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Manuel Meza

Manuel Meza is a sports journalist specializing in soccer (MLS, Liga MX, European leagues) and the NHL. With a writing career launched in 2020, he has contributed to industry leaders like Sports Illustrated, GRV Media, and Roundtable Sports. He is dedicated to providing news and analysis for Yardbarker's audience.

Canadiens defensemen rank second in NHL points, credit HC Martin St. Louis' system

This certain freedom is the reason why the Canadiens' defensive unit ranks second in the NHL with 134 points since the start of the season.

Patience paying off as Canadiens front office sees rebuild progress

The Montreal Canadiens' rebuild is ongoing, but the worst is over.

Canadiens draft pick Michael Hage faces tempered expectations

The 2024 first-round pick (21st overall) is showing good progress in his second year in the NCAA at Michigan, with 10 goals and 28 points after 20 games.

Canadiens' Ivan Demidov stays hot, but Matthew Schaefer remains Calder front-runner

With the mid-season approaching, Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov is maintaining chances of winning the Calder Trophy. 

Canadiens HC Martin St. Louis must address Nick Suzuki problem soon

When Martin St. Louis sent his captain, Nick Suzuki, over the boards to try and tie the game in a shootout against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Canadiens' fate was almost sealed.

Why did Canadiens reverse course on goalie Samuel Montembeault?

The Canadiens' explanation raised eyebrows among some observers.

Phillip Danault's first words to Canadiens fans following Kings trade

Two days after being traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the Montreal Canadiens, forward Phillip Danault shared a message with the fans.

Canadiens alter goaltending plan before game vs. Penguins

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault spent the past few days on loan to the Laval Rocket. The Quebec-born player had been assigned to the AHL for a conditioning loan, but something changed since then.

Canadiens' latest acquisition could fill void left by Jake Evans injury

Although they defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-0, the Montreal Canadiens delivered bad news to their fans. 

How the Canadiens made the Phillip Danault trade work under the salary cap

The Montreal Canadiens' cap managers had to get creative late Friday night when Kent Hughes acquired Phillip Danault.

Canadiens players take firm stance on Phillip Danault trade

The Montreal Canadiens have acquired Phillip Danault from the Los Angeles Kings. 

Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby could become all-time leading scorer in franchise history this weekend, set to pass legendary Quebecer Mario Lemieux

Sidney Crosby could take advantage of his visit to Montreal on Saturday to become the all-time leading scorer for the Pittsburgh Penguins, surpassing the legendary Quebecer Mario Lemieux.

Canadiens receive positive Mike Matheson injury update

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson has been dealing with an upper-body injury, and he used the team's day off to resume training.

Key stat shows the Canadiens have a serious team problem

The performances of the Montreal Canadiens in front of their fans at the Bell Centre have been inconsistent for nearly two months. There is an eye-opening statistic that helps to understand what is not working.

Canadiens' win over Blackhawks ends home curse at Bell Centre

Very effective on the road this season, Zachary Bolduc had not yet been able to get on the scoresheet at Bell Centre Bell, but all that changed on Thursday night.

Canadiens defense rotation opens door for rookie Adam Engstrom

Adam Engstrom was dressed for the Montreal Canadiens' last four games, and his play augurs well for the immediate future. 

Canadiens reap present, future benefits from surprising asset Alexandre Texier

Alexandre Texier continues to shine with the Montreal Canadiens.

Maple Leafs need a simple plan to manage their injury woes

Setback after setback. The Toronto Maple Leafs learned on Monday that Brandon Carlo's expected return might take even longer than initially thought.

How the Rangers can fix their poor performance at Madison Square Garden

The New York Rangers have a problem that can no longer be ignored. The team is not performing at Madison Square Garden.

Maple Leafs' win over Penguins shows their true identity

Finally, good news for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not only did they win 7-2 in Pittsburgh, but they finally played like a team with a clear identity.

What the Maple Leafs must do ahead of the trade deadline

If Toronto gets hot and leads the division with sustainable metrics, it should not fix what isn't broken.

Rangers lose again, but face a bigger problem than the loss

Mike Sullivan's team has now recorded eight losses at home this season, and losing their best defenseman only makes things worse.

Maple Leafs' performance raises concerns, but Easton Cowan offers hope for the future

Toronto did not expect to have a rookie who already produces quality minutes, but it is a more than pleasant surprise.

Rangers give the rest of the NHL reason to take notice

The New York Rangers marched into Boston and authored a statement victory that reverberates beyond a single game. 

Rangers assistant captain Vincent Trocheck is right and changes are needed

Trocheck is correct because the competitive context can turn any stumble into a slide.