Now that NHL 25 is out, hockey fans worldwide have turned their attention to player performances, team dynamics, and how well digital representations compare with real-life expectations. For fans of the Montreal Canadiens—a team steeped in history with a dedicated fan base—the player comparisons in this latest iteration of the game offer insights into the team's current status and what could be expected in the coming season.
Goaltending: Jake Allen and Samuel Montembeault
The goaltending situation for the Canadiens has indeed seen a roller coaster in the last few years, and it is no different in NHL 25. Veteran netminder Jake Allen maintains his position as the starting goalie for the Canadiens. His experience in the game is well-visualized in balanced attributes such as positioning, glove saves, and rebound control. Allen's rating also reflects the consistency challenges he's faced, particularly with a struggling defensive lineup in front of him.
Samuel Montembeault, on the other hand, offers a look into the future that may be at the backstop position for the Habs. While Montembeault has shown flashes of brilliance in real life, his NHL 25 rating reflects the inconsistencies that still define his career, making him a wildcard option for fans and those interested in betting on goalie performances this season.
Defense: The Rise of Kaiden Guhle
On the backend of the blue line, Montreal is in a bit of a youth movement; NHL 25 features a number of their young players with promising futures. Perhaps no young defenceman in the Canadiens organization holds more promise than Kaiden Guhle. The physically imposing defenseman has a high hockey IQ, and his in-game character excels in both defensive and offensive zones. For in-game purposes, his strong body-checking ability combines nicely with above-average puck-handling skills. Guhle's ranking speaks to how important he is to the Canadiens' future blue line due to his ability to transition pucks up ice.
More importantly, experienced defenseman David Savard has been one of the key cogs in the solidification of the Canadiens' blueline. In NHL 25, Savard's experience and grit come to the forefront, with the highest shot-blocking, body checks, and defensive awareness ratings.
Forwards: The Star Power of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield
No discussion of the Montreal Canadiens' roster in NHL 25 would be complete without mentioning their two young stars: Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Both have rapidly become the faces of the franchise, and this translates into virtual performances indicative of their real-life potential.
Nick Suzuki, captain of the Canadiens, also brings massive ratings in skating, passing, and playmaking. His on-ice awareness makes him dangerous in the opponent's zone. In-game, his leadership is frequently highlighted. Suzuki is another well-rounded player, stats-wise, that a team could build around virtually and on the ice.
But another star in NHL 25 is Cole Caufield, an elite goal-scorer. His accuracy and power on his shot make him one of the premier goal-scoring threats in the title, and his speed allows him to be a constant threat to defenses.
Other Key Players to Watch
An interesting player to watch is Juraj Slafkovsky, the Canadiens' first overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. The size and strength are certainly there to make him a presence, but offensively, he still shows some greenness. In-game, Slafkovsky has decent ratings in physical attributes, with room for improvement in puck skills and shot accuracy.
Veteran forward Brendan Gallagher remains a key player in the Canadiens lineup, known for his gritty play style and relentless work ethic.
Wrapping Up
NHL 25 accurately represents the current state of the Montreal Canadiens. Both futures of the team, with young stars peppering their lineup and veterans who remain valued parts of the team, are represented well. The game reflects real-world issues of the Canadiens, including inconsistencies in goaltending and defense, but also about the excitement regarding players like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
A nice mix of youth and experience, along with continuous development of key players, indicates the fact that the Canadiens are on a path to restore some sort of competitiveness within the NHL.
コメント