The Montreal Canadiens were the first team eliminated from postseason contention this season.
A year ago, they were in the Stanley Cup Final.
So, things can change quickly around the National Hockey League.
Some teams do contend for a long period of time, like the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins. Others appear hopeless for many years like the Arizona Coyotes and Buffalo Sabres. Some, like the Toronto Maple Leafs just find a way to lose in the opening round of the postseason every single year.
But not everything is so predictable in this league. Not many would have picked the Vegas Golden Knights to make the Stanley Cup Final in its inaugural season. No one was picking the Los Angeles Kings to have home ice in the opening round of this year’s playoffs. The Nashville Predators were supposed to fall in the standings after trading Viktor Arvidsson, Ryan Ellis and losing Pekka Rinne to retirement.
But things just aren’t that predictable in the NHL. Many are going to pick the Canadiens to struggle once again next season after a disastrous 2021-22. But are the Habs doomed to fail again next season?
Not necessarily. They can surprise many and compete for a playoff spot as soon as next season. A few things are going to have to go right for this to happen.
What exactly has to occur for the Canadiens to return to the postseason in a year? Let’s count down the top five.