Canadiens need to rediscover scoring touch
The narrative has shifted a tad in La Belle Province.
The Montreal Canadiens, leaders of the Atlantic Division all season long, are in a bit of a slump, one that can only be declared as such when considering the overall success of their season to this point.
Over their last three contests, the Habs are 0-2-1, only mustering three goals in losses to the Flyers, Capitals, and Oilers. Montreal's measly totals over the past few games surely aren't sustainable, but dating back to the turn of the calendar, the Canadiens have hit a bit of a wall offensively.
| Dates | GP | GF (per game) | League Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct - Dec 2016 | 37 | 112 (3.02) | 5th |
| Jan 1 - present | 17 | 45 (2.64) | 13th |
To be fair, Montreal has been hit with injuries to key players Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher, but its offense has become a two-man show as of late.
As one would expect, Alexander Radulov and Max Pacioretty are leading the way, with 15 and 14 points respectively, in 2017. Trailing the Canadiens' top duo in production is their pivot, Phillip Danault, who's put together a career year and amassed 12 points over his last 17 games.
The aforementioned top line are the only Canadiens forwards to hit double digits in points since 2017 begun.
| Player | GP | P |
|---|---|---|
| Arturri Lehkonen | 17 | 7 |
| Tomas Plekanec | 17 | 7 |
| Paul Byron | 16 | 6 |
| Sven Andrighetto | 14 | 6 |
| Galchenyuk | 8 | 5 |
| Andrew Shaw | 11 | 4 |
* Defenseman Shea Weber and Nathan Beaulieu each have 10 points
Montreal is still comfortable atop the Atlantic Division, but their lead has shrunk to eight points, with more games played than the pursuing Senators and Maple Leafs.
Times aren't desperate yet, but Montreal could sure use an offensive resurgence down the stretch.
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