Sekac, Bournival Left Out Of The Line-up Yet Again

Unfathomably, Jiri Sekac and Michael Bournival were left out of the Canadiens line-up again on Sunday night against Calgary. The Canadiens then proceeded to play a terrible game in which they lost 6-2. Sekac has been left out of the last six games the Canadiens have played, while Bournival has yet to dress for the Habs at all this season. Both of these 22 year-old forwards have spent a lot of time in the press box lately, watching their team lose the momentum that brought them so many wins early in the season. There are two major problems that I see with this picture: 1) The team is losing; 2) Sekac and Bournival could possibly do something to change that, but they’re just sitting around instead.

Jan 6, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, Montreal Canadiens left wing Michael Bournival (49) before the game against Florida Panthers at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

Up to now, the Canadiens have been lucky enough to avoid any serious injuries. They have not needed to draw on their well-stocked depth chart. That means that unfortunately for them, some players will just have to sit. But when things aren’t working on the ice, NHL coaches typically try to freshen their line-up with new blood while sending a message to players who have struggled. There’s nothing wrong with a little roster shake-up every so often. It’s actually a good idea to rotate the line-up throughout the grueling 82 game season. Given that, I am at a loss as to why head coach Michel Therrien continues to play Travis Moen, among others, instead of using the good young forwards at his disposal.

Bournival and Sekac need to play. That’s it. Period. As a fan, I want to see what they can do on the ice. As an armchair GM, I cannot see what good comes out of not playing them. It hurts their development. If the coaching staff, for whatever reason, won’t see fit to play the kids, then send them down to Hamilton. At least continue Bournival’s development and aid in Sekac’s transition to North American hockey by letting them play big minutes in the AHL. There is no point to having them on the roster without ever playing them. Send them down to the farm, or give them a shot at the roster already.

For these two to play NHL minutes, that means someone else has to sit out. There are a few good candidates for this. Travis Moen gets to play in just about every game. He has been far from great, and Therrien’s reliance on him is another mystery. Sure, it’s conceivable that GM Bergevin is actively trying to shop Moen to other teams in the hopes of shedding his $1.8 million contract. But to play him for nine out of twelve games while Bournival gets zero chances seems foolish. Rene Bourque, after a convincing post-season, seems to have gone back to his lethargic regular season performances. Again, a $3.3 million contract that could be shed if he is showcased to potential buyers, but showcasing poor play isn’t helpful in the trade market or on the scoreboard. Lars Eller has been slow to start as well, and the case can be made that maybe the coach should send him a message by benching him a game or two.

Oct 13, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Jiri Sekac (26) works out prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Regardless of who may sit in the press box, I am not advocating that this has to be a long term switch. Let Sekac and Bournival earn their respective roster spots. They have everything to prove, so we should expect them to compete hard for the job. Moen or Bourque can suit up for games every once in a while, it may actually help keep the line-up competitive and fresh. Just don’t lean on them every game – it’s not working.

The Canadiens needed scoring ability and speed against a team like the Calgary Flames on Sunday. They play the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday night, and they will likewise need some speed in the line-up. Moen won’t help with that. Bourque is in his annual slump. But Sekac and Bournival could infuse some speed, some scoring touch, and a youthful burst of energy into the line-up that the Habs really need right now. Let the kids play!