Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach hasn’t had the best start to the season, and frustration from the fanbase might be adding to his struggles.
After missing most of the 2023-24 campaign with an ACL injury, Dach has been slow to regain his offensive form, managing just one goal and seven assists in his last 24 games.
Saturday’s loss to the New York Rangers didn’t help matters. Dach, who has one of the worst +/- ratings in the league, took a costly late-game high-sticking penalty that ultimately led to the Canadiens’ defeat.
The backlash from fans was swift. Many took to social media to vent their frustration, flooding Dach’s Instagram with negative comments. By the following day, the 23-year-old had deactivated comments on all his posts and even removed the team from his bio.
Thankfully, some fans have rallied around Dach, calling for support rather than criticism.
HFTV founder Alex Rougas took to X, sharing a video encouraging Bell Centre spectators to give Dach an ovation during Tuesday’s game against the New York Islanders to boost his confidence.
Kirby unfortunately turned off his comments on Instagram, but send him some love on here @kdach77 https://t.co/uWySaoh621
— HFTV (@HFTVSports) November 30, 2024
“How about, as a Habs fan base, we get behind our player? Sending him hate and death threats is not going to help,” said Rougas in a video that has garnered nearly 200,000 views.
“I say we give a standing ovation to Kirby, Tuesday against the Islanders… What’s the worst that can happen?” he added. “If you continue sending him hate, he ain’t gonna improve.”
The suggestion prompted an outpouring of support for Dach on X.
I think it’s a great idea!!! ❤️💙
— Marie (@marie_guy10) December 1, 2024
One user argued that he still needs “more time to heal.”
I will defend Kirby Dach to the ends of the earth. Man needs more time to heal. The same fans were giving Caufield a hard time after his shoulder surgery. We love you Kirby 🫶🏻
— coop (@coopcaufield) December 1, 2024
“He needs encouragement,” another wrote, agreeing with the idea.
I agree, he’s had to overcome a horrible injury and had to keep positive throughout. Imagine a year not being able to do your job, just watching from the sidelines. He needs encouragement.
— Steve Dion (@stevedion) December 1, 2024
Someone argued that a warm crowd reception could light a spark under Dach despite the centre having an “effort problem.”
Maybe it’s his injury but he has a clear effort problem right now. Maybe a standing O gives him a new spark
— The American Canadien (@AmericanHab) November 30, 2024
Then some expressed anger towards the online behaviour of fellow fans.
I dont get some habs so called fans. They did the same to Drouin. Shame on them.
— Dartmouth boy (@bogtrottr) December 2, 2024
Our fans can be absolute garbage but the ones that know puck know a year from now they’re all going to be eating shit.
Nobody knows how hard it is to come back from that injury, or miss as much time as he has. Kirby is going to be a special player just has to keep grinding 🐐
— Zie (@Mack_Maring) November 30, 2024
Whether folks at the Bell Centre will actually follow through on Rougas’ suggestion is anyone’s guess. Dach has had his struggles, but a loud, supportive ovation on Tuesday could be just the boost he needs to turn things around.