The Montreal Canadiens lost the Stanley Cup, but not the war
By Omar L
It was a tough game for the Montreal Canadiens, and although they lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets, there is still time left to work their way back.
Thursday’s game was circled as soon as it was known that the final wild-card spot would go between the Montreal Canadiens or the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Habs rode a strong week from the outside looking in getting back to the promised lands winning three out of four games while the Blue Jackets had a hiccup in Edmonton keeping them right out of the threshold.
Both teams were coming off dominating wins as well. Montreal didn’t let up on the Florida Panthers beating them 6-1 while Columbus shutout the New York Islanders 4-0.
No matter which way you spun it, one thing couldn’t be denied: the match between the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets was the Stanley Cup of the regular season. A game between two desperate teams determined to make the playoffs. However, with Jarmo Kekalainen throwing all of his assets out the window to go all in for a deep run, the Blue Jackets were the more desperate team, and it showed.
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It was 6-2 Columbus by the end of the final buzzer. The Blue Jackets won the ‘Get into the Playoffs’ Stanley Cup.
How should Habs fans feel about this? Angry? Sad? Frustrated? Annoyed? Disappointed!? Yes, yes, yes, and oh boy yeah. Not many teams get a chance to regain control over their own destiny in the regular season after it already being given up earlier.
With a win, the Montreal Canadiens would’ve been four points up on the Blue Jackets and get an opportunity to make it six on Saturday against the Jets while the former would be in the gutter with limited hope. Instead, Columbus swapped places with the Habs putting them in the second wild-card spot and can end up doing even more damage with their game in hand match taking place on Sunday.
It’s not over yet though even if it seems that way. The Habs not only have to worry about gaining points themselves but the push to cheer against their opposition is stronger than it’s ever been. That’s what is the most disappointing about the result. Sure we can dive into the specifics of the match, and I know Josh will have some choice words about that in his recap, but the Montreal Canadiens gave up their ability to choose.
They could end up winning every single game of the season, but it won’t mean anything if Columbus does the exact same thing. They’ll hold the tiebreaker as they have more wins while their ROW (regulation and overtime wins) is in their favour as well.
Optimism is the most important thing now. It’ll be crucial for the Montreal Canadiens to respond from this quickly and have their best face on for the rest of the year. They can’t afford any more losses, especially if the Blue Jackets continue to win.
Next. A First in Years for the Habs. dark
The Stanley Cup is there’s, and although it stings, there is still hockey left to be played.