The Canadiens will have to rely on a healthy Carey Price, who will be rested despite knee surgery. After a disappointing regular season, the 34-year-old led the CH to the Stanley Cup Final. Despite the Tampa Bay Lightning's rout in the final, he won 13 postseason games with a 2.29 GAA and.924 SV%. This reassures many sceptics.
Jake Allen was the Habs' last-gasp saver in the 2017-18 campaign. Price's backups have been questioned in the past, but not in 2020-2021. Indeed, Allen had four more games than his famed teammate. But his 11-12-5 record didn't represent his performance in front of the net. His.907 save percentage topped number 31's. The Tricolore would have missed the playoffs if not for the New Brunswicker's late-season leadership. He may have to step up early in the campaign this time around, given Price's health.
With Danault and Tatar gone, young guns Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi will gradually have to step up. In Suzuki's case, this means scoring goals and assists, as well as winning face-offs, where Danault did his part. There's cause to expect for more after 41 points in 56 games. Caufield's 12 points in 20 postseason games in 2021 bodes well. But Kotkaniemi will need to be more confident and consistent than he was this season.
Bergevin hired Savard, Paquette, and Perrault this summer. He expects them to be motivated to play for their Home Team.
