Few could have predicted the hot start of the Montreal Canadiens as they sit on top of the standings with a 5-0-1 record. It nearly mirrors the previous season’s win streak and while there are similarities, there is a cautious optimism in Montreal that this time around the team is for real and will not self-destruct.

The ability of all four lines and the defence to contribute offensively have been the major factor in the team’s ability to score a minimum of 3 goals in each game. Likewise the 2015-2016 Canadiens had for the most part all of their lines rolling in their nine game win streak. Both times around, solid goal tending has been a big part of the story in the early season although this year it has been Al Montoya and Carey Price who have led the way. Each of edition of the team stood atop the league standings in goal differential and had most of their goals scored at even strength as the powerplay struggled and today it remains to be a work in progress.

Despite the shared likeness, there are a number of differences between last year's start and this new season and it begins with the revamped roster. Each off season acquisition made by general manager Marc Bergevin has been successful. Perhaps the Canadiens would have the same record with P.K. Subban still in the lineup and not Shea Weber. In reality though, the trade has been analyzed enough. Weber is who the Canadiens have now and so far he has performed above and beyond expectations, leading the team with seven points in six games. He is a rock on defence and his combination of calm and strength makes everyone around him stand taller and play with more confidence. Alexander Radulov has been playing inspired hockey. His passion is evident on and off the ice. He has yet to take a shift off and dazzles with his skill and dedication to play a 200 foot game. Rookie Artturi Lehkonen fits like a glove on the second line. He loves to shoot and go to the net but his hockey iq is incredibly high and his play in his own end as well as on the forecheck has been quite impressive. Al Montoya has provided the necessary calm, confidence and ability to make the needed save that is so desired in a backup goaltender. Despite his indiscipline, Andrew Shaw has provided additional grit and value by being able to play all three forward positions. Unfortunately Zach Redmond is injured with a broken foot but he was not expected to make the Canadiens roster out of training camp. His strong play throughout the preseason forced his way onto the team. The depth this season is simply much better.

By comparison, the big acquisitions from the Summer of 2015 were an early bust. The Alex Semin experiment fizzled as soon as the regular season began and Zack Kassian would never play a regular season game for the Canadiens. Tomas Fleischmann was excellent for the first 20 games of the season and then hit a wall. The Canadiens were winning games but there were a number of question marks. At one point Dale Weise was on pace to score nearly 40 goals last season, a nearly impossible and somewhat laughable stat. It was clear that the there were issues with the second line with Semin, Alex Galchenyuk and Lars Eller as they were the weakest trio on most nights. Andrei Markov was being overplayed right from the get go.

Aside from health, the other big improvement comes from behind the bench with the addition of Kirk Muller. He is constantly working to improve the powerplay with each passing game. He is not afraid to try to new things and will make in game adjustments. Last year when the Canadiens were on their nine game win streak, Therrien was hesitant to change things up, even if the club did not play well when victorious. This year it is evident that the stuff is constantly working to improve the team, even when things are going well.

Despite the team’s success and that they appear to be better equipped to handle adversity, there is always cause for concern. The play of Tomas Plekanec has been underwhelming although he has started to show some signs of life. If he is unable to produce as reliably as he has in the past, the Canadiens do not have the depth to replace him long term at the second line center position. Andrei Markov has played reasonably well and his minutes are much closer to 20 than 25 a game. However, his speed remains to be an issue and at 37 years young, one has to wonder how long he can keep up this level of play? Similarly on defence, Alexei Emelin has been playing some of his best hockey in years. Will he able to continue this higher level of play?

The next three games will be a formidable test for the Canadiens as they visit the New York Islanders on Wednesday night before returning to the Bell Centre to take on the Tampa Lightning Thursday night and then the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night. Montoya will get the start in Brooklyn and any other lineup changes will be announced on Wednesday.

Cheers and follow along!
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