The Canadiens are going to finish anywhere from 6th to 10th in the standings. If the Habs mkae it into the playoffs as likely the 7th or 8th seed they will play either Carolina or Ottawa and probably eliminated in 4 or 5 games. Will that result qualify as a somewhat succesful season and the team being headed on the right path for the future? If the team fails to make the playoffs does it mean the Habs season was a total failure and a major overhaul is required?

    To be succesful, a team needs two quality scoring lines, two solid defense combinations and an elite goalie. Thus far Huet appears to be delivering in goal. Markov,Souray and Rivet (if he continues to play at the level he is at now) could be considered top 4 material on defence. Obviously the Habs need another quality defenceman. Upfront seems to be where the major problem lies. Outside of Koviu,Kovalev and perhaps Ryder the Canadiens don't have enough skill to make up two quality forward units. As well, next year Koviu will be 32, and Kovalev will be 34 both moving into the downside of their carears. Of all the young talent the team has, it would appear Higgins and perhaps Kostitsyn could make major impacts in the short term. Even if they do, the Habs are at least 2 quality forwards away from having a nucleus upfront that could take them deep into the playoffs. As a legitimate contender the Habs seem to be moving in the right direction, but if they don't make the playoffs this year does it mean this team needs to be substantially changed or only minor alterations need to be applied? Outside of the talent issue, there is also the issue of team chemistry. Work ethic, and player rapport seem to be inconsistent and is that also a major consideration in terms of making this team a legitimate contender in the future?