Best-case scenario
posted by Mike Boone at 22h31 EST on Apr 4
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Submitted by MathMan on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 14:40.
I'm still leery of Ottawa... I think playoff motivation can wake them up, and they do have a lot of firepower and a team that made the Finals last year. The team facing Ottawa will need to get ahead early, as of all the teams in the league Ottawa is the one that's most dependent on momentum and being put in a situation where they feel they can win the series could wake them up. Also, I'm not so sure that we won't see Alfie and/or Fisher back in time for game 1...
Boston is equally battered, if not more, and is an opponent our kids would have a lot of confidence again, so I feel they would be a very good matchup. Plus there's the whole history of Habs-Bruins playoff history. I think this would be a good matchup for the Habs.
Philadelphia is a strong, built-for-playoffs team, but Montreal has also swept them so there would be a lot of confidence there as well. I'm not sure what to think about this matchup. Montreal has certainly matched up well with them in the past, but they've been pretty good lately and I think are a bit better than their record. They're also reasonably healthy, Simon Gagne notwithstanding, whereas Ottawa and Boston are not.
All these teams have somewhat suspect bluelines, which is a key strength of the Habs.
We're certain to dodge Washington and Carolina, so that's good.
But frankly the playoffs are such a crapshoot I wouldn't be surprised with any result against any team...
Submitted by zamboni on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 13:52.
I think the answer is simple.
We go for a win tonight and possibility of conference championship,
it's certainty that we're facing one of.
Ottawa, Boston, Philly,
Whichever team we face, the odds are in our favor, let the others worry about not facing us, I like our chances against any of those 3.
Submitted by RetroMikey on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 16:15.
agreed zamboni!
We can match anyone! Let's all stop analyzing who we should have as our playoff opponent. We are the Canadiens!
I am not worried one bit who we meet. Bring it on! We finally have a competitive playoff team!
"We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 12:04.
It's hard to believe that the Canucks are tied with the Black Hawks and the Oilers with one game remaining and looks good on Denis Savard and Craig MacTavish but not so on Alain Vigneault and Brian Burke's replacement Dave Nonis for that matter.
Submitted by doug on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 11:40.
Impact of today's Bruins game is very important in terms of who we play in first round. Bottom line: if they win or lose in OT/SO, we play Ottawa or Philly (cannot play Boston). If they lose, 75% of scenarios will present us with a first round series against Boston.
I'm rooting for Boston today - I'd rather play Ottawa or Philadelphia at this juncture.
Submitted by Les-Habitants on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 13:00.
Man, considering everything, who'd have ever thought we'd be rooting to see Ottawa in the first round instead of Boston??
But either way, all three of those teams I believe the Habs can beat.
Submitted by Wops on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 10:46.
It will be Ottawa, Boston or Philadelphia in the first round fo sho.
Ottawa, injury plagued and its time to get the demons of our backs with them
Boston, we owned them all year, - Marc Savard, it would be tough but Boston-mtl in playoffs is always fun
Philadelphia, Brière will wish he was never born.
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CH is for Chris Higgins
Submitted by Wencz on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 10:20.
It would be nice to see a Flames win tonight and an Avalanche loss on Sunday so that Calgary can lock up that 6th spot and take on Minnesota instead of San Jose. I like to have a Canadian team advancing out west so I have something to watch inbetween Habs games.
Submitted by Uwey on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 09:51.
I don't really care who they play.
Personally, I would have preferred playing Huet & the Caps in the 1st round & getting that out of the way!!!
I actually fear Bruins more than any other in the east at this time, as they are due for several wins against the Habs.
Submitted by likehoy on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 12:17.
agreed on the bruins
i'm frankly not afraid of any team...we've proved we can beat every team in the top 8. THOUGH we haven't played the surging OV and pens since the trade deadline so those two teams would be the teams i'd least want to play against...not until the second or third round when we've seen what they're capable of.
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 09:48.
Hey everybody, don't fret about Toronto"s coverage of us, we are excited now because we without a doubt know what winning hockey, the real deal, looks like. They haven't a clue what winning hockey looks like. You have to have been there to recognize quality, so just pity them for thinking you need to be lucky to be a winner. We know that you make your own luck in this world.
And anyway, we have each other to calibrate the emergence of the new NHL dynasty hockey club with. Not to mention reading the best hockey reporters right here on our site. Montreal old time winning hockey is now back in town, thanks to the great Bob Gainey and staff.
Be positive and let's just enjoy this wonderful ride together, we deserve it.!!
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 10:30.
Great post,me son.
Submitted by Ian G Cobb on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 10:35.
Thank you 49 and good morning to ya.!
Submitted by East Coast Habs on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 08:59.
... whatever will be, will be... the future is not ours to see.... lol.... im looking ofrrward to seeing what happens and who we match up with. Ho Habs Go!
Submitted by Bill H on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 11:59.
Thanks Doris. Your soothing lyrics helped relieve the headache I got from trying to figure out the standings and who will play whom.
Submitted by 24 Cups on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 08:55.
Am I correct in assuming that Dallas will play Anaheim in the first round regardless of the outcome of this weekend's games?
The Original 24 Cups
Submitted by Wencz on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 10:17.
Yes. As of today Dallas is 2 pts ahead of Colorado, each with a game left. If they end up tied with pts, they go to tie-breakers and they will both have the same # of wins, both have gotten 4 pts from head-to-head games, so it will come down to goal differential which Dallas wins hands down.
Submitted by 24 Cups on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 10:54.
Thanks Wencz, that's the way I saw it too. It will be interesting to see what Ribs does in that series. Same goes for Richards. As for your Calgary comment from above, I wouldn't underestimate Minnesota just like I wouldn't buy all this hype that San Jose is a lock to go to the final. Campbell is a great addition and Nabokov has been stellar but they still have some holes in their lineup. As for Calgary, they live and die on the play of Iginla.
The Original 24 Cups
Submitted by nightmare_49 on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 12:08.
24 Cups - i'm with you , and all year i can't figure out Calgary , so inconsistent and San Jose have had some surprises but many disappointments on their roster and concur that Nabokov been great and their road record decent.
Submitted by Blitzen on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 08:38.
They were saying yesterday that Bergeron could come back for the first round but watching him skate in practice, it looked like he had to concentrate to put one skate in front of the other.
I'll betcha Alfredsson comes back for the playoffs.
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Remember February 19th: The Comeback
Submitted by RetroMikey on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 08:15.
Bruins, Senators, or Flyers? Who cares!
I say "bring it on" We can now say we can match up with anyone in the East.
We can play with the best of the best and as long as we play a FULL 60 minutes with the 4 solid lines and goaltending, we will go far in the playoffs.
GO HABS GO!
"We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"
Submitted by 24 Cups on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 08:54.
RM - that says it all for me too. I'm happy to see the Habs play any of those three teams. Even though it's the hated Laffs I really don't see tonight's game as being that important. A conference title would be nice but it's not vital. Coming out of the game injury free is the prime objective.
The Original 24 Cups
Submitted by RGM on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 07:46.
Here's what I'd like:
Montreal wins tonight.
Philadelphia loses in OT, to finish with 94pts.
Boston loses in regulation, also finishing with 94pts.
Washington wins.
Ottawa slides up to 6th (they also have 94pts) by virtue of more wins, plays Washington in the first round. Boston & Philly have same number of wins (41), but Boston won the season series.
Results in:
Philly v. Pittsburgh (that game the other day was awesome to watch)
Montreal v. Boston
Washington v. Ottawa
Rangers v. New Jersey
See you April 5th at the Bell Centre!
Submitted by RetroMikey on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 11:35.
See who April 5th???
"We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"
Submitted by moser17 on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 10:28.
So today's finally the big day, eh, RGM? lol!
Submitted by Wencz on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 03:55.
Relieved that we won't have to face Washington in the 1st round and I hope they squeak in for Huet's sake.
I'd like to see us take down the Leafs tonight and then have the Pens win on Sunday. I think we'd be more comfortable moving forward without the expectations that a #1 seed would carry, but confident that we had enough points that we tied the Pens.
That being said, gimme the Bruins or Sens the 1st round.
Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 02:24.
While I agree with Boone on sens, I hope that if Habs do end up playing them, they do not think of them as being in shambles. The regular season is over. No game in playoffs is easy and I hope Carbo does his best to prepare his team mentally to fight for full 60 minutes.
Man... now I am getting all playoff nervous... These are going to be nerve wrecking couple of months.
Submitted by RetroMikey on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 08:11.
Timo:
I agree. This time of year I am such a nervous wreck that I cannot stay glued watching the Habs on TV during a playoff match. Pacing back and forth, heart beating over 100 beats per minute, putting the TV on mute, switching the channel sometimes, it's in my blood, my passion for the Habs! Playoff hockey in Montreal is back!
"We will win the Cup only with Carey Price in the nets"
Submitted by Chorske on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 03:09.
Yeah, just when you thought you could relax. haha
I like how you say 'months'
Submitted by Les-Habitants on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 01:57.
About three weeks ago, I was remarking with a friend about which team I'd like to see in the first round.
Philly and Boston were two teams that came to mind, but to be perfectly honest, there isn't a team in the East that intimidates me. Only the Rangers and Pens do I view as teams that could beat us in 7.
Ottawa is in shambles, and will be without Alfie and Fisher, their 2 best all-around players.
Montreal's speed kills Boston, and our team's strength just align well with Boston's weaknesses.
Philly is not a strong team (albeit still much improved), and we've owned them thus far this season. We are a better team then they are in all areas, from the PP down.
Bring on Toronto!! What better way to end a fantastic season then with a victory over the Laffs?
But I'd love to win the East. Like Carbo said, it's a pretty big accomplishment to come out after 82 games and be the best team. For how young our team is, it'd be great to achieve and be a great starting point for the playoffs.
Submitted by wild flower on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 00:21.
More and more it becomes evident that the national pundints are still unprepared to talk about the Habs. Now that they almost have to cover them, they often reveal their ignorance. Tonight on Sportsnet, while trying to avoid talking about the current reality, they couldn't stop talking about how the Oilers would win a cup in 2 or 3 years. TSN is still working on the Leafs off season moves.
Submitted by Timo (not verified) on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 02:28.
DId anybody happen to see MacLean's cover story? "Why do leafs stink?" Hilarious. New low for the leafs... I agree with whoever said that let blind lead the blind. Who really cares what TSN or any other media outlet has to say.
Submitted by JasonM on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 01:18.
What I found hilarious this week was when the Habs shut out the Sens 3-0 and clinched the division title, a feat not since in over a decade. The Habs were the LAST team covered after they covered every team and wrapped it all up within a MINUTE with the afterthought mention "Habs wins division title, now to the NBA".
Just to show you that TSN is a Maple Leaf network.
Submitted by RGM on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 07:33.
I remember that. No post-game interviews, nothing beyond the basics, while the Leafs got a lengthier story and post-game coverage as well. It was an embarrassing thing to watch.
See you April 5th at the Bell Centre!
Submitted by bigjames on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 01:13.
the comment section on tsn (after the article on how alfi and fisher are out for weeks) is pretty sad and sick. one guy writes that kovi and price will be injured saturday. the rest take great satisfaction at having injured alfi. nice bunch...
Submitted by RiverviewCanadien on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 00:29.
yeah, have to ignore it. We as fans, are cheering for the most celebrated, professional sports club...EVER.
Let the media and the blind lead the blind...
"Les Glorieux" have proved this year, they are a team that plays together, a team that loses together, a team that wins together...and a team that finshes 1st together...
Enough said.
GO HABS GO!!!
Submitted by Les-Habitants on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 01:02.
couldn't have said it any better
Submitted by RiverviewCanadien on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 00:17.
whatever the standings are in the end, it doesn't matter, MTL can beat any team that is in the bottom 3...PERIOD!
GO HABS GO!!!
Submitted by Komi For Captain on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 00:49.
Edit: "whatever the standings are in the end, it doesn't matter, MTL can beat any team"
Submitted by wild flower on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 00:11.
The only thing about Ottawa is that:
a) The injuries to Alfie and Fisher sound somewhat bogus
b) a some point they may remember that is was Emery that brought them to last year's final (not Gerber)
Submitted by Komi For Captain on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 00:50.
I somehow don't think that Murray will forget Emery's cavalier playboy attitude long enough to remember that.
Submitted by bigjames on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 23:55.
i cannot see washington losing to fla. they have it all to win for and a goalie who certainly will win the last key game of the season against a weaker team to make it in to the playoffs. wait a minute...
Submitted by wild flower on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 00:15.
Ha ha, trudat. The only difference is that this year the coach isn't pulling him out of sick bay
Submitted by yehaken on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 09:49.
Will Huet cost his team a playoff berth 2 years in a row by giving up 6 soft goals to a bad team?
Submitted by 93miraclecup on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 23:49.
I'm just happy to let Pittsburgh, Washington, NY & NJ beat on each other for a round before we may have to face any of them. Along with Carolina, those were the teams I would have wanted to avoid right off the bat.
Submitted by Wayne on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 23:18.
I welcome a first round match-up with the Sens at this point. The beauty about finishing high like this are that the odds are obviously in our favour. Facing Philly in the first round is a concern due to the physical play and this possibly, wearing down the Habs sooner than other teams like Ott or Boston. After watching some of the OTT/BOS game tonight, Ottawa's in serious trouble. They look like a prizefighter, cut wide open with 14 rounds to go.
I have a good feeling about this Boys and Girls! If we can survive the first 2 rounds...
Submitted by doug on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 22:58.
Playoffs are a different season and no team is easy. Not sure who I'd want to face. . . but living in Boston that series would be far too personal for me and I couldn't take it. I can put up arguments for why all will be tough - bottom line is that we will be the clear and justified favorites against any of the three teams we face, even if Saku/Komi don't play whole thing. Mike has it right - Sens SHOULD be there for the pickings. . . Boston is the team I think that plays with the most guts and scares me the most (impressive they've done this without Bergeron, and now lost Kobasew who was important to them, and Savard's been out). . . Philly has Gagner and Briere out; and we've played them well - but they're a physical (quasi-cheap) team
Submitted by JF on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 22:54.
With all the possible permutations, it looks to me as though our most likely opponent will be Ottawa. I can't see Boston getting no points against the Sabres. I'm glad we won't be facing Washington; they'll be either third or out. Same goes for Carolina.
Submitted by MikeMcLaren on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 22:53.
It's September or October. Someone tells you that in April the Canadiens will play the Senators in the first round.
Does anone even fathom who the home team turns out to be???
/\\ike
GO HABS GO!
Submitted by Naila Jinnah on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 22:53.
Basically, we're facing Ottawa. No matter what.
CBC won't like this...
Submitted by MikeMcLaren on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 23:00.
Nahh...
If the Canadiens beat the Leafs
and the Flyers beat the Penguins
and the Bruins lose to the Sabres
then the #1 Canadiens play the #8 Bruins
Trying to think if there's any other scenerios... Odds are most high the Habs play the Sens.
They could play the Bruins though.
I think that's it - one of two teams. Either one doesn't look like a horrible matchup.
/\\ike
GO HABS GO!
Submitted by RS on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 23:08.
If Boston, Philly and the Leafs win - Pitt stays in first, Habs stay in second, Boston takes 6th, Philly gets 7 and Ottawa is 8. Therefore Habs (2) would play Philly (7). Of course, I could be wrong. Habs most likely to get Sens, but Bruins or Philly remain possibilities.
Submitted by Scott in Montreal on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 23:16.
That's the way I understand it as well. Likely, Pittsburgh and Philly will meet (regardless of the outcome of their final reg. season game), esp. if you think the Habs are going to take the game against the Leafs. So if Boston beats Buffalo (who have nothing to play for really), our most likely partner is Ottawa.
Submitted by frank81 on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 22:55.
Ottawa can finish as high as 6th. We could be facing either Philadelphia, Boston, or Ottawa.
Submitted by Lee_D on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 22:43.
.
Submitted by Mattee. on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 00:44.
I agree wholeheartedly.
Submitted by frank81 on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 22:44.
If Philly loses in OT and Boston loses in regulation, who gets the 7th spot?
Ottawa, Philly, and Boston would all have 94 points. Ottawa gets 6th because they'd have more wins, but Philly and Boston would both have 41 wins. Anyone know how the season series between Boston and Philly wound up?
Submitted by RS on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 22:52.
Pretty sure the Bruins won the season series against Philly.
Submitted by frank81 on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 22:51.
Found it.
Boston apparently won the series 3-1. So Philly would be in 8th.
Submitted by RS on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 22:49.
Yep, Habs-Sens seems likely either as 1-8 or 2-7, especially if Habs beat Leafs. Unless the tired Bruins get beat in regulation by the Sabres and the Flyers don't win, thus keeping the Sens in 6th place.
Submitted by GHG33 on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 22:39.
I hope for Boston in 1st round. Love beating beantown!
Ottawa still was scary until the recent injuries, now their ez.
Philly is probably the scariest right now, very rough and nasty team. Would not want to play this team in the 1st round.
Submitted by Chuck on Fri, 04/04/2008 - 22:35.
Playoff math make you want to break out the booze, eh? I know that it does for me!
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"All bow down before the Komisaurus Rex!"
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