MONTREAL - Two days after being fired by the Montreal Canadiens, Michel Therrien says being an NHL coach is a tough job that is “gratifying on many levels but it can also quickly become a thankless task.”
In a statement released Thursday, Therrien said he understood why general manager Marc Bergevin made the decision to let him go and bring in Claude Julien.
“When a team is experiencing difficulties, any head coach knows his job is on the line,” Therrien said. “I understand and accept this reality.”
After starting the season 13-1-1, Montreal had hit a tough patch, going 2-6-1 over its last nine games.