The Montreal Canadiens have surprised many with their strong performance in the early stages of the 2025-2026 NHL season. While their success has sparked excitement and optimism among fans, it's important to examine whether this early surge is a genuine indication of sustained improvement or a mirage fueled by temporary factors.
As of December 17, 2025, the Canadiens held a 17-12-4 record, positioning them 13th overall in the NHL. This is a significant leap compared to the previous season when they languished near the bottom of the league with an 11-16-3 record at the same point. The statistical improvements are also noteworthy. The Canadiens have increased their scoring from 2.73 goals per game to 3.21, and while their goals-against have improved slightly, the offensive jump is a clear indication of progress.
One of the primary reasons for the Canadiens' early success is the improved performance of several key players. Alex Newhook, for instance, had a strong start to the season, contributing significantly with goals and assists. Beyond individual performances, the team's overall competitiveness has increased, and the young core players are showing promising development. This progress is a crucial element in the Canadiens' rebuilding process.
However, some sources suggest that the Canadiens' numbers "weren't exactly electrifying". Their five-on-five CorsiFor and expected goals for percentages were among the league's lowest, and their power play ranked 21st. These statistics suggest that the Canadiens' success might be partly attributed to strong goaltending from Samuel Montembeault and a good penalty kill.
It's also important to consider the context of the entire season. As of January 4, 2026, the Canadiens had a 22-13-6 overall record, including an impressive 12-4-5 road record. Despite a couple of demoralizing losses, the Canadiens held third place in the Atlantic Division. However, they also had a negative goal differential and a shot attempts percentage of below 50%. These underlying numbers suggest that the Canadiens might be overperforming relative to their actual level of play.
Overall, while the Montreal Canadiens have undoubtedly made strides and demonstrated improvement compared to previous seasons, it's crucial to maintain a balanced perspective. The early success has been driven by a combination of factors, including improved player performance, strong goaltending, and perhaps a bit of luck. As the season progresses, the Canadiens will face tougher challenges, and their ability to sustain this level of performance will depend on continued development, tactical adjustments, and maintaining a high level of consistency. The "myth" of their early success lies in whether they can solidify these gains into a consistent winning formula or if it will fade as the season wears on.