Montreal has a bright future

As it turns out, the Montreal Canadiens don't need to play spoiler on Tuesday night against the Detroit Red Wings. With the Washington Capitals win, Detroit is out of the game regardless of the result. Still, the Canadiens played almost the same game script as the night before, scoring more goals, this time losing in a shootout. Again, they made it fun and gave the Bell Center faithful a good ride.

They also showed everyone in attendance why Montreal's future is bright.

Juraj Slafkowski's 20th goal and 50th point set a career high that very few would have thought this season. Not only seeing it happen, but setting it up with Lane Hutson's dynamic blue line was perhaps one of the best parting gifts this team could give its fans. Two important pieces of this team's future come together in the final game, both of which look to be difference makers for years to come.

Slafkowski made a big move this offseason, with plenty of surprises surrounding his selection. Hutson has only gotten a taste of the NHL, but the sound that fills the Bell Center when he catches the puck shows how much the city believes in him. These two give reason to be optimistic about the team's future, but the show doesn't stop with them.

Logan Maylow, who made his NHL debut on Tuesday, played very cautiously, highlighted by a nice break pass that set up Alex Newhook's goal. His offensive talents have always been known, but the biggest concern has been his play in the defensive zone. He was solid all night, and while you don't want to read too much into one game, he was another young player who hopefully won't see a lottery pick fight in the years to come.

Newhook and Cole Caufield scored as the Habs' young guns headed into their final game of the season. Sure, they blew another opportunity and that's something they need to focus on, but without the future of the organization making a show, they wouldn't have built this lead in the first place.

While the season may be over, and it's disappointing to see playoff hockey for the third year in a row, the organization looks to be in pretty good shape.

Click play below to listen to the full six minutes below, also available wherever you get your podcasts. I want to thank everyone who took the time to listen to my ramblings this season, and I hope we'll be back next year to talk about the Canadiens chasing the playoffs.

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