Canadiens Face Tough Call on Kirby Dach as Criticism Boils Over

The Montreal Canadiens have a decision to make ahead of Game 3 — and it goes beyond just icing the best team. Kirby Dach is dealing with a storm that has impacted him personally. He shut down his social media accounts (specifically Instagram) after fans took things way too far following the overtime loss in Game 2.

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After a costly mistake in extra time, one that led to the Tampa Bay Lightning taking Game 2, forward Kirby Dach has become the focal point of both internal questions and external backlash. His late-game mistakes — including an icing and a missed defensive assignment — directly contributed to the game-winning goal. Fans have taken it personally.

Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette writes, “Dach made a couple of mistakes and deserves criticism for his play. But when fans go overboard and make things personal to the point where a player has to shut down his Instagram account, that’s too much.”

Some are now calling for head coach Martin St. Louis to make a lineup change, with veterans like Brendan Gallagher or depth options such as Joe Veleno suggested as possible replacements. It sounds like a potential overreaction, but if Dach isn’t playing well and the criticism has gotten to him, it might be the right call.

Dach Trying to Avoid Fans

Dach deleted his Instagram account after facing a wave of criticism online. Playing in a passionate Canadian market has its perks. This is not one of them.

As Spittin’ Chiclets noted, players often feel losses more deeply than fans realize. “These guys want to win more than the fans want to win trust me, and he feels worse than anybody on planet earth. Maybe as an organization or as a human being give the guy some praise, maybe pump his tires a little bit.”

Inside the room, the Canadiens will be there to support Dach. Like several of Montreal’s young core players, he is navigating and learning throughout this high-pressure postseason. If St. Louis believes it’s too much, perhaps he avoids piling onto the problem.

Game 3 could be either a rebound game for Dach or, if he doesn’t play, a chance to take a step back while he’s enemy No. 1. St. Louis said, “I don’t know … it’s tough for me. We need all hands on deck — fans included. We’re not perfect. Guys are going to make mistakes, but I can tell you that we have good intentions out there. I would say: ‘Let’s stick together.’ “

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