Reaching .500 by the end of the year after a horrid start is quite an accomplishment. Kudos to Coach Marty and all his staff on sticking with their plan. It's finally paying dividends aided by the arrival of three key players, Wool, RoCH and Kirby along with the revival of Pony and Gally. Add in some clutch goaltending and it's a new ball game. Time will tell if they are still 'in the mix' come March.
Meanwhile, Montreal is in freefall in the Tankathon standings and I'm OK with it. I don't think Hughes and company need to pick 12 times this June, lots of wheeling and dealing to be had.
I'm gonna start 25 with something I noticed on Doobies first start. I know he's 6'5 so a comparison is easy...but some of his gloves moves and leg kicks were...dare I say it...Drydenesque...too early to hang a big tag like that on the kid but I wanted to put it out here - wondering if it was just me?
Well shiver my timbers the post Christmas death trip somehow got reversed Well I’ll be dainged any more of this and we might just be in the mix in April Woa woa tabernak Anyway on such a happy note happy new year to my FHF friends hope you all have great years filled with good fortune and happy trails Fingers crossed we don’t get smoked in Chicago Go Habs
I'm thinking Habs fans should send thank you's to Barry Trotz for a) outbidding Kent Hughes for Marchessault and 2) gifting Alex Carrier to the Habs for Barron Von Klumsy just before Christmas.
Indeed! Turns out shifting from coaching to managing ain't so easy.
Got to admit though, I feel a little bad for Barron. Lots of bad press out there already after only 3 games with his new club (0g, 0a, -3). Hope he withstands the onslaught.
Yes feel bad for him He was sent down after a short tryout Hugo had high hopes for him righty D and he parlayed Don’t know how he ever became such a high D pick He’s timid be better at soccer or cooking Not a D man in this NHL Sad Go Habs
Don't get me wrong I'm not gloating about that trade, I had high hopes for a good Nova Scotia lad. In his first game at the Bell Center I remember his elite skating, how he could walk the blue line in the o-zone with backwards skating crossovers and a good shot. But, he somehow lost his confidence and fumbled the puck way too many times as the last man back, when he and Matheson were on the ice together you were holding your breath and praying they didn't turn it over, which they did frequently. I didn't want Barron to get the Breezer treatment, it was best for him to move on. I hope he finds success in Nashville.
If Hockey Canada (and TSN) thinks that leaf prospects are going to lead them to a gold medal, they may want to rethink that notion. Look at last year, the Canadian team led by Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten got bounced in the quarter finals by the Czechs and looks like a repeat performance tonight with the same Mr. Cowan who was hyped by the leafblowers on the TSN panel early in the tourney. I think it looks good on them. Very poorly picked team with questionable coaching.
They were being questioned on the player selections from the outset Lots of high scoring kids left off the team Wouldn’t want to think they wanted certain players to be the stars Hmmm. Strokes chin Anyway this turney is an embarrassment in our place after all and all management should be tarred and feathered and run out of town Bring on the hawks Go Habs
Shifting focus. It's a bit early for scoreboard watching as lots can happen in the next 45 games, but it's fun to watch. A hot streak can vault a team into the wildcard. A cold streak can send them back to the basement. So don't pay any attention to the talking heads who, just because they're paid to yak on the telly, think they know anymore than we do regarding what is going to happen with our or any other team.
That said, last night was a really good night for the Habs. Bruins lost in regulation. They sit in the 3rd spot in the division, 7 points up on the Habs but have played 3 more games. FLA lost in regulation. They're not a target, but that's still good. Detroit, who is behind us, beat Columbus, who is ahead of us. In regulation. Check. Senaturds lost in regulation. Excellent. Equal games played. 3 points ahead in the last wild card spot. Philly (one point ahead, 2 games more played) lost in regulation. Nice! TB lost...to San Jose...in regulation. Bwahahahaha. This team more than any, like the M, I am looking forward to its downfall. Maybe this is the beginning. I see the attendance of that game in SJ was just over 11,000.
In conclusion, it would have been a perfect night except the leaf won. Now they beat the Isles who are just behind the Habs, so it's actually a good thing. Except it's never a good thing when they win. Good news is they could run the table but then run into their greatest nemesis anyway...the playoffs.
I was looking at all the games being played last night and thinking those would all be good results. Now, we just have to hope that Montreal takes advantage and disposes of a weak Chicago bunch tonight. G Y F H G ! ! !
I read an article that was with shivery legs the thought in CotU that maybe this is the last kick at the can for the fab core four... Underpants with his undisclosed medical issue and Jonny Toronto getting old smelly and usless what the fuck is this team going to do ?? Reload and shanaplan again? With what draft picks? No number one this year, Jonny Toronto and little Mitchy are ufa end of this year The Leaf are swirling around the drain with no outlet and no pipeline Oh the misery is coming Go Habs
Monty starting tonight. So Doobie vs the Avs tomorrow. That better work out because it seems they are playing Monty to get the 'sure win' vs the weaker team.
It's DaCH vs Dach tonight. Maybe the Thompson Twins will make an appearance.
My scout buddy and I were texting during the game last night. He said Easton Cowan isn't as good as he thinks he is.
Team Canada management being raked over the coals today and deservedly so. Several high scoring forwards left out along with Zayne Pareyk, they tried to win with grinders. And, the lack of discipline started at the top.
Cameron looked disinterested. With no offence towards anybody here :-) perhaps a guy collecting his old age security cheque isn't the right guy to coach a bunch of teens in these times.
Getting your old age check is a clear indication that your day is done Time to reload management scouts coaches everybody Bubye This is two years running now Merci salute le visit
Oy. I tune in 3 minutes late and they're playing 3 on 5 already. Then bang. Down a goal. And no Savvy. No Wool. Too bad. But good for Pez to finally see the ice.
Lots of giv'er in this Hawks team. I hope Pez and Strobelight shake off the rust before the 2nd period. There are two points available tonight if they work; they can't take this team lightly and expect to win. Now GYFHG!
Crazy that the Habs were so stacked in goalie depth, they had to leave Tony unprotected. I wonder how many of those 70s cups they could have won with Espo instead of Dryden.
If I was Coach Marty, I would bench Slafkovsky for the 3rd period and put Dach on the 1st line to try and get a goal. This is a shitshow. They will be fortunate to even get a loser point.
You know all the talk of Fast Lane overshadows Heineken He’s a rookie with 10 goals playing on the 3rd or 4th line He’s physical and has a great shot forget which trade he came with But nice addition Go Habs
I remember him saying that he wanted Heineken That he was not just a toss in Anyway we go 2 for Florida beat the pissers and now the hawks are taking us down Shhsh Go Habs
Missing Wool and Savvy. Haven't seen Pez or Strobelight in the ice in the last 30 minutes. Makes it tough on the rest of the guys if you can't trust your depth guys to play.
BTW, when and how did the Hawks acquire Seth Jones, Bertuzzi, Foligno, Vlasic, Hall and Teraveinan? Some good players there and they all played their hearts out tonight.
The M - Tony O did win a cup...with the Habs in '69 🙂. Though Vachon was the goalie of record, playing all games. The Gumper was injured so Tony sat on the bench.
I forgot that Tony O. won a Cup with the Habs even though he played no games. Good catCH. I wonder if he actually got his name inscribed on it though? I thought you had to play at least a few minutes at least in the playoffs. I'm pretty sure Gump got his name on it that year.
I stopped watching last night after the 3rd Hawks goal. Slaf ended up with an F from me. Mr. Useless.
They are a different team without Laine. I never imagined he would be such a difference maker. Slaf has a similar frame. He'll never be the elite scorer, but he should watch Laine video to see how he handles himself with and without the puck.
Happy New Year FHFers! May your 2025 be healthy, happy and Habby.
ReplyDeleteWhat a way to end 2024!
Keep on rollin' boys.
I watched the 3rd period on the Canada/USA game last night, Hockey Canada sure messed up picking that team.
ReplyDeleteReaching .500 by the end of the year after a horrid start is quite an accomplishment. Kudos to Coach Marty and all his staff on sticking with their plan. It's finally paying dividends aided by the arrival of three key players, Wool, RoCH and Kirby along with the revival of Pony and Gally. Add in some clutch goaltending and it's a new ball game. Time will tell if they are still 'in the mix' come March.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, Montreal is in freefall in the Tankathon standings and I'm OK with it. I don't think Hughes and company need to pick 12 times this June, lots of wheeling and dealing to be had.
Wow, wow, wow.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year everyone !
G Y F H G !
~~~
Just keep fucking winning!
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna start 25 with something I noticed on Doobies first start. I know he's 6'5 so a comparison is easy...but some of his gloves moves and leg kicks were...dare I say it...Drydenesque...too early to hang a big tag like that on the kid but I wanted to put it out here - wondering if it was just me?
ReplyDeleteI was thinking more Hasek like.
DeleteI'll give him a few more games before placing him in such company. But dare to dream he is anywhere near talented as either of those legends!
DeleteI imagine we will see him on Friday in Chicago.
Doobie looked menacing and defiant in his crease. A real don't fuck with me look. It's a good look.
DeleteWell shiver my timbers the post Christmas death trip somehow got reversed
ReplyDeleteWell I’ll be dainged any more of this and we might just be in the mix in April
Woa woa tabernak
Anyway on such a happy note happy new year to my FHF friends hope you all have great years filled with good fortune and happy trails
Fingers crossed we don’t get smoked in Chicago
Go Habs
I'm thinking Habs fans should send thank you's to Barry Trotz for a) outbidding Kent Hughes for Marchessault and 2) gifting Alex Carrier to the Habs for Barron Von Klumsy just before Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Barry!
DeleteIndeed! Turns out shifting from coaching to managing ain't so easy.
DeleteGot to admit though, I feel a little bad for Barron. Lots of bad press out there already after only 3 games with his new club (0g, 0a, -3). Hope he withstands the onslaught.
Good kid but a career AHLer. Nothing showed me otherwise. Europe might be more suited to his game with the bigger rinks. There are worse outcomes.
DeleteYes feel bad for him
ReplyDeleteHe was sent down after a short tryout
Hugo had high hopes for him righty D and he parlayed
Don’t know how he ever became such a high D pick
He’s timid be better at soccer or cooking
Not a D man in this NHL
Sad
Go Habs
Don't get me wrong I'm not gloating about that trade, I had high hopes for a good Nova Scotia lad. In his first game at the Bell Center I remember his elite skating, how he could walk the blue line in the o-zone with backwards skating crossovers and a good shot. But, he somehow lost his confidence and fumbled the puck way too many times as the last man back, when he and Matheson were on the ice together you were holding your breath and praying they didn't turn it over, which they did frequently. I didn't want Barron to get the Breezer treatment, it was best for him to move on. I hope he finds success in Nashville.
ReplyDeleteIf Hockey Canada (and TSN) thinks that leaf prospects are going to lead them to a gold medal, they may want to rethink that notion. Look at last year, the Canadian team led by Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten got bounced in the quarter finals by the Czechs and looks like a repeat performance tonight with the same Mr. Cowan who was hyped by the leafblowers on the TSN panel early in the tourney. I think it looks good on them. Very poorly picked team with questionable coaching.
ReplyDeleteThey were being questioned on the player selections from the outset
ReplyDeleteLots of high scoring kids left off the team
Wouldn’t want to think they wanted certain players to be the stars
Hmmm. Strokes chin
Anyway this turney is an embarrassment in our place after all and all management should be tarred and feathered and run out of town
Bring on the hawks
Go Habs
There are many people who are going to be tarred and feathered and run out of Ottawa very soon.
DeleteThis Sikora kid went to the same diving school as Schnitzel...
ReplyDeleteSay good night Dick...
ReplyDeleteShifting focus. It's a bit early for scoreboard watching as lots can happen in the next 45 games, but it's fun to watch. A hot streak can vault a team into the wildcard. A cold streak can send them back to the basement. So don't pay any attention to the talking heads who, just because they're paid to yak on the telly, think they know anymore than we do regarding what is going to happen with our or any other team.
ReplyDeleteThat said, last night was a really good night for the Habs.
Bruins lost in regulation. They sit in the 3rd spot in the division, 7 points up on the Habs but have played 3 more games.
FLA lost in regulation. They're not a target, but that's still good.
Detroit, who is behind us, beat Columbus, who is ahead of us. In regulation. Check.
Senaturds lost in regulation. Excellent. Equal games played. 3 points ahead in the last wild card spot.
Philly (one point ahead, 2 games more played) lost in regulation. Nice!
TB lost...to San Jose...in regulation. Bwahahahaha. This team more than any, like the M, I am looking forward to its downfall. Maybe this is the beginning. I see the attendance of that game in SJ was just over 11,000.
In conclusion, it would have been a perfect night except the leaf won. Now they beat the Isles who are just behind the Habs, so it's actually a good thing. Except it's never a good thing when they win. Good news is they could run the table but then run into their greatest nemesis anyway...the playoffs.
CHEERS FHFers!
I was looking at all the games being played last night and thinking those would all be good results. Now, we just have to hope that Montreal takes advantage and disposes of a weak Chicago bunch tonight. G Y F H G ! ! !
DeleteI read an article that was with shivery legs the thought in CotU that maybe this is the last kick at the can for the fab core four...
ReplyDeleteUnderpants with his undisclosed medical issue and Jonny Toronto getting old smelly and usless
what the fuck is this team going to do ??
Reload and shanaplan again? With what draft picks? No number one this year, Jonny Toronto and little Mitchy are ufa end of this year The Leaf are swirling around the drain with no outlet and no pipeline
Oh the misery is coming
Go Habs
'fab core FORE' .... fixed that for you ... Cheers!
DeleteAnd the leafs' next great player learning early how to exit playoffs early. Two years in a row, out in the first round. He's ready for the big time!
DeleteHa, I was going to post something similar, he's in training on how to lose. He will fit seamlessly into that lineup.
DeleteNot that I would wish it on any Guchi clad warrior, but Cpt Underpants signed a relativley short term contract.
DeleteMonty starting tonight. So Doobie vs the Avs tomorrow. That better work out because it seems they are playing Monty to get the 'sure win' vs the weaker team.
ReplyDeleteIt's DaCH vs Dach tonight. Maybe the Thompson Twins will make an appearance.
DaCHtor! Dachtor!
GHG!
That's so crazy it just might work!
DeleteMy scout buddy and I were texting during the game last night. He said Easton Cowan isn't as good as he thinks he is.
ReplyDeleteTeam Canada management being raked over the coals today and deservedly so. Several high scoring forwards left out along with Zayne Pareyk, they tried to win with grinders. And, the lack of discipline started at the top.
Cameron looked disinterested.
DeleteWith no offence towards anybody here :-) perhaps a guy collecting his old age security cheque isn't the right guy to coach a bunch of teens in these times.
No offence taken... 😂
DeleteGetting your old age check is a clear indication that your day is done
DeleteTime to reload management scouts coaches everybody
Bubye
This is two years running now
Merci salute le visit
Star Wars reference : this game is what that giant guppy admiral said "It's a trap!"
ReplyDeleteOy. I tune in 3 minutes late and they're playing 3 on 5 already. Then bang. Down a goal.
ReplyDeleteAnd no Savvy. No Wool. Too bad. But good for Pez to finally see the ice.
Fuck. Another penalty. Did they watch the juniors and think hey that's a good game plan!?
ReplyDeleteHappy to see the Pez but what's up with Wool?
ReplyDeleteFlu
DeleteThanks didn't see that.
Delete#20 for whiskey!
ReplyDelete~~~
Whiskey! Top cheese!
ReplyDeleteWhiskey!
ReplyDeleteWhiskey!
ReplyDeleteLooked good after the parade to the box. Some good rough stuff. Boy Suzuki is sneaky sturdy. Doesn't shy away from the hits. And keeps on ticking.
ReplyDeleteAX destroyed Maroon, momentum swing.
DeleteLots of giv'er in this Hawks team. I hope Pez and Strobelight shake off the rust before the 2nd period. There are two points available tonight if they work; they can't take this team lightly and expect to win. Now GYFHG!
DeleteSlaf has been useless lately, maybe he knows he has all that money coming his way. I'm regretting picking him in my hockey pool.
ReplyDeleteHe must move his feet and play strong to be successful. He gets a C or C+ from me most nights this season, with occasional B or B+ nights.
DeleteTonight so far is a C+
DeleteYou are being generous.
DeleteIf invisibility is a positive, I'd give him an A+ most nights, including tonight.
DeleteDon't hear his name called nearly enough, for any reason.
I think (hope) he'll figure it out.
DeleteJust dropped down to a D
DeleteTurds are down 3 to St Loo. Got to take advantage of this opening and convert some chances.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this goalie so of course he is playing like Tony Esposito.
ReplyDeleteCrazy that the Habs were so stacked in goalie depth, they had to leave Tony unprotected. I wonder how many of those 70s cups they could have won with Espo instead of Dryden.
DeleteProbably none. Tony O. never won a Cup might have if they hadn't played the Habs in the Finals. Twice.
DeleteIf I was Coach Marty, I would bench Slafkovsky for the 3rd period and put Dach on the 1st line to try and get a goal. This is a shitshow. They will be fortunate to even get a loser point.
ReplyDeleteYou guys see that goal Demidov scored today? Hard not to get excited to see this kid in the CH.
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/dZVD8-6LatQ?si=9NWYtiFwxjK_fiDs
For 29...Cash it!
ReplyDeleteIt ain't meant to be tonight.
ReplyDeleteHeiney!
ReplyDeleteHiny!
ReplyDeleteYou know all the talk of Fast Lane overshadows Heineken
ReplyDeleteHe’s a rookie with 10 goals playing on the 3rd or 4th line
He’s physical and has a great shot forget which trade he came with
But nice addition
Go Habs
The Toffoli trade
DeleteRDS showed a chart with him 3rd in rookie goals scored earlier. No small feat.
DeleteI think that was Hughes' first trade
DeleteSlaf down to D-
ReplyDeleteI remember him saying that he wanted Heineken
ReplyDeleteThat he was not just a toss in
Anyway we go 2 for Florida beat the pissers and now the hawks are taking us down
Shhsh
Go Habs
Missing Wool and Savvy.
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen Pez or Strobelight in the ice in the last 30 minutes. Makes it tough on the rest of the guys if you can't trust your depth guys to play.
40 shots. Not in the cards some nights.
ReplyDeleteBTW, when and how did the Hawks acquire Seth Jones, Bertuzzi, Foligno, Vlasic, Hall and Teraveinan? Some good players there and they all played their hearts out tonight.
ReplyDeleteThe M - Tony O did win a cup...with the Habs in '69 🙂. Though Vachon was the goalie of record, playing all games. The Gumper was injured so Tony sat on the bench.
ReplyDeleteCompletely missed the Hawks game. Sounds like the boys got goalies. Time to start another 3 game win streak...Just fucking win!
ReplyDeleteI forgot that Tony O. won a Cup with the Habs even though he played no games. Good catCH. I wonder if he actually got his name inscribed on it though? I thought you had to play at least a few minutes at least in the playoffs. I'm pretty sure Gump got his name on it that year.
ReplyDeleteI stopped watching last night after the 3rd Hawks goal. Slaf ended up with an F from me. Mr. Useless.
Alex I will take T-64 for $100.
ReplyDeleteThey are a different team without Laine. I never imagined he would be such a difference maker.
ReplyDeleteSlaf has a similar frame. He'll never be the elite scorer, but he should watch Laine video to see how he handles himself with and without the puck.