The Penguins and Sidney Crosby have completely changed the fate of the Montreal Canadiens.

The Pittsburgh Penguins missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2006-07 season.

This situation could have been avoided had it been for a win over the Blackhawks at the end of the regular season, but Crosby's team fell short.

The Panthers came through, and the rest is history, as they find themselves in the Stanley Cup Final.

Had the Penguins won that famous game, the Habs' fate would have been much more favorable. Holding the Panthers' first pick, the CH would have had two picks in the top 15, the Blue Jackets would have won the Connor Bedard lottery and the Panthers would have been on vacation for two months.

Instead, the Habs get the 31st overall pick at best, and the Blackhawks get Bedard. This is where we see how a simple defeat can change the fate of many teams, especially at the end of the season.

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