Montreal Canadiens
Canadiens Learn Three Valuable Lessons in Loss to Flyers
The Montreal Canadiens learned they are a much better team than people thought and have some important young pieces.
The Montreal Canadiens shouldn’t have beaten the Philadelphia Flyers. That’s an easy statement to make because they didn’t.
To be fair, the Montreal Canadiens probably shouldn’t have been in a situation to try and beat the Flyers. As the 24th-ranked team in a 24-team tournament for the Stanley Cup, there were plenty of arguments from Day 1 that the Canadiens didn’t earn the right to be included.
Still, thanks to an expanded playoff format that saw the Canadiens squeak in as a bubble team, the Habs did what no one thought they would — well, all except for perhaps the Canadiens themselves.
Montreal sold off assets heading into the NHL trade deadline because they didn’t assume they’d need them. When the pandemic hit and the NHL worked out a new format to make things “as fair” as possible, Montreal was now a postseason team but written off early having to go up against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Not only did Montreal win that series, they fought valiantly against one of the hottest teams heading into the playoffs in the Flyers.
So, when a group like Montreal — who everyone figured would phone it in— started looking like they had a chance to keep going in the Eastern Conference games that really counted, people started taking notice.
Why Was Montreal Successful?
Calling the Canadiens season a success means admitting that a team can be successful and not win it all. Some people will argue against that philosophy. But, make no mistake, you can lose and learn something extremely valuable about your team in defeat.
Nate Thompson, who was traded from the Canadiens to the Flyers at the Feb. 24 deadline said of the Canadiens performance, “That was the best hockey I’ve ever seen them play. They took their game to the next level. It was impressive. It was very impressive.”
Shea Weber said of his own team’s showing:
“Everybody doubted us as soon as they announced what the playoff format would be. Everyone kind of just axed us off like we weren’t gonna be here. Everybody showed up … I think it just shows that maybe we’re closer than people think.”
The first lesson learned was that you can “out desire” other teams. The Canadiens were successful because they decided they wanted it. Whether it was proving they weren’t as bad as many projected or that they felt a sense of obligation to seize an opportunity many felt they didn’t deserve, the Habs showed up ready to play.
Great performances from Carey Price and Weber certainly helped, but the overall combined effort of a team that didn’t want to be written off was key to going as far as they did.
Related: [Report] Gaudreau Likely To Be Traded After Flames Embarrassing Loss
Future Stars Stepped Up
Lesson two, and perhaps the biggest takeaway from the series is what forwards Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Nick Suzuki were able to do as youngsters. The Canadiens learned just how key to their franchise’s future these two players really are. In short, both established themselves as future stars and the GM of the team absolutely noticed.
Bergevin said, “It’s about KK taking it upon himself. So I give all the credit in to him to realize he had to be better and he did.” He added, “I think he has a bright future ahead of him.”
Bergevin added in respect to Nick Suzuki, “What I love from Nick isn’t just how he’s playing but that he’s doing it this time of the season. We’re in the playoffs in difficult and physical games and he’s elevated his game… Hats off to Nick Suzuki for becoming the good young player everyone expected.” Suzuki showed he has the potential to be an elite No. 1 center in this league, and sooner than later.
Lesson three is one that will be exclusive to GM Marc Bergevin. He doesn’t need to go crazy in free agency because he has pieces that are ready now.
As John Shannon of Sportsnet stated after the Canadiens were eliminated, the Canadiens have some money to play with this offseason. But, instead of having to find those really expensive pieces that will take a key role in the team’s future, he might only need pieces to surround the pieces that stepped forward.
Shannon writes:
Canadiens gave their fan base something to be proud of…and look forward to…Young Stars like Suzuki, Kotkaniemi…plus the vets like Weber and Price…and a ton of Cap Space to work with…Montreal is on the rise.
These Young Guys Need to Take the Next Step
It can be argued that teams like the Penguins, Edmonton Oilers and others who were eliminated early aren’t nearly as bad as they showed in this year’s adapted playoffs. The same argument can be made that Montreal played out of the minds for three weeks. Lesson four is one that comes in time.: taking what they’ve learned about themselves and applying it to next season.
If the Canadiens show up in training camp with a different attitude, are motivated and believe in themselves, they could be a better team than anyone expected. If they fall into the trap of believing their own hype, that could be a problem.
Next: [Report]: Tuukka Rask Has Lost Interest in Continuing Hockey Career
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