Cunneyworth
WILMINGTON, Mass. — Just because the Bruins and Montreal Canadiens are mortal enemies doesn’t mean there isn’t room for some empathy between members of both organizations.
Bruins head coach Claude Julien, who is bilingual but was still once fired as coach of the Habs, can see both sides of the situation involving Randy Cunneyworth and the issue of him not speaking French. Cunneyworth was hired last month as interim head coach after the firing of Jacques Martin.
Montreal visits Boston tomorrow night.
“I feel for him a little bit because he’s been picked on for not being able to speak the language. And yet at the same time, I think the most important thing right now for him is to right the ship in Montreal,” said Julien after Bruins practice today at TD Garden. “I think the people, knowing them over there, will certainly appreciate him making an effort to either learn the language and do that. … And what people have to realize too, it’s important for them over there to have somebody that can communicate. And I’m not saying that that’s not Randy. If he makes an effort, they’re open to that.
“When you look at the province, and you look at the followers, a lot of it is about French. And media-wise, as you guys know, if I came here and couldn’t speak English, it’d certainly make your job pretty hard. So you’ve just got to reverse it a little bit. And if I had to speak French and somebody had to translate everything, it’s tough for you guys to sell the product. So you’ve got to understand both sides of it. But for Randy, I’ve known him for a while. If he says he’s going to learn the language, he will. I think they’re going to be open to that and all he’s got to do right now is right the ship for them.”
In any language, Julien is always diplomatic in matters like this. The most important thing for the Bruins is to make sure that ship righting doesn’t start tomorrow night at the TD Garden.
I soooo wish it was Quaider that had grabbed Subban instead of Ferrence. Maybe he would’ve at least got a couple good shots in before he turtled up like a little sissy. Like Jack said, the Rats are taking over. Really glad Napolean Dynamite(Kreijci) saw it coming just a second before it happened to brace a bit for it. (Seriously, go back and watch the movie, then look at Kreijci with his helmet on, it’s hilarious how close they look to each other.) Total headshot on one of our points guys. I would hope this would get a look at from Shanahan, as if it was one of our own that did it, it certainly would.
Can’t believe they yanked Cammelleri out of the game after the second period either! Can’t say I’ve ever seen that before.
Another B’s/Habs classic game. Glad Lucic got the GWG. He’s been playing great.
Yikes, Cammalleri sent back to the hotel after the 2nd period. Looks like Cammalleri’s criticism of the habs sealed his fate.
Subban might be getting a call from Shanahan? He was doing everything right on that check until he brought up his arm to Krejci’s chin.
At least there aren’t players in the division that get injured eating pancakes. I chuckled at the Penner story!
Patrick D
I agree that Patrice Bergeron should have made that squad someplace.
And that’s just it Cormac. You nailed it. It doesn’t matter how well they do the fans will still fill the seats. Even if it’s to boo the Habs and cheer the other teams goalie. It reminds me of the last few years of Ballard in TO. The gardens was sold out for every game and the Leafs were awful so why would he try to put a better team on the ice. Its too bad that there are cities in this league with good teams that play to empty buildings while every city in Canada and a few in the northern US would fill an arena every night just to watch the visiting teams play.
PatrickD,
That would be a great hat trick for Bergeron.
I hope, as the habs go through there growing pains, that “THE” Rivalry doesn’t fade in Montreal. It would give the B’s the opportunity to catch up in W’s.
I wouldn’t expect a significant drop off in Centre Bell attendance, regardless of who they ice every game.
Completely agree with you RD…I was being facetious more than anything. Montreal has to get rid of Gauthier and soon.
On another note I see the ASG list has been released and Seguin made it over Bergeron. I guess I see why but it would have been nice to see Patrice get some recognition. He better win the Selke this year…you know, and the Cup…and the Conn Smythe too…
Cormac’s right. It’s very hard to loan Cammalleri out to another team because he costs 6 mil per season till 2013-2014, he’s not scoring and does not bring much else to the rink than scoring.
I think we’re stuck with the guy.
He’s been known to be a bit of a selfish player with the other teams he’s played for. Why didn’t Calgary pick him up after potting 40 goals for them? Apparently there were big issues with him and a couple veterans on the team.
Montreal has been overpaying players for a while now so it will be very difficult to blow up the team aside from maybe off loading Travis Moen who is a good value and assigning Gomez to Hamilton.
Yannick Weber might be worth something to someone but not more than a 2nd or 3rd rounder.
I don’t believe in the fail to the nail philosophy. There’s paying fans out there and tanking on purpose lacks a certain dignity. Sure, it got Pittsburgh Malkin, Crosby and Staal but the club damn near folded before that. Play to the best of your ability with what you have and toss the GM before he does any more damage.
PatrickD,
Whether Cammalleri has the motivation to still play in a habs sweater is a big ?…he ‘could’ help a PO contending team. His $6mil. cap hit, his $7mil. salary for the next 2 years on top of this season’s performance hinders a trade for top prospects, draft position, IMO.
I think what really bugged people about the Koivu incident was the he speaks perfect French…but he chose not to when addressing the audience. So has everyone read Cammalleri’s comments from yesterday? I think he wants out…As far as this next game goes I have a feeling we’ll see a very hungry and nastier Habs tonight than we have been seeing in the last 15 games. If they can’t get up for a game in Boston then they need to pull the plug on this team. Blow it up, get what they can for their high profile guys and aim for the bottom. Then rebuild around Yakupov. I’ve heard it referred to as “Fail for Nail”. Regardless I hope the Bruins put up another 6 spot tonight. Benoit with a hat-trick perhaps?
RD,
I’m sure the real hab fans, like yourself, are chatting this rivalry up. Too bad Saku Koivu got heat for not parlez Francais.
Anyway, here’s hoping for another B’s ‘W’ tonight.
Sign the habs stink this year?
ZERO buzz about a Bruins / Habs matchup. Even in Montreal, we’re being fairly quiet about this one because this is the worst performing habs squad we’re putting forward since the Rejean Houle years ( and even then I think our record might be worse).
May the old ghosts return for a night and make for a classic match.
Gainey, Robinson, Bowman, Dryden, there’s a long list of Anglophone players and coaches that have learned to speak the language and the fans adored them for it.
Hell, Brian Gionta did his best introducing the team in French and it got a huge ovation from the crowd.
The problem in Montreal is the crazy media that follows the team. They need the coach to give them their precious soundbytes because without them, we would not need 50 damned reporters at a practice.
I have not always liked what Julien has to say but he seems to be the voice of reason in all of this. English people are offended, French people are offended and Claude does a good job of pointing out both sides of the equation.
I feel badly for Randy Cunneyworth. He is in a tough situation being an Anglophone who does not speak French. My wife and I were in Montreal and Quebec City a few years back. Our French was poor but the people in both cities appreciated our efforts to speak their language. That may not be enough for Mr. Cunneyworth. It does not sound like he will be the head coach beyond this season. Even winning may not help him. He should, though, gain some valuable experience in the passionate hockeytown for his future.
Could care less Montreal hierarchy is having real problems understanding that they have very limited talent right now and none in the pipe line. They are guilty of simply “we are the Canadiens” and always succeed,a lot I guess like the Roman empire mentality. Here’s the secret they have absolutly nothing right now that will turn it around. So hopefully the next coach or leader speaks Canadian English or Pig Latin.
Claude is right. It would be awkward, in most NHL franchises, if the head coach was a unilingual francophone. Claude does point out that Cunneyworth did state he would learn French, and most Francophones will be satisfied with that.
Pierre
Some classes and immersion programs, spending a summer in the Lac. St. Jean region, and a desire to learn, can work wonders. I speak poor French, but when I try most Quebeckers are very appreciative of my efforts. I think most Quebeckers will appreciate his efforts more than his profeciency.
This topic fascinates me.
I wonder how much French Cunneyworth does have.
If he has no knowledge at all, it’s hardly a matter of just “learning it.”
Sure, he can study his tail off and learn the basics(you know with all that down-time NHL head coaches have…”
But, getting to a level of proficiency to take and answer questions from the press?
Wow, now that takes years!
Don’t think Cunneysworth will be along long enough to make it worthwhile.