Let's start by saying that this pre-season has felt incredibly long; if not for the extended summer in the aftermath of a short-lived playoff run, the Canadiens 1-5 record hasn't exactly inspired enthusiasm and excitement.
I'll clarify, if only to avoid lending support to those that think the outcomes of pre-season hockey games are predicative of what to expect during regular season play. No, none of this matters. It's all a money-grab for a team like Montreal, who will likely net as much in exhibition as they did in three home playoff games last spring.
Six games--of this style of hockey--in seven nights, is enough to make even the most diehard fan of the game nauseous.
Beyond that, the purpose is to gauge the readiness of talented, fresh and well-experienced prospects alike. For roughly two weeks, as we've followed every breath of the 64 participants invited to camp, we haven't had much more to discuss than Brendan Gallagher's assured future as a top-six talent, Nathan Beaulieu's NHL skating-stride, and injuries galore.
On the latter front, Chris Campoli's addition to the blue line creates a greater skepticism regarding Andrei Markov's health and his potential to resume play shortly after the season begins. Ryan White and Lars Eller won't be ready to start the season. And P.K. Subban, Scott Gomez and David Desharnais have already nursed the minor bumps often suffered after a summer away from high-intensity hockey.
On Gallagher: He'd be making this team if he had buried any of the numerous chances he's generated in pre-season play. He's vaulted up the depth chart to be considered the 13th-best forward in camp (and he might only make it as high as that because of seniority; as far as most are concerned, he's a better player than a couple that are slated to be regulars on the Canadiens this season). Even without putting the puck in the net, he's made a strong enough case for the Canadiens to consider giving him a 9-game tryout before returning him to Junior. With White and Eller unprepared to start the season, Gallagher could prove to be less of a risk than Trotter, Palushaj or Engqvist.
Also, why not see what he can do in the real NHL? Why not give him the confidence a short stint in Montreal would surely provide? Talent aside, the kid hasn't made a noticeable mistake without making up for it. Clearly,
I'm not the only one who feels this way. You'll note that Francois refers to Gallagher as the Canadiens best forward in camp, thus far.
Thursday October 6th is around the corner, and we're transitioning to the third and most important phase of training camp. With two games remaining, home to the Lightning in Montreal and Quebec City, Thursday and Saturday respectively, it's time to get a semblance of what kind of team the Canadiens have.
Here's hoping this week passes by quickly. As for the remaining games, once again, the outcome isn't important, but the progress of the team is.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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