Canadiens announce coaching changes

SpiderManNL · Guru

Canadiens announce coaching changes

SpiderManNL · Guru

Its sad to see Julien lose his job but something had to be done.......that being said I am glad to see that Gianey hired Guy Carbonneau as a assistant coach.

-- Edited by SpiderManNL at 10:01, 2006-01-14

mperra (Admin) · Guru

Easier to replace the coach than trade 3 players.

Sorry to see him go.

Barry33, you can rest now.

Habtastic · Guru

I am not surprised Rick Green was let go, as the D was lost out there, but I am surprised with CJ... I think we will be seeing Larry Robinson take over as Head Coach once he has had his Sabbatical. Thanks CJ, I thought you did a good job.

Habtastic

Jay1982 · Guru

I really find it unfair that Julien had to take the bullet for his players, but atleast we know Gainey and Carbs are capable people, which eases things a bit.

Figaro · Guru

I'm not surprised to see Green go, but I've got to tell you, Julien was a shocker. Wow. For those who thought Bob was calling some of the shots lately (lines and roster) well, here's why. I cannot wait to watch the game tonight and see if there are any arses on fire. Wow! What a shocker, seriously.

I saw Ted Nolan at Superstore the other day. I was going to ask him if he'd ever want to coach in Montreal, but I was late for work. Maybe I'll give him a call or go see him after the 'Cats next game at the Cage.

barry33 · Guru

mperra (Admin) wrote:

Easier to replace the coach than trade 3 players. Sorry to see him go. Barry33, you can rest now.

For everyone on here who wanted to see him go, I hope, because I am a habs fan, that this was the right move and that you will all be happy now and we will improve. I can tell you without bias that we have just lost one of the best coaches in the league and for what? Because Gainey has not done a damn thing since he got here so to save face with his boss (who knows nothing about hockey) he can can the coahc and save his a##. When will the revolving coach door stop in Montreal so that they take a look at the REAL problem? Poor scouting and terrible trades. This guy did everything he could to try aand take a team that is little better than an AHL squad talent wise and make someting of it. No scoring, no heart and no defence and a goalie who was a fluke 2 years ago and could care less now.

But hey, Koivu, who is supposed to be the team leader and is deemed "untouchable" by many on this board, will still have his job as will Theo who Gainey so wise in his ways, signed to a long term contract worth 4 times what he is worth and now he cannot unload him.

For those looking for an improvement or more experienced coach (ie this is what w eget for hiring a "rookie coach:) and have suggested Robinson. Puhlllleeeeeeease.... The guy could not handle stress in Jersey how would he fare in Montreal? Oh yes and Carbonneau is a huge asset as well (note sarcasm). His vast experience will be a definate addition to the team.

For the players left,. I suggest everyone of you take a good long hard look in the mirror. Koivu who is supposed to be the team leader and captain, has failed miserably in that department. Kovalev shows up to play one in 10 games, and our defence is slower than molasses and is full of holes. And goaltending..well I will not even go there. What burns me the most is that CJ showed more loyalty and faith in BUMS like Theo and Bonk and Ribieoro than any other coach in the league would have. He stood by his captain when he was criticized, he covered up for THeo , and he took the heat for Ribieoro. And now the players have rewarded him. Nice job guys.

I want this guy to be remembered as a class act who cared way more for his players than you guys have any idea. He represented the team well both on and off the ice. I would like to be able to say the same about Gainey. But hey, I am sure he is ready to pull the trigger on another Bonk like deal.

barry33 · Guru

SpiderManNL wrote:

Its sad to see Julien lose his job but something had to be done.......that being said I am glad to see that Gianey hired Guy Carbonneau as a assistant coach.-- Edited by SpiderManNL at 10:01, 2006-01-14

Why is that Spiderman? All I have heard on here is that the Habs have to stop hiring "rookie coaches". Carbonneau went right from his playing days to an assistant coaching job. Carbonneaus appointment is nothing more than Gainey looking after his old Dallas buddy and giving him a job. Period.

Figaro · Guru

barry33 wrote:

Carbonneaus appointment is nothing more than Gainey looking after his old Dallas buddy and giving him a job. Period.

Barry, I think maybe you are taking it personally. Like Mario said "Easier to fire the coach than to trade 3 players" - 3 players, it seems, no one wants. Let's think that Bob is doing what is best for the Habs. Afterall, before Dallas, there was Montreal.

Any insight from CJ himself, Barry? You get to talk to him yet? Think he might give this board a line change? He's more than welcome.

Power · Veteran Member

Barry, I mostly agree with you. I have to defend my fellow countryman Koivu as much that I don`t think no one can alone solve those problems Habs have in locker room

. But all I say BG took the easy way out, which I`m afraid, leads nowhere.

CJ was not the problem, players with no heart and talent...after all, his hands was pretty well tied.

barry33 · Guru

Power wrote:

Barry, I mostly agree with you. I have to defend my fellow countryman Koivu as much that I don`t think no one can alone solve those problems Habs have in locker room . But all I say BG took the easy way out, which I`m afraid, leads nowhere. CJ was not the problem, players with no heart and talent...after all, his hands was pretty well tied.

Power- I love Saks. But there is a total leadership problem on that team. I just do not buy into the "Koivu is untouchable" line of thought. I can tell you that there is not on eplayer on that team I would not trade for the right priice.

GirlsGoneHABS · Member

I did not expect the coach being fired, especially 8 hours before a game. Well lets hope everything falls into place over the next week. Although, I believe tonights game is not going to go well. RDI was showing this morning's practice live...the players were, how can I put this nicely, doing ****. Just skating around, talking more than anything. Lets just hope the future will be brighter.

ray · Senior Member

We lost a good man who treated his players with respect and deserves that right back. It sucks that the players play so bad that a great man has to lose his job. Julien had to take the fall because like someone said its harder to fire the coach than trade 3 players. I just hope this wasn't the easy way out the ship keeps sinking.

Barry for the ones on this board who think its a shame we lost a great coach give him are best, and don't worry he'll find a job real soon, hes too good!

barry33 · Guru

GirlsGoneHABS wrote:

I did not expect the coach being fired, especially 8 hours before a game. Well lets hope everything falls into place over the next week. Although, I believe tonights game is not going to go well. RDI was showing this morning's practice live...the players were, how can I put this nicely, doing ****. Just skating around, talking more than anything. Lets just hope the future will be brighter.

Skating around talking? Hmm..well that fits in well with how they have played 75% of their games this year so perhaps we will win.

davidb · Guru

Even in my rants, I called for coaching changes. That was done from emotions. I have always said firing a coach does not put anymore talent on the ice. Along with very bad scouting this team just made the worst blunder in its history. First, gainey pulled the plug on Ward and Garon. I cannot believe this happened. Good luck to the Habs, but I do not feel you will see ann improvement Barry tell your friend that he will be missed. If I was a Habs player I would be totally depressed. You will not see a very good showing tonight at all

Muller93 · Guru

Barry...I could not agree with you more about CJ. This guy has been a winner at all levels and is a real class act. This team is loaded with fruitcakes and softies( some guys have both traits...yeah that's you Ribero ya gangsta).

CJ took the bullet for a bunch of pansies IMO( only exceptions here are Rivet, Koivu, Markov Ryder and Higgins). Other than that see the above mentioned traits...

BUT. I like Gainey and Carbo. The way i see it Gainey has such a useless bunch ot twits on the team, he had nothing to trade. So, insert some new coaching blood and see what happens.

Also. I disagree with you Barry about Koivu of course. The best leaders in the history of the sport could not lead this bunch of limp wristed, loafer wearing, coke addicted, ice floppin' losers.

So I hope that with new coaching some of the guys on the fence like Souray, Kovalev, Komi, Zednik can side with the only winners on the team and smack some other guys into shape. Maybe then we will see the potential this team has. If this team turns it around it will have nothing to do with CJ being replaced.

Ribero, that little girlie drink of a man, should be ashamed of himself for allowing CJ to take the bullet for his attitude and pee wee level play...only problem is, I don't think he is capable of any better......................

Jay1982 · Guru

We'll see how things unfold tonight, I however feel really bad for CJ, like I said in my previous post, he is great IMO and he had the right stuff to make things happen. The little $hit and spoiled brat known as Ribero should feel bad, but knowning him he doesn't give a rats ass.

Either way, I would have liked to know how that meeting went down in Gainey's office.

AB Habman · Guru

Barry, Many wanted CJ gone on this board except myself! This is a short term fix! Gainey made mistakes and waited way too long to fill holes on this team! He had all off season for Gods sake! Even with this slide in play this season, he waited too long to react with a trade shake up!

Like many said, he lost his chance to trade when players had some value! Now he has no choice but to shine his shoes!

I have said many times that Gainey wasn't perfect and making mistakes while recieving alot of back lash on this board! Do I respect him?....yes. Is he one of the top GMs?....no.

Will the team repond? Yes but it will be short term!

plouf · Guru

barry33 wrote:

mperra (Admin) wrote: Easier to replace the coach than trade 3 players. Sorry to see him go. Barry33, you can rest now. For everyone on here who wanted to see him go, I hope, because I am a habs fan, that this was the right move and that you will all be happy now and we will improve. I can tell you without bias that we have just lost one of the best coaches in the league and for what? Because Gainey has not done a damn thing since he got here so to save face with his boss (who knows nothing about hockey) he can can the coahc and save his a##. When will the revolving coach door stop in Montreal so that they take a look at the REAL problem? Poor scouting and terrible trades. This guy did everything he could to try aand take a team that is little better than an AHL squad talent wise and make someting of it. No scoring, no heart and no defence and a goalie who was a fluke 2 years ago and could care less now. But hey, Koivu, who is supposed to be the team leader and is deemed "untouchable" by many on this board, will still have his job as will Theo who Gainey so wise in his ways, signed to a long term contract worth 4 times what he is worth and now he cannot unload him. For those looking for an improvement or more experienced coach (ie this is what w eget for hiring a "rookie coach:) and have suggested Robinson. Puhlllleeeeeeease.... The guy could not handle stress in Jersey how would he fare in Montreal? Oh yes and Carbonneau is a huge asset as well (note sarcasm). His vast experience will be a definate addition to the team. For the players left,. I suggest everyone of you take a good long hard look in the mirror. Koivu who is supposed to be the team leader and captain, has failed miserably in that department. Kovalev shows up to play one in 10 games, and our defence is slower than molasses and is full of holes. And goaltending..well I will not even go there. What burns me the most is that CJ showed more loyalty and faith in BUMS like Theo and Bonk and Ribieoro than any other coach in the league would have. He stood by his captain when he was criticized, he covered up for THeo , and he took the heat for Ribieoro. And now the players have rewarded him. Nice job guys. I want this guy to be remembered as a class act who cared way more for his players than you guys have any idea. He represented the team well both on and off the ice. I would like to be able to say the same about Gainey. But hey, I am sure he is ready to pull the trigger on another Bonk like deal.

Barry I am a big fan of Julien, and have been a supporter all season, but I do think this was probably a good move. I agree that Julien will be a fine coach wherever he goes next.

It's not really Gainey's fault that Ribeiro is basically untradeable, and we have yet to see what Theodore will be worth, so I doubt the salary is a mistake even with his bad play.

As for the assessment that the lineup is AHL level talentwise, I have to disagree there. This is the best group of kids Montreal has had in a decade, in part due to Gainey's (and Julien's earlier) work, in part due to the scouting improvement that took place under Andre Savard. This is exactly where Julien has gone wrong, in my opinion. Where many teams with young lineups and poor recent histories give the kids a shot and they flourish, Julien took away their ice time and stuck them in peripheral or defensive roles at the first sign of crisis. In addition, he INCREASED the ice time of Dagenais, Ribeiro, Zednik, the underachievers.

Probably this is not totally Julien's fault, expectations being what they are in Montreal, and the favouritism shown to Ribeiro in the media being another issue. But clearly someone with a bit more stature is going to be needed to do what needs to be done in Montreal.

Yes, Gainey has not gone out and gotten us a centreman or a number 2 defenseman, but this is not all so simple to fix with the Ribeiro situation being a prime issue there. He had to wait to see what happened with Ribeiro before moving. Unless he wanted to dump Koivu, which would be an announcement that the team was in total rebuilding mode (which is not entirely the case). I have no complaints with Gainey really, but more with Julien's freezing up in the second quarter.

Again, panic mode is what did the Habs in, the story of the last decade for this team. Gainey is the only one NOT guilty of panicking at this stage.

davidb · Guru

When you say Cj increased this guys Ice time and cut this guys ice time, I strongly feel he had strings coming out the back of his shoulders that went right to BGs office. can u say Puppet????? I think BG was making more calls than we think

plouf · Guru

davidb wrote:

When you say Cj increased this guys Ice time and cut this guys ice time, I strongly feel he had strings coming out the back of his shoulders that went right to BGs office. can u say Puppet????? I think BG was making more calls than we think

Well...I guess we'll see soon enough, won't we. Gainey's style should be pretty apparent after a week with him as coach.

barry33 · Guru

plouf wrote:

davidb wrote: When you say Cj increased this guys Ice time and cut this guys ice time, I strongly feel he had strings coming out the back of his shoulders that went right to BGs office. can u say Puppet????? I think BG was making more calls than we think Well...I guess we'll see soon enough, won't we. Gainey's style should be pretty apparent after a week with him as coach.

Look for Gainey to make the trade now that it is safe for him to do so. He did not want to do it befor ebecaus ethe team may have imporved thus making it more difficult for him to can CJ.

JohnM · Guru

Not sure about your analysis Barry. I think you need to step back from the CJ posts for a bit, he's gone now and BG will do what is best for the team.

Power · Veteran Member

barry33 wrote:

Power wrote: Barry, I mostly agree with you. I have to defend my fellow countryman Koivu as much that I don`t think no one can alone solve those problems Habs have in locker room . But all I say BG took the easy way out, which I`m afraid, leads nowhere. CJ was not the problem, players with no heart and talent...after all, his hands was pretty well tied. Power- I love Saks. But there is a total leadership problem on that team. I just do not buy into the "Koivu is untouchable" line of thought. I can tell you that there is not on eplayer on that team I would not trade for the right priice.

I agree on this one too. I wouldn´t think twice to trade Koivu or someone else if the price was right. I just meant that Koivu is only one man, he wears C on his jersey... sure, but i doubt that even with CJ and Koivu together couldn´t fix the problem(in locker room) without help from above and that i mean trades. Maybe trading Koivu as an example would help to woke up the players but i think that he is worth no more than 3rd round pick and BG can´t risk his own as# to do trade like that.

davidb · Guru

Koivu looks to me like he is very fragile, I hope he can get through the Olympics healthy.

plouf · Guru

barry33 wrote:

plouf wrote: davidb wrote: When you say Cj increased this guys Ice time and cut this guys ice time, I strongly feel he had strings coming out the back of his shoulders that went right to BGs office. can u say Puppet????? I think BG was making more calls than we think Well...I guess we'll see soon enough, won't we. Gainey's style should be pretty apparent after a week with him as coach. Look for Gainey to make the trade now that it is safe for him to do so. He did not want to do it befor ebecaus ethe team may have imporved thus making it more difficult for him to can CJ.

Barry Barry, one of the wisest posters on this site and you are starting to talk this sort of stuff?

barry33 · Guru

plouf wrote:

barry33 wrote: plouf wrote: davidb wrote: When you say Cj increased this guys Ice time and cut this guys ice time, I strongly feel he had strings coming out the back of his shoulders that went right to BGs office. can u say Puppet????? I think BG was making more calls than we think Well...I guess we'll see soon enough, won't we. Gainey's style should be pretty apparent after a week with him as coach. Look for Gainey to make the trade now that it is safe for him to do so. He did not want to do it befor ebecaus ethe team may have imporved thus making it more difficult for him to can CJ. Barry Barry, one of the wisest posters on this site and you are starting to talk this sort of stuff?

Plouf- perhaps my emotions were running high and puppet was a poor choice of words but if you listen to some of the reaction from guys like Bob MacKenzie or Dave Hodge, they allude to the same thing. Julien was a victim of circumstance. Gainey inherited him. While the team was on a roll he had no choice but to keep him. Do you really, really think that Gainey just called Carbonneau up Thursday and said "Hey GUy, I think I am going to fire CJ, what do you think about coming to Montreal"? No.Let's not forget that Gainey also had to get his old pal Doug Armstrong of Dallas to let Carbo out of his contract. That did not happen overnight.

I am willing to go on line and say that this has been planned virtually since Gainey took over in Montreal. I find it extremely funny that Gainey did nothing in the last 2 months in way of a trade or aquisition to strengthen the team. Do we not ask the question WHY? Perhaps he was just unable to? All I am implying is that if all of a sudden now he starts making deals that should have been made weeks ago, it smells funny. I am not implying that Gainey did anything to sabotage the team's success. He is too much a professional for that. But, he certainly did nothing to strengthen it when he should have (except fire the coach). And I will bet a bottle of the Captain that he will not leave his man Carbo hung out to dry like that.

plouf · Guru

I think you're right to say he will be more willing to stick his neck out for Carbonneau. But I'd disagree that this was all premeditated. Naturally Julien was in tough with a new GM, but Gainey's not putting his plans ahead of the team in that way. I'm sure he was looking for a deal.

Gainey is a diehard Habs fan. I'd never doubt him beyond thinking he trusts his own judgement more than some other people's. But he's not going to sabotage the team so blatantly just to get his guy in there. Gainey does anything to win, including put his own ego aside. He proved it as a great Montreal captain, and I'm surprised (or maybe not so surprised) at how quickly Habs fans turn on him.

Julien, on the other hand, showed a lot of potential, but was in a tough situation as the obvious first fall guy. I bet in the long run he'll have no hard feelings towards Gainey, because he probably knows that's just the way things work and it's the same thing he'd do in the same position. I wish Julien the best of luck. I'm betting he becomes a perennial coach in this league. Hey, if Therrien got another shot, it should be easy for Julien.

habgirl · Guru

Muller93 wrote:
This team is loaded with fruitcakes and softies( some guys have both traits...yeah that's you Ribero ya gangsta). CJ took the bullet for a bunch of pansies IMO( only exceptions here are Rivet, Koivu, Markov Ryder and Higgins). Other than that see the above mentioned traits... BUT. I like Gainey and Carbo. The way i see it Gainey has such a useless bunch ot twits on the team, he had nothing to trade. So, insert some new coaching blood and see what happens. Also. I disagree with you Barry about Koivu of course. The best leaders in the history of the sport could not lead this bunch of limp wristed, loafer wearing, coke addicted, ice floppin' losers. Ribero, that little girlie drink of a man, should be ashamed of himself for allowing CJ to take the bullet for his attitude and pee wee level play...only problem is, I don't think he is capable of any better......................

Muller, with respect to your comment about limp-wristed pansies, I would love to see you take the ice with some of our boys. As far as their being useless twits, I for one would buy a ticket to that event. There are Habs bashers, and then there are extreme Habs bashers. Whose jersey do you wear when the bleu, blanc et rouge are playing???

Why not pull a Raphael and take a shot at Theo? And, for posture's sake, on your way out take a shot at Shelly or Rivet...I am sure they would be quite amused.

The only valid point you bring to the table is Ribs. I agree - goner. However, to call the rest of the team to task is ####ing unbelievable. I was as shocked as anyone to hear of Julien's departure. HOWEVER, the boys were NOT playing under CJ, and a shakeup was needed. Case in point - a win (finally) last night.

I like CJ, and wish him all the best. You can rest assured though, that under Gainey there will be no "limp-wristed pansies" on his team.

GM Place will be rocking on 21st, and it's a shame you won't be on the ice Muller. It would be fun to watch. As my friend Normie would say - 'nuff said.