Dominique Ducharme insisted: there is no dissent within the Montreal Canadiens.
The Habs head coach had to adjust the shot on Wednesday after defenseman Jeff Petry was scathing the night before following a 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the seventh in a row of the Montreal training.
According to Petry, there “is no structure” on the rink, and “we think everyone knows where to stand, but we don’t go to those places. We don’t make it easy for anyone on the ice, except maybe for the other team ”.
Some have interpreted these statements as a disavowal of Ducharme. The Quebec coach said the situation was discussed during a morning routine meeting. He said the file was closed. “There is no mess in the game system,” he said. Everything is clear. I make sure of this every day. “
“Everyone wants to win,” added Ducharme, speaking of the frustration within the team. No one is happy with the situation or excited that we weren’t going to chain the wins. Nobody finds it funny – me, the players, the assistants, the staff. Everyone wants to be successful. But at the same time, there is only one way out, and that’s by rolling up your sleeves. “
Defenseman David Savard claimed that the system of play taught by Ducharme was not particularly more complex than another and that everyone understood what was required of skaters.
“There’s nothing too crazy, but you also have to read the game with your teammates,” he explained. It’s not so much the system, but the reading of the game that makes it difficult at first. Once you’re comfortable with your teammates, it’s easier. “
Numerous injuries
The catch for the Canadiens is that injuries have been rife since the start of the campaign and there are almost always changes to the lineup from game to game.
“I do not think it is a question of commitment, also underlined the defender Ben Chiarot. We have been missing several important players since the start of the camp. There are several new players, and it is not easy for them. “
Despite the small storm, Ducharme believes his players continue to get their hands dirty and avoid sinking into negativity.
The Canadian, who posted the worst performance in his history after 30 games (6-21-3), will try Thursday to find his way back to victory. The Philadelphia Flyers (11-12-4) will be the visitors to the Bell Center.
“We didn’t like our game in St. Louis [samedi], but we got back to work on Monday and we did a good job, said Ducharme. [Mardi], the odds of scoring five to five were even. Was it perfect? No. Do we want to improve? Yes. “
“You have to stay focused on the present day. Today we had a good training. [Jeudi], we’ll get ready to face the Flyers. “
Joel Armia could be left out, he who even participated in some exercises as a defender on Wednesday. Jake Evans, he could return to the game after missing two games with an injury whose nature has not been disclosed.
Dvorak and Anderson
The Canadiens have indicated that forward Christian Dvorak will be sidelined for an indefinite period with a lower-body injury, while the recovery of Josh Anderson, with an upper-body injury, will ultimately be eight weeks.
Dvorak has missed the Habs’ last three games after being injured Dec. 7 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In 27 games this season, Dvorak has registered five goals and seven assists.
Anderson was injured on December 2 against the Colorado Avalanche. He has seven goals and six assists in 25 games.
The Canadian also announced that forward Brendan Gallagher and defender Sami Niku are no longer subject to COVID-19 protocol. They will gradually return to training during the week.