Post-Game Talk: Habs get a win in California. Defeat lowly Sharks.

[Rapala]

Demidov will help next year. I think Beck will be a good add. Defense needs improvement the most actually.

Yeah we need everyone healthy on the back end next season if we are to have any hope of a playoff spot.
Lot's of work is still needed on that right side. I wonder if Mailloux slots in tomorrow I thought Xhekaj was pretty bad on that side.

 

[Rapala]

2 goals at 5 on 5 in the last 4 games.


If this is any other team than the Sharks, Habs lose. Georgiev was absolutely hilarious on the 2nd goal.

If we score on even half of those four posts we would have scored the six goals almost everyone is scoring against them.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Askarov beats us. I saw him play 3v3 last night and he's 10x better than Giorgiev.
Sharks are still tanking hard but damn they have some fine young players.
Their D is really bad though.

We hit 4 goal posts and had a chance to see the potential of Beck who I don't think is going back to Laval soon or ever.

 

[VT]

Yeah, tried to play without sweating probably

Stupid enough remarks about the man having mental problems. Because, if I'm judging correctly, they were the problems now.

 

[nhlfan9191]

Yeah we need everyone healthy on the back end next season if we are to have any hope of a playoff spot.
Lot's of work is still needed on that right side. I wonder if Mailloux slots in tomorrow I thought Xhekaj was pretty bad on that side.

I think it’s time we start trying to bring some players in. Carrier gave us a big boost when we were on a winning streak. As long as we stay away from the Karl Alzner’s of the FA world, I’m okay with Hughes trying to buy some players.

 

[ReHabs]

Stupid enough remarks about the man having mental problems. Because, if I'm judging correctly, they were the problems now.

Laine’s hit a wall. It happens after a long layoff. The NHL season is an unforgiving grind and there’s no way his fitness is up to par.

Anyone hyperfixated on the player we got paid to take (that is to say: a cap dump) is simply just aggravating themselves. Dude’s playing with Evans and Armia, he was playing with stone hands Newhook and crocked Dach. Gallagher, Xhekaj, Savard… The whole roster is riddled with underperforming players!

 

[nhlfan9191]

Laine’s hit a wall. It happens after a long layoff. The NHL season is an unforgiving grind and there’s no way his fitness is up to par.

Anyone hyperfixated on the player we got paid to take (that is to say: a cap dump) is simply just aggravating themselves. Dude’s playing with Evans and Armia, he was playing with stone hands Newhook and crocked Dach. Gallagher, Xhekaj, Savard… The whole roster is riddled with underperforming players!

His linemates haven’t been great but his 5v5 play isn’t very good. If he is in fact playing with another injury after already missing 3 months of the season, it just confirms that he’s a bandaid. I wouldn’t feel comfortable committing any money to him long term if he’s looking to get paid at the end of next year unless he does something spectacular but I’m not banking on that happening. He needs to be more then a PP specialist that’s healthy once and awhile if he wants to become part of the core.

 

[ReHabs]

His linemates haven’t been great but his 5v5 play isn’t very good. If he is in fact playing with another injury after already missing 3 months of the season, it just confirms that he’s a bandaid. I wouldn’t feel comfortable committing any money to him long term if he’s looking to get paid at the end of next year unless he does something spectacular but I’m not banking on that happening. He needs to be more then a PP specialist that’s healthy once and awhile if he wants to become part of the core.

He's been terrible 5 on 5. My comment is more general: hyperfixating on the one guy who's a cap dump, who's coming off both mental and physical leave, who was a sliver away from needing knee surgery... game after game is just masturbatory at this point. He's crap right now, he's lost, he's totally hit the wall.

Thankfully no contract or roster decision has to be made until next season. The reason he was available for negative value is precisely this.

 

[bud12]

Stupid enough remarks about the man having mental problems. Because, if I'm judging correctly, they were the problems now.

So having mental issue in the past is now related to a lack of effort? If he play like that next year, no way the habs offer him a contract.

 

[Habssince89]

We hit 4 goal posts and had a chance to see the potential of Beck who I don't think is going back to Laval soon or ever.

I would love to hear you expand on your assessment.

 

[waitin425]

Went to bed before puck drop and arose to find a 4-3 Victory!!! I love you all!

 

[VT]

So having mental issue in the past is now related to a lack of effort? If he play like that next year, no way the habs offer him a contract.

Remember how I criticized him after the previous two games agreeing with his HS in the third period against the Ducks.
But this time I thoroughly read the description of his play (not just here), plus watched the game in replay (but that's the last time, I need to sleep). He really tried hard, but even by the shots on the PP you could tell he couldn't hit a soccer goal from one meter.

To the past.

He had a concussion last season, probably came back prematurely. When he was warming up - injury and the NHLPA program.

The year before last he had excellent stats at 5v5. By the way, he mostly played with Peeke, Gudbranson and Bernie on defense as Werenski got hurt after 13 games. All defensive defensemen. And we also had an inexperienced coach.

In the CBJ, Waddell didn't want his departure.

By the way, his health has been declining since 2021.

 

[Gaylord Q Tinkledink]

Called the win.

Barely won, but still did.

Potentially upped the value of Evans and Armia

 

[Habs Halifax]

Even after the 5 game loosing streak, the Habs still have the 9th best record since Dec. Oct-Nov was very very bad and we can't take away what they did since Dec+... even after that 5 game loosing streak. If the Habs played .500 hockey in Oct-Nov, they would firmly be in a playoff spot today.

Oct-Nov 30: 8-12-3 (30th)

Dec-Jan 25: 16-8-2 (3rd)

Dec-Feb 5: 17-11-2 (9th)

Feb 5-End of Season: Take your wildest guess

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Called the win.

Barely won, but still did.

Potentially upped the value of Evans and Armia

Perhaps, but Armia did allow Toffoli to get behind him and score the tying goal in the third period and Evan’s made a brain dead play with the Sharks’ goalie out when, with less than 15 seconds to play, Evans inexplicably decided, as he approached the Sharks’ blueline in full control of the puck, to try a cross ice pass which was intercepted and led to a last gasp scoring chance by the Sharks when all he had to do to seal the victory was flip the puck deep. Dumbest play I have seen all year.

 

[Benstheman]

Even after the 5 game loosing streak, the Habs still have the 9th best record since Dec. Oct-Nov was very very bad and we can't take away what they did since Dec+... even after that 5 game loosing streak. If the Habs played .500 hockey in Oct-Nov, they would firmly be in a playoff spot today.

Oct-Nov 30: 8-12-3 (30th)

Dec-Jan 25: 16-8-2 (3rd)

Dec-Feb 5: 17-11-2 (9th)

Feb 5-End of Season: Take your wildest guess

.500. And a top 10 maybe top 8 pick.

 

[BLONG7]

Perhaps, but Armia did allow Toffoli to get behind him and score the tying goal in the third period and Evan’s made a brain dead play with the Sharks’ goalie out when, with less than 15 seconds to play, Evans inexplicably decided, as he approached the Sharks’ blueline in full control of the puck, to try a cross ice pass which was intercepted and led to a last gasp scoring chance by the Sharks when all he had to do to seal the victory was flip the puck deep. Dumbest play I have seen all year.

The Habs always tend to make the dying moments of a one goal game, way too close......
i thought they may challenge the Toffoli goal for offside, but yes, Armia was the guy who allowed that one to happen....

Off to the next one, the Kings don't score many goals, but they also don't let many in either.
Habs need another big W tonight.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

I would love to hear you expand on your assessment.

As some readers know I have followed Beck’s development over the past few years and posted about same after most of Laval’s games this year. My general assessment of Beck’s potential was that his defensive prowess was overstated and his offensive potential completely understated. I argued that the constant, and ill informed, depiction of Beck as a bottom six defensive oriented forward was off the mark. I stated that this young player’s explosive skating, playmaking ability, shooting ability, compete level and physicality made him as certain an NHLer as any prospect we had.

Last night and in the AHL All Star game you saw all the attributes that I have been writing about since we drafted this very unappreciated young player. Against the Sharks, a team that has its own plethora of young, elite talent, Beck was noticeable almost every shift. He skated well, he made clever plays, he attacked the net, he created scoring chances for himself and his linemates and he was physical. Probably the best shift that any Canadiens’ player had in the game was in the third period when Beck on the forecheck was a veritable wrecking ball, knocking down two Sharks defencemen, stealing the puck and setting up a line mate for an excellent scoring chance.

The only thing missing was a display of Beck’s top end, explosive speed when carrying the puck. But there were reasons for that as Beck was a last minute addition to the team’s line and just got off the plane to join the team. I suspect nerves played a role too. He also has to get more selfish as there were times he passed up shooting opportunities to tried to make a pass to a linemate. The coaches have tell him when you have a shot like he does: use it every chance you get. Once he gets a shoot first reputation in the league, it will open up passing opportunities.

Once he gains a bit off confidence ( last night’s game should really help) and he realizes that he can skate with effectiveness at the NHL level, we should start seeing Beck display his explosive skating ability.

Bottom line, if he can maintain this level of play, I can’t see the Canadiens returning Beck to Laval, even when Heineman returns.

I believe this kid is here to stay.

 

[tazsub3]

The loss of Ghule should not be underestimated.
The team turned it around after the carrier trade. and was a main result of oputting Ghule on his natural site and him playing like a number 1 d.
Well with that one removed, we team is back to its erratic D it had before that trade.

To add to that, i actually found that matheson looked much much better on the right side , wonder what you guys think ?

 

[BLONG7]

As some readers know I have followed Beck’s development over the past few years and posted about same after most of Laval’s games this year. My general assessment of Beck’s potential was that his defensive prowess was overstated and his offensive potential completely understated. I argued that the constant, and ill informed, depiction of Beck as a bottom six defensive oriented forward was off the mark. I stated that this young player’s explosive skating, playmaking ability, shooting ability, compete level and physicality made him as certain an NHLer as any prospect we had.

Last night and in the AHL All Star game you saw all the attributes that I have been writing about since we drafted this very unappreciated young player. Against the Sharks, a team that has its own plethora of young, elite talent, Beck was noticeable. He skated well, he made clever plays, he attacked the net, he created scoring chances for himself and his linemates and he was physical. Probably the best shift that any Canadiens’ player had in the game was in the third period when Beck on the forecheck was a veritable wrecking ball, knocking down two Sharks defencemen, stealing the puck and setting up a line mate for an excellent scoring chance.

The only thing missing was a display of Beck’s top end, explosive speed when carrying the puck. But there were reasons for that as Beck was a last minute addition to the team’s line and just got off the plane to join the team. I suspect nerves played a role too.

Once he gains a bit off confidence ( last night’s game should really help) and he realizes that he can skate with effectiveness at the NHL level, we should start seeing Beck display his explosive skating ability.

Bottom line, if he can maintain this level of play, I can’t see the Canadiens returning Beck to Laval, even when Heineman returns.

I believe this kid is here to stay.

Thx for this Chester........your insight is always spot on.

 

[BLONG7]

The loss of Ghule should not be underestimated.
The team turned it around after the carrier trade. and was a main result of oputting Ghule on his natural site and him playing like a number 1 d.
Well with that one removed, we team is back to its erratic D it had before that trade.

To add to that, i actually found that matheson looked much much better on the right side , wonder what you guys think ?

So true, having the right Dmen in the right spots has been huge. Guhlie really started playing well once he got to his natural side.

Matheson......left or right side, I think we get what we get....great skating puck moving Dman, who most nights is fantastic for the most part, but can be prone to some pretty tough moments, when on the ice too much.....
In the perfect world........3 L and 3 R Dmen is what we should shoot for.......