Here’s an excerpt the CBC sports article by Jesse Campigotto who previews the Candiens chances for the upcoming season:

Outlook: The Habs were one of the league’s biggest surprises last season in claiming the top seed — in the Eastern Conference, but their notoriously demanding fans will want more this time around. Adding to the pressure will be the team’s 100th anniversary festivities, which promise to be no small affair given the Canadiens’ knack for celebrating their accomplishments like no other franchise in sports.

But even with all the pomp and pageantry — including the all-star game in January — it’s hard not to like the Habs as a Stanley Cup contender. Price could be even better now that he’s got more seasoning, and emerging forwards Tomas Plekanec, Andrei Kostitsyn and Christopher Higgins figure to provide even more scoring punch.

If Kovalev can stay motivated and the power play can avoid another playoff burnout, the Canadiens could cap their centennial with the biggest party of all.

CBC video report: WATCH NOW: Canadiens outlook