Forever_Habs10 Posted January 20, 2012 Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 Are Canadiens fans losing faith? At Thursday practice in Brossard, there were as many players as onlookers. Dave Stubbs writes about the first hints of fan disaffection with their 13th-place Montreal Canadiens... • More crucial games loom • Fixing the PP • Will Hal Gill be moved? • Gauthier is a ramblin' man • Sabres also sinking • Trade deadline chatter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 20, 2012 Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 Normal for disinterest to surface during the bad times. I'm still here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forever_Habs10 Posted January 20, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 I'm still here. As I am also .......at least were not paying for tickets.......some of those latest games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennifer_rocket Posted January 20, 2012 Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 Normal for disinterest to surface during the bad times. I'm still here. I'm still here too. BUT! I am happy to see that the fans are not satisfied and starting to show it. I usually attend about four or five games at the Bell Centre every season. This year? 0. How many WILL I be going to? Probably 0. Maybe 1. Why? 'Cause the prices have gotten too expensive and the team is largely putrid. The fans want something to be excited for. If the team was bad, but had exciting, young, top-line forwards they would still go. However, we do not have any exciting, young, top-line forwards. Yet, anyway. Right now there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone is just seeing large contracts, under-performance, not making the play-offs... That's the big picture right now. And yes, voice your displeasure! The team needs to realize we might start not paying ridiculous amounts of money to see a team with very little enthusiasm play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forever_Habs10 Posted January 20, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 I am happy to see that the fans are not satisfied and starting to show it. ...... The fans want something to be excited for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nine1One Posted January 20, 2012 Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 Fans want to make the play offs Fans want the glory days back Fans want new management Fans want a superstar again We can't do it all if we keep drafting middle of the pack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flying_Lion Posted January 20, 2012 Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 Fans want to make the play offs Fans want the glory days back Fans want new management Fans want a superstar again We can't do it all if we keep drafting middle of the pack. Yes. Yes. Not necessarily but probably. Yes. At the end of the day, the lofty expectations and media scrutiny - far more intense than any other market - hampers our ability to be as successful as other teams in the free agent market. This season, if we don't start a double-digit win streak soon, is an opportunity to fix things. Drafting high would help but if fat long-term contracts that hang over us for years is all we have, it'll be tough for optimism for the next season. I will always be a Fan but that doesn't mean I can't be unhappy and disappointed with the situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest habs1952 Posted January 20, 2012 Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 As in all sports there are good times and bad times. I'll never lose faith in the Habs. If I did I wouldn't be a fan. Now, I'm certainly disappointed with the Habs performance this year but I reckon the Habs have given me a lot more to cheer about over my lifetime than they have given me to be disgruntled about. You younger fans need to stick with them because when they win their 25th cup you will find it all the more gratifying. Go Habs Go!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CANADIENS27 Posted January 20, 2012 Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 I'm still here too. BUT! I am happy to see that the fans are not satisfied and starting to show it. I usually attend about four or five games at the Bell Centre every season. This year? 0. How many WILL I be going to? Probably 0. Maybe 1. Why? 'Cause the prices have gotten too expensive and the team is largely putrid. The fans want something to be excited for. If the team was bad, but had exciting, young, top-line forwards they would still go. However, we do not have any exciting, young, top-line forwards. Yet, anyway. Right now there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone is just seeing large contracts, under-performance, not making the play-offs... That's the big picture right now. And yes, voice your displeasure! The team needs to realize we might start not paying ridiculous amounts of money to see a team with very little enthusiasm play. This is what it's going to take. Make the Molsons feel it in the wallet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RocketPower Posted January 20, 2012 Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 Won't lose faith but work effort has gotta improve for the better - this off and on Play just doesn't cut it . Our bigger Players Gotta be more aggressive around the net more often and we will WIN More games than not ie. ( stay ) around the net longer for shots coming in - deflections etc. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddienmike Posted January 20, 2012 Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 I won't be supporting another team anytime soon,this is my team and I am with them to the bitter end,they will get better. GO HABS GO :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weepingminotaur Posted January 20, 2012 Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 Fans have supported a largely mediocre team the past decade. I wouldn't worry. And it is perfectly normal for fans to lose interest in coming to games when the product is this bad. It's not even the losing on its own -- it's losing and playing boring hockey that together constitute the killer. Montreal fans appreciate the artistry of the game. Gomez said in today's Gazette that he's played in rinks where they boo an offside, i.e. crowds that don't understand the game. The Bell Centre crowd is hockey literate, and right now, they are voicing their displeasure as such. This isn't mindless booing -- it's a measured response from a crowd that has seen enough. I don't blame 'em. The only way to get the Molsons to make changes is to hit them in the wallet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nine1One Posted January 20, 2012 Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 Fans have supported a largely mediocre team the past decade. I wouldn't worry. And it is perfectly normal for fans to lose interest in coming to games when the product is this bad. It's not even the losing on its own -- it's losing and playing boring hockey that together constitute the killer. Montreal fans appreciate the artistry of the game. Gomez said in today's Gazette that he's played in rinks where they boo an offside, i.e. crowds that don't understand the game. The Bell Centre crowd is hockey literate, and right now, they are voicing their displeasure as such. This isn't mindless booing -- it's a measured response from a crowd that has seen enough. I don't blame 'em. The only way to get the Molsons to make changes is to hit them in the wallet. Isn't gomez already doing that lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest archey Posted January 20, 2012 Report Share Posted January 20, 2012 the question is losing faith. there is a certain mellow glow that one gets one you suddenly find yourself on the PP-- in memories of an age ago. without that glow there is no house to build on. there are just tracks as one says to the nearest hotel. well forget that!!! i know its not likely we'll get anywhere anytime soon but i'm going to take it one day at a time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinnipegJet Posted January 21, 2012 Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 Fans have supported a largely mediocre team the past decade. I wouldn't worry. And it is perfectly normal for fans to lose interest in coming to games when the product is this bad. It's not even the losing on its own -- it's losing and playing boring hockey that together constitute the killer. Montreal fans appreciate the artistry of the game. Gomez said in today's Gazette that he's played in rinks where they boo an offside, i.e. crowds that don't understand the game. The Bell Centre crowd is hockey literate, and right now, they are voicing their displeasure as such. This isn't mindless booing -- it's a measured response from a crowd that has seen enough. I don't blame 'em. The only way to get the Molsons to make changes is to hit them in the wallet. Good luck actually doing that in a substantial way, though. Regardless of how bad a team the Canadiens end up being, they're still a financial gold mine. Tickets won't magically stop selling, neither will merchandise. Sure, fans will be disgruntled, but that doesn't necessarily translate to a poorer bottom line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weepingminotaur Posted January 21, 2012 Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 Good luck actually doing that in a substantial way, though. Regardless of how bad a team the Canadiens end up being, they're still a financial gold mine. Tickets won't magically stop selling, neither will merchandise. Sure, fans will be disgruntled, but that doesn't necessarily translate to a poorer bottom line. I wouldn't be so sure of that, Jet. It was just over a decade ago that the Canadiens were a team that had trouble filling out the arena. The Houle era had bludgeoned the fanbase. Attendance was down, merch sales were down. Gillett was able to buy the team for surprisingly low value. Montreal fans don't have endless patience. According to the Gazette, the Bell Centre is already showing empty seats -- crowd noise is noticeably lower even on TV, and the booing starts much earlier and for less reason on a given night (i.e. it's booing that reflects the miserable season as a whole, not any one game). Geoff Molson had better not take this fanbase for granted or he'll get an unpleasant surprise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forever_Habs10 Posted January 21, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 I won't be supporting another team anytime soon,this is my team and I am with them to the bitter end,...they will get better. My God....can't wait maddie for that day to arrive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grecohab Posted January 21, 2012 Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 I am a supporter from hundreds of miles away, and have experienced some very long sleepless nights (due to time differencial). All i want to see is some team effort and convincing management for the future. Sunny days will come apparently... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
endo519 Posted January 21, 2012 Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 I'm still here too. BUT! I am happy to see that the fans are not satisfied and starting to show it. I usually attend about four or five games at the Bell Centre every season. This year? 0. How many WILL I be going to? Probably 0. Maybe 1. Why? 'Cause the prices have gotten too expensive and the team is largely putrid. The fans want something to be excited for. If the team was bad, but had exciting, young, top-line forwards they would still go. However, we do not have any exciting, young, top-line forwards. Yet, anyway. Right now there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Everyone is just seeing large contracts, under-performance, not making the play-offs... That's the big picture right now. And yes, voice your displeasure! The team needs to realize we might start not paying ridiculous amounts of money to see a team with very little enthusiasm play. well said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
endo519 Posted January 21, 2012 Report Share Posted January 21, 2012 As in all sports there are good times and bad times. I'll never lose faith in the Habs. If I did I wouldn't be a fan. Now, I'm certainly disappointed with the Habs performance this year but I reckon the Habs have given me a lot more to cheer about over my lifetime than they have given me to be disgruntled about. You younger fans need to stick with them because when they win their 25th cup you will find it all the more gratifying. Go Habs Go!! The way this organization has been going and continues to go does not look like that will happen in a 8 year olds life time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elkheart Posted January 26, 2012 Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 The way this organization has been going and continues to go does not look like that will happen in a 8 year olds life time. What people need to realize is the glory days ended after the 70's. We we're still competative in the 80's , Patrick Roy helped us snag a couple more cups , and 1 in the 90's. Montreal and Toronto suffers from same thing , they will allways have legions of fans across Canada and the world , Fathers and Mothers will inspire thier kids to become fans and the base will allways be there. The days however of attracting top end players because of the glorious city and its rabid fans is over. Think about it , if you we're a top end Free agent and being offered Equal dollars to play in MTL or TO , or offered to play in a market where you on most days could escape the Media glare , acctually go out with you're family without being recognized or hounded , for the same millions which would you choose? Lets face it who wants the relentless critisism , hounding by media and fans , scrutiny , etc when you could only answer to the management of you're organization in a less hockey mad city. Just look at the contracts being handed out to vets in MTL and TO the last few years , it's crazy , and the bigger stars have no interest in signing with either team , including many Quebec born players choosing not to sign here. The only way we build is via the draft , and trades , there is no other way and it means accepting a mediocre hockey team , which MTL fans will not stand for , Toronto has for years but hasn't worked out well for them lately Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest habs1952 Posted January 26, 2012 Report Share Posted January 26, 2012 What people need to realize is the glory days ended after the 70's. We we're still competative in the 80's , Patrick Roy helped us snag a couple more cups , and 1 in the 90's. Montreal and Toronto suffers from same thing , they will allways have legions of fans across Canada and the world , Fathers and Mothers will inspire thier kids to become fans and the base will allways be there. The days however of attracting top end players because of the glorious city and its rabid fans is over. Think about it , if you we're a top end Free agent and being offered Equal dollars to play in MTL or TO , or offered to play in a market where you on most days could escape the Media glare , acctually go out with you're family without being recognized or hounded , for the same millions which would you choose? Lets face it who wants the relentless critisism , hounding by media and fans , scrutiny , etc when you could only answer to the management of you're organization in a less hockey mad city. Just look at the contracts being handed out to vets in MTL and TO the last few years , it's crazy , and the bigger stars have no interest in signing with either team , including many Quebec born players choosing not to sign here. The only way we build is via the draft , and trades , there is no other way and it means accepting a mediocre hockey team , which MTL fans will not stand for , Toronto has for years but hasn't worked out well for them lately If the Habs had a team capable of contending for the Cup I think a lot of elite players would change their tune. Players want to win a cup and the Habs haven't had a team capable of doing that since 1993. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinot-1 Posted January 27, 2012 Report Share Posted January 27, 2012 Faith restored,,,,,,,,for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manatee-X Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 Sorry if I'm late to the party, but I just read this thread for the first time. I don't know if the whole 'hitting them in the wallet' approach makes a whole lot of sense in Montreal, for two reasons. #1: Geoff Molson, at least on the surface, seems to actually want to make this the best hockey team that he can. And even before he came on board it's not as though Montreal has been averse to spending money and taking on big, long-term contracts (see "little three, the"). I don't think our poor performance is a matter of ownership not being willing to do its part. #2: Playoff revenue is a big deal. Even if you forget all the merchandise sales and everything else an exciting playoff run will bring, it would take a LOT of dissatisfied fans not buying things to equal the attendance revenue from a single playoff game. Players don't get paid any extra in a playoff season, so a playoff home game is basically an excuse to print money. So again, I don't think ownership wants to see the team playing badly regardless of how much merchandise the fans buy. Having said all that, I've got nothing against booing a lethargic performance. If anything it shows that the fans do care about this team, and hopefully it's something that the players take note of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grecohab Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 This season against the Sabres (who won't make the playoffs) 0-3 at the Bell Center. A good enough reason to lose faith, i assume. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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