Final Thoughts
Because of the first line’s great success through much of February, the drop-off in production isn’t likely to continue much longer.
Dach will solve a lot of issues, and Roy, Newhook and the young Habs defenders will have another NHL season under their belts.
Add in at least one first-round pick, but maybe two and perhaps another Hughes trade acquisition and the Habs should look a bit different next year.
Montembeault will build on his strong season this year, and Cayden Primeau will have a clean slate to start the 2024-25 campaign.
It’s easy to call for the coach’s firing and suggest that Anderson and Gallagher be traded away.
But St. Louis has done quite well, all things considered.
And there isn’t a team in the league that will take on high-salaried, underperforming players. Even with a sweetener, those big contracts aren’t going to be moved easily.
But sticking with the plan, developing, growing and building chemistry will hopefully put the Habs in a strong position to end the Canadian Stanley Cup curse.