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The Montreal Canadiens are entering their second century. As the NHL's all-time leader in Stanley Cup championships, the Canadiens carry the banner of the entire province of Quebec. Last season did not go the way that Montreal wanted, and they are looking to make up for things in 2009-2010.

The 100th year of the Montreal Canadiens was supposed to be a season-long celebration of the franchise's glorious history while making a solid run at the Stanley Cup. After an excellent start, the Canadiens had more strange events surround their team than anyone could imagine. Somehow Montreal managed to gain a playoff berth as a disappointing 8th seed, but was eliminated in the first round amongst tensions between starting goaltender Carey Price and the Montreal media and fans.

Montreal General Manager Bob Gainey was quick to breakup the dysfunctional squad in the offseason, while directing more turnover than any other franchise in the NHL. Every single free agent was shown the door this offseason, including leading scorer Alex Kovalev, Alex Tanguay, defender Mike Komisarek, and longtime captain Saku Koivu. After an attempt to acquire native son Vinny Lecavalier from Tampa Bay fell through, Gainey brought playmaking center Scott Gomez in from the Rangers to strengthen the Canadiens offense.

Montreal's free agent spree continued with the signing of wingers Brian Gionta and Mike Cammelleri, both of whom have the potential to surpass the 40 goal mark. Furthermore, the team revamped the defense by signing Paul Mara, Hall Gill, and Jaro Spacek. Nearly half of the roster will be first-timers in Montreal this year!

Up front for Montreal, things are going to begin with their big three acquisitions – Cammelleri, Gomez, and Gionta – with the latter two having chemistry from their days in New Jersey, and both looking to rebound from disappointing seasons. Along with Tomas Plekanec, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Max Lapierre, there is some talent behind the three new stars, but not an awful lot of depth unless one of them unexpectedly turns out to be a diamond in the rough.

The Canadiens' defense is significantly deeper, where Spacek will join Andrei Markov (64 points last year) to give Montreal two of the NHL's best offensive defenders, while Mara, Gill, Josh Georges, and Roman Hamrlik, will allow the team put out three very strong tandems.

A huge question is how Price will rebound after what occurred last season. Will he come back solid to prove everyone wrong, or will he collapse under the pressure while trying to do so? New acquisition Curtis Sanford will be a solid backup in goal, but if he has to play more than anticipated it will be a long season for the Montreal defenders.

There is no denying that Montreal has a ton of talent and they should have a significantly better attitude this season on and off the ice. The team is much better at the blue line and should provide Price with stronger play in front of the net. There is definitely reason for optimism, so get your Montreal Canadiens tickets and come to the Bell Centre to kick off the second century of this hockey franchise, and their push for Lord Stanley's Cup.