Eric Engels: Habs Can't Solve Lundqvist. Vanek Ghosting through the ECF

Vanek shows the typical traits of a streaky player. He just doesn't seem to be overly engaged in a team that has gone deep. Yet someone will still pay big $$ for him.

They should just stick with toker he will get two more playoff games of experience. Budaj has probably played his last game for the habs.

I haven't been this bummed in a long time. I was so enjoying these playoffs with the Habs looking like a special team. Then boom. Like a pin in a balloon. Gone. It's probably not fair because there are a ton of heart and soul guys on this team but with Price out the general is gone and a big part of that swagger is missing. Such a shame to lose him on such a reckless play.

Almost looks like the Habs are running out of steam. I think too many games of grinding hockey has taken a toll on the smaller, quicker Habs players. Although they got by Boston, the physical toll and expended energy has started to slow them down to the point, where the Rangers can match their speed. That being the case, the defense on both teams, have cancelled out each other. The larger, more skilled Rangers forwards are the difference maker, right now. Sure, the Habs could find a way to squeak out a victory at MSG, but then it probably turns into a 6 gamer and without Price, it's probably not going to end well for the Habs.

They should just stick with toker he will get two more playoff games of experience. Budaj has probably played his last game for the habs.
- camby

He's under contract next season.

Vanek shows the typical traits of a streaky player. He just doesn't seem to be overly engaged in a team that has gone deep. Yet someone will still pay big $$ for him.
- FuzE_gus

he's destroying his value as we speak. Nobody will give him term on a big number. No chance.

Almost looks like the Habs are running out of steam. I think too many games of grinding hockey has taken a toll on the smaller, quicker Habs players. Although they got by Boston, the physical toll and expended energy has started to slow them down to the point, where the Rangers can match their speed. That being the case, the defense on both teams, have cancelled out each other. The larger, more skilled Rangers forwards are the difference maker, right now. Sure, the Habs could find a way to squeak out a victory at MSG, but then it probably turns into a 6 gamer and without Price, it's probably not going to end well for the Habs.
- PrinceLH

Lundqvist stole that game last night. I thought the Habs came out guns blazing. Won't be enough if they can't finish or actually hit the net.

he's destroying his value as we speak. Nobody will give him term on a big number. No chance.
- EricEngels

There is always an idiot GM out there...just hoping he's not our GM.

he's destroying his value as we speak. Nobody will give him term on a big number. No chance.
- EricEngels

I disagree.

I disagree.
- Pecafan Fan

Me too.

He's under contract next season.
- Pecafan Fan

I would keep him as the backup next year, but at the same time give the last 2-3 games to Tokarski for expierence

Almost looks like the Habs are running out of steam. I think too many games of grinding hockey has taken a toll on the smaller, quicker Habs players. Although they got by Boston, the physical toll and expended energy has started to slow them down to the point, where the Rangers can match their speed. That being the case, the defense on both teams, have cancelled out each other. The larger, more skilled Rangers forwards are the difference maker, right now. Sure, the Habs could find a way to squeak out a victory at MSG, but then it probably turns into a 6 gamer and without Price, it's probably not going to end well for the Habs.
- PrinceLH

It's over Sunday

he's destroying his value as we speak. Nobody will give him term on a big number. No chance.
- EricEngels

Almost looks like the Habs are running out of steam. I think too many games of grinding hockey has taken a toll on the smaller, quicker Habs players. Although they got by Boston, the physical toll and expended energy has started to slow them down to the point, where the Rangers can match their speed. That being the case, the defense on both teams, have cancelled out each other. The larger, more skilled Rangers forwards are the difference maker, right now. Sure, the Habs could find a way to squeak out a victory at MSG, but then it probably turns into a 6 gamer and without Price, it's probably not going to end well for the Habs.
- PrinceLH

well then you're watching a different game than we are. 80-44 SA in favour of Montreal. doesn't look like a team running out of steam to me. you can criticize Montreal for a few things, but there seems to be plenty of gas left in the tank.

I would keep him as the backup next year, but at the same time give the last 2-3 games to Tokarski for expierence
- hamiltonhabfan

Budaj's playoff numbers are the reason why he shouldn't see the ice again this season.

He's terrible. Absolutely terrible.

There is always an idiot GM out there...just hoping he's not our GM.
- stinger67

this

So much optimism

Budaj's playoff numbers are the reason why he shouldn't see the ice again this season.

He's terrible. Absolutely terrible.
- Pecafan Fan

He's a back up goalie. He's not expected to be able to win the ECF, and he should look at it that way. It's pretty simple.

well then you're watching a different game than we are. 80-44 SA in favour of Montreal. doesn't look like a team running out of steam to me. you can criticize Montreal for a few things, but there seems to be plenty of gas left in the tank.
- DoubleDown

Weirdoh drank all the gas. series is done

He's a back up goalie. He's not expected to be able to win the ECF, and he should look at it that way. It's pretty simple.
- hscesq

Oh I know...

but a career GAA of over 5 is pretty (frank)ing bad.

I would keep him as the backup next year, but at the same time give the last 2-3 games to Tokarski for expierence
- hamiltonhabfan

would be surprised to see Budaj back next season. i think this situation will force Bergevin into upgrading, whether that means Tokarski or even going out and getting someone like Reimer if he's cut loose from TO. will be the second straight year we lose in the playoffs with Price on the sideline, 4th injury in 3 seasons. they need someone they can trust for more than a spot start here and there.

Me too.
- hscesq

his value was 7.5 over 7 before the playoffs started.
if he wants 6 or more at this point, no one will offer more than 3 years.
I spoke to a lot of people at last night's game about him--people in the know. You think Minnesota's all in, but the hockey people in Minnesota aren't. The owner sees the marketing potential, but they aren't breaking the bank for Vanek.

If he wants to sign there, it's not going to be anywhere close to what he was originally going to make.

He's hurting his value a lot. A lot. I'm not just sharing my opinion with you.

would be surprised to see Budaj back next season. i think this situation will force Bergevin into upgrading, whether that means Tokarski or even going out and getting someone like Reimer if he's cut loose from TO. will be the second straight year we lose in the playoffs with Price on the sideline, 4th injury in 3 seasons. they need someone they can trust for more than a spot start here and there.
- DoubleDown

he's done here.

Weirdoh drank all the gas. series is done
- BingoLady

not saying they'll win. just saying they won't go down meekly.