The Montreal Canadiens collapse is still not over.
This has been the worst run of play over 22 games since 1940 and on Tuesday night the chorus got louder to do something big, whether that is to make a huge trade or fire head coach Michel Therrien.
With no end in sight to the carnage, experts are looking for a breakdown off the ice as well, but it's not happening.
Captain Max Pacioretty appears to have a genuine desire to let people know that they still support Michel Therrien as coach.
“He's been absolutely phenomenal and that’s what makes it so hard. I can't believe how well he's handled this and how positive he's been with us and night after night. We haven't been able to step up for him, because we all believe in this room we're all on board,” he said.
Often during losing skids, the locker room is a mess as fingers are pointed. Players are so frustrated that anger comes out.
The Habs, however, show a genuine desire to remain committed and together.
“Guys are positive and we're talking. We know there are still a lot of games left and now it's playoff hockey from here on out,” said defenceman Mark Barberio.
“This is a tight group,” added forward Dale Weise. “That's never going to be an issue here. We play hard for each other. We pull together. We stick together. We win as a team, we lose as a team.”
The players are protecting each other and their coach, not wanting drastic change, and in turn, Therrien is protecting his players.
“First of all, I would like to say that I was disappointed by a few fans who boo Andrei. This guy gives everything he’s got to this hockey team and he's 37 and he's a true professional. A true professional,” said Therrien in the post-game interview.
“Those guys don't deserve to get criticized for their effort. They don't deserve to get criticized.”
The Montreal Canadiens next game is in Toronto against the Maple Leafs Saturday night.
