Laine’s Swagger Sparks Resurgent Canadiens: Can It Last?

Although there are many reasons for the Montreal Canadiens’ December resurgence, it’s hard to ignore the impact of Patrik Laine’s return to the lineup. Once a question mark in the preseason due to injury, Laine returned with a vengeance. He’s become a driving force behind the Canadiens’ impressive 8-5-0 record this month. His swagger, confidence, and dominance on the power play have reignited his career and galvanized his teammates.

The question remains: can Laine’s impact sustain the Canadiens’ newfound momentum?

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Laine Sets the Tone for the Canadiens’ December

Patrik Laine’s NHL career seemed to be losing steam during his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite his skill and talent, he never quite met the lofty expectations set for him as a second-overall pick. When he went down during the preseason, Canadiens fans were left wondering what version of Laine would eventually return. Would it be the inconsistent player from Columbus, or could he resurrect his career in Montreal?

The answer so far has been the latter. Laine hit the ice with tremendous success. He made history by scoring eight power-play goals in his first few games with Montreal this season—an NHL record. His quick release, pinpoint shooting, and confidence have made him a nightmare for opposing penalty kills. His swagger on the ice has been infectious, setting a tone the rest of the team seems to have embraced.

The Canadiens Have Improved Their Scoring and Defense

While Laine has been the catalyst, the Canadiens’ resurgence isn’t only about him. The team as a whole has stepped up. Montreal has scored 44 goals in 13 December games, averaging 3.38 per game. This uptick in offensive production has complemented the team’s improvements on defense. They’ve tightened up in their own zone, giving up only 2.92 goals per game this month, a notable improvement over their season average of 3.44.

Even after a humbling 9-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Canadiens have shown resilience. Currently, they are coming off two wins in Florida. What NHL team can do that? That’s partly because the team’s defensive numbers have grown stronger. This balance between scoring and defensive success has provided a sturdy foundation for success.

The Canadiens’ Depth and Special Teams Have Helped

Laine’s power play brilliance might grab the headlines, but the Canadiens’ play has been a team effort. Contributions from all four lines have been a hallmark of their December success. Jake Evans, in particular, has been solid. He’s scored six goals and added six assists in 13 games, which is remarkable for a depth player.

Meanwhile, Lane Hutson (13 points) and Joel Armia (eight points) provide consistent secondary scoring. This depth has allowed head coach Martin St. Louis to roll his lines, creating matchup problems for opponents – even on the road.

Laine’s impact is most evident on the man advantage. His eight power-play goals in December transformed what was once a so-so unit into a scoring weapon. His ability to find soft spots in the defense has reinvigorated the Canadiens’ special teams. The penalty kill has also played a pivotal role, operating at an impressive 84.4% efficiency this month. These special teams’ improvements have given Montreal an edge in close games, helping them dictate the pace and swing momentum in their favor.

Is There New Hope for Montreal?

Laine has undeniably been the spark that ignited the Canadiens’ December bounceback. His swagger and scoring have lifted the team, providing inspiration and tangible results. But as much as Laine has been a key, the Canadiens’ success has been a collective effort. The team has improved its defensive play, depth contributions, and special teams play.

If Montreal can build on this foundation and continue to play as a cohesive unit, there’s reason to believe their resurgence can extend into the new year. For now, Canadiens fans can enjoy watching Laine and company breathe new life into a storied franchise.

Related: Insider Contends Canadiens Can Avoid Backup Goalie Trade