MONTRÉAL – The Montreal Canadiens continue to show their resilience as they chase playoff positions, recently defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 at the Centre Bell. This victory marked another step forward for the Tricolore, with their eyes set on improving their standings within the competitive Atlantic Division.
Jake Evans played a pivotal role by scoring the winning goal with just 2:15 left on the clock, demonstrating the team’s determination to secure important points. "I like to believe we are sending a message to the entire league, we are no longer an easy win for our rivals. We are now looking at the standings and enjoying it," Evans stated, reflecting on the shift in the team's fortunes.
Juraj Slafkovsky also made his mark by cutting the deficit with his power-play goal earlier in the game, providing the spark necessary for the Canadiens to fight back from being down 2-0. "It’s really fun right now," Slafkovsky expressed after the match.
The Canadiens' recent run since December 17 has been impressive, boasting a record of 13-3-1, accumulating 27 points over this span. They are now just one point behind the Lightning and are close to solidifying their position as contenders for the playoffs. "Since mid-December, we've had the best record in the NHL with 25 points. It feels good to be part of this momentum," Slafkovsky added.
Samuel Montembeault shone in goal, blocking 33 out of 35 shots faced, and coming off of what was considered a challenging game against the Maple Leafs. He acknowledged the importance of this victory, stating, "Even without the best start, we come back." Montembeault's ability to bounce back and maintain focus is pivotal for the Canadiens as they continue their push.
Head coach Martin St-Louis stressed the need for caution amid their success. "It's more enjoyable when you look at the standings," he said, emphasizing the tight nature of the league standings as the season progresses. St-Louis maintained his routine during this challenging stretch, focusing on one game at a time.
Players have bought in to this mindset, with Patrik Laine noting, "I watch the standings, I want us to be higher. It’s great; we are going to play some symbolic games going forward. I feel like there will be playoff atmospheres all the time."
Evans added, "We have so much confidence in how we play, no lead is too big. If we recompose ourselves, we will come back." This growing confidence is something the Canadiens have been nurturing throughout the season, as they improve their style of play and learn how to win consistently.
David Savard, another key veteran, spoke about the necessity of remaining level-headed, reminding his teammates, "The confidence is there, but we can’t become too comfortable; it can hurt us. We have to focus on the process to stay engaged and prepared."
So what’s next for the Canadiens? With their recent performance, they find themselves within reach of playoff positions, steering clear of the fate they faced last season. The team seems to be developing the right mindset needed to endure the rigors of the league, which St-Louis believes is integral for future success.
On the surface, the narrative appears positive, with the team enjoying camaraderie and pledging to keep working hard to earn their spots. With their confidence growing and every victory reinforcing their abilities, the Canadiens look promising as they aim for the playoffs. Recent games demonstrate their capacity to rise to the occasion, and the postseason is becoming less of a distant dream and more of a tangible goal.
Fans will be eagerly watching the Canadiens’ next games as they continue their quest to establish their presence within the playoff race, one game at a time.