Habs Rule

Vegas Sucks

      With seven pre season games under his belt, GM Remi Rainville is ready to declare himself vastly superior when compared to Steve in Vegas.  Patrick Kane, the league's highest paid player, continues to lead in scoring with 15 points including nine goals.  Alongside Kane are Pacioretty and Giroux and these three have made the Habs a force to be reckoned with.  Up front, Montreal is loaded with talent that can skate and play defense.  On the blue line, there is a bit of a shortfall with rookie Romanov and Mete playing perhaps more minutes than they should.  The top four is otherwise solid.  In net, Mike Smith continues to be a mystery.  His numbers have been less than stellar despite his abilities on paper.  Hunter Shepard, who was acquired in free agency, has thankfully stepped up and won some important games for this team.  Smith's play has forced GM Rainville's hand into trading a third round pick and prospect Joni Ikonen for Casey DeSmith.  DeSmith is expected to play backup to Shepard with Mike Smith as a healthy scratch when the Habs face off against the Atlantic division's biggest threat in the Buffalo Sabres on day 11.  Both clubs are 5-1-1.

     Having a championship calibre team is a treat.  Trying to add to that team without going over the cap or giving up part of your core is challenging.  After going through every team in the league and making many trade offers, it became apparent that landing a young, skilled player on a low value contract would be expensive.  Nobody is willing to part with a young winger in a league short of wingers.  That's why Montreal sent a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and prospect Ivan Morozov to the jets for Jack Roslovic.  Roslovic brings talent to the right wing and can also offer up an option at center.  His addition allows Montreal to have three offensive threatning lines instead of two.  Talented young center Nick Suzuki has so far been forced to play with players of limited talent.  Now we can spread the talent throughout the top nine.

     Things are looking good in Montreal, but there will be challenges.  We have too many skilled free agents.  Letting them walk without a return would send this team into the dark ages.  We've given up all our good picks before the first puck has dropped on the season.  Adding a reputable number one goalie will be a priority if Smith can't firure out his game.  There are some good kids coming up but they will likely become trade bait at the trade deadline if this team is as competitive as it is expected to be.

     There are two things that are certain.  The Habs won't get another shot at the cup after this season as they simply can't afford to keep this team together.  The second is that Steve sucks real bad.  The Vegas Golden Shower Knights are going to have a terrible season and we will all rejoice at their misfortune for this season and many others to come.

Good luck this season to all but Steve.