While the Montreal Canadiens have not been technically eliminated from the playoffs, it would take an unrealistic and Herculean effort combined with an epic collapse by other teams for them to have any chance of playing past April. Empty seats are becoming a common theme at the Bell Centre despite games being technically sold out. A once hot ticket, scalpers are having difficulty recuperating their costs on remaining games. There is just a little less to look forward to this Spring without the anticipation of playoffs for Habs fans. However, all is not lost. There are still 12 games to be played and here are 5 reasons why you should continue to watch the Canadiens this season:
1) The coming out party of Alex Galchenyuk. Despite being held off the score sheet against the Minnesota Wild, Galchenyuk is the best thing about the Canadiens as of late. Galchenyuk is thriving in his role as the team’s #1 Centre and is playing responsibly in his own end as well. These games are meaningless in the standings but Galchenyuk is still giving 100%+ each game. His chemistry with Max Pacioretty is getting stronger with each game and even Sven Andrighetto is contributing. This line is exciting to watch and a glimpse into a true top line for next season, even though Brendan Gallagher will likely reclaim his spot on the right side once healthy.
2) The Carey Price watch is still on. Will he or won't see game action this season? If he is healthy he will play. Rumors were flying about that his return was near this week but Michel Therrien denied that as Price is still not ready to practice with the team. If he does return, how long will it take to shake off the rust? The story line continues...
3) The kids - Michael McCarron is getting the biggest opportunity from all of the call ups since the trade deadline. It was announced almost immediately that McCarron would stay up with the Canadiens from the moment he was recalled. He is getting the biggest audition for the next season and it appears he is slated as the 3rd line center. It is a perfect role for the young player who is excelling on the forecheck. His decision making and reaction in his own end still needs to be worked on but his big body down the middle is a welcome addition to the Canadiens lineup. Lucas Lessio has also impressed when he has dressed, dishing out the hits and fitting in well on the 4th line. The jury is still out on the newly acquired Stefan Matteau but so far I don't see how he fits into the Canadiens plans for next season. Yes he is fast and big but so far he has not done very much to stand out. I have seen more from Charles Hudon in his 3 games with the big club than Matteau and would rather he play with McCarron or Tomas Plekanec.
4) The resurgence of Andrei Markov and a few bright spots on defense. Markov has been playing excellent hockey as of late, more like ‘vintage Markov’. Perhaps he is playing without pressure, perhaps he had a nagging injury and is only now truly healthy. Whatever it was, this Markov is fun to watch again and gives hope that he can continue with this level of play next season. Another player who is playing at his peak is Alexei Emelin. He started the season playing well with Jeff Petry but started to slump (along with the team) in December and even found himself a healthy scratch. Since Petry was shut down for the season, Emelin has stepped up and is playing solid hockey and big minutes. This Emelin is valuable to the Canadiens and plays a big part in their future success. Greg Pateryn and Mark Barberio have also taken advantage of their opportunities and are proving that they are capable of playing more than 13-15 minutes a game. With a healthy Petry and Beaulieu, the Canadiens have a solid top 6 when they are playing at their peak. The downside though is that after Pateryn & Barberio, there is a big dropoff in depth on the blue line. Neither Morgan Ellis or Darren Dietz appear that they are close to becoming full-time NHL players. The cupboard of true prospects on defence is thin.
5) For tomorrow’s game against the Florida Panthers, you should watch simply to catch the great Jaromir Jagr. He is breaking records left, right and center. Canadiens fans still lament that the Canadiens never wanted to sign Jagr despite his national team history and success with Tomas Plekanec. Even without Plekanec, could you imagine a line of Pacioretty-Galchenyuk-Jagr? It goes into the category of could've, would've, should've. Incredibly, Jagr is still a very exciting player to watch. Just see this move from the other night as he sets up line mate Jonathan Huberdeau:
Oh. My. Jagr.
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 13, 2016
Watch as Jaromir Jagr gets his whole body into it and sets up Jonathan Huberdeau for a goal.https://t.co/3P41Valtux
Bonus reason: Don't you want to see how far the Canadiens can fall and get a lottery pick?
In other news, the Canadiens took their final team photo this morning at the Bell Centre. 31 (!) players were dressed for the photo. An incredible moment for the young call ups and one they won't ever forget.
👌 #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/x6a8TowdHz
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 14, 2016
Afterwards, the team practiced and the good news was that Beaulieu returned to the ice with his teammates. Neither Lars Eller or P.K. Subban practices. Beaulieu was paired with Victor Bartley on the 3rd unit, a good move to ease him into the game though I wouldn't be surprised to see him promoted before long. Charles Hudon alternated with Jacob De La Rose on the 4th line. I would have rathered he line up again with Plekanec but this time taking the place of Paul Byron who has done nothing in these last few games on the second line. The full line up at practice:
#Habs practice lines at the Bell Centre. #HabsOn690 pic.twitter.com/2vX7jy6g3Q
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) March 14, 2016
Cheers & follow along! Follow @Jenbcutler