Oct 15 Five Questions Vs the Avalanche

The Montreal Canadiens will play the Colorado Avalanche tonight at the Bell Center, in what will be the first of a season high 6 game stretch at home. This will be an important game for Montreal, who are looking to stop a 3 game losing skid that now has the Habs tied for 11th place with the Boston Bruins. The Franchise is asking Five Burning questions and would love your input either via comment on this article or email at thefranchise@chumradio.com:

Which Carey Price shows up? Is it the Price that faced the Maple Leafs and Sabers, stopping 77 of 81 shots for a GAA of 2,0, or the Price that was lit up in his home province of BC and then against Edmonton letting in 10 goals on 54 shots for a GAA of 5,0.

How long before former Maple Leaf and Hab (once upon a time) Darcy Tucker is booed by the Montreal faithful? Tucker, who only had 18 points last season (in 63 games), is on fire with 5 points (including 3 goals) in 6 games.

How long before Hal Gill is booed by the Montreal faithful? Gill was brought in to be a large physical presence in front of Carey Price, however he has been increasingly ineffective anytime speed has been required to stop the opposition. Even if the Canadiens are leading, if Gill continues to be exploited by the Avalanche, expect the boo birds to make their way out.

Seconds Anyone? When the only offensively effective combination for Coach Martin is to put Gomez in between Gionta and Cammalleri, how can Montreal improve on an disappointing 12 goals in 5 games. No other combination has been able to establish themselves since Metropolit was injured, and hopefully for the Habs this past 4 days off have been enough for the other lines to establish more chemistry together.

Is this a breakout season for Josh Gorges? Gorges is logging over 22 minutes in ice time (3rd most on the team), and has consistently been the best defenseman on the ice. However, if last season is any warning, this may not be a pace that he will be able to maintain throughout the full season.