After playing 20 games thus far in the 2013-14 season, Montreal sits fifth place in the Atlantic Division. This isn’t exactly a stellar start to a season but there is definitely some positives to take away from their game, despite some of the end results. Certain players have really proved to the Habs brass that they deserve big ice time and a spot on the roster, while others are making it apparent that their presence would not be missed. 20 games is a solid sample size for management to review their teams play. I wouldn’t be too surprised if some change came into the locker room in the new year. This could be simply a small move to shake things up, or even a bigger move to bring in a significant game changer. Below I will review some of the positives and negatives that I have seen so far this season, along with my take on how the Habs will finish in the season.
POSITIVE
- It should be apparent to everyone that the “kid line” of Eller, Gallchenyuk, and Gallagher is being a true offensive force and dynamic line for Montreal, with 13, 15, and 12 points respectively, taking up three of Montreals top five spots in points
- Michael Bournival has really stepped into his own, finding great chemistry with the likes of Gionta and Plekanec, as he has found himself on the scoresheet nine times after 17 games played.
- Goalie tandem of Carey Price and Peter Budaj are playing brilliantly with a combined .939 sv% and 1.8 GAA
- PK Subban is doing what hes supposed to do, racking up the points!
- Special teams are playing stellar, third in the league in PP% (23.7) and fifth in PK% (86.5)
- Alexei Emelin is back! The intimidating force will be playing his first game against the Rangers tonight.
Negative
- Max Pacioretty is off to a very slow start, with only four points in his first 11 games his production is very disappointing.
- David Desharnais is nearly invisible on the ice. hopefully his shootout winner against Columbus will get him going again.
- Habs game is lacking consistency in all areas. More effort is needed all around to become a tougher team to play against.
- Francis Boullion and Douglas Murray have both been huge liabilities on the back end. Combined they are a whopping minus 15 with a mere two assists.
Now, Montreal is really at a crucial point in this season. With Emelin returning to the lineup, they will have a huge boost in comparison to either Boullion or Murray. Prust coming back against Columbus will really help the depth of the team, and availability of moving guys up and down the lineup. If guys like Desharnais, Pacioretty, and Rene Bourque can increase their production levels, Montreal will truly be an offensive dynamo. I think that by the end of the season Montreal will have a few new faces in their lineup, and will make it into the playoffs.
photo credit: cerebusfangirl via photopin cc
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