regis
Le Gros Bill
Posts: 1,095
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Post by regis on Aug 10, 2023 16:30:09 GMT
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Post by maasart on Aug 14, 2023 15:51:30 GMT
Is he hurt? I know Dvo is apparently going to miss the start of the season which is why he's likely listed as scratched. I agree, neither of those guys are off the starting roster unless they are hurt or injured. |
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Post by egee53 on Aug 15, 2023 0:23:54 GMT
Post your favorite line combinations So here's my first go on the new site. My preferred lines, with comments below : Caufield - Suzuki - Ylonen Snipers on each side of Suzy and let's see if Ylonen can cut it in the big leagues with quality linemates Slafkovsky - Dach - Anderson Cause in the NHL, size does matter. and I luv seeing crumpled opposition bodies along the boards. Yeah, I know, maybe one of our d-men can take the faceoffs RHP - Monahan - Gally I don't know, just a whim. Monahan might be the ideal set-up guy for these 2. I know I wouldn't want to play against this line Newhook - Beck - Evans Defensively responsible, quick, with offensive capabilities. Just want Beck to make the team Pezzetta and Dvo as extras for now. Armia to Laval if he passes thru waivers. If he doesn't, salut ! Will post D-Men and Goalies in next 24 to 48 hours. Looking forward to some high end critique ! |
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Post by electron58 on Aug 15, 2023 3:23:04 GMT
I don't think Pitlick was ever going to be in the starting 12 even if he was here (probably part of the reason he asked for a trade). But getting rid of Hoffman sure is nice. If it were my choice, I'd be floating around the idea of
Caufield-Monahan-Dach Slafkovsky-Suzuki-Anderson
Newhook-Dvorak-Ylonen RHP-Evans-Gallagher Armia
Matheson-Savard Guhle-Petry Harris-Kovacevic Xhekaj
Montembeault Allen DeSmith
Wideman and Pezzetta go on waivers to start in the AHL, no big deal if either is lost. No spot for Heineman, Beck, Roy, Barron, Mailloux, etc. to start the season. But still fodder now to trade some of Dvorak, Allen, Anderson, Savard, Evans, or Armia to make more roster space. If you trade Dvorak or Evans, for example, it opens up the possibility of shifting Newhook to 3C and moving RHP up the line-up or of getting Beck onto the roster. Dvorak's injury could be an issue though.
Agree with much of your post but I think Pezz has to be at least a 13th forward on this team. Our division is a little tougher now with Toronto loading up with some grit, (Reeves) Lucic back in Boston. If needed we have to have someone who will answer the bell if guys are taking liberties with our smaller guys. We have Arber, Anderson can go but I'd just as soon not have him fighting. Hopefully we can get our power play on track - that's the best way to keep teams honest. Agree on keeping Pez. Unless Armia has an outstanding camp, I send him down. If nothing else, he tears it up in Laval and becomes the first recall. The free rides are over. |
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Post by electron58 on Aug 15, 2023 3:39:55 GMT
Post your favorite line combinations So here's my first go on the new site. My preferred lines, with comments below : Caufield - Suzuki - Ylonen Snipers on each side of Suzy and let's see if Ylonen can cut it in the big leagues with quality linemates Slafkovsky - Dach - Anderson Cause in the NHL, size does matter. and I luv seeing crumpled opposition bodies along the boards. Yeah, I know, maybe one of our d-men can take the faceoffs RHP - Monahan - Gally I don't know, just a whim. Monahan might be the ideal set-up guy for these 2. I know I wouldn't want to play against this line Newhook - Beck - Evans Defensively responsible, quick, with offensive capabilities. Just want Beck to make the team Pezzetta and Dvo as extras for now. Armia to Laval if he passes thru waivers. If he doesn't, salut ! Will post D-Men and Goalies in next 24 to 48 hours. Looking forward to some high end critique ! Interesting lines. I like that you kept Dach at center. Can't wait forever to do it. otherwise it'll never happen. I would switch Monahan with Slavkovsky (giving Dach some support, in case he is having a rough go) Confidence is key. Have Newhook center the 3rd line in Monahan's place, with Slav on LW & Gally on RW. So.......... Caufield - Suzuki - Ylonen Monahan - Dach - Anderson Slavkovsky - Newhook - Gally if DVo starts on IR then Pezzetta - Evans - RHP and yes, Armia to Laval of course, injuries & trades could have a bearing on the available personnel. If we go with 14 forwards, maybe Lias Anderson or Joshua Roy surprise. As much as I like Owen Beck, unless we move out another forward or 2 he has the easiest option of being returned to juniors. |
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Post by electron58 on Aug 15, 2023 3:47:26 GMT
That's a pretty solid first pairing defense. Offense starts with a good defense. Could be some exciting hockey in Montreal if we start out that way. Agree on Savard. At minimum he'll be on the 2nd pairing. Off season is getting shorter and shorter. Seems like the days are already getting shorter.  |
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Post by egee53 on Aug 15, 2023 21:30:26 GMT
Post your favorite line combinations Well, glad I saved my d-men and goalie post until today, what with the Petry trade (rather underwhelming return I thought). Again my preferred line-up, not what I expect to see. So here we go : Matheson - Xhejak The X-man has played his off side in the past, and I would like to see him get a fair bit of playing time, hoping he can build on last year. Guhle - Barron Reunite the WJC tandem who did seem to have had a bit of chemistry last year. Harris - Kovy As many have pointed out, the best statistical combo the Habs had last year Savard as the 7th D-man, but subbing him in and out so that he plays at least 40 games, keeping everyone fresh. I suspect injuries will do this for us. As for the Goalies : Monty to start Don't care who is the back up Good with trading Allen, and/or DeSmith for a half decent return, and having Primeau as the back up. Don't think any of these 4 are our keeper of the future. However, Monty could surprise us. |
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Post by BigTed3 on Aug 22, 2023 23:55:56 GMT
Thought I'd take a different approach to this and try to guess what MSL is thinking based on what we know from last year as well as what MSL and KH have said in interviews. Here are my assumptions:
- MSL has continuously gone back to using Suzuki and Caufield together. I'd personally like to see them apart, but I think MSL wants to keep his stars happy and the two of them seem to want to play together, so I think this is going to be the default to begin the season.
- MSL also knows that Dach works as the RW on that line, and I can see him going back to that when the line-up needs a lift, but the Habs have repeatedly said they view Dach as a center in the future, so I think they'll look at starting Dach as a center. Last year, they played him on the same line as Monahan and kind of platooned them as centers, so that could be another option this year to keep both in the top 6.
- The 3rd top 6 center is going to be a bit of a question mark. I think the odds are high that Dvorak isn't ready by the start of the season. I also have to believe the Habs have explained their plan to Monahan and that he's expecting to be either a center or in the top 6 or both. So if Dvorak is out to begin the year, then Monahan could well be the 3rd top 9 center, or it could be Owen Beck to start the season until Dvorak is back. Camp may dictate this based on how ready Beck appears.
- Anderson and Gallagher will likely both be in the top 9. The team took a look at Gallagher with Evans last year, but ultimately, I don't see MSL giving first crack at the top 9 to Ylonen or RHP or Heineman or Armia over Gallagher.
- I also believe the team wants Slafkovsky on the NHL roster, despite some queries as to whether he may be better off starting in the AHL (especially with Mesar expected to be in Laval too). At the same time, they've proven they want to shelter him, and I don't think that will change with his coming off a longterm injury. So I expect Slafkovsky to start the year on the 3rd line.
- Ylonen, as he needs to clear waivers, likely starts on the NHL roster. Pezzetta is a prototypical 13th-14th forward, so he has reasonable odds of filling that role in the NHL, as long as the Habs aren't forced to start the year with 3 goalies on the roster. Evans is the de facto 4C.
- Newhook is a player we don't have any history on, so it's harder to figure out where he'll fit. But Newhook stated the Habs told him they view him as a top 6 forward, so akin to Monahan, I suspect he'll either be a top 6 winger or the 3C to start the year.
With all this in mind, my best guess for how MSL views his line-up to start the season is as follows:
Caufield-Suzuki-Anderson
Newhook-Dach-Gallagher
Slafkovsky-Monahan-Ylonen
RHP-Evans-Armia
Pezzetta
Always room for a Beck, Heineman, Farrell, Roy, or other to force the team's hand, but I think this is what MSL's starting point is going to be like.
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Post by BigTed3 on Aug 23, 2023 0:02:10 GMT
If we apply the same discussion to the defence, I think it's clear Matheson is the 1 LHD, and Guhle and Savard will be in the top 4. Harris will be on the roster. Kovacevic and Lindstrom likely have spots to lose, though they play a very similar role. And Barron and Xhekaj will have good odds of making the roster too, but each can be demoted without waivers, which works against them. Wideman is the insurance policy, and he'll be there if the Habs carry 8 D or if they have injuries to start the year. But otherwise, he's expendable. My best guess is that the top will feature Matheson and Guhle on the left and Savard and Lindstrom on the right in some order, with Harris-Kovacevic as the 3rd pairing. This will change if Barron forces his way onto the roster, as he could be chosen as Matheson's partner again. But for now, I think the most likely starting point will be
Matheson-Savard
Guhle-Lindstrom
Harris-Kovacevic
Xhekaj
with the possibility of Savard and Lindstrom swapping spots. If Barron has a good camp, we could see Savard or Kovacevic traded to make room for him.
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Post by maasart on Aug 25, 2023 16:42:33 GMT
Caufield-Suzuki-Anderson Newhook-Dach-Gallagher Slafkovsky-Monahan-Ylonen RHP-Evans-Armia Pezzetta Always room for a Beck, Heineman, Farrell, Roy, or other to force the team's hand, but I think this is what MSL's starting point is going to be like. 100% agree. I think your lines are probably bang on or at least very close. When Dvo comes back I think Evans moves to the wing. Im still not sure where they see Ylonen in this scenario (and if a guy like Roy has a great camp, maybe he supplants someone) but i think this is nearly identical to what MSL has listed in his notebook right now. |
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Post by claremont on Aug 27, 2023 12:34:14 GMT
I look with some enthusiasm towards the 24-25, 25-26 season or even post trade deadline this year, when I look at the projection of future lines. So here is where I see some positions lining up in a healthy world. In this review, I am not listing #1 - #4 lines. At LW - the depth is Caufield, Slafkovsky, Heineman, and one of RHP, Farrell or Kidney. At Centre, it's Suzuki, I am going out on the proverbial limb here, but I believe Lias Andersson makes the jump, as will Owen Beck. The wild card here is Newhook or Dach, and I'll push Newhook to centre with Dach on RW. It's also possible Beck plays RW for a period while Dach stays at centre. At RW, Josh Anderson (contrary to popular belief, I don't believe he's going anywhere for some time), Joshua Roy, Dach/Beck, and Gallagher won't be going anywhere either. I see Mesar as the jack of all trades - RW - 13th forward. I'm not convinced to date that Ylonen sticks it out as a fixture on RW long term.
On Defense, lining up LHD with Matheson, Hutson, Guhle, followed by RHD - Reinbacher, Mailloux, and one of Barron or Lindstrom. The reserve is Harris / Xhekaj. I'm doubtful on Struble and Kovacevic sticking longer term.
Goal is where there is some difficulty as Montembault / Dobes / Primeau have risk attached.
So the turnover is clear to me - Armia is on borrowed time, Monahan moves on, Christian Dvorak is expendable in a trade, Jake Evans doesn't have much utility for me. I like some of the energy Pezzetta brings, but he's simply short on talent. David Savard is an efficient shot blocker and veteran presence, but time to move to youth with some faster skates. At goal, Allen and DeSmith don't fit into this development projection. I don't expect HuGo or some of the prospects getting there within a year or two, but the future looks bright to me with the depth / potential
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Post by maasart on Aug 27, 2023 19:12:35 GMT
I look with some enthusiasm towards the 24-25, 25-26 season or even post trade deadline this year, when I look at the projection of future lines. So here is where I see some positions lining up in a healthy world. In this review, I am not listing #1 - #4 lines. At LW - the depth is Caufield, Slafkovsky, Heineman, and one of RHP, Farrell or Kidney. At Centre, it's Suzuki, I am going out on the proverbial limb here, but I believe Lias Andersson makes the jump, as will Owen Beck. The wild card here is Newhook or Dach, and I'll push Newhook to centre with Dach on RW. It's also possible Beck plays RW for a period while Dach stays at centre. At RW, Josh Anderson (contrary to popular belief, I don't believe he's going anywhere for some time), Joshua Roy, Dach/Beck, and Gallagher won't be going anywhere either. I see Mesar as the jack of all trades - RW - 13th forward. I'm not convinced to date that Ylonen sticks it out as a fixture on RW long term. On Defense, lining up LHD with Matheson, Hutson, Guhle, followed by RHD - Reinbacher, Mailloux, and one of Barron or Lindstrom. The reserve is Harris / Xhekaj. I'm doubtful on Struble and Kovacevic sticking longer term. Goal is where there is some difficulty as Montembault / Dobes / Primeau have risk attached. So the turnover is clear to me - Armia is on borrowed time, Monahan moves on, Christian Dvorak is expendable in a trade, Jake Evans doesn't have much utility for me. I like some of the energy Pezzetta brings, but he's simply short on talent. David Savard is an efficient shot blocker and veteran presence, but time to move to youth with some faster skates. At goal, Allen and DeSmith don't fit into this development projection. I don't expect HuGo or some of the prospects getting there within a year or two, but the future looks bright to me with the depth / potential I agree with alot of this although I still think Monahan is a huge wild card. If he stays healthy & is ok with a 3-4 year deal, why dont we keep him? He's 6 months younger than Josh Anderson. Last year he was hurt, yes but it was freak accident - nothing related to the hip issues he had earlier in his career. If he's truly healthy, Id consider him for a short-to-mid term deal. |
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Post by ramcharger440 on Aug 28, 2023 0:50:52 GMT
I look with some enthusiasm towards the 24-25, 25-26 season or even post trade deadline this year, when I look at the projection of future lines. So here is where I see some positions lining up in a healthy world. In this review, I am not listing #1 - #4 lines. At LW - the depth is Caufield, Slafkovsky, Heineman, and one of RHP, Farrell or Kidney. At Centre, it's Suzuki, I am going out on the proverbial limb here, but I believe Lias Andersson makes the jump, as will Owen Beck. The wild card here is Newhook or Dach, and I'll push Newhook to centre with Dach on RW. It's also possible Beck plays RW for a period while Dach stays at centre. At RW, Josh Anderson (contrary to popular belief, I don't believe he's going anywhere for some time), Joshua Roy, Dach/Beck, and Gallagher won't be going anywhere either. I see Mesar as the jack of all trades - RW - 13th forward. I'm not convinced to date that Ylonen sticks it out as a fixture on RW long term. On Defense, lining up LHD with Matheson, Hutson, Guhle, followed by RHD - Reinbacher, Mailloux, and one of Barron or Lindstrom. The reserve is Harris / Xhekaj. I'm doubtful on Struble and Kovacevic sticking longer term. Goal is where there is some difficulty as Montembault / Dobes / Primeau have risk attached. So the turnover is clear to me - Armia is on borrowed time, Monahan moves on, Christian Dvorak is expendable in a trade, Jake Evans doesn't have much utility for me. I like some of the energy Pezzetta brings, but he's simply short on talent. David Savard is an efficient shot blocker and veteran presence, but time to move to youth with some faster skates. At goal, Allen and DeSmith don't fit into this development projection. I don't expect HuGo or some of the prospects getting there within a year or two, but the future looks bright to me with the depth / potential I agree with alot of this although I still think Monahan is a huge wild card. If he stays healthy & is ok with a 3-4 year deal, why dont we keep him? He's 6 months younger than Josh Anderson. Last year he was hurt, yes but it was freak accident - nothing related to the hip issues he had earlier in his career. If he's truly healthy, Id consider him for a short-to-mid term deal. Same here he is a special player, if he is good to go he is a guy who makes us much better! |
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Post by maasart on Oct 6, 2023 19:25:03 GMT
If i was MSL I would start the year with these top 2 lines:
Caufield - Suzuki - Newhook
Slafkovsky - Dach - Monahan
I know it wont happen becaus Newhook likely plays centre with Dvo out but Id really like to see Dach, Slaf and Monahan on one like for at least 10 games. I think they could be dominant tbh.
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Post by claremont on Oct 6, 2023 22:06:26 GMT
If i was MSL I would start the year with these top 2 lines: Caufield - Suzuki - Newhook Slafkovsky - Dach - Monahan I know it wont happen becaus Newhook likely plays centre with Dvo out but Id really like to see Dach, Slaf and Monahan on one like for at least 10 games. I think they could be dominant tbh. That should probably be our top 6 forwards - could be some allocations as Josh Anderson on 3rd line is a tough call. I believe that MSL and company are going to put Slaf into 2nd line minutes where he has the possibility to step up and succeed. However if he struggles, I can easily see Monahan moving over to the left side or even centre and Dach to the right side, and Josh Anderson moving up to the 2nd line. Slaf could get 3rd line minutes or even pushed to Laval for development. We really need a 3rd line energy group - RHP has the desire and grit, and coupled with Anderson, they both need an effective centre. I'm concerned with the 4th line - Evans is treading water, as is Gallagher and Armia. Wonder whether Ylonen can score - he has some skating skills and ability to shoot, but doesn't drive or fill the net. Pezzetta is just filler - short on skill but high on energy. Tanner Pearson is a question mark. Would like to see more games from Heineman. |
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Post by maasart on Oct 6, 2023 23:20:43 GMT
If i was MSL I would start the year with these top 2 lines: Caufield - Suzuki - Newhook Slafkovsky - Dach - Monahan I know it wont happen becaus Newhook likely plays centre with Dvo out but Id really like to see Dach, Slaf and Monahan on one like for at least 10 games. I think they could be dominant tbh. That should probably be our top 6 forwards - could be some allocations as Josh Anderson on 3rd line is a tough call. I believe that MSL and company are going to put Slaf into 2nd line minutes where he has the possibility to step up and succeed. However if he struggles, I can easily see Monahan moving over to the left side or even centre and Dach to the right side, and Josh Anderson moving up to the 2nd line. Slaf could get 3rd line minutes or even pushed to Laval for development. We really need a 3rd line energy group - RHP has the desire and grit, and coupled with Anderson, they both need an effective centre. I'm concerned with the 4th line - Evans is treading water, as is Gallagher and Armia. Wonder whether Ylonen can score - he has some skating skills and ability to shoot, but doesn't drive or fill the net. Pezzetta is just filler - short on skill but high on energy. Tanner Pearson is a question mark. Would like to see more games from Heineman. Agree. If Slaf does struggle (I hope he wont) I would send him to Laval before i would give him 3rd or 4th line minutes/linemates. He needs to be up to 14-16 minutes a game, regardless of where he plays. We have some quality in the top of the lineup but i agree, after the top 8 or so players... its a bit thin. On top of the 6 players i listed above, you have Anderson and RHP who are both quality guys. Dvo is competent in the bottom 6 (although i think they may trade him) and then, as you said, not a lot more. Gallagher is still a good player if he's healthy but i dont think even the most optimistic of Habs fans expect that ever again - and how do you put a $6m+ player on the 4th line? I think Evans can be a #4 centre but his injury history really worries me. Heineman is intriguing but i think even if he earns a spot on merit, he is Laval bound because of Waiver exemptions. |
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Post by BigTed3 on Oct 16, 2023 17:00:20 GMT
RHP says he'll be playing with Caufield and Suzuki tomorrow. We know Newhook centers line 2. Past that, unclear if it means Anderson simply drops down to play with him or if there's more shuffling to occur.
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Post by ChiLla on Oct 17, 2023 7:57:15 GMT
RHP says he'll be playing with Caufield and Suzuki tomorrow. We know Newhook centers line 2. Past that, unclear if it means Anderson simply drops down to play with him or if there's more shuffling to occur. Looks like that's how it's going to unfold for now...
Caufield-Suzuki-RHP Slafkovsky-Newhook-Anderson Pearson-Monahan-Gallagher Pezzetta-Evans-Ylonen
As discussed elsewhere, I'd prefer Monahan as 2C though. And I don't think it's a great idea to have your #1 center on the ice with a 5′8″ and a 5′9″ winger. The following lineup just seems a little more balanced IMO:
Caufield-Suzuki-Anderson
Newhook-Monahan-Slafkovsky
Pearson-Andersson-Gallagher (until Dvorak is ready)
RHP-Evans-Ylonen
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Post by maasart on Oct 17, 2023 14:19:41 GMT
RHP says he'll be playing with Caufield and Suzuki tomorrow. We know Newhook centers line 2. Past that, unclear if it means Anderson simply drops down to play with him or if there's more shuffling to occur. Looks like that's how it's going to unfold for now...
Caufield-Suzuki-RHP Slafkovsky-Newhook-Anderson Pearson-Monahan-Gallagher Pezzetta-Evans-Ylonen
As discussed elsewhere, I'd prefer Monahan as 2C though. And I don't think it's a great idea to have your #1 center on the ice with a 5′8″ and a 5′9″ winger. The following lineup just seems a little more balanced IMO:
Caufield-Suzuki-Anderson
Newhook-Monahan-Slafkovsky
Pearson-Andersson-Gallagher (until Dvorak is ready)
RHP-Evans-Ylonen
Yeah, id definitely flip Monahan and Newhook in those lines. I think that if Slaf keeps up the strong early play (especially if some points start going in), he may find himself next to Nick & Cole soonish tbh. I think thats MSL's ideal top line with the current roster. |
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Post by BigTed3 on Oct 18, 2023 0:05:33 GMT
I'd like to see them recall Armia over playing Pearson to be honest. Recalling Roy would be more exciting but there's no need to rush him up after one good week. Ideally, Heineman would have been the replacement but given he's not available, I'd take Armia over Pearson any day...
Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
RHP-Monahan-Ylonen
Armia-Newhook-Anderson
Pezzetta-Evans-Gallagher
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