Habs Chase Peak Form as D Woes Bite Hard

The Canadiens grind through defensive lapses that have them leaking rush chances like a sieve, fifth-most in the league at five-on-five. Martin St. Louis demands more from a young blue line that's talented but unproven, with guys like Xhekaj walking the line between intimidating and out of position. They face a brutal sprint, sixteen games against playoff contenders, mostly on the road, where fixing forecheck and rush coverage decides if they separate or fade.