Habs Trending Up, Olympic Buzz Building: What’s Happening in Montreal and Beyond
There’s no denying it - the Montreal Canadiens are starting to turn heads. After a season that felt more like a rebuild blueprint than a playoff push, the Habs are showing real signs of progress.
The question now? Are they just improving, or are they quietly building something that could actually hold up in the postseason?
Let’s dive into what’s going on in Montreal and around the hockey world, with Olympic storylines heating up and some familiar names making headlines.
Slafkovsky Skates with Tatar for Slovakia
Juraj Slafkovsky is suiting up for Slovakia and will be skating alongside a name Habs fans know well - Tomas Tatar. That’s a pairing with some intriguing potential.
Tatar brings veteran savvy and a scoring touch, while Slafkovsky continues to evolve into the kind of power forward who can tilt the ice. For Slovakia, this could be a top-line combo that brings both speed and finish.
For Slafkovsky, it’s another step in his development - not just representing his country, but doing it alongside a guy who’s been through the NHL grind and knows how to produce on the international stage. This kind of experience can be a game-changer for a young player learning how to lead.
Marie-Philip Poulin Leaves Game After Hit vs. Czechia
In a concerning moment for Team Canada, Marie-Philip Poulin did not return to the ice after taking a hard hit in a game against Czechia. Poulin is more than just a captain - she’s the heartbeat of the team, a clutch performer with a résumé that speaks for itself.
Any time she leaves the ice, it’s a major storyline. Her status moving forward will be watched closely, not just by Canadian fans, but by the entire women’s hockey world. She’s that important.
Montreal’s Progress: More Than Just a Step Forward
There’s a different energy around the Canadiens this season. The team has taken clear strides since last year - not just in the standings, but in the way they play. The systems are sharper, the young core is maturing, and the overall identity feels more defined.
This isn’t just about development anymore. It’s about turning the corner.
The Habs are starting to look like a team that knows who it is - and more importantly, who it wants to be. That’s a big deal in a league where direction can be everything.
Playoff-Built or Just Better?
The next big question: is this Montreal squad built for playoff success?
It’s one thing to improve in the regular season. It’s another to be able to handle the grind of the postseason - tighter checking, shorter benches, and every mistake magnified. The Canadiens have shown flashes of resilience and structure, but the real test will come when the stakes get higher.
Still, if you’re a fan, you have to like where things are heading. The foundation is getting stronger, and the pieces are starting to fit.
Around the League: Olympic Vibes and Veteran Wisdom
With Olympic rosters locked in, the buzz is building - and a few storylines are already jumping off the page.
Drew Doughty is heading back to the Games, this time as a seasoned vet. From wide-eyed rookie to battle-tested leader, Doughty’s Olympic journey is a reminder of how much experience matters on the world stage.
That theme keeps coming up - the blend of youth and experience. Teams with the right mix often go the furthest, and knowing what to expect off the ice can be just as critical as on-ice execution.
Just ask Martin Brodeur, who’s encouraging players to soak in the full Olympic experience. Coming from a guy with three gold medals, that’s advice worth listening to.
McDavid’s Linemates Set, Celebrini Joins the Show
The lineup around Connor McDavid is set, and it’s stacked. No surprise there - when you’ve got the best player in the world, you surround him with elite talent.
Macklin Celebrini landing one of those coveted roster spots is a storyline in itself. The young phenom continues to rise, and now he’ll get a taste of the Olympic spotlight.
Goaltending Gap Between USA and Canada?
One of the more debated topics heading into the Games: the difference in goaltending depth between Team USA and Team Canada. Some analysts are pointing to a clear edge for the Americans in net, but Jon Cooper isn’t buying the skepticism. The Canadian coach has confidence in his group, and he’s not shy about it.
Life in the Olympic Village: Different Teams, Different Approaches
Away from the rink, teams are taking different approaches to life in the Olympic Village. Some are leaning into the full experience, bonding over meals and downtime.
Others are keeping things tighter, more focused. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but how teams handle the off-ice rhythm can have a real impact on their on-ice performance.
Bottom Line: Whether it’s the Canadiens building something in Montreal or Olympic squads gearing up for the biggest stage in sports, there’s no shortage of storylines right now. And with the games just around the corner, we’re about to see which teams - and which players - are truly ready to rise.