Canadiens’ 6-5 loss in Pittsburgh reignites concerns on defence

The latest episode of podcast Sortie de zone focuses on the Montreal Canadiens’ 6-5 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, a game that left observers divided about where the team really stands. On one side is the spirited third-period push that nearly erased a multi-goal deficit; on the other is the mid-game collapse that exposed familiar weaknesses. Host Jérémie Rainville and panelists Simon-Olivier Lorange, Alexandre Pratt and Stéphane Waite use the high-scoring night in Pittsburgh as a case study of the Canadiens’ early-season identity.

Defensive structure under fire and Dobes heavily scrutinized

Much of the conversation centres on Montreal’s defensive play, which once again struggled to contain a Pittsburgh attack led by Sidney Crosby. The panel weighs whether fans should focus more on the resilience shown in the comeback attempt or on the way the Canadiens let the game get away from them in the second period. Questions persist about coverage in their own zone and about how reliably this group can protect a lead.

Goaltender Jakub Dobes is singled out by Waite, who is particularly critical of the way he handled the outing in Pittsburgh. Beyond the number of goals allowed, the former NHL goalie coach points to the quality of the goals against as a key concern. That assessment feeds into a broader discussion about the Canadiens’ goaltending hierarchy and how the organization is managing the development and deployment of its netminders.

Carrier’s injury, St-Louis’ top‑six juggling and the Habs’ “cruising speed”

The episode then turns to Carrier’s injury and what it could mean for Montreal’s lineup options. The panel considers how significant this absence might be and how Martin St-Louis could adjust his roster to compensate. At the same time, St-Louis’ ongoing reshuffling of his top six forwards is examined as a sign that he is still searching for the right combinations up front.

Rainville and his guests also try to pin down the Canadiens’ current “cruising speed,” assigning a number on a ten-point scale for intensity, execution and fluidity of play. This leads naturally into a breakdown of the upcoming goalie schedule, with the group stressing that the crease will need to stabilize quickly after a shaky start.

Ovechkin’s final NHL season and goaltending troubles in Western Canada

In the latter part of the show, the conversation widens to league-wide storylines, starting with Alexander Ovechkin’s announcement that this season will be his last in the NHL. The panel reflects on the magnitude of that decision and the legacy the Russian star will leave behind when he steps away from the game.

The episode closes with a look at teams in Western Canada, where several clubs are wrestling with subpar goaltending early in the schedule. Without diving into specific stats, the panel notes a common thread: like in Montreal, questions in net and defensive inconsistency are shaping the start of the season for more than one organization.