Canadiens players show confidence and improvement ahead of playoffs

The Montreal Canadiens had a busy week, with several players making strides in their development. Lane Hutson stood out, practicing on his day off. He spent time working on his skills, which reflects his passion for hockey. Coach Martin St. Louis supports Hutson's strong work ethic, allowing him to grow naturally. Hutson gained confidence after scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators. He admitted it felt nice to see the puck go in. St. Louis believes Hutson is a pass-first player but is improving and learning when to shoot. He feels comfortable letting Hutson develop on his own. Goaltender Sam Montembeault faced challenges with confidence after allowing some long-distance goals. He acknowledged a mistake in a recent game but expressed gratitude for the support from St. Louis and coaching staff. Montembeault is working on his focus to improve his game. Joshua Roy has shown growth since being called up. He struggled initially but gained confidence, scoring two key goals recently. St. Louis noted that not overcoaching Roy might have helped him find his rhythm faster. Jayden Struble had a strong performance, showcasing improved decision-making and confidence on the ice. His play could complicate decisions for the team when other players return from injury. David Reinbacher, playing with the Laval Rocket, displays strong defensive skills and quick decision-making. While he scored a notable goal, his overall play focuses on contributing to team success, which is a promising sign for the Canadiens’ future.