Canadiens: Top 3 players that need to improve now

The Montreal Canadiens are going to contend for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But unless these three players step up, they might not make the postseason.

Entering Nov. 4, the Montreal Canadiens are on pace to get 94 points, as they have 16 points through 14 games. Last season, they picked up 96 points, so they’re a tad bit off last season’s pace. 94 points would likely be enough to earn a spot in the postseason – a 94 point pace currently has them eighth in the Eastern Conference in point percentage. But, as last season proved, it might not be enough.

So far this season, Montreal has seen numerous players step it up. Max Domi and Tomas Tatar have continued their success. Brendan Gallagher has further emerged as one of the leaders on the team. Carey Price and Shea Weber are still among the best in the world at what they do. Jonathan Drouin has gone from being trade bait to being a crucial member of the team.

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But for the Canadiens to ensure a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they’re going to need more from certain players. The Habs are currently fighting for a wild card spot. Even a little bit of improvement could give them more of a cushion. Otherwise, the Habs risk missing the postseason for a third consecutive season.

Let’s take a look at three Canadiens who need to be better for the Habs to make the playoffs.

3. Keith Kinkaid

As mentioned earlier, Price has been very good this season. In 11 games, he has a .915% save percentage. That’s more than good enough for the Habs to win most nights, which is reflected in his 6-4-1 record.

However, backup goaltender Keith Kinkaid has not been reliable. In three appearances, he has zero quality starts (defined as a start with an above league-average save percentage or a start with at least an 88.5% save percentage if a goalie faces under 20 shots on goal). Kinkaid has allowed at least four goals in each of his three starts.

Price isn’t a spring chicken anymore, so he likely can’t continue to handle nearly 80% of the starts moving forward. It would be excellent for the Habs if Kinkaid proved to be a more reliable backup. It would allow them to rest Price and keep their star goaltender fresh for the playoffs.

2. Ben Chiarot

The Canadiens signed Ben Chiarot this summer to replace Jamie Benn on their blueline. He was signed to a three-year deal worth $3.5 million annually. By comparison, Benn signed a two-year deal worth $2 million a year with the Vancouver Canucks.

So far, both players have two points in 14 games, though Chariot is playing over three minutes per game more than Benn. However, some of Chariot’s underlying stats are a bit alarming. He was brought in to be a stabilizing force on the blueline, but he has not done that so far.

If you look at his relative against stats, he’s positive across the board. This means the Habs are allowing more chances, shots, and shot attempts against when he’s on the ice. Chariot’s not even facing tough competition that often compared to other Canadiens defensemen.

1. Paul Byron

Paul Byron entered this season as one of the Habs’ most reliable forwards. He has been anything but reliable so far. Through 14 games, Byron has only three points, including zero goals. He only has nine shots on goal, which means he’s averaging less than a shot on goal per game. Byron has seen his ice time cut to just over 13 minutes per game.