Yes, that's our Montreal Canadiens. Remember when, they were leaders in their division and looked like a team that was definitely playoffs bound? Remember when they were scoring goals? Ah, those were the days! Now instead of expecting a win when we watch a game we wonder who is going make the first bone head move and end up in the penalty box. Which lunkhead will make the turnover that gives the opposition the momentum and ulitmately the game and how many more times will they hang their goaltender out to dry?
When the Habs first started losing, there was concern but as it is pointed out often, every team goes through a slump. But even the most positive and optimistic Habs fan has to admit that this team has passed the slump status and are spiraling downward seemingly out of control. Sitting in eighth place after being first in the division is not a good thing. Can they turn it around? Yes, but something drastic has to happen because there appears to be a major disconnect with the Canadiens.
There is plenty of conjecture as to what that is and there are lots of excuses. A few of my personal favourites are:
-Missing Markov! Of course they miss Markov, he's their star player but he's been gone awhile now and he's not coming back this season. That excuse is getting old guys. It's time for someone to step up.
-Another one that gets me is that the Habs are now a fragile team. Please, these are professional athletes who have played in difficult situations throughout hockey lives at different levels. They know what they have to do to win. So do it.There is no disgrace in losing but there is in how you lose. Shape up guys and remember this is a team sport. Put the individual egos away and get back to playing like you did during the Playoffs last year.
-Carey Price is mentally tired. Da-ah! Who wouldn't be playing in front of group of underachieving losers who couldn't score if their life depended on it and if and when they do get a lead a dozen trips to the sin bin kills that lead. Price might not be as sharp as he was in October and November but it's not his fault that the Habs are sliding down the standings. And if Price is tired then why in hell wasn't Auld playing on this road trip? The bigger butt he's acquired is from sitting on the bench. So give Price a rest, Jacques and light a fire under the rest of the team.
Here's hoping tonights game will not be a repeat of last night's match against Habs South or as they prefer to be called the Tampa Bay Lightning. After all it's New Year's Eve, give us something positive to hope for in 2011.
Over the past month I've run the whole gamut of emotions regarding this team. At first it was disbelief, it then turned to disappointment which led to anger. I'm now past anger and am somewhere between resignation and apathy. Now because I'm a Habs fan, it would only take a couple of good games to turn those negative feelings around.
As the New Year approaches and resolutions are made and broken, it is my resolve to not get on that emotional rollercoaster ride of the hockey fan. If the Habs turn the season around, wonderful! If they don't hey, we'll be in the lottery for the number one draft pick of 2011. Sean Couturier would look pretty good in a Habs sweater.
So Happy New Year Habs and Good Luck against the Panthers. You're gonna need it!
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