BROSSARD, QC – Jonathan Drouin has a zero in the goals column this season, but he’s enjoying his best moments in a long time Montreal Canadiens.

Drouin had three assists in the Habs’ 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators on Thursday. It was the first time he had three points in a game since the 2021 season opener on January 13, 2021 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He has five assists in his last five games.

The Quebec forward creates scoring chances despite a discreet five-a-side roll in the fourth row. He’s mostly found on the blue line in the first unit of the power play.

“I like my game, my pace, my decisions,” said Drouin on Friday. i have a chance Yes, I have a zero in the Goals column, but there are positives. »

Last Saturday, Drouin came within a whisker of scoring his first goal since January 1, 2022. His shot sneaked through Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington’s tackle, but Josh Anderson pinned the puck into the back of the net as he crossed the goal line.

“That was a big goal. We laughed on the bench because we didn’t know who scored, said Drouin, who pledged not to blame his friend Anderson for stealing a goal from him. It was an important win that ended our dry spell. »

Two of Drouin’s three assists on Thursday against the Predators came from the power play.

Head coach Martin St-Louis has repeatedly pointed out in recent weeks how the power play can have a positive or negative effect on the players’ self-confidence.

Drouin has not scored on the power play since October 19, 2019, a drought that now spans 123 games and almost 289 minutes of ice time in this period of play.

“He’s more of a playmaker than a goalscorer but he expects to score and that will come,” St-Louis said. His keys are good. It helps the power play.

“In space, ‘Jo’ has great tools, he sees the ice well and plays well. I’m happy that he’s succeeding and regaining his confidence. »

Drouin is serving the final season of a six-year, $33 million contract signed immediately after acquisition Tampa Bay Blitz back from the defender Mikhail Sergachev.

He has been plagued by numerous injuries since autumn 2019, including injuries to both wrists. He says he is currently in good health.

“It’s a season where it seems everyone has minor injuries. But I don’t have anything important to do at the moment,” said Drouin. I feel good. »

All that’s left to do is turn all that positive energy into a goal.