Measuring Progress
April 14, 2024
By Bob Trask
Many will look at the standings and conclude that the Montreal Canadiens have made little progress this season. Looking beyond that single metric, however, shows that progress is being made. Goals against has improved by roughly ten percent this year despite the fact the team went with an inefficient three-goaltender rotation for the bulk of the season. Since that has been abandoned, the GAA for the team has improved. As a result, the goaltending situation looks to be more settled for the upcoming season. The young defence is gradually improving as well. On offense, production remains almost exactly where it was last season but even here, there is reason for optimism. The team has been without its second-leading point-getter, Kirby Dach, from last season. His return along with a full year from Alex Newhook bodes well for the offence. Faceoff efficiency has also improved, even without a significant contribution from Christian Dvorak who will have missed at least 52 games. Power play efficiency has improved modestly but the penalty kill has not. Both areas need improvement for the team to move forward. Internal development from young players should help the team to slightly improve all of these areas. A year of reasonably good health, somewhat of a bounce-back from a couple of veterans, and an off-season addition or two (prospect, trade, or free agent) could see the Canadiens become a much tougher opponent for the 2024-25 season. – Trask