Power rankings: The Athletic ranks the Canadiens 4th

The Montreal Canadiens have won 10 of their last 11 games and are making a name for themselves as one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:36am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the ice.The Canadiens' recent surge has them ranked among the NHL's elite, with their tight-knit team and unsung heroes like Noah Dobson leading the charge.Dallas Today

The Montreal Canadiens have been on a hot streak lately, winning 10 of their last 11 games. Two of their players, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky, also reached major milestones in their most recent game. The Athletic's latest NHL power rankings have the Canadiens ranked 4th, behind only the Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, and Dallas Stars.

Why it matters

The Canadiens' recent success has propelled them into the upper echelon of NHL teams, with The Athletic ranking them 4th in their latest power rankings. This recognition highlights the team's growth and potential as a formidable contender in the league.

The details

In The Athletic's power rankings, the Canadiens were awarded the 'Kris Russell Trophy' for the player with the most blocked shots, which went to defenseman Noah Dobson. Dobson has been a key contributor, leading the league with 187 blocked shots this season. The Canadiens' success extends beyond individual performances, with the team being described as 'very tight-knit' and 'making a name for itself as one of the most dangerous teams in the NHL'.

  • The Canadiens have won 10 of their last 11 games.
  • Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky reached major milestones in the Canadiens' most recent game.
  • The Athletic published its NHL power rankings on April 10, 2026.

The players

Cole Caufield

A player for the Montreal Canadiens who reached a major milestone in the team's most recent game.

Juraj Slafkovsky

A player for the Montreal Canadiens who reached a major milestone in the team's most recent game.

Noah Dobson

A defenseman for the Montreal Canadiens who leads the league in blocked shots this season and was awarded the 'Kris Russell Trophy' in The Athletic's power rankings.

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The takeaway

The Canadiens' recent success and high ranking in The Athletic's power rankings demonstrate the team's growth and potential as a formidable contender in the NHL. With contributions from players like Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Noah Dobson, the Canadiens are poised to make a strong playoff push.