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NHL Montreal Canadiens

5 Reasons Montreal Canadiens Are The Real Deal

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5 Reasons Montreal Canadiens Are The Real Deal

Montreal Canadiens
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The Montreal Canadiens started the 2014-15 season on a strong note. They scrambled for their wins almost every game, but they banked early-season points. Nightly comebacks, however, couldn't sustain the team for the entire season, and they experienced tough losses. Some wondered if the fairy tale had come to an end, but the Habs continue to respond to losses with strong performances in subsequent games. Here is why they are leading the league.

5. All Lines Are Working Well

Dale Weise, P-A Parenteau, Tomas Plekanec, Montreal Canadiens
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

5. All Lines Are Working Well

Dale Weise, P-A Parenteau, Tomas Plekanec, Montreal Canadiens
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

In past seasons, the Canadiens have been known to succeed thanks to their top line, or first and second lines. This season, every line is working well. This gives coach Michel Therrien the ability to adjust his lines, according to opposing teams and their strengths on different lines. Having the versatility to run all lines with relative success is a huge advantage for the Montreal Canadiens.

4. Lars Eller's Tremendous Emergence

Lars Eller, Sergei Gonchar, Montreal Canadiens
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

4. Lars Eller's Tremendous Emergence

Lars Eller, Sergei Gonchar, Montreal Canadiens
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

While I have discussed players like Jiri Sekac and Brendan Gallagher before, Lars Eller is a notable player on the team. Ever since his line changed (with Rene Bourque and Travis Moen gone), he is playing to his full potential, producing almost every game, and his demeanor on the ice shows how this seems to have rejuvenated his commitment. He was always one to watch, but this season seems to be his time to shine; he's a huge part of this success.

3. Strong Defense

P.K. Subban, Alexei Emelin, Sergei Gonchar, Montreal Canadiens
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

3. Strong Defense

P.K. Subban, Alexei Emelin, Sergei Gonchar, Montreal Canadiens
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

While P.K. Subban has been the one to make headlines for this team, the Canadiens have a robust defensive core in all defensemen. Only recently has the team begun to score three plus goals, and yet they've remained on top of their division for most of the season so far. This is directly due to the defense, which has helped stave off goals. With players shooting from the blue line as effectively as Subban and Markov do, it's working well.

2. Carey Price's Extraordinary Goaltending

Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

2. Carey Price's Extraordinary Goaltending

Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Time and time again, Carey Price is invoked in any list or article praising the Habs, because he is, in fact, elite in nets. He garners praise from all around the league, but Habs fans know that often, it is Price who can claim responsibility for a win. He remains incredibly humble, deflecting compliments as easily as he deflects pucks. He praises the team in front of him, never grandstands, and continues to play as close to perfect as there is.

1. The Team Is Playing As One

Montreal Canadiens, Bell Centre
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1. The Team Is Playing As One

Montreal Canadiens, Bell Centre
Getty Images

Habs fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief, as this team consistently shows it is a cohesive unit. The players are demonstrating what true cooperation means. Passing is sharp, communication obviously works, and even between the ice and the bench, there is a flow that makes the team not only strong, but extremely exciting to watch. One only need look at the lack of "too many men" penalties to know the communication is strong. Teamwork is key.

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

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