NHL Hockey Betting - Montreal Canadiens

NHL Betting 2007 – Montreal Canadiens
Manager: Guy Carbonneau
Arena: Bell Centre
Last Season: 42-34-8, 90 pts (4th Northeast, 10th Eastern Conference)
2007 Prediction: 13th Eastern Conference

Preseason Odds to win Stanley Cup: +4000

The Canadians scream mediocrity. Last season they had five 20-goal scorers, but only two managed to breach the 60 points mark. Saku Koivu is still one of the fiercest competitors in the game, but the Canadiens simply don’t have anything that jumps out at you.

Sheldon Souray is gone and has been replaced by Bryan Smolinksi and Roman Hamrlik, who are both on the obvious decline. The defense needs Andrei Markov to step up and be a force, but it remains to be seen whether or not he can, or ever will, take that leap. The defense is thin and lacks a true top-line. In short, nobody is scared of these blue-liners.

Alexei Kovalev is the biggest offensive weapon that the Habs have, but he is showing signs of age and his speed has been downshifted a few gears. He managed only 18 goals last season. The lone bright spot is unknown Andrei Kostitsyn, who is going to light up this season. You’ve been warned.

But that’s about all the Canadians have to get exited about. Goalie Cristobal Huet was 26th in GAA though he was 11th overall. Blessing the Canadiens is their depth in the crease. Jaroslav Halak was a sensation in the AHL and will battle for opportunities against Corey Price, the fifth overall pick in 2005.

The spots in the Eastern Conference are few and far in between. Realistically, there are about three spots (6-8) available in the basement of the playoff standings. By the end of the season, the Canadiens will be on the outside looking in. You can bet on one certainty however. Their fans will be the drunkest in the league by a longshot.

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Official Website: www.canadiens.com