Kaboom Posted December 20, 2011 Author Share Posted December 20, 2011 If you have hundreds of millions of dollars invested in the team, it isn't a sport, some playful competitive activity we like to watch for fun - it's a business. Having a French coach keeps good business relations with much of Molson's target audience. Molson doesn't want to gamble millions on hiring a coach that is only more likely to make Montreal a top team. Pretty much every owner will feel the same way. I wasn't looking at it from molson's point of few but as a hockey fan. I am sure there are a lot of french speaking people in montreal that don't give a rats ass about a french speaking coach but rather want their team to win. You could say maybe the english speaking people take offence to the it has to be a french speaking coach. It really is a stupid issue and has nothing to do with hockey or history or religion. The best person for the job!!!!!!. Would toronto fans get mad if the coach was french speaking only but was a great coach? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REV-G Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 I was born and raised in Montreal, an anglophone who has been a Habs fan for 50 years and have lived in Ontario for the past 20 years and subscribed to RDS the whole time, only so I could watch my team. In light of all that has gone over the past 30 years in Quebec I think it was a foolish, not well thought out plan to fire Martin and replace him with an english only coach. It's not Randy Cunneyworth's fault, he is who he is. But Gauthier has put himself, his coach and the team in a very difficult, controversial place, and one that I think has little chance of success unless a miracle occurs and the team starts to turn around it's so far disappointing season. Pierre Gauthier should have known better. In my opinion, anyone who has any history of the Canadiens and Quebec, knowing the ever-present and up till now seeminly weakening separatist movement with it's concern over the french language being diminished, and knowing the possibility of another NHL team relocating in Quebec city, should have known that this city needs, must have, a coach who is fluent in both english and french. The Toronto media would never accept a coach of the Leafs they couldn't interview and get quotes from. It just wouldn't happen. It's common sense. Solution: 3 options. 1. Pierre Gauthier and Geoff Molson put up with this growing angry backlash against a foolish decision till the end of the season which means being willing, and forcing others to be willing, to put up with a ton of scrutiny and criticism. Bad choice. 2. In order to quell the storm they put Cunneyworth [as much for his sake as well] back as an assistant and bring in an interim french/english speaking coach. 3. They not wait till the end of the season, but appoint a new head coach sooner rather than later. My choices in order of preference: 1. Alain Vigneault [under contract-not available. Would it be worth a call to see if he or Boucher could be freed up?? Trade??]. 2. Guy Boucher [under contract-not available]. 3. Guy Carbonneau. If I remember our team finished in first place with him as coach and he was a finalist for coach of the year. When he was fired he had won the previous 5 of 7?? 4. Final three choices which to me are not the best for different reasons: Bob Harley, Marc Crawford, Patrick Roy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlbalr Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 1. Alain Vigneault [under contract-not available. Would it be worth a call to see if he or Boucher could be freed up?? Trade??]. Trading for a coach is no longer permitted under the CBA. The Habs would have to wait until he was to be fired, something I don't see coming during the season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chicoutimi Cucumber Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 I still think Crawford would be a solid choice under DON's scenario. Definitely a change of style, and a seasoned pro. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeLassister Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 My choices for permanent coach of the team will never include : Mark Crawford Bob Hartley (not even interim) Any former Habs coach McGuire or anyone working for any medias full time My choices for interim would include : Lemaire Crawford That's about it My choices for permanent new coach : Patrick Roy Benoit Groulx That's about it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMMR Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 The more time that passes and if the Bolts finish anywhere but in the top 8 I believe Boucher will be fired. I think if that happens he is the next head coach for sure. But what scares me is that he plays a 1-3-1 with Marty Stamkos and Vinny. Imagine what he would do with the garbage forwards the habs have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chicoutimi Cucumber Posted December 20, 2011 Share Posted December 20, 2011 The more time that passes and if the Bolts finish anywhere but in the top 8 I believe Boucher will be fired. I think if that happens he is the next head coach for sure. But what scares me is that he plays a 1-3-1 with Marty Stamkos and Vinny. Imagine what he would do with the garbage forwards the habs have. It doesn't matter, he is the greatest coaching genius of all time and the second coming of Jesus Christ to boot. Plus his scar kicks ass. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hab29RETIRED Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Boucher's issue is the lightning have no goaltending. If Martin and the habs had the Lightnings goalies we would be in 15th place in the conference. I'd love it if he got fired or had an out clause, but I won't be holding my breath. The more time that passes and if the Bolts finish anywhere but in the top 8 I believe Boucher will be fired. I think if that happens he is the next head coach for sure. But what scares me is that he plays a 1-3-1 with Marty Stamkos and Vinny. Imagine what he would do with the garbage forwards the habs have. Seriously???? have you seen a Lightnings game even??? Have you seen just how bad their goalies have been?????? It doesn't matter, he is the greatest coaching genius of all time and the second coming of Jesus Christ to boot. Plus his scar kicks ass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Habsy Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Had a chance to hear Dany Dube tonight on the radio, who's of course, with the team in Chicago. Seems like a lot of positive stuff happening. It takes time to implement a new system, but so far the players like it. Mathieu Darche said it was more enjoyable to play. It's a roll 4 lines, up tempo, more aggressive style. You can be sure that Cunneyworth is going to work his ass off, and try to succeed. Even if it's only an interim gig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueKross Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I have to believe that Martin bought time because he could speak French. We heard many posters talk about keeping Martin on because there was no one to replace him. In the hiring and firing of a coach you need to add the element of that you may not be able to easily get rid of your French coach when it becomes time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nhfarber Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 What are the odds that we can negotiate with Tampa Bay to let Boucher out of his contract? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
illWill Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I think it's fair to say that Cunneyworth needs to make the playoffs and maybe win a round to even be considered coach for next year. Those are some unfair high expectations, but seemingly the way it is. Assuming that doesn't happen and he gets fired, my first choice for replacing him would be Patrick Roy. Yes I know, another rookie head coach. But this rookie head coach is different from all the others. He has the passion that I believe is required to get this group going. He would get in the face of someone who missed an assignment, being brutally honest. Imagine the excitement of Roy returning to Montreal !! His presence would probably help develop Price to the next level. His sound bytes alone would be worth it. By accepting the coaching job, it would reverse the curse of St. Patrick He can speak FRENCH! So we don't have to listen to the media talk about it anymore. He has been coaching for 6 years now and has done a great job. He could potentially fight the other team's coach. He simply wins at everything. I do however think that it's a high risk/high reward choice for coach, it could be amazing or a train wreck. But I would rather go for it than continue to be a middle of the pack team. If it fails, then you go into rebuild mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commandant Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 What are the odds that we can negotiate with Tampa Bay to let Boucher out of his contract? The way they are playing... we might not need to negotiate. He might be 2 years and out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 After seeing that game in Tampa against Philly, I can honestly say that hiring Boucher might be one of the lowest points in Habs history. I hope to never find out if I'm wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCHabnut Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I spent a few months in rural Quebec recently, in a small town where French was the only language. I am English and the only French I knew were basic words learned from classes in grade school in the 90's. In my experience, I can assure you that it is very much appreciated when an anglophone shows an effort to try to converse in French. It is not so much the actual words spoken, it is the acknowledgment and understanding of their culture. Quebecers are very proud of their province, more so than any other in Canada imo(Newfoundland is a close second). So in my opinion, I believe an anglophone could be successful in Montreal as long as they made an effort to learn the language. I watch a lot of hockey on RDS and I have french 11 in highschool in BC. I can follow about 60% of what is being said. At first it was just one or two words revealing themselves, but I slowly started hearing words over and over, so I either looked them up or figured it out based on what was happening. It was really fun. I thought I had a descent grasp on the language until I went to Montreal and tried to communicate in French. It was almost impossible. This is a daunting task and is not easy. The people that I tried to talk French with seemed very happy and helpful with me because I was putting this effort in. It is not just the language. It is the culture which is defined by the language. I believe you are right. If the coach could muddle through a few phrases, they would eat it up and love it. We don't understand it, but we weren't raised there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMMR Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 I would hire a recent university grad that has his masters in English, French, and a couple other languages so he can communicate with everyone. he should be like the Pope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCHabnut Posted December 21, 2011 Share Posted December 21, 2011 Had a chance to hear Dany Dube tonight on the radio, who's of course, with the team in Chicago. Seems like a lot of positive stuff happening. It takes time to implement a new system, but so far the players like it. Mathieu Darche said it was more enjoyable to play. It's a roll 4 lines, up tempo, more aggressive style. You can be sure that Cunneyworth is going to work his ass off, and try to succeed. Even if it's only an interim gig. I liked what I read so far about what Cunney wants to change. I believe that four fresh lines will help this team. Martin shortened the bench so often that the other players must have been getting wore down fast. I just really hope that the defense can improve. They seem lost and end up puck chasing. They never anticipate what the forwards will do and kill the play. As Dryden said, the game is a series of patterns. The players should be able to anticipate this and go where the puck is going, as Walter Gretzky said. I am willing to give Cunney 10 or 15 games to see what he can do with this team. If Gomez, Eller and Gionta can re ignite, Cammie Kosty and Plek find their old groove, and DD Pac and Cole continue to dominate shifts, this team looks a lot better. At least they have the Cole line now to break into other team's defense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willey101 Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 Alot of speculation last night that that franco coach may be available very shortly if/when Boucher is fired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMMR Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 Alot of speculation last night that that franco coach may be available very shortly if/when Boucher is fired. I guess if that is what you want lets hope the bolts get crushed like they did last night 7-2 to the Sharks a few more times. Bolts have only won 4 of last 12 games incidentally the same amount the Habs won in 12 tries with Martin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willey101 Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 What I want.......no. What this Province wants....yes. If it was up to me I would extend a hand to Randy Carlyle right now but Molson has already said the next coach will be bilingual so we know that's not going to happen. Like down to Jodoin, Roy, Hartley and perhaps Crawford who speaks franglais. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCHabnut Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 What I want.......no. What this Province wants....yes. If it was up to me I would extend a hand to Randy Carlyle right now but Molson has already said the next coach will be bilingual so we know that's not going to happen. Like down to Jodoin, Roy, Hartley and perhaps Crawford who speaks franglais. Carlyle would be my choice of the available coaches as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willey101 Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 Carlyle would be my choice of the available coaches as well. Problem is that it is almost 100% guaranteed that it would not be him. Being the best available is not relevant here it is being the best among those who can speak french. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMMR Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 Problem is that it is almost 100% guaranteed that it would not be him. Being the best available is not relevant here it is being the best among those who can speak french. QFT QFBAR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bar Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 I watch a lot of hockey on RDS and I have french 11 in highschool in BC. I can follow about 60% of what is being said. At first it was just one or two words revealing themselves, but I slowly started hearing words over and over, so I either looked them up or figured it out based on what was happening. It was really fun. I thought I had a descent grasp on the language until I went to Montreal and tried to communicate in French. It was almost impossible. This is a daunting task and is not easy. The people that I tried to talk French with seemed very happy and helpful with me because I was putting this effort in. It is not just the language. It is the culture which is defined by the language. I believe you are right. If the coach could muddle through a few phrases, they would eat it up and love it. We don't understand it, but we weren't raised there. I barely speak french at all..I can regonize words that are similar to english, or through process of elimination or repetition, so I order RDS so I pay $4/month vs. $30 for centre-ice haha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commandant Posted December 22, 2011 Share Posted December 22, 2011 Does anyone know if Gerard Gallant (an Acadien from PEI) can speak French? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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