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Canadiens Recap: Insights on Team Developments and Prospects
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- Canadiens Recap: Insights on Team Developments and Prospects
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
MONTREAL — There's always Montreal Canadiens news to be absorbed on a daily basis, but there are only so many hours in a day. On Sundays, we recap the most exciting and relevant NHL news stories that you may have missed throughout the week so that you can stay in the Canadiens loop.
Monday
We took a look at some of the most important stats now that the Canadiens have a dozen games in the bank. Overall, the team has improved most categories, but there's still a good deal of work to be done. Fortunately, the top line, led by Nick Suzuki , is keeping Montreal's head above water for the time being. [ Canadiens Analysis – Teamwide Improvements ]
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Noted agitator Nick Cousins was sporting a cut face following his fight versus Canadiens defenceman Jayden Struble .
The fight was in response to a dirty slash delivered by Cousins on Ivan Demidov during the preseason. In case you missed it, Struble made short work of his opponent.
Tuesday
There's no doubt Ivan Demidov has made a significant impact on the first powerplay unit. We discussed his impact after a few games, and though the same size wasn't ideal, all signs pointed to a much improved powerplay. Fast-forward a few days, and things are looking even better. [ Canadiens Analysis – Demidov Powerplay Impact ]
It's become a common sight, Demidov and Lane Hutson spending as much time as possible working hard at practice. This is exactly what you want to see from skaters who have the potential to become some of the most dominant players at their respective positions.
Wednesday
If we're being honest, the Habs probably didn't deserve to emerge from Tuesday's game with a point, but a pair of goals from Kirby Dach , not to mention more stellar play by Demidov, pushed the game to overtime. [ Canadiens Highlights: Dach Scores Twice To Salvage A Point ]
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I have nothing but respect for Mike Kelly, but it's always entertaining to see Suzuki get his well-deserved credit outside the local market. That being said, Kelly has always held Suzuki in high esteem, unlike a few other analysts that refuse to update their outdated views of the Canadiens captain.
This play was lost in the fray, but Suzuki not only won a crucial faceoff in overtime versus the Flyers, he was forced to make a big block in the dying seconds of the game to preserve the tie.
Suzuki also managed to extend his scoring streak to an impressive 12 games. He now has three goals and 16 assists in 13 games this season, and he's yet to really find his rhythm in the goal scoring department.
Winning the Calder Trophy is far from a lock, but Demidov sure is building a strong case. His goal on Tuesday pushed his season totals to four goals and eight assists in 13 games, reclaiming the rookie scoring lead in the process.
Even though I don't necessarily agree with the logic in play, it must be said that head coach Martin St-Louis has definitely gone to bat for Samuel Montembeault , and that's always appreciated in the locker room.
Thursday
The Demidov and Kapanen duo is starting to lose a little steam now that shooting percentages have normalized a little To find Demidov more ice time at 5v5, different linesmates could be in order. [ Canadiens Prospect Report: Next AHL Call-Up Among Forwards ]
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Speaking of Demidov, despite his great start, he's aware there's some work to be done at 5v5.
If the Habs are looking to add a little more truculence and scoring to the bottom six, they may want to consider giving Laval Rocket forward Jared Davidson a call. Davidson is off to a great start of the year, with seven goals in 10 games, while already playing the brand of hockey preached by Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis. [ Canadiens Prospect Report: Next AHL Call-Up Among Forwards ]
It seems top prospect Michael Hage played most of his rookie season with a nagging injury. The talented forward maintained a point-per-game pace in his freshman season, and currently has six goals and nine assists in 10 games.
Elliotte Friedman expects the Habs to make a move if they can find a quality centre, which is more or less the status quo since the end of the 2024-25 season.
Friday
Head coach Martin St-Louis turned to rookie Jakub Dobes versus the New Jersey Devils , putting his undefeated streak on the line in the process. [ Canadiens Preview: Dobes Starts In Battle Of Top Teams ]
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The Canadiens managed to secure at least one point on Thursday, but they were a little over a minute away from winning, making it a bittersweet result. The giveaway by Alex Newhook in overtime was a hard pill to swallow considering the score midway through the third period. [ Canadiens Highlights: Late-Game Chaos In New Jersey ]
Jakub Dobes was quite emotional following Thursday's loss, placing the blame on his very young shoulders. You never want to see a player reach such a despondent level, as mental health is very important, but he's surrounded by a great support system, and in the long run, his win-at-all-costs attitude should serve him well once he has more experience under his belt. Few players have a stronger desire to win than Dobes.
I can guarantee Dobes is being reminded by his teammates that he's currently one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. He's still ranked 3rd in goals against average (2.25), and 4th in save percentage (.920).
It's always entertaining to see people around the league acknowledge that Nick Suzuki is, in fact, among the best players in the league.
The Canadiens decided to cancel the practice they had scheduled for Friday morning, likely in a bid to dissipate some of the frustration following Thursday's overtime loss.
Saturday
Not only is he behind Montreal's early-season success, rookie Jakub Dobes is also currently one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. The numbers don't lie. [ Jakub Dobes Excellence By The Numbers ]
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Prospect Jared Davidson scored his eight goal of the year in the Laval Rocket's 4-2 win over the Hartford Wolf Pack. There's no doubt about it, Davidson has forced his way to the front of the call-up list. Jacob Fowler made 25 saves to secure the victory, and is now sporting an encouraging .914 save percentage. [ Canadiens Prospect Report: Next AHL Call-Up Among Forwards ]
Speaking of the Rocket, they decided to offer veteran Josiah Didier a regular contract, a wise decision given the lack of depth on their blue line.
Michael Hage continues to drive the offence for the University of Michigan Wolverines. The highly-entertaining prospect scored twice as Michigan downed Wisconsin 7-4, pushing his season totals to an impressive eight goals and nine assists in just 11 games.
Former Hab Cayden Primeau has been assigned to the AHL following a rough stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs .
There was a lot to like about the win over Utah on Saturday night. Cole Caufield now leads the NHL in goals, Samuel Montembeault has rebounded nicely, and Oliver Kapanen keeps producing. [Canadiens Highlights: Caufield Powers Goal Scoring Bonanza ]
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