HockeyPlayoff fate is in Habs' hands

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Jacques Martin walked off the dais following his Friday media briefing, and one reporter quipped, "He said even less than usual."

Smart decision.

The last thing Montreal needs is another inflammatory headline about the Canadiens, a team peering into the abyss - hoping the hated Philadelphia Flyers do them a favour tonight. If not, Montreal needs a win over even more hated Toronto on Hockey Night in Canada Saturday evening. And, if that game does matter, you can bet the Maple Leafs will not sleepwalk through it like they did Wednesday night in Manhattan.

Head coach Ron Wilson: "We'd like to put a little sand in their gears if we have the opportunity."

The Canadiens' fans among my tweeples (that's twitter people; see how hip I am?) responded to a question about their mood with mostly gallows humour. Responses ranged from: "a little frazzled today, honestly," to "like I was kicked in the Kostitsyns," to "they should supply us with medication to deal with the trauma," to "about to jump from a bridge," to "(Bleep). How about you?"

For the record, Martin wasn't offering much insight into his in-game benching of Ryan O'Byrne and Kostitsyn, The Younger. He did have one of those post-practice conversations with Mathieu Darche that leads you to believe the forward will be re-inserted. He wouldn't discuss his goalie choice, although it would be a Miracle on Ice-level upset if Carey Price started over Jaroslav Halak.

All we know is this: Before the team practiced Friday, there was a meeting. And, in it, Martin went for the positive message. Despite the back-to-back hairballs of this week, the Canadiens control their own destiny. Even if the Rangers win tonight, all Montreal needs is a point against Toronto. He reminded them of that, and also told them the solution to the team's struggles will not be found by individuals trying to do too much.

Martin is by definition a systems coach, and he doesn't want his players varying from it. That's why a number of them - including Travis Moen and Brian Gionta - talked about "playing smart" more than "playing hard."

The Flyers are going through a season-long struggle to find the right chemistry, as newcomers and returnees are having trouble understanding each other's approach. I get the sense a similar thing is happening in Montreal, with some players wondering about others' commitment level.

If the Rangers do come through, the Canadiens must find that chemistry - at least for one night. If not, it's a crushing disappointment. And here, in Montreal, they don't handle hockey disappointment too well.

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