Wednesday December 21, 2011
Montreal Canadiens vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Just a short month ago, the blogosphere was alive with stories about the impending return of Andrei Markov. Finally the prodigal son would return! Well, that didn’t really work out, did it? Instead, Markov looks like he’ll probably take the rest of the year off, the coach has been fired (good riddance), Gauthier’s noose is perpetually tightening, and the Montreal media has switched to drinking Labbatt beer.
I seriously CANNOT believe the way these so called “fans” of the Canadiens are treating the interim coach. Have any of them even watched a hockey game before? Complaints have arisen that not hiring a Francophone coach for the Canadiens will result in the death of a dying language. Are you serious? Is your language really on such shaky ground that by one person not being able to speak it, the entire culture will die? Get a grip! Maybe if the French language was used for more than just griping and complaining, people would be more inclined to use it!
I am an English speaking Habs fan, in Southern Ontario. I watch every Habs game, usually on RDS, even if it is broadcast on TSN and sometimes even if it is in HD on CBC. Why? So I can’t understand the drivel that is coming out of the commentators mouths! I speak the language of hockey. It goes like this…SWOOSH!! SWOOSH!!! BANG!!! CRACK!!! SWOOSH!!! BANG!!! (HORN BLARING) Le Buuuuuuuuuuuuut!!!!!!! I couldn’t care less what language it’s spoken about in.
By the way, by watching RDS plus a limited amount of learning in school, I can now understand quite a bit of French. How about giving the guy a chance to learn it?
As far as the coach being able to talk to the media, and answer “tough” questions, here are 5 phrases that Cunneyworth can learn to be sure to cover all angles.
- Ils lui ont donné cent dix pour cent là-bas.
- Nous ne jouions pas comme une équipe là-bas.
- Jamais l’esprit mon plan de jeu, avez-vous vu ce que youppi n’a tout simplement?
- Le fromage est vieux et moisi. Où sont les toilettes ?
- Quelqu’un peut-il m’aider à construire un bon CV ? Cet emploi suce.
The way the media has responded to Cunneyworth’s appointment as interim head coach is disgraceful. Is this why Muller is no longer in town? Was he never going to be considered for the head coaching job? Will we true Habs fans never be able to witness a championship team due to politics and the demands of selfish morons?
What? He doesn't speak French? Who cares! Look! He's actually talking to the players!!!!
Who’s out?
Montreal
- Andrei Markov
- Scott Gomez
- Ryan White
- Brian Gionta
Keys to the Game
The only “key” to this game, is how the team adheres to the changes Cunneyworth has finally had a chance to work on, having his first full team practice yesterday since his promotion on Saturday. The new philosophy will incorporate speed and pressure. Something that this team looks like it was not only built for, but also dying to try to use. A good way to tell if the players are happy with the change will be in their demeanor on the bench. There have been a lot of hanging heads and blank expressions on the bench this year.
Budaj will get the start in goal tonight.
My Prediction
Habs 4 – Hawks 3
HABit 