Hello. I am somewhat active on another board but joined this one basically because iwant some habs discussion which is next to nill except for a few die hards
The Habs can have 3 strong scoring lines. Here's how I think it will shake down. First line: Lang C, Tanguay LW, Kovalev RW Second line: Plekanec C, Andrei Kostitsyn, LW Sergei Kostisyn RW Third Line Koivu C, Higgins LW, and either Kostopolous or Latendresse RW. Fourth line Lapierre C, Begin LW and Laraque RW (which may be the best fourth line in the league). Also look for guys like Kyle Chipchura and Gregory Stewart to make pushes for starting jobs throughout the year and/or to fill in for injured players
The D has bright spots (Markov, Komisarek and an underated Bouillon) but lacks physicality (aside from O'Byrne and Komisarek). Briesbrois had a surprisingly good season but Gorges is the key to the core. He has to develop and be a top 3 defenceman, now that Streit is gone. They also have Matt Carle in their system, a throw in pick from the Rivet trade and a few other D Draft picks, many from the US under-18 program ,who it seems Gainey has an in with. (Probably from his days in Minnesota).
Now everybody seems to be in love with Carey Price but i'm still QUITE bitter about his breakdown against the Flyers. If he had even pklayed average, they would of won. His team FINALLY played in front of him and he fucked it up. I hope he works through it. If not, he has two guys behind him with NHL experience that can win games. The D has to help him out and not give up 30+ shots a game like last year. Far too many games they got bailed out by their goaltending. they need more balance. They should be outshooting teams 35-20 most night, not the other way around.
Either way, they should win their division. Boston is their only threat and they don't have the goaltending, although they are packed with young talent, especially a healthy Partrice Bergeron, But the hAbs will most likely be a top 3 team in the East and a final four team in the NHL. I think they need one more defenceman (possibly a Mattais Ohlund???) and they'll be playing in June.