According to Eklund, there will be an announcement today about the League resuming its operation soon and that would be in the form of a 24 team playoffs tournament. It would be set in either 2 or 4 hub cities and would focus on a divisional format. The top 6 teams in each division would apparently be in and things would kick off with a round robin between the 6 teams which would determine who would move on to the proper playoffs.
In this scenario, the Canadiens would be in, at least for the 24 team part. How would you feel about that? To be honest, I live and breathe hockey but it's hard to argue that the Canadiens deserve a shot at Lord Stanley's mug this season. They were 10 points out of the playoffs when the season was put on hold and they had been sellers at the deadline. Clearly, they were focused on the draft and the future. In this new scenario though, the focus shifts on the now and the draft portrait becomes significantly different. Rumour has it that only the teams who do not get in the 24 team tournament would be in the draft lottery. We all miss hockey, but for the long term health of this franchise, I'd rather it did not take part in this tournament if it does happen.
That being said, I will be watching if it does happen. I mean we are starved for entertainment right now and we've missed our fill of playoffs hockey so of course I'll watch. Even if it's in the middle of summer I'll be watching but I can't help but think that whoever wins this thing will forever be known as the Cup champions who didn't really win it fair and square. Imagine if a team who was having a rough season and shouldn't have been in the playoffs sees the stars align and wins the whole thing? How strange would that be?
We all know that the Canadiens shouldn't have been in this season but what if after 2 months off and with everyone rested, they take everyone by surprise? I know, the odds are slim but we are talking about the Habs here and to be fair, they have made it a habit to be very good in October. Would Max Domi really turn it up in a playoffs scenario? Could a rested Carey Price stand on his head and lead the Canadiens to the promise land? Doubtful but there is still a chance I guess. That being said though, I'd rather the Canadiens win their next cup fair and square not thanks to a global pandemic that has rendered the 70 odd games played in the regular season meaningless. What do you think?
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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