A first since 1988-1989?
Last week, several people were asking how many 30-goal scorers the Habs would have this season. The most popular answer was 3, followed very closely by 4. As for me, I’d like to know how many 20-goal scorers the Canadiens will have this season. In my humble opinion, I believe the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge could have 7 players with 20 goals or more this season, for the first time since 1988-89.
That year, Mats Naslund (33), Bobby Smith (32), Claude “Pépé” Lemieux (29), Guy Carbonneau (26), Shayne Corson (26), Stéphane Richer (25) and “The Deer” Russ Courtnall (22) all finished with 20-plus goals. That season, the Canadiens scored 315 goals!
One thing is for sure, though: the Habs will not match the 1982-83 feat, when no fewer than 9 different players reached the 20-goal mark. Mark Napier (40), Steve Shutt (35), Mario Tremblay (30), Ryan Walter (29), Pierre Mondou (29), Guy Lafleur (27), Mats Naslund (26), Doug Wickenheiser (25), Keith Acton (24). That year, the Sainte-Flanelle scored a total of 350 goals!
In your opinion, do you believe the Habs have a chance of lining up 7 players with 20 goals or more this season?
112 points and first in the Atlantic!!!
Even though we don’t know Martin St-Louis’s exact lineup for the season opener on September 29, we already have a pretty good idea of the 22 or 23 players who will be at Scotiabank Arena for the first game of the 2026-27 season against the Leafs in Toronto.
You’re going to tell me I’m way off or that I’m exaggerating with 112 points — and you’re entitled to that. Everyone has their opinion. Last season you told me I was way off when I predicted 104 points for our Glorieux. I have to admit I was pretty much right on the money with that prediction after all!
The Canadiens were one of the teams that barely made a ripple this summer, adding only one player. Still, in my humble opinion, adding Chris Kreider to the group was a big one. Even though I was one of those who didn’t want Kreider, given that he’s slowed down and is no longer the 50-goal scorer he once was, the fact remains that for one season he becomes an important player who will strengthen the top 6 and add experience that will help this second-youngest team in the NHL.
Here’s my top 3 for the Atlantic / Metropolitan:
Atlantic: Canadiens – Panthers – Lightning
Metropolitan: Capitals – Hurricanes – Flyers
Wild card: Sabres, Bruins
What’s your prediction for our Canadiens, and your standings in the East?
On that note, have a good evening everyone.
Go Habs Go