Martin St. Louis has quickly become one of the NHL’s most respected coaches. Leading a young and exciting Montreal Canadiens into the playoffs, his tutelage goes beyond instilling hockey plays.

Throughout his four-year tenure, St. Louis has been noted for building strong relationships with his players.

Before clinching Game 3 against the Buffalo Sabres, the coach talked about his coaching style and his emotional connection with young players.

"I think I'll always be empathetic," St. Louis said, as reported by The Hockey News. "But I feel like I'm not letting my empathetic mindset stopping [sic] me from coaching."

This speaks to St. Louis' coaching ethics, as he has previously endorsed thorough communication and camaraderie over strict ideals. Reflecting on his methods, he emphasized that modern players respond better to respectful accountability.

“I think with this generation, you have to be demanding, but not demeaning," he told Christine Simpson of Sports on Prime Canada.

He noted the stark contrast with the coaching during his playing days.

"When I came into the league, they were very demanding and demeaning," he recalled. "At the time, you would get it.“

Returning to his comments pre-Game 3, St. Louis insisted honesty and empathy can work together in coaching. As a former NHL star, he understands the pressure and emotions players face.

"I've felt what they felt, I've made the same mistakes," he stated. "I've cost the team, and I've made big plays.”

Across a 16-year NHL career, Martin St. Louis scored 1033 points and won the Stanley Cup in 2004. He also received two Art Ross Trophies and the Hart Trophy and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.

Having seen the highs and lows of the sport, his experience certainly informs his coaching style.

St. Louis' methods have proven effective as well. Since his appointment in February 2022, the Montreal Canadiens' rebuild has gone from strength to strength.

Their points tally has risen from 55 in St. Louis' first season to 106 in this year's campaign. The results reflect the faith placed in him by General Manager Kent Hughes, who noted his personality, leadership potential, and long-term coaching upside before his appointment.

With the Sabres waiting on May 12, the Canadiens' coach will hope his methods can help extend their playoff lead.

Martin St. Louis' Focus Will Be on Game 4

The Canadiens currently have a 2-1 series lead against the Buffalo Sabres. The team rallied after a disappointing first-game loss and will look to extend their lead in Game 4.

They won't be without confidence, however, with St. Louis noted for his impassioned words. Canadiens' goalie Jakub Dobes hailed his coach for delivering a powerful speech before Game 2.

"Marty had an unbelievable speech before the game today," he said, as reported via Sportsnet. "I will probably remember it, maybe for the rest of my career.”

After their 6-2 win in Game 3, St. Louis and his young Canadiens squad will aim to take another step towards winning their first Stanley Cup since 1993.

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Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sijo Paul