Here we go!

  It has been three months since my last article and since then I've unleashed fury upon this league.  Although the team fell short of the ultimate goal of beating the Golden Knights in the league standings, our playoff run put us in a glorious position to defeat them in the cup finals.  The additions of Karlsson, Krieder and Pionk at the deadline pushed this team over the top.  Montreal took 21 of a possible 24 points over the final twelve games to clinch first place in the Atlantic.  This now sets up a playoff matchup with the Ottawa Senators.  This is a relief as the other options would have been the Sabres or Leafs; two teams with a history of giving me a hard time.

  Montreal swept all four contests between the two clubs this year.  Two games went into overtime but in the end the Habs have way more firepower than the Sens and that's prior to the deadline aquisitions that have made this team even better.  The Sens will have an edge on special teams and a goalie's chance to win but I would expect them to be outmatched in this series in general.  Anything is possible in the playoffs so expect Habs managment to be extra vigilant with its roster.  Anyone underperforming will be swiftly demoted and stars will rise.  There is too much at stake for this team.  It won't be possible to keep these guys together after the playoffs so they know that this is their opportunity to go all the way now or start over next season on a new team.

  Good luck to everyone.  May the hockey gods lead you to the second round.  If not, at least you can't get fired.