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In Bob we trust.
If there is one area where there is a weakness on the Habs its at centre. For the past few drafts we have been loading up on defensemen. Maybe its time to consider our options up the middle.
- #1 Centre; Pat Hickey reported last month that Pleks and the Habs are talking about a long-term deal. If this happens, this will secure our #1 centre (at least a 5yr deal).
- #2 Centre; Saku's contract runs out next season and I have a suspicion the management will let him walk. (He will be 34yrs and long injury history)
- #3 Centre; Smolinski is keeping the this seat warm for either Chipchura or Lapierre. Hes out after this year.
- #4 Centre; I think either Chipper or Max will get this role next season.
- My only suggestion is to give Chris Higgins a shot down the middle. Drafted as a centre he has reasonable size, explosive speed, defensively responsible and a hard worker. They are experimenting with Sergei at centre why not Higgy? He and Sergei seems to have a good chemistry on the ice and know where each other are. I think he is misplaced as a winger and would work better down the middle. He and Saki also play a similar style, so why not?
Current
Tomas Plekanec, 25yrs
Saku Koivu, 33yrs
Bryan Smolinski, 36yrs
Max Lapierre, 22yrs
Mikhail Grabovski, 24yrs
In the system
Kyle Chipchura, 22yrs
Corey Locke, 23yrs
Ryan Russell, 20yrs
Ben Maxwell, 19yrs
Ryan White, 19yrs
Andrew Conboy, 19yrs
Olivier Fortier, 18yrs
Go Habs Go!
Dont lose your heads on Kaptain K going just yet..he could be having a last year Kovalev year (if that made sense) and remember how much of an asset he was in the playoffs gainst carolina, once we lost him we lost the series. Give him time
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"Dodge this.."
*crack*
- AK27
I see your point SUMO with us being weak down the middle, but I think its only time before our younger guys are experienced enough. For example I think Kyle Chipchura can handle our 3rd line shutdown duty for a long time. With that said I think that the we should start getting Lapierre to play right wing. Hence him and Chipper can be a true shut down 3rd line we haven't had all year and really for the past few years. Also i see Plekanec as a 2nd line center, he would be one of the best second line center in the league, he would be just like a Patrick Marleau of years past playing behind big Joe in San Jose. I also agree with you in that even though I love Saku I cant picture him being a being able to occupy our 1st line duty at the age of 34, so we can sign a 1st line center when Saku's contact is up, that off season Jokinen, Vinny.. are ufa's
I really enjoy watching Max play. He's such a gritty player and an excellent penalty killer. His speed makes him dangerous and it also allows him to throw some big hits in the corners. I wish Begin was healthy and that he and Lapierre were playing every night.
He is a good player. the gritty type of player that Montreal needs. je would be great with Begin...
Everyone will get ice time... He did not sit because he was not playing well... he was left out because other players need to play. Come to the playoffs, we need everyone...
yay! I have such a crush on Max. I hope he plays tuesday, because I will be at the game.
laps is already better than smokes as a shutdown/penalty killer guy. His speed and tenacity is also a plus, can't wait for the chipper to make this team also. Bob, no more has-been players please(smokes,breezby), we have enough depth and talent in our system.
I have a feeling that we won't be seeing any has-beens in Montreal for many years to come. Gainey only got Smokes and Breezer because there was some uncertainty as to the readiness of the up and comers. I think that this season has definitely done away with his concerns. Our two ol' timers will be shipped off to the geriatric ward...most likely they will sign 5 year contracts with the leafs.
He should be playing all the time.
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1. February 19th, 2008, a day which will live in sublimity.
Laps is improved over last year. Aside form Komi I think he's the player other teams hate more than anyone on the Habs...that's a compliment.
In Bob we Trust.