Updates from training camp – Sept. 25

BROSSARD – The Canadiens’ penalty kill was the main topic of discussion in the South Shore on Friday. 

The team brought in associate coach Derek Lalonde to help make improvements on the special unit, which ranked 18th in the NHL last season. In a competitive and highly offensive Atlantic Division, the PK is certainly an aspect the Canadiens want to get right. 

“For sure, it’s huge. Your PK and special units, especially given how good teams are, could make all the difference,” said head coach Martin St-Louis during his scrum. 

Both St-Louis and Lalonde have similar communication styles, which is helpful for a young team when you’re trying to implement a new system. 

“You need that. We still have a young team. Our team gained a lot of experience last year, but you need good communicators, and those are two good ones,” said Phillip Danault. 

Danault was among the players who skated with Group A at the CN Sports Complex.

Following a solo skate, Kaiden Guhle joined the group for part of the session. He is still recovering from minor surgery to his adductor muscle that took place this summer. 

Ivan Demidov was also present with Group A, while Lucas Condotta was given another therapy day while the rest of Group B took to the ice in Brossard.

The Canadiens are back in action on Saturday for the final set of split-squad preseason games against the Ottawa Senators. One group will travel to Kanata, while the other will stay put in Montreal to face the Sens. Game times are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. For tickets to the game in Montreal, click here.