Its 11:30pm, I'm at the station.....just finished watching the Canadiens lose......again. I figured Florida would give Mtl a tough time because they are big, and they work hard. However, after the famous 29 minute players only meeting, I thought the Canadiens would be hungrier. Anything can happen in a game, but Mtl had to absolutely come out on top vs 40 yr old Ed Belfour, 40 yr old Gary Roberts and 40 yr old Martin Gelinas....I want to touch on: The system, the game plan, and Bob Gainey.
The System: We'll start with the Transition Game. Unfortunately, it's non-existent because most of the defencemen can't make a tape to tape pass. As for the forecheck: where is the speed everyone talks about? The problem is the team is playing a 1-2-2 system. Carbonneau, prefers this system because it insulates the defence and better protects the goaltender. However, when you have fast players, you should adopt a 2-1-2 system and be more aggressive on the forecheck. This system will help you create more turnovers and help create offense.
The Game Plan: The Florida Panthers came in with 1 line: Jokinen-Gratton and Roberts....Jacques Martin threw his number 1 line out there and Guy Carbonneau answered with Bonk-Begin and Murray......From that point on, Martin dictated the game and Carbonneau followed. Guy, put some trust back in your players....you cant be scared of the Florida Panthers, especially on your home ice.
Management: Last year when Claude Julien lost 18 of 25; Gainey fired him. One year later, Gainey now knows it wasn't the coaches fault. This team just doesn't have the horses and there are 3 areas the GM needed to improve: Size, Depth at Center and Scoring.....3 years later, those 3 things are still missing. When you keep losing games, your players lose value. I don't know what type of trade Gainey can pull off right now, but you get the feeling he has too because both the coach and the players are waiting for some new blood to help them out.
11:57pm, i'm outta here, going home to bed,,,,,i'll be back in studio tomorrow at 11am.....talk to you then.
About Me
- Tony Marinaro
- Tony joined The Team 990 in September 2002. Since then, he has worked on many shows, from Habs Postgame and Pregame to Afternoon Drive to Mornings. Currently, Tony hosts a hockey show called THE MONTREAL FORUM (weekdays between 10am and Noon) Tony, is also on-air between Noon and 1pm, with former NHLer PJ Stock. Other on-air duties include hosting: THE MONTREAL CANADIENS POSTGAME SHOW, THE HABS WEEK IN REVIEW (Saturday 4pm to 6pm) Residing in LaSalle, Tony is married and has 2 sons. Hobbies: Movies, Playing Soccer, Texas Hold Em and of course talking sports. Favorite Football Team: New York Jets Favorite Soccer Club: Inter Favorite play by play (Past & Present): Chris Cuthbert, Pierre Houde, Dick Irvin, Rick Jeanneret, Mike Lange, Rene Lecavalier, Peter Maher, Dave Mishkin. But, the best was Danny Gallivan.
2 comments:
We are sliding and sliding fast. I am just not sure if we should be buyers or sellers, we're on the bubble at this point. If things don't change we will definitely have to sell. It would be a monumental error to lose assets like Souray and Markov for nothing.I am convinced that the main reason we're in this situation is because some of the players just don't want it bad enough. If you put Saku Koivu's work ethic in Kovalev's and Ryder's body(just to name a few) we for sure make the playoffs.
But if Mr.Gainey wants to have a chance of making the playoffs, he should trade sooner than later.
Regarding the forechecking system, I cannot agree with you more. I was telling myself the same thing. With about six minutes remaining, they were still using the 1-2-2. With time being a factor and needing to score, you definitely have to adjust the game plan and use a more aggressive system. You gotta have two forwards pressuring the puck side wing. Having said that I still think Carbo will become a very good coach. If only his player's had the same passion.
There is no doubt in my mind that we have the right people in charge.
Excellent post Tony!
Go Habs Go!
What's up Tony?
The Habs have to go back to basics and work on puck possession and all other basic assets needed to play the game.
What about Koivu? I don't see any of the fans getting on his case for a poor second half of the season. The Habs have to stay out of the f!#$%*!#% box and learn to adapt to the new rules of the league including Saku.
One more point Tony. The rumor that Kovalev and Souray got into a scrap in the dressing room is utterly ridiculous as you mentioned on your show.
Take care Tony.
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