numerous.
Koivu had his best ever statistical season. He deserved it. He's been a 75-80 point guy all along, I think. With Selanne he's an 85-90 point man. But again, his effect goes well beyond points to controlling the tempo and the puck for the team. He'll be great this year – again.
Selanne flies down the wing, hair flowing to chants of Tee-Tee-Tee. Lemaire (I mean Koivu) feeds him the puck and it's magic. As long as Teemu is happy to shoot and let the other two do the carrying, then it'll be gold.
Let's see if Bob Gainey agrees with me. At this point, I hope so.
I just signed on to a petition to bring Selanne to Montreal. I did it mainly for fun, obviously. No one cares about an online survey. No one signing or trading NHLers anyway. Actually, it was a bit of a change of heart for me. I was pretty pleased to go with the young guys, and already thought they were getting a bit crowded out on the current roster. But, I thought Selanne was worth making an exception. There are 5 good reasons in my mind:
1) He is a goal scorer. Beyond Michael Ryder, and possibly Latendresse, no one gets that tag on our team. We have a lot of playmakers, all-rounders, defensive-minded guys and of course Kovalev (who I think of as a puck controller, space maker, and mix of shooter/passer). Selanne can pass, but he's always scored goals.
2) He won a cup. Not singlehandedly, but he played a big part. His experience is recent and would bring a positive vibe to any dressing room.
3) He and Koivu together dominate. Koivu is good with a lot of players, but with Selanne he wins championship scoring titles. He and Selanne are friends and know how to play together. A nice combination.
4) He's a star. He has a nickname. He could take the pressure off some of the young guys allowing them to learn and progress in his shadow.
5) He's a short-term contract. Already thinking of retiring. He could sign for one or two years and then make way for the players coming through. They'd be two years further along and will have benefited from the tutelage of a hall of fame winger.
As a bonus, I might be able to make my Recchi shirt into a Selanne shirt without changing the number. Sorry Komi, I'm not a big fan of stay-at-home defensemen for the shirts I wear.
Here the first line then (in my dreams):
Kovalev lost a little steam last year, but I believe he will be back as good as ever. And you won't be able to tell by checking the stats at the end of the year, either. You'll have to watch the game, properly, to know for sure. He will dominate 8-10 games and be the most noticeable player in another 15, I think. Points? Who knows. Goals he creates by scoring, assisting or making space for others: numerous.
Koivu had his best ever statistical season. He deserved it. He's been a 75-80 point guy all along, I think. With Selanne he's an 85-90 point man. But again, his effect goes well beyond points to controlling the tempo and the puck for the team. He'll be great this year – again.
Selanne flies down the wing, hair flowing to chants of Tee-Tee-Tee. Lemaire (I mean Koivu) feeds him the puck and it's magic. As long as Teemu is happy to shoot and let the other two do the carrying, then it'll be gold.
Let's see if Bob Gainey agrees with me. At this point, I hope so.
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