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Are the Montreal Canadiens a Playoff Contender in the Atlantic?

The Montréal Canadiens last hot streak has moved them into playoff contention in the Atlantic Division. Are the Canadians the real deal?

by
Old Prof
January 16, 2025

The Montreal Canadiens have suddenly become a force in the Atlantic Division. After a slow start to the season, this young team has caught some lightning in a jar. Who thought at the beginning of the season that the Canadiens would be the hottest team in the NHL in mid-January? However, they might just be.

Since December 17, the Canadiens have put up a 10-2-1 record and are bumping into a possible playoff spot. They could make it if they win some of their games in hand. The energy of its young players has brought about the team’s success, the intelligence of its coaching staff, the return of Patrik Laine from injury, and a couple of key trades.

The question is whether the Canadiens can make it this season. If so, they are far ahead of schedule. Has the team turned into a legitimate playoff contender?

The Canadiens Young Core Has Emerged

At the heart of the Canadiens’ turnaround is the growth of the team’s young core of players. This includes emerging stars like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki. These two youngsters have a natural offensive instinct. As well, both have leadership qualities that seem to be beyond their age and NHL experience.

However, maybe one of the most exciting stories with this team has been the rise of a young (and offensively gifted) blueliner who might have a chance to win the Calder Trophy. That’s Lane Hutson. Hutson is a second-round pick who has emerged as a game-changer. He’s putting up points like no one expected, with nine points in his last five games. Although his defensive play might still be developing, his offensive instincts are off the charts. He can control the game’s pace, which has been key to the Canadiens’ success.

Suzuki has become a strong two-way player, while Caufield’s scoring has given the team the offensive spark it has needed. This dynamic duo and Hutson’s breakout season have created a strong foundation for the Canadiens’ future.

The Canadiens Trades Have Paid Off

General Manager Kent Hughes has also made strategic moves that have improved the Canadiens’ roster. Bringing in defenseman Alex Carrier from the Nashville Predators added defensive stability and an offensive uptick. Carrier has put up seven points in just 12 games with Montreal. He also adds a steady presence on the Montreal blue line.

Equally crucial has been Patrik Laine’s return to action. Although he’s played just 15 games on the season, he already has scored nine power-play goals. That’s tied for fourth in the NHL. He provided the Canadiens strong scoring with the man advantage and can change a game with his shot. Imagine what he could give this team in the future. For all the time it seems Laine has had in the NHL, he’s still only 26. He could be the x-factor for this young team if he proves to have found his team.

Martin St. Louis Has Shown His Skill as a Head Coach

Head coach Martin St. Louis deserves much credit for the Canadiens’ transformation. He seems able to inspire and develop young players. He could be the cornerstone of his team’s recent success. Under his leadership, the Canadiens’ defensive systems have tightened. Their puck possession game has improved, and their underlying numbers are rising. They’ve registered 51.6% of expected goals during their recent winning streak.

St. Louis has created a system that balances the team’s offensive creativity with its defensive responsibility. This shift has helped the Canadiens play a more complete game. The Canadiens are now better at limiting opponents’ scoring chances and turning the puck around to capitalize on their own chances. St. Louis has earned his young players’ trust and fostered a culture of accountability.

Are Playoffs and a New Era Coming for the Canadiens?

The Canadiens’ jump into the playoff position has been one of this NHL season’s most interesting and surprising stories. They have youthful energy, great coaching, and have made solid moves. By doing so, the Habs have transformed into a legitimate playoff team. Whether or not they make it this season, their hot streak signals that the organization is building something special.

Can they continue to climb up the standings? That’s still to be seen. However, the Atlantic Conference is changing, and one of the biggest changes is the surprising success of the Canadiens.