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Post by CentreHice on Mar 12, 2015 23:21:36 GMT -5
Thanks to BC posting proof that Galchy was a winger when drafted by Sarnia...moved to centre to play with Yakupov...then moved back to the wing...I was okay with the story MT related. A poster over at HF was nice enough to help me out further on this issue. I'm back to being INCENSED at Therrien. If MT said that Galchenyuk came to him saying he wasn't comfortable at centre and requesting to go back to the wing...then MT was lying. It would appear that the move was made to get DD back to the #1 slot. La Presse. Jan. 20, 2015I used Google Translate...but you get the gist. ================================================================================ The recent decision by Michel Therrien to return Alex Galchenyuk to the wing seemed to disappoint many. The American striker is expected to one day become the number one Canadiens center, and one could see this new change of position (back to the wing) as a step back from this.
Saturday morning Therrien justified his decision by saying that Galchenyuk himself had expressed a desire to return to the wing.
Huh? A promising striker, looking for a long term contract who had just had an extended try alongside Max Pacioretty, this guy would have asked to return to the wing?
It has perhaps not been as explicit as described Therrien, but yes: Galchenyuk was quite comfortable with the idea.
Following the 4-1 loss suffered in Ottawa Thursday, the 20-year-old was summoned to a meeting with the head coach. He suspected that changes were coming because the trios in force had been dismantled during the game against the Senators.
"We had a good conversation," said Galchenyuk. "I told him that I felt very comfortable playing on the left wing. With all the changes we anticipated, I told him that this is where I could help as the team offensively."
"But it's not like I went to see the coach to tell him to get out of the center and put me on the wing," he said. "He asked me if I was comfortable going back to the wing, and I had my say. I had not produced much in previous games and thought I could help the team more in the left wing. "
Galchenyuk had a sparkling debut centring Max Pacioretty and Brendan Gallagher. The matter seemed settled for good. Now after the Canadiens had posted a 9-1-0 record, it was enough for two losses at home - against the Tampa Bay Lightning and then in overtime against the Pittsburgh Penguins - to convince Therrien to review his lines. The first choice of CH in 2012 found himself at the center of Brandon Prust and Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau, but it was not there.
Saturday night, so he was transferred to the left of David Desharnais, from whom he scored his first goal in 10 games.
"To return to the wing is good for me," insists Galchenyuk. "I would not say that it takes away responsibility, but it allows me to be more aggressive, more use my shooting and be more creative. When I'm on top of my ability, the position where I play does not matter. In the present state of things, it's not a bad thing."
Marc Bergevin like to remember that the only guarantee hockey is that it is no guarantee. It was again achieved in the last weeks with Alex Galchenyuk. The fruit was perhaps not yet mature enough in the eyes of the Canadiens, but his most recent test at centre was his longest and most satisfying so far in the NHL.
"I just played a dozen games at center and I know that if something happens - an injury, new changes in training, etc. - I can answer the call."
"But I'm a player, I'll go where I am asked to play!"====================================================================== I now return to my initial argument! We have a big-bodied, skilled player, drafted #3 overall, who was no doubt scouted as a centre, who is comfortable playing centre, and who would jump at the chance again! He showed promise there! But he's on the second-line wing in favour of the smallest player on the team. You've got to be kidding me! Who else is being mishandled/not properly developed.....and lied about??
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Post by seventeen on Mar 13, 2015 0:09:27 GMT -5
Sounds like he's not averse to manipulation. That's exactly the type of leader that people will not follow. I'm not surprised and in fact suspected that was the case. All, it seems, in order to get his boy back onto the first line. That's really not a good sign.
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Post by blny on Mar 13, 2015 0:27:47 GMT -5
It's all different ways of saying what many of us think. They win despite, and perhaps in spite of, the coach. Not because of.
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Post by habsorbed on Mar 13, 2015 1:09:03 GMT -5
So MT not only can't coach; he's also swarmy. Just what a team needs to lead.
Starting to wish Carey hadn't been so good. MT would have been fired last year and we wouldn't be impeded by his uncreative, stubborn approach.
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Post by GNick99 on Mar 13, 2015 4:16:35 GMT -5
Therrein wasn't my choice for coach when he was hired. Mainly because didn't think much of him as coach when he was here before and heard there were issues when he left Pittsburgh. He's known for having certain ways ie. read Terry Ryan's book. But he has great winning percentage 3 years he been here. Maybe he has evolved then something like this comes out. It's imperative to team Galchenyuk becomes #1 center. Because they near impossible to trade for but needed to win. Why was he so struck to move DD back to #1 center though? Thought he played alright as 3LW. It's been a decision which may wreck our season and long term future.
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Post by Skilly on Mar 13, 2015 6:54:58 GMT -5
I was going to mention this when BC posted the proof that Galchenyuk played the wing when in junior but I thought nahhh ....
But, the fact Galchenyuk played wing in junior (and I will still contend he played more at center, and is more comfortable there) does not exonorate the Habs from not developing him properly.
In BC's exerpts, he played RIGHT wing in junior, so why are we playing him predominantly at LEFT wing? Especially since he shoots left.
I always found it hard to believe that Galchenyuk, given his personality, would shy away from the #1 center responsibilities. Isn't that every kids dream?? This just seems to me, an example, of a mature kid not wanting to rock the boat and doing everything that is asked of him, even if he does not agree with it. Great character for sure ... but guess what? Montreal has a history of scapegoating guys who do everything asked of them when they don't perform miracles from lower lines. Its a double edged sword, Alex.
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Post by CentreHice on Mar 13, 2015 7:34:53 GMT -5
Of course, Skilly....
Galchy had yet to turn 21 when this incident occurred.
As you say, a mature kid is going to do what the coach asks. His last statement in the article says as much. "But I'm a player, I'll go where I am asked to play!"
I find it despicable for Therrien to have said it was Galchy's idea. He flat-out lied.
Why wasn't/isn't this a bigger story?
Who else is he misrepresenting? Is he being dishonest about others?
Where there's smoke....
Again, it's not DD's fault...as he, too, must do what the coach says.
But we should've had another 6 weeks of Galchy's development as a centre, finding chemistry with Pacioretty...
Instead we had to watch Price put together a February beyond belief to get where we are.
I'm not saying Galchy at #1 centre would put us over the top....but he's exactly what we need at that position. And HE FEELS COMFORTABLE THERE!!!
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Post by Disp on Mar 13, 2015 11:21:20 GMT -5
So what Galchy actually said was that while he will play center, he feels more comfortable, creative, helpful, aggressive and productive on the wing. Glad that's cleared up.
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Post by CentreHice on Mar 13, 2015 11:47:40 GMT -5
Not quite, Disp. The point is that he did not request the move, as Therrien suggested. Of course he's going to say he can help at wing. He'd say he could help more and be comfortable wherever he's put.
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Post by halihab on Mar 13, 2015 11:49:36 GMT -5
Rick Bowness should be the coach of this team.
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Post by Disp on Mar 13, 2015 11:58:10 GMT -5
Not quite, Disp. The point is that he did not request the move, as Therrien suggested. Of course he's going to say he can help at wing. He'd say he could help more and be comfortable wherever he's put. Nah, that's exactly what he said. When a player tells you that, well, a bad coach wouldn't listen.
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Post by The Habitual Fan on Mar 13, 2015 12:12:49 GMT -5
It's all semantics and when you translate an article from Google how can you take only some excerpts and treat them as fact and ignore others? First as a future striker (nothing wrong there???) Galchenyuk played wing in junior and there is no disputing that. He played some centre in junior and also played some center last season in Montreal for a few games and then for a longer time this year. That is also fact. He had a conversation with MT and he is quoted as saying he feels comfortable and can help the team playing wing. He never said he told the coach he prefers to play center or that is his dream to play center. Maybe that is not every kids dream to be a #1 center. Lafleur never played center but he seemed to do ok on the wing. DD is not trying to sabotage Galchy career because he ineffective elsewhere and I don't think MT is a lying snivelling SOB because he asked Galchenyuk if he was comfortable staying on the wing and was told yes. If he asked to go back to the wing or his coach asked if he wanted to go back to the wing is no real difference.
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Post by seventeen on Mar 13, 2015 12:27:09 GMT -5
Absolutely wrong. Yes it doesn't matter if Galchy plays RW or centre (yet). What is crucial is why Therrien lied about the circumstances? Only one conclusion. To avoid criticism for putting DD back on line 1. Why distort the truth, which is that Galchy did not request it and MT says he did. That's the crucial point of thus discussion.
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Post by seventeen on Mar 13, 2015 13:13:14 GMT -5
I just re-read my post and it came across harshly. My apologies for that. I'm still concerned over the Galchy explanation, but we are still all entitled to our opinions and encouraged to voice them.
Thanks
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Post by blny on Mar 13, 2015 13:23:31 GMT -5
Rick Bowness should be the coach of this team. That name drop is a bit out of left field. What makes you suggest him? I'd still like to see Ducharme hired to replace Lefebvre in Hamilton and to be the heir apparent.
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Post by CentreHice on Mar 13, 2015 14:24:09 GMT -5
. DD is not trying to sabotage Galchy career because he ineffective elsewhere and I don't think MT is a lying snivelling SOB because he asked Galchenyuk if he was comfortable staying on the wing and was told yes. If he asked to go back to the wing or his coach asked if he wanted to go back to the wing is no real difference. Who said DD is trying to sabotage Galchy's career? DD had nothing to do with it. The point of the discussion is that Therrien told the media that Galchy came to him and requested a move back to the wing. Galchy siad Therrien requested a meeting and asked him if he felt comfortable going back to the wing. Therrien did not ask him if he was comfortable STAYING on the wing….but rather MOVING BACK to the wing. There is a very distinct difference there. Therrien's version to the general media vs. Galchy's version to this reporter. One of them is not telling the truth…or maybe the reporter heard what he wanted to hear. I'm just going by the article. Maybe we should double-check with the reporter, Marc Antoine Godin, to see if he got his story straight. ================ What I take from this whole thing is that Galchenyuk will play wherever his coach tells him to play…and put the best light on it. He said as much. He also said he was comfortable at centre….and will be ready to go again, should the circumstances arise. Do we not need a big, strong talented #1 centre?
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Post by Disp on Mar 13, 2015 14:55:33 GMT -5
He's not that big or strong.
The irrational hate for MT is ridiculous. Nitpicking.
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Post by folatre on Mar 13, 2015 15:58:35 GMT -5
For me it is crazy the minimal commitment to letting Galchenyuk learn on job as centre. There is no one else in the organisation to fill this role.
Remarkably short sighted on part of Therrien (and to be honest, Bergevin).
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Post by PTH on Mar 13, 2015 19:13:48 GMT -5
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Post by PTH on Mar 13, 2015 19:18:58 GMT -5
Depending on where you put the emphasis, it can come across in a lot of ways.... "We had a good conversation," said Galchenyuk. "I told him that I felt very comfortable playing on the left wing. With all the changes we anticipated, I told him that this is where I could help as the team offensively."..... I had not produced much in previous games and thought I could help the team more in the left wing. " [/font] [/quote] It really feels like nitpicking to me. Why is it that when things go in any way the slightest bit wrong, MT gets immediately, automatically and entirely blamed ? I'm not a huge fan of his, but I think he's a good coach. Guys I respect (and who have no strong incentive to lie) like Guy Carbonneau also think he's a good coach, and say so most nights after the game.
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Post by CentreHice on Mar 13, 2015 20:17:52 GMT -5
If that excerpt was the only part of the story....I wouldn't have posted it.
We can agree to disagree. I'm okay with that.
When ANY coach (be it Therrien or Scotty Bowman) says one thing...and the player in question says the opposite...albeit very respectfully....it's okay to point out the discrepancy, and ask why, IMO.
I'll go on record right now as saying I'd rather have Galchenyuk developed as a centre if he's comfortable with it, in order to try to become the stud #1 we desperately need....and apparently, from his mouth...he IS comfortable playing centre and wing...anywhere he's told to play.
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Post by halihab on Mar 14, 2015 8:42:31 GMT -5
Rick Bowness should be the coach of this team. That name drop is a bit out of left field. What makes you suggest him? I'd still like to see Ducharme hired to replace Lefebvre in Hamilton and to be the heir apparent. A few reasons. 1. He has over 2000 games in the NHL coaching and playing ( just went to a function in his honor). 2. He has an excellent knowledge of the players in the league and their talents. Known throughout the league as an excellent communicator. 3. He has a high tempo (offensive attack) coaching style while at the same time demands responsibility in your own end. 4. He has ties to Montreal and Quebec, moving to Quebec city at the age of 15 to play for the Remparts. He can also speak French. Not sure he would take on that responsibility, but IMO he is the type of person the Habs need going forward with their young guys.
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Post by seventeen on Mar 14, 2015 10:13:12 GMT -5
My first question with hiring any new coach is, "what have you won?"
Haven't checked out Bowness, but I 'd think that should be a prerequisite for any CV.
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Post by Disp on Mar 14, 2015 11:29:56 GMT -5
If that excerpt was the only part of the story....I wouldn't have posted it. We can agree to disagree. I'm okay with that. When ANY coach (be it Therrien or Scotty Bowman) says one thing...and the player in question says the opposite...albeit very respectfully....it's okay to point out the discrepancy, and ask why, IMO. I'll go on record right now as saying I'd rather have Galchenyuk developed as a centre if he's comfortable with it, in order to try to become the stud #1 we desperately need....and apparently, from his mouth...he IS comfortable playing centre and wing...anywhere he's told to play. It isn't the opposite though. It's pretty easy to see how it is. Galch didn't say he didn't want to play center, but he sure made a case to be put on the wing. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out where he wants to play. In fact it's blatantly obvious, so much so that it isn't a stretch to think he requested it. Which in a way he did.
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Post by CentreHice on Mar 14, 2015 11:44:20 GMT -5
You cannot read the article any other way than:
COACH'S STORY: The player initiated the move by expressing to the coach the desire to move back to the wing.
PLAYER'S STORY: The coach initiated the move by approaching the player and asking if he'd be comfortable moving back to the wing.
Infer what you will.
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Post by Lord Bebop on Mar 14, 2015 12:10:44 GMT -5
I feel like this is deja vu..... whole narrative of Therrien holding back players. last time it was Subban, before that it was Price. Galchenyuk should not be anointed anything just yet. let him earn his place, kinda grow into the role. Im sure he will get his shot in the future. Im guessing Therrien is not hating his young players if anything he wants them to succeed. Helps his career too.
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Post by PTH on Mar 14, 2015 16:45:11 GMT -5
I feel like this is deja vu..... whole narrative of Therrien holding back players. last time it was Subban, before that it was Price(could be wrong here...at least it wasnt Therrien destroying Price's career at the time). Galchenyuk should not be anointed anything just yet. let him earn his place, kinda grow into the role. Im sure he will get his shot in the future. Im guessing Therrien is not hating his young players if anything he wants them to succeed. Helps his career too. Yup. But sometimes a little tough love is needed, too. Sometimes it feels like some people expect the kids to just automatically develop into the players they might be able to become, just by being given the job.
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Post by PTH on Mar 14, 2015 16:46:29 GMT -5
That name drop is a bit out of left field. What makes you suggest him? I'd still like to see Ducharme hired to replace Lefebvre in Hamilton and to be the heir apparent. A few reasons. 1. He has over 2000 games in the NHL coaching and playing ( just went to a function in his honor). 2. He has an excellent knowledge of the players in the league and their talents. Known throughout the league as an excellent communicator. 3. He has a high tempo (offensive attack) coaching style while at the same time demands responsibility in your own end. 4. He has ties to Montreal and Quebec, moving to Quebec city at the age of 15 to play for the Remparts. He can also speak French. Not sure he would take on that responsibility, but IMO he is the type of person the Habs need going forward with their young guys. I have no idea if he'd be a good fit, but he does have a long NHL pedigree.
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Post by Disp on Mar 14, 2015 16:59:49 GMT -5
You cannot read the article any other way than: COACH'S STORY: The player initiated the move by expressing to the coach the desire to move back to the wing. PLAYER'S STORY: The coach initiated the move by approaching the player and asking if he'd be comfortable moving back to the wing. Infer what you will. That's funny, maybe if Galch had expressed a desire to stay at center he would have. Maybe MT actually listens to what his players say. How horrible of him. I know what the MT haters are going to infer.
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Post by jkr on Mar 14, 2015 17:10:37 GMT -5
Not surprising that PAP would be on the move but also not surprising that a guy with 1 goal in his last 20 games ( and coming off a concussion) found no takers. Don't know why Bergevin made the trade for Parenteau. He usually deals for the expiring contract, he doesnt always take more term on.
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