Instead it was their effort for the majority of a 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators that was most troubling.
"I don't know why, but when our backs are against the wall, we find a way to create some offense, get a five-man attack and sustain some pressure," captain Max Pacioretty said. "But, we always wait for our backs to be against the wall. I don't know if it is mindset or what the guys have to do to create this, but it is just far too easy to play against."
RELATED: [Anderson, Senators shut out Canadiens in NHL100 Classic | More NHL100 Classic coverage]
For much of the game, the Canadiens were as cold as the game-time temperature of 12.5 degrees Fahrenheit, making this the second-coldest outdoor game in NHL history behind the 2003 Heritage Classic in Edmonton, where the Canadiens played the Edmonton Oilers.
Montreal had 16 shots through two periods and trailed 1-0, with Canadiens goaltender Carey Price making 28 saves to that point.
Ottawa's first goal was a redirection by Jean-Gabriel Pageau at 14:55 of the second. Price finished with 35 saves.
"We didn't generate chances like that and that is how they scored their first goal," Montreal forward Paul Byron said.
The Canadiens generated more in the third period, when they had 12 shots. In that period, Pacioretty hit the post and also missed when he got to a loose puck in the crease that had skittered behind Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson, only to have it hit a skate in front.
"I have to score that," the forward said.