With a 3-1-1 record to kick off their 2023-24 campaign, the Montreal Canadiens are off to a better start than most people expected.
In fact, the Habs are even ahead of their bitter rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, in the NHL’s Atlantic Division standings. (We’ll see if that lasts.)
And while the Canadiens have been one of the league’s most penalized teams so far this season, they seem to be excelling in other areas. For example, according to StatMuse, Montreal is the NHL’s best five-on-five team, allowing just two goals against at even strength with five skaters.
Funnily enough, that’s the same number of goals they’ve given up while on a powerplay.
statmuse.com
Special teams aside, even head coach Martin St. Louis is happy with his team’s five-on-five game.
“Iām not worried about the stuff that needs correction because we are going to work on them. Iām really happy with our five-on-five game,” he told reporters last week. “I know Iām going long on this, but thereās a lot to like.ā
And speaking of things to like, the Canadiens are leading the pack in another important part of the game: faceoffs.
According to StatMuse data, when it comes to the players with the best faceoff win percentage (with 50+ faceoffs this season), two of Montreal’s centres reign supreme.
With a 65.4% win ratio, Sean Monahan tops the NHL’s list, winning 53 of his first 81 draws this year. He’s also netted an impressive two goals and five points over five games, accentuating the value he brings to the team.
Right behind him on the leaderboard is current teammate Jake Evans, who has come out victorious in 63.9% of his 61 draws.
statmuse.com
Meanwhile, Montreal’s top centre, Nick Suzuki is still among the league’s top 20, winning 57.8% of his draws.
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