The Montreal Canadiens’ playoff hopes faced a tough test Thursday night as they were outshot 45-30 by the Detroit Red Wings, falling 4-2. Despite a recent surge that had fans buzzing, the Canadiens struggled from the start, failing to generate much energy in the game.
In contrast to their previous victories, the Canadiens looked fatigued, as Detroit dominated the puck possession early, outshooting Montreal 17-4 in the first period alone. Though the Canadiens have been in the playoff mix for the first time in a while, they could not push past the Red Wings in this contest, showing signs of exhaustion after a grueling travel schedule.
One bright spot for the Canadiens was the continued improvement of Kirby Dach, who has significantly raised his performance since recovering from major knee surgery. He had been struggling early in the season but has turned things around with nine goals since Christmas. Dach scored Montreal’s first goal of the game, a wraparound play that showcased his quickness and reach. He also played a key role in the Canadiens’ second goal, providing a perfect screen that helped Kaiden Guhle’s shot find the back of the net.
While the Canadiens’ second line has vastly improved since Dach’s resurgence, it wasn’t enough to secure the win on Thursday. Before Dach regained form, Montreal’s second line had only eight goals, the worst in the league, but now the total has climbed to 31 goals, still below the league average but respectable nonetheless.
However, the team’s overall fatigue has become a concern. They have been on an extensive travel schedule, and the constant long trips across North America are taking a toll. With only eight games left before the upcoming break, the Canadiens’ goal is simple: play .500 hockey. They need to avoid a major slump in the next two weeks and head into the break with a decent position in the standings.
Despite the loss to Detroit, there’s no need for panic. The Canadiens are a strong team, but their legs are clearly tired. A well-deserved break is crucial, and with a couple of key players like Dach showing strong performances, the team still has a solid foundation for the season’s second half.
In other news, the Laval Rocket, Montreal’s AHL affiliate, continue to impress, sitting atop the North Division after an exciting overtime win over the Hershey Bears. Rookie Adam Engstrom, whose stock is rising, contributed to the win with a standout goal, and goaltender Cayden Primeau has been on fire with five consecutive victories. Both players, among others, are positioning themselves for future NHL call-ups, making for an exciting time for Montreal’s developmental system.
As the Canadiens move forward, it’s clear that while their current struggles are partly due to exhaustion, their future remains promising, especially with key young players developing in Laval. The road to the playoffs will be tough, but with steady contributions from veterans and rookies alike, Montreal is poised to stay in the hunt for the postseason.
