Posted by I’m not sure how it happens really but it seems as though every year after the draft, “UFA season”, the rookie camps and training camp we get to the month of October, a month where the new NHL season starts and where hopes, expectations and predictions are put to the test.
This year like many others before it, all the predictions were made and many of the predictions I read and heard placed the Montreal Canadiens in the playoffs somewhere between the 6th and 8th spot.
What sometimes happens once the season gets going are all the unpredictable situations that a team may come up against. Seems like the Canadiens are going through some of what they did last year.
Some questions to ponder about the Montreal Canadiens and this new season.
Can you picture this season without Andrei Markov?
God forbib his injury would keep him out longer then the 4 months that is estimated but if it did how does that affect your prediction about this team? Assuming of course you did predict they would finish in a certain spot.
Would you put the Canadiens in the playoffs if Markov is out for the entire year?
Andrei Markov is the Canadiens best player (if you don’t think so…. he’s definately in the top 2) and has been the quarterback on this team for the last few years. His presence has been essential to the team’s offense as well to it’s defense. His puck moving skills have often been at the heart of the team’s flow on offense. I personally don’t think Gainey could replace him on this team even if he pulled off some kind of trade. Markov is an elite defenseman in the league.
I’ve been thinking about this team’s lineup since the start of the season and especially since the Markov injury. I’m not prepared to write the Canadiens out of the playoffs. In my opinion, they could still be good enough to squeeze in. But let’s just say that anymore major blows and any chance may fly out the window.
These first few games have shown both positives and negatives.
Some negative: Well, the team just looks like they’re playing without Markov. Without the true number 1 defenseman that controls the flow of the game. The defense (not just the “defensemen” but the team’s overall defensive play) looks disorganized and “out of it” at times. This has resulted in some high shot totals in 3 of the 5 first games.
These high shot totals and a confused defense will not do the Canadiens goaltenders any favors. Jacques Martin talked about playing more of a puck control game and protecting his goaltender.
The seeming confusion or disorganization on defense has also resulted in several bad give aways.
Some positive: I see lots of positives in Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta and Mike Cammalleri.
Brian Gionta has been impressive. The guy just doesn’t quit on a play, he’ll go in the corners with bigger guys and somehow come out with the puck. Then there’s the fact that he’ll get open and shots on goal.
Mike Cammalleri has also played well… he and Gionta have shown lot’s of intensity and good hockey sense. Cammalleri has yet to score, but he is currently leading the team with 20 shots on goal. (Gionta is second with 16 and Plekanec has 15)
When Gainey traded for Gomez I didn’t like it one bit. I looked at his money vs the points in the last couple of years and read comments on his performance. But man, when Gomez gets going…. he can skate and he can pass the puck.
When Martin teams them up they’ve shown some stints of amazing play. There’s alot of talk about their size (being small guys) but having watching them play it seems like everynow and then they move the puck very fast and get shots off like crazy. Since we’re only 5 games into the season it would seem to me that this combination could result in sweet music on the power play and 5 on 5.
They also get back on defense!
But one thing is for sure, both Jacques Martin and Bob Gainey will find out what their team is made of this season. All the UFAs and the prospects they’ve brought up to fill up the roster. They’ve got major challenges right off the bat.
While a player like Markov can’t be replaced, perhaps there are so many new faces that it hasn’t disrupted Martin’s new system or the flow with the new players… because none of it has really had the time to come to fruition. But saying he is missed is an understatement.
Some Other Articles That You May Enjoy:
Is it all so gloomy in Montreal?
Twitter Updates for 2009-08-11
New year’s resolutions for the Canadiens
Old School Bruins: Compared to This Fighting Has Come a Long Way
Montreal Canadiens: Which Habs Will Show Up Next?
Montreal Canadiens Must Snap Out of It
We hope you enjoyed this post. As always, leaving a comment below is both appreciated and encouraged. Thanks!
Hey Yves, welcome to the group – nice first post!
The thing that jumps out about loosing Markov (and the zombie-like play of Kostitsyn the Elder) is the real lack of depth. Not that Markov can be replaced but we just don’t have any other bodies with real NHL pedigree. Weber looks like he can play but….and right about now I’d love to be benching Kostitsyn but there’s just nobody to bring up to a second line. Latendresse is another that should be replaced but the guy(s) that should be replacing him (Max P or Dagostini) need being replaced – follow? no depth, not much of a third line. The top 3 new guys look good but what about the rest?
Thanks Bruce!
It’s a bit of a pickle in my opinion. Some of these young guys do seem to have loads of talent, but they’re having to be thrown in the mix a tad bit fast.
Andrei Kostitsyn seems to be a mystery to me… at times you’ll see that great puck moving skill and nice shot…. but then he just disappears. He kinda reminds me of another guy we had in Montreal quite recently… another A.K….. loads of talent but not consistent.
Sometimes I honestly think that prospects get hyped up a bit too much.
Matt D’Agostini cam up last year and made an impression right away with a great stretch of games… but then disappeared… Really, Matt almost hasn’t played in the NHL yet… 57 games in the NHL… and Pacioretty it’s the same deal where he’s got 39 games in the NHL.
And some people have even talked about having them possibly fill a spot even in the top 2 lines. It’s always a great idea when it works…. but….
On D it’s the same deal. Especially since O’Byrne also got hurt… he was lookin’ good.
There is a lack of depth. Give another year or 2 and I’m sure some of these young guys will be a bit more ready to step up, but they’re really just trying to find their way.
For the 3rd line, I’m hopeful. Lapierre, Latendress and Moen played great together on a 3rd against Calgary, when they play physical they seem to be effective.
They’ve got some time playing in Montreal now so we’ll see if things settle a little more.
Max Pac I think will be a good one with a little more seasoning and you’re right, it’s tough throwing the young guys in so fast. Gainey should help AK disappear for good. I’m hard on him because of his massive skill level. Those of us in Montreal that see him a lot know just how talented he is, that’s the frustrating part. Maybe he learned a little too much from Kovalev. How to cash your paycheck and just float through the games….very frustrating.
I agree… I also think Max Pac will be a good one.
And Bruce… very fitting word to describe Kostitsyn.
Frustrating.