Bergevin believes Montreal Canadiens have a chance vs. Pittsburgh

The Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin thinks his team has a shot at winning the play-in series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Marc Bergevin took the time to do a conference call with the Montreal Canadiens media to discuss the league 24 team format as well as the NHL draft lottery.

He took the time to acknowledge the people who are affected by Covid-19, saying, “The Montreal Canadiens are thinking about the people who have been affected by Covid-19, whether it “s in Quebec, Canada or across the world our thoughts are with you”.

He also noted everything that was done by the league is conditional, and he would not have a firm answer on everything.

Bergevin started by answering a question about the draft and the potential to drop in the lottery if the Canadiens win a round or two.

"You play to get in the playoffs and the fact is that if we would have continued playing we would not have a chance to play in the playoffs."

He also said its time that his team show they are no slouch. “We have something to prove, and it does affect the draft, but every team starts in September for a chance to make the playoffs”.

He also noted that during the call that Gary Bettman confirmed during the NHL return to play an announcement that teams would be allowed 28 players instead of 23 and 2 exhibition games.

"We need to evaluate, and we will put the best lineup available to beat the Penguins."

The Canadiens general manager also touched on the contracts that have been signed since the pause and if there is a chance that players like Romanov can join the team.

“First of all, there is no official decision that has been made on this subject, and it is still uncertain for now “. Bergevin also spoke about the fact that Montreal at the trade deadline were sellers trading players like Ilya Kovalchuk, Marco Scandella, Nick Cousins, and Nate Thompson and now being thrust into a scenario that could potentially put them in the playoffs.

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“It’s not an ideal situation for all the teams, and some teams have more of an advantage than others, and the league did their adjustment, and we need to adapt, and I consider myself someone who sees the glass half full rather than half empty”.

Additionally, Bergevin touched on the fact that all junior leagues are cancelled for the time being as well the NCAA when asked about the future of his prospects and where he could send them. “I don’t know what’s going to happen and what is possible, and I can’t speculate on that”.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who was sent down to Laval back in March and suffered a serious spleen injury while playing for the Rocket, was also brought up. “At this point and time, I don’t have an idea because he returned home to Finland, and since he has not seen our medical staff, I can’t give an update on that”.

When asked about the team’s chances to succeed in this format, the general manager was pretty optimistic. “I think our chances are as good as any of the other eight teams that have been awarded a place in the playoffs, it’s a short series anything is possible without putting pressure on Carey when you have a goaltender of that quality anything is possible”.

Bergevin also took the time to send a message to the fans. “I want to personally thank our fans for their support and let see what happens if and when we return to play”.

Max Domi was a hot topic during the call due to the fact he is a type 1 diabetic, and Bergevin gave his input on the situation.

"Let me just clarify that the NHL and the Montreal Canadiens will never put Max Domi in a situation where he is at risk short term and long term and if doctors confirm he is a no go in whatever situation then Max Domi won’t play, I will never put any player on the Montreal Canadiens or the values of the team to risk the health of our club."

Marc Bergevin also did confirm that due to the increase in the number of players allowed, that team would be taking more than two goalies. “It’s certain that we will have more than 2, we are going into a hub city, and if ever a goalie gets injured, we need to be prepared for it, so yes we will.”

Bergevin was once again asked why he was so optimistic that the Canadiens have a chance at beating Pittsburgh. “The game is played on the ice and not on the sheet of paper”. He also gave an update on Jonathan Drouin and Victor Mete, who, at the time of the pause, were both injured.

“Jo is cleared to play, and in regards to Victor it’s unsure because he went back home and doing some rehab so until our medical staff sees him and puts there hands on him I don’t know, Jo has been in Montreal and that’s why it is easier to give an update on him”.

Lastly, Bergevin gave an update on 3 prospects who are still not signed Alan Mcshane, Cole Fonstad, Samuel Houde as well as Raphael Harvey Pinard. “A decision was made in regards to the first 3, and a contract won’t be offered to any of them, but Harvey-Pinard got a bonafide offer, so he still belongs to the club.

NHL player reps Brendan Gallagher and Paul Byron will speak tomorrow in regards to the agreed format. We, of course, will gladly bring you that coverage and look forward to the possibility of hockey coming back very soon.