Montreal Canadiens Answer Key Offseason Questions With Season-Opening Win

By Lissa Albert @LissaRantSports on October 9, 2014

There is a special feeling in the air when a new NHL season approaches, and as the Montreal Canadiens took to the ice for Game 1 of the 2014-15 season against rivals Toronto Maple Leafs, there was no disappointment — at least,not among Habs fans.

The season opener was a fine start to a season that had already begun with inevitable high expectations after the Canadiens went all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals this past spring. Carey Price again showed why he is an elite goalie in the league, making 24 saves, but making those saves spectacular to watch. Max Pacioretty, a 39-goal scorer last season, is showing no signs of having had a summer break. He played well, and skated like a fiend to get the job done.

In taking home the victory, the Canadiens also answered some important questions that had been surrounding the team. Would P.K. Subban’s massive contract affect him negatively? A resounding no was the answer. His goal in the opener, followed by an exuberant celebration, proved that he could still play almost half the game (his TOI was 25:45) and stay focused, strong and effective. Would the Canadiens pick up where they left off in May? Expectations were high. The Habs had some hair-raising moments, but for the most part kept it together and showed their strengths; in particular, killing off a crucial four-minute penalty that stretched from the second to the third period was a sign of good things to come.

What was most surprising, however, what that with new names on the roster — notably Jiri Sekac, Tom Gilbert, P.A. Parenteau, Manny Malhotra — it was Malhotra who rose to the top of the list. He was a stunning 69 percent in the faceoff circle, showing one of the key reasons why this team picked him up in the first place. Quoting Price post-game, Malhotra showed vocal leadership in the room as well. He’s clearly one to watch.

This game exceeded expectations. Had the Habs lost, head coach Michel Therrien would have become the first coach in franchise history to lose three straight openers. I, for one, am glad he did not make history. It’s always great to win a game, and it’s more fun to win a season opener. However, as Habs fans know, it’s icing on the cake to win a season opener against the Maple Leafs in their own arena.

It’s a positive start to what should prove to be an exciting year for this team. There’s no doubt the pressure is on the Habs to perform well. If the opener is any indication, they should deliver.

Lissa Albert is a Montreal Canadiens writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @LissaRantSports. “Like” her on Facebook and/or add her to your network on Google.