My thoughts on the struggling Canadiens and Bills

At this moment, the Canadiens are 8-2-2 and remain on track in the Eastern Conference. Nobody should be threatening to jump off the Jacques Cartier bridge just yet. That being said, there have been some troubling signs. Montreal has only played one complete game all year (game #2 against Toronto on the opening weekend), the once vaunted power play has become rather mediocre, and a lack of discipline has been apparent.

 

I firmly believe the Habs have the personnel and the ability to fix these issues. It’s only a matter of time before the team’s best players (Kovalev, Markov) start putting together consistent performances. Up to now, the team has been able to count on someone to bail them out. Against Minnesota, it was Carey Price. Against the Islanders, it was the Plekanec line. It truly is remarkable that this team can win games while only playing 10 good minutes out of 60. And while this might work during the regular season, the playoffs will be a different story.

 

Buffalo Soldiers

 

The Buffalo Bills seem to be trying to become the first team in five years to start the season 4-0 and miss the playoffs. (Minnesota in 2003) They’re doing a pretty good job of it. Trent Edwards looks inaccurate, indecisive and immobile. The O-line looks overpaid and unable to protect the QB or create holes in the running game. Lee Evans is the only receiving threat, and Marshawn Lynch has yet to hit the century mark after rushing for 1100 yards a year ago. These issues to be fixed pronto. Buffalo’s only saving grace is the schedule. With games coming up against Cleveland, KC, San Fran and Miami, there is still a chance to salvage the season.