tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post6648083405374797800..comments2023-06-01T21:15:57.354-11:00Comments on The H Does NOT Stand For Habs: Myths and MythologyJ.T.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00012075493503316318noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-74535795154855868132009-07-30T05:06:43.172-11:002009-07-30T05:06:43.172-11:00All, in all I find it laughable that someone said ...All, in all I find it laughable that someone said this is his make it or break it year. <br /><br />He was deemed to have a stellar first year. His second year his numbers weren't as good, save % dropped by .15, and GAA went up by .3. However, very similar numbers to Kipper (who is deemed as a very solid #1).<br /><br />This dip also occurred on a team who had a 100 year anniversary to contend with, as well as allegations of criminal activity, and a sew of other things.<br /><br />All in all, settle down and let the kid play, he'll possibly be a Gem down the road, otherwise a very capable #1 for his career.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17449618382556422866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-90219505955287738452009-07-30T05:03:42.102-11:002009-07-30T05:03:42.102-11:00Point two, last summer he was a champ, he got in g...Point two, last summer he was a champ, he got in great shape and came to play. Up until his injury he was the best player on the team, and the only reason we won most of our games. I remember a bunch of habs fans warning everyone else to watch out once the team started playing well, cause we were winning mostly on Price's shoulders at the time.<br /><br />Then, the ankle injury. Could have a veteran back up stopped that? I very much doubt it. Also a very important aspect to a goalie is his ankles. Coupled with his return after an injury, the team in front of him was crap. Not the best way to get back in and get some confidence. This may have been the only time a vet back up could have helped, cause the vet could be tossed in for a bunch of games in a row while Price got his act together, and Price wouldn't have had to feel scared about his job.<br /><br />Now the partying situation. I have heard that he does it lots, I cannot confirm this. I see fanatical habs fans writing things about how he parties nights before the game, and things like this. I just can't see how Carbo, or Bob would let Price roll into practices, and games hung over without there being any repercussions. These guys live at the rink. Ya he probably partied a bit too much, but not the crazy amount some people think (my opinion, no facts).Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17449618382556422866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-60124456676447593472009-07-30T04:55:45.839-11:002009-07-30T04:55:45.839-11:00I agree with what your post is getting at JT. I t...I agree with what your post is getting at JT. I think Price needs to figure this all out maily by himself with the help of any of the veterans that are around. I don't think it matters one bit if there is a veteran goalie backing him up.<br /><br />I also like the conclusions that everyone can jump too about Price. <br /><br />-His play declined once Huet left; when Huet was there, Price had a terrible stint where he had to go back to the minors. He found his game, came back and took the number one job from Huet making him expendable. After he left, Price was playing his best hockey down the stretch. He played brilliant, until he dropped the puck on a Bruins stick to lose a game. That is just a young guy trying to do too much, and when you mess up like that it will rock anyone's mind. He played relatively poorly after this mistake. I don't think having a vet goalie behind him telling him not to worry would make a difference, you don't think the 23 other guys on the team were telling him the same thing.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17449618382556422866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-89950775689901487142009-07-27T15:11:35.464-11:002009-07-27T15:11:35.464-11:00I must admit you write one of the best column on t...I must admit you write one of the best column on the habs in the "business" (though you're not in it really--at least I assume), in both languages (my mother language is French).<br /><br />In fact, RDS just don't reach your ankle, and that's not saying much of them (with all due respect for your great blog).<br /><br />Anyway, keep up the good work. It's a pleasure reading you. (The intro on mythology is just great.)<br /><br />By the way, you know the Spornographe?Patrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17919182571603932194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-73033308397120517672009-07-26T11:49:55.714-11:002009-07-26T11:49:55.714-11:00I've said this before here, back when the Pric...I've said this before here, back when the Price issues were being debated by all during the season. He's a kid and kids have to learn how to survive on their own. Making mistakes is part of growing. No mentor or chaperone is going to make Price a more mature individual. Only Price can do that.punksterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06585989910814730380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-75775837334020864162009-07-24T10:23:40.389-11:002009-07-24T10:23:40.389-11:00The point of the post was that we parrot stories t...The point of the post was that we parrot stories that we hear until we have convinced ourselves that they are true. The arguments are not facts, and they are not philosophical because we can acquire the facts if we have access to those in question.<br /><br />Whether or not Carey Price's performance would be improved by the presence and guidance of a veteran goaltender is known only to Price. After watching him stumble with Huet on the bench, and blossoming during Huet's injury, I would argue that Price does not need a mentor. But that's all I have to support my argument, therefore it is mere speculation.<br /><br />In contrast to many of the comments on here, I am greatly encouraged by the direction that J.T. is taking. We are witnessing what is arguably the most mature sports writing available.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-30048255310299073832009-07-24T05:12:26.877-11:002009-07-24T05:12:26.877-11:00When people mention that Price needs (or needed) a...When people mention that Price needs (or needed) a veteran back-up to act as a mentor, I think of a weatherworn been-there done-that type of guy who knows when to tell the cryptic story from the past, knows when to be quiet and let the kid suffer, and knows when to give a good, hard kick in the pads.<br /><br />It really doesn't matter how good of a player he is - or was - he just needs to know how to corral Price.<br /><br />Robert Redford comes to mind.Christopher Samahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16189490788631747991noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-22626807846023958662009-07-24T04:22:53.310-11:002009-07-24T04:22:53.310-11:00Yeah, I don't get the veteran backup argument,...Yeah, I don't get the veteran backup argument, either. The only reason I thought getting one might be a good idea, was that maybe he'd provide a more consistent level of play than a Price/Halak tandem that could be prone to hard lessons in confidence. I don't think Mathieu Garon or Dwayne Roloson would be better at helping Price out in becoming a pro... becoming a pro is a lesson he can learn from Andrei Markov or Hal Gill or whoever. <br /><br />I also think it's really short sighted of people to believe that his third professional season is somehow his make-or-break year. Cam Ward's 3rd professional season was incredibly mediocre, and so was his 4th. Patrick Roy's 2nd through 4th professional seasons were pretty mediocre as well. Bobby Luongo was having a hard time asserting himself as a #1 goalie with freaking Trevor Kidd as his backup. Let's let the kid learn how to be a top goalie, no matter how long it takes. He's hardly close to his prime years at age 22.saskhabhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05301193127732448418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-80303282137785445522009-07-24T03:36:51.721-11:002009-07-24T03:36:51.721-11:00I agree with all of you who say that Price's m...I agree with all of you who say that Price's maturity and need for guidance has been an issue with him. I maintain though, that a veteran backup wouldn't have made much difference with those lifestyle issues. He doesn't need an on-ice mentor. He needs a babysitter.J.T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00012075493503316318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-25590086221214795202009-07-24T02:06:26.375-11:002009-07-24T02:06:26.375-11:00JT - I enjoy your writing and many times agree wit...JT - I enjoy your writing and many times agree with your point of view. In this instance however, I would fall into the camp in which a veteran would have helped. I pont to two cases <br />1) Sydney Crosby has been and remains (to the best of my knowledge) in Mario Lemieux's house during the season. I think that has worked out pretty well<br />2) When Price had Huet around it gave him a sounding board. Huet had a calming personality which would have assisted in his development. <br /><br />I agree that it can't be just any goalie but one in which there is a common respect would go a long way in assisting a young man through the hard times. Everybody else is there for the good times only.Tedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01058841626900657403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-12595094876602519912009-07-24T01:04:02.309-11:002009-07-24T01:04:02.309-11:00This will be Price's make-it-or-break-it year,...This will be Price's make-it-or-break-it year, IMO.<br /><br />I know he has talent but playing him 50-55 games would be enough I think. Speaking of consistency, I think Halak showed a lot more consistency than Price. So giving Halak 30ish games would be a good way to secure a few victories and to limit the damage caused by Price's inconsistancy.Hadulfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285231758022451740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-1065671247247155192009-07-23T17:38:18.814-11:002009-07-23T17:38:18.814-11:00J.T., the problems with Price was not about his ta...J.T., the problems with Price was not about his talent nor his ability to withstand pressure on the ice. The problems were maturity (or lack of) on a personal level and no one close at hand to lend an ear or a strong guiding hand. I don't think that there are many 19-20 year olds with money who can do a good job of keeping themselves on the straight and narrow in deportment, diet, personal maintenance and healthy habits, etc. Gainey should have done something along the lines of what Mario has done for Sidney, if not have Carey live with him, then billet him out with a nurturing family. To take a kid out of the woods in northern BC and throw him into the glaring lights of Rue Crescent was mismanagement of the highest order.geezerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03685231216524956633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-69711640130091482982009-07-23T17:11:06.088-11:002009-07-23T17:11:06.088-11:00I don't know how to describe it. A cliché? A p...I don't know how to describe it. A cliché? A placebo? A bit of both perhaps. But you're right, sometimes it just comes down to hockey... and if the puck is going in or he's not trying his best, perhaps that's just because it's part of the game and it's a tough game. All this speculation about what's wrong with him and how to fix him. I'm sure if he starts playing well again people will seem to suddenly know why and how it turned around. That the new team identity rejuvenated him or Jacques Martin is having an effect. The truth is people wouldn't know why just as no one really knows why he had a bad season. A veteran goalie will do nothing.Shanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09720024916714288188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-49742750484990313612009-07-23T16:40:56.339-11:002009-07-23T16:40:56.339-11:00no offense intended. I do see the point you are tr...no offense intended. I do see the point you are trying to make. The counter-argument i suppose is that Gainey should have kept Huet and i understand your point of view in seeing the other side of the transaction. Would keeping Huet have helped Price develop. Coincidentally, Price's game did drop off after Huet's departure, not immediately, in fact, he shined in the weeks following Huet's trade, but in the long run he showed his fledgling faults. But Price, and i believe this is the crux of your point, needs to stand on his own and adding a veteran is no guarantee that the added presence would be beneficial. The only guarantees are between Carey's ears.jeffery van den enghhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06264691899468017069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-11409937540348161122009-07-23T16:01:43.346-11:002009-07-23T16:01:43.346-11:00I agree with you that a veteran netminder would no...I agree with you that a veteran netminder would not have helped Price. I was pointing out what I feel were the reasons for his poor performance. He was put in a very poor situation where his bosses did not agree on the approach to take with him and gave him conflicting signals. Very few experienced people can deal with that type of situation so to expect a young player, whether they have a veteran mentor or not, to thrive in that situation is unrealistic. <br /><br /><br />PS - keep up the good work. You write one of the best sports columns out there.DBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08774116563390591423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-24815649167826018592009-07-23T15:53:52.914-11:002009-07-23T15:53:52.914-11:00@Jeff: Sorry to disappoint, but I do indeed have ...@Jeff: Sorry to disappoint, but I do indeed have a point. It's a counter argument for those who are convinced Price would have no problems if he had had a veteran mentor on the bench behind him.<br /><br />And, for the record, I completely agree with the need for a better defence. Would Roy have won in '86without Robinson, Green, Svoboda, Chelios, Ludwig, Lalor and Gingras backing him up? Maybe not. Brodeur certainly wouldn't be where he is without the Lemaire system that prevails to this day in Jersey. If Gainey's managed to buy a better D, Price will be measurably better as well.J.T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00012075493503316318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-61676955556546016232009-07-23T15:05:56.649-11:002009-07-23T15:05:56.649-11:00you don't have a point. you're fishing for...you don't have a point. you're fishing for guppies here. you are a good enough writer but this entire subject is merely pandering to the what ifs of an intangible theory. A veteran, no veteraan, the kid needs better defense in front of him plain and simple. Brodeur would never have been Brodeur on a different team with a looser defensive mind.jeffery van den enghhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06264691899468017069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-60082917763077822442009-07-23T13:32:55.990-11:002009-07-23T13:32:55.990-11:00@DB: I'm not arguing the fact that Price has b...@DB: I'm not arguing the fact that Price has been handled really badly. My point is to question what the real use of a veteran mentor backup would be to him, since a large percentage of Habs fans think such a role model would be a cure-all for Price.<br /><br />To take your metaphor, imagine the publication had a veteran writer already in residence. He could try to teach you the ropes of the writing business and how to handle all the BS around you...but he's never been in your situation before, and maybe he's not too keen on playing second fiddle to a young hotshot anyway. You could try to emulate his style, but then you're not really yourself or any kind of an original, are you? That's my point.J.T.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00012075493503316318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3435571560723564995.post-7294930150394110192009-07-23T12:37:47.250-11:002009-07-23T12:37:47.250-11:00Imagine you're a young, hotshot writer just hi...Imagine you're a young, hotshot writer just hired by a big publication. The hiring was at the insistence of the publisher, Bob over the objections of the editor, Guy. The assistant editor, Rollie, thinks you are talented, but wants you to make some fundamental changes to your writing style. <br /><br />You try and go along with the changes, but find them unnatural and you're writing suffers. The editor is unhappy with your performance, but won't talk with you. Instead he gives more responsiblity to a talented, but lesser known European writer. In the meantime the publisher wants you to get more responsibility.<br /><br />After two years of this just how screwed-up would you be? We know how screwed-up Carey is.DBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08774116563390591423noreply@blogger.com