A Winning Habit
Fansided

Montreal Canadiens: Tomas Plekanec believes the playoffs are a possibility

By Omar L

MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 22: Tomas Plekanec #14 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates his first period goal with teammates on the bench against the New York Rangers during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on February 22, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - FEBRUARY 22: Tomas Plekanec #14 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates his first period goal with teammates on the bench against the New York Rangers during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on February 22, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Montreal Canadiens veteran Tomas Plekanec met with media to speak on his new opportunity with the team and his belief in a playoff spot.

The Montreal Canadiens have their veteran back in Tomas Plekanec. Playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs must’ve been weird, but it must be good for the 35-year-old to be back with a familiar situation in Montreal.

Plekanec met with the Habs media on Monday to discuss the process and his excitement for the new season. Besides the usual things that we’d expect, there were some interesting nuggets of wisdom (or optimism) shared by the veteran.

A reporter asked for his thoughts on the future of the team. Projecting the Montreal Canadiens two or three years down the line has been an interesting mental past time for a large fraction of the fanbase, especially after the organization’s performance at the 2018 NHL Draft.

Here was Plekanec’s answer:

"I see it pretty good. A lot of good draft picks, young guys coming, even on the team there are a lot of young guys (and) a lot of young talent on this team. After last year, they’ll be much better… They’ll become much better players because of that and I believe that this thing can be turned around quicker and we’ll be back in (the) playoffs."

The Czech native also brought up the playoffs when talking about his decision to return. He wanted to be back at the show and be on a team that had a good shot to do that. Based on Plekanec’s beliefs, the experience from this past season in combination with a drive at training camp and the leadership group can be part of the winning formula to reach the post-season.

What’s interesting about the quote was that Plekanec wasn’t prompted to say that. He shared that belief all on his own, which begs the question, is he right?

More from Habs News

He’s right in saying that there are young players on the team currently who will improve from their experience. Victor Mete, Noah Juulsen, and Nikita Scherbak should have bigger roles which could lead to more of an impact on the roster.

It’s going to take a much better start to the season, a revamped Carey Price, and shedding the demons of what held the Habs back in 2017.

Despite what many have said and believe, Marc Bergevin said the Montreal Canadiens aren’t in a rebuild. That mirrors Plekanec’s thoughts and could see them make a run to finish in the top eight of the Eastern Conference. Whether it happens or not will depend on how the team plays.

In Case You Missed It

Recapping the 2018 Free Agent Class

Looking back at all the signings the Montreal Canadiens made on July 1st, what they’ve done, and what they could do either in the NHL or AHL.

Next: Habs 2018 NHL Draft Class

Morning Links

The Montreal Canadiens are in a rebuild, whether they say so or not (HEOTP)

No matter what Bergevin and the rest of the management say, the team looks to be in a rebuild of some sorts.

Canadiens prospect Jordan Harris is worth keeping an eye on (Gazette)

There were a lot of good things to come from development camp and Jordan Harris was one of them.

Home/Habs News