Canadiens report cards following a much-improved season

Improving special teams must be an objective for 2024-25

Predictably, the Canadiens didn’t fare well on special teams, but it also wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Even when compared to the rest of the NHL, they finished with the ninth-lowest penalty kill percentage of 76.53 and just one notch under their top rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

But compared to last season, the Habs penalty kill improved by nearly four points from 72.73. If that pace continues for 2024-25, they will cross the 80 percent threshold, which could theoretically lead to the unit sitting comfortably in the top half of the 32-team field. 

Their power play also ranked among the worst in the league for the second year running, but they also saw improvement, even if it wasn’t to the same extent as their PK. Still, 17.46 is better than 16.10, and it shows the Habs can at least climb out of the bottom 10. 

Thanks to the substantial improvement in the penalty kill unit and even nominal improvements in the man advantage, the Habs get a B-minus here. It will be intriguing to see what the PK does next season, and they may get some help from improved goaltending.