When a team goes far in the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, there are typically not many changes to the roster.
But in this final week of training camp for the Montreal Canadiens, there are two surprises this year that could shake things up.
First is the battle for backup goalie. Dustin Tokarski started with the inside track, but Mike Condon has looked so good that a change in net may occur in the near future.
“There's always another guy trying to play,” said Condon. “You’ve got to fight for your time. Even in college, more so, for 30 games. I’m used to the competition aspect but it makes everybody better, too.”
The 25-year-old Massachusetts native’s only negative is that he is on a two-way contract. Condon has enjoyed his first moments watching the best in the game with Carey Price.
“Just watching him (is great). Seeing how smooth he is and how calm he is -- it just emanates from him. He reads the play so well and he anticipates everything so I think those are a lot of lessons every goalie can take from him,” said Condon.
Another player on the cusp of making the Canadiens is forward Tomas Fleischmann, who currently doesn't even have a contract for this season, and is on a professional tryout. With the way he's playing, however, the contract appears to be imminent.
“I don't know, training camp is long and I need to prove it. It’s the third game tonight. I’m happy to be here still and I have a chance to prove it again tonight,” he said.
The 31-year-old Czech unrestricted free agent has had fantastic chemistry with Lars Eller and David Desharnais right from the first day of camp.
“Yeah, that's a good thing. The first practice we had together we felt chemistry on ice. It was fun and I enjoy it,” said Fleischmann.
