It’s been a rough two years for the Montreal Canadiens and their fans. Nothing has been the same since their miracle run to the Stanley Cup Final during the 2021 playoffs. The Habs wildly outperformed expectations that postseason and paid for it in karmic dividends the next season, coming back down to earth in the worst possible way: they earned 55 points on the way to a 22-49-11 record, finishing the season as the worst team in the National Hockey League for the first time since 1940.

While the Habs have greatly improved this season (with one more victory they’ll have as many wins as they did in 2022 in nearly 30 fewer games) Montreal hasn’t fared much better in the standings. Their 21-27-4 record sets them as the second-worst team in the Eastern Conference, only ahead of an abysmal Blue Jackets team.

Unsurprisingly, that means that Montreal has some of the worst odds to win the Stanley Cup in 2023: they’re listed at or around +50000 at sportsbooks across Ontario, meaning that bookies project them as having just a 500 to 1 chance of winning Lord Stanley’s Cup for the 25th time this year.

They aren’t completely done yet, sitting 15 points out of a playoff spot with 30 games left to play, but it’s not looking good.

How They Got Here:

General Manager Kent Hughes had a busy offseason, wheeling and dealing in making a series of trades to try and shore up the last-place roster. Hughes also tried to escape unnecessary cap hits for aging players, opening up flexibility (and acquiring draft picks) for future seasons.

Montreal hosted the 2022 NHL Entry Draft at the Bell Centre, a fitting location after they won the draft lottery. The Canadiens picked Slovak power forward Juraj Slafkovsky with the first overall pick. Slafkovsky didn’t take any time to climb through the minor leagues (and it wasn’t hard to find a place for him on Montreal’s depleted roster), making his NHL debut in the Habs first game of the season. He’s suffered through a rocky rookie year, scoring just four goals and six assists through 39 games.

The Habs acquired a first-round pick from the New York Islanders in exchange for defenseman Alexander Romanov. Hughes then flipped that pick to Chicago for center Kirby Dach, who has had the highest-scoring season of his young career, tallying 12 goals and 22 assists in 52 games. Dach, 22, is still a developing player despite already having the better part of four seasons under his belt. He stands 6-foot-4 and is listed at 212 pounds after weighing in closer to 190 earlier in the season: it’ll be interesting to see how his game changes as he continues to bulk up.

Hughes also escaped the cap hit of the the-34-year-old defenseman Jeff Petry, who wore out his welcome in Montreal with an abysmal 2021-22 season. Habs fans nicknamed him the ‘Tank Commander,’ alluding to his poor play as the centerpiece of a team in freefall. With three years remaining on his $6.25 million average annual value (AAV) contract, Hughes cut salary by flipping him to the Pittsburgh Penguins along with center Ryan Poehling in return for offensive defenseman Mike Matheson as the teams tried to give up-and-down players a second chance with a change of scenery.

Unfortunately for the Habs, Matheson’s first season in Quebec hasn’t been able to get off the ground yet: he’s played in just 18 games this season, tallying two goals and eight assists. Matheson didn’t make his season debut until November 19 after a preseason abdominal strain, then missed another month with an undisclosed lower-body injury. However, he could be due for a breakout, as he had his best game in red and blue against the Islanders on Saturday, scoring the overtime game-winner.

Later in the offseason, Hughes elected to take on some salary, picking up center Sean Monahan from the Calgary Flames in return for a series of conditional picks, including a first-rounder.

Monahan signed a seven-year contract worth nearly $45 million in 2016 and never lived up to his lofty salary, so the Flames wanted to cut ties with him to clear up space for center Nazem Kadri in their attempt to win now. With just one year remaining on the deal (as opposed to three for Petry), Hughes took on Monahan’s cap hit to acquire future draft capital.

This is head coach Martin St. Louis’ first full season behind the bench: he was named the interim head man in mid-2022, and Hughes gave him a three-year extension after he managed a 14-19-4 finish with a mediocre roster.

Hockey is an integral part of Canadian culture and identity. It has become a symbol of national pride and unity, with Canadians from all walks of life coming together to cheer on their favorite hockey team. As such, it can be argued that hockey plays a significant role in the formation and maintenance of Canadian national identity. Hockey is not only a popular sport in Canada but also a source of national pride and unity. 

If you too are a fan of hockey, you might be interested in playing hockey themed games. Is that’s the case, check out top online casino reviews to find the best casinos that offer hockey themed games. If you’re more interested in the sport itself, you might want to know what role hockey plays in Canadian identity and culture. This article will give you insight into just that.

Analyzing why Canadians are so passionate about hockey

Hockey is an integral part of Canadian culture and identity. It has been a beloved pastime for generations, and it’s no surprise that Canadians are so passionate about the sport. One reason why Canadians are so passionate about hockey is because it’s a source of national pride. Hockey is seen as a symbol of Canada’s strength and resilience, and many Canadians take great pride in their country’s success in the sport. 

Hockey provides an opportunity for people to come together and share their love for the game. Whether it’s watching games on TV or attending live events, hockey brings people together from all walks of life to celebrate their shared passion. The sport offers an escape from everyday, giving people something to look forward to during difficult times, and providing them with a sense of joy and excitement that can be hard to find elsewhere.

Examining the cultural significance of hockey in Canadian society

Hockey is an integral part of Canadian culture and has been for many years. It is a source of national pride, with Canadians often referring to themselves as “hockey fans” or “hockey players”. Hockey has become a symbol of Canadian identity, with the game being seen as a representation of the country’s values and beliefs. The sport has also been used to bring people together, creating a sense of unity among Canadians from all walks of life.

Hockey is also seen as an important part of Canada’s history, with many iconic moments in the game being remembered fondly by generations of Canadians. From the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and Russia to Sidney Crosby’s golden goal in 2010, hockey has provided some truly memorable moments that have shaped our nation’s history.

Hockey is more than just a game in Canada; it is an important part of the culture and heritage of the land that will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

How does playing or watching hockey bring people together across the country?

Hockey is a beloved sport in Canada, and it has the power to bring people together from all across the country. Whether you’re playing or watching hockey, it can be a great way to connect with others who share your passion for the game. Watching hockey games on TV or streaming them online can help create a sense of community among fans, as they cheer on their favorite teams and players.

Playing hockey also brings people together, whether it’s at an organized league or just some friends getting together for a pickup game. Hockey provides an opportunity for people to come together and bond over their shared love of the sport. It also encourages physical activity and healthy competition, which can be beneficial both mentally and physically.

In conclusion, hockey has had a huge impact on Canadian identity and culture, from its inception as an amateur sport to its current status as a professional and popular form of entertainment.

A late surge into the playoffs already seems beyond the reach of the Montreal Canadiens in 2023. As the regular season heads into February, the Habs seem consigned to regrouping for next term and beyond.

It’s been a difficult stretch for the team, and a difficult task may now be impossible due to the injury suffered by Cole Caulfield.

Avoidable Absence

Right winger Caulfield is now set to miss the remainder of the campaign and is facing shoulder surgery. His injury has caused a good deal of controversy with claims that the team doctors should have shut him down much earlier.

At the age of just 22, Caulfield is seen as part of a brighter Habs’ future. A stunning career for Wisconsin at college level saw the winger drafted into the Montreal Canadiens’ squad in 2021, and he’s been establishing himself in the starting line up since that point.

Cole Caulfield now needs to start focusing on a return next season, but is there anything left for the Habs this term?

Slim Hopes

Even before Cole Caulfield succumbed to injury, Montreal Canadiens’ season was already being written off. In terms of the Stanley Cup, that hope has long since vanished. Currently, online betting sites around the industry show that the Boston Bruins are clear favorites to take the biggest prize.

The closest challenges are expected to come from the Colorado Avalanche, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Carolina Hurricanes.

Montreal Canadiens are nowhere to be found in the Stanley Cup markets, but what about Divisional and Conference odds? Once again, those sportsbooks indicate that success in either the Eastern Conference or the Atlantic Division is unlikely, to say the least.

It’s all about regrouping for next season when those markets will be reset. The odds in question are supplied by Sbo.net who monitor NHL betting throughout the campaign. Stanley Cup options are published well in advance and readers can take time to assess the figures.

Also available is supporting information in the shape of breaking news, opinion and useful betting guides. Those that wish to test their knowledge further are able to do so, as all sportsbooks on the SBO panel will be willing to accept new customers.

In return for completing a fast and secure online registration form, many operators will release an impressive welcome package. There are several funding providers on hand who can smooth the financial transactions while help operators are standing by.

Moving forward, there will be other benefits to playing regularly. Mobile betting apps, live markets and a choice of other sports are regularly provided. It’s a one stop shop for hockey betting, but can the Habs make more of an impact in 2023?

Issues in 2022/2023

The injury to Cole Caulfield simply rounded off what had already been a subdued campaign at the Bell Centre. After 67 games of the regular season, the Canadiens sat rock bottom in the Atlantic Division standings, and hopes of making it into the playoffs had all but evaporated.

Caulfield may not be the most important player on the Habs’ roster, but he’s certainly had his moments this season. His two goals in a 4-3 win over the Nashville Predators in January was a particular highlight.

Elsewhere, others have come under the media spotlight. One particular story underlines the fact that Alex Belzile is still chasing his first NHL goal at the age of 31. Scoring isn’t his main job, but that’s not a stat that Belzile would want added to his name as his career enters its 13th season.

Certain players will always be singled out, but the reality is that this is a team game and that Canadiens’ team just hasn’t been good enough.

Regrouping for 2023/24

The NHL draft will naturally play a part for all teams in the offseason. Reports claim that the Habs are aiming at a third first round pick and that could be significant as they look to rebuild their roster.

The avoidance of waivers has also attracted the attention of the media and this is another area that the Canadiens may want to address.

It’s not been a great season, but a few changes to the roster building approach could lead to a more positive 2023.

The Montreal Canadiens will be sellers again come Trade-Deadline day March 3, 2023.  The Canadiens will be looking at improving their odds of landing the top pick in the 2023 NHL Entry draft by trading expiring contracts for draft picks.

All eyes are on Connor Bedard to go number one come draft day.  For the latest odds and get a bonus code , check out bet365 canada bonus code to rank the top pick.

The Canadiens already have two first round picks in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. They picked up a second first rounder last season when they dealt Ben Chiarot to Florida. Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is quietly trying to land a third first rounder at this up-coming NHL Draft, as the 2023 draft pool is expected to be very good.

The Canadiens have three players on expiring contracts. Centre Sean Monahan, and forwards Jonathan Drouin, and Evgenii Dadonov. (Paul Byron is also on an expiring contract, but it does not look like he will return any time soon).

Sean Monahan is currently on Long-Term Injured Reserve but he has resumed skating and is on track to return to the roster prior to the trade deadline. The Canadiens haven’t been the same team this season since Monahan went down with an injury. But he’s a much sought after number 2 centre on any team. And with the Canadiens not in a win-now window, Monahan might land the Canadiens another first round pick. The 28 year old centre has 17 points in 25 games this season, but injuries have plagued him the last three seasons.

Jonathan Drouin, the player who never lived up to the expectations when he was acquired from Tampa Bay. Drouin has 12 points in 28 games this season. All assists! He’s still trying to score his first goal this season. Drouin too has spent time on Injured Reserve. And he’s not expected back until after the All-Star break. At most Drouin will attract and mid round draft pick, and the Canadiens will most certainly have to retain half his remaining salary this season.

Evgenii Dadonov , who when was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights, most expected that he would have been dealt prior to the start of the season. But as we approach the trade deadline date, Dadonov is still a Montreal Canadien. Dadonov has never lived up to his $5 million salary. And it seems he’s not attracting any attention from any team. So at best Habs will receive future compensation if they manage to trade him, and retain salary.

Sitting seventh in the Atlantic Division and wading in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference, the Habs are enjoying a pretty good season—comparatively, at least. The team just called up Anthony Richard, who may offer an added boost as the season continues. Throw in an overtime win against Arizona Coyotes, and the year is closing out well for the Habs.

Many fans are waiting with bated breath to see how the rest of the season will pan out. Some are also hedging their bets on the team—literally. As the most popular sport in Quebec, online sports betting markets cover ice hockey extensively. Most of that attention focuses on the NHL, including moneylines, over/unders, props, and futures galore. One of the most interesting new categories is period markets.

Period markets let bettors comb through different odds on each period in the regular season and postseason games. For example, if selecting a totals line for the whole game seems too simple, then dive into total goals-per-period.

With so many variations available to bettors today, which lines are ideal for Habs fans? Let’s dive into the options below.

The Habs Take on the Bruins

January 25, 2023

 Will the Habs beat the Bruins in late January during an Eastern Conference faceoff? It’s a bit too early for oddsmakers to take a side, but the rivalry between both teams means that neither fanbase is likely to budge. If you’re looking to have a bit of fun backing the Habs, then there’s no better regular-season game.

The Bruins sit first in the Atlantic Division, so it might not be the best idea to back the Habs for a moneyline win. However, there are plenty of other entertaining bets. Will Arber Xhekaj find his way into the penalty box each period? And will Cole Caufield find a way to notch a few goals?

 The Sabres Faceoff

March 28, 2023

 Though not nearly as bitter and ingrained as the Habs’ rivalry with the Bruins, the Canadiens will have to battle hard against the Buffalo Sabres if they want to earn a few points in March. The Sabres notched a dominant 7-2 win during their last faceoff in late November… but on October 28, the cards were in the Habs’ favour when they pulled off a 3-2 victory.

This leaves a bit more space for fans to back that moneyline against the Sabres. Another good bet would be to wager on totals per period, as mentioned above. Given how high-scoring both faceoffs have been this season, totals bets will provide a rewarding challenge for bettors.

Cole Caufield Scores Big Time

Looking at specific games might not be every fan’s forte. In this case, you may want to stick to wagering on certain players. After all, if you’re a fan of scoring, then you’re probably keeping your eye on Caufield anytime he’s on the rink.

The more you know about a player, the more insights you have into when and how they traditionally score. This gives you an edge in prop betting when it comes to wagers like scoring.

 Nick Suzuki for the Power Play

Caufield may be the Canadiens’ most prolific scorer this season, but some props focus on power plays. Being able to deliver during a power play is one of the most important elements of NHL action—and the Habs have Nicholas Suzuki to take care of business when the red lights start flashing.

As one of the team’s most dynamic players, just about any wager on Suzuki is interesting enough, but backing Suzuki to tear things up during a power play focuses on his specialty.

 Kirby Dach for the Assist

Aside from goal-scoring and a penchant for power plays, assists are one of the top offensive elements to watch. After all, the goal-scorer tends to take home all the glory, but it’s the playmaker toiling in the center of the rink to set up assists who gets the ball (or puck) rolling.

For this reason, player props on assists are also a great option for Habs fans.

 

On January 1, 2023, the Montreal Canadiens are heralding in the New Year with a game against the Washington Capitals, marking the start of what is sure to be an action-packed year for ice hockey fans. But it’s not only NHL games that should be on your radar, with plenty of other tournaments where you can see up-and-coming ice hockey stars in action. 

In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the tournaments taking place in Montreal throughout 2023, including both youth and adult competitions. While most are located in and around the city, one is a little further afield in the Ottawa suburb of Richmond. 

If you’re planning on traveling to any of the following tournaments as a player, a parent, or a spectator, be sure to lock in your accommodation as far in advance as possible. You can find a variety of rental properties in Montreal at Rentola, whether you’re after a studio apartment for one or a multi-bedroom home for the entire family. 

When searching, you can focus your results on properties near the tournament stadiums, which are outlined in the descriptions below. Also, take into consideration their access to Montreal’s sights and attractions, such as the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, the leafy walking trails of Parc du Mont-Royal, and the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica. 

jarmoluk, Canva.com 

Tournoi Olympique de Montreal (TOM) 

From January 9 to 23, the Centre Étienne Desmarteau is playing host to the Tournoi Olympique de Montreal, which will see Under 13 Peewees battle it out on the ice. It’s a five-on-five tournament, meaning each team has five skaters on the ice, excluding the goalie. The Tournoi Olympique de Montreal is a great opportunity to see young players in action as they start their rise through the ranks. 

Richmond National Atom Mousquiri Tournament

The Richmond National Atom Mousquiri Tournament is the oldest atom competition in the province, catering to ice skaters aged between 9 and 10 years old. It’s been taking place for more than 50 years and welcomes players from across the country. Richmond lies on the southern outskirts of Ottawa and can be reached in just three hours from Montreal. 

Nomandsoul1, Canva.com 

Montreal Adult Hockey Classic

Both men’s and women’s teams will take to the ice for the annual Montreal Adult Hockey Classic, which is scheduled from 21 to 23 April and 19 to 21 May, 2023. It includes teams from not only Ontario and Quebec but also the United States, offering players a great opportunity to socialize and network. Games will be played at four different rinks – the Arena de Sainte-Julie, the Arena Gilles-Chabot, the Centre Sportif Gaetan-Boucher, and the Colisee Isabelle-Brasseur. 

Montreal Meltdown

Over the last three decades, the Montreal Meltdown has been attracting youth ice hockey teams from across the globe. Division 3 will be the first to hit the ice on May 5, followed by the girls Under 10s on May 12. The tournament finishes with the Division 1 games on the weekend of June 9, 10 and 11, with the event taking place between the St-Raphael Sports Center and the Sportsplexe Pierrefonds.

David Pickup, Canva.com 

CAN/AM Challenge Cup

With one of Montreal’s best stadiums (Sportsplexe Pierrefonds) as its backdrop, the CAN/AM Challenge Cup is another youth tournament that sees cross-border rivalries played out. Its groupings include Under 11s, Under 13s, Under 15s, and Under 18s, making it a really family-friendly occasion. It’s a great opportunity for hockey-loving families to travel to Montreal and soak up the city’s passion for the game. 

The Montréal Canadiens are the greatest franchise in the history of the NHL, and even though the team has been on a bit of a downswing in recent years, other teams still take great pride in getting a win against the Habs. With such a prideful and historic organization, US teams always seem to step up that extra bit.

Over the decades, Montréal has developed many heated rivalries, from the days of the Original Six to stints of meeting the same teams regularly in the postseason. One rivalry that the Habs could try to lean more into for the atmosphere and importance of the team in the US is against the Minnesota Wild.

While not too far away geographically as US teams go, there’s an important stat that signals the Wild as having one of the more important fan bases down south. Thus, getting the better of Minnesota much more regularly would only be good for the standing of the Canadiens in the hockey world.

In a state of all sports, hockey streams supreme

Very interestingly, in ExpressVPN’s recent analysis of streaming data for each state in the US, football and basketball were the outright most streamed sports in every state, bar one: Minnesota. Here, hockey occupied the top spot, and while the fandom there is well-known, it’s a bit surprising given the offering in the state.

Minnesota has representatives in each major sport league, with the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Twins, and Minnesota United FC. Even though in all other states, the presence of the Vikings or Timberwolves would likely side with the football and basketball streaming preference, the Wild reign supreme.

While there were the Minnesota North Stars in the Gopher State from 1967 to 1993, they moved to Dallas. The Wild are a wholly Minnesota team, and have been since the new franchise’s inception in 2000. It’s this team and its 22-year history in the state that draws in the streams and commands such a grand following.

Habs vs Wild doesn’t make for great reading

The Montréal Canadiens already have the greatest rivalry in hockey. As Sportsnet writes, nothing compares to the history between the Habs and the Boston Bruins. While Boston is still a major hockey town, the rivalry is set in stone. To truly get another feather in the cap, the Habs would do well to step up against the very well-supported Wild.

Since the Wild came to exist in 2000, the Canadiens have endured a torrid time hosting and travelling to Minnesota. The first game ended 2-2 after overtime in 2000, with the follow-up game in 2001 ending 4-0 in favor of the Canadian hosts, putting the new franchise in its place.

Fleeting wins came for the Wild through to 2014, but since then, they’ve had Montréal’s number. A nine-game losing streak for the Habs was snapped with a 1-0 home win in 2019, but has been followed up by five successive losses to Minnesota, including an 8-2 loss earlier in 2022.

After the 3-1 home and 4-1 road losses to Minnesota earlier in the 2022/23 season, StatMuse has the record at an overwhelming 19-7-1-2 in favor of the Wild. Essentially, the state most inclined to stream hockey over all other sports has enjoyed a wonderful time against Montréal.

As the Canadiens rebuild a formidable team ready to compete in the postseason, one of its aims should be to quieten the avid fan base of Minnesota. They’ll only have a couple of chances each season, but heating up the matchup would do the current standing of the Habs some good.

Obviously, the best choice for a jersey ad on the Montréal Canadiens’ home jersey is none at all. After the start of this season, though, the ads look set to stay for the Habs and several other NHL sides. If anything, they’ve proven viable enough without too much backlash that more teams will enter into multi-million jersey ad deals in 2023/24.

Being an Original Six team and the greatest in the history of the NHL, there was something particularly wrong with the Canadiens being among the first to get an ad and alter the classic jersey. Still, it’s here now, and it’s not going anywhere, but at the very least – at least from an aesthetic or relevance point of view – the franchise could have picked something better than RBC, Canada’s largest bank.

Canadiens announce multi-year jersey partnership agreement with @RBCfr as part of the NHL’s Jersey Advertising Program.
#GoHabsGo https://t.co/9bXzgeAa9P

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) September 12, 2022

Of course, it’s the rumoured excess of $30 million over five years that mattered to Canadiens owners, rather than if the banking ad was relevant to hockey or provided a complimentary logo. So, just for fun, we’re looking for some brands that are relevant to hockey fans and provide better logos for the jersey spot.

Roustan Hockey

The factory may be based in Ontario, but there’s something to be said for Canada’s greatest NHL team being sponsored by its sole surviving hockey stick maker. The aim of the company set up by W. Graeme Roustan has been to try to make hockey more affordable for the people of Canada, as well as kick back to its roots.

In the NHL, players use the latest in hockey stick manufacturing technology to get the very best sticks, often made from composite materials. Similar sticks go on sale to the public but are eye-wateringly expensive. Roustan Hockey specializes in wooden sticks and even street hockey sticks, with customer graphics also available. Given their current standing as a Canadian supplier, it would be a sound pick for a jersey ad.

Break Away

As far as hockey games go, the main ones are EA’s big NHL series – which already pays for a place with the NHL – the relatively low-budget management sim Franchise Hockey Manager, the indie hit Super Blood Hockey, and the online casino slot Break Away. Of them all, a carrier of Break Away in Canada would likely have the best shot at getting a jersey ad.

Some other teams have already gone with gambling firm ads, but to make it relevant to Habs fans, it should be one that has the popular hockey slot Break Away, its spinoffs like Break Away Deluxe Slot, Break Away Lucky Wilds, Break Away Shootout, and offer a Canadian-centric bonus. You can learn more here before you start, but having these games and a free spin with bonus funds offered to Canadians and French language options is key and could make it relevant as an ad.

#Habs skate out to Thunderstruck 😂 pic.twitter.com/ObRU3EHdFL

— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) July 5, 2021

Print media may be fading, but The Hockey News remains the go-to source for hockey insights, updates, and news. The Hockey Writers is also a fine source for NHL insights, but The Hockey News would assumedly have a greater shot at forking up the cash to get a place on a jersey ad spot. Regardless, the publication would make for a slick ad on the jersey, especially as the logo and colour scheme would suit the Habs jersey.

Jersey ads should never have been on the table, but as they’re here now and organizations won’t decline the extra cash, fans can try to hope for a fun or at least relevant ad to hockey that comes with a decent logo.

The Montreal Canadiens’ 2021-22 NHL Draft was the first to be conducted under a new management team. Normally, it takes time for people to adjust to their new roles, but the Habs’ management staff appears to have done an excellent job with their first draft.

The contentious decision to draft Juraj Slafkovsky first overall looks better with each passing game. His size, speed, technique, and intelligence combine to give him the potential to become a force in a few years.

Filip Mesar was picked late in the first round, followed by Owen Beck and Lane Hutson in the second round. Beck and Mesar are generating points in the OHL, and Hutson is scoring at a rate of more than a point per game as a rookie defense in college hockey.

Adam Engstrom and Vinzenz Rohrer, both third-round choices, have also had great starts to their seasons. Rohrer had 11 points in 11 games with the Ottawa 67’s this season, and Engstrom, a previously unknown defender, is one of Sweden’s greatest Junior level defensemen this season.

The Canadiens look to have found another gem in the fourth round, where the sequence of hits continues. Cedrick Guindon was taken 127th overall in the draft, but his play thus far this season suggests he could have gone much earlier. Things look spicy for the Canadiens, and the big question will be how they can maintain their good form. The fans are dreaming, and paris sportif au Quebec has been taken to another level.

Guindon scored three additional points in his most recent game between his Owen Sound Attack and the Kingston Frontenacs.

After taking up the puck at center ice, he made a fast pass for his first point. He moved into the attacking zone with possession before slipping a short backhand pass to teammate Julian Fantino, who hammered home a wrist shot just over one minute into the game.

Later on, Guindon came alive. He skated through the slot, collected a pass fast to the blade of his stick, and wired a wrist shot just under the crossbar into the top of the net.

The Canadiens prospect scored his third goal of the game, but it wasn’t as nice. He did make a good defensive play, cutting up a passing channel and causing a turnover by having the puck bounce off his leg and into the path of a teammate.

Julian Fantino, his linemate, finished the job, scoring a wonderful goal. While Guindon had no direct influence on the goal, his alertness to block the passing path contributed to the scoring opportunity.

In 13 games this season, the Canadiens’ fourth-round selection has five goals and 13 assists for 18 points. He scored 30 goals and 59 points in 68 games as a 17-year-old last season and is currently averaging nearly a point and a half per game as an 18-year-old.

Guindon is leading his squad in scoring and has been instrumental in their 9-4-0 start. That’s an outstanding start to the season for an 18-year-old and a tremendous start for a fourth-round choice.

Last season, the Canadiens had two choices in each of the first three rounds, and all of them are off to strong starts this season. Guindon was not selected until the fourth round, but it is time to start the hype train for this teenager, who can’t stop scoring in the OHL.

Early into the 2022-23 season, Montreal Canadiens rookie Arber Xhekaj went head-to-head with NHL veteran NHL Zack Kassian of the Edmonton Oilers. While many Canadiens fans were excited for the rookie to knock down Kassian in a fight, other were cringing that he didn’t break his hand in the fight, or that neither player suffered a concussion.

Injuries are a common occurrence in the NHL, and injuries sustained as a result of fighting have been a hot topic in recent years following the introduction of the Instigator Rule. But what about all the other injuries?

NHL lines site Betway have completed a study into NHL injuries, comparing the findings against data from the NBA, NFL, MLB and the English Premier League to establish which sports incur the most injuries and assess the impact of those injuries. 

They include:

• 2020 saw the highest injury numbers for the NHL (1,179)
• Overall, NHL injuries have decreased by 14 per cent since 2017
• Injuries in the NBA have decreased by 53 per cent since 2017
• The NFL is the only sport to have increased injury numbers year-on-year since 2017, increasing by 73 per cent
• Only the NHL and NBA have seen injury numbers decrease since 2017
• The injury list time in days for the NHL has increased by 148 per cent since 2017
• The most injured body part across all sports is the knee
• The lower body is more prone to injuries than the upper body when combining data across all sports

However, a closer look at NHL injuries between 2017-21, reveals that NHL injuries are spread out.  Concussions were the number 1 source of concern. 

The NHL does have a Concussion protocol in place for its players.  After a concussion diagnosis, players should rest for 24-48 hours, avoiding anything that could worsen symptoms. Concussion prevention and treatment have improved significantly in the NHL, in part thanks to the research completed by sports physician and sports medicine specialist, Mark Aubry.

“UBI”  ; that’s a common phrase in NHL circles.  UBI refers to Upper Body Injury.  Very vague as many teams differ on what to disclose.  As hockey is more scrutinize due to gambling gaining a greater acceptance in the sport and broadcasting, more teams are becoming more transparent with disclosing what type of injuries players suffer, be it UBI or LBI (Lower Body Injury).

Where UBI includes hand, back, and shoulder, Lower body Injury is anywhere below the waist.  Knees being a primary source of concern.

But all these injuries not only yield man-games lost due to injuries, there is an economic impact too.  In 2021, the Montreal Canadiens paid costs of $33,602,889.05 for 2,755 injury days.  Carey Price, Shea Weber, Joel Edmundson, Paul Byron among the players missing the majority of the season.  Weber didn’t play the entire season.

In 2022-23, Carey Price most likely won’t play again, although he has four years left on his contract.  As his knee is not fully healed.  Paul Byron is in his final year of his contract, and he too will most likely not play again following hip surgery. With the season already 10 games in, the Montreal Canadiens will already surpass $15 million in paid costs due to injury.

There are many ways to prevent injuries, but sometimes all you need is some luck.