Unprecedented unease set in during the intermission on RDS when the selection of Alex Kovalev in the Montreal Canadiens’ quarter-century team was discussed.
Guy Carbonneau, visibly upset, did not hide his discomfort with this appointment, evoking still painful memories of his time behind the CH bench.
“We had our differences, he was not easy to train”he suggested, reviving a story that does not seem ready to fade.
Since his dismissal in 2009, Guy Carbonneau has never really forgiven Alex Kovalev, perceived by many as one of the architects of his downfall.
The former CH head coach had difficulty establishing himself in the Montreal locker room, a reality that Kovalev never sought to hide.
During an interview in Brossard, just after Carbo’s dismissal, the Russian bluntly declared:
“We tried to play the best we could with him, but sometimes we had trouble keeping up with him.”
A sentence full of meaning which sums up well the conflicting dynamic between the two men since always.
Kovalev often pointed to Carbonneau’s rigid style, which treated youth and veterans indiscriminately, an approach that did not suit the talented Russian winger.
“He left us on the bench, sent the third or fourth line on the power play. We tried to understand…”Kovalev recalled.
These strategic decisions often left several star players of the time perplexed, fueling tensions.
The Montreal press played a significant role in these tensions. Kovalev has never hidden his dissatisfaction with media coverage, accusing journalists of creating non-existent conflicts.
“We’re trying to fuel a competition between me and the coach. It’s stupid. There’s no problem”he defended himself, exasperated by the rumors which did not stop.
Today a consultant for RDS, Guy Carbonneau was unable to hide his bitterness at the mention of Alex Kovalev.
The Russian’s attitude towards him remains a thorn in his coaching journey. Carbonneau still seems to feel a deep injustice, convinced that his intentions behind the bench were misunderstood.
If Kovalev tried to turn the page by affirming that he does not live in the past, the discomfort observed on the RDS set proves that the wound is far from being healed.
Carbonneau continues to carry the weight of a troubled period in his career, where his leadership was called into question.
This story will remind many how player-coach relationships can define an era and leave marks for life.
Despite the years that have passed, Guy Carbonneau’s resentment towards Alex Kovalev is still very present.
When he was fired in 2009, Carbonneau warned that “the truth was going to come out eventually,” a statement that fueled rumors that Kovalev played a major role in his departure.
According to several sources close to the team at the time, Kovalev would have turned the locker room against Carbonneau, taking advantage of his influence over certain key players.
Alex Kovalev, recognized for his indisputable talent but also for his bad character, had often expressed his incomprehension regarding Carbonneau’s choices.
“He left us on the bench, sent the third or fourth line on the power play. We were trying to understand…”
-These questionable choices created persistent tensions in the locker room and contributed to weakening the authority of the coach.
Another major point of contention concerned the management of trios. Kovalev publicly criticized this strategy, saying:
“Sometimes he would send the third or fourth line on the ice during the five-man attack. I was trying to understand. »
This recurring questioning of Carbonneau’s decisions contributed to destroying his credibility with the players.
The Montreal media also played a role in the escalation of tensions between the two men.
Kovalev, often criticized for his lack of consistency, did not appreciate the media attention on this saga:
“We are trying to fuel a competition between me and the coach. It’s stupid. There is no problem. »
However, privately, several teammates were convinced otherwise.
Carbonneau’s inability to bring his locker room together and deal with strong personalities like Kovalev ultimately sealed his fate.
After his departure, Carbonneau suggested that internal tensions had precipitated his dismissal, without ever directly naming Kovalev. But behind the scenes, everyone knew.
Today, Kovalev tries to claim he has moved on, saying:
“I don’t live in the past. »
However, his name continues to arouse strong reactions from Carbonneau, proving that the wound is far from being closed.
As for Carbonneau, he seems determined never to forgive what he considers a betrayal.
The selection of Kovalev in the CH quarter-century team only revived these painful memories.
Guy Carbonneau was visibly disgusted when talking about the selection of Alex Kovalev in the Montreal Canadiens’ quarter-century team.
His shifty gaze and bitter tone spoke volumes about the bitterness that still persists today. The unease on the RDS set was so palpable that everyone wanted to look at the ground, thus avoiding confronting the tension that reigned.
For his part, Kovalev never hesitated to point out Carbonneau’s preferences in terms of playing style:
“When he played, he was that type of player, a defensive player, so I guess he wanted to play guys like that in those situations. »
This philosophy, focused on caution and defense, did not fit at all with the Russian’s offensive and creative vision, which contributed to widening a lifelong gap between them.
Despite the years that pass, the name of Kovalev remains a source of frustration for Carbonneau, a never-healed wound which, with each mention, revives a troubled period of his time behind the CH bench.
He will never forgive her.
