All Montreal Hockey has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA
Martin St. Louis faces new criticism over his in-game decisions
In a game like yesterday, where nothing is going right for the Montreal Canadiens and Martin St-Louis, fans are wondering why certain simple adjustments are slow to appear.
Especially when the pace of the game changes and the pressure builds around the team...
The last two games for the Habs have been difficult to watch for many reasons.
The story repeats itself: a good first period, followed by a complete collapse.
And as soon as the opponent took control, several observers noticed the same problem as usual.
Since Tuesday night, we've been seeing a team searching for a new spark.
It only takes a small spark to change the dynamic of a game, and unfortunately that spark the Habs had been giving us since the start of the season is no longer there.
Many think it could come from behind the bench and that a simple timeout could have calmed things down.
Decisions that divide
What really got people talking were the comments shared by Habs Chronicle on X.
The account wrote:
"MSL is a good coach but he really needs to learn to make changes mid-game.
A timely timeout or a goalie change from time to time would be a start."
- Habs Chronicle
A timely timeout or a goalie change from time to time would be a start."
- Habs Chronicle
This message sparked reactions from thousands of fans because it touches on a sensitive point.
It seems that when the game starts slipping away, the Canadiens stay stuck in the initial game plan and lack adaptability.
I believe this shows the team's youth and lack of experience.
During the team's first month of activity, it felt like the Canadiens were always in the game, no matter the scoreboard.
But since Tuesday, that feeling is gone.
That's where the question comes in: can a coach intervene at the right moment to change the dynamics of a game?
For many fans, a goalie change would have sent a clear message.
For others, changing a line would have helped.
Maybe yes, maybe not - we'll never know.
We must not forget that Martin St-Louis coached his 300th NHL game last night.
He's a young coach learning day by day.
And he's also coaching a young team still trying to find its identity.
In Montreal, fans want results, and for the past two games we've felt the impatience in the stands.
I understand the people who want to see quicker adjustments.
But I trust Martin St-Louis, and I know the team will bounce back in the coming days.
Maybe it's a good time to hit the road to get away from Montreal for a bit.
The Canadiens face the Bruins tomorrow night and Sam Montembeault will be the starting goalie.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 14 | 594 ANSWERS Martin St. Louis faces new criticism over his in-game decisions Do you think Martin St-Louis needs to change the way he manages games in real time? | ||
| Yes | 463 | 77.9 % |
| No | 131 | 22.1 % |
| List of polls | ||