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Saturday, October 2, 1999
Habs need their lucky 7
In 1993, the previous time the legendary Habs captured the Stanley Cup, they made the most of an early exit by the Pittsburgh Penguins, the best team in the league which was coming off back-to-back titles.
In 1986, the Edmonton Oilers were knocked out in their bid for a third consecutive Stanley Cup, paving a perfect road for rookie Patrick Roy to lead the storied Canadiens to another Cup.
IMPECCABLE TIMING
Once again, the Canadiens' seven-year itch has arrived. But more than impeccable timing will be needed in 1999-2000. How about impeccable luck?
They enter the season with the realistic possibility of missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year, something that hasn't happened in Montreal in 78 seasons.
They begin play without captain Vinnie Damphousse and alternate captains Mark Recchi and Stephane Quintal. The trio has moved along because of the club's financial restraints.
It is too bad because the Canadiens were coming on last season. They erased a horrid 8-18-6 start with a 20-13-3 run by riding a red-hot goalie in Jeff Hackett from Dec. 26 to March 18.
But when Hackett got injured and Recchi and Damphousse were traded, the team faltered to close with a 4-8-2 stretch.
"It really hit home when we didn't make the playoffs last year," defenceman Craig Rivet said. "This is an organization where you don't want to miss the playoffs. A lot of guys came back this year in good condition. We want to get off to a good start."
A good start will be difficult with the number of injuries the Habs have suffered during training camp.
The sometimes brilliant, but inconsistent Vladimir Malakhov is out four months after knee surgery. Underrated forward Benoit Brunet will miss the first two months with back problems. Defenceman Patrice Brisebois will be out for at least two more weeks with back woes. Centre Scott Thornton will miss the opener with an arm injury and tough guy Jim Cummins is recovering from a Sept. 19 concussion.
NEW CAPTAIN
With youngsters such as Mike Ribero, Matt Higgins and Francis Bouillon filling in, it is important for new captain Saku Koivu to lead on the ice.
Koivu has never been his same crafty self since he suffered a serious knee injury in December 1996. But the first European captain of the Canadiens displayed his former form late in the pre-season.
"I'm really feeling confident now,"Koivu said.
Then maybe, and this is a tremendous 75-1 long shot, the Canadiens' impeccable timing will return.
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