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2009-2010 record: 34-33-10 (88 points)
Lost to Philadelphia in Conference Finals 4-1
Captain: TBA
Alternate Captains: Hal Gill, Brian Gionta, Andrei Markov
3 players to watch: For all of the talk about Mike Cammalleri's coming out party during last season's playoffs, it was Brian Gionta who provided a consistent effort throughout the season. Granted, Cammalleri missed a few games during the regular season, which explains the 50 points in 65 games, but Gionta is one of the team leaders on and off the ice, and that is without the Captain's C on his jersey. With playoff hero Jaroslav Halak off to the Show Me State, naturally, all eyes are on Carey Price. He had some trouble the last two years, and was actually displaced as the starter last year. Any more struggles this year and he could be booed out of the building and the city of Montreal. One of the pleasant surprises last playoffs for the Canadiens was P.K. Subban. Just 20 years old, he played minutes on the blue line normally reserved for the Chris Prongers of world and handled it like a veteran. He is almost certainly ticketed for second pairing duty this year, and could be a first pairing defenseman by the end of the year.
Things to look for: So, what does Montreal do for an encore? A playoff run from the eighth spot that saw them knock off heavy favorites Washington and Pittsburgh have raised some expectations for the team. However, Halak is gone, and Price has yet to prove that he can handle the pressure cooker that is Montreal. If he falters, the backup is Alex Auld. Take that for what you will. Defensively, Andrei Markov, the team's best blue liner, is likely going to miss half the season. This opens the door to Subban, who showed that pressure is just a four letter word to him. He still has some improving to do, but he's already halfway in his development with time to spare. Cammalleri had a break out playoff run, something that was tapped into with his time in Calgary in 2008-2009 and Montreal in the regular season, when he was healthy. The Canadiens are counting on him to be ready for 82 games. Likely as important as the goaltending situation is who gets the C on their jersey. There is no shortage of worthy candidates, as Gionta, Hal Gill, and to a lesser extent, Scott Gomez, all can lay claim to that distinction.
Prediction: 9th in the East
Song: Leaves' Eyes-My Destiny
Where the Canadiens' destiny this season lies depends on Price. It will be a season long war for the team's quest for a playoff spot, which is almost certain to be filled with good and bad moments, sort of like what is in the Leaves' Eyes video.
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