The state of the Habs Rebuild - The Next step

[Rapala]

Despite being 4th in the division last year, Tampa had the top PP in the league and their PK finished 5th as well. They sucked at 5v5, they were 5th in 5v5 GA and had a differential of -19 at 5v5 (their total differential for the season is +23).

But yes, Habs need to improve on the special teams, the defending 6v5 (1st in GA and only the Sharks had a worst differential) and the PK especially (3rd in GA). That's where they hemoraged goals last year. They also need to score more everwhere, not just the PP.

It kind of accentuates my point about the importance of special teams in this league.
Tampa still ended up with 98 points. I'm curious about just how much effort was put in 5v5 by Tampa.
Looking at our results we know if one or two players are off we are done we push have to push hard all the time.

 

[morhilane]

It kind of accentuates my point about the importance of special teams in this league.
Tampa still ended up with 98 points. I'm curious about just how much effort was put in 5v5 by Tampa.
Looking at our results we know if one or two players are off we are done we push have to push hard all the time.

They ended up with 98 points because they had the 11th best PP since the 1969-1970 season. I would almost call it an anomalie, only McDavid/Draisailt as done better since like 1985.

Habs just don't have the guns to rely on the PP to win their season.

 

[Nedved]

I would give an A. I don't think we're finished the rebuild, but the collection of picks, stop gaps, waiting to clear space, the risk reward of Monahan and Laine, landing Demidov and Hutson, the signing of MSL.

I think we're 3 years away from being cup contenders.

 

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

It kind of accentuates my point about the importance of special teams in this league.
Tampa still ended up with 98 points. I'm curious about just how much effort was put in 5v5 by Tampa.
Looking at our results we know if one or two players are off we are done we push have to push hard all the time.

Even strenght is even more important as more than 3/4 of games (and goals) is spent at even strenght.

I bet if the Habs performed well on special teams and totally sucked at EV, we'd hear just as many complaints and we'd hear all about the importance of even strenght play. Like nothing else matters.

To me personally, I'd rather my team be good at EV first and foremost.

 

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

Despite being 4th in the division last year, Tampa had the top PP in the league and their PK finished 5th as well. They sucked at 5v5, they were 5th in 5v5 GA and had a differential of -19 at 5v5 (their total differential for the season is +23).

But yes, Habs need to improve on the special teams, the defending 6v5 (1st in GA and only the Sharks had a worst differential) and the PK especially (3rd in GA). That's where they hemoraged goals last year. They also need to score more everwhere, not just the PP.

Those are empty net goals which is kinda expected since we were the team to lose the most games by one goal. San Jose had far less tight games, so their worst differential has more to do with inefficiency than the Habs.

I agree about the PK and I would also add that our powerplay wasn't so bad production-wise, but it's the shorties allowed that killed it's true differential.

 

[Big Lurk]

Quick question.
Why is Caufield still on the powerplay?
Im only half kidding when I say it. But at this point, do we have another RH option on the half wall?
He doesnt shoot it. He doesnt one-time it.

Or is it that we have shit passers?

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Quick question.
Why is Caufield still on the powerplay?
Im only half kidding when I say it. But at this point, do we have another RH option on the half wall?
He doesnt shoot it. He doesnt one-time it.

Or is it that we have shit passers?

I really hope his shot improves this season. It was sad to watch last year. He needs his shot back to go to the next level. I think we can count on 35 but it’s so disappointing that we’re lowering the bar on this. He has the talent to be a premier scorer.

I look forward to seeing Hutson’s impact. I think he’s going to be a real shot in the arm for our offense. Add that to Kirby Dach and I think we’ll progress.