Since this afternoon, the name of Claude Julien is on everyone’s lips. Following his chest pain and hospitalization, the Canadiens coach sees everyone in hockey behind him.
In the last hour, it was the Philadelphia Flyers who offered their support to Claude Julien’s family.
Some things are bigger than sports. Sending our thoughts to Claude and his family and hoping for a speedy recovery. ????????
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) August 13, 2020
In Quebec, François Legault, Michel Bergeron and Alain Vigneault, to name just a few, wished the Canadian driver a speedy recovery.
We felt Vigneault particularly affected… which is normal. After all, he has known Julien for forty years.
Hospitalization of Claude Julien | He’s a friend and we want everything to go well ”- Alain Vigneault
Philadelphia Flyers head coach responded to the news ➡️ https://t.co/Qtxphuubvq pic.twitter.com/r0WDOLIDQ3
— 98,5 Sports (@985Sports) August 13, 2020
The last time the Canadian didn’t have Claude Julien behind the bench, Kirk Muller was Michel Therrien’s assistant. Ironically, the two men will be present at tomorrow’s match, but under very different conditions. Completely different, in fact.
Because yes, the coach Acting has one hell of a challenge on hand. He never led in the playoffs and he arrives in a pretty difficult situation for the club.
It also happens by having carte blanche.
Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin: “In the heat of action during the games, Kirk (Muller) will have 100 percent carte blanche to make the decisions he believes necessary to help the team win.” #StanleyCup
— Dave Stubbs (@Dave_Stubbs) August 13, 2020
–
But if he was chosen, it’s because he has experience – and because he’s the assistant coach. He has lived and he could just take advantage of this experience to help himself behind the bench of Flanelle.
Let’s go back to 1993. Jacques Demers is the club’s trainer, which includes Kirk Muller as a player. On March 9, 1993, Jacques Demers was hospitalized due to chest discomfort. Exactly like Claude Julien.
At the time, it was Jacques Lemaire who took over the post while waiting for Demers to return. The latter ultimately returned… and the Canadian won the Cup.
Different team, different time. But Kirk Muller experienced a similar situation as player with #Habs.
March 9, 1993 – coach Jacques Demers is hospitalized with chest pains. Jacques Lemaire takes over. Demers later returns. Exactly 3 months to the day later, #Habs win Cup. pic.twitter.com/HG80tk6zsy
– Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) August 13, 2020
–
I don’t want to draw too much parallels because the CH doesn’t have the team to win the Stanley Cup. I also don’t want to do it because it was during the season and the team wasn’t in a bubble in Toronto in the midst of a global pandemic.
Having said that, Muller saw how Lemaire did it. He might even talk to her. He has felt the point of view of his players, which can help him put himself in the shoes of his men for tomorrow’s game.
It won’t be easy. But if everyone sticks together, the Canadian can play very hard tomorrow.
And drive through emotion, it could wreak havoc.
A lot of
– Free? Wow.
Friedman mentions how he has heard NHL players tell European teams that they will come and play for no money, just room and board, they just want a place to play in the autumn during this year’s NHL offseason. Obviously with an out-clause.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) August 13, 2020
–
– Will the Impact guys stay with the team?
I asked Kevin Gilmore the question last week, have players told you that for family reasons they would like to return home. He said no, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened. Not easy. https://t.co/eVtjd9PWFF
– jeremy Filosa @ (@JeremyFilosa) August 13, 2020
–
– Speaking of Impact.
It’s official!!! August 25 at the Stadium !! #imfc @TVASports https://t.co/SpznRhtfr1
– Frédérique Guay (@frederiqueguay) August 13, 2020
–
– Knights # 67 is not available.
LINEUP UPDATE:
Max Pacioretty is unfit to play today vs the Blackhawks#VegasBorn
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) August 13, 2020
–
– PK Subban believes the Leafs have what it takes to bounce back.
–
–