Excerpt from SI.com writer Allan Muir who analyzes the 2008-09 NHL schedule. Here are the Montreal Canadiens games that have peaked his interest:

Nov. 9: Montreal at Toronto — Even when one team is riding high and the other is swirling the drain, the NHL’s oldest rivalry remains its most compelling. This skirmish has the added appeal of being the annual Hall of Fame game, honoring Igor Larionov, Glenn Anderson and the rest of the class of 2009 that will be inducted on Nov. 11.

Jan. 25: All-Star Game in Montreal — If the Habs don’t win the Cup, this game could be the highlight of their centennial celebrations. No team has done a better job of maintaining links to its glorious past, so expect them to put on an impressive show.

Feb. 21: Ottawa at Montreal; Vancouver at Toronto; Calgary at Edmonton — Hockey Day In Canada returns in its most perfect form: an all-day triple-header featuring the six Canadian teams in battle.

Apr. 11: Pittsburgh at Montreal — A preview of the Eastern Conference Finals? Could be.

Habster:

The NHL All-Star game being in Montreal should be amazing. As Muir states, the Canadiens organization is by far the best in the league when it comes to honoring their greats of the past and pre-game ceremonies, nobody does it better……..as Tina Turner sings it: “You’re simply the best, better than all the rest”…..enough said!!!!