In Game 44, the Habs convincingly beat the defending Cup champs

On Thursday night the Florida Panthers descended on the Bell Centre and were greeted by the young and confident Canadiens. The result was a 6-2 win for Montreal. Here’s what I noticed. Alex Texier is having fun right now. That was his first career hat trick. It was only late November when Texier’s contract wasContinue reading “In Game 44, the Habs convincingly beat the defending Cup champs”

Three Habs made a case in Game 43

The Calgary Flames were in Montreal on Wednesday night for the 43rd game of the season for the Canadiens. The result was a 4-1 win for the Habs. Three players caught my eye. Texier made a case to stay in the line-up. He was brought in on the cheap to be an injury-replacement placeholder. ButContinue reading “Three Habs made a case in Game 43”

Game 42 was a big finish to a tough road trip

The Montreal Canadiens had a Sunday matinee to kick off the second half of their season. Game 42 was the final game of a five-game road trip since the holiday break, and this time they were in Dallas for a tilt against the Stars. The result was a 4-3 overtime win. Some things are worthContinue reading “Game 42 was a big finish to a tough road trip”

At the halfway point, the Montreal Canadiens have merits and demerits

The Montreal Canadiens played their 41st game of the season on Saturday afternoon against the Blues. They left St. Louis with a record of 22-13-6 and the second best points percentage in the Atlantic Division. Looking ahead to the second half of the season, the Habs have merits and demerits. Goaltending The obvious goaltending meritContinue reading “At the halfway point, the Montreal Canadiens have merits and demerits”

The Habs handled a lesser opponent in Game 34

On Thursday night the Chicago Blackhawks were at the Bell Centre to face the Montreal Canadiens. The result was a 4-1 win. Here’s what I noted. The top line is finding some chemistry. I’m not convinced Zachary Bolduc is the best option for the top line. They face the opposition’s best night after night, andContinue reading “The Habs handled a lesser opponent in Game 34”

The call-ups were enough to wake up the Habs for Game 30

December 12, 2025 On Thursday night, the Montreal Canadiens were in Pittsburgh to face the Penguins with some fresh line-up changes. The result was a 4-2 win. Here’s what I noticed. I didn’t love how the coach used his call-ups. Martin St. Louis made the easy choices. The decision to play Jacob Fowler was madeContinue reading “The call-ups were enough to wake up the Habs for Game 30”

After a Game 29 beating, the Habs have a blatant problem, and not just in net

December 10, 2025 On Tuesday night, the Montreal Canadiens entertained the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Bell Centre. It’s a good thing the Lightning were entertained, because the fans surely were not. It was an ugly 6-1 loss for the Habs. I have one overarching take from the game. The Canadiens have a veteran problem.Continue reading “After a Game 29 beating, the Habs have a blatant problem, and not just in net”

The Habs were tight defensively and took the Game 27 win against the Leafs

December 7, 2025 On Saturday night the Montreal Canadiens were in Toronto to face the Maple Leafs. They are two teams headed in different directions, with the Leafs trying to keep their competitive window open, while the Habs are just ascending to theirs. The result on this night was a 2-1 shootout win. Some thingsContinue reading “The Habs were tight defensively and took the Game 27 win against the Leafs”

Coach’s line juggling got the Game 26 win

December 4, 2025 On Wednesday night the Montreal Canadiens greeted the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell Centre. The coach had not changed his roster dramatically – Davidson was in for Florian Xhekaj and Dobes was starting – but he did put the lines in the blender. The result was a 3-2 shootout win. Here’s whatContinue reading “Coach’s line juggling got the Game 26 win”

A depleted Habs lineup stole a point in Game 19

November 18, 2025 On Monday night, the Montreal Canadiens were in Columbus for their 19th game of the season. A beaten up lineup played with heart and the result was a 4-3 shootout loss. Here are some things I noticed. Some of Marty’s new lines worked… others, not so much. Creating four decent lines ofContinue reading “A depleted Habs lineup stole a point in Game 19”