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Montreal Canadiens Playoff Preview |
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My goodness, Boston-Montreal once again!
Whether you’re boundlessly optimistic or hopelessly cautious, it’s quite obvious who the favorite is here. You don’t pick who you play in the post-season, but if Montreal could’ve…
It’s not to say that Boston doesn’t have it in them, they’ll have a warpath, and strategically outlined mission to pull a Rhinoceros out of Youppi’s hat! We’ll get into all of that later...
We don’t have to go over the season-series, nor Montreal’s accolades, nor Boston’s formidable, remarkable campaign to make the playoffs given a litany of injuries to their top guns. Both teams have certainly impressed this season, but 82 games of preparation is the only thing that carries over to the playoffs.
Chris Higgins made an interesting remark on trade deadline when he said: “Once this is over, it’s great to look around the room and see who you’re going to battle with. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Everyone’s had a chance to look around the room. The playoffs are here, and everyone knows who they’re going to battle with. The only thing left is belief, because a Stanley Cup takes exceptional play, physical durability, and of course, a little luck!
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Montreal’s keys to beating Boston:
It’s really quite a simple formula. Starting with the veterans, complimented by the youth, sheltered by great goaltending.
Vets:
Not to put anything past Montreal’s captain, but given that we’re a day away from Game 1, and Koivu has yet to practice with the team, it seems improbable that he’ll be ready to go tomorrow night. That being said, he’ll be an important cog in any Canadiens victory, so don’t expect him to miss too much action.
In his absence all eyes will be on Bryan Smolinski, whose ice-time shot up towards the end of the season as the team’s go to faceoff man. Smolinski’s responsibility is to keep the opposition off the board; a job he, Begin, and Kostopoulos have proven to be quite good at. Don’t be surprised to see Smolinski score a few either, he’s got 49 points in 111 playoff games.
Speaking of Begin; if there’s anyone who understands what sacrifice in the post-season is all about, it’s Steve Begin. Last time Montreal played Boston in the first round, Begin lost a few of his teeth slamming face first into the guard rail of the boards, only to return to action minutes later with a cage on. As part of a team that came back from a 3-1 series deficit, Begin has a keen acceptance of what he needs to do in order to be effective: block shots and hit like there’s no tomorrow. Every team needs an unsung hero in order to go far in the playoffs…Begin is that type of player.
The spotlight is on Andrei Markov. How tough is he? How willing is he to withstand the beating that will surely be thrown at him each and every time he’s on the ice? As Montreal’s top defenseman, Markov will be obliged to take care of Boston’s best, and will be heavily relied on for offensive contributions. This being his first playoffs where he’s the focal point of the defense, the added pressure brings with it a responsibility to perform to potential. Andrei Markov could potentially be the best defenseman in the East, but we’ll find out for sure in the playoffs.
The ultimate stabilizer is Roman Hamrlik. Here’s a guy who’s been through enough wars to understand what it’s all about. Hamrlik has proven to be Montreal’s best addition since Alex Kovalev came in a trade for Jozef Balej. Though Roman has registered 21 points in 55 playoff games, Montreal will rely on his steadiness in his own zone. He’ll have to be among the shot-blocking leaders on the team if Montreal hopes to go deep into the post-season. Roman’s contribution in the room is equally important, as a guy who many of the current Canadiens look up to.
Who else, but Alex Kovalev? Everything’s in his hands, and feet for that matter. Will playing a full 82 games have any long-term effects on his health? Health is an intangible Montrealers would prefer not to think about. They’d prefer to imagine Kovalev playing a full playoff, much in the same manner he completed the regular season. It’s no secret that Kovalev, and his flashy linemates are going to receive a painful dose of Zdeno Chara, and a committee of other physical forces in the Bruins lineup. Kovalev will have to be the one to respond, with his play on the ice. If his production dips, it’ll likely have a negative effect on that of Tomas Plekanec’s and Andrei Kostitsyn’s. If Alex Kovalev remains true to form, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t, the Canadiens could do what everyone thinks they’re going to do to the Boston Bruins.
You may not love him, but Patrice Brisebois will see some game action in these playoffs, whether it’s in the first round or sparingly throughout…he will inevitably suit up. The Canadiens were happy to give Brisebois another chance because a Stanley Cup winner/able veteran is a smart thing to add to a very young team. Brisebois’ contribution may be stronger in the lockerroom than on the ice, but it’ll be a contribution nonetheless.
The same goes for Mathieu Dandenault, a 3-time Stanley Cup winner, who will certainly receive more ice-time than he did in the regular season. His play down the stretch secured him a regular spot in Montreal’s lineup, and given his experience, his speed, and his size, Dandenault could be an excellent playoff player for the Canadiens. He needs to use his speed, not shy away from his size, and ensure that he’s doing his job defensively.
Last, but certainly not least: Mark Streit. The captain of the Swiss National team knows a thing or two about playing under pressure. Though he has just 1 NHL playoff game under his belt, it shouldn’t preclude him from playing every bit as well as he has throughout the regular season. The Canadiens will undoubtedly rely on Streit’s offensive contribution to keep their powerplay clicking at 25%. The powerplays may be lessened, but the opportunities will certainly come, and Streit & company will need to cash in when the puck’s on their sticks.
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Youth:
Tomas Plekanec’s constancy suggests he’ll be an excellent playoff player. With 4 points in only 6 games of post-season action, Plekanec will seek to prove that he’s Montreal’s best centreman. In the regular season, Tomas proved he can be played in any situation, but in the playoffs, he’ll necessarily have to prove it again. It’s time to see how tough he is, because as Alex Kovalev’s set-up man it’s quite clear he’ll be marked. Plekanec’s skill, patience, and offensive prowess make him among Montreal’s most dangerous players, and he will have to find ways to make goals happen otherwise Montreal will be forced to come up with other solutions.
Anyone watch Evgeni Malkin struggle through the first round of last season’s playoffs? It made me think about how Andrei Kostitsyn will be introduced to the intensity of the post-season. It may be difficult for Andrei Kostitsyn to fully grasp what he’s in for, and though he may think he’s ready, he isn’t just starting his NHL playoff career; he’s starting it on the top line of the league’s highest scoring team. He’s in for a world of hurt, and given his size, and strength, if he doesn’t dole out the same punishment he receives this could be a tough start for him. That being said, we all know what Andrei is capable of as one of Montreal’s most gifted athletes. Lucky for him, he has Alex Kovalev and Andrei Markov to turn to for advice, and a brother on the team to commiserate with after each game. He’ll need the support in order to make it through the intensity these playoffs will demand.
I don’t have the same fears for Sergei Kostitsyn. After playing for Dale Hunter’s London Knights, I think it’s clear that Sergei understands what he needs to do in these playoffs. I also think it’s abundantly clear that Sergei was built for the playoffs. He’s big, he’s skilled offensively and defensively, and he has a nasty edge in his game. He won’t put up with any abuse, and won’t cower from any battle. As a rookie you’re usually not expected to be a star in the playoffs, but given that Sergei will likely suit up next to Saku Koivu throughout, he won’t need to look too far for inspiration. Sergei has the potential to be one of the most important players for Montreal this year.
Chris Higgins has proven in his short time in the NHL that he scores when it matters. Montreal’s most tenacious forward has four points in his six post-season starts, and will look to consistently provide scoring on Montreal’s second line. Higgins is the complete package. He’s fast, he’s skilled, he doesn’t take short cuts, and he hustles on every square foot of the playing surface. He’s also a very vocal leader on this team. He is the spokesman for the Montreal Canadiens, and the pressure on him will be tremendous as Montreal potentially goes deep, and deeper into the playoffs.
Mike Komisarek makes up the second half of Montreal’s top defensive unit. Komisarek admits he’s in fine condition heading into this post-season. A bit of rest, and resurgence towards full strength will enable Komisarek to be the meanest player on the Habs. He’s a skilled hitter, who will jump in front of a bus if it’s coming towards his goaltender. If Montreal hopes to continue the trend against Boston, they’re going to need big minutes out of their big monster. The first couple of games should be enough to get Komisarek back into the swing of things, and you can bet he’s going to be physically tested every time he hits the ice. Komisarek will have to do his best to keep his cool given what certain players will do to him, but there’s nothing wrong with showing ’em early that he won’t put up with too much. Montreal needs Komisarek on the ice, not in the box…but a couple of minutes in the ‘sin bin’ here and there, could go a long way towards protecting himself, and others on the team.
Josh Gorges is the true unsung hero of this team, no matter what award was given to Mark Streit during the regular season. Gorges will take beating after beating, and continue to stand up for more. He makes effective plays out of his own zone, he is excellent 1 on 1, and he’ll do anything to win any battle. Gorges has some post-season experience and will rely heavily on the veterans for advice and insulation. Injuries are sure to occur, and Gorges is the type of player who can elevate his play depending on what situation he’s thrust into. Expect him to see major minutes in the playoffs.
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The others:
Latendresse, Lapierre, Bouillon, O'byrne, Ryder and Kostopoulos are the ones that haven’t been accounted for because no one expects major contributions from them; all the more reason for them to elevate their play by a few levels for these playoffs. All six players will have a clearly defined role, and should they deviate from that role, their effectiveness will be questionable. Should they embrace their roles, they could all prove to be essential to any success Montreal hopes to endure from April to June.
Gregory Stewart played one NHL game and did enough in roughly ten minutes of icetime to impress Bob Gainey, Guy Carbonneau, and the entirety of Montreal’s press. If one or two of the guys above fail to provide the punch the Canadiens are looking for in these playoffs, Gregory Stewart may very well get a crack at playing his first playoff game in the NHL.
Mikhail Grabovski may even be below Matt D’Agostini in terms of who gets to see action should injuries occur. As a player who’s yet to prove he can adjust to the rigors of NHL regular season play, it seems unlikely he’ll be given a chance to prove himself in the playoffs. He’ll need to prepare himself for anything, but chances are he’ll be watching the majority of the playoffs from the pressbox.
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Carey Price…need I say more? Who doubts his ability to perform under pressure? I’m sure there are plenty of people who do…I’m just not one of them. Price played his best hockey down the stretch, and he looks like he’s just getting warmed up. He’s well rested, he’s as calm as he can be, and he’s ready. Price has the talent and ability to take Montreal all the way, but his attitude will ultimately enable him to accomplish anything substantial in these playoffs. He will have to keep his cool, because everyone on Boston will try to take him off his game. He needs to focus on stopping the puck, and not allow the constant pressure of Bruins bombarding him take him off his game. He’s got no reason to retaliate. He’s big, he’s strong, and he can handle the traffic. If Price can keep his emotions in check, he’ll give Montreal plenty of powerplay opportunities, and his ability to control the play with great saves and stickhandling savvy, will give the Canadiens the edge in almost any series they play in the Eastern Conference.
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Tomorrow morning I'll shed some light on Boston's strategies for this series. The Canadiens are sure to face some adversity here in the first round. We'll continue to discuss every factor as the playoffs get underway.
Get excited! This is the best time of the year!
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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