Montreal Canadiens at the Midpoint: A Long Way To Go Yet

If the Montreal Canadiens are to become a serious contender this season, a major change will be needed to bring about a total winning environment.

Bob Gainey, Montreal's general manager, (pictured right at yesterday's news conference), had his own assessment of his team at the season midpoint, looking at concerns with his centremen, and the poor production of Michael Ryder.

Let's take our own look at the Canadiens midway through the 2007-08 season. A position by position analysis follows, including a coaching and management critique. I will close with my own thoughts as to where I think Montreal will end up in April.

Goaltending

Cristobal Huet missed a slew of games due to injury in the late autumn. Carey Price, who made the team as a rookie out of training camp this year, was just not yet up to the task of fillling Huet's skates. What has ensued is the demotion of Price to Hamilton on Jan 8, after a confidence shattering loss in overtime on Jan 5 at home.

Huet himself has looked shaky at times. A goal given up to Chicago in the crease during the Jan 8 game at home is an example of his uncertain play. Still, he has established himself as the number-one goaltender in Montreal.

Montreal's overall league rank in this department is 12th as of Jan 7, with a 2.68 goals against average, and a team .887 save percentage. Huet's save percentage is .926 and his goals against average is 2.68 over 22 games.

Compare that to Roberto Luongo of Vancouver. Luongo has a .930 save percentage, but also has a 1.97 goals against average over 34 games. A top flight goaltender will win you the big games. Huet is good, but Canadiens need improvement.

Defense

With Andrei Markov's election to the All-Star team at midpoint, the Canadiens can boast of a player who is a 'fan favourite.' Election to the All Star team is nothing more than a popularity contest.

Still, Markov is one of the finer players that Gainey was able to retain as a free agent, having resigned in the off season. Add Markov to Mike Komisarek, Francis Bouillon, (whose name means beef broth in English), and the return of Patrice Brisebois and there is some semblance of a solid defense corps.

The loss of Sheldon Souray as a free agent has not been felt. Many thought that his scoring touch would be missed on the power play. However, his penchant for being caught up-ice has not been missed, and all in all, Montreal has improved on defense at the mid-point. There is a need for a solid puck carrying defenseman to help spearhead the even strength attack.

Forwards

Montreal has not had a power forward since Guy Lafleur retired from Montreal in 1984! Since his leaving, there have also been only two Stanley Cups. To win the Stanley Cup, you do not need to have the number-one scorer in the league. But it does not hurt to have a real power forward.

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