The Montreal Canadiens showed tremendous character, and no one can underestimate them
All experts and fans are unanimous: the Canadiens must put on a good show, the players must give everything on the ice, and above all, demonstrate significant progress.
No one expected the team to make the playoffs, and that's perfectly fine; it's in a rebuilding phase. However, it can be said that the mission has been accomplished so far.
At the same date last year, the record was very similar, but significant injuries occurred later. This year, injuries happened earlier, and the storm has passed.
What is most notable is that the Canadiens always have a road trip of more than five consecutive games that coincides with the holiday season. Last season, that's where the team collapsed. This year, in four games, the team earned seven out of a possible eight points, and the only loss in overtime came with a goal from Kirill Kaprizov with 4 seconds remaining. The Canadiens have only played four of the seven games on this trip, and they are already assured of returning with a .500 record.
When we talk about progression and learning, this is good evidence. A turning point in the last campaign was undoubtedly that infamous trip, which was catastrophic. In six road games from December 19th to January 3rd, the Canadiens earned three points out of a possible 12, losing the last 5 games, including one in overtime and four with scores of 4-1, 7-2, 9-2, and 6-3. It can be said that they have adjusted significantly.
Next, the team lost 4 of its next 5 games. In short, the descent into hell began.
Not only is the picture of this season's trip very different, but the players never give up. With their 5-2 victory over the Blackhawks, who led 2-0, it was the 4th time this season that they came back from a deficit of two goals or more to win. This mark is a league-high (tied).
When talking about character, the Canadiens must be in discussions across the league, and no one can take them lightly.
| POLL | ||
Are you surprised by the Canadiens' results in the current road trip? | ||
| Yes | 182 | 57.2 % |
| No | 136 | 42.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
