What the Montreal Canadiens can learn from The Grinch

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 21: A fan dressed as the Grinch watches the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period against the Calgary Flames on December 21, 2013 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/NHLI via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 21: A fan dressed as the Grinch watches the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period against the Calgary Flames on December 21, 2013 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Montreal Canadiens could learn from the Christmas specials we see on television every year especially, ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas.’

Every year, we see the classics. ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ ‘The Year Without a Santa Clause,’ ‘Home Alone,’ and many more. Considering the big day is right around the corner, many have probably come across, ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas.’ Hopefully, the Montreal Canadiens did, because there are lessons they could take from the story.

Here’s a quick summary of what went on. The Grinch was a creature who hated Christmas and in doing so wanted to steal it from the rest of the people Whos in Whoville. He took everything, all their food, presents, lights; nothing was left untouched.

When the Whos woke up Christmas morning, instead of being upset, they joined hands and continued to sing. The Grinch then realized that the holidays were more than just what you find under the tree, but the spirit and sense of community among the Whos.

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What does that have to do with the Montreal Canadiens? Although nothing was stolen from them, they have gone through their fair share of losses. It starts in the offseason when Marc Bergevin couldn’t resign Andrei Markov and Alexander Radulov and finishes here where they’ve gone through a handful of injuries including ones to Shea Weber who may or may not be returning next week.

The same goes for Max Pacioretty as well. The game commentators mentioned on Friday that the 29-year-old said that he’s been trying to round out his game all season. There have been a lot of players in history who have chosen to forgo offence for a more team-friendly game, and it’s possible that’s what Pacioretty is doing.

Regardless of the losses, the Habs have found ways to win games, be it hard fought or ugly. Are they a perfect team? No way, but it’s performances in games like on Friday which can prove to them and fans that they can still win.

There are three more games left on this road trip meaning the Habs have three more chances to grow their hearts three sizes. The back-to-back with Carolina and Tampa will be difficult, and it’ll take everyone on the ice to buy in, but a little extra Habs spirit could do wonders as well.

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Can the Montreal Canadiens be the NHL’s Grinch? Let us know what think in the comments.