Canadiens Look Like They Are Taking Another Step Toward Contention

The Montreal Canadiens entered the 2026–27 season with plenty of expectations following their impressive playoff run last spring. With a young core continuing to develop and several players looking to take another step forward, the Canadiens were hoping to establish themselves as one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference.

However, things did not exactly start according to plan. Montreal opened the season with a disappointing 1-2-1 record, raising some early concerns about the team’s defensive play, goaltending, and ability to protect leads. Since then, though, the Canadiens have been nearly unstoppable. With a remarkable 10-1-2 record over their last 13 games, Montreal has completely turned its season around. Even more impressive is the fact that the Canadiens have accomplished much of this without two of their most important offensive players, Nick Suzuki and Ivan Demidov.

From a Slow Start to One of the NHL’s Hottest Teams

After their first four games, there were legitimate reasons to be concerned about the Canadiens. Montreal was struggling defensively, allowing too many quality scoring opportunities and repeatedly finding ways to let leads slip away. The goaltending was also inconsistent, making it difficult for the team to establish any momentum.

But what a difference a few weeks can make. Since starting the season 1-2-1, the Canadiens have put together an outstanding 10-1-2 stretch, improving their overall record to 11-3-3 through 17 games. That is 25 points out of a possible 34, a remarkable turnaround considering how poorly things started.

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this stretch has been Montreal’s ability to win games in different ways. Whether it means protecting a narrow lead, overcoming an early deficit, or finding a way to collect two points when things are not going perfectly, the Canadiens have consistently delivered.

Last season, Montreal established itself as a team capable of surprising opponents and competing with some of the league’s best. This year, however, the expectations are different. The Canadiens are no longer simply hoping to compete for a playoff spot. They are trying to establish themselves as a legitimate force in the Eastern Conference. And through their first 17 games, they are doing exactly that.

Winning Without Suzuki and Demidov

What makes Montreal’s recent success even more impressive is the number of important players the team has been missing. Nick Suzuki, the Canadiens’ captain and undisputed first-line centre, has missed a significant portion of this impressive stretch due to injury. Losing Suzuki would be a major challenge for virtually any team. After all, he is Montreal’s most reliable offensive player, plays in every situation, and is arguably the most important forward on the roster. Yet, instead of falling apart without their captain, the Canadiens have continued winning.

The same can be said about Ivan Demidov. The young Russian forward brings a level of offensive creativity and skill that very few players on Montreal’s roster can replicate. His absence could have easily hurt the Canadiens’ offensive production, particularly considering their lack of established scoring depth down the middle. Instead, other players have stepped up.

The Canadiens have also benefited from contributions throughout their lineup, proving they are becoming much more than a team dependent on two or three players. Of course, having Suzuki and Demidov back in the lineup will only make this group more dangerous. If Montreal can produce these kinds of results without two of its biggest offensive weapons, imagine what this team could accomplish at full strength.

Jacob Fowler Has Changed Everything

One of the biggest reasons behind Montreal’s turnaround has undoubtedly been the emergence of Jacob Fowler. Goaltending was among the Canadiens’ biggest concerns during the opening weeks of the season.

Jakub Dobes, who entered the campaign with high expectations following his impressive playoff performances, struggled considerably out of the gate. His inconsistency between the pipes made life difficult for a Canadiens team that was already experiencing defensive issues.

Fortunately for Montreal, Fowler was ready when his opportunity arrived. Since being recalled, the young American netminder has provided exactly what the Canadiens needed, stability. Fowler has looked calm, confident, and remarkably comfortable at the NHL level despite his limited experience. More importantly, he has given Montreal a legitimate chance to win virtually every time he has stepped onto the ice.

His emergence has completely changed the conversation surrounding the Canadiens’ goaltending situation. What initially looked like a potential weakness has suddenly become one of the team’s biggest reasons for optimism.

There will certainly be difficult stretches ahead, and it would be unrealistic to expect Fowler to maintain his early-season pace throughout an entire NHL campaign. Nevertheless, he has already demonstrated that he belongs in Montreal.

Ultimately, the Canadiens’ 10-1-2 run is about much more than a hot goaltender or a few players producing offensively. It is about a young team learning how to win consistently, overcoming adversity, and finding success even without some of its most important pieces.