We haven’t seen a playoff game in June in Montreal since 1993. Nothing demagogic here. Nothing to do with the number of the round. The second round or the Stanley Cup final is not the point. Canadiens hockey in June, that’s the point.
Following a season under the sign of anything. An impossible schedule, twisted at will by the pandemic pangs. Across four time zones. With the equivalent of a hospital emergency following the club. The wounded, the flayed, the tired.
A bruised people, embittered at not being able to count on their team to offer them a little joy. A noticeable playoff presence for too long, reduced to little merit due to failures elsewhere in the division.
An unequal duel against The Toronto to start. Nothing to excite the mortgaged amateur. A first victory and a new smile. Three defeats in a row and the funeral pronounced.
The height. The evening when the Leafs could end it, a great reconciliation was publicized before our eyes. Patrick Roy and Mario Tremblay buried the hatchet around a hockey table. Situation that has become unlivable for Marc Bergevin and Dominique Ducharme. The two CH leaders were good at garbage. All that remained was to lose Game 5 and the results would be to the liking of the hungry: a crucifixion.
As in 1993
Ironically, the Canadian won the duel 5, and the sixth two days later in front of a supercharged crowd of 2,500 supporters. Each time in overtime. As in 1993, when “Casseau” systematically closed the door and Jacques Demers’ squadron gained 10 in overtime, on their way to the team’s last great conquest.
A Stanley Cup deserved in the heat of a spring-summer turn of majestic beauty. A jubilant people, in shorts and chest … A drunken Montreal and a victory celebrated everywhere outside.
Playoff hockey in June. There is nothing more beautiful. The ritual sets in, the menu macerates, beer is bought and put on the “fret”. And then, good behavior obliges, Quebec can again invite, get together. Grill yourself then grill. Eat drink dance. Watch. Hockey.
The Canadian finally plays in June. This is the first time since 1993. It is fully deserved. Especially for you amateurs. But also for Ducharme. The guy from Joliette couldn’t say no even though he knew it wouldn’t be easy. The seven victory over Toronto secures his financial future, that of his family. He will get a three-year contract from the CH.
Marc Bergevin will consent to it. If, of course, the CEO accepts the extension proposed by Geoff Molson. I think Bergevin made a sartorial statement to respond to his boss. On Monday, his light red three-piece outfit in the blue Torontonian sea confirms that he will remain the Canadiens hockey boss.
It starts again tonight in Winnipeg. I look forward. Do you think Mario and Patrick are going to watch this together?
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