Originally Posted by truebluefan

With each passing game, we hear more and more criticism aimed at the man child that is Guillame Latendresse. My question is, "What was everyone expecting, a 50 goal season?" Being a 20 year old French Canadian playing for the Habs brings with it expectations that no 20 year old could measure up to (Okay, maybe one could...). It has been years since the Habs had a true French Canadian scoring threat. Think about it.....how far back do we go? The last time a French Canadian led the team in scoring was Yanic Perreault back in 01-02 and that was only because Koivu was out getting cancer treatment. Perreault's 56 points was a truly forgetable acheivement. So, who before that, Stephane Richer? The point being, the fans in Montreal have been lusting after a French Hero to lead the Habs back to glory, and many have annointed Latendresse as "La Prochaine" (The next one).

So, what has happened? Latendresse is pretty much on track to put up similar numbers as he did in his rookie year. He is still no natural scoring threat, still has some defensive skills to work on, still doesn't use his weight enough, but still shows those few minutes every game where he looks like he belongs in the NHL. So, basically he looks like a 20 year old kid that should be working on his game in Hamilton, not at The Bell Centre. The problem is that Montreal is not a patient hockey town; Latendresse was given some space last year; we applauded his successess, forgave him his shortcomings. Well Guillame, your 12 month honeymoon is over, welcome to the hockey town that is Montreal. Born in Quebec you say? Ever hear of Guy Lafleur? I hope so, because no matter what you do, it will never be enough. I feel bad for the guy, as I did when Mickey Ribs finally called it quits on the Montreal Hockey Circus. I did notice that Mickey is currently leading the Stars in scoring and I was not surprised in the least. Now that he is free of the impossible pressure in Montreal, he seems to have found his rhtymn.

So how long will it be before the Media drives Latendresse from the hockey shrine on Ste Catherine street? I cannot see how he can develop his game playing in Montreal without being second guessed every step of the way. Guy Carbonneau should take advantage of Latendresse's current sore back and ship the kid back to Hamilton for a few weeks of "conditioning". A few weeks of confidence boosting would do him a world of good, but more importantly, being able to breathe normally for a few weeks away from the Montreal Media would be even better for his mental health and the long term probability that he stays in Montreal, because if things remain the way they are, Guillame will be working on his english language skills sooner rather than later.


Paul Alexander