Tough Stretch: The Most Difficult Parts of the Habs 2010-2011 Schedule
Since our feelings about the Habs this year are well-documented, we’ve taken a moment to put the Montreal Canadiens’ schedule for 2010-11 under the microscope. Really, we wore labcoats and protective goggles and everything. The results of our research show four particularly tough stretches for les Habitants. How they perform in these portions of their schedule could ultimately dictate how their season goes.
Nov. 9-Nov. 22, 2010
vs Van, @ Bos, vs Car, vs Phi, vs NSH, vs TOR, @ Phi
Barely a month into the season, the Canadiens will confront their first substantial scheduling challenge. The seven-game stretch only includes two road games, but the competition the Habs face in that span could be considerable. It starts with a formidable Canucks team before going into Boston to face the improved Bruins. The rest of the stretch includes two games against Philly, the team that knocked the Canadiens out of the playoffs last year. Single games against Carolina and Nashville, two teams that had their way with the Habs last year, don’t make things easier. Throw in a potentially-tough division match-up with the Leafs and this should be the first substantial challenge of the season.
Dec. 19-Dec. 31, 2010
@Col, @ Dal, @ Car, @NYI, @Was, @TB, @Fla
Every season, the Canadiens eventually run into that one ridiculous road trip that could potentially make or break the season. Fortunately, the Habs will find theirs just before the half-way point of the season, meaning the mammoth road trip will be in their rearview by the time they brace for the big playoff run. With seven games in two weeks, the competition isn’t necessarily that daunting, particularly the games against Dallas, the Islanders, and Florida (which will most-likely turn into a quasi-home game anyway). But it is still a long road trip against some competitive teams that could be the crossroads that ultimately dictates where the Habs end up in the standings.
Feb. 15-Feb. 22, 2011
Vs. Buf, @ Edm, @Cgy, @Van
For the past two seasons, the annual west-coast Canadian road trip for the Habs has been disastrous. Starting with a tough division match-up against Buffalo, the Canadiens will then go marching into western Canada to face half of Canada’s six NHL teams. On paper, it’s not a terrible match-up, but last year the Canadiens went 0-3 on their west coast Canada swing, including an embarrassing 7-1 loss in Vancouver. The year before, they went 0-3 against the same three teams by a combined score of 17-6, essentially destroying their season. This is a tough trend that this year’s Habs will certainly want to turn around.
Apr. 2-Apr. 9, 2011
@NJ, vs Chi, @ Ott, @ Tor
The Canadiens will hopefully be vying for playoff seeding in the last week of the season. But a tough final week could complicate things. It starts with a game in Jersey, a state that has been inhospitable towards the Canadiens for over a decade. From there, the team hosts the defending Stanley Cup champs before two division match-ups on the road. The Canadiens will ideally want to finish strong if they hope to make any sort of playoff run.
