The All-Star game stoppage comes just in time for the Montreal Canadiens as the infirmary is overcrowded.

Injured players have the opportunity to continue their healing process without missing any more games. Danger awaits the healthy, however, said former coach Michel Therrien in his column on Tuesday’s “La Poche bleue le midi” program on TVA Sports.

According to him, Martin St-Louis’ men are “living in an extreme situation” with so many days off before their next game, which isn’t scheduled until February 11 against the New York Islanders. Therrien finds this period of inactivity far too long.

“What I don’t like about this break is that it’s really too long. Yes, the Canadians have multiple injuries, but I find that such a long time can be a trap. Players should try to stay in shape, but being in game shape is something else entirely. The first game after the break could be difficult, and there is often a lack of concentration. I never enjoyed those long distances.”

Therrien would have preferred the leave to be halved.

“It feels good mentally and physically for the players and even the coach to be out for four or five days, but I think the situation for the Canadians is extreme. We’ll have to review that next year to make sure we don’t go a long time without playing.

15 pounds more!

When players go into the All-Star game break, they must follow a training plan to prevent weight gain, but not everyone is listening to the instructions.

Therrien recalls one of his players having already returned to Montreal with an extra 15 pounds. “Let’s just say I wasn’t too happy… I didn’t play him in the second leg because I found it unacceptable. But I won’t say who it is!”

“Sometimes you have to tighten the screw and send a message, especially to young people, but the guys are 99% professional.”

Watch Michel Therrien’s full column in the video above. He also discusses Nick Suzuki’s recent downturn and the disappointing results from the Ottawa Senators and comments on the Bo Horvat trade.