Mn - The Countdown

[GIJAYNE]

IT BEGINS!

I don't know about you guys, but I've had quite enough of summer and golf. Yes I said i had enough of summer. Despite the fact that many of you snow haters out there are cursing me and trying to counter my jinx, I don't care. I've been HABLESS for far too long. I just bought a new 50 inch TV, I've re-jigged and upgraded my HABS shrine, I've ensured all members of the family have HABS jerseys and apparel (including the yet to be born Wee-HLD) and I have worked off all my beer/pizza/chicken wings/peanuts/finger food/pop corn fat over the summer.

Now I look forward to "chilaxin'" in my lazy boy, watching the HABS in large format on over an HD feed, spending quality time with my ere and (soon to be born) princess, and working on regaining my well earned hockey spectator fat. Snow and cold is a side-effect of, and comes hand in hand with the HABS season. So bring on the cold, bring on the winter, bring on all the nasty nuances that come along with ;'hiver, as long as I can get my HABS on TV A.S.A.P.

NL RANKINGS - AS PER REGULAR SEASON RANKINGS LAST YEAR

[Stajan1]

IT BEGINS!

I don't know about you guys, but I've had quite enough of summer and golf. Yes I said i had enough of summer. Despite the fact that many of you snow haters out there are cursing me and trying to counter my jinx, I don't care. I've been HABLESS for far too long. I just bought a new 50 inch TV, I've re-jigged and upgraded my HABS shrine, I've ensured all members of the family have HABS jerseys and apparel (including the yet to be born Wee-HLD) and I have worked off all my beer/pizza/chicken wings/peanuts/finger food/pop corn fat over the summer.

Now I look forward to "chilaxin'" in my lazy boy, watching the HABS in large format on over an HD feed, spending quality time with my ere and (soon to be born) princess, and working on regaining my well earned hockey spectator fat. Snow and cold is a side-effect of, and comes hand in hand with the HABS season. So bring on the cold, bring on the winter, bring on all the nasty nuances that come along with ;'hiver, as long as I can get my HABS on TV A.S.A.P.

NL RANKINGS - AS PER REGULAR SEASON RANKINGS LAST YEAR

chilaxin?!?

are you telling me your going to sit back and relax when the refs call blind tripping?

and your telling me your going to lay back and relax when the leafs and boston are in town?

are you saying your going to just chill when were down 1 5 minutes left in the third and the boys are leading 15-2 in shots?

boy it really has been a long summer for you hasnt it dagz? have you truly forgotten why we eat so much fat while watching hockey?

we lose just as much of it with the stress of watching a game!

w00t!

for el general here, im tired of studying...gimme something and someone to curse at! gimme something that will make me laugh and cry and scream and jump!

the fantasy draft is done, and i want me some habs hockey to complete it all! plus! some of us have dug up some chicken wing recipees were dieing to try with the boys at home for the game!

GO HABS GO BABY!

[Guest]

To quote that famous saying.....

""LET THE GAMES BEGIN""

[GIJAYNE]

Watching the clips of the game, I have completely re-charged and re-fueled my hatred for the Bruins. First off the match-up was ridiculously off, and a passive team under Julien's defensive system seemed more interested in running up the score-board than developing their system for the upcoming season (their loss..it's wasted time and opportunity on their part).

Second, the bitter few from last year are still holding grudges and used a "cheap-shot" mentality to drag smaller and disinterested ones into fights. Begin was a clear underdog and although he is willing to drop the gloves to earn a roster spot, I doubt he went into that fight so readily. As for Andrei Kostitsyn...what on earth would our most promising forward do dropping the gloves if he wasn't dragged into it by the collar.

The Bruins appear to have picked up where they left off: More preoccupied about getting back to us and trying to combat their inferiority complex vis-a-vis the HABS (as derived by their coaches "hurt-feelings" for getting the boot) and are NOT focused on their game. This will, once again, be their downfall during the regular season, when the "W" counts. Let them continue playing cheap, low-brow, and un-focused hockey. Let the baby have their bottle and score some goals against our AHL team. We can all revisit this conversation when we meet them on the 15th of October.

Final score: Boston 8 - Hamilton 3 Like taking candy from a baby

[flames4eva]

Watching the clips of the game, I have completely re-charged and re-fueled my hatred for the Bruins. First off the match-up was ridiculously off, and a passive team under Julien's defensive system seemed more interested in running up the score-board than developing their system for the upcoming season (their loss..it's wasted time and opportunity on their part).

Second, the bitter few from last year are still holding grudges and used a "cheap-shot" mentality to drag smaller and disinterested ones into fights. Begin was a clear underdog and although he is willing to drop the gloves to earn a roster spot, I doubt he went into that fight so readily. As for Andrei Kostitsyn...what on earth would our most promising forward do dropping the gloves if he wasn't dragged into it by the collar.

The Bruins appear to have picked up where they left off: More preoccupied about getting back to us and trying to combat their inferiority complex vis-a-vis the HABS (as derived by their coaches "hurt-feelings" for getting the boot) and are NOT focused on their game. This will, once again, be their downfall during the regular season, when the "W" counts. Let them continue playing cheap, low-brow, and un-focused hockey. Let the baby have their bottle and score some goals against our AHL team. We can all revisit this conversation when we meet them on the 15th of October.

Final score: Boston 8 - Hamilton 3 Like taking candy from a baby

So there Numero Uno has spoken... LISTEN.

However, I hope the next visit is a more positive result being discussed... I do not want to revisit losing 8-3 to the BOOINS...yuckh!

[GIJAYNE]

So there Numero Uno has spoken... LISTEN.

However, I hope the next visit is a more positive result being discussed... I do not want to revisit losing 8-3 to the BOOINS...yuckh!

It wouldn't be truthful is I didn't say I had a tid bit of a worry brewing in the back of my mind. Let's just say I'll be much happier after a few wins in the regular season to shake off the cob webs and start off on the right foot.

Furthermore, I cannot honestly say I "fear" the Bruins anymore today than I did yesterday for the upcoming season, because I never took them lightly. A series sweep was spectacular, but is not to be expected. Plus with Bergeron back in the line-up they will be a force in the East. The have a decent coach with a system that works...works to make the playoffs, but that's it. So as was my expectations for them last year, I expect them to make the playoffs, but that's it. Defenses don't win cups unless you got the likes of Brodeur caliber tenders guarding "le filet"

As usual however I will put a positive twist on this and say that a blow-out, albeit in a pre-season game, will undoubtedly ruffle a few feathers in the locker room (including ones who are yet to lace up the skates) and should provide for more intensity and thus more opportunity to gel in the remainder of the pre-season.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it...until my next round of medication.

[Guest]

I dont get worked up over the pre season practices. It could have been 20-3 either way and i still wouldnt ooze a drop of sweat. I know it bothers some to no end ( game thread is my source for that conclusion) but games won or lost in Sept. mean squat.BG and Carbo have a strong idea of who will be on the team this year but they promised the rookies a good look and they will honour that commitment. I'm more curious to see how the new aquisitions blend into the lineup over the next few weeks,,, and if that means seeing a few blowouts in preseason, then so be it.Losing serves its purpose as well as winning. We dont want to walk into the season thinking teams will roll over for us just by showing up.

[Stajan1]

hey guys,

lets face it, was boston doing this for themselves, there coach or maybe an ulterior reason?

when was the last time this team has sold out there rink without the help of montrealers eh?

my money is on this was a statement game for the fans and nothing more. "hey lookie we can score 8 on montreal, the top team of last season in the east! buy our tickets!" with the way the pats, celtics and the red sox are playing...the poor wee wittle booins feel like the "mistake" child of the boston disfunctional family.

[flames4eva]

hey guys,

lets face it, was boston doing this for themselves, there coach or maybe an ulterior reason?

when was the last time this team has sold out there rink without the help of montrealers eh?

my money is on this was a statement game for the fans and nothing more. "hey lookie we can score 8 on montreal, the top team of last season in the east! buy our tickets!" with the way the pats, celtics and the red sox are playing...the poor wee wittle booins feel like the "mistake" child of the boston disfunctional family.

You're so-oh mean to Mr. Bean Teus... what's your ulterior motive?

[Stajan1]

You're so-oh mean to Mr. Bean Teus... what's your ulterior motive?

its fun being mean, at times hehe

[sach]

4th season of counting down, where has the time gone.....seeems like yesterday when this thing got started

[GIJAYNE]

4th season of counting down, where has the time gone.....seeems like yesterday when this thing got started

Time flies when you're having fun...

[GIJAYNE]

hey guys,

lets face it, was boston doing this for themselves, there coach or maybe an ulterior reason?

when was the last time this team has sold out there rink without the help of montrealers eh?

my money is on this was a statement game for the fans and nothing more. "hey lookie we can score 8 on montreal, the top team of last season in the east! buy our tickets!" with the way the pats, celtics and the red sox are playing...the poor wee wittle booins feel like the "mistake" child of the boston disfunctional family.

This might have been a healthy side-effect for the Boston market, which would be a shame to go the way of the Do-Do. I highly doubt however that Julien stood in the locker room and told his players: "OK Boys...we desperately need to put up a show tonight to help the marketing department sell some tickets"

This just doesn't seem like a viable or logical thought process that should ever enter the front door of the locker room, regular season or pre-season.

A hockey, or any sport for that matter, organization is vast and employs many individuals. Like in any business, success depends on a controlled, systematic and symbiotic approach to achieving organizational goals. Segregation of duties is one of the key elements that helps goal congruence and neither the players, nor the coaching staff has "ensure ticket sales" on their job description.

As much as I hate the Booins on the ice, the Bruins hockey team is too classy an organization to sink to such a low level where they would involve the players in "showboating" to boost ticket sales and risk the additional pressure in the locker room. They would, or one would hope should, know that this would be a detriment to the long term success of a team poised to make a move this year. Leave the cheap antics to the low budget, no name, what are you doing in the NHL US hockey teams trying to survive in non-hockey markets simple to boost membership revenues to those fat cats with law degrees boasting 5'5" knock off Givenchi suits (yes I mean Butt...man).

[GIJAYNE]

I finally watched a HABS game on TV. Albeit it was a team mainly composed of our prospects and the one line of vets won't be playing togeather to begin the season, and the goaltender is was not our number 1 goalie. Add in the fact that the feed was difficult to follow given the close proximity of the camera to the ice. Blah blah blah blah.....IT WAS GREAT!!!

It feels like that first sip of turpentine after a long day at work (yes turpentine...don't tell me you've never been out of beer, nail polish polished off, too lazy to go to dep). I got my fix and I can last till Saturday. Saturday's game should give me enough of a dose to make it to October 4th, where we see our full roster with the lines slotted to begin the regular season.

In the meanwhile, what about last night's result? We won...hardly says anything about the upcoming season, much like the game on Monday. It does not however disallow me from making individual assessments:

Maxime Lapierre has got a long way to go to impress the coaching staff before earning a roster spot. Last night's performance was worse than anythjing he put on the ice last year. Perhaps it's simply a case of the cob-webs, but he will have to shake them off if he wants to begin the season on the fourth line.

Denis was not spectacular in net, but he more than adequately showed he has got the skills, and some, to be a back-up in the NHL level. Then again most of us who understand the circumstantial failure and crucifictionof Denis in Tampa knew he is a much better goalie than he's been made out to be.

Finally our young vets...Plec and the Kostitsysn bros...they'll be just fine come puck drop on the season opener. Some passes were still shaky and Sergei has some more web to shake off, but nothing suggested last year that they will all go on to better their superb efforts last year.

And finally, congrats to hockey town. Last night's events are something they will remember for a decade and some.

[flames4eva]

I finally watched a HABS game on TV. Albeit it was a team mainly composed of our prospects and the one line of vets won't be playing togeather to begin the season, and the goaltender is was not our number 1 goalie. Add in the fact that the feed was difficult to follow given the close proximity of the camera to the ice. Blah blah blah blah.....IT WAS GREAT!!!

It feels like that first sip of turpentine after a long day at work (yes turpentine...don't tell me you've never been out of beer, nail polish polished off, too lazy to go to dep). I got my fix and I can last till Saturday. Saturday's game should give me enough of a dose to make it to October 4th, where we see our full roster with the lines slotted to begin the regular season.

In the meanwhile, what about last night's result? We won...hardly says anything about the upcoming season, much like the game on Monday. It does not however disallow me from making individual assessments:

Maxime Lapierre has got a long way to go to impress the coaching staff before earning a roster spot. Last night's performance was worse than anythjing he put on the ice last year. Perhaps it's simply a case of the cob-webs, but he will have to shake them off if he wants to begin the season on the fourth line.

Denis was not spectacular in net, but he more than adequately showed he has got the skills, and some, to be a back-up in the NHL level. Then again most of us who understand the circumstantial failure and crucifictionof Denis in Tampa knew he is a much better goalie than he's been made out to be.

Finally our young vets...Plec and the Kostitsysn bros...they'll be just fine come puck drop on the season opener. Some passes were still shaky and Sergei has some more web to shake off, but nothing suggested last year that they will all go on to better their superb efforts last year.

And finally, congrats to hockey town. Last night's events are something they will remember for a decade and some.

Honourable mentions to Maxwell and Weber who did not look too out of place as compared to others... PAC-Man... hmmm didn't impress me.

But the player that most impressed me was Ryan O'Byrne who logged a lot of ice time and depite being called on penalties, looked very fleet of foot for a player his size and he was quite physical... it was also good to see how well Dandenault filled in on "D"... he may have a roster spot yet

Fun to watch a game on the tube after such a long summer.

[sach]

I finally watched a HABS game on TV. Albeit it was a team mainly composed of our prospects and the one line of vets won't be playing togeather to begin the season, and the goaltender is was not our number 1 goalie. Add in the fact that the feed was difficult to follow given the close proximity of the camera to the ice. Blah blah blah blah.....IT WAS GREAT!!!

It feels like that first sip of turpentine after a long day at work (yes turpentine...don't tell me you've never been out of beer, nail polish polished off, too lazy to go to dep). I got my fix and I can last till Saturday. Saturday's game should give me enough of a dose to make it to October 4th, where we see our full roster with the lines slotted to begin the regular season.

In the meanwhile, what about last night's result? We won...hardly says anything about the upcoming season, much like the game on Monday. It does not however disallow me from making individual assessments:

Maxime Lapierre has got a long way to go to impress the coaching staff before earning a roster spot. Last night's performance was worse than anythjing he put on the ice last year. Perhaps it's simply a case of the cob-webs, but he will have to shake them off if he wants to begin the season on the fourth line.

Denis was not spectacular in net, but he more than adequately showed he has got the skills, and some, to be a back-up in the NHL level. Then again most of us who understand the circumstantial failure and crucifictionof Denis in Tampa knew he is a much better goalie than he's been made out to be.

Finally our young vets...Plec and the Kostitsysn bros...they'll be just fine come puck drop on the season opener. Some passes were still shaky and Sergei has some more web to shake off, but nothing suggested last year that they will all go on to better their superb efforts last year.

And finally, congrats to hockey town. Last night's events are something they will remember for a decade and some.

there were many cobwebs out their lalstnight, tanguay sergei K,lapierre,andrei K at times, they werent really into it for the most part

[Stajan1]

the boys were alright last night. sadly it didnt keep my attention for very long but the season is almost here!

its really shades of a shady future(tadum tss), will see what these kids can do in 3 or 4 years.

denis? he played just like a back up should and with 2 periods under his belt since halak got injured off a shot during practise(already?) one never knows, denis might get some ice time afterall.

about 2 weeks left boys...

[flames4eva]

From the Poop-Deck...

So, this is it... the start of another season of scouting the Eastern Conference - 2008-2009 rivals of Our beloved Bleu, Blanc, Rouge to keep everyone informed about just how the Habs stack up against the most direct competition... and we have a new format... THREE DIVISIONS/THREE SCOUT GROUPS for now and until otherwise adjusted... that means... NO INDIVIDUAL TEAMS... DIVISIONAL SCOUTS as follows:

Atlantic Division: Devils; Islanders; Rangers; Flyers; Penguins

Current scouts: Flying Lion

Northeast Division: Boston Bruins; Buffalo Sabre; Montréal Canadien; Ottawa Senator; Toronto Maple Leaf

Current scouts: HTL, NG29

Southeast Division: Thrashers; Hurricanes; Panthers; Lightning; Capitals

Current scouts: 1970Habs

EVERYTHING SCOUTING GETS POSTED IN THIS THREAD

We are looking for three to five scouts per division.. so if you see a vacancy just drop a post in here stating which you would like to be.

What happens here?

As the Admiral, I will post a daily schedule and links to game previews.

As a scout you will post all updates (injuries, trades, chit-chat and such - not previews or the links), articles and opinions (personal or otherwise - open for discussion) that you find or are of interest for your respective Division, while trying to avoid repetition.

That simple.

Welcome to my nightmare

[Stajan1]

great post admiral! off to the scout thread i go!

[Stajan1]

so any update to be expected tomorow morning?

hmmmmm

[GIJAYNE]

so any update to be expected tomorow morning?

hmmmmm

Comin' up. Updates will be slow the first week...

EDIT: Actually come to think of it, how about I wait till Saturday morning...let's wait till the HABS play a game and get some points first

[mikejones1]

Opening MN Bonus analysis for the Habs' centennial season:

No bonuses are available today, obviously, as we need at least 7 teams with non-zero NL value.

Nevertheless, losses oat least one of two both Eastern Conference teams (either Toronto or Boston) in today matchups will guarantee bonuses tomorrow. A win to Habs tomorrow will also guarantee bonuses tomorrow regardless of today results. It means the chances for tomorrow bonuses are pretty close to inevitable!

[Flying_Lion]

A win to Habs tomorrow will also guarantee bonuses tomorrow regardless of today results. It means the chances for tomorrow bonuses are pretty close to inevitable!

Well, that's the best news I've heard since, well, ... since the MN hit 0 last year.

Should inject an element of novelty into the Jeopardy questions, too.

[sach]

Opening MN Bonus analysis for the Habs' centennial season:

No bonuses are available today, obviously, as we need at least 7 teams with non-zero NL value.

Nevertheless, losses oat least one of two both Eastern Conference teams (either Toronto or Boston) in today matchups will guarantee bonuses tomorrow. A win to Habs tomorrow will also guarantee bonuses tomorrow regardless of today results. It means the chances for tomorrow bonuses are pretty close to inevitable!

have a good year choc man providing us with the bonus info

appreciate the work

[mikejones1]

have a good year choc man providing us with the bonus info

appreciate the work

Thanks Onzee! You too have a good year! I mean a really good year, the YEAR! You know what I mean!