There used to be a time when playing for Les Glorieux meant something. From smoking cigarettes between periods, to walking across the bench to tell Ronald Corey that you’ve played your last game for the organization, it meant something to play for the Bleu, Blanc, et Rouge. Habs players used to be rock stars but those days no longer exist.
The Canadiens were one of the biggest surprises in the NHL this season, going from last in the Eastern Conference to winning the Northeast Division, a turnaround orchestrated by general manager Marc Bergevin and coach Michel Therrien that centered around a young core comprised of Price, P.K. Subban, Max Pacioretty and newcomers Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher.
In spite of the five-game loss, that future remains bright for the Canadiens. The team has a core of outstanding young players, a solid front office and a head coach that did an excellent job. There weren’t that many fans remaining at Bell Centre by the time the teams shook hands, but those who remained cheered throughout the final minute of the game and acknowledged what the Canadiens accomplished as the team saluted them one last time. Despite the playoff setback, the Canadiens looked to have taken a step forward this season and should take another if, as expected, Galchenyuk emerges as a top points producer at centre and other young players like Gallagher and Eller continue to progress. And with Subban’s flash and dash rushing the puck and firing rockets from the point, they should be entertaining as well. Hey, it was an amazing season. Our Canadiens delivered more thrills than any of us could have hoped for. The glass is half full. See you in September.
