Montreal Canadiens’ Surprising Turnaround
The Montreal Canadiens, once sitting in dead last place in the Eastern Conference, have made a remarkable comeback. With a dismal 8-13-3 record through their first 24 games, it seemed like another rebuilding year was in store for the team. However, everything changed on December 3rd when Patrik Laine made his debut after missing the first couple of months due to an injury.
A New Era Begins
Laine’s return sparked an 11-5 run, with the team winning 8 out of their last 10 games. This impressive streak has propelled the Canadiens from the bottom of the Eastern Conference to a wild card spot. Their recent overtime win against Vancouver has fans buzzing with excitement.
A Shift in Team Dynamics
While some might argue that Laine’s recent absence due to injury diminishes the impact of his initial return, it’s hard to deny the significant change in the team’s overall performance. The Canadiens are no longer just winning games; they’re playing a brand of hockey that’s both physical and aggressive. The massive open ice hits and precision goals are a far cry from the “soft” label often associated with the team.
Martin St. Louis’ Coaching Influence
Coach Martin St. Louis, known for his tenacity and fearlessness during his playing days, seems to be instilling a similar mindset in his players. Despite being undersized in terms of height, the team is making up for it with their grit and determination. Players like Nick Suzuki, Lane Hutson, and Cole Caufield are leading the charge, always looking for opportunities to strike.
A Potential Playoff Push
While there’s still plenty of season left, the Canadiens’ recent surge has fans dreaming of a Stanley Cup Playoff run. With only 7 points separating the top wild card spot from last place in the conference, the team’s fate is far from certain. However, one thing is clear: if the Bell Centre is rocking for round 1, the playoffs will be electric.
A Long-Awaited Return to Form
It’s been a while since the Canadiens have had a full building in Montreal for the playoffs. The last time they experienced this was in 2017. This team might just have the momentum to get back there, and it would be a welcome return to form for the franchise.
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