Habs Close Out Pre-Olympic Stretch with Momentum, Questions Loom Ahead of Deadline
The Canadiens headed into the Olympic break with a bit of momentum-something they’ve been starved for during a tough stretch. Despite extending their losing streak in Minnesota, Montreal still managed to snag three of a possible four points from a two-game road swing through the Central Division. Not perfect, but given how things have gone lately, it’s a step in the right direction.
A Tale of Two Games
Feb. 2: Wild 4, Canadiens 3 (OT)
This one had all the makings of another rough night in Minnesota. The Wild struck just seconds into the game, and it felt like déjà vu for a Habs team that’s historically struggled in the State of Hockey.
But credit to Montreal-they didn’t fold.
Brendan Gallagher got them on the board late in the first, Ivan Demidov added another just before the second intermission, and Kirby Dach gave them a shock lead just 12 seconds into the third. It was a gutsy pushback.
Unfortunately, the Wild had the final say. Brock Faber tied it up late, and Kirill Kaprizov’s second of the night-this one on the power play-sealed it in overtime.
Feb. 4: Canadiens 5, Jets 1
Two nights later in Winnipeg, things started off shaky again. Samuel Montembeault was under siege early, and Kyle Connor made it 1-0 Jets.
But once Montreal found its legs, the tide turned.
The Habs tied it before the first was out, then leaned on their veteran checking line to take control in the second with a pair of goals. From there, it was all Montreal.
Montembeault, in his first start in nearly two weeks, was dialed in. The Canadiens locked it down the rest of the way for one of their more complete wins in recent memory.
Standouts and Stat Leaders
Brendan Gallagher had himself a week. Two goals, two assists, and a +3 rating in just over 12 minutes a night-classic Gallagher, grinding out results and making things happen in the dirty areas.
His efforts also moved him past Mats Naslund into 14th on the Canadiens' all-time goal list. He’s now just 13 goals shy of cracking the top 10.
Lane Hutson continues to impress. The rookie blueliner posted a goal and an assist this week and now leads the team in assists with 48. His +5 rating over the two games speaks to his growing comfort defensively as well.
Kirby Dach, meanwhile, is starting to look like himself again. After going pointless in his first four games back from injury, he’s now got five points in his last four. If he can stay healthy and keep trending upward, he may just solidify a top-line role.
Here’s a look at some key contributors from the week:
- Josh Anderson: 1 goal, 2 assists, +4
- Phillip Danault: 1 goal, 1 assist, +3
- Ivan Demidov: 1 goal, +1
- Oliver Kapanen: 1 goal, +2
- Noah Dobson: 3 assists, +2
- Samuel Montembeault: 1-0-0, 1.00 GAA, .973 SV%
Around the Roster
- Zachary Bolduc has now hit the 160-game mark (regular season + playoffs), making him waiver-eligible moving forward.
- Samuel Blais cleared waivers and was sent to AHL Laval after sitting as a healthy scratch for nearly three weeks.
- Arber Xhekaj returned to the lineup for one game this week, logging just under six minutes.
What’s Next: Rest, Then a Playoff Push?
With the Olympic break now underway, most of the team gets a well-deserved breather. Four Habs will represent their countries, while the rest won’t be back on the ice until at least February 17th. When they return, the schedule picks up quickly-and so does the pressure.
Feb. 26 vs New York (Islanders)
Patrick Roy’s squad may be missing key pieces like Alexander Romanov, but they’ve clawed their way into a playoff spot.
GM Mathieu Darche has added some reinforcements in Carson Soucy and Ondrej Palat, while rookie Matthew Schaefer continues to make a Calder Trophy case with 39 points. Former Hab Jonathan Drouin, however, is having a rough go-just three goals in 51 games.
Feb. 28 vs Washington
The Capitals, last year’s division winners, are currently on the outside looking in.
They’ve got depth-ten players with double-digit goals already-but haven’t found the consistency. Logan Thompson has taken over the crease and given them some stability, but the team as a whole hasn’t hit its stride.
The Trade Deadline Looms: What’s the Plan?
With the deadline approaching, the big question for Montreal is: what do they need, and can they afford it?
Cap space is tight, so don’t expect a blockbuster. But there’s room to make a move or two.
The most talked-about area of need? A top-six forward.
Not necessarily a center-Oliver Kapanen has held his own-but someone to solidify the top line alongside Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki.
Kirby Dach has been getting a look in that spot, and the early returns are promising. He’s found chemistry with Suzuki and Caufield in the past, and his recent production suggests he might be ready to reclaim that role full-time.
The only downside? The break came just as he was finding his rhythm.
Dach’s situation is complicated. He’s shown flashes of top-line talent, but injuries have been a recurring issue.
And with a $4 million qualifying offer looming, management has to ask: is he part of the long-term core? Or is he a trade chip?
If the Habs decide to shop him, he could be one of the more intriguing names on the market. He’s young, skilled, and under team control-an appealing package for teams looking to add upside without breaking the bank.
Final Thought
The Canadiens head into the break with a bit of momentum, a clearer picture of their roster, and some tough decisions ahead. Whether they choose to buy, sell, or stand pat at the deadline, players like Kirby Dach will be at the center of that conversation. His play over the next few games could tip the scales one way or the other-for Montreal, and for any team watching closely.