Since Mike Matheson was removed from the first power play unit, the Montreal Canadiens’ attack has struggled to regain its effectiveness.
What should have been a natural transition, with the integration of Patrik Laine and Lane Hutson, quickly revealed flaws that can no longer be ignored.
The numbers speak for themselves: since Matheson left his place, the Habs’ power play efficiency has dropped to 14.8%, a sharp decline compared to the start of the season.
A drop in momentum which fuels the frustrations of the supporters, but above all, which fuels a feeling of revenge within Matheson.
A failed attack
Patrik Laine and Lane Hutson, taking the reins of the power play, did not deliver the goods as expected. Sure, Laine has three power play goals in the last six games, but those are also the only ones the team has scored in those situations.
The rest of the unit seems disorganized, with players struggling to adapt to this duo with an unpredictable style. Laine loves to skate with the puck, even on the power play, and Hutson, while exceptionally talented, struggles to fully integrate the collective structure required at this level.
This new configuration also moved Cole Caufield from his favorite position, much to the chagrin of the young star scorer.
The left circle, formerly his office, is now shared with Laine, creating an uneasy cohabitation.
Caufield, accustomed to hitting hard in these moments, sees his offensive role diluted, which is reflected in the team’s general decline in performance on the power play.
Martin St-Louis did not hide his dissatisfaction with the difficulties of this new unit.
“It’s not one on one. He learns that »he explained about Hutson, reminding his players that the power play is based on a collective dynamic, and not on isolated individual skills.
These adjustments take time, but with efficiency falling to 14.8% since the overhaul, the Habs can no longer afford to “choke”.
Laine’s comments after his second match in the Canadian uniform clearly illustrate this difficulty:
“Half the time I have no idea what he (Hutson) is going to do. »
Even if he says this with an amused tone, this comment proves the lack of synchronization between the stars of the new power play unit.
As the team struggles to adjust, the absence of Matheson is sorely felt.
What a turnaround!
With him, the power play unit seemed more structured, more predictable in a good way. Matheson, although less flamboyant than Hutson, knew how to orchestrate the play with calm and precision, exploiting the strengths of his teammates without monopolizing the puck.
His relegation not only affected his own role in the team, but also unbalanced the Canadian’s entire offensive strategy.
For Matheson, this situation is a double humiliation. Not only has he lost his place because of Hutson’s rise to power, but he must also witness a decline in performance which, indirectly, justifies his past value.
Wounded pride or increased motivation, Matheson now seems ready to prove that his place in this unit was deserved.?
If the collective learning of this new configuration is slow to bear fruit, it is not unthinkable that St-Louis decides to give Matheson another chance, at least to stabilize the numerical advantage.
Such a decision would not only be a recognition of its past importance, but also a way of restoring confidence to a team which is struggling to capitalize on its chances.
In the meantime, Matheson continues to bide his time, ready to take the slightest opportunity to show that his absence has left a void that neither Hutson nor Laine has yet managed to fill.
Because if the Habs want to regain their effectiveness on the power play, they may have to look back to move forward.
And for Mike Matheson, this could well be the perfect opportunity to get his revenge…before being traded.
As for that…you might as well increase your value on the transaction market.
Cole Caufield must also keep calm.
The striker is known for his lightning shooting and his scoring instinct, but he is also a player who understands the importance of the team.
Yet, behind his dazzling smile, it’s hard to believe that losing his “digital advantage office” doesn’t make him boil inside.
Since the arrival of Patrik Laine, Caufield has had to give up his favorite position on the power play. Laine, also a natural marksman, settled where Caufield built his reputation.
This strategic decision by Martin St-Louis aims to diversify the Habs’ offensive options, but it undoubtedly forced Caufield to readjust his role.
Rather than complaining or showing signs of discontent, the young winger chose to act like a “good prince”, putting the team before his personal interests.
However, we can imagine that, beneath his apparent calm, the situation is eating away at him.
For a competitor like Caufield, used to being the center of attention and receiving pucks in his favorite spot, this forced relegation must be a constant exercise in self-control.
Statistics show that Caufield is particularly effective at this specific location. Of his seven power play goals this season, five have been scored from that left circle.
Seeing him repositioned elsewhere on the ice inevitably reduces his impact, and this loss of effectiveness has not escaped the fans.
Some even question the relevance of this cohabitation between Caufield and Laine, two players who seem to be competing for the same territory.
What is remarkable is Caufield’s attitude towards this situation. Rather than making waves or showing signs of impatience, he adapted without flinching, preferring to work silently to contribute to the team.
This maturity, rare for a player of his age, testifies to his commitment to the collective success of the Habs.
“He makes a good prince,” some will say, and they will not be wrong. But this ability to step aside to make room for others demonstrates a deep understanding of hockey as a team game.
Caufield knows that Martin St-Louis’ decisions aim to maximize the Canadian’s chances of success, even if it involves a personal sacrifice for him.
That said, it’s hard to imagine that this change hasn’t lit an additional flame in Caufield.
This inner frustration could well become a driving force for him. Not to mention his exclusion from the American team for the 4 nations tournament.
He continues to work on his game, waiting for the moment when he can prove that he deserves to regain his favored spot on the power play.
Because if Caufield shows maturity by accepting this secondary role, he remains a fierce competitor, determined to once again become the Habs’ main shooter.
And when that time comes, there’s no doubt he’ll be ready to take his desk back and remind everyone why he’s one of the NHL’s most fearsome offensive weapons.
For now, he’s showing admirable patience, but we all know that inside, things are boiling.
Cole Caufield will shine again if he finds his “office”. But Patrik Laine is already Martin St-Louis’ favorite.
Caufield is going to break everything…
