The camera pans across the ice, catching Alex Carrier in a moment of quiet frustration—stick gripped tight, jaw clenched, eyes scanning the chaos unfolding around him. The scoreboard doesn’t tell the whole story, but the numbers do: five even-strength goals against in just three games, the worst mark for any Montreal Canadiens player during this road trip. It’s a stat that lands like a punch, and as the Avalanche press forward, Carrier’s struggles have become impossible to ignore.

Every shift on this Western swing has brought new challenges for the Canadiens defense, but none more glaring than those faced by Carrier. Once viewed as a stabilizing force, he now finds himself at the center of a storm—his confidence visibly shaken, his reactions a split-second behind, his decisions under the microscope. The team’s recent push for structure and discipline has highlighted the gap between expectation and reality, and Carrier’s performance stands out not for its steadiness, but for its vulnerability.

The numbers are damning, but the story runs deeper. Observers note Carrier’s coverage is hesitant, his positioning uncertain. The pressure is mounting—not just from opponents, but from media, fans, and the Canadiens’ own coaching staff. Each goal against is more than a blip; it’s a signal that something fundamental may be amiss. For a defenseman tasked with bringing calm and composure, the current stretch has been anything but. The contrast to last season is stark, and the whispers about a potential lineup change are growing louder by the hour.

Carrier’s effort has never been in question. He battles, he hustles, and he’s never one to shy away from responsibility. But hockey is a game of results, and right now, the results simply aren’t there. The Canadiens have worked hard to tighten their systems, to play with purpose and poise, yet Carrier seems caught in a personal battle for comfort and confidence—a struggle that’s playing out in real time with every shift.

The tension is palpable. Should the coaching staff protect Carrier, hoping he’ll rediscover his form with patience and support? Or is it time to make a move, to scratch him from the lineup and send a message that accountability comes first? The decision hangs in the balance, and with each passing game, the stakes grow higher—not just for Carrier, but for a team searching for stability in a season already marked by unpredictability.

As the Canadiens return home, the spotlight on Carrier burns brighter than ever. Will he respond to adversity and reclaim his role as a trusted defender, or will the pressure prove too much, forcing a shakeup that could ripple through the entire blue line? The answer remains hidden, but one thing is certain: the coming days will reveal whether Carrier’s struggles are a temporary setback or the start of a more serious reckoning.

Photo of Alex Carrier against the Colorado Avalanche

Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL

Alex Carrier’s name is coming up again as this three-game road trip shows worrying signs for the defenseman, with his recent numbers drawing growing attention.

Alex Carrier may have just experienced one of the most difficult moments of his time with the Montreal Canadiens.

The statistic shared during today’s game hits hard. We learn that he has been on the ice for five goals against at five-on-five during the current trip.

“Alex Carrier has now been on the ice for a team worst 5 even-strength goals against during this 3 game road trip.”

– Habs On Reddit

It’s the worst total on the team over that stretch. This number is surprising, especially because the Canadiens have played a more structured game lately. Carrier, however, seems to be struggling to keep up with the pace.

In my opinion, it shows in his decisions and in the way he reacts under pressure. You can feel that he’s still looking for his comfort on the ice.

A worrying signal for the Canadiens and Alex Carrier

He certainly hasn’t lacked effort since the start of the year. But the results aren’t there, and people are talking. We don’t know if it’s just a rough stretch or something more serious. Some observers note that his coverage looks hesitant. Others say Carrier really doesn’t look like the player he was last season.

For a defenseman who’s supposed to bring calm, that’s not ideal. I think media pressure isn’t helping at all. The Canadiens now have to decide whether to protect him or try something else to stabilize the situation.

I believe Carrier could be scratched soon. More details to follow.