Okay, if there is one blessing in disguise from all this, it is possibly this:
"It would also present Bergevin with an opportunity to put his entire team to the test in a meaningful situation. He’s repeated on several occasions that certain players get you to the playoffs, while others get you through the playoffs, but unfortunately, his team has fallen short in the last few years. It’s an underserved, unprecedented and completely uncanny way of going about it, but it presents a unique opportunity for a team that’s struggling with its identity. If they truly are built for a playoff run, they will finally have their chance to prove it. Alternatively, a decisive loss could finally help convince Bergevin that Stanley Cup windows are, in fact, a thing and he needs to focus on a proper rebuild rather which involves liquidating his aging stars."
If the Canadiens get embarassed badly, while a healthy team, will MB have the wisdom of doing a proper rebuild or will he simply attribute it to the wild circumstances (long layoffs, lack of training for players during the COVID, lack of fans (LOL)).