Martin St. Louis’ extraordinary journey from an underestimated player to the Hall of Fame is shaping the future of the Montreal Canadiens. As the head coach, St. Louis has infused a contagious belief into his players, driving them to achieve a playoff spot in record time during a rebuilding phase.

Veterans like Brendan Gallagher attribute their success to St. Louis’ unwavering confidence and motivational techniques, which resonate deeply with the squad. The Canadiens, now the youngest team in the playoffs, have not only overcome a rough start but also exceeded expectations with a strong finish to the season.

Josh Anderson emerged as a pivotal player in the Montreal Canadiens’ thrilling 6-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators, scoring a crucial tying goal and later sealing the win with an empty-netter. His performance solidified his reputation as a "culture-setter" for the team, especially noted by coach Martin St. Louis, who praised Anderson's relentless energy despite battling through an undisclosed injury. This victory marks a significant step for the Canadiens in their playoff push, positioning them in the Eastern Conference's wild-card race.

Anderson's contributions were highlighted by his physical play, as he notched five hits and a plus-three rating throughout the game. Team captain Nick Suzuki and teammate Christian Dvorak acknowledged Anderson's tenacity, crediting him for rallying the team during a vital stretch of the season. The Canadiens have now positioned themselves just above the New York Rangers in the standings, showcasing a resurgence fueled by players like Anderson who are willing to fight through adversity.

Kyle Connor shone in the Winnipeg Jets' 4-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, scoring two goals, including a crucial one just before the second period ended. His teammate David Gustafsson's aggressive forecheck set up the goal with only 1.5 seconds left, putting the Jets ahead 3-1. Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis lamented the lapse in defensive coverage at a critical moment, calling it a painful mistake.

Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was instrumental, making 24 saves, especially during the Canadiens' strong opening moments. Mark Scheifele, amid jeers from the crowd for a past incident, also contributed with a goal. The win marks the Jets' fourth consecutive victory.

The Montreal Canadiens faced a tough battle against the Dallas Stars, ultimately losing 2-1 in a shootout after a demanding back-to-back game. Despite the outcome, the team's morale remained high as they have shown significant improvement, now sitting in playoff contention after climbing from the Eastern Conference basement. Head coach Martin St. Louis praised his team's consistency and commitment to their game plan, noting that they played a mature game even when not at their best.

Montreal's latest performance came on the heels of a 3-2 overtime victory against the Washington Capitals, showcasing their resilience. The Canadiens' Patrik Laine scored the team's only goal during a power play, while their goaltender Sam Montembeault delivered a strong performance with 34 saves. The close game highlighted the Canadiens' progress in developing a disciplined and effective style of play.

Kent Hughes, the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, is emphasizing prudence as his team enjoys a resurgence, moving from the bottom of the NHL standings to playoff contention. After a dismal start, where the Canadiens recorded just 8 wins in their first 24 games, they've turned the season around with a 19-18-3 record and an impressive run, winning eight of their last ten outings.

This turnaround aligns with Hughes' strategic shift, trading for veteran defenseman Alexandre Carrier, which has bolstered the team's defensive strength. Hughes remains cautious about the trade deadline, indicating that the team's performance over the next 22 games will influence whether they become buyers or sellers.