Canadiens Embrace Underdog Role Against the Penguins, NHL, Montreal, Pittsburgh, Carey Price, Jonathan Drouin, Paul Byron, Max Domi, Jake Guentzel, Prediction, Stanley Cup
Should the 2019-20 NHL season resume at the end of July, the Canadiens will have an opportunity they never expected as play was paused in mid-March. Montreal lagged far behind the Penguins and were out of the playoff picture as the season was winding down but have been granted a reprieve in a 24-team return-to-play plan. The Canadiens will face-off against the Penguins in a best-of-five play-in series with an opportunity to win a berth to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Montreal Canadiens vs Pittsburgh Penguins
There’s no debate that it was a difficult season for the Canadiens and a frustrating one for their fans. Beating the Penguins will be an enormous task for the Habs, as they finished the regular season 15 points back of the Pens in the Eastern Conference, and 10 points out of a playoff spot. Pittsburgh finished fifth in the conference but just four points shy of their division leader.
This series has all of the signs of a mis-match with a number of questions waiting to be answered.
During the season, given a lack of depth, the Canadiens were hurt by the lengthy injuries to Jonathan Drouin and Paul Byron. With both players able to recover while play was paused, Montreal will boast an almost healthy lineup looking for redemption. The only uncertainty is the status of Max Domi, who has not yet confirmed his participation due to his diabetes and an increased risk for COVID-19.
While the Canadiens ranked just mid-way in the NHL with respect to man-games lost to injury, the Penguins were the team impacted most severely. Pittsburgh should get a boost as Jake Guentzel is set to return for the series after being out of the Pens lineup since December due to shoulder surgery. The 25-year-old forward had 43 points in 39 games this season.
Special teams could be a deciding factor in the qualifying series with the Penguins boasting considerable firepower with the man advantage. The Canadiens were ranked 22nd on the power-play in the league and 19th while short-handed. Pittsburgh permitted the fourth fewest power-play goals in the NHL.
Most of the statistical comparisons heavily favor the Penguins. Yet an advantage for the Habs is seen on a number of sites with odds in their favor to win the best-of-five series. This is a perfect time for the team to capitalize and see their success deliver a playoff berth.
The Threat Of Carey Price
The optimism believing that the underdog Habs can upset the favored Penguins is firmly rooted in the knowledge that Montreal has the best goaltender in the world. Carey Price is the netminder that opposition players least want to face, sparking return-to-play negotiations that included discussion of the Canadiens franchise player. Price is capable of stealing a short series and the Penguins know it.
But Montreal cannot rely on Price alone and they will need secondary scoring from beyond their top line players. The Canadiens have had a very inconsistent season, but with strong goaltending and a group of skaters who outperform expectations, the Habs could surprise Pittsburgh winning three of five games.
Will you be watching?