We have to taper down expectations. We saw Hossa look like his brother when he started. Dagostini also looked good. Let's remember that he is barely 21 and allow him time. With that said, I think he is the real deal because of his speed, determination, hockey sense.
Habs have stockpiled some solid young prospects.
You are right on the mark. Additionally, we should also not panic when a prospect/young player on the Habs gets off to a "slow" start production-wise.
Bournival stood out during training camp, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed. DD has struggled, and now finds himself playing behind the kid line and Bournival.
Therrien and Bergevin are taking a lot of heat, but truthfully, I think they have been pretty fair, and for the most part astute in their player assessments and resultant line combinations. Bouillon has perhaps been given too much rope by Therrien..but he has improved as the season has gone on, as his ice time and PP time dissipated.
Unlike many past coach/GM duos...Therrien and MB have shown no reluctance to give and reward young players ice time.
When's the last time three Habs forwards under the age of 22 were playing on the top two lines? When's the last time five Hab prospects under the age of 22 started the season (once Beaulieu returned from injury) with the Habs? Right now the Habs have four forwards under the age of 22 in the lineup....five forwards under the age of 24. Once Patch returns, Holland will be sent down, but it still leaves the team with five forwards 24 or younger, and six forwards 25 or younger.
Bergevin/Therrien are giving young players opportunities and they are succeeding. For the past decade on this forum, posters have repeatedly trashed the organization for playing washed up veterans over burgeoning young prospects....it's finally happening...and yet we see threads and a plethora of posts lambasting Therrien and Bergy..who even was compared to Houle of all people.
You play young players..there are going to be bumps on the road. Some games the team and prospects will look great..others they will struggle. The one thing that is relatively certain though is the team will improve as the season goes on and as the kids get more comfortable, and improve.