Looking ahead for the Montreal Canadiens: Time to fix the blue line

As each NHL team is eliminated from playoff contention -- either mathematically or by losing in the postseason -- we'll take a look at why its quest for the Stanley Cup fell short in 2018-19, along with three keys to its offseason, impact prospects for 2019-20 and a way-too-early prediction for what next season will hold.

What went wrong

The Montreal Canadiens ran out of runway and couldn't quite close the deal. The Habs went 6-2-1 down the stretch to put themselves right on the playoff bubble, but critical losses at the Carolina Hurricanes (2-1, in overtime) and at the Columbus Blue Jackets (6-2 in regulation) set that effort back significantly.

But what a season! The Canadiens' original projection for standings points was 80.5, per the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook. They blew past that by March 12. They were middle of the pack on offense (15th) and defense (13th), but they were always competitive -- witness their seven comeback wins when entering the third period in a deficit, tied for third most in the league.

It was a season of surprising offensive performances from newcomers Max Domi -- acquired last summer from the Arizona Coyotes and posting career highs in goals (28) and assists (43) -- and Tomas Tatar, acquired last summer from the Vegas Golden Knights and setting a career high in points (58). It was a season of continued growth for Brendan Gallagher, who had an NHL-best 4.09 goals scored per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 and 33 goals overall on the season.

From rookie Jesperi Kotkaniemi to Selke Trophy contender Phillip Danault to goaltender Carey Price's return to form, it was a season above expectations for the Canadiens, but ultimately one that fell just a little short.

Keys to the offseason

Address the blue line: The Canadiens have Shea Weber, Jeff Petry and Victor Mete under contract for next season. Brett Kulak and Mike Reilly are restricted free agents, while Jordie Benn and Christian Folin are unrestricted. The latter two haven't been good down the stretch.

There are opportunities for upgrades here, specifically some puck-moving offensive punch, but the three returning players represent a sturdy foundation. (Here's where we would mention how good Mikhail Sergachev would look on this blue line, but that would just be kicking Jonathan Drouin when he's down, in a two-points-in-17-games slump.)

Hope Marc Bergevin's hot streak continues: Remember when Bergevin was the most maligned executive in the NHL? Granted, the reputation was earned through controversial moves such as the P.K. Subban trade and outright disasters, including the Karl Alzner signing. After moving two significant Canadiens in trades before this season -- Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk -- there were more concerns.

But acquiring Domi, Tatar, Kulak and Joel Armia and drafting Kotkaniemi all contributed to the Habs' turnaround. Sure, Bergevin's trade-deadline tinkering didn't produce the desired results. But confidence has been restored in the direction of the team, for the moment.

Improve the forward group: The Canadiens have something special in Tatar, Danault and Gallagher, who had a 62.59 scoring chances percentage at 5-on-5. Domi and Shaw worked magic together. There are some good grunts on the team, such as Armia and Paul Byron. Kotkaniemi is going to be something special, but he needs time to incubate. Drouin can be a force if he is more like the guy before the All-Star break (37 points in 51 games) than after it (15 points in 29 games).

But Bergevin needs to add a bit more to a team that scored 2.98 goals per game and had the second-worst power play in the NHL (12.9). Can prospect Ryan Poehling help?

Impact prospects for 2019-20

Nick Suzuki, C/W, age 19: Of Montreal's litany of top prospects, Suzuki is one of the most likely to challenge for a roster spot next season. His game has only continued to take off in the OHL, where he finished the regular season with 94 points.

While Suzuki's greatest assets are his vision and overall playmaking ability, he has shown the ability to do the dirty work too. While Suzuki isn't going to overwhelm anyone physically, he is committed to playing a solid all-around game. I would expect him to give the Habs something to think about in camp.

Ryan Poehling, C, age 20: Signed immediately following a solid three-year career at St. Cloud State, Poehling has the versatility and physical strength to carve out a role for himself as early as next season. While I think there's a better chance that he spends time in the AHL next season, I've seen enough of Poehling to know not to underestimate him achieving at a high level early.

He is a smart player with improved puck skills and a solid on-ice work ethic. He already carries himself on and off the ice like a professional.

Jake Evans, C/W, age 22: A player who continues to be a pleasant surprise in Montreal's system, Evans shined in his rookie season with the Laval Rocket in the AHL. A four-year standout at Notre Dame before that, Evans made an easy adjustment to pro hockey, and he has the ability to fit into a few different roles.

He could challenge for a spot as one of the more NHL-ready players in Montreal's AHL system. The Habs' prospect pool is deep, but there are guys who still need more time to get to an NHL level of play. Evans could be a good middle-six option in the interim, and he very well could grow into a more permanent role.

Realistic expectation for 2019-20

Given how they played this season, the playoffs are obviously in reach for the Habs next season. Not many believed that coach Claude Julien could change his stripes, embracing a more offensive style. Critics snickered when Bergevin talked about "an attitude change" being imperative after last season.

Well, the Canadiens scored significantly more goals and restored a sense of pride in the organization. A strong offseason can build on this momentum.