MONTREAL -- Michel Therrien came out with a purpose.
Following his team's 17th loss in its past 21 games Tuesday, the Montreal Canadiens coach made an impassioned plea on behalf of his players and, ultimately, himself.
The Canadiens fell to 4-16-1 since Dec. 2 with a 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins, almost the exact opposite of the 5-1 victory at the Bridgestone 2016 NHL Winter Classic on Jan. 1 between these teams that looked to re-energize the Canadiens' season.
Therrien spoke highly of the effort his players have given, of how they have no more to give, of how well the structure he has put in place has worked, and how the only thing missing is some execution to provide the results that have been lacking.