What's Different Between the 2007 and 2008 Montreal Canadiens?

Just thought I would write a quick article discussing how this years Habs compare to last years after 30 games.  Many have been very disappointed in this years performance but I do not think it is actually that bad.  Watching them play the way they have with the record they have actually makes me a little bit excited.  Anyway let's get to the numbers.

Record

·           2008 16-9-5=37

·           2007 14-11-5=33

Goals

·           2008 GF 87 GA 78

·           2007 GF 85 GA 88

Players

·           Kovalev

·            2008 - 6-17=23 PP 1-8=9

·            2007 - 13-12=25 PP 9-7=16

·           Plekanec

·            2008 - 6-7=13 PP 2-3=5

·            2007 - 10-13=23 PP 4-5=9

·           Koivu

·            2008 - 7-15=22 PP 1-2=3

·            2007 - 5-16=21 PP 4-6=10

·           Markov

·            2008 - 5-19=24 PP 2-6=8

·            2007 - 6-13=19 PP 4-9=13

·           A. Kostitsyn

·            2008 - 6-7=13 PP 0-1=1

·            2007 - 11-22=33 PP 6-12=18

·           S. Kostitsyn

·            2008 - 3-6=9 PP PP 2-3=5

·            2007 did not play in the first 30 games last year

·           Higgins

·            2008 - 5-4=9  PP 0-1=1

·            2007 - 12-8=20 PP 5-4=9

·           Latendresse

·            2008 - 3-6=9 PP 0-1=1

·            2007 - 19-10=29 PP 6-6=12

·            Hamrlik

·            2008 - 2-6=8 PP 0-0=0

·            2007 - 2-12=14 PP 1-4=5

You can see by these stats that some players really need to pick it up.  However, when you now bring in Lang and Tanguay's stats you can see these two guys have picked up the others slack, which shows the depth the Canadiens have.

·           Lang

·            2008 - 10-12=22

·           Tanguay

·            2008 - 9-12=21

Now after looking at these stats there is one obvious problem and we all know what it is, the power-play.  However, we are actually able to score some even strength goals this year which we had trouble with last year.  So all in all, if the power play or Lats, Higgins, and Pleks can start to click I think this team is in for a great season.  Oh and enough about firing Carb.  That is absurd.