Laval Rocket: GDT- Game THREE Laval at Charlotte 4PM EST

[DAChampion]

Come on... before this series, many fans thought that Laval was going to win in 4 or 5 games and for good reasons.

That team of failed NHLers still beat the crap out of them... What makes them now ?
What are they even good at if they can't win a single game vs a team full of AHL scrubs ?!
Something or someone should be held accountable for this catastrophy...

• The Rocket prospects that eveyone said was unreal are not as good as we thought ?
• Pascal Vincent being a tool and getting outcoached by the opposition's coach ?
• The collapse of the so called super goalies tendem of Primeau (supposedly the best goalie in the AHL) and Fowler ?!
• The defense that suddenly can't defend anymore ?!
• The players are too small and too soft ?!
• Lucky bounces ?!

Hopefully Hughes/Gorton are watching this failure closely.

Fowler didn't collapse this series.

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

Come on... before this series, many fans thought that Laval was going to win in 4 or 5 games and for good reasons.

That team of failed NHLers still beat the crap out of them... What makes them now ?
What are they even good at if they can't win a single game vs a team full of AHL scrubs ?!
Something or someone should be held accountable for this catastrophy...

• The Rocket prospects that eveyone said was unreal are not as good as we thought ?
• Pascal Vincent being a tool and getting outcoached by the opposition's coach ?
• The collapse of the so called super goalies tendem of Primeau (supposedly the best goalie in the AHL) and Fowler ?!
• The defense that suddenly can't defend anymore ?!
• The players are too small and too soft ?!
• Lucky bounces ?!

Hopefully Hughes/Gorton are watching this failure closely.

All garbage. No one thought it was going to be an easy series much less a win against a team that beat the defeding champion. And there was no way to know what would happen since they haven't played Charlotte. The result of this series is irrelevant for the NHL team. All they need to determine is if they need to change some or all of the AHL vets.

 

[Boss Man Hughes]

Primeau is straight booty cheeks

The defense is depleted and was shit. This series could end his chances of an NHL job though.

 

[HabsAddict]

Primeau is straight booty cheeks

I'm trying NOT to figure out what you mean by this...

 

[HabsAddict]

The defense is depleted and was shit. This series could end his chances of an NHL job though.

It depends. If HuGo thinks he will taken on waivers then he will take a 4th and a link of garlic sausages. If not and I can't see anyone wanting him after this disaster, then he's heading as a backup in Laval.

 

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

It's a tragedy for me to see, the dream is oooover...

 

[OnTheRun]

Come on... before this series, many fans thought that Laval was going to win in 4 or 5 games and for good reasons.

That team of failed NHLers still beat the crap out of them... What makes them now ?
What are they even good at if they can't win a single game vs a team full of AHL scrubs ?!
Something or someone should be held accountable for this catastrophy...

• The Rocket prospects that eveyone said was unreal are not as good as we thought ?
• Pascal Vincent being a tool and getting outcoached by the opposition's coach ?
• The collapse of the so called super goalies tendem of Primeau (supposedly the best goalie in the AHL) and Fowler ?!
• The defense that suddenly can't defend anymore ?!
• The players are too small and too soft ?!
• Lucky bounces ?!

Hopefully Hughes/Gorton are watching this failure closely.

Uh what?

Here's the top5 scorers in the playoffs of each of the last 6 Calder Cup winner
Player (age):
2024 Hershey: Hendrix Lapierre (21), Joe Snively (27), Ethen Frank (25), Jimmy Huntington (24), Chase Priskie (27)
2023 Hershey: Joe Snively (26), logan Day (27), Aliaksei Protas (21), Mason Morelli (26), Sam Anas (29)
2022 Chicago: Joshua Leivo (28), Stefan Noesen (28), Jack Drury (21), Andrew Poturalski (27), Joey Keane (22)
2019 Charlotte: Andrew Poturalski (24), Tomas Jurco (25), Morgan Geekie (20), Nicolas Roy (21), Aleksi Saarela (21)
2018 Toronto: Andreas Johnsson (22), Trevor Moore (22), Chris Mueller (31), Ben Smith (29), Carl Grundstrom (19)
2017 Grand Rapids: Tomas Nosek (24), Ben Street (29), Tyler Bertuzzi (21), Eric Tangradi (27), Mitch Callahan (25)

Not exactly a collection of brightest stars but it turns out that AHL veterants tend to do really well in... the AHL (hence why they still have a job in AHL long after their prospect status was revoked).

 

[WeThreeKings]

When Hamilton won the Calder Cup, there were basically 3 prospects worth a damn. Price, Lapierre and Grabovski.

AHL playoffs are always won by strong veteran teams. Its a great sign that Laval won the regular season presidents trophy and got to the final four. Especially considering this is the first AHL season for Kapanen, Xhekaj, Beck, Tuch and Mesar. Year 2 for Davidson. Not even cumulatively one season for Reinbacher. First year for Engstrom. Fowler only like 10 games deep.

Farrell has had his ups and downs as has Roy. Mailloux looked good until this apparent injury.

There's a lot of positives and these shouldn't be skewed simply because the veterans shit the bed, the rookies hit a plateau of playing against a bigger older and experienced AHL club while being unable to get a save.

This is a good lesson for these young kids. Have to fail sometimes to learn how to win. Let's hope they can show some resilience and punch back and maybe steal a game or two.

 

[montreal]

For me it's not losing, it's how they are losing, as they are getting their ass kicked and beaten in every way possible. Laval has folded like a cheap tent, they had a great season based on their impressive defensive structure, goaltending, physical game, work ethic. None of these have really showed up in this series. I have liked some of the physical game but that's mostly been from Xhekaj's line, who I have been saying for some time he should not be the 4th line as he's been one of their MVP's this season imo.

I do think the game might not have been as bad if they started Fowler but I didn't like the lone goal he gave up so maybe it wouldn't have changed much. The defense didn't help matters at all, Engstrom showed he is not ready for the NHL yet, Mailloux yea he's injured but he's done this all year long where he just does things that make you go wtf where you thinking there? Reinbacher has had some ups and downs but while I wouldn't mind seeing him back in Laval at least to start the season, a good camp and depending on what moves Hughes makes this summer, I wouldn't be surprised if he makes the team out of camp.

The forwards haven't done much, I have liked most of Farrell's games and think he's been among our best players for the most part, really sucks that they burned a year off his ELC, as another year in Laval would be good for him. Yes he lacks height and needs to add mass and strength as he's too easy to push off pucks but he has improved his speed/skating since being drafted to the point that he's one of Laval's quickest players after guys like Gignac and Beck, maybe Tuch. It will be interesting to see what the plan is for him, Roy, Beck and Kapanen, as all of them should be in the AHL next year imo to keep working on things.

I have been very impressed with Xhekaj but until he puts on a decent amount of weight and works on being more explosive, I hope they don't rush him to the NHL just yet but to me he has to be used in a bigger role, although to be fair it's tough to say what his TOI actually was since the AHL doesn't post that stat but by the eye test imo he should have been on the ice more (I know he's on 2nd PP and always on the PK) but 5 on 5 I would play him more, although maybe they don't think he can handle it conditioning wise as he clearly loves the physical game and with the PK work he puts in and PP time, that's a lot of moving up and down the ice which takes a toll as Tuch has talked about this in the past.

 

[WinterLion]

This is a great learning experience all the same. It's pretty insane to have a team with so many (actual) young prospects play in such significant roles. Anybody who has been following the AHL for awhile knows that these teams usually only have a few actual prospects in key roles. The checkers are playing amazing hockey and are a much older team. This adversity is good. It's ok for the young guys to be put to the test and even to fail. They are learning what it takes.

 

[schwang26]

For me it's not losing, it's how they are losing, as they are getting their ass kicked and beaten in every way possible. Laval has folded like a cheap tent, they had a great season based on their impressive defensive structure, goaltending, physical game, work ethic. None of these have really showed up in this series. I have liked some of the physical game but that's mostly been from Xhekaj's line, who I have been saying for some time he should not be the 4th line as he's been one of their MVP's this season imo.

I do think the game might not have been as bad if they started Fowler but I didn't like the lone goal he gave up so maybe it wouldn't have changed much. The defense didn't help matters at all, Engstrom showed he is not ready for the NHL yet, Mailloux yea he's injured but he's done this all year long where he just does things that make you go wtf where you thinking there? Reinbacher has had some ups and downs but while I wouldn't mind seeing him back in Laval at least to start the season, a good camp and depending on what moves Hughes makes this summer, I wouldn't be surprised if he makes the team out of camp.

The forwards haven't done much, I have liked most of Farrell's games and think he's been among our best players for the most part, really sucks that they burned a year off his ELC, as another year in Laval would be good for him. Yes he lacks height and needs to add mass and strength as he's too easy to push off pucks but he has improved his speed/skating since being drafted to the point that he's one of Laval's quickest players after guys like Gignac and Beck, maybe Tuch. It will be interesting to see what the plan is for him, Roy, Beck and Kapanen, as all of them should be in the AHL next year imo to keep working on things.

I have been very impressed with Xhekaj but until he puts on a decent amount of weight and works on being more explosive, I hope they don't rush him to the NHL just yet but to me he has to be used in a bigger role, although to be fair it's tough to say what his TOI actually was since the AHL doesn't post that stat but by the eye test imo he should have been on the ice more (I know he's on 2nd PP and always on the PK) but 5 on 5 I would play him more, although maybe they don't think he can handle it conditioning wise as he clearly loves the physical game and with the PK work he puts in and PP time, that's a lot of moving up and down the ice which takes a toll as Tuch has talked about this in the past.

I agree that it’s the way they’re losing. Obviously, injuries on D has taken its toll, but this series just hasn’t been competitive at all. They haven’t threatened Kaakonen in the least. For a first place team to get their asses handed to them this way is embarrassing . I hope this is a good learning experience for the young guys. I think there’s maybe 3 forwards that can be nhlers. Flojak, Beck and Kapanen. 2 D in Reinbacher and Engstrom. And then Fowler (he’s gonna need a couple years).
I think Mailloux gets dealt at the draft. I don’t see him as an nhl player. Hopefully another team does. The guy has regressed big time and doesn’t seem to play well under pressure. He’s capable of putting up points, but nothing else.

 

[The Real Timo]

The defense is depleted and was shit. This series could end his chances of an NHL job though.

Lol... remember how everyone wanted Pascal to replace St louis? I've been saying for a long time... habs prospects are at best average but mostly mediocre. Nothing too exciting is in the system... including DR. Everyone' been gashing about the pipeline... the only play I am excited from that pipeline is X junior and we all know what will happen if/once he makes it to the big club.

 

[LaP]

The defense is depleted and was shit. This series could end his chances of an NHL job though.

I think his chances of a NHL job short term were already toast. After 10 games this season his saves % was among the worst in NHL history for goalies with 10 games played in a season. I think only 4 or 5 goalies with 10 games played in a season had a worst saves % than him in the history of the whole f***ing NHL. Everyone was obviously blaming our defense and while our defense was not playing very well it was far from being just that as Monteambeault was much better.

Primeau should go to Europe and plays a few years there and try a come back at the end of his 20ies. He is unable to handle any kind of pressure at all. The data is there to prove it and the sample size is more than good enough. He should go to Europe and learn the rope in an inferior league with less pressure like the DEL, Liiga or NLA. If it works there he can attempt a come back in 4-5 years by signing a AHL contract with a team having so so goaltending at the NHL level. But his NHL dream was toast after 10 games this year and it's honestly his own fault.

 

[Nicko999]

First, its the management that said they will look at improving the team, that they dont want to waste Suzuki's best years ect. They also didnt sell at the deadline and we made the playoffs, so of course, the expectations will be higher from fans and medias.

Secondly, what we really lack is a young talented 2C, otherwise, we are in good shape moving foward with Suzuki, Caufield and the best of Slaf, Demidov upcoming. Dach still could have a bounce back year as a winger and Hage will likely play some games with the Habs at the end of next season.

Now can Hage fill that 2C role down the road, next NCAA season will provide more answers, at worst we get another top 6 winger.

Depth players are much easier to get, so moving our 2 first picks this year makes sense only if whats left isnt top 6 foward or top 4 quality D.

I agree but that's super hard to get. The whole league seems to be missing a 2C.
Look at Colorado, Winnipeg or even Toronto. Ask them what their biggest need is and they will say a 2C.
The price to acquire one (especially young) would be painful. It would require trading Reinbacher since no other piece is valuable enough.

 

[TRG]

Come on... before this series, many fans thought that Laval was going to win in 4 or 5 games and for good reasons.

That team of failed NHLers still beat the crap out of them... What makes them now ?
What are they even good at if they can't win a single game vs a team full of AHL scrubs ?!
Something or someone should be held accountable for this catastrophy...

• The Rocket prospects that eveyone said was unreal are not as good as we thought ?
• Pascal Vincent being a tool and getting outcoached by the opposition's coach ?
• The collapse of the so called super goalies tendem of Primeau (supposedly the best goalie in the AHL) and Fowler ?!
• The defense that suddenly can't defend anymore ?!
• The players are too small and too soft ?!
• Lucky bounces ?!

Hopefully Hughes/Gorton are watching this failure closely.

Some breathing exercises would do you a lot of good.

 

[schwang26]

Lol... remember how everyone wanted Pascal to replace St louis? I've been saying for a long time... habs prospects are at best average but mostly mediocre. Nothing too exciting is in the system... including DR. Everyone' been gashing about the pipeline... the only play I am excited from that pipeline is X junior and we all know what will happen if/once he makes it to the big club.

There may not be any top line or top pair guys, but if even 3 or 4 graduate, which I think is very possible, that’s what I consider very successful drafting. Besides, most of our best made the jump right away. Reinbacher lost a lot of time which probably explains why he didn’t make the jump right away.
You forgot about Fowler.

 

[DAChampion]

If Reinbacher hadn't been injured so much, he might be with Hutson and Demidov rather than with the Rocket, who may then have been eliminated in the second round.