Carbo Out...Gainey In | 
So the Montreal Canadiens currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference. Failing to win a Stanley Cup this year would prove to be anything but a major travesty. But one has to ask themselves are these goals for the Habs not just a tad lofty? Is the pressure in Montreal somewhat glorified around the team being better than they actually are? Let’s take a moment to examine
After a miraculous 2007-08 run, the Canadiens finished first overall in the Eastern Conference while modest expectations had the team finishing 10th. In 2008-09 after the team finished first, the Habs were than pegged as a Stanley Cup Contender. They had reinforced their team with the likes of Alex Tanguay from the Calgary Flames, Georges Laracque to strengthen a fairly small team that was often outhit, and had a newly rejuvenated Carey Price between the pipes. So where could this have all went wrong, to the point in which the Canadiens currently sit fifth in the eastern conference and a mere five points from ninth position? One can only point the finger at the coach.
Whether it be Vincent Lecavalier, or Ilya Kovalchuck, the Habs needed to bolster the offense and find a pure natural goal scorer.
As details emerged this past week shortly after the firing of head coach Guy Carbonneau, it seems as though communication was lacking between the coach and his players. Several incidents were key indicators to this, however none were more evident than the infamous Alex Kovalev is going to sit a few games cause he’s tired myriad. Most question whether it was truly Gainey who had to step in and not simply request handling it himself. However, as time goes on, the play of Alex Kovalev will demonstrate whether or not the message is getting through to him.
Carbonneau posted a 124-83-23 record. Not too shabby for a team that looked to be going no where when he took over the reigns. Yet, most Habs fans would agree that their was still one key element missing from the lineup, and that was an impact player. Whether it be Vincent Lecavalier, or Ilya Kovalchuck, the Habs needed to bolster the offense and find a pure natural goal scorer.
The trade deadline came with much anticipation as to what the Habs would do, and low and behold they did not make one move. GM Bob Gainey quickly replied after the deadline had passed that he liked the look of his team and that they could seriously contend for a Cup. It has now been five years since Gainey took over as GM for the Canadiens and every year has failed to bring in an impact player. Should the Habs not prevail this year in making at least the Cup final, my guess that the next man out of Montreal would be Gainey himself. Five years is ample enough time to bring in a few key guys along with solid draft picks to build a contender.
But let’s remember, in order to make it to the finals, one has to first make the playoffs.
No pressure Bob.
For OpenIceHockey.com, I’m Paul Danis
Topics: GM Bob Gainey, Guy Carbonneau, Montreal Canadiens
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