The Montreal Canadiens are starting to look like a legitimate contender for a playoff spot this season. In Year 3 of their rebuild under head coach Martin St. Louis, the team has finally found a balanced roster with four consistent forward lines, three regular defense pairings, and two goalies capable of delivering victories. For the first time in a long while, the Canadiens are also fully healthy, which has contributed to their recent success. After defeating the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, 4-0, the Canadiens continued their winning streak with a 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, outshooting them 36-23. With this win, the Canadiens have improved to 16-17-3 and are only five points behind the Ottawa Senators for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Canadiens’ turnaround has been impressive since their humiliating 9-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in mid-December. Since that game, they have posted a 5-2-0 record, outscoring their opponents 30-16. The team’s offensive output has been bolstered by the return of Patrik Laine from a pre-season knee injury, as well as the acquisition of defenseman Alexandre Carrier from the Nashville Predators. Carrier has been a solid addition to the blue line, contributing four assists and a plus-3 rating in five games. Additionally, goaltender Jakub Dobes stepped in admirably for the struggling Cayden Primeau, posting a shutout against the Panthers in his first NHL start.
Montreal’s offensive depth has also improved, with key players stepping up. Kirby Dach scored twice against the Panthers, while Alex Newhook scored his first goal in nine games against the Lightning. Laine has been a key playmaker with 10 points in 12 games since his return. Meanwhile, Christian Dvorak ended a 20-game goal drought with his first goal of the season, and Jake Evans has been consistently scoring, including a goal in five straight games. Brendan Gallagher added an empty-netter in the win over Tampa, bringing his total to 10 goals on the season. The team’s depth scoring and offensive contributions are critical as they continue to chase a playoff spot.
The Canadiens’ recent success has been attributed to their maturity and smart play. Head coach St. Louis emphasized the importance of building consistency and not resting on their laurels after impressive wins. His coaching has helped the team maintain focus and confidence, particularly after high-profile victories. The win against the Lightning was seen as a complete team effort, where the Canadiens controlled the game from start to finish, even with a one-goal lead entering the third period. The team’s ability to play simple, risk-free hockey and capitalize on their opportunities was praised by captain Nick Suzuki, who noted how the Canadiens were able to manage their game effectively, especially in tough back-to-back matchups.
The Canadiens’ performance over the past week has made them appear to be a legitimate playoff contender. Their recent victories against strong opponents like Florida and Tampa Bay have demonstrated their ability to play at a high level. With a healthy roster, contributions from all areas of the team, and a growing sense of maturity, the Canadiens are positioning themselves to compete for a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The real test will come in their next game against the Las Vegas Golden Knights, as they look to continue their momentum and prove they can maintain this level of play throughout the season.
