Gaston Therrien once again managed to create a memorable moment of embarrassment in the RDS studio, and this time, even Norman Flynn, usually the first to dive headfirst into wacky debates, seemed ready to burst out laughing.
The object of the controversy? Brendan Gallagher.
Remember that not so long ago, Therrien argued vigorously for Gallagher to be bought out or relegated to the stands.
Today, in a turnaround worthy of the greatest television contradictions, Therrien not only wants Gallagher to stay in the lineup, but to be promoted to the first line with Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky.
Here is what Therrien said:
“He already has 8 goals scored, he is easily heading towards a season of at least 20 goals, he is not injured. He plays on the third line, he has the second power play, he is never rewarded.
I would like to see him with Suzuki and Slafkovsky on the right side, because I think they could bring energy.
I’m not saying they play badly, Suzuki and Slafkovsky, but they are less involved. If Gally would work in the passing corners and in front of the net, maybe it would give him a second wind.
He’s a guy who’s going to take them up, it won’t be down, because he’s constantly working. »
Even though Gallagher is off to an exceptional start to the season, reactions in the studio have been a mix of disbelief and unease
Norman Flynn, always ready to be the number one clown on duty, this time seemed to be holding back a laugh. Pierre Houde, for his part, gave discreet side glances, as if to gauge whether the production team was going to cut the camera.
Even viewers felt the awkwardness through their screens, wondering if Therrien was serious or just playing a role to provoke debate.
This is not the first time that Gaston Therrien has succeeded in transforming an analysis into a television show. What annoys us is this ability to change our views as the wind dictates without ever recognizing our past positions.
Yesterday, Gallagher was a burden, a player to be bought or placed on the bridge. Today, he is the miraculous solution to revive Suzuki and Slafkovsky.
This inconsistency, although exasperating for many, continues to fuel discussions and keep RDS at the heart of debates on the Montreal Canadiens.
The reactions of the fans are scathing: needless to say, the “RDS monuncles” are taking it for their rank
On social networks, the comments were not long in coming.
“Therrien yesterday: Gallagher on waivers! Therrien today: Gallagher first trio! Doesn’t he even remember that we have video archives, or what? »
“Gaston wanting to relaunch Suzuki and Slaf with Gallagher is like wanting to repair a car with a broken screwdriver. »
“Even Norman Flynn found it too ridiculous to intervene. That says it all. »
RDS, with its experienced analysts, continues to divide.
While some praise their frankness and authenticity, others see it as a cacophony of poorly constructed ideas that harm the show’s credibility.
Whether we love or hate their positions, one thing is certain: Gaston Therrien and his colleagues know how to attract attention.
And if this attention sometimes turns into mockery, perhaps that is precisely the goal.
For the moment, Brendan Gallagher is on fire and surely doesn’t know Gaston Therrien, since he doesn’t speak French.
He therefore does not wonder if the RDS monuncles will one day end up agreeing on his fate.
Gaston Therrien must be careful not to undergo the “Norman Flynn treatment”.
After years of questionable comments and wild predictions, the “duty clown” of Quebec sport saw his airtime drastically reduced for the 2024-2025 season.
The patience of hockey fans has reached its limits. For years, Flynn had attracted criticism with his analyzes often disconnected from reality, his absurd exchange proposals and his incomprehensible positions. Public complaints, which had multiplied, finally pushed RDS to act.
If Flynn was not fired, he is much less present on screen. Like Dave Morissette at TVA Sports, he is only used for a few sporadic segments, whether at the Antechambre or at 5 à 7, without any real impact on the programming.
Norman Flynn has always been a polarizing character. His frank and direct personality had earned him a certain amount of sympathy at the start of his career, but his exaggerated statements and his blatant lack of hockey knowledge ended up transforming him into an unintentional parody.
The hypothetical trade of Nick Suzuki for Wayne Simmonds, Cole Caufield for Kyle Palmieri, and Juraj Slafkovsky for Pierre-Luc Dubois.
These proposals raised a wave of indignation among fans, and rightly so: they would have ruined the Canadian’s future.
Flynn also confidently stated that Roy was in Ottawa to discuss a coaching position with the Senators.
Roy contradicted this statement on the same network, live.
These errors, among many others, have tarnished the image of RDS, a network already losing speed.
On social media, Flynn had become an easy target. Fans regularly mocked his interventions, calling him a “monuncle” or a “duty clown”.
“Norman Flynn said today he would trade Suzuki for a retired player. Seriously, why does RDS still keep it? »
“Every time Flynn speaks, it sounds like a comedy sketch. RDS, isn’t it supposed to be serious? »
Despite everything, it is important to point out that Flynn went through a devastating personal ordeal in 2017 with the loss of his son Cedric. This tragedy sparked an immense wave of sympathy across Quebec.
However, some wonder if this tragedy did not contribute to his remaining on the air, RDS hesitating to fire him for fear of appearing insensitive.
While Flynn is gradually being sidelined, Gaston Therrien, another often criticized analyst, seems untouchable.
Protected by his union status and probably by his longevity at RDS, Therrien continues to divide with his sometimes absurd positions, such as his recent suggestion to promote Brendan Gallagher to the first line.
For RDS, this decision to reduce Flynn’s presence on air marks a first step towards an attempt to restore its reputation.
The network, which has long relied on polarizing personalities to attract ratings, must now refocus on quality sports analysis.
Norman Flynn left his mark on the history of televised sports in Quebec, but his legacy will remain tainted by his multiple missteps.
As RDS begins this transition, fans hope to see the emergence of a new generation of commentators capable of restoring the network to its former credibility.
Flynn won’t disappear from the screens completely, but his role has been reduced to episodic appearances. A way for RDS to turn the page without causing a media outcry.
However, for many fans, this decision comes far too late. As one comment on social media sums it up:
“We should have done this ten years ago. But hey, better late than never. »
Gaston Therrien must be careful. Otherwise, he risks seeing the “Norman Flynn treatment” fall on his head.
Related News :