6 Consecutive defeats for CH
The Habs have now lost their last six games, but we can also say that they have been in the game in each of those six losses. Five of those six losses ended in a one-goal deficit, and that could easily have been the case in Saturday’s game against the Devils, were it not for an empty-net goal by Tomas Tatar .
Considering the number of injuries plaguing the organization and the fact that five of those six games were played against clubs that are in the top-3 of their respective divisions, Martin St-Louis’ men can hold their heads high. They offer an honest effort night after night and never admit defeat, even if the club has nothing to gain, and even defeats help their lottery chances.
11 Matches in which the Canadiens scored the first goal since the All-Star game break
Another positive indicator of CH’s effort is their tendency to score the first goal recently. Since returning from the All-Star break, Martin St-Louis’ men have scored the opening goal in 11 of their 15 games. It’s tied with Detroit for first in the league since Feb. 11, and the Red Wings did it in one extra game.
We’re a far cry from last year’s performance, when Montreal scored the first goal just 30 times, which was good for 31st in the NHL, only ahead of the Coyotes. And it was even worse with Dominique Ducharme at the helm of the club, when they scored first just 15 times in 45 appearances, or 33.3% of the time. Since St. Louis took over, that rate has jumped to 41.7%.
There’s still a lot of work to do, but considering St. Louis had a club that was gutted at the deadline last year and a crowded infirmary this season, it’s a very solid performance for the Habs and I can’t wait to see what they can do with an improved and healthy club next year.
40 Shots blocked by Rafaël Harvey-Pinard since his recall
Rafaël Harvey-Pinard continues to prove match after match that he deserves his place with the big club and should not wear the Rocket uniform next year. He started with an offensive burst, scoring seven goals in his first nine games. Since then, the offense has calmed down, but its effort is still as evident, and this, at both ends of the ice.
With seven shots blocked this week, RHP took their tally to 40 since being recalled on January 17. That puts him comfortably first in the NHL among forwards during that span.
Whether in the top-6 or on the fourth line, it is clear that RHP has done everything to force the hand of the club next year. Although the offensive options are numerous for next year, and that’s without considering what the organization will add to the draft, in the free agent market and via trades, I don’t see how Harvey- Pinard would not be among the 12 starting forwards next year.
