Josh Anderson’s reputation is in free fall.
The forward missed a great opportunity to show his leadership Saturday night at the Bell Center.
When Cédric Paré took out his knee against Patrik Laine, everyone expected the immediate reaction from Anderson, a player supposedly capable of defending his teammates.
But no, Josh Anderson remained invisible, letting his young teammate Arber Xhekaj do all the work, to the point of getting kicked out of the match.
And there, Georges Laraque, on air on BPM Sports, was merciless: Anderson did not have the courage to jump on Paré, and he is 100% right.
Big George’s public outing is simply scathing.
@bpmsportsradio Georges Laraque criticizes the Canadiens players (especially Josh Anderson) for their inaction following the injury to Patrik Laine!???????? #hockey #LNH #Canadiens #GoHabsGo #patriklaine #canadiensdemontreal #habs #joshanderson ♬ original sound – BPMSPORTSRADIO
Honestly, what was Anderson afraid of? It’s not like Paré is Ryan Reaves. Paré is a player who is absolutely not scary and yet Anderson did not see fit to visit him after the collision with Laine.
What was Anderson doing? Was looking at the stars? It is a question of courage and duty. Anderson should have jumped on Paré the second Laine collapsed on the ice, especially since the latter is seen as a centerpiece of the Habs this season.
But no, it had to be Xhekaj, the young defender, who took care of the job. Result: Xhekaj is expelled from the match and fined, thanks to Anderson’s lack of courage.
Even though the striker tried to make up for it at the end of the match by throwing down the gloves at the end of the match, it was far too late.
Bravo, Anderson, quel timing impeccable!
The damage was done. Too little, too late.
In fact, this attempt at redemption seemed more like a gesture of desperation than a true display of character.
Anderson felt guilty to the core.
Georges Laraque did not hesitate to say out loud what everyone was thinking. Anderson, supposed to be one of the Canadian’s physical leaders, failed in his duty.
It’s simple, he abandoned his teammates. And this is not the first time that his lack of commitment has been singled out.
If Anderson can’t even respond in such tense moments, why is he still considered a Montreal Canadiens player?
He deserves to be in the stands.
It’s not like courage can be ordered online.
The question many are asking now: Is Josh Anderson still the tough player we thought he was, or has he simply lost the desire to defend his teammates?
Because, on Saturday evening, he clearly lacked bite. And let’s not even talk about Laraque and Anderson in the same sentence in terms of combativeness.
You might as well not invite them to the same party. Anderson probably wouldn’t even be able to follow the conversation, let alone the punches.
Josh Anderson, wake up. The Canadian needs players who defend the team, not extras.
Because if you’re not even able to answer the call in such a crucial moment, maybe it’s time to rethink yourself.
Maybe you’re not cut out to play hockey.
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