First of all, I would like to wish you a happy and healthy New Year. That is the most important thing in life. Priorities change over the years. When I was in charge, I asked for wins because it helps you stay healthy!
This week marks the halfway point of the National Hockey League season. For the Canadians, two players improved greatly in the first half: Juraj Slafkovsky and Samuel Montembeault. These are the two best pieces of news from Montreal so far.
In Slafkovsky's case, he is a completely different player compared to last year. He's playing a lot more confidently and we feel like he's more comfortable on the ice.
He has gained the trust of his coach, which is so important for a player. It's hard for a coach to always have to protect and hide a player. This is no longer the case today. Martin St-Louis puts him in the spotlight by putting him in the front row alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. It's refreshing to see.
Slafkovsky didn't steal his chance, he absolutely deserved it thanks to his performances. He is more alert and seems faster than before. His physical condition is also better than when he started. It comes with maturity. An 18-year-old doesn't know what to expect when he gets to the NHL.
The Slovakian shows a great attitude. He clearly wants to improve and is putting in a lot of effort.
Allen, a veteran model
Speaking of progress, it looks like Montembeault is getting better every month. He impresses me very much.
The Quebecer has hardly had a bad performance so far. He always gives his club a chance to win. Occasionally he steals wins, like last Saturday against the Rangers. He then delivered an exceptional performance.
We saw emotion from him at the end of the game, which is rare as he is usually very calm. Montembeault really wanted to win this match. The Rangers did everything they could to stop him. They tested him from every angle and in every way possible, but he was able to resist the climb.
Samuel Montembeault Photo Martin Chevalier
What is also encouraging for the future is that Montembeault is reaching the peak of his career.
We often hear criticism of the menage a trois in front of the CH net, but credit must be given to goalkeeping coach Éric Raymond, who does a remarkable job making sure the three are ready to respond to the call. This is not an obvious situation for anyone.
There are also a lot of negative comments about Jake Allen's contract. But let's not forget that Kent Hughes didn't know at the time how much Montembeault would improve. It was anything but guaranteed. Its course therefore distorts the data.
Luckily for the organization, Allen understands the situation and accepts his fate, making life easier for everyone. His behavior is impeccable.
Many veterans would not have acted so professionally. Every team needs experienced players like Allen to surround the young players, be role models for them and help them become good professionals.
Keep the pedal on the floor
In order for them to continue their learning curve, the team must stay in the playoff race until the end of the schedule.
The season is a marathon and we're only halfway through, so we're still a long way from the finish line. Since it is a long process, participation in the series is always fully deserved.
For the benefit of the youth, the CH must, as is currently the case, maintain a maximum gap of six points to the team that occupies the last place for the playoffs.
Let's hope for their sake that nothing changes in the second half of the season and the Canadiens play four-point games in March.