The Montreal Canadiens' recent stumble has sparked sharp criticism from two franchise legends, who point to fundamental flaws beyond the crease. After a 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators at the Bell Centre on Tuesday night, the Habs slipped to fifth place in the Atlantic Division and out of a current playoff position.
Stanley Cup Champions Deliver Blunt Assessment
While goaltending has drawn scrutiny this season, former teammates and 1986 Stanley Cup champions Chris Nilan and Rick Green identify a more systemic issue. On the latest episode of The Gazette's Hockey Inside/Out Show with host Stu Cowan, the duo argued that the team's defensive-zone coverage is the primary concern.
Their analysis was unequivocal. The ex-Habs, who know what it takes to win, believe current players are struggling with the basics of protecting their own net. This critique comes on the heels of not just the Ottawa loss, but also a 7-2 drubbing by the league-leading Colorado Avalanche last Saturday.
A Reality Check in the Rebuild?
The panel on the show debated whether the lopsided defeat in Colorado served as a sobering reality check for the organization's rebuilding timeline, or was simply an isolated poor performance against elite competition. The consecutive losses have intensified the spotlight on the team's structure and compete level.
Nilan and Green also shared their perspectives on the Canadiens' planned ceremony to honour former defensive stalwart Andrei Markov before Wednesday's game against the Winnipeg Jets. Green, who served as an assistant coach in charge of the defence for four seasons during Markov's tenure, has a unique appreciation for the Russian blueliner's impact, drawing a stark contrast to the current group's challenges.
Looking Ahead for the Habs
The immediate task for Montreal is to rectify these defensive lapses as they navigate a tight divisional race. The insights from champions like Nilan and Green underscore that the path back to contention requires shoring up foundational play without the puck. Fans can find the full discussion on the Hockey Inside/Out YouTube channel, as well as on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
