If the answer is “no,” that’s OK. Montreal nearly backed its way into the playoffs and the Washington Capitals hit a rough patch of their own. Still, this matchup brings a whole bunch of juice — the most prolific goal scorer of all time, the East’s top team and the return of postseason hockey to one of the sport’s true epicenters.

The Canadiens will face the Washington Capitals, the No. 1 seed in the Metropolitan Division and the conference, in the first round of the playoffs, which begin Saturday. “We believe in each other, that we’re not just going to roll over against the first seed, so I’m excited for the opportunity,” said Suzuki, the Montreal captain.