=====CANADIENS======
Season Review
Montreal fans must have been disappointed with the team after missing the playoffs by 2 points. The injury to starting goalie Cristobal Huet and the inconsistent play of Russian snipers Alexei Kovalev and Sergei Samsonov are popular targets for the blame. However, Montreal did showcase a lot of promise for next season. Many youngsters on the team, like Latandresse, got significant playing time and will only get better. One of Montreal's
bright spots this past season was its defense, with Souray leading the power play and Markov doing the rest.

Offseason Needs
Montreal's biggest weakness is its lack of scoring prowess. With only 1 30g scorer on the entire team (the one-dimensional Michael Ryder), Montreal definitely needs some big guns on the wings. Ryan Smyth would be perfect, but I'm sure every GM in the league would want him, too. Another position that has been lacking for some time has been a true #1 center.
Saku Koivu is a talented player, but his efforts alone haven't been enough to get Montreal over the hump. Perhaps going after Gomez or Briere would give Montreal a real 1-2 punch that it craves. If the Canadiens lose Souray in free agency, they could use another power play big shot.

Season Outlook
Montreal should contend for a final playoff spot, again. They have a solid defense and quality goaltending with Huet leading in the net and Halak & Price developing behind. If the Canadiens can get 1 or 2 star forwards, they could create an upset in the 1st rd of the playoffs.

Great analysis. Ryan Smith will probably go back to Edmonton. Briere will be great, even if he's not the biggest center. Kovalev needs to play well, otherwise he will be a trouble the whole season.

GSA