As the Montreal Canadiens ready themselves to face off against their Atlantic Division rivals Boston Bruins tomorrow night at the Bell Centre, it goes without saying that the last few days have stirred up quite a bit of controversy in Habsland. While it’s no secret that there is much room for improvement from head coach Michel Therrien’s troops, the bottom line is that this team’s record is now 10-1-1 and despite the 10-0 bombardment at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Habs sit atop of the NHL’s overall standings with 21 points. The second-place New York Rangers have played one more game and have one less point, while the Chicago Blackhawks (3rd) and Edmonton Oilers (4th) each have 19 points despite having played one more game than the Canadiens.
Characteristically, Habs fans are still finding ways to complain specifically about Therrien. Last Friday night’s game against the Blue Jackets left many scratching their heads, wondering why on earth backup goaltender Al Montoya was left out to dry for all 10 goals. Many questioned why Therrien didn’t call a timeout after the Blue Jackets were up by a score of 3-0 in order to rally his soldiers, but frankly that game was already lost by the time the first period ended. What’s bothersome is that some fans are coming out of hiding and using that loss as a means of justifying their beliefs; that the 2016-2017 edition of the Montreal Canadiens continues to hide behind its goaltenders, who are often there to clean up the mess left behind by the forwards and defensemen.
Despite the criticism, the Habs remain fourth overall in goals per game (3.25) and sixth in goals against (2.25 GAA). Clearly, the “system… that is in place seems to paying dividends 12 games into the regular season schedule. The power play is still a work-in-progress (16th overall, 17.9% conversion) as is the penalty kill’s 80% success rate (20th overall). I’d like to think that once the special teams get it together, this might cause the team to win more hockey games.
The question is, how much more winning can they realistically do? In my evaluation of the Canadiens (after 10 games), I mention there is no need to panic as this team is clearly not resting on its laurels. I also briefly discuss that injuries will happen, but that there’s more than enough depth at all three positions- forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders- to carry the load if necessary.
And it’s a good thing the AHL’s St. John’s IceCaps’ players are off to a decent start to their season, with forwards Chris Terry (12GP, 5G, 13 PTS), Charles Hudon (12GP, 8G, 12PTS) and Sven Andrighetto (10GP, 5G, 11PTS) leading the way with their excellent performances thus far. Nikita Scherbak has six goals and 10 points in 12 games, while defenseman Mark Barberio boasts one goal and 10 points in 12 games.
It’s a good thing, because earlier today, promising forward Artturi Lehkonen was placed on injured reserve by the organization for an “upper-body… injury:
Head coach Michel Therrien confirms that Artturi Lehkonen will be placed on IR and a call-up will be made later today. #GoHabsGo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 7, 2016
This implies that another AHL call-up will be made, and Danslescoulisses.com believes that it will be Sven Andrighetto:
Exclusif : Sven Andrighetto sera rappelé par le Canadien | Artturi Lehkonen ... → https://t.co/n6OwSFnj72 pic.twitter.com/Wr8K0pODxe
— DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) November 7, 2016
How does Therrien feel about all of this? He took the time to speak from the heart earlier, and Eric Engels of Sportsnet posted an amazing quote by the head coach:
Michel Therrien was on fire today. Translated his comments. Basically, 'Don't worry. Be happy!' pic.twitter.com/1YiXnCKLrp
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) November 7, 2016
Frankly, that’s the perfect response to all of the naysayers. Slow starts remain a cause for concern, but the Habs find a way to win games nonetheless. That’s what good teams do, as the old adage goes.
It’s time to stop panicking. The team will lose games this season, and might even go on losing streaks. The narrative regarding Therrien will return, general manager Marc Bergevin will be crucified once again, and fingers will be pointed at the veterans of this team as they always are.
It’s starting to get a little old, wouldn’t you say?