Mike Matheson Collaborates with Coach Martin St. Louis on Power-Play Strategies

Mike Matheson, a prominent defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens, is currently working closely with head coach Martin St. Louis to improve the team’s power-play performance. During a practice session on Tuesday, Matheson and St. Louis dedicated time to discussing strategic adaptations for key power-play situations, according to a report by Arpon Basu from The Athletic.

Matheson is expected to serve as the quarterback for the Canadiens’ top power-play unit as he enters the new season following a career-defining year. During the 2023-24 season, he accumulated 28 power-play points, ranking eighth among defensemen and helping the team enhance its offensive capabilities.

Despite Matheson’s personal success, the Canadiens have struggled with power-play effectiveness, finishing 27th in the league last season and failing in all 30 attempts during the preseason matches. The team aims to reverse this trend and avoid another lower-rank finish, as indicated by Basu.

While Matheson dominates the top power-play unit, promising rookie Lane Hutson, who will quarterback the second unit, is part of ongoing discussions regarding team strategies. However, the coaching staff, led by St. Louis, has chosen to retain Matheson in the leading role due to his extensive experience and contributions.

Matheson appears unfazed by ongoing debates about his position on the unit, emphasizing his commitment to contributing to team success rather than focusing on external criticism. “I don’t really care, honestly. I just want to win,” Matheson expressed after the practice session.

The Montreal Canadiens are embarking on a merit-based approach this season, evident in their decisions regarding player placement and development within the team. Despite some fans’ frustration over rookie Hutson not immediately leading the top power-play unit, the Canadiens are likely to adjust roles as players demonstrate their capabilities over the course of the season.

As the season begins, the Canadiens remain optimistic that Matheson and the team will find the right power-play dynamics to achieve better results and satisfy their fanbase.