Canadiens' sad season summed up by brutal, flukey goal

It's just been one of those years for the Montreal Canadiens.

Only four months after a shocking run to the Stanley Cup Final, the reeling Canadiens can't seem to catch a break. Their sad season was summed up perfectly on Wednesday against the Washington Capitals, when a simple clearing attempt somehow managed to wind up in the back of Montreal's net.

Cedric Paquette scooped up a loose puck and tried to backhand it out of his own zone, but it struck Capitals forward Michael Sgarbossa, then deflected off Montreal's Alexander Romanov and past Jake Allen.

Call it another piece of giant misfortune in what seems like a cursed campaign for the bleu, blanc et rouge.

Even the most optimistic fans in Montreal were likely expecting a step backwards after watching their team overachieve last summer, but this dramatic of a fall from grace is still a shock. With a record of 5-14-2 after Wednesday's loss to the Capitals, the Canadiens have secured just 12 points in 21 games. The only NHL teams with fewer points are the rebuilding Ottawa Senators, the expansion Seattle Kraken, and the historically inept Arizona Coyotes.

The team has been without several key pieces, as star goaltender Carey Price is still working his way back from his time in the NHL's player assistance program, and captain Shea Weber's career is likely over due to injury.

With the Habs already in this deep of a hole in the standings, it could be a long winter in Montreal. At least OHL superstar Shane Wright is worth tanking for.

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