Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Why Your Favorite NHL Team Rocks: Montreal To New Jersey
Montreal Canadiens
They have the best goaltender in the NHL in Carey Price. Anytime you have a goaltender of his caliber, you have a chance to win every night because they cover your flaws. That’s precisely what Price does for the Habs. The Canadiens have quietly done a good job of patching of those flaws, making Price’s job potentially much easier. Getting Jeff Petry back is huge for their blue line. People might have mixed feelings about P.K. Subban the person, but Subban the player is outstanding. Max Pacioretty is a borderline elite goal scorer, and will likely be elite by the time the 2015-2016 NHL season is over. Take it to the bank. Adding Alex Semin to a one year deal is a brilliant move that could pay off big time for Montreal. The Habs have a ton of depth, especially on their blue line. If they can just be an average possession team, as long as Price keeps doing what he’s been doing, they’re a Stanley Cup contender.
Nashville Predators
There are people who think that Nashville won’t improve from last season. In my opinion, that’s false. Their young forwards are going to continue to grow. Filip Forsberg will no longer have to be sheltered with offensive zone starts nearly as much. That opens up the rest of the forward lines. Much has been written about the decline of defenseman Shea Weber, but I’d love to see anyone who thinks he’s “declining” to stand in front of one of his slap shots. Sure, he’s declining, but he’s still Shea Weber. Also, he has one of my sleeper picks for the Norris Trophy (Roman Josi) by his side. With other teams taking a step back, this might be Nashville’s year to be the best if they can continue to get excellent goaltending from Pekka Rinne.
New Jersey Devils
For the first time in a little while, it seems like the Devils finally know what they are (a team that’s rebuilding) and how to be what they are (by giving their young players a chance). Cory Schneider should have been a Vezina Trophy Finalist last season. Doesn’t matter how bad the Devils were, Schneider was arguably the second best goalie in the NHL, or at least the third best. I really like defenseman Adam Larsson. He reminds me a bit of John Carlson. Just like Carlson’s deal, Larsson’s new contract could wind up being a huge bargain if he keeps on developing as a player. Ray Shero knows what he’s doing. Be excited Devils fans, and see what the young kids can do.
Next: New York Islanders Through Ottawa