Canadiens-Bruins: Experts Do About-Face, Predict Habs Alive After 5

At the start of the season, hockey analysts* far and wide, promised that dollars to donuts, the Montreal Canadiens would once again miss the playoffs.

The Hockey News, the foremost authority on all that is Hockey, confidently predicted that ‘Les Habitants’ would finish a dismal 13th in their conference. However, ever since the Montreal Canadiens were recently crowned Eastern Conference Champions, many of those so-called ‘experts’ are quickly changing their tune.

In yesterday’s edition of their Playoff Preview, The Hockey News predicted that Montreal would defeat Boston in 5 games.

Another outspoken Habs critic, and former Montreal player also went on record with his playoff prediction. Guy Lafleur, a five-time Stanley Cup winner, claimed the Habs would beat the Bruins in 5 or 6 games.

Many players were upset by Lafleur’s comments earlier this year, when he took them to task, scolding the team’s lack of effort, saying it had "4- fourth lines". His stinging remarks must’ve hit a nerve because the players collectively upped their game, perhaps in an effort to prove him wrong.

If that was his intention all along, I say bravo Guy, mission accomplished. I’m just grateful he didn’t publicly bad-mouth the Maple Leafs.

Today in a post-season press conference, a melancholic and reflective Paul Maurice was asked who he thought would be a Cup Contender in the east. Noncommittal as always, Maurice expressed that ‘goaltending’ would be the deciding factor as to who wins and moves on. Although his comment can be interpreted any number of ways, I’d rather not read between the lines.

There seems to be a unanimous feeling from fans and experts alike, that Montreal will win this series against Boston in 5 games. 

Being the superstitious and jaded type, I’ve decided to adopt a Swiss perspective and remain on the fence with regards to calling the outcome of this series. I’m happy with Montreal’s performance to date and if I can steal a line from Connie Francis, “che sera, sera.” However if I was a betting man, my money would be on the team with the most goals for and fewest goals against.  Statistically, they are the ones with the best chance, at the dance.

* excluding TSN's Maggie the Monkey