The Wheel’s On The Bus Go…

Rick Stephens

14 years ago

SAINT-LAZARE, QC – After Thursday’s drubbing at the hands of the Boston Bruins, Canadiens coach Jacques Martin attributed the loss to a lack of execution, and not a lack of emotion. Could some please remove his rose-coloured glasses? That so called “lack of execution” was due to the fact the Habs played without emotion.

After the events of March 8th, when Bruins’ defenseman Zdeno Chara obliterated Max Pacioretty into a stanchion at centre ice, this entire city was up in arms. Radio shows were busting at the seems with calls calling for a suspension of at least 10 games or more. When the league decided not to assess any supplemental discipline, some fans, incensed by the league lack of action, chose to call the 9-1-1 switchboard, to ask that charges be laid against the Bruins’ behemoth.

So how, pray tell, can there be such a lack of emotion amongst the players on the Canadiens’ roster? Coach Martin will make you believe that the return of Tomas Plekanec and company was part of the problem. Their rust too thick to shake off in a single game. So, coach, who decided to put them ALL in at the same time? Did they gang up on you and say, “Put us in, or else?” I think not.

Using Brent Sopel, who was wearing a cast on his left hand, could bearly pass the puck, let alone shoot. Tomas Plekanec, Jeff Halpern, and Mathieu Darche all came back from groin pulls. Did Coach Martin think these three would break any speed records on the ice? The truth is, when you come back from a groin strain, you’re apprehensive about ever stride you take, so you naturally pull back. And it showed in their play last night.

It’s the same old story. When the Canadiens play well, it was because of the game plan. And when the lay an egg, it’s because of a lack of following the game plan. It’s funny how the players are accountable for everything and the coach for nothing. The implosion of this team starts with the lack of emotion behind the bench. As a coach, you have to be sensitive to your players’ strength, and put them in positive situations. When things don’t go according to plan, you have to be prepared to make the necessary adjustments that best suite a given situation. Just like the players, the coaches have to be ready to play.

As long as Jacques Martin, the story will remain the same. The wheels on the bus will go round and round…trampling the players. Maybe it’s time for the players to drive.

(Feature image by: Cyberpresse)