Living in Alberta, I watched both the Oilers vs Habs and Flames vs Habs and I'd have to say that the Canadiens played much better against the Flames despite being short 2 defencement. 

The big differece that I saw was the Montreal forwards are really spreading Calgary's defencemen by playing close to the boards and close to center ice when the defensemen brings the puck up.   The big problem though is that none of the defensemen including Dandenault appear to have any offensive abilities in getting the puck up.   They really missed Markov.

Once the puck was transitioned to the forwards, the players didn't seem to attack as a unit.  Instead it was dump it in and same player chase the puck.  At least most of the time.

I think with a couple of weeks practice under Gainey , we will see a more complete effort from the team.  It has to get better.

I optimistic that things will get better and we may than see a trade in the making.