Team: Montreal Canadiens
Mascot: Two. First, Youppi the former Expo mascot, purchased back from the new american owners of the MLB team, that allows fans to recall the glory days when the city was internationally known and the hockey team won championships regularly. Second, a large potbellied grey stubbled ashen faced man smoking a cigarette yelling “voyons ‘sti!”
Last Season: By default, the Montreal Canadiens were the best Canadian team. Despite having a coach whose main strength is the French language, the Habs finished with a 100 point season, good enough for third in the Atlantic.
Strengths:
Carey Price is able to stop pucks with his sad facial expressions alone. P.K Subban is a young superstar. Max Pacioretty is a robot.
Weaknesses:
Drawing out plays and assignments in both French and English really slows down practices. Also, the average height of the team is 5’3.
Trade Rumours:
The Mayor of Montreal Denis Coderre will let you know who needs out of town and when. But you are never permitted to ask why. And P.K. Subban. Always P.K. Subban.
Quotes:
“Who says we need a captain? We haven’t had one since Saku Koivu left.”
– Geoff Molson, owner.
“I haven’t said anything controversial in a while.”
– P.K. Subban.
“I could still make the fourth line.”
– Jean Beliveau, former Montreal Canadien player and living relic.
X-Factor: Will anyone go out and bring Carey Price in from the rain, or will they let him just stay out there staring up at the night’s sky? And if they do leave him, will he catch cold?
Prediction:
Montreal stumbles out of the gate before an emotional, “win one for the gipper” style speech from their head coach really turns things around for the 2 or 3 players on the team who understand him.
