In this season, when progress is important for the Canadian, any improvement is good to brighten the portrait. At the middle of the season we highlight the fact that the team has five points more than last year. It's not huge, but it's better than a setback.
However, if the Habs maintained the same pace through April, they would finish the campaign with 80 points. This would be an increase of a dozen points compared to last season and a total increase of 25 points for the first two years of the recovery plan.
Viewed from this perspective, it is encouraging.
Still a long way from the series
No one was shouting it from the rooftops, but after Martin St-Louis' team took a point from the Flyers on Wednesday, they were just five points away from a playoff spot. But we knew there was little reason for hope.
The pendulum returned to her face on Thursday as she allowed the San Jose Sharks to record their first win in 13 games.
Nasty cold shower! The CH is now seven points ahead of a place in the playoffs.
You have to be realistic and patient.
Isn't it said that patience is the mother of all virtues?
It will be at least two years before the Canadian can really aim to take part in the spring tournament.
Success requires two players
After 41 games, the club only has eight wins in the regular season. That's one less than last season at the same time.
The chances of victory rest largely on the shoulders of captain Nick Suzuki and Samuel Montembeault, the most productive player on the team who, despite his track record, is still caught in a three-man team in front of the net.
For his part, Cayden Primeau reached an agreement with the team management to keep him in Montreal. It would be ideal if he took on the role of Montembeault's support staff.
The problem is that Jake Allen, who Kent Hughes wants to sell, has little value on the market.
Among the youngest, Kaiden Guhle shows a good development curve. The Edmonton defenseman sacrificed offense to refine his defensive game. His progress is remarkable in this regard.
Juraj Slafkovsky has now come out of his shell. He gained confidence and physical maturity. He is on the right track and has his place in the front row. His name appears more often in the recaps, but he would benefit from shooting more often.
A good word also goes to Jayden Struble, who is a huge revelation. It's not glittery, but you feel like you're in control. His checks are powerful and opponents who try to hit him feel like they're hitting a wall.
If Arber Xhekaj returns to the big club, the Canadian will have two defenders who can mix and match. It won't be too much.
Caufield: Don't panic!
Now let's move on to Cole Caufield.
It is no exaggeration to say that there are concerns about its production. But don't panic!
Opposing teams are watching him more closely, which is to be expected. We won't beat him anymore. We sometimes see big players move him in hot zones like he's a straw. It's the price of fame.
The Canadian's management showed he believed in his abilities by giving him a lucrative eight-year contract. Caufield won't say, but he must be feeling more pressure.
However, he has to find a way out. His team needs him to score goals.
Stick to the plan
Here the Canadian is in the second year of reconstruction.
Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes will not deviate from their plan. Both men display calm and wisdom. They want their team to learn to walk before they run.
There's no point in rushing things if it means going backwards, which is what we've seen with many teams.