Gainey Post-Season Press Conference
April 23, 2009, by Homme De Sept-Iles
Bob Gainey’s post-season address was this afternoon and lasted about twenty minutes (it follows Carey Price’s after a break). He hopes to stay with the team and continue the work he has done to this point. The plan from this point is for the coaching staff to evaluate the season and make decisions about players.
The Canadiens have over ten players heading to restricted or unrestricted free agency.
In the background, there remains uncertainty as to whether owner George Gillet will divest himself of team ownership or whether he will solidify it by bringing in additional partners. How that story develops will have a direct impact on who will manage and coach this team next season.
In the epilogue to the abrupt and sad closure to a season that was full of promise, I find that that my attention is turned towards the perceived negative effects of a certain segment of fans and media who have a penchant for impatience, negativity, attack and a lack of understanding of the game.
It’s hard to say just how much of an impact these negative elements can have on a team. I’m sure players are affected by things that are written and said about them. Depending on the individual’s reading and absorptive habits, true.
From a coaching or managerial viewpoint, there are sure to be instances where it might be seen best for a player who is under tremendous attack to be moved on. Jose Theodore might be an example of this.
My hope is that there is a swell against that negative type of fan and media member. We could see such an occurrence on the internet; where public opinion can shift quickly and convincingly.
Maybe a series of Youtube how-to-be-a-fan lectures from Russell Peters, Rick Mercer and Jean Charest might help.
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