I love Paris in the springtime (February 2003)
Earlier this season, the toughest crowd on the planet found a new target for its boos and raspberries. Mariusz Czerkawski came to town and was supposed to be the answer to Montreal's scoring woes. Night after night he shot and missed; he was squeezing his stick too hard and rarely found the back of the net. The Bell Centre boo-birds made their feelings known to the new Hab as they watched Czerkawski's scoring percentage drop like a stone.
Andre Savard sent the 30-year old Pole to Hamilton to find his game. And that he did. Czerkawski spent 2 weeks with the Bulldogs and was even named player of the week based on his offensive skills. He came back to Montreal a better, more confidant, all-round player. His shots and ice-time are up as well. Though he hasn't become the scoring machine the organization had hoped for, the exile to Steeltown has benefited both Czerkawski and the Habs.
Savard has tried this method on another struggling player, Donald Audette. The Canadiens put him on waivers, but no team wanted his salary or his scoring troubles so he too went down to Hamilton. In 8 games with the 'dogs he's scored 3 goals -- the same number he tallied for Montreal in 36 games. The Canadiens management and fans alike remember Audette as a big playoff hero last year; perhaps that's why they aren't going to give up on him. He may come back from Hamilton with his confidence and his scoring touch renewed.
Down in the Silicon Valley, the San Jose Sharks were struggling (who am I kidding, they're still struggling!) A young (27) Swede named Niklas Sundstrom was in a funk of his own. A 2nd-line winger who was getting less and less ice time, he seemed lost under new Shark Coach Ron Wilson. In that nutty 3-way deal with the Bruins and the Habs, he ended up in Montreal. Oh great, I thought. Another underachiever.
Not so fast. He has 4 goals and 7 points in 11 games with the Canadiens and his versatility has been a bonus to the team. He can play either wing, he's dependable on the checking line and even contributes when he plays the odd shift on the number 2 line. Sundstrom has found new life in a new city.
Which brings me to Patrice Brisebois. A week ago, the veteran defenceman was diagnosed with a cardiac problem brought on by stress. Montreal's overworked physician, Dr. David Mulder, sent him home for some rest and recuperation. Given the state of Canadian team doctors these days, not to mention several recent deaths in the sport world, no one thought twice about the decision to give Brisebois some special leave.
Apparently, Patrice Brisebois packed his kit bag and went to Paris for his down time. Who can blame him, really? If you were a millionaire with a couple of days off, might you not think of going to Paris? Or Rome? Hamilton might be the latest destination of choice for troubled Habs, but you've got to give Brisebois credit; when he goes to hell he goes in style!
And don't think it isn't hell. Playing in front of booing fans night after night. Sure, he's being paid big bucks to do so, but don't forget under it all he's a human being. I'm reading in the papers and hearing on the radio that he's about to be shipped out like Vladimir Malakhov was before him for taking an unscheduled holiday, and that's a shame.
Yes, you read that right. I know I've criticized Brisebois, the only member of the current Habs to be wearing a 1993 Cup ring. But I also praised him. Late last year and early this season he and Karl Dykhuis made up one of the steadiest defence duos in the league. It wasn't until Therrien broke them up (and I still can't figure it) that Brisebois started having the odd bad game. But come on, the guy is no Patrick Traverse!
Sheldon Souray is on his way back, Francis "Beef" Boullion is filling in nicely and the towering pair of Ron Hainsey and Mike Komisarek is at the ready. Brisebois might not get back in the lineup at all. And as much as I'm excited about Souray being close to action, he's no miracle worker. He'll be rusty. He'll need time to get to know the new kids that have come up since he's been down all season. Chris Pronger he ain't.
Will we miss Patrice Brisebois? In many little ways, you bet. I for one hope he comes back, but honestly, the way we've all treated him -- millionaire or not -- he's a human being. A talented, sometimes tragic, often humble hero. A gentle pressbox and a positive crowd at the Bell Centre could be the change of scenery he deserves. I hope we can give him that chance.