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Can Scott Gomez bounce back in Montreal?

Montreal Canadiens v Ottawa Senators

OTTAWA, CANADA - APRIL 07: Scott Gomez #11 of the Montreal Canadiens skates up the near boards with the puck in a game against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place on April 7, 2011 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images)

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Ever since Scott Gomez was traded to Montreal two seasons ago, times have been hard on the American centerman. Gomez hasn’t been injury prone while playing for the Canadiens, but instead he’s been thoroughly unproductive. Through two season in Montreal, Gomez has 19 goals and 78 assists. His first season saw him put up 59 points while last year he came up with just 38 of them and was a -15 in plus/minus rating.

Suffice it to say, Gomez has not lived up to expectations or the monstrous contract he came over from New York with. When you’re making $7.3 million against the cap, those kinds of numbers aren’t going to cut it, especially in Montreal.

Every new season is a chance at a new start and for the 31 year-old Gomez, this season gives him a chance to prove his absolute worth to the Canadiens and their fans who booed him for playing so poorly. Pat Hickey of The Montreal Gazette spoke to Gomez to tap into his brain about things.

Gomez has admitted that he was embarrassed by his play last season, but he took a lighthearted approach Thursday when asked if he had stepped up his offseason training regimen.

“I don’t think you get to play in the NHL for very long if you don’t work out. It wasn’t like I just found out what a weight was and decided to lift it. I might have changed some things up a little bit when it comes to my training this year but, at this level, keeping in shape is a year-round job.

“I didn’t spend that much time at home (in Alaska) this summer and just took the time to kind of focus and regroup and I’m ready to go,” Gomez added. “I’m ready to change things up with my approach, clear my mind and I just want to get out there and have fun again.”


Fun would be a great thing for Gomez to have because if things are working out that well for him, the Canadiens would likely be winning a lot more games. Tomas Plekanec has assumed the role as the Canadiens’ top centerman and while he does quite well in that role, getting Gomez going and clicking the right way would give the Habs two dynamic scoring lines. Gomez, for the most part, was more of an anchor than a help to his linemates.

With Erik Cole now with the Habs joining Brian Gionta, Mike Cammalleri, and Andrei Kostitsyn as the scorers there’s more depth to be had there for Montreal. If Gomez can’t get his play straightened out, then guys like Lars Eller will have to figure out a way to make it work. That’s daunting to say the least. If the Habs want to make a serious run in the playoffs and challenge for the Stanley Cup, they’re going to need Scott Gomez to find his touch to do it once again.