by CoachK, AllHabs.Net
SAINT-LAZARE, QC — Most of the talking heads who analyse the National Hockey League’s play-off picture have pencilled the Montreal Canadiens into the sixth to eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. With both the Habs and the Carolina Hurricanes playing back to back games on Tuesday and Wednesday, these points are integral to each team’s participation in the Stanley Cup tournament.
If we look at the Hurricanes, not only do they play the part of the ultimate spoiler both in the regular season and the regular season (ask the Devils’ about that one), but they are always a thorn in the side of the Canadiens. Canes’ coach Paul Maurice always has his wards prepared to battle hard, and with the likes of Cam Ward, Eric Stall and Eric Cole, there is no reason why they can’t repeat their previous stretch drive success.
Taking a look at the Habs, this is a team that is very fragile at this point of the season, and it’s hardly the time for it. Normally, you would like to see your team into the playoffs with confidence, and not stumbling in as the Canadiens are. Having lost their last four out of five games, and especially the last three without scoring a goal, Habs Nation certainly has more than enough reason for concern.
These back-to-backs, especially these teams facing each other on Wednesday night in Raleigh, will be either each respective teams driving march into the play-offs, or their ride into the sunset. If the unthinkable happens, and the Canadiens lose both these games without getting a single point, and the Hurricanes win both of their games, that will leave Carolina just three points behind Montreal.
While Carolina has the tougher schedule, the Habs will have it tough from a different perspective. The seemingly endless line to the infirmary and fatigue starting to be a factor all over the ice, wins will come at a premium. It remains that unless the Habs can begin to generate offence with more consistency, the play-offs may be beyond their reach.
Tonight’s game against the Atlanta Thrashers is arguable the game that will determine the fate of “Les Glorieux.” If they can win it tonight, it will create some excitement amongst the players and fans alike, and remove us from the past week’s doldrums. With a loss, the Canadiens’ confidence will be shattered, and they will be nothing remaining to avoid the whirlwind towards a long, fruitless off-season.