No matter how much we are told that we still have to be patient, that it is a process and that we don’t always measure success by victories. Even if we don’t want to talk about the playoffs, the Canadiens don’t really have a choice anymore, they have to take the next step and show the fans that they were right to be patient and trust the Gorton group, Hugues and St -Louis.

Just “progressing” is no longer enough. It takes wins and meaningful games towards the end of the season. What threatens every team in the CH situation is that defeats become routine. It is very difficult to get out of this losing habit. Talk to Sabres, Senators or Red Wings fans…

The good news is that the Canadian appears to be serious about “non-negotiable criteria”. The decision to subject Joel Armia to waivers goes in this direction. Of course, there are a lot of contractual intricacies and salary crunches involved in any decision, but it was high time to walk the talk with a player who is a surprise box every night…usually a bad one. Surprise. We agree that the same decision could have been made last year with Mike Hoffman, but hey… given the number of injuries, the race still required a minimum number of horses.

Rafael Harvey-Pinard is the new norm

Speaking of consistency, it’s a trait that only a few players possess and one that is most sought after by coaches. This is why Rafael Harvey-Pinard is currently playing in the NHL and not Joel Armia. How many times has Martin St-Louis said about RHP that with him you know EXACTLY what to expect. What could be more reassuring for a trainer? And don’t worry about Harvey-Pinard, he won’t spend the entire season on the fourth line. When it comes to work ethic and intensity, RHP is the new standard for Canadians, just as Brendan Gallagher was for many years.

Since it is a matter of consistency, let me tell you that in the ten years I have been following the Canadian, I have rarely seen a player who can be as intense, visible and disturbing as Josh Anderson when he is in his “Game” is. I like the idea of ​​putting him in the front row with Suzuki and Caufield, but like everyone, I need convincing. One thing is certain: he has what it takes to turn this trio into a first-class first trio.

Too bad for Montembeault

Is the decision to rely on Jake Allen to start the season surprising? Let’s say it’s very conservative and very hierarchical. Despite an ordinary camp, Samuel Montembeault appears to be the best goalkeeper for the Canadian at the moment. This decision certainly doesn’t sit well with Samuel, but being the guy he is, he’ll probably do what he’s always done since his time in the NHL: keep his mouth shut, stay calm and prove he can do it and that he deserves at least a chance to be named the best goalkeeper in the National League. At least with the CH in front of Jake Allen.

With that in mind: Have a good season and enjoy every beautiful moment… hoping that they become more and more rare!!