The Canadiens had a challenging schedule last week, facing the Lightning, the Red Wings, and the Devils, two teams currently in the top eight in the East and another just a few points behind. The Montreal team started poorly in each of their games,

Montreal Canadiens’ Patrik Laine (92) scores against New York Rangers goaltender ... stops New York Rangers’ Filip Chytil as Canadiens’ Alexandre Carrier (45) defends during the second period of an NHL hockey gamein Montreal, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.

Patrik Laine has 12 goals in 19 games since the start of the season. He has already doubled his total from last season and is on track to have his most productive season since leaving Winnipeg. Only Cole Caufield (24) and Nick Suzuki (14) have scored more goals than Laine this season.

With the Canadiens doing very well these days, we warmly applaud the work of the current management of the team. After all, seeing guys like Lane Hutson, Patrik Laine, and Alexandre Carrier being important pieces of this comeback means that those who brought them to town are recognized.