Looking back on a solid October

BROSSARD - The Habs will be playing their final game of October against the boys in green from Texas on Tuesday night.

It's been a rewarding month for Claude Julien's troops, as they've collected 14 out of a possible 20 points with one game left to play.
The way Phillip Danault sees it, the team's success in the standings is emblematic of the positive atmosphere that's permeated the room since the start of training camp.
"It's our team spirit. Everyone is working at practice, we're pulling in the same direction, we're following the game plan, and it shows," noted Danault. "For sure it's more pleasant when you're winning. The energy is very good. Everyone is proud of our start to the season and we want to build on it."
Echoing Danault, veteran defenseman Jordie Benn also pointed to the team's work ethic as a source of pride.
"We're resilient. We're playing really hard with lots of speed. We have a good work ethic," shared Benn, who's been on a top pairing with Jeff Petry for several games now. "Last year, it was a learning experience for everyone and now, it's fun to come here with a completely different atmosphere from last year."
For his part, Noah Juulsen noted that the players would like to make sure they're being consistent.
"The biggest thing is just being consistent with that game. We've brought it a couple of games here and there, but we have to bring it every night," explained the 21-year-old rearguard. "That's the challenge for us moving forward here."
Young defensemen emerging
The Canadiens' young defense corps has been one of many bright spots in the early goings this season, despite the fact that four of the club's seven defensemen have less than 160 games of NHL experience.
"The young guys have come in here and have taken the bull by the horns. They're skating really fast and they bring a lot of energy," described Jordie Benn, who just reached the 400-game mark himself. "They don't have a lot of experience, but it doesn't show on the ice."
Juulsen believes that the people currently occupying the Canadiens' dressing room are helping make the environment one that's conducive for helping young players develop and grow.
"I think so, for sure. There are a lot of great guys in this room. It helps some of us younger guys along the way here so far. That's been huge for us," said Juulsen, who should be good to go on Tuesday after sitting out Saturday night's game in Boston with an upper-body injury. "There's a lot of good chemistry in this room and a lot of character guys. That's helped us this year so far."
Lehkonen having fun with Domi and Drouin
Another ingredient to the Canadiens' early-season success has been the play of the Max Domi-Jonathan Drouin-Artturi Lehkonen line.
Although the Finnish component of the trio may not have the same numbers in the stats column as his linemates, his determination and battle have done much in the way of creating opportunities for them.
"I wouldn't say that I'm the only one doing the dirty work. We're all playing with a high pace," affirmed Lehkonen. "We're all competing hard day in and day out. I feel like it's fun to play with those guys. Both of them are really skilled and fast players, and they compete hard out there, so it's easy for me to play, too."
That said, Lehkonen isn't quite satisfied with where his game is at just yet.
"I wouldn't say I'm playing my best hockey, but there are still some areas I want to improve in my own game," added Lehkonen, who has seven points (1G, 6A) in 10 games. "But, there's still a lot of games left."
Hudon happy to be back in the lineup
Saturday night's win in Boston marked the return of Charles Hudon to the lineup. The Alma native had been scratched for three games prior, but a meeting he had with Julien was encouraging for the young forward as he waited for his next chance to dress.
"Having a good conversation with Claude, I think it helped me. It was good to know that the coach had nice things to tell me, even if I wasn't in the lineup," he explained. "I'm hard on myself, so I had been asking myself a lot of questions. That chat with Claude did me a lot of good."
The Canadiens welcome the Dallas Stars to the Bell Centre on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.