More than ever, the Montreal Canadiens can believe in the playoffs. Martin St-Louis’ troop finds itself one point from the last ticket in the East, a scenario that would have been unthinkable on December 1, when the team was rather one point from 32nd and last place in the general League standings. National Hockey League (NHL).
The holiday trip completely turned things around for Martin St-Louis’ troops, who have won the last four Stanley Cup championship teams, and this, in terrible circumstances.
«[Samedi]it was a fourth game in a fourth time zone in about six days,” recalled Jonathan Bernier, journalist assigned to cover the Canadiens for the Journal de Montréal, Sunday, on the Québec Matin show on the airwaves of LCN.
Several pieces of the puzzle seem to have fallen into place for the Habs.
“This is definitely the trip that could be the turning point of the season,” said Bernier. We have full confidence at the CH. Defensively, the team is more solid. Kirby Dach has regained confidence. It’s no longer just the first line or the massive attack that works.
“The fourth line, which was already very good, also managed to produce. St-Louis can now roll trios. Alexandre Carrier brings stability.
“All of that, put together, means that we might be on to something.”
A wall called Dobes
The other factor behind the Canadiens’ recent success: the incredible performances of goaltender Jakub Dobes in his first two NHL starts.
Dobes allowed just one goal on 57 shots against two league powers, the Florida Panthers and the Colorado Avalanche.
“Add the shootout yesterday, the breakaway in overtime, the fact that he got into it two days,” Bernier said. He didn’t flinch. It’s solid. […] That too bodes well.”
Dobes’ successes are timely. The month of December was particularly busy for the Canadiens’ number one goaltender.
“If it continues, we are in the car and we can give Samuel Montembeault a little more rest,” said Jonathan Bernier.
See his full speech at Québec Matin in the video above.
