“This is an extreme situation for Canadians”

The all-star game break comes just in time for the Montreal Canadiens, as the infirmary is overflowing.

Injured players will have the chance to continue their healing process without missing any other matches. However, a danger awaits those in good health, said former coach Michel Therrien in his column on the program “La Poche bleue le midi”, Tuesday, on TVA Sports.

According to him, the men of Martin St-Louis live “an extreme situation” with so many days off before their next game, scheduled only for February 11 once morest the New York Islanders. Therrien finds this period of inaction far too long.

“What I don’t like regarding this break is that it’s really too long. Yes, the Canadians have several injuries, but I find that such a long period can be a trap. Players should try to stay in shape, but being in game shape is completely different. The first match following the break, it might be difficult, often the concentration is not there. I never enjoyed those long stretches.”

Therrien would have preferred the leave to be cut in half.

“For the players and even for the coach, it feels good mentally and physically to be out for four or five days, but I think the situation for the Canadians is extreme. We will have to review that next year to make sure we don’t have another long period without playing.

15 extra pounds!

When the players leave for the all-star game break, they have a training plan to follow to prevent them from gaining weight, but not everyone listens to the instructions.

Therrien remembers that one of his players has already returned to Montreal with 15 extra pounds. “Let’s just say I wasn’t too happy…I didn’t play him on the return leg because I found it unacceptable. But I won’t say who it is!”

“Sometimes you have to tighten the screw and send a message, especially to young people, but the guys are professional 99% of the time.”

See Michel Therrien’s full column in the video above. He also talks regarding Nick Suzuki’s recent downturn and the disappointing results of the Ottawa Senators, in addition to commenting on the trade involving Bo Horvat.