Canadiens' Stefan Matteau: Six hits Tuesday

Matteau had his best game since being acquired by Montreal in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Ducks, administering six hits in 12:45 of ice time.

A former first-round draft pick in 2012, Matteau has not made a mark in the NHL -- just six points and minus-13 in 52 career games over three-plus seasons. His unremarkable play continued following the trade until Wednesday's physical effort against the rugged Ducks. The 22-year-old is playing for a spot on next season's team; frankly, he needs to do more than he has in his first eight games as a Canadien -- more hustle, more getting to the net, more offense -- to be something other than organizational depth in the AHL ranks moving forward.