A collection of the latest news from around the world of hockey:
According to reports, [Yahoo], Michel Therrien will be the Canadiens head coach next season, much to the chagrin of Habs nation. I personally believe his time has worn out in Montreal, because the team actually has some skilled players, and his system doesn’t bring out the best in them. He’s had trouble adapting to life without Carey Price, and while he’s a big loss, Therrien seemed unwilling to change the identity of his team, an identity that has yet to result in a championship despite some successful regular seasons. But I’m not surprised Therrien will have his job come opening day. And here’s why.
- Who else are they going to get? Like it or not, the coach of the Montreal Canadiens has to speak French, limiting the pool of options. Maybe Marc Bergevin is waiting for a guy like Bob Hartley to become available? In any case, there’s no sense making a move unless there is a more capable candidate ready to step in.
- Bergevin wants to see how the Habs performs with Carey Price between the pipes again. He obviously believes the team that started the season so strong more closely resembles the true makeup of his squad, rather than the one that fell off a cliff. It’s clear that he doesn’t believe any coach can win with all the injuries, so why make a change just for the sake of making a change.
- Bergevin took the blame for the Habs troubles, and perhaps believes if he provides Therrien with better personnel, the results will be there. At least that’s the hope.
With Price, Subban, Gallagher and the defence corp healthy to start next season, Therrien will have no more excuses, and I would imagine (hope) that he’ll have a short leash. The frustrating thing is that the Habs have been exposed, and so has their coach, therefore don’t be surprised if things go south yet again. Price’s return might make all the difference in the world, but now we know that this team is fragile, and the slump has shown exactly where their weaknesses lie. Unfortunately, the coaching is a big part of it.
In other news…
The Pens have to fend off their opponents for a playoff spot. It’s new territory for them. [Pensburgh]
Brandon Saad is helping to bring his family over from Syria. [The Guardian]
Goalie gloves? Who needs them. [The Hockey News]
The post-trade deadline Blackhawks haven’t been faring so well. [Fox Sports]
Jonathan Quick set a new record for American-born goalies. [Today’s Slapshot]
The Maples Leafs season is going to plan. Will it result in what they want? [Globe and Mail]
James Neal carried the Predators over the Oilers. [Copper N Blue]. The struggling powerplay highlighted the troubles for Edmonton. [EJ]
John Carlson isn’t quite ready to return. [CSN]
And finally, the Blues offence is really coming together. [STL Today]