Rocket:
While the great Montreal Canadiens franchise is not in danger of crashing and burning, they do have their backs against the wall trailing in the series to Philadelphia 3-1. Hence, the comparison to the popular legend: Nero played the fiddle (lyre) during the great fire of Rome.

After three consecutive losses to the Philadelphia Flyers, Guy Carbonneau decided to give the team, including players, coaches and trainers the day off. “Everyone needs to go home and spend time with their family…recharge the batteries” said Carbonneau. For his part, Carbo said “I just stayed home. I went to play golf. I enjoyed my day.”

The NHL playoffs are a grind, both mentally and physically. A day of rest is no doubt, welcome. However, does Carbonneau realize that if his team doesn’t win on Saturday night, they will have plenty of time to ‘spend with their family?’ Where is the sense of urgency?

It’s no secret that a number of the Canadiens (and Flyers) are banged up. In lieu of a day at the rink, the team could have spent time reviewing video. At the very least, would it not make sense for the coaches to meet and strategize? Here’s some of the important issues facing the team:

• adjustments to the special teams, particularly the predictable power-play
• positioning of players in front of the net to screen Biron or deflect pucks
• improvements to defensive zone coverage
• ensuring that the best players are in the line-up

If not on the golf course, perhaps Carbonneau would have also found the time to consult with his goaltenders. At his teleconference today, Carbonneau said “I have made my decision but I haven’t had a chance today to talk to Carey or Jaro so I want to make sure that they are the first ones to know.” I hope that he made his decision after watching three relatively soft goals scored by the Flyers on Wednesday night. Could he not have told Price in the dressing room at the end of the game that he would be starting on Saturday? No certainly not. Carbo’s ego wouldn’t allow him to admit that his decision was a mistake.

What about Carey Price? What do you think is on his mind today? Golf? Fishing? Rodeo? Likely not. I’m sure he would have appreciated a confidence boost knowing well in advance that he would be starting on Saturday night. What about the persistent rumours of an injury to Price? Carbonneau answered that bluntly “Carey Price is not hurt, not his finger, his hand, his shoulder, his knee. He’s got no injury.” His mental state? Carbonneau said “Right now his confidence is a little hit, but he is not injured.” And I wonder who is to blame for his shaken confidence coach Carbonneau?

In the absence of any team activity, there was additional scrutiny regarding Carbonneau’s decision to start Jaroslav Halak. No one could offer a reasonable explanation. Two former NHL’ers chimed in. When asked if Price should have sat out Wednesday’s game, Bernie Nicholls replied “Absolutely not!” Mike Bullard said “the kid (Price) is a proven winner.” Stephen Brunt from the Globe said “I don’t see any upside in what Carbonneau did. This should never have been about Price. What has been a great year could end sour.”

Pierre McGuire, one of the most respected hockey analysts on both sides of the border, was more blunt in his appraisal. “There is not one shred of evidence that Halak is a better goaltender than Carey Price. There is no documented proof that this young man (Price) has not stepped up at this time of year at any level.” When asked to describe Carbonneau’s decision, McGuire said “It is a hunch, no more, no less.” He continued, “The hunch was terrible. I would never have done it. It was a terrible decision.”

McGuire said that Carbonneau’s decision did not go unnoticed around the NHL. He said “Players around the league are asking ‘what was Montreal doing?’ ‘what were they thinking?'” McGuire suggested that the irrational decision could have lasting effects on the Montreal Canadiens franchise. When pressed, he would only say “Major damage can be done when players are put in the wrong position.” As if it wasn’t already hard enough to attract good free agents to Montreal.

While Carbonneau was on the golf course, there is no question that at least one Canadien was on the job today. Bob Gainey insists on running a top flight, professional organization with a carefully crafted media message. He has undoubtedly taken notice as his arrogant rookie playoff head coach makes senseless decisions. He wouldn’t be pleased to hear his coach say publicly that the team’s impact goalie was “ebranle” (shaken). He also wouldn’t be happy to hear an exasperated Carbonneau saying that he didn’t know how the team could get a puck past Biron.

In contrast to Carbonneau who shrugs his shoulders and heads out to the first tee, Gainey is smart guy, with a strategic plan who will not stand by ‘as Rome burns’. It’s unlikely during the playoffs, but expect Gainey to take action when the season ends.

For my part, I still have confidence in the members of this team. The Canadiens are a superior team to the Flyers. However, I have lost confidence in (and respect for) the team’s coach.

Oh, and how was the golf game? Carbonneau said “A couple of birdies. That was it. No hole in one.” Canadiens fans are trusting that Guy will get back to work tomorrow and hoping that he doesn’t get an opportunity to improve his golf score next week.