Habs right the ship

  It's been a good stretch for my Habs.  We've won eight of our last ten and we outplayed our opponents in every game.  The team has found its groove at the right time and it isn't a coincidence.  Big trades have yielded big results.  Despite all his talent, Anze Kopitar never really seemed comfortable here and was traded to Nashville for Patrice Bergeron.   Another recent addition is Chandler Stephenson.  His presence has turned the third line into an offensive threat.  The addition of veteran defender Mike Matheson has also changed the way this team delivers offense.  And the trade that started it all saw Zacha shipped out and Chris Kreider brought in to provide a much needed scoring boost.

  I expect to continue my winning ways and climb the ranks in the impossible Antlatic division.  I would like to add another defense before the deadline but if I can't I'm pretty comfortable going into the playoffs with this current group.  The team currently sits in the top five for all possession stats.  We rock the faceoff circle.  We have the best penalty kill and a reasonable power play.  The glaring weakness is goaltending.  All the positive changes have helped the team win but some half decent goaltending would make all the difference.  In our recent loss to the Devils we out shot them 36-11.  That is not Stanley Cup caliber goalkeeping.  Right now the plan is to have faith that the playoffs will bring out the best in Fleury and Montembeault.  Thoughts and prayers.

  The big test is coming in the next three games.  We face Arizona, Florida and Tampa Bay.  Historically the Panthers and Bolts have had my number.  If I can secure wins over these teams I will know that  have a chance of making it out of the East, if I can make the playoffs.  If we can't win two of the next three games the team will be shopping hard prior to the deadline.  Either way it's been a good month for the team with plenty of exciting games to look forward to.  Especially the game against Florida as we are battling for our playoff lives despite each of us having 33 wins so far. 

Fun times ahead.