The NHL just hit the halfway mark of 41 games a week ago, so naturally, teams are now starting to gear up for the stretch. Games will be much tighter, points will become rarer, and GMs will be on the lookout for players that will help them down that stretch and into the playoffs. This is the state of the Montreal Canadiens.
So far in the 2014-15 campaign, the Habs have been playing the much-loathed catch-up style of hockey, and although some games do demonstrate that the team indeed knows how to dominate for the full sixty minutes, the real reason the Canadiens are sitting third in the Atlantic Division, and seventh overall in the NHL, is Carey Price. We’ll be taking a look at Price’s play, the Habs’ performance, some of the season’s storylines, the trade target, and an outlook on the rest of the 2014-15 season.
The Montreal Canadiens, as a whole, have been somewhat confusing. The roster that they ice every night should be a contender, being as balanced as it is, with firepower, playmakers, good defensive play, young rising stars, a decent defensive corps with a true quarterback, and one of the best goalies in the world. Watching them on the ice, however, is a whole other situation. Unable to play the full sixty minutes more often then not, the Canadiens find themselves having to catch up to the opposing team’s lead. Their first period play is atrocious, scoring only 18 goals through 45 games, which is the worst in the league. When Edmonton, Buffalo, and Carolina are able to score more than you can in the first period, you’re in trouble. They have managed to win 8 games after being behind in the first, losing the other 13. The good news is, after that dreaded first period, the Habs can usually get back on track, scoring 41 (17th) in the second, and 57 in the third, the best in the league.
A recent example of this phenomenon was the January 20th game versus the Nashville Predators. The Canadiens were being outplayed severely through the first two periods, having been out-shot 26-6, until Nashville scored the first goal. halfway through the second. The lacklustre play went on until the start of the third, when the Habs suddenly turned on a switch, and were able to get the tying goal, with just two minutes left, while also firing 12 shots on net. They then went into overtime, and won with a cannon by P.K. Subban. This is a prime example of how the majority of Habs games are played out. If they don’t change this style of play, when they hit the playoffs, they will surely run into trouble.
An Outlook for the Rest of the Season
As previously stated, the Canadiens have a good roster, with franchise pieces. On paper, they are definitely contenders, but that hasn’t translated to the ice just yet. If the defence can stop leaving Price out to dry, and the forwards actually wake up in the first period, they might be able to keep on grabbing points and go for a deep playoff run, but it is completely up to them. Price has done everything that is asked of him, short of scoring goals, which he may have to start doing soon. Once the team comes together, and starts to play better defensively, more specifically, lowering the 30.5 shots on net they face on average, they will be a more complete team, and will be able to take two points without fighting tooth and nail in the dying minutes to tie it up.
Biggest Storyline
I couldn’t decide between this being Price’s most dominant season, or Alex Galchenyuk finally getting a long look at centre, so I will do both.
Galchenyuk, or affectionately known as Chucky, was drafted as a centre in 2012, a role that the Habs desperately needed. However, since coming into the league, he’s mainly played on the wing, only getting a few unsubstantial shots at centre. He was finally given his chance just over a month ago, and has impressed, even scoring his first career hat trick. He has since been moved back to the wing, having stated that he is more comfortable there, but this will definitely not be the last we’ve seen of him taking face-offs.
Price had a great year in 2014. First, he backstopped Team Canada to a gold medal at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. He was, once again, having a career year with the Montreal Canadiens. The goaltender returned from Sochi and continued his dominance, all the way to the playoffs, until he went down with a knee injury in the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Rangers. He started 2014-15 with a bit of trouble, but was still playing great. By the season’s half-way point, however, he has completely taken over, stealing so many games for the Habs, he is most likely wanted for Grand Theft Points. He is in the top five for every goalie statistic, with a minimum of 30 games played. He is the sole reason for the team being in a playoff position right now, and will continue to perform until the final buzzer goes off.
Another storyline that should be included was the passing of Jean Beliveau. “Le Gros Bill” was such a positive impact on the city, and was widely known as a true gentleman, willing to do anything for his fans and city. The news of his passing hit the city of Montreal hard. It is still fresh in our minds and hearts. Elise Couture, his widow, is still shown at games. The Habs are wearing his number four on a crest in his honour. The Bell Centre ice has a big number four imprinted behind each net. It is clear that the city of Montreal is still grieving over this loss, and it will take time to heal this wound. The ultimate honour to our treasured captain would be for Le Tricolore to take home the Stanley Cup.
Additions/Subtractions
If GM Marc Bergevin was to make any moves at the upcoming trade deadline, expect to see a second-line winger or a top-four defenceman be picked up. These are the team’s biggest needs, the offence probably being the biggest, due to their 18 games being decided by one goal. Picking up a second-line winger would also force Galchenyuk back into the centre position, where he truly belongs.
Conclusion
The Canadiens need to work on their strategies, defence, and playing the full sixty minutes. Once they accomplish this, Price won’t have to work so hard to steal points, saving some energy for the playoffs. The trade deadline is quickly approaching, and while this team isn’t in dire need of help, it would be beneficial if they can add some cheap secondary scoring. Go Habs Go!
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