The Canadian shows character by never giving up. However, the Montreal club’s players might like to play with the lead a little more often.

Despite an honest start to the game, the Canadian returned to the locker room on Sunday night with a 1-0 deficit against the Nashville Predators and ultimately lost 2-1.

It was the 11th^e For once this season the Habs were behind after 20 minutes of play. They have a record of 2-7-2 when in this situation.

The Canadian ranks last in the NHL with just 14 goals scored in his first appearance in 28 games this season. This certainly doesn’t help Martin St-Louis’ team take control of the fixtures.

The Habs have ended the first period with the lead just six times this season (4-1-1).

“I think every game is different,” said forward Brendan Gallagher. This evening [dimanche], we played decent hockey. »

“But of course it would help us to play with a lead a little more often. »

The Canadian has also allowed 25 goals in the first third of this season, a difference of minus-11. He has the same difference in the second period (25-36) and has slightly more success in the third period with a difference of minus 3 (30-33).

“Maybe we should put a little more emphasis on our start,” goalkeeper Jake Allen said. At least we often find a way to get back in the game. »

While St-Louis cited an ineffective numerical advantage as an explanation for his team’s drop in performance against the Predators on Sunday, he also pointed out that his team may have had a tendency to deviate from the game plan when it was too late to decide on the score to register .

“We start the game with a plan and try to implement it,” he said. We play deep in the opponent’s territory and use a good advance to gain time in the attacking zone. We will chase the puck and not give the opponent time and space. We are difficult to endure. But as the game progresses, we say goodbye to these good habits. »

“We are looking for consistency. Players need to keep doing the right things and not start forcing plays. »

The Canadian will have time to refine his game this week with only two games on the schedule. After a day off on Monday, he returns to practice on Tuesday to prepare for Wednesday night’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bell Center.

After two more days of training, he will host the New York Islanders on Saturday evening.

“It’s a good opportunity to focus on ourselves,” Allen said. We want to finish this sequence with the right foot. »

The Canadian will then play in Winnipeg, St. Paul, Minnesota and Chicago before his Christmas break.

To watch in the video