Montreal Canadiens

Fool’s gold

Difficult to argue with four consecutive victories, particularly when three of the wins have come at the expense of top tier opponents. Nonetheless, the Canadiens have hardly looked like a dominating squad that has sufficently addressed the various issues/deficiences that have plagued the team in an on and off manner all season long. The recent four game win streak can be distilled down to two key elements, the spectacular goaltending of Halak, and a lights out lethal powerplay. In fairness, it has been awhile since the Canadiens have “stolen” wins due to a heavy reliance upon outstanding goaltending. Teams such as the Canucks and the Flames have used that element as a foundation for success for the past few years. The reemergence of a potent powerplay can also be a cornerstone to post season success. The concern, however, is an over reliance on two elements, can foreshadow an incomplete team that can’t survive the demands of a deep playoff run. At present, the Habs still have issues and question marks that are being glossed over by an over achieving special teams and goaltending.

The turnaround in the Habs fortunes start with Halak. Four straight wins, and a save percentage of 953. In three of the four wins, he has often been left out on his own, facing a significant amount of high quality shots. Since the start of the new year, in 16 starts, Halak has really only had two subpar performances, a loss in New Jersey, and a 5-4 win in Ottawa, two games in which his confidence level was low, and where he was fighting the puck. In the last four games however, he has elevated his play. His rebound control has improved, and his quick reflex reaction ( one of his strongest assets) has been superior. Combined with a rejuvenated powerplay that is clicking along at 41 percent in the last 4 games, and a penalty killing success rate of 91 percent, during that span, the Canadiens have been able to create a turn around.

The Hasb remain a work in progress. When compared to elite teams like Detroit and San Jose, the lack of puck moving defensemen on the Canadiens is apparent. The Sharks and the Red Wings boost at a minium three mobile highly skilled d men that can immediately transition from defense to offense. Forwards can confidently pass back to the d confident that quick efficent outlet passes can be made, that point shots can get through to the net, and that blueliners will jump into the rush to create odd man rushes. Outside of Markov and Schneider the Habs puck movement from behind the blueline is limited. At present the second pairing of Komisarek and Hamrlik has been an excruciating exercise in execution. Constantly chasing a developing play, poor outlet passes which negate a fluid breakout, and horrid defensive positioning, have characterized what was supposed to be a solid second d unit.

At some point, the Canadiens need to create an identifiable style of play, and stick with it. Game in game out, the Habs go from using a 2-1-2 forecheck to a 1-4 trap system. The trapping system takes away from the creativity and up tempo style which many of the teams finesse players seem to excel. Although Carbonneau repeatedly states that he wants the team to be more aggressive on the forecheck, the question remains, why does the team constantly revert to a more conservative style of play for prolonged periods in a game.

Similarly, breakouts from the defensive zone have been problematic all season long. Puck support in the Habs zone is soft. Time and again the breakout strategies appear basic, and one dimensional, with large sections of the ice not exploited, enabling the opposition to key on the same consistent breakout tactic the Habs use.

The Canadiens are a team built around puck possession, uptempo style. Carbonneau, a defensive orientated player and coach, has reluctantly embraced that notion. Carbonneau has been loathe to fully embrace the assets the team has, and fully exploit the offensive talent of the Canadiens. A case in point, is his deployment of Andrei Kostitsyn. Next to Kovalev, he may be the team most gifted offensive talent. Nonetheless, Kostitsyn recieves only the seventh most time on ice per game amongst forwards. When Kovalev was inactivated for two games, Kostitsyn was a dominant player on the ice. Playing alongside Kovalev, Kostitsyn is not as effective. Kostitsyn needs to be the primary focal point on a forward line, playing in a style that best suits his talents, more of an east west style, using his speed and on ice vision. At present he is expected to be a north south player, working along the boards for puck retrevial, screening the goaltender. Kostitsyn’s game is creativity, not of a grinder. When paired with Markov, Kostitsyn averages 2.06 goals per 20 minutes of on ice time, the highest production number of any forward (by a significant margin) playing alongside the best puck moving d man the Habs can offer. Nonetheless, Kostitsyn’s ice time with Markov is only the fifth highest on the team. Not proper utilization of the teams leading goal scorer.

There is reason for optimism. The near term returns of Tanguay and Latendresse will provide a boost to the forward units. In recent games the team has dealt with pressure and adversity a little better. Improvement on the special teams is noticeable. Plekanec has begun to look like the dangerous player of a year ago. In general there is more structure to the teams play, as players are trusting their teammates more, and as such, at times, there is greater cohesiveness on the ice.

The recent winning streak is encouraging, but upgrades in performance from exisiting personnel (Komisarek, Hamrlik, among others), improved tactical strategies, and an addition of a key player (a solid reliable defenseman that is positionally sound and can move the puck) still are required for this team as presently assembled to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Elegy for Robert Lang

In an injury filled season for the Canadiens, perhaps the most significant absence, is the loss of Robert Lang, sidelined indefinetly due to a severed achilles tendon. Lang effectively addressed a long standing weakness within the organization, a centerman with size and strength, who could clear space for himself and teammates in the offensive zone. His presence, deflected pressure off of his smaller center ice teammates Koivu and Plekanec. When a post mortem is done on the Habs 2008-09 season, Lang’s injury may very well be referenced as a decisive event, impacting on the fortunes of the team.

The acquisition of Lang was initially perceived as being an inadequate solution to the Canadiens long standing lack of size and depth at the center ice position. At age 39, clearly on the down slope of his career, with a reputation for not always willing to make the necessary physical commitment, there was doubt about his ability to effectively contribute to the Canadiens. Lang’s performance, prior to his injury alievated any preconceived notions about his capabilities. At the time of his injury, he was the teams leading goal scorer. He was averaging almost 17 minutes of ice time per game. Carbonneau entrusted the Czech with valuable ice time on both the penalty kill and on the powerplay. Additionally, he was often assigned tough minutes against the oppositions best center. As the year progressed, Lang demonstrated a number of qualities which made him such an astute pickup by Bob Gainey.

A career 0.73 point per game producer, and with over 600 career points, Lang continually displayed his high level skill set, by elevating the performance of a myriad of wingers that he was assigned to over the course of the season. In terms of goals scored per 60 minutes of ice time, Lang centered the Canadiens most productive line ( centering the Kostitsyn brothers)that had 100 minutes or more of playing time together. Not surprisingly, when Alex Kovalev was struggling, Carbonneau placed him alongside Lang to jump start AK27’s game. Kovalev’s most consistent offensive performances were due in part to Lang’s proficent passing skills,a intuitive knowledge of the game, and an ability to read and react to a developing play, that illustrated his high hockey IQ.

Lang brought a steady reliablity to a team that has often displayed a schizophrenic style of play during the season. There were few games that Lang was a disinterested passenger, something that many of his streaky teammates could not attest to. Lang brought an element of team cohesion to the Canadiens. He played effectively with veterans and younger players. By all accounts he brought a first class attitude and desire both on and off the ice. For a team and a city that had seen its share of rejection and caustic remarks made by potential ufa’s that decided that the Candiens were not a good fit, Lang’s enthusiasm and genuine desire to play for the Habs was a breath of fresh air.

The injury to Lang has created a critical void in the Canadiens lineup. Due to his absence, Carbonneau has been forced to reconstruct the teams forward lines. The Canadiens entered the season with 3 offensive lines. Without Lang, the team has been reconfigured to two offensive lines, and two energy/checking lines. Once Tanguay comes back from his injury, the team will have an abundance of skill/finesse wingers that would benefit playing alongside Lang. Chipchura who is now the teams third line center does not bring the skill set that matches the capabilities of Lang. Without Lang, the offensive load is shouldered by Koivu and Plekanec, two smallish centers that come playoff time will have more difficulty establishing position down low in the high traffic areas than Lang, and as such without his presence may wear down quicker.

With Lang in the lineup, Carbonneau had as an option to break up last seasons succesful line of Plekanec Kovalev and Andrei Kostitsyn. That line has had erratic performances this season, and it has become increasingly apparent that Kostitsyn is able to better elevate his game on a line apart from Kovalev. Without a third center that can act as an offensive catalyst, it limits Carbo’s options in placing Kostitsyn and Kovalev on separate lines.

Clearly, Lang was not going to solve all of the Habs issues, and at this point in his career, he is a second tier player. Nonetheless, it was a bonus to finally see some depth down the middle for the team, and a player capable of taking some of the burden off of Koivu in terms of production and ice time. Lang was a smart, subtly skilled player with great positional instincts and an underrated variety of shots and passing skills. The Canadiens had higher profile players lost for substantial periods of time due to injury, but in some respects, the loss of Lang, creates a void that will be hard to replace, particularly down the stretch and into the playoffs. In a turbulent season, with expectations being deflated, Lang was an oasis of calm. He will be missed.

Deja vu

After watching the Canadiens defeat the Senators at the Bell Center, one was struck with a strong feeling of deja vu. The year is different, the composition of the roster has been significantly altered, yet, in some respects, the Canadiens of the 2008-09 season, have some striking similarities to the 2006-07 version of the Habs. Unfortunately, that team did not make the playoffs. Although the present version of the Habs is far more accomplished in terms of talent, the present edition has similar strengths and weaknesses to the team of two year ago. An imbalance between offensive capabilities and defensive liabilities.

The acquisition of Matthieu Schneider is paying strong dividends to the team. Schneider’s heavy, accurate slapshot from the point has invigorated a once dormant powerplay. In the three games Schneider has played as a Hab, the powerplay has gone 7 for 12. Teams now have to respect the Habs point shot. The Senators, so fearful of Schneider’s shot, began to over commit to defending against it, which forced the penalty killing box to open up. As a result, the Habs main play from a year ago, the diagonal left to right pass from Markov to Kovalev, shut down earlier in the year, is now available again. With teams having to respect the point shot, a variety of options, previously negated are now open for the powerplay. Two years ago, Souray’s point shot was a key weapon on the number one ranked powerplay in the league. Schneider’s presence has the capability of making the 2009 Habs manpower advantage just as lethal.

As encouraging as the rebirth of the powerplay is, the worriesome factor, continues to be poor defensive zone coverage in the Canadiens zone. Two seasons ago, the Habs were badly out shot, and outscored on 5 on 5 play. Breakdowns in defensive assignments behind the blueline eventually caught up with the team, and was a key factor in the Habs not advancing to the post season. Against Ottawa, the Canadiens allowed 48 shots on Halak. Through out the extended slump ( 4 wins in the teams last 16 games) the Canadiens play without the puck in the defensive zone has at times been abysmal. The basic concepts of defense 101 seem to be ignored. Far too often, the Habs defensemen give away the blueline too quickly, backing off, allowing the opposition forwards to gain the zone with momentum. There is a consistent lack of pressure being exerted on the opposition puck carrier. Compunding the problem is the puck chaser gets beaten, and the second player providing support is now placed in a 2 on 1 situation. Once the Hab defender loses the initial one on one battle , a domino effect of bad positional decisions start to occur. Players move out of their zone coverage to compensate for the initial mistake, leaving time and space for opposiiton forwards to move into high quality scoring areas. For the past month and a half, Price and Halak have often been left totally exposed by poor defensive reads by both the forwards and defensemen. Two years ago, the Habs defense looked slow footed and too reactionary. In recent games, the defense pairing of Komisarek and Hamrlik have resembled the 06-07 version of Souray and Rivet. Turning the puck over under pressure, and getting beaten on one on one battles is a commonality linking the past to the present.

The dismaying aspect to the Habs defensive short comings, is that after three years of having defensive guru Carbonneau, as coach, the team continues to make the same defensive mistakes game in game out. The Canadien forwards due not do an efficent job of steering their forward counter parts to the perimiter all the way down to the goal line. The Habs defensemen do not consistently lift the opposition forwards sticks in tight around the goal. Too often the Habs d is fishing for the puck in a goal mouth scramble as opposed to boxing out the forward, and or lifting his stick. Positional mistakes are repeatedly made. Far too frequently,Hab wingers get caught chasing puck carrier below the face off dots, leaving the point shooters uncovered.

Part of the Habs defensive short comings is due to the limitations of some of the personnel. The Habs lack of a big physical center, capable of playing a shut down game, is a glaring weakness. In defensive zone coverage, a small center is at a disadvantage in carrying out his assignment of physically controlling the trailer in the high slot area. Plekanec and Koivu often are in a physical mismatch against their opponent. Malkin’s goal in the Penguin game was due to Koivu’s inability to carry out his defensive assignment by physically taking away the players time and space in the slot area.

In the 2006-07 season, the Habs defensemen as a unit struggled. This season, the teams defensive unit have been plagued by inconsistent play. Bouillion has frequently pinched in at the wrong time. Too often he and Brisebois have done a poor job in cutting off passing lanes. Hamlik and Komisarek, so steady a year ago, have made bad defensive reads, enabling forwards to gain easy uncovered access into the slot area. The self assured defensive play of a year ago, has often given way to a tentative, error prone defense of two years ago.

During the last three games, better puck support, aided by strong skating and puck movement has jumped started the Canadiens offense. To succesfully compete against tougher more physical opponents in the next three games (Vancouver, Philadelphia, San Jose) the Habs will need to upgrade their defensive play. The return of injured Alex Tanguay, a premier 5on 5 player will help somewhat. If the Habs can apply some of the positional aspects from their penalty killing game to 5 on 5 play, then a full scale turnaround in the teams fortunes may be in the offering.

The real issues

The so called off ice scandal, surrounding members of the Habs,that was to have apoplectic consequences for the entire organization, ended up not being much more than a low grade tremor. One of the suspects arrested in a Montreal police operation targeting organized crime has been linked to the Kostitsyn brothers and Roman Hamrlik.The alleged drug trafficker is rumoured to have personal friendships with the players. Other than astoundingly bad judgement, the players have not been charged with any form of criminal activity. Thus far the biggest rumour, is that the wiseguy procured women and drugs for the players. Some revelation, pro athletes, looking for sex and drugs. If that is the most damaging allegation, then the road to perdition can wait for another day.

The over hyped scandal, has taken the focus off the real issues , that are threatening to derail what was supposed to be a centennial year of excellence on the ice. Three wins in the last 15 games, and ninth place Carolina is only 4 points back of the Habs. How did it come to this?

The loss in Pittsburgh once again brought to the surface the internal conflict between the philosophy of the coach and the players. The Habs have a plethora of finesse players, that excel in wide open run and gun games. Carbo a defensive orientated player in his day, has continually preached defensive awareness as a top priority. The two personalities of the team have not consistently meshed well. Against the Penguins, the game plan was to play a ultra conservative trapping system. For two periods that style was applied. In the third period, defensive breakdowns in coverage resulted in two quick Penguin goals, and the Habs opened up, playing a much more aggressive game, creating great scoring opportunities for both themselves and the Penguins. The end result, another loss, and frustration for a coach not seeing his game plan executed for 60 minutes, and rumoured player discontent for playing in a offensive inhibiting system. The existing personnel does not fit into the image/style of its coach. Something has to give. Either Carbo finds away to have the players buy into his system, or Gainey needs to radically revamp this team, either with substantial personnel changes, or coaching changes.

Lack of an elite level player. When the epicenter of your offense is Kovalev, then virtually all other facets of the teams game will have to be consistently outstanding if the team is going to excel. Kovalev has never been the go to guy, the player that can single handly carry a team on his back. He is a very effective supplemental provider of offense. Most dominant teams have two top end players to feed off one another and generate real pressure. Detroit has Datsuyk and Zetterberg, Washington has Ovechkin/Semin. A top end player capable of 90 plus point season could facilitate better production out of Kovalev, or possibly accelerate the development of AKostitsyn who does show glimpses of being an elite player.

In game deployment of personnel. How can chemistry be established when the coach makes as many line changes game to game, period to period. The best line against Pittsburgh was Pleks/Akots/MaxPac. That line will not be together against Ottawa. Why? Carbo likes his grinders, fair enough, but down a goal with less than 5 minutes to go, the skill players need to be double shifted. Seldom, if ever, does Carbo deviate from his almost robotic insistence of using his third and fourth lines, late in games when the team is trailing.

The biggest issue and concern is Carey Price. Two wins in his last eleven starts. A goals against of 3.40, save percentage of 870. Horrific. Certainly he has been left on an island by the defense on many a night. Forwards not back checking, not picking up the trailer. Defensemen not contesting the front of the net, losing puck possession along the boards, not effectively clearing the zone, not standing up at the blueline, all place unwarranted additional pressure on Price. Nonetheless, Price’s performance has been abysmal since coming back from his injury. In the past, Price has shown the ability to be a game changer with timely saves in crucial situations. The team needs that now. If Price continues his level of mediocre play for much longer, then Carbo will have to look towards Halak to try and turn things around.

The off ice issues may be good for media ratings, but the real issues of importance for the team remain on the ice. A winning streak would marginalize a self aggrandizing Montreal media, that would be a good thing.

Gainey fills the leadership void

Over the course of the past month,as the Canadiens centennial season went from hitting a pocket of turbulence, which accelerated into to a full out death spiral, there appeared to be a void in leadership, both on and off the ice. In a period of 24 hours, Bob Gainey has once again firmly established himself as the dominant, defacto leader of the organization. For someone that is often misguidedly judged as being conservative and out of touch with the day to day operations of the team, Gainey has stepped in, and made some very telling and dramatic moves, in an attempt to stabilize a situation which was beginning to hemmorage. Time will tell, if the acquisition of Mathieu Schneider, the demotion of Sergi Kostitsyn and the temporary or permanent inactivation of Alex Kovalev are the proper cures for the maladies that have infected the Canadiens. What can be determined, is that Gainey is in full control of the hockey operations, and the moves he made illustrated his disenchantment with the on ice product. Additionally, his moves represent a strong endorsment, at least in the short term of Guy Carboneau.

Without sacrificingany of the teams youth core, or prospects, Gainey acquired veteran defenseman Schneider from the Thrashers. From a hockey perspective, Schneider should at the very least to some extent improve the Habs. Schneider provides good on ice vision, strong puck handling skills, efficent outlet pass, and an effective ability in terms of puck retrevial, enabling a quick transition from defense to offense. Presumably, to be paired with Hamrlik, quick solid puck movement out of the Habs zone should become more noticeable. The presence of Schneider will enable Carbonneau to scale back the minutes of Brisebois and Bouillion, both of whom were playing too many minutes for their abilities. Schneider’s impact will be neglible, however, if the Canadiens forwards continue to allow the opposition to breach the blueline at full speed, exposing the diminished mobility of the former Hab. The most intriguing upside of Mathieu Schneider is the possibility of a significant contribution on the struggling powerplay. Schneider still possess a hard accurate shot, and his passing abilities remain at a top level, even if 39 year old legs do not.

The demotion of Sergi Kostitsyn is rooted in poor on ice performance. Kostitsyn rarely showed the qualities that made him such an impactful call up in the 2007-08 season. An aura of self entitlement seemd to take over. The fierce, chip on the shoulder aggression combined with strong on ice vision that made him a compelling player in all three zones in his rookie season, were often non exsitent in his sophomore season. For whatever reason, Sergi’s game never progressed this year. A persistent flaw in his game was his reluctance to drive to the net from the faceoff circle. Far too often he would circle along the perimeter, and then try to generate offense using a high risk, low percentage pass, that often would nullify any offensive attack. The persistent back checking that often resulted in forcing turnovers vanished too frequently this season. Additionally, there were persistent rumours about questionable off ice behaviour, that may have accounted for too many non descript on ice efforts. Regardless, Kostitsyn has undeniable hockey skills, and at age 21 is still a work in progress, with plenty of upside capabilities. Hopefully, the demotion will force him to rededicate himself to the game. If so, his tenure in Hamilton will be short, and he will reestablish himself as a valuable part of the teams emerging youth core.

Gainey’s most dramatic move, was the temporary inactivation of Kovalev, the teams most skilled player. Kovalev will be out of the lineup for the teams next two road games, as the team decides his future. Gainey stated that Carbonneau and Kovalev were not on the same page ( not surprising since both have essentially tolerated each other during Carbo’s caoaching career)and at this juncture, Kovalev was not the type of asset the team needs at this time. In essence, Gainey stepped in determined Kovalev’s selfish and largely ineffectual play since the allstar break was a significant contribution to the teams 3 win 10 loss record.

Gainey’s three personnel moves sends a clear message, that from his perspective the on ice ineptitude of the team is due to the players, and not the coaching staff. Adding a puck moving defenseman that can contribute to one of the weakest aspects of the team, the powerplay, the demotion and inactivation of Kostitsyn and Kovalev is a Gainey vote of confidence in Carbonneau. Gainey’s moves today remain consistent with his assemblage style of building a perennial contender. Maintence of maxium cap flexibility,( both Schneider and Kovalev are ufa’s at the end of this season) making personnel decisions with complete calculating detachment, and adhering to his guiding principal, that a continual pipeline of inexpensive young talent years removed from ufa status is the sustenance for long term success. As such, Schneider was acquired to give the team additional support, but at a very low cost, without crippling payroll flexibility in the upcoming off season. If Gainey can find a buyer for Kovalev, chances are he will take it, for it means cutting dead weight in return for more prospects and or draft picks which is the foundation of his building a perennial contender.

By eliminating personnel that had become a distraction, and adding a potential effective complementary piece, Gainey has issued a challenge to the coaching staff and the players to follow his lead in attempting to turn around the team. The Canadiens success has always been dependent on Gainey’s vision, insight and ingenuity. Todays moves will have impactful consequences for the Habs final third of the season. It will be intersting to see if Gainey’s leadership pays dividends.

Carbonneau: System and execution issues

With each passing game, the Canadiens on ice performance appears to becoming increasingly dsyfunctional. An offense seemingly impotent, defensive zone coverage in total dissaray and an almost non exsitent 60 minute work ethic would appear to be a stinging indictment of deficiencies at the coaching level. The drum beat to replace last years, runner up for coach of the year honours has grown stronger with each increasingly poor on ice performance by the Habs. After almost three full seasons as head coach, the question remains, is Carbo the right fit for the Canadiens.

Carbonneau has attempted to define the Habs as a quick, counter attacking team. A aggressive 1-2-2 forechecking system that can morph into a 2-1-2 forechecking style if the situation warrants it. The problem which has occurred frequently this season is in the execution of Carbonneau’s system. Far too often this season the Habs are not working as a cohesive 5 man unit. Additionally, too often too many players are not skating, thus the opportunities for a aggressive 2 man deep forecheck are low. Carbo has constantly preached a read and react system, if puck recovery in the offensive zone is low, then a 1-2-2 system is to be used. Last season, back pressure created by a forward back checking on the puck carrier through the neutral zone resulted in frequent turn overs and odd man rushes by the Habs. This season, a lack of consistent effort has eliminated this part of the Habs turn over game.

The passive, reactive game the Habs have shown in many games is not a result of a poor system and structure, but rather bad execution on the part of the players. Similarly, when the Habs are transitioning from defense to offense in their own zone, the forwards are leaving the zone too quickly, the gap between the defense and the forwards is too wide. The team which should have all 5 players moving together through each zone on the ice in order to have a coherent attack with momentum does not occur. This short coming is more to due with players inattention, and lazy attitude, than a poor “system”. If wingers are not properly positioned to receive a pass, if proper puck support is not provided to give a puck carrier a series of passing options, then no matter how much Carbonneau modifies his game plan, the end result will continue to be an on ice mess. To that end, Carbo has even implemented a 1-4, and a more extreme 0-5 trapping system in order to to tighten the gap between forwards and the defense, and to facilitate a better puck retrevial system in the Habs zone. Despite these structural changes the Habs defensive zone coverage has been horrific, and basic assignments such as picking up the trailer in the Habs zone has continually been missed.

Carbonneau has repeatedly critiqued his players for not moving their feet, and playing a passive 1-2-2 forecheck system. He wants an aggressive forecheck system, whereby the Habs use one of their best weapons, team speed. Carbo’s shortcoming is in an apparent inability to have the players execute his system. Coaching requires communication, teaching, and motivation. In regard to these areas, Carbo has made questionable decisions. Constantly playing players out of position (Gorges/Henry/Webber as forwards) robotically rolling 4 lines no matter what the circumstance, poor in game adjustments, an inability to reconfigure an impotent powerplay are the responsibility of coaching. The constant line juggling, which has become so pervasive, it almost appears that Carbonneau pulls out line combinations out of a hat. A lack of continuity to forward combinations will impact on ice cohesiveness. Most worriesome is the regression in the performance of the youth core and the young veterans (Plekanec, Higgins, Komisarek). These players appear to be playing below their capabilities, and continually make the same type of errors, reflective of poor fundamentals, and or bad habits that could be corrected through better teaching.

Carbonneau, like the Habs is imperfect.Last season, Carbo had the benefit of Mark Streit 60 point season, and being a valuable quarterback on the leagues number one ranked powerplay. Kovalev was the epicenter of the offense, and had an mvp season. This seasons, those assets are just a memory. in 07-08, the Habs had no serious injuries to contend with, and were able to maintain consistent forward units. This season, injuries have undermined the ability of the coach to clearly define roles and responsibilities to individuals. Guy Carbonneau is coaching a team that lacks grit and push back from its skill forwards. As a result, the Habs can’t play a control game inside the dots. The team is incapable of consistently attacking from the middle on the rush, and using the middle of the ice surface for outlet passes into the defensive zone. The lack of grit upfront, combined with only one legitimate puck moving defenseman to facilitate the transition game makes it difficult to fully blame Carbonneau for the teams current melt down. Despite the teams shortcomings, the Habs are performing well below their talent level. The team looks dispirited, disinterested in their on ice assignments. The offense cannot gain the opposition blueline with any momentum. Breakdowns occur all over the ice. Perhaps the strongest condemnation of the Canadiens at this point is the lazy half hearted effort given by the players on a game to game basis. The team constantly is second on the puck, the team loses the majority of the puck battles. At the very least, the coach should be able to encite a consistent work ethic.

Whatever Carbo’s merits, it is quite possible that he has simply lost the dressing room. The current state of the Habs game is in such desperate shape, that either there is a fundamental problem in executing the coach’s system, or the players have quit on the coach. If it is the latter, then Gainey needs to step in, and trade away the malcontents. Ultimately, the general manager, the coach and the players are all acountable. In the past, the easy answer was to fire the coach. This time it may be wise to change the dynamic within the on ice personnel before passing final judgement on the coach.

Losing streak rooted in trust issues

There is a redeeming quality in a losing streak, in that each loss contains the seeds of a future victory. Insights that come from a series of horrific loses can ultimately strengthen a team. Prolonged losing streaks, are a kin to the 5 stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance. Teams going through a slump go through a similar process. In the Habs case the present 2 win 9 loss run has seen denial: player incredulous that the team with as much talent could be playing so poorly. Anger: exhibited by Steve Begin towards certain teammates lack of on ice effort. Bargaining: fans/media imploring Gainey to make a significant trade to right the ship. Depression: exhibited by the painful Carey Price interview following the Saturday night loss to the Leafs. the Habs are now at the acceptance stage, illustrated by the obligatory players only closed door meeting following the loss to the Calgary Flames. A chief cause of losing streaks amongst talented teams are often due to a breakdown of trust issues.

One can identify the current Habs losing streak due to players one after another turning their attention inward. The downward spiral has nothing to do with the alleged discord in the dressing room, that is a symptom, not a cause of a collapse. The collapse is due to players distrust of his on ice teammates. As a result, players start playing on an individualistic basis, trying to distance themselves from the perceived failings of others, in a misguided attempt to prove that the individual player is not the problem. Kovalev’s difficulties this season can be traced to his reluctance to allow his teammates to help him. Kovalev is at his best when he is dictating the play, but like all dominant players he can not constantly go it alone. Last season he was effective in give and go plays with his linemates, and passing to open spaces on the ice to his linemates. This season even when he has made adjustments his play is still rooted in individualistic pursuits. Lately, instead of trying to stickhandle through 2/3 defenders at a time, number 27 has tried a high soft dump in on his side of the ice and try to chase down the loose puck. Different tactic, but same style of play, individualistic, freezing out his linemates. As such although the effort is evident, the outcome remains the same, ineffective play.

Losing streaks undermine team play. Look no further than the Canadiens unbelievable poor puck support. Puck support is providing pass options for your teammates, skating into open space. Succesful teams do not constantly rim the puck around the boards, or chip the puck off the glass. Strong puck possession teams (of which the Habs are supposed to be all about) provide support for the puck carrier in all three zones of the ice surface. Of late, seldom do you see text book execution of puck support. On the offensive attack, for example, the puck carrier must be supported in a formation with two other teammates that when properly executed has width and depth in order to stretch the defense laterally and lenght wise. Through out this slump the Habs are not consistently attacking with speed in a triangular attack. The puck carrier is not creating outside pressure, the second attacker is not creating net pressure and width on the attack. Puck support requires a committment from all players to incorporate their play into a cohesive attack of a 5 man unit. At present the Habs attack consists of an ineffective dump in, instead of finding creative ways to gaine the zone with puck possession. It is a sign of a non confident team, and a squad that is not working in synch with teammates.

At some point, Hab players will recognize that to break out of the current malaise, each player will have to work in tandem with one another, confident that each is carrying out his assignment as part of a cohesive 5 man unit on the ice. The Habs despite recent showings, have an abundance of talent that is clearly under acheiving. Team cohesiveness has degrade to such an extent that basic defensive structures in zone coverage have become non exsitent. Veteran defenders have constantly been caught out of position due to over compensatation for another teammate, distrusting the players ability to properly execute a play or coverage. The lack of trust and team work has precipitated the current situation. To come out of it, the entire organization needs to pull together and work through it as a team, not as group of individuals.

Perspective

At the start of the season, the stars seemed aligned for the Habs, in their centennial year, to take a serious run at the Stanley Cup. Gainey had seemingly made the requiste moves to fortify the 2007-08 Eastern Conference champs, ensuring a deep post season run. The additions of Tanguay, Lang and Laraque enriched the team in terms of skill and toughness. In Lang and Tanguay the Habs had the capability to ice three dangerous forward units, complementing the likes of Koivu, Kovalev and the Kostitsyn brothers. Laraque added the perceived missing element of physicality, providing the on ice enforcement dimension the team lacked. Gainey’s off season additions combined with a perceived solid, if unspectacular defense, and the much heralded superstar in the making Carey Price in goal, the Habs appeared to be a lock to strongly challenge for a berth in the Stanley Cup finals. With two thirds of the season virtually over, and a brutal 6 game road trip through the western conference commencing this week, the Canadiens are looking extremely vulnerable to falling way short of pre season prognostications. The reality is, the Canadiens may have to take a step backwards first before moving ahead.

The Habs, at this point in time, appear not to have all the necessary component parts to being a legitimate Cup contender. A lack of a dynamic elite level game breaking forward, a lack of grit, consistently exhibited by the club, and a defense that has become increasingly more suspect through out the season, is undermining the Habs.

With the benefit of hindsight, it would appear that Gainey made some miscalculations coming into the season. There appeared to be the assumption, that Kovalev would be able to replicate his dominating performance of a year ago, and continue to be the epicenter of the teams offense. Surrounding, and complementing Kovalev would be a youth core that would continue to accelerate in their development. Unfortunately, these reasonable assumptions made by Gainey have not materialized. Kovalev has descended into the absolute antithesis of the player he was a year ago. Playing at half speed, disinterested on many a nights, a constant turn over machine, and a propensity to taking lazy momentum killing penalties has incinerated the teams offense. Whether the younger players have taken a cue from Kovalev, or rather playing with a sense of entitlement, there has been a regression in some of the teams “youth core” in terms of performance.Sergi Kostitsyn’s in and out performance, is testament to the sophomore jinx. Perhaps, more disturbingly, has been the flatlining, and potential regression in the play of the young veterans who were looked to bridge the gap between the old and young on the team. Plekanec has gone from a promising quality second line center in the making, to a a fragile hands of stone center, better suited to third line duties. Komisarek has typified a erratic defense with consistently horrid defensive reads, and an inconsistent outlet pass out of the defensive zone. Chris Higgins, continues to show that despite having great speed and diligence on the ice, he wil never elevate his play into a big time goal scorer in the league. The larger concern, however , is the play of the perceived saviour of the franchise:Carey Price. Since his return from a second extended injury, Price has not been the quality goalie the team needs to fight through injuries and disappointing performances from a variety of players. In his past 8 games, Price save percentage is hovering at 900, not enough to get the job done. Alarmingly, his technique and fundamentals seem to be degrading. An inability to constantly track the puck, dropping too early into a butterfly position, and staying too deep in his net, have enabled too many goals of the soft variety to victimize him, and correspondingly, undermine the confidence of a fragile hockey team.

At present, the Habs seem to be in a in between position. A veteran core that is on the down slope of their careers (Kovalev, Koivu,Hamrlik, etc) that is too inconsistent, and insufficent to lead the Habs to the promised land.As evidenced by the season so far, a youth core that has shown flashes of high performance (Andrei Kostitsyn, Pacioretty, Lapierre, D’Agostini) does give strong hope that the future is bright, and the team does have some very valuable assets and a good foundation. Nonetheless, the youth core at present, does not appear ready to take the lead, and provide the stability required to move the Canadiens ahead this season.

Through out the season, the same characteristics show up in the Canadiens game. Against teams that play a loose trap system, and a non physical game, the Habs show off their best assets, high tempo skill/finesse game with a multitude of picturesque passing plays that would make the old Russian Red army teams salivate in wonderment. Against teams that employ a tight checking, disciplined trapping system, emphasizing a physical forechecking style, the Habs wilt. The Canadiens have too many passive, perimiter style players that are reluctant to fight through the close checking style , and venture into the high traffic areas.

Despite the media/fans demands for Gainey to make a substantial move to upgrade the team for a push for the Cup this season, it is unlikely the Habs GM will acquiesce. Nor should he. Gainey made his moves to make this team a contender in the preseason. Gainey traded away two second round, and a first round pick to acquire Lang and Tanguay. One more “major” transaction given the way the team is playing going to solve all the issues on the Canadiens. If anything, the team should take a step back by trading away if possible Kovalev and or Koivu, if the price is right in terms of picks and prospects, and perhaps use those added assets to acquire a elite level defenseman and forward in the off season. The strength of the team in the past few years has been at the scouting and developmental level for the team. The exisiting veteran core has not been able to get it done. Painfully, it would appear the future is not right now, no sense compromising a very bright near term future, by sacraficing youth/draft picks for a quick fix which may not sufficently address all the teams immediate needs.

For Gainey, it is always about the future, perhaps that is why the team as presently conceived has 10 ufa’s at the end of this season. The upcoming road trip will be an intersting measuring stick as to whether Gainey feels he needs to be a buyer or a seller at the trade deadline. The optimist would hope for a rebound in form from Price and Kovalev. If both players can elevte their game, then perhaps adding one quality player at the dealine would make sense. However, given the continual inconsistent performance of the team as a whole, the lack of grit in the top 6 forwards, and the energy sapping performance of Kovalev, it is more likely to admit that the centennial season is meant for more rebuilding to ensure long term success.

Higgins: A victim of paradox

In a compressed time frame of three years, Chris Higgins has seen his stature and reputation increase from a perception of being a serviceable player to a multi dimensional star in the making two way forward, to a somewhat overrated talent, that would be better served as useful trade bait. Higgins, it would seem is a victim of a paradox.

An industrious two way forward, Higgins created somewhat unreasonable expectations in terms of his overall capabilities, when in the final 25 games of the 2005-06 season (his rookie campaign in the NHL) he brokeout with 16 goals. Elevated to the teams number one line, playing alongside Koivu and Ryder, Higgins scored a plethora of clutch goals, leading the Habs surge for a playoff spot down the stretch. Most impressively was the manner in which Higgins played. He displayed terrific top end speed, working diligently to establish position in high percentage scoring areas. Number 21 displayed quick hands, scoring many of his goals in tight scoring areas. Additionally, with great closing speed, Higgins displayed a strong knowledge of the game in the defensive zone, showing an innate sense of positioning and an ability to take time and space away from the opposition puck carrier.

Over the next two seasons, expectations became elevated for the continued development of Higgins. To a certain extent, it appeared that Higgins was meeting expectations. Last season Higgins was the top shot blocking forward on the team, third on the team in terms of takeaways, and goals (27) and tied for second on the team in terms of game winning goals, powerplay and even strength goals. Nonetheless, despite these accomplishments, there was a perception that Higgins performance was a disappointment. The critics pointed out that Higgins lacked finishing abilities. Numerous high percentage scoring opportunities were squandered. The Yale graduate’s north south game was not powered by a vivid imagination. He lacked that undefinable characteristic that seperates the pure goal scorer from the non descript 20 to 25 goal scoring forward. Critics assailed Higgins play as being too much on the periphery, too concerned with self preservation than too venture consistently into high traffic areas. The rising star of Higgins has plummeted to the area of tradeable commodity. Presently injured, to many, his absence is not noticed.

Fairly or unfairly, Higgins himself has contributed to ill conceived notions of what his value to the team should be. Two seasons ago, Higgins proclaimed his desire to be a 40 goal, 80 point man. That comment fueled media/fan expectations to unrealsitic heights. From his university playing days, to his pro career in the AHL and the NHL, Higgins has never been a point a game producer. Perhaps, the come down in Higgins preconceived capabilities is attributable to the high ankle sprain he sustained at the sart of the 06 season, which sidelined him for well over a month. Upon his return, the self confidence, on ice awareness, the fluid drive to the net assets seemed to be slightly diminished. An over compensation of trying to do too much, too quickly, has crept into Higgins game. Regardless, Higgins is a solid, dependable player that offers assets that every quality team needs to have in its lineup.

The value of Higgins should be recalibrated from the lofty heights of being a top line forward, to a more realisitic approximation of his talents. He is a competitve, hard working forward and a valuable complementary player that can excel anywhere in the lineup due to his solid defensive awareness. He does not have high end puck handling ability to maxamize his top end speed, but is most productive in keeping his game simple by competing hard and driving to the net.

As much value as Higgins may offer to other teams, his abilities viewed in a realsitic manner make him a solid contributor to the Habs. For any team with Stanley Cup aspirations, a Chriss Higgins type player is a key component. Unfortunately, a full appreciation of what Higgins offers, may only occur if he is traded away.

The defense never rests

Last season, the Canadiens defined themselves as an uptempo, quick moving puck possession team, which resulted in the number one offense in the league. Thus far into this season, the offense has picked up were it left off a season ago. Augmented with the additions of creative offensive forwards in Tanguay and Lang, the Habs boost three quality scoring lines, resulting in the third highest scoring average in the league at 3.46 goals per game. Unfortunately, the old adage the best defense is a good offense has not held true for this years edition. Thus far, the Habs have given up an average of 31.3 shots allowed per game, a ranking of 20th in the league. More disturbing is the amount of high quality chances the team is allowing to the opposition. Last season, the Habs allowed the fewest goals in the Northeast division due to a concerted team effort, and elite level goaltending provided by Huet and Price. Once again this season, Price is providing stellar goaltending, but the team approach to defense has left alot to be desired.

The defensive deficiences are due a lack of attention to effective positioning amongst the forwards when they don’t have the puck, and the lack of a quality defenseman that can play alongside Roman Hamrlik as the teams number 4 d man. The first issue, a lackadaisical approach to defensive responsibilities, can be fine tuned and corrected to a certain extent, with the teams exisiting personnel. The seond issue, a reliable, efficent defenseman to fill the number four slot on the depth chart is somewhat more problematic.

Too often this season, the forwards have left the Habs dmen on an island, providing little in the way of deligent defensive zone coverage, proper puck support, and not providing sufficent passing options for the beleaguered Hab defensemen. The team needs to institute a defense first mentality. The forwards need to shorten the gap between themselves and the defensmen, when the Habs are transitioning from defense to offense. Last season, a key to the teams success was the dedication the Hab forwards had to placing “back pressure” on the oppositions puck carrier. Too often this season, there has not been a persistent backchecking forward on the puck carrier, forcing the Habs defensemen to back off quickly, surrendering the Habs blueline, and enabling easy opposition penetration creating too many dangerous scoring opportunities. A greater committment to team defense would remove some of the strain from the Habs defenseman, and limit the oppositions scoring chances.

An upgrade on defense, is a more difficult scenario to address. After Markov, Komisarek and Hamrlik, questions arise about the competencyand capabilities of the bottom half of the Habs defense corps. Gorges and Bouillon make up an effective third defense pairing. However, Brisebois and O’Bryne have struggled playing along side the well rounded Hamrlik as the teams number 4 dman. Brisebois is in the twilight of his career, and is not capable of playing aheavy rotation of minutes on a nightly basis, because he simply has too many flaws in his game. O’Bryne is an intriguing prospect. At 6 foot 5, he has a long reach, skates well for a big man, and can impose a physical dimension to his game. Howeve as a fourth round draft pick, his on ice vision, and outlet pass is sometimes suspect,and he is struggling with self confidence on the ice. Can he grow into the role with Hamrlik as his mentor, is a possibility, but can the maturation process occur quickly enough for him to adequately fullfill his responsibilities this season, remains a question mark.If and when Gainey decides to augment the defense, the question will be: what exactly does the team need on the blueline. Will Gainey go in the direction of a mobile, puck moving d man, who can augment the teams transition game, and thus fortify the Canadiens greatest strength, puck possession and offense. Or does the need for a physical defenseman that can impose a physicality down low in the defensive zone against teams that rely on an aggressive forecheck and a relentless cycle game become a more pressing need.

If the Habs were to play a team like Dtroit in the cup finals, a efficent puck moving blueliner, capable of making a stretch pass, or a quality short crisp outlet pass would be required. A dman with finesse would negate a perceived advantage a team like Detroit would have over the Habs. On the other hand, against more demanding physical teams such as Philly, San Jose and the Ducks, a physical dman that can disrupt those teams cyclingg of the puck down low, and clear space in front of the Habs net would be a great advantage.

The difficulty, Gainey faces is, that there are very few defensemen that incorporate both styles of finesse and physicality into their game. Those that do, would command an exceedingly high price in terms of a trade. As such, Gainey would have to decide whether he wants a Kaberle or a Regher type of defenseman, which style would best elevate the Canadiens as a team. For the Habs you want to place to your strenghts, quickness and puck possession. However, in doing so the team can get exposed to its weakness, of lacking a physical presence down low and along the boards. In last seasons playoffs, the defensive combination of Gorges and Bouillon were exposed, and wore down as the playoffs advanced.

Ultimately, teams don’t win championships without a solid defense. Last season, Ken Holland made a trade deadline deal, acquiring Brad Stuart to further stabilize what was an already solid defense corps in Detroit. The result was a Stanley Cup. Gainey will have to decide what price he is willing to pay to upgrade the Habs blueline, if he has an eye to going for the cup this season.