The Montreal Canadiens are currently playing some very strong hockey. They have earned points in 10 of their last 12 games. Looking at this stretch, it is striking to see that the two regular-season losses were against teams that were at the bottom of the standings at the time: the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Chicago Blackhawks.

Kirby Dach scored twice while Lane Hutson, who leads all rookies in points, recorded his first three-assist game to pace the Montreal Canadiens to a 5-3 victory over the Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday in Salt Lake City.

However, the Canadiens organization has just provided clarification. The real reason for Patrik Laine's absence at the moment, and why he is not accompanying the team to Washington, is that he is still not at 100%. See what the excellent journalist Eric Engels published.

Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine, who missed the previous four games with an illness, returned to the lineup Saturday, scoring his club's lone goal in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Dallas Stars, his ninth power-play tally in just 14 games this season.

The Habs announced Thursday that Laine will not travel with the team to Washington as they get set for a game against the Capitals on Friday night.

Montreal's Cole Caufield and Mike Matheson both netted one goal and one assist, while Patrik Laine scored a goal to reach the 400-point plateau. Sam Montembeault made 22 saves for the Canadiens, who have won 10 of their last 13 games (10-2-1).

Patrik Laine (Montréal Canadiens) with a Goal vs. Utah Hockey Club, 01/14/2025. Home; NFL; NCAAF; NBA; NHL; NCAAB; NCAAW; MLB; Daily Draw; Fantasy Sports; Soccer; Tennis; Golf; W