CARBO-LOADING

Last night in Montreal I witnessed live as the team Bob Gainey, Guy Carbonneu, Kirk Muller and Doug Jarvis guide, moved into first overall in the Eastern Conference.

No doubt Bob's steady hand, along with that now legendary mix of patience and bold maneuvering has been the rudder, but everyone around the Habs says its Carbonneau's ascension from head strong rookie bench boss last year, to coach of the year candidate this season, that has the precocious Habs at the top of the pile - a full year ahead of schedule.

What a shock - Bob and Carbo leading. Their team winning.

I don't think I need to tell you that ten years ago they were doing much of the same with those powerhouse Stars teams of the late 90s. Bob was the rock upstairs. Guy was the on-ice coach for Hitchcock.

And in 2008, watching Carbonneau put his team through the morning skate, talking to them as a group following it, dealing with the horde of media in two languages after that, and then confidently guiding the group through a 4-0 cuffing of the Devils, I couldn't help but conclude that the former #21 has truly found his post-player calling.

There is no shock in all this.

Just fond memories, and happy thoughts for some old friends.

Go Habs - see you in the Final?