Cunneyworth trying to get Gomez going
The Canadiens' coaching staff is challenging veteran center Scott Gomez to become a more productive player. Gomez is the highest-paid player on the Canadiens' roster at $7.5 million, but he has scored only one goal and added seven assists in 28 games.
The Canadiens want Gomez to play a more direct game, and coach Randy Cunneyworth benched him during Monday's 5-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. He was on the ice for a season-low 7:49, about half of his average ice time for the season.
The following day, Gomez found himself the center of attention when he became involved in an argument with assistant coach Randy Ladouceur. The coach felt that Gomez wasn't working hard enough in a drill, and the two exchanged words. There was a second exchange a minute later, and assistant coach Larry Carriere stepped in as mediator.
Cunneyworth said the drill was designed to teach players to go hard to the net, and he said that was Gomez's biggest shortcoming against Carolina.
"We're trying to play a north-south game," Cunneyworth said, "and if guys aren't willing to do that, we'll go with the players who understand what we're trying to do."
The other player in the doghouse in the Carolina game was left winger Andrei Kostitsyn, who was limited to 4:20 of ice time. Cunneyworth said Kostitsyn made three turnovers on three shots, with one of the turnovers leading to the Hurricanes' first goal.
After the morning skate Wednesday, Kostitsyn said he got cold sitting on the bench Monday. He said he hasn't asked for a trade, but his impending status as an unrestricted free agent marks him as a candidate as the deadline approaches. His offensive production has lagged this season, but he can help a team looking for a strong two-way forward.
Both players appeared to get the message Wednesday in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Boston Bruins. While neither one made the score sheet, they played strong games.
"They both have skills," Cunneyworth said, "and they can help us when they're playing within the system."
Copyright (C) 2012 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
