Jake Evans and the Montreal Canadiens are playing confident hockey

The Montreal Canadiens are playing some of their best hockey, and it doesn't seem to matter the situation, they are game for each challenge.

As their last two games reflect, this team is going to battle until the bitter end, and overtime against them isn't an easy task. Captain Nick Suzuki has been clutch, scoring the overtime winner over the Canadiens last two wins (Canucks & Capitals). It's never easy having to chase the game, but Montreal has done well and came up big in the gut-check time of games.

It feels like when the game gets more intense, the guys tighten up naturally and keep their goaltender's line of vision clear. It feels like a family, and each player who joins seems to adjust to life with the team seamlessly. When Patrik Laine made his Bell Centre debut, the crowd serenaded him and the team welcomed him the same way.

The term culture that management uses, is easy to be seen when you see how the team plays. Each player competes for the greater good of the team, and not the name on the back of their sweater. Montreal is undergoing a rebuild, which is a shocking word for longtime fans to absorb; but they have established something early on, and the future looks bright.

Regardless of the outcome this season, one thing that is crystal clear is that the team is going to battle until the last whistle. Martin St. Louis has the team on the same page, and the compete is never in question when it comes to St. Louis. The troops are playing quite impressive hockey, and their feisty play is reminiscent of Coach Marty's playing days.

The talent is obvious, and with Patrik Laine and Lane Hutson adding a tremendous boost to the lineup, the Canadiens are rolling. It's hard not to be excited with the current product, and not think ahead. Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage are going to play in the NHL, and that is going to dramatically improve the complexion and talent in the lineup.

Defensively the team is going to improve, there are two first-round picks that aren't even playing with the Habs right now. David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux have high potential to fill the Habs right shot defence top-four roles. There is also the draft in June, where Kent Hughes could consider adding additional blueliners.

Arber Xhekaj has been quietly good

The physicality is still there, and you always want the ruggedness to remain a constant in Arber Xhekaj's game. He is at his best when he asserts himself and uses his size to win battles. But blending the hard-hitting with smart defence is the recipe that Xhekaj needs to perfect.

With the Habs playing at the top of their game, getting the best of several previous Stanley Cup champions from the last handful of years, Xhekaj's play has been overshadowed. But he has been exactly what the Canadiens need, a steady and reliable presence that keeps opposing forwards on their toes. Xhekaj brings a package to the Habs that very few players in the NHL have, he can skate, hit and dominate physically - a throwback defender of sorts.