Montreal Canadiens: Could the centre depth be hurting Jesperi Kotkaniemi

The latest Montreal Canadiens Roundup has us discuss the highs and lows of the year, Jesperi Kotkaniemi’s usage, and prospects Ryan Poehling and Cole Caufield.

1) What have you liked the most/what have you liked the least about the Montreal Canadiens so far?

Curt MacLennan: Over 27% efficiency-as of Thursday morning- on the PP is the thing I’ve liked most so far from the Habs. It’s a tremendous improvement from last year’s dismal result. I really believe the team has finally found a way to solve some of their more significant issues with the second unit, getting pucks to the net and capitalizing on opportunities. However, I still see the first unit as relying too much on Shea Weber’s shot-too formulaic and predictable. The coaching staff and the players need to be recognized for turning things around, 180 degrees, on the PP. That is no small feat.

So far, I’m most disappointed in the PK. It is becoming almost as deplorable as the PP was last season, sitting at 71% efficiency. First off, the team is taking too many penalties. It’s tough to win games when the team takes 4 or more penalties in a game. It’s not like the Habs have poor defensive players, either. The first two units of the P.K. seem to be missing key assignments and get caught chasing the puck while collapsing the box. That’s not a recipe for success, and if it doesn’t change, the team’s chances of a strong playoff run go way down.

Louis-Phillipe Espinosa: I like the fact that our young players are showing promise, carrying themselves and making good plays. Although the team has their ups and downs, seeing our young guys makes me optimistic. What I’ve liked the least is obviously the defense. It’s terrible. Starting from the Captain, there seems to be much miscommunication, and our defencemen seem lost. Petry has been elite, however.

Dillon ‘Dom’ Dominque: I think the most logical answer for “what have you liked most” has got to be the power play. After finishing second to last in the entire league last season for power play percentage, sitting around 7th this year is HUGE.

I wouldn’t have guessed it would look so good coming into the 2019-20 season, albeit the coaches making it a priority to have it fixed. The way we cycle the puck and the movement of the players as opposed to last season, which saw them standing far too often, is exceptional.

The worst would be the penalty kill, which funny enough, wasn’t a weak spot in 2018-19. Our PK was clicking at 80.91 percent last year, good for 13th in the league. This season we are just 70.97 percent on the PK, 29th in the league. We have essentially the same roster as last year, so I expect this to improve. Might just be some kinks that need to be worked out.