Habs Report More…
RDS reports that Jaroslav Halak has been sent down to Hamilton which means the obvious….Check it out:
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/245087.html
After watching the NY Rangers defeat a 3 goal defecate, Montreal clearly shows the lack that “Star/Clutch/Experienced” player. I strongly believe this club is a trade away from being a serious threat….
So Halak without even playing 1 full game gets demoted to Hamilton and Carey Price will be called up. Either management & the coaching staff don’t have much confidence in Halak OR Price is coming back to get another crack at the #1 job OR take a few games off Huet‘s hands. But then again why would they bring up Price just to play once every 5 games or so. If Price starts playing in the NHL again this will truly test him as an athlete.
Huet has been playing good but you can’t give him all the credit for Montreal success so far. The team has scored and played well defensively. Huet has started 10+ games in a row and I guess it wouldn’t hurt to give Price a few and see what he’s got if he is just being brought as a back-up.
To the game:
A little disappointing how they lost but you have to give New York credit. They kept their composure and came back which isn’t difficult with their line-up. Montreal lacks experience up front. Experience is key to a successful hockey club especially come playoff time. Experience keeps you calm, confident and allows you to play a simple game. Montreal has Koivu, Kovalev and Smolinski with playoff experience but the other young players might buckle under the pressure when/if(they probably will) they make the post season.
A few rumors have been thrown around lately:
Florida’s Olli Jokinen name has been linked with the Habs (according the Eklund) and Peter Forsburg as well. Its rumor so far but as a Montreal fan I would be pretty disappointed if Bob Gainey didn’t make a move for a top player in the league especially with the centennial anniversary coming next year.
Everyone who knows Bob Gainey knows he is a very conservative GM and doesn’t make any drastic moves. Gainey rebuilt the club without ever hitting rock bottom and he should be given credit for that. The team has young players with great potential but since Montreal is doing pretty good Gainey should look to add either:
A: Fire Power
B: Beefy D-Man
C: Center man
Another point:
I don’t see all the fuss about Montreal being #1 in the east. They DON’T need that kind of pressure…especially being a young team. Why not float around 4th-6th place and fly under the radar like they have so far. Besides, once Ottawa has Heatley and Alfie back they will be dominant again.
So as a fan of Montreal I’m happy to see them winning on a consistent basis(Hope I don’t jinx them) and hoping Gainey will add something dynamic to the club!
How bout them GIANTS!…