HOT START TO SEASON FOR NEWCOMER TATAR
Vegas may be regretting adding him to Pacioretty trade, Marc Dumont writes.
Not only are the Canadiens winning, but they’re playing a sustainable brand of hockey that focuses on speed, work ethic and quick transitions through the neutral zone.
Thanks to their relentless pressure, the Canadiens controlled more than 55 per cent of the shot attempts in their last four games and banked six of a possible eight points.
There’s no debating this has been an ideal start, especially considering the Canadiens were expected to finish in the basement of the league.
RAW TALENT: TATAR
Last week, I said the Tomas Tatar-Phillip Danault-Brendan Gallagher line had breakout potential. This week, we’re no longer talking about potential, but rather their excellent results.
The line has been flat out dominant and has yet to allow an even-strength goal.
Tatar has led the charge, scoring three goals and adding four assists (three of which were primary assists) in his last four games and controlling the play. His seven points also happen to be the best point total among all NHL players in the last week, tied with Edmonton’s Connor McDavid.
During Tatar’s shifts, the Canadiens controlled more than 70 per cent of the shots and just under 70 per cent of the highdanger opportunities.
He was on the ice for seven goals for and none against. He leads the Canadiens in almost every statistical category, including individual high-danger attempts, where he ranks 14th in the NHL.
He’s been on a tear since joining the Habs, to the point that the Golden Knights are probably starting to regret including him in the Max Pacioretty deal as a salary-cap casualty.
REDEMPTION: DROUIN
Jonathan Drouin was one of the few Habs who struggled during the opening week, but he finally scored his first two goals of the season against the Red Wings.
During his shifts, the Canadiens controlled more than 65 per cent of the shots and 65 per cent of the scoring chances.
He has four points in the last four games and, more important, he clearly looks motivated and decisive.
With goals coming from varied sources, Drouin is no longer counted upon as one of the few offensive players on the team, which should remove some of the stress related to being anointed the next great French-Canadian saviour.
He’s not the Canadiens’ saviour. He’s simply a very good player who has the ability to score at a first-line pace, which is all that matters.
QUIETLY EFFICIENT: BENN
Have you noticed Jordie Benn lately? No? That’s a good thing.
He’s been quietly playing some of his best hockey since arriving in Montreal, and though he’s still prone to making mistakes, his numbers speak volumes.
Benn leads all defencemen on the team in terms of controlling shots during his shifts (63.6 per cent) and he also leads the Canadiens, forwards included, in scoring-chance control (65.7 per cent) and high-danger chances (68 per cent).
If those numbers sound rather high, it’s because they are. Benn’s underlying numbers are among the best in the NHL.
The major reason for this turnaround is because Benn is being used in the proper role. Last season, he was overtaxed, which resulted in a predictable collapse. You can’t expect a career third-pairing player to suddenly flourish in a top-four role.
GLARING WEAKNESS: PK
Despite the strong start to the year, there are still some issues with the Canadiens’ penalty kill.
Interestingly, the team is not allowing many shots during the power play, but the ones that do get through are very high quality. They aren’t shutting down passing lanes, which has resulted in a bevy of dangerous chances.
STATISTIC OF THE WEEK
Through six games the Canadiens have scored 20 goals, or 3.3 per game. Last year? Only nine goals in the first six games, or a paltry 1.5 goals per game.
Marc Dumont is an analyst and editor for The Athletic Montreal. All statistics via NaturalStatTrick.com.