State of Delusion

Its a match made in hockey's most self-important haven. Hardly perfect, yet so perfectly paired.

Sad sad Habs. Silly, silly supporters.

They're standing on the edge ready to jump. All for what? A group they believed to be an extension of a glorious past? What's going on in Montreal, throughout Quebec and much of Canada is a demonstration, if not the definition of delusion. Of course, historically the Montreal Canadiens are hockey's most successful organization, but the rear view mirror indicates its success that's just about out of sight now. Yeah, we watched the Canadiens hoist their last Stanley Cup in colour, but it was 16 years ago and without anything remotely as nice since. Even those lousy Leafs have done better. Not including a semifinal appearance that very same Spring, the brutal Buds have reached the Final-four on three occasions. Its hardly a comparison of their full histories, instead perspective for those who talk about the Canadiens as if success has always been a right of passage. Anyway, heading into this season, the objective observer pegged the Canadiens to be good, not great, and nowhere near the status of Ice Angels as predicted by those silly, silly Canadiens supporters. In September still buzzing from that 1st place finish 4 months earlier, Guy Carbonneau's Habs appeared to be a team bolstered by youth, speed, a top 5 selected goaltender coming off a surprisingly impressive debut and a veteran presence that might lead the way. The ingredients suggested something tasty with potential for more, and at times this season that was certainly the case. A masterpiece it wasn't, though showing the makings of an interesting creation. But even the most delicious can so turn disgustingly sour, and quick. Tonight the Canadiens find themselves in sour condition, rotting from within.

So should we be surprised?

This team, right from the get-go, had the potential to go bust. Wild, almost unattainable expectations aside, the Canadiens began play with holes in the armour, the kind that when exposed could force the entire foundation to come crumbling down. Lo and behold demise not naive destiny is the reality staring back at Montreal's disheartened hockey club. Again, its quite sad. And silly?

What's driving me nuts, and a deluded fan base is to blame for much of this, is this concept that the 2008/2009 Canadiens now under the misguidance of Bob Gainey are somehow carrying the torch passed to them by their legendary forefathers. Really? Honestly? Perhaps in the nostalgic frenzy of season 100 the daunting task of actually winning the championship became lost on the supporters of Quebec's team? But how could that be? For a group that professes loyalty to only excellence, failing to forecast this nonsense makes you wonder: do the good people of Montreal really know what good hockey is anymore? Could it be a passion for the crest evolving into nothing more than blind love for players who've ultimately shamed it?

Tonight a rabid, hungry contingent has become so desperate its willing to supplant what's real with what was and what's wished for.

Those who helped build the Canadiens' glorious legacy must be insulted by what's going on with the team they left behind. A tradition of excellence succeeded by overvaluation and under performance. The differences are obvious, to the rest of us, but what about the similarities? Off the ice, expectations remain as high now as they were back then. And much like their magical past, the Canadiens of the present are too under a spell. But any fragments of magic once floating adrift from the glory years are long gone. Today's Canadiens seem more and more to be playing cursed. Call it a wrath. A sign. Better yet, call it a reminder that the blood, sweat and tears in which tradition is built does not flow forever. So how much longer will the inheritors of the mighty estate continue, recklessly, to draw from yesterday's greatness? Its painfully obvious, now more than ever, the well has run dry.