{allcanada} Canadiens preview: Montreal poised for another quality campaign

 

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2014-15 results:

50-22-10, first in Atlantic

Story line: Price is right for another high-quality season in Montreal.

Arrivals: RW Alexander Semin (free agent), RW Zack Kassian (trade with Vancouver Canucks)

Departures: LW Brandon Prust (traded to Vancouver), D Sergei Gonchar (tryout with Pittsburgh Penguins), RW P.A. Parenteau (signed with Toronto Maple Leafs)

Goaltending: Hart Trophy winner Carey Price (44-16-6, 1.96, .933) is the difference between Montreal being a contender and having to claw its way into the playoffs. He was the most dominant performer in the game last season and should be dominant again this season.

Analysis: Winning through high-quality goaltending and defense is a proven strategy, but the Canadiens know they need to score more. They ranked 20th in goals last season, and every team below them missed the playoffs. The Semin signing, a $1 million investment, seems like a good roll of the dice. The Canadiens hope Kassian shows more of a scoring touch. The Canadiens are thankful that injured 37-goal scorer LW Max Pacioretty is ahead of schedule in his recovery from an injury and should be ready near the start of the season. The Canadiens also have dependable Tomas Plekanec (26 goals).

What advanced stats say: The Canadiens were in the bottom third of NHL teams in Corsi Rating, which measures puck possession. What saved them all season was Price's .948 save percentage in even-strength situations.

Breakthrough candidate: A 55- to 60-point season is not out of the question for W Alex Galchenyuk, 21. He posted 20 goals and 46 points last season.

Youngster to watch: Stay-at-home D Greg Pateryn, 25, is expected to stick with Montreal this season. He has played three seasons in the American Hockey League and 20 games in the NHL. The Canadiens used him in the playoffs.

What the team really needs: A big, scoring center, but those are impossible to find. The Canadiens would be content if they got better scoring by committee and an improved power play (23rd last season).

Key question: Can Semin help? He has talent, but his inconsistency has irritated coaches. The one-time 40-goal scorer had 19 points in 57 games. He's on a one-year contract, which should motivate him to have a strong season to earn a longer deal.
Forecast: The Habs have lost ground to the Tampa Bay Lightning, but they should be solidly in the playoffs.

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