The Montreal Canadiens find themselves in an ungrateful situation, to say the least.
After a defeat in Chicago on Friday night (4-2), the players took a night flight to Denver, arriving at the hotel shortly after 2:30 a.m. Quebec time.
In less than 24 hours, they must face the rested and formidable Colorado Avalanche, before flying back to Montreal and preparing for another game against the Canucks on Monday.
The challenge is not limited to a busy schedule. Denver, located at an altitude of 1,600 meters, puts players’ physical abilities to the test.
With 20% less oxygen in the air, recovery becomes a real headache, especially after a short night’s sleep.
This context makes Saturday night’s clash even more difficult.
“It’s a ridiculous situation,” underline several analysts, denouncing a schedule which seems designed to disadvantage the Habs.
Despite this logistical challenge, the Canadian can boast of a good recent streak, with six victories in eight games.
However, the defeat in Chicago highlighted some flaws, and they will need to quickly regain their momentum against an Avalanche on the rise.
With an impressive record of 17 wins in 24 games since mid-November, the former Nordiques demonstrate a formidable offensive strike force led by Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen.
While the CH has finally been able to count on an almost complete training in recent weeks, the absences of David Savard and Patrik Laine in Chicago complicate the situation.
Their presence in Denver remains uncertain, adding additional pressure on the team. For their part, the Avalanche are juggling several injuries, but their stars continue to shine, and goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood offers remarkable performances.
Some do not hesitate to point the finger at Gary Bettman and the league for this ruthless schedule.
“Once again, it’s a low blow for a Quebec team,” deplore supporters, recalling the constant challenges that the CH seems to face, particularly in the distribution of schedules.
For the Canadian, this meeting against the Avalanche looks like a mountain to climb, literally and figuratively.
It remains to be seen whether the team will be able to draw on its reserves to defy the odds or whether this trip to the Rockies will be a disaster.
Martin St-Louis is furious, and for good reason. The head coach of the Montreal Canadiens does not take offense at the conditions imposed on his team.
Arriving at their Denver hotel at 2:30 a.m., Quebec time, after a defeat against the Blackhawks in Chicago, his players must already prepare to face the Colorado Avalanche in the evening.
In less than 24 hours, they will play two demanding matches before leaving for Montreal, where the Canucks await them on Monday.
“It’s absurd”would have told St-Louis to his close collaborators, visibly exasperated by a schedule which leaves no chance for his team to recover properly.
I can attest to the additional challenges this city imposes: having lived in Denver for over a year, I know firsthand the effects of altitude on the body.
At 1600 meters above sea level, the lack of air – 20% less oxygen – makes every physical effort much more taxing.
Even a simple workout at the gym becomes a challenge.
Now imagine having to perform in an NHL game with barely a few hours of sleep… It’s simply inhumane.
For Martin St-Louis, it is not only a question of an unfair schedule, but also of respect for the players and their health.
After a night flight and minimal sleep, asking your guys to compete with a team like the Avalanche, who had two full days off, is irresponsible.
“How can we hope for fair competition in these conditions? » he would have questioned in private.
Some, including myself, see this type of situation as a glaring example of the failures of the NHL schedule.
The CH often seems to be disadvantaged by unreasonable schedules.
This treatment, added to the natural challenges of the altitude in Denver, constitutes a real obstacle for the Canadian.
Faced with this situation, St-Louis will have to find a way to motivate its players and effectively manage their efforts to avoid exhaustion, both physical and mental.
But beyond this match, this situation poses a broader question: when will the league consider fairness and player well-being?
Tonight, the Canadian will have to climb a mountain literally and figuratively. An extraordinary performance will be necessary to overcome the mountain, but the anger of Martin St-Louis is a powerful reminder that the working conditions of the players must be respected.
Let’s hope he jumps a check mark before the match to motivate his players.
