After a stunning late season run that ended with a division title, the Montreal Canadiens fizzled in the playoffs, bowing out in the first round versus Ottawa. After some division realignment, the Canadiens were projected to be contenders in the new Atlantic Division.
Through the first month of the season the Habs were more like pretenders, posting an 8-8-1 record through November 8th. Since that time Montreal has caught fire, going 12-4-2 and taking the spot right behind the division leading Boston Bruins. During their impressive run the Canadiens posted victories over the top two teams in the Eastern Conference, Boston and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Significant victories over the top teams in the east have shown that Montreal will play a significant role in how the postseason unfolds.
The Canadiens bread and butter starts with the defense and goaltending. With reigning Norris Trophy winner P.K Subban and star goaltender Carey Price leading the way, Montreal has the second ranked defense in the NHL to date this year, surrendering just over two goals per game. The special teams have also been on point with the sixth ranked power play and the fourth best penalty kill in the league.
The offense has left much to be desired as Montreal finds itself in the bottom third of the NHL in scoring. There were signs of life as the Habs started to pile up the wins. Leading goal scorer Max Pacioretty has scored 10 of his team-high 12 goals since November 19th, though he has only one goal in his last five games. Tomas Plekanec (11 goals) and Alex Galchenyuk (10 goals) have been steady contributors, but Montreal needs more scoring depth from their third and fourth lines.
Free agent acquisition Daniel Briere and Calder Trophy finalist Brendan Gallagher have been too inconsistent and will need to contribute more if Montreal has designs on jumping Boston and/or Pittsburgh. Coach Michel Therrien has a wealth of youth and talent at his disposal, but finding the right combination is the tricky part. Scoring three goals in the last four games is particularly concerning when you consider that only Los Angeles (6-0 home loss) has a winning record among those four opponents.
The Montreal Canadiens are a playoff team, but in the big picture, not much more than that. The defense is fantastic, but there isn’t a player beyond Pacioretty that can be considered a “clutch scorer”. The playoffs are all about rising to the moment and so far the Canadiens are lacking in that area. When the Habs absolutely need a goal, they lack a "go-to" player that can step up and take that role.
With the wealth of youthful talent on the roster, Montreal could be in the market for a proven veteran scorer looking for one final playoff ride. Jaromir Jagr certainly fits the bill as a mercenary for hire, or if some fences get mended, Michael Cammalleri could return triumphantly to Les Glorieux. Though Briere was brought in to play that role he looks like he has very little left in the tank. Other possibilities could be Matt Moulson, Thomas Vanek or Evander Kane.
So far the Canadiens are sitting pretty in mid-December, but they have a long way to go before their season is measured as a success or failure. Price and Subban are world class, but Montreal needs to shuffle the lines on offense and bring in a fresh stick if they want to go anywhere in the playoffs. Even with a new face for the lineup, the Canadiens are good but not great. They certainly have the foundation in place to be elite, but will need a monumental effort from their youngsters to get over that hump.