Martin St-Louis makes first decision after Olympic break ahead of Islanders game

Martin St-Louis called his troops together at 10:30 a.m. this morning in Brossard for a practice session that has a clear playoff atmosphere.

Let’s be honest, the Montreal Canadiens are surprising everyone, and the mood in the city is electric.

The Canadiens’ bench boss wants to ensure his team is well-oiled before entering the final stretch of the regular-season schedule.

Truthfully, no one expected Montreal to be this high in the standings, but the progression of the young players has been remarkable.

The Canadiens currently hold a 32-17-8 record, while their next opponent is also fighting for position at 32-21-5. At home, the Habs have been dominant.

Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield are expected to lead the charge in the next game to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference standings.

Martin St-Louis sets playoff tone with 10:30 a.m. practice in Brossard

The power play has become a legitimate threat, posting a strong efficiency rate since the beginning of February. No detail is being overlooked by the assistant coaches.

Back from the Olympic break, Juraj Slafkovsky is showing impressive offensive impact, and his physical presence in front of the opposing net is changing the dynamic of the quick transition game.

Captain Suzuki, also returning from international duty, holds a +12 rating, proving he can compete with the NHL’s top centers on a nightly basis.

It’s time to get in the car and head to the Bell Centre, because the final stretch promises to be historic for the organization.