ROCKET SPORTS MEDIA — When Game 6 ended, along with the Montreal Canadiens 2019-2020 season and unexpected playoff campaign, I was frustrated. Not angry, not upset, not
even mad, just frustrated at a missed opportunity.

This team was not close to the playoffs when the Covid-shortened regular season suddenly ended. In fact, they were essentially mathematically eliminated from contention with less than a one percent chance of making the playoffs.

Having said that, why was I frustrated? I was frustrated because this team had every right to win this series against Philadelphia. They, at times, dominated pace of play, shot  attempts and even shots, but that is nothing new.

A veteran Carey Price out-dueled sophomore Carter Hart, despite Sportsnet proudly stating at the conclusion of Game 6 that Hart got the better of Price. There was little truth to that statement.

So again, why was I frustrated?

Well, for one, I had to continue a 15 or so year tradition of doing a shot in honor of yet another season that ended short of a Stanley Cup. Usually, this is a bittersweet moment. Not because I dread doing a smooth shot of Makers Mark, (it’s absolutely delicious), but because as soon as I did that, all my cares went away.

Now I know what you must be thinking, that’s the liquor. I assure you it is not, I had one drink. The clarity that came over me immediately turned to positivity.

This team sold players at the deadline including Nate Thompson, Nick Cousins and Matthew Peca. The Canadiens moved three expiring contracts in return for younger prospects and draft assets.

The moves allowed young prospects a chance to play with the big club. In previous years, these type players were buried in the AHL. Memories of Charles Hudon, Chris Terry, Sven Andrighetto, come flooding back when thinking about those missed opportunities at a legitimate chance with the big club.

Nick Suzuki, Jake Evans, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and even an ECHL/AHL veteran like Alex  Belzile, were all given chances to prove themselves in roles for which they were  developed.

Suzuki, who led in Canadiens post-season scoring with four goals, three assists for seven points proved he could take another step from his stellar rookie season where he recorded 41 points in 71 games. Suzuki was used mostly as a second line centre during the regular
season, averaging 15:59 of time on ice. His postseason usage was increased to 19:11 per game.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi looked like a completely different player from the under-utilized role he played during the regular season. It’s amazing what a little patience and growth can do for player of his caliber. The third overall pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft was often criticized by fans and media in his sophomore year for not immediately taking the next step in his development.

The criticism was unfair as Kotkaniemi will be an elite player in this league, with time. His
unique mix of size, strong positioning, vision and playmaking ability are a rare blend in this league. He will continue to get better and more confident as he develops.

We saw evidence of this in the 2020 postseason. Kotkaniemi carried his line, dictated play at times, and even physically dominated when called upon. The most promising tool I saw
utilized is his willingness to shot when in the right position.

For the first time in his short career, Kotkaniemi shot just under one shot per game and even scored at a 36.4 percent efficiency with four goals. That impressive number will no doubt decrease as he continues to build confidence and take more shots. Along with his high hockey IQ and knack of getting in the high danger scoring areas, a breakout is on the horizon.

Belizle and Evans had lesser roles on this playoff roster, but they were still given opportunities to play in offence situations, and both contributed with an assist each. The opportunity was a nice reward for finishing top two in scoring with the Laval Rocket.

And finally, this team had a leadership core that not only led the way in on-ice performance, but also inspired others to follow. Shea Weber and Carey Price led the
way.

Weber was a rock on the blueline, rarely being out of position and driving opponents to the outside. An impressive feat considering he has lost some of his foot speed over the years. He is still averaging more than 25 minutes of ice-time a game and continues to put up 0.5 points per game as well. Weber rarely looks tired and continues to defend teammates in scrums, while also protecting his goaltender Price.

Price showed us exactly why his peers voted him the goalie they want backstopping their team in a Game 7. He put up a career best .936 save percentage, along with a 1.78 goals against average.

Perhaps most impressive, is the situational saves Price managed to make throughout the play in round and first round. Its not a stat that can be quantified, so allow me to explain. In my view this is a save that extends the momentum for his team such as high danger save after Habs spend extended amount of time in opponents zone. Or it can be a save that builds momentum such as numerous high danger saves after his team is stuck in its own zone.

A big piece of leadership that became evident on this playoff run as well is how well the team rebounded from soft penalties. Also the team reacted well to an injury to Brendan Gallagher and an illness to Claude Julien. These could be examples for a team to close up shop. Instead, the leadership core used this as inspiration to come back stronger and more determined. It is a great sign for the future.

I am so optimistic today because of the Habs’ future. With a veteran core of consistent performers in place like Price, Weber, Gallagher, complimentary pieces that keep on improving such as Jeff Petry, Ben Chiarot, Phillip Danault, Artturi Lehkonen, a few wildcards such as Jonathan Drouin, Max Domi, Victor Mete, Ryan Poeling, and young, high-octane pieces like Suzuki and Kotkaniemi this current roster is already in a great place.

What potentially makes this a special group is what we haven’t even seen in the NHL yet. These players include Cole Caufield, Alex Romanov, Cayden Primeau, Mattias Norlinder, and Jordan Harris who may be part of the Canadiens lineup over the next one to three years.  Imagine if they become full-time contributors to the NHL team?

This recipe for success can only be sweetened by the six picks in in the first three rounds of the upcoming 2020 NHL Entry Draft.

By Mike Raschle, Staff Writer.
All Habs Hockey Magazine
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