The Montreal Canadiens surprised many with how strong and competitive they looked early in the season. Despite modest external expectations, they established themselves as a structured, resilient team capable of beating quality opponents. However, as the season progresses and the margin for error tightens, sustaining that level of performance will require adjustments. If the Canadiens want to finish as strong as they started, three areas stand out as priorities: the penalty kill, shot generation, and consistency in goal.
1. The Penalty Kill
The Canadiens’ penalty kill has quietly become one of their biggest weaknesses. At 76.9%, Montreal currently ranks 25th in the NHL, a number that is simply not compatible with sustained success. Even more concerning is the recent trend, over the last 10 games, the Habs have operated at just 63.6% while shorthanded.
That drop is alarming. The penalty kill is not only about stopping goals, it sets the tone for momentum. Giving up frequent power-play goals forces a team to chase games, disrupts line deployment, and undermines otherwise solid five-on-five play. For a young team still learning how to manage tight games, that margin matters.
Fixing the PK doesn’t require elite personnel; it requires discipline, structure, and urgency. Better stick positioning, more aggressive pressure at the blue line, and quicker decision-making on clears could stabilize this unit. If the Canadiens can even move into the middle of the pack, it would have a tangible impact on their ability to close out games.
2. Bring More Pucks to the Net
Another area that deserves scrutiny is Montreal’s shot generation. The Canadiens are averaging just 26.2 shots on goal per game, ranking 25th in the league. On the surface, that suggests a team struggling to create offence. Yet paradoxically, Montreal sits third in the NHL in goals scored per game at 3.46.
That contrast tells an important story. The Canadiens have been extremely opportunistic, capitalizing on high-quality chances and finishing at an impressive rate. While that speaks to skill and confidence, it also raises questions about sustainability. Shooting percentages fluctuate, and relying on efficiency alone can be dangerous over an 82-game season.
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When offence dries up, it often starts with a lack of volume. Fewer shots mean fewer rebounds, fewer broken plays, and fewer opportunities to wear down opposing defences. Against structured teams that limit prime chances, Montreal has at times struggled to generate second and third looks.
The solution isn’t necessarily more perimeter shots; it’s more pucks to the net with purpose. That includes net-front presence, traffic, and a willingness from defencemen to shoot for rebounds rather than perfect looks. Simplifying the offensive approach could help Montreal maintain pressure, especially in games where creativity is limited.
If the Canadiens can slightly increase their shot volume while maintaining their efficiency, they become far more difficult to defend against and less vulnerable to offensive droughts.
3. More Consistency Between the Pipes
Goaltending has been another fluctuating factor. Too often, Montreal has seen one goalie get hot for two or three games, only to follow it with a stretch of inconsistency. That pattern has made it difficult for the team to build rhythm and confidence.
The Canadiens don’t need superhuman performances. They don’t need a goalie stealing games every night. What they need is steady, reliable goaltending from both Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobes. Making the routine saves, controlling rebounds, and limiting soft goals would go a long way toward stabilizing results.
Inconsistent goaltending puts added pressure on a young defensive group and forces the team to open up offensively to compensate. When goalies are dependable, players can stick to the system, manage risk, and trust that mistakes won’t automatically end up in the back of the net.
As the season winds down, consistency will matter more than peaks. If Montreal can get predictable, league-average goaltending on a nightly basis, it will allow the rest of the roster to play with confidence and structure.
The Canadiens have proven they can compete. Finishing strong, however, will depend on addressing these underlying issues before they become defining weaknesses. Improving the penalty kill, increasing shot volume, and stabilizing goaltending won’t guarantee wins, but together, they form the foundation of sustainable success. If Montreal can make progress in these areas, they give themselves the best chance to carry their strong start all the way to the finish line.
