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5 Teams the Montreal Canadiens Don’t Want to Face in the First Round

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5 Teams the Montreal Canadiens Don't Want to Face in the First Round

Montreal Canadiens v Pittsburgh Penguins
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The Montreal Canadiens are looking like they have as good a shot to end the team’s 22-year Stanley Cup drought. With Carey Price playing like an MVP candidate the Habs are a force to be reckoned with. Having said that, the team is far from a sure thing. Here are five teams the Canadiens would like to avoid in the first round.

5. Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers
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5. Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers
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The Panthers are on the outside looking in on the playoff picture, but they would be a threat to the Habs' chances if they were to get in. This young and fearless team wouldn’t get caught in the spotlight of facing one of the most decorated franchises in sports.

4. Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Redwings
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4. Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Redwings
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Despite some inconsistencies of late the Red Wings are the Red Wings and cannot be taken lightly. Mike Babcock is one of the best coaches in the league and the team’s depth would make them a really tough matchup for this Habs team.

3. Ottawa Senators

Erik Karlsson Ottawa Senators 2014-15Erik Karlsson Ottawa Senators 2014-15
Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

3. Ottawa Senators

Erik Karlsson Ottawa Senators 2014-15
Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Much like the Panthers, the Sens are outside of the playoff picture, but would be a tough adversary. Andrew Hammond has been one of the best stories in the NHL this season and Erik Karlsson is a problem to shut down as few defensemen bring the offensive creativity that the Swede does every night.

2. Washington Capitals

2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic
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2. Washington Capitals

2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic
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I love the newfound commitment to defense Alexander Ovechkin has, and he is still the most lethal sniper in the league. The Capitals are trying to vindicate previous playoff disasters and the Canadiens wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of that run.

1. Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning v Montreal Canadiens - Game Three
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1. Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning v Montreal Canadiens - Game Three
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The Habs are winless against Tampa this season and you can bet the Lightning want to avenge last year’s playoff defeat at the hands of the Canadiens. With Steven Stamkos’ goal-scoring acumen, Ben Bishop’s stellar play in net and improved depth up front and on defense, this Tampa team is a legitimate contender that no one wants to face early on -- especially Montreal.

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