Montreal Canadiens ©Instagram / instahabs
The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up for the 2024-25 season, and NHL.com‘s 32 in 32 series takes a closer look at some key advanced metrics that highlight the team’s strengths. Here’s what the numbers reveal:
Firing Power:
- Midrange Maestros: Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki were both standouts in midrange scoring opportunities.Caufield led the charge with 100 midrange shots (97th percentile) and 8 midrange goals (86th percentile). Suzuki wasn’t far behind with 12 midrange goals (94th percentile).
- Caufield’s Breakout Potential: Entering his prime years, Caufield is poised to take the next step. He ranked 7th in the NHL for total shots on goal (314) last season, displaying impressive consistency across both left and right wings.
Speed Demons:
- Fast and Furious: Three Canadiens are known for their blazing speed. Josh Anderson ranks 8th in 20+ mph speed bursts (335), showcasing his explosiveness. Nick Suzuki, a tireless skater, is in the 95th percentile for bursts exceeding 20 mph. Mike Matheson is a force on defense, ranking 8th among defensemen for 20+ mph bursts,contributing significantly with his speed.
- Suzuki and Matheson: Workhorses: These two players carry a heavy workload to keep the Canadiens competitive. Suzuki covers an impressive total skating distance (279.56 miles, 97th percentile), while Matheson led the team in assists (51) and ranked 3rd in the league for overall skating distance.
Future Stars:
- Slafkovsky’s Impact: Juraj Slafkovsky, the #1 pick in 2022, played a full season last year and made his mark with high-danger scoring. He landed 70 high-danger shots (89th percentile) and netted 13 high-danger goals (82nd percentile).
- Young Guns Poised for Glory: With Caufield, Slafkovsky, and top-5 draft pick Ivan Demidov, Montreal boasts one of the brightest young wing prospects trios in the league. This firepower has the potential to propel the Canadiens towards future success.
Despite missing the playoffs in Caufield’s first three NHL seasons, the Canadiens are trending upwards. With their young core developing into offensive threats and speedsters like Suzuki and Matheson leading the charge, the future looks bright for Montreal.
