MONTREAL — Despite going through a rough patch in that regard, the Canadians are 15-6-6 in games that end by a one-goal margin this season.

The Montreal hockey club has lost its last six games, including the first five, by a single goal. He lost 3-1 to the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night while Tomas Tatar scored an insurance goal in an empty goal late in the game.

Head coach Martin St-Louis remains satisfied with his team’s work, even if victories are rare.

“The story would be different if we were 0-5 and humiliated every night. We’re playing pretty well against some really good teams,” said defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic after the defeat to the Devils. We don’t want to cling to moral victories, but we don’t want to feel down either. If you’re feeling down on 0-6, it will be harder to rebuild your confidence.

“There are still a few things to fix in our game but I think we’re close to our best level. We need to keep building on that and maybe those one-goal defeats will turn into wins soon.”

After St. Louis declared on Friday that its team didn’t need anything, not even a bit of luck, to get back on track, St. Louis finally conceded on Saturday that a cheap jump here or there wouldn’t hurt.

“Sometimes it takes leaps. It’s not effort or intention or our collective play, he said. We’re playing against good teams and we have to carry on as we have been. Eventually it turns around and you go.

St. Louis also reiterated throughout the season that it’s important to be honest in evaluating the team and considering all factors when it comes to talking about expectations.

Veteran goaltender Jake Allen said this approach has also helped players stay motivated even in difficult times.

“We must not forget what we are going through and what we want to achieve for the future,” Allen said. Yes, we could get worked up about being 0-6, it’s human nature. But we have to look further and see the good and the bad.

“You have to have the same approach whether you’re 6-0 or 0-6. Yes, we’d be happier if we were 6-0, but we’ve still done good things in the last couple of games.

The Canadian’s task will not get any easier next week. He will host the Colorado Avalanche on Monday before visiting the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, the Florida Panthers on Thursday and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday.

“Yes, the Avalanche have the defending champions, but all of the teams we faced last week and those we’ll face this week are in playoff portrait or serious Stanley Cup contenders,” Allen noted. These are interesting weeks to see where we are and good learning opportunities.

The Canadian has been busy since returning from the All-Star break. Players may not feel like they’ve caught their breath after the recent trip to California and Las Vegas.

The Habs are playing their last 16 games of the season in 32 days.

“Martin has recently given us optional practice or extra days off,” said Nick Suzuki. We know our schedule is full. It is important to rest and recover when we have the opportunity. I’m doing my best to stay healthy and maintain good energy levels.”

Suzuki is the only player to have played in all of the Canadians’ games this season. He hasn’t missed a game since his NHL debut and his streak of 275 straight games is the fourth-longest in the league.