Martin Is Still Working His Vets To The Bone
Montreal Canadiens coach, Jacques Martin, is really starting to lose himself. In the last two games, back to back I might add, he’s continued using his veteran players for an exorbitant amount of time. 36 year old defenseman Roman Hamrlik has played a total of almost 53 minutes in the last 2 games, 29 of which came in a single game versus the Tampa Bay Lightning. While he’s working with a depleted lineup, he’s still giving Scott Gomez too much ice time for a player who is simply not producing. In my opinion, the overuse of players has lead to the latest injuries to Tomas Plekanec and Jeff Halpern, who are out with “lower body injuries.” (That normally means groin when players leave arenas without a limp.)
Rest Is A Weapon
The Canadiens have a practice scheduled in Minneapolis at noon Saturday. Jacques Martin needs to have his head examined. While he may not be happy with his team’s first period performance, that’s no excuse for working them until they drop. A therapy day might be beneficial for them. Better yet, just stay away from any hockey activities for 24 hours, and let your players know you care.
Another One Bites the Dust?
Michael Cammalleri has not been himself since his return from a shoulder separation a month ago. He continuously avoids contact along the boards, and has lost a couple of miles per hour on his shot. The Rangers were masterful at keeping the Canadiens’ sniper off balance, punishing him physically at every opportunity. Now, he suspected to have an ankle sprain. He’s literally given an arm and a leg to his team. It might be a good idea to reduce his five on five time a touch, and give some of those minutes to Aaron Palushaj and Nigel Dawes. Coach Martin should try and take advantage of the fresh-legged Bulldogs, and allow his upper-tier player some in-game rest before the playoffs.
Speaking of Biting
As I mentioned before, forwards Aaron Palushaj and Nigel Dawes have been doing good work for the big club since they were added to the lineup. Since the Canadiens can carry as many players as they want on their roster from here on out, they would certainly be an upgrade on Tom Pyatt and Scott Gomez. Gomez hasn’t been sat out the entire season, regardless of his effort game in, game out. Sitting him in the first round of the playoffs, as was done to Carey Price last season, might give him the same kick in the rump that the Habs’ netminder needed to get his game back on track. If that is even possible, at this stage of the season.
Et Cetera
For those of you still learnng the game of hockey, check out my Saturday contribution about Body Checking at Too Many Men on the Site.
Gone Puck Wild will preview the Sunday match-up between the Habs and Minnesota Wild.
With the battle for 8th place in the Eastern Conference neck and neck, Sabre Noise and Cardiac Cane will keep you up to date on the latest from the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes.