The Montreal Canadiens continue to struggle, but you wouldn't know it based on Marc Bergevin's steady approach to the team. Bergevin, staring down the barrel of a five-game losing streak, met with the media on Thursday and made clear that whatever changes do come this season, they won't involve Habs head coach Michel Therrien.
Bergevin told reporters that Therrien will be safe "regardless of what happens the rest of the season," according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.
Bergevin says Therrien is safe for the rest of the season regardless of what happens rest of the season
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) January 21, 2016
Talk had swirled in recent days that Therrien's seat could be especially warm since the once league-leading Canadiens have now dropped to sixth place in the Atlantic. The Habs aren't far out of a playoff spot, but they certainly aren't in the same kind of position they were only a month or so ago.
Over their last 10 games, Therrien's Habs have won only three times. They're set to square off against the improved, but ultimately undermanned Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.
Perhaps part of the reason for Bergevin's patience with Therrien is the early season injury suffered to All-World Montreal netminder Carey Price. Price, after posting a Vezina and Hart Trophy-winning season in 2014-15, has appeared in just 12 games for the Canadiens this season. His numbers when he has played have been just as stellar as always - .934 save percentage, 2.06 goals against - but he simply hasn't been able to stay healthy.
Bergevin addressed Price's status on Thursday as well and indicated to reporters that there is still no timetable for Price's return to the lineup, according to Chris Stevenson of NHL.com.
Most interesting thing Bergevin has said is no timetable for Price. Could be out for another month. #habs.
— Chris Stevenson (@CJ_Stevenson) January 21, 2016
Mike Condon has carried the load for the most part in Price's absence, posting a .907 save percentage and 2.42 goals against average in 31 games of work, and the team recently acquired backup Ben Scrivens.
But if the Habs and Therrien are to have any shot at making another run at the postseason this year, they'll need Price to return, and quick.
