Since the inception of the NHL Return’s plan, I haven’t been shy of the idea of the Canadiens falling to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Adding an additional top prospect to their ever-growing core of electrifying talent would have been much more beneficial in the future than a miracle playoff run. When it was announced a round robin team would gain the right to draft Alexis Lafrenière, everything seemed to be coming into place. Missing out on Pierre Luc Dubois, Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, Patrice Bergeron, among others, drafting Lafrenière could've been the homegrown talent that the Canadiens have not had in decades.
With Montreal defeating Pittsburgh last Friday, the fanbase has never been in such a polarized state. Regularly, a fanbase wants their team to win, although a 12.5% chance at drafting the budding superstar was enough for fans across the league to only wish elimination upon their teams.
As a fan it’s easy to be eager at the idea, Lafrenière conveniently could have been the cornerstone piece that Montreal has been looking for to lead them to several playoff appearances. Montreal Canadiens Head Coach Claude Julien also understands the thought.
“That’s totally normal. Totally normal. There're no issues there, I think everybody’s got their opinions and they’re entitled to it because some fans, and rightfully so, get excited about the possibility of having that guy there. But imagine if we didn’t win the first round and we don’t get Lafrenière. How are the fans going to react then?”
Perhaps the 9th overall pick would have been a satisfying consolation prize if Montreal failed to acquire 1st overall, but now assuming the Canadiens don’t go on some phenomenal run they will pick no higher than 16th. Even if they do go on a run they wont pick higher than 16th, needs rewording
Now it is up to Canadiens fans to make peace with what has transpired. The playoffs are now certain and for the first time since 2017 Montreal will take part. The X factor known as Carey Price has not been this dominant in years; the Montreal goaltender is demonstrating how valuable he can be with the proper time off. Carey Price is 33 years old this August. Finding a suitable backup this offseason is an essential need for the Canadiens. Ultimately, it is up to Montreal if they want Price in his most dominating form, or to be exhausted playing too many minutes.
The future may be closer than we thought. Once thought to be the Canadiens weakness, the center position shined against Pittsburgh. With significant growth since their last game in March, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Nick Suzuki have centered the Canadiens top two lines during this bubble playoff experience. The two 20-year old's flourished while facing off against some of the best players in NHL history in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Coming off of minor knee surgery in 2019, the now 20-year-old Kotkaniemi has been quick to redeem himself with this qualifying round after a disaster of a season. The young forward is still developing, but at the moment he is showing us why Montreal took him with the 3rd overall pick in 2018. With two goals in four games, the increase in playing time has showcased why he and Suzuki deserve larger roles with the team.
In deicing fasion, Montreal has knocked out the 5th best-team in the NHL this season. Understandably, it is rational to be upset at the loss of Lafrenière, but rest assured this series has only emphasized that the Canadiens have outstanding talent on their roster. These younger players perhaps have revealed that they are much closer to their potential than previously thought. Montreal's next opponent, Philadelphia, was statistically better than Pittsburgh this season. If 2014 and 2010 taught the Montreal fanbase anything is that with some luck and a hot goalie a window of opportunity can be opened and a drive for 25 is possible.
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