Outside of game-to-game planning and preparation, here are three big-picture things the Montreal Canadiens should focus on addressing as soon as possible.
The Montreal Canadiens find themselves three months into the 2023-24 season sitting probably higher in the standings than they and their fanbase expected back in September. Martin St. Louis and his players have settled into a seemingly comfortable rhythm, and, while they're not really performing consistently, there does seem to be some cohesion in terms of how the group approaches each game.
Aside from trying to build on the foundation that's been laid, what should the club's focus be overall as the second half of the season approaches?
If the word "goaltending" popped into your head, well I agree with you. The three-ring circ-....er, rotation, that Jake Allen, Sam Montembeault, and Cayden Primeau have endured thus far should really be addressed sooner rather than later. It will help each individual netminder, but also the team as a whole.
"Trading" might be another word that comes to mind, and on this my motto for Kent Hughes this year is, "Trade early and often!" Time to forego some big contracts on the roster and start to shape the future look of the team, working in concert with the young players currently developing.
And there's one more item that I'd like to see changed in the short term as well, involving a specific forward currently on the NHL roster. Who is it, and what would I like to see changed? Well, you're going to have to watch my latest edition of Habs Hockey Report to find out that and more details on the items listed above!
Click the video below to watch this week's episode of Habs Hockey Report on YouTube: THREE Things The Habs Need To Focus On
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