When the Montreal Canadiens were eliminated from the playoffs by the Philadelphia Flyers, two things were very true. The team, as it stood, showed that they’re better than their pre-pandemic play and that they can be a threat to anyone when playing that well. The team as it stood could also be improved and not need a once-in-a-lifetime situation to get into the post-season, and also secure a long-term stability within the franchise.
Marc Bergevin noted that he had some work to do, and that he wanted to keep the team’s crucial pieces. He went out almost immediately and did just that, starting early in the month of September.