It's over. The season that started out with such promise but ended in the worst collapse in Montreal Canadiens franchise history is finally over.
May it rest in peace and not be revisited.
One positive that came out of it going forward is the club has definitely found a number-one line.
Through all of this mess, the Montreal Canadiens will take solace that Alex Galchenyuk is fulfilling his promise that made him the third choice overall in the draft.
Galchenyuk, 22, is finally at centre and he's now a 30-goal scorer.
“We're hungry. We want to compete we want to go out there and win games for our team and create offensive chances and be solid defensively,” said Galchenyuk. “We want to be those leaders. We have pretty good chemistry but at the same time we have to prepare well this summer to have another good season.”
Therrien has been happy with his development.
“What I like the most about it is his progression, since he's been with us since he’s 18 years old. Every year he's getting better. There's still a lot of work to be done but I really like his progression as a player.
Galchenyuk is the focal point around the change to finally suggest the Habs have a powerful first line. Max Pacioretty now has a legitimate number-one centre, and that's massive for a goal scorer.
“I feel comfortable where our line finished,” said Pacioretty. “You know, we didn't have Gallagher the entire time. He came back the last couple games, but as a duo, me and Chucky, we started to be comfortable with each other, we know we have areas to improve our game but as soon as Gally came in, we were even more dynamic. It's a pleasure to play with those two and we had a lot of fun and if we have an opportunity to do that again I think we'll get better.”
Every great line needs all components: One guy is the sniper. One guy is the playmaker. One guy is the puck winner and crasher.
Brendan Gallagher is a perfect complement to Pacioretty and Galchenyuk.
“You have to use each other. That's the biggest thing,” said Gallagher. “Everyone’s touching the puck, everyone moving it, when we support each other, we can create open ice. I'm sure it's tough to play against and I'm sure over 82 games we might hit some hiccups but it went pretty well.
Pacioretty got 30 goals. Galchenyuk got 30 goals. Gallagher was on pace for 30 goals. It’s conceivable that the line can get 100 goals next season.
Now to get some talent on the second line to round out the team.