The upcoming trade deadline could determine the team's fate — as well as that of GM Marc Bergevin.
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• Special to the Montreal Gazette
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Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin might have a lot on his mind after his team’s last two games against the Calgary Flames.
As his team went up against a well-rested Flames squad playing to impress their “new” head coach Darryl Sutter, they couldn’t score. They couldn’t penetrate the middle of the ice on a consistent basis. It’s why they could barely muster shots on net, and ultimately why they were held to two goals in two games.
You could argue the Canadiens were starting to turn a corner after those Vancouver games earlier this week, even if they’ve gotten the better of them all year. But this recent two-game series against the Flames might force the Canadiens to take one step back. Thursday’s loss could be attributed to travel and their previous game taking place a little later than normal. The Canadiens, however, couldn’t raise their game for Saturday night’s contest after a day of rest, continuing to be stifled by a Flames team that took away the middle of the ice from the Canadiens.
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And now, the Canadiens’ place in the North Division’s playoff picture might be under threat.
The Flames are two points behind and those Canucks are three behind. Montreal, fortunately, has games in hand on both teams. But the Canadiens can clearly see these two teams in their rearview mirror.
Not to mention the Canadiens are now waiting on word from a specialist to determine how hurt Ben Chiarot’s hand truly is.
It wasn’t an easy end of the week for the Canadiens, and it certainly didn’t make Bergevin’s job easier. We can understand there is pressure on the general manager to put together a club that can make the playoffs. But with that in mind, Bergevin’s moves leading up to this point, and the Canadiens run of play, Bergevin had better have a trade offer or two on his mind.
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With less than a month to go before the trade deadline, the Canadiens’ place in the playoffs might not look as guaranteed as it might have been at the start of the year. Bergevin, who has already fired three coaches including the head coach and goalie coach, has shown that he’s unafraid of making changes if it means the team will make the playoffs and ultimately save his job. If you’re a fan, you’re expecting Bergevin to make some kind of move well ahead of the deadline so the player can sit through a 14-day quarantine if need be.
The Canadiens could use help at centre, again. It’s becoming clear that the team shouldn’t have entered the season with Nick Suzuki, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and Phillip Danault as their three best centres. Suzuki isn’t the same player who helped the Canadiens at the start of the year, and Danault will need to continue to play well to ensure that all of those monkeys he threw off his back won’t come back.
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And if there’s an upgrade to be on defence, why not? Mattias Ekholm, the Nashville Predators defenceman has been rumoured to be on the move for some time. If the Canadiens are going to be without Chiarot for some time, it might be the move to make.
If you do the math, the ideal time to complete the move might be in the next week or so. Not to mention the player might still need to sit a game or two for conditioning purposes.
The Canadiens will have to put together competitive trade packages to facilitate a trade with anyone, even if it means parting with prospects and players they think highly of. But with the general manager practically with the wall at his back, he has no choice but to do so. Bergevin is coming up on a trade deadline that could ultimately determine his team’s fate depending on what move, or moves, he decides to do.
Depending on how they pan out, they may play a role in Bergevin’s future as well.
Thank you Erik, again, for holding down the fort.
I’m sorry, time to get rid of Mete and give the Fleury kid a chance. — Dull Jerk
Some of us are missing some old – time (like last week) empty boosterism. So direct from Pallex Alidarro: ‘KK is still developing and coming along nicely. He’s well on his way to stardom. Suzuki looked good and continues to show what a great pick up he was by Bergevin. Byron played well and shows just how deep this team is. Petry was solid and appears to be a lock for the Norris. Weber may have been a little tired, but he will back to his regular form by the next game. Danault is still showing why he’s one of the top centres in the league and would be a starter on any team. Toffoli has to be the best free agent signing this year in the league, and shows just how smart Marc is. The same goes for Anderson. And it’s great to see Carey is back in his grove, working his way up to being solid for the playoffs. All in all I see Bergevin being named GM of the year. You can take that to the bank.’ — Ballen Munson
2 goals in 2 games in 2 important grinding games like these, is not going to cut it. Doesn’t look like they are a playoff team to me. I don’t know, too soft and just not tough enough mentally . Thet get outworked far too often — James Toth
Well, it’s been two weeks. I’ve been away! It was me who said that the Habs and Flames would battle for the last playoff spot — and by April, MTL would finish fifth. Anyone still doubt me? (No, I’m not asking any of the Homers. They’re beyond help.) Anyone still honestly think this team (and GM) should survive until the trade deadline?– Rudy Hittisau
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiiAFodHRwczovL21vbnRyZWFsZ2F6ZXR0ZS5jb20vc3BvcnRzL2hvY2tleS9uaGwvaG9ja2V5LWluc2lkZS1vdXQvYWJvdXQtbGFzdC1uaWdodC10aGUtY2FuYWRpZW5zLWJldHRlci1zdGFydC10aGlua2luZy1hYm91dC1tYWtpbmctYS1tb3Zl0gG2AWh0dHBzOi8vbW9udHJlYWxnYXpldHRlLmNvbS9zcG9ydHMvaG9ja2V5L25obC9ob2NrZXktaW5zaWRlLW91dC9hYm91dC1sYXN0LW5pZ2h0LXRoZS1jYW5hZGllbnMtYmV0dGVyLXN0YXJ0LXRoaW5raW5nLWFib3V0LW1ha2luZy1hLW1vdmUvd2NtL2M1ZjZlMjVkLTRhNTEtNDE2Yi05OTc1LTkwZDZjZDg3MzM0OS9hbXAv?oc=5
2021-03-14 14:15:00Z
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