CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP – The Canadiens got back to work on Thursday at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex following a day off.
But it wasn’t just any day off. The Habs took advantage of the three-day gap between their first two games of the 2026-27 NHL regular season to bond as a team, something they’ve done annually for the past couple of years during training camp.
“I think it’s… it’s an opportunity. When you get a break in this kind of schedule, especially early on, [it’s important to take it], considering we didn’t get a chance to do it during training camp. I know we have a close group, but it’s about having opportunities to get even closer,” said head coach Martin St-Louis following practice.
Having a tight-knit squad off the ice usually translates into positive results on the ice, and while the Canadiens are essentially starting the campaign with the same group as last year, it’s important to make sure everyone feels like they’re a part of the team.
“We’re the same team, but for a guy like [Chris] Kreider, who just got here, I think it’s important to include him as quickly as possible. And for the rest of us, we weren’t all together this summer. So, it’s really about reuniting the whole team,” said defenseman Alexandre Carrier.
At practice, Carrier, who registered a goal (the game-winner, no less) and an assist in the Canadiens’ 3-2 season-opening win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, skated alongside Lane Hutson, with whom he started the season.
“It brings confidence,” shared the veteran defenseman when asked about playing with the 2025 Calder Trophy winner. “It obviously helps in the offensive zone too. But aside from the offensive game, Lane is really efficient defensively. He uses his feet a lot, he’s intelligent. He’s easy to read too. I know he can be creative in the offensive zone, but in the defensive zone, I know where he’s going and I know he will do his job and I can trust him with that.”
Here’s a look at how the other D pairings and lines shaped up during the on-ice session.
