"Wanted to be in the mix" - Canadiens GM Kent Hughes makes his feelings known on team's current playoff picture

Montreal Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes is focused on his team’s growth as they compete for a playoff spot. The Canadiens have a record of (19-18-3) and are close to a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Hughes, however, is clear that making the playoffs is not his main goal this season.

The Canadiens started slowly but have improved, winning eight of their last ten games. They ended December well, going 4-1 on a road trip and beating recent Stanley Cup champions. Hughes wanted the team to stay competitive this season, and their performance shows they are meeting that goal.

In his midseason press conference, Hughes said making the playoffs is not the only measure of success. He believes the team’s development matters more than short-term results.

“We wanted to be in the mix in terms of progressing as a team. There’s certain things that they have to experience," Hughes said (via TSN). "We want this group to be under the pressure of learning how to win when it counts. We’re in that conversation right now and let’s see how our players respond to it.”

Hughes stressed the importance of keeping balance in the lineup.

“I don’t anticipate allowing the lineup to be flooded with young players,” Hughes said. “I think naturally there would be an element of regression that comes with it. So, we have to remain flexible..."

Hughes added veteran players to balance development and competitiveness. He traded Jordan Harris for Patrik Laine in August and Justin Barron for Alexandre Carrier in December. Laine missed the start of the season but has scored eight goals in 13 games. Carrier’s arrival allowed Kaiden Guhle to return to his natural position, helping the team win seven of nine games with him.

Hughes will now observe how the team handles the pressure. His main focus is building a balanced and competitive team for the future.

Montreal Canadiens secured a 5–4 OT win over Vancouver Canucks

The Montreal Canadiens won 5–4 in overtime against the Vancouver Canucks on Monday.

Cole Caufield gave Montreal a 1–0 lead with a wrist shot at 1:07 in the first period. J.T. Miller tied the game 1–1 at 10:47 for Vancouver. Miller scored at 3:21 in the second period to make it 2–1. Jonathan Lekkerimaki added another goal 20 seconds later to make it 3–1.

Kaiden Guhle cut Vancouver’s lead to 3–2 at 10:35. Kirby Dach tied it 3–3 with a power-play goal at 2:01 of the third period. Lane Hutson gave Montreal a 4–3 lead at 6:54 with a lucky bounce.

Jake DeBrusk tied the game 4–4 with a power-play goal at 8:51. Nick Suzuki scored the game-winner 48 seconds into overtime on a power play.

The Canadiens will face the Washington Capitals and Dallas Stars in back-to-back games this weekend.