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Offthepost (Generation II)
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saskhab
Morally Bankrupt Scum
Joined: 17 Oct 2007
Posts: 2508
Location: Saskatoon!
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 Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 1:44 pm Post subject: Team Progress |
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Basically I'll post some thoughts on the team's status so far, just some opinions.
I'm willing to give this team 10 games or so to really figure things out. It definitely seems like a transition year with players taking on new roles and some roles still undetermined.
I like to see this team become one with 3 lines that are skilled with the puck, and one that provides great energy on the forecheck, hits hard and is defenisvely responsible. Blocked shots, passing lanes, knows their assignments. I do think we can do a rotating cast to an extent, so I support Carbo's usage of healthy scratches and such, but I don't want too much line juggling beyond that, and I want it to stop soon (again, the 10 game theory).
Huet starting 2 out of every 3 games seems about right for now. The goaltending rotation is definitely working IMO for both goalies' interests.
I like the team better with Grabovski in than out of the lineup, I like the team better with Chipchura in than out, and I like the team better with Smolinski as a winger than a centreman. Guillaume has not made the starting lineup, IMO, but I don't think Dandenault has either, and I think that could be where Lats draws in. However, if Gui can't provide the type of game we need, I'd ship him to Hamilton and bring up Lapierre. It is definitely a concern to see Gui get passed by guys playing in the AHL while he's in the NHL, and I realize they're older than him but I think he could benefit from playing more minutes in the AHL... although I'm not ready to banish him there at this point. I like the idea of a 3rd offensive line that is all kids, defensive awareness be damned. Put Latendresse with Grabovski and Kostitsyn, roll them out there when the matchups look good and let them all learn the NHL at this pace. A #2 line of Smolinski-Plekanec-Kovalev will be good enough to match up against any line in the league, offensive or defensively based, and Higgins-Koivu-Ryder should be left alone.
Try the 4th/3rd of Begin-Chipchura-Kostopolous and spot Dandy in for Latendresse or whoever needs out for a while. I do get the feeling that Dandy is playing for a job somewhere not in Montreal right now, and that's why he's playing every night. He's serviceable as a forward and a d-man, but in the numbers game he's lost on this team. It's better for both parties to part ways at some point this season.
As for D, Breezy is my only problem. I do think an injury will help take care of that down the road. I don't mind Bouillon in a limited role, which I think he's getting. Once O'Byrne takes Breezy's spot maybe Bouillon will become less important as a regular and we'll flip him and let Gorges take more responsibility. Hamrlik has provided a lot of stability and covers his partner brilliantly. The great thing about Roman is it doesn't matter who he plays with, he'll play the game as he sees needed. Markov-Komisarek will be the top pairing in the EC for the next few seasons... I think I've hyped them both enough in the past that this statement isn't a stretch anymore. 
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Bell Centre Ghost
Morally Bankrupt Scum
Joined: 18 Oct 2007
Posts: 519
Location: Guelph
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| Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2007 8:33 pm Post subject: |
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I agree with most of what you said sask, and want to emphasize that this team still does not have an identity - which isn't a bad thing. To me, it seems like a team with a lot of potential, but no structure on how to use that potential. It seems reasonable to expect this from a team so full of youth, and that's where Breezy comes in.
I don't think Breezy is there for his talent level - he's obviously not the player he once was, and maybe he never was. He is, however, a link to tradition and that is something that Montreal has lacked for quite awhile. The CH means something to us, but does it really mean a lot to some of these youngsters? Obviously it does to Higgins, but how about Kosty, Komi, Grabs, etc? What made Montreal great was a mix of talent and a sense of tradition i.e. working harder to represent the CH. It's something I see with Detroit, the hated Leafs, but not for Montreal.
That brings me to Carbo.... so far, I'm worried. I thought by now I'd see the start of some sort of system and drive. Except for a few flashes (like the Florida game), I just don't see a system nor drive. I said in a past life (OTP - the original) that we should get used to inconsistent play from such a young team. That said, I didn't expect such inconsistent play over a 6 game period. To me, that may point to a coach who is either not being consistent in his messaging, or is not reaching the players.
Disclaimer - it's only 6 games. |
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