HF Habs: The Martin St Louis Thread

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

A man that understand what it takes

I like hard hits, but taking someone blindside is just cowardice.

 

[River Meadow]

I like hard hits, but taking someone blindside is just cowardice.

Poor Barkov,

Dude was all like..

 

[JianYang]

The people blaming coaching are outing themselves as clueless, emotional fans.

I find the most positive trend of theses playoffs is how coaching is impacting our ability to stay in the games. MSL does not have the depth of players (size and skill) that Washington has, yet the team managed to not only stay in games but could of won either games. This is impressive given the disparity in size and having to shorten the bench. Yes, Washington managed to have an edge in body checks and Ozone time but the Habs had more shot attempts in both games. And yes Monty has been very good but so has Thompson.

This team fights, never gives up, bends but doesn't break and is starting to really put together a style of play that is based on speed, execution, and mental toughness. Add 5 skilled players to this team and it will be special.

A fan is in the relentless pursuit of getting a coach who pulls all the moves that they want to see. Then they get mad when he doesn't do that and want him gone. Then a new guy comes in and the cycle repeats itself, but they think next time will be different.

 

[Skip Bayless]

I like hard hits, but taking someone blindside is just cowardice.

Listen Jarvis, do you want to win or do you not? Because I ain't got the time for this grandstanding bullshit.

 

[Kimota]

A man that understand what it takes

Great clean hit. no issues with it.

 

[HabsAddict]

A man that understand what it takes

If you break it down frame by frame, Barkov knew it was coming but not enough time to do anything.

The video doesn't have enough resolution to determine if there was shoulder contact because the head snapped pretty far back. Given how far back it went, I'm assuming there was shoulder to head contact.

If the shouldered to head first, 5 game suspension but if it was shoulder to chest, it's hockey...

 

[HabsAddict]

...I am still of the mind that MSL is out of his depth when it comes to the strategic X's & O's of coaching at the NHL level...hopefully he, Hughes, & Gorton will give serious deliberation as to MSL's future as the head coach of this team...imo, at this stage of the teams developement, a much more seasoned, strategic voice is needed...

BINGO...I rather have Paul Maurice.

You don't need a litany of mistakes to have an outsize results. Small, easily seen issues take multigame stubbornness to correct. Hutson on the 1st PP, to recently, Laine with Demidov, these are the self inflicted mistakes that are easy to change but he doesn't because WHY? Personality?

 

[Paradoxe]

BINGO...I rather have Paul Maurice.

You don't need a litany of mistakes to have an outsize results. Small, easily seen issues take multigame stubbornness to correct. Hutson on the 1st PP, to recently, Laine with Demidov, these are the self inflicted mistakes that are easy to change but he doesn't because WHY? Personality?

Habs have already listened to MSL and hired a strategist last summer. Ever heard about Roger Grillo (ex-Team USA director of player development)? You guys should either quit or send your CV to the Habs.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

If you break it down frame by frame, Barkov knew it was coming but not enough time to do anything.

The video doesn't have enough resolution to determine if there was shoulder contact because the head snapped pretty far back. Given how far back it went, I'm assuming there was shoulder to head contact.

If the shouldered to head first, 5 game suspension but if it was shoulder to chest, it's hockey...

It’s late. It’s predatory. It’s the kind of hit the league wants out of the game. He doesn’t have the puck and is in a vulnerable position.

You don’t want players - especially stars - getting hurt.

 

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

It’s late. It’s predatory. It’s the kind of hit the league wants out of the game. He doesn’t have the puck and is in a vulnerable position.

You don’t want players - especially stars - getting hurt.

It's similar to when Flanders got his name.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

BINGO...I rather have Paul Maurice.

You don't need a litany of mistakes to have an outsize results. Small, easily seen issues take multigame stubbornness to correct. Hutson on the 1st PP, to recently, Laine with Demidov, these are the self inflicted mistakes that are easy to change but he doesn't because WHY? Personality?

Hutson was put on the first unit PP about 15 games into his rookie year. Zero wrong with that.

Demidov had two NHL games and no North American experience before these playoffs and people wanted him played twenty minutes a night. It’s insane.

He’s taken serious heat for playing Savard too - but that’s a roster limitation. If you don’t dress him half your blueliners are playing on their wrong side. And I don’t think it makes sense to have both Struble and X in the lineup at the same time. Maybe Reinbacher but then you’re adding ANOTHER rookie into the lineup.

It’s fine to disagree with the coach. I’d personally have stuck with X over Struble for example but these aren’t no brainer type moves. There are valid reasons for doing what he’s done. This isn’t a ‘why is Desharnais on the first line’ type situation. All these moves make sense even if I might not necessarily agree with them.

 

[Skip Bayless]

You either clap, or you get clapped, Martin.

You decide.

Better not wake up to some bullshit news tomorrow.

 

[Paradoxe]

You either clap, or you get clapped, Martin.

You decide.

Better not wake up to some bullshit news tomorrow.

wut?

 

[HabsAddict]

Hutson was put on the first unit PP about 15 games into his rookie year. Zero wrong with that.

Demidov had two NHL games and no North American experience before these playoffs and people wanted him played twenty minutes a night. It’s insane.

He’s taken serious heat for playing Savard too - but that’s a roster limitation. If you don’t dress him half your blueliners are playing on their wrong side. And I don’t think it makes sense to have both Struble and X in the lineup at the same time. Maybe Reinbacher but then you’re adding ANOTHER rookie into the lineup.

It’s fine to disagree with the coach. I’d personally have stuck with X over Struble for example but these aren’t no brainer type moves. There are valid reasons for doing what he’s done. This isn’t a ‘why is Desharnais on the first line’ type situation. All these moves make sense even if I might not necessarily agree with them.

This is a difference of opinion which you justify the coaches moves and I don't.

Hutson showed vastly better puck and distribution skills then Math. Change should of been 5-7 games in. Laine was a black hole 5on 5 long before Demidov. Struble makes as many mistakes as X, but a few were more dramatic. Does not justify end of the season punishment. Playing Math 28 minutes inlcluding on PK despite having options.

Lastly, I don't like his management style. Things like not throwing players under the bus and distinct disdain and wird salads for any mia culpa.

To be clear, I'm not aboard firing him, particularly without a replacement in sight, but if Maurice was available, MSL is unemployed.

 

[HabsAddict]

It’s late. It’s predatory. It’s the kind of hit the league wants out of the game. He doesn’t have the puck and is in a vulnerable position.

You don’t want players - especially stars - getting hurt.

When I looked at it, Barkov just send the puck around the boards and the check was in motion.

 

[Paradoxe]

This is a difference of opinion which you justify the coaches moves and I don't.

Hutson showed vastly better puck and distribution skills then Math. Change should of been 5-7 games in. Laine was a black hole 5on 5 long before Demidov. Struble makes as many mistakes as X, but a few were more dramatic. Does not justify end of the season punishment. Playing Math 28 minutes inlcluding on PK despite having options.

Lastly, I don't like his management style. Things like not throwing players under the bus and distinct disdain and wird salads for any mia culpa.

To be clear, I'm not aboard firing him, particularly without a replacement in sight, but if Maurice was available, MSL is unemployed.

WE NEED YOU. Send your CV. Such a genius talent shouldn't be wasted!

 

[Kimota]

Habs have already listened to MSL and hired a strategist last summer. Ever heard about Roger Grillo (ex-Team USA director of player development)? You guys should either quit or send your CV to the Habs.

That strategist better go back home with his CV.

 

[Paradoxe]

That strategist better go back home with his CV.

He's the man behind Team USA's evolution over the past 2 decades. You should go to bed and kiss your pillow. You guys should learn more about the job you're crying about before criticizing it. The Dunning-Kruger effect is strong here.

 

[salbutera]

Too funny…only Habs fandom would whine incessantly about their coach who will be a Jack Adams nominee for coach of the year with a solid chance of winning it

 

[Paradoxe]

Too funny…only Habs fandom would whine incessantly about their coach who will be a Jack Adams nominee for coach of the year with a solid chance of winning it

Just a bunch of ungrown kids desperate to spout about their emotions.

 

[Jack Spider]

Can I get a clip of Markov saying ''next question'' ?

 

[Kudo Shinichi]

BINGO...I rather have Paul Maurice.

You don't need a litany of mistakes to have an outsize results. Small, easily seen issues take multigame stubbornness to correct. Hutson on the 1st PP, to recently, Laine with Demidov, these are the self inflicted mistakes that are easy to change but he doesn't because WHY? Personality?

Just because you don't agree with or understand Marty's reasoning doesn't mean it's bad.

He didn’t start Hutson on the top unit for at least these three reasons:

1. To ease the player in. You don’t want to overburden a rookie with too much responsibility. Hutson was already playing top minutes, PP2 time, and PK2 time. Being the QB of the first power play unit is a big responsibility, and Marty likely felt it would be too much, too soon.

2. Because Matheson earned it. He was one of the most productive power play defensemen last season. It made complete sense for him to start on PP1.

3. Hutson was unpredictable to his teammates early on. This is something Marty himself mentioned in an interview. Hutson needed time to adjust, and the second unit gave him that space.


As for Demidov and Laine, they were put together for not even three full games. It’s logical to try pairing a high-end scorer with a high-end playmaker. Chemistry takes time, and so does adapting to the NHL. Claiming it took too long to break them up is just shortsighted.

I remember when a lot of you hated on the Anderson-Dvorak-Gallagher line earlier on because it wasn’t producing. Marty stuck with it, and it became a major reason for many of the Habs’ wins down the stretch.

What Marty has, and what a lot of you people don’t, is patience.

 

[HabsAddict]

WE NEED YOU. Send your CV. Such a genius talent shouldn't be wasted!

You have no argument so you're exploring your stupid side...good for you.

 

[HabsCowboysOwn]

Marty will be back coaching little kids when we’re ready to compete, a true NHL caliber HC will be hired to take this team to the next level. Couple seasons tops and he’s out, his fangirls better go ask him to sign their panties while they still can.

 

[Jack Spider]

Marty will be back coaching little kids when we’re ready to compete, a true NHL caliber HC will be hired to take this team to the next level. Couple seasons tops and he’s out, his fangirls better go ask him to sign their panties while they still can.

MSL is already coaching small players in the nhl what is your point. Remove 2 inches on skates. Hutson is 5ft7 150 ish. Caufield is 5ft5.