Montreal, The Team To Beat?

Well, i was shocked two nights ago as was the majority of the Hockey world (one would guess) when Montreal sealed off another favorite to win the eastern conference. Beating Washington was a monumental victory. It was hard fought, down 3 games to 1 against the President's Cup winner (seems that title is a jinx, ask San Jose) they fought back and claimed the first round from a team that was almost a sure bet for the eastern conference finals. It proves that nothing is given, nothing is indebted in the quest for Lord Stanley's cup. People figured that was it. Montreal had battled hard against Washington and had nothing left for the defending champs. While Sid The Kid seemed cool and collected as he always does, things weren't the way the fans in the Igloo had hoped. Pittsburgh dominated the first game, leaving everyone feeling as if it was expected, but the Canadiens came and stole one out from under the champs in their own building. Then it continued, the two teams continued to swap wins until game 6. Pittsburgh had Montreal right where they wanted them, 3 to 2 in the series, the champs needed one win in two possible games to continue on, one of those games at home none the less. Montreal battled back and ended up taking both. The Penguins ended their season, fans shocked and no doubt let down.


This is where we are at now. Montreal has to be labeled as the team to beat in the East now. Though something is going to change for Montreal in the next round. The Washington Capitals were a decently physical team, as well as Pittsburgh but these teams are definitely more a finesse style. Big name players, big time scoring. They prefer a shoot out opposed to a defensive lock down. The problem that lies ahead for Les Habitants is that either of the teams they will have to face next are big, physical teams that have a knack for crashing the net.


Lets take a look.






The Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins are the Canadiens' largest rivals in the NHL. When these two teams play it is an all out war. The Bruins are considerably more physical than Washington or Pittsburgh and they don't lack in skill when it comes to scoring either. They don't have Crosby, Malkin, or Ovechkin (Not that they slowed down Montreal) but they do have Savard who just returned and is hot right now, not to mention Chara has the ability to practically shoot a puck through the back of the twine.


If you'd like a history lesson on this rivalry here is the best i could find.
















The Philadelphia Flyers


The Flyers are known once again as the "Broad Street Bullies" this year and although in my opinion they have some big shoes to fill to even be considered for that nick name i have to admit, they are a large, physically punishing team, even more so than Boston and certainly more so than Pittsburgh or Washington.

Pronger, Hartnell, Richards, Carter, Coburn...i could go on. All of these guys are big guys, tough also, but as always one player must scare Montreal the most and that is Daniel Carcillo.


I know, i'm sick of hearing about him too. As far as i am concerned the guy is a straight goon.

22 points in 76 games in the regular season, he finished plus 5. They aren't Career high numbers for him, but they are close. That isn't what he is out there for though.






This is.


The second Daniel Carcillo grabs Jaroslav Spacek or Tomas Plekanec and tosses one of these, the game is going to change for the Montreal Canadiens in a big way.

Now of course the Canadiens have 6 foot 7, 241 pound Hal Gill but from everything i can see, he isn't much of a fighter. Big guy yes, big tough guy? Doesn't seem it.



Overall: The Montreal Canadiens will have to shift gears and be ready to battle with a physical team to win the east no matter the outcome of tonight's Game 7 in the Boston-Philadelphia series (Versus, 7pm Eastern/ 6pm Central). If they can overcome the physical aspects of the game, some how out class or out play their opponent though the hits, fights, and scrums then they could very well come out on top. Montreal does have speed on their side, but the other teams mentioned here definitely have size on theirs. Jaroslav Halak has no doubt been the biggest reason that the Habs have made it as far as they have, but he hasn't seen much net presence from either of those past opponents mainly because they had the skilled players that usually pass and shoot through rotation rather then crash the net. Another interesting point is that the Montreal Canadiens were the underdogs in the playoffs until now. Some teams need their back against the wall to be their best, we will find out if Montreal will play the same when the tables are turned and they are no doubt favorites in the East finals. I would be an idiot to doom the Canadiens saying that they cannot win the East, they've overcome two of the best teams there are in the NHL today to get where they are now. Either way, the potential match ups for the Eastern conference final are going to produce entertaining Hockey.


My picks?


Boston wins tonight, continues on.


Boston wins the east in 7 games.