Guy Carbonneau Axed In Montreal

Some say it was a surprise when Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey fired head coach Guy Carbonneau earlier today.

Personally, I wasn't surprised. Carbonneau lost his dressing room a long time ago, way before the disastrous trip out west.  In my opinion, what saved Carbonneau when they came back to Montreal is the scandal with the Kostitsyn brothers and Hamrlik.

Gainey will take over for the remainder of the season with Don Lever from the Hamilton Bulldogs as Gainey's Asst.

Hopefully the next coach the Habs choose won't be a former Habs player who has no coaching experience.

Carbonneau will eventually find another coaching job, but in order to do so, he should listen to the players' concern as well.

According to Cyberpresse.ca,Carbonneau will comment his firing in the next few days.

Press Conference quotes from Bob Gainey.

"I would have loved not to be with you today," Gainey told reporters. "But I find ourselves in a position that requires my intervention."

"The players have no longer become emotionally engaged," Gainey said.

"The response is my decision today," Gainey said. "I think it is necessary to make a change today, but the real answer will be the results 35 days from now."

"In the last eight weeks, our performance has been below average and I believe a change in the direction at ice level is necessary," Gainey said.

"We need our players to play up to their potential and that was not playing to our potential in Atlanta," Gainey said. "I want our goalies protected better, I want us to play better defensively.

"Our goaltenders are one of our strengths. It is not acceptable that we give up twice as many shots as we take."

Guy Carbonneau interview

Here's an interview with Guy Carbonneau dated on Nov. 9,2008.  Four month before he got fired. Among other things he talks about the pressure in coaching in Montreal.