I will always be a Habs fan, but it was yet another disappointing season. The Habs really had two separate seasons: one where they could go toe-to-toe with any team in the league, and had a chance to win every game. The 'other' season the Habs had was a complete embarrassment to themselves and Habs fans. They looked sickly, tired and worst of all, disinterested. "L'indiscipline coule le CH" ("Indiscipline sinks the Habs") was the most oft-used phrase during the season, where the Habs would shoot themselves in the foot game after game. That was probably the most frustrating part of the season for me.There were glimmers of stellar play during the last 10-12 games of the season (check out Higgins's MONSTER goal on Saturday night) but again, penalty trouble put their first 81 games to waste.
I really hope Bob Gainey decides to clean house this Summer. I've defended Kovalev more than enough times, but he really disappointed me this season. He and Samsonov will have to start looking for new cities to call home, because they will be on the way out. I'd be happy if they can sign at least either Markov or Souray, because I doubt both would want to resign with the Habs.. I can't blame them. Souray will be offered a gazillion dollars this Summer by other teams, and he is right to take it. I also think Lapierre has taken over Begin's role; the former is younger and hungrier.
And then there's Koivu. I know he is a warrior, is a model of perservance and determination, and has done tons for charities and the city of Montreal, but the Habs won't go far with him as Captain. Maybe I'm just used to thinking of the Captain as a real grinder, or as a goal-scorer rather than a play-maker. But when the game is on the line, I rarely think to myself, "pass it to Koivu, he will win the game"... I usually think, "Koivu, pass it to someone who will score"... (I know a pass is just as important as a goal, but you know what I mean)
Fortunately, the few bright lights of this season came from the youth. I think Plekanec is developing into a huge asset for the team. He's fast, kills penalties, takes faceoffs and goes in the corners. I'm convinced Higgins can devastate with his shot and speed. Kostitsyn can also fly, and has a scoring touch. And of course, Halak was incredible (add Aebischer to the list of dead weight on the team).With any luck, Bob Gainey will make major changes. All we have to do is sign Daniel Briere and Brad Richards, and we're set..... *single tear rolls down cheek*
GO HABS GO!
PS: a shout-out to alpha posse for the bitchin' Habs jersey
8 comments:
The problem is that Kovalev and Samsonov have another 2 years for a combined $8M, I believe. How do you solve that? Who will take them? The Habs will probably buy out Samsonov just to get rid of him, but that is such wasted money that they could have used elsewhere.
Also, Koivu is 3rd on the team in goals. With Souray and probably Ryder leaving, Koivu will remain the highest goal scorer on the Canadiens, so you can't blame him for not scoring. He also had a career high in points this past season and there have been times this year where it was indeed the Koivu show where he would score goals at will to win games. I say keep him on. He has tremendous heart.
You didn't address probably the biggest problem: the incompetent management. Who chose Carbo as coach? Oh right, Gainey. When was the last time the Habs hired a coach with previous coaching NHL experience? Demers. And he won a Cup. They need an established coach not rookie after rookie. Hell, with Julien free again, they should go get him, but they won't. Thus, they will have another miserable season next year. We all hope differently though.
Man, I'd take anything for Kovalev and Samsonov. Bring Wade Belak back, if necessary.
I'm on the fence about Koivu. He does have tremendous heart, but twelve seasons as Captain is a long time. I think RDS said they haven't moved past the second round with him as Captain.
I agree with the coaching point you brought up though. What is with this revolving door system? Geez.
It's just as easy to say they haven't moved past the second round while they've had rookie coaches. The whole team is mired in a cycle of mediocrity that nobody wants to admit. They keep ending up in the lower middle half, getting lame draft picks and having another meandering season. They need to explode the team and simply last-place-suck for a while to get some sick stars. When's the last time the Canadiens had a real star?... Patrick Roy? Long time ago... Management is too chicken to do the right thing, which is start from scratch.
Oh, I also forgot to commend you on the nice use of photo indenting in this post. Very nice.
Well, the way the economics of sports works in Montreal, there's no way that the Canadiens can afford to sink this team to the bottom of the league to get star draft picks. I would imagine that it's pretty fragile the way it is, with the Habs just hanging on. I'm crossing my fingers that Management actually makes good on their word of going out and signing a star.
That's crossing my fingers, not holding my breath, mind you.
But the Canadiens will sell out forever. Even if they suck, people are lined up to see them play. By being mediocre, they will be stuck in an endless cycle. It's not about signing FAs, it's about signing the right FA who would improve the team in a way they need.
Wasn't attendance low or lower in the mid-90's? I can't remember...
You're right though, that is THE problem with the Leafs. But they are selling out because the people who go to the games are suits rather than hockey fans.
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