The Montreal Canadiens fell 4-3 to the New Jersey Devils last night at the Bell Centre, and the result was less flattering than the scoreline suggests. Outplayed and out-hustled for large stretches, the Habs can be thankful for rookie goaltender Jakub Dobeš, whose stellar performance kept the game within reach through the first two periods. It was his effort that allowed Montreal to claw back and salvage a point late in the third.
However, disorganization and fatigue were evident. The effects of a gruelling schedule appear to be taking their toll, and the decision to play with 11 forwards consistently—while giving minimal ice time to players like Michael Pezzetta and players called up from Laval—has certainly contributed. Add to this the reluctance to rotate Jayden Struble into the lineup for much-needed rest among the defense corps, and the challenges become clearer.
To compound matters, key players like David Savard, Josh Anderson, and Brendan Gallagher have been skipping practice time to nurse injuries, further straining the lineup. Amid this adversity, three players stood out—Matheson, Hutson, and Dobeš—for reasons that warrant closer attention.
Mike Matheson
It’s no secret: Matheson is struggling. Last night, he logged 24:32 of ice time, committed two giveaways, and finished with a minus-two rating. While some fans pointed fingers at him for the overtime-winning goal, the blame falls more on Patrik Laine’s errant pass behind Matheson that left him exposed.
Matheson’s struggles can be attributed, in part, to being over-utilized all season and frequently playing on his off side as a left-handed defenseman. His effectiveness has dipped significantly, a sharp contrast to Kaiden Guhle’s resurgence after being moved back to his natural left side. It’s no coincidence, as previously highlighted, that forcing defensemen out of position disrupts their rhythm and effectiveness.
Despite his challenges, Matheson is a Montreal-born player who gives his all for this team. Unfortunately, the fanbase’s tendency to target scapegoats has turned him into a lightning rod for criticism. While constructive analysis is fair, personal insults cross the line.
Solution: The Canadiens’ management must address this issue. Trading Matheson and acquiring a legitimate top-four right-handed defenseman could stabilize the blue line, especially with promising prospects like Adam Engström nearing NHL readiness.
Lane Hutson
What an electrifying young talent! Yet, like many NCAA graduates, Hutson is hitting a wall midway through his first NHL season. Fans often underestimate the toll of an 82-game schedule, especially for a smaller defenseman playing significant minutes against elite competition. Logging over 22 minutes a game at this stage might be asking too much.
Hutson continues to showcase moments of brilliance, but there’s been an uptick in costly mistakes. While this is partly the natural learning curve for a young defenseman, fatigue—both physical and mental—seems to be a factor as well. Pairing him with Matheson, another high-risk defenseman, exacerbates the issue.
Solution: A temporary shuffle could help. Moving Guhle to the top pairing alongside Matheson and sliding Hutson to the second pair with a more stabilizing partner, like Alexandre Carrier, would allow the rookie to thrive in a reduced role. Cutting his ice time to under 20 minutes would also ease his workload without stunting his development while managing his energy.
Jakub Dobeš
If there’s one bright spot in the Canadiens’ recent struggles, it’s Jakub Dobeš. The rookie netminder has been sensational, and last night was no exception. Aside from one soft goal he’d undoubtedly want back, Dobeš delivered a stellar performance, showcasing his calm demeanour and excellent rebound control—two qualities that distinguish him from other Habs goaltenders.
You see, when a goaltender gives up rebounds, it puts unnecessary pressure on his teammates and on himself. It results in more shots against – often tougher ones – and contributes to a tired group in front of him, which can in turn also result in penalties. All of this adds to the shot total that the goaltender has to face in a game, and his team wasting valuable time and energy defending instead of effectively attacking.
By limiting second-chance opportunities and freezing pucks, Dobeš not only keeps the team in games but also allows for crucial line changes and prevents defensive breakdowns. His presence makes life easier for his teammates, and his numbers back it up: a 5-0-1 record, 1.93 GAA, and a .933 save percentage in six starts.
Solution: The answer is clear: play him more. Whether it’s alternating starts or riding the hot hand, Dobeš deserves a larger role as the Canadiens fight for a playoff spot. His poise and efficiency in net could be a game-changer during this critical stretch.
Closing Thoughts
With the trade deadline approaching and the playoffs hanging in the balance, the Canadiens face pivotal decisions. Fatigue and injuries have exposed cracks in the foundation, and the coaching staff’s choices—while understandable—need re-evaluation. From player usage to potential roster upgrades, the pressure is mounting on Kent Hughes and Martin St-Louis to find solutions that keep the Habs competitive.
In a season filled with ups and downs, Montreal’s resilience will be tested like never before. The question is: will they rise to the occasion or fall short of their playoff aspirations? Time is ticking, and the answers lie ahead.
