Despite the Montreal Canadiens' struggles this season, Michael Pezzetta has continued watching from the press box.
So, essentially Pezzetta is getting no playing time whatsoever, essentially just following the team. For a team that isn't creating enough offence, Pezzetta isn't going to increase the goal output but bring some energy to the lineup. There are certain guys that will run through a wall if it benefits the group, and Pezzetta will do that.
I think it's fair to say that guys like Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher who battle hard, would appreciate what Pezzetta brings to the ice. Often when teams are struggling, playing a hard game on the forecheck and backcheck helps steady the team. A team effort towards being better all around could come from a shakeup by Martin St. Louis.
Often times it's not a big move that needs to be done to steady the train, and I think that a simple healthy scratch could be a motivator. It's tough love, but if Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach are unable to find their game, it could be their reality. No offence to Pezzetta, but Slafkovsky and Dach are expected to be the guys in the lineup making a difference.
Having said that, sitting in the press box as a healthy scratch is sure to get the competitive juices flowing. The thought of potentially losing their spot to a player who is just playing a simple fourth-line role isn't a good one. If Pezzetta gets into the lineup goals aren't expected, but big body checks and 100% effort every shift.
I think going back to the basics is often what helps teams steady the ship and stop the bleeding. After a devastating 9-2 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Habs put in a solid effort against the Winnipeg Jets. It didn't result in a win, but the team showed life - something that Pezzetta has plenty of - and the Habs could use a shock to resuscitate the team.
Josh Anderson benefitting from going back to the fundamentals
Josh Anderson looks like a completely different player since the start of the 2024-2025 season, after going through an awful 2023-2024 season. Anderson must have watched plenty of film over the offseason because his awareness has improved. He doesn't overthink plays, instead, he uses his strength (skating) to separate himself from opponents and create space for himself.
I think that Anderson and Pezzetta bring some similar elements to the ice, and having both of them wear down the opposition on separate lines will increase the effectiveness of the lineup. Being able to roll all four lines gives the coach many options, and a strong lineup is one that is confident. This requires Martin St. Louis to have a certain level of trust that takes plenty of work to be attained.
It's going to take some time, but ultimately I think Pezzetta could be a part of the solution for the Canadiens, because of the simplicity of his game.