Paul Chiasson / AP

All-Star game MVP Alexei Kovalev is crucial if Montreal is to make a serious run at the Stanley Cup, writes NBCSports.com's Bill Clement.

What coach Guy Carbonneau will be looking for over the second half of the season is for his team to pick up the pace of its play. Montreal was among the NHL’s fastest and most skilled offensive teams last season. The Canadiens would leave opponents’ heads spinning. Their pace has not been the same and their puck movement and passing are not as good.

They still have speed, however, and I love how hard they compete and their skill level up front. Montreal has a bunch of outstanding passers, but not as many scorers as it could use. That’s why it’s so important for Kovalev to get goals. Chris Higgins can score, and after suffering a shoulder injury in December, he will return after the All-Star break.

There’s little question that Montreal could use another goal scorer. The trading deadline is not that far off, but general manager Bob Gainey is a very patient man and he will not make a panic move. He prefers to build from within. He may just see how far the Canadiens can go with this group.

Montreal plays well defensively. Komisarek is the hammer, as he’s big and punishing. Andrei Markov is an exquisite player and vastly underrated. His passing and his hockey smarts are off the charts. Roman Hamrlik is a reliable force who provides defensive stability. For a little guy, Francis Bouillon gives the team everything he’s got. And Josh Gorges, who was sort of a minor acquisition, has really turned into a good player.

The Eastern Conference should be wide open once the playoffs begin as there are questions surrounding all the top contenders. But with the level of play we’ve seen from the Canadiens over the first half of the season, they’re not beating out the Bruins for the Northeast title. I do, however, see them making the second round of the playoffs. To fare even better, the solution is in their lineup: Alexei Kovalev. A rejuvenated Kovalev would mean a world of difference for Montreal in the postseason.

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