Zach
& Sam. It sounds like something with child actors streaming on Disney. In
fact, it’s something the Montreal Canadiens have avoided debuting since the
signing of free agent Zach Werenski. That’s right, the Habs touched and held
first place in the FNHL this week, and only this weekend debuted Zach & Sam
as a 5 on 5 pair.
It may not last, as the team has always valued spreading their best defenders
across two pairs. Morin and Ericsson have rarely spent time playing together
over the years. But according to the coach..
“Wouldn’t you be curious what would happen?”
The Canadiens already have the best defense in the FNHL, a full shot per game
better than the next team. This weekend with the pairing, 39 shots were allowed
across two games, an average that can’t possibly last, but it’s an intriguing
start which means the pairing will remain for their big matchup Monday against
Tampa Bay – a game which could see them take a full 4 point lead on the Atlantic
Division.
Just another move to collect more data on. Anecdotally, no other organization
tracks data like Montreal, who reportedly have developed internal statistics of
their own that helps them refine as the season progresses. Last season, the
team struggled through the half way mark of the season, even spending time as 9th and 10th seed… and then went on a 30 game run to end the season that
saw them win 23 games.
As the schedule hits the midway point at the end of this week, thoughts will
naturally turn to the trade market. Is there anything the capped out Habs can
do to improve? Any potential move would be difficult to pull off and include an
element of pain, as this core is incredibly close and tight knit. If a player
and one, or even two first round draft picks could bring a clear improvement –
the Habs could look to set themselves up as a serious contender.
8/2/2026 - 303 words
