Therrien puts focus on special teams and defence

‘Relax,’ coach says after 10-0 loss

Michel Therrien had one word of advice for fans and media folks who began panicking after the Canadiens lost 10-0 to the Blue Jackets Friday in Columbus. “Relax.” “I’ve been asked the question lately, are you worried?” Therrien said after the Canadiens held a high-tempo practice in preparation for Tuesday’s home game against the Boston Bruins (7:30 p.m., RSE, RDS, TSN 690 Radio).

“We wanted to have a good training camp and that’s exactly what we had. And when have a good training camp, you have a good start. After 12 games, we have one (regulation) loss and people ask: ‘Are you worried.’ Thank God, we’re not sixth or seventh in the conference.”

Despite the loss in Columbus and a series of games in which the Canadiens have been on the short end of the shot count, Montreal has the best record in the NHL at 10-1-1.

“Do we have things to work on?” Therrien asked. “Sure. There are 29 other teams, and if I talk to every coach, they’ll say the same thing. We’re in early November, you have to calm down a little bit.

Do we have things to work on? Sure. There are 29 other teams, and if I talk to every coach, they’ll say the same thing.

“We had a great start and there are things to concentrate on, but what’s the worry?” he added.

Therrien said the Canadiens’ loss in Columbus was put in perspective when Simon Gauvin, one of 70 young cancer patients who watched the Canadiens edge the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday, visited the dressing room before the game and read out the starting lineup.

“Worry for me is little Simon who was in the dressing room,” said Therrien.