Make no mistake, Georges Laracque will not be missed. On Sunday, January 17th, 2010, The Montreal Canadiens were visiting the New York Rangers. After a strong 1st period, they came out of it up 2-0. John Torterella, Coach of the Rangers, was fuming with the lacklustre performance provided by his team.
The Rangers came out forechecking and swinging in the 2nd. Using his last line change advantage, he was putting out his goons and trouble makers out on the ice whenever he could. several fights broke out and a lot of cheap shots happened. This tactic was used but Torterella as a reply rather than challenging his skilled players. Let's be clear, Torterella is a sewer rat, has no coaching abilities and is worthy of an American league team , not an NHL club.
The problem is that whenever Laraque went onto the ice, the goons were called of and replaced by his skilled players. Laracque has class and is THE best fighter in the NHL. He did not stoop down to the level of going after the Rangers star players. Problem was, the Rangers would not play there tough guys when he was on the ice.
Laracque obviously did not follow direction to reply in favor to the Rangers and get things shaking on the Canadiens side by challenging the Rangers top guys. Mistake. When called upon, you must execute. result 3-2 Rangers after 2 periods.
More of the same in the 3rd, with the Habs players confused and angry, fell off there game plan and lost 6-2. Mr. Laracque played his last game as a Montreal Canadien. Good ridance. Unfortunately I liked him but no one want to fight him and he is not a scorer.
Chiprush