Canadiens Forced to Rethink Approach After Newhook's Devastating Injury

On November 10, 2025, the Montreal Canadiens suffered a lopsided 7-0 defeat against the Dallas Stars in head coach Martin St. Louis' 300th game behind the bench. The loss came just two days after the Canadiens were also routed 5-1 by the Los Angeles Kings at home.

The most significant development from the game was the injury to forward Alex Newhook, the Canadiens' fifth-leading scorer this season. Newhook suffered a serious ankle injury during the second period, and his absence is expected to be prolonged. Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki expressed sympathy for Newhook, who had been having an "unbelievable year" and was an important part of the team.

The Canadiens' struggles extended beyond just the injury, as they continue to struggle with their power play, going 11 straight attempts without a goal. Suzuki acknowledged that the power play needs to start contributing to help the team win games.

With Newhook's injury, St. Louis now faces a decision on how to adjust the team's approach. The Canadiens have largely relied on their depth and "weak-link" philosophy, but Newhook's absence could force St. Louis to consider a more "strong-link" approach, focusing more on the team's top offensive talents. This philosophical shift could significantly impact the Canadiens' lineup and strategy moving forward.