The Montreal Canadiens are facing a challenging period in the 2025-26 season. After a promising start that saw them exceed expectations, injuries to key players and inconsistent performances have led to a slump. With several players sidelined, including Alex Newhook, Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine, and Kaiden Guhle, the team's depth is being tested, and the Canadiens will need other players to elevate their game to stay competitive.

Here are three Canadiens who need to step up their performance amid this tough stretch:

Samuel Montembeault: The Canadiens need more consistency from their goaltending, and that starts with Montembeault. His current form has not reached the same level as last season, with a 4-5-1 record, a 3.56 goals-against average, and a .858 save percentage. These numbers are not sufficient to sustain the team, especially with an inconsistent offense and a defense missing key players. Montembeault has demonstrated in the past that he can improve his performance during difficult times, and the team needs him to rediscover that form. A timely save or a strong performance could be crucial in halting the team's slide.

Juraj Slafkovsky: As the first-overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, Slafkovsky carries high expectations. With the Canadiens' forward ranks depleted by injuries, the team needs Slafkovsky to provide more offense. While he has displayed glimpses of his potential, he needs to become a more consistent offensive threat. Through 19 games this season, he has six goals. Slafkovsky needs to capitalize on his opportunities and contribute more regularly to the scoresheet to help fill the void left by the injured forwards.

The Defense: With the absence of Kaiden Guhle, who was playing significant minutes, the Canadiens' defensive core needs to collectively elevate their play. This includes players like Jayden Struble, who has stepped in admirably but needs to maintain a high level of performance. The defense needs to limit turnovers, improve their puck-moving ability, and provide better support to the goaltenders. A stronger defensive presence will be essential to mitigating the impact of the team's injuries and keeping them competitive in close games.

The Canadiens' current struggles are a test of their resilience and depth. Injuries have created opportunities for other players to step into larger roles and demonstrate their capabilities. The team's ability to weather this storm will depend on key players elevating their performance and the team maintaining a positive mindset. While the road ahead may be challenging, overcoming this adversity could be a valuable learning experience for the young Canadiens team, contributing to their long-term growth and development.