October 29, 2023
It was a jam-packed week for the Montreal Canadiens, with four games on tap. On Monday night the Habs went into Buffalo and left with a 3-1 win. Tuesday didn’t go as well on home ice in a 5-2 loss to New Jersey. The Columbus Blue Jackets were in town on Thursday and the result was a 4-3 overtime win. Then on Saturday night they claimed a 4-3 shootout win over the Winnipeg Jets. Here are some thoughts on the Habs after eight games.
Folks who thought Kent Hughes didn’t get enough in the Lehkonen trade were wrong.
Justin Barron has played five games this season and has three goals and is a +3, while playing over his head with Matheson for a couple of those games. As reported by Sportsnet Stats, Barron is the first Habs D-man to get three goals in his first five games played in a season since Andrei Markov did it in 2013. The Habs don’t have Nick Lidstrom on their hands, but Barron is better than fans assumed when they were grieving for Lehkonen. I hope we see more of the Guhle-Barron duo.
The difference between longevity and a short shelf life is picking your spots.
Coach Martin St. Louis reportedly had a John Tortorella moment on Thursday during the first intermission, after the Habs were awful in the first and were down 2-0. It worked. Isn’t it funny that we can hardly remember this team before Marty, and it’s hard to imagine them without him? Let’s hope he can stay fresh and effective through the whole window.
Cole Caufield is looking like he will be the next to score 50 for the Montreal Canadiens.
It would be a practical certainty if every game went to 3-on-3 overtime. The little man has four goals and five assists in eight games. This, while playing on a top line that lacks a quality second winger. He will have multiple 50 goal seasons for the Habs, and he was built to play in this market. Now if we could only finish that line we’d be golden.
Veterans Mike Matheson and Sean Monahan are boosting their trade value.
But don’t hold your breath. Matheson is the team’s top defender and has six points in eight games. Monahan has seven in eight. They’re important pieces in leading the Habs to a shocking 5-2-1 record. Would they have fared as well if it was Matheson and Monahan they lost instead of Savard and Dach? Probably not. Don’t be surprised if Monahan is extended if he can stay healthy. If the term is right, why not?
Speaking of trades, the Habs goalies are not interested.
We saw three goalies this week, and all three performed well. None of them look like they’re eager to get shipped out of Montreal. HuGo has an enormous decision to make. It’s tough to consider moving Allen when the young Habs are playing so well and you might be tempted by playoffs, but he will never have more value than he does right now.
After eight games, the Habs have 11 of a possible 16 points. I don’t know if anyone saw this coming, and it may be short-lived. But it’s a lot of fun to watch, even if it is time-limited.
Hab At Her 
I’ve been watching all of the games and I like that the HABS played as a better team even if the opponents had better players. As fans we like wins and keep asking for roster improvements. I believe those improvements will come, in time. For now, winning is good for the development of young players and strengthening the team concept. I expect some loses but will continue to cheer for wins.
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When considering the loss of an impactful player like Dach; it is surprising that the Habs have appeared not to miss a beat. That speaks to team depth and commitment to a vision. Marty St Louis has provided that vision while HUGO has provided the depth. It’s a nice example of the synergy that seems to exist between Management, coach and players.
Fans of the team can have confidence that a solid rebuild is happening. It’s also very exciting to contemplate what moves will come next. How will the 3 goalie situation unfold? How will the team deal with the team veterans? How wonderful to see the young defense take additional steps towards a brighter future.
These are exciting times to be a fan of the Habs. As long as the fanbase stays patient and positive when the team hits the inevitable white water and turbulent times; I can’t help but believe the pressure they face today will create the diamonds that shine tomorrow.
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