Two astonishing statistical turnarounds for the Canadian

We can make the figures say what we want, but there are still certain statistics which do not lie and which are very revealing.

• Also read: Gallagher will take a big step forward

This couldn’t be more true when we look at the Canadian’s happy streak which began 17 games ago and during which the team has a 13-3-1 record, the best in the National League hockey since December 17.

What is striking is the number of times the team came from behind to win, something they struggled to do in the previous 30 meetings.

Thus, the Habs left with victory eight times after allowing the first goal of the game in this sequence of 17 games. In the previous 30 matches? The team had a record of 1-11-3.

Even better, the Canadian came from behind in the third period to win four times after falling behind after 40 minutes of play. And in the first 30 games of the year? The team went 0-13-0 in such circumstances.

All of this meant that on Wednesday morning, the specialized website Playoff Status estimated the probability that the Canadian would participate in the playoffs was 54%.

Not a thing

Obviously, the Canadian has been playing better for a little over a month, but is that the only explanation?

“I can’t say it’s one thing, it’s our collective game,” said Martin St-Louis after Wednesday’s training. We are very connected and match after match, we bring our game. Sometimes we are ahead and sometimes we have to go for goals, but we are comfortable with the way we play, we do not cheat , we work hard defensively. We’re giving ourselves a chance, that’s the big reason.”

But there is also the fact that everyone plays a role that suits them and this is explained in particular by the arrival of Alexandre Carrier in defense. This is what he has observed since he joined the team, a few days before Christmas.

“Everyone is in their chair, has their role and is keen to do it well. We also have confidence and the goalkeepers have stood up since I arrived, but I don’t know how it was before.”

Trust

The fact remains that it is a radical turnaround when a team suddenly starts playing so well, even when it is behind in the score.

“We are more comfortable, we believe in it and one or two goals is not a lot in this league,” notes Brendan Gallagher, who gives an example. Tuesday wasn’t our best game, but Slaf [Juraj Slafkovsky] and Newy [Alex Newhook] scored and we were in the lead and we calmly regained control of the match.”

What’s more, this confidence allows the team to step on the accelerator when they are falling behind. This should normally open the game and create chances for the opponent, but Alexandre Carrier qualifies this belief.

“You choose your moments, but when you are more aggressive it gives you rhythm and when you have rhythm you are not necessarily in a bad position. The forecheck is no longer there, you put the pucks in the offensive zone and then you get results.”