tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31438400.post2064427292147983529..comments2024-03-05T19:21:13.252-05:00Comments on Eyes On The Prize: Canadiens Lacking What Begin BringsRobert Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16631806704699552307noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31438400.post-68184718414500730222008-11-15T14:08:00.000-05:002008-11-15T14:08:00.000-05:00I would ask, when was the last time you saw Begin ...I would ask, when was the last time you saw Begin not shoot when he had the puck in the offensive zone, or on a 2-on-1?<BR/><BR/>His energy and effort at getting the puck is often mis-spent as he has been a giveaway machine lately.<BR/><BR/>And he, like Komisarek of late, has the annoying tendency of playing the late hit at the expense of his positioning.<BR/><BR/>I don't know if it's because he can't keep up now, or whether it just shows more now that we have players who can. <BR/><BR/>In my opinion, Carbonneau needs to think about working on the first three lines and think about using that 4th line a whole lot less than he does. With Higgins, Plekanec, Koivu, the Kostitsyns, there's no reason why the top lines can't be energy lines as well. They just need to be coached (or coaxed into it). <BR/><BR/>Besides, energy line (new term that it is) is just a term to describe the only trait the 4th line has going for them. You constantly hear the guys on RDS rattling on about the job being not being scored on, giving the other guys rest. Do the other guys need that much rest would be my question. And, if they don't shouldn't we be using them.<BR/><BR/>The only good thing about the 4th line is when we play other teams with coaches stupid enough to oblige by playing their own 4th line. Luckily ours is better than most, so we always get a little injection of hope from them. When a smart coach plays us, we see them put out a proper line against the 4th liners and they are exposed.<BR/><BR/>I know it's a bit harsh and all. But hockey, unnfortunately isn't all hard work. It doesn't matter how hard the 4th line works if you don't have talented guys also working hard, then you are up the creek. Carbonneau needs to get to work on that file.Tophamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14157334079663330151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31438400.post-63987940092570639532008-11-15T14:06:00.000-05:002008-11-15T14:06:00.000-05:00Even though Begin may be worn down to some degree,...Even though Begin may be worn down to some degree, I fully agree that he is a key missing component. <BR/><BR/>He is one of the most valuable players on the team for all the reasons you mention.<BR/><BR/>Laraque's presence seems (seemed) to have an initial effect but, overall, it seems he has not contributed as much as we all expected.<BR/><BR/>I agree also that Lang is a player that (despite the dazzling skills and very intelligent play) may not be what we need right now. Sitting him for a few games or alternating him might make sense. Unfortunately with his rate of pay, we won't see anything like that anytime soon. So he'd better wake up.<BR/><BR/>I thought we'd see more of Dandenault and Chipchura. It's a long season and I guess we'll see what Carbonneau is thinking as it progresses.<BR/><BR/>On the plus side, Lapierre is taking the Begin-type role more consistently and seriously this season. Good for the team. <BR/><BR/>But he is not as good as Begin at all of those important things.<BR/><BR/>I hope we see #22 sooner rather than later.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31438400.post-32177635698785125582008-11-15T12:26:00.000-05:002008-11-15T12:26:00.000-05:00Sorry Robert, but Begin's tenure is up with our te...Sorry Robert, but Begin's tenure is up with our team. Sad but true.<BR/><BR/>Have to agree with katia that Begin's body has taken its toll.<BR/>He's not real big when you see him out there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31438400.post-17167908845869982222008-11-15T10:43:00.000-05:002008-11-15T10:43:00.000-05:00I like Begin although I think father time is creep...I like Begin although I think father time is creeping up on him. Guys that play that reckless crash and bang style seem to lose it real quick once the downward progression sets in. You're right though, the Habs remain one of the least gritty teams in the league. On most nights, they ice 2 gritty forwards--Tommy K and Lappy. That's not going to cut it. Maybe this sounds like panic but I'd almost rather see the Habs unload Lang, Begin and Dandy and replace them with Stewart, Chipchurra and Dagostini. That would inject a bit of youth and grit into the lineup. The Habs are also doing a diservice to Price by not getting him a seasoned back up to help him deal with the highs and the lows of an NHL seasonkatiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13878062322293327243noreply@blogger.com