Pin the Tail on the Captain

Dave Stubbs has an interesting piece in the gazoo today about Markov’s maturity. The important quote is right here:

“Nobody’s asked me about it,” he said of the captaincy…”But if they did, I’d think about it. … It’s a big responsibility to be captain in this city. I enjoy every day on our team and just try to do my job. This is not my first year and I feel more comfortable by the day.”

No doubt Markov is a leader on this team. He is one of the few remaining strands to the Habs team that was (Pleks is another). But there is a lot of equivocation in his statement. Part of that is because the question posed to Markov was speculative, and he needs to be cagey with a reporter on this subject so as not to ruffle any feathers or appear too eager. But I still think the Habs need better OFFICIAL leadership from its top players. I think they need to name a Captain.

Now I don’t believe the lack of a captain is what has hurt the Habs thus far. The lack of top-line talent and depth, injuries, new players, adjusting to a new coach and a new system are all bigger reasons for why the Habs have been so inconsistent.

But having said that, the Habs are now entering the second half of the season. They have played more games than their competition, they are relatively healthy, they have had ample time to adjust to their new surroundings. Their opportunity to win is NOW. And I just don’t get the sense that there is anyone in the room who has grabbed the mantle and staked his claim. Someone, aside from coach, who can grab players by the throats (in a friendly way, of course), hold them accountable after bad games but still cover for his teammates, who can lead by example on AND OFF the ice, who can be a difference-maker.

Now maybe the Habs just don’t have a player like that. Most teams don’t. But in order to win, MOST teams NEED that kind of player to be their captain.

And maybe being Captain of the Montreal Canadiens really is too big a job for one player. Maybe you need a couple players to fill that role. But someone(s) needs to take a stand and lead the way. I hope there is someone in there, behind closed doors, who is doing that.