Can the Montreal Canadiens Make the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2021?

In the 2019-20 NHL season, the Montreal Canadiens finished the abbreviated regular season in 24th place in the league, well short of a playoff berth. It was disappointing for loyal Habs fans but they would soon by granted a lifeline by Gary Bettman. The league commissioner unveiled a 24-team return-to-play plan to determine the 16 teams eligible for the playoffs.

In a major upset, Montreal dispatched the Pittsburgh Penguins three games to one in the best of five qualifying round on the back of Carey Price. However, the 24-time Stanley Cup winners failed to get beyond the first round of the playoffs, losing the series to the Philadelphia Flyers. So, can they once again secure qualification for the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2021?

Are Back-to-Back Playoff Berths in the Cards for the Habs?

Currently, the Montreal Canadiens are the most successful team in NHL history. To date, the team has won 24 Stanley Cups, 11 more than the league’s second-most successful team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. On reputation alone, there’s always a sense of optimism that the Habs can return to the glory years. That said, the last time the Canadiens went all the way and won the Stanley Cup was back in 1993. Since then, they have made it to just one Conference Final.

Interestingly, Guy Lapointe, a Hall of Fame defenseman, believes that the Montreal Canadiens will qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2021. The six-time champion puts his new-found belief down to the Habs’ recent reinforcements, which include Joel Edmundson, Josh Anderson, and Tyler Toffoli.

The addition of Toffoli, in particular, is a signal of intent from Montreal. Having signed a four-year deal in October 2020 with Marc Bergevin‘s side. The 28-year-old arrives off the back of an impressive 2019-20 season, in which he registered 24 goals and 20 assists in 68 games. Seen as one of the most coveted free agents, securing Toffoli’s signature adds a much-needed offensive threat to the Habs’ attack. As such, ahead of the 2021 campaign, the Habs are priced at +2300 with Funbet live betting to win the Stanley Cup, as of January 8th.

Will the Stars Align?

Given that it’s been over 20 years since the Montreal Canadiens last won the Stanley Cup, the fact that they’re not the favourites to do so in 2021 is no surprise. Interestingly, NBS Sport suggests that in order for the Habs to finish in the North Division’s top-four, Anderson and Toffoli will have to bring scoring depth to the offensive line. Not only that, but both Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Nick Suzuki will also have to show signs of progression.

On paper, the current Montreal Canadiens roster is blessed with balance and depth. In 1998-99, the Habs endured their worst ever season, while there’s also a case for the 2017-18 team, which scored 180 goals and conceded 240. As such, supporters should be somewhat optimistic about 2021.

A Playoff Position Isn’t Out of the Question

Ultimately, despite their history, the Montreal Canadiens aren’t guaranteed a place in the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2021. However, their squad is more than capable of making that goal a reality. Should their young players make the expected forward steps, and their new arrivals can hit the ground running, the sky is the limit for the Habs this season.