Despite the absence of Claude Julien behind them, the Canadiens players will not be Gros-Jean as they are ahead against the Flyers with Kirk Muller at the helm.
• Read also: Claude Julien hospitalized and absent for the rest of the series
• Read also: “We hope it won’t be serious”
• Read also: “We’re in shock” – Alain Vigneault
“Most NHL rosters rely on an assistant who was once a head coach. For my part, I have two [Michel Therrien et Mike Yeo] and Claude to Kirk Muller. I worked with him at the World Championship [en 2019] and Michel [Therrien] know him. I know he’s a good trainer and a good individual, ”said Alain Vigneault.
Moreover, the Flyers pilot does not expect the Canadian to present a different face because of this unexpected transition.
“Before the series, they made a preparation according to the Flyers. They will certainly continue to apply what they had prepared, ”he said.
In this regard, Marc Bergevin indicated that Julien’s replacement would have free rein in his decision-making.
“In the heat of the moment, during a match, he will have 100% carte blanche to give the team the best chance of winning,” assured the Canadiens general manager.
Like Jacques Demers
Muller’s experience at the helm of a Bettman Tour team boils down to just over two and a half seasons at the helm of the Carolina Hurricanes. In 187 games in Raleigh (2011-12 to 2013-14), he maintained a .500 record (80-80-27), being excluded from the playoffs three times in as many springs.
In his defense, let’s say he didn’t have much on hand.
Associate coach with the Habs since the 2016-2017 season, Muller mainly wears the assistant label. In his first five-season stint in this capacity with the Canadiens, Muller was the right-hand man of three coaches: Guy Carbonneau, Bob Gainey and Jacques Martin.
Before returning to the Canadian fold, he held the same position with the Blues. Two seasons to support Ken Hitchcock.
The former Canadiens captain worked to a similar position on the international stage during the 2012 and 2019 World Championships.
By the way, this is not the first time Muller has experienced a similar situation.
In March 1993, Jacques Demers, his head coach with the Canadiens, had to be absent for two games due to chest pain. Jacques Lemaire had taken over.
–
