New Canadiens coach Randy Cunneyworth – interim or longer – at his Bell Centre news conference at noon-hour Saturday.
John Kenney, Gazette
“11th place is what went wrong. It’s definitely a shared responsibility.”
– Mike Cammalleri
“We didn’t play well …” – Josh Gorges
“It’s a wake-up call and an opportunity to turn things around …” – Chris Campoli
“It’s the old story: easier to change the coach than change the players …” – Lars Eller
“Too often, even when getting points, our ewvaluation of games revealed we didn’t play well ..” – Pierre Gauthier
“We have to get back to doing things the players are capable of …” – Randy Cunneyworth
• AUDIO: Pierre Gauthier/Randy Cunneyworth press conference
• PLAYERS AUDIO: Brian Gionta | Hal Gill | Michael Cammalleri | Josh Gorges | P.K. Subban | Chris Campoli
• ARCHIVED AUDIO: Jacques Martin, from Nov. 18, 2011 1-on-1 with HIO’s Dave Stubbs
• VIDEO:
• • •
As we broke the news on Twitter at 9:50 a.m., the Canadiens fired head coach Jacques Martin this morning, replacing him through the end of this season with assistant coach Randy Cunneyworth.
Players were informed by GM Pierre Gauthier upon arriving at morning skate at the Bell Centre. Gauthier and Cunneyworth will speak to the media at the Bell at noon ET.
Assistant GM Larry Carrière will become an assistant coach, also through the end of the year.
• Martin notes: Became the Canadiens head coach on June 1, 2009… Was nominated for the Jack Adams Award four times, winning it in 1998-99… Ranks 7th in league history with 1,294 games as a head coach and 9th for wins (613)… Coached his 1,200th NHL game on Nov. 20 against the Toronto Maple Leafs… Recorded his 600th NHL career win on April 9 against the Maple Leafs at Toronto… Has a career winning-record of 613-481-119-81 (.551)… Displays a 22-34-6 (.403) career record as head coach against the Devils.
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Jacque Martin was the best coach for this team as well as all the coaches before him that coached the habs. The problem is with multi million dollar contact players who have lost the passion to play and who want to play it safe and don’t sweat or push for the extra inch. In the nect CBA I would prefer to change the way contract agreements are written. You perform you get paid you don’t perform we slice your salary or something to that effect. We the fans pay too much money for several clowns who want to to take advantage of us and the game it makes me and many others sick to our stomach. What if the average working person delivers only half their duty day in and day out what excuse would you tell your boss that you’ve lost your touch or confidence as they put it? Cammalleri has done shit this season and he’s always being excused but I wonder why the media is scared to address it plainly instead they beat around the bush, I woder why?
one gone one to go all habs fans boycott molsons products until gauthier is dismiised also there are a con tigency of habd fans doing that in western canada and the movement is grwoing send a message to molsons that what is happening now to the habs is totally unacceptable
t lett
I think Martin got the most out of his roster for the most part, especially in the playoffs. In 2010, no one expected the Habs to beat Washington or Pittsburgh, and on paper, neither series was a contest. As great as Halak played, that playoff run was a total team effort, highlighted by abundantly brave shot-blocking, penalty killing and backchecking. The 2011 playoffs may have ended in a first-round loss, but they lost to the best team in the NHL, the Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins, and in retrospect, gave Boston its toughest test of the postseason. I think Martin exhausted and probably exceeded his roster’s potential in both playoff seasons behind the Habs’ bench. Remember that in both of these playoff years, they had to play mostly without Andrei Markov, who is widely considered the Habs’ best non-goaltending player.
This year, the Habs have not been good thus far. They have a fairly good excuse in injuries. They lead the league in man-games lost to injury, averaging a whopping FIVE missing starters per game. One could look to Pittsburgh (who amazingly battled for first place while Crosby, Malkin and Staal missed a significant number of games) to say that injuries should be no excuse, but let’s be fair here – missing five starters per game should not conduct much success for any team in any sport.
That all said, I am not surprised or, as a Habs fan, saddened to see Martin go. He gave way too much ice time to veterans that weren’t pulling their weight (such as Scott Gomez) at the expense of younger players that were contributing above their mandate (like David Desharnais, although more recently Martin saw the light and started giving this kid the time he deserves). Most frustrating, the Habs have blown way too many leads this year, especially in the third period. Protecting a lead is supposed to be Martin’s bread-and-butter. How often do you hear analysts tout Martin’s “get a lead and shut it down” system that’s designed to protect late-game leads with staunch austerity? If the team can’t protect a late-game lead, there’s really nothing left in Jacques Martin’s “system” to be desired. It’s like a football team employing Mike Martz but having trouble scoring: what’s the point of tolerating the coach’s flaws if he’s not even delivering on his purported strengths?
I think Martin has a fatal strategic flaw: he often refuses to play in the opponent’s zone. He barely runs a forecheck (even while trailing!) and usually changes lines once his team gains the zone. This strategy is not conducive to post-lockout NHL success, especially with the type of roster he had in Montreal. A team with a lot of big, strong forwards can clog the neutral zone and trap a trailing opponent into digging its own grave, but the Habs are famously populated by small, skill-focused forwards that can’t consistently make such tactics work.
Again, it seemed that Martin did a very good job in both playoff seasons behind the Habs’ bench, but you have to actually get your team to the playoffs before that becomes relevant. And as much as it seemed he exhausted (or exceeded) the potential of his roster, we really haven’t seen anyone else coach this team. Bob Gainey blew up the team in the 2009 offseason and Martin has been the only head coach of this core of players. Perhaps – and I’m being very optimistic here – their potential is greater than we think. We’ll find out.
The most important (and only) language a Habs HC should speak is winning!
“I kind of feel sorry for players who never got a chance to be a Montreal Canadien” – Cammalleri
Amen!
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12th in NHL Jaroslav Halak 2.27 GAA
17th Carey Price 2.38 GAA
“Trading Jaroslav Halak was the brain dead decision of all time.” Red Fisher
Just reading thru the posts and the ROY name came up and also saw the reference to the french caller (s) on TSN990.
Man oh Man! Is Randy in a tough tough position. You know many if not the majority in the french press would be calling for Roy, or at least bringing hi sname up, regardless of what Randy does.
Firing Martin was a good move. But now another reality of life in habsland rears its ugly head with Cunneyworth’s appointment.
Dont know what RC can do except maybe WIN.. and maybe that wont be good enough. But good luck RC. Whatever you do face the French thing head-on. I hope PG is more in the forefront responding to the inevitable crap.
One thing I really liked re the guy now in Calgary… heez I am getting senile.. name on top of tongue and cant recall it. He was traded here from Calgary and let go as UFA.
He was one of the only French guys who STOOD UP and told everyone to screw off wen they were hammering Koivu. Geez his name escapes me. Wish we had a french ‘superstar’ on te team who could do same in the coming weeks.
Ugly subject I know but it is a fact of life for HABS.
Good luck Randy Cunneyworth.
GO HABS GO!!!!!!
Edit… name is Tanguay.
One thing people need to understand about Randy Cunneyworth is that he loves this game so very very much. If he could he’d strap on the skates, grab a stick, and join in to help the team win, he would. He won’t throw water bottles or yell at reporters. He’ll be fair to his players. He didn’t survive a 20 year NHL career by floating around. He knows what goes on out there and what players are going through. And he did just as much for the Bulldogs as Guy Boucher with less to work with. While this isn’t the AHL, those who came up from the farm really appreciate what he’s done for them and what they’ve learned from him.
Well well well I don’t login in for 1 day and man o man look at all the drama. Maybe I should stay away for another day and maybe Molson with ax PG too. And then the winds of change will fully start? Oh and as much as I respect BG as a person and player he should be checking out of the Bell Center with PG as well. This way the change will be all around.
I want a job where you underachieve for years, quit, still have an office, still get paid and get tickets to games and even travel with the team. What a life.
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12th in NHL Jaroslav Halak 2.27 GAA
17th Carey Price 2.38 GAA
“Trading Jaroslav Halak was the brain dead decision of all time.” Red Fisher
The real coach for next year will want to bring ib his own assistant coach so let’s not get to far ahead of ourselves then & only then this site will light up like Christmas tree OH WHAT FUN !!!!!!!! Prove to us to-nite Habs that you were haviing a problem with Martin……….even I had trouble with his decsions………..
Give it to Roy if Cunneyworth isn’t the man (I hope he is).
http://www.centericenews.com/_/articles/patrick-roy-as-habs-head-coach-r68
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
I am glad that Martin has gone I could not understand some of his moves [CRAZY] a player scores in a game then sent down to Hamilton, another Hamilton player scores a goal plays 4 min. sits the rest go figure…………I think that he had lost the respect of the players. I wish Randy the best of luck also I don’t care what language you speak just win the games…………some of the comments on 990 radio from the French people are atrocious, one of them said that because of an English coach we have sold the French people down the river GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!! this guy is not a true Hab fan . All we want is the team to win……………..maybe we could get a German coach then nobody would understand GO MY HABS GO!!!!!!! I BELIEVE
Give you a break? Why? The Habs largest fan base is Francophone, not Anglophone. Why can’t Anglos get that?
GO HABS GO!!!
I’m bilingual and born in Montreal. Why can’t you get that what matters most is WINNING, not the language of the coach? RDS uses subtitles all the time.
What’s the problem with an English-speaking coach?
If it’s so bad, why not insist the whole roster speak French too?
Worldwide, I’d also assume the Habs have more Anglo fans than Franco.
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
+1
you know what, I doubt that the largest hab fan base is French. Habs have the largest fan base of any hockey team in the World, and definitely the largest in Canada. Quebec isn’t the centre of the world.
Your last seven comments all have something to do with language. Who has the problem?
Who owns the team? Parizeau or Molson?
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12th in NHL Jaroslav Halak 2.27 GAA
17th Carey Price 2.38 GAA
“Trading Jaroslav Halak was the brain dead decision of all time.” Red Fisher
I call BS on that, Canadiens fans are all over North America, even in Europe. Why can’t separatists understand English Quebeckers past and present as well as other non Pur Laine fans love the team as much as they do? Ask Scotty Bowman, Frank Selke, Toe Blake and Sam Pollack and stick the Bill 101 and Jean Baptiste crap you know where.
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12th in NHL Jaroslav Halak 2.27 GAA
17th Carey Price 2.38 GAA
“Trading Jaroslav Halak was the brain dead decision of all time.” Red Fisher
Finally! Maybe Gauthier was giving Martin enough rope to hang himself with. The numerous too many men penalties was just one example of the sloppy play over the past few years. If anglo coaches are now in play, how about Larry Robinson? Anyone have any interesting ideas on who the next permanent coach might be? Also, can anyone tell me how to re-add my avatar? I can’t find an option in the profile to do it. Thanks, and happy holidays!
If Robinson can’t handle the pressure of coaching in NJ he certainly can’t handle it here in Montreal.
GO HABS GO!!!
Robinson won the Stanley Cup in NJ. He became disaffected when his brother died and did some soul searching. For 18 months he phoned Bob Gainey, offering his services as an assistant coach and Gainey would not even return his calls. Larry wanted back. It’s Gainey that felt pressure, not Robinson. Bring Larry home.
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12th in NHL Jaroslav Halak 2.27 GAA
17th Carey Price 2.38 GAA
“Trading Jaroslav Halak was the brain dead decision of all time.” Red Fisher
THERE IS A GOD, THANK YOU BABY JESUS
When times get tough, just remember, at least I’m not a leafs fan!! go habs go
Lets give Randy and Kaberle the rest of the year before we bury them.
JM is a classy coach and even if he was stubborn and made some bad decisions, he was still a good coach and wanted all the best for the Habs. If the fans give a standing ovation or something stupid like that, that would be the most classless gesture ever by the fans.
I am not going to jump up and down because JM got fired.however I still think he is a good coach…but not for this team,
which leads me to the fact that they should either think about getting a coach that can adapt to the players they have and use them…or if the coach has a system then get him the players to can follow that ststem
Badbalance………..And why would we not cheer for our team?………..we always make a noise when they come on the ice what do you want a funeral march?.GO GUYS GO!!!!LOVE YA
Even though they will not admit it there will be a lot of players not upset that Martin is gone . Merry Christmas everyone.
If they are going to give Cunneyworth the interim tag even though he’s anglo might as well try Randy Carlyle. He’s won the cup, developed elite talent and respected around the league.
Why would he come here in an “interim” position for 5 months? Any coach like him will be looking for a 3-4 year contract.
I think making Ladouceur an “interim” head coach is Molson’s way of testing out how the public responds to an anglophone coach.
Also, Carlyle is very similar to Martin.
Mabee they should hire Milbury and if they don’t perform he could beat them with his shoe.I understand CBC has kicked him off for now. Hope Cherry is next.
Nothing personal but J.M. should have been let go after the horrendous start.The Habs are a team blessed with speed and skill which was never used properly under J.M.’s defensive system of play
IF Cammy start scoring like tonight ,then we know the reason
Hopefully, we don’t see anymore of this laid back let them come at us crap. Hopefully Randy gives the offensive guys more room to do a little outside the box thinking.
They should still be responsibly defensive minded, but have the green light to keep the foot on the gas when leading not hoping we hang on.
I will Jacque all the best and thank him for his services. I still think we are a better team now then when he first took over, now hopefully Randy can carry us further.
Ok. On to the important stuff:
Who gets JM’s notebooks? Are they his, or his employer’s? Can he argue “work product” to a judge?
Interesting.
Anyway, I have only ever seen one page of one, but this is what it said.
10/13/2010
…ask PG to show how to make those little watercress and cucumber sandwiches – where does he get that extra thin white bread? I’ll probably have to go to Westmount. What a pain…
… p/up some of that Greek yogurt PG likes on Avenue Parc, my stomach has been bothering me a little. I didn’t realize hockey was so stressful. Back in Ottawa no one cared when we lost to the Leafs, what? 17 times in a row.
…boy I don’t want to play those mean Boston guys in the playoffs. But the ref will give them tons of penalties and we’ll be fine.
…had to explain AGAIN why I think it’s ok for Price to play 82 games straight. He’s a kid, he can handle it.
…memo to self… buy more notebooks
Decent. But PG is a vegan, so no Greek yogurt for him.
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http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Apostrophes
Game time in 3 hours. Standing ovation as the team hits the ice
Turris to Ottawa, but they gave up a solid prospect from all accounts and a #2 draft pick.
Good trade for Phoenix and Ottawa get a player looking for a new start…
Ottawa fans are calling it a terrible trade.
Most of their fans spent all summer talking about how Rundblad was a future superstar…
George Burnett and Don Hay, both coaching with team Canada Juniors at the present time, would be fantastic candidates for GM at the end of this year.
One advantage I could see with Don Hay is his extensive knowledge of the Canadian junior system. We could use a general manager who has great experience (and success) identifying young talent.
and one that understand good timing for contract negotiations
Just joined the site when I heard that Jacques Martin got fired.
Trust me the team will do better. It doesn’t matter who the coach is for now, as long it isn’t Martin or a Martin clone. The game has passed him by.
Remember when Perry Pearn was fired and the Habs pulled off 4 wins in a row. We were all saying, wow, look at what happens when you roll 4 lines. Well, that was when Cunneyworth and Ladouceur has started taking control.
Martin didn’t like that and he came back to the forefront and they started winning 1 losing 2, etc, and sitting on 2 goal leads and waiting for the other team to tie the game.
I think Cunneyworth will do a good job. I wish him the best.
Glad to hear Martin finally got Pearn’d! lol
Go Habs Go!
Same, just got home finally ,well it should wake some players, as well Cunney did 8 years in the AHL as coach and know the young Dogs ex.grinders seem to make better coaches will see
Oh man! Another potential replacement slips through our fingers – Darryl Sutter goes to LA! (Just kidding!)
Good luck to Randy. I hope the compete levels goes up a few notches.
Go Habs Go!
It is now being said Cunneyworth has been a great coaching prospect in the eyes of many people in the league. He is already part of our system. Why assume that he will be gone? I am thinking maybe they have named him interim to play it safe but I can see him sticking. Seems to have that charismatic presence everyone has been begging for and has a ton of experience. The French may be the only issue, and maybe an intensive summer of learning could make him functional. Maybe he was the down-the-road solution all along and is part of the reason they let Kirk go so easily.
Just wait until Monday night when we smoke Boston!!
PG should have at least asked Muller to coach in Hamilton in place of Cunneyworth, rather than dispose of him with little regard. PG should be next in line for disposal.
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“For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the Gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD.” Exodus 12:12
“We don’t see things as they are, but as we are.” – Anais Nin
I have already told him that he is done at the end of the season!
Muller was asked to coach in Hamilton and said no before RC was ever hired to coach in Hamilton.
Link please.
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“For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the Gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD.” Exodus 12:12
“We don’t see things as they are, but as we are.” – Anais Nin
I don’t have any links off-hand, but it was reported by several journalists.
Muller was offered the head coaching position in Hamilton last summer, but he decided to spend 1 more year as an assistant in Montreal, hoping he could find a head coaching job in the NHL the year after that.
Ok. Deep breath. I wanted (and want) Muller, too. That said, I’m going to write Everlasting1 a reality check:
1. GM’s get to pick their own coach, for better or for worse. You can’t plant the next in line in Hamilton without sending a very negative message and undermining the coach you already have.
2. Muller (and Boucher) for that matter, are both coaching in the NHL, which is better for them and maybe in the long run for us.
Was PG wrong to not fire Martin sooner and bring in Muller? Sure. But by betting on Martin, he at least gave Muller his freedom to make a move and get head coaching experience.
I would have fired Martin over the summer, or at least when we had that 5 day gap between games, but that’s just me. By the time PG did his best impersonation of Macbeth, both Muller and Boucher were off the market. C’est la vie. Maybe the hockey gods are watching over us and Cunneyworth will be great.
I recently read a bio about the guy who is head of McDonalds hamburger chain. He was a top exec, but on no one’s radar for succession, always described as a “great number 2″. Then his boss died, and the replacement boss died a year later (not from the food, one hopes) but my point is the guy no one wanted had the job land in his lap and according to the business press has done an excellent job.
My point is the hockey gods may be watching out for us after all… giving Kaberle new legs, bringing MaxPax back healthy… those are not nothing.
No ill will to JM, but “le system” had to go. Bring on “le firewagon”.
Agree +Cunny as more head coach experience at the AHL level 8 years then Muller, riding buses helping getting kids ready for the big club
I’m sorry, I’m not following. WHO was the next in line after Boucher in Hamilton? And is the HC job in Hamilton a promotion or demotion compared to an assistant in the biggies?
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“For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the Gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD.” Exodus 12:12
“We don’t see things as they are, but as we are.” – Anais Nin
That was done before Muller left.
Honestly, I wish people would give up on the Patrick Roy- for- coach thing. The guy is unproven, has an ego the size of the national debt, ( a quality that might make for a good player, but seldom works for a coach) and has a long history of anger-management issues. He’s just not the right guy for the job. For now, let’s just give Randy Cunneyworth a try, and worry about the next guy if and when it becomes necessary.
Roy would be a terrible move and would never happen.!
he get in a fight with Trambley the first time they past each others at the Bell
Never say never, Ian. Roy has much more head coaching experience than Tremblay or Carbo had. I think he’d do well.
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
I agree I will wait to see what Randy does. One way or another it has to be better than Martin.
I say Roy because he is french, has spunk and emotion. Unproven? He won a cup with his team, has solid knowledge of the game from a defensive point of view. Roy is also French and someone Montrealers love. Muller was a good choice too but as we all know he’s English.
Why do you think he’d be so bad? Have you seen his record as a coach? It’s very good. He’s a proven winner and a great communicator…and he preaches offense first. Of course nobody knows if he’d do well as an NHL coach, but I like what I read in this article:
http://www.centericenews.com/_/articles/patrick-roy-as-habs-head-coach-r68
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
Dryden for Commissioner. He get’s it.
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7352942/waiting-science
Works for me Chuck! Great read he wrote, was it not?
I wonder if RC will throw a water bottle or stick on the ice the next time Lee screws us?
…rumour is Geoff Molson is a lurker in HIO
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
His handle is “tiny bubbles”
BTW I had “imported” Molsons beer in a bottle down here for the first time. It was ok, but a little weird.
Draft, as usual, is better.
Who do you want as the Habs head coach next year?
I want Patrick Roy, assuming Cunneyworth is replaced.
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
While Patrick Roy was a great player, he is of dubious leadership material outside of being a hockey player. His two sons, for example, have both been involved in serious controversies in the QMJHL. One son beat the living hell out an opponent who had surrendered before Roy’s son even threw the first punch. From where did Roy’s son get that “attitude?” His father, no? The last thing this organization needs is a hothead who can’t think straight enough in the passion of a game to rein in his own son.
Well, you might be right, but I think we could use his passion and winning attitude. This article made me think he may be the right fit:
http://www.centericenews.com/_/articles/patrick-roy-as-habs-head-coach-r68
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
Really curious to see what the line-ups, TOI look like in the next couple..
——————————————————————-
“For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the Gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD.” Exodus 12:12
“We don’t see things as they are, but as we are.” – Anais Nin
Yeah me too, I’ve heard he’s not gonna make any huge changes but I don’t believe that. You don’t change coach to have
more of the same.
http://www.puckbandits.com
I agree.
He’s just paying lip service so as not to make JM appear completely inept. The changes will come..gradually.
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“For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the Gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD.” Exodus 12:12
“We don’t see things as they are, but as we are.” – Anais Nin
I hate to ask but, does Cunneyworth adhere to The System?
________________________________________
“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
The best move Gauthier’s made since he’s been here is shutting up that french reporter who made the comment about the coach not being able to speak french for the first time in 30 years.
« Des langues, ça s’apprend! »
Yeah, that was pretty sweet.
Gagnon asking if these moves are him trying to cover his own mistakes was good too.
http://www.puckbandits.com
The day of the French and English BIGOTS are over. The world is to small a place now for these small minded fools.
…”We have to get back to doing things the Players are capable of…” -Randy Cunneyworth
…well, this ol’ goat woke-up this mornin’ in a Joe Cocker kind ‘o mood
…”I think it’s going to rain broken windows and empty hallways
A pale dead-moon in the sky streaked with grey
Human kindness is overflowing
And I think it’s going to rain today
Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles
With frozen smiles to chase love away
Human kindness is overflowing
And I think it’s going to rain today
Lonely, lonely
Tin can at My feet
Think I’ll kind of kick it down the street
That’s the way to treat a friend
Bright before Me the signs implore Me
To help the needy and show Them the way
Human kindness is overflowing
And I think it’s going to rain today
today”
…poor ol’ Jacques, He transitioned Us from the inept-Carbonneau and Kovalev era to a relatively disciplined and organized Team of speed and character …but, unfortunately, a tad too much organized that left little room for individual skills to shine
…and, THAT is WHAT a Montreal Canadiens’ Fan cries’ fer …We wanna be bedazzled with FLAIR
…dat was somethin’ ol’ Jacques did not have
…BUT ??? Randy Cunnyworth ??? …cripes We are certainly in the generation of Our Habs missin’ the knack of grabbing the Golden Ring when the opportunity arises
…We must laugh if not cry
…wouldn’t a Guy Boucher or a Kirk Muller feed Our longings this morn a wee bit more enthusiastically ?
…anyhow, Joe …Rock on !!!
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEY
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049
The Two Randys.
I like the sound of that.
Wait… does this mean that the “Fire PG” crew has been disbanded? After all, he’s gone and done the one thing that many posters here wish would have happened!
Boone must be thrilled with this development. I am sure the hit count will be at its highest point in years. Now he will be able to buy a garbage bag full of BC Bud.
Has there ever been so much excitement for a game when our opponent is the devils?
I wonder if this will have any effect on our league-leading skill in taking TMMOTI bench minors.
I have no idea what to expect tonight. No notepad, Marty F. playing at the Bell, Chris F. Lee. Lots of possibilities. One thing that’s probably a safe bet: At least one Montreal goal will be vigorously waved off.
I dunno what Molson said, but this is probably what PG heard…
“Soy soy soy, Mr Gauthier. We must turnip the offense on this team as it is hurting our marketing. This hockey game stuff is affecting the brand. Lettuce start winning, or squash the rumours surrounding this team. I have deep roots in hockey, and it’s time my investment bore fruit.”
“Yes sir.”
“Alfalfa a sad story once, but not twice. Fire the coach. The players show no desire. It’s time we got randy.”
This is what i feel:
Although Martin’s style of playing defensive (boring at times) hockey and constantly sitting on 1-2 goal leads after the first/second period, it sure did benefit something/someone…and that’s the play of Price.
Anyone who’s watched the habs the past couple of years knows that the system requires the goaltender to be the BEST player on the team, and thats exactly what Price is. Since he got so much rubber thrown at him during games where we held onto a lead and have 10-20 shots against in a period, it made Price better and better to what he is today, one of the best young goaltenders in the league now.
Just trying to see some positives, but hopefully Cunneyworth can right this troubled ship!
There seems to be a dynamic in Quebec that I do not understand. Maybe someone can shed some light on it for me. Why is it that for the most part Francophone players are adored and can do no wrong but Francophone coaches and GM’s can be so fiercely hated?
All coaches everywhere are second guessed. The sports fan is well aware that he could not hit a fastball or play in the NHL. But somehow he thinks he could coach a pro team.
The “hate” that past Francophone players received during their slumps were no slouch neither: Lafleur and Lemaire were practically shipped off, Richer was rumored to be gay, Theodore got staked out in front of his house, the over expectation of Gui!, the booing of Brisebois, the rumor that Darche might be JM’s Rat…etc
Forgot about the Breezer.
I did say for the most part, but maybe it has turned sour for players more then I thought too.
Another point on RC: I think we will see more fire behind the bench. That’s a no brainer as JM was comatose during games.
“It’s a moo point. Like a cow’s opinion, it doesn’t matter. It’s moo.”
My prayers go out to RC as soon as he benches a rookie or makes some other scabdalous decision.
The mob will be on his back fast!
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
The mob better not be. Everyone with a loud, unified voice wanted this move. Now they get to sit back and accept it. I don’t want to hear any bitching for at least a couple of months.
If we get that, then this move will have been for a higher purpose…
Agreed. Even I wanted JM gone and I defend everyone
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
Unfortunately that won’t happen.
Remember when everyone wanted Carbo gone? 2 months after he was fired fans were chanting his name as we were swept by the Bruins in the first round.
Ya I remember. That was funny.
I say hire Patrick Roy (if they don’t keep Cunneyworth) and give him a minimum of 3 years to right the ship.
Go Habs Go!!
“Fans are great, but the quickest way to start losing is to listen to them.” – Sam Pollock
Roy was an arrogant SOB that got run out of town by the fans and media and now people want him back? Why? He doesn’t play goal anymore and he’s never coached in the NHL either. I wouldn’t want to see him anywhere near the Habs.
I want to hear Bryan Murray say “Certainly, I’m stunned and surprised the Senators organization was able to win the sweepstakes and secure the services of such a super-special scoring centre as Kyle Turris.”
Sufferin’ succotash!
Er…thufferin’ thuccotath?
Do some of the veterans suddenly heal quicker with this move?
Think Markov’s knee is suddenly feeling better
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“For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the Gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD.” Exodus 12:12
“We don’t see things as they are, but as we are.” – Anais Nin
Maybe Markov miraculously mends?
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“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
French speaking Habs fans, I hope none of you are going to be bitter over the fact that their is no longer a French speaking coach behind the bench. It has not been a difference make in quite some time so lets just let RC play it out with Les Boys. On a different note, for those of you who do not know RC as a coach, get ready for alot of yelling at the Refs! Finally!
Now I’m gonna have to find a way to see tonight’s game if that’s the case. Emotion from the coach would be a nice change.
Mr. Biter
Ya emotion, show us some passion, some life, anything.
French speaking fans are a lot less obsessed about language than the commentariat thinks.
It’s mostly the likes of Michel Begeron and Rejean Tremblay who keep spewing that same “coach must speaks French” opinion that make us think the majority are thinking the same thing. It’s not.
I think the language issue is being overblown – primarily by the English-speaking media as well as a few members of the Quebec media. If a coach can bring the cup to Montreal very few fans will care about his ability (or inability) to speak French.
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“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
As I have posted numerous times if the coach speaks klingon and we win the cup who the “F” cares.
Mr. Biter
Martin started blaming “the youth” lately, publicly and every chance he got.
Jacques – i’ve got some breaking news for you!!
the “youth” on the Habs make up about 90% of our talent.
so who were you blaming, really, Mr. Martin?
you were blaming Gauthier, weren’t you?
it was Gauthier that decided to let Hamrlik and the Wiz walk.
it was Gauthier that brought in Emelin and Diaz and all of those
“youth” from Hamilton.
“Ground Control to Major Jacques”…blaming your boss is NOT a good way to keep your job.
3 years ago Bob Gainey announced the Martin signing.
I was floored!! Absolutely, 100% opposed to the hiring.
Martin plays the most boring, the least entertaining, piece of crap hockey that any NHL coach could possibly play.
Martin NEVER communicates honestly with his players, to the media, or to the fans.
He is a lousy coach who NEVER got his team to play to their full potential.
Now, finally, Martin is gone.
This team – with or without Markov will begin winning at a .600 clip.
I am sure of it.
I will track this team’s success, week after week, month after month, until we DO make the playoffs, and we DO begin playing to our potential.
And for all of you Martin lovers out there, who have disagreed and even argued with some of us for 3 years,
“Na, Na, Na, Na, hey, hey, Goodbye!!!”
Yes Sir!!
Go Habs Go!!
Yes, about 95% of the fans are ecstatic about the firing of Jacques Martin and with good reason. But just how long will the Cunneymoon© with the new coach last?
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“Hey Richard, two minutes for looking so good!”
Cunnyworth will have his players do what they are capable of doing. And not put players into rolls that does not fit their game or skill set.!! He will have players together that complement each other, and not force players into situations that they can not excel.
Not saying that players like Gomez will change the world, but I am willing to bet he uses him for more value that Martin did.
I am excited for the fresh start tonight. Hab’s by 3
WOW!!, been out at my daughters basketball games all day, come home, hop on HIO and JMs gone!!! I’m one who felt he needed to go, but I never thought I’d see it happen this season, I thought for sure PG was going to ride out the year with him. Cunneyworth?, how is french media doing, are they rioting? It’s weird though, I wanted him gone, but I do feel for JM though, as I do feel the players aren’t completely innocent when a coach gets canned.
RDS looking to start ‘Jihad” (Holy war) for not hiring French Coach.
Mr. Biter
What’s the over/under on the “fire Cunneyworth” crew invading HI/O?
If they lose tonight, I say by about 10:01pm.
If the Habs fall behind by a goal it starts Chuck.
I don’t think it will start until down by 2 since it is his first game.
I say 9:28.Possibly 9:43 if the game goes to a shootout.
(Cunnyworth comes out for the opening face-off)
“Wait a second… Is his tie a four-in-hand instead of a half Windsor?… FIRE HIM!!”
“Why isn’t Emelin sitting next to Subban? FIRE HIM!”
“Ow, I burnt my tongue on my soup… RANDY MUST BURN!!!”
Just re-read Dryden’s piece on head injuries. Reminds me what an intelligent, articulate communicator he is. He would be an ideal candidate to lead the Habs – President/GM. He has a tremendous history as a Canadien and would return a missing element of class.
Dryden was President of the Leafs awhile back. Not much changed for the Laffs under his tenure.
I have always felt Dryden was a better philosopher than actual leader but in the case of his tenure with the Leafs, it was always a sham position. Anything he wanted to implement was blocked by Peddie. In fact, I always wondered why they hired Dryden or who actually approved the hiring.
From 1997-2003 they made the Playoffs every season and got past the second round twice. They missed the playoffs the two seasons prior and all seasons since.
I’d say a lot changed under his tenure.
Dryden was/is a great goalie, academic and writer. He’s no manager.
GO HABS GO!!!
OH OH Man I just read the greatest thing, Mike Milbury kicked of HNIC for assaulting a 12 year Old. That is so effin sweet.
Oh and JM was let go, it’s a Festivus Miracle!
“Shutouts are really more of a team stat” – Carey Price
I just read that. Apparently he grabbed a kid who was fighting with his kid, shook him and threatened him…..Charge the friggin rat!
I wish L Robinson could just give that milbury puke another beating.
yes, great that he is fired! I do feel bad for the poor kid he grabbed up though. If he grabbed my kid………oooooo
Hope to see the 4th line bang and crash tonight with more than 4mins. to Blunden.
Did Pearn get re-Pearned in this move as well, or is he still here. I thought I saw him packing all of JM’s notepads into his car for him this morning.
I’m so happy.
…that I won’t have to listen to people saying “fire JM” anymore.
That was getting annoying.
We, the Commentariat, have extreme powers, but they do not cover firing the coach.
—Hope Springs Eternal—
LOL! Don’t be so happy. It’s never over in Montreal. The fans have lots of complaining in them to last an eternity.
GO HABS GO!!!
Will allow those powers to now be focused on PG.
And then it will be someone else, then someone else, then someone else, etc, etc. … See a pattern? Unfortunately the pattern doesn’t include a Stanley Cup. No wonder. It’s hard to be motivated to win or care to play in Montreal when there is ALWAYS negativity around the team.
GO HABS GO!!!
Stop being so bloody negative.
+1
this guy has been on here crying all day about Martin getting fired.
By great defense, do you mean standing back and doing nothing when Price was getting pummeled all season?? That was a disgrace in anyone’s sober view.
hope this is a good move. i was not overly impressed from what i heard of cunny in hamilton last year. he was a b!tch to play against…. i hope he brings that to the team.
Can’t you just see the scene?
Molson: “Pierre, I’m sorry to call you in here so early, but…”
Gauthier: “Ah non, Mr Molson, c’est ok. As you can tell by the transparent gleam to my skin, I sleep seulement one hour an evening, at most.”
M: “Right, right. Anyway, this losing has got to stop. I want you to get down to the rink and fire old Jacques asap. Then hire Muller. We shouldn’t have let him go, and the boys are dying to have him back.”
G: “Ah, oui, of course, Mr Molson. I will dispose of Jacques, as you wish. Mais… Kirk Muller, you mean?”
M: “That’s right. Won a Stanley Cup with us, beloved by all, articulate, intelligent, power play genius. You know who I’m talking about. I don’t care if he doesn’t speak French, last time I checked only a handful of the goddamn players do.”
G: “Oui, yes, yes. Well, Mr Molson, you see… he was hired by Carolina, comme… I don’t know, three weeks ago?”
M: “What? They can do that? We had dibs! Just like on Boucher! Come on! Doesn’t anybody respect dibs any more? Really! Come on! Well then, hold off on the Jacques firing for now.”
G: “Um… desolee, mais… my robots eliminated Mr Martin while you were speaking.”
I am still laughing after spending several minutes trying to figure out who is pictured in your avatar. At first I thought it was Gene Simmons. Now I realize it’s Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer. (I am but a caveman. Your recent coaching changes frighten and confuse me). Man I miss Phil Hartman.
lmao,i never noticed before till you pointed it out.
lol, I thought it was Gene Simmons to.
Just waiting to see if RC will bring in some “Beef” as we all assumed that it was JM’s idea not to bring in some more toughness.
Mr. Biter
That’s a general manager’s decision, not the coach’s. The coach uses what the GM makes available to him, they don’t “bring in” new players. We may see Emelin used with greater frequency to add extra oomph on the back-end, but that is the extent of the coach’s powers.
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GO HABS GO! 2011-12 is our year!
Agree GM makes the player moves, but JM seemed to refuse to utilize what beef was purhased at the Butcher.
That’s why I made the post as everyone was blaming JM for the lack of toughness and you are right on that the GM does the signing of players not the coach. The coach however does dictate who plays so we will never know the above. Purchased at the Butcher. Great line.
Mr. Biter
Sports are a psychological battle too. Leblanc gets his first goal to a huge ovation in the Bell Center. Just imagine the adrenalin he would have had flowing. Only JM would have benched a person after that. Only JM. And that was not even an uncharacteristic move of his.
Montreal’s greatest 24 moments were Stanley Cups. The 25th greatest was today.
“The 25th greatest was today”
Canadiens fans are nuts.
GO HABS GO!!!
I’m so happy that I’m willing to make love to every single member of Hockey Inside/Out. Can’t help myself.
“Hate the Ole song like a sickness”
I will settle for a long distance relationship
I am in full agreement with Timo.
I guessed Timo would be the 1st. response to that post and he did not let me down. Next should be manapart.
Mr. Biter
I admit I’m stunned by this move, or perhaps by its timing. I really thought the team would stick with Jacques Martin for the season and make a change, if at all, in the off-season.
I’ve been critical of Jacques Martin, but I never thought he was the main problem. He’s had the team playing very well defensively despite the inexperience on the blueline, and our penalty kill is one of the best in the League. The problem, as has been the case for several years, is offence. Our overpaid veterans are not producing as expected, which is the main reason we find it so hard to hold onto a lead. I also never thought JM’s so-called system was the problem, since it doesn’t seem to differ much from most of the other systems used in the NHL. The reality is that we simply don’t have enough talent and we’ve been missing our best player for most of JM’s tenure here. The high-calibre goaltending we’ve gotten from Price and Halak has covered up a multitude of weaknesses. I honestly think Jacques Martin got about as much as could be gotten out of a roster with only moderate talent.
Gainey and Gauthier together have to bear a lot of responsibility for the team’s mediocrity. Gainey made some good moves and improved the team to the point where we make the playoffs more often than not. But it took years. And he took on the Gomez contract, thus tying his own hands and those of his successor.
Gauthier has also made some good moves, although his failure to put together an effective fourth line over the summer was a colossal mistake. Also on the negative side, I would point to the one-year contract offered to Josh Gorges, which could potentially lead to our losing him, and the failure to get anything at all in return for Sergei Kostitsyn and Maxim Lapierre. On the other hand, the Halak trade was a gutsy move, Erik Cole was a great signing, and I continue to think that the Kaberle trade, even if a desperation move, could turn out well.
But we’re not a very good team, and the Randys and Larry Carrière will have an uphill battle. I guess we’ll see how things turn out.
Thanks to Jacques Martin for the excellent work he did in the past couple of seasons, and best of luck with whatever comes next.
This is a good post. I agree this current set of players is not really a very good team. When Price stands on his head, they can beat anyone. When he is not on his game, they invariably lose. In other words, it’s all about the goaltending for the Montreal Canadiens.
The Gomez, Gionta, and Cammalleri experience is likely going to end the guaranteed contract when the owners and players’ union begin hard negotiations. Those three — a minority on this team in terms of numbers — are like the minority of workers who do nothing to contribute but end up forcing management to punish the good employees by cutting benefits and making work conditions more miserable. To be blunt, those three are as*holes, but they are so wealthy — and guaranteed to get that wealth — they obviously could care less.
One thing I dislike about the Montreal Canadiens is how they coddle their players. Starting with George Gillett, the team provides world-class amenities for its players, and how do half of them return the favour? By thumbing their noses at the organization, their teammates, and ultimately the fans. I was no fan of Jacques Martin, but he is neither responsible for signing Gomez nor for Cammalleri becoming a professional pussy.
It’s nice to read a fair and balanced assessment once in awhile. And no I’m not talking about a Fox news report.