Here’s an excerpt from the USA Today article by Kevin Allen who previews the Northeast division:

MONTREAL CANADIENS:

Story line: When the Canadiens made an unsuccessful play for Mats Sundin this summer, the team appeared to be going all in trying to win the Stanley Cup during their centennial celebration. They have exceptional skaters, a dependable defense and a goalie with the potential to become another Patrick Roy.

Goalie: Carey Price

Three reasons to like the Canadiens: 1. With Alex Tanguay and Robert Lang, Montreal might score 280 to 300 goals. 2. Tough guy Georges Laraque‘s presence should give the scorers more room. 3. Andrei Markov is a top defenseman without the fanfare, and Mike Komisarek might be the most polished all-around U.S.-born defenseman.

Three reasons to worry: 1. Even if you are bullish on Price, he is 21. 2. They still seem one dependable defenseman short of being formidable on the blue line. 3. It has been 15 years since the Canadiens won the Cup. Is it enough that only general manager Bob Gainey and coach Guy Carbonneau know how it’s done?

Forecast: Les Habitants will be the best in the East, and they have a good shot at celebrating their centennial with a Cup.