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Montreal Canadiens: Progress Amidst a Challenging Season

As the Montreal Canadiens grappled with a rocky start to the season, frequently conceding over eight goals in their first two months, many anticipated another long road to rebuilding. However, since December 1st, the Canadiens have turned their fortunes around, achieving the ninth-best record in the league during that stretch.

The only challenge? The Colorado Avalanche, who have secured the third-best record in the same period. The two teams faced off on Saturday night, delivering an exciting game where the Canadiens rallied to force overtime, only to lose 5-4 in a shootout.

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One of the most intriguing developments this season has been Josh Anderson’s transformation. Once a prolific scorer, with 27 goals in a season, Anderson has adjusted his game in response to a significant drop in scoring, where he managed only nine goals last season. Under the guidance of Head Coach Martin St. Louis, Anderson has become an invaluable asset to the Canadiens, showcasing his strength not just in scoring, but in his overall presence on the ice.

Anderson has taken on the role of first forechecker during dump-ins, becoming a formidable force against opposing teams. By the third period, rival defenders often hesitate to engage, exemplified when Ottawa’s Thomas Chabot clearly backed off during a recent matchup. The Canadiens’ success hinges on players like Anderson who bring tenacity and a strong work ethic, particularly as part of a line with Brendan Gallagher and Christian Dvorak, known for their relentless forechecking.

This line’s determination was pivotal in generating their third-period tying goal, with Gallagher winning a crucial puck battle that enabled Dvorak to execute an impressive backhand shot into the net, leading to an unexpected comeback from a 4-1 deficit against a top-tier team.

Juraj Slafkovsky demonstrated his potential with a goal that exemplified his role: establishing a strong presence in front of the net, capitalizing on his size for effective deflections. Slafkovsky is finding his rhythm, as evidenced by his goal count climbing to 16 this season, marked by an improved quickness in his shot release.

Continuing with the trend of young talents, Nick Suzuki remains a crucial component of the team, assisting on Slafkovsky’s goal and maintaining a remarkable pace with 72 points in 69 games. Equally noteworthy is Alex Newhook, who is showcasing newfound skill this season. After harnessing his speed and embracing a more aggressive approach, Newhook’s ability to penetrate defenses has led to increased scoring opportunities, including a setup that led to a Joshua Roy goal.

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On the flip side, Samuel Montembeault is currently facing a concerning dip in performance, with an unusual vulnerability to long-range shots—a typical strength for goalies—proving detrimental. The initial two goals against the Canadiens were from distance and unimpeded, reflecting broader struggles seen in the defensive pairings of Arber Xhekaj and David Savard, who were on the ice for both early goals.

While Savard has always had limitations in speed, it is becoming increasingly clear that he struggles more than ever, especially against the fast-paced Avalanche. The anticipated return of Kaiden Guhle, who recently resumed practice after recovering from a quad operation, could provide the defensive boost needed if his recovery timeline aligns favorably.

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Despite the challenges, there seems to be a hesitance among Canadiens fans to fully acknowledge the progress in the team’s rebuild, which is now in its 38th month. Roster composition reflects a significant improvement, as players take on roles that align more closely with their skills. The elite NHL lines typically score 100 goals, with only a handful reaching this figure annually, yet the Suzuki line is on track to approach that milestone.

Notably, Suzuki’s plus-10 rating stands out on a team with an overall negative differential, indicative of his strong two-way play. He and his line are collectively on pace for 82 goals—a remarkable feat in the competitive landscape of the NHL.

Though the Canadiens’ secondary lines have struggled, there is optimism for next season. The addition of promising players and the potential for trades could reshape the lineup. The team is in the process of seeking a dynamic second-line center, with options available through trades involving restricted free agents.

Next season, a revamped third line could witness Newhook leading with talented wingers like Kirby Dach and perhaps Josh Anderson, transforming it into one of the strongest in the league.

Defensively, the emergence of players such as Lane Hutson, who can effectively play on the right side, offers encouraging hints at future pairings that could bolster the Canadiens’ blue line significantly.

The prospect of young talents like David Reinbacher solidifying their spots on the roster, coupled with strong performances from others in the system, paints a promising picture for the franchise. The depth and potential growth of this roster suggest that if the team avoids severe injuries, they could maintain their upward trajectory and compete at a high level in the coming seasons.

As the fanbase looks toward the future, there is a palpable excitement that, under proper guidance and continued development, the Montreal Canadiens are positioned not merely to rebuild, but to thrive once more in the NHL landscape.

Source
globalnews.ca