Montreal Canadiens: Wish List For 2015-16

Mar 21, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens players wave to the crowd as they won against San Jose Sharks at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

The Montreal Canadiens‘ season ended earlier than last season; out after Round 2, missing the Conference Finals, the Habs could not get past the Tampa Bay Lightning “who by the way is a very good team..” as GM Marc Bergevin reminded everyone in his post-season press conference a few days ago.

Fans of the team are left with a longer summer than last year, much to think about, and many items on the wish list.

So I thought I’d put together my wish list, and perhaps we can all compare.

5. Four lines that produce

We saw quite an interesting phenomenon for a while: the Habs had a productive 4th line. In Round 1 against the Ottawa Senators, the 4th line positively took over, and it was refreshing to see the Canadiens with that kind of versatility producing goals and offense. Game 1 was a beautiful example of how 4th-liners can create and carry good offense.

The problem is that it wasn’t consistent, nor do we have any guarantee that Brian Flynn or Torrey Mitchell will be re-signed with the team. What the Habs need is solid lines that work together.

Many pin this directly on the coach – and I have weighed in on Michel Therrien‘s abilities to coach this team. However, he does have control over the lines, and I will admit it would be great if he could stick with some lines that worked in the past. Or – dare I dream? – put together new lines (Max Pacioretty – Brendan Gallagher – Lars Eller anyone?).

Much of the line-up production issue will be resolved when the team is assembled and finalized in the autumn. Now, though, is the time we start to see who will return. Which brings me to my next point.

4. Sign Jeff Petry

Jeff Petry was acquired at the trade deadline in March, brought to the Canadiens from the beleaguered Edmonton Oilers. Petry was instantly received with excitement from the fan base, and quickly showed his talent was a great fit with the team.

In his first interview upon having been acquired, he stated ““I’m really excited to get the playoff experience.” He not only saw that experience, he was an integral part of the wins the Canadiens posted.

In the two rounds the Canadiens played, Petry got 2 goals and 1 assist; considering the low-scoring games in both series (and that one of those was a power-play goal against Tampa Bay), that speaks volumes. But it was the way he played that made him so remarkable. He averaged 22 minutes TOI, and played a strong defensive game for the team.

It looks like both parties want to see Petry remain in a Habs jersey:

While that is music to the ears of fans who want to see Petry stay, it will depend on – as always – the price tag to keep him, and to keep him happy. That means some shuffling on the roster, and cap space issues, but with Petry’s performance in regular season, I hope it will work out so that he stays.

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