The Montreal Canadiens couldn’t be further from the National League playoffs. But the Rocket, his American League school club, is preparing to host the first playoff game in its history in Laval.
The Rocket will face Tampa Bay Lightning farm Syracuse Crunch in the North Division semifinals after earning a bye in the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs.
After a four-game winless streak, the Rocket (39-26-7) capped off their season with two wins, including a 5-1 victory over the Crunch in their final outing of the season, which allowed them to edge out the Belleville Senators in third place in the North Division.
The opportunity to host a playoff game after two successful seasons. The Rocket were Canadian Division champions in 2020-21, but despite the banner hanging high above Place Bell, the team did not play a playoff game due to the pandemic.
“We are very excited about this opportunity. This is the first time this organization will play in the playoffs, said forward Rafaël Harvey-Pinard. Last year we had a great season, but we couldn’t make the playoffs. We will be ready to give everything for our supporters. They deserve it. »
Harvey-Pinard has blossomed this season, leading the team in points in his second AHL season with 21 goals and 35 assists in 69 games. The 23-year-old skater also tasted the NHL for the first time, playing four games with the CH, scoring once.
Showcase value
As the Canadiens are in the rebuilding phase, a long playoff streak could prove to be a good selling point for Rocket players heading into upcoming training camp.
“For the youngest, it’s to try to make the big club next year. For veterans without a contract, it’s a showcase to sell themselves, noted Rocket head coach Jean-Francois Houle. The further you go in the playoffs, the more NHL clubs will pay attention to you. It can only be beneficial for your future. »
The Calder Cup playoffs begin Monday. The first round consists of seven best-of-three series. The winners will find the nine teams taking advantage of a bye in the semi-finals of the sections.
The semi-finals and finals of sections will be three of five. The Association final and the grand final will be played in the best of seven matches.
The Manitoba Moose got one of the byes in Central, while Belleville and Abbotsford will have to play the first round.
The Toronto Marlies are the only Canadian team to be excluded from the playoffs.