After an average training camp that left people hungry, the Canadian’s first two games have been consistent and there is clearly still much, much work to be done.

Management mentioned that they want to see the team “in the mix” and move on to the next step: In my opinion, CH still needs to be in the playoff race by American Thanksgiving, and especially when the trade deadline arrives. It takes a big year, but for that we have to improve the five-on-five game.

As long as the defense structure is not up to date, things will be difficult. I expect something better as there are several issues that need to be resolved. It’s about making better decisions with the puck and players have to stop putting themselves in vulnerable positions. They need to be more aggressive with the disc carrier and are currently too passive. The puck doesn’t stop moving, they stay in their zone too long, they’re not on the same wavelength and they’re constantly chasing their tail!

In the first game on Wednesday, Samuel Montembeault was the individual star. His teammates allowed 48 shots and without him we would have had another speech after the game. The next day, Cayden Primeau was normal, but the fact remains that the Bruins were superior to the CH at even strength. Too many scoring chances were conceded and it was up to the coaches to make the necessary changes.

The five-on-five game is the be-all and end-all of a club and can be taught. You can’t show a player how to score goals, but you can show them how to do things well defensively, like putting their stick in the right place. The coaches’ job is to get the best out of their men, who also have to be committed. Progress is necessary; Instructors must transform a C team into a B team, a B team must transform into an A team, and an A club must transform into an A+ club or Stanley Cup Champions.

It’s impossible to play with 100% emotion every night. However, with a solid foundation, i.e. a good defensive game, you can get by.

Positive

The positive thing is that the power play is going in the right direction. Even if he doesn’t score a goal every time, he at least has to provide rhythm. In the past the team has lost this “momentum”. Since the start of the campaign, the massive attack has generally served its purpose.

Furthermore, thanks in part to Montembeault, it was a magical evening at the Bell Center. The beautiful pregame ceremony at the Bell Center was sober and a nod to the team’s history. Then there’s nothing better than a meeting between Canada and the Maple Leafs at the start of the season.