“We’re facing some real challenges right now, but it’s on us to adapt and stay resilient. We’ve got to find ways to keep competing, and if the young guys can step up, we’ll come out of this stronger. I believe in the depth of this team.”
— Martin St. Louis, Head Coach, Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens were hoping for a smooth ride in the 2025 season, but instead, they’re navigating a storm of injuries and setbacks that have put their roster to the ultimate test. After a promising start, the Canadiens’ fortunes have taken a sharp turn, and
Montreal’s season was already a rollercoaster, but the latest news has added a heavy dose of uncertainty. After a 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday, the Canadiens have now dropped five of their last six games, leaving their record at 10-6-2. But what really stings is the injury news that followed—
Dach’s injury adds to a growing list of sidelined players, including Alex Newhook, Kaiden Guhle, and Patrik Laine. With key players missing, St. Louis is now tasked with keeping his team competitive against some of the league’s toughest competition.
The growing injury list leaves the Canadiens with few options but to adapt and make the most of their remaining assets. The team’s style of play will inevitably shift. Without Dach and Newhook, the Canadiens lose some of their speed and puck-handling ability, which means they’ll need to embrace a more structured, event-free game, relying on a dump-and-chase strategy to move the puck and cycle through the offensive zone.
St. Louis, though, remains confident in his team’s ability to adjust. “We’re facing some real challenges right now, but it’s on us to adapt and stay resilient,” he said. “We’ve got to find ways to keep competing, and if the young guys can step up, we’ll come out of this stronger. I believe in the depth of this team.”
And the young guns will need to step up. Players like Zack Bolduc, Ivan Demidov, and Joshua Roy could be called upon to make an impact, providing much-needed offense in the absence of the team’s stars. The Canadiens’ success will depend on how well these players can rise to the occasion.
The Canadiens will also need to be more disciplined in their special teams play. The power play will need to be more efficient, focusing on high-zone presence and aggressive puck battles rather than relying on easy, low-percentage shots. The defense, meanwhile, will need to step up, aggressively shutting down the opposition’s entry into the zone and helping the goaltenders stay safe.
The challenge will be keeping everyone fresh without overloading the team’s key players. St. Louis knows he has to keep Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield from carrying too much of the load, making sure there’s a balance in ice time distribution, especially with players like Bolduc and Roy getting more chances to contribute.
If the Canadiens continue to struggle with injuries, a trade could be in the cards. St. Louis and the front office could look for a versatile forward to help fill the gaps and provide some added depth—especially with the trade deadline approaching. However, they’ll need to ensure any trade fits within their salary cap and doesn’t derail their long-term plans.
But for now, the focus is on staying the course and finding internal solutions. St. Louis will need to use this injury stretch as an opportunity to test the depth of his roster and prove that the Canadiens can compete despite the adversity.
The Canadiens’ upcoming schedule will be crucial. As the season continues, it will be a test of St. Louis’ coaching acumen and the team’s resolve. If the young players can step up and the defense can tighten up, Montreal might just find a way to weather this storm and stay in the playoff hunt.
With St. Louis at the helm and a group of hungry players eager to prove themselves, the Canadiens’ fight is far from over. This adversity could ultimately lead to growth—if they can stay resilient.
The Minnesota Wild (8-7-4) is back on home ice tonight to host the Vegas Golden Knights (8-4-5). The Wild will be without forward Vladimir Tarasenko for the second straight game.
Tarasenko, 33, has two goals and ten points in 18 games this year for the Wild. He missed Saturday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks with a lower-body injury and will not play again on Sunday.
Wild head coach John Hynes said after the game that Tarasenko’s status will be day-to-day.