Canadiens’ two-way play a concern amidst current slump

After a scorching hot start to the season, things have cooled off considerably for the Montreal Canadiens.

The Habs have dropped their past four games, including close losses to Boston and Columbus which were preceded by a 7-0 loss to Dallas and a 5-1 romp against Los Angeles.

Their 19 goals conceded during this four-game skid have upped the team’s season-long total to 66, third most in the division despite no team in the Atlantic having played fewer games.

On Wednesday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, host Tyler Yaremchuk and co-host and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton were joined by former NHL video coach Steve Peters to discuss the issues Montreal has been facing defensively in recent outings.

Carter Hutton: We talk about skill and we talk about talent, the Montreal Canadiens, right? This is a team that has so many young, exciting players. And they’re a team for me that when you watch them it’s unbelievable. It feels like the speed cranks up the skill, but it seems like it’s trending in the wrong direction right now for them. Is there anything you’re seeing out of their game and where they’re at?

Steve Peters: It’s tough. This is where you talk about the tale of two seasons early. Dobes was unbelievable early. He started off the season 6-1-2. 2.71, and an .898 save percentage. That’s starting to turn around for him. He is not putting up those kind of numbers that he did early, and I think that’s hurt them a little bit. But this is a team that plays with pace… this team really relies on playing fast and offensive hockey. I don’t know if they’re built defensively strong enough to defend… The concern I have with this team is their ability to play both sides of the puck. I am concerned long-term, can they defend well enough?

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…