You cannot discount that 9-0 start the Canadiens had to their 2015-16 season. The 18 points collected over the first three-and-a-half weeks of October pole-vaulted the Habs into a first-place position that looked almost uncontestable. But since going 9-0, the Habs have gone 4-3-2 in their last eight games, and are now second in the Eastern Conference behind the New York Rangers (who are in the midst of their own winning streak, that was extended to nine last night).
The Habs will get a chance to prevent their first three-game losing streak tonight by welcoming the team that stopped their perfect season-opening run at nine: the Vancouver Canucks.