At their best, the Montreal Canadiens stay out of the penalty box and outskate teams in waves at even strength. It is a point that I have harped on for some time now, but I will emphasize it once more: The Canadiens’ core strength is the ability to dominate teams at 5-on-5 through a frenetic pace and heavy shot volume advantage.
The Canadiens are fifth in 5-on-5 goal differential this season, 18 goals better than their opponents. The Vegas Golden Knights (+29) and Toronto Maple Leafs (+26) are two teams within striking distance of the Canadiens – two teams with genuine Stanley Cup aspirations.
Ducharme et Bergevin jouent présentement leur poste avec le Canadien danslescoulisses.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from danslescoulisses.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Article content
Carey Price’s return to the Canadiens’ lineup did not get off to a good start.
After missing six straight games with a lower-body injury, the goaltender was back in net at the Bell Centre for Saturday afternoon’s game against the Ottawa Senators.
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Try refreshing your browser, or Canadiens Game Day: A rough return to action for Habs Carey Price Back to video
Artem Zub scored on Ottawa’s first shot on Price at 3:03 of the first period and the Senators went on to win 4-0, including an empty-net goal.
Canadiens need for Caufield even clearer after listless loss to Senators
Matt Murray made 23 saves for the shutout as the Ottawa Senators beat the Montreal Canadiens 4-0. | April 17, 2021, 9:21 PM
April 17, 2021, 9:21 PM
MONTREAL This isn’t some kind of Sophie’s choice for Marc Bergevin. At least not now, after having watched his Montreal Canadiens lose 4-0 to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.
They couldn’t muster more than eight quality scoring chances three of them came with the game out of reach against a competitive but defensively porous team, and they were shut out for the second Saturday in a row. The Canadiens have scored just 14 goals in their last eight games, with four of them coming in a win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday, and they’re in desperate need of a spark only Bergevin can facilitate.
The Canadiens need a change in leadership
Share this story
Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
As I watched the Montreal Canadiens embarrass themselves against the worst team in the North Division on Saturday afternoon, I struggled to figure out what I’d write. There were plenty of events or players that could be singled out as reasons they lost that game, but only one overarching observation that seemed painfully obvious.
This team has a distinct lack of leadership and direction. For this, there are a few remedies I could suggest, none of which would be likely to bear fruit before the playoffs.