Montreal 2 Calgary 6 (Pengrowth Saddledome)

Rocket:

41 shots, 6 goals against. How can that be? I seem to remember that after the 41 shot, 5 goal against game against the Leafs, fans, media and Guy Carbonneau were pointing fingers at the franchise player. They all said it was Carey Price’s fault. So what a surprise when changing goaltenders produces the same result.

It’s not a surprise at all to those who have been paying attention.

We have been treated to a whole litany of excuses this season. Let’s recap. We were told that line combinations were the problem so every possible permutation was tried without success until the original lines were re-united. We were told that defense was a problem so the team played a prevent scheme for awhile (1-4 and even 0-5) but then the team struggled to score. We were told that (in order) these players were the problem: Sergei Kostitsyn, Guillaume Latendresse, Alex Kovalev and lately Carey Price (to name a few). And we have been told many times that the team was not prepared to play.

Where do these excuses all originate from? Head coach Guy Carbonneau.

Yet 54 games into the season the team seems in disarray. Players are not motivated nor performing at their best. Practises are unfocused. Game strategy is weak. In-game adjustments are non-existent. Schemes for forechecking, breakouts and special teams are simple (perhaps juvenile is a better word) and ineffective. Defensive zone coverage is erratic and the power play is pitiful. The team is fragile and plays without confidence. All of these items are within the scope of coaching.

It is futile to analyze the game in great detail.

Jaroslav Halak was no more, and no less to blame for tonight’s loss. Halak made some key saves but was also giving up huge rebounds. The Canadiens got the first goal due to hard work by Chris Higgins. He battled for the puck and then set up Matt D’Agostini. A weak dump-in from the point by Adam Pardy trickled through some legs and past Halak for the tying goal by Calgary. Mike Cammalleri was given credit.

Tomas Plekanec scored on a 2 on 1 break with Alex Kovalev. The only otherbright spot for the Habs was the play of Roman Hamrlik. He had 2 assists. Hamrlik has been rejuvenated playing with Ryan O’Byrne.

The rest of the game was spent watching a team that is becoming more distant from its coach. Bob Gainey must step in soon before the situation unravels too far and divisions begin appearing between the players. There is talent on this team, much more than last year. The team held a 30 minute players-only meeting immediately following the game to air concerns and offer solutions. Canadiens’ scouts were at a Phoenix Coyotes game, assessing the play (and fit) of Derek Morris and Olli Jokinen. But more importantly, it’s time that the head coach was responsible and accountable for the fact that the Canadiens are gross underachievers this season.

Pre-game:

Starting line-up: Koivu, D’Agostini, Higgins, Markov, Komisarek
Jaroslav Halak will start in goal. Miikka Kiprusoff for the Flames.

Dandenault, Brisebois scratched.

Latendresse, Tanguay, Lang out with injuries.

Rocket’s 3 stars:

1. Matthew Lombardi
2. Mike Cammalleri
3. Corey Sarich

(photo credit: AP)