Canadiens can hold off panicking about power play, but concerns are very real

Harrison Smajovits writes for A Winning Habit that the Montreal Canadiens face growing concerns over their struggling power-play unit. Following an 0-for-3 performance against the St. Louis Blues, Montreal extended its power-play drought to four games. The team has scored only four man-advantage goals all season, converting at an 11.4 percent success rate, with two scored by Zachary Bolduc and one by an injured Nick Suzuki.

Smajovits argues that while Montreal does not need to panic immediately, placing the issue at a 6.5 out of 10 on his panic meter, the struggles are significant. The Canadiens remain above the playoff line primarily due to strong 5-on-5 play and an effective penalty kill, but the writer warns that sustained offensive issues with the man advantage pose serious long-term risks.