Canadians Unstoppable

The Montreal Canadiens are one of the most successful franchises in National Hockey League history and, this season, Michel Therrien’s men are attempting to build on last year’s divisional win as they bid to claim a record 25th Stanley Cup victory.

After 18 matches, Montreal are in red hot form and have won 13 of their opening fixtures so far this campaign.

Although they have lost their last two matches in a row, the Canadiens still look well set for a playoff push and should cruise to the Atlantic Division crown for the second year in succession. From there, it’s anybody’s guess.

While there are a number of talented sides in the NHL, Montreal may possess the most naturally gifted team in the league.

Throughout the last few years, they have drafted and traded exceptionally well and are now reaping the rewards from excellent preparation and organisation – both on and off the ice rink.

As franchises go, the Montreal Canadiens are incredibly efficient.

While a number of NHL sides have various off-field problems throughout the season, you very rarely hear of issues in Montreal.

Either General Manager Marc Bergevin is exceptional at keeping all conflicts in-house or they simply conduct themselves in a manner that ensures they avoid major problems.

by Kristina Servant

After their phenomenal start to the campaign, many ice hockey fans are tipping the Canadiens to go all the way and win the Stanley Cup this season.

As of November 16th, 32Red Canada price the Montreal Canadians at 23/2 to achieve their ultimate goal in 2016.

While it will be difficult, they are certainly capable of going all the way, especially if they keep their key players fit for the majority of the campaign.

In terms of injury issues, they have been lucky so far and have an incredibly deep roster of talented stars who will be able to fill in if any players suffer a long-term injury.

They haven’t won ice hockey’s finest series since 1993 (see below) and will be keen to eradicate their recent disappointments at the end of the current season.

On offense, Tomas Plekanec, Brendan Gallagher and Max Pacioretty are instrumental for the Canadiens and will all play a key role for the franchise throughout the campaign.

All three players are phenomenal talents and give Montreal an edge in most of their fixtures.

Plekanec in particular is lethal in front of goal and has an incredible 18.8% shot accuracy.

If these three players maintain their brilliant form, Montreal will continue to score plenty of goals this season.

At the time of writing, the Canadiens are the second-highest scoring team in the National Hockey League with 63 goals – only the Dallas Stars have netted more goals so far this season.

via GIPHY

So, who are Montreal’s main rivals for the Stanley Cup this season? Well, there are a number of leading contenders.

The New York Rangers boast one of the strongest rosters in the NHL and will be quietly confident of their chances this term.

32Red are pricing the Rangers at 9/1 to go all the way and lift the Stanley Cup and, if they perform at their very best, they are certainly capable of fulfilling this aim.

They have started the season well, winning 14 of their opening 18 fixtures.

Having said that, the Chicago Blackhawks are probably the best team in the business and will also feel that they can win the Stanley Cup this season.

They have won hockey’s primary competition three times since 2010 and will be looking to further stake their claim to go down as one of the NHL’s greatest ever dynasty teams.

Winner currently value the Blackhawks at 10/1 to win their fourth title in recent memory.

Despite their great recent form, Chicago are currently faltering and have won just ten of their matches so far this season.

If Montreal play at their best, they are the team to beat, there’s no doubt about that.

Therrien’s men are hungry for success and will be looking to secure a second successive divisional title.

And from there, who knows.

The Canadiens will believe that, if they fulfil their potential, they will claim their 25th Stanley Cup success and further extend their long-standing record.

by  spcbrass