Latest news with #St-Louis
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Martin St-Louis, a Jack Adams finalist's coaching rise
Montreal Canadiens Head Coach Martin St-Louis (Credit: Getty image) Martin St-Louis ' journey to becoming an NHL head coach . That was anything but conventional. After a Hall of Fame playing career, he shifted to coaching with the same intensity. This defined his time on the ice. His understanding of the game, combined with his ability to connect with players. This made the transition seamless. St-Louis took over the Canadiens during a turbulent period, where the team was struggling, and expectations were low. But his leadership quickly turned things around, as his approach was not just about systems. But also about mindset. He instilled confidence in a young roster. This emphasises resilience and adaptability. St-Louis' Transition, From Player to Coach 'It's a team award,' Montreal Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis speaks about best coach nomination by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scarlett Johansson, 40, Shows Off Her Real Size In A New Vacation Photos 33 Bridges Undo St-Louis improved by 15 points in the standings. In the 2024-25 season the Canadiens, under St-Louis secured a playoff spot for the first time since 2021. This showcased consistency and growth. Defensive improvements were a key factor. The Habs allowed 20 fewer goals than in 2023-24. A testament to St-Louis' emphasis on structure. Special teams also saw a boost, with both the power play and penalty kill performing. That too at higher efficiency rates, these adjustments were critical in tight games. St-Louis' impact goes beyond tactics. His ability to relate to players sets him apart. He understands the mental challenges of the game. He also uses that insight to motivate his team. This player-first approach has earned him respect. In the locker room. His 100th career win as a coach in February was a milestone moment, this highlighted his steady progression behind the bench. While his overall record may not yet reflect elite status, the upward trajectory of the Canadiens speaks volumes about his influence. The Jack Adams Recognition Montreal Canadiens Head Coach Martin St-Louis looks (Credit: Getty Image) Being named a Jack Adams finalist . This is a nod to St-Louis' ability to maximize his team's potential. The award honors coaches who drive unexpected success, and the Habs' resurgence fits that criteria. St-Louis joins a rare company, with only two Canadiens coaches previously winning the award. His nomination also reflects the broader belief in his coaching philosophy . St-Louis has proven that a mix of tactical acumen and emotional intelligence can transform a team. Whether he wins or not, this recognition cements his place among the league's top coaches. Read more: Mitch Marner's free agency drama: Playoff pressure, fan taunts and Toronto's tough contract decision What's Next for St-Louis and the Habs? The playoffs will be the next test for St-Louis and his squad. How they perform under pressure will further define his coaching legacy. But one thing is clear; his impact on the Canadiens is undeniable, with a young core continuing to develop. The future looks bright. St-Louis has laid a strong foundation. If this season is any indication, Montreal hockey is heading in the right direction. The Jack Adams nomination is just the beginning.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Three Takeaways From A Missed Opportunity
After a couple of days off, the Montreal Canadiens were taking on the Ottawa Senators on Friday night. They had an opportunity to officially punch their ticket for the Spring dance and sweep their Ontarian rivals. Unfortunately for Martin St-Louis, it became apparent that neither would happen early on. Canadiens: Demidov Has Landed And May Be Perfect For St-Louis Canadiens: Where Does Demidov Slot In? Jacob Fowler Wins Richter Award Learning To Win Is One Thing, But Learning To Be Ready Is Just As Important The Canadiens had six wins in a row before Friday night's game, but there's one part of their game that they can never seem to get right: being ready for puck drop. St-Louis won't complain that his team has developed a knack for third-period comebacks, but he must be fuming about those late starts as evidenced by his use of the word "unacceptable" when asked about yet another late start. Advertisement So far this season, the Canadiens have scored 64 goals in the first period and given up 82. They've given up 81 in the second and 83 in the third, so the issue is not how many they give up but how many they score. They put up 78 in the second and 84 in the third. Whatever the problem is, it must be addressed, and the sooner, the better. Since their previous game in Ottawa in February, the Canadiens have been outscored 17-7 in the first frame and only once they managed to keep their opponent from scoring in the first 20 minutes. The fact that they were unable to pull off the third-period comeback against the Sens is not a bad thing. It is much better to get this stern warning in the regular season than in the playoffs, which they will likely make, even though they could not seal the deal in this game. The coach often tells us that a considerable part of his job is selling his game plan to the players; this 5-2 loss will be a good selling point. The Captain Since The Break Since the 4 Nations Face-Off break, Nick Suzuki has scored 35 points in 23 matches, four game-winning goals, at least two points in 11 of the 23 games, and has contributed to 47% of the Canadiens' goals. Advertisement In Friday's game, he scored his 29th goal of the season, leaving him one short of hitting 30 for a second season in a row. His career high is 33, which he hit last year. While he did end the game with a minus-three rating, and his line was dominated by Shane Pinto's unit, it's hard to criticize Suzuki, given how he has carried this team on his back for the last couple of months. The fact that he went to his GM to plead the team's case as the trade deadline was approaching shows great leadership. He will have earned even more respect from his teammates by not only doing this but also rising to the challenge given by Kent Hughes. Time For A Change? With this loss, perhaps it's time for St-Louis to reintegrate Arber Xhekaj into the lineup. Sometimes, a big hit can bring a team to its senses. We'll never know if it could have made a difference tonight, but we know that the gritty defenseman is eager to return. Advertisement Jayden Struble was the blueliner with the least ice time in the game and was guilty of two giveaways. If St-Louis does decide to make a change, he'll be the most likely candidate for a night off. David Savard could probably use the rest, but his role on the penalty kill is crucial, and until the playoff spot is official, I wouldn't be surprised if the coach felt he had to keep him. While Michael Pezzetta has some limitations as a hockey player, he has none in the heart and dedication department. For a second time this week, he dropped the gloves to wake his team up. He struggled at the start of the fight but came out on top, doing what he could to pump up his teammates. If Emil Heineman is ready for Saturday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, he should be inserted into the lineup. He applies excellent forecheck and can also contribute offensively. The Habs will need to turn the page quickly and, as the coach often says himself, focus on what's next. Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story. Advertisement Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @ and Threads @karinehains. Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Canadiens: Caufield Praises St-Louis
Montreal Canadiens sniper Cole Caufield was interviewed on Montreal radio station BPM Sports this morning. Many topics were discussed, but what stood out for me was how he spoke about his coach, Martin St-Louis. Asked where his current coach ranks amongst all the coaches he's had in his life, Caufield said: You know, probably one, I think. It doesn't get much better than that. Obviously looking up to a guy like that growing up and then getting to see how he guides you and teaches you. He's probably different than many coaches, but I think he gets a lot out of his players; he's well-respected, and the practices are fun, too. - Cole Caufield on his coach Martin St-Louis When Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton decided to hire St-Louis, a man who had never been a bench boss in the NHL, some believed he'd just be around to finish the season. Then they changed their tune to 'he won't be there when this team is ready to make the playoffs' after he was signed to a three-year contract. The Canadiens are battling hard for a ticket to the Spring dance, and the Hall of Famer is still leading his players after the Habs exercised their two-year option to extend the coach. The Canadiens Dropped A Big PointThe Ivan Demidov Saga is Typical KHL Hockey PoliticsBrendan Gallagher Bids Farewell To His Mother Della A coach who has never played in the NHL and is a career coach might have had trouble getting respect from his players, but it's impossible for his players not to respect St-Louis. He's been in their skates and has lived their dream up to the ultimate goal. Unlike old-school coaches, he's well-equipped to coach today's players. He doesn't have a 'you're going to do what I tell you to do, and that's that' approach. He doesn't mind explaining to his players why he's asking them to play a certain way. He doesn't run a dictatorship; he runs a nurturing environment in which everyone can learn, regardless of age. Earlier this week, St-Louis also told the press that it's very easy, to be honest with players and to 'tell them your truth,' another characteristic of his that Caufield said was appreciated, especially in a business where there's always a younger guy ready to step up and take your spot. There's no better example of St-Louis' ability to coach than how he got Josh Anderson to embrace his new role on the team and how successful he is. If you ask me, St-Louis is there for the long haul, and he's told the media in the past he'd do anything to get the Canadiens, his dad's favorite team, a 25th Stanley Cup. It won't be this year, but the coach showed in his playing career that he's not one to give up, and that hasn't changed. The Canadiens have a day off today but they'll be back in action on Saturday night as they'll welcome the Colorado Avalanche at the Bell Centre in another must-win tilt. Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story. Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @ and Threads @karinehains. Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.
