If there's one defining moment for the Montreal Canadiens from last season, it was their impressive run following the 4 Nations Face-Off break. In the thick of a competitive Eastern Conference, the Habs transformed from fringe contenders to bona fide playoff threats.
They didn't just slip in; they earned their spot through structure, discipline, and timely execution. As another nail-biting playoff race unfolds, Montreal must draw from those same lessons that powered last year's remarkable finish.
Structure First
Last season’s surge wasn’t about flashy goals; it was all about defensive structure. Post-break, the Canadiens committed to tighter play through the neutral zone.
Their gap control tightened, forward backpressure became consistent, and they significantly reduced odd-man rushes against. By simplifying breakouts and making shorter, smarter passes, they avoided forcing plays through the middle when unnecessary.
Nick Suzuki’s line was pivotal, excelling in both offense and defense. The top six embraced a 200-foot game, allowing the defense, especially Lane Hutson and the younger blueliners, to play aggressive yet controlled hockey.
The takeaway? As games tighten in March and April, generating offense becomes tougher.
Structure wins. This year’s Canadiens need to remember that they don’t have to score four or five goals every night.
Keeping games at 2-1 or 3-2 and trusting their system can lead to success. Last season showed that commitment to structure builds confidence, and confidence leads to victories.
A key part of that success was Samuel Montembeault’s solid goaltending. Despite a challenging season so far, both Montembeault and Jakub Dobes need to step up to help the Habs reach the playoffs again.
Depth Wins Down the Stretch
A major lesson from last season’s push is that depth matters more than star power in March. Suzuki was on fire to close the 2024-25 season, but the Habs also relied on secondary scoring. Christian Dvorak, Josh Anderson, and Jake Evans all made significant contributions.
The Canadiens weren’t just carried by the top line. Consistent secondary scoring and disciplined play from defensemen outside the top pair were crucial. This lesson holds even more weight this year.
Montreal must trust their entire roster. Depth players like Zachary Bolduc, Phillip Danault, and Kirby Dach will play crucial roles as the season winds down.
Injuries and slumps are inevitable. But last season showed that when the bottom six contributes and the third pair plays it safe, the pressure doesn’t solely fall on Suzuki or Cole Caufield. Depth stabilizes momentum.
Play With Urgency
An underrated aspect of last year’s post-break run was emotional maturity. The Canadiens understood the standings and the tight race but didn’t chase games recklessly.
They stuck to their identity, trusting the results would follow. Balancing urgency without panic is essential.
Late-season hockey is intense. A single bad week can undo a month of hard work.
But pressing too hard often leads to mistakes, forced passes, defensive breakdowns, and unnecessary penalties. Last year’s team learned to manage these emotions, taking it game by game.
That approach needs to return.
The Canadiens have started this season with that mindset, coming back late in games to secure crucial points in extra time. Montreal must continue this trend to finish the season strong. Every point is vital now.
The Canadiens don’t need to reinvent themselves post-Olympic break. They’ve already written the blueprint last season.
Play structured hockey, trust the depth, and stay composed. The Eastern Conference race won’t get any easier, but Montreal has already proven they can handle the pressure.
The challenge now is simple: remember what made them successful, and do it again.