Reasons for hope, doubt in Canada's NHL markets

Michael TraikosMontreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price is seen warming up prior to NHL pre-season hockey action on Oct. 6, 2016 in Montreal. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson)Nearly three weeks into the season, what’s more surprising: that the Edmonton Oilers have the most wins of any team in the National Hockey League or that the Vancouver Canucks haven’t had a reason to fire head coach Willie Desjardins?

Give it some time. After all, three weeks doesn’t make a season.

And yet, the early indications are that this might not be as difficult a year for Canadian-based teams as last season, when all seven missed the playoffs by a long shot.

In Montreal, the goaltending duo of Carey Price and Al…