Dominique Ducharme continues to criticize his soldiers
If nothing went according to plan during training camp, it's pretty much the same scenario at the beginning of the season.
After losing the first game of the season to the Maple Leafs, the Canadiens put on a poor performance last night as they were manhandled by the Buffalo Sabres.
After the game, which ended 5-1, head coach Dominique Ducharme was not kind to his players in his comments. Despite this, the Canadiens players do not seem to be in panic mode.
"These are only the first two games. If we start feeling pressure now, we're not out of the woods yet. It's an 82-game season ahead of us. We have to stay positive and not get too emotional," said Ben Chiarot.
It's true to say that it's only the beginning of the season, but it's still worrisome to see the lack of effort and commitment from the Red, White, and Blue players. According to Chiarot, it's just a matter of making adjustments.
"The special units are a priority. At equal strength, everyone has to know their job and know where they need to be. Those are the kinds of adjustments that all teams work on at the beginning of the season. Especially in the first 10 games."
Dominique Ducharme obviously expects a lot more from his players. The coach is not hiding the fact that each individual will have to give more if the Habs wants to fight for a playoff spot.
"We have a team that needs the commitment of all 20 players in our style of play and structure. That's how we've been successful. When the recipe is right, don't change it," said Ducharme.
As for the special units, the coach acknowledges that his team is struggling in all facets of the game. The key, according to Ducharme, is to play at even strength.
"You have to be more aggressive when you're playing shorthanded. But you can't be lit up on special units if you're not lit up five-on-five."
Back in action on Saturday night, the Canadiens will be able to count on the support of their fans for the first time this season. It will also be the first time the Bell Centre has been filled to capacity in over a year and a half.
This means that many of the Habs current players have never witnessed the support of the Montreal fans. Jake Allen admits that this aspect will not hurt.
"A lot of the guys are excited about the opening game in a full house. The presence of the seventh player will give us energy. I'll be experiencing this for the first time with the Habs, but having played on the other team, I know what it's like. It creates a wave of momentum."
It will be interesting to see how Dominique Ducharme's team bounces back against the New York Rangers tomorrow night at 7:00 pm.
