Like most people in this hockey crazed city, I eagerly await the start of the new NHL regular season. Even though I'm not a true Habs fan (I've been a Rangers fan my whole life from almost the mid 70's!!), I am definitely a follower of Hockey in this city, and can probably say that I cheer for the Habs on most occasions.
As we all witnessed the annihilation of the Habs to the Bruins in the first round of the playoffs, there were ominous signs of the winds of change to come. Mike Komisarek's decision to take on Milan Lucic again resulted in another flash KO. Although this beating was nowhere near the one Lucic administered in mid season( effectively ruining Komisarek's season not only due to the shoulder injury) it capped a disappointing end to the Habs year, and ultimately ended Komisarek's tenure here. His decision not to re-sign here was probably a mutual decision with management, even though Bob Gainey did supposedly make an effort to sign him. However, Toronto ultimately overpaid for him; and hopefully Montreal's acquisitions of Hal Gil, Jaro Spacek, and Paul Mara will pick up the slack. Spacek and Mara both have more hockey sense and offensive upside than Komisarek, although they lack his mobility and aggressiveness, which Komisarek rarely displayed after the beating from Lucic. With these 3 newcomers, Andre Markov, Josh Gorges, and Roman Hamrlik must absolutely step up and have very good seasons in order for the Habs to succeed this year. I feel that although the Habs defence corps will start off the season somewhat shaky, they will settle down and be a steady yet unspectacular group; (look for another big season from Markov!)
As for the goaltending, we can only hope Carey Price gets it together and performs at the level he is capable of. Price has the potential to be an elite goalie, and he has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency is the key word for him this year. I predict a more mature Price having a solid year this year.
On offence, Gainey obviously made wholesale changes!!! I like some of the additions, but how quickly can these guys learn to play together as a unit. Gone is captain Koivu and the spectacular and equally enigmatic Alex Kovalev, and in is the speedy and 2 time Cup winner Scotty Gomez, and emerging sniper Mike Camalleri. Although Kovalev's flair and penchant for electrifying the Bell Centre crowd will be missed, I predict Camalleri will quickly gain a fan base in this city for his hard nosed play and passion, and for his goal scoring ability.. I predict 35 goals this year for Camalleri and good chemistry on a line with Gomez. I think Brian Gionta will help also, but I feel that the acquisition of Travis Moen, even if it was a low key transaction, will be one that Habs fans will appreciate very quickly. Look for Moen to replace Tom Kostopoulos (good luck in Carolina) in his role, but he will not be the punching bag that TK had become, Moen is tough! Also, guys like Max Lapierre and Latendresse have to keep developing, and guys like Max Paciorety and Matt D'Agostini have to take advantage of what playing time they will get and make room for themselves. Finally... the Kostitsyn brothers.... well, since Gainey didn't trade them, they have to perform quickly. They are both very talented, but must really concentrate on the game of hockey.
My final prediction is a fight for a playoff berth...7th or 8th... but anything can happen!!
until later.... GB
