Expectation vs. Reality, A Habs Reality Check

Expectation vs

Expectation vs. Reality, A Habs Reality Check

Well, Canadiens fans, we are officially 10% through the season (well, not exactly, but you get the idea). That means it is time to bring out the gavel and make some judgments about the team. Unfortunately, with a 7-3-1 recordwhich leaves the Habs on track for a 3-digit season, there isn't much to complain about. And, if this isn't what one expected or worse thanone expected, they need to go to Atlanta and learn about realistic expectations.

But so far, few people have cared about the overall team. Right now, what we care about are the personal performances. And there are some real headline dominators. The two that come to mind immediately are Andrei Kostitsyn and Carey Price. But how has the team of individuals performed among high expectations?Right now, the man of the hour is Andrei Kostitsyn. With6 goals and 4 assists in 11 games, it seems as though he is finally reaching the potential he showed a few years ago in his breakout rookie season. Right now, he is finely displaying his combination of skill, flare, and physical play. We all know now what heis reallycapable of. But what provoked this change? Maybe it's due to the fact that his burdensome little brother was traded to Nashville. Or perhaps it was his turn to stare down the barrel of the Habs media with no mercy if he didn't perform this year. Either way Andrei has been spectacular.

He has had some help, however. His centerman Tomas Plekanec has been just as incredible. After a contract year, he has showed that he deserved every penny ofhis 2.25 million dollar raise. He has used his agility to create chances and convert on them with his fine set of hands. More than that, he hasgiven the Habs momentum with his play when there was otherwise none to be found. He has led his team with his well-rounded performance on the ice. In many ways he has been a better "Captain" than Gionta. But something rings a bell with him. He reminds me of a former Hab and I'm pretty sure he wore #11.

Completing the outstanding top line is Michael Cammalleri. After sitting out his first game due to a suspension, he has picked up right where he left off last spring. With 3 goals and 4 assists so far, he has shown that his ever-trustworthy instincts have yet to die off. He has been solid in the offensive zone and is performing exactly to expectations. If anyone wants to complain about him they should take a long hard look at line #2.

This line is centered by Scott Gomez. So far his season has been plagued by bad play and poor decisions. This 7-million dollar man has been non-existent, which is a shame because those 7 millionagainst the capcould be spent elsewhere to put this team over the top. Unfortunately, we are stuck with him nonetheless. It seems as though he will hardly score more points than the number on his jersey, which is a horrid .5 million dollars per point.

Gionta, however, has done a tiny bit better. He has created some chances, and while he has put up a few points, he has an incredible burden to bear. He is the team's captain.He represents this team as a whole. The thought of it to some may bring up vomit. For Gionta, it seems to just bring down his play. Maybe a little less pressure would help (if you catch my drift).

The winger to play with the former Devils has been the most puzzling issue for this team. It has been circulated between Benoit Pouliot, who can't hit the broad side of a barn, Travis Moen, who isn't flashy or fast enough to keep up with his linemates, and Tom Pyatt, who is too defensively-minded to fit well with his two linemates (I never said that was a bad thing). However, a forward that has surpassed everyone's expectations in young Dane Lars Eller. He has been amazing on the forecheck, and has created many chances. Now that he has his first NHL point, look for Jacques Martin to pair him with Gionta and Gomez, which may be the perfect fitthe Canadienshave been looking for.With all of the offensive talk, only one defenceman has yet tobe ignored. Rookie and potential Calder-nominee PK Subban. Despite the fact that he is looking for a perfect balance between offense and defence, he has always played solid in one or the other. He currently boasts 6 assists,along withsome solid defensive games. Unfortunately, he won't fully be what we expect until he does find this balance between offense and defence. But when he does, Oh Boy, watch out.

The hardest position in hockey is well known. It belongs to the goaltender. And Carey Price has handled it beautifully. He has performed well despite his preseason welcome. Frankly, I have nothing more to say abut this guy except good job and please keep it up.

Overall, while there is room for improvement, there is nothing to complain about as far as personal performances go. Despite one disappointing line, the team hasstayed true to one anotherand performed well. And, as Metallica puts it, nothing else matters.

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