Michel Bergeron, nicknamed “the Tiger”, was once again merciless towards Martin St-Louis, and he seems to have found a new cause to defend: the idea of Patrick Roy behind the bench of the Montreal Canadiens.
With his intensity that could move mountains despite his 78 years, Bergeron continues to proclaim that Roy is the man needed to bring back a strong identity to the CH.
Going so far as to suggest a fictitious exchange between Martin St-Louis and Patrick Roy, he declared, half angry, half angry:
“Send St. Louis to Long Island, let’s bring Roy back to Montreal. »
This joke, which recalls the historic trade of Bergeron himself in 1987 when he was traded from the Quebec Nordiques to the New York Rangers for a second round draft pick, is not as innocent as it sounds. ‘air.
Bergeron touches on a sensitive point: supporters’ growing frustration with the lack of a clear identity within the organization.
For Bergeron, the Canadian is going through a deep crisis, not only on the ice, but also in his offices. His recent rant on TVA Sports illustrates this frustration:
“What is the identity of the Canadian? Anderson is sent at the end of the match when the net is empty. That doesn’t make any sense! »
His indignation does not stop there. Bergeron also targets Kent Hughes, whom he accuses of sailing by sight:
“Too many defensemen, not enough forwards, weird draft picks…it seems like they’re afraid to take risks. Look at Michkov and his records in Philadelphia, or Logan Cooley who explodes in Utah. And we look at Slafkovsky who is stagnating. The CH has no identity! »
These comments reflect a palpable unease among supporters, frustrated by nearly three years of inconsistencies in strategic reconstruction decisions at the Country Club and Gorton, Hughes, St. Louis and associates.
For Bergeron, the solution comes through Patrick Roy, a man he considers capable of shaking up this organization that he considers too “soft”.
One of Bergeron’s central arguments in favor of Roy is his ability to end the country club, which he believes is blighting the organization.
Roy, with his legendary outspokenness and uncompromising approach, would embody the renewal that the Canadian sorely needs.
Unlike Martin St-Louis, often seen as a close choice due to his friendly connection with Kent Hughes, Roy would bring immediate legitimacy and credibility rooted in his glorious past with the CH.
Bergeron goes further in his criticism of St-Louis, which he accuses of lacking consistency in its decisions:
“Our top scorer is Cole Caufield, right? So why is he on the bench at the end of the match?
What is this logic? We pay Caufield to score goals, not to try to revive a guy who is not advancing. »
This anger from Bergeron, although sometimes excessive and worrying for those close to him at the age of 78, resonates with some of the fans, who see in Patrick Roy a figure capable of reestablishing a clear sense of direction.
Roy would be the man to bring back a strong identity, both on the ice and in team management.
Bergeron does not hesitate to point out other problematic aspects of the organization. He particularly criticizes the fact that Cayden Primeau was not sent to waivers, which he considers a recipe for disaster.
He also predicts that the free fall in the standings for the Canadiens will continue, claiming that the team does not have the resources necessary to compete in an increasingly competitive NHL.
According to him, the next five games could seal the fate of St-Louis, especially if the defeats accumulate.
Meanwhile, the Quebec public is already looking to the future, hoping that the CH will be able to select an exceptional player like James Hagens, Porter Martone or Matthew Schaefer in the 2025 draft.
But for Bergeron, a good draft pick won’t be enough to solve the organization’s structural problems. Patrick Roy, as coach, would be the cornerstone of a profound transformation.
Despite his often scathing criticism and his provocative style, Michel Bergeron touches a sensitive chord. It highlights real problems within the Canadiens organization: a vague identity, strategic decisions worthy of pee-wee and a growing impatience among fans.
His insistence on Patrick Roy reflects a collective desire for change, a desire to see a strong and determined figure take charge.
While criticism of Martin St-Louis intensified, Bergeron remained faithful to his opinion: he did not like, does not like and will never like Martin St-Louis.
For us, he is right on all counts.
One thing is certain: as long as the Canadian does not find clear direction and real authority in the room instead of a country club, the name of Patrick Roy will continue to hover above the Bell Centre.
And if one day Roy really comes back to Montreal, Bergeron will be able to say with a smile: “I told you so. »
Michel Bergeron is not alone in his criticism of Martin St-Louis.
He joins the great Réjean Tremblay, another influential observer in Quebec who has never had a good feeling towards the Canadiens head coach.
Tremblay has often called St-Louis a “pastoral facilitator,” a scathing expression that perfectly illustrates his contempt for the coach’s paternalistic and indulgent approach.
Tremblay delivered a sharp, but justified, criticism. According to him, this team lacks fighting spirit and heart, essential qualities to survive and prosper in a league as demanding as the NHL.
“The attack lacks punch under pressure. We saw him often this year. Lack of desire, lack of anger and lack of heart”he said bluntly.
These words resonated with many fans who share this frustration with a team that seems to be satisfied with mediocrity.
For Tremblay, the problem goes beyond the players. He openly criticizes Martin St-Louis, who prefers to encourage his young players with positive and poetic speeches rather than pushing them to their limits.
“Martin St-Louis found all the formulas of 17th century poetry to explain defeats and praise the efforts of his kids. But it is known that cuddly bears rarely make victorious warriors”he said with his usual frankness.
According to Tremblay, this approach does not build champions. He urges St. Louis to abandon his role as pastoral facilitator and embrace the spirit of competition.
The NHL is not a developmental league or a place to hand out participation badges. Here, only victory counts.
Like Bergeron, Tremblay also deplores the lack of identity within the Canadian. A team without soul, without direction, which navigates in the fog.
He emphasizes that this mentality is maintained by too “soft” discourse, where effort seems to be enough, even in the absence of concrete results.
This philosophy contrasts with what Patrick Roy would bring. Bergeron and Tremblay agree that Roy, with his explosive character and uncompromising approach, is the kind of leader the Canadiens desperately need.
Roy would never tolerate a team that played heartlessly or accepted defeat as a normal part of the process.
Growing criticism of Martin St-Louis shows that his room for maneuver is rapidly diminishing. If CH fails to turn things around this season, calls for his departure risk becoming inevitable.
For Tremblay and Bergeron, the solution is clear: it is time for the Canadian to exchange his pastoral facilitator for a real warrior.
Tremblay’s message is unequivocal:
“As long as St-Louis continues to manage this team like a pastoral facilitator, the CH will not go anywhere. It’s time to play to win. »
As long as Martin St-Louis persists in a caring and kind approach, he will never be able to transform this team into a true contender.
Fans, passionate and demanding, deserve better. They deserve an organization with a strong identity, a winning mentality and a leader ready to guide them to the top.
The time is no longer for soothing speeches and justifications, but for action and results.
If St. Louis can’t shed his role as pastoral facilitator, he simply isn’t cut out for the NHL.
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