There was nothing near the excitement in the Bell Centre on this night, nor was there anything approximating the quality from the home side. From a porous duo in front of the cage to a disappointing defense to the less than stellar group attacking the opposing goal, this was not the greatest night for Montreal fans. However, as always, blanket statements are never accurate, and there were some decent performances tonight.
Impressing the most:
Smolinski: He was billed as a good two-way guy who could put the puck in the net and that's exactly how he played. Controlled and intelligent, he's the kind of guy every team likes to have.
Begin: After a poor campaign last season the Habs sparkplug was looking to rebound and fire up the team once again and with a few really solid hits and typically good play all around, he looked ready to start the season.
Lapierre: Something I wasn't expecting, quite honestly. He has a great work ethic, and of that there's no doubt, but tonight he looked to add a little more offensive flair and I found him going to the net more often than he did last season. Good on him - particularly since he maintained a good defensive posture.
O'Byrne: Yes, Habs fans, he looks just about ready. As the game wore on he was more and more comfortable on and off the puck and his positioning was very good. At times he even looked more poised than Hamrlik, he who is supposed to be tutoring the youngster. Quite an impressive skater for a guy his size and lo and behold he's not just a defensive defender, he made a couple of very good rushes!
Wouldn't be tossed out for eating crackers on the ice:
Koivu: He also wins the award for "Now You See Me Now You Don't." His shorthanded goal was quite delicious in that he won the puck, scored the goal, then nicely evaded Orpik's attempt to put him in the hospital. The cherry on top? Orpik cleaned out Sykora with the best hit of the night.
D'Agostini: While he wasn't special, he put in an agreeable performance. Will have to step it up considerably, though, to be wearing la tricolore on opening night.
Hamrlik: He was anything but spectacular and at times you could tell he was the new guy getting used to a new system, however he was, for the most part, steady and quietly effective. Perhaps not $22M effective, but it was his curtain raising; we'll give it time.
Bouillon: A few unforced errors marred what was a fairly good night. Then again, with the competition on the blueline, fairly good might not cut it.
Urquhart: He's come a long, long way from his banishment in the ECHL. Another Ryder in the making, perhaps? He's good on his skates and was not bad at all both on and off the puck. He's not making the team out of camp, but with continued improvement he could actually warrant a callup this season.
Beauregard: If you were like me you looked at him on the ice and you said... "Who?" This kid, however, has a lot of potential based on what he displayed tonight. I quite liked his enthusiasm and obvious offensive abilities.
I smell a rat:
Cote: There are many who feel he should be the guy with the Habs this year and that he should have been there last year over Dandy or Bouillon. I don't know what those people are thinking. Yes, he looks for the big hit and yes he can handle himself against the big guys. On the other hand, he was about four steps behind and made more than a few mental errors. I'm not sure this guy is really an NHL-calibre kid.
Manlow: Pretty much invisible tonight - not that he had an abundance of playing time.
Rivers: For a guy who's played in the NHL for years you just have to wonder. What were those other team's thinking? A good depth guy I suppose, but he's just aged AHL fodder as I see it.
White: While I wouldn't call him horribly disappointing as some of these others were, I was still somewhat disappointed that he didn't bring a little more. He'll probably be in amongst the first cut.
Lemieux: I think the announcers called his name twice which shows how much he was involved in the action. That pretty much sums up his night.
Ryder: This guy should be taking things into his own hands and instead he lays the royal egg tonight. The official scorers generously gave him two hits, but he was pretty much a non-entity. Unacceptable.
Latendresse: Other than the classless hit from behind on Whitney, ostensibly as revenge for the hit Orpik used to level the Hab, 'Tender was, with Ryder, a virtual no-show. I don't think he can play himself off the team, but he still has to work far harder to achieve success at the NHL level.
Halak: Once he started playing the game he looked pretty good. Sadly he didn't show up until the game was already about 10 minutes old. Scattered and flopping, this was the worst I've seen Halak since his first Montreal appearance.
Price: Yes, none of the goals were really his fault and yes, he did make a few pretty good saves. However he looked small in the net, this 6'2 goalie. He was also deep in his crease far too often and please someone PLEASE tell him never to handle the puck again. Shades of Theo... 65-70 games in the AHL should settle him down this season. (I know it's early to say that, but if you consider the first appearances of Huet and Price this season.......)
Please remove the dead fish:
Dandenault: Do you think he got the memo that there's serious competition on the blueline in Montreal? Didn't look like it. Looked more like he was interested in a game of shinney. Either that or he was more interested in playing for Pittsburgh.
~~
Let's see what the rest of the fun games offer, but at this point I see Chipper on the fast track to Montreal up front and Carle and O'Byrne looking to be serious challengers at the back. Halak will probably look more relaxed next time out since it's probably a decent bet that Price gets the Hamilton assignment.
Then again, as everyone knows, anything can happen in the preseason. See you after game one of 82.
- A Concerned Fan.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Monday, September 17, 2007
Pre-Season Thriller
While the hockey wasn't exactly of the highest calibre, the intensity was approximating that of the playoffs and that can't be anything but good for the fans. Montreal fielded ten rookies on a night when the Penguins iced a far more competitive squad and stuck with goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury from start to finish. In the end it was a wonderful goal by Kovalev that offered the 'W' and sent the faithful home happy.
Make no mistake, though, despite the win and the positive glow you might hear around the water cooler tomorrow, this wasn't a night of total positives. Then again, there were some very promising signs for the first exhibition game of the year.
A quick look at the players this evening:
Looking particularly good
Kovalev: Of course, this will be argued until the end of days, but by and large he offered this evening exactly what he'll offer every night of the year. Lazy play for half his shifts and some inspired play now and again that puts you at the edge of your seat. Three points on the night is great to see, shame it won't be a nightly occurance.
Huet: The only person that beat him was Komisarek. Now, to be fair, the Pens weren't exactly lighting it up at the front, however when Huet was asked to make a special save, he delivered. Of note, he pulled one off the line from behind him to stop an obvious goal. Huet actually looked to be in mid-season form as he was patient and calm.
Komisarek: Okay, he scored on the wrong net, but he was also stellar at the back. Perhaps more players should take his off-season training, because Komi looked in very fine form tonight. In fact, he showed more poise than I've seen from him except on one or two occasions.
Markov: Simply sublime. Add a viciously legal body blow to Mark Recchi and his night was all but perfect. Honestly, he was outstanding and another who looked more than ready to start the season now.
Streit: Picking up where he left off last season, he played a very solid game as a defender. Particularly pleasing was his ability to work in the traffic a little better than last season. His puck movement and rushes were excellent.
Chipchura: He has NHL written all over him. Superb both ways and while he's not a fast skater he's strong on those blades. He just looks ready, simple as that. He'll have to play himself off the roster, if anything. Of note, Carbo gave him PK duty when the Habs were down two men - and that's saying something. Now, when you mention the fact he was superb while doing that duty...
Playing a solid game:
Gorges: He wasn't flashy by any means, but he did his job and did it efficiently. I was pleased to see him taking no chances. It's a little dull to watch the puck get chipped out, but when necessary, it's useful. Gorges was also decent in traffic.
Locke: He scored a nice goal through traffic, showed a neat set of hands and great vision, and was noticeable pretty much every time he was on the ice - all good. He was also knocked around a little more than one would like, but all in all, a pretty good showing.
Grabovski: It's certainly nothing like what I'd hoped (or what he'd hoped, I imagine), but he played decently. There weren't the same flashes of speed we saw last season in his brief callup, but he played within himself and his linemates making a few pretty plays here and there.
Carle: He looked good until he went down with injury. A little fumbly in the opening moments, but he settle down and played smart after that. Nice to see another defender who's willing to pinch now and again.
Danis: He's a stand-up type guy and he does it well. Like Huet, he looks calm between the pipes and that seemed to give his teammates confidence as well. The rest of the club didn't fall into a defensive shell when he was put on the ice and that says as much about a goalie as the saves do sometimes. He didn't have the same quality shots as did Huet, but he did well with what he faced.
Basically Invisible:
Kostopoulos: However, by placing him here I think I'm actually complementing him. As far as I could tell, he was put on a defensive line which means we don't want to see defensive errors. Perhaps he and his mates didn't make anything happen offensively, however chemistry is a difficult thing to come by this quickly.
Andrei Kostitsyn: Sure he got a couple of points, but I felt he was a perimeter player and didn't really create on his own tonight. Yes, he has talent and hands and passes and shoots the puck well, but in my opinion he needs to get stuck in and make things happen to be a real success in this league.
Duncan Milroy: As close to a what-you-see-is-what-you-get player as you can get. He's a no-frills guy who will give his all every shift and is probably a quality fourth line guy in the NHL. Problem in Montreal is the embarrassing riches there are on the farm and his relative placement in the depth chart. One thing he has over others, though - consistency.
Siarhei Kostitsyn: Once he got done attempting his OHL moves he looked a little better, but like his brother he was basically a perimeter guy. I didn't see anything that would make me jump on his bandwagon to get him on the team right now.
Ferland: I still don't get how this fellow played in the NHL last season. As far as I can tell there are probably a dozen or more players all more skilled and better at the game that he is. A step down from Milroy, I can't see him being anything more than AHL fodder this season.
Downright disappointing:
Plekanec: After a fantastic season last campaign I honestly expected more. Perhaps a function of linemates, Plex was basically invisible all night, and from someone that's supposed to lead by example and create offensively out there, that's unacceptable.
Lahti: Not that he was given much of a chance, when he was on the ice he looked afraid and lost. With all they hype leading into camp, this was the biggest disappointment. Perhaps it's the sweater. Take off 38 and pick something, anything else. Malakhov and Bulis were terribly overrated as well.
Murray: He's playing for his NHL life and after his first showing, I'd say NHL Death 1, Life, 0. He absolutely must hit if he's to be in the NHL with his skill set. He didn't.
Unlucky:
Archer: He's had a tough time with injuries and the hits just keep on coming. Got into a tussle with Laraque and paid the price.
~~
Well, tomorrow is another day and we'll see if that day can produce some more excitement. Along those lines, I'm sure Crosby is just aching for his contract to end and free agency to start so he can sign in Montreal. Not. He got into it in a big way with Komisarek and came out looking like a chump. He may be a tough kid, but he has to stop whining and play acting out there if people are going to treat him with respect.
All Hail:
Komisarek and Markov who were mean, slick, and look ready for the playoffs tomorrow.
-A Concerned Fan
Make no mistake, though, despite the win and the positive glow you might hear around the water cooler tomorrow, this wasn't a night of total positives. Then again, there were some very promising signs for the first exhibition game of the year.
A quick look at the players this evening:
Looking particularly good
Kovalev: Of course, this will be argued until the end of days, but by and large he offered this evening exactly what he'll offer every night of the year. Lazy play for half his shifts and some inspired play now and again that puts you at the edge of your seat. Three points on the night is great to see, shame it won't be a nightly occurance.
Huet: The only person that beat him was Komisarek. Now, to be fair, the Pens weren't exactly lighting it up at the front, however when Huet was asked to make a special save, he delivered. Of note, he pulled one off the line from behind him to stop an obvious goal. Huet actually looked to be in mid-season form as he was patient and calm.
Komisarek: Okay, he scored on the wrong net, but he was also stellar at the back. Perhaps more players should take his off-season training, because Komi looked in very fine form tonight. In fact, he showed more poise than I've seen from him except on one or two occasions.
Markov: Simply sublime. Add a viciously legal body blow to Mark Recchi and his night was all but perfect. Honestly, he was outstanding and another who looked more than ready to start the season now.
Streit: Picking up where he left off last season, he played a very solid game as a defender. Particularly pleasing was his ability to work in the traffic a little better than last season. His puck movement and rushes were excellent.
Chipchura: He has NHL written all over him. Superb both ways and while he's not a fast skater he's strong on those blades. He just looks ready, simple as that. He'll have to play himself off the roster, if anything. Of note, Carbo gave him PK duty when the Habs were down two men - and that's saying something. Now, when you mention the fact he was superb while doing that duty...
Playing a solid game:
Gorges: He wasn't flashy by any means, but he did his job and did it efficiently. I was pleased to see him taking no chances. It's a little dull to watch the puck get chipped out, but when necessary, it's useful. Gorges was also decent in traffic.
Locke: He scored a nice goal through traffic, showed a neat set of hands and great vision, and was noticeable pretty much every time he was on the ice - all good. He was also knocked around a little more than one would like, but all in all, a pretty good showing.
Grabovski: It's certainly nothing like what I'd hoped (or what he'd hoped, I imagine), but he played decently. There weren't the same flashes of speed we saw last season in his brief callup, but he played within himself and his linemates making a few pretty plays here and there.
Carle: He looked good until he went down with injury. A little fumbly in the opening moments, but he settle down and played smart after that. Nice to see another defender who's willing to pinch now and again.
Danis: He's a stand-up type guy and he does it well. Like Huet, he looks calm between the pipes and that seemed to give his teammates confidence as well. The rest of the club didn't fall into a defensive shell when he was put on the ice and that says as much about a goalie as the saves do sometimes. He didn't have the same quality shots as did Huet, but he did well with what he faced.
Basically Invisible:
Kostopoulos: However, by placing him here I think I'm actually complementing him. As far as I could tell, he was put on a defensive line which means we don't want to see defensive errors. Perhaps he and his mates didn't make anything happen offensively, however chemistry is a difficult thing to come by this quickly.
Andrei Kostitsyn: Sure he got a couple of points, but I felt he was a perimeter player and didn't really create on his own tonight. Yes, he has talent and hands and passes and shoots the puck well, but in my opinion he needs to get stuck in and make things happen to be a real success in this league.
Duncan Milroy: As close to a what-you-see-is-what-you-get player as you can get. He's a no-frills guy who will give his all every shift and is probably a quality fourth line guy in the NHL. Problem in Montreal is the embarrassing riches there are on the farm and his relative placement in the depth chart. One thing he has over others, though - consistency.
Siarhei Kostitsyn: Once he got done attempting his OHL moves he looked a little better, but like his brother he was basically a perimeter guy. I didn't see anything that would make me jump on his bandwagon to get him on the team right now.
Ferland: I still don't get how this fellow played in the NHL last season. As far as I can tell there are probably a dozen or more players all more skilled and better at the game that he is. A step down from Milroy, I can't see him being anything more than AHL fodder this season.
Downright disappointing:
Plekanec: After a fantastic season last campaign I honestly expected more. Perhaps a function of linemates, Plex was basically invisible all night, and from someone that's supposed to lead by example and create offensively out there, that's unacceptable.
Lahti: Not that he was given much of a chance, when he was on the ice he looked afraid and lost. With all they hype leading into camp, this was the biggest disappointment. Perhaps it's the sweater. Take off 38 and pick something, anything else. Malakhov and Bulis were terribly overrated as well.
Murray: He's playing for his NHL life and after his first showing, I'd say NHL Death 1, Life, 0. He absolutely must hit if he's to be in the NHL with his skill set. He didn't.
Unlucky:
Archer: He's had a tough time with injuries and the hits just keep on coming. Got into a tussle with Laraque and paid the price.
~~
Well, tomorrow is another day and we'll see if that day can produce some more excitement. Along those lines, I'm sure Crosby is just aching for his contract to end and free agency to start so he can sign in Montreal. Not. He got into it in a big way with Komisarek and came out looking like a chump. He may be a tough kid, but he has to stop whining and play acting out there if people are going to treat him with respect.
All Hail:
Komisarek and Markov who were mean, slick, and look ready for the playoffs tomorrow.
-A Concerned Fan
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