Also in this week's notebook, Lane Hutson's self-evaluation, the second line's emergence and an update on an under-the-radar prospect.
When the Canadiens entered the 2023-24 season, optimism surrounded Kirby Dach. But just 26:02 ... newly acquired sniper Patrik Laine suffered a knee-on-knee collision with a Leafs AHL player ...
Laine has been the perfect addition for the Canadiens. While his defensive game can be improved, he is being paid to score goals, and he is doing that, especially on the power play. On the season, Laine has 17 points (12 goals and five assists) in 19 games. Ten of those goals have come on the power play, improving the Canadiens’ power play.
BOTTOM LINE: The Winnipeg Jets will look to keep a three-game win streak alive when they take on the Montreal Canadiens. Montreal is 24-20-5 overall and 13-8-4 in home games. The Canadiens rank fifth in the league serving 9.9 penalty minutes per game.