Media Rankings/previews/predictions - 2008/2009

[goleafsgo08]

Well we all know about last years season predictions that came out around this time Most if not all had the Habs out of the playoffs finishing between 10-14

This years is going to be better but will anyone have us out of the playoffs or repeat as East Champs?

1 sites prediction on us

I like this one better and agree, nobody better have us out of the playoffs this year

EDIT: This is going to be the thread for all the media previews and projections for the 2008-09 season.

Thanks,

AK

[QbGamer]

I have them as 4th

[AK-1]

Hockey News Ultimate Fantasy Guide - Habs Projections

Alex Tanguay - 25 goals - 67 points

Alex Kovalev - 24 goals - 65 points

Tomas Plekanec - 30 goals - 64 points

Chris Higgins - 30 goals - 53 points

Saku Koivu - 17 goals - 51 points

Andrei Kostitsyn - 26 goals - 51 points

Andrei Markov - 10 goals - 49 assists

Sergei Kostitsyn - 18 goals - 42 points

Maxim Lapierre - 14 goals - 30 points

Guillaume Latendresse - 15 goals - 28 points

Roman Hamrlik - 5 goals - 28 points

Carey Price - 34 wins - 2.55 gaa - .918 sp - 4 so

Jaroslav Halak - 14 wins - 2.71 gaa - .913 sr - 1 so

[derek82]

the hockey news has us finishing 1st this year

http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/257834.html

[leafs_rock_go_mccabe]

Hockey News Ultimate Fantasy Guide - Habs Projections

Alex Tanguay - 25 goals - 67 points

Alex Kovalev - 24 goals - 65 points

Tomas Plekanec - 30 goals - 64 points

Chris Higgins - 30 goals - 53 points

Saku Koivu - 17 goals - 51 points

Andrei Kostitsyn - 26 goals - 51 points

Andrei Markov - 10 goals - 49 assists

Sergei Kostitsyn - 18 goals - 42 points

Maxim Lapierre - 14 goals - 30 points

Guillaume Latendresse - 15 goals - 28 points

Roman Hamrlik - 5 goals - 28 points

Carey Price - 34 wins - 2.55 gaa - .918 sp - 4 so

Jaroslav Halak - 14 wins - 2.71 gaa - .913 sr - 1 so

Maxim Lapierre is NOT getting 14 goals.

[DA_Champion]

To me, the canadiens finishing first was not a huge surprise.

The season before they were briefly second in the eastern conference, and then the whole team went down with the flu and they finished tenth.

They have more depth now which reduces their vulnerability to injury... I see them first or second, and no lower than sixth.

[sssfffs]

Maxim Lapierre is NOT getting 14 goals.

I know! He's getting more!

[bailey1]

I know! He's getting more!

YES! *fist pump*

[keithman]

YES! *fist pump*

LOL i love the fist pump...hilarious.

[CoopII]

To me, the canadiens finishing first was not a huge surprise.

The season before they were briefly second in the eastern conference, and then the whole team went down with the flu and they finished tenth.

They have more depth now which reduces their vulnerability to injury... I see them first or second, and no lower than sixth.

In most positions. The one glaring lack of depth is down the middle. If Koivu or Plecks goes down with injury (or god forbid... both), we're going to wind up with Chipchura/Lapierre centering our first lines.

If that happens long term, we could seriously fall flat in the rankings. BG needs to shore us up down the middle, either with Sundin (unlikely) or someone else servicable.

[DA_Champion]

In most positions. The one glaring lack of depth is down the middle. If Koivu or Plecks goes down with injury (or god forbid... both), we're going to wind up with Chipchura/Lapierre centering our first lines.

If that happens long term, we could seriously fall flat in the rankings. BG needs to shore us up down the middle, either with Sundin (unlikely) or someone else servicable.

The most likely scenario is that one of them goes down for injury at a time, for like 10-15 games. At which point the Canadiens could put in any number of Plan B's and get maybe 2 or 3 less points in that stretch.

If there's a serious injury, they have enough depth in the rest of the team to make a trade... they may also have some spare draft picks next year?

[koreysecord1992]

Maxim Lapierre is NOT getting 14 goals.

I was thinking the same thing. Some of those numbers are a little low, but if we spread out scoring that much and have 8 players over 40 points we'd be in pretty good shape. Never mind winning 48 games as is predicted.

[clearblogs]

Still Kovalev last year put up what 20 more points then they are predicted this year, last year it felt like kovalev's team, hence the C on his shirt when koivu went down,and now he can feel safe with laroque as heavy weight champ of the nhl, I dont think their is anyway he is shaving 20 points off his total from last year, especially with the thoughts of Tanguay on his line, the scoring will be spread out yeah, but between two lines, not 8 men here, you have to except that one or two players arent going produce as well as projected with so many talented young players, the exceptations are to going to be really high for a younf club, especially cause its in Montreal and their expected to make it to the cup following a first place finish in their conference.

[DA_Champion]

Still Kovalev last year put up what 20 more points then they are predicted this year, last year it felt like kovalev's team, hence the C on his shirt when koivu went down,and now he can feel safe with laroque as heavy weight champ of the nhl, I dont think their is anyway he is shaving 20 points off his total from last year, especially with the thoughts of Tanguay on his line, the scoring will be spread out yeah, but between two lines, not 8 men here, you have to except that one or two players arent going produce as well as projected with so many talented young players, the exceptations are to going to be really high for a younf club, especially cause its in Montreal and their expected to make it to the cup following a first place finish in their conference.

Kovalev overperformed relative to most of his career.

But Koivu underperformed.

And Tanguay was not contributing at all.

That should balance out well.

Everyone else is young and getting more experienced... that should balance out nicely as well :-)

[futurestar3]

Hockey News Ultimate Fantasy Guide - Habs Projections

Alex Tanguay - 25 goals - 67 points

Alex Kovalev - 24 goals - 65 points

Tomas Plekanec - 30 goals - 64 points

Chris Higgins - 30 goals - 53 points

Saku Koivu - 17 goals - 51 points

Andrei Kostitsyn - 26 goals - 51 points

Andrei Markov - 10 goals - 49 assists

Sergei Kostitsyn - 18 goals - 42 points

Maxim Lapierre - 14 goals - 30 points

Guillaume Latendresse - 15 goals - 28 points

Roman Hamrlik - 5 goals - 28 points

Carey Price - 34 wins - 2.55 gaa - .918 sp - 4 so

Jaroslav Halak - 14 wins - 2.71 gaa - .913 sr - 1 so

30 goals 34 assists, how much did they watch this guy. guarantee you he will get alot more assists than goals

[concreteveins]

Hockey News Ultimate Fantasy Guide - Habs Projections

Alex Tanguay - 25 goals - 67 points

Alex Kovalev - 24 goals - 65 points

Tomas Plekanec - 30 goals - 64 points

Chris Higgins - 30 goals - 53 points

Saku Koivu - 17 goals - 51 points

Andrei Kostitsyn - 26 goals - 51 points

Andrei Markov - 10 goals - 49 assists

Sergei Kostitsyn - 18 goals - 42 points

Maxim Lapierre - 14 goals - 30 points

Guillaume Latendresse - 15 goals - 28 points

Roman Hamrlik - 5 goals - 28 points

Carey Price - 34 wins - 2.55 gaa - .918 sp - 4 so

Jaroslav Halak - 14 wins - 2.71 gaa - .913 sr - 1 so

I don't get this. Why do they have Kovalev getting almost twenty points less? And...Koivu only having 51 points when he will have proper wingers? And...Latendresse getting less than the two previous years? Seems kind of underrated to me.

Lapierre...14?

[NHL-Expert]

Hockey News Ultimate Fantasy Guide - Habs Projections

Alex Tanguay - 25 goals - 67 points

Alex Kovalev - 24 goals - 65 points

Tomas Plekanec - 30 goals - 64 points

Chris Higgins - 30 goals - 53 points

Saku Koivu - 17 goals - 51 points

Andrei Kostitsyn - 26 goals - 51 points

Andrei Markov - 10 goals - 49 assists

Sergei Kostitsyn - 18 goals - 42 points

Maxim Lapierre - 14 goals - 30 points

Guillaume Latendresse - 15 goals - 28 points

Roman Hamrlik - 5 goals - 28 points

Carey Price - 34 wins - 2.55 gaa - .918 sp - 4 so

Jaroslav Halak - 14 wins - 2.71 gaa - .913 sr - 1 so

Definitely not

prediction seems good for me, but I'd give more points to A.Kostitsyn and switch Kovalev and Tanguay.

[tony1234]

I don't get this. Why do they have Kovalev getting almost twenty points less? And...Koivu only having 51 points when he will have proper wingers? And...Latendresse getting less than the two previous years? Seems kind of underrated to me.

Lapierre...14?

It is called the ultimate "FANTASY" guide !!!

[911fred]

i still think its a bit bogus.

Kovalev WILL get more points then that.

add at least 15 points to both of the kostitsyns too...

and sergei will get alot more assists then goals, its obvious they think hes a goal scorer, well he can put the puck in the net, but hes still more of a playmaker.

Koivu will rebound after last year.

and i think its obvious ovechkin will get a little more then 105 points...

Hossa will not do as good as they say he is...

and theres much more stuff i can say...

Latendresse will get more then 28 points.

and i have reason to beleive that we will have a guy whos able to rack up at least a bit more then 70 points...

[risteenhuis]

I look at Montreal Canadiens, Carey Price, who BG signed this summer, development of youth, and maybe as importantly the other teams in the East. I think Montreal will finish 1st in the East.

My thoughts on some of the other teams in the East.

Pens are weaker without Hossa, Armstrong, Christensen, Malone on the team. I also think they are weaker at goal without a stronger backup for Fleury. I am also not sure that Fleury is able to play 65+ games. I think the Pens will finish 4th to 6th place in the East even though they have Crosby and Malkin.

Devils look stronger after this summer of signings. They will likely win their division. 2nd place in the East.

Capitals look weaker plus they are currently over the salary cap. Weak division. Should challenge for their division which gives them 3rd place in the East. Might have tough time keeping ahead of Carolina and Tampa for division title.

Boston. I don't think they will make the playoffs but I guess Ryder and Bergeron could both have come back seasons to prove me wrong.

Flyers are way over the salary cap. They either known that Gagne is lost to injury list saving the team big cap money or they will have to trade away one of their players to get under the cap. They lost Umberger which is good news for Montreal after the scoring spree he had in the playoffs. They should make the playoffs and take 6th to 8th place in the East.

Rangers are far weaker after losing Jagr and probably losing Shanahan. They such a mix of underachieving UFA signings and attitudes. I think that the Rangers will be lucky to get 7th or 8th place in the East.

Ottawa should be a lot better without Emery. But they will miss Redden on the point. I suspect that they will get 2nd in the Habs division. Probably 4th or 5th place in the East.

Just my opinions. Of course with trades and some remaining UFA players some of these predictions will change.

[captainjack22]

I say and hope we will finish 2nd or 4th, no lowerthen 6th, we make the playoffs for sure then we cross that bridge when we get to it. I think Plekanec and A Kostitsyn lead the team in points with 75 - 80 ish each, and Price will play like we all expect him to 33-34 wins 2.50 avg.

It feels good reading how your team is predicted to finish 1st or close to for a change, instead of scraping along at the bottom of the playoff barrel.

Although I think most so called experts NHL predictions are crap it still makes you feel good reading about it and hearing it

Go Habs GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[29Dryden29]

I would love a number 1 spot but I am being realistic and saying 3/4 slot.

[roy_133]

I don't get this. Why do they have Kovalev getting almost twenty points less? And...Koivu only having 51 points when he will have proper wingers? And...Latendresse getting less than the two previous years? Seems kind of underrated to me.

Kovalev's career history justifies saying he likely doesn't repeat the year he had last year. Koivu, they figure is on the downside of his career... Whether or not that's true we'll see this year I suppose but that's not a totally unrealistic possibility.

As for Gui, I guess they figure improved depth on the wing, and less depth at center will hurt his overall numbers and that's not that far out of the realm of possibility.

[flames4eva]

Kovalev's career history justifies saying he likely doesn't repeat the year he had last year. Koivu, they figure is on the downside of his career... Whether or not that's true we'll see this year I suppose but that's not a totally unrealistic possibility.

As for Gui, I guess they figure improved depth on the wing, and less depth at center will hurt his overall numbers and that's not that far out of the realm of possibility.

What you are saying is a good reason to expect the Habs to finish 3rd/4th, which is where I expect then to finish this coming season. Unless of course they sign Mats Sundin (I still hope it will happen) and a proven top four d-man... then I'd say 1st/2nd... and the Stanley Cup finals. And in the latter case, then Both Kovy and Koivu should have better years.

[Guest Kovy-27]

Here's this year projections from the Hockey News for the players of the Montreal Canadiens and some quick few lines of what the magazine thinks of the player.I will also give my personal opinion for each player,enjoy!

Team

2007-2008 Montreal Canadiens

Eastern Conference Ranking:1st

More French added to the connection

A great offensice team with a killer power play became even better in the off=season with the addition of left winger Alex Tanguay from Calgary.Tanguay will fit in nicely onto a squad that is knee-deep in scoring forwards: Alexei Kovalev,Tomas Plekanec,Chris Higgins,Saku Koivu and the impressive Kostitsyn brother (Andrei and Sergei).Kovalev's 84 point campaign was unexpected,so a return to the 60-70 point range is the expectation this time around.Tanguay replace winger Michael Ryder,while young Guillaume Latendresse continues to toil on the third or fourth lines until his skating improves.Two more free agents,Mark Streit and Bryan Smolinski,will be replaced by young two-way forwards Maxime Lapierre and Kyle Chipchura.On defence Andrei Markov is the quarterback of the NHL's best power play,but a new partner is needed due to the loss of Streit.Roman Hamrlik could be placed in that role,though he's better in his own nowadays.Don't expect a lot of offence from the rest of the blueline brigade,as the likes of Mike Komisarek and Francis Bouillon are strictly defensive defensemen.The goaltending situation is young,with ultra-talented sophomore Carey Price the clear-cut starter and 23 years old Slovak Jaroslav Halak the backup.Price is set to play 50-60 games.

Players

1)Alex Tanguay-67 points

Tanguay wasn't a good fit in Calgary,but he will fit in better with Montreal.he moves right to the head of the class on the first line and power play.

(I think he's going to get PPG,he's going to do great in MTL and the french media are going to like him alot!)

2) Alexei Kovalev-65 points

A great comeback season for Kovalev,but some caution: A player who comes back can always go back and 47 of his points (56 percent) came on the power play.

(This man is a beast,he had one bad season in MTL,I don't care what people say,he's going to get around the 75 points mark.Plekanec and Kostitsyn are only going to get better.)

3) Tomas Plekanec-64 points

Two good things about Plekanec:he led a power-play dependent team in even-strength points and his production has improved each year.But don't expect more yet.

(He's going to get around 70 points imo...)

4) Chris Higgins-53 points

Thirty-goal scorers aren't just OK,but that's the ceiling for Higgins,atleast for now.He looks like a guy who could score big numbers some day,but it's a longshot.

(I have high hopes on Higgins this season,he missed alot of chances last season...he's going to miss alot less this season,he should get around 65 points.)

5) Saku Koivu-53 points

Koivu isn't the central figure on the forward lines anymore.He's still good,but is starting to fade.This is what happens when a team decides to spread the offense.

(With Tanguay at his side,I think he's going to be our best forward,his playoff tenure showed that he's not done yet...)

6) Andrei Kostitsyn-51 points

A breakout season for Kostitsyn came relatively quickly.A jump up to another level is unlikely:there are too many Montreal forwards with similar production.

(He should get a bit more...60 points for the man who is going to carry our team's offense for years to come.)

7) Andrei Markov-49 points

Many of Montreal's points last season were inflated because of their productive power-play.Teams find ways to stop that and they're rarely as effective the next year.

(It's been 2 years and nobody stoped our power-play,he's going to get more points...)

8) Sergei Kostitsyn-42 points

The younger Kostitsyn wasn't a high draft pick like his brother,but impressive just the same in his first season.The big junior scorer produces wherever he plays.

(I think he got a fair projection...)

9) Maxim Lapierre-30 points

Expect Lapierre on full-time checking duties this season.He's not a big scorer,but he'll have a decent third-line numbers on a balanced team.

(He's going to get less then 30 points!)

10) Guillaume Latendresse-28 points

One of the problems with Latendresse is he's poor skater.While he can score,he has to find space to play,which creates a greater problem.

(Let's hope he skates better this year,I think he's going to score 20 goals and I'm not his biggest fan.)

11) Roman Hamrlik-28 points

Hamrlik had a poor offensive year,but then again,he has only had one great offensive season over the past decade.Thirty points is considered a big year for him.

(Hope he scores more points this year but that's not the main reason why we signed him.)

Goalies

1)Carey Price-34 Wins- .918 SP- 2.55 GAA- 4 SO

The problem where you're new is when you falter-even though every goalie does sometimes-critics say you're not ready.He's ready for 50 plus games.

(He's probably going to have those numbers,I just want him to stop finding cheap excuses after every bad game he plays.)

2) Jaroslav Halak-14 Wins- .913 SP- 2.71 GAA- 1 SO

There's no reason to keep Halak glued to the bench.If not for Carey Price,he'd be a no.1 goalie prospect in Montreal.Until he gets his shot,he won't play a ton of games.

(I'm a big Halak fan and I predict that he's going to be our no.1 goalie by the end of the season!!!)

Here's the link of last year thread if you guys want to compare the magazine's projections or simply have a quick look at what was you're own prediction.

http://forum.canadiens.com/index.php?showtopic=16825

Hope you enjoyed!