Building a team that aspires to major accolades doesn't happen overnight, starting the process virtually at the bottom of the ladder. There are various stages to go through. Where is the Canadian? Based on his performance over the last two weeks, being a lead appears to be the next level to master.

Against the Lightning, the Stars and the Rangers, Martin St-Louis' team built a lead of at least two goals (three against Dallas and New York). She escaped the first meeting before getting badly fucked in the other two.

“Our group is growing. The more we improve, the more we will be in these situations and the more comfortable we will be,” argued Brendan Gallagher after training on Monday.

“Because good teams continue to work, even when they are behind. We knew Rangers would push hard. And what about the Stars who pulled their goalie six minutes before the end of the game,” the 12-year veteran continued.

Gallagher, the longest-serving player in the Canadiens' camp, stresses that there is a fine line between not taking too many risks and remaining passive. A line that we learn to master with experience.

“You have to be able to execute moves even if the opponent suddenly applies more pressure, even if the defenders are in your face a lot more. We need to know how to recognize these situations, he stressed. You work so hard to increase your lead. You have to know how to keep it.”

Regulate the temperature

Being under pressure, constantly feeling your opponent's breath on your neck and feeling like you're being restricted in your territory inevitably leads to a wave of panic. A wind that can turn into frustration when the opponent closes the gap.

Then dealing well with emotions is important.

“You have to know how to adjust the thermostat. It's easy to be angry and disappointed, but you shouldn't give in to that temptation. The game goes on, so you have to keep going,” said the Canadian head coach.

“When you play frustrated, it's hard to get along as a team. But you shouldn't do it while losing emotions. It takes a lot. The emotion and intensity must be directed in the right direction. You have to be mentally engaged, but you can’t be too emotionally engaged,” he continued.

That may be easier said than done. Being just five points away from a playoff spot, emotions are likely to run high every time a game comes to an end.

Harvey-Pinard is on the verge of a comeback

The Canadian was back in training after a day off. An intensive one-hour training session focused primarily on neutral zone coverage and defensive retreats.

On Wednesday in Philadelphia, the Canadian could definitely get reinforcements from the infirmary. After taking part in optional training on Saturday, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard took part in a first full training session. He was wearing a regular sweater so he can now receive contacts.

The Quebec native has been out since November 14 due to a right leg injury sustained during the team's visit to Arizona. He missed 26 of the team's last 29 games. David Savard, on the other hand, was conspicuous by his absence. The Canadian stated that the defender would be treated for a day. For his part, Tanner Pearson ran alone before today's training session. He has been out since December 9th with an injury to his left hand.

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