Is Mike Matheson sending a cry for help to Martin St-Louis?
For a veteran supposed to stabilize the defense, his latest statements seem like a disguised message, a bit like a cry for help in the middle of a “reconstruction” project.
Matheson says it himself: “We lack execution at the moment. »
Yes, he knows it, and he must feel the weight of it.
Spending nearly 24 minutes per game on the ice, in a team searching for its identity, is an almost heroic mandate – but who can endure that without weakening?
When he speaks of “keep things simple” and of “release the pressure”we mean something other than a strategy; it’s like a call to adjust one’s role.
This volume of play requires him to be on all fronts, but this overload increases the risk of error and places Matheson under a critical spotlight.
At this rate, he could end up playing firefighter every game, having to put out fires.
But how long can he endure this burden?
What if we review the responsibilities on the digital advantage?
With Lane Hutson’s offensive potential, it’s time to consider a more traditional two-defender setup for the power play with Matheson and Hutson.
This duo would balance the unit, allowing Matheson to play showcase while giving Hutson the chance to play in a key offensive role.
This would give the young defender crucial exposure, while redistributing the playing load.
Of course, this configuration would mean that one of the four current forwards on the first power play would have to give way.
Kirby Dach or Juraj Slafkovsky, both in a rather tepid stretch, could be considered for a second-unit role.
The fact is that the offense needs cohesion and creativity, and if a youngster like Hutson can inject that energy on the first unit, it’s an option the Canadiens should seriously consider.
Matheson’s message is clear: he wants to contribute, but he did not sign to carry the team single-handedly.
St. Louis should pay attention to this disguised cry for help and rethink this distribution of minutes.
In a rebuilding season, every player has their role, and for Matheson, the strategic adjustment could not only lighten his burden, but also highlight the Canadian’s young talents.
To be continued…
