Unveiling the Year of Reveals, Unleashing Solutions, and Dispelling Queries

The Final Act

The stage lights dimmed, the spell was broken, and the encore was a no-go. The Cinderella story of Montreal Canadiens from the previous season has officially met its end.

The show was absolutely sensational, exceeding my expectations yet again. Over three consecutive seasons, I had grown disinterested in the All-Star game festivities. But this year, I found myself on the edge of my seat till the very last minute, even in the nail-biting 6 against 5 games against the Washington Capitals - a tougher, stronger, and bigger opposing team. The Canadiens gave it their all, but their determination, perseverance, and vigor weren't enough to compensate for their weakness in the opposition's zone. The sheer talent disparity between the two teams eventually caught up with them.

What will remain etched in our memories from the Canadiens' 2022-2023 season, though?

A Year of Answers

Recall the uncertainty at training camp, with the team expressing their intention to "be in the mix"? Everyone was left bewildered. What did "be in the mix" even mean - in series, close to series, for how long? Was the rebuild finally over? If not, for how many more years? Questions upon questions, much like Michel Rivard's song "Les dinosaures". Let's explore the answers collected over the past few months:

Is Nick Suzuki the Leader We've Been Waiting For?

Undeniably. Confident enough to ask his bosses to keep the core of veterans to make a push for the playoffs, Suzuki showed outstanding leadership at a crucial time. Despite the team suffering eight losses in nine consecutive games, he led the team to the playoffs, amassing a stunning 35 points in the final 25 games, truly setting an example. He seamlessly integrates new teammates into the group, creating a remarkable team culture.

Is Samuel Montembeault the Number One Goaltender?

There were doubts initially. With only 60% of games played in the NHL before this season, Montembeault was a question mark. But his blazing performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the opening game set the tone for an awe-inspiring season. Selected for the Canadian team in the Four Nations Cup, he finished among the top five in the NHL in saves, proving his worth and cementing his status.

Lane Hutson: A Young Gun Dynamo

Not just able to keep up with the older players, but dominating them! At a mere 21 years old, Hutson's offensive production is already that of a franchise player. He brought vivacity and creativity to an offense that had previously lacked it. Even during the playoffs, he scored the most points for the Tricolore, displaying incredible energy despite the more physical nature of those games.

Patrik Laine: Star Player or Short-term Flavor?

With eight goals in nine games, Laine made a powerful entrance. By Christmas, we felt ready to immortalize him with a bronze statue outside the Bell Centre, free booze for life at his favorite Montreal bar, and a new contract. A few months later, the magic has dulled. His inconsistent effort has left everyone disappointed. As his contract expires next season, it's not impossible that he'll be gone by then.

Can Kirby Dach Pivot the Top Two Lines?

Two years ago, experts posed the question: Will Kirby Dach replace Nick Suzuki at the center of the first line? Today, Dach's spot at the center of the second line is anything but secure. Even before his injury, Dach was having a disastrous season, with 22 points, a whopping -29 differential, and only 40% success rate in the faceoff circle. His replacement, Alex Newhook, has impressively maintained similar stats in 25 more games: 26 points, -21, and 43% in the faceoff circle. Even Jake Evans and Christian Dvorak have outperformed him. The Canadiens' solution for this vital position seems to be elsewhere.

Alexandre Carrier: A Long-term Defense Solution

No, not Justin Barron. But his replacement, Carrier, played excellently and will likely be a part of the defense core for several years to come.

Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher: Final Act or Scene Two?

The biggest surprise of the season. Both veterans found a new lease on life in supporting roles. Unquestionably, Gallagher showed the skill to outscore Jára Slafkovsky, Alex Newhook, or Kirby Dach. Anderson displayed heart, grit, and unparalleled dedication to his team. Will they build on this success next winter, providing the Canadiens with the depth needed for another spring of blue, white, and red?

Diallo's Tournament Triumph

The Montreal Canadiens in the playoffs are as bright as the sun, making other players seem insignificant. That's why Gabriel Diallo's run at the Madrid tournament went unnoticed here - until Wednesday. The Quebecer caused an upset of unprecedented proportions by eliminating the 16th-ranked player Grigor Dimitrov, saving not one, not two, but three match points. Diallo, who had never beaten a player of such high ranking, shone brightly at the service, especially in the final set.

This superb victory puts him on the brink of the quarterfinals of a tournament that's generous with points. He's now flirting with a spot in the top 50 of the world rankings, with all the benefits that come with it, such as guaranteed spots in the main draws of several tournaments. So if you're seeking a new story to follow now that the Canadiens are gone, Diallo's serve is an appealing choice.

[3] [Sportsnet Canada: Canadiens vs Senators | Score, Stats, Highlights] (https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/gamefeed/montreal-canadiens-vs-ottawa-senators-2022-10-23/)

[4] [NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Canadiens | Game Recap] (https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/2022030267/recap)

[5] [NHL.com: 2023-2024 Montreal Canadiens: Stats & Analysis] (https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/stats/team)

[1] [NHL.com: 2024-2025 Montreal Canadiens roster, stats, & schedule] (https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/)

The Canadiens, led by the outstanding leadership of Nick Suzuki, managed to integrate new teammates seamlessly and created a remarkable team culture during the 2022-2023 season.
The goaltender, Samuel Montembeault, proved his worth by finishing among the top five in saves and cementing his status as the number one goaltender for the Canadiens.
Lane Hutson's offensive production was dominant, bringing vivacity and creativity to an offense that had previously lacked it, even during the playoffs.
Patrik Laine's inconsistent effort left everyone disappointed, causing questions about his long-term future with the Canadiens.
Despite the promising play of Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, Jake Evans, and Christian Dvorak have outperformed him in critical positions for the Canadiens in the 2022-2023 season.