Canadiens out to prove they belong in Stanley Cup Qualifiers, owner says

Geoff Molson said his Montreal Canadiens feel fortunate to be a participant in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers and the players will be out to prove they belong.

"This year, we went into the season really believing that we were going to make the playoffs," the Canadiens owner said Wednesday. "We believed we were going to take a step forward. We had those two (eight-game) setbacks, [and] the second one (Dec. 21 to Jan. 9) really made it difficult for us. That's why we're grateful.
"We feel a little bit lucky that we're in the [qualifiers] this year. We're going to see if we can make a difference and prove that we're better than our record showed. There isn't one person in the room that's not dedicated to accomplishing this."
The Canadiens finished the regular season with a points percentage of .500, making them the 12th team in the Eastern Conference Qualifiers. They will play the No. 5 Pittsburgh Penguins in a best-of-5 series, with the winner advancing to the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Molson said he believes his team is moving in the right direction. The Canadiens have won the Stanley Cup 24 times, but not since 1993.
"I really believe that we're on the cusp of having a really nice run for several years with a team that's playoff-ready every year and probably eventually have a chance to win our 25th Stanley Cup," Molson said. "That's why I say we're still on track. At the end of the day, if we're not making the playoffs and challenging for the Stanley Cup, then it's not a successful season."

Molson said he is excited the Canadiens will be one of 24 teams to resume play after the NHL season was paused March 12 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. A site and starting date for the qualifiers has not been announced.
"I feel privileged that we're playing in the [qualifiers]," Molson said. "I can't wait to watch ourselves in the [qualifiers], and I know that our players can't wait to get on the ice and prove themselves. It's going to be really exciting and I'm looking forward to it.
"The decision comes down to the NHL and the [NHL] Players' Association. For the past two and a half months, they have been on the phone discussing how to do this, voting on things. If you're asking, did I call (NHL Commissioner) Gary Bettman and say, 'Hey, can you find a way to get us into the playoffs?', the answer is no. This is the NHL and the Players' Association trying to determine what to do when everything had been turned over upside down."
Molson said it would be "an amazing accomplishment" if the Canadiens defeat the Penguins and earn a berth in a best-of-7 playoff series.
"Certainly [a championship] was not predicted by many of you (in the media) and by many people in the industry overall, but it sure would be fun," he said. "Even if we won the Stanley Cup without any fans (in the stands), I'm sure we'd have millions and millions of Montreal Canadiens fans around the world watching. I never give up hope.
"Do I think that this is the team that's built to win the Stanley Cup? I don't think so. But I do think that anything can happen in the playoffs. We've seen it before. We've got a group of players that can make a difference. They're three months rested, but so are the other teams. For me, I look to the future and I see a core of veteran and young players that is going to bring us to that point where we think we can win it for sure."