Game 32: Habs/Devils

Well, Christmas seems to have come early for many Habs fans as we woke up to the news that Jacques Martin had been canned by General Manager Pierre Gauthier. For now, Randy Cunnyworth has been promoted to Head Coach, although I’m sure a search is already underway to find Martin’s successor. The move comes in advance of a rather important hockey game for the Canadiens who face the tied for sixth-place New Jersey Devils. A win would allow the Canadiens to keep pace in a dog-fight of a race in the Eastern Conference where 3 points separate 6th from 12th. Martin became expendable as the Canadiens search for answers as to why they have struggled so mightily this season to create any sustained success. 11th place is never acceptable in Montreal, but the opinion of many in the hockey world is that the Habs have under-achieved to the point that a move was unavoidable. I have to say that although I feel bad for Martin the man, I’m excited as any about the opportunity for a ...