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Gomez takes the heat for Habs
By
QMI Agency
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  Scott Gomez, 31, was the Habs' highest-paid player this season at $8 million but managed just seven goals and 31 assists in 80 games. (ERIC BOLTE/QMI Agency) |
BROSSARD, Que. -- The day after an overtime loss eliminated the Canadiens from the playoffs, Montreal forward Scott Gomez fell on his sword.
In an act of self-flagellation, Gomez said Thursday he asked for his teammates' forgiveness for his lousy season.
"I feel I have let my teammates down," the centre said as the Canadiens cleaned out their lockers at their training complex.
"It was a terrible season (personally).
"There is nobody more embarrassed than myself."
Gomez, 31, was the Habs' highest-paid player this season at $8 million but managed just seven goals and 31 assists in 80 games. He had no goals and four assists in the seven-game series against the Boston Bruins and was a minus-6.
"I'm not going to look for excuses," he said. "That is not how I was raised. The hardest part was looking my teammates in the eye and ask forgiveness.
"You've got to pull your weight and obviously I didn't."
Gomez will take some time to ponder his poor season and then prepare for 2011-12.
"I thank the fans for their support," he said.
"I love Montreal, the organization and especially the players we have. Here, there is a very special group."
Despite his negative self-evaluation, Gomez can count on the support of goaltender Carey Price.
Saying he wanted to put things in perspective, Price said Gomez's "contribution goes beyond numbers."
The Canadiens finished the season in sixth place, then won their first two play-o ff games in Boston, but promptly lost the next three. They won the next one to force a Game 7 but were beaten 4-3 in overtime by the Bruins Wednesday night.
