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

[Rapala]

LA is 3-6-1 in last 10. They're not playing well. It's a winnable game.

I'm sticking with the we are going to get trounced approach. Far too many times this season we've gone up against teams who we were told were struggling only to send them on winning streaks...

 

[Rapala]

The entire team was chopped liver.
They were 18th in the league in pts.........they were gifted a spot because of a weak Cdn division.
Anyhow, great run, but luck had alot to do with it.
32nd place.........was waiting. We are the only team to appear in the Finals, and fall to 32nd place.
That's telling, eh......

They were given a chance to play important games and they ran with it.
The fact that the team was likely only a 24th or so ranked team is irrelevant. The most important thing for me is what the players do when everything is on the line.
There is nothing on the line in an all out tank.
When it comes time to start taking steps with the talent you've amassed is when culture should be talked about not before.

 

[Catanddogguitarrr]

Yeah, we really need Reinbacher to hit his potential and be a top D for us like Guhle.

I'm not so convinced about Mailloux's potential. He has really poor decision making.

Yeah but place Mailloux on the trading market and you'll see 12 teams wanting him.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Yeah but place Mailloux on the trading market and you'll see 12 teams wanting him.

Our herd of fans are sleeping on Mailloux to some degree. Maybe he follows the Barron path and takes a while to mature in the D zone but why are doing this to Mailloux and not Reinbacher? Because of where they were drafted? It don't work that way. Both of these two will have to show promise or ability to handle D zone coverage and trust from the coach. This is pretty standard for young D men

Reinbacher has the edge right now but lets not throw Mailloux under the bus just yet. Yes, he could end up on the Barron path but not all players develop the same way.

 

[Catanddogguitarrr]

The entire team was chopped liver.
They were 18th in the league in pts.........they were gifted a spot because of a weak Cdn division.
Anyhow, great run, but luck had alot to do with it.
32nd place.........was waiting. We are the only team to appear in the Finals, and fall to 32nd place.
That's telling, eh......

But what happened next : Price retired, Weber too, Danault, Lehkonen, Staal, Toffoli and Perry were gone. Chiarot, Kovasevik and Kulak too. That doesn't help the team. It's not like the entire team of that SC run was still there. You know all that.

edit : I forgot Tatar and Kotkaniemi. They still play in the nhl today.

 

[Catanddogguitarrr]

Our herd of fans are sleeping on Mailloux to some degree. Maybe he follows the Barron path and takes a while to mature in the D zone but why are doing this to Mailloux and not Reinbacher? Because of where they were drafted? It don't work that way. Both of these two will have to show promise or ability to handle D zone coverage and trust from the coach. This is pretty standard for young D men

Reinbacher has the edge right now but lets not throw Mailloux under the bus just yet. Yes, he could end up on the Barron path but not all players develop the same way.

Some fans are too quick on the trigger. They forget young player takes time to mature and mostly Ds. But we are on a forum and many people write and beleive according to immediate results and players from different teams comparaisons. This happen all the time. And every dude behind his keyboard is 100% right.

 

[Sasha Orlov]

Still played like absolute shit and would have lost against any other team in the nhl

 

[Catanddogguitarrr]

Still played like absolute shit and would have lost against any other team in the nhl

So Armia and Newhook played like absolute shit yesterday?

 

[Sasha Orlov]

So Armia and Newhook played like absolute shit yesterday?

They were fine, not sure what you’re driving at here

 

[OldCraig71]

Still played like absolute shit and would have lost against any other team in the nhl

That's the issue right there. I mean, it sucks to lose Guhle and to a lesser extent Heineman but is the team so weak mentally that they have to mail it in on a nightly basis because their buddy got hurt?

It's either that or the whole thing is rigged. It's hard to watch a team go from one that cut down on the terrible goal differential, played sound defensively, and competed hard to what we are seeing right now. How on earth did they forget what helped them climb in the standings and be one of the hottest teams in the league?

 

[jrom]

Our herd of fans are sleeping on Mailloux to some degree. Maybe he follows the Barron path and takes a while to mature in the D zone but why are doing this to Mailloux and not Reinbacher? Because of where they were drafted? It don't work that way. Both of these two will have to show promise or ability to handle D zone coverage and trust from the coach. This is pretty standard for young D men

Reinbacher has the edge right now but lets not throw Mailloux under the bus just yet. Yes, he could end up on the Barron path but not all players develop the same way.

Agreed on principle but pretty much everyone watching AHL games (me included) has the same concerns about Mailloux e.g. hockey IQ especially when defending.

 

[Sasha Orlov]

That's the issue right there. I mean, it sucks to lose Guhle and to a lesser extent Heineman but is the team so weak mentally that they have to mail it in on a nightly basis because their buddy got hurt?

It's either that or the whole thing is rigged. It's hard to watch a team go from one that cut down on the terrible goal differential, played sound defensively, and competed hard to what we are seeing right now. How on earth did they forget what helped them climb in the standings and be one of the hottest teams in the league?

Most of the guys look like they don’t give a f*** out there

Seems like there is just zero accountability from anyone, the effort level has been flat out unacceptable

 

[OldCraig71]

Most of the guys look like they don’t give a f*** out there

Seems like there is just zero accountability from anyone, the effort level has been flat out unacceptable

It makes no sense to me at all. I wasn't expecting a cup final appearance or even the playoffs for that matter but the way they played during the hot streak showed a bunch of guys that were on the same page and now they stopped giving AF. The game against the Ducks was vomit-inducing; they flat-out quit after the 2-0 lead.

I don't buy the young team learning argument when clearly that didn't apply when they were beating the best teams in the league. I am wondering if something occurred behind the scenes because they look like a group that wishes it was game 82.

 

[Catanddogguitarrr]

They were fine, not sure what you’re driving at here

I forgot Evans, CC and Beck. Why you post something like that in the first place? What's your point, I don't get it.

 

[Sasha Orlov]

It makes no sense to me at all. I wasn't expecting a cup final appearance or even the playoffs for that matter but the way they played during the hot streak showed a bunch of guys that were on the same page and now they stopped giving AF. The game against the Ducks was vomit-inducing; they flat-out quit after the 2-0 lead.

I don't buy the young team learning argument when clearly that didn't apply when they were beating the best teams in the league. I am wondering if something occurred behind the scenes because they look like a group that wishes it was game 82.

I don’t know if it’s fair or not but I am taking a hard look at Patrick Laine here

I forgot Evans, CC and Beck. Why you post something like that in the first place? What's your point, I don't get it.

because the team sucks and played poorly? My point is that the team sucks and played poorly

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

It makes no sense to me at all. I wasn't expecting a cup final appearance or even the playoffs for that matter but the way they played during the hot streak showed a bunch of guys that were on the same page and now they stopped giving AF. The game against the Ducks was vomit-inducing; they flat-out quit after the 2-0 lead.

I don't buy the young team learning argument when clearly that didn't apply when they were beating the best teams in the league. I am wondering if something occurred behind the scenes because they look like a group that wishes it was game 82.

...imo, I think Marty has completely lost the room...methinks the team knows it has gotten as far as they can get with Marty as HC...he was great for the kids at the beginning, but now it's time to bring in a bit of a "harsher" voice to get them to the next level...

 

[Catanddogguitarrr]

It makes no sense to me at all. I wasn't expecting a cup final appearance or even the playoffs for that matter but the way they played during the hot streak showed a bunch of guys that were on the same page and now they stopped giving AF. The game against the Ducks was vomit-inducing; they flat-out quit after the 2-0 lead.

I don't buy the young team learning argument when clearly that didn't apply when they were beating the best teams in the league. I am wondering if something occurred behind the scenes because they look like a group that wishes it was game 82.

I think it have something to do between young core who are part of the future and vets who are on their way out. I don't beleive that team could have a team spirit and chemistry under that circumstance. But that's what I think, I have no inside infos, it's just my logic that tells me that.

 

[Beendair Donedat]

It makes no sense to me at all. I wasn't expecting a cup final appearance or even the playoffs for that matter but the way they played during the hot streak showed a bunch of guys that were on the same page and now they stopped giving AF. The game against the Ducks was vomit-inducing; they flat-out quit after the 2-0 lead.

I don't buy the young team learning argument when clearly that didn't apply when they were beating the best teams in the league. I am wondering if something occurred behind the scenes because they look like a group that wishes it was game 82.

I think conditioning - mental and physical - have played a huge part.

Our super rookie Hutson was our catalyst offensively, especially on the powerplay, but you can tell he’s struggling and needs a break. He’s played a ton of minutes, usually against the best competition, and he’s starting to hit the wall. To play so much, at such a high level is a grind on anyone, let alone an undersized rookie out of the NCAA. This break coming up for the made up ridiculous tournament will do him a world of good.

Laine is struggling mentally and physically. Think he’s hitting a wall as well - remember he had a pretty nasty injury to start on his bad wheel, and wasn’t far from surgery. He couldn’t be stopped at one point, he was scoring at will… now the goals aren’t there, and he seems slower and more checked out mentally. He’s definitely been slowing down and our record reflects that, we’re simply not scoring.

Suzuki has been struggling as well, and I’m sure he’s nursing some injuries. He just doesn’t seem to have the jump in his stride that he did earlier in the season, and isn’t hitting the net or shooting as much… generally he has pinpoint accuracy but last night, between the hash marks with nobody but the goalie in front of him, he missed the net. I expect that of Josh Anderson, but not Suzuki. The break will do him good as well.

The only guy who I think may suffer fitness wise is David Savard. With a couple weeks off, he may put some all you can eat buffets out of business. The guy looks more like Jean-Jacques François Jacques Jean every day. Life imitating art I guess.

 

[Non Player Canadiens]

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.

1st ballot Habs HF HoF poster right here. thank you

 

[Deebs]

Agreed on principle but pretty much everyone watching AHL games (me included) has the same concerns about Mailloux e.g. hockey IQ especially when defending.

So he's similar to Evan Bouchard? Is the key just to put him with an outstanding defensive minded partner and then it's manageable?

 

[Catanddogguitarrr]

So he's similar to Evan Bouchard? Is the key just to put him with an outstanding defensive minded partner and then it's manageable?

If he's that bad in his territory, opposite teams will place the puck on his side all the time. Somehow he will have to fix few things, IF it's possible. If he's not strong enough between both ears, then there is nothing to do.

 

[Deebs]

If he's that bad in his territory, opposite teams will place the puck on his side all the time. Somehow he will have to fix few things, IF it's possible. If he's not strong enough between both ears, then there is nothing to do.

The Douchebomb is about to get $9M+ so there must be room for a offensive minded RD in this league.

I guess where I'm leaning towards is it's way too early to give up on Mailloux

 

[OldCraig71]

I think it have something to do between young core who are part of the future and vets who are on their way out. I don't beleive that team could have a team spirit and chemistry under that circumstance. But that's what I think, I have no inside infos, it's just my logic that tells me that.

I wonder if teams ever get wind of the fact that there will be trades through agents and sources close to the team. We all expect that Dvorak, Savard, Armia and even Evans could potentially be gone by the tdl and the players would know the same thing.

Maybe the big push was an effort from within to keep the group together and losing Guhle for the rest of the season was the writing on the wall. I am saying this without being overly serious but it is a fan message board and it should be okay to have fun.

I don't understand the lack of will in the team when they showed that they could win. Every team in the league has a shit schedule because of the 4 nations crap so that isn't a valid excuse.

A lot of my issue with it all stems from the fact that I was enjoying watching the Habs for the first time in a long time, and now the letdown has killed my desire lol.

I think conditioning - mental and physical - have played a huge part.

Our super rookie Hutson was our catalyst offensively, especially on the powerplay, but you can tell he’s struggling and needs a break. He’s played a ton of minutes, usually against the best competition, and he’s starting to hit the wall. To play so much, at such a high level is a grind on anyone, let alone an undersized rookie out of the NCAA. This break coming up for the made up ridiculous tournament will do him a world of good.

Laine is struggling mentally and physically. Think he’s hitting a wall as well - remember he had a pretty nasty injury to start on his bad wheel, and wasn’t far from surgery. He couldn’t be stopped at one point, he was scoring at will… now the goals aren’t there, and he seems slower and more checked out mentally. He’s definitely been slowing down and our record reflects that, we’re simply not scoring.

Suzuki has been struggling as well, and I’m sure he’s nursing some injuries. He just doesn’t seem to have the jump in his stride that he did earlier in the season, and isn’t hitting the net or shooting as much… generally he has pinpoint accuracy but last night, between the hash marks with nobody but the goalie in front of him, he missed the net. I expect that of Josh Anderson, but not Suzuki. The break will do him good as well.

The only guy who I think may suffer fitness wise is David Savard. With a couple weeks off, he may put some all you can eat buffets out of business. The guy looks more like Jean-Jacques François Jacques Jean every day. Life imitating art I guess.View attachment 973023

I don't care what the NHL numbers say but big Dave is heavy. His nickname should be 250 Cent.

 

[EXPOS123]

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.

I gotta say Chester, I always love reading your unbiased scouting reports and comments in general. Keep them coming.