Rene Bourque has not been earning his paycheck since being traded for Mike Cammalleri two months ago, according to coach Randy Cunneyworth.

Bourque has scored two goals in his last 22 games and is an atrocious minus -17 during that stretch.

"I am definitely unsatisfied," said Cunneyworth. "He has the potential do to much more and we've got to push him to get better results. He knows and is working harder, but he'll have to get it into a higher gear. He seems like a tough player who is not playing tough. With his style and reputation he should be making the space near the net but he's got to play his game."

Cunneyworth said that he was not referring to fighting but rather physical play, which he started doing upon his arrival but slowly trailed off.

"He's got to fight harder in front of the net to create space," said the coach.

Cunneyworth stressed that Bourque has had every chance to make his mark, being played almost 18 minutes a game and even getting time on the power play.

In his 27 games for the Canadiens, the Lac La Biche, Alberta native has four goals and three assists with a minus -16 rating. Bourque is under contract for four more season at $3.33 million. 

Subban re-emerges

The All-Star break has been a godsend to P.K. Subban, whose play has been stellar since the break. 

"It was the turning point of my season," he said. "I enjoyed the time off, recharged my batteries with my family. When I let for Toronto, I wasn't in a good mood. I was sick of hearing people saying that I was playing poorly and suffering from the sophomore jinx."

Subban got to spend time with his younger brother who plays with the Belleville Bulls of the OHL.

"It brought me back to the basics. I returned to the team with a new attitude."

Coach Cunneyworth said that the key to Subban's improved play lies in the fact that he's playing a simpler game.

"In terms of his attitude off the ice, let's say I don't hear from him as much," said Cunneyworth.

In 21 games since the break, the 22-year-old defenceman has four goals and nine assists for 13 points.