Zachary Bolduc earning bigger role, Canadiens morning report

The Canadiens have been idle for more than 36 hours, but Monday still brings a few telling signs about how this team is shaping up early in the season.

Bolduc’s responsibilities on the rise

Eyes on the Prize reports that Zachary Bolduc is earning a larger role with the Canadiens. According to that outlet, he is stepping into duties that had initially been planned for Chris Kreider. It’s a clear indication that the coaching staff is increasingly comfortable leaning on Bolduc in different situations, whether with the puck or in the details of his play away from it.

That shift in responsibilities towards Bolduc could influence how the Canadiens build their lines and distribute ice time at five-on-five and in offensive situations, as they look to squeeze more production out of their forward group.

Penalty kill tightening up in front of the net

La Presse notes that the Canadiens’ penalty kill has been doing a better job protecting the area directly in front of the goaltender. That improved coverage in the slot is cited as a major factor behind the unit’s recent success. By cutting down on high-danger looks from that prime scoring area, the Habs give themselves a bit more margin for error when the penalty box door swings open too often.

That progress while shorthanded matters all the more given where the Canadiens stand in the Atlantic Division: sixth place, with 9 points in 8 games and a 4-3-1 record. In such a tight division, every successful kill can swing a game — and, over time, the standings.

Looking ahead to Sharks–Canadiens at the Bell Centre

The next test arrives Tuesday night, when the San Jose Sharks visit the Bell Centre. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. in Montreal. It will be another chance to see Bolduc’s expanding role in action and to gauge whether the refreshed penalty kill can hold up, as the Canadiens try to bank two more points and climb the Atlantic ladder.