Julien is coaching to win NOW, that's the sad part when we know even with their "best" players, they won't win. Most of us would rather see players development but that's not the coach #1 priority
- Symba007

To be fair, I don't mind a coach having the mentality of playing the best players available to win. That it's job. If the Kids are good enough, they'll play.

But that's where Julien loses me. There is no way anyone can convince me Dale Weise, at this point in his career, would be more effective than... let's say Jake Evans.

Especially if you stick to the idea of having 4 balanced lines. Domi could very well use an influx of actual talent with him.

He is not going anywhere, landing the 1st overall just validates his plan.
- Symba007

To be fair, I don't mind a coach having the mentality of playing the best players available to win. That it's job. If the Kids are good enough, they'll play.

But that's where Julien loses me. There is no way anyone can convince me Dale Weise, at this point in his career, would be more effective than... let's say Jake Evans.

Especially if you stick to the idea of having 4 balanced lines. Domi could very well use an influx of actual talent with him.
- Scabeh

they believe Horseman is a playoffs guy, that he will go to war for his team and that they need more sandpaper up front...even though it is very very fine sandpaper

Even Gallagher didn't want to be there...I guess his -3 last night showed.
- Symba007

To be fair it's because they were on the ice agaisnt the Taveres line with Weber and Chiarot and those two sucked balls

Good to see that they still suck

Any team that employs Dale Weise deserves every bad thing that happens to them.
- FinnGod

This is all on bonehead Claude Julien. I would have loved to see a guy like Jake Evans play and get useful experience. Dale Weise will be just but a memory after this "tournament". At least I sure hope so.

they believe Horseman is a playoffs guy, that he will go to war for his team and that they need more sandpaper up front...even though it is very very fine sandpaper
- Symba007

Lausanne?

This is all on bonehead Claude Julien. I would have loved to see a guy like Jake Evans play and get useful experience. Dale Weise will be just but a memory after this "tournament". At least I sure hope so.
- stinger67

you will get your wish with Belzile out, expect Hudon or Evans to play

Lausanne?
- Scabeh

we'll see who dresses for the first game against Pitts but it won't make a tiny difference

While Julien is part of the issue, mediocre d-men and lack of true depth is a real problem.

My only issue with Julien is that why not ditch Weal, Ouellet, and Weise and play kids? This team is not going to win, so might as well go with kids and get them some games played.

There seems to be a cognitive disconnect between MB and Julien's belief they might win versus lack of talent to have any real hope.
- Mashadar

My issue with Julien is one club was in position for outlet passes, cycling, on the correct side of the puck, and one club was not so......it isn't talent, it is basic fundamentals, and the Habs lacked them. The ST's have been horrible for years, whomever is coaching them should have been fired long ago, last night just reconfirms this. Anyone in the organization that actually believes the talent is there to win is freaking delusional.

I agree completely with why the hell is Weal, Weise, etc etc even on the roster, much less actually playing.

My issue with Julien is one club was in position for outlet passes, cycling, on the correct side of the puck, and one club was not so......it isn't talent, it is basic fundamentals, and the Habs lacked them. The ST's have been horrible for years, whomever is coaching them should have been fired long ago, last night just reconfirms this. Anyone in the organization that actually believes the talent is there to win is freaking delusional.

I agree completely with why the hell is Weal, Weise, etc etc even on the roster, much less actually playing.
- Frozendisc

you will get your wish with Belzile out, expect Hudon or Evans to play
- Symba007

Anyway...I'm probably a bad fan for it, but I want them to lose. Getting a shot at 1st overall, or getting the 9th overall will be better for this franchise long term than whatever they could get from winning 3 games in that weird tournament.

They looked horrible for sure. They play like that and will be over fast against the Pens. That being said Mathews can score but if he does not show up against Columbus defensively I can't see them beating them. So much talent but has no heart. Habs should just forfeit and hope for the first round draft pick

Anyway...I'm probably a bad fan for it, but I want them to lose. Getting a shot at 1st overall, or getting the 9th overall will be better for this franchise long term than whatever they could get from winning 3 games in that weird tournament.
- stinger67

not a bad fan for wanting the team to improve NOW and betting on the best odds available.

I said they would lose all four games and if they happen to win one, it will be an accident.

Anyway...I'm probably a bad fan for it, but I want them to lose. Getting a shot at 1st overall, or getting the 9th overall will be better for this franchise long term than whatever they could get from winning 3 games in that weird tournament.
- stinger67

The only way beating Pittsburgh would be a positive is if they end up winning the Stanley Cup.

And since it won't happen, I'm with you all the way.

I do hope they'll at least give them a run for their money, getting destroyed in the playoffs won't make the young guys learn anything.

They looked horrible for sure. They play like that and will be over fast against the Pens. That being said Mathews can score but if he does not show up against Columbus defensively I can't see them beating them. So much talent but has no heart. Habs should just forfeit and hope for the first round draft pick
- ganou60

can't blame Matthews for taking it easy, they were in full control all game long, some players took it as a warm up game, little focus/intensity and it's normal.

The only way beating Pittsburgh would be a positive is if they end up winning the Stanley Cup.

And since it won't happen, I'm with you all the way.

I do hope they'll at least give them a run for their money, getting destroyed in the playoffs won't make the young guys learn anything.

- Scabeh

Enough with the barely made it, that's why we have this team right now. I hope they get crushed 5-1 every game, only way management gets the message

not a bad fan for wanting the team to improve NOW and betting on the best odds available.

I said they would lose all four games and if they happen to win one, it will be an accident.
- Symba007

One thing I liked was Kotkaniemi's play. He was driving the offense at times...That guy will be good in a few years...if they can just find him some decent linemates.

can't blame Matthews for taking it easy, they were in full control all game long, some players took it as a warm up game, little focus/intensity and it's normal.
- Symba007

I agree not in playoff mode was taking it easy. He was probably bored playing them. Just from past playoff series he was a defensive liability and yes there are more then him that needs to step up defensively

One thing I liked was Kotkaniemi's play. He was driving the offense at times...That guy will be good in a few years...if they can just find him some decent linemates.
- stinger67

I only watched the game on and off but I wasn't impressed, he still looks like an average player that needs a lot of coaching. I am not convinced he is a top 6 center but lots of time left and it was one game.

Enough with the barely made it, that's why we have this team right now. I hope they get crushed 5-1 every game, only way management gets the message
- Symba007

Max Domi on the 4th line...I guess it's about easing him in because he arrived at camp late...

Also, I think the Pens have been practicing as a group for about 3 weeks before it was allowed in Montreal by Quebec's governement...I think it will show...not that it matters anyway.

Max Domi on the 4th line...I guess it's about easing him in because he arrived at camp late...

Also, I think the Pens have been practicing as a group for about 3 weeks before it was allowed in Montreal by Quebec's governement...I think it will show...not that it matters anyway.
- stinger67

they don't belong in the playoffs, they are pretenders and it shows.

they don't belong in the playoffs, they are pretenders and it shows.
- Symba007

Agreed could be very boring to watch. Price will be very busy and will need to stand on his head to at least keep it close

They looked horrible for sure. They play like that and will be over fast against the Pens. That being said Mathews can score but if he does not show up against Columbus defensively I can't see them beating them. So much talent but has no heart. Habs should just forfeit and hope for the first round draft pick
- ganou60

Huh? Blue Jackets can't score. How is that the only way Leafs can win? BJs have more question marks than the Leafs do. THere's no Panarin and Duchene this year in the playoffs for them.

If BJS don't shut that deep and skilled top 9 down AND get timely goals they are gone quick.

they don't belong in the playoffs, they are pretenders and it shows.
- Symba007

We'll see come Saturday, but yesterday's game kinda reassured me that they aren't going past Pittsburgh.

...and like I said when they announced their return to play plans, seeing them getting trounced in 3 games isn't going to be fun and uplifting to be honest