The Montreal Canadiens have struggled for over two weeks, failing to find their footing in recent games. This situation escalated following a disappointing 8-4 loss to the Washington Capitals at the Bell Centre. Head coach Martin St-Louis expressed noticeable frustration, especially regarding the performance of his goaltenders, Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobeš.
Martin St-Louis Shows Impatience
After the defeat, St-Louis defended Montembeault and Dobeš but acknowledged the team must perform better in front of their goalies. “Our goaltenders can be better, but it’s essential to remember it’s a team sport,” he stated. He emphasized the need for improvement in team defense and overall play.
Key Performance Issues
- Montembeault allowed 3 goals on 10 shots.
- Dobeš conceded 4 goals on 24 shots.
- The team has allowed at least 3 goals in 11 of their last 12 games.
- Montreal has earned 11 points out of a possible 24 during this stretch.
St-Louis pointed out several areas for improvement: reducing turnovers, clearing the puck from their zone, and committing fewer penalties. His tone became sharper when pressed about how players could help the goaltenders regain their confidence.
Despite the current slump, including two narrow overtime victories during a recent Western road trip, St-Louis believed his team was close to breaking free from this trend. He felt optimistic after a recent matchup against Columbus, though the heavy loss against Washington was a setback.
Veteran Players Seek a Turnaround
In the locker room, veteran players, including defenseman Mike Matheson and forward Brendan Gallagher, voiced their concerns. Matheson remarked on the need to end the losing streak. “It’s that simple. We can’t chalk this up to bad luck anymore,” he said after contributing a goal and an assist.
Gallagher also reflected on the team’s struggles, noting, “The line between winning and losing can be very thin. We will find a solution.” Both veterans acknowledged the necessity for collective effort to enhance their performance.
Next Challenges Ahead
Currently ranked 22nd in the league standings, the Canadiens are set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs in their next game. The Maple Leafs are also struggling, having recently suffered their sixth loss in seven matches. Both teams will be looking to reverse their fortunes on the ice.
