Hockey’s most storied franchise looks to build off of last years ups and downs. With the “Little 3” leading up front in Michael Cammalleri, Scott Gomez, and Brian Gionta they will be looking for a repeat performance from leading point getter, Thomas Plekanec. PK Subban emerged in the playoffs as a top D-Man and he will have a permanent spot in the line-up along side star, Andrei Markov. Jaroslav Halak was traded to St. Louis after carrying the team in the final stretch of the season and playoffs. The reigns in goal turn to Carey Price who had a good year, however, the wins were not there. He has been given the #1 job and it’s his to lose.
They will look to Michael Cammalleri to lead them to the Stanley Cup
After barely making it into the playoffs by getting 1 point in their final game of the season, the Canadiens had a tough test by playing the Presidents Champions, Washington Capitals. Nobody besides Habs fans thought they had a chance. However, after being down 3-1 in the series the Canadiens rallied and took the series 4-3. Things would not get any easier as the next round would see them facing the defending champs, the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Canadiens once again silenced the critics and won the series after 7 games and another powerhouse fell. The Cinderella story would end there as the Canadiens lost to the Philadelphia Flyers in 5 games.
Carey Price is there go to guy
The Montreal Canadiens struggled with injuries and distractions both on and off the ice throughout the 09-10 season. Montreal had 255 man games lost to injury. That includes Cammalleri(17 games), Markov(37 games), and Gionta(21 games). After a strong run in the playoffs, they will be looking to learn from it and use the experience they gained to take them to the next step.
Hopefully they will be able to raise Lord Stanley for a 25th time.
Projected Lines:
Forwards
Kostitsyn – Plekanec – Cammalleri
Pouliot – Gomez – Gionta
Moen - Boyd – Eller
Darche - Lapierre - Pyatt
Defense
Markov - Subban
Hamrlik - Spacek
Gill – Georges
O’Byrne
Goalies
Price
Auld
