Martin St-Louis’ goal was to bring the fun back into the Canadiens locker room. In just over a month at the helm of the team, St. Louis has not just repatriated a joie de vivre, he has transformed this once moribund team.
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The day he was hired, February 9, St-Louis arrived in Montreal to lead a team that had a miserable 8-30-7 record.
The CH languished at 32e and last in the NHL with just eight wins in 45 games. Under the leadership of Dominique Ducharme, the gang of Nick Suzuki had signed only three wins on opposing rinks in 25 attempts.
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In the general classification, the Habs still remain in the cellar. But there have been encouraging signs. In its first 14 games, St. Louis has already won eight (8-5-1). Despite his inexperience in the business, the 46-year-old led CH to five triumphs in just seven games (5-2-0) on the road. This is two more than under the previous regime.
The newspaper offers you seven actors in this metamorphosis of the CH, in addition to St-Louis the general manager, Kent Hughes, and the executive vice-president of hockey operations, Jeff Gorton.
1 – Cole Caufield
It’s day and night. Caufield has regained all his confidence since entering the scene of St. Louis. At the beginning of February, the 21-year-old American was destined more towards a return with the Laval Rocket. At his first press conference, St-Louis said he was looking forward to working with a youngster like Caufield. He took her under his wing.
Number 22 sits at the top of the Habs’ scorers since Ducharme’s dismissal. In 14 games, he scored eight goals and added nine assists for a total of 17 points. He also leads the team with 43 shots. Beyond the offensive numbers, the 2019 first-round pick enjoys a stable role on the left wing alongside Nick Suzuki and Josh Anderson. He is one of the most-used strikers with an average playing time of 18:49.
2 – Nick Suzuki
Like Caufield, Suzuki embodies the future of the team. Marc Bergevin had recognized this before the start of the season by having him sign an eight-year, $63 million contract extension ($7.875 million on average per season).
Suzuki had some good times earlier in the season, but lacked consistency. The 22-year-old Ontarian is back at the top of his game since arriving from St-Louis. In 14 duels, he collected 16 points (7b-9a) and he has a differential of +5. He is also much more effective in the face-off circle at 55.1%. Suzuki has always had the potential to establish himself as a number one center in the NHL. It is exactly what it has been for a little over a month.
3 – Rem Pitlick
There were hardly any expectations with him. On Jan. 12, Gorton claimed him off waivers from the Minnesota Wild. A few months earlier, the Wild had done the same thing by claiming it from the Nashville Predators. Pitlick quickly became one of St. Louis’ trusted men.
The interim head coach described him more than once as an intelligent striker, defensively responsible, versatile and with good offensive acumen. In 14 games since the coaching change, the 24-year-old American has scored four goals and seven assists for 11 points. He played as much on the wing as in the center in addition to receiving responsibilities in power play and shorthandedness.
4 – Samuel Montembeault
In his first days with St-Louis, Montembeault had zero confidence. He and Cayden Primeau were going through dark times. But the Quebecer has quietly gone up the slope. He started blocking pucks again, but he also took advantage of the much more responsible defensive play of his teammates in front of him.
The former Florida Panthers is 5-4-1 with a 2.89 GAA and .908 save percentage since joining St. Louis. He also recorded his first NHL shutout against the Buffalo Sabres. Like his team, Montembeault is fighting to get the job done. The 25-year-old keeper isn’t always perfect, but he can’t be blamed for his desire and will. Hughes also offered him help by acquiring Andrew Hammond. Before injuring himself, the veteran could play the role of big brother.
5 – Artturi Lehkonen
Six goals, three assists, nine points, a +7 record. Here is Lehkonen’s record with St-Louis. The Finn now looks like a natural scorer. Before leaving in fear, we will simply note that he finds ways to register for the score instead of hitting the post or missing the target. If there is an offensive awakening, number 62 remains as reliable at five against five and shorthanded. The CH will now cross their fingers that Lehkonen’s upper body injury is minor.
Hughes could take advantage of the fact that his rating is up to trade him. On the stock market, you sell your shares when they are high.
6 – Ben Chiarot
There are rumors about him. It’s a matter of time before Chiarot moves. Despite an uncertain future, the big defender plays very good hockey. He is absolutely not distracted by noises about him. In 12 games with St. Louis, Chiarot has nine points (2b-7a) and is +8. He is also the most-used player at 24:21 on average per game.
The 30-year-old Ontarian forms a very good duo with the young Alexander Romanov. Used on the right even if he is left-handed, Chiarot allowed the young Russian to find his bearings.
7 – Brendan Gallagher
Archive photo, Martin Chevalier
The Gallagher effect is not read on the score sheet. He has only scored one goal in his last 14 outings. He collected only three assists. But Gallagher plays with a lot of heart. He never hesitates to rush towards the opposing net, he eats a few shots on the muzzle, but he comes out with a smile.
The 29-year-old striker is playing his part in bringing energy to the team. At a salary of $6.5 million, we probably expect more. But we will forget his contract a little (first year of a long six-year pact). St-Louis knows he has a good soldier with the number 11. He will look to him to inspire the rest of the formation.