The Canadiens are eager to contend this season, a sentiment echoed frequently since their annual golf tournament. However, to truly compete, they must address their defensive issues. If these issues remain uncorrected, they risk ending up at the bottom of the NHL standings.
While aiming to score goals is important, allowing more goals than they score won’t benefit them. The team’s defensive performance has been poor, as they rank last in the league for expected 5-on-5 goals allowed per 60 minutes. A visual representation on Twitter from the JFresh account illustrates their struggles, showing that even teams like the Sharks and Ducks outperform them in this area.
Additionally, an article by Jonathan Bernier in the Journal de Montréal highlights that the Canadiens allow the most shots from the slot per game and rank poorly in zone exits. However, it’s worth noting that the Canadiens’ defense features a young core, including players like Guhle, Xhekaj, Barron, and Hutson, who are still gaining experience alongside veterans Matheson and Savard. Savard has not started the season strongly, complicating matters further.
Goaltender Montembeault has performed well in his first two games, although he faced more challenges in subsequent matches against the Penguins and Bruins. The Habs are in the midst of a rebuild, which naturally leads to on-ice errors as they transition from being one of the worst defensive teams to a more competitive squad. It’s clear they need to improve their decision-making in their own zone, and the coaching staff will need to develop strategies to turn things around; otherwise, losses may outnumber wins.
Recently, there were rumors about Matvei Michkov’s disinterest in joining the Canadiens. Reports suggested he declined the opportunity to be drafted by them, which might explain why Kent Hughes selected David Reinbacher instead at the 5th overall pick in the 2023 draft. However, journalist Anthony Martineau from TVA Sports clarified the situation, noting that Michkov had a comprehensive meeting with the Canadiens before the draft. If he truly had no interest in the team, he likely would have chosen not to meet with them.
While it’s disappointing that Michkov isn’t playing for the Canadiens, there’s no evidence that he refused to join. In fact, he showcased his talent by impressing against the Edmonton Oilers recently. At just 19, Michkov is already making an impact with the Philadelphia Flyers, tallying 3 points in 3 games under coach John Tortorella. He could very well match Connor Bedard’s performance from last season, having been selected 7th overall by the Flyers, just behind Reinbacher and the Canadiens.
