Let’s be honest: who actually had the Montreal Canadiens leading the Atlantic Division on their bingo card this season? Almost no one. Yet, here we are. The Habs are not just playing quality hockey; they are banking points while their division rivals stumble out of the gate.
As an analyst, I’m often asked if these early-season Cinderella stories are “for real.” When I look at the Montreal Canadiens, my answer is an emphatic “yes.”
This isn’t a fluke. This is a well-coached team, brimming with young studs and newfound depth, that is building momentum. Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning look lost, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are still finding their identity. The door for the Atlantic crown is wide open, and the Canadiens have kicked it down. This team isn’t just a feel-good story; they are a legitimate threat.
Can Caufield Keep Up This Pace?
The entire league is buzzing about Cole Caufield, and for good reason. With seven goals in nine games, he’s playing like a superstar. But the talk of him hitting the elusive 50-goal mark is premature. His shooting percentage is scorching hot at nearly 27%, which is almost double his career average. A regression is inevitable.
Before we talk 50, let’s see him hit 40, a milestone he hasn’t yet reached. Last year, only one player in the entire NHL (Leon Draisaitl) hit 50. Caufield is elite, but jumping from 37 goals to 50 is a monumental leap. The good news? The Canadiens don’t need 50 from him. They just need him to continue being the dangerous, game-breaking sniper he is. His hot start has given them the cushion they need.
The Dobes Factor: A New Number One?
The real story, and perhaps the more sustainable one, is what’s happening in the crease. A potential goaltending controversy is brewing, and it’s the best kind for the Montreal Canadiens. Samuel Montembeault, who played a career-high 62 games last year, has started slow.
This has opened the door for 24-year-old Jakub Dobes. In my view, Dobes has the higher ceiling. He’s played just 20 NHL games but already has 11 wins, often getting the tougher matchups on back-to-backs. He’s not just holding his own; he’s stealing starts. This internal competition is pushing both goalies. Having a young, confident netminder who is winning games is a massive advantage and a key reason why this team can maintain its pace.
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