Eklund: Contenders or Pretenders? The 2015-16 Montreal Canadiens.

Pretenders of course

This might be the worst question asked. Of course they are contenders. Having the best goalie in the league alone makes them contenders. And right now, the team is playing very strong.

Is Dynasters a word?
If so, DYNASTERS

Pretenders. Too early in the season to tell.

Best goalie in the world
A top 5-8 defense core, depending on where you rank them.
3 offensive lines and one of the best 4ths in hockey.
Speed, transition, attack

Contenders for sure. Would be nice to pick up another scoring winger along the way through. Best looking Habs team in over 20 years.

Credit to Bergevin for not trading away good picks and prospects. The AHL team in St John's looks amazing too. Big 20 year old 6"6 centerman Mike McCaron with a Hattrick in his 3rd pro game. Sherbak andrigetto and Hudon all look great.

I think they can compete with the best of them. I just find the lack of respect they get from fans and media is becaus they (fans and media) have a hard time at being objective and let their hate cloud their judgement.
That isaid as Carey said after beating the Rangers, lots of people think "they are overrated" and I think that drives them every game.

Six games into the season may be a little early to ask that question but they look like everything is going in stride right now. Every team has ups and downs in a season, even the previous cup winners, right now they're definitely riding an up !

Tomorrow's blog: are the flyers contenders or contenders?

poopbag, mediocre team with the best goalie in the league.
Pretenders.

Big time PRETENDERS

Yes. We should totally settle this argument right here, right now. After six full games.

It's ALWAYS been about being the best team in October.

Best goalie in the world
A top 5-8 defense core, depending on where you rank them.
3 offensive lines and one of the best 4ths in hockey.
Speed, transition, attack

Contenders for sure. Would be nice to pick up another scoring winger along the way through. Best looking Habs team in over 20 years.

Credit to Bergevin for not trading away good picks and prospects. The AHL team in St John's looks amazing too. Big 20 year old 6"6 centerman Mike McCaron with a Hattrick in his 3rd pro game. Sherbak andrigetto and Hudon all look great.
- QuickSCF

NOT

Too early, but they look pretty good, so far.

Eklund: Contenders or Pretenders? The 2015-16 Montreal Canadiens.
- Eklund

what happens if Price gets injured....long term

NOT
- holeinone

Go cry on Crosby point total somewhere else...

Best goalie in the world
A top 5-8 defense core, depending on where you rank them.
3 offensive lines and one of the best 4ths in hockey.
Speed, transition, attack

Contenders for sure. Would be nice to pick up another scoring winger along the way through. Best looking Habs team in over 20 years.

Credit to Bergevin for not trading away good picks and prospects. The AHL team in St John's looks amazing too. Big 20 year old 6"6 centerman Mike McCaron with a Hattrick in his 3rd pro game. Sherbak andrigetto and Hudon all look great.
- QuickSCF

I agree with 3 of your first 4 lines... I dont think we have a top 5 De...yet alone a top 10... I hate Emelin too much for that, not a Fan of Gilbert either... If we can upgrade Gilbert and get rid of Emelin to play Pateryn, then we will be serious contender

what happens if Price gets injured....long term
- Alexzanki

Then they're a bubble team...

Contenders.

This team is clearly on a mission with Therrien's newly instilled philosophy. Price just picked up where he left off. All 4 lines are rolling. I've never seen guys like Eller, Galchenyuk and Plekanec fly like that. The defense is the best since probably the Chelios days. The obvious two "ifs" are whether they stay healthy for the remainder of the season and if they'll keep improving their special teams.

I have them making the finals this season. Who they play from the west is TBD.

Big time contenders.

poopbag,
- Mr_Smokey

mediocre team with the best goalie in the league

.
Pretenders.

If that ain't a broken record...

What if they lose price? Then they are a bubble team? Cool story If anyteam loses their best player in team takes a hit..

So many butthurt people complaining. So ar contenders supposed to be a few top flight forwards a marginal gtending in order to get respect? To many comment from people who dont watch the team or listen to to much Naylor an festchuk...

Contenders.

This team is clearly on a mission with Therrien's newly instilled philosophy. Price just picked up where he left off. All 4 lines are rolling. I've never seen guys like Eller, Galchenyuk and Plekanec fly like that. The defense is the best since probably the Chelios days. The obvious two "ifs" are whether they stay healthy for the remainder of the season and if they'll keep improving their special teams.
- habfanforever

This.
As someone who has watched the team religiously for the past umpteen years, I can say that the difference between even this year and last year is significant.

It's way to early yet to "plan the parade". The true proof will not be in a early season winning streak, but in how they react to a loss, and/or a significant injury. That will show the true mettle of the team.

what happens if Price gets injured....long term
- Alexzanki

They are going to struggle, like any other team that loses its #1 goalie

They are going to struggle, like any other team that loses its #1 goalie
- stinger67

NO! Only Montreal requires good goaltending to win.