Martin Gets Schooled
It was evident to everyone watching last night’s tilt with the Carolina Hurricanes that Canadiens’ coach Jacques Martin was taken to task by the Canes’ Paul Maurice. With last change at his disposal, Maurice made a statement by matching his best players against the defensive pairing of Roman Hamrlik and James Wisniewski.
Even when Martin tried to correct his blunder when play was stopped, Maurice would change his lines as well, keeping his tactical advantage against the Habs. Uncle Jack needs to start paying more attention to the opposition’s game plan. While in-game adjustments by Martin are not part of his coaching philosophy, at least he’ll understand what the hell happened.
Sense Of Urgency
This is crunch time. With games upcoming against the New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks, the schedule is not the Canadiens’ best friend. It remain that while three of the four teams mentioned above are out of the playoff picture, they have been notorious in spoiling the fun for the Canadiens. Especially the Leafs, who seem to always play their best when the Habs are desperate for a win.
This team’s leaders have to be just that. They need to stop playing like a bunch of pansies, and get back to the business of winning. Hiding behind cliches, and saying the proper things in the media means absolutely nothing. Veteran players like Brian Gionta, Tomas Plekanec and Scott Gomez need to check their egos at the door, for the good of the team. They need to stand up in the room and tell their teammates that this garbage brand of turtle shell hockey is unacceptable. And if they can’t, then former captain turned assistant coach Kirk Muller needs to do it.
Price Was Shaky, But Gets A Pass Anyway
Given that it was a back-to-back situation for Carey Price, I’ll let him off the hook. And while I’m willing to do this, other media types on Twitter felt the need to give us Price’s stats in the last three road game he’s played.
I could care less about his .803 save percentage. The fact remains that in those road games, the team in front of him has been atrocious. Couple that with the aforementioned shortcomings by Coach Martin and it is a recipe of disaster.
Look for Price to get the start against New Jersey on Saturday.
If anything, Price has given the Canadiens a chance to remain competitive in those games. He has made timely saves when he’s had to, but his teammates can seem to build any momentum from them.
Et Cetera
- It was reported than Scott Gomez went for a walk in Old Montreal with former GM Bob Gainey, Sounds like either the media is dillusional, or the Canadiens’ forward is. It’s hard to say.
- The Habs remain in sixth place of the Eastern Conference with 89 points. Both Buffalo and New York Rangers are tied with 87, and the Hurricanes are at 84. All three teams have a game in hand on the Canadiens.
Check out Justin Bieber Mega-fan Cardiac Cane for her interpretation of last night’s game. It should be interesting.
As always, HabsChick’s unique look at the game will lighten all you fans up.
Puck and Pitchforks will look ahead to Saturday’s battle between Les Glorieux and the Devils.
As always, Too Meny Men On The Site is your stop for all things NHL.