The Montreal Canadiens have continued their winning way, and again Martin St-Louis and Kent Hughes keep showing how they can recognize talent and insert that talent appropriately into the lineup. Furthermore, they seem to have managed the goalie controversy quite well.
The Goaltending
St-Louis has done a very good job giving Montembeault, Dobes and Fowler starts which are not too far apart and giving them a chance to each prove they can be reliable between the pipes. So far, it has paid off, as the goaltending has been far better than what we saw in November and December. Due to this, the Habs now sit third in the Atlantic Division, two points shy of being first in the Eastern Conference.
Texier and Slafkovsky
An adjustment which seems to be paying dividends is St-Louis modifying his top two lines. He has put Texier with Suzuki and Caufield, while Slafkovsky is slotted in with Kapapen and Demidov.
Since this adjustment, both players have been on an offensive tear with Texier scoring a hat trick vs the Panthers and Slafkovsky scoring 18 points in his last 15 games.
Again, St-Louis shows patience, intelligence and skill recognition. His goal is always to put a player in a position to succeed, not question his place or value in the lineup (See Edmonton Oilers)
Lane Hutson
Just wow. He’s incredible.
Not good enough for Team USA though….pure madness.
The Habs take on the Sabres in Buffalo at 7PM tonight!