The Montreal GM isn't making any promises, but he believes his team has what it takes to reach the post season.
MONTREAL (CP) -- Bob Gainey spent his first 21 games as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens taking stock of what he inherited when he replaced Andre Savard last spring.
His assessment one quarter of the way into the season is that while there is much room for improvement, the Canadiens have enough talent to make the post-season without making a major trade.
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"I believe we'll be in the playoffs," the former team captain said Tuesday. "I don't know that we will be in the playoffs, but I believe we will."
Gainey joined the Canadiens on June 2 after spending 14 seasons in the Minnesota-Dallas organization, first as head coach and later as general manager. Savard was dumped to assistant GM
Gainey had watched several Canadiens games while working on special assignments for Dallas last season, but was mostly unfamiliar with the club that missed the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.
"I've really been in absorbing mode," said Gainey, who turns 50 on Dec. 13. "I've been trying to take in who these guys are and how they fit together."
The Canadiens went 9-10-1-1 in the first quarter, which included a six-game homestand early on and a five-game road trip that ended with the Heritage Classic outdoor game on Saturday in Edmonton. Their 44 goals was fifth lowest in the NHL.
"We would be happier if we had three or four more points and I think the possibility was there for us, just by being better focused as a group and as individuals playing with more consistency," he said.
"That has to be our goal in the next 20 games, so that after 40 or 41 games we have a record above .500."
Gainey, addressing a throng of reporters at the Bell Centre prior to Tuesday's game versus Vancouver, said he didn't like talking about trades, saying it disturbs the players and "isn't healthy for anyone."
He admitted the smallish Canadiens would be better off if they got bigger, but said the team could be improved by working with the players on hand, particularly youngsters like centre Mike Ribeiro and rookie winger Michael Ryder.
"We need to get the glitches out," Gainey added. "Get Michael Ryder's down games not to be down.
"Get Mike Ribeiro to show us that great game two, three, four games in a row. That's where we'll make our improvement right now, not by waiting for someone to be parachuted in to change things.
"One thing I feel good about is that our team plays like a team and acts like a team, so that if (a prospect like) Ron Hainsey or Alexander Perezhogin comes in, they'll join a team that's functioning like a team."
Gainey has made few changes, but checking centre Steve Begin and tough guy Darrin Langdon, both claimed in the waiver draft in October, have worked out well for the team.
His public outburst against fans who booed defenceman Patrice Brisebois early in the season -- he called them "gutless" -- lifted a ton of pressure off his most experienced defenceman. Brisebois is now having one of his best seasons playing a more conservative role than in the past.
He also resisted pressure to trade Jose Theodore when news broke last summer that five members of the goaltender's family had been arrested for their alleged involvement in a loansharking ring. Theodore has been solid since the start of the season.
The attack can also be improved from within, particularly with captain Saku Koivu back after missing the first 13 games of the season with a sprained knee, Gainey said.
"How that will be measured in goals and assists, I don't know, but hockey is a team game that is played in trios," he said. "I can already see the difference in (Koivu's linemate) Richard Zednik, not only because he potted a couple of goals in his last game, but in his overall play.
"If they play together and use their skills, I'm sure the results will be there."
Gainey is also happy with coach Claude Julien.
"He's made some hard decisions about players coming in and out of the lineup," he said. "He's a good coach."
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Go Habs Go! The Drive for 25 is Alive :wavetowel !
It is possible if Theo keeps playing well, but I have a feeling the East is really gonna be tight this year, no ones expected boston, tampa, atlanta and NYI where they are now! Plus Ottawa is sure to kick it into gear soon so it will be a tight squeeze..
they deffinately need help on defence though... it isn't good when sheldon souray is your #1 guy
He's the GM. What's he supposed to say? But I'd like the Habs to get it together like in those first ten games and at least make a run for it. :twisted:
Well as badly as the Habs have played recently they are only 2 points out of the 8th playoff spot. Now I know that has a lot to do with the early season success but we do have a horse to take us there.....Theodore. I don't see any major moves in the near future but maybe a few minor tinkering could get some of our guys going. We do have some talented players that can score goals and some talent on defense.....I think its just a matter of getting everyone to play as team and work hard everynight. Consistency seems to be the biggest problem with this bunch.
One thing I would like to see Gainey go out and get is a puck moving defensemen. I believe Markov has the ability to be this guy but again being consistent is his major problem.
Some of the tools are there to at least be competitive for the last 3 or 4 spots in the Eastern Conference. This team needs to show more determination and drive, I'm not sure how that is going to be fixed if at all.
Gainey believes Habs can make playoffs
Gainey believes Habs can make playoffs
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