"We respect them but are not scared" - Montreal Canadiens coach issues warning to Boston Bruins

The 2022-23 NHL season for the Montreal Canadiens has not gone as well as many fans expected. The Canadiens' game schedule for the month of March has been jam-packed with some of the league's toughest opponents.

The Habs have only managed two victories in their last ten games and have been eliminated from playoffs this season. Over the last two weeks, the club has faced some of the most difficult opponents. However, they do have a game against league leaders, the Boston Bruins, on Thursday, March 23 at TD Garden.

The puck drop for the game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

Martin St. Louis, the coach of the Montreal Canadiens, spoke to the media ahead of the game. During a brief press conference, the Habs' coach stated that his team respects Boston but is not scared to face them.

Martin St. Louis said:

"They’re so organized and are on the same page. We haven’t been intimidated by the opponents. I think we respect (Boston Bruins) but we’re not scared of them and we’ve shown that."

The statement further added:

"Some games have gone better than others, but overall I’m really happy with our approach … the hard schedule that we’ve had. Couple bounces here and there, we might have gotten better results. But overall, I love the growth of our team through that stretch. Now we’re starting to get (injured) guys back. I think that helps the group."

He continued:

"When you have a stretch of games like that against really strong opponents, you have to be on your toes. You have to be smart, connected. The challenge is tougher and you grow from it, whether you win or lose. We looked pretty good for most of those games. I’m pleased with that.”

A long list of players off the roster due to injuries has been one of the primary reasons for Habs' subpar performance this season. Many key players have been out for extended periods of time.

The club is currently in a rebuilding phase that will take at least a season or more before the Canadiens can be considered a stronger contender for the championship.

Montreal Canadiens 2022-23 NHL season overview

Montreal Canadiens v Vegas Golden Knights

The Montreal Canadiens (71-28-37) are in 28th place in the league standings. They are also the league's fifth worst team, with a goal differential of minus 63. Forward Nick Suzuki has been the leading goal scorer for the Habs this season with 55 points, while winger Cole Caufield is the second-leading goal scorer for the team with 36 points.