As the Canadiens struggle, there is more criticism of Bob Gainey to the point where Gainey's credentials and reputation are being questioned. Although past history does not guarantee future success, Gainey's track record is strong enough to believe that he can replicate his achievements in Dallas and build the habs into Stanley Cup contenders. It took Gainey three years to get the Star's positioned to become a perenially contender. In '94 they finished out of the playoffs before putting together 6 straight 100 plus point seasons.

    At every level, from free agent signings, to drafting to trades Gainey excelled and made few missteps. Critics point out that Gainey had an unlimited budget to work with, and although that is accurate, not all free spending teams had the same degree of success ( Toronto, NY Rangers, St.Louis to name a few). During Gainey's 11 year tenure in Dallas, 3 cup finals, one Stanley Cup.

    Virtually every significant trade Gainey made during his Dallas years, favoured the Stars. He acquires Kevin Hatcher for Mark Tinordi. Skrudland and Keane for Todd Harvey and Bob Errey. Picked up Zubov for Derrian Hatcher. Sydor for Zmolek. Although over the long term the Nieuwendyk for Iginla turned out to be lopsided, at the time Nieuwendyk put the Stars over the top for the '99 cup as he was named Conn Smythe winner.

    In virtually every draft year, Dallas made at least one quality selection. Langenbrunner in '93 Turco in 94  Iginla in 95 Morrow in 97 Miettinen in 2000.

    Gainey was able to fill in the gaps with some smart free agent signings, Belfour and Hull the obvious high profile ones, but some of his secondary moves were impressive, Carbo,Verbeek, Reid,Ludwig important role players that contributed to Dallas success.

    Gainey inherited a Montreal team that had major holes to fill, and it is a project that will take time. Based on his accomplishments in Dallas I don't think that he has suddenly lost it. He has cleared cap space to be competitive in the free agent market this summer, he has retooled the clubs scouting department which will pay dividends in the not too distant future (Yemelin could be a future star, Lantandresse,O'Bryne,Chipchurra could be contributors to the teams future) . The club does have some young talent that will improve, Higgins,Ryder,Markov so this club has the foundation to head in the right direction. Gainey has had only two full hockey seasons to right the ship and at this time there is reason for optimism.