Mike Matheson’s story takes an increasingly difficult turn to bear.
The once-acclaimed veteran defenseman is now the target of growing anger from Montreal Canadiens fans.
Not for nothing that during the last game at the Bell Center before going on the road last Tuesday, a wave of boos fell on him as soon as he touched the puck, while each appearance of the young Lane Hutson aroused loud applause .
The message from the fans was clear: they are tired of seeing Matheson on the first power play unit and are demanding the advent of Hutson.
Even Anthony Martineau of TVA Sports, usually one of Martin St-Louis’ biggest defenders, publicly questioned the coach’s management of the power play after the game against the Buffalo Sabers yesterday.
Martineau was simply scathing:
“Mike was having a very bad game. Lane Hutson an excellent one. »
“I understand to some extent the decision to take time before completely ousting Mike Matheson from the No. 1 power play, but I didn’t like how things went YESTERDAY.”
“I would have liked to see Huston on the PP1. “Hard coaching” also means going with those who give you the best chance of winning.”
“Even more so when these are guys who will be part of your core for 20 years. And honestly, I’m convinced that Matheson would have been the first to understand his coach’s decision and would have used it to bounce back.”
This position underlines a fed-up which goes beyond the simple discontent of the supporters and now seems shared by certain analysts.
Matheson himself, visibly affected after the match, did not escape this storm, and although reporters chose not to address the boos with him directly last Tuesday, his expression spoke volumes about the impact of this evening on his morale.
The reality for Matheson, 30, is cruel. In a rebuilding team, his offensive qualities are now overshadowed by Hutson’s bursting potential.
The young prodigy brings speed, vision and energy that will rekindle fans’ hopes, and his developing defensive skills are already surpassing Matheson’s.
Each game where Hutson is confined to a secondary role, the impatience of the fans grows, especially since Matheson, at the end of his career, has no place in the long-term ambitions of the team.
For Martin St-Louis, the situation is a real test of leadership. The question is simple: will he have the courage to relegate Matheson to promote Hutson, as fans and now analysts claim?
St-Louis’ recent decision to keep Matheson on the first power play unit, despite his poor performance, is seen by many as a sign of stubbornness.
Worse still, this stubbornness sends a message to young talents like Hutson that their efforts and talent may take a back seat.
The Montreal public has made its choice and continues to express its discontent. The boos towards Matheson extend to St. Louis and his strategic management, seen as outdated in a team in full reconstruction.
As a coach, St. Louis must show that he understands the long-term vision by granting more responsibility to young people, even if it means painful challenges for veterans.
Ultimately, the Canadian’s future depends on the courage to make difficult and bold choices. Matheson, at this point, is a piece that must be sacrificed if the team truly wants to move forward.
The message from fans couldn’t be clearer: Lane Hutson must take over.
Fan reactions exploded on social media. The responses are virulent and reflect the general exasperation towards Matheson and the management of St-Louis:
“What’s the plan, St. Louis?” Keep sending Matheson like it’s Karlsson? The guy is being made a fool of by the play, and meanwhile Hutson is there watching from the bench. It’s sabotage. »
“Matheson on PP1 is like trying to climb Mount Everest with rusty skates. St-Louis is completely off the mark with this decision, it borders on negligence. Hutson is the future and he should be playing NOW. »
“Martineau is right! What are we sacrificing Hutson for? To protect Matheson’s feelings? He’s a veteran, he would understand very well if we relegated him to PP2. Here, we are burning our future. »
“When even Martineau, the biggest “fan” of St-Louis, criticizes the choice of Matheson on PP1, that says a lot. It’s time to open your eyes, Marty! Looks like you want to see the world burn…or you want to ruin Hutson. »
“St. Louis needs to stop thinking about veterans’ egos and look to the future. Matheson is painful to see. We are in a Hutson era, and the longer he waits, the more he loses the trust of the fans. »
“The public has spoken: Matheson out of PP1! We can’t stand this incompetence anymore. If St. Louis continues to ignore performance, he’s going to get booed even harder than Matheson. »
CH fans are often emotional. But this time, they speak with their hearts AND their minds.
But the fact that Martineau stands up changes many things, because he practically always approves of St-Louis’ decisions.
This only confirmed what everyone feels: St. Louis’ lack of long-term vision is sending the team into a corner.
We are rebuilding. Rebuilding means giving young talents a chance. Not to overrated veterans.
It’s time for St. Louis to light up.
