Despite losing to the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in overtime on Saturday night at the Bell Centre, the Montreal Canadiens remain in first place in the Atlantic division, eight points ahead of the Ottawa Senators who hold two games in hand and eleven points up on the struggling Boston Bruins. While the Canadiens have had their share of ups and downs throughout the month of January, they still have a perfectly decent record of 6-4-1 thus far that has allowed them to stay atop of the division. It is in stark contrast to a year ago when the Canadiens had an absolutely dismal January and by January 23rd had completely fallen out of a playoff position.

The recent fall of the Tampa Bay Lightning this season is reminiscent of the Canadiens fall from grace of 2015-2016. Few could have predicted the Lightning would implode without the injured Steven Stamkos as they still have numerous other weapons in their arsenal. That as of today the Lightning occupy last place in the Eastern Conference is somewhat incredulous and should make Canadiens fans feel that much better that what happened to their team a year ago can happen to others as well. Tampa Bay, the Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings all made the playoffs a year ago and today sit out of a playoff position. The Ottawa Senators continue to surprise and remain in a playoff spot while the Boston Bruins cling to third spot as rumours run rampant over the future of head coach Claude Julien. For now, it appears as though the Canadiens simply have to stay afloat in order to stay in first place.

The middle of the NHL season can be grueling as tiredness can seep in. Players have to grind through it and find ways to battle through a seemingly long stretch of the calendar. It has been especially taxing on some Canadiens players who have had to step up and play above and beyond expectations throughout the numerous injuries. The players who have returned to the lineup such as Alex Galchenyuk and Andrew Shaw have had to regain their form and get back into game shape. The Canadiens have still had to battle through adversity and injuries this season but have seemingly learned their lessons the hard way as they are much better prepared to work through it when the going gets tough.

The 3-2 loss to the Sabres stung slightly as the Canadiens twice had the lead and allowed them to come back and tie the game, eventually winning in overtime. Last year, a loss like that would have been disheartening to say the least. However, credit has to go to the Sabres and goaltender Robin Lehner for making some outstanding saves and giving his team an opportunity to come back and win the game. Carey Price was certainly not a slouch and had some highlight reel saves of his own. Perhaps, the balanced attack that head coach Michel Therrien was striving for though should be rethought for the final two games before the All-Star break.

This is not about Alex Galchenyuk reclaiming his spot on the top line, centering Alexander Radulov and Max Pacioretty. Galchenyuk is still finding his legs and while he is getting better with each passing game, there is no reason to remove Phillip Danault at even strength from the Canadiens first line. Danault’s tip of Jeff Petry’s shot was his tenth goal of the season. He is very comfortable in his role and for now should continue to keep Galchenyuk’s spot warm until the latter is ready to play and assume his responsibilities. On the powerplay though, there is little doubt that Galchenyuk is in complete control on the man advantage. Unfortunately, the Canadiens only drew one penalty against the Sabres and so there was little opportunity for him to work with that extra time and space.

Instead, Galchenyuk should center the team’s second line between Artturi Lehkonen and Paul Byron. He already has experience playing with Byron from earlier in the season and Lehkonen would compliment them as he is in constant pursuit of the puck and is very responsible defensively. Tomas Plekanec had been playing well offensively as of late but he is still missing some extraordinary chances offensively, ones that Galchenyuk would almost certainly take advantage of. There would still be opportunities for Plekanec in the offensive zone playing with Andrew Shaw and Sven Andrighetto. It is not as though he would be on a purely defensive line.

The Canadiens will return to practice Monday morning as they prepare to host the Calgary Flames on Tuesday and visit the New York Islanders on Thursday. Since Carey Price will be playing in the All-Star game, it remains to be seen if Therrien will give him either this Thursday or the following Tuesday against the Sabres off to give him an extended break.

Cheers and follow along!
Follow @Jenbcutler

Join the Discussion: » 204 Comments » Post New Comment

» 24 Cups = 24 Thoughts, A Final Farewell...

» Sergachev and Addison lead Spitfires to Memorial Cup Final, Ott retires

» Habs lack of depth will make it hard for Bergevin to acquire help via trade

» Habs Happenings: Memorial Cup update, Habs at Worlds & Lefebvre extended?

» Favorite Canadiens memories in honour of Montreal's 375th birthday