When the Canadiens entered the 2023-24 season, optimism surrounded Kirby Dach. But just 26:02 into his campaign, a seemingly harmless hit by Chicago’s Jarred Tinordi resulted in a devastating diagnosis for the then 22-year-old center: a torn ACL and MCL.
A year later, adding to the Canadiens’ early misfortunes, newly acquired sniper Patrik Laine suffered a knee-on-knee collision with a Leafs AHL player in preseason action. Although Laine narrowly avoided surgery, the setback delayed his much-anticipated debut until December 3rd, as he missed the first 24 games of the season.
Struggles Upon Return
Both players faced significant hurdles as they returned to action. Dach, whose 6-foot-4, 221-pound frame usually thrives on physicality, seemed tentative and out of sync. His stat line reflected those struggles—just two goals and nine points in his first 34 games, coupled with a concerning minus-24 rating. Mental and physical rust even led to a demotion to the fourth line and occasional benchings from head coach Martin St-Louis.
Laine, meanwhile, dealt with his own battle for consistency. While his physical health seemed intact, lingering effects of his absence slowed his reintegration into the lineup.
In an effort to reignite Dach’s game, St-Louis paired him with Laine and another underperforming forward, Alex Newhook. Newhook, a former Avalanche winger, had just five points in 24 games before joining the line.
“I know that this year, he has taken a step back, but will it take him further than where he was last year? We don’t know yet, but that’s part of his journey right now, and we’re helping him get through it. And it’s not just about giving him pats on the back. We’re telling him the truth, it starts with the truth, so we’re looking for answers and trying to help him,” St-Louis said in December.
A Line Finding Its Stride
The newly formed line has shown signs of life. Since December 28th, Dach has tallied six goals—second only to Cole Caufield’s seven—and has been averaging 0.78 points per game in that span. His seven points in nine games have vaulted him to fourth in team scoring over that stretch, behind Caufield, Hutson, and Suzuki.
One happy camper last night! What's up, Dach?#GoHabsGo #Habs
— JD Lagrange (@jdlagrange.bsky.social) 2025-01-15T17:52:35.776Z
Newhook, though his offensive production remains modest with four points since the break, has been more engaged in generating scoring chances. With continued effort, the results could soon follow.
Laine, after battling a flu that limited him to just five games post-Christmas, has recorded three points and a plus-5 rating. His first even-strength goal of the season, scored in Utah, brought his season total to 10 goals.
The Importance of Depth
Depth scoring will be critical for the Canadiens, particularly with injuries impacting their lineup. The emergence of Dach’s line provides a much-needed secondary scoring threat, forcing opponents to divert attention away from Suzuki’s top unit.
Montreal’s strength lies in its balance. While other teams rely heavily on their stars, the Canadiens’ ability to roll four contributing lines gives them a competitive edge. The early-season resurgence of Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson, and the productive fourth line featuring Emil Heineman, Jake Evans, and Joel Armia has kept Montreal afloat. With Heineman sidelined for a few weeks, Dach, Laine, and Newhook’s continued progression will be pivotal.
For the Canadiens to contend, every line must play a role. If this newfound chemistry on the second line holds, Montreal could become a much tougher team to defend against as the season progresses.
