NHL – Montreal Canadiens Quest for NHL Finals

After a, not-so-impressive ‘division win’ last season, Montreal Canadiens had a lot to prove this season. Yet, with just one win out of four, and through 66 games, the team now sits one point behind Toronto for second in the Atlantic Division. The Eastern Conference is tight; every game in the final five weeks of the season will be no less than a battle for the Canadiens.

As the end of the season approaches, things in Montreal seem far from perfect. The Habs head into the final month of the 2013-14 seasons surrounded with some big looming questions. Despite of bringing Stephane Waite in for coaching, goaltending seems to be an issue with Carey Price yet to play a game since the Olympic break. Peter Budaj and Dustin Tokarski haven't been good enough. Price's health is a big question for Montreal in these final months, as a healthy Price could carry the team deep into the playoffs.

Injuries have also started taking their toll on the team, bringing down Price, Michael Bournival and Brandon Prust, now with the latest addition of Josh Gorges to the list. Will the Habs survive Gorges injury? Due to surgery Josh Gorges will be out for four weeks. In addition to fill this huge hole, Canadiens need to bring their power play game up and out of the slumps. Moreover Laser Eller will have to play his part by getting back in form, as improved play from the former first-round pick will definitely help Montreal's playoff chances.

It will be harder to conquer this time around but if there is one team that has the ability to get their act together, that's Montreal Canadiens. The ability of Habs to deal with these unfortunate conditions will determine their fate this season. Every game will be considered a playoff game from here till the end of this year's NHL season.