These were the words from Montreal coach Michel Therrien when the Canadiens landed Thomas Vanek in a trade-deadline deal with the Islanders in early March: “Wow, what great news for our team. It’s a really exciting addition. Thomas Vanek is a prolific scorer. … We all know what he can bring to a power play, too.”
Before flying to New York to play the Rangers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final at Madison Square Garden, these were Therrien’s words after Wednesday’s Canadiens practice, during which the struggling Vanek was skating on the fourth line: “Don’t read too much, OK?’’ The situation, he said, “might change tomorrow.’’
What Therrien did not say is how things might change. Despite Therrien’s resolute support, there has been speculation he might make Vanek, who’s been struggling to score goals, a healthy scratch for Game 3.
Vanek is tied for the team lead in goals with five in the playoffs, but he’s only scored in three of his 13 games and has failed to register a single shot on goal three times, including the 3-1 loss to the Rangers in Game 2 Monday.
Vanek, who has been on a line centered by Tomas Plekanec, was on the ice in practice with center Daniel Briere and right winger Brandon Prust, a unit that usually gets limited ice time. He was rotating with rookie Michael Bournival on right wing, leading to speculation he might be scratched.
Therrien, who on Sunday insisted he had no plans to sit Vanek, would not confirm anything Wednesday and for a second day in row he declined to criticize Vanek’s play.
On a Tuesday conference call, after speaking specifically about several of his players, including forwards Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk, when Therrien was asked about Vanek, he said he’d prefer not to talk about individual players.
“First of all, he’s healthy,” Therrien said. “Secondly, I’m not going to start talking about individual players because one of the reasons we’re in the conference final is that everyone’s contributed in their own way in the playoffs. Thomas is a member of our team and he’s also made a contribution for us to reach the conference final.
“So I’d rather not talk about that because I have a lot of respect for what the team’s done since the start of the playoffs.’’