During the off-season, many were taken aback when VP of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton and General Manager Kent Hughes expressed their desire for the Canadiens to be “in the mix” this season. For a rebuilding team, this aspiration seemed ambitious, even improbable, to some.
Initially, skeptics appeared to be vindicated. By mid-to-late November, the Canadiens sat at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and ranked 31st overall, tied with the Chicago Blackhawks. On November 25th, with roughly a quarter of the season completed (20 games), Montreal had only 16 points, a dismal goals differential of minus-21, and little to show for their efforts. The idea of playing meaningful games late into the season—let alone battling for a playoff spot—seemed a far-fetched dream.
However, since that bleak November day, the tide has turned significantly. Much of this resurgence aligns with the impact of the return of Patrik Laine to the lineup, which has been nothing short of transformative.
| NOV.25, 2024 | SINCE THEN | |
| 7-11-2 | RECORD | 11-7-1 |
| 16 | PTS | 23 |
| .400 | PTS % | .605 |
| -21 | DIFFERENTIAL | +6 |
| 2.80 | GF/GP | 3.11 |
| 3.80 | GA/GP | 2.89 |
| 22.4 | PP % | 19.6 |
| 82.4 | PK % | 82.4 |
| 7 | PTS BEHIND WC | 2 |
Since that November date, Montreal has climbed ahead of five teams in the Eastern Conference standings:
- Buffalo Sabres
- New York Islanders
- New York Rangers
- Detroit Red Wings
- Philadelphia Flyers
As of now, the Habs sit just two points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins, holding two games in hand. They trail the Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets by only one point each. These standings have fostered renewed hope and excitement among fans, as the once-impossible dream of playoff contention edges closer to reality.
In the last 8 days, the #Habs have defeated the #StanleyCup Champions of the past 5 years:#TimeToHunt (2024)#GoBolts (2020 & 2021)#VegasBorn (2023)#GoAvsGo (2022)And all of those wins were on the road! #GoHabsGo
— JD Lagrange (@jdlagrange.bsky.social) 2025-01-05T15:23:39.649Z
Adding to the optimism, the Canadiens have earned 18 points over the past month, ranking sixth in the entire NHL during that stretch. This remarkable run has showcased improved scoring, defensive structure, and the recent performance of young Jakub Dobeš.
Looking Ahead
The Canadiens’ resurgence has transformed their season narrative from despair to determination. While significant hurdles remain, their climb up the standings demonstrates a competitive spirit that aligns with the vision Gorton and Hughes had for the team. Whether they ultimately secure a playoff spot or not, the belief that they can compete at a high level—even amidst a rebuild—is a victory in itself.
For fans, this season has become about more than just wins and losses. It’s about witnessing a young, developing team find its identity, grow together, and prove that being “in the mix” is not just wishful thinking but an attainable goal.
