Steven Hindle: Beneath the Big Top - Beneath the Big Top

There are so many elements to discuss with this team. Clearly, we are not making the playoffs, so what do we do moving forward?

PK... I have been poisoned with him this year, but don't blame him. Our lack of options has fed his ego, and a PK that is too high on himself is not fun to watch. For the right offer that improves the team, I would make him available. But I don't think such an offer is coming. I suspect he rubs the vets the wrong way, and it may be time to move some of the vets and open up the way for youth to lead the team.

So which vets do we keep? Brian Gionta has to go. I love his heart, but he is expensive, and he has been invisible this year. He is small and expensive. We are obviously keeping Desharnais because of the economy of what he brings. Gallagher will be an AHL call up next year, and he is also small. That's enough small forwards. Unfortunately, Gionta's injury is problematic, as is his contract. But if we can trade him, we should. Then make Josh Gorges the captain.

Gomez has to go simply because of his price. His production is poor, but I think he is actually fairly positive for the younger core. If we were paying him half that salary, he may be worth keeping for vet leadership. But obviously, he has to go.

Moen is having a year that will fetch good returns, and be too pricey to re-sign next year. Thank him for his services and let him go. A third line of AK-Eller-Bourque looks pretty good. I would look at re-signing AK now.

We have stopped using Gill it appears. I love the guy, but there is no doubt we will let him go. I hope he is back as an assistant coach some day.

Kaberle... please find a way out of this contract... but if we can't I don't see it as completely crippling.

Pleks... can somebody tell me what the heck is happening with Pleks? I can't believe I'm saying he should be shopped.

Cole has to stay... he has been worth every dime for both his production, and the impact he will have on Patches. Cole, DD, and Patches are not a bad top line.

Does anyone see our problem? We have half of a top 6 and a nice third line. We are lacking a second line.

Then there is the matter of the GM. Is Scotty Bowman really endorsing Pierre McGuire?

Steven Hindle: Beneath the Big Top
- Beneath the Big Top
- hindlehabs

You should have called car salesmen - they do that trick all the time - bait and switch - not sure PG is smart enough to do that

The game definitely didn't seem out of reach at any point for me. Normally when I can sense there is not hope, I can't stand to watch and simply change the channel to something more interesting. Last night I watched the entire game from beginning to end.

Definitely the issue for the Montreal scorers (and credit to the Washington defence) is the face that the Habs couldn't get inside for any good shots. Their shots were all long or low percentage shots. Despite having some bigger players up front, our guys simply were not able to do crack the shell.

I thought Bourque played a good game for his second with us. Nice to see he answered the bell early and got it out of the way. Also nice to see a Habs player not get his clock completely cleaned in a fight. Wish he had scored on his partial breakaway though, that would have made a difference at that point. All in all, happy with the tenacity that he brings to the table. Just seems a bit nervous still.

A little disappointed with Pax last night. He wasn't driving to the net hard and took an incredibly stupid shot when the Caps were down two sticks. So much you could do in a situation like that and he wasted it. It highlighted the team's real need right now. Someone that can slow the play down to their advantage. That is the one thing that Markov brings to this lineup that no one else seems to be able to. Their powerplay is simply too rushed and there is no thought in it right now.

Price was only okay in the first but definitely started playing better as the game went on. Credit to both Perreault and Johansen for perfectly placed shots.

Overall, disappointing that we are facing yet another loss. I guess we truly are a lottery team this year.

There are so many elements to discuss with this team. Clearly, we are not making the playoffs, so what do we do moving forward?

PK... I have been poisoned with him this year, but don't blame him. Our lack of options has fed his ego, and a PK that is too high on himself is not fun to watch. For the right offer that improves the team, I would make him available. But I don't think such an offer is coming. I suspect he rubs the vets the wrong way, and it may be time to move some of the vets and open up the way for youth to lead the team.

So which vets do we keep? Brian Gionta has to go. I love his heart, but he is expensive, and he has been invisible this year. He is small and expensive. We are obviously keeping Desharnais because of the economy of what he brings. Gallagher will be an AHL call up next year, and he is also small. That's enough small forwards. Unfortunately, Gionta's injury is problematic, as is his contract. But if we can trade him, we should. Then make Josh Gorges the captain.

Gomez has to go simply because of his price. His production is poor, but I think he is actually fairly positive for the younger core. If we were paying him half that salary, he may be worth keeping for vet leadership. But obviously, he has to go.

Moen is having a year that will fetch good returns, and be too pricey to re-sign next year. Thank him for his services and let him go. A third line of AK-Eller-Bourque looks pretty good. I would look at re-signing AK now.

We have stopped using Gill it appears. I love the guy, but there is no doubt we will let him go. I hope he is back as an assistant coach some day.

Kaberle... please find a way out of this contract... but if we can't I don't see it as completely crippling.

Pleks... can somebody tell me what the heck is happening with Pleks? I can't believe I'm saying he should be shopped.

Cole has to stay... he has been worth every dime for both his production, and the impact he will have on Patches. Cole, DD, and Patches are not a bad top line.

Does anyone see our problem? We have half of a top 6 and a nice third line. We are lacking a second line.

Then there is the matter of the GM. Is Scotty Bowman really endorsing Pierre McGuire?
- CaseysHabs

They would make a decent second line, but if they are the first line that should point directly to one of the Habs' problems. They're not good enough. From the outside, it seems the Habs have nobody who is a leader -- perhaps Gorges can become one a few years down the road. Right now this team has no leadership. Sorry.

They would make a decent second line, but if they are the first line that should point directly to one of the Habs' problems. They're not good enough. From the outside, it seems the Habs have nobody who is a leader -- perhaps Gorges can become one a few years down the road. Right now this team has no leadership. Sorry.
- rdfred

I agree they make a better second line. The issue is that I don't believe Pleks is good enough to be top line centre unless there is some serious skill with him. Gionta is not it, and he has found no chemistry with the others. Essentially, we don't have a top line. As for leadership, my belief is that Gorges can emerge as a real leader if the vets are moved along.

There are so many elements to discuss with this team. Clearly, we are not making the playoffs, so what do we do moving forward?

PK... I have been poisoned with him this year, but don't blame him. Our lack of options has fed his ego, and a PK that is too high on himself is not fun to watch. For the right offer that improves the team, I would make him available. But I don't think such an offer is coming. I suspect he rubs the vets the wrong way, and it may be time to move some of the vets and open up the way for youth to lead the team.

So which vets do we keep? Brian Gionta has to go. I love his heart, but he is expensive, and he has been invisible this year. He is small and expensive. We are obviously keeping Desharnais because of the economy of what he brings. Gallagher will be an AHL call up next year, and he is also small. That's enough small forwards. Unfortunately, Gionta's injury is problematic, as is his contract. But if we can trade him, we should. Then make Josh Gorges the captain.

Gomez has to go simply because of his price. His production is poor, but I think he is actually fairly positive for the younger core. If we were paying him half that salary, he may be worth keeping for vet leadership. But obviously, he has to go.

Moen is having a year that will fetch good returns, and be too pricey to re-sign next year. Thank him for his services and let him go. A third line of AK-Eller-Bourque looks pretty good. I would look at re-signing AK now.

We have stopped using Gill it appears. I love the guy, but there is no doubt we will let him go. I hope he is back as an assistant coach some day.

Kaberle... please find a way out of this contract... but if we can't I don't see it as completely crippling.

Pleks... can somebody tell me what the heck is happening with Pleks? I can't believe I'm saying he should be shopped.

Cole has to stay... he has been worth every dime for both his production, and the impact he will have on Patches. Cole, DD, and Patches are not a bad top line.

Does anyone see our problem? We have half of a top 6 and a nice third line. We are lacking a second line.

Then there is the matter of the GM. Is Scotty Bowman really endorsing Pierre McGuire?
- CaseysHabs

Bourque-Plek-AK46
Gionta-Gomez-Leblanc
Cole-DD-Pacioretty
Nokeleian-Blunden-Eller

UFA, White, AHL guy,Asset through trade

Markov-Subban
Yemelin-Gorges
Diaz-UFA

Weber

I believe Gomez may be gone through an amnesty clause through a new CBA -
Kaberle, Gill, Moen, Campoli all gone at the deadline or Kabs is traded in the summer

2 thirds of 4th line are moving pieces and may not be back

Peter should have been rewarded with the start last night as he beat the best team in the East on Sunday - Price looked tired - its now time to get Peter some games in the net

Bourque-Plek-AK46
Gionta-Gomez-Leblanc
Cole-DD-Pacioretty
Nokeleian-Blunden-Eller

UFA, White, AHL guy,Asset through trade

Markov-Subban
Yemelin-Gorges
Diaz-UFA

Weber

I believe Gomez may be gone through an amnesty clause through a new CBA -
Kaberle, Gill, Moen, Campoli all gone at the deadline or Kabs is traded in the summer

2 thirds of 4th line are moving pieces and may not be back
- MTL1

AK on the top line? He performs best when less is expected of him. It will be interesting to see if Bourque develops some chemistry with Pleks, but Pleks is off this year for some reason. Perhaps Leblanc with those two would be an ok second line.

Eller and AK have great chemistry. If we keep AK, it will be to form a 3rd line with Eller and someone else. Eller will not be on the 4th line.

Have you heard something about Markov that I have not?

Making players available is not the same as moving them...

Peter should have been rewarded with the start last night as he beat the best team in the East on Sunday - Price looked tired - its now time to get Peter some games in the net
- MTL1

Definitely... one of our coaching errors is over-playing price. We have lost few games over the last 2 seasons due to goal-tending, no matter who was in net.

AK on the top line? He performs best when less is expected of him. It will be interesting to see if Bourque develops some chemistry with Pleks, but Pleks is off this year for some reason. Perhaps Leblanc with those two would be an ok second line.

Eller and AK have great chemistry. If we keep AK, it will be to form a 3rd line with Eller and someone else. Eller will not be on the 4th line.

Have you heard something about Markov that I have not?

Making players available is not the same as moving them...
- CaseysHabs

We really don't have a top line - just my projection of lines/players for next year

AK46 had his best year playing with Plek - time to reunite them
Eller unfortunately would fall to a 4th line on the depth chart if all players return - Pleks, Gomez, DD - he is the 4th on that list unless you move him to the wing

Markov should not even attempt to skate this year but look at returning next year

Best to make most of the current UFAs and move them now and give guys in Hamilton the remaining 30 or so games to audition for next year's team

Bourque-Plek-AK46
Gionta-Gomez-Leblanc
Cole-DD-Pacioretty
Nokeleian-Blunden-Eller

UFA, White, AHL guy,Asset through trade

Markov-Subban
Yemelin-Gorges
Diaz-UFA

Weber

I believe Gomez may be gone through an amnesty clause through a new CBA -
Kaberle, Gill, Moen, Campoli all gone at the deadline or Kabs is traded in the summer

2 thirds of 4th line are moving pieces and may not be back
- MTL1

Interesting! Please elaborate.

We really don't have a top line - just my projection of lines/players for next year

AK46 had his best year playing with Plek - time to reunite them
Eller unfortunately would fall to a 4th line on the depth chart if all players return - Pleks, Gomez, DD - he is the 4th on that list unless you move him to the wing

Markov should not even attempt to skate this year but look at returning next year

Best to make most of the current UFAs and move them now and give guys in Hamilton the remaining 30 or so games to audition for next year's team
- MTL1

Have you been watching the games? Eller is not below Gomez in depth, and at times it has been debatable if he is below Pleks. Ideally, he is a two-way third line centre being developed into a Staal-resembling centre.

Ideally, the Cole-DD-Patches line is the number 2 line. But that would require finding a top line. Pleks may have that potential if we pick up a beast winger for him. Perhaps Pleks-Bourque-UFA.

Gomez cannot be in the lineup next year, and if we are stuck with Gionta, I see him on that third line. He does bring it defensively, and has a scoring punch when he is on. AK-Eller-Gionta I can live with until we can move him.

I agree with moving the UFAs and auditioning the youth. But there is another factor to consider... takers.

Interesting! Please elaborate.
- As_I_See_It

I think he is referring to a widespread hope that when the new CBA is negotiated there will be a clause allowing for a one-time buy-out of crappy contracts where the team is not cap-penalized. The belief is this option would be preferable for the Habs where Gomez is concerned. Obviously, it is best in terms of managing the cap, and it is most respectful of the player who can move on and seek out a new contract with another team. The Habs will be on the hook for something like 10 million dollars for nothing, but that is essentially what they are getting now.

They would make a decent second line, but if they are the first line that should point directly to one of the Habs' problems. They're not good enough. From the outside, it seems the Habs have nobody who is a leader -- perhaps Gorges can become one a few years down the road. Right now this team has no leadership. Sorry.
- rdfred

You don't have to be sorry about your opinion... but I don't think it is accurate (sorry!). I don't think this team lacks leadership, they just plain aren't good enough to compete every night, but they are not as bad as their record indicates. Proof is our goals for-goals against differential, it's not nearly as bad as it is for the teams around us in the standings. And it's better than 1 current playoff team. Not saying that we should be there instead, but with that some more opportunistic scoring (PP goals for instance) and Price stealing some more games, we could be in the race. However it's obviously not happening this year.

Have you been watching the games? Eller is not below Gomez in depth, and at times it has been debatable if he is below Pleks. Ideally, he is a two-way third line centre being developed into a Staal-resembling centre.

Ideally, the Cole-DD-Patches line is the number 2 line. But that would require finding a top line. Pleks may have that potential if we pick up a beast winger for him. Perhaps Pleks-Bourque-UFA.

Gomez cannot be in the lineup next year, and if we are stuck with Gionta, I see him on that third line. He does bring it defensively, and has a scoring punch when he is on. AK-Eller-Gionta I can live with until we can move him.

I agree with moving the UFAs and auditioning the youth. But there is another factor to consider... takers.
- CaseysHabs

Agree, Gomez can not be part of the puzzle next ... just can't!

To the people who wants to see Plecky out, the following is my reply I wrote on someone else post from the"From failing hands... Is it time to pass the torch?" blog on monday

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
With the way Desharnais has been playing, we now have three 2nd line centers.

I wouldn't rule out shipping Plekanec out if the return is interesting.

Habs could :

Package him for a REAL #1 center
or
picks + prospects + expiring contract (to balance the money)
- Dgrdnr

---------------------------------------------------------------------------


I would disagree with that.

I think you are forgetting how a big peace of the puzzle Plekanec is. Sometime we get use of our own players and no longer see there contribution to the team.

Plekanec is a pretty good 2 way player. We use him in any kind of sauce. PP, PK, 4 on 4, shoot out, name it. Not many teams can claim to have that kind of player and I think he is way to much taxed. Is he the best in all those situation, NO. But who would? Specially if you play so many minutes every game. No wonder Plecky don't have any gas come playoff time.

I think with the disapointed season Plecky is having, that's why people may have ideas like yours.

If you are not satisfied with Plecky's numbers, and I understand you on that, I think you have to look back at management for this issue instead of pointing out Thomas. I am hoping that management will not do the same to Plecky that they did with Koivu.

In all the years Saku was in Montreal, I don't believe they ever gave him elites players to play with. I strongly believe that in order for a small player to be successfull in the NHL, it needs to be surrounded with physical players. Speed can only take you that far. Cammalleri was a good duo at start but that fade away as other team adjusted. Cammy lack of height and willingness to play for Montreal catched up on the duo this year. That as nothing to do on others area of Plecky's game.

Plekanec is lethal on PK! He is one of the best to break a play and free himself to go on a break away. I don't think we would get something similar or better if we would trade him. Of course we would get a few good pieces but nothing that would make the deal worth to be made.

I will conclude by saying this.

David Deharnais is pretty lucky to find himself surrouded by 2 pillars. He is obviously well surrounded and he is doing a great job feeding the 2 mastodons. This is a clear exemple of a well balance trio. DD small height is compassate by Cole and Max. Have you ever thought what would Plecky's season would of been if he was playing in DD's spot instead of having Cammalleri? What would Plecky's season would of been if he wouldn't have to play so much minutes every single games? I think it's something we can not overlook.

Bourque is just great news for Thomas if you ask me. We just need to find that 3rd guy!

Agree, Gomez can not be part of the puzzle next ... just can't!

To the people who wants to see Plecky out, the following is my reply I wrote on someone else post from the"From failing hands... Is it time to pass the torch?" blog on monday

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
With the way Desharnais has been playing, we now have three 2nd line centers.

I wouldn't rule out shipping Plekanec out if the return is interesting.

Habs could :

Package him for a REAL #1 center
or
picks + prospects + expiring contract (to balance the money)
- Dgrdnr

---------------------------------------------------------------------------


I would disagree with that.

I think you are forgetting how a big peace of the puzzle Plekanec is. Sometime we get use of our own players and no longer see there contribution to the team.

Plekanec is a pretty good 2 way player. We use him in any kind of sauce. PP, PK, 4 on 4, shoot out, name it. Not many teams can claim to have that kind of player and I think he is way to much taxed. Is he the best in all those situation, NO. But who would? Specially if you play so many minutes every game. No wonder Plecky don't have any gas come playoff time.

I think with the disapointed season Plecky is having, that's why people may have ideas like yours.

If you are not satisfied with Plecky's numbers, and I understand you on that, I think you have to look back at management for this issue instead of pointing out Thomas. I am hoping that management will not do the same to Plecky that they did with Koivu.

In all the years Saku was in Montreal, I don't believe they ever gave him elites players to play with. I strongly believe that in order for a small player to be successfull in the NHL, it needs to be surrounded with physical players. Speed can only take you that far. Cammalleri was a good duo at start but that fade away as other team adjusted. Cammy lack of height and willingness to play for Montreal catched up on the duo this year. That as nothing to do on others area of Plecky's game.

Plekanec is lethal on PK! He is one of the best to break a play and free himself to go on a break away. I don't think we would get something similar or better if we would trade him. Of course we would get a few good pieces but nothing that would make the deal worth to be made.

I will conclude by saying this.

David Deharnais is pretty lucky to find himself surrouded by 2 pillars. He is obviously well surrounded and he is doing a great job feeding the 2 mastodons. This is a clear exemple of a well balance trio. DD small height is compassate by Cole and Max. Have you ever thought what would Plecky's season would of been if he was playing in DD's spot instead of having Cammalleri? What would Plecky's season would of been if he wouldn't have to play so much minutes every single games? I think it's something we can not overlook.

Bourque is just great news for Thomas if you ask me. We just need to find that 3rd guy!
- Tripple_B9

Plek would not be as effective as DD with Cole and Pacioretty

Plek would not be as effective as DD with Cole and Pacioretty
- Traceur

In fact, when given the opportunity, he has not been as effective. While I have been very skeptical about DD, one cannot argue the chemistry he has with Cole and Pacioretty. Pleks has not had it.

I have always liked Plekanec, and agree he has been abused by management. I also wonder about the impact of having to play with a miserable Cammalleri this year. I have been hoping Bourque would be a nice addition for him. I would love to see Ruutu on that other wing and see what happens. Even then, I think it's a second line. But it is a defensively responsible line with some serious scoring potential.

Plek would not be as effective as DD with Cole and Pacioretty
- Traceur

I'd say the biggest difference between Pleks this year and DD is effort. In the games I've watched this year, DD has been working his butt off every shift. Plekanec? Not so much. Whether he's worn down physically or emotionally, his effort just isn't the same.

Desharnais is considerably smaller and has less footspeed than Pleks, but like any small player that wants to make it in the league, he works three times as hard. I believe Plekanec is still far more talented in every aspect of the game, but sometime hard work can trump some of that. Whether Desharnais can sustain that compete level his entire career will dictate how long he stays in the league.

Now, if Pleks was a number two center on a team with a big physical, offensive center as the number one guy, I think he'd flourish. If Pleks was playing in Anaheim right now, I believe his game would be totally different. He wouldn't get most of the other team's defensive attention and wouldn't have to play in every key role.

I'd say the biggest difference between Pleks this year and DD is effort.

Now, if Pleks was a number two center on a team with a big physical, offensive center as the number one guy, I think he'd flourish.
- Routs

Absolutely agree. AK is best as a 3rd line guy who can slip up to the top lines. Similarly, Pleks is ideally a second line centre. Unfortunately, we lack a first line centre. If we could package Pleks with picks and prospects for a legitimate first line centre, I would absolutely do that.

ArponBasu Arpon Basu
#Habs Plekanec insists he's not hurt. When asked why he's been skipping optionals, he said, "Sometimes less is more."

Arpon just tweeted this an hour ago. Pleks is not happy for some reason...

ArponBasu Arpon Basu
#Habs Plekanec insists he's not hurt. When asked why he's been skipping optionals, he said, "Sometimes less is more."

Arpon just tweeted this an hour ago. Pleks is not happy for some reason...
- CaseysHabs

Maybe he is having a hard time keeping his pants up with his pockets so loaded with money? That would depress me too...

Neuvirth's chest must have been sore this morning.

I think he is referring to a widespread hope that when the new CBA is negotiated there will be a clause allowing for a one-time buy-out of crappy contracts where the team is not cap-penalized. The belief is this option would be preferable for the Habs where Gomez is concerned. Obviously, it is best in terms of managing the cap, and it is most respectful of the player who can move on and seek out a new contract with another team. The Habs will be on the hook for something like 10 million dollars for nothing, but that is essentially what they are getting now.
- CaseysHabs

Absolutely correct - that is what has been negotiated in the new NBA CBA - the example that comes to mind is - Baron Davis with the Cavaliers - they paid him to leave without effecting the teams salary structure - and he then went on to sign with the Knicks for a cheap amount

I think all pro contracts should have a non guaranteed portion - somewhat similar to the NFL -

If Getzlaf is available, mtl should be offering everyone but price... I would overpay and send pleks, subban, and eller for getzlaf... Proven 100 point guy, cup winner, 30+ goal scorer, top power forward (center) in the league, and reasonable cap hit.... screw perry and ryan give me the guy feeding them assists and giving them space