Montreal Canadiens 2008-09 Outlook

MONTREAL CANADIENS

NOTABLE ADDITIONS
Marc Denis, G (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Tampa Bay Lightning)
Robert Lang, C (Acquired in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks)
Georges Laraque, RW (Signed as a free agent, previously with the Pittsburgh Penguins)
Alex Tanguay, LW (Acquired in a trade with the Calgary Flames)

NOTABLE LOSSES
Mikhail Grabovski, C (Traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs)
Corey Locke, C (Traded to the Minnesota Wild)
Michael Ryder, RW (Signed as a free agent with the Boston Bruins)
Bryan Smolinski, C (Unsigned Free Agent)

Mark Streit, D (Signed as a free agent with the New York Islanders)

2007-08 Season Finish: 1st Northeast Division, 1st Eastern Conference, 104 Pts.

2007-08 Playoffs: Won 4-3 against the Boston Bruins in Quarterfinals

Lost 4-1 to Philadelphia Flyers in Semi-Finals

2008-09 Prediction: 1st Northeast Division, 1st Eastern Conference

The Montreal Canadiens were one of the most dominant teams in the Eastern Conference during the 2007-08 season, but struggled in the playoffs, nearly losing to the Boston Bruins in the 1st round before losing in five games to the Philadelphia Flyers in the semi-finals. After some offensive upgrades over the summer, the Canadiens will look to have another fine season in 2008-09, their 100th season in existence. Looking for a high-scoring forward, the Canadiens acquired Alex Tanguay from the Calgary Flames. Tanguay gives the Canadiens lots of offensive depth and experience. He will likely join Saku Koivu and Alex Kovalev on the top line. Guillaume Latendresse, Christopher Higgins, and Tomas Plekanec give the Canadiens lots of offensive talent and depth and enjoyed fine seasons in 2007-08. They will look to improve their fine play in 2008-09. Lacking veteran experience at center, the Canadiens recently acquired Robert Lang from the Chicago Blackhawks. Lang will give the Canadiens plenty of goal-scoring talent and veteran depth. Brothers Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn enjoyed fine rookie seasons last year and will likely improve in 2008-09. They bring plenty of offensive talent and toughness to the team, respectively. Maxim Lapierre, Tom Kostopoulos, Steve Begin, and newcomer Georges Laraque all bring plenty of toughness and gritty play to the Canadiens forward lines. The Canadiens have plenty of high-quality prospects who will look to make the team at training camp. Kyle Chipchura, Max Pacioretty, Greg Stewart, and Matt D'Agostini will all look to secure roster spots on the 4th line at training camp.

The Canadiens lost a bit of offensive talent on their defense after the departure of Mark Streit via free agency, but their blueline is still stocked with plenty of talented players. Andrei Markov provides the team with lots of offensive talent and veteran depth. The Canadiens have plenty of rugged defensemen in Roman Hamrlik, Mike Komisarek, Francis Bouillon, Ryan O'Byrne, and Josh Gorges. Their toughness and gritty play makes them a valuable part of the team's defense. Mathieu Dandenault brings plenty of speed and veteran depth to the team's defense, while longtime Canadien Patrice Brisebois brings veteran experience and grit to the team. While the Canadiens have lots of rugged and gritty players on their defense, the team could use an offensive defenseman on the blueline, especially on the powerplay.

Goalie phenom Carey Price will begin his first full season as the Canadiens starter in 2008-09. Price played exceptional for the Canadiens last season, showing that he will be an elite goaltender in the NHL with his fine play. Jaroslav Halak will be Price's backup next season, giving the Canadiens two talented goaltenders to backstop the team. Both goalies show lots of promise, but their inexperience could hurt the Canadiens come playoff time. Marc Denis was brought in via free agency for veteran depth, but his degrading play over the past few seasons likely won't carry the Canadiens far if they have to rely on him at any time during the season.

STRENGTHS

• Very talented, high-scoring offense.
• Rugged defense.
• Lots of high-quality prospects.

WEAKNESSES

• Need more offense on defense.
• Goaltenders don't have a lot of experience at the professional level.