At some point, you've just got to lie in the bed you've made. Such is the case for the 2011-2012 Montreal Canadiens.
I have no desire to watch this team fail, but I'm never that far gone as to cling to false hope. If that were the case I'd buy a lot more lottery tickets than I do.
Remember waaaaaay back in October when Elliotte Friedman dropped some stats about how teams not in contention early on in the season were likely not to make the post-season? I like Friedman and I trust him. I saw which way the wind was blowing back then.
The reasons for the Habs failure this season are numerous and have been analyzed to death. But the fact is the fat lady has been warbling for awhile now, and as a fan I have little choice but to embrace what little bright side I can find.
That means failure.
In honour of Friedman I've decided to do 10 thoughts, because I'm not sure I have 30 in me with this team anymore.
1. If I had to pick only one "untradeable" for Montreal I'd pick Erik Cole. A big power forward that consistently goes to the net and uses his size and speed effectively, Cole is the epitome of what the Habs have lacked for far too long. Teammates should strive to emulate him. Speaking of Cole, how ironic is it that he chose to sign with the Habs because the Canadiens consistently make the playoffs? And yet this year, despite his efforts, they will miss it anyway. Wonder if he's regretting his choice now.
2. I was not a fan of Jacques Martin's defense first hope-the-other-team-makes-a-mistake style of hockey. I prefer to watch Randy Cunneyworth's offensive minded tilts, but in hindisght - always 20/20 - I still don't miss Martin despite his having the better record. Under either coach the Habs would have likely missed the post-season, and I won't pander to the language debate by dissing Cunneyworth who was put in a position to fail from the outset. And as far as intangibles in coaching go, would this team have fared any better had Kirk Muller remained behind the bench in some capacity? I have to think yes. He had the ears, pulse and trust of the players. Losing him only made a difficult situation worse.
3. The Habs will be sellers at the deadline and, as hard as that is to bear, the alternative is worse. Another attempt at dealing of valuable draft picks for a fantasy kick at the can would be the ultimate in stupidity for Canadiens' brass. With this season all but done, picks are pure gold.
4. Do I think a high draft pick will magically solve anything? No I don't. Just as I never believed that a return of Andrei Markov (don't get me started) would solve the power play woes. This team needs a legitimate, big talented first line pivot. If they can get that via the draft then this season won't be a total write off, just a necessary evil. I can live with that.
5. Watching some of the veterans that have led this team in the past, I have to wonder if they don't see the big picture also. Players like Tomas Plekanec, who has carried the Habs on their back year after year, are nowhere to be seen at times. If players like Plekanec are indeed looking to the future then it's hard to blame them. I've certainly been looking ahead for months myself. No need to risk long term injury (hiya Markov) by fighting for a lost cause, especially when tanking would better serve the team's immediate future. Of course, this is just probably wishful thinking on my part, as another mid-round draft pick would be the worst possible outcome.
6. After the signings of Andrei Markov as well as acquisitions of Tomas Kaberle and Scott Gomez, I have little to no faith left in Pierre Gauthier's abilities as a general manager. Yes, I realize that Gomez was technically a Gainey deal, but Gauthier was an assistant at that time and more than likely had input. Even if I were to overlook Markov as one of those unforseeable circumstances, the trade for Kaberle to fix the power play has clearly failed and his defensive lapses have hardly earned him rave reviews. Say what you want about Jaroslav Spacek (and I have) but at least he wouldn't have eaten up valuable roster and cap space for the next two years.
7. Either the Bell Center fans are legitimately cheering for Scott Gomez or score or they're just being sarcastic and nasty. If it's the first that's great because I like supporting the players rather than booing them myself. However, I suspect it's the latter as Gomez has passed a full calendar year without a goal now. At that point it becomes tasteless. Why drop big money - because the Habs seats do not go cheaply - to spew hatred? I'll be happy to sit there and cheer the team for trying or at least enjoy being at the Bell watching live instead of on TV. As for Gomez, I expect he'll stop being a problem once the new CBA, which looks to include a no penalty buyout, comes into play.
8. It was said repeatedly on Twitter but bears repeating - PK Subban can do no right. P.J Stock talked about sending mixed messages when Subban showed some class after hurting Adam Larsson. I thought it was pretty clear myself. Subban meant to make the hit and take Larsson out of play, which he did, but like me and so many others has no desire to see a player hurt and the hand tap was a supportive "hope you are okay" type of gesture. That's not a mixed message. That's good sportsmanship and common sense Mr. Stock. Also Blake Wheeler needs to learn how to shake off his gloves a bit faster or else get TKO'd every time he gets asked to dance. Can't remember the last time I saw a Habs player win a fight. Shame on the pundits for not only lighting Subban up for it but failing to admit he won the bout.
9. Speaking of common sense, my liking of Randy Cunneyworth's more offensive style aside, what's wrong with a Lars Eller - Andrei Kostitsyn - Louis Leblanc line? That's a line with some some size, speed and offensive upside that has proven effective in the past.
10. While I am on the subject of youth like Louis Leblanc, it is clear that this kid will someday find himself a permanent slot on the team. Less likely candidates are Andreas Engqvist and Aaron Palushaj. Despite a couple of opportunities Engqvist has not taken advantage ala Max Pacioretty last seaosn, and Palushaj is hit or miss. Hopefully now that the season is pretty much done the kids will get more ice time and develop some confidence while offering up some fragile hope for the future.
One more for the road: On the subject of Patrick Roy, who caught airtime on the NHL network as a possible head coach replacement, I can only say a vehement and heartfelt "no".
I was never a Roy fan, and like Cunneyworth he has zero NHL head coaching experience. However, Cunneyworth at least had some AHL experience and tenure as an NHL assistant coach beforehand.
Also, Roy has long had personality and temper problems. He has trouble controling his mouth, as evidenced by yet another sanction from the QMJHL. A coach that is passionate is nice, but Roy has always had a huge ego to go along with his fiery temper. I don't care to see another dog and pony show behind the Habs bench even if he does make for good press quotes.
If the Habs want him in their organization - to which I again must object - then let him earn his stripes in the AHL with the Hamilton Bulldogs first and see what if anything he can offer there before moving him to an assistant coaching position at the NHL level.
Meanwhile, I can only hope that the current candidates that Geoff Molson is eyeballing to replace Pierre Gauthier and Randy Cunneyworth are currently unavailable for hire, but will become available during the summer hiatus.
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Rosalyn used to frequent the old Forum during her early childhood when her father was a corporate season ticket holder, where she fell in love with Larry Robinson, so her lifelong obsession with the Habs is entirely his fault.
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)
It took the whole weekend, but the NHLPA decided to take Gary Bettman up on his offer to get the owners and players to meet without Bettman or Donald Fehr present. 
It took the whole weekend, but the NHLPA decided to take Gary Bettman up on his offer to get the owners and players to meet without Bettman or Donald Fehr present. 
