Post by MontrealGM on Mar 31, 2023 13:10:34 GMT -5
Montreal, PQ - AP
The Montreal Canadiens made a number of moves pre Trade Deadline and a couple near or on trade deadline. The trades have the look of the team looking to the future, but the team has responded with a winning attitude towards a playoff push. Owner and GM Rick Goetzinger is at the podium to answer questions.
GM - " First off I like to thank you for all being here. I hope you are enjoying the buffet bar "
Marinaro - "You traded Ericksson Ek. your best player and Holtby. your best goalie. Yet you have gone 5-2 and are 3 points out of the playoff spot. How can you explain the streak or surge, were you not trading to tank ??
GM - "I think you know by now Tony, I hate to lose. The start of the season was tough to watch. It tested my patience a great deal. We thought we made moves to be better and players from last year were improving. We decided that there was a problem with our structure. We thought players were looking too much for Ek to carry the team. We thought and still think and reassure our current roster is a competitive one. They have responded. We look at a player like Dadonov, who was getting little ice time and was a throw in for the trade has responded with over 7 points since being with us. Sometimes the opportunity or shock of a trade tells a player they are better and can be better. We picked up young players in the deals and we feel that was necessary. Did we expect to go 5-2. We look at both scenarios and accept the outcome. We were not performing to our capabilities before the deadline but by adding Dadonov, SHarongovich, Dzingel, Veleno, Reilly and Koskinen who has performed well along with his partner Fucale, we find ourselves in the hunt. Its exciting , its energizing and the fans are having fun. That's the most important part of it. Fans having fun, buying beer , food, Swag, Merch. Winning is fun.
Todd - "You touched on the goalie change, what was the thinking ?
GM - " We had offers for Holtby for a while. We would have liked to keep him for another few years but it looks like this is his last year. So, we got a couple assets for him. We wish him well "
Marinaro - "We know you hate to lose. But wouldn't it be better to have a shot at Bedard ? "
GM - "We got our first pick back in the thoughts that if our players did not respond to the trades we might have a outside chance. But we are very happy to be winning "
Marinaro - "So, what are your plans for the offseason ?"
GM - "We are focused on the rest of the season. We have good prospects in Tippet , Kovasevic and Guhle and others coming the year after. But right now we are enjoying this time of the season. "
Marinaro - "What are your plans with Kulikov ? "
GM - "He had a no trade so we asked him what he like to do. He was open to a playoff team, but we didn't get any offers to the point of moving him. And we are happy about that and I think he is too. He's been playing very well."
GM - "Thanks again... Enjoy the snacks and I think Mr Molson provided some beverages as well "
There you have it. A brief update. The Habs are on a competitive roll. Can they keep it up and make the playoffs. Remember, last year they missed by 2 points. Will it be a repeat
With 13 games left they need 22 points to make the playoffs according to last years standings. But do they need that many wins. Only 3 points out of playoff spot in position 9. Its getting very interesting.
The Montreal Canadiens made a number of moves pre Trade Deadline and a couple near or on trade deadline. The trades have the look of the team looking to the future, but the team has responded with a winning attitude towards a playoff push. Owner and GM Rick Goetzinger is at the podium to answer questions.
GM - " First off I like to thank you for all being here. I hope you are enjoying the buffet bar "
Marinaro - "You traded Ericksson Ek. your best player and Holtby. your best goalie. Yet you have gone 5-2 and are 3 points out of the playoff spot. How can you explain the streak or surge, were you not trading to tank ??
GM - "I think you know by now Tony, I hate to lose. The start of the season was tough to watch. It tested my patience a great deal. We thought we made moves to be better and players from last year were improving. We decided that there was a problem with our structure. We thought players were looking too much for Ek to carry the team. We thought and still think and reassure our current roster is a competitive one. They have responded. We look at a player like Dadonov, who was getting little ice time and was a throw in for the trade has responded with over 7 points since being with us. Sometimes the opportunity or shock of a trade tells a player they are better and can be better. We picked up young players in the deals and we feel that was necessary. Did we expect to go 5-2. We look at both scenarios and accept the outcome. We were not performing to our capabilities before the deadline but by adding Dadonov, SHarongovich, Dzingel, Veleno, Reilly and Koskinen who has performed well along with his partner Fucale, we find ourselves in the hunt. Its exciting , its energizing and the fans are having fun. That's the most important part of it. Fans having fun, buying beer , food, Swag, Merch. Winning is fun.
Todd - "You touched on the goalie change, what was the thinking ?
GM - " We had offers for Holtby for a while. We would have liked to keep him for another few years but it looks like this is his last year. So, we got a couple assets for him. We wish him well "
Marinaro - "We know you hate to lose. But wouldn't it be better to have a shot at Bedard ? "
GM - "We got our first pick back in the thoughts that if our players did not respond to the trades we might have a outside chance. But we are very happy to be winning "
Marinaro - "So, what are your plans for the offseason ?"
GM - "We are focused on the rest of the season. We have good prospects in Tippet , Kovasevic and Guhle and others coming the year after. But right now we are enjoying this time of the season. "
Marinaro - "What are your plans with Kulikov ? "
GM - "He had a no trade so we asked him what he like to do. He was open to a playoff team, but we didn't get any offers to the point of moving him. And we are happy about that and I think he is too. He's been playing very well."
GM - "Thanks again... Enjoy the snacks and I think Mr Molson provided some beverages as well "
There you have it. A brief update. The Habs are on a competitive roll. Can they keep it up and make the playoffs. Remember, last year they missed by 2 points. Will it be a repeat
With 13 games left they need 22 points to make the playoffs according to last years standings. But do they need that many wins. Only 3 points out of playoff spot in position 9. Its getting very interesting.