FREE AGENT SIGNINGS SHINE FOR HABS

The free agency market this summer did not yield the expected results for most fans and the administration, however in retrospect our free agent acquisitions have turned out to be more than impressive. Hamrlik has proven by now to all the critics that compared to the previous owner of #44, what he lacks in offensive power he more then makes up in defensive plays. For anyone who is even remotely thinking of arguing this point, just stop...don't hurt your self...here's a free math lesson from HLD:

In a game that would have finished 3-3 in regulation, with a power play goal scored from the point by Souray to tie it in the last minutes is last year's scenario.

Not having that power play goal, but keeping two from going in on our end due to a failed transition play, and a best attempt at a pylon impression would yield a 2-1 win for the HABS.

If you still don't get it, -1 + 2 = +1....still lost? Than just accept the fact that in the balance of things, Hamrlik has proven to be more value added to the team so far this season than "the Don".

Smolinski is a proven NHLer, celebrating his 1000th game with many more to come. He has proven to be a more than adequate replacement for Bonk (not to take anything away from Bonk's superb shut down capabilities).

So how about our Greco Roman wrestler disguised as hockey player? Is Kostopoulos the value added, energy filled leader we've been told he is, or should we just call him Gyro with a side order of Greek salad since he'll be another flavour of the year and disappear into the mist like many other hockey players did after playing in Montreal?

You might have a differing opinion on #6, but in my very useless and humble opinion Kostopoulos is and will be an integral part of the team, and can have a long presence in Montreal. He has many qualities comparable to his occasional line mate Begin. He's full of energy, grit and intensity. Every time he steps on the ice he has the demeanour of a hockey player on his very last shift. By the time he gets back on the bench he’s got nothing left in the tanks, and this shows he does exactly what is asked of him. He hurts the opposing D, causes several turnovers both in the neutral zone and deep in the opposing zone, and he let's his presence be known to all when he's skating. So far we're agreed (if you agree with me) that scotch tastes good, down with broccoli and Kostopoulos is an A1 model of an energy player.

Now here's what makes him extra special. As much as we all love Begin's style, energy and intensity, he lacks in scoring talent. Not that this is expected from him, but it's always nice to have some skills in those hands. Kostopoulos (OK his name is getting tiresome to write...can I just call him K?)...K has shown that he's got some skills. He's no Chris Neil, but the 2 on 1 with Begin against Boston showed clearly that K possesses a good vision of the play, patience, calm nerves and some soft hands because that pass was threaded to the tape with a 0 margin for error.

So K's an energy player, with skills, at a great price. But the ultimate question is whether he can survive this pressure cooker we call Montreal and its media/fan frenzy. He started off the season promisingly, and was flying under the radar until the Ottawa game. His lazy zone clearing attempt in the third single handedly cost us a point or two...there's no hiding that fact. A whole game of effort, and solid play by the whole team gone down the composter because of 5 seconds of lack in concentration from one player. Come Saturday, playing against Buffalo, he started the game as if nothing had happened, and continued with his inspiring level of play. Same thing on Monday. This level of maturity he's shown by publicly accepting the blame, than forgetting about the negatives, going out and bringing his “A” game the very next day is what makes this guy extra special. All players will make mistakes and/or go through slumps. Only the better ones can roll with the punches and recover asap. In my books special-K is so far an integral part of the team, and will continue to be so. Kostopoulos is the type of player that cannot single handedly win a cup for a team, but is the type of player that a team cannot win a cup without. I for one hope he stays with us for a long while (especially at his price tag) and help us in our journey to #25