How can the Habs return to the Stanley Cup Final?

They need to get to work so Price and the vets can rest.

GM Marc Bergevin created the team for the playoffs, so winning a couple series may not be enough. There has been a lot of bad press surrounding the Habs this offseason. Last year, practically everyone was incorrect about the Habs' prospects until... everyone was wrong. In short, you don't make the playoffs and don't fight for the Cup. No easy task for the Habs, but I believe they will succeed.

They need the three vets healthy.

Brendan Gallagher needs to play 70 games in excellent condition. Jeff Petry must defy age and become the Habs defensive leader. Carey Price needs 50 healthy games. So Shea Weber can get healthy for the playoffs. Probability 60%, as I only want three successful health stories out of four. Health typically differentiates champions from losers in all sports.

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They Need Mr. Drouin.

Last season, the regular season Habs did not have these two above-average offensive threats. Those are Drouin and Caufield. Drouin may be dealt for something substantial or kept since he has talent. This helps the regular season and playoffs. For Drouin, I am cautiously optimistic, and for Caufield, I am overly Drouin has a great chance of contributing or being dealt for something useful. I'd say he'll get 30+ These two can help the team's playoff chances.

They need new blood to impress.

Ryan Poehling, Cayden Primeau, Kaiden Guhle, Josh Brook, Mattias Norlinder... If they can get one long-term surprise and others like Primeau playing well in emergency call-ups or training camp.

Finally, they need Shea Weber to suit up for the playoffs and play like last year.