Max Domi’s goal-scoring streak led Montreal, while some top prospects round out the remainder of the list
NHL Player of the Month: Max Domi
After another quick start to the season, Max Domi went cold in November. His response was to try to force things to happen that simply weren’t there, and that not only prevented any offence from being created, but often had him playing out of proper defensive position as he cheated for more offensive opportunites.
December was much kinder to Domi on the scoreboard. It started off with the odd assist now and then, but ended with him on an active six-game goal-scoring streak. On the longest and most important road stretch of the season, he scored in all but the first game versus the Vancouver Canucks, and he had two assists on that night. In total, he had 13 points in December, 10 in the seven games on the road to cap it off.
Perhaps even more impressive than the points is the discipline he’s been showing. He was in the box for just two minutes in 14 games. His temper had been getting the better of him in November, and that was something that was tolerated last season with his excellent point-production. For the first time in his career, he’s on pace for more points than penalty minutes, and it’s about a two-to-one ratio midway through the year.
Honourable mention: Brendan Gallagher finished tied in points, but trailed Domi by one goal. In the end, the goal-scoring streak to end the month and send Domi into the new year with the confidence to keep contributing is what tipped the scales in his favour.