Going for it all in Montreal....... part deux
September 20th, 2003.
The Montreal Canadiens were part of a hockey league started in 2000 which had 22 teams in North American. The National Hockey League plays a 72 game schedule with 2 conferences, of which a total of 8 teams make the playoffs. As well, there are 22 American Hockey League farm teams and 28 Major Junior CHL teams that supply talent to the NHL.
The Canadiens are about to embark on the 2003-04 season after struggling the past 2 out of 3 seasons. The Canadiens have yet to see the post season.
The 2003 NHL Season Preview does not consider the Habs a contender again, but has the Detroit Red Wings as the favorites. Strong contenders could be the Vegas Golden Knights and the Ottawa Senators.
In 3 seasons of NHL action, we have had 3 different Stanley Cup Winners, with the Flyers, Predators and Golden Knights lifting hockey's Holy Grail.