Montreal Canadiens: Guarantees of the Regulation Season

Every regular season is different in its own way. However there a things for the Montreal Canadiens that are guaranteed to happen.

Predictions and claims are dangerous to make sometimes. Some teams do it to themselves and it ends up back firing. The Colorado Avalanche probably had different aspirations last season before having that horrible record. Despite that, there are aspects to every team that are can’t miss locks to happen each year. The same goes for the Montreal Canadiens.

So what are these guarantees? Let’s take a look at them.

1. The Montreal Canadiens Will Make the Playoffs

The Habs are a playoff team. There are a lot of analysts in the hockey world that are making claims that Montreal will miss. Some can’t seem to understand the team’s identity or what they hope to accomplish.

It happens every year. There are people at the start of the season that predict the Habs to have a down season and they do the opposite. Last season they finished at the top of the Atlantic Division with 103 points. Now I’m not going to say that they’re a lock to do that again, but fans should expect to see an X next to the team’s name come April.

2. Max Pacioretty Will Score 30+ This Season

The Habs captain has scored at least 30 goals the last four seasons. Max Pacioretty is a top-ranked left-winger in the NHL with a filthy shot. Reaching that milestone shouldn’t be a problem at all.

Playing with Jonathan Drouin may help him get to a higher level. Pacioretty was able to pot 39 goals once, perhaps scoring 40 is a possibility.

3. Carey Price Will Have At Least a .930 Sv%

Carey Price is the best goaltender in the world. Unfortunately, he had a down year last season. That’s pretty crazy to say considering he finished with a .927 Sv%. It’s hard to hold that on his head, the team wasn’t the greatest defensively until Claude Julien came around. The team was limiting those dangerous scoring chances once they bought into his system.

Price had a .933 and a .934 Sv% respectively in the previous two years. With the Habs set to play a more reliable game, the 30-year-old will hopefully have a lighter load.

4. Shea Weber Will Lead Defencemen in Points Again

Last season, fans were looking forward to see what Shea Weber could do on the team. He finished the year with 17 goals and 25 assists which was the most for a defenceman. His feared shot hasn’t looked like it’s taken a step back, and with all the ice time his set to get again, he’ll have every opportunity to put in points.

5. A Big Deadline Acquisition

Marc Bergevin has been reluctant to make a big splash at Trade Deadlines lately. Instead, he’s usually tried to add players that are more for support who play in the bottom six. Thomas Vanek was a great pick for the Montreal Canadiens in the 2013-2014 season. They made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Final that year and Vanek was able to put up 10 points in 17 games.

This could be the year where management feels that it’s worth it to go for it. If so, there will be big name UFAs that other teams may want to part ways with. If the Price is right, the Habs may make a move.

Next: A Decision With Victor Mete

Are there any other guarantees for this season? Let us know your thoughts down below.