Atlantic Division 2014-15 Preview: Montreal Canadiens

2013-14 NHL Atlantic Division preview: Exciting kids like Alex Galcheyuk could prove to be the key to the Montreal Canadiens' season.

Author:
Dan Gartland
Publish date:
Sep 28, 2014

SI.com's 2014-15 Preseason All-NHL Teams: first, second, third

COACH:

2013-14 RECORD: 46-28-8, 100 points (third in Atlantic; lost to Rangers, 4-2, in conference finals)

VITAL SIGNS: 2.62 goals-for per game (21st); 2.49 goals-against per game (6th); 17.2 power play pct. (19th); 85.12 penalty kill pct. (4th); shootout record: 6-3

NOTABLE ARRIVALS: RW P.A. Parenteau, D Tom Gilbert, F Manny Malhotra, F Jiří Sekáč

NOTABLE DEPARTURES: LW Thomas Vanek, RW Brian Gionta, F Daniel Briere, D Josh Gorges (Sabres)

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

Forwards

Max Pacioretty — Tomas Plekanec — Brendan Gallagher
Alex Galchenyuk — David Desharnais — P.A. Parenteau
Rene Bourque — Lars Eller — Brandon Prust
Michael Bournival — Manny Malhotra — Dale Weise
Travis Moen — JiříSekáč

Defensemen

P.K. Subban — Andrei Markov
Alexei Emelin — Tom Gilbert
Mike Weaver — Nathan Beaulieu
Jared Tinordi, Francis Bouillon

Goalies

Carey Price
Dustin Tokarski

Fancy Stats Primer: Your guide to hockey's advanced analytics jargon

has

Brendan Gallagher

Gallagher was the Calder Trophy runner-up two seasons ago but his play didn't live up to everyone's expectations last season. Fair or not, he still chipped in 19 goals and 41 points and provided the spark that ignited Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais when the first liners were struggling. Gallagher may never be a sniper like Patches but he has good offensive instincts. If he can score 25 goals while leading the league in opponents agitated, he'll be a very valuable player.

PREDICTION:103 points, second in Atlantic