patinwoody Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Your right. I didn't like the way we lost to the Flyers in the playoffs and the fact it took us 7 games against the Bruins. It comes down to momentum. Coach Carbonuea & the other coahing staff seem to dictate the respect from the players. Two seasons ago we didn't make the playoffs. The next season we finished first. I hope the Habs do not take anything for granted and continue on an upward momentum. "To Infinity and Beyond" The Habs added an enforcer for some added grit & muscle. And we also added another goal scorer in Tanguay. The addition of Sudin would be great for a season and the playoffs. We'll see. It's always a close battle for points & standings which usually comes down to the last game of the season. In a perfect world, I hope all the players play to their full potential (Ryder??) and no injuries. I predict the Habs wil be at least top 4 in the Eastern Conference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreekHockeyCoach Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Yes, you raise good points but you're forgetting certain factors. If we just look at our conference (as we play these teams the most during the year), you can see how I think the Habs have a good shot at 1st in our division and thus top 3 in our conference. I see the Habs being in the upper third of the NHL teams this year as well. Pittsburgh got weaker with Hossa leaving and the trade that saw him come to Pittsburgh last year. Malone's gone, Laraques gone and they have not really shored up the empty spots with anything concrete. I say they are par, or worse than last year's line up (considering the experience their youngin's got from the playoff run etc.) People forget how much Malkin stepped up last year when Crosby went down. They tore it up without him and had a great record. Even with Ottawa faltering last year, they still had our number in the regular season. As far as I can see it, if we split the season with them it's an improvement over last year. I also don't think they got much better this year than last year, replacing Redden with Smith and getting rid of Emery is a boost, but I see them being the same team with the same problems as last year, while the Habs got stronger. While Boston became much better during the off-season, keep in mind how much worse Toronto is. I woudl be surprised if we didn't sweep Toronto this year. A repeat sweep of Boston would be unlikely in my mind, so I think it evens out to what we had last year. Buffalo is another team that I think became worse with the off-season, losing a key player in Campbell and not finding anyone to replace him adequately. While signing Miller was a great step for them, I see them being a "middle-of-the-pack" team this year. They'll win a few against us, but won't blow us out of the water. Looking at the general movement of players over the off-season, it's safe to say that alot of talented players from the East moved West (Superstars like Hossa, Campbell, Possibly Sundin and Great players like Huet for example...). I think our division as well as our conference as a whole became much, much easier. As stated above, I feel we'll finish 1st in our division, and 1st or 2nd in our conference. I agree with all your points DCH. Barring major injuries I too believe that we can finish first or second in the conference. I really like the core of our team and the additions of Laraque and Tanguay only made us stronger. Regardless of the predictions though, we have a very exciting and explosive team that's fun to watch. It's been a long long time since I've enjoyed watching hockey like I did last year. I'm really excited about the upcoming season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kubby31 Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Seeing they finished in 1st place in their conference by 2 points, i also believe it won't be easy to repeat, and finishing in the top 3 would'nt be bad at all. Hope our habs have a superb year ( with or without matts ).....GO HABS GO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael19Cammalleri67 Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Top 3 in the east + Stanley cup = My prediction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
concreteveins Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 Yes, you raise good points but you're forgetting certain factors. If we just look at our conference (as we play these teams the most during the year), you can see how I think the Habs have a good shot at 1st in our division and thus top 3 in our conference. I see the Habs being in the upper third of the NHL teams this year as well. Pittsburgh got weaker with Hossa leaving and the trade that saw him come to Pittsburgh last year. Malone's gone, Laraques gone and they have not really shored up the empty spots with anything concrete. I say they are par, or worse than last year's line up (considering the experience their youngin's got from the playoff run etc.) People forget how much Malkin stepped up last year when Crosby went down. They tore it up without him and had a great record. Even with Ottawa faltering last year, they still had our number in the regular season. As far as I can see it, if we split the season with them it's an improvement over last year. I also don't think they got much better this year than last year, replacing Redden with Smith and getting rid of Emery is a boost, but I see them being the same team with the same problems as last year, while the Habs got stronger. While Boston became much better during the off-season, keep in mind how much worse Toronto is. I woudl be surprised if we didn't sweep Toronto this year. A repeat sweep of Boston would be unlikely in my mind, so I think it evens out to what we had last year. Buffalo is another team that I think became worse with the off-season, losing a key player in Campbell and not finding anyone to replace him adequately. While signing Miller was a great step for them, I see them being a "middle-of-the-pack" team this year. They'll win a few against us, but won't blow us out of the water. Looking at the general movement of players over the off-season, it's safe to say that alot of talented players from the East moved West (Superstars like Hossa, Campbell, Possibly Sundin and Great players like Huet for example...). I think our division as well as our conference as a whole became much, much easier. As stated above, I feel we'll finish 1st in our division, and 1st or 2nd in our conference. You bring up a good point when you refer to the number of players that have went from East to West. However, according tom TSN's "all star lineup of free agents this year" more "impact players" stayed or came from the West compared to "impact players" leaving the East. This may make games aginst the Southeast or Atlantic teams more of a problem, but I certainly agree with you when you say that the Montreal is the most improved team in the Northeast which should propel them to the top of the division and therefore to top three in the conference. Another deciding factor for me as to why the Habs will be at the top of the conference is that they have solid goaltending. The Price/Halak tandum is one of the best in the East and I see no other team matching up against them, especially in the division. Toskala is good but Joseph is too old and run down to take over if there was a long term injury to Vesa. Gerber was shakey last year and I don not believe at this point that Ottawa has another NHL calibur goaltender. Boston has Thomas who is a good goaltender and all-star but Fernandez is still injured. Buffalo has a solid starter in Miller and a good back-up in Lalime but I don't think he could take over if there was an injury. Here is a complete list of good NHL calibur players that have completly departed from the East and new faces to the East. GONE Jarmoir Jagr Sean Avery Marian Hossa Martin Straka Brian Campell Cristobal Huet ARRIVED/STAYED Brian Rolston Vaclav Prospal Ryan Malone Markus Naslund Radim Vrbata Wade Redden Mark Striet Michael Roszival Brooks Orpik Ron Hainsey Jose Theodore Michael Ryder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DA_Champion Posted July 28, 2008 Report Share Posted July 28, 2008 GONE Jarmoir Jagr Sean Avery Marian Hossa Martin Straka Brian Campell Cristobal Huet ARRIVED/STAYED Brian Rolston Vaclav Prospal Ryan Malone Markus Naslund Radim Vrbata Wade Redden Mark Striet Michael Roszival Brooks Orpik Ron Hainsey Jose Theodore Michael Ryder Where is the third column of "arrived/stayed" with the western conference? The proper comparison is simply with "arrived" Brian Rolston Vaclav Prospal Radim Vrbata Ron Hainsey Jose Theodore Which is an obviously inferior list to: Jarmoir Jagr Sean Avery Marian Hossa Martin Straka Brian Campell Cristobal Huet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
concreteveins Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 Where is the third column of "arrived/stayed" with the western conference? The proper comparison is simply with "arrived" Brian Rolston Vaclav Prospal Radim Vrbata Ron Hainsey Jose Theodore Which is an obviously inferior list to: Jarmoir Jagr Sean Avery Marian Hossa Martin Straka Brian Campell Cristobal Huet I am confused by your question but I understand what you mean. Arrived/stayed meant the players that arrived or stayed within the east but went to a different team that could give problems to Montreal. But yeah...inferior nonetheless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DA_Champion Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 I am confused by your question but I understand what you mean. Arrived/stayed meant the players that arrived or stayed within the east but went to a different team that could give problems to Montreal. But yeah...inferior nonetheless. I thought the point was comparing the conferences, and as such I was being anal in defense of using "statistics" properly and in an even manner Though to be fair, in order to compare the conferences properly, we'd also have to look at rising young stars and new rookies. Hard to predict at this point but there may be surprises. For example, if Steven Stamkos were to notch 90 points, that might even the scales. Patrick Kane got 72 points in his rookie year and was much less well-regarded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
concreteveins Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 I thought the point was comparing the conferences, and as such I was being anal in defense of using "statistics" properly and in an even manner Though to be fair, in order to compare the conferences properly, we'd also have to look at rising young stars and new rookies. Hard to predict at this point but there may be surprises. For example, if Steven Stamkos were to notch 90 points, that might even the scales. Patrick Kane got 72 points in his rookie year and was much less well-regarded. You bring up a good point with the rookies and rising stars. The NHL does have a lot of rising young stars and there are a few on the Montreal roster. Price, S. Kostitsyn, A. Kostitsyn and Latendresse...If Montreal is to do well again these players are going to have to be better than last year. Guys like Stamkos and Schenn could have immediate impacts on their respective teams. I could see Stamkos getting 60 plus points because he could play with Vinnie. Only time will tell... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roy_133 Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 Realistically last season we had a dream season in terms of health and I can't say with any certainty that will repeat (in fact, I'd say it's unlikely). If you really look at the standings, the difference between 1st and 8th was a measly 10 points, that's 5 wins, that's less then one win per month. That was the difference between conference best and we're on our way to the cup and "same old Habs". The difference between 1st and "same old" could be as small as Kovalev having missed 11-12 games like he did his first couple of years here. With that kind of parody I'm just not ready to say we're going to finish top 2 in the East and win the cup because I really believe we can just as easily end up in 6th this year. We won't sneak up on teams, we may not be as healthy. We have a lot to prove before you can just pencil us in at the top at the start of every year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habfansud Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 so many question marks with every team. habs will be tougher with laraque. defense will be rock solid. obyrne and gorges are emerging. and they will mesh with vets komi, boullion, and markov. i believe this is a make or break year for latendresse. will he be a power forward or another victor kozlov??? there is a good mix of youth and veterans. still not sold 100% on price or halak. would love to see ced desjardins steal a job with the big club. if the habs can get off to a good start, avoid serious injuries to key players, and avoid the december flu bug they should be fine. its about time the habs got serious. still waiting for gainey to hit a grand slam trade. anyway its more fun to see sundin on a mediocre team like the canucks or leafs. and we all want to see big george pound a few wanna be tough guys. start with neil, chara and the rest will avoid. LETS GO HABS FROM HOT HUMID SOUTH FLORIDA. THE HELL WITH THE DOLPHINS, I LIVE AND BREATHE HABS HOCKEY 24/7, 365 4EVA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoopII Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 GONE Jarmoir Jagr Sean Avery Marian Hossa Martin Straka Brian Campell Cristobal Huet ARRIVED/STAYED Brian Rolston Vaclav Prospal Ryan Malone Markus Naslund Radim Vrbata Wade Redden Mark Striet Michael Roszival Brooks Orpik Ron Hainsey Jose Theodore Michael Ryder Thanks for the list concrete. Out of the ones who left (or went West) - Hossa, Jagr anc Campbell are what I would call "superstars" - game breakers who make or break a game, a team, a line up. Looking at what came to the East (or stayed) I don't think a single person on that list qualifies as a "superstar" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amp73 Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 If you really look at the standings, the difference between 1st and 8th was a measly 10 points, that's 5 wins, that's less then one win per month. Or instead of beating Boston 8 times like last year , if we split the series , Bosotn would have been in 1st and Montreal 6 th, or something Out of the ones who left (or went West) - Hossa, Jagr anc Campbell are what I would call "superstars" - game breakers Only Jagr for myself Campbell was on Buffalo and they still didn't do anything with him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny_rudeboy Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 There is a similar topic on this already so I am going to merge them. http://forum.canadiens.com/index.php?showtopic=20470 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SooperSingh Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 I dont think habs have gotten worse instead they have improved even if we dont sign sundin. Kosts have gotten more experience, same with price. The only thing that worries me is the type of cinderella run (if you can call it that) we had, considering that some people had us not even making the playoffs. I guess it's kinda like winning the cup and players cooling off a bit, hopefully thats not the case. So i have some doubts if we will finish first, not that we dont have the talent... just a hunch, i guess. 1. Pens 2. Habs 3. Caps 4. Flyers 5. Tampa (the last years' flyers) 6. Boston 7. Jersey 8. Rangers Calgary vs Montreal in final (No Comment as someone said before ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SooperSingh Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 oops forgot about the Sens, i think they'll take that 8th spot over the Rangers. PS: Couldnt find the EDIT button, am i blind or am i not allowed to edit? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leafs_rock_go_mccabe Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 It is nice to see how much confidence Bob Gainey has instilled in his fan base. For the most part it seems people are expecting a strong finish and a good post-season run. That is excitment you wouldn't have been able to buy several seasons ago. I love the job Gainey has done here, and fully expect Montreal to have a great season! Here we come Stanley Cup finals, baby! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotHarlanClark Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 Yes, Rocket, Bob is excellent when it comes to giving the fans just what they want! I think the Habs will take the division for sure. Though, I still think we need a bit more improving to do before we can take top spot in the conference again... Or if we want Stanley Cup glory again. I think we need a big center man, yes, yes, like Sundin... As well as a top four D-man that can move the puck. I trust Bob can deliver on those things as the season progresses. With those things added, and all the growth and experience from the rest of the team after last year's fun, I fully believe that we will be over the top in the East with a very very good shot at the Cup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony1234 Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 I actually would not be surprised to fall back a little in the standings. We will experience more growing pains as we try to concentrate on getting to the next level.....being a good playoff team. Bob and Guy will be working hard, and if the guys work just as hard, maybe we can get 1st overall in the conference. All I do know for sure, it will be a very interesting and exciting season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breakjc Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 If Sundin signs with the Habs I say 1st in the east. Without Sundin, well between 2nd and 5th Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dutch Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 For next season (and I think years to come, with the way things are going) I predict a conference finish 1 > 4th spot, division 1 > 2th. In the play offs we will be (way) better, eastern finals, maybe even the Stanley cup final . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
concreteveins Posted July 29, 2008 Report Share Posted July 29, 2008 Thanks for the list concrete. Out of the ones who left (or went West) - Hossa, Jagr anc Campbell are what I would call "superstars" - game breakers who make or break a game, a team, a line up. Looking at what came to the East (or stayed) I don't think a single person on that list qualifies as a "superstar" Yeah I agree the only players who could really change the outcome of a game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry-Launstein-Jr Posted July 30, 2008 Report Share Posted July 30, 2008 Actually, I do see Pittsburgh falling off a bit, but not much. Here are mine: 1. Canadiens 2. Penguins 3. Flyers 4. Ottawa 5. Rangers 6. Bruins 7. Capitals (on the virtue of winning their division) 8. New Jersey The West: 1. Detroit 2. Anaheim 3. Dallas 4. San Jose 5. Calgary 6. Colorado 7. Chicago - that's right (they're showing signs of resurgence with the two young players and a decent supporting cast) 8. Minnesota Stanley Cup finals: Detroit and Montreal (no prediction on how this will turn out) Conference Finals: East - Montreal over Pittsburgh West: Detroit over Anaheim Potential sleepers (teams who could sneak in or surprise to get into playoffs): Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Sabres, Oilers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TORHABSFAN Posted July 30, 2008 Report Share Posted July 30, 2008 Actually, I do see Pittsburgh falling off a bit, but not much. Here are mine: 1. Canadiens 2. Penguins 3. Flyers 4. Ottawa 5. Rangers 6. Bruins 7. Capitals (on the virtue of winning their division) 8. New Jersey The West: 1. Detroit 2. Anaheim 3. Dallas 4. San Jose 5. Calgary 6. Colorado 7. Chicago - that's right (they're showing signs of resurgence with the two young players and a decent supporting cast) 8. Minnesota Stanley Cup finals: Detroit and Montreal (no prediction on how this will turn out) Conference Finals: East - Montreal over Pittsburgh West: Detroit over Anaheim Potential sleepers (teams who could sneak in or surprise to get into playoffs): Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Sabres, Oilers winning a division gives you a automatic top 3 seed. So Washington would be 3rd not 7th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sssfffs Posted July 30, 2008 Report Share Posted July 30, 2008 Canadiens 51-23-8 1st in the East Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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