The Montreal Canadiens are in their final playoff push with eight games remaining. They need everybody firing on all cylinders if they want to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2021. However, many members of the team’s defence corps have been struggling as of late. Lane Hutson has been carrying the load on the backend, and the rest of the group will need to pick up the slack down the stretch. So, is the Canadiens defence good enough to compete in the postseason? Let’s analyze the Montreal Canadiens current situation on defence.
Overview of the Montreal Canadiens Defence Struggles
Outside of Lane Hutson, who is having a historic rookie year, few Canadiens defencemen are playing well right now. Kaiden Guhle just returned from injury and has been solid thus far, while Jayden Struble has stepped up his game. But the rest of the group, Matheson, Savard, Carrier, and Xhekaj, have experienced recent struggles.
Arber Xhekaj has recently been scratched by head coach Martin St. Louis. His play in his own end has been suspect as of late. He has also lost his offensive touch this season with only six points. Xhekaj still brings a physical element, but with that can often come undisciplined play. Carrier has been a big part of the solution for Montreal since being acquired from Nahville. However, the veterans Mike Matheson and Alexandre Carrier have been under harsh scrutiny as of late. Ever since being paired together, the two have struggled mightily. They have been costing team games with poor decisions and untimely turnovers. David Savard, at 34 years old, has also visibly lost a step. He has been having difficulties keeping up with the pace of play this season and has only gotten worse as the season has progressed.
If the Canadiens make the playoffs, it will be a tough decision when deciding who to sit. Struble has been the seventh defenceman for the majority of the year, but he is playing significantly better than many of the team’s defencemen. Savard would be the logical choice if not for the fact that he brings the most playoff experience and is one of the only right-handed defenders on the roster. As for Xhekaj, he is a high-risk, high-reward option who could shift momentum in a game both positively and negatively. St. Louis faces some big decisions on the backend down the stretch for Montreal.
Is the Defensive Group Good Enough Come Playoff Time?
With the team currently holding the second, Eastern Conference wild card berth, the Montreal Canadiens defence corps may get their first taste of playoff action. None of the team’s current defencemen were on the team when the Canadiens last were in the playoffs. However, Matheson, Carrier, and Savard do bring with them some playoff pedigree. Matheson has appeared in twenty career playoff games, while Carrier has played in sixteen. David Savard also won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Lightning in 2021. The other four youngsters on the backend will be getting their first taste of playoff action.
Youngsters like Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble bring some grit and physicality, that is valuable in the playoffs. However, Xhekaj is on a tight leash and will need to keep his emotions in check during meaningful games. Guhle is the team’s top shutdown man, and the Habs will need him to be exactly that come playoff time. He is just returning from a serious injury and will need to readjust to the NHL pace quickly ahead of the playoffs. With veterans struggling as well, the Canadiens defence may be the deciding factor on the team’s success in the playoffs. The current version of the Canadiens defence may not be ready for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But either way, the experience gained will be well worth it and help prepare them for the future.
The Future is Still Bright for the Montreal Canadiens Defence
Despite the team’s current defensive situation, the future of the backend is still bright for Montreal. Reinforcements are on the way, with former fifth-overall pick David Reinbacher on his way. Logan Mailloux is also wrapping up his second full pro campaign and has seen NHL time already. Other defensive prospects like Adam Engstrom and Bogdan Konyushkov should also be on the team’s radar moving forward.
The Canadiens also have the cap space and the assets to make some big moves on the backend this summer. The top priority should be adding a right-handed shot to play with Lane Hutson next season. David Savard will likely be leaving Montreal in free agency. This leaves a roster spot open, which could go to a youngster or a newcomer. There is no rush to bring in Reinbacher or Mailloux, who could both benefit from one more year in Laval. Adding an established blueliner would make a lot of sense for Montreal this offseason. Either way, the future of the Montreal Canadiens defence is bright.
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The post As Stretch Drive Continues an Analysis of the Montreal Canadiens Defence appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.