Monday Musings: The Mighty Brendan Gallagher

Greetings Habs Addicts,

Photo Credit: CBC.ca

Well it certainly was a tail of two teams this week in Montreal. The week started off with Carey Price posting his third shutout of the season, a 36-save effort in a 3-0 win over Carolina. This was followed up with the surprising decision to start Peter Budaj this past Thursday in Boston. This was a curious decision by Michel Therrien, as the Habs had back-to-back games coming up over the weekend. However, it proved to be the right choice as Budaj stopped 34 of 35 shots that came his way and upped his career record to 4-0 vs the Bruins in a 4-1 win. Then things took a turn for the worse, as the sticks went cold again over Superbowl weekend. Tampa Bay came to town for the annual Saturday matinee and the teams battled to another 2-1 score, this time an overtime win for Tampa. Ben Bishop continued his Vezina-caliber play and Price was solid, facing 36 shots on goal for the second straight start. Superbowl Sunday's matinee was an all-Canadian affair as the Winnipeg Jets came to town. Al Montoya continued his surprisingly solid season in goal; arguably, the former first-round draft pick should be starting, as he has considerably outplayed the incumbent Ondrej Pavelec this season when given the opportunity. Montoya shined stopping 30 shots in a 2-1 Jets victory. This week the power-play struggled mightily, scoring only 1 goal in 13 chances. The penalty kill was a perfect 12-12 this week, and 20-20 dating back to the Washington game.

Onto my musings of the week that was.

- Brendan Gallagher had a solid week this week, tallying 1 goal to go along with 3 assists. As always, he played his usual physical game and took a pounding around the goal crease. The spark-plug has had another solid season for Montreal, even if his scoring pace is slightly off from last year. Against Winnipeg on Sunday, Gallagher was physical but also ended up in the penalty box three times. First, he was called for roughing - a coincidental minor with Mark Stuart - which is simply a by-product of him playing his style of game. He was also called for holding and tripping, the later of which negated a Montreal power-play late in the third period. These two penalties hurt the Habs more on the ice than on the scoreboard. What most fans were up in arms about on Sunday occurred in the final minute of the game with the Montreal net empty, the Habs could not enter the Winnipeg zone for roughly 20 seconds as Gallagher was punched, held, tripped and hit by Jets goalie Montoya and defensemen Zach Bogosian and Jacob Trouba. Not a single penalty was called at this time.

"There could have been five penalties there. We're definitely going to ask the league for explanations. It's very frustrating. It could have given us the chance to tie the game." - Canadiens coach Michel Therrien

After the game was over, Josh Gorges spoke on Gallagher's behalf. Gorges wisely did not allow the fired-up Gallagher to speak to the media. Knowing our chatty super-smurf has a fiery personality, us fans would have loved to hear that sound-bite, but Gallagher's wallet most likely would not have. Kudos to Gorges for saving his tenant some of his rent money. Here's a snippet of what Gorges had to say after the game:

"I have to be careful with what I say... It was pretty evident they were not allowing him to get out of the zone. He took a punch to the head from the goalie, got tripped up from the defenseman, and the guy coming off the bench gave him another shot... I can't comment on how (the referees) feel toward any one individual player. I don't know if there's a grudge or something. It's too bad... It wasn't the difference, but it was a frustrating way to end the game" - Canadiens defenseman Josh Gorges

Whether justified or not, Brendan Gallagher has been taking a beating for his style of play. His feisty, relentless style has irked opponents and he's often found in front of the goalie, taking punches, cross checks and slashes as he does his best to screen, deflect shots or bang home rebounds. He's been an asset on the power-play, with 7 of his 14 goals coming with the man advantage but there is only so much abuse his 5'9", 178 pound frame can take. Its also becoming evident that the referees are not giving him the calls that similar plays would garner on other players, justly or not. The non-calls at the end of the this game seemed to be the boiling point on what has been a simmering issue all season long. Gallagher is not a dirty player. He may have some Brad Marchand-like qualities, but he's definitely not Marchand. This was a terrible job of officiating.

- P.J. Stock - who most Habs fans on Twitter feel might be the worst analyst in hockey - had some praise and positive comments about Brendan Gallagher post-game. Stock took issue with the Jets treatment of Gallagher and praised his relentlessness. While he agreed that taking three penalties is bad, especially when one negated a power-play, he also agreed that Gallagher should not change his game. Nor should Michel Therrien try to change his game - maybe just tweak it slightly to keep him out of the penalty box. Most importantly, Stock questioned why the smallest player on the team is the only one going hard to the front of the net, fighting the crease battles and taking the abuse while bigger, stronger wingers - Rene Bourque & Max Pacioretty were called out, but Lars Eller should have been mentioned too - prefer to spend their game out on the perimeter. Stock went on to say that the coaches should show video of Gallagher's play to these two players. Its not too often that I agree with P.J. Stock, but I whole-heartedly agree with everything he had to say about Gallagher post-game. The Canadiens would be better served having Pacioretty and Bourque playing a game better suited to their skills. They are bigger, stronger players and should be getting to the front of the net or the slot with more regularity. When you rank next to last in even-strength scoring, you need to change what you're doing. This is a change that needs to be made. If you're not scoring the pretty goals, you better make a serious effort to get the garbage goals. Wake up, boys, and start using your size to your advantage.

- Douglas Murray was paired up with Nathan Beaulieu this week. While I will continue to remind everyone here and on Twitter that Douglas Murray has no business being in the NHL, Nathan Beaulieu would be better served never seeing the Hamilton ice ever again. He has not looked out of place and has been moving the puck up ice with confidence. While he will make the odd defensive lapses - as all rookies do - he has also been playing his off-wing since he's been recalled. While he has admitted that its new to him, he has not had an issue making the transformation. But here's my question: Why do you have a rookie defender playing his off-wing for the first time in the NHL? If you knew you wanted him playing the right side, why did you not have him playing on that side in Hamilton? It's time to eliminate Douglas Murray from the line-up and pair Beaulieu with the right-handed shooting Raphael Diaz. Diaz has not been great, but he has not been terrible for Montreal this year, but allowing Beaulieu to shift to his natural side and be paired up with another capable puck-mover should again aid the Canadiens in the offensive zone. The rookie should be here to stay. Next up: Jarred Tinordi.

- Last week we saw rumour of P.A. Parenteau being dealt from Colorado to Montreal in exchange for Rene Bourque. While it seems there were other pieces involved that led the breakdown of this deal, Parenteau is two years younger than Bourque, but does carry a slightly larger cap hit. There has been no confirmation one way or another from Marc Bergevin's office, so this remains a rumour only. It is worth noting that Parenteau has been a healthy scratch recently in Colorado. Also on the trade front, Ryan Callahan's agent has been given permission by the New York Rangers captain to seek a trade. While I do like his playing style, his contract demands this off-season may be too steep. But he's a Marc Bergevin type - a physical winger with leadership skills. Our very own Mike Gowing (@habsosaurus) wrote an analysis of Ryan Callahan when reports of his availability surfaced.

We're getting close to the Sochi Olympic break. With three games remaining before the break, the Habs look to finish strong. On the schedule this week we have two home games against Western Canadian teams: the Calgary Flames on Tuesday and the Vancouver Canucks visit on Thursday. The Habs enter the break with a road rematch with the Carolina Hurricanes. If the Habs can parlay the strong defensive effort they showed this past week, they could potentially go 3-0 and sweep the week. Of course, when you're relying on your goalies to stop an average of 35.5 shots per game like they did this past week, they can easily go 0-3 and give up 12+ goals against. With this years Montreal Canadiens, either one can happen.

Three Questions from my Musings:

A) Should leading goal-scorer Max Pacioretty start to use his size and play more of a Brendan Gallagher style of play in front of the net or continue to snipe from the perimeter/high slot?

B) Should Nathan Beaulieu be returned to his natural (left) side or continue to play the (right) off-wing side of his defensive pairing?

C) Should the Habs pursue Ryan Callahan or P.A. Parenteau?

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Roz's Rant: Ten Thoughts

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.

---
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)

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Canadiens Coronary: Milbury, Stock bash Subban and the Habs

Nick Murdocco, Gary Whittaker and Kamal Panesar discuss the CBC's perceived anti-Habs bias on the latest episode of Canadiens Coronary, live from O'Hara's Pub in downtown Montreal.

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