Canadiens’ Blue Line Steps Up in Big Way After Win Over Wild
Fresh off a thrilling win over the Minnesota Wild, the Montreal Canadiens didn’t waste any time getting back to work. Less than 24 hours after lighting the lamp in dramatic fashion, the team hit the ice at the CN Sports Complex on Wednesday morning with a clear sense of purpose - and a noticeable boost of confidence, especially from the guys patrolling the blue line.
What stood out in the win? Half of Montreal’s goals came from defensemen - and not just in garbage time.
These were momentum-shifting tallies, each one putting the Canadiens in front. That kind of production from the back end isn’t just a bonus; it’s becoming part of the team’s identity.
Slafkovsky Sees the Bigger Picture
Juraj Slafkovsky, who logged over 17 minutes of ice time and fired a pair of shots on goal in the win, sees the defense’s offensive push as a game-changer.
“I think it’s great - it helps us a lot,” Slafkovsky said after practice. “We’ve got a few really good [defensemen] who can move the puck easily, skate well. I don’t think a lot of teams have guys like that.”
He’s not wrong. The Canadiens’ blue line isn’t just holding the fort; they’re driving play, joining the rush, and making life easier for the forwards. It’s a five-man unit moving in sync, and it’s paying dividends.
Carrier Delivers on Bobblehead Night
Among the defensemen who made their mark was Alexandre Carrier, who scored with a slick deflection on - fittingly - his own bobblehead night. Talk about rising to the occasion.
But Carrier was quick to spread the credit, pointing to the forwards for doing the gritty work that often goes unnoticed.
“Yeah, it’s pretty special,” Carrier said. “We’re trying to help our forwards, but you’ve got to give them credit too.
I think they’ve been going to the net more lately. That helps us defensemen.”
Carrier led the Canadiens in shots on goal with five in the win, showing he’s not just chipping in - he’s actively pushing the pace.
“We’re getting more volume too,” he added. “Of course we’re proud of it. We want to keep producing and help the team win.”
A Blueprint for Success
What we’re seeing from Montreal is a modern blueprint: defensemen who don’t just defend but create. When the blue line is active and confident, it opens up space for everyone. It’s not just about scoring goals from the point - it’s about creating layers of offense that keep opponents guessing.
For the Canadiens, this isn’t a one-off. It’s a sign of a team evolving, with a back end that’s not just solid - it’s dynamic. And if they keep getting this kind of balanced contribution, especially from their defense, they’ll be a tough out for anyone.