Waiting for them at the bend were Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton. The tandem which, since their arrival in November 2021, has embarked on a daring reconstruction, now finds itself facing a dilemma that they probably did not foresee: a winning team.
Yes, win. A word that we haven’t associated with the Montreal Canadiens for a while, and certainly not this season where everything seemed predestined for another chapter of “patience and development”.
But now that patience is being tested, as this young and feisty team is now in the playoff race.
With a record of 8 wins and 2 losses in their last ten games, the Canadian is quite simply the hottest team in the National League.
Even the Vegas Golden Knights, defending champions, had to bow down to this bunch of hungry young people.
The statistics are there to prove that this is not just a fluke. The Canadian plays with intensity, discipline and, above all, with a confidence that ignites the locker room and the stands at the Bell Center.
But this unexpected success brings its share of challenges. Hughes and Gorton must now juggle an unforgiving schedule, growing fan expectations, and a payroll that offers them tempting opportunities.
Should they become buyers at the trade deadline and try to solidify that playoff position?
Or should they stay true to their original plan and refuse to compromise the future for a potentially fleeting playoff appearance?
This is where the waters get rough, and every decision could have significant repercussions for seasons to come.
The overtime victory against Vancouver last night is a perfect example. Trailing 3-1 midway through the match, the Canadians staged a spectacular comeback to finally win 5-4 thanks to a goal from Nick Suzuki.
Lane Hutson, the young prodigy of the defensive brigade, scored a crucial goal in this victory, a shot which deflected off the skate of Quinn Hughes and ended up in the net.
This moment perfectly illustrates what makes this team special: a blend of raw talent, luck, and an undeniable fighting spirit.
But this success is not without clouds. Last night, the fatigue accumulated after a long trip from several cities was felt, particularly in the second period.
The team’s energy seems to come from every corner of the locker room. Jake Evans, for example, continues to stand out with his inspired play.
Even veterans like Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher contribute, despite less stellar statistics.
And what about Patrik Laine, whose impact since his return is undeniable.
With 10 points in 13 games before his flu, he injected a dose of offensive talent that this team was sorely lacking. Even though Laine hasn’t played the last few games, his influence continues to be felt.
The team’s success also rests on the shoulders of Martin St-Louis, who could well be in the running for the Jack Adams Trophy this year.
His ability to transform a team in the process of rebuilding into a competitive team is remarkable. “There is a big difference between having to eat, because you have to eat, and then being hungry,” St. Louis said recently.
And it’s clear this team is hungry. The discipline and consistency he demands from his players is visible in every match, and the results speak for themselves.
But Hughes and Gorton know they must remain cautious. Immediate success is exhilarating, but it should not come at the expense of the future.
With space on the payroll that could allow them to make a big move at the trade deadline, the temptation is strong.
But at what cost? Sacrificing draft picks or promising prospects for a playoff appearance could be a risky gamble.
On the other hand, ignoring this opportunity could send a mixed message to a team that believes in itself.
The media, even outside of Canada, is starting to take notice. “ Ain’t nothing soft about what we saw last night against Vancouver »wrote Barstool after the match. « This team is finally playing the exact brand of hockey you’d expect out of a team coached by this menace. »
This recognition, while flattering, adds even more pressure on Hughes and Gorton to make the right decisions.
As the Canadian continues to climb the ranks in the playoff race, Hughes and Gorton must navigate these stormy waters with caution.
Each victory strengthens hope, but it also complicates their mission.
Should they embrace this unexpected success and adjust their plans, or stay true to their long-term vision? One thing is certain: the road to the playoffs is strewn with pitfalls, but it is also filled with promise.
For fans, this season is already a success. Seeing a young, talented and resilient team fight night after night is a spectacle reminiscent of the Canadian’s great years.
And if Hughes and Gorton can find a way to reconcile the present and the future, this team just might become a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
Right now, they’re diving into rough waters, but it seems like they’re swimming pretty well.
To be continued
