The Canadian finds himself two points from a place in the playoffs after the quarter of the season. Even if few people had foreseen such a scenario, there is no question, internally, of changing the plan or the expectations towards the Montreal team.
Head coach Martin St-Louis said before the start of camp that he just wanted to see his team improve every day. This approach will not change, at least for now.
“Maybe the time will come, during the season, where we will look at the standings, but we haven’t gotten there,” St-Louis said Monday. We come to work wanting to win the day, whether it’s practice or a game. »
“It all depends on how you measure success. It’s easy to do by looking at the leaderboard, but we won’t stop there today. »
The captain, Nick Suzuki, admitted that the fact that most observers did not give a lot of the skin of the Canadian before the start of the campaign served as motivation for the group.
However, the team’s management should stay the course as the season progresses and continue to build a group that will have long-term success in Montreal.
“We can’t change direction because of 20 games,” said defender David Savard. It’s good to win, but it can change quickly. We could be affected by a wave of injuries. »
“We have to continue to develop young people. They are the ones who will ensure that this team will be good for several years. But it’s good to be successful, to make them grow in a positive environment. »
Enthusiasm
Suzuki also noted that the attitude within the team was completely different compared to the same time last year.
“We often found ourselves behind early in the game and then we didn’t have the confidence to be able to come back. This season, thanks to the style we’re playing, we know we’re still in the game,” said Suzuki.
“We play fast and competitive hockey. We are on the opponent, and it is when we play like that that we are the best, he added. It limits the opponent’s time and space and gives us more time to attack. »
Suzuki said that confident attitude came from St. Louis and his assistants. He also highlighted the work of the leadership group, of which he is a part.
The omnipresent enthusiasm among the Canadiens since the start of the season is also part of the reasons for the team’s success.
“It’s always nice to come to the arena,” said defenseman Kaiden Guhle. Even after a loss, of course no one is happy about that, but the guys are able to smile the next day. The environment is never negative. We are able to turn the page and focus on the next game. »
The Canadiens will host the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday before leaving for a four-game trip to Western Canada and Seattle.
We must continue to develop young people. They are the ones who will ensure that this team will be good for several years.
Players will be watching defenseman Erik Karlsson, who has 11 goals and 21 assists in 24 games this season.
“We’re going to have to stay in front of him and give him as little space as possible,” Guhle said. If the attackers can slow him down, it will help us do our job. »
Jake Allen will defend the Habs goal on Tuesday.
On Monday, forwards Jonathan Drouin and Mike Hoffman skated ahead of their teammates at the Bell Sports Complex, while Sean Monahan missed practice.
Monahan was enjoying a day off. St. Louis was unable to confirm whether or not it will play Tuesday’s game against the Sharks.
For their part, Drouin and Hoffman have not played since, respectively, November 12 against the Pittsburgh Penguins and November 19 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Drouin is nursing an upper body injury sustained Nov. 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Canadian indicated on November 15 that the player would miss a period ranging from four to six weeks.
In Hoffman’s case, the Habs said he suffered a lower-body injury. His state of health is reassessed on a daily basis.