CFN – This year’s version of the Montreal Canadiens now sit in 1st place of the Eastern Conference. Is this team better than last years? Yup. In almost every way, from coaching to over all numbers. The team is giving up less shots against and less goals; both huge indicators of an improvement. At 35 GA right now Boston has given up less, but played 3 less games.
While Erik Cole is suffering through his traditional slow start and PK Subban’s hold out marred the first quarter of the shortened season; Raphael Diaz’s emergence and Andrei Markov’s productive return and manly eating of minutes have helped stabilize the back end.
While this team, like almost every NHL squad has many question marks today they have to be proud for achieving the mark of hitting first place with their 3-1 victory over the mighty NY Rangers. Max Pacioretty, Alex Galchenyuk, and Raphael Diaz scored with Carey Price back in net after his flu bug.
If you keep getting 30+ shots per night and keep those against you to less than 25 good things will happen.
Winnipeg nipped Buffalo 2-1; Ottawa, without Karlsson & Spezza notched a 3-1 victory over the Islanders thanks to the goal tending of Craig Anderson; Tampa Bay doubled the Leafs 4-2 where Nazim Kadri fought Victor Hedman no less!
Ok, it wasn’t much of a fight, but it’s always good to see real players fight instead of just the heavy weights!
San Jose took the 2-1 win over St. Louis; Nashville 4 Detroit 3; Chicago soared over the Canucks 4-3; and LA crowned the Oilers 3-1.
What do you think Hockey fans? Are the Habs for real? You can post your comment below.
