Hey everyone.. I didn't get to spend as much time as I wanted editing this video but.. Hopefully it turned out alright. Oh and the Habs are about to win the next 4 games you heard it here first.
I think former team leader in hits Emile’s absence is definitely noted. Jake Evans has been quiet on the score sheet and you have to think that’s one factor. Bodes very well for Heineman’s future if his absence is this noticeable in his rookie year. I just know Chris Kreider was driving that Kia.
Also we just lost Guhle for the rest of the season, it won't help either. They'll probably bring back Strubble. I would put back Matheson with Hutson on the first, Xhekaj with Carrier on the 2nd pair and Strubble and Savard on the 3rd pair.
They need to stop taking a break once they get a lead. They were all over the Jets until Slaf scored and then suddenly half the team decided it was nap time.
This and the fact they're probably more bang up than they're telling us. Last 2 games the first line did well slaf and Caufield have 3 pts and Suzuki 4 but seems the other are sleeping. Except for Gally but he just seems not to be able to put it in
@@ChrisDeJack to me Gally being everywhere yesterday was telling that theyre in trouble...when Gally steps up that much its because he feels like hes the only one that can do something...like the 2021 final
In my opinion they’ve been playing very well just have been running into hot goalies. Even when they lost to the leafs they were up 3-0 and woll made 2 or 3 key saves prior to the leafs coming back. The wins will come just been running into hot goalies. Do not panic the boys will be alright
They were over-achieving for a handful of weeks and, like always, everyone forgets about the ebs and flows of a long hockey season.. They are still headed in the right direction.
Despite the loss, Slaf had a great game. His confidence has been building back up again. Besides the goal, he was making nice chips, driving the play, even did some dangling splitting the D almost leading to another goal. Seems like he is afraid to make mistakes
Monty is a stopgap you find someone playing better you play the guy. It’s obvious Montreal is planning for Fowler to take the reins eventually, but that doesn’t mean other goalers can’t take the spot first.
I agree with you, something has changed. I could see them climbing to that big run they went on a month before it happened, and now I'm seeing the same thing but the opposite. It's not looking good because this is starting to become consistent. Not panicking as you say, but something has changed. I think a part of it is the complicated system they're trying to employ. It relies on the players instincts and knowing what to do in any given moment and situation. It's a great system (the hybrid system) but it takes excellent communication on the ice and everyone buying in for it to work well. To me, based on what they're doing, it seems like there's a lack of one of the two things here going on, maybe both. Also yes Matheson and Carriere were not a good pairing. Shaking up lines isn't my favourite thing to do but they definitely need something.
Sometimes you're hot sometimes you're not. This is normal in all sports. Everybody relax. The real battle will be next year and subsequent years when the team is ready for another serious cup run.
Hellebuyck won that game last night. The Habs had quality shots, he just shut them down. That being said the Habs defense behind the goal has been garbage. I can't count how many times this year the puck has come from behind the net to a open player in the slot.
They're young and they still don't know how to face adversity head on yet.. I think they're going to struggle the rest of the season and probably fall back down in a standing so not make the playoffs.. which is okay because nobody expected them to make the playoffs this year just to be in the mix.. and now the year of experience under their bellts.. And that's what these boys need experience. Probably one of the youngest teams in the league. They need time and experience to grow. I'm not worried about it at all.
@@jonathanallard2128 wasn't buffalo the youngest? or did in season roster changes change that. either way they are at least the second youngest so the point still very much stand
@@italkwiththestars207 I could very well be wrong, but I think I heard commenters say Buffalo was second. But either way, they're both very young teams.
IMO only, I think they need games like this and the shit show against T.O. Builds tremendous character with the right teammates (as I believe we almost have at 100%) and a drive to DESTROY the league with an amazing group, that also wants to be a Hab... not after a payday. They have been competing with each game for the most part but there are a couple individuals I see that at key moments... they are not there or run out of drive. Gally always goes to the death and if we could have his attitude, commitment and drive up and down the line up... need I say more...Puck luck is a real phenom lol GO HABS GO!!! Perfect coverage BTW Junkie, amazing to watch with a great chuckle as well.
The games at the end of January and toward the end of the season tend to resemble playoff games more than the earlier schedule. I think what we are seeing is how les boys are stacking up to the playoff contenders and I am happy with their play even when they lose. We all know they are not ready for playoff contention yet as they are 2-3 player away from being a solid contender. I like the fact that they are not a rollover for other teams anymore. Let's see what happens at the trade deadline.
IMHO, they were not on a rampage in the past couple of weeks. They won 29 games in OT or SO. 27 were comeback wins somehow. Stuff like that doesn't last. This team did NOT turn into a top team in the league overnight. They had some good luck, some confidence boosters...etc. But, they are not a playoff team yet. That doesn't mean they couldn't sneak into a spot. But for anyone to think they have a decent shot, you're hoping for a miracle. As a HABS super fan, it hurts me to say. But I still love my team and the direction they're headed. And that's all I wanted this year. IMPROVEMENT over last years. Better defense. Better goaltending, and better offense. We've gotten all three. I'm still looking to the future, and when it arrives, it is going to stay for a long time. Not one or two playoff runs, then done. But playoffs year after year! That is the plan!
Statistics always normalize. When you are playing high end teams every night, are in an unprecedented playoff battle with a brutal travel schedule AND have a young team, eventually things catch up. They won a lot of CLOSE games over the last 20 by coming from behind, getting next level goaltending and a lot of puck luck. There comes a time when this catches up and you start to lose some of those games. Not concerned. They have a bright future ahead. It's fun watching meaningful hockey for the first time in 4 years. Great work Junkie! From one Newfoundlander to Another, Aaron
I think we all knew they'd come back down to Earth at some point. If things keep going like this until the break, it's probably safe to say we're not going to be in the mix anymore this year.
We’ve seen the growth we were looking for. Idrc what happens the rest of the season, as long as they don’t bottom out. This is a little skid in an 82 game season, they’ll be fine.
I think one important thing is that even if they lose is that they stay consistent during all the periods because they can’t let 2 goals slide during the first period like the last 2 games or in the second
Being young, showing adversity, they are playing as a team and building in the right direction. Man it would be sweet to be a habs fan right now. They are doing fine a roller coaster has it ups and downs. This season is building this team and giving the young core experience together. There is a lot of hockey to be played. Go habs go
This was to be expected, other coaches are adjusting their line-ups and game prep because the Habs are a different team than in the early season, they are still hard to play against opponents are just better prepared and know what to expect - a tuff game. Its up to us to learn to live at this level and then make the next jump up.
In this league 3-4 game winning and losing streaks are as common as a cold . The goalies are usually the big difference in longer win streaks whereas it’s mostly defensive breakdowns that make for losing streaks.
I don't think there is much issue with this team, they're exactly where they should be and what we all hoped for - right in the mix. There are a couple of small things: - Playing Monty too much, give the kid a couple of more starts. - Losing Guhle hurts, maybe calling up Mailloux for another go would give the team a lift. ... and lastly: - Let's see Mr. Hughes make a trade. I have no idea what, but he always keeps things interesting.
For one thing, Heineman is a big body who plays hard, is excellent defensively and as a bonus, he’s an offensive threat. The Habs don’t have anyone to replace him.
Want to see the boys keep fighting. This situation in the east is going to build character for these young guys. Regardless of the outcome, remaining competitive for the remainder of the season will be huge for this team’s confidence in their abilities to compete with the top dogs. Love this team. Hope Guhles is back after 4 nations.
The math looks good to me. A top team versus a below average team. Patience is a virtue for a reason, and it's ok to fight for a playoff spot and not make it. Let's agree that this season, God willing, is a small taste of the "greatness" to come.
What was with the hit on Dach?? Heineken was a bigger loss than you would think but that 4th line was the difference during the streak. The driver of the car was wearing a Sens jersey. Yup - things have changed
The team has been playing all out for over twenty games before the current slump, Not sure why, but as you said, it's typical to have ups and downs during a season, hopefully this is short lived and the Habs crank things up once again.
Jets are just the cleanest team in history i guess. No penalty for the second time this season. 2minutes of penalty or LESS for the 8th time. In contrast, to see these stats for the Habs, you've got to scroll back until 2018 😂😂
As a huge Leafs fan I was super happy for the Montreal boys seeing so much success and even having a large chance at a playoff spot. Hopefully they can shake this off and go on another huge run. (Just as long as they don't beat my Leafs)
Always a mixed allegiance when my original 6 team plays my current home team. My son is also torn, even though his Gen probably thinks original 6 is a half dozen Redbull. I hope Guhle isn’t seriously injured. Oddly, Winnipeg didn’t take even one penalty, as it would have been interesting to see Laine‘s blast challenge Hellebuyck. That last second goal was a back breaker, but the Habs still showed a lot of pluck in the 3rd. Cheers to Montreal for being one of the best tourism cities in North American!
Heineman missing throws off the chemistry of the entire offence. We no longer have a “fourth” line eating massive defensive minutes with the upside of offensive output. Pazetta might as well be not playing. MSL’s juggling/combos are taxing guys & taking them out of the “cohesion zone”. PP1 should be 14, 13, 20, 48, 92 & should be starting. PP2 should be 77, 71, 15, 40 & 8. Both need to focus on more lateral movement & faster passing. Matheson has been overplayed & is starting to crack a bit. He’s looked slow & dumb, blowing a bunch of coverage. He’s a second pairing guy who can definitely step up to play harder minutes but non-elite D are gonna crack when playing almost half a game against the other team’s top lines. He’s also been taking a pretty harsh beating from the press & fanbase. However deserved, it must be taking a toll on his performance. Other D have been mostly solid with a few hiccups here or there. Forwards have also been blowing coverage - see WPG’s third goal. Hutson arguably shoulda been in better position but once he goes to the corner, the forwards need to be aware of who’s coming. Monty’s let in a few softies for sure but a lot of goals are in defensive breakdowns & own-screens. He’s still been making Price-like saves but seeing his numbers start to diminish HAS to be playing with his head. Add Dobes being pretty stellar & it’s a guaranteed confidence effer. We’ve also been playing very good teams with great coaching. They’ve been well prepared & adapted to our style of play. We need to be able to adapt as well. Also, when you have a young team doing well, defying low expectations, any substantial loss - like to TOR - can plant seeds of substantial doubt. “Maybe it’s a fluke”, “maybe we’re no good”, “maybe we don’t deserve to be here” etc. Top it all off with young players who will occasionally make young, bonehead plays - bad or too many passes, unreasonable dangles, careless penalties & you have the last few games. NYR & DET were pretty okay. TLDR; Heineman was hit by a car.
At the start of the season, I didn't think the Habs would make the playoffs, but I thought they would show some bright lights and make things interesting. I think that's exactly where they are. They had a great run, but now it gets serious for contending teams - no easy games. Not that the big wins recently were easy, but the opposing teams don't take the Habs lightly now. Good for the boys and the coaching staff. Next year, they will be in thick of the playoff race and will probably snag a spot.
They're still 5-3-2 in their last 10 games, picking up points and staying in the hunt. Thats all they needed to do this year, stay competitive and maybe play meaningful games later on into the season. If they stay at a similar pace for the rest of the season and miss the playoffs by a couple points i think thats still a successful season
As much as we love winning streaks, they all come to an end. This club is a better than .500 team and these loses are to be an expected balancing of the scale. I hope Ghule's injury doesn't set him back. As usual, tanks HJ.
Dog days of the season that surround the center mark are where a lot of young and rebuilding teams show promise as the established teams start to pace themselves or just look bored. A lot of teams look pretty weird right now. A few weeks after the break will show which teams are for real I reckon.
The better question is, what isn't 'habening'? Definitely got Helleybucked last night, but eventually they have to engage the next gear and find a way. Especially on home ice.
Conor's second goal defined everything that has been bad since day 1 the defensive zone. Conor crept in slowly right through the slot the most dangerous area but ALL 5 habs were spectating the puck nobody looking around for a man to cover in the danger areas. Like wtf was Dvorak doing standing beside the goalie he needs to be up high watching the points and players coming in late into the slot like Kyle Connor did.I mentioned this a year ago that when the forwards come back too deep they just get in the way they confuse the defense are unable to block passing plays back to the points they are basically standing in no man's land and the problem is exponential when they have tunnel vision on the puck.
As much as I like our Cristobal Huet V2.0, he's just not clutch. Nothing against Monty but Dobes is primed and ready for the top spot based on recent performances. A true difference maker.
All teams go through slumps. In the case of our Habs, it reveals a need for more grit and experience. I can see a trade coming soon. Probably involving the likes of either Pezzetta, Anderson, or Savard for a gritty forward.
Hoping for more wins, but I look at this season as a building block. I'm not getting too high, or too low. I expected growth and nothing else this season, but would be really happy if they squeak into a spot. That said, this up and down will hopefully help with mental fortitude when they're really contending in the next few years. As to why, probably teams taking them more seriously now.
I think fatigue could be a factor due to post Xmas schedule. They have played well and don't quit which is great. The 4 Nations break will hopefully help them reset. But it still is year 3 of a 5 year rebuild and the future looks bright 😎.
Can't blame Mathewson for that first goal he had good position on Connor but Connor is just so slippery that when he did the quick switch up Mike got his ankles broke and that happens plus Connor is one of the top players in the league can't blame Mike on that
Samuel Montembault might need to visit Laval Rockets so he can get some rest and refresh his fine-tuning skills. Montreal Canadiens should rotate three goaltenders until Jacob Fowler is ready. Habs need to win the defensive type of game with tight scoring and super goalie. Carey Price can come back as a goalie or assistant coach for the defence. Maybe he will finally put his name on the Stanley Cup
Dvo was horrible last night. Picking his ass in the slot in front of Monty for the third goal. Matheson is terrible. How is pezzeta even allowed in the lineup . This team can’t seriously expect playoffs if those 3 players are on the team. and if they somehow do make it w those bums they will get swept. Matheson makes everyone he plays with worst and still Marty gives him all these minutes, especially overtime. I can’t fkn stand seeing matheson on the ice during overtime.
Tired? Don't know how to recovery properly? Tired mindset? "did good enough mindset". Its many one or a combination of stuff right now. But hopefully we can bounce back. This was a tough team, Hellbuck is GOAT, but we really need to win the games that matter most now and everyone has to be on board.
Nothing major is happening in my opinion. Ebs and flow of a very young team. Kids like Hutson for example? It's his first time experiencing such a long and grindy season. They'll get tired, their lack of experience will show, but they're heading in the right direction. Nobody expected them to make it into the playoffs. Sure it would be awesome-sauce and all that, but just being a contender is already some good progress.
Defensive coverage hurt them again. Not boxing guys out, half a step behind. Put people on their ass in front, instil a little fear in opposing forwards, they need to be a hurry around our net. We are too 'nice'. Your podcast is part of my breakfast ritual keep it up.
Trust me, they’re making the playoffs. You have to remember their still a very very young team and their still leaning, every loss is still a win in my books because it’s giving them experience and that push to do better next game. They’re going to get to that point when it just “clicks” their going to be unstoppable in the next year or 2 and everyone is going to be butt hurt because their rebuild is in full swing.
Des Boys are definitely coming back down to earth. No one should have expected them to keep up that pace until the end of the season. Young guys don't have the stamina and endurance yet. Matheson has been sadly terrible over this stretch, Monty has been below average and let's also face it at this point, Guhle is more accident prone than my grandma after a few whiskeys on a Saturday night at the Ol' Folks Home. Not sure how to fix that last one.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" - let's just say we're in the 3rd year of a rebuild so there will be ups and downs. They still have quite a way to go and that should be ok for everyone. They said they would be in the mix and they were for a couple of weeks. Relax people, we're not winning the cup this year and that should be ok, right?
Team was turning a corner thanks to Dobes, but Montembeault just has to play. His play vs TO embarrassed the entire organisation and is THE turning point. #Debacle
You cannot sustain the hair-on-fire level of play that the Habs displayed recently. The season is much too long for that. Elite teams know when to turn it on and know how to win games where they are not playing very well. The young Habs need to learn that very difficult skill.
Thought besides the 2nd they played a good game. Got goalied. What's going on is their exhausted. All that travel all those must win big games is taxing. Let's be honest they are in year 3 of a rebuild and you can't honestly say you thought they would be this in the mix. They need to get to the 4 Nations Break. Go hit the beach for a few days to recover
Is there an NHL memo from the front office telling refs not to give Habs anymore power plays? When Laine finally started playing he was lighting up the league and it seems last few games we get almost no PPs anymore. What was MSL thinking? Winnipeg one of the best teams in the league hey lets swap around our defensive pairings to fuck up the defense.
They're fine, ebbs and flows happen, fatigue happens and this is the second youngest team in the league. The 4 nations break will probably help them more than any team. They will probably fall just short, they could squeak in, but then again, these boys are hungry and if they miss, they won't miss again for a long long time.
Wpg got lucky on a few awesome shots…the Habs played better than the score revealed…a little puck luck could have resulted in a different outcome. It’s going to be ok 😊
Matheson cost us the game against NJ, he did not look good with Carrier last night at all, the defense has GOT to dig in and I believe Monty has gotta make more crucial saves to live up to being a genuine starter, more Dobes starts in general I think too
Hey everyone.. I didn't get to spend as much time as I wanted editing this video but.. Hopefully it turned out alright.
Oh and the Habs are about to win the next 4 games you heard it here first.
You've earned some slack. All good.
It's all good ! For real , the 5-ish minutes long videos with some in game footage is really all I want for recaps :D
Keep up the good work !!
habs will make it 5 games
You are doing great, always a pleasure to watch, Hamlton Habs fan!
Let's be honest Junkie. You could post a screenshot of your morning deuce and do a voice over, and we'd all still watch it. Don't doubt yourself.
Hellebuyck is a monster……Now we know how other teams felt having to go against Carey Price for all those years.
He is an absolute beast for sure
Montembault way better than Price ...;)
@@pirates0des0ileslove monty but hes literally garbage compared to price
@RichardMullin-u8w Price won one Vezina. Hellebuyck is about to win his third.
@ he’s incredible!
I think former team leader in hits Emile’s absence is definitely noted. Jake Evans has been quiet on the score sheet and you have to think that’s one factor. Bodes very well for Heineman’s future if his absence is this noticeable in his rookie year.
I just know Chris Kreider was driving that Kia.
Also we just lost Guhle for the rest of the season, it won't help either. They'll probably bring back Strubble. I would put back Matheson with Hutson on the first, Xhekaj with Carrier on the 2nd pair and Strubble and Savard on the 3rd pair.
They need to stop taking a break once they get a lead.
They were all over the Jets until Slaf scored and then suddenly half the team decided it was nap time.
This and the fact they're probably more bang up than they're telling us. Last 2 games the first line did well slaf and Caufield have 3 pts and Suzuki 4 but seems the other are sleeping. Except for Gally but he just seems not to be able to put it in
@@ChrisDeJack to me Gally being everywhere yesterday was telling that theyre in trouble...when Gally steps up that much its because he feels like hes the only one that can do something...like the 2021 final
In my opinion they’ve been playing very well just have been running into hot goalies. Even when they lost to the leafs they were up 3-0 and woll made 2 or 3 key saves prior to the leafs coming back. The wins will come just been running into hot goalies. Do not panic the boys will be alright
Very well said!
I think you're right but there has been a problem of getting completely outshot in some periods
They were over-achieving for a handful of weeks and, like always, everyone forgets about the ebs and flows of a long hockey season..
They are still headed in the right direction.
Despite the loss, Slaf had a great game. His confidence has been building back up again. Besides the goal, he was making nice chips, driving the play, even did some dangling splitting the D almost leading to another goal. Seems like he is afraid to make mistakes
Put Dobes in Net
😂 get over yourself. Monty is # 1.
Monty is a stopgap you find someone playing better you play the guy.
It’s obvious Montreal is planning for Fowler to take the reins eventually, but that doesn’t mean other goalers can’t take the spot first.
I agree with you, something has changed. I could see them climbing to that big run they went on a month before it happened, and now I'm seeing the same thing but the opposite. It's not looking good because this is starting to become consistent. Not panicking as you say, but something has changed.
I think a part of it is the complicated system they're trying to employ. It relies on the players instincts and knowing what to do in any given moment and situation. It's a great system (the hybrid system) but it takes excellent communication on the ice and everyone buying in for it to work well. To me, based on what they're doing, it seems like there's a lack of one of the two things here going on, maybe both.
Also yes Matheson and Carriere were not a good pairing. Shaking up lines isn't my favourite thing to do but they definitely need something.
"He was having Nunavut" LOOOOOOOL
How'd we do on the power play? Oh wait we didn't get one
Sometimes you're hot sometimes you're not.
This is normal in all sports. Everybody relax.
The real battle will be next year and subsequent years when the team is ready for another serious cup run.
Hellebuyck won that game last night. The Habs had quality shots, he just shut them down. That being said the Habs defense behind the goal has been garbage. I can't count how many times this year the puck has come from behind the net to a open player in the slot.
They're young and they still don't know how to face adversity head on yet.. I think they're going to struggle the rest of the season and probably fall back down in a standing so not make the playoffs.. which is okay because nobody expected them to make the playoffs this year just to be in the mix.. and now the year of experience under their bellts.. And that's what these boys need experience. Probably one of the youngest teams in the league. They need time and experience to grow. I'm not worried about it at all.
This is the correct take.
Habs players have LITERALLY the youngest age average in the NHL.
@@jonathanallard2128 wasn't buffalo the youngest? or did in season roster changes change that. either way they are at least the second youngest so the point still very much stand
@@italkwiththestars207 I could very well be wrong, but I think I heard commenters say Buffalo was second. But either way, they're both very young teams.
IMO only, I think they need games like this and the shit show against T.O. Builds tremendous character with the right teammates (as I believe we almost have at 100%) and a drive to DESTROY the league with an amazing group, that also wants to be a Hab... not after a payday.
They have been competing with each game for the most part but there are a couple individuals I see that at key moments... they are not there or run out of drive. Gally always goes to the death and if we could have his attitude, commitment and drive up and down the line up... need I say more...Puck luck is a real phenom lol GO HABS GO!!!
Perfect coverage BTW Junkie, amazing to watch with a great chuckle as well.
The games at the end of January and toward the end of the season tend to resemble playoff games more than the earlier schedule. I think what we are seeing is how les boys are stacking up to the playoff contenders and I am happy with their play even when they lose. We all know they are not ready for playoff contention yet as they are 2-3 player away from being a solid contender. I like the fact that they are not a rollover for other teams anymore. Let's see what happens at the trade deadline.
IMHO, they were not on a rampage in the past couple of weeks. They won 29 games in OT or SO. 27 were comeback wins somehow. Stuff like that doesn't last. This team did NOT turn into a top team in the league overnight. They had some good luck, some confidence boosters...etc. But, they are not a playoff team yet. That doesn't mean they couldn't sneak into a spot. But for anyone to think they have a decent shot, you're hoping for a miracle. As a HABS super fan, it hurts me to say. But I still love my team and the direction they're headed. And that's all I wanted this year. IMPROVEMENT over last years. Better defense. Better goaltending, and better offense. We've gotten all three.
I'm still looking to the future, and when it arrives, it is going to stay for a long time. Not one or two playoff runs, then done. But playoffs year after year! That is the plan!
They're building and they are above normal fun to watch. I am loving it all. Can't wait to see them keep progressing.
Statistics always normalize. When you are playing high end teams every night, are in an unprecedented playoff battle with a brutal travel schedule AND have a young team, eventually things catch up. They won a lot of CLOSE games over the last 20 by coming from behind, getting next level goaltending and a lot of puck luck. There comes a time when this catches up and you start to lose some of those games. Not concerned. They have a bright future ahead. It's fun watching meaningful hockey for the first time in 4 years. Great work Junkie! From one Newfoundlander to Another, Aaron
just the fact the the younger guys will have more gas in the tank each year as they progress will help a lot
I think we all knew they'd come back down to Earth at some point. If things keep going like this until the break, it's probably safe to say we're not going to be in the mix anymore this year.
yeah its a flash in the pan...the sens have been having those for like 5 years and are still not going very far so it doesnt mean anything
We’ve seen the growth we were looking for. Idrc what happens the rest of the season, as long as they don’t bottom out. This is a little skid in an 82 game season, they’ll be fine.
I'm afraid that the bubble has burst....hope I'm wrong.
oml I remeber this 0:13 😭
I think one important thing is that even if they lose is that they stay consistent during all the periods because they can’t let 2 goals slide during the first period like the last 2 games or in the second
They are tired and banged up and having Emil Heineken injured messed up all the good chemistry in the lineup had going
Being young, showing adversity, they are playing as a team and building in the right direction.
Man it would be sweet to be a habs fan right now.
They are doing fine a roller coaster has it ups and downs. This season is building this team and giving the young core experience together.
There is a lot of hockey to be played.
Go habs go
They’re gonna miss Guhle if he’s out for any length of time.
This was to be expected, other coaches are adjusting their line-ups and game prep because the Habs are a different team than in the early season, they are still hard to play against opponents are just better prepared and know what to expect - a tuff game. Its up to us to learn to live at this level and then make the next jump up.
In this league 3-4 game winning and losing streaks are as common as a cold .
The goalies are usually the big difference in longer win streaks whereas it’s mostly defensive breakdowns that make for losing streaks.
They are returning to normal.
I don't think there is much issue with this team, they're exactly where they should be and what we all hoped for - right in the mix. There are a couple of small things:
- Playing Monty too much, give the kid a couple of more starts.
- Losing Guhle hurts, maybe calling up Mailloux for another go would give the team a lift.
... and lastly:
- Let's see Mr. Hughes make a trade. I have no idea what, but he always keeps things interesting.
For one thing, Heineman is a big body who plays hard, is excellent defensively and as a bonus, he’s an offensive threat. The Habs don’t have anyone to replace him.
Want to see the boys keep fighting. This situation in the east is going to build character for these young guys. Regardless of the outcome, remaining competitive for the remainder of the season will be huge for this team’s confidence in their abilities to compete with the top dogs. Love this team. Hope Guhles is back after 4 nations.
clearly not back this year...im even expecting him to not be there for game 1 in next october
We were overachieving
The math looks good to me.
A top team versus a below average team.
Patience is a virtue for a reason, and it's ok to fight for a playoff spot and not make it.
Let's agree that this season, God willing, is a small taste of the "greatness" to come.
What was with the hit on Dach?? Heineken was a bigger loss than you would think but that 4th line was the difference during the streak. The driver of the car was wearing a Sens jersey. Yup - things have changed
The team has been playing all out for over twenty games before the current slump, Not sure why, but as you said, it's typical to have ups and downs during a season, hopefully this is short lived and the Habs crank things up once again.
I went to that game and I was in the gumbotron and hugged Youpi
Jets are just the cleanest team in history i guess. No penalty for the second time this season. 2minutes of penalty or LESS for the 8th time. In contrast, to see these stats for the Habs, you've got to scroll back until 2018 😂😂
As a huge Leafs fan I was super happy for the Montreal boys seeing so much success and even having a large chance at a playoff spot. Hopefully they can shake this off and go on another huge run. (Just as long as they don't beat my Leafs)
with Guhle gone i dont see the Ds being tight enough to do it honestly
Always a mixed allegiance when my original 6 team plays my current home team.
My son is also torn, even though his Gen probably thinks original 6 is a half dozen Redbull.
I hope Guhle isn’t seriously injured. Oddly, Winnipeg didn’t take even one penalty, as it would have been interesting to see Laine‘s blast challenge Hellebuyck. That last second goal was a back breaker, but the Habs still showed a lot of pluck in the 3rd. Cheers to Montreal for being one of the best tourism cities in North American!
So many things factored, mixing the D-pairs, Helly is a god damn beast and Connor can’t be stopped rn, WPG is just an elite team
From the few clips shown, Monty looked like he wasnt trying to make any saves all game
does anyone else feel less confidence as soon as we see dobes isn’t starting. not hate to monty , but dobes is hot 5:07
It's that time of the season!
No depth. Heineken went down and Pezetta is the only one to replace him?
The worst possible outcome would be Lightning, Bruins and Rangers all making the playoffs again. We need some change.
Can we agree this is getting worrying?
Heineman missing throws off the chemistry of the entire offence. We no longer have a “fourth” line eating massive defensive minutes with the upside of offensive output. Pazetta might as well be not playing. MSL’s juggling/combos are taxing guys & taking them out of the “cohesion zone”. PP1 should be 14, 13, 20, 48, 92 & should be starting. PP2 should be 77, 71, 15, 40 & 8. Both need to focus on more lateral movement & faster passing.
Matheson has been overplayed & is starting to crack a bit. He’s looked slow & dumb, blowing a bunch of coverage. He’s a second pairing guy who can definitely step up to play harder minutes but non-elite D are gonna crack when playing almost half a game against the other team’s top lines. He’s also been taking a pretty harsh beating from the press & fanbase. However deserved, it must be taking a toll on his performance.
Other D have been mostly solid with a few hiccups here or there.
Forwards have also been blowing coverage - see WPG’s third goal. Hutson arguably shoulda been in better position but once he goes to the corner, the forwards need to be aware of who’s coming.
Monty’s let in a few softies for sure but a lot of goals are in defensive breakdowns & own-screens. He’s still been making Price-like saves but seeing his numbers start to diminish HAS to be playing with his head. Add Dobes being pretty stellar & it’s a guaranteed confidence effer.
We’ve also been playing very good teams with great coaching. They’ve been well prepared & adapted to our style of play. We need to be able to adapt as well.
Also, when you have a young team doing well, defying low expectations, any substantial loss - like to TOR - can plant seeds of substantial doubt. “Maybe it’s a fluke”, “maybe we’re no good”, “maybe we don’t deserve to be here” etc.
Top it all off with young players who will occasionally make young, bonehead plays - bad or too many passes, unreasonable dangles, careless penalties & you have the last few games.
NYR & DET were pretty okay.
TLDR; Heineman was hit by a car.
At the start of the season, I didn't think the Habs would make the playoffs, but I thought they would show some bright lights and make things interesting. I think that's exactly where they are. They had a great run, but now it gets serious for contending teams - no easy games. Not that the big wins recently were easy, but the opposing teams don't take the Habs lightly now. Good for the boys and the coaching staff. Next year, they will be in thick of the playoff race and will probably snag a spot.
It's not over..
The nameless comment cracked me up 😅😂
They're still a young team. Consistency is a skill that needs to be learned.
Habs are tired and need to get to the break. Rest and recover for the boys.
They're still 5-3-2 in their last 10 games, picking up points and staying in the hunt. Thats all they needed to do this year, stay competitive and maybe play meaningful games later on into the season. If they stay at a similar pace for the rest of the season and miss the playoffs by a couple points i think thats still a successful season
"you can't stay high forever." - Reality
Indeed, reality maybe creeping back on them !!!
Great vid bro totally agree ,not sure with this team , cant figure them out
As much as we love winning streaks, they all come to an end. This club is a better than .500 team and these loses are to be an expected balancing of the scale. I hope Ghule's injury doesn't set him back. As usual, tanks HJ.
Dog days of the season that surround the center mark are where a lot of young and rebuilding teams show promise as the established teams start to pace themselves or just look bored. A lot of teams look pretty weird right now. A few weeks after the break will show which teams are for real I reckon.
The better question is, what isn't 'habening'?
Definitely got Helleybucked last night, but eventually they have to engage the next gear and find a way. Especially on home ice.
Conor's second goal defined everything that has been bad since day 1 the defensive zone.
Conor crept in slowly right through the slot the most dangerous area but ALL 5 habs were spectating the puck nobody looking around for a man to cover in the danger areas.
Like wtf was Dvorak doing standing beside the goalie he needs to be up high watching the points and players coming in late into the slot like Kyle Connor did.I mentioned this a year ago that when the forwards come back too deep they just get in the way they confuse the defense are unable to block passing plays back to the points they are basically standing in no man's land and the problem is exponential when they have tunnel vision on the puck.
It was a pattern in the early season that they would look ok against bad teams but completely fall apart against good ones. This is not new.
The Habs blue line looked small and ineffective. Repeatedly losing puck battles along the wall, it was men playing boys out there.
They are young.
It’s a long season.
If they can get hot again within 10 games: they can make the playoffs
problem is everybody else around is red hot
As much as I like our Cristobal Huet V2.0, he's just not clutch. Nothing against Monty but Dobes is primed and ready for the top spot based on recent performances. A true difference maker.
All teams go through slumps. In the case of our Habs, it reveals a need for more grit and experience. I can see a trade coming soon. Probably involving the likes of either Pezzetta, Anderson, or Savard for a gritty forward.
Pizza seems like a great guy just like every 13th forward ever but once the team becomes more elite he wont be able to keep up
Hoping for more wins, but I look at this season as a building block. I'm not getting too high, or too low. I expected growth and nothing else this season, but would be really happy if they squeak into a spot. That said, this up and down will hopefully help with mental fortitude when they're really contending in the next few years.
As to why, probably teams taking them more seriously now.
I think fatigue could be a factor due to post Xmas schedule. They have played well and don't quit which is great. The 4 Nations break will hopefully help them reset. But it still is year 3 of a 5 year rebuild and the future looks bright 😎.
Can't blame Mathewson for that first goal he had good position on Connor but Connor is just so slippery that when he did the quick switch up Mike got his ankles broke and that happens plus Connor is one of the top players in the league can't blame Mike on that
Samuel Montembault might need to visit Laval Rockets so he can get some rest and refresh his fine-tuning skills.
Montreal Canadiens should rotate three goaltenders until Jacob Fowler is ready. Habs need to win the defensive type of game with tight scoring and super goalie.
Carey Price can come back as a goalie or assistant coach for the defence. Maybe he will finally put his name on the Stanley Cup
I think our skill level is somewhere between our poor start and our hot streak. We have to temper our expectations. 🤔 Another great video, thank you 🙏
Dvo was horrible last night. Picking his ass in the slot in front of Monty for the third goal. Matheson is terrible. How is pezzeta even allowed in the lineup . This team can’t seriously expect playoffs if those 3 players are on the team. and if they somehow do make it w those bums they will get swept. Matheson makes everyone he plays with worst and still Marty gives him all these minutes, especially overtime. I can’t fkn stand seeing matheson on the ice during overtime.
I'm really missing Heineman rn. Evans and Armia are not the same without him.
Not worried at all,❤
I said on Habs reddit that if monty plays montreal needs at least 3 goals.
We got goalied and Montembault wasn't even bad, it's just that Heyleybuck (I know) is a beast.
Last 2 games ive seen last yr leafs and 2weeks ago leafs live. Living in New Brunswick far travel 13 goals 2 losees thanks monty
I don't worry about anything till after all-star break...and that includes the break itself.
Tired? Don't know how to recovery properly? Tired mindset? "did good enough mindset". Its many one or a combination of stuff right now. But hopefully we can bounce back. This was a tough team, Hellbuck is GOAT, but we really need to win the games that matter most now and everyone has to be on board.
Love all the michigan players they have! UP for statehood though
Nothing major is happening in my opinion. Ebs and flow of a very young team. Kids like Hutson for example? It's his first time experiencing such a long and grindy season. They'll get tired, their lack of experience will show, but they're heading in the right direction.
Nobody expected them to make it into the playoffs. Sure it would be awesome-sauce and all that, but just being a contender is already some good progress.
They were playing out of their minds! They looked fatigued and fragile the last games.
Defensive coverage hurt them again. Not boxing guys out, half a step behind. Put people on their ass in front, instil a little fear in opposing forwards, they need to be a hurry around our net. We are too 'nice'. Your podcast is part of my breakfast ritual keep it up.
Trust me, they’re making the playoffs. You have to remember their still a very very young team and their still leaning, every loss is still a win in my books because it’s giving them experience and that push to do better next game. They’re going to get to that point when it just “clicks” their going to be unstoppable in the next year or 2 and everyone is going to be butt hurt because their rebuild is in full swing.
Ghule’s done for the year.. no more playoff aspirations but hope they still fight hard till the end
Your guys are gonna make it. I feel it in my plums
sure just not this year
Des Boys are definitely coming back down to earth. No one should have expected them to keep up that pace until the end of the season. Young guys don't have the stamina and endurance yet. Matheson has been sadly terrible over this stretch, Monty has been below average and let's also face it at this point, Guhle is more accident prone than my grandma after a few whiskeys on a Saturday night at the Ol' Folks Home. Not sure how to fix that last one.
its also the case for Laine and i feel Dach is kinda that way too
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" - let's just say we're in the 3rd year of a rebuild so there will be ups and downs. They still have quite a way to go and that should be ok for everyone. They said they would be in the mix and they were for a couple of weeks. Relax people, we're not winning the cup this year and that should be ok, right?
Team was turning a corner thanks to Dobes, but Montembeault just has to play.
His play vs TO embarrassed the entire organisation and is THE turning point. #Debacle
Diet coke and mentos lol
You cannot sustain the hair-on-fire level of play that the Habs displayed recently. The season is much too long for that. Elite teams know when to turn it on and know how to win games where they are not playing very well. The young Habs need to learn that very difficult skill.
Everyone's cooled off. No finish right now
Thought besides the 2nd they played a good game. Got goalied. What's going on is their exhausted. All that travel all those must win big games is taxing. Let's be honest they are in year 3 of a rebuild and you can't honestly say you thought they would be this in the mix. They need to get to the 4 Nations Break. Go hit the beach for a few days to recover
Is there an NHL memo from the front office telling refs not to give Habs anymore power plays? When Laine finally started playing he was lighting up the league and it seems last few games we get almost no PPs anymore.
What was MSL thinking? Winnipeg one of the best teams in the league hey lets swap around our defensive pairings to fuck up the defense.
It’s my fault guys… I haven’t watched the habs on my tv since they won against the Dallas Stars
His Name is not "Kayyle"
sellers at the trade deadline ! next yr. habs
They need to play Dobes more in my opinion
They're fine, ebbs and flows happen, fatigue happens and this is the second youngest team in the league. The 4 nations break will probably help them more than any team. They will probably fall just short, they could squeak in, but then again, these boys are hungry and if they miss, they won't miss again for a long long time.
Wpg got lucky on a few awesome shots…the Habs played better than the score revealed…a little puck luck could have resulted in a different outcome. It’s going to be ok 😊
Matheson cost us the game against NJ, he did not look good with Carrier last night at all, the defense has GOT to dig in and I believe Monty has gotta make more crucial saves to live up to being a genuine starter, more Dobes starts in general I think too