The Montreal Canadiens enter the 2025-26 season with higher expectations than they have seen in years. The core comes together, the Front Office has been aggressive in reforming the selection and fans would like to see play-off hockey return to the Bell Center for a second consecutive season. But if something taught something last season, it is that a bad start can put a lot of pressure on the end of the season.
A better start is needed
The 2024-25 campaign started on nightmare-like fashion for Montreal. Due to their first 31 games, the Canadiens won only 12 wins. That record placed them to the worst teams in the NHL during the opening months, well under the play -off Cutoff line. The lack of consistency, the scoring of drought and defensive expiration all contributed to a hole that was almost impossible to climb out.
It was only after the acquisition of Alexandre carrier That the team began to stabilize and showed signs of the competing unity that many expected. Even with improved play, catching up in the rankings required Groot Hockey during the last months of the season. In today’s NHL, where parity rules and playoff races quickly become tighter, no team can afford to give away the first third of the schedule.
A strong October and November do not guarantee a play -off place, but they set the tone. Good teams use early momentum as a buffer against inevitable injuries and slumps later in the campaign. For the Canadiens, banking points asked the difference between controlling their own destination and chasing the rankings every night after Christmas.
The pressure in the second half rarely works
The problem with a slow start is that they force a team to play hockey desperately. For an experienced club full of play -off experience, that pressure can be manageable. But for a young selection such as the Canadiens, it is an unnecessary burden.
Last season the youngsters of Montreal were asked to deliver competitions in must-win long before they had built up the required consistency. Surprisingly they answered the call and climbed the hill. Led by Nick Suzuki and Lane HutsonThe habs came back in the play -offs.
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History shows that young teams who rely on late peaks usually fall short. The NHL schedule is exhausting and expects a schedule to still develop its identity to retain almost perfect hockey that is of more than 40 or 50 games unrealistic. The Canadiens must strive to reduce that pressure. Starting in fact means that their young talent can grow in a more natural rhythm, without every game feeling a play -off elimination competition.
The expectations of Canadiens
The Canadiens proved last season that they are able to make their way to the play -offs, even after a disastrous start. However, that performance must be seen as much as a warning as a triumph. Yes, they showed resilience and growth, but relying on a hectic push in the second half is not a sustainable strategy in a competition where every point counts.
Now, Expectations are no longer Just to make the play -offs, it is about building on that return. To do that, the Canadiens cannot wait until December to find their rhythm. A stronger start would enable them not to only compete for a Wildcard spot, but possibly sowing better play-off in the Atlantic Division.
By avoiding the pitfalls of the early struggles of last season, the Canadiens would give themselves room to grow, manage their young selection more strategically and enter the in the late season fresher and more confident. Simply put, if Montreal wants to turn their playoff appearance into a new standard instead of a one-off, their season must start with urgency and consistency.
The Canadiens have the talent, the depth and leadership to make the 2025-26 season in their rebuilding. But the lessons of 2024-25 must be fresh in their thoughts. A slow start is not only uncomfortable-it can be seasonal defects. Montreal cannot afford to repeat the mistakes, so they desperately played hockey for months.
Instead, they have to deal with the opening evening and the first 20 races with urgency at Playoff level. Banking points early will not only give their chances to make the late season, not just give a boost, it will give their young schedule confidence, stability and breathing space. If the Canadiens really want to return to the play -offs again, the path is clear: start better, start stronger and don’t look back.
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