Just to add to Gainey's questionable moves is the Kovy signing this season! The guy had a history of floating and Gainey still signs him! Sure he had a few big playoff games but did that justify the long term signing with his lazy history!
But what I really want to bring up is the pre-hiring a coach for next season. Now what does Gainey do? The team hasn't responded to his coaching! If he removes himself and hands the reins over to Carb now. That sends a message to the fans and players that he has given up on the season because he is cutting the apprenticeship short! It's like saying "oh well I change my mind, Carb is ready now I guess".
Another problem is he can't remove himself and bring in another experienced coach in the interim after promising his friend Carb to coach next season. Who would want to come here for a few months of coaching?
With Gainey's errogance, no way he admits he's wrong. He is stuck behind the bench learning how to coach in this new NHL with poor results and his team not responding! Also not to mention the time it takes away from trying to improve the team with trades etc. After the CJ firing he has made his bed and has to lay in it!
This whole coaching thing is looking like another big mess! Who in this league pre-hires a coach for six months down the road? You can't fire a qualified coach then expect to start up an apprenticeship program with a team in big time trouble! As Barry said, this team needed another experienced coach in there! Also one that has coached in this era!
AB, in BG's defence on one point, every Habs fan was drooling for Kovy after the play-offs.
We all know he is making mistakes and maybe not making a trade sooner is the biggest one of all. The interesting bit will be to see if they can squeek into the play-offs which will be very tough at the current rate. The problem is guys just aren't producing and it seems like every lazy bum in the league is wearing the B,B et R. I just want him to make a change because I think it gives the impression that he has given the green light to futility and consistent, poor play.
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"To you with falling hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high."
The signing of Kovalev was no mistake. The biggest problem with this team is who he has to play with. I mean come on, Koviu is a second line center at best, 3rd line in a lot of cities, and who is the Habs other first line winger? Don't think they have one. The only first line player on this entire team is Kovalev. So before we all point our fingers at him, look around him. Maybe watch a game or two and see how many times his much lesser skilled line mates get him the puck, or even get open when he has it.