Montreal Canadiens coach

Martin St. Louis, head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, is facing scrutiny as the team struggles early in the 2024-25 NHL season, sitting just three points from a playoff spot. While some fans call for his dismissal, analysis suggests that firing him may not be the solution, especially given the team's ongoing rebuild and the focus on player development rather than immediate playoff contention. St. Louis has implemented a hybrid defensive zone system, but the Canadiens' execution has been poor, contributing to their lack of success. Injuries and inconsistent goaltending have exacerbated the situation, leading to concerns about player engagement and overall team structure. Despite these challenges, there are metrics for success this season that do not solely rely on making the playoffs. The Canadiens' management and fans must balance expectations with the realities of the team's rebuilding phase.