When even the most optimistic of fans and analysts can’t believe how well their team is playing, you know you’re currently watching something interesting. It almost seems like there's no stopping this team.
The Canadiens have continued their impressive run by adding 4 wins in their last 5 games, avenging their only loss of that stretch with a well deserved 3-1 win over the Dallas Stars.
Despite some small bumps along the roads, mostly due to taking too many penalties (Montreal remains 3rd in the league in penalties taken) and some moments where their goaltenders had to bail them out, we’ve mostly seen a very consistent team where every line gets their scoring chances and plays with intensity. Falling behind on the scoreboard barely seems like a problem right now as this team just won't quit.
We’ve talked before on this blog how Alexandre Carrier helped stabilize everyone on defense, but it remains impressive to compare the team’s current execution in their own zone compared to what they’ve shown us in the first two months. This isn’t just about one player as we see the five players on the ice working together as a unit to limit the opposing team’s chances.
Martin St-Louis was criticised early on this season for his system and how it seemed to confuse the players. I don’t think many are questioning him about that right now and perhaps it was a lack of execution by the players that needed adjustments.
With another back-to-back set of games this weekend against Toronto and New-York, Montreal’s confidence going into that weekend is palpable.
Dobes keeps winning
Jakub Dobes won his 4th game in as many starts yesterday by beating another top team in the NHL, the Dallas Stars. Currently showing a 0,98 GAA and .963% save percentage, he’s been nothing short of intimidating with his play and compete level. You can feel his intensity as you watch him play and he’s been an integral part of the team’s recent success. It’s far too early to talk about a goaltender controversy as Samuel Montembeault also played some very good games for the team but Montreal now has two good options in net as they continue their drive for a playoff spot.
The dynamic duo keeps carrying this team
With a lot of role players getting some well deserved attention with the quality of their plays recently, it feels to me like we’re not giving enough credit to how well Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield have played this first half of the season.
Both players consistently produce goals for their team in key moments (Suzuki getting a few of overtime winners along the way) but are also showing their teammates the way by playing with intensity along the boards and usually outworking their opponents. With Juraj Slafkovsky looking better since being reunited with them, Montreal’s first line keeps being the locomotive that pulls this team forward.
Replacing Heineman
Emil Heineman was an integral part of the Habs third line current success and it was both unlucky and unfortunate for him to be sidelined after being hit by a car walking around the city before the Canadiens game in Utah. “Monsieur Émile” was playing very well and both his physical play and scoring touch will be missed for the next three to four weeks.
Currently, the easy solution was to ask the often healthy scratched Michael Pezzetta to replace him in the lineup but it’s pretty obvious “Pezz” isn't seen as a real solution by Martin St-Louis. He’s barely playing over 5 minutes per game and the regular shift on the third line has been mostly taken by a rotation of players.
While you can’t argue with the team’s result, it seems likely Montreal will call up a player from Laval eventually. While a few candidates with NHL experience are sure to be considered (Roy, Barre-Boulet, Harvey-Pinard or Brandon Gignac) I would personally give the nod to Jared Davidson.
I’ve been really impressed with Davidson ever since his first camp with Montreal two years ago. He plays a solid game with speed and has a nice scoring touch, not completely unlike Heineman. He’s also been of the Rockets most consistent players this season with 24 points in 32 games. If Montreal decides to give a call to Pascal Vincent, I’m sure Davidson’s name will come up as a potential short term replacement on the Habs third line.
Staying grounded with future UFA’s and others
With the current level of play shown by everyone on the team, it’s easy to “fall in love” all over again with some of them and want to keep everyone around so the current success can continue. Reality is, not everyone will be part of the long term plans for this team as both the salary cap and keeping roster spots for younger players will need to be considered.
Decisions will have to be made with Joël Armia, Jake Evans and David Savard, three players who are extremely useful to their team. While I think it’s possible they could all be back with new contracts next season, General Manager Kent Hughes will have to be very careful on how much and for how long he is willing to give to these players considering the raises that will be begin (Slafkovsky at 7.6M and Guhle at 5.5M) or might be handed out next season as Lane Hutson can be offered a new contract extension in July 2025.
Personally, I think if you keep both Evans and Armia under 4M per season with a term not bigger than 4 years, both players could be back. I'm guessing this will be very hard to do with teams around the league noticing how effective both players are in their current role. As for David Savard, if he takes a significant pay cut and is willing to sign a deal no longer than 2 years, there’s a chance he comes back as a stabilizing presence for the young defense core.
We’ll see where the team stands as we approach the trade deadline but I don’t see management willing to trade away any of them if they are still in the race for the playoffs.
Oh and before I forget him again, Christian Dvorak is doing a good job on the fourth line but it feels safe to say he’s not part of the conversation for a new contract in Montreal.
Until such decisions must be made, let’s keep having fun watching the current Habs roster playing as well as you could hope for them to.
The #Optobus prediction for this weekend: 3 points out of 4!
Thank you all for reading and have a nice day!
Hugo Brossoit (Scabeh)
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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