Hockey is Better When the Montreal Canadiens are Winning

MONTREAL — There’s a familiar hum brewing inside the walls of the Montreal Canadiens locker room, one that says this isn’t merely about “making the playoffs again.” It’s about doing something in them. After years of rebuilding, the club that once epitomized hockey tradition is once again looking like a team built to win a couple of rounds, not just show up. The Canadiens returned to the dance last April, bowed out in the first round to the Washington Capitals, but the fact that they got there matters. Because this year, 2025-26, they aren’t simply back—they’re starting to rise.

Building toward relevance

Let’s rewind a bit: after being at the bottom of the league and stringing together seasons of scarce wins, Montreal flipped the script. They drafted wisely, developed internally, added key pieces, and nurtured a culture of expectation—not pressure, but hope. They didn’t sprint into rebuild mode—they committed to it. And now the payoff is showing.

At the start of the 2025-26 campaign, the Canadiens are standing with a record of 10-3-2, sitting atop the Atlantic Division. That says “we mean business,” even if the wider hockey world hasn’t fully taken note yet. The East may be “watered down” compared to the Western Conference’s powerhouses, but the margins are tight and the Canadiens have the roster and mindset to exploit that.

Stars in place, core deep

When you mention the Canadiens, the first names that come to mind are often younger—but emerging—talent like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Noah Dobson. Suzuki is the engine of this team: leading in points (20 in 15 games) and assists (16), he wears the ‘C’ and drives pace and creativity. Caufield isn’t just a scorer—he’s a finisher: 12 goals in 15 games already, showing he can change games. Dobson on the back end gives this club a two-way rock who can jump into plays, defend hard and quarterback transitions.

But it’s the depth behind them that gives this club credibility. Young guys like Lane Hutson and Kaiden Guhle on defense, Ivan Demidov and Juraj Slafkovsky up front—there’s real upside here. Role players like Michael Matheson and Samuel Montembeault in goal complement that list, providing seasoned stability. They might not have the megastar name recognition of the McDavids or Makkars of the world— but what they do have is a roster built for cohesion, versatility and momentum.

Momentum matters

The “it’s still early” caveat absolutely applies—it’s only November. But when a team starts 10-3-2, is leading its division and looks tighter in structure than it has in years, you pay attention. Their expected-goals numbers, possession metrics and defensive transition numbers are improving. It’s not smoke—they’re making progress. The fanbase knows this isn’t just “fun to watch again”—it’s purposeful.

And speaking of fans: this is Montreal. Hockey heaven. The Original Six. When the Canadiens win, the city celebrates like no one else. The Bell Centre still brings it. The fans still believe—and that matters when you go deep. This franchise has history, pedigree and a passion that can fuel postseason runs.

Why they might make that real run

Here’s the case: a young core entering its prime, a deep bench, young defensemen who can handle heavy minutes, forwards who can both create and finish, a goaltender who can steal games—and all of that in a conference where the door is open. When you mix those elements with a veteran coaching staff and front office who’ve built patiently, you get a team ready for an upset or two. And once you win one? Suddenly you’re dangerous.

In short: the Canadiens aren’t just in “step one” of resurrection. They’re acting like a team that expects to win, and have the pieces to do it. They quietly aren’t afraid to say “we can go further than two weeks in April.”

Final word

So if you’re looking for the sleeper pick—or dare I say dark horse—of the 2025-26 NHL season, here’s your cue: the Montreal Canadiens. A franchise with the weight of history, the spark of youth, and the visible signs of build-out and function. They’ve been patient. They’ve earned their spot. And now they’re starting to show they’re ready not only to make the playoffs—but to challenge in them.

Tune in, watch Suzuki distribute, Caufield finish, Dobson defend and rush, Hutson crash, Guhle steady, Demidov surprise. Feel the crowd at Bell Centre. Sense the belief returning. This isn’t a flash in the pan. It’s a resurgence. The Canadiens aren’t just back—they could be on the verge of something special. And if you choose now to hop aboard, you’ll get to say you were there when it began to matter.