Montreal Canadiens: Rested and Ready for Playoff Push

Well-rested Canadiens Aim for Playoff berth

The Montreal Canadiens will enjoy a rare four-day break between games this weekend, and they’re expected to make the most of it in their pursuit of a playoff spot.

NHL Schedule Quirk Offers Advantage

The NHL schedule has quirks, but rarely does a team get as lengthy a break as the Canadiens will this weekend – Sunday to Tuesday. During this time, they will play just one game, against the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday night.

Not So Golden in Vegas

The Canadiens and the Knights played a well-fought game in Montreal, with the Canadiens winning 3-2 in overtime. However, they struggled in Vegas, losing 7-1.

Wilde Horses

offensive Breakthroughs

• Alexandre Texier: Fits in perfectly on the first line, playing a significant role in Cole Caufield’s 30th goal and the game winner scored by Jake Evans.
• Phillip Danault: Playing a huge role since joining the team, Danault scored the first Canadiens goal and has stabilized the lineup.
• Zachary Bolduc: Despite only one goal in his last seven games, his contributions have increased significantly, with evident improvements in his defensive play.
• Kaiden Guhle: In his fourth game back from injury, Guhle made the right choices and limited his turnovers.
• Kirby Dach: Showing signs of regaining his confidence, Dach won pucks and dangled for the first time since returning from injury.

Goalies Rising

Jakub Dobeš is expected to start more games, having stopped three cross-crease passes in the Golden Knights game and making 32 saves on 34 shots.

Goat, Not G.O.A.T.

The Canadiens’ main weakness remains allowing odd-man rushes due to a lack of forward awareness when a defender pins in at the blue line. They’ve allowed numerous goals due to this issue this season.

Wilde Cards

The Canadiens are currently seven points from first place and four points from being eliminated in the Eastern Conference standings. Regression to the mean suggests discounting their recent success and focusing on the teams ahead of them.

The Canadiens’ improvement from year to year is undeniable: 55 points, 68 points, 76 points, 91 points, and on pace for 98 points this season. They’ve made significant strides under general manager Kent Hughes and head coach Martin St. Louis.

Playoff Predictions

While the east is stronger than the west this season, the Canadiens are still on track for a playoff berth, with a prorated 98-point pace. They’re playing well and improving, despite recent losses.

Wilde Goalie

Brian Wilde, a Montreal-based sports writer, brings you Call of the Wilde, a unique perspective on the Montreal Canadiens after each game.

FAQ

Why is the four-day break rare in the NHL schedule?

Due to the condensed schedule, the NHL opting not to have back-to-back games, and games being Scheduled three days apart is uncommon.

How has the addition of Alexandre Texier impacted the Canadiens’ offense?

Texier has fit in perfectly on the first line, playing a significant role in Cole Caufield’s 30th goal and the game-winning goal scored by Jake Evans.

What is the main weakness in the Canadiens’ defensive game?

Allowing odd-man rushes due to a lack of forward awareness when a defender pins in at the blue line. They’ve allowed numerous goals due to this issue this season.

Pro Tip

To improve defensively, the Canadiens need to increase their forward awareness when a defender pins in at the blue line, limiting odd-man rushes.