With the controversies surrounding the Subban-Weber trade having all but died down, the Montreal market somehow always manages to find ways to stir the pot even during the offseason. Current and former Montreal Canadiens players did not shy away from expressing their thoughts and opinions aloud recently, and what they had to say has some Habs fans scratching their heads.
I’d like to take a moment to elaborate on what was said.
Many believe that Pacioretty’s statements were misplaced and hypocritical and I don’t agree with that at all. While I understand that Pacioretty had what’s considered a subpar season by his standards (perfectly in line with most of the team), he still managed to score 30 goals and 64 points.
Some question his work ethic, though it’s important to remember that #67 underwent knee surgery last summer and consequently missed all of training camp. If you recall correctly, he was ahead of his rehabilitation schedule when he played in the first game of the regular season. He was surely not in the shape that he’s used to being in, as was evidenced by a slower pace and lack of explosive acceleration that we’ve become accustomed to witnessing.
Note: During the infamous Avalanche game where P.K. Subban lost an edge, turned the puck over and the Avs capitalized on a scoring chance, Pacioretty was accused of not properly covering Jarome Iginla on the back check. If you pay close attention, it was due to confusion on where his man was and not a lack of effort:
Clearly, after chasing Iginla down, Pacioretty turned in order to anticipate the play. Shortly after, the pass came to Iginla who tucked in the game-winner. It was a poor defensive read on the sequence, but not a habit that the captain has.
Others have alluded to the fact that #67 has a tendency to score empty-net goals. After reviewing all 30 of his 2015-2016 goals, I’ve concluded that only 4 happened to be in empty nets, which is a little over 13%. That number hardly merits any reproach.
I’m not saying Pacioretty is the perfect player, nor am I implying that he’s necessarily the ideal leader. However, I have no issues with the captain honestly answering a question about who he expects to break out next season.
When you take a closer look at what he’s inferring, he’s essentially giving Beaulieu and Andrighetto a vote of confidence. I can’t help but think that two younger players who are looking to make a name for themselves should interpret what their veteran leader said as anything less than encouragement. Frankly, he said nothing outrageous or offensive, and deserves credit for shouldering his teammates who surely appreciate that their captain believes in them.
There’s a bad taste in the mouths of fans after a tumultuous 2015-2016 season. Criticizing everybody, from the players to the coaches and even management is easy to do as an outsider.
Still, I think that what has been said about Pacioretty is unfair and unmerited.
Dale Weise’s comments about the team, close friend Subban and head coach Michel Therrien will be analyzed soon, as will Devante Smith-Pelly’s unwillingness to say what he truly feels.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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