Scott92 Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 After a terrific season but a sub-par playoff appearance, the Montreal Canadiens look to build on last year's effort. As being the number one Eastern Conference team going into playoff's last year, one would have expected a stronger showing in the playoffs. Following an early second series exit in the post-season, fans and the organized realized that they would have to make changes to follow their cup dreams. Over this years off-season, Montreal has definately made several changes to their roster. For better or worse, it was a roster shake-up. On draft day, they traded away their 1 round pick, 25th overall, along with their 2 round pick (2009) in exchange for Calgary's Alex Tanguay and a 5th round pick. With my best judgement, Bob Gainey did this realizing that he would most likely lose Michael Ryder to free-agency...which ended up happening. So in that sense, they basically gained another Michael Ryder with Tanguay...possibly upgrading while doing so. With adding Tanguay, a native of Quebec, they get a solid goal scorer who has produced well over his career. I feel that he'll fit in quite nicely to the Habs roster on the first or second line. Furthermore, the Canadiens added a solid gritty forward by the name of Georges Laraque. Georges Laraque has been known for his pummeling hits, fights and "protection" on the ice. He will definately help defend his teammates on the ice this year considering the Habs have a rather small team. With that being said, he will play a vital role in Montreal's run at the cup this year by being a physical force in the playoffs...something they have been missing for several years. We also added Marc Denis during the free-agent period who will replace Yann Danis in the team's AHL affiliate; the Hamilton Bulldogs. Although we have added several players who seem to fit in nicely on our roster, we have also lost some key players. Names like Mark Streit and Michael Ryder will definately be missed upcoming season. Mark Streit last season put up career bests totalling 62 points in 81 games including 13 goals. He was a huge force on the powerplay last year contributing 7 goals with the man-advantage. Hopefully we find a way to replace those PP goals next year with the likes of Alex Kovalev, Tomas Plekanec and Andrei Kostitsyn who emerged as the Canadiens' best line last season. The future looks bright for the Montreal Canadiens and will be looking for a cup next season, a season that will be number 100 for the organization. On a side-note, they must win the Stanley Cup next year to continue their streak of winning at least one Stanley Cup in each decade of their existence. - By Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hockey_gal89 Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 I think my sig says it all. I truly believe, rose coloured glasses aside, that MTL is fully and even more capable than last year of winning the Cup in '09. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kubby31 Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 After a terrific season but a sub-par playoff appearance, the Montreal Canadiens look to build on last year's effort. As being the number one Eastern Conference team going into playoff's last year, one would have expected a stronger showing in the playoffs. Following an early second series exit in the post-season, fans and the organized realized that they would have to make changes to follow their cup dreams. Over this years off-season, Montreal has definately made several changes to their roster. For better or worse, it was a roster shake-up. On draft day, they traded away their 1 round pick, 25th overall, along with their 2 round pick (2009) in exchange for Calgary's Alex Tanguay and a 5th round pick. With my best judgement, Bob Gainey did this realizing that he would most likely lose Michael Ryder to free-agency...which ended up happening. So in that sense, they basically gained another Michael Ryder with Tanguay...possibly upgrading while doing so. With adding Tanguay, a native of Quebec, they get a solid goal scorer who has produced well over his career. I feel that he'll fit in quite nicely to the Habs roster on the first or second line. Furthermore, the Canadiens added a solid gritty forward by the name of Georges Laraque. Georges Laraque has been known for his pummeling hits, fights and "protection" on the ice. He will definately help defend his teammates on the ice this year considering the Habs have a rather small team. With that being said, he will play a vital role in Montreal's run at the cup this year by being a physical force in the playoffs...something they have been missing for several years. We also added Marc Denis during the free-agent period who will replace Yann Danis in the team's AHL affiliate; the Hamilton Bulldogs. Although we have added several players who seem to fit in nicely on our roster, we have also lost some key players. Names like Mark Streit and Michael Ryder will definately be missed upcoming season. Mark Streit last season put up career bests totalling 62 points in 81 games including 13 goals. He was a huge force on the powerplay last year contributing 7 goals with the man-advantage. Hopefully we find a way to replace those PP goals next year with the likes of Alex Kovalev, Tomas Plekanec and Andrei Kostitsyn who emerged as the Canadiens' best line last season. The future looks bright for the Montreal Canadiens and will be looking for a cup next season, a season that will be number 100 for the organization. On a side-note, they must win the Stanley Cup next year to continue their streak of winning at least one Stanley Cup in each decade of their existence. - By Scott We will miss losing Mark Streit,but i don't agree that we will miss Michael Ryder as much. With just 14 goals in 70 games,31 pts and 8 healthy scratches,( post-season games).Adding tanguay was a great addition,will fit in great. You are right,the future does look bright for our habs,we are gonna have a great season,Go habs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QbGamer Posted August 23, 2008 Report Share Posted August 23, 2008 GJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russianhabsfan Posted August 23, 2008 Report Share Posted August 23, 2008 You'd think there are better places to blog? No offence to the OP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny_rudeboy Posted August 23, 2008 Report Share Posted August 23, 2008 Please use the following existing thread to discuss. http://forum.canadiens.com/index.php?showtopic=20470 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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