Montreal Canadiens: Players With Monkeys on Their Backs

Not many players on the Montreal Canadiens have scored that much, but there are two in particular who are desperately waiting to see the red light come on.

The Florida game was unique for the Montreal Canadiens this season. Not only did they end their losing streak, but they managed to score more than three goals for the first time this year. It wasn’t just the fact they scored that made it meaningful, but who scored. Alex Galchenyuk, Max Pacioretty, Shea Weber, and Brendan Gallagher are the players fans expect to be contributing to the score sheet almost every night.

Jonathan Drouin and Paul Byron have also managed to score for the Habs with two goals a piece. There are two players however who have yet to find the back of the net, and it’s getting to a point of concern.

Artturi Lehkonen and Charles Hudon have played in every game for the Montreal Canadiens this season. They’ve been able to put up points, but unfortunately, none have been goals. It’s a little disappointing considering those two could easily be added to the group of players on the team fans will look to for offence.

Lehkonen is coming off an 18 goal rookie season and there was hope that he could hit the 20 or even 25 goal mark this year. Hudon pushed through in training camp and earned a spot on the roster. He managed to score some goals in the preseason, but hasn’t been able to duplicate that scoring touch in the games that matter.

Looking at the Numbers

Both Lehkonen and Hudon are among team leaders in shots with 24 and 31 respectively. Similarly to the entire team, the stats suggest that they’re having a bit of bad puck luck. According to NaturalStatTrick.com, the Montreal Canadiens are getting the greater amount of scoring chances when they’re both on the ice.

Lehkonen will continue to get those chances playing with Drouin on the first line. He’s also on the first power play unit, and if the team can duplicate what they did against the Panthers (2/4 on the man advantage), the 22-year-old should be finding the back of the net soon.

More from Editorials

• Montreal Canadiens: Senators Rebuild At Crisis Point As Kent Hughes Moves Forward
• Montreal Canadiens: Jonathan Drouin Continues Charity Work In Montreal After Leaving Habs
• Montreal Canadiens: Laval Rocket Lineup Going To Be Must Watch
• Montreal Canadiens: Jesse Ylönen Contract Extension Analysis
• Montreal Canadiens: Top 31 Prospects – #31 Quentin Miller

Claude Julien made the right move in returning Hudon with Tomas Plekanec. Although the veteran has looked dried up offensively, he was centering Hudon when he was scoring a lot in the preseason. Many believed that perhaps Hudon could re-spark some of Plekanec’s scoring, and it’s still possible that can happen with the on-ice chemistry the two players have.

They honestly just need a garbage goal to get them going. Lehkonen showed last year that he can score both from a beautifully placed shot and in those dirty areas around the net. Hudon hasn’t been afraid to play there as well despite his size, but if he can get some time in the slot, he should be seeing the red light soon.

Offensive depth is at a premium right now in the NHL. If the Montreal Canadiens can start getting contributions from different places in the lineup, it will make them that better of a club overall. Considering the whole they’ve dug for themselves already, they can’t afford to have another dry spell for goals again.

Next: How to Make the Playoffs

When do you think Lehkonen and Hudon will end their scoring slumps? Let us know in the comments down below.