Kaiden Guhle persists and signs, he still hopes to see the Montreal Canadiens sneak into the playoffs.
If the 22-year-old defender allows himself to dream, it is among other things because the Habs continue to offer good opposition to some of the good teams on the circuit. In addition, most of the Canadian’s games end with a one-goal deficit.
“It’s nothing but positive,” Guhle said after a 2-1 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins on Thursday night. Even if we don’t qualify for the playoffs this year, it prepares us for next season.
“Several players will be back. Several young players will be back, he said. We want to build for the years to come and why not push for a playoff appearance. »
Eight of the Canadian’s last 12 games ended with a one-goal deficit. The Canadian compiled a record of 1-4-3 during these meetings.
Before Friday’s games, the Canadian was the team that had played the most games ending with a single goal difference, with 38 in 66 outings. He has a record of 16-11-11 in these meetings.
During its end-of-season review, the Canadiens’ management will always be able to emphasize that by transforming a portion of these defeats by a goal into a victory by a goal, the team will be much closer to participating in the playoffs.
Martin St-Louis’ squad will, however, have to find ways to transform these defeats into victories, which cannot be done by shouting scissors.
“It might be one mistake too many that ends up in the back of our net,” Guhle said. This is perhaps linked to the fact that we have a young group, who are learning. We need to tighten up our defensive game. »
Last season, when the Canadian made more mistakes, he played only 31 games which ended with a one-goal deficit.
“I think it’s often a play that makes the difference in a match,” noted defender David Savard. We are starting to improve. Compared to last season, we are making fewer mistakes, fewer turnovers which cost us dearly. That’s why we’re in the game every night.
“We have to find a way to make one more play that will go our way. One more goal from us or one less goal for the other team and we go to overtime. »
The Habs headed to Calgary on Friday. He will face the Flames on Saturday, in his first game of a series of five on opposing ice.