The Montreal Canadiens are making waves as they surge up the NHL standings, fuelled by timely acquisitions, rejuvenated performances, and bold decisions. With momentum on their side, the Habs have turned a slow start into a competitive season, setting the stage for meaningful hockey as the New Year approaches.
Laine’s Impact
Since Patrik Laine’s return to the lineup, the Canadiens have been one of the NHL’s most formidable teams, posting an 8-4-0 record—good for 16 points and a .667 points percentage. In his 12 games back, Laine has notched eight goals and added two assists, showcasing his elite scoring touch. Alongside linemates Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook, Laine has brought life to Montreal’s secondary scoring, providing crucial support to the dynamic top line of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky.
This offensive resurgence has been vital for the Canadiens, who were struggling to find consistency earlier in the season. The emergence of Laine’s line as a legitimate threat gives opponents another challenge to contend with, spreading the scoring burden across the roster.
Defensive Boost with Carrier
The Canadiens’ acquisition of defenseman Alexandre Carrier has proven to be a masterstroke. Since his arrival, Montreal boasts the NHL’s second-best record at 4-1-0. In that span, the team has averaged an impressive 4.40 goals per game while limiting opponents to just 2.20 goals against per game. Carrier’s mobility and poise have been a perfect complement to Kaiden Guhle, forming a mobile, effective and reliable pairing on the blue line.
Carrier’s impact extends beyond the stat sheet. His ability to transition the puck and disrupt opposing offenses has added a new dimension to the Canadiens’ defensive game by rebalancing the right-shot to left-shot ratio, allowing them to dictate play more effectively. This newfound stability has been a key factor in Montreal’s rise in the standings.
Climbing the Standings
Montreal’s recent success has propelled them past teams like the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and New York Islanders. After an impressive sweep in Florida, the Canadiens sit just one game under .500 and are five points back of the Ottawa Senators, who hold the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. For a team that began the season languishing near the NHL’s basement, this turnaround is a testament to their resilience and determination.
Goaltending Gamble Pays Off
Faced with inconsistent goaltending from Cayden Primeau, the Canadiens made a bold move by calling up 23-year-old Jakub Dobeš from Laval. The gamble paid immediate dividends. In his NHL debut against the Florida Panthers, Dobeš delivered a masterful 34-save shutout in a 4-0 victory on the road against the Stanley Cup Champions.
Dobeš’ rebound control and composure stood out, providing a stark contrast to Samuel Montembeault’s performance the following night against Tampa Bay. While Montembeault managed to secure a 5-2 win, his struggles with rebound management highlighted the difference Dobeš brings to the crease, even to the most untrained eye.
Already a big difference in rebound control between today and yesterday. Makes it so much harder on the #Habs defense.
— JD Lagrange (@jdlagrange.bsky.social) 2024-12-29T22:21:19.131Z
A Crucial Decision Looms
With the Canadiens set to face the high-powered Vegas Golden Knights on New Year’s Eve, head coach Martin St-Louis faces a pivotal decision: who gets the nod in net? Montembeault’s experience offers stability, but Dobeš’ recent heroics make a compelling case for riding the hot hand.
From now on, with the team “in the mix”, the mindset must change and the coaching staff has to go with the hot hand in net. Had it not been for a two games in two nights situations, Dobeš would have likely been in net after his shutout. So he must be given a second opportunity in Vegas.
In a race where every point matters, the Canadiens can ill afford to play it safe. Giving Dobeš another opportunity against Vegas could not only boost his confidence but also provide the Canadiens with the spark they need to keep climbing the standings.
Closing Argument
The Montreal Canadiens have seemingly stepped into the next phase of their rebuild. They have shown they can compete with the league’s best, thanks to key performances from players like Laine, Carrier, and Dobeš, while getting solid contribution from up and down their lineup. As they prepare to ring in the New Year in Las Vegas, the Habs have a chance to prove that their recent success is no fluke.
By embracing bold decisions and fostering a culture of resilience, the Canadiens are laying the groundwork for a return to prominence. The journey is far from over, but one thing is clear: the Montreal Canadiens are back in the mix, and they’re just getting started.
