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The Montreal Canadiens took a major step forward in the 2024-25 season as they earned themselves a spot in the Eastern Conference final. The Habs went down to the wire and even managed to get the better off several teams, including the Columbus Blue Jackets, down to the final days of the season.
What went wrong with the Montreal Canadiens during 2024-25 season?
However, the Canadiens were just not enough for the Washington Capitals as the latter won the series in five games. Despite the overall successful season, the fans were left reeling at the end.
Here is a look at the things that went wrong for the Montreal Canadiens during the 2024-25 season.
Three reasons that derailed Montreal Canadiens 2024-25 season
1. Injury issues
The Montreal Canadiens faced a number of injury issues during the season, but the biggest one was Kirby Dach. The former third overall pick from 2019 was slated to be Canadiens' second line center. Due to his injury, he only played 57 games. Because of his knee injury, he was out of the lineup since early March. The team missed him during the playoffs.
Similarly, Patrik Laine's broken finger during the first round against the Capitals was another blow for the team. The Canadiens were missing him dearly as he was their biggest offensive weapon on the power play.
2. Losing Samuel Montembeault in playoffs
The Canadines were 2-0 down in the opening round series against the Washington Capitals when they lost their starting goalkeeper Samuel Montembeault in the second period of Game 3.
Jakub Dobes stepped up in his absence and the team won 6-3. But then, Dobes couldn't keep the Capitals in check. The Capitals won Game 4 and 5 by scores of 5-2 and 4-1. The lack of offense and sketchy defense in front of Dobes didn't help. But, if Montembeault wouldn't have injured himself, then the Canadiens would have had a great chance to win.
3. Failing to upgrade at trade deadline
The Canadiens failed to upgrade at the trade deadline despite knowing they were short on defense and forward depth. The team was without it's second line center and could have used another middle six forward. Thew addition of Ivan Demidov came as a boost, but it wasn't enough o compete against the Capitals. The team could have used more firepower beyond Demidov.
The club has gone out of it's way to bring in players this offseason. The only upgrade has been the arrival of Noah Dobson. The Montreal Canadiens will be looking to strengthen their roster in order to compete in a stacked Atlantic Division.
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