The Montreal Canadiens are bracing for one of the most demanding stretches of their NHL season, a punishing December calendar that will test the team's depth and resilience.
A Grueling Month Ahead
This challenging period features five sets of back-to-back games throughout the month. The difficult run begins with an afternoon game against the Vegas Golden Knights in Las Vegas on Friday, followed immediately by another afternoon contest against the Colorado Avalanche in Denver on Saturday. The intensity doesn't let up, as the team is scheduled to play 13 games within a 22-day window during December.
Former Players Weigh In
On a bonus episode of The Gazette's Hockey Inside/Out Show, host Stu Cowan was joined by former Canadiens teammates and 1986 Stanley Cup champions Chris Nilan and Rick Green. The seasoned veterans discussed what such a grueling schedule means for today's players and coaching staff, drawing from their own experiences in the league.
Nilan and Green also shared insights into their game-day routines as players and explained how those routines needed adjustment for afternoon games. The conversation included other entertaining stories from their time as teammates, offering fans a glimpse into the life of professional hockey players.
No Excuses for Performance
Despite the challenging schedule, the overarching message from the discussion was clear: the punishing stretch is no excuse for the Canadiens' performance. The team and coaching staff, led by head coach Martin St. Louis, must find ways to navigate this difficult period while maintaining competitive play.
The Hockey Inside/Out Show will release two more bonus episodes in the coming days, continuing to provide expert analysis and behind-the-scenes perspectives on the Canadiens' season.
