Comments on: Samsonov a Hab !!

By: spamalope

spamalope — Sat, 15 Jul 2006 06:04:58 +0000

As a Bruins fan, I feel like I just got kicked in the nuts (again).

Good sign for ya'll.

By: Les-Habitants

Les-Habitants — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 09:33:09 +0000

Great post, and I admit I have to agree with you.

While I too liked Zednik, I believe Gainey was unhappy with Zednik's performance, and he was unhappy with his ice time - prompting him to request a trade, which has worked out for both sides. Good luck Zed with Oveckin!

His replacement is Mike Johnson, who is much more defensivly responsible then Zednik and a hard worker - he'll be a great addition to the 3rd line.

The aquistion of Samsanow gives the Habs two great first lines. Koivu's recovery is apparently taking longer then expected, but I am assuming he'll be back. Koivu is very much the heart and soul of our team, on and off the ice, and his absence would an irreplaceable loss. I can't even think of him not returning...

Ahem...anyway, Koivu will undoutably start off centering Ryder and Higgins. He makes these two young forwards better, and has the speed and skill to make space for them. Ryder is beginning to get his scorer's touch, while Higgins really seemed to come into his own after the Olympics.

The second, much talked about 'Russian' line would be Samsanov, Ribeiro, and Kovalev. Any thoughts about someone else centering these two should be cast aside, as, and I quote (from the Habs webpage):

“We were looking to fill in the open spot alongside Mike Ribeiro and Kovalev,” said Carbonneau. “A natural goal scorer with a really good shot, Sergei knows how to get free and Ribeiro and Kovalev like to find the open man. They should be a good combination.”

The player that Habs love to hate, Ribeiro has a lot to prove this season. He has realized that, and is putting a lot of effort into his off-season training. While I was frustrated watching him play, he can still come into his own and with some guidance could become a talented second line center. I'm willing to give him another chance, as he seems to really want to play in Montreal.

I'm really pleased with our 3rd and 4th lines.

The D-corp, if Souray truely wants out, will need some patch work as Streit is no replacement for a top 4 d-man...especially one with that shot.

Here's what I think Carbo has in mind...

Higgins - Koivu - Ryder

Samsanov - Ribeiro - Kovalev

Perezhogin - Plekanec - Johnson

Murray - Bonk - Begin

ex. Kostitsyn, Downey

(I think Kostitsyn is the prospect most likely to earn that 23rd spot. The others need more time to develop before hitting the big leagues)

The D-corp, if Souray stays, will look essentially the same as last season. If there is a trade, then I have no idea what will happen. Either way though, Streit will again be the #7 defenceman, but look for more improvements from him.

The goalies, no brainer: Huet and Aebisher(or Danis if he is traded)

Sorry for the lonnng post, but I needed to write this somewhere...and it wasn't worthy of a new thread.

By: urstruly

urstruly — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 13:21:58 +0000

Im gonna say it like it is Gainey is a very smart Gm… Patience is a must when your looking at quality players and want to sign them for a reasonable amount, an amount they deserve. My opinion is Samsonov is a great pickup even though he is small he has amazing speed, puck handling skills, and experience.. He will put up the points and if put on the line with kovalev watch out guarantee teams will see them as a big threat, and last I think Gainey has something else up his sleeve look for it to be on defense and give Gainey a break Trust him to do the right thing…..

By: LuckyLuc98

LuckyLuc98 — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 02:01:46 +0000

oh yea sources are The Team 990, Sports Rage by Gabriel Morency.

By: LuckyLuc98

LuckyLuc98 — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 02:00:28 +0000

Samsonov a Hab is greattt! More speed, but I still believe we need a big 2nd line centerman. Also Souray asked out of Montreal. Gainey has agreed to his request and he will soon be delt, I'm speculating he may end up in Detroit maybe in a package deal with Abby. The reason of Souray's request is to get closer to his daughter. I hope we could get that big 2nd line centerman!

Good job Gainey !!!

By: kingcup

kingcup — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 21:33:42 +0000

Good text.

I think Gainey will do as usual: make a move if the deal is right, and only then.

Gainey is never rush into something; people will fire at him for not getting the top UFA (Samsonov ain t that bad in my book, but anyway...), but history (like the rangers for exemple) have teach us that an all star team doesn t mean success. On top of this, if you don t want lose your upcoming UFA, better have some money left when the time comes.2007 is a big UFA year for the habs and there s a lot of good young prospect dying for a spot in the team.

Gainey is all about patience, and it s about to start paying off.