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Montreal Canadiens: Uncertainty Around the Team’s Playoff Goals

By Omar L

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 28: General manager Marc Bergevin of the Montreal Canadiens attends the 2014 NHL Entry Draft at Wells Fargo Center on June 28, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 28: General manager Marc Bergevin of the Montreal Canadiens attends the 2014 NHL Entry Draft at Wells Fargo Center on June 28, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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TSN 690 took some time yesterday to talk about the Montreal Canadiens and whether Marc Bergevin has built a good enough team to compete for a Stanley Cup.

There have been many lines drawn in the Montreal Canadiens community Many (including myself) believe that the Habs are a playoff team. Others think that they’ll take a step-back and miss. Some predict another division winning season and others foresee a mid-division finish.

It all comes down to Marc Bergevin, and how he has built the team over his tenure. With that being said, what happened last year can’t happen again. Having a regular season record like the Canadiens was impressive, but to have it end via first round elimination is disappointing.

Dennis Bernstein appeared on Off the Cuff on TSN 590 yesterday to dive into a couple of topics, including the Canadiens. At the forefront was the discussion of whether the team can meet expectations this season and have a long playoff run.

"Has he (Bergevin) built a contender? That’s the $24 million question. I don’t know. I’ve got to see these guys play together and see where Drouin fits in to say, ‘Okay, this team is better than last season. This team could beat the Rangers in the first round’… Still a lot of unanswered questions, but the critics are right."

Related Story: Playoff Record Over Regular Season Record

There’s a huge reluctance to be too optimistic this season. With all the new additions, there are many things that can go right, but also many that can go wrong. Jonathan Drouin is very confident that he can play center if he’s given the opportunity, but there’s a chance it can go wrong. The same goes for Alex Galchenyuk. Hopefully Claude Julien overlooks what happens last season and gives him another shot to play down the middle.

Bernsetin is absolutely right though. There are way too many variables in play to make predictions about everything. At some point, we need to give the team a chance to play and show us what they’re made of.

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His answer to the question of the Habs being a cup contender is valid. On paper, the Canadiens don’t really look as dangerous as say the Pittsburgh Penguins who have won the last two Stanley Cups. That doesn’t mean that they won’t get as far this year.

They just need to keep in mind that the regular season doesn’t matter too much. Instead of pushing for a division lead, perhaps settling for 2nd or 3rd in the Atlantic would be better. The path to an Eastern Conference or Stanley Cup Final may not be as difficult. Especially considering that it’s not always the “bad” team that finishes 8th.

Building a team is very much like putting together a jig-saw puzzle. You have to see what pieces you have an arrange them accordingly. Bergevin has acquired the pieces over the years and even this summer. The question is whether they can come together to make something special.

Next: Review of the Canadiens Off-Season

Do you think the Canadiens are a cup contender? Let us know your thoughts down below.

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