Jan 04, 2026
3 min read
It's amazing that a full 60 minutes of hockey could be played and nothing stood out in a positive way, explained Brian Wilde.
The Montreal Canadiens' seven-game skid over the Christmas break put their season in jeopardy, but after five games the Canadiens had eight of a possible 10 points, earning a point in each game.
It's an impressive feat for a young club to play so well on the road.Two games remain on the weekend with visits to St. Louis and Dallas.
With the three-goal streak underway in Montreal, the Blues faced Jacob Fowler.
This match was devoid of attacking play.It's important to note that you can play 60 minutes of hockey and not have anything positive.
Montreal had no chance until the push failed towards the end.Even with five-on-three over 1:37, the Canadians still didn't have a high-quality chance.Nice pass, but nothing really matches.
It's not like Canadians are generally anemic, either.Montreal is the fourth highest scoring team in the league.Sometimes nothing works well for strong players.
Positive words for Fowler.He was forced to face several quality shots and managed them well.His position is perfect.He has recovered and is often ready.He followed the piglet well.
Everyone can promise a better performance in Dallas on Sunday and they will probably be right.
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The first goal against was one of those moments that just shouldn't have happened.It was such a simple play.
Zachary Bolduc passes it to Jayden Struble with no pressure on either of them - easy pass to player.However, Struble misses it for a change.Attackers cannot rewind time.Jacob Fowler didn't really have a chance to cross the puck to hit it.
The second goal was short.If the game wasn't already asleep, it was later.Len Hutson delivered a seemingly innocent puck, but it continued to go the way of the Blues on the rebound.
It's a long season, and no team wakes up for all 82 games.It is not possible.Some days there is no energy in mind and body.This is one of those games.After the opening whistle, this is a team looking tired.It happened.It is not worth commenting too long.
Even head coach can move on to the next game. Martin St.Louis gives his team a long speech.He will be grateful for all the good results in the previous five games and move on to the next game.
Meanwhile Michael Huge is best in the World Junior Charpionship, a candidate to face Pickfey Pickfride in Medicine Hackes.
Pickford was the WHL Player of the Month for December with 22 points in nine games.Pickford is third in the league in total scoring with 28 goals and 52 points in 35 games.Those are advanced numbers, but Pickford is a defender.
He also does a good job on defense.Pickford is second in the league in plus-minus at plus-40.
Pickford signed an initial three-year contract with the Canadiens before Christmas.The Canadiens hope Pickford will play a few games in Laval for their playoff run.
However, this may not be possible because the Tigers are so strong that Pickford could advance to the Memorial Cup instead of the American Hockey League.Medicine Hat is in first place in the WHL Central Division.
Brian Wilde, a Montreal sports writer, brings you the Call of the Wilde after every Canadiens game.
