Maxim Lapierre blasts Canadiens effort

The Montreal Canadiens haven't had an ideal start to the season, which is a little concerning, but also expected.

But the effort of the players has to be 100% every night, otherwise, it is going to be difficult for the team to be successful. If the Habs want to become a contender, they will need a full 60-minute effort from everybody. And, while I don't question the effort level of the players, there is something that isn't clicking.

I don't think challenging the team to be better is a bad thing, and I think Lapierre's take is warranted. Some guys are getting paid well, and they aren't doing much to prove worthy of it. If the team isn't performing, but it's more of a bad luck thing, then it's understandable, but this doesn't look like that.

Simply being there isn't going to be enough, all the players are going to have to dig in and work to correct things. Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky have been the recent whipping boys and their play tells you exactly why. Both look disengaged and just offensively handcuffed at times, although Slafkovsky scored one against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday night.

There is always room for improvement and the group putting in a cohesive effort will go a long way toward improving their record going forward. Hard work and some persistence should have the team feeling good about themselves and invigorate some energy into the lineup.

Brendan Gallagher's effort to get the troops fired up

With the second period winding down, Brendan Gallagher dropped the gloves in a tilt with Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski. With the game knotted at two apiece, the Habs were playing some good hockey, which was encouraging, but Gallagher wanted to send a message. Though the team hasn't been playing their best hockey, they won't back down.

Gallagher's effort should go a long way in the locker room, hopefully getting the Habs ready for a big third period. For the most part, the team has been playing well, aside from taking a few too many penalties. A win against the Blue Jackets would give the Habs three of a possible four points after back-to-back games just over 24 hours apart.

A win would take some weight off of the team, and give them some positive vibes ahead of their next matchup on Saturday night against the New York Rangers. The Rangers have been going through some of their own issues, but goaltending hasn't been one of them. Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick have been one of the NHL's most brilliant duos.

With that said, the Habs will have themselves an opponent that always shows up for their matchups with the Canadiens.