I tought the reality check would come against the Jets, but the Habs surprised me again in that game. But the reality check finaly came last night against the Sens.
The Habs are certainly a better team than last year, are a lot more fun to watch, and may surprise to the point of making the playoffs -- and that would be well deserved. But the truth is their defence is fragile. Emelin hits hard and play generaly well, but he looks lost many time near his own net. Markov is still a good d-man, amazing on the power play and in the o-zone, but the truth is he isn't as good and quick as he was in his own territory. Gorges is Gorges: Big heart, block shots, but not very big nor physicall, very average to get out of the zone. Kaberle is non-existant, Diaz is easily disturbed in his zone and Bouillon, at 37 years old, cannot sustain great defensive zone play every night. Subban might help but that's not enough. Habs really need 1 or 2 more good d-men in the next seasons.
But like I said, the team is better and fun to watch. Becoming a true contender is a long road, tho.