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Guy Lafleur Drops the Hammer on the Habs

The Flying Frenchman calls out Thomas Vanek and Max Pacioretty for Montreal's elimination from the playoffs

By mduart01
Lafleur won't be passing the torch to Pacioretty anytime soon
Lafleur won't be passing the torch to Pacioretty anytime soon
Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

For those looking for a little laughter in their lives during these dark days of the offseason, enjoy a little tidbit coming out of Montreal. Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur has publicly criticized the Habs for their elimination from the playoffs. The National Post article admits to using Google Translate, as the original comments were made in the French newspaper La Presse. After having scanned a quote from Lafleur which read "Guys like Vanek and Pacioretty, you cannot keep that in your team," I decided to head directly to the source of the comments, being blessed (or perhaps cursed) with an ability to speak French myself.

Let me tell you, I was not disappointed.

There were only a few relevant comments from Guy, but my oh my were they priceless:

Qu'ils restent chez eux s'ils ne sont pas prêts à payer le prix.

Translation: "Let [Pacioretty and Vanek] stay at home if they aren't ready and willing to pay the price." I agree Guy, or as you'd say - "Je suis d'accord!"

Too often Vanek and Pacioretty looked hesitant to engage physically in the corners, especially against the Bruins. Vanek especially was crucified by the media, and saw his ice time diminish at several points throughout the playoffs.

Here's another follow up gem from Guy:

Ton équipe ne gagnera jamais avec des joueurs comme ça qui s'effacent lorsqu'il y a de l'adversité

Translation: "Your team will never win with players like that who pull a disappearing act the second there is adversity."

Preach, Guy. Preach.

I've gotta say...ouch! It's one thing to criticize the UFA Vanek who looks like he has one foot out the door before Free Agency has even started. But Pacioretty is in the 1st year of a 6 year contract, and projects to be Montreal's scoring threat for the long-term future. Of course, I'm sure Montreal players are used to such criticism from "the legends," who will always receive an attentive ear from the media, especially the French media. Of course, everything Guy said is legitimate, and hopefully we get to hear more pearls of wisdom from the Blond Demon (one of his many nicknames, no lie).

GUY! GUY! GUY! GUY! GUY! GUY! GUY! GUY! GUY! GUY!