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Montreal Canadiens: “Friction” Between Pacioretty and Therrien

By Kenric Mannette

Nov 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) being pursued by Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Desjardins (11) during the third period at the United Center. Chicago won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) being pursued by Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Desjardins (11) during the third period at the United Center. Chicago won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Montreal Canadiens Forward Max Pacioretty has struggled mightily this season. However, Head Coach Michel Therrien hasn’t given the four time 30 goal scorer many chances to produce this season.

The Montreal Canadiens have enjoyed an excellent first quarter of their season but they have struggled to score as of late. In fact, the Canadiens have only managed to score six goals in their last four games. Also, in the Habs last two games against the Anaheim Ducks and the San Jose Sharks, the Habs needed to pull the goalie in the last few minutes in order to score.

Many Canadiens players who have been expected to produce have been slumping for quite a while. Forwards Tomas Plekanec, Brendan Gallagher, and Max Pacioretty have been the biggest disappointments so far.

Max Pacioretty has taken the brunt of the criticism, and deservedly so, considering he’s the Habs captain. Max has only been able to score five goals in 24 games so far this season and is on pace for only 17 goals.

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Friction Between Pacioretty and Therrien

To add more fuel to the fire, Sportsnet Insider Nick Kypreos, hinted that other teams may be interested in acquiring Max. Kypreos also hinted that their could be friction between Therrien and Pacioretty. Here is what Kypreos said:

"“But it’s clear from a few other teams that they want to watch this situation closely. There seems to be some friction between Pacioretty and Therrien. A lot of teams are wondering if they’re going to be a team that solely relies on Carey Price and… down the road they would move a guy like Pacioretty and go get a top-four defenceman to shore up a porous D right now and a tired Markov.”"

Certainly these comments don’t bode well for the Canadiens. However, there have been some rumors about a disconnect between Therrien and Pacioretty. Earlier in the off-season Therrien denied a report that said he called Pacioretty the worst Captain in Habs history.

Pacioretty not used in a Scoring Role

Max has bounced around the Habs lines and has had a revolving door of Centers to play with. As a result, Pacioretty has struggled to develop any chemistry and has looked out of place in the Habs lineup.

Pacioretty hasn’t been a regular fixture on the Canadiens Power Play either. Last season Pacioretty averaged 2:55 of Power Play ice time per game and this season it’s dropped to 2:24 per game. That’s a pretty big drop as Max has usually thrived on the Power Play.

Therrien should be giving a former, four time 30 goal scorer, as many opportunities to score as possible. However, Therrien did move Pacioretty up to the first line during the third period against the Sharks on Friday night. But considering the way Therrien likes to juggle up the lines Max may not be up there to long.

Habs Shouldn’t Trade Pacioretty

Before Kypreos made these comments on Saturday night, Brenden Kelly of the Montreal Gazette wrote an article mentioning Max on December 2nd. He wrote about a dream scenario of the Canadiens acquiring Islanders Forward John Tavares in exchange for Pacioretty. This deal of course is just a hypothetical one, and may not make sense from either teams perspective.

Kypreos also mentioned trading Pacioretty for a top four Defensemen, but this doesn’t make much sense either. Pacioretty has struggled, but he’s still generating the normal amount of shot attempts he usually gets. Max should be able to bounce back.

Trading for another Defensemen and trying to win every game 2-1 is just ridiculous. Why not give MVP, Carey Price, as much goal support as possible. Playing overly conservative is just as dangerous as playing overly aggressive.

Next: Canadiens Trade Options: The Cost of John Tavares

Therrien needs to give Pacioretty more ice time and give him a fare shot on the first line. If Pacioretty can return to his 30 goal form the Canadiens could have one of the most dangerous first lines in the NHL. Alex Galchenyuk, Alexander Radulov, and Pacioretty could be a force to be reckoned with.

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