The only thing worth complaining about is how the Rangers can't seem to put forth an even effort against the Habs over the course of a season. From the 1979 Cup Finals to the horrible 6-5 loss in Montreal two seasons back to the two-goal lead blown in the first match last season to the January see-saw of going from a 6-2 win to a 6-0 loss in a span of six days, the Rangers simply let the Canadiens flip the switch. Unacceptable.
Familiar Foes: The mighty munchkins of Gionta, Gomez and playoff hero Cammalleri should still provide a large chunk of the Canadiens offense. Tomas Plekanec was re-signed and the Habs decided to keep Andrei Kostitsyn (while letting his brother go to Nashville). Andrei Markov will be back in bleu, blanc et rouge by the time the Canadiens take on the Rangers this season. N00bz: As Markov heals, P.K. Subban will get plenty of ice time to prove that his superb playoff performance was not a fluke. Speaking of flukes, Carey Price is back in the Montreal crease so the Habs added Alex Auld to back him up. Personally I think that there will be another netminder by the end of 2010 (Jose Theodore?) but we will have to see. Seeing as they sent Halak packing, John Davidson only sent back a pair of mediocre prospects and one should make the Montreal roster - Lars Eller. But seeing as Eller couldn't make the bad Blues, he shouldn't threaten the Rangers too much. Benoit Pouliot came over late last year for Guillaume Latendresse and flourished - if he can keep it going he be a big threat for the Rangers.
Last Year: Saturday, October 24th 5-4 OT Habs win; Sunday, January 17th6-2 Ranger win; Saturday, January 23rd 6-0 Habs win; and Tuesday, March 16th 3-1 Habs win.
This Year: Tuesday, January 11th @ MSG; Saturday, January 15th in Montreal; Saturday, February 5th in Montreal; and Friday, March 18th @ MSG.
What They Mean To Blue: A rival for 85 years, there is no other team outside of the Atlantic Division who brings the kind of passion to MSG like the Habs do. Hopefully this season will see the Rangers finally keep the pressure on rather than being satisfied with momentary success.
Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens, one of the most iconic franchises in the history of the NHL, are gearing up for another exciting season of hockey. As the puck drops on a new campaign, it's time for another installment of "Peepin' Foes Preview Edition," where we provide an in-depth look at what to expect from the Montreal Canadiens in the upcoming season.
In this article, we'll delve into their roster, recent performance, key players to watch, and answer some frequently asked questions about the team. Whether you're a dedicated Canadiens fan or simply intrigued by this legendary NHL franchise, our preview has got you covered.
Montreal Canadiens Roster Analysis
The Montreal Canadiens have a storied history and a legacy of excellence in the NHL. Let's examine some key aspects of their current roster:
1. Offense:
The Canadiens boast a dynamic forward group led by captain Shea Weber. Nick Suzuki, Jonathan Drouin, and Tyler Toffoli provide offensive firepower, while Brendan Gallagher adds grit and scoring.
2. Defense:
On the blue line, Shea Weber anchors the defense with his physical play and leadership. Jeff Petry and Ben Chiarot provide stability and offensive contributions.
3. Goaltending:
In goal, Carey Price is the Canadiens' stalwart netminder. Price's exceptional skills and ability to make game-changing saves have been pivotal to the team's success.
Recent Performance
The Montreal Canadiens enjoyed a remarkable run in the 2020-21 season, advancing to the Stanley Cup Final. They faced the Tampa Bay Lightning but ultimately fell short in their pursuit of the championship.
However, their playoff performance showcased their resilience and skill, and the Canadiens look to build on that success in the upcoming season. The team's management has made strategic moves to strengthen the roster, and the fan base has high expectations for another deep playoff run.
Key Players to Watch
Carey Price: Price, a perennial Vezina Trophy contender, is the backbone of the Canadiens. His exceptional goaltending and ability to steal games make him a player to watch in every matchup.
Nick Suzuki: Suzuki's impressive playmaking ability and hockey IQ make him a rising star in the NHL. His development is key to the Canadiens' future success.
Shea Weber: As the team's captain and a physical force on the blue line, Shea Weber's leadership and defensive play are essential to the Canadiens' success.
Jonathan Drouin: Drouin's offensive skill and creativity make him a player capable of changing the outcome of a game. His contributions will be closely monitored.
Jeff Petry: Petry's ability to contribute offensively from the blue line adds an extra dimension to the Canadiens' game. He is a key player on both ends of the ice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can the Canadiens return to the Stanley Cup Final in the upcoming season?
The Canadiens demonstrated their playoff potential in the 2020-21 season. Whether they return to the Stanley Cup Final depends on their performance, adaptability, and the challenges they face in the postseason.
2. How important is Carey Price to the team's success?
Carey Price is vital to the Canadiens' success. His goaltending excellence and ability to make crucial saves in high-pressure situations are invaluable to the team.
3. What is the Canadiens' playing style known for?
The Canadiens are known for their physical play, strong defensive structure, and the ability to capitalize on counterattacks. They emphasize responsible two-way hockey.
*4. Are there promising prospects in the Canadiens' organization?
Yes, the Canadiens have promising prospects in their system, including Cole Caufield and Alexander Romanov. These young players could play significant roles in the team's future success.
*5. How has the addition of Tyler Toffoli impacted the team's offense?
Tyler Toffoli's scoring ability and offensive contributions have added depth to the Canadiens' forward group. His presence on the roster enhances their offensive firepower.
The Montreal Canadiens, a franchise with an illustrious history and a passionate fan base, are poised for another thrilling NHL season. With a mix of skilled veterans and emerging stars, they aim to build on their legacy and compete for a Stanley Cup.
As the new NHL season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Canadiens as they strive to return to the pinnacle of hockey and capture another championship. Whether they achieve their goals or not, one thing is certain: the Montreal Canadiens will continue to be a team worth watching and supporting as they pursue excellence in the world of professional hockey. So, get ready for another exciting season of Canadiens hockey as they aim to add to their storied history of success.
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