In the Mix: Habs Proving the Doubters Wrong

Before the season began, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes told reporters his expectation was to see the team “in the mix.” Few took him seriously. Many dismissed his comments as empty optimism or outright laughed at the idea that Montreal could contend for a playoff spot. After all, the consensus among analysts was that the Canadiens were destined for another bottom-five finish.

But inside the locker room, a different story was brewing. Players expressed confidence during preseason interviews, and when Jeff Gorton, the team’s executive vice president, echoed Hughes’ sentiment at training camp, it seemed more than just organizational spin. Adding fuel to their confidence was the acquisition of Patrik Laine, one of the NHL’s elite goal scorers, in the offseason.

Then came the setback—a serious preseason injury to Laine that deflated fans’ hopes and cast doubt over the team’s prospects. Even the players seemed shaken in interviews, and head coach Martin St-Louis wore his emotions on his sleeve. Speaking to the media, he emphasized the team’s commitment to Laine, referring to the Canadiens as a family. But beneath his words, the concern was palpable.

A Rocky Start

The season began on shaky ground. Montreal’s sluggish start saw them fall to last place in the Eastern Conference, with the team vying alongside the Chicago Blackhawks for the NHL’s basement. The news that Laine wouldn’t need surgery and could return in three months was a small relief, but the road ahead looked grim.

By December 15, the Canadiens held an uninspiring 11-16-3 record (.417 points percentage) and a dismal -31 goal differential. Critics felt validated.

Turning the Tide

Then, something clicked. Since December 15, the Canadiens have gone 13-3-3, racking up 27 points—the most in the NHL during that span. Their 3.65 goals per game lead the league, and their defensive play has tightened considerably, allowing just 2.53 goals per game, ranking ninth in the NHL.

This surge has vaulted Montreal into the final Wild Card spot, ahead of teams like the Bruins and Blue Jackets. They’re tied in points with the Senators and just one point behind the Lightning for third in the Atlantic Division. Remarkably, they sit only five points back of the Panthers for second in the division.

What Changed?

The return of Patrik Laine has been a game-changer, injecting the lineup with scoring and energy. Alexandre Carrier’s presence on the blue line has solidified the defense, while rookie goaltender Jakub Dobeš has provided stability in net and fellow rookie Lane Hutson is breaking Canadiens’ records. Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson have rediscovered their form, Jake Evans is having a career season, and for the first time in years, the team is relatively healthy.

Time for Recognition

The question now is: When will skeptics acknowledge they were wrong? Hughes, Gorton, and the players believed in this team from the start, even when others didn’t. The Canadiens are in the mix, and if their recent form is any indication, they’ll remain in the hunt for meaningful games deep into the season.

Doubters may have laughed in October, but it’s late January, and the Canadiens are currently the ones laughing.