Jim Montgomery’s message to his players, particularly David Pastrnak, is an example of firmness that many Canadiens fans would like to see from Martin St-Louis.
Montgomery did not hesitate to send a strong message by benching his best player, Pastrnak, for the entire third period of a game against Seattle, despite the forward’s importance to the team and his status as assistant captain.
By doing so, Montgomery shows that no one, not even an $11.25 million-a-year superstar, escapes the responsibility of giving his all in every shift.
When he judged that Pastrnak had not sufficiently secured the puck and allowed the opponent to create too many chances, he put him aside, without concession…and with courage…
This firmness raises a question that many observers are increasingly asking about Martin St-Louis: why does St-Louis not apply the same authority with its veterans?
Josh Anderson, Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia and even Mike Matheson, the public danger in his area, although well paid and experienced, continue to make mistakes, but seem protected by an immunity that the public begins to find unbearable.
Unlike Montgomery, St. Louis avoids confronting its key players in this manner.
Is it “too soft” to impose the necessary discipline?
The Canadiens are going through a period where repeated errors are weighing down the team’s performance. However, the absence of visible sanctions suggests that the locker room operates according to a “two-tiered justice” – young people like Arber Xhekaj and Juraj Slafkovsky seem to pay dearly for their mistakes, while veterans benefit from treatment in the wadding.
Criticism is therefore growing around the management of St-Louis, especially when we compare his method to that of Montgomery, who demonstrates without hesitation that he is ready to call any player to order.
For Martin St-Louis, the situation could become critical if the Canadians continue to stagnate…or even regress.
Montgomery’s message resonates as a reminder: to hope that his players surpass themselves, a coach must know how to be firm, even with the stars.
What courage.
Because the Bruins coach’s decision came after several errors by Pastrnak, including two turnovers in 14 minutes and 21 seconds of play.
At the end of the third period, Pastrňák only briefly returned to the ice during a commercial timeout. He then took a few quick turns with the puck before returning to the bench, making it clear that he would not return to the ice for the rest of the game.
Montgomery later declined to elaborate on the reason for the punishment, saying only that it was a “coach’s decision.”
The incident shows Montgomery’s desire to instill strict discipline and remind people that no one is above the team.
In a season where the Bruins have yet to find their usual rhythm, this firm message was necessary.
Montgomery, who also raised his voice against Brad Marchand earlier in the season, seems ready to use all the necessary firmness to redress the situation, even if that means punishing his best elements.
So why does Martin St-Louis refuse to punish his veterans who are FINISHED?
Hopefully he took notes. The message he receives in the face…is merciless…
