MONTREAL, Que–The National Hockey League’s most storied franchise celebrates 100 years this season and allot of people are saying that a trip to the Stanley Cup finals is not far fetched. Since taking over as general manager Bob Gainey has made a huge impact in Montreal with regards to recruiting and developing prospects. Gainey has also shown great restraint with not overpaying any potential unrestricted free agent coming into Montreal. Montreal is solid in goal with Carey Price despite a shaky start last season and being sent down to the American Hockey League where he was solid between the pipes with the Bulldogs. With his recall to the big club Price’s play was excellent which allowed Bob Gainey to trade Cristobal Huet. Even though Montreal bowed out in the second round to the Philadelphia Flyers allot of finger pointing was directed to Carey Price where he did not deliver like in the regular season and it can be pointed out that he was only 20 years old and inexperienced in these situations. At age 21 this season Price has gained valuable experience from last season and all eyes will be upon him to deliver if Montreal wants to go far this season. Besides Carey Price the Habs have great depth with Jaroslav Halak. The Canadiens had the best powerplay last season and with Andrei Markov finishing sixth in defenceman scoring with 42 points he will have to step it up a notch with the departure of Mark Streit. The good news is that the power play may be the only concern stemming from Montreal’s strong blueline. Mike Komisarek was the NHL’s top shot-blocking defenceman last season and was second in the league in hits. Roman Hamrlik backed up his huge salary well as Montreal’s most reliable defensive blueliner, while former press box regular Josh Gorges made huge strides and is now penciled into the depth chart as a Top 4 defenceman. Rounding out the group is the small, but gritty Francis Bouillon and towering youngster Ryan O’Byrne. Montreal were near tops in the leagues fastest and skilled offensive teams and will only get better at the season gets going. With the addition of Alex Tanguay and Robert Lang, Montreal should have one of the leagues best balanced attacks. One question that remains is what Alexie Kovalev will show up this season. Kovalev is notorious for showing up one season and then not showing up the next season. Most are predicting we will see the Alex Kovalev that stood above everyone else last season leading the team in scoring and being Montreal’s most valuable player. Thomas Plekanec enjoyed a breakout season. Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn are fast and creative and both are capable of putting up big numbers this season. Georges Laraque is the new cop in town and along with Steve Begin and Tom Kostopoulos the Canadiens offence should explode thanks to these three who will create allot of skating room for Montreal’s top guns. Last season Montreal was one of the league’s healthiest clubs but this year they will start the season with at least one regular in doubt for the opener as George Laraque continues to to be nagged by a groin injury that kept him out of the entire pre season, now Guy Carbonneau says Laraque doesn’t have to be in shape to fight, but he wants him to be more then an enforcer, so Laraque will not be rushed back into the line-up. Canadiens Depth Chart Goalies Price Halak Defence Markov Komisarek (Lead the league in blocks and was second in hits) Hamrlik Gorges Bouillion O’Byrne Dandenault Brisebois Forward A. Kostitsyn Plekanec Kovalev Higgins Koivu Tanguay Latendresse Lang S. Kostitsyn Laraque Lapierre Kostopolous Begin Chipchura With the retro jerseys, the Patrick Roy jersey retirement ceremony, and the all star game next January. All these will be constant reminders of the pressure to deliver the Stanley Cup during the Canadiens centennial season and its extra weight the players seem to be embracing this season. Have the ghosts of the forum finally made the transition to the Bell Centre only time will tell. Contact the author at: andruw.bourgeois@prohockeynews.com
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