The competition between David Desharnais and Lars Eller was a focal point of hockey fodder in Habsland last season, and it's sure to be one this season as well.
One is out to redeem himself after a season in which he regressed in nearly every category, and the other is out to prove
this shattering hit didn't alter his course towards a more meaningful role with the team.
As a player who excelled under the pressure of having to prove he was worthy of the competition in every league he's played in, Desharnais took his foot off the gas last season. After posting 61 points in an electrifying campaign that saw the Canadiens finish dead last in the Eastern Conference, he allowed for comfort and complacency to set in. Maybe it was his off-season training regimen, or the brief success he enjoyed in Switzerland before the lockout was squashed, but he had to know he was behind the eight-ball when the abridged season got underway, and he was never able to correct course.
Eller spent most of last season proving he was worthy of the precious ice-time Michel Therrien allocated to struggling Desharnais. With barely any powerplay time, with a rotating winger and a rookie who's finishing skills weren't quite what they'll be this season, Eller excelled in nearly every noteworthy category. In the final 10 games of his season, Eller had four goals, six assists and a +6 rating. He was the hottest player on the team before Eric Gryba broke his face.
Obviously, looking at Montreal's top three centres, Tomas Plekanec and Eller are best suited to be depended on at both ends of the ice, which means that Desharnais is likely to get more playing time as the team's second line centre--counted on mostly for offense. It's likely to inspire the same debate again this season--one that's sure to be more contentious if Desharnais doesn't bounce back.
Looking at the top 9, the Canadiens have:
Plekanec, Gionta, Pacioretty, Desharnais, Briere, Bourque, Galchenyuk, Gallagher, Eller.
Whoever plays with Desharnais is looking at a mostly offensive role. That's likely to be Pacioretty and Gallagher to start with.
Briere and Gionta both play the right side, but there's a good chance they'll both complete a line with Plekanec.
That leaves Eller with Galchenyuk and Bourque.
There's a lot of different combos Therrien can go with. At times last year, Bourque, Plekanec and Gionta made up a very good line, and if they can repeat that success, Briere could add a dimension to Eller's line that wasn't there last year and help Therrien take advantage of what Eller gives him.
Gallagher and Galchenyuk could be options to go with whichever centre is struggling, or they may very well be a combination the Canadiens want to keep together right out of the gate.
If anyone's hurt or struggling up the middle, that'll give Galchenyuk a chance to shine at centre, not to mention that Briere's fully capable of filling in there.
I suppose the point of this is that the competition will be deeper than Eller versus Desharnais. Nonetheless, two of the biggest points of intrigue will be: can Desharnais rebound, and can Eller stay on the path he established before he got blown up?
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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