With 39 points in the standings through 33 games (a 97-point pace), the Montreal Canadiens are one of the happiest surprises of 2018-19. What has been the secret for their strong performance thus far?
What has been the biggest factor for the Canadiens' success this season?
Greg Wyshynski, senior NHL writer: Y'all forgot about Claude Julien, didn't you? Granted, leading the Canadiens to their 10th-lowest points percentage (.433) since 1918 doesn't exactly crystallize one in the Jack Adams conversation, but last season was only the second time in the Stanley Cup winner's 16 years as an NHL coach with a points percentage of under .