Guys and Ladies- I have decided to take a break from posting on Go Habs for awhile for the simple reason is that it is becoming exhausting (and really not alot of fun) to have to come on here and continuously defend a very good coach. To be honest, reading comments like "the guy is a Moron" and "Let's put this guy out of his misery" being said about a very good friend of mine and  a guy who has been working 18 hour days trying to right this ship is not something I care to read anymore.

I do respect this forum and everyone's right to express their opinions and for that reason I feel it better to take a step back until the dust settles and we have a new coach or the present one rights the ship. I do wish however, that some people on here would do some research instead of just spouting off things about this guys lack of ability or experience. For example:

1. That is what we get for hiring a "rookie coach". Claude Julien came to Montreal with more experience than many of his predecessors and highly respected. Did he have NHL experience? No. But if you take a look, over 83% of coach's hired in teh NHL come up through the ranks. Junior, then AHL, then NHL. Julien did not come from nowhere. He coached the National under 16, under 18 and under 20 programs, a Memorial Cup Champion and an AHL finalist. He was also asked to speak last year at a Russian Hockey Federation symposium, the first North American coach ever asked to do so.  I ask what constitutes experience? Having coached an NHL team and been fired? At any rate, I guess if Julien does get fired and goes elsewhere, he will no longer have to listen to the "that's what w eget for hiring a rookie coach" theory. Just like Therrien does not have to now that he is in Pittsburgh. He has already coached and been fired at the NHL level. No longer a rookie.


2. "This team has no direction or system"- 14th ranked power play (only percentage points out of 8th). The team has been crippled at a crucial position all year and still manages to kill of alot of penalties and with no one in the top 30 in league scoring, hover around the top 10 in the PP. Not bad for not having a coach. The poor performance as of late on the PK is indicative of a slow footed defence and too many 5 0n 3's


3. "Other teams win with guys out"- absolutely. But I have looked at every roster in the league at the center ice position, and the habs, without a doubt, are the weakest team down the middle right now and have been for a month. Anyone who knows hockey knows how absoluetly crucial that position is. It is second only to goaltending. Let's go to Pat Quinn and tell him that we are going to take away Sundin, Lindros and lets say Stajan for over a month and ask him how he felt about his chances. Yes I get tired of using this reason as an "excuse". But if you coach and know the game, you will understand where I am coming from


4. "Radek Bonk has been put in a position by Julien where his offensive talents are not being utilized"- WHAT Offensive talents pray tell? The guy has not scored  since Shaquille O'Neil wore a size 5. before he did us all a favor and hurt his groin he was used extensively in situations where he could score, power play, etc. So much for the big stud centerman being our saviour.


5. He does not have the team prepared to play at the start of a game. I ask you how pray tell does he do this? I go in before the game when I coach and emphasize how important it is that we get off to a good start. Go over the game plan. But when that puck drops it is up to the guys on skates. Not me.

At any rate I have made all of these points time and time again. And I will tell you that regardless of who the coach in Montreal was right now, I would be making the same points. I am a habs fan first an foremost and want the team to succeed. If I felt that coaching was the issue I would be the first to say can the man. I am going to step aside and leave that debate to you guys. All I ask is that you look at some facts and not say things that cannot be backed up by facts.

Julien right now is a victim of his own success. Had they been a mediocre team to start the season expectations would not have been raised and you would all thing he was a great guy. He was a "great coach" we are "Lucky to have him" in October. "This guy is awesome" were the words when he took the team over from Therrien and got them past Boston in the playoffs followed by a 90 point plus season the next year. Now he is a moron and does not knwo what he is doing. Boy, he must have lost it since then.

I can tell you this. The guy has a young baby who he has not seen hardly at all since September. To say he is not working to prepare the team is ludicrous. He has taken to even having a cot moved into his office because he is there most nights until well after midnite. He spends hours upon hours looking at game film. H ecares about this team a great deal. Unfortunately, many of the players under him do not share that same passion. He loves coaching and he loves this team. I spoke with him 3 days ago and his heart is broken that certain individuals on that team (that he has NO choice but to play), are not putting out nor do they care.

This guy is not a "moron". Not an "idiot". Not a "rookie coach". As far as I am concerend he should start using the same approach that many of his "star" players do. Show up before the game and coach. Don't lose any sleep over it. Don;t get worked up. If you lose, you lose. No biggie.