The basis of Martin St-Louis’ game plan is the five-on-five game. It is the DNA of his team and statistically we can say that his team currently has an extremely solid foundation. The Canadiens have allowed just four goals in six games at five-on-five, putting them first in that regard, ahead of the Bruins, who have allowed five goals in six games.
This success is relatively easy to explain: 20 of the 23 players currently on the Canadiens roster played under Martin St-Louis last year. Only Tanner Pearson, Alex Newhook and Gustav Lindstrom, who was recalled Tuesday, had to learn the team’s game plan. As the head coach told me earlier this week, he didn’t have to start from scratch and his players know his demands.
Still at five-on-five, but this time on offense, the Canadiens have scored 12 goals since the start of the season, which puts them 12th in the NHL, one goal behind the Bruins.
GOALKEEPERS DOMINATE
We also have to give a few stars to the goalkeepers, who have limited the damage a few times so far at even strength.
Imagine if Samuel Montembeault didn’t allow a single goal on 28 shots in two games at five-on-five. Meanwhile, in such a context (in three games), Jake Allen has allowed just two goals on 71 shots. We’re talking about two goalkeepers who are very competitive and make timely saves in crucial moments. Without their contribution, it would undoubtedly be very difficult to talk about the success of the team at the same strength.
BET
Before Tuesday’s game, the Canadiens were first in the NHL in faceoffs, but slipped to sixth (54.2%) after a difficult game against the Devils on Tuesday, when the centers were 37% efficient. away.
One thing is certain: we must not again just rely on chance to explain such success. Martin St-Louis gives great credit to his players who take this aspect of the game very seriously. Sean Monahan is at 58% efficiency since the first game, while Jake Evans and Nick Suzuki are each at 57%. Needless to say, these statistics are a source of pride for the three players in question.
While the credit goes to the players, there is a sense that work is being done behind closed doors to ensure that this aspect of the game is taken very seriously, not just in the defensive zone but in all nine circles of successful center players have no choice but to rely on their teammates to pounce on loose pucks in the faceoff circle.
In short, there are several reasons why the Canadiens are doing well at even strength, and the challenge is making sure it stays that way. We really feel that it is a source of pride for the organization to dominate in this regard and with a young team it is really the foundation for the success of this organization in the more or less near future.
Imagine if the special teams were a little more effective, the Canadiens would obviously be an even more dangerous team. With a 3-2-1 record that includes a three-game, four-night streak that ended Tuesday, it’s hard to ask for anything better.
But there is still a lot of work to be done, as the Canadiens have allowed their opponents 33 power plays in six games, which is far too many. Only the Ducks have done worse so far with 34. Everyone agrees that a little more discipline wouldn’t hurt. It’s all about putting words into action.
