The Matchups
A top vs. bottom format in the first round would have the 15 matchups go as such:
- Florida Panthers vs. Nashville Predators
- Vegas Golden Knights vs. Buffalo Sabres
- Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens
- Colorado Avalanche vs. San Jose Sharks
- Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Winnipeg Jets
- Washington Capitals vs. Los Angeles Kings
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Minnesota Wild
- St. Louis Blues vs. Detroit Red Wings
- Vancouver Canucks vs. New York Rangers
- Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New Jersey Devils
- Dallas Stars vs. Chicago Blackhawks
- Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Ottawa Senators
- Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Calgary Flames
- Philadelphia Flyers vs. Anaheim Ducks
- New York Islanders vs. Arizona Coyotes
Oh, the irony. The Montreal Canadiens meeting the Hurricanes in the first round would be a perfect start to this strange format.
Carolina took the season series against Montreal, winning two of their three encounters. However, the Habs have goaltending on their side. The Hurricanes, in an entertaining game against the Leafs, lost both of their goalies to injury. They walked away from the Trade Deadline as winners adding Sami Vatanen, Brady Skjei and Vincent Trochek.
The Habs would be the underdog heading into this game, considering the Hurricanes went to the Eastern Conference Final last season. However, anything can happen in a single game. Carey Price may revert to his god mode and do what he’s done his whole career, steal the Montreal Canadiens a win.
Unfortunately, the difficulty wouldn’t stop there. If the Montreal Canadiens managed to defeat the Carolina Hurricanes, they would face the winner of the Golden Knights-Sabres game. Ideally, Buffalo comes away with the mega upset and sends Vegas on their way; otherwise, the Canadiens would have another big challenge in their midst.
And even if the Habs continued on, there could be a scenario where they face the Boston Bruins if they defeat the Panthers or Predators in their game.
It wouldn’t look good competition-wise for the Montreal Canadiens. However, it would make for an interesting time, especially if they can repeat what that 2010 team did and surprise some powerhouses in the playoffs.