The Canadian is two points away from a playoff spot after the quarter-finals of the season. While few anticipated such a scenario, internally there is no question of changing the plan or expectations of the Montreal team.

Head coach Martin St-Louis said before the camp started that he just wants to see his side improve every day. This approach will not change, at least for the time being.

“Maybe during the season there will come a time when we look at the table, but we haven’t gotten there yet,” St-Louis said on Monday. We come to work wanting to win the day, whether it’s a practice session or a game. »

“It all depends on how you measure success. It’s easy to look at the leaderboard, but we won’t stop there today. »

Captain Nick Suzuki admitted the fact that most observers didn’t reveal much of the Canadian’s skin before the start of the campaign served as motivation for the group.

However, team management should stay the course as the season progresses and continue to build a group that will have long-term success in Montreal.

“We can’t change direction because of 20 games,” said defender David Savard. It’s good to win, but it can change quickly. We could be hit by a wave of injuries. »

“We have to keep developing the youngsters. They are the ones who will ensure that this team is good for several years to come. But it’s good to be successful, to let them grow in a positive environment. »

enthusiasm

Suzuki also noted that the attitude within the team was completely different compared to the same time last year.

“We often fell behind early in the game and then didn’t have the confidence to come back. This season, thanks to our style of play, we know we’re still in the game,” said Suzuki.

“We play fast and competitive ice hockey. We adapt to the opposition and when we play like that we are the best,” he added. It limits the opponent’s time and space, giving us more time to attack. »

Suzuki said the confident attitude emanated from St. Louis and his assistants. He also highlighted the work of the leadership group to which he belongs.

The Canadians’ enthusiasm, which has been omnipresent since the start of the season, is also one of the reasons for the team’s success.

“It’s always nice to come back to the arena,” said defender Kaiden Guhle. Of course, no one is happy about that even after a defeat, but the boys can smile the next day. The environment is never negative. We can turn the page and focus on the next game. »

The Canadiens host the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday before heading out on a four-game trip to western Canada and Seattle.

We have to keep developing young people. They are the ones who will ensure that this team is good for several years to come.

Players will be watching defender Erik Karlsson, who has recorded 11 goals and 21 assists in 24 games this season.

“We have to stay in front of him and give him as little space as possible,” said Guhle. If the attackers can stop him, it will help us in our work. »

Jake Allen will defend the Habs gate on Tuesday.

On Monday, forwards Jonathan Drouin and Mike Hoffman drove ahead of their teammates at the Bell Sports Complex while Sean Monahan missed practice.

Monahan was enjoying a day off. St. Louis could not confirm whether or not it will play the Sharks on Tuesday.

For their part, Drouin and Hoffman have not played since November 12 against the Pittsburgh Penguins and November 19 against the Philadelphia Flyers, respectively.

Drouin is suffering from an upper body injury sustained against the Vegas Golden Knights on November 5th. The Canadian indicated on November 15 that the player would be out for four to six weeks.

In Hoffman’s case, the Habs said he sustained a lower-body injury. His state of health is reassessed daily.

To see in the video